Want to join a boutique small group tour to Norway? I believe that the best way to explore Norway is with a small, like-minded group, led by a passionate local who know the hidden gems and share his love for the country. This isn’t just a sightseeing trip; it’s a chance to connect with the culture, create lasting memories, and discover the soul of Norway

The Norway Tour at a glance

The tour is 8 days and 7 nights long, and cover some of my favorite parts of Norway  It’s not a standard “highlights tour”, but focuses on authentic experiences, and giving you both a nice introduction, but at the same time an in-depth understanding of Norway. About me: My name is Pål and I am the founder of Norway with Pål. I was born in Norway, grew up here, live in Oslo, and been a guide for almost 15 years now. I work both as a local guide in Oslo, and as a guide and guidebook researcher for Rick Steves Europe. In addition to that I have a YouTube-channel, and help people from all over the world plan their trips to Norway. I’m super excited about this Norway tour (in partnership with Guided By), and I’d love for you to join me!  

“Excellent knowlege of Norwegian history, culture, art, food…”

“Pål is a fantastic guide with excellent knowledge of Norwegian History, Culture, Art, Viking history/culture, food, etc. One of the nicest people I have ever met, he is engaging and has a great sense of humor. I would recommend Pal to anyone wanting to have the best possible experience on this once in a lifetime trip!” John W.

In this article I want to write about the tour and what it includes. Hopefully I’ll see you in Norway summer 2026. We’ll be doing a couple of walking tours together where I’ll show you some of my favourite sites and parts of the city including hidden gems and local neighborhoods. You’ll also have a couple of afternoons to explore on your own. Perhaps visit the National Museum and see the world famous painting the Scream. Or head to the FRAM Museum to learn about Norway’s Polar Expedition history.  

Drøbak & Oscarsborg fortress

I don’t think anyone should visit Oslo without cruising on the Oslo fjord, and seeing some of the surroundings. So we’ll hop on a public ferry in downtown Oslo and sail  down to the Oscarsborg Fortress. There, we will learn about the Battle of Drøbak from 1940, which marked the end of the “Phoney War” and the beginning of World War II in Western Europe. The wreck of the Blücher, a German cruiser, remains on the sea floor and I still get goosebumps whenever I sail nearby. After a group lunch in idyllic Drøbak (an often overlooked gem) everyone is free to roam this picturesque seaside town, with its cobblestone streets, art galleries and white houses, before we head back to Oslo for one final evening which you’ll enjoy on your own. 

Maihaugen Open Air Folk Museum

After Oslo our first stop is the Maihaugen Folk Museum in Lillehammer. This is one of the best, and largest, open-air folk museums in Norway, and features an impressive collection of old timber farm houses, beautiful exhibitions of historical artifacts and much more.  Since we are in Lillehammer we’ll also take a look at the ski jumps from the 1994 Winter Olympics.

Ringebu Stave Church

You can’t visit Norway without visiting a stave church. Seeing a medieval wooden church of this kind will leave you speechless, and make you wonder how such an old wooden structure can still be standing? This particular one is the Ringebu Stave Church which dates back to 1220.

An authentic farm stay