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It was the best experience on our trip... - Norway Fjord Travel

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• Norway Fjord Travel

It was the best experience on our trip to Norway.

It was the best experience on our trip to Norway. I strongly recommend it over the long crowded cruises starting from Bergen port. The scenery of the fjord was much more than what we were expecting. The boat was spacious for six adults and eight kids. There is a lot of open space on the roof deck and bow and a well-protected living room with big couches on the sides. We had time for a short swim into the cold Fjord waters. The captain of the boat and the crew were terrific people; they explained everything during the cruise and gave the best picture of the Norwegian people's education, way of life, and values. If I revisit Bergen in the future, I will certainly look for them. Thank you once again.

This private cruise was an attempt to salvage our DIY "Norway in a Nutshell" tour when the ferry cancelled one of their trips. It turned out to be a favorite activity in our entire 10 day vacation. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to really see the area without the crowds of people that are on the trains and ferries. Bjorn worked with me to manage a trip that fit into our existing schedule - even when our train was delayed 1/2 hr. he made sure we got to see as much as possible of the beautiful Sognefjord and still make it back for the returning train. Bjorn, Hanne and Robert made the 6 of us feel welcomed, comfortable, informed, and entertained. They had blankets and cushions, hot fresh coffee or tea and freshly baked cinnamon rolls. We moved in and out of the boat, from the top to the bottom as the weather and our wishes dictated throughout the tour. While travelling the fjord, in addition to looking at and learning about the fjord and the surrounding area, we talked about anything and everything. Truly a unique and wonderful experience.

Booked this trip with a 50% deposit in January. Due to the pandemic, we are not trying to cancel but move the tour to 2021 when we rebooked our cruise. Been trying to reach Bjorn and company for almost 6 weeks and no response - left messages, emails, et cetera. The US Phone number has been disconnected, email response is non-existent. I always book private tours with only reputable tour groups - not sure what is going on but I am out a considerable sum for a 6 person party. Buyer beware - they may have been a good reputable company but to not even respond in months is unacceptable and buyer beware!

Dear Mr Solodak. As you are aware, we have replied by e-mail a number of times and your tour has been confirmed moved to 2121. You have also been notified that your deposit is valid 3 years ahead (2021,22 and 23) if you for some reason need to postpone further due to any unknown behavior from the Covid-19 virus that has caused so much problems for the entire travel industry. Covid-19 is also the reason for the long time it has taken for us to answer, and we admit that our customer service has been far from the reputable 5-star company profile we have created over the past years. On the other hand we have done something Norwegians are good at. Listening to proper advice from our health ministry and followed these to the smallest detail. And so have every business in our country. This has lead to two tings. 1. Customer service has for a time deeply suffered and your frustration is real and has good reasons. 2. Norway (a country the same size as the state California) has managed to fight the virus with only 255 people passing away. As of today - only three (3) persons are admitted to hospitals and we have less than 9100 persons infected during the whole pandemic episode. This means that despite the frustration you and also others have suffered, Norway is one of the absolutely safest destinations in the world. Both current and future. Most people would agree that even how frustrating the situation has been, it is better to have a lack of service. Than a service that will put you at risk during this totally new situation in the world. We look very much forward to seeing you in 2021 and to have the chance to provide a service that will make you alter your current rating of us as a firm. Kindly - Bjorn, Hanne, Ellie & Robert, NFT

Norway Fjord Travel provided us with a great six day tour in Bergen, Geilo, and Olso. We added this on to a prior tour that ended in Bergen. Hotels were luxurious and the transportation was flawless (super experience on the 5 hour fjord excursion on a high-end luxury catamaran, the famed Flam railway, and the 'regular' Norwegian train system).

I booked in February for myself and my son, and at A$1200, it was the most expensive part of our trip to Norway. I immediately paid and received an email, and when I emailed a question, that was quickly replied too. However due to travel restrictions leaving Australia, we are now not able to complete our trip. As part of the terms and conditions states a full refund will be given, I emailed on 22/4 letting them know that we would not make it. When I heard nothing back I assumed they were busy at this unique time. I have now sent 6 emails and 2 WhatsApp messages, which have been read, and have heard nothing back. I am now at a loss as to how I receive my refund. The website is still live and taking bookings for the date we would have traveled. I did let the owner know that I would be using Trip Advisor as a way to communicate hoping it may give him the opportunity to finally reply. Not only am I disappointed that I can no longer go, I did want to rebook thus tour at a later day but now have lost all confidence with this company. I have screenshots/ copies of all emails if the company believes I am wrong.

