NORWAY TRIP GUIDE
Tom & Chandra
February 2026
Your Norway Blueprint
This trip guide is designed around the things you both love: discovering places you didn't know existed (but that end up becoming your favorite memories); iconic experiences that most people don't get to see in person; and a deep love for immersive travel. Your home base moves around quite a bit, but we know you guys are up for this.
Guide Navigation
This guide is designed to be both a pre-trip planning tool and an on-the-go reference once you are in Norway.
  • The Trip at a Glance is your "what's next?" reference (page 2). It will remind you what comes next and when you're planning to do each key thing during the week.
  • For your free time, use the Sample Day plans as inspiration. Each day's sample plans includes clear anchors and optional add-ons so you can adjust based on weather and energy.
  • Restaurant suggestions are included for each day. An appendix of all the recommended restaurants is included in your Wanderlog App.
A highlighted element indicates more context or important details are available. Look further down the page or on the next page for more information.
Norway | Trip at a Glance | Week 1
Day 1: Travel Day
Sunday, February 15th
Overnight flight is from Minneapolis to Amsterdam (very short layover).
Day 2: Arrival in Oslo
Monday, February 16th
Airport transfer to The Thief hotel. Stow bags and start exploring Oslo.
Day 3-4: Exploring Oslo
Tuesday, February 17th - Wednesday, February 18th
Discover Oslo at your own pace.
Day 5: The Bergen Railway
Thursday, February 19th
6.5-hour train ride from Oslo to Bergen. BYO lunch. Luggage portered separately. Arrive at Opus XVI. Casual dinner (not at the hotel).
Day 6: Bergen Tour
Friday, February 20th
Private walking tour, finishing with funicular up Mount Fløyen for awesome fjord views and an included lunch.
Day 7: A Boat & a Train
Saturday, February 21st
Nærøyfjord cruise, Flåmsbana railway, return to Bergen through mountain scenery.
Norway | Trip at a Glance | Week 2
Day 8: To Lofoten Islands
Sunday, February 22nd
Fly to Lofoten Islands. Settle into traditional rorbu (fisherman's cabin) in Svolvær.
Day 9: Northern Lights Photo Tour Monday, February 23rd
Free day. Private Northern Lights photo tour.
Day 10: Lofoten Islands & Snowshoe Walk - Tuesday, February 24th
Private tour of Lofoten's scenery and fishing villages. Evening snowshoe walk.
Day 11: Travel to Tromsø - Wednesday, February 25th
Fly to Tromsø. Quick cruise before checking in. Private Northern Lights chase. (Big day.)
Day 12: Aurora Dinner Cruise Thursday, February 26th
Sleep in. Aurora dinner cruise.
Day 13: Exploring Tromsø
Friday, February 27th
Explore Tromsø at leisure. (Option to add dogsledding here.)
Day 14: Paris Stopover
Saturday, February 28th
Fly from Tromsø to Paris. One quick romantic night in Paris (or, we sleep).
Day 15: Departure
Sunday, March 1st
Leave Paris. Get home. Sleep.
Safety Info and Reminders
Norway is one of the safest countries in the world, with excellent infrastructure and services. Winter travel requires some special considerations, but with proper preparation you'll have a wonderful Arctic adventure.
Important Contacts
Personal Safety
  • Keep valuables secure: Petty theft is very rare but when it happens, it happens in tourist areas.
  • Winter walking hazards: Icy sidewalks are common. Walk carefully, especially in the mornings.
  • Northern Lights tours: Follow your guide's instructions immediately if weather shifts. Arctic conditions can be unpredictable.
Health & Comfort
It's Moody
Polar night and arctic cold will both be jarring. Take breaks indoors to warm up with hot drinks. Plan your "outside time" around the midday as much as possible.
Speak Up
If you're on a tour and realizing you need to take a break to warm up, say something. Guides are accustomed to this and they'd rather you be comfortable (and safe) than power through.
Medications & Pharmacies
Pharmacies are called "apotek" in Norway. Common over-the-counter medications are available but may have different brand names.
Other Useful Info
Currency & Money
Norway uses Norwegian Kroner (NOK/kr). Credit cards and contactless payment are extremely common (Norway is one of the most cashless societies in the world). Many places don't accept cash at all. ATMs are available if you want a small amount of cash for tips.
Connectivity
WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and public spaces. Cell service is generally excellent in cities and towns, but can be spotty in remote areas and during Northern Lights tours. Contact your carrier before departure to arrange an international data plan for navigation and photos.
Power (Electricity)
Norway uses Type F electrical outlets (230V, 50Hz) - the standard European two-pin plug. American devices will require a plug adapter. Most modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) handle the voltage difference automatically, but check before plugging in hair dryers or other high-heat devices.
Meals
Norwegians eat early compared to Southern Europe. Lunch is typically 11:30am-2pm. Dinner service often starts at 5pm, with most restaurants busy by 6-7pm. In smaller towns, dinner options may be limited and close early (8-9pm). Book dinner reservations when possible. Hotel breakfasts are typically substantial.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Norway as service charges are included in prices and wages are high. However, rounding up or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated. For taxis, rounding up to the nearest 10-20 kr is common. Small cash tips (50-100 kr) are nice for hotel porters, tour guides, and guides (but since so many places don't accept cash, it's more of a gesture).
Language
Most Norwegians speak excellent English, especially in tourist areas and cities. Signs, menus, and museum information are typically available in English. Learning a few Norwegian phrases is appreciated: "Takk" (thank you), "Hei" (hello), "Unnskyld" (excuse me). In remote areas of Lofoten, English proficiency may vary.
