Travelers to Norway typically plan a trip for five to seven days when combining both Bergen and Balestrand with Oslo. If you’re only headed to Bergen and Balestrand, you can enjoy a comfortably-paced trip in five to six days. With less time, it’s still possible to see the highlights in as few as four days. Read on for the best itineraries, including Bergen and Balestrand and beyond.
## Planning Your Trip: How Many Days Should You Spend in Bergen & Balestrand?
When planning a trip to the breathtaking landscapes of Norway, one of the first questions that arises is: how many days should I dedicate to exploring Bergen and Balestrand? These two destinations offer distinct experiences, and the ideal duration depends on your travel style and desired level of immersion.
* **The 5-6 Day Sweet Spot:** The majority of travelers find that a combined stay of five to six days in Bergen and Balestrand provides a balanced experience. This timeframe allows for a comfortable exploration of each location without feeling overly rushed. It offers enough time to soak in the atmosphere, partake in key activities, and appreciate the natural beauty surrounding these Norwegian gems.
* **A Quick 4-Day Getaway:** While technically feasible, visiting both Bergen and Balestrand in just four days will likely result in a whirlwind experience. You’ll be constantly on the move, potentially sacrificing the opportunity for deeper exploration and relaxation. Consider this option only if you have limited time and are comfortable with a fast-paced itinerary.
* **7 Days or More: Expanding Your Horizons:** If you have the luxury of seven days or more, you’ll have the chance to not only fully explore Bergen and Balestrand but also venture further into the Norwegian landscape. Many travelers opt to extend their trip to include other captivating destinations.
* **Popular Extensions: Oslo, Flåm, and Aurland:** Among the most common additions to a Bergen and Balestrand itinerary are Oslo, the vibrant capital city; Flåm, a charming village nestled along the Aurlandsfjord; and Aurland itself, known for its stunning fjord views and opportunities for outdoor adventures. These extensions provide a more comprehensive taste of Norway’s diverse offerings.
## Discovering Norway: Recommended Itineraries for Bergen & Balestrand
To help you plan your unforgettable Norwegian adventure, here are a few recommended itineraries that showcase the highlights of Bergen and Balestrand, along with options for extending your journey:
### Recommended Itinerary for 6 Days
**(Image of the Sognefjord, nicknamed King of the Fjords)**
This itinerary provides a well-rounded experience, allowing you to discover the charm of Bergen and the tranquility of Balestrand.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| :—- | :———————————- | :———– |
| Day 1 | Welcome to Bergen | Bergen |
| Day 2 | Fjordcruise to Mostraumen | Bergen |
| Day 3 | Train to Flåm – Ferry to Balestrand | Balestrand |
| Day 4 | Explore Balestrand | Balestrand |
| Day 5 | Balestrand -> Ferry to Bergen | Bergen |
| Day 6 | Depart Bergen | |
This six-day scenic itinerary expertly showcases some of Norway’s most picturesque summer destinations. Get comfortable in the historic port city of Bergen and use it as the perfect base to explore the incredible surrounding mountains and fjords. After you are done discovering the city’s colorful waterfront and character-filled cobbled streets, you’ll set off into the stunning countryside—climbing mountainsides on a beautiful steam train, sailing through the spectacular and majestic Sognefjord, and visiting the waterfront towns of Balestrand, Flåm, and Fjærland, each offering a unique glimpse into Norwegian culture and natural beauty. This itinerary is perfect for those seeking a balance between city exploration and immersion in the stunning fjord landscapes.
## Exploring Further: Extended Itineraries for a Deeper Dive
If you have more time to spare, consider these extended itineraries that incorporate other captivating destinations.
### 5-Day Itinerary Including Oslo
**(Image of the historic Bryggen district along Bergen’s picturesque wharf.)**
This itinerary combines the urban appeal of Oslo with the natural beauty of the fjords, offering a diverse Norwegian experience.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| :—- | :———————————- | :———– |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Oslo | Oslo |
| Day 2 | Train to Flåm – Ferry to Balestrand | Balestrand |
| Day 3 | Fjordcruise to Fjærland – Ferry to Bergen | Bergen |
| Day 4 | Explore Bergen with a Local | Bergen |
| Day 5 | Depart Bergen | |
This whirlwind five-day adventure covers a great deal of incredible Nordic ground, visiting the country’s two largest and most interesting cities and its longest and deepest fjord. Begin your journey in Oslo before taking a breathtakingly scenic train and ferry to the picturesque fjord-side village of Balestrand. Continue your travels north to Fjærland before getting on yet another boat—this time traveling onward to Bergen, a historic wharf city and proud home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking a taste of both urban life and fjord landscapes within a limited timeframe.
### 8-Day Itinerary Including Oslo & Aurland
**(Image of a view of the Aurland fjord in Norway)**
This itinerary provides a more immersive experience, allowing you to explore both the cities and the countryside at a more relaxed pace.
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| :—- | :—————————————— | :——– |
| Day 1 | Arrive in Bergen | Bergen |
| Day 2 | Local Bergen Tour – Fjord Cruise | Bergen |
| Day 3 | Fjordcruise to Balestrand | Balestrand|
| Day 4 | Transfer to Flåm | Aurland |
| Day 5 | Slow Travel in Aurland | Aurland |
| Day 6 | Nærøyfjord cruise – Flåm Railway to Oslo | Oslo |
| Day 7 | Explore Oslo with a Local | Oslo |
| Day 8 | Depart Oslo | |
After arriving, you will be able to explore the iconic cobblestoned wharf city of Bergen, hike to the very top of Mount Fløyen for incredible, unforgettable views overlooking the entire city, and enjoy a relaxing and scenic fjord cruise to the charming Balestrand. You’ll then take a ferry, with even more incredible fjord views, to Flåm, where you’ll spend two relaxing nights in a traditional Riverside Farm Lodge in the heart of the stunning Norwegian countryside before enjoying a peaceful Nærøyfjord cruise. After this, you’ll then take the steep and incredibly scenic Flåm Railway up to Oslo, with a memorable stop in Myrdal, and spend your final and well-deserved two nights in the vibrant city of Oslo. This longer itinerary allows for a deeper immersion into the Norwegian culture and landscapes, with opportunities for slow travel and exploration.
## Navigating the Fjords: How to Travel Between Bergen & Balestrand
Planning your transportation between Bergen and Balestrand is an important part of your trip. Here are a few different travel options for your consideration:
The first option is renting a car and then subsequently taking the express ferry, which is widely considered to be the fastest and most efficient way to get to the beautiful Balestrand from the equally beautiful Bergen, about 128 miles (206 km) going this route. There are, however, only two different sail times each day, but this is undeniably the best and most convenient option for anyone who is looking to get to Balestrand efficiently. Pairing ferry and bus travel is another great option for anyone who isn’t interested in making the long and potentially arduous drive themselves. If you want to skip taking the ferry altogether, you always have the option of driving the whole way—though please be aware that this is a long journey that takes approximately nine hours. Consider your preferences for speed, comfort, and scenery when choosing your mode of transport.
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