Dear Claire.... As promised during Covid we would do the tour and as you now smiling has completed the cruise with no added cost - I would kindly ask you to re-write your review to reflect the great time you had onboard the boat :-) Thanks a million for letting us come back and correct your first impression and surely most people now see that Covid was unprecedented in its magnitude and we did simply not know how to deal with it at the time. Kindly - Bjorn

We were picked up directly at our hotel by the Guide and soon got out of town by a comfortable 6 seater Mercedes where all of us 4 had captains chairs. Was better feet space and comfort than we had in our plane. The Guide took care of all our luggage and we had the most educating conversation along the way to Voss about the scenery we saw. In Gudvange the wonderfull Mr Robert made sure we were to board the Premium cruise before the others - as he knew the personnel onboard the ship. We got more than we expected as he made a fast track for us where none is available to purchase. And this way - we had a first-row seat to the spectacular scenery from the cruise in the Naeroyfjord. The entire day was a true first-class experience where we could see how other travelers were bugged by not having a first-class service. The entire tour was a true delight and comes highly recommended. Kindly Gunter, Walter and Ulrike

Dear Walter It is really good to know that you were happy with our service on the Flåm tour. As locally based suppliers we are fortunately able to provide insight and views that none of the foreign operators can, and even we are somewhat more costly - we see that people who actually choose the locals experience more and better. I hope little Gunter was happy with his visit to the locomotive. The engineer driving the locomotive is a personal friend, and he was most thrilled about the young Gunter's enthusiasm for trains. I can assure you that such a visit is seldom, but one of the advantages of traveling beyond the main season is that we are able to pull a few strings and do things that are not normally a part of the itinerary. Thanks a million for being the most enthusiastic family and also for choosing us as your vacation partner. Robert sends his regards from his vacation and was most thrilled when I showed him your feedback. I will take your offer for a visit when I come to Schwarzwald in May and look forward to meeting you again. Greetings from the Fjords - Bjorn

Fjord Travel Norway

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FJORD TRAVEL NORWAY (Bergen) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Fjord Travel Norway

5 Trips match your criteria (1 - 5 shown)

Bergen & the Fjords

Bergen, Star Wars

• Unforgettable journey through Flam Railway
• Explore Bergen
• Experience fjord cruise to Sognefjord and the spectacular Aurlandsfjord branch.
• Scenic Fjord cruise on the beautiful Hardangerfjord

Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

Norwegian Fjords & Western Coast

• Explore Oslo
• Enjoy cruising onSognefjord & the Hardangerfjord
• Travel by the Dovre Rail
• Enjoy land excursion across the spectacular Atalantic Ocean road

Northern Lights Cruise & Snow Hotel

• Explore the Royal Castle in Oslo
• Enjoy Beautiful blue Arctic light in Tromso
• Enjoy a dog sledding trip!
• Experience the spectacular North Cape cliff!
• Northern Lights – one of nature’s wonders!

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

Sognefjord & Balestrand exclusive

• Experience Bergen line
• Discover Balestrand village
• Explore Bergen and the UNESCO Bryggen wharf
• Experience fjord cruise on the scenic Oslo fjord

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

A Taste of Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord

• Enjoy scenic Bergen mountain
• Experience a fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord branch & the main Sognefjord
• Visit the UNESCO Bryggen wharf
• Enjoy the Fjord cruise to the Eidfjord
• Explore Voringfoss waterfall

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We had an amazing trip arranged through Fjord Travel Norway

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we had an absolutely marvelous trip to Norway

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The 7 Best Norway Fjord Cruises [2024 Reviews]

The rugged coastline of Norway is famous for its breathtaking scenery and stunning fjords. No visit to Norway is complete without at least one fjord cruise.

