Norway had been on my travel bucket list for years, and when I finally decided to make the trip, I knew I wanted to experience everything that makes this country so special. From fjords and waterfalls to colorful waterfront towns and snowcapped mountains, Norway offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world.
Planning a trip through Norway can be overwhelming. The distances between destinations are long, driving the winding mountain roads can be challenging, and transportation isn’t inexpensive. After researching several options, I chose Trafalgar’s Best of Norway guided tour, and looking back, it was one of the best travel decisions I’ve ever made.
Instead of worrying about hotels, transportation, or navigating unfamiliar roads, I was able to focus on enjoying every moment of the journey. Even better, I experienced parts of Norway I probably would have missed if I had traveled independently.
If you’re wondering whether Trafalgar’s Best of Norway tour is worth it, here’s my honest review after spending nine unforgettable days exploring one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited.
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Arrive in Oslo a Day Early
One of the best decisions I made was arriving in Oslo one day before the tour officially began. I stayed at the centrally located Thon Hotel Cecil, which was within walking distance of many of the city’s attractions. Having an extra day gave me time to settle in, adjust after my flight, and explore Oslo without feeling rushed.
Before meeting the rest of the group, I booked a walking tour through Get Your Guide. It was a fantastic introduction to the city and helped me learn about Oslo’s history while getting familiar with the area. By the time the tour started the following day, I already felt comfortable navigating the city and appreciated it much more.
If your schedule allows, I highly recommend arriving early. It makes the start of the trip much more relaxed.
Why I Chose Trafalgar
Norway isn’t a destination where you simply drive from one attraction to the next. Ferries, mountain roads, scenic routes, and remote villages all require careful planning, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.
Traveling with Trafalgar took all of that stress away. Every hotel was arranged, our luggage was handled, and transportation between destinations was seamless. Instead of concentrating on maps or driving, I could sit back, look out the window, and enjoy the incredible scenery.
The coach rides never felt boring because every stretch of road seemed to reveal another waterfall, glacier, mountain lake, or picturesque village. The journey itself became part of the experience.
An Exceptional Travel Director
Every guided tour depends on the people leading it, and our Travel Director, Lasse, was outstanding.
I’ve traveled on several guided tours over the years, but Lasse was one of the best guides I’ve ever had. His knowledge of Norway went far beyond sightseeing.
As we traveled across the country, he shared fascinating stories about Viking history, Norwegian traditions, politics, folklore, and everyday life. Instead of simply pointing out landmarks, he explained how each region developed and what makes it unique today.
Those stories transformed long travel days into some of the most interesting parts of the trip. By the time we arrived somewhere new, I already had a deeper appreciation for what I was about to see.
My First Look at Norway’s Incredible Landscapes
Leaving Oslo, we traveled toward Geilo before crossing the spectacular Hardanger Plateau. Almost immediately, I understood why Norway is considered one of the most scenic countries in the world.
Every turn revealed another breathtaking landscape. Crystal clear lakes reflected snow covered mountains, rivers rushed through deep valleys, and waterfalls appeared almost everywhere we looked.
One of our first major stops was Vøringsfossen, one of Norway’s most famous waterfalls. Standing on the viewing platform while watching thousands of gallons of water plunge into the canyon below was unforgettable. Pictures simply don’t capture the scale or the power of this incredible waterfall.
A Meaningful Cultural Experience
One thing I appreciate about Trafalgar is that they include experiences that go beyond the typical tourist attractions. That afternoon, we visited Hardanger Bygdeysteri as part of Trafalgar’s MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience.
We learned how local farmers produce traditional cheeses while supporting sustainable agriculture in the Hardanger region. After hearing about their work, we enjoyed sampling several handcrafted cheeses, which made the visit even more enjoyable.
My First Night on a Norwegian Fjord
That evening we arrived at Thon Hotel Sandven in Norheimsund. Located directly on the shores of Hardangerfjord, the hotel offered beautiful views across the water. After dinner, I spent some time walking along the waterfront as the evening light reflected across the calm fjord.
