Guide of Norway

Bergen - Places to visit for FREE

Bergen is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains and fjords. Explore Bryggen, its colourful historic harbour and charming narrow streets. Get a little lost, browse the local shops and grab a traditional Norwegian troll as a souvenir. 🎄 Don't miss the three-storey Julehuset, and if you visit in winter, check out the Christmas Market at Festplassen.

Locations to save:
📍 Bryggen – historic centre & colourful wooden houses
📍 Bryggen backstreets – small historic passages & souvenir shops
📍 Julehuset – three-storey Christmas shop
📍 Festplassen – Bergen Christmas Market
📍 Lille Lungegårdsvannet – lake next to the Christmas market

Getting Around Bergen

Bergen is a fairly large city, but getting around is easy on foot or by public transport. We recommend spending 2–3 days exploring the city and its surroundings.

Where to Stay

For the best location at the lowest price, check out Best-value accommodation in Bergen.

Our favourite was Hostel Montana — amazing views, super clean facilities, a social room, activities, kitchen and spotless bathrooms. Private rooms are also available. We would stay in Hostel Montana again it is 3 minutes walk to Bus Stop and the view is unbelievable ! 

We've been living in Norway for two years and have travelled across the country, from Oslo and Bergen all the way to the far north and Nordkapp. Along the way, we've collected the best places to stay, activities, hidden spots for watching the Northern Lights, and plenty of practical tips — from finding cheaper petrol and the best car rentals to discovering hidden hacks that can save you money and make travelling around Norway much easier.

TOP ACTIVITIES IN BERGEN : 

1. The Best View in Bergen

Stunning views over Bergen and the fjord, with a restaurant at the top. Extra tip: Come for sunset — the views are unforgettable. 🌅

2. Ice Bar

A unique Norwegian experience — step into a world made entirely of ice. Enjoy a drink in an ice glass and experience one of Norway style ice bars. ❄️

Oslo – Places to Visit for FREE

Oslo is Norway's capital, combining modern architecture, green spaces and waterfront views. Walk through the city centre, explore the harbour and discover some of its most iconic spots without spending a fortune.

Locations to save:
📍 Oslo Opera House – walk on the roof for great city & fjord views
📍 Aker Brygge – lively waterfront area
📍 The Royal Palace – beautiful gardens & surroundings
📍 Karl Johans gate – Oslo's main street
📍 Vigeland Sculpture Park – impressive sculptures & huge park
📍 Sørenga – waterfront swimming area & Oslo views

Getting Around Oslo

Oslo is easy to explore on foot or by public transport. We recommend 2–3 days to see the main highlights and enjoy the city.

Where to Stay

Scandic Karl Johan – perfect location right in the heart of Oslo, close to Karl Johans Gate and within walking distance of many main sights. A great choice if you want to explore Oslo without relying much on public transport.

Private Room – 2 in a Luxury Villa, Chalet Style – a cosy and more budget-friendly alternative to a traditional hotel, with a relaxed chalet-style atmosphere. Great if you're looking for something different and more home-like.

Explore Around Oslo

If you're already in Oslo, it's worth exploring the Oslofjord and surrounding areas. Tours can be expensive, so we recommend renting a car and creating your own adventure. 🚗

Our top picks are Drøbak, a charming little fjord town with historic wooden houses, and Oscarsborg Fortress, located on an island just outside Drøbak. For nature lovers, Håøya is perfect for hiking, swimming and enjoying the fjord.

Locations to save:
📍 Drøbak – charming fjord town & wooden houses
📍 Oscarsborg Fortress – historic island fortress
📍 Håøya – hiking, swimming & nature
📍 Oslofjord Islands – easy summer escape

📍Hemsedal - Ski Village

Hemsedal – Ski Village

Hemsedal is one of Norway's top ski destinations, often called the Scandinavian Alps. For a luxurious stay right by the slopes, check out Fýri Resort — ski-in/ski-out, heated indoor & outdoor pools, sauna and stunning mountain views. 🎿🏔️ 

Transport tip: If you don't want to rent a car, Vy offers trains and buses around Norway, and you can check routes and prices directly in their journey planner. For some Oslofjord destinations, public transport can be a great alternative — for example, bus 500 runs between Oslo and Drøbak roughly every 30 minutes.

Vy – trains & buses
Discover Cars – compare car rentals

TOP ACTIVITIES IN OSLO :

1. Viking Museum

A great introduction to Norway's Viking history. Step into an immersive world of Vikings and experience their story in a completely new way.

Come for the experience — stay for the history. ⚔️

2. Oslo Boat Trip - Islands

If you're not heading north, treat yourself to a boat trip in Oslo and enjoy the fjord from the water. 🚢

But if you are travelling north, save your money — Northern Norway offers even more spectacular boat trips, including whale and orca watching, remote islands and dramatic Arctic scenery.

3. Oslo Boat Trip  - Relaxing 

Sail through the Oslo Fjord on a traditional wooden boat and enjoy 2 hours of panoramic views, fresh sea air and a relaxed atmosphere 

4. National Museum - For History Lovers

If you're into history and Vikings, this is a great way to discover Oslo's past and Norway's fascinating heritage. ⚔️

5. Viking Cooking Experience

Step back in time and taste the Viking Age! Learn how Vikings prepared their food and enjoy a unique outdoor cooking experience in Oslo. 🔥⚔️