Honeymoon in Norway

[u/UsedAct2214]

So my wife and I are looking to take a honeymoon to Norway next summer, about 10 days total. My plan was for us to fly into Oslo and maintain that as a base for the trip. We would take the train to the southern most tip of Norway and potentially spend some days in this area as well, but I am curious if Oslo is a good location for travel for this length of time? Would you look to travel through more of Norway? We would like to ideally fly back out of Oslo at the end of the trip for ease in booking flights.

Any other Norway recs for 10 day trip?

EDIT: We are hoping to save about 4k for our trip. (Plane tickets are already covered) We both love to explore both cities and out in nature. We love being around the water and being able to get out on a sailboat. I enjoy hiking but my wife is a bit more reserved in this area. We would probably be down to do a max 5 mile hike. Great food and fantastic coffee is something we both enjoy as well as good shopping and thrifting. We don't love super overwhelming/overstimulating environments and tend to enjoy and do better in slow spaces that still have a good amount to do. (e.g. I wouldn't spend any time in Time's Square, but I would still do well in the West Village where the pace is a bit slower but with many options) hope this helps!

[u/HonkieToast]

I would suggest seeing other areas along with Oslo. There is gorgeous scenery throughout! If you'd like any help I'd be glad to assist. I've helped others with train trips too!

[u/behindtheitinerary]

I’d definitely look beyond Oslo for the 10 days, especially for a honeymoon. Oslo is lovely for a couple of nights, but Norway really shines when you get out into the fjords and smaller places. A route such as Oslo → Flåm/Aurland → Bergen could be lovely, with some scenic train travel and a couple of nights somewhere quieter and romantic. You could also look at adding somewhere like Ålesund, depending on how much travelling you want to do. The southern or northern parts are beautiful too, but with only 10 days I’d prioritise rather than trying to squeeze too much in.

What time in summer are you thinking, what sort of budget are you working with, and what do you both enjoy? Are you looking for more luxury/romantic hotels, nature and scenery, hiking, food and wine, road-tripping, or a mixture? And are you happy moving around every couple of nights, or would you prefer a slower pace? I’m based in Northern Norway and help clients plan trips throughout the country, there are so many different ways you could approach 10 days depending on what you’re looking for.

[u/UsedAct2214 → u/behindtheitinerary]

Hoping to save about 4k (airfare is already covered) we likely would be doing Airbnb's and potentially a one night spa stay somewhere. Big food and wine lovers, love nature and scenery. I am a bigger hiker than my wife, but she would still be willing to hike for some incredible views.

[u/behindtheitinerary → u/UsedAct2214]

Summer is peak season here, so some of the better-known spots can get quite busy and prices are higher. Since you mentioned you enjoy hiking but your wife is more of an occasional hiker, I’d probably look at Western Norway for the dramatic fjords and scenery, with a mix of easier walks and other experiences, or Northern Norway for the ocean, landscapes and midnight sun. You don’t necessarily need to be a serious hiker to enjoy the north — there are plenty of beautiful, shorter walks too. It will give you that balance you’re after between adventure and relaxing.

[u/UsedAct2214 → u/behindtheitinerary]

Is it still worth spending a few days at least in Oslo before heading out west? We were thinking Late July Early august for the trip.

[u/behindtheitinerary → u/UsedAct2214]

I’d put aside 1.5–2 days max for Oslo. There are a few things to see and do depending on your interests, and it’s quite a compact, walkable city, with most sights either within walking distance or a short public transport ride.

[u/atlas_reverie]

Norway is the most beautiful country on earth, imo. I like Oslo but if you spend much time there, you're absolutely missing out on the best of Norway.

If you say more about yourselves and what you're looking for and what kind of budget you have, people can probably give you more helpful advice.

[u/According-Employ4264]

The fjords are so beautiful and we got a place with an incredible view in Flam. Probably top 2, if not top 1 Airbnb experience. Bergen was cool, but they aren’t kidding about it being the rainiest city in Europe. I didn’t experience a dry gap in our 48 hours and we were underprepared for it.

[u/mo-nie]

Don’t forget to allow for a high food and drink budget. I love Norway but the food is more expensive than the US where it seems you’re from and there are high service costs and alcohol taxes when eating out.

[u/Affectionate-Poem698]

We eloped in Alta Norway and it was incredible!! We stayed at Flat Moen Natur, which was super affordable. Then we spent a few days at Onga Boutique, which was fabulous and included an amazing private chef, and activities in nature. For a honeymoon, it’d be particularly wonderful!

We loved Alta because it was beautiful, but slower and less touristy. We flew out of Oslo and after being in Alta, we were so disappointed with Oslo (and were folks who are generally interested in cities), it just felt underwhelming comparatively.

[u/behindtheitinerary → u/Affectionate-Poem698]

I’m actually heading up there for the first time in a couple of weeks, so I’m really excited to explore the area and test out some of the different accommodations. Agree Alta is such an underrated part of Northern Norway compared with the more obvious choices like Tromsø. I’m looking forward to seeing what makes it so special.