If Norway Is on Your Bucket List, You Might Want to Let a Local Plan Your Itinerary (Here's How!)

I’m not much of an adventurer. But when I travel, I try to step outside of my comfort zone. I enjoy having new experiences that I'll remember for the rest of my life (and, of course, that I can milk for likes on Insta). That's why I was obsessed with the itinerary I followed on a recent trip to Norway, which started in Oslo and brought me to the cities of Vinstra, Storfjord, and Oye.

The itinerary was curated by a brand called Up Norway, and you def need to know about it if you're interested in visiting the Land of the Midnight Sun. Launched in 2016, the agency works closely with each of its clients to build a vacation specifically for them and their interests. Basically, whether you’re a foodie, a thrill seeker, or just like to feel relaxed when you travel, every moment of your trip will be customized. I got a taste of what a traveler can expect on my trip with a few other journalists, where we were given a broad sampling of the experiences they create. I have gone on plenty of vacations using travel guides written by friends, and tours taking me to the most popular tourist attractions, but there’s something to be said for letting a local take the reins. And I would highly recommend it.

Wanna know what the itinerary looked like? Thought so. Keep reading!

Oslo

If you're heading to Oslo, stay at Sommerro. I felt like I was stepping back in time when I entered this art-deco-marvel-turned-hotel. In addition to being beautiful to look at, it’s also located in a historic part of town within walking distance of attractions like the Munch Museum and Akershus Fortress (the inspiration for Anna and Elsa’s castle in Frozen). Don't leave without checking out the rooftop pool!

Sommerro Hotel

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There’s plenty of culture to take in around the city of Oslo, and I soaked up all I could on my trip. If you want a history lesson, take a ferry over to Museum Island to learn about Norwegian polar exploration at The Fram Museum, or the Norwegian traditions at the Norsk Folkemuseum. For any art lovers, the Munch Museum is also not to be missed.

When you need a break from all of that exploring, there are two stops you need to make. First, grab a little pick-me-up from the cutest little coffee house you’ve ever seen in your life while checking out some local artists at Albin Upp Gallery & Art Cafe. Sitting there feels less like a coffee shop and more like you were invited to hang out in a stranger’s home. When night falls over the city and you’re feeling more of a ~party~ situation, definitely hit up the local gay bar, London Pub. It’s a large space with a friendly crowd that loves to sing along to the pop hits pumping from the speakers.

Albin Upp Gallery & Art Cafe

I told a little white lie ahead of our trip that I was allergic to salmon. It has just never been my favorite fish, and I knew it was a big thing in Norway, so I didn’t want to get stuck eating it everywhere we went. And I wasn’t wrong: the first bite of food we were offered, at a chic restaurant and wine bar called Sjømagasinet, was a freshly sliced piece of smoked salmon. They were more than willing to accommodate my “allergy” by offering me something else, but then it dawned on me that if I was ever going to come around to the pink stuff, this was the place to do it. So I went all in. If you’re a seafood lover—salmon or otherwise—this is the place for you. With a focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients (they literally showed us their in-house herb garden) and stunning views of the fjord, dinner at Sjømagasinet is a must.

Sjømagasinet

Skåbu

Pro tip: You're not doing Norway the right way if you spend your entire stay in Oslo. We departed the big city to live out our snowy winter fantasy in a tiny mountain village near Vinstra. The group enjoyed a snowshoe hike and a dog-sledding adventure courtesy of Tromsø Villmarkssenter while staying at the impossibly charming Skåbu Fjellhotell. Cozy doesn't even begin to describe the vibes of this place. Between the decor and the people who run it, you instantly feel at home the moment you arrive. And if you're someone who plans an itinerary around food, Restaurant Skadir (the hotel's dining room) is worth seeking out regardless of whether you’re staying at the hotel. Guests get automatic reservations for meals during their stay, but anyone is free to request a table to enjoy the multi-course experience.

The two dinners I ate here were honestly both highlights of the trip for me—specifically, the menu featuring reindeer prepared three different ways. (Sorry, Santa!) Our time in Skåbu was brief, but stands out as the most memorable for me. The hotel owners shared personal stories, gave us a tour of their farm, and introduced us to family members. An afternoon in Skåbu was the perfect antidote to the exhaustion of living and working in New York City. All these months later, it helps me to destress by closing my eyes and imagining myself back in that snowy village warming myself by a fire.

Skåbu Fjellhotell

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Skodje

Our next stop was the Storfjord Hotel in Skodje, which provided some of the most jaw-dropping views I’ve ever seen in my life. If you’re feeling a little sporty, you can hike the nearby trails up Mount Hautua, or kayak in the fjord. But, if you’re like me, taking in the scenery with a glass of wine on the back patio can be just as satisfying. Even more like me, you can slip into your swimsuit and obsess over the landscape from the comfort of a jacuzzi or sauna. Sauna culture is huge in Norway, by the way, so squeezing a sweat session or two into your itinerary is essential.

Storfjord Hotel

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Trandal

By far the most remote destination on our itinerary (but absolutely worth the trek) was our little jaunt over to Christian Gaard Bygdetun, a park in Trandal. It's the place to be if you want to partake in one of the famous polar plunges. It’s easiest to access by boat, and it’s a truly breathtaking voyage. Once you arrive, don’t skip the photo op on their famous swing before heading to their pub for a drink or to try their ice cream, which is made from Norway’s iconic brown cheese (no, but like...it's good). If you time your visit appropriately, you can also attend one of the many music festivals they host here in the warmer months. Personally, I recommend staying long enough for your liquid courage to kick in so you'll actually take the polar plunge.

Christian Gaard Bygdetun

Norangsfjorden

Our final stop before heading back to Oslo brought us to Hotel Union Øye, a must-visit for anyone looking to partake in winter sports. We arrived to find the lobby bustling with skiers, but I decided to skip right to the après ski portion of the day. This spot certainly offered plenty of ambiance for those looking to hit the bottle instead of the slopes. Our group enjoyed a round of cocktails while learning about the extensive history of the hotel before sitting down for dinner in a gorgeous glass-enclosed dining room that made me realize that whatever house I hope to own in the future needs to have at least one glass-enclosed room for entertaining guests. The next day, we rode e-bikes through the valley where I reached a level of tranquility that years of trying random yoga classes could never do for me.

Hotel Union Øye

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Cycling through the quiet valley with nothing but the thoughts in my head allowed me to reflect on the trip as a whole and the importance of being open to new experiences while traveling. It's easy to stay in your comfort zone on a vacation, but seeing this unbelievably picturesque country following a custom-built itinerary from locals who know it best will quickly make you realize why the easy way isn't always the best way.

Adam is an NYC-based writer who has covered everything from men's fashion to video games and travel. He loves any opportunity to write about pop culture or essays inspired by his personal life.