Outbound Flight Information
1
Phoenix (PHX) → Minneapolis (MSP)
GSVQ2L (Delta) | Date: Sunday, February 15th | Flight: DL1047
Depart: Phoenix (PHX) 10:38 AM
Arrive: Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP) 2:45 PM
Flight Time: ~3 hours | Layover in MSP: 3h 15m
Logistics in Minneapolis:
  • Delta operates from Terminal 1 (Lindbergh Terminal) and both flights use this terminal.
  • International flights depart from Concourse G. Gate to gate can be up to 20 minutes.
  • Lots of dining options. Multiple Delta Sky Clubs.
2
Minn. (MSP) → Amsterdam (AMS)
GSVQ2L (Delta) | Date: Sunday, February 15th | Flight: DL0162
Depart: Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP) 6:00 PM (Sun)
Arrive: Amsterdam (AMS) 9:10 AM (Mon)
Flight Time: ~8 hours | Layover in AMS: 0h 55m
Logistics in Amsterdam:
  • Single terminal with multiple concourses.
  • Special "short connection" pass for tight layovers (scan boarding pass at the kiosk)
  • The Oslo flight likely departs from Schengen gates (D or E gates). Gate changes are common.
  • Your outbound flight is with KLM
3
Amsterdam (AMS) → Oslo (OSL)
GSVQ2L (KLM) | Date: Monday, February 16th | Flight: DL9402
Depart: Amsterdam (AMS) 10:05 AM
Arrive: Oslo (OSL) 11:50 AM
Flight Time: ~1h 45m
Transfer to Hotel: Private hire, driver will meet you with a sign
Car Service Contact: +47 23 65 16 60
Oslo Accommodation
THE THIEF | Landgangen 1, 0252 Oslo
February 16th - 19th | NO127S0076257 | +47 24 00 40 00
Food & Beverage:
THIEF Restaurant
Breakfast: 07:00 to 10:00
Lunch: 11:30 to 15:00
Dinner: 17:00 to 22:00, last seating 21:00
THIEF Bar
Drinks and Fancy Bar Food: 10:00 to 24:00
Room & Inclusions:
The hotel's Superior Rooms are ~325 SF with a king bed, private balcony, floor-to-ceiling window, and a dedicated seating area as well as a desk.
Breakfast each day is included in the rate (and comes highly recommended).
Neighborhood Character
Tjuvholmen sits on a peninsula jutting into the Oslofjord that was transformed from former shipyards starting in 2008, with over 20 different architects contributing to its design. The primary anchor of the district is the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. You'll find upscale restaurants and cafes with waterfront views, attracting a trendy, cosmopolitan crowd. Oslo is a compact city and many highlights can be reached on foot. There is also a tram station at nearby Aker Brygge that will take you to places farther afield.
Services
Groceries/Sundries
MENY Vika (Ruseløkkveien 26, 0251 Oslo).
Pharmacy
Vitusapotek Aker Brygge (Støperigaten 1, 0250 Oslo).
Medical Care
Aker Brygge Legesenter (Stranden 89, 0250 Oslo) is a private clinic near the hotel, open 10 AM - 4 PM. 24-hour care is available at Legevakta i Oslo (Stranden 89, 0250 Oslo)
Getting Around Oslo
Oslo has an excellent integrated public transport system operated by Ruter, including metro (T-bane), trams, buses, ferries, and regional trains. The system is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. Most areas of the central city are within walking distance or a short tram/bus ride from The Thief hotel.
How to Pay
No physical ticket or card is needed. Use contactless payment (tap-to-pay card or phone/watch wallet) at validators on platforms and vehicles. Single rides in Zone 1 (central Oslo) cost 40 NOK (~$3.70). A 24-hour ticket is 130 NOK (~$12), unlimited rides. Tickets are valid across all transport modes.
Trams & Buses
Trams and buses are excellent for central area travel. Lines 11, 12, and 13 pass many major attractions. Tram 12 is particularly scenic, running from Majorstuen through the city center to Aker Brygge waterfront (near your hotel).
Ferries to Museums
Public ferries to Bygdøy peninsula (where the Viking Ship Museum, Fram Museum, and Kon-Tiki Museum are located) depart from Aker Brygge pier, a short walk from The Thief. Ferry 91 runs year-round. Your Ruter ticket is valid on these ferries.
The T-bane (Metro)
Oslo's metro system has 6 lines that converge in the commercial city center, then branch out to neighborhoods and suburbs. All lines pass through the central stations These are commuter lines and not typically used as intra-city transit but could be used as short hops between central stations if needed.
Ride-Hail and Taxis
Uber operates in Oslo, though it's less common and more expensive than in the US. Local taxi apps include Bolt and FREENOW. Public transportation is frequently faster and easier than waiting for a car.
Arrival Day
Monday, February 16th
Find Your Driver
When you've collected your luggage and made your way through the arrival process, look for someone with a sign with your name on it. If you do not see someone, call +47 23 65 16 60. The drive from the airport to your hotel is approximately 40 minutes this time of day.
Luggage Drop
You're arriving ahead of guaranteed check-in, so you may need to store luggage with reception. Lucky for you there is a lot to do and see around your hotel. There is also a bar that serves snacks and small meals, so if you just want to reset for a minute, that's a great place to do it.
Afternoon Options (not mutually exclusive)
Tjuvholmen & Aker Brygge
The Tjuvholmen waterfront (immediately adjacent to your hotel) has harbor views, modern architecture, and public art. Continue across the bridge to the Aker Brygge promenade. This is your neighborhood and your typical walking route.
