This tour includes the "Norway in a Nutshell" journey starting from Bergen, stopping in the the fjord village of Flåm, then continuing to Oslo by train, including the Flåm railway. Head inland to Dombås and join the dramatic Raumabanen train from Dombås to Åndalsnes. Onward to Trondheim on the Dovre Railway, coastal ferry from Bodø to Svolvær and explore the Lofoten Islands.
Itinerary
Day 1 Bergen Arrival
On arrival in Bergen, make your own way to your hotel. Bergen is known as the capital of the fjords and is situated on a peninsula surrounded by seven mountains. The city's history is closely connected with the sea and trade and the picturesque historic waterfront is delightful. Bergen was one of the major hanseatic trading cities of Europe and the small city has a strong maritime heritage and a charming, historic town centre - the Bryggen area, which is now included on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Overnight at Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret or similar.
Day 2 Bergen
Day at leisure in Bergen. Time to enjoy the city sights. We recommend a visit to the famous fish and flower market, old port of Bryggen, and the Hanseatic quarters. Or perhaps take a funicular ride up the Mountain Floien and enjoy panoramic views of Bergen and its surroundings. Second overnight at Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret or similar.
Day 3 Bergen – Voss – Gudvangen – Flåm
This morning make your own way to Bergen railway station where your Norway in a Nutshell journey begins. Depart by train to Voss. Bergen Railway is the highest altitude railway in Northern Europe, and around 100 kilometres of the line run through wild mountain terrain. Upon arrival at the railway station at the lakeside town of Voss, board the waiting bus and continue down the Stalheim Canyon past sheer cliffs and waterfalls to Gudvangen.
The bus drops you off at the harbour in the tiny village of Gudvangen, and embark on the boat that will take you to Flåm. Enjoy a spectacular two hour cruise on Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord and Sognefjord, from Gudvangen to the charming fjordside village of Flåm. Disembark and walk the short distance to your hotel - nearby, you'll find the award winning Ægir Brewery built in the style of a Viking longhouse, the Flåm Railway Museum (free entry), boutiques and cafes. Dinner and overnight at Flamsbrygga Hotel or similar.
Day 4 Flåm - Myrdal - Oslo by Train including the Flåm Railway
Walk the short distance from your hotel to Flåm Railway station and board the train. The Flåm Railway offers wild and beautiful mountain scenery with snow-capped peaks, lush pastures and historic traditions dating all the way back to pagan times. On the 20km journey, you’ll experience some of the most dramatic and magnificent Norwegian nature. Here you can see rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls that plunge from the steep cliffs of the snow-capped mountain slopes, as well as mountain farms clinging on to steep slopes. Upon arrival at Myrdal mountain station, change trains (just across the platform) and continue to Oslo. Alight at Oslo central station and make your own way to the nearby Thon Opera Hotel or similar for 2 overnights.
Day 5 Oslo
Day at leisure to explore Oslo. Perhaps visit one of Oslo's museums: the Fram Polar Expedition museum, the Kon Tiki Museum and Vigelund Sculpture Park. Or take a stroll through the old wharf area of Bryggen, now bustling with bars and cafes. Visit the Munch Museum, the Maritime Museum and Akershus Fortress, and much more. Second overnight at Thon Opera Hotel or similar.
Day 6 Oslo - Dombås - Åndalsnes
This morning, make your own way to Oslo central station and board the train to Dombås. Change trains in Dombås and continue to Åndalsnes on the dramatic Raumabanen. A trip on the Rauma Railway is a unique opportunity to experience one of the most spectacular scenic areas in Norway. The train will run slowly past the famous Kylling Railway Bridge and at Trollveggen, Europe’s highest perpendicular mountain wall, the train will make a complete stop. Alight at the mountain capital of Åndalsnes, located in the heart of Romsdalen. Make your own way from the railway station to your hotel. Overnight at Grand Hotel Bellevue or similar. Optional add an extra night in Åndalsnes and a guided hiking tour.
Day 7 Åndalsnes – Dombås – Trondheim
This morning, make your own way to Åndalsnes railway station for your return journey to Dombås on the Raumabanen. Change trains at Dombås station and continue to Trondheim by train on the Dovre Railway. Make your own way from Trondheim railway station to your hotel. Overnight at Thon Hotel Nidaros or similar.
Day 8 Trondheim – Overnight Train to Bodø
Day at leisure to explore Trondheim, Norway's capital of technology. Perhaps visit the famous Nidaros Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, Erkebispegarden, the old city bridge Gamle Bybro and more. This evening, make your own way from hotel to railway station and board the overnight train from Trondheim to Bodø. Overnight on board in double sleeper compartment.
Day 9 Bodø
Morning arrival into Bodø by train and make your own way to your hotel in Bodø. Day at leisure to explore on your own or perhaps add an optional excursion, according to the season: City Sightseeing and Saltstraumen 2.5hrs (all year); Northern Lights Hunt 4hrs (mid-Sep - Mar). Overnight at Thon Hotel Nordlys or similar.
Day 10 Bodø - Svolvær
Afternoon departure by coastal steamer or ferry (depending on the season) to the Lofoten Islands. Arrival into Svolvær. Spend two nights at Svinøya Rorbuer in a Rorbu cabin - these cabins are former fishermans cottages right next to the water which have been converted into charming modern accommodation.
Day 11 Svolvær
Day at leisure to explore the Lofotens. Enjoy the many scenic sights, perhaps take an optional fishing trip, kayaking, surfing, horse-back riding or RIB boat safari. Or wander through the delightful shops and galleries including The Borg Vikingland, Vikten Glass Centre, Gallery Harr & Lofoten Museum. 2nd overnight at Svinøya Rorbuer.
Day 12 Svolvær Departure
Check out after breakfast. End of arrangements.
2024 departures: regular* departures all year
Notes:
*subject to the coastal steamer or ferry schedule
Extra nights can be added at any destination along the way - please enquire.
