Summer in Norway: From the Fjords to the Lofoten Islands

Enjoy a full day getting to know the Norwegian capital, an urban metropolis with more green belts than any other European capital. Set upon the water and surrounded by forests, there’s a strong focus on nature here. Get your culture fix at one of the Bygdøy peninsula’s museums, the Medieval Fortress, the Royal Palace or Vigeland Sculpture Park. Soak up the atmosphere in the trendy Hegdehaugsveien district and stroll the residential Fragnerkilenn marina before tucking into some delicious Norwegian cuisine for dinner.

Say farewell to Oslo as you've got an early morning train taking you north to the town of Åndalsnes. Changing in Dombas, the entire journey will take approximately five-and-a-half hours, passing through beautiful fjord and mountain-dotted landscapes. On arrival in Åndalsnes, you’ll pick up the hire car you’ll be using for the next three days. Once in your trusty vehicle, you’ll drive west towards the town of Skodje via the Trollstigen Mountain Pass. This route is one of the most iconic in Norway – think eleven hairpin bends up a steep mountainside – and is not to be missed.

Once you reach Skodje, settle into your small boutique hotel for the next three nights. Built using interlocking tree trunks, your hotel is decorated in an elegant Nordic style and offers stunning views over the Storfjord and Sunnmøre Alps. Enjoy an authentic dinner in the timbered dining room on your first evening.

The next two days are all about discovering the beautiful nature of Storfjord. Included in your itinerary on your first full day is a private boat trip to the Hjørundfjord, where dramatic landscapes and cascading waterfalls await. Relish the peaceful quiet of the fjord as you pass breathtaking valleys, glaciers and steep mountains on your journey.

There’s plenty more to get involved with in Skodje and the wider region. You’re spoilt for choice with hiking options, but we recommend the majestic Mount Hautua for amazing views over the fjord. Hire kayaks and take to the serene waters of the fjord or drive to the characterful town of Ålesund, the cultural centre of the Sunnmøre region. In need of some R&R? Chill out in the luxurious spa facilities of your hotel as you listen to the sounds of the thick forest outside.

This morning, after breakfast, you’ll be hitting the road again, travelling north for around two-and-a-half hours to Averøy. You’ll be driving along the famous Atlantic Ocean Road, an Instagrammable stretch of tarmac connecting a string of islands, so get your cameras at the ready. Tonight will be spent in a quiet fishing village on the island of Håholmen, dotted with colourful houses built in the typical style of the Nordmøre region. The rest of the day is yours to explore the islet-studded fjord and enjoy reflections of the mountains in the calm waters. Your hotel is made up of a cluster of authentic fisherman cabins, so enjoy fresh seafood in the restaurant and cosy up for the night in this extraordinary location.

It’s time to say goodbye to Averoy as you hit the road once more for a four-hour journey to the city of Trondheim, Norway’s capital during the Middle Ages. Your drive continues along the beautiful Atlantic route, so it’s your final chance for photos. A short ferry ride is required to complete the trip, but you’ll arrive in the vibrant university city with plenty of time to explore before the sun sets. You’ll be spending two nights in a hotel located on the Nivelda River, a stone’s throw away from Trondheim Central Station.

After sampling your hotel’s award-winning buffet breakfast, you’ll swap four wheels for two on a two-hour private guided bike tour of Trondheim. Nestled deep in the Trondheimsfjord, you’ll explore Norway’s third-largest city along the banks of the river and canals which crisscross the city. Soak up the atmosphere of this charming place populated with lovely shops, restaurants and bars, as well as two museums dedicated to music. Nature is on your doorstep in the city, which is known for its colourful buildings set on stilts and nearby pilgrimage trails which take you through spectacular scenery.

The Lofoten Islands leg of your journey begins this morning. After catching two short flights north, you’ll land in the town of Leknes late morning and collect your next rental car of the trip. You’re heading to the island village of Reine, located one hour’s drive away, just south of the archipelago, where the mountains drop straight down into the ocean. The next three nights will be spent in a rorbu: a wooden cabin on stilts once used by fishermen on long fishing voyages. The soul of these old lodges has not been compromised for the sake of comfort; far from it. The décor is simple and authentic, offering guests a cosy, welcoming stay. Dine in your accommodation’s restaurant this evening for fresh fish and traditional Norwegian fare.

Your first full day in the Lofoten Islands includes a visit to Aalan Gard Farm, where you’ll actively experience a diverse farm with cheese production, a herb garden and a variety of animals. Sample one of the farm’s (many) cheeses in the café or buy some farm produce from the shop to take home from your trip. There are many hiking trails around the farm for you to discover the rugged beauty of the islands too. After the farm visit, spend the rest of the day exploring Reine, taking in the scenery of one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Included in your itinerary today is a guided kayaking and walking tour. Fuelled by a hearty breakfast, this morning you’ll join a small group of no more than six on an excursion that is certain to be a highlight of your trip. Taking between seven and eight hours (including two hours of walking and three of kayaking), you’ll be surrounded by serene waters, long beaches, rocky islets and colourful fishing huts – magical scenes all set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. Getting up close and personal with the Lofoten Islands is the best way to experience the extraordinary landscape of the region. Back in your off-the-grid rorbu this evening, rest your tired legs and relax after an immersive day out in nature.

Wave goodbye to postcard-perfect Reine this morning as your faithful hire car awaits to join you on the next part of your journey into the Lofoten Islands. The journey to Solvær, the capital of the Lofoten Islands, takes approximately two hours and offers (surprise, surprise) more spectacular views. A town with a buzzing music scene and museums to explore, Svolvær is a fantastic base for discovering the beauty of the islands. You’ll spend three nights in another comfortable rorbu cabin, located on the pretty harbour side within walking distance of the town centre.

There are so many ways to explore the great outdoors in the next two days. One is included in your itinerary: a three-and-a-half-hour silent cruise of the magnificent Trollfjord. Setting sail aboard a hybrid boat, your knowledgeable guide will delve into the nature, history and culture of the region. Only accessible by boat, you’ll pass the ‘Fiskerkona’ (Fisherman’s Wife statue), before heading out into the 1000m depths of Trollfjord. Bird watchers, stay alert for swooping white-tailed eagles, while sea life-lovers might get lucky and spot some underwater creatures through the boat’s underwater drone.

Other activities to get stuck into include hiking on the slopes of the Svolværgeita Mountain, guided fishing trips and cycling the Kaiser coastal path, a magical desert between farms and majestic mountains. Make sure to also taste fresh seafood and local specialities served up in one of the town’s brilliant restaurants. These are your final days in the Lofoten Islands, so pack them full of unforgettable moments.