Get Oriented
To get a broader overview of greater Oslo, hop on the Tram (line 12) and watch the city roll by for a bit. Go as far as you want and experience each neighborhood one stop at a time. If you are ready to dive right in, you can ride it all the way to Majorstuen and the Vigeland sculpture park.
Free Art
Frogner Park and the Vigeland Sculpture Park within are a little far flung from the rest of your target experiences. It will be an out and back trip regardless of when you fit it in. This afternoon is an excellent time to make a short visit. You'll be at peak "daylight" and the garden is maintained carefully year-round.
Arrival Day | Afternoon Options
Aker Brygge
Aker Brygge is Oslo’s polished waterfront boardwalk district, a promenade of restaurants, shops, and marina life that sits directly on the harbor. It reads as a continuous, very walkable ribbon between Tjuvholmen and City Hall. Designed for low-effort wandering, you can stay outside the whole time, or duck into the indoor shopping street set inside an old harbour building (good for a quick warm-up loop, plus design shops and bookish browsing).
It connects by a short bridge to Tjuvholmen, so you can treat it as one continuous loop that naturally funnels you back toward THE THIEF.
An Easy Tour
If you want to see more of what there is to see, Tram 12 is a genuinely good way to do a little sightseeing without planning a full outing.
From Aker Brygge, the two directions give two different moods. Toward Majorstuen, you'll get a postcard version of Oslo’s West End streetscape (broad boulevards, handsome apartment blocks, calm energy). Toward Kjelsås, you pass big-city nodes and then the lively Grünerløkka stops before continuing north onward. An easy way to survey the city through the window.
Vigeland Sculpture Park & Frogner Park
If you have energy for something beyond the immediate waterfront, Frogner Park is Oslo's largest park and home to the Vigeland Sculpture Park. Gustav Vigeland created over 200 bronze, granite, and wrought iron sculptures depicting the human condition. The centerpiece is the Monolith, a 14-meter tower carved from a single block of granite showing 121 intertwined human figures. The park is free, always open, and about 20 minutes from your hotel by tram (line 12 from Aker Brygge).
Easy Dinner Options near the THIEF
Spanish Tapas
Delicatessen Aker Brygge: Traditional and modern tapas. Open for lunch and dinner.
Seafood
Sjømagasinet: Across from the hotel. Good mussels. Lunch and dinner.
Wine & Charcuterie
Oh Dear: Cheeky wine bar with a good selection of snacks and lots of plants.
Burgers
Døgnvill Burger: Bar vibe and delicious looking burgers. Boozy milk shakes.
Sample Day | Art, Peace, & Energy
Tuesday, February 17th
Aim for getting out the door by 9:30 AM to make the most of the day. The walking loop between your hotel and City Hall, with lots of good stuff in between, is less than 2 miles. You have plenty of ways to either bail or extend depending on energy levels and the time you take in each spot.
Wander North-ish and East-ish
You can get to the National Museum a couple different ways. It's basically a (slightly bent) grid.
National Museum
The Scream. And other stuff.
Nobel Peace Center
Because we need to be reminded of how truly good people can be.
Rådhuset (City Hall)
Very pretty municipal government center. It serves as the Nobel ceremony venue.
Lunch
I've included a few suggestions near where you'll be. If you walk by a place that looks fun, go for it.
Walk Back a Different Way
Get a coffee. You know you want a coffee.
Astrup Fearnley
Architecture as art, but the collection is equally interesting.
Reset at the Hotel
Dinner in Grünerløkka
The wine bar side of a fancy restaurant.
Oslo Art
Tuesday, February 17th
National Museum
The National Museum (Nasjonalmuseet) is Norway's largest art museum, housing an extensive collection of Norwegian and international art from antiquity to the present. The museum opened in its new building in 2022, combining four former institutions into one waterfront location. Highlights include Edvard Munch's "The Scream," works by Norwegian masters like J.C. Dahl and Harriet Backer, and large collections of decorative arts and design. (Klaus Schuwerk in collaboration with Kleihues + Kleihues).
Hours: 10:00 - 20:00 (closed Mondays)
Astrup Fearnley Museum
The Astrup Fearnley Museum is a contemporary art museum located on Tjuvholmen, directly on the waterfront. The collection focuses on postwar and contemporary art, with works by artists like Jeff Koons, Damien Hirst, Anselm Kiefer, and Cindy Sherman. The museum's sculpture park along the harbor is free to explore and offers nice views. It's a place you can fit into any part of your trip, as long as you keep an eye on the hours. (Renzo Piano Building Workshop in collaboration with Narud-Stokke-Wiig)
Hours: 12:00 - 17:00 (closed Mondays)
Nobel History
February 17th
Nobel Peace Center
The Nobel Peace Center is an interactive museum dedicated to the Nobel Peace Prize and the laureates who have received it. Located in a renovated 1872 railway station on the harbor, the museum features exhibitions about peace, conflict resolution, and the work of Nobel Peace Prize winners. The building itself integrates modern design elements into the historic structure. (Adjaye Associates with David Small; Anders W. Andersen)
Oslo City Hall (Rådhuset)
Oslo City Hall is the iconic brick building where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held every December 10th. Built in the 1930s-40s, the building features murals by Norwegian artists depicting the country's history and culture. The building is free to enter and you can explore the ceremonial halls, art galleries, and one of the towers for city views. (Arnstein Arneberg with Magnus Poulsson)
Grünerløkka
Grünerløkka is Oslo’s high-energy local neighborhood, the place people mean when they are seeking vintage shops, independent boutiques, coffee culture, and a little edge. It’s not a single sight so much as a street-and-park rhythm, with small storefronts, casual bars, and a steady flow of people on foot. The main wandering zones are the shopping streets (especially around Markveien and the surrounding blocks) plus the little parks and squares that act like neighborhood living rooms.