There are a huge range of fjord tours available in Norway, from a simple 2-hour cruise visiting the local landmarks to elaborate packages including a 3-course meal and an onboard sauna.

Containing 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it’s a pristine travel destination that looks like something out of a movie. However, there are tons of tours that go through here which can make it hard to choose one worth your time and money.

We have the top Norwegian fjord cruise tours all right here, so don’t go anywhere!

Be sure to see our reviews of Norway Northern Lights Tours and Norway Whale Watching Tours .

Best Fjord Cruises In Norway

Don’t miss taking going into the backcountry and seeing the northern lights while you are in Norway, see our reviews here of our favorite northern lights trips .

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Norwegian Fjord Cruise Tours For 2024

• Best Whale & Wildlife Cruise: Fjord Cruise and Whale Safari by Catamaran From Tromsø
• Best Lunch Cruise: Wildlife Bird Fjord Cruise with Lunch and Drinks From Tromsø
• Best Value Cruise: Osterfjord, Mostraumen and Waterfall Cruise
• Best Sunset Cruise: Midnight Fjord Cruise From Tromsø
• Best Luxury Cruise: Fjord and Islands Luxury Catamaran Cruise From Tromsø
• Best Sightseeing Cruise: Waterfalls Rocks and Caves Cruise From Stavanger
• Best Dinner Cruise: Fjords Evening Buffet Cruise From Oslo

Norway Fjord Cruise Reviews

1. best whale & wildlife cruise: fjord cruise and whale safari by catamaran from tromsø.

• Duration: 7 hours
• Departure: Harborside of Kystens Hus, Tromsø
• Departure Time: Contact tour operator
• Includes :  Scenic transport via a comfortable catamaran (up to 3 hours one way),  English-speaking Guide, t hermal winter suit and life jacket, h ot drinks and biscuits

Our first tour is one of the most well-rated, comprehensive tours in this area. If you’re looking to really get to know the fjords and the incredible wildlife, this one is a top contender. The Tromsø: Whale and Arctic Wildlife Cruise Safari by Catamaran is not only exciting, you’re also going to learn a ton about the area.

This 7-hour tour starts off by you meeting the crew and the rest of your group early in the day to take advantage of the daylight. Make sure to dress warm, with layers, and a waterproof outer layer just in case you get wet! We recommend warm boots with good traction, as well!

However, if you need additional layers, the crew is happy to provide you with a thermal winter suit and a life jacket for safety.

Hop onboard a comfortable, top-notch catamaran located in the Tromsø city center. This makes it easy to access, no matter where in the city you’re staying. While the fjords are generally calm, there are some rougher points in the open water that may make you consider bringing motion sickness medicine.

Experts in all kinds of weather, the crew will make sure you have a great time, even on those dark and cloudy days. They’re incredibly friendly, and once you board, will tell you what to expect on the tour and answer any questions you may have.

Enjoy some delicious hot drinks (tea and coffee) along with some freshly-baked biscuits while marveling at the gorgeous scenery surrounding you. The journey to where you’ll see whales is a bit long – 3 hours out there – so get comfortable.

Along the way, you’ll learn all about the country’s varied wildlife, fishing, aquaculture, little villages around, and weather. Not only that, but they’ll relate it to historical accounts as well, which are always interesting.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, other experiences you may enjoy:, 2. best lunch cruise: wildlife bird fjord cruise with lunch and drinks from tromsø.

• Duration: 5 hours
• Departure: Scandic Ishavshotel in Tromsø
• Departure Time: Variety available
• Includes: Tour guide, t ransport for activity duration: sightseeing cruise, l unch, s nacks, w ater, c offee/t ea, w arm clothing, l ife vest, f ishing gear

Next up, we bring you the Tromsø: Wildlife Bird Fjord Cruise with Lunch and Drinks tour . If you’re looking for a slightly shorter tour than the one we just covered, this is a great alternative. However, they pack a lot in to this incredible excursion, where you’ll venture out onto the Arctic Sea and explore its wonders!

Meet up with the captain, crew, and rest of your group at the Scandic Ishavshotel, which is conveniently located close to just about any part of Tromsø. They’ll escort you down to the harbor to board the “Fjord Queen”.

