This trip is ideally suited for travelers who cherish independence and flexibility, yet appreciate the convenience of pre-arranged transportation and accommodations. It's perfect for nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers eager to delve into the majestic landscapes of Norway's fjords and the rich history of its cities at their own pace.
Fjords, Rails and Urban Trails: Explore Norway's Natural Wonders and City Charms - 5 days
Experience the best of Norway's fjords and railways in a tour that promises to be as enriching as it is exhilarating.
This independent tour offers an intimate exploration of Norway's most famous fjords and landscapes, without the constraints of a group schedule, though selected activities will be enhanced with the expertise of local guides.
As you journey towards the picturesque city of Bergen, you'll find yourself immersed in the captivating beauty of Fjord Norway. The tour's crown jewel is the majestic Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord. You'll cruise along this spectacular waterway, soaking in panoramic views of towering mountains and verdant landscapes.
A highlight of your adventure will be the quaint fjord village of Balestrand. Nestled on the shores of the Sognefjord, Balestrand is celebrated for its artistic heritage, beautiful Swiss-style villas, and the historic Kviknes Hotel.
Adding to the adventure is a ride on the famous Flåm Railway, one of the steepest train lines in the world. As you ascend through the mountainous terrain, you'll be treated to views of waterfalls, deep valleys, and unspoiled nature.
Train rides on the Bergen Line and the Flåm Railway, showcasing Norway's natural beauty and engineering marvels.
Fjord cruises on the Aurlandsfjord and the Sognefjord, offering up-close views of some of the most stunning landscapes in Norway.
Relaxing day in Balestrand.
Whats included in this trip
This trip includes hotels with breakfast buffet in Oslo, Bergen and Balestrand. Dinner is included during the stay in Balestrand. Please remember to specify dietary restrictions during checkout.
Tickets for the scenic Bergen Line from Oslo to Bergen and back, showcasing Norway's stunning landscapes.
A journey on the world-famous Flåm Railway, taking you through the Flåm Valley to Myrdal.
Express boat cruises along the coast and into the heart of the Sognefjord to Balestrand, and then from Balestrand to Flåm, offering up-close views of Norway's majestic fjords.
Access to an emergency number exclusive to our customers. Call us anytime for assistance if you are stuck or need help during your trip.
Day to day itinerary
Oslo Opera House is a great place to visit on your first night in Oslo. Photo by Per Christian Lind | Visit Norway
Welcome to Oslo!
Your adventure begins with your arrival in Oslo and individual transition from the airport to the hotel. Read our guide on how to travel to your hotel. Check in at your centrally located hotel, carefully selected to place you in the heart of the city. Here, you'll find yourself surrounded by stunning architecture and the pulsating energy of Norway's capital.
Once you've settled in, we recommend taking the time to explore the vibrant heart of Oslo. Start your exploration with a stroll along the pedestrian harbor front at Aker Brygge. Next to Aker Brygge, you'll find Tjuvholmen, a newer addition to Oslo's waterfront that is home to the renowned Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. Be sure to visit the iconic Munch Museum and the striking Oslo Opera House for a taste of the city's rich cultural offerings.
Your first night in Oslo is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural tapestry, sample exquisite Norwegian cuisine at one of the restaurants, and enjoy the views of the Oslofjord under the gentle glow of the setting sun.
Included Meals
Included Transport
Accommodation
1 night in Oslo
Enjoy the views aboard the iconic Bergen Line.
Photo by Christine Baglo | Visit Norway
Welcome to Bergen!
A day on the rails
As the dawn breaks on your second day, prepare yourself for a journey from Oslo to Bergen aboard the iconic Bergen Line. Your late morning departure allows you the luxury of a leisurely start, perhaps with a coffee in one of Oslo's cozy cafes before you embark on one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe.
As the train departs, you'll soon find yourself immersed in the landscapes of the Hallingdal valley. As you continue, the train ascends towards the expanses of the Hardangervidda National Park, Europe's largest mountain plateau. This part of your journey offers a unique opportunity to witness the untouched wilderness. A highlight of this route is the view of the Hardangerjøkulen glacier as you reach Finse. At 1222 meters above sea level, Finse is the highest station on the Bergen Line.
Upon arrival in Bergen, you'll spend the next two nights at a centrally located hotel, in this historic and picturesque city. Known as the heart of the fjords, Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains and offers a charming blend of old and new. The evening is yours to explore the city, dine at one of the restaurants, and perhaps catch a glimpse of the colorful houses of Bryggen.
Included Meals
Breakfast
Included Transport
Train Oslo-Bergen
Accommodation
1 night in Bergen
The colorful houses of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Mostraumen Fjord Cruise
The chefs at Cornelius harvest some of the seafood themselves. Photo by Cornelius
A full day of exploration in Bergen
Your third day is dedicated to discovering the attractions of Bergen at your own pace. No visit to Bergen would be complete without experiencing the bustling Fish Market. Situated in the heart of the city, it's a showcase of Norway's seafood.
Bergen's Aquarium is another must-see, especially for families or those interested in marine life. It offers a glimpse into the diversity of life in the Norwegian seas and beyond, with exhibits ranging from local fish species to more tropical creatures.
For those wishing to explore the nature surrounding Bergen, consider the optional fjord cruise to the Mostraumen strait. This tour takes you from Bergen up the 27-km long Osterfjord. The scenery here is breathtaking, with waterfalls cascading down the cliffs and the chance to see local wildlife in their natural habitat.
Enhance your Bergen experience with an optional dinner at Cornelius Seafood Restaurant, a culinary gem that ranks among Norway's finest seafood restaurants. Located just a short boat ride from the city, Cornelius is perched on the edge of a small island. Dining at Cornelius is not just a meal; it's an event that engages all the senses. The sound of the waves, the sight of the passing boats and ships, and the taste of exquisitely prepared seafood.