For a pre-dinner exploration, Grünerløkka can be sampled at whatever effort level you have to give. You can do a few blocks of browsing, then post up in a square and people watch. If you want some urban nature, you can dip toward the Akerselva corridor, which cuts through the city as a green, walkable spine with bridges, pockets of woods and parks, and old-industry traces.
Time-based planning
  • 30–45 minutes: do a tight loop around Olaf Ryes plass and nearby blocks, then a short browse along the shopping streets (this is the “quick vibe check,” minimal decisions).
  • 60–90 minutes: do the neighborhood streets and add a short Akerselva stretch.
  • 2+ hours: treat it like a mini-neighborhood day, browse boutiques, then park time.
Markveien Mat & Vinhus
Your reservation is at the vinhaus half of this establishment ("Dr. Kneipps Wine Bar"). This is a more casual take on the adjacent restaurant. They serve a la carte specialties from the same kitchen that serves the tasting menu next-door.
Location:
Reservation time:
Sample Day | Modern Oslo & MUNCH
Wednesday, February 18th
Breakfast, then Head to Bjørvika
This is your modern Oslo cluster day. Once you're there, it's a very walkable sequence.
Opera House
Start with architecture and views while you're fresh. The roof isn't always a great idea when it's icy.
Deichman Library Walk-Through
Short, satisfying, low-investment.
Barcode Project
Slow pass through the district plus lunch.
MUNCH
Hit the highlights. Pause at the top for a beverage and the view.
Farewell Dinner
Early seating. (Early morning)
Modern Oslo Architecture
February 18th
Oslo Opera House
The first major building in the Bjørvika waterfront redevelopment, the Opera House is meant to be used like public landscape as much as a performance venue, both inside and out. The roof functions as a sloping public plaza that allows views across the city and the lobby area is open to the public. (Snøhetta)
Hours: 11:00 - 16:00
Deichman Bjørvika
This is Oslo's central library, housed in a compact but dramatic building that plays with light. (Lund Hagem with Atelier Oslo)
Hours: 08:00 - 22:00
Barcode District (Bjørvika)
The Barcode is the line of slim, high-rise buildings you see just behind the Opera House area, a dense mixed-use strip built between the fjord and Oslo's main transport hub (Oslo Central Station and related infrastructure). It's less about one specific building and more about the collective urban composition. (Dark Arkitekter, A-lab, MVRDV, and Snøhetta)
MUNCH
MUNCH is Oslo’s waterfront museum dedicated to Edvard Munch, built around the world’s largest Munch collection. One version of The Scream is always on view (rotated during the day). There is a nice cafe and bar on the 13th floor. (estudioHerreros)
Hours: 10:00 - 21:00
Options for Last Dinner in Oslo
Fancy
Kontrast
A Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant at a slightly more approachable price point.
  • Location: Maridalsveien 17, 0178 Oslo
  • Food Type: Asian-Inspired Modern Nordic
  • Vibe: Elegant, intimate, and sophisticated.
Elias Mat & Sånt
Classic Norwegian food with a modern twist, utilizing local and seasonal ingredients.
  • Location: Kruses gate 11, 0256 Oslo
  • Food Type: Modern Norwegian, Seasonal
  • Vibe: Cozy, traditional, and authentic.
Upscale International
Elias Mat & Sånt
Classic Norwegian food with a modern twist, utilizing local and seasonal ingredients.
  • Location: Kruses gate 11, 0256 Oslo
  • Food Type: Modern Norwegian, Seasonal
  • Vibe: Cozy, traditional, and authentic.
Südøst Restaurant
Asian fusion with river views.
  • Location: Trondheimsveien 2A, 0560 Oslo
  • Food Type: Thai, Japanese. Chinese
  • Vibe: Vibrant, modern.
Casual
Dognville Burger
Gourmet burgers and micro-brews.
  • Location: Aker Byrgg Boadwalk
  • Food Type: American
  • Vibe: Casual, urban, friendly, neighborhoody.
ZZ Pizza
Woodfired pies and pasta.
  • Location: Storgata 10, 0155 Oslo
  • Food Type: Italian, Pizza
  • Vibe: Cozy, bustling, family-friendly.
Train Day
Thursday, February 19th
Today you're taking one of the world's most scenic train journeys from Oslo to Bergen. Your luggage will be portered separately, so you can relax and enjoy the 6.5-hour ride through Norway's mountain landscapes
Hotel to Train Station
6:00 AM luggage pickup
7:45 AM departure
Provider: Ourway Tours Oslo
Transfer time: ~15 minutes
Reference: OT6CBMM
Tel: +47 23 65 16 60
Oslo → Bergen Train
8:25 AM departure
Check platform assignments
Provider: Fjord Tours
Journey time: ~6 h 35 m
Reference: GEBWSSDW
Tel: +47 55 55 76 60
Train Station to Hotel
3:00 PM pickup
Provider: Bergen Transfer
Driver will meet you
Transfer time: ~15 minutes
Reference: 113289
Tel: +47 92 66 03 60
The Bergen Railway
The Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen) is one of Norway’s landmark engineering projects, built between 1894 and 1909 to create a reliable year-round link between Oslo and Bergen across the mountains. It crosses the Hardangervidda plateau and reaches the highest point on the line at 1,237 meters. The onboard café offers a range of hot and cold items (think deli + concession stand + tv dinners), as well as a full selection of beverages.
