Minimum Time: 2 weeks
Recommended Time: 3 weeks
Stops: Oslo, Bergen, Jostedalsbreen, Jotunheimen, Geirangerfjord, Ålesund, Dovrefjell, Rondane, Hardangervidda, Henningsvær, Reine
Summary: You can’t see the entire country of Norway in three weeks, but you can take it many of its most beautiful places. The Best of Southern Norway itinerary is a powerhouse and the Lofoten Islands are as beautiful as anywhere in the country. Together, this is a lifetime trip for those who love adventure and the outdoors.
For the Best of Southern Norway loop, rental cars in Bergen or Oslo can be found for around $350 per week—the roads in Norway are excellent so a smaller fuel-efficient car is fine.
To get to the Lofoten Islands, domestic flights are a rare bargain in Norway and direct flights from Oslo can be found for $100 USD or less. The city of Svolvær on the Lofoten Islands has an airport, but Harstad/Narvik, Airport Evenes (EVE) on the edge of the mainland is the closest direct flight from Oslo and air travel and rental cars there are considerably cheaper.
For the best places to stay on the Lofoten Islands, we recommend Henningsvær and Reine. Henningsvær is nicknamed the “Venice of the North,” a bit of a stretch, but it's the liveliest Lofoten village and home to the most well-preserved architecture. Reine is small and quiet but there is no better place to rent a rorbuer and enjoy the Lofoten scenery.