Aug 26, 2025 – Oahu Stopover
We left home around 6:00 am and headed to Oahu to kick things off. The morning didn’t go quite to plan thanks to some unexpected health issues on my end, which threw off the rhythm a bit, but we adjusted.
We spent most of the day at Sea Life Park, which turned out to be a great way to ease into the trip. We saw sea lions, Hawaiian monk seals, Humboldt penguins, sharks, and some massive green sea turtles. The dolphin show was a highlight, and feeding the birds was surprisingly fun.
After checking into the hotel, we took a short nap, then went to Apetit for dinner. Kale salads, pizza, and Ichiban hit the spot. We wandered the International Market afterward and picked up a ring at Knight Rider before heading back to prep for the long travel day ahead.
Aug 27–28, 2025 – Travel Marathon to Norway
Up at 5:00 am to get moving. Grabbed Burger King for breakfast and settled in for a long travel stretch.
The 11-hour flight from LAX to Frankfurt was the main event. In Frankfurt, we had a unique boarding experience that involved taking a bus out to the plane on the tarmac and watching it get fueled up.
From there, we made it to Norway, took the train into Oslo Central Station, and then had a longer-than-expected walk to the First Millennium Hotel. After checking in, we grabbed dinner nearby with roast beef sandwiches and rhubarb soup, along with drinks.
That night we met our Exoticca guide, Javier, who’s from northern Spain. After that, it was back to the room, quick reset, and sleep. Also worth noting, Scandinavian hotels use dual duvets, which was different but actually pretty nice.
Aug 29, 2025 – Oslo Highlights
This was our main Oslo day. We learned quickly that Norway does things a bit differently. A lot of emphasis on equality, even reflected in the lack of traditional monuments.
We visited Vigeland Park, which features over 600 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Most are nude and focused on everyday human life. It’s a lot to take in.
We also stopped at the Holmenkollen ski jump, which is massive in person. Jen walked down the stairs, which is no small feat. From there we saw the Opera House, known for its white marble that doesn’t handle winter very well, and walked along the roof.
Later we took a bus out to Torpo Church, a 600-year-old structure tied to early efforts to convert Vikings. The day ended with a ride to Geilo and our stay at the Storefjell ski resort.
Aug 30, 2025 – Fjords and Scenic Travel
Early breakfast and back on the bus for one of the most scenic days of the trip.
We passed through the Sognefjord region and eventually boarded a boat from Gudvangen to Flam, traveling through Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord. This was one of the standout experiences. Steep cliffs, small villages, and animals grazing along the mountainsides.
We grabbed waffles with jam along the way, then took a train ride through the mountains. It’s known for being one of the steepest standard railways in the world and was originally built to connect isolated communities.
After a long travel day, we arrived in Bergen around 10:00 pm and checked into the Heimen Hotel.
Aug 31, 2025 – Bergen to Stavanger
We started with a walking tour of Bergen, including the old Hanseatic quarter with its leaning wooden buildings. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site and feels very preserved.
After some free time, we tried whale meat, did a bit of shopping, and then continued on with more travel. Ferry rides, bus rides, and a lot of scenery along the way.
We learned about Norway’s geography, including its thousands of islands and deep underwater tunnels. By the time we reached Stavanger, we were ready to settle in.
That evening we went back into town for dinner at Skagen. Fried mussels for me, fish and chips for Jen. A solid meal to end a long day.
Sep 1, 2025 – Stavanger Free Day
A slower day. We visited the Oil Museum, which gives a lot of context to why Stavanger is considered one of the most expensive cities in the world.
Grabbed lunch nearby and kept things pretty relaxed.
Sep 2, 2025 – Transit Day
Mostly a travel day. Bus rides, a stop at another historic church, and a stretch along the Telemark Canal before heading back toward Oslo. Not much in terms of major stops, but still scenic.
Sep 3, 2025 – Final Day in Oslo
We spent our last full day in Oslo visiting the Munch Museum, which houses a large collection of Edvard Munch’s work.
Lunch was at Munchies, a burger spot, then a quick walk through the Opera House area again before heading back to grab our things and catch the train to the airport for our flight to Stockholm.
Sep 4, 2025 – Stockholm
Started the day with breakfast, then walked through the Royal Garden area and grabbed ice cream early in the day. No regrets.
We did a canal cruise, though the audio guide wasn’t working, which took away from it a bit. After lunch, we visited the Vasa Museum, which houses a massive preserved warship. Easily one of the most impressive museum pieces of the trip.
Dinner was German food at a biergarten to wrap the day.
Sep 5, 2025 – Museums and Old Town
We spent the day exploring Stockholm’s Old Town and several museums, including the Royal Palace, Royal Armory, Viking Museum, and Museum of Wrecks.
Tried to catch the changing of the guard but didn’t get a great view. Grabbed lunch, some gelato, and later visited Skansen, an open-air museum that was worth the time.
Dinner ended up being simple from 7-Eleven as we packed up for departure.
Sep 6, 2025 – Heading Home
Early start at 3:15 am to leave the hotel and begin the trip home.