The Views
Oslo → Hønefoss
08:25–09:55
Suburbs, forests, and lakes. Get settled. Views out both sides.
Hønefoss → Ål
09:55–11:35
Hallingdale Valley (river valley, farms). Views out both sides.
Ål → Myrdal
11:35–13:05
Hardangervidda Mountain views will be on the left side of the train.
Myrdal → Bergen
13:05 –15:00
Dramatic descent with views on the right side of the train.
Bergen Accommodation
OPUS XVI | Vågsallmenningen 16, 5014 Bergen
February 19th - 22nd | 26397 | +47 53 01 22 00
Food & Beverage:
Opus Restaurant & Bar
Breakfast: 07:00 to 10:00 (weekdays)
Dinner: 17:30 to 22:00 (not recommended)
Bar & Lounge
Dinner: 16:00 to 23:00 (better than the restaurant)
Room & Inclusions:
You are booked in a Superior Room with a City View for 3 nights. The boutique hotel is housed in a restored historic bank building.
Breakfast each day is included in the rate.
Neighborhood
Opus XVI sits on Vågsallmenningen, a quiet pedestrian plaza in Bergen's historic city center. This broad street was established as a fire break after a devastating fire in 1582 as a firebreak and your hotel occupies a historic building from 1876 that once housed Bergen's largest bank. The hotel is owned by descendants of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, whose legacy is woven throughout the property. You're just steps from the UNESCO-listed Bryggen waterfront with its iconic colorful wooden boathouses, the bustling Fish Market, and the Fløibanen funicular. Bergen's compact center means virtually everything is walkable from your hotel.
Services
Groceries/Sundries
Rema 1000 Bergen Sentrum (Strandgaten 4, 5013 Bergen)
Pharmacy
Apotek 1 Torget (Torgallmenningen 8, 5014 Bergen)
Medical Care
Legevakt Bergen (Solheimsgaten 9, 5058 Bergen)
Easy Dinner Options near Opus XVI
Traditional Norwegian
Bryggeloftet & Stuene: Historic restaurant on Bryggen serving traditional Norwegian dishes. Try the fish soup or reindeer. Reservations recommended. 5-minute walk from hotel.
Seafood Focus
Enhjørningen: Located in a 1700s building on Bryggen. Specializes in fresh seafood and local fish. Atmospheric setting with wooden beams. Book ahead. Right on the wharf.
Casual & Local
Pingvinen: Cozy neighborhood spot serving traditional Norwegian comfort food. No-frills atmosphere, hearty portions, good local beer selection. Walk-ins usually fine. 10-minute walk.
Modern Nordic
Lysverket: Contemporary Nordic cuisine in the KODE art museum. Creative dishes using local ingredients. More upscale. Reservations essential. 8-minute walk.
Pizza & Casual
Bien Basar: Popular spot for wood-fired pizza and casual dining. Good for a relaxed evening. Central location near hotel. Usually busy but moves quickly.
Bergen Orientation Day
Friday, February 20th
Guided Walking Tour
Meet your guide in the hotel reception (be ready 10 minutes early). Enjoy a walking tour through Bergen's historic streets, learning about the city's stories and history. Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes.
Mount Fløyen
Continue to Mount Fløyen (400m above sea level) for fantastic views over Bergen and the surrounding area. Your guide will provide tickets for the Fløyen Funicular and leave you at the entrance.
Return at Your Leisure
Take the funicular down when you're ready and either return to your hotel or continue exploring Bergen on your own.
Provider: Bergen Guide Service
Reference: 39568-1
Telephone: +47 55 30 10 60
Lunch Options Near the Funicular
1
Bryggeloftet & Stuene
Bergen's legendary 100-year-old seafood restaurant where locals go for the city's best white fish. Historic, family-run warmth in UNESCO-listed wooden buildings. Try the creamy fish soup, cod, halibut, or fish cakes. ~$30-40 per person.
2
Luddi
Italian Riviera-style bar and restaurant with light small plates and pizza. Relaxed and inviting with panoramic windows overlooking the street. Share a Neapolitan-style pizza, some Italian small plates, or light pasta. Adjacent to funicular station. ~$25-35 per person.
3
Godt Brød Bakery
Quick, authentic Norwegian bakery directly across from the funicular - perfect if you had a big breakfast and just need a snack. Casual, local spot popular with locals. Try cardamom pastries, open-faced sandwiches, soup + bread, and coffee. ~$15-20 per person.
Gaptrast | Your Bergen Michelin-Starred Meal
Friday, February 20th | 5:45 PM
Head Chef Kristian Vangen and General Manager Øystein Ellingsen are the duo behind Bare, Bergen's first Michelin-starred restaurant. After achieving that milestone, they opened Gaptrast in Bergen's Nøstet neighborhood and immediately earned a Michelin star in 2025 (their first year of eligibility). They're known for their focus on local, seasonal ingredients sourced directly from Bergen-area fishermen, hunters, and farmers, and their signature charcoal fire cooking technique.
The Culinary Journey
The evening unfolds in stages: start in the moody upstairs lounge with local cider while the manager walks you through their dry-aged meat program. Then move to the dining room where dark lighting draws your focus to the open kitchen and charcoal fire. The menu showcases original and complex creations over 14-16 small-bite courses and leans heavily on local game meats, rather than fish or seafood. Expect bold, layered flavors with exceptional technique.
