Custom Norway

Norway is one of Europe's most spectacular countries: a kingdom stretched over 25,148 km of coastline, Europe's longest, with 1,190 fjords carved by glaciers 12,000 years ago. From Lindesnes (58°N) to North Cape (71°N) and Svalbard (78-81°N, 1,300 km from the pole), it spans 2,700 km of latitude. Eight UNESCO sites punctuate the territory: the South-West fjords Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord (UNESCO 2005), Bergen Bryggen former Hanseatic post (UNESCO 1979), Røros mining town from 1644 (UNESCO 1980), Urnes stave church from 1130 (UNESCO 1979), Alta rock carvings (UNESCO 1985), Vegaøyan archipelago (UNESCO 2004), the Struve geodetic arc and the Rjukan-Notodden complex (UNESCO 2015). Oslo houses the Snøhetta Opera 2008, the Munch Museum 2021, the Viking Ship Museum and Vigeland Park. Bergen, gateway to the fjords, is linked to Oslo by the 1909 Bergen Railway. Further north, Tromsø at 69°N is the world capital of northern lights, the Lofoten unfurl their 1,161-m granite peaks and red rorbu, and Svalbard hosts 3,000 polar bears and the Global Seed Vault. A constitutional kingdom since 1814 under Harald V, Schengen member but outside the EU, the world's second happiest country. We design your trip to bring urban, fjord, Arctic and railway Norway into dialogue, guided by French-speaking Norwegians and lodged in design lodges or traditional rorbu.

Highlights

  • UNESCO Fjords 2005: Geiranger & Nærøy — 16 km Geirangerfjord (Seven Sisters waterfalls, Bridal Veil), 17 km Nærøyfjord (world's narrowest 250 m). National Geographic « world's most spectacular fjords ».
  • UNESCO Bergen Bryggen 1979 — Former Hanseatic 1360 trading post, 62 14th-18th century colorful wooden houses, picturesque port, fish market, Fløibanen funicular Mount Fløyen 320 m panoramic view.
  • Northern lights in Tromsø (Sept-March) — Tromsø (« Paris of the North », 69°N, 350 km beyond Arctic Circle): world's northern lights capital. 80% probability over 4 nights, optimal auroral oval, unique infrastructure.
  • Arctic Lofoten: granite peaks — 1,227 km² archipelago at 68°N, 1,161 m peaks emerging directly from sea, red rorbu, Haukland/Uttakleiv white sand beaches, midnight sun (May-July).
  • Bergen Railway & Flåm Railway train — Bergen Line 1909: Oslo-Bergen 7h, 184 tunnels, Hardangervidda plateau 1,222 m. Flåm Railway 20 km (Europe's steepest), 5.5% gradient, 866 m elevation.
  • Preikestolen, Trolltunga & iconic hikes — Preikestolen (« Pulpit Rock ») 604 m above Lysefjord, 4h hike. Trolltunga (« troll's tongue ») 700 m suspended, 27 km round trip. Kjeragbolten 1,084 m wedged rock.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time for Norway?

Summer (June-August): Lofoten midnight sun, navigable fjords, Trolltunga hikes open. Winter (Sept-March): northern lights Tromsø/Lofoten. May-September intermediate for fjords + late auroras combo.

Will we see northern lights in Tromsø?

80-90% probability over 4 nights in peak season (Sept-March) — Tromsø is in auroral oval, kp 3 sufficient. Our Sami photographer Mikkel maximizes your chances with Aurora Forecast and precise localization. Guarantee: outing repeated for free if not seen.

How many days to visit Norway?

Norway fjords (Oslo + Bergen + Geiranger): 8 nights. Lofoten + auroras: 9 nights. Complete Norway + North Cape: 13 nights. With Svalbard 78°N: 16-18 nights. Sweden Stockholm combo: 14 nights.

Should I rent a car?

Yes for fjords (Geiranger, Hardanger) and Lofoten. Volvo XC60 or XC90 4WD automatic recommended. Right-hand driving, tunnel tolls. For Oslo-Bergen: Bergen Line + Flåm 1st class panoramic train preferable (rail experience is iconic).

Is Norway really expensive?

Yes, one of the world's most expensive countries (60-70% more expensive than France). But high quality everywhere, impeccable infrastructure, total security. Boutique hotels €250-450, fjord lodges €350-700, restaurants €70-100/person. Our logistics optimize (6-month bookings, combined packs).

Can you combine Norway with Iceland or Sweden?

Yes. Sweden: Oslo-Stockholm 6h train or 1h flight. Denmark: Oslo-Copenhagen 1h flight or 17h ferry. Iceland: Bergen-Reykjavik 2h30 flight. Perfect 14-21 night Nordic combos.

What budget for 9 nights?

Comfort: €3,200-4,200/person. Premium (Storfjord, Eliassen Rorbuer, Sami photographer): €4,600-6,200. Excellence (Juvet design, helicopter, Svalbard): €7,800+. Flights, Bergen Line train, car, lodges, auroras included.

Is Norway family-friendly?

Yes, ideally: world's safest country, landscapes enchant children (fjords, red rorbu, husky, Sami reindeer), fun midnight sun in summer. Winter auroras from age 8, husky safari from age 6.

Should I go to Svalbard 78°N?

For seasoned travelers seeking extreme Arctic: yes absolutely. 5-7 nights from Oslo (3h flight to Longyearbyen), 8h snowmobile, polar bear observation (3,000 individuals, more than humans), Global Seed Vault. Costly (extension +€3,000/person) but unique in the world.

Why New Horizons by Lisa for Norway?

10 years of local partnerships, design lodges (Storfjord, Eliassen Rorbuer, Juvet), trained Sami aurora photographer, hybrid Geiranger fjord captains, pre-booked 1st class Bergen Line train, aurora guarantee, French-speaking 24/7 support.