At a glance
- Where
- Norway & Svalbard
- Length
- Days 5–8
- Trip style
- Glacier hiking & Arctic expedition
- Covers
- Day 5 to Day 7 & 8
By Flink Travel · Last updated
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Missed Part 1? Read Part 1 — Fjords, Via Ferratas & Mission Impossible
Welcome to the second half of our epic Norwegian itinerary! In Part 1, we tackled vertical rock faces and cinematic movie locations in the fjords. Now, it is time to strap on some crampons to explore ancient glaciers before catching a flight to one of the northernmost inhabited places on Earth: Svalbard.
Day 5
Conquering the Blue Ice
Wake up in Sogndal and take the incredibly scenic drive (about 1 hour) deep into the Jostedalen valley. Today, you are hiking on the Nigardsbreen glacier, an arm of the massive Jostedalsbreen ice cap.
The Glacier Hike
Book a guided ice hike with Jostedalen Breførarlag AS (opens in a new tab). They will provide the crampons and ice axes. Walking among the deep blue crevasses and towering ice seracs is an otherworldly experience.
Jostedalen Breførarlag AS (map, opens in a new tab)
Warming Up
After you conquer the ice and return your gear, stop at the Breheimsenteret (opens in a new tab) (the glacier museum and visitor center) located just down the road. Its unique wooden architecture blends into the valley, and it is the perfect spot to grab some hot beverages and warm food while looking back up at the glacier you just climbed.
Day 6
The Journey Back to Oslo
Check out of your accommodation and begin the beautiful drive back to Oslo to return your rental car.
Logistics, Luggage & Evening in the Capital
Because you have an early flight to the Arctic tomorrow, checking into an airport hotel at Oslo-Gardermoen (OSL) is the smartest move. We highly recommend booking the Park Inn by Radisson Oslo Airport Hotel West (opens in a new tab).
Another incredibly convenient option is the Radisson Blu Airport Hotel, Oslo Gardermoen (opens in a new tab), which is connected directly to the terminal via a covered walkway.
However, you aren't done exploring yet! Drop your bags at the hotel and take the ultra-fast Airport Express Train (Flytoget) directly into the city center.
Head straight to Aker Brygge (opens in a new tab), Oslo's vibrant waterfront district. Walk along the boardwalk, take in the views of the fjord, and enjoy the bustling summer atmosphere.
Aker Brygge (map, opens in a new tab)
Where to Eat
For dinner, you absolutely must try New Delhi Restaurant (opens in a new tab). It is widely considered one of the best Indian restaurants in the city, offering a fantastic modern twist on traditional dishes — the perfect way to spice up your evening before heading to the freezing north.
New Delhi Restaurant (map, opens in a new tab)
Day 7 & 8
Welcome to the High Arctic (Svalbard)
Head to the airport and board your flight to Longyearbyen, the administrative center of the Svalbard archipelago. You are now just 650 miles from the North Pole!
Where to Stay
Base yourself at the Radisson Blu Polar Hotel Spitsbergen (opens in a new tab). It is the northernmost full-service hotel in the world, offering a cozy retreat with incredible views of the fjord and the surrounding peaks.
For a stylish, boutique experience, check into Svalbard Hotell | Polfareren (opens in a new tab), known for its excellent service and central location.
If you want a truly unique, rustic Arctic atmosphere, Mary-Ann's Polarrigg (opens in a new tab) offers woodsy rooms and an unforgettable, quirky explorer vibe.
Where to Eat in Longyearbyen
Dining this far north is surprisingly good. Warm, hearty bowls are the order of the day — think creamy coconut curries at Saenphet Thai (opens in a new tab) and spiced lentil soups served with fresh bread and much more at Fruene AS (opens in a new tab), exactly what you want after hours out in the Arctic wind.
Svalbard Insights & Fun Facts
This is a place of extremes and incredibly unique laws.
Arctic Adventures
- Midnight Sun Snowmobiling: Take a specialized snowmobile tour high up onto the permanent glaciers to literally chase the midnight sun. The glow of the sun over the endless white expanse is unforgettable.
- Cruise to Pyramiden: Board an expedition vessel with Hurtigruten Svalbard (opens in a new tab) and cruise to the abandoned Soviet ghost town of Pyramiden. Standing perfectly preserved in the ice, this area is a massive hotspot for wildlife—making it your best bet to spot a wild polar bear patrolling the icy shores. To make the journey even better, these cruises serve a warm vegetarian soup inspired by local Svalbard cuisine, which is exactly what you need after taking in the crisp Arctic sights.
It's a Wrap
Heading Home
After wrapping up your Arctic expeditions on Day 8, you will catch a flight from Longyearbyen back to Oslo, stay your final night at the airport hotel, and catch your flight home the next day. You will be leaving with full memory cards, burning legs, and the ultimate bragging rights of having conquered Norway from the fjords all the way to the top of the world.
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