Wine Pairing
Your wine pairing will follow the restaurant's baseline program (the "Essential Pairing"). This is the way they intend the menu to be experienced and tracks the menu's arc. If you prefer a lighter alcohol pace, it's normal to ask the team to pour on the smaller side while keeping the pairing in tune with the courses. There is also a "Signature Pairing" available as an upgrade
What to Wear
Smart casual is the target - dressed up slightly but nothing fussy or fancy.
Nærøyfjord & Flåmsbana
Saturday, February 21st
9:00 AM | Transfer to Gudvangen
Meet your driver at reception for your 2+ hour drive from Bergen to Gudvangen. This is where your fjord cruise begins.
Provider: Bergen Transfer Service | Reference: 113285| Tel: +47 92 66 03 60
12:00 PM | Nærøyfjord Cruise
The Nærøyfjord is 17 km long and at its narrowest just 250 meters wide. The area is a designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 2-hour cruise ends in Flåm with 30 minutes to relax before your train.
Provider: Norway's Best | Reference: JJFN53 | Tel: +47 57 63 14 00
2:30 PM | Flåmsbana Railway
One of the world's steepest train rides on normal tracks. This 20km (45 minute) journey climbing from the Aurlandsfjord up through the Flåm valley has panoramic views on its way to Myrdal station, where you'll have ~40 minutes before your train back to Bergen departs.
Provider: Norway's Best AS | Reference: KHET71 | Tel: +47 57 63 14 00
3:56 PM | Myrdal to Bergen
Scenic 2 hour 20 minute train ride back to Bergen. You've already been on this part, so look out the other windows this time!
Provider: Fjord Tours | Reference: 2U857PFR | Tel: +47 55 55 76 60
6:20 PM | Evening on Your Own
It's a nice 10-minute walk from the station to your hotel along Marken.
Fjord Day Highlights
Saturday, February 21st
Nærøyfjord
Stretching just 17 kilometers from Gudvangen to Aurland, the Nærøyfjord is one of Norway's most striking natural landscapes. At its narrowest point, the fjord is only 250 meters wide, with cliff walls rising up to 1,800 meters on either side. The water below ranges from deep steel-blue to green depending on the light, fed by waterfalls that tumble down the rock faces and partially freeze in February. This combination of geology and scale is what earned the Nærøyfjord its place on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2005, alongside the Geirangerfjord as part of the West Norwegian Fjords designation.
Traveling through in winter means avoiding the summer crowds entirely. Snow covers the surrounding peaks and clings to the cliffs, and the low winter sun casts long light across the water for much of the day. Small farms dot the hillsides at steep angles, many accessible only by boat — a reminder that people have lived and worked in this landscape for centuries.
Flåmsbana
The Flåm Railway covers just 20 kilometers, but descends nearly 900 meters in elevation, passing through 20 tunnels and gradients steep enough to require specially engineered braking systems. Construction began in 1924 and took 16 years to complete. The line runs from Myrdal station on the Hardangervidda plateau down through the Flåm valley to the shores of the Aurlandsfjord.
The train makes a scheduled stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall, which in February is partially frozen and worth stepping out to see. The rest of the descent takes in traditional farmsteads, snow-covered fields, and birch forests set against the surrounding mountain walls. The full journey runs about 45 minutes.
Travel to Svolvær
Opus XVI → Bergen Airport
Date: February 22, 2026
Provider: Bergen Transfer Service
Booking/Ref #: 113286
Pickup time: 11:15 AM | Est arrival: ~11:40 AM
Telephone: +47 92 66 03 60
Bergen (BGO) → Bodø (BOO)
Z7QTWY (Widerøe)
Date: Sunday, February 22nd Flight: WF 130
Depart: Bergen (BGO) 1:45 PM
Arrive: Bodø (BOO) 4:30 PM
Flight Time: ~2h 45m | Layover in BOO: 1h 15m
Bodø (BOO) → Svolvær (SVJ)
Z7QTWY (Widerøe)
Date: Sunday, February 22nd | Flight: WF 369
Depart: Bodø (BOO) 5:45 PM
Arrive: Svolvær (SVJ) 6:15 PM
Flight Time: ~30m
Svolvær Airport → Svinøya Rorbuer
Date: February 22, 2026
Provider: Svinøya Rorbuer
Booking/Ref #: 242935
Pickup time: 6:15 PM | Est arrival: ~6:25 PM
Bergen Airport Flesland (BGO)
Bergen's main airport is about 20km south of the city center. Modern and efficient.
Cafés, duty-free shopping, lounges. Compact and easy to navigate. Arrive 90 minutes before domestic flights.
Approximately 25 minutes from hotel to airport.
Bodø Airport (BOO)
Small regional airport serving northern Norway. Simple layout with one terminal.
Small café and bar, limited shopping. Very compact. Connection point for both domestic flights.
Svolvær Accommodation
SVINØYA RORBUER | Gunnar Bergs vei 2, 8300 Svolvær
February 22nd - 25th
Food & Beverage:
Børsen Spiseri Restaurant
Breakfast: 07:30 to 10:00
Dinner: 18:00 to 21:00
The restaurant serves traditional (high quality) Northern Norwegian cuisine with fresh local seafood. It is very popular locally. You have reservations here on your first night.
Room & Inclusions:
You are booked in an "L+" traditional rorbu. Your rorbu features rustic design paired with modern amenities, kitchenette, and waterfront views.
Breakfast each day is included in the rate.