The optional experiences, along with prices, will be available for selection during the tour booking process, allowing you to tailor your Bergen experience to your interests.
Included Meals
Breakfast
Included Transport
Accommodation
1 night in Bergen
The fjord boat takes you on a beautiful journey from Bergen to Balestrand.
Kviknes Hotel is beautifully located in Balestrand by the Sognefjord.
Scenic journey by boat to Balestrand
On the fourth day of your Norwegian adventure, prepare to embark on a fjord cruise from Bergen to the picturesque village of Balestrand. This journey by morning express boat offers a unique perspective of Norway's stunning coastal and fjord landscapes.
As you set sail northwards from Bergen, the vessel navigates through a labyrinth of narrow straits, passing by a myriad of islands dotted with summer houses. Transitioning from the coast to the fjord, the express boat then enters the majestic Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord. Known as the "King of the Fjords," the Sognefjord's vast waters are flanked by towering cliffs and lush, green slopes.
Your destination is the scenic fjord village of Balestrand, a gem nestled on the shores of the Sognefjord. Balestrand is renowned for its natural beauty, artistic heritage, and the distinctive Swiss-style architecture that dots its landscape. You will spend the next two nights in Balestrand, allowing time to immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of the village. You will stay at the historic Kviknes Hotel.
Included Meals
Breakfast & dinner
Included Transport
Sognefjord boat trip
Accommodation
1 night in Balestrand
The picturesque Balestrand in Sognefjord
Photo by Glacier Tour
Learn more about the unique Norwegian cider in Balestand. Photo by Balestrand Adventure
Feel the wind in your hair on a RIB trip on the Sognefjord. Photo by Balestrand Adventure
Discover the charm of Balestrand
Wake up to a peaceful morning in Balestrand and enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet at Kviknes Hotel, with breathtaking views of the fjord setting the tone for the day. This is a day to fully immerse yourself in the charm of this fjord village, which has long inspired artists and prominent visitors, including Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany in the late 1800s.
To enrich your experience, we offer a selection of optional activities: savor the taste of locally crafted cider during a guided tasting tour, feel the thrill of a RIB safari on the majestic Sognefjord, or explore the striking Bøyabreen glacier on a scenic sightseeing tour, complemented by a visit to the Norwegian Glacier Museum. The optional experiences, along with prices, will be available for selection during the tour check-out process.
Return to Kviknes Hotel to relax and indulge in a delicious evening buffet, featuring an array of meat dishes, fresh seafood, and a variety of other delights. The perfect end to a memorable day in Balestrand.
Included Meals
Breakfast & dinner
Included Transport
Accommodation
1 night in Balestrand
Flåm is located at the very end of the Aurlandsfjord.
The train takes you from the fjord to Myrdal station at 867 meters above sea level.
You will change from the Flåm Railway to the Bergen Line at Myrdal. Photo by Paul Edmundson | Visit Flåm
Enjoy the journey from Myrdal to Oslo. Photo by Fredrik Ahlsen | Maverix
Return to Oslo via the Fjords and the Flåm Railway
The day begins with a fjord cruise aboard an express boat, taking you deeper into the inner branches of the Sognefjord towards the quaint village of Flåm. Upon arriving in Flåm, a short walk from the pier brings you to the small but famous Flåm Railway station. This is where you'll embark on one of the most famous train journeys in the world.
The Flåm Railway, known locally as Flåmsbana, is an engineering feat that takes you from sea level in the fjord to the mountain station of Myrdal. Over the course of this one-hour journey, you'll be treated to the sights of the scenic Flåm Valley, with its lush landscapes, flowing rivers and majestic waterfalls.
At Myrdal Station, a remote mountaintop hub, you'll transition from the Flåm Railway to the main Bergen Line. This part of your journey offers a relaxing train ride back to Oslo, allowing you to reflect on the adventures of the past days. Your late evening arrival in Oslo marks the end of this day's journey.
Upon arrival in Oslo and check-in at a centrally located hotel, the evening is yours to enjoy. The tour ends after breakfast and check-out from the hotel next morning.
Included Meals
Breakfast
Included Transport
Boat, Flåm Railway & Bergen Line
Accommodation
1 night in Oslo
Check price and availability
Book now with just a 20% deposit – pay the rest later
Currency Converter from NOK to USD/EUR/GBP/AUD
Check the estimated price of our tours in your own currency with this real-time converter. With the favorable NOK to USD/EUR exchange rate, there’s no better time to book your Norwegian experience!
From 21999 NOK/ person*
*Our listed 'From' price per person reflects the average cost for two people sharing a double room or double cabin, divided by two.
FAQS
Here you´ll find answers to some of the most common questions we get asked.
At the time of booking, a non-refundable deposit of 20% of the total price is required. This deposit is refundable only if we are unable to confirm your booking. Full payment is due 65 days before departure for tours including a cruise with Hurtigruten or Havila Voyages, and 45 days before departure for all other tours. If you book within 65 or 45 days of departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.
Regional trains are equipped with a café or bistro car, where you can purchase hot and cold beverages, snacks and light meals. Options may vary depending on the route and the service provider. On certain trains or routes where a café or bistro service might not be available, vending machines stocked with snacks and drinks can be found onboard.
It depends on the extent of the delay, but often, the different modes of transportation coordinate and will wait for you if the delay isn't significant. Contact on-site staff for more information.
Updated information can be checked at the following link.
Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Norway, including major brands such as Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. You can use them in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. It's important to note that in large cities, cash is not always accepted, and card payments are preferred. However, having some Norwegian Kroner is advisable for small purchases or in smaller towns and rural areas where card payments might not be as common.
