If you’re craving a last-minute getaway but don’t have the luxury of taking a week off work, Norway is full of hidden gems.
From majestic fjords to charming coastal villages, the country offers unforgettable experiences that don’t require long travel times or extensive planning.
Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature or explore cultural highlights, there’s something for every type of traveler.
Norway day trips are the perfect solution for short escapes, letting you experience the country’s beauty and culture in just a few hours.
From scenic train rides to historic towns and dramatic hikes, these short adventures pack a lot into a single day.
Get ready to feel completely relaxed, even if you just have a day to spare.
8 Hidden Gems to Explore in Norway as a Daytripper
Each of these Norway day trips will give you a quick slice of what Norway has to offer and is very likely to inspire you to get cruising around Norway more often.
1. Take a Trip on the Flåmsbana Railway
This is one of the most scenic train rides in the world. The Flåmsbana takes you through dramatic fjord landscapes, waterfalls, and mountain tunnels from either Bergen or Oslo.
Some stop-off recommendations include the Stegastein viewpoint and the many charming village cafés.
2. Head Out to Drøbak
Norway Day Trips are perfect for exploring charming coastal towns, and Drøbak is just an hour from Oslo. It’s a quaint town with a laid-back vibe, galleries, and picture-perfect streets—everything you need to clear your mind of day-to-day worries.
Be sure to stop at the Tregaardens Christmas House, which is open year-round, as well as the historic Oscarsborg Fortress. And if you have some time to spare, you can book an Oslofjord boat ride.
3. Explore Rjukan
If you travel from Oslo or Notodden, you’ll reach Rjukan–Notodden, a UNESCO-listed industrial heritage town. It’s surrounded by rugged natural landscapes and is perfect for history and outdoor lovers.
You’ll have the chance to take the Gaustabanen cable car to Norway’s most panoramic view and stroll around the Vemork Museum—one of the most rewarding Norway day trips for history and nature lovers alike.
You’ll also have easy access to Gaustatoppen, a 6,178-foot-tall mountain, which offers some incredible hikes.
4. Discover Lofoten Islands
A ferry ride from Bodø will take you to the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway. The jagged peaks are sure to take your breath away, as are the white beaches, making this the ideal day trip for photographers, so don’t forget to pack your camera.
Henningsvær is also worth a visit; a cute fishing village known for its colorful houses, dramatic mountain backdrop, and fun art scene.
5. Plan a Hike
Norway Day Trips offers some of the best hiking experiences, and Rondane National Park is one of the top destinations to explore.
Rondane is one of Norway’s oldest national parks and boasts some of the most pristine wilderness. The hiking trails are also generally quiet, so you can really get away from it all.
Romsdalseggen Ridge in Åndalsnes is also unreal. The ridge gives you a real “on top of the world” feeling, and you can even take a gondola ride down if you’re short on time.
6. Book a Cruise on the Lysefjord
Booking a fjord cruise from Stavanger is one of the most scenic Norway day trips, taking you right up to Preikestolen and the Kjerag boulder, a giant glacial deposit that sits between two cliffs.
You’ll also get the chance to see Pulpit Rock from below as well as several waterfalls and fjord walls, all without the long hike. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the herring and prawns in Stavanger if you’re feeling hungry afterward.
7. Enjoy Some Viking Magic
Norway Day Trips from Trondheim to Stiklestad mix Viking history with beautiful countryside views. It’s the ideal outing for anyone seeking a cultural experience in Norway.
Stiklestad is where the Battle of Stiklestad took place in 1030. During this battle, the Viking king Olav Haraldsson was killed by local chieftains, marking a pivotal moment in Norwegian history.
Don’t miss the Stiklestad National Cultural Center while you’re here, and if you plan to hire a car, there are plenty of scenic rural drives with cozy café stops to choose from.
8. Visit the Lindesnes Lighthouse
If you travel from Kristiansand, you’ll reach the Lindesnes Lighthouse, the country’s oldest lighthouse. It was first lit in 1656 to guide ships navigating the meeting point of the North Sea and Skagerrak Strait.
The lighthouse stands at Norway’s southernmost point, so you can soak up the sea breezes and rugged coastal beauty before enjoying some baked cod or fish soup.
Unforgettable Norway Day Trips
Even with limited time, Norway offers some fantastic day trips to stunning locales, from scenic train rides and charming coastal towns to breathtaking fjords and historical sites.
These accessible adventures offer a genuine taste of Norway’s diverse beauty and culture, proving that even a short escape can feel like a true vacation.