Get that authentic Scandinavian feel by sailing in the classic mahogany boat, which is gorgeous, and comfortable. There are plenty of warm, sheltered cabins with large glass windows to see the Norwegian landscapes from.

If you’d like, you can brave the deck and take advantage of the complimentary insulated bodysuits the crew offers, as well. There’s plenty of refreshments available, such as water, coffee, and tea to keep you toasty.

They even serve lunch on board! If you’d like, don one of the complimentary life vests and check out the fishing options. They have fishing gear available for anyone to use, if that’s of interest to you.

As you cruise along, the crew will tell you all about the region’s history, wildlife, nature, water, and more. The Tromsø region is known for its birds – namely puffins, sea eagles, guillemots, and eider ducks. You may also get to see cormorants, seals, and otters!

The staff knows the best places to go to see these beautiful creatures, and even pilot whales or dolphins if you’re lucky! Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled around the shore, as there’s interesting flora and fauna, such as reindeer hanging out on land!

3. Best Value Cruise: Osterfjord, Mostraumen and Waterfall Fjord Cruise From Bergen

• Duration: 3 hours
• Departure: Meet at Fish Market,  5013 Bergen
• Includes: 3-hour round tour cruise to the beautiful Osterfjord and Mostraumen channel

Perhaps you have a packed schedule and aren’t able to fit in a longer tour that day. No worries, as there are plenty of fun fjord tours to take that are much shorter! Take the Bergen: Osterfjord, Mostraumen and Waterfall Cruise , for example!

Lasting 3 hours, it’s the perfect way to spend the morning or afternoon! You can enjoy the gorgeous landscape and be back to your hotel or lodging in time for lunch. Start out by meeting your group at the fish market for a round-trip tour to the stunning Osterfjord and Mostraument channel.

The modern boat is very comfortable, reliable, and safe. Each has plenty of space on the sundecks, and the kiosks are there to offer unlimited refreshments, like beer and wine.

If you want to get out on the water, this is a great way to do so. It’s nothing complex, but it’ll show you this magnificent UNESCO world heritage site of Bryggen in Bergen and much more.

Not only that, but you’ll be able to get away from the city hustle and bustle and just enjoy the fresh air and scenery. You’ll have plenty of time to see and learn about Bryggen before heading to Modalen, Norway’s second-smallest municipality.

On the way there, the fjord gets smaller, with steep, towering mountains looming overhead. The intense currents of the Mostraument strait are nothing to be messed with, but the captain and crew are experts at getting you there safely. They even sail right up to a waterfall!

While it looks incredible, the staff will catch a bucket-full of the chilly, fresh mountain water for all of you to try.

4. Best Sunset Cruise: Midnight Fjord Cruise From Tromsø

• Departure: Scandic Ishavshotel, Fredrik Langes gate 2, 9008 Tromsø
• Departure Time: 11 pm approx
• Includes:   Guide, s nacks, w arm drinks, w hole body suit

If you want to explore the Norwegian fjords in a much different way, we have just the ticket for you! We are sure you’ve never experienced anything like this before! The Tromsø: Midnight Cruise is another shorter one but will allow you to witness a simultaneous sunrise and sunset!

This 3-hour tour offers some of the most jaw-dropping views possible from the fjords. Meet your guide and rest of your group outside the main entrance to the Scandic Ishavshotel. This is a very convenient location for anyone staying in Tromsø, so not much planning is required to get there.

You’ll be welcomed on board a comfortable, modern boat and head out onto the Tromsø fjords. This cruise is only available seasonally, as starting from the 21 st of May onwards, Norway has 24 hours of daylight!

However, you’ll still see signs of sunsets and rises, with fire-like neon oranges and reds painted throughout the sky.

However, even though it’s daytime, you’ll still need to bring enough clothes that you stay warm while still being able to fit into a large thermal suit! These suits are provided by the tour crew, and are made to ensure you stay warm and dry!

While the weather of course varies, you can typically expect incredible skies an even see some animals like eagles! The guide will keep an eye out and point out particularly interesting flora and fauna along the way.

