Norway is a beautiful country full of sights and locations that may seem otherworldly to tourists. However, this incredible place can be expensive to tourists, especially if you’re unaware of cheaper alternatives or stick to tourist traps.
If you have 3 days to spend and want to get the most out of Norway, for a reasonable price, follow our advice while staying in Scandinavia.
Day One: Oslo
Oslo is Norway’s capital, and there are plenty of ways to experience the vast amount of culture, nature, and entertainment located in the city. You’ll likely arrive in this city because it has the largest international airport, so we advise you to purchase a room in the hotel within Oslo to keep your things. Then, head over to the Oslo Opera House.
You may need to take public transit, but, thankfully, their trains offer free wifi to listen to podcasts, or catch up on social media while you wait. Once you’re at the Oslo Opera House, walk to Karl Johaus Gate Road to see some of the city’s tourist attractions like The Grand Hotel, The Royal Palace, The National Museum, the Munch Museum, and Parliament.
After walking past a bit of scenery and taking a look at “The Scream” in the Munch Museum, you can head down to Aker Brygge harbor to see old ships. It’s likely nighttime now, so watch the sunset before taking a stroll in the Grünerløkka neighborhood that is abundant with vintage shops and a famous nightlife where you can dance to local pop music. Unfortunately there aren’t any casinos in Oslo, so if you like to gamble, you can still play at a live casino online from your hotel room. Alternatively you can travel to the Cosmopol Casino Gothenburg, but it is a couple hours away.
That concludes day one. Sleep in your hotel room and prepare to use the train tomorrow!
Day Two: Train Around Norway
Norway has an extensive railway system that comprises 4,087 km that goes as far north as Narvik (one of the closest cities to the North Pole). You’ll have a lot of ground to cover, so wake up early if you hope to see most of the natural sights. Head to Oslo Central Station and take the train leading to Bergen, because most of the more popular tourist locations are on this line.
To get to Bergen, you’ll need to make a few stops that involve getting off and on trains and sometimes transferring along The Scenic Flam Railway and taking the Fjord cruise. To take the train only, you’ll start at Oslo, then get off at Drammen and take the train to Hokksund. After getting off at Hokksund, take the train to Honefoss, then finally Bergen.
The station employees are accommodating, and even if you don’t know Norweigan, the maps are labeled effectively. However, most locals know a bit of English. You’ll reach Bergen a little after sundown, but you’ll see the most incredible mountain ranges, lakes, and wildlife. Before you know it, you’ll dock into Bergen, where you’ll spend the night.
Be sure to have a late dinner before falling asleep, because tomorrow is your last day!
Day Three: Bergen
Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway but manages to have a small-town charm that Oslo doesn’t possess. It’s possible to spend hours wandering the streets in search of the best vintage cafes and shopping. Just don’t forget to take a look up at all the beautiful homes and colorful waterfront of Bryggen, a protected old merchants’ quarter.
If you want a better view of the city, you can take the Floban Funicular, which is 8 minutes to the top. Up there, you’ll see the center of town from a high altitude that can be quite scary if you look down! Still, it puts into perspective how beautiful Bergen truly is. Be sure to take a look through the fish market and Bergen Castle before going to dinner!
As it’s your last night here, you can stay in the old Augustin Hotel to get ready for a wine and or bar date while listening to fantastic European jigs. Congrats on seeing Norway for the first time. If you’re ever back, check out the neighboring city, Stockholm, Sweden, for more Scandinavian adventures like the Vasa Museum and Archipelago.
