Norway Travel Guide: Oslo, the Lofoten Islands & Arctic Adventures with Dana Smith

Thinking about Norway? This episode will make you want to go.I sit down with Dana Smith to talk about her unforgettable trip from Oslo to the Lofoten Islands, one of the most stunning (and surprisingly accessible) places in the Arctic Circle. We start in Oslo, where Dana shares her first impressions of the city, from its quiet, local feel to hidden gems she discovered just by wandering (including a pop-up speakeasy and some very cool natural wine spots). She also shares one of her best travel tips: using Google Maps to pin places in real time so you always know what’s nearby.Then we head north… way north.The Lofoten Islands are all dramatic peaks, turquoise water, and tiny fishing villages, and Dana describes that feeling of constantly stopping to say, “Wait… is this real?” We talk about hiking, cold plunging in the Arctic, staying in traditional fisherman cabins, and why renting a camper van might be the ultimate way to experience it all.We also get into the practical side of planning a Norway trip, including when to go (hello midnight sun), what to pack (layers, always), how easy public transportation is, and why Norway’s deep love of the outdoors shapes the entire experience.If you’re dreaming about Scandinavia, epic landscapes, and a trip that feels completely different from anywhere else, this episode is full of inspiration and helpful tips.👉 For more travel inspiration, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories, subscribe to my Substack at The Gomes Guide.Support the show