To keep you warm, you’ll be provided with plenty of coffee, tea, and snacks! Check out both the indoor heated lounge or brave the fresh-air deck of the boat.

5. Best Luxury Cruise: Fjord and Islands Luxury Catamaran Cruise From Tromsø

• Departure:  Down the ladder to the Floating Jetty – Next to Scandic Ishavshotel
• Includes: Coffee, tea and a snack, f ish soup on the way back to Tromsø, t hermal suits for all guests, f ishing gear

Do you want to experience the Tromsø fjords in one of the most luxurious ways possible? Do you enjoy the finer things in life and more lush modes of touring? Then check out the Tromsø: Fjord and Islands Luxury Catamaran Cruise tour !

This is yet another 3-hour tour, so if you have a packed day of events ahead, it’s easy to fit into your schedule. On this excursion, you should expect gorgeous views of the Norwegian landscapes, fresh air, and even the opportunity to try some of the traditional local dishes!

Your tour starts out by meeting at the Floating Jetty next to Scandic Ishavshotel, which is located in the center of the city and easy to access. Hop on board a luxury catamaran, called the “Arctic Princess” – one of the most gorgeous catamarans in the city.

You’ll be shown around the boat, where you have the Panorama Saloon, which is perfect for grabbing a drink and enjoying the company of the others on board while watching through the enormous windows.

You can also choose to relax on the day beds on the outdoor deck, if the weather is right! Of course, you’ll be provided with a warm thermal suit to wear over your clothing if you get cold! Plenty of warm coffee and tea is available to further keep you comfortable, as well as light snacks.

As you glide through the clean, crisp waters of the gorgeous fjords and islands that surround the area, you’ll learn all about them from your guide. They offer up a tasty traditional fish soup to enjoy as you’re taking in the fantastic scenery.

6. Best Sightseeing Cruise: Waterfalls Rocks and Caves Fjord Cruise From Stavanger

• Departure:  Strandkaien Pier in Strandgate Stavanger
• Includes:  Professional guide, g uarantee to get back to your ship in time, c ultural and scenic tour

If these tours sound interesting to you, but you’d like to focus a bit more on the cultural and historic aspect of the area, we have just the tour for you. The Stavanger: Waterfalls Rocks and Caves Cruise tour is another 3-hour adventure where you’ll see much more than the fjords!

While the weather tends to change quite a bit, the staff always makes sure you have the best time possible. Start out by meeting up with the crew at the Strandkaien Pier in Strandgate Stavanger.

Board the top-class boat, where you’ll have plenty of snacks and warm drinks to keep you comfortable. The guide will tell you what to expect on your cruise, and answer any questions you may have.

One of the first landmarks you’ll see is the Vagabond’s Cave, which is supposed to be named after a bunch of vagabonds who hid here for months trying to evade police capture!

The cove is absolutely stunning, with towering cliffsides surrounding an icy-blue pool of water. Next, see the infamous Pulpit Rock, which is naturally-formed to create a steep cliff standing almost 2,000 feet above Lysefjorden!

The almost completely flat top spans a whopping 80 meters across, which looks like it came out of some kind of science fiction blockbuster film.

Everywhere you go, your guide will tell you all kinds of interesting facts and stories about the area. You and your group will also come across sky-high waterfalls, picturesque islands, and captivating scenery. If you’re lucky, you’ll even see some local inhabitants, such as wild goats at a summer pasture!

Make sure to try the fresh, clear mountain water from the beautiful Hengjane Falls! Check out everything from the sundeck, which offers prime viewing of this legendary spot.

7. Best Dinner Cruise: Fjords Evening Buffet Cruise From Oslo

• Departure:  Oslo City Hall, Pier 3/Rådhusbrygge 3
• Includes: Shrimp buffet,  3-hour fjord tour

Want an authentic sailing experience while enjoying breathtaking scenery and a delicious dinner buffet? Of course you do! Do yourself a favor and check out the Oslo: Fjords Evening Buffet Cruise tour .

Lasting 3 hours, sign you and the rest of your group up for this tour instead of going out to dinner! Start out by meeting at Oslo City Hall, where you’ll be escorted to an authentic Norwegian wooden sailing ship!