Exploring Beautiful Bergen
The following morning, we continued west toward Bergen. Often called the gateway to the fjords, Bergen is one of Norway’s most charming cities. During our free time, we explored the colorful wooden buildings of Bryggen, wandered through the historic harbor area, and visited the lively Fish Market.
Trafalgar’s Be My Guest Experience
If you’ve never traveled with Trafalgar before, there Be My Guest experiences are something that truly sets them apart. Rather than eating every meal at a restaurant, guests are welcomed into the homes or farms of local families who share their traditions, history, and hospitality.
Our evening with the Øvre Eide family was unforgettable. Their family has lived and farmed this property for generations, and spending the evening listening to their stories while enjoying a delicious homemade meal felt genuine and personal.
These are the kinds of experiences that simply aren’t possible when traveling independently. It reminded me that travel isn’t only about beautiful scenery. It’s also about meeting people and learning about their way of life.
Panoramic Views of Bergen
We spent the night at Thon Hotel Orion, which was conveniently located within walking distance of Bergen’s waterfront. I also joined Trafalgar’s optional Panoramic Bergen excursion, and it was well worth it.
The tour included a visit to historic Gamel Bergen before riding the famous Fløibanen Funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. The views overlooking Bergen, the surrounding islands, and the nearby fjords were spectacular.
Instead of taking the funicular back down, I decided to walk down the peaceful forest trails. It ended up being one of my favorite moments in Bergen. The trail was easy to follow, the scenery was beautiful, and it offered a completely different perspective of the city away from the crowds.
The Flåm Railway: Beautiful, But Not My Favorite
The Flåm Railway is one of Norway’s most famous experiences, and I was excited to finally see what all the hype was about. The scenery was beautiful, with waterfalls, mountains, and valleys along the route.
However, I have to be honest, it wasn’t my favorite experience of the trip. Our seats were on the mountain side of the train, so our views were limited at times. I think having a seat on the opposite side would have made a big difference.
I’m still glad I experienced it, and the landscapes were definitely impressive, but compared with the fjord cruises and Geirangerfjord, it didn’t quite stand out as much for me.
Cruising Through the Norwegian Fjords
Another unforgettable optional excursion was the cruise through Nærøyfjord, one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The scenery was unlike anything I had ever experienced. Towering cliffs rose straight from the calm water while waterfalls spilled down the mountainsides. Small farms perched high above the fjord, making you wonder how anyone could have ever lived there.
Later, we visited a traditional Norwegian farm overlooking Sognefjord. It was of my favorite cultural experiences of the trip. The Henjum family was incredibly welcoming and shared their history, traditions, and stories with us while we enjoyed delicious homemade treats. Their passion for the land and their way of life was inspiring, and it was easy to see how much pride they take in preserving their family’s connection to this beautiful region.
An Unexpected Highlight: The Norwegian Glacier Museum
One stop I wasn’t expecting to enjoy as much as I did was the Norwegian Glacier Museum.
The museum does an excellent job explaining how glaciers were formed, how they continue to shape Norway’s dramatic landscape, and the impact climate change is having on these natural wonders. The interactive exhibits made the information easy to understand and surprisingly engaging.
Later that day, we stopped to admire Bøyabreen Glacier. Because of what I had learned at the museum, I appreciated the glacier so much more than I would have otherwise. Instead of simply admiring the scenery, I understood the incredible forces that had shaped it over thousands of years.
Geirangerfjord Was the Highlight of My Trip
If someone asked me to choose just one favorite place from this entire tour, my answer would be Geirangerfjord. Everything about this destination was unforgettable.
We spent two nights at Havila Hotel Geiranger, located right on the fjord and surrounded by towering mountains. Waking up each morning to that incredible view was something I’ll never forget.
Unlike many guided tours that move quickly from one destination to the next, having two nights here allowed us to slow down and truly appreciate the beauty of the area.
I joined both optional excursions while we were in Geiranger, and I honestly wouldn’t skip either one.
The drive along Trollstigen, one of Norway’s most famous mountain roads, was an adventure in itself. The sharp hairpin turns and breathtaking viewpoints made it easy to see why it’s considered one of the country’s most scenic drives.
From there, we continued to Dalsnibba, where panoramic views stretched across the mountains, valleys, and fjords in every direction. Standing at the top, it felt like you could see forever. The day ended with a cruise through Geirangerfjord, and it was every bit as spectacular as I had imagined.
Passing beneath towering cliffs while viewing the famous Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil waterfalls was incredible. The waterfalls seemed to tumble endlessly down the mountainsides, while the deep blue water reflected the surrounding peaks.
No photograph can truly capture the scale of Geirangerfjord. It is one of those places you simply have to experience for yourself.
A Look at Norway’s History
Leaving Geiranger, we traveled through the charming village of Lom, where we stopped to admire its beautiful twelfth century stave church. These historic wooden churches are among Norway’s most treasured landmarks, and seeing one in person offered another glimpse into the country’s rich history.
We then continued through the scenic Gudbrandsdalen Valley toward Lillehammer. I also chose the optional visit to Maihaugen Open Air Museum, which was another worthwhile experience. Walking through centuries of preserved Norwegian homes and buildings provided fascinating insight into how life has evolved over the years.
Our visit also included the Olympic ski jump used during the 1994 Winter Olympics, giving us a chance to see another important piece of Norway’s history.
Returning to Oslo
Before long, our journey came full circle as we returned to Oslo.
A local guide introduced us to several of the city’s most famous landmarks, including Akershus Fortress, the Royal Palace, the impressive Oslo Opera House, and Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Each stop showcased a different side of Norway, balancing the country’s modern culture with its rich history. I also joined the optional visit to the Fram Museum and the Kon Tiki Museum, both of which were fascinating.
Learning about Norway’s legendary polar explorers and adventurers gave me an even greater appreciation for the adventurous spirit that has shaped this country for generations.
Saying Goodbye
On our final evening, our group gathered for one last dinner together.
It’s amazing how quickly strangers become friends after spending nine days exploring a country together. We laughed about funny moments from the trip, shared our favorite photos, and talked about the places that had impressed us the most.
Those shared experiences are one of the things I enjoy most about guided travel. By the end of the tour, it felt like we were saying goodbye to friends rather than people we had only met a little over a week earlier.
Is Trafalgar’s Best of Norway Tour Worth It?
Without hesitation, my answer is yes. This wasn’t simply a vacation filled with beautiful scenery. It was an opportunity to experience Norway’s landscapes, history, culture, and traditions without the stress of planning every detail.
The itinerary was thoughtfully designed, the hotels were comfortable, transportation was seamless, and the included cultural experiences added depth to the journey. Our Travel Director, Lasse, made every destination come alive through his knowledge and storytelling, while the optional excursions transformed an already excellent itinerary into something truly unforgettable.
Whether we were cruising through breathtaking fjords, sharing a meal with a local family, or standing in front of some of the world’s most spectacular waterfalls, every day brought another memorable experience.
My Tips for Future Travelers
If you’re considering Trafalgar’s Best of Norway tour, here are a few recommendations based on my experience.
- Arrive in Oslo at least one day before the tour begins so you have time to explore the city and adjust to the time difference.
- Book a walking tour before meeting your group. It’s an easy way to learn about Oslo and start your trip feeling comfortable with the city.
- If your budget allows, book every optional excursion. Each one added something unique to the itinerary, and I never felt that any of them were unnecessary.
- Finally, bring layers and a good waterproof jacket. Norway’s weather can change quickly, even during the summer months
Final Thoughts on Visiting Norway with Trafalgar
Norway had been on my bucket list for years, but this journey reminded me that sometimes the places we dream about the most can still exceed our expectations.
From the peaceful beauty of Hardangerfjord to the dramatic cliffs of Geirangerfjord, every day offered another unforgettable view. Trafalgar created an itinerary that balanced iconic destinations with meaningful local experiences, allowing me to enjoy the very best of Norway without worrying about logistics.
I returned home with hundreds of photos, unforgettable memories, and a genuine appreciation for this remarkable country. If Norway is on your travel bucket list, I can confidently recommend Trafalgar’s Best of Norway tour.