Location
Svinøya Rorbuer is a historic traditional lodge on a small island in Svolvær harbor, accessible by bridge and within easy walking distance of the city center. The island is the oldest district of Svolvær, where the first shop was established and trading activities began in 1828. Your rorbu cabin is part of a traditional fishing village with the much-photographed wooden fish racks of the Lofoten Islands nearby. You'll have the open ocean on one side and the Lofoten mountains on the other. The resort's restaurant occupies a historic quayside warehouse.
Services
Groceries/Sundries
Coop Prix Svolvær (Torget 22, 8300 Svolvær)
Pharmacy
Apotek 1 Svolvær (Torget 12B, 8300 Svolvær)
Svolvaer
Fancy
Kontrast
A Michelin-starred fine dining restaurant at a slightly more approachable price point.
  • Location: Maridalsveien 17, 0178 Oslo
  • Food Type: Asian-Inspired Modern Nordic
  • Vibe: Elegant, intimate, and sophisticated.
Elias Mat & Sånt
Classic Norwegian food with a modern twist, utilizing local and seasonal ingredients.
  • Location: Kruses gate 11, 0256 Oslo
  • Food Type: Modern Norwegian, Seasonal
  • Vibe: Cozy, traditional, and authentic.
Upscale International
Elias Mat & Sånt
Classic Norwegian food with a modern twist, utilizing local and seasonal ingredients.
  • Location: Kruses gate 11, 0256 Oslo
  • Food Type: Modern Norwegian, Seasonal
  • Vibe: Cozy, traditional, and authentic.
Südøst Restaurant
Asian fusion with river views.
  • Location: Trondheimsveien 2A, 0560 Oslo
  • Food Type: Thai, Japanese. Chinese
  • Vibe: Vibrant, modern.
Casual
Dognville Burger
Gourmet burgers and micro-brews.
  • Location: Aker Byrgg Boadwalk
  • Food Type: American
  • Vibe: Casual, urban, friendly, neighborhoody.
ZZ Pizza
Woodfired pies and pasta.
  • Location: Storgata 10, 0155 Oslo
  • Food Type: Italian, Pizza
  • Vibe: Cozy, bustling, family-friendly.
Svolvaer Restaurants
Free Day in Svolvaer + 8PM tour
Big Photo Tour Day (reset, do nothing, geek out) - need to meet guide in town so plan to eat there
Tiny Towns Day
Like the northern Ireland coast…but without having to drive yourself. No big dinner plans (but options).
Tromsø Accommodation
THE DOCK 69°39 BY SCANDIC | Skolegata 1, 9008 Tromsø
February 25th - 28th
Food & Beverage:
The Dock Restaurant
Breakfast: 06:30 to 10:00 (weekdays), 07:00 to 11:00 (weekends) - included in your rate
Lunch: 12:00 to 15:00
Dinner: 17:00 to 22:00
The restaurant serves modern Nordic cuisine with Arctic ingredients and fresh seafood. The bar stays open late for drinks and small plates.
Bar & Lounge
Open daily until late for cocktails, local beers, and Arctic-inspired drinks.
Room & Inclusions:
You are booked in a Superior Room, which measures approximately 250 square feet and has a king bed. Most rooms have city and harbor views.
Location
The Dock 69°39 sits in the heart of Tromsø, just a 3-minute walk from the Polar Museum and 10 minutes by foot from the Art Museum of Northern Norway. This modern hotel opened recently as one of Tromsø's newest properties, bringing contemporary Scandinavian design to the city center. You're steps from Skansen and within easy reach of Tromsø Cathedral and the Polaria aquarium. The hotel features a unique rooftop running track on the 13th floor offering panoramic views of Tromsø and the surrounding Arctic landscape, along with a rooftop terrace. Tromsø's compact downtown means everything is walkable from your hotel.
Neighborhood Services
Groceries/Sundries
Coop Mega Tromsø Sentrum (Grønnegata 60, 9008 Tromsø) - 5 minute walk.
Pharmacy
Apotek 1 Stortorget (Storgata 89, 9008 Tromsø) - 3 minute walk in city center.
Northern Lights
Tromsø is one of the world's best places to see the Northern Lights. February offers long dark nights and good viewing conditions. The hotel can help arrange viewing tours, or you can watch from the waterfront when skies are clear.