The ship alone is photo-worthy, and is everything you probably imagine when imagining the Nordic countries.

Once you arrive, you’ll be able to hang out and explore the ship. The bar offers a wide variety of both hot and cold drinks at an additional cost, which you can sip on before the buffet begins.

Sail past all kinds of islands, including the famous Hovedøya, along with the gorgeous Dyna Lighthouse! The guide will tell you all about its history, geology, and cultural relevance today.

The captain expertly sails through narrow inlets and sheltered bays, so make sure you have your camera out! Passing the Bygdøy peninsula, this area is dotted with fascinating museums and beautiful beaches like Huk Bay.

The Maritime Museum has veteran sailing ships moored outside, which are so massive you can see them from your ship!

Now it’s time to sit down on one of the many benches to enjoy the mouth-watering shrimp buffet dinner! The ambiance is just perfect, and is a great date-night excursion to enjoy with a significant other.  An R&B and Blues band will set the mood, offering relaxing, welcoming background music to complement the experience.

Norway Travel Guide

Norway is a land of sublime mountains, glacier-carved valleys, majestic fjords, sparkling waterfalls, and colorful villages.

It’s no surprise that many visitors come specially to admire the beautiful scenery. But Norway also boasts a rich cultural history that offers plenty for visitors to see and do.

What you personally plan to do in Norway is your choice. However, it is in your best interest to do the research before you go.

This guide was written to help prepare you for your journey to this fascinating land because we want you to have the best vacation possible.

Airports & Entry

It is possible to reach Oslo by ferry from Copenhagen or by train, bus, or car from Stockholm. However, most visitors to Norway come by airplane and land at Oslo Gardermoen Airport .

Rarely will you find so many facilities inside a transportation hub. The single terminal building at Oslo Airport is compact, quiet, clean, and offers adequate seating for waiting passengers.

The airport is open 24 hours, and that includes some food outlets. Economy passengers can purchase an airport lounge pass for additional comfort during a long stopover.

The airport designers considered all your possible needs. Across from Gate A4, you will find an ecumenical chapel for your religious needs. Between Gates C5 and C6, there is a designated Work Zone for passengers who need individual desks and power outlets to work during their stay.

The free Wi-Fi is accessed by connecting to the “AIRPORT” network and selecting “free” on the login page. If you have kids, there are multiple Children’s Play Areas throughout the terminal. Strollers are available for your use, and there are specific Breastfeeding Corners for young babies.

20 restaurants and a range of shops are found throughout the terminal, including a pharmacy for your medical needs and the largest duty-free shop in Europe.

The Information Desk is found in the Arrivals Area. And if you really want to spoil yourself and have the time to spare, the airport spa and saloon offers express 20-minute pedicures and manicures for both women and men.

The airport is 29 miles from Oslo city center, but the train station offers convenient express services into the city that take only 20 minutes with trains every 10 minutes.

You can also take trains directly from the airport station to other parts of the country. 70% of airport passengers utilize public transport rather than hiring a car or jumping in a taxi.

When you book your hotel room, ask about airport shuttle services. Many offer a courtesy shuttle service for guests. If you prefer to drive yourself from the airport, 5 major car rental companies have desks in the Arrivals Hall near the railway station.

The airport is only 3.7 miles from European Route E6 to go north or south and 1.2 miles from E16 to go east or west.

There are also regular coach services between the airport and Oslo city center. Outside the Arrivals Hall is a taxi rank. Stop at the Taxi Information Desk in the Arrivals Hall first so they can explain the fixed rates.

Planning Tips

With so many beautiful things to see and interesting things to do in Norway, I’m sure you’ll have a great time. And to help you do just that, here are 5 tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Tip #1: If you want to see the waterfalls, go in spring or summer

It snows a lot during winter in Norway. Atop the mountains and high places, the snow doesn’t begin to melt until spring. That means that through the spring and into summer, a vast amount of meltwater rushes down from those high places creating seasonal waterfalls throughout the nation, especially alongside some of the fjords.

Tip #2: Check out the SolarHam website

If you’re enthusiastic about seeing the Northern Lights, check out the SolarHam website . There you’ll find a 3-day geomagnetic forecast and a satellite map that shows the current position of the Aurora Borealis . That’s essential information for seeking the best time and place to view this amazing natural phenomenon.

It’s easiest to see the Northern Lights from September through March, when the nights are at their darkest, but avoid new moons. You won’t see the Northern Lights in Northern Norway in summer because the nights are far too short.

Tip #3: Take your time to enjoy all the attractions of Norway

Norway is an amazing country, with a long and interesting history and stunning scenery. Even if your only intention is to cruise on the fjords or to see the Northern Lights, there are other attractions that you would enjoy.

It would be a shame to visit Norway and miss seeing some of the world-famous art in Oslo, the winding railroad between Bergen and Oslo, or the Viking ships that have survived over 1,200 years.

Tip #4: Book in advance

Norway is a small country with a vast number of visitors. Don’t miss out on essential train tickets, the better hotel rooms, or specific tours you really want to take. Book in advance to ensure you get what you want before it’s fully booked.

Many tours offer refunds within a certain time frame, so check when you book. It is possible you will take little risk when booking your tour if you can simply cancel it 24 hours before it begins should you change your mind.

Tip #5: Plan road journeys in advance and with great care

The roads in Norway aren’t like the roads in other countries. With 24-hours darkness during midwinter in the far north, ice on the higher roads, winding mountain routes, and loose moose on the road, delays are always possible. When planning a long road journey, consider local conditions.

Research the route and the specific conditions of the road at the time of year when you visit. Also, keep your eye on the weather forecast for that period.

Remember that some inland, northern, and high ground roads are regularly blocked by high snowfall during winter. Check road reports regularly and allow time for unexpected delays in your journey.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Because this small nation possesses so much coastline with so many fjords, a lot of traditional dishes focus on seafood. Also, with long, dark winters, preservation was especially important in the pre-refrigeration era.

That means that pickled, dried, and salted fish can be found on traditional menus in every region.

Pickled herring is a favorite at breakfast buffets. It is often eaten on rye bread and dressed in a variety of sauces. Lutefisk is another form of preserved fish. A common variety of lutefisk is dried cod cured using a lye solution. Lutefisk is a somewhat acquired taste.

Smoked or cured salmon is found in most Norwegian restaurants or hotel buffets. And an everyday meal in Norway is fiskeboller, which is balls of white fish blended with flour, eggs, and milk.

Reindeer is a popular meat in Norway, and you’ll find it on the menu in many restaurants. It may come in the form of fillets, meatballs, or sausages. If you’ve eaten venison, you’ll probably expect it to have a gamey, beef-like taste, but it doesn’t.

It’s more tender than venison, has a milder but salty taste, and comes with a slight metallic tang. Reindeer heart is a traditional delicacy.

You may see a lot of “hotdogs” around Norway. They probably aren’t. The Norwegians have their own version of hotdogs called pølse, which are made using a different process. You’ll often find pølse wrapped in bacon and served in a bread bun much like a hotdog. Sometimes pølse are made from reindeer meat.

A thin potato pancake called lefse is popular at breakfast time. It is made from potato, eggs, butter, and sugar, and it’s served with cinnamon or jam.

You’ll often find lefse in cafes and coffee shops. Another item popular on the breakfast table is brunost, or brown cheese. It is made using a different process to other cheeses and is often served in thin slivers atop toast.

If you linger for dessert, you’ll love Norwegian waffles. They are heart-shaped, thinner than Belgian waffles, and are topped with jam or brunost.

Or perhaps you’d prefer a little fruit. In summer, berries are abundant across Norway. The most sought after is cloudberry.

Cloudberry isn’t grown commercially, so it must be foraged from the wilderness before it can be served in restaurants and cafes around Oslo.

Nightlife & Entertainment

With a population descended from Vikings, it’s no surprise to discover that the nightlife in Norway is wild. In every region, you’ll find electrifying nightclubs in the larger settlements and crowded bars everywhere.

The 4 places most identified with an active club scene and nightlife are Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, and Stavanger.

Because Oslo is the capital, the most populous city, hosts the main university, and is the location of many of the