Tromso (2 full days)
Departure Day + Paris
Consolidated Flight Information
Phoenix (PHX) → Minneapolis (MSP)
GSVQ2L (Delta)
Date: Sunday, February 15th | Flight: DL1047
Depart: Phoenix (PHX) 10:38 AM
Arrive: Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP) 2:45 PM
Flight Time: ~3 hours | Layover in MSP: 3h 15m
Minn. (MSP) → Amsterdam (AMS)
GSVQ2L (Delta)
Date: Sunday, February 15th | Flight: DL0162
Depart: Minneapolis/St Paul (MSP) 6:00 PM (Sun)
Arrive: Amsterdam (AMS) 9:10 AM (Mon)
Flight Time: ~8 hours | Layover in AMS: 0h 55m
Amsterdam (AMS) → Oslo (OSL)
GSVQ2L (KLM)
Date: Monday, February 16th | Flight: DL9402
Depart: Amsterdam (AMS) 10:05 AM
Arrive: Oslo (OSL) 11:50 AM
Flight Time: ~1h 45m
Bergen (BGO) → Bodø (BOO)
Z7QTWY (Widerøe)
Date: Sunday, February 22nd Flight: WF 130
Depart: Bergen (BGO) 1:45 PM
Arrive: Bodø (BOO) 4:30 PM
Flight Time: ~2h 45m | Layover in BOO: 1h 15m
Bodø (BOO) → Svolvær (SVJ)
Z7QTWY (Widerøe)
Date: Sunday, February 22nd | Flight: WF 369
Depart: Bodø (BOO) 5:45 PM
Arrive: Svolvær (SVJ) 6:15 PM
Flight Time: ~30m
Svolvær (SVJ) → Bodø (BOO)
Z8DUDI (Widerøe)
Date: Wednesday, February 25th | Flight: WF 821
Depart: Svolvær (SVJ) 7:20 AM
Arrive: Bodø (BOO) 7:45 AM
Flight Time: ~25m | Layover in BOO: 2h 40m
Bodø (BOO) → Tromsø (TOS)
Z8DUDI (Widerøe)
Date: Wednesday, February 25th | Flight: WF 1326
Depart: Bodø (BOO) 10:25 AM
Arrive: Tromsø (TOS) 11:25 AM
Flight Time: ~1 hour
Tromsø (TOS) → Paris–CDG (CDG)
GSVQ2L (Air France)
Date: Saturday, February 28th | Flight: DL8614
Depart: Tromsø (TOS) 2:50 PM
Arrive: Paris–CDG (CDG) 6:55 PM
Flight Time: ~4 hours | Overnight in Paris: 15h
Paris (CDG) → Phoenix (PHX)
GSVQ2L (Air France) | Date: Sunday, March 1st | Flight: DL8696
Depart: Paris–CDG (CDG) 10:10 AM | Arrive: Phoenix (PHX) 1:35 PM | Flight Time: ~11h 25m
Consolidated Car Transfers
Plan to meet drivers at airports after clearing arrivals. Plan to meet drivers in hotel lobbies 10-15 minutes before scheduled departure to handle luggage.
Oslo Airport → The Thief
Date: February 16, 2026
Provider: Ourway Tours Oslo
Booking/Ref #: OT6CBMM
Pickup time: 11:50 AM | Est arrival: ~12:30 PM
Contact: +47 23 65 16 60
The Thief → Oslo Central Station
Date: February 19, 2026
Provider: Ourway Tours Oslo
Booking/Ref #: OT6CBMM
Pickup time: 7:45 AM | Est arrival: ~8:00 AM
Telephone: +47 23 65 16 60
Bergen Train Station → Opus XVI
Date: February 19, 2026
Provider: Bergen Transfer Service
Booking/Ref #: 113289
Pickup time: 3:00 PM | Est arrival: ~3:15 PM
Telephone: +47 92 66 03 60
Opus XVI → Bergen Airport
Date: February 22, 2026
Provider: Bergen Transfer Service
Booking/Ref #: 113286
Pickup time: 11:15 AM | Est arrival: ~11:40 AM
Telephone: +47 92 66 03 60
Svolvær Airport → Svinøya Rorbuer
Date: February 22, 2026
Provider: Svinøya Rorbuer
Booking/Ref #: 242935
Pickup time: 6:15 PM | Est arrival: ~6:25 PM
Svinøya Rorbuer → Svolvær Airport
Date: February 25, 2026
Provider: Svinøya Rorbuer
Booking/Ref #: 242935
Pickup time: 6:45 AM | Est arrival: ~6:55 AM
Tromsø Airport → The Dock 69 39
Date: February 25, 2026
Provider: The Arctic Drive
Booking/Ref #: ReillyTAD
Pickup time: 11:25 AM | Est arrival: ~11:40 AM
Telephone: +47 97 13 00 01
The Dock 69 39 → Tromsø Airport
Date: February 28, 2026
Provider: The Arctic Drive
Booking/Ref #: ReillyTAD
Pickup time: 12:15 PM | Est arrival: ~12:30 PM
Telephone: +47 97 13 00 01
Airport Logistics Summary
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Delta operates from Terminal 1 (Lindbergh Terminal) and both flights use this terminal.
  • 3h 15m layover between flights
  • International flights depart from Concourse G
Lots of dining options in Terminal 1. Multiple Delta Sky Club locations. Allow 20-30 minutes to walk between gates.
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Single terminal with multiple concourses.
  • 55-minute layover - tight but doable if the MSP flight is on time (need to be ready to pivot)
  • Follow "Transfer" signs (yellow)
  • Your Oslo flight likely departs from Schengen gates (D or E gates)
Schiphol is well-organized but busy. Stay alert for gate changes (common in Amsterdam).
Oslo Airport Gardermoen (OSL)
Norway's main international airport, about 50km north of Oslo city center. Modern, efficient, Scandinavian design.
Good cafés and restaurants, tax-free shopping, lounges. Clean and easy to navigate.
Approximately 40 minutes from airport to hotel.
Bergen Airport Flesland (BGO)
Bergen's main airport is about 20km south of the city center. Modern and efficient.
Cafés, duty-free shopping, lounges. Compact and easy to navigate. Arrive 90 minutes before domestic flights.
Approximately 25 minutes from hotel to airport.
Bodø Airport (BOO)
Small regional airport serving northern Norway. Simple layout with one terminal.
Small café, limited shopping. Very compact. Connection point for both domestic flights.
Svolvær Airport, Helle (SVJ)
Tiny airport serving Lofoten Islands. One of Norway's smallest commercial airports.
Very small waiting area, vending machines. No café or shops.
Tromsø Airport (TOS)
Busier than Bodø or Svolvær but still small and manageable.
Cafés, duty-free, small shops, Arctic-themed décor. Easy to navigate.
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Your overnight stay (Sheraton Paris Airport) is located inside Terminal 2, where both Delta and Air France operate. Plan on taxis to get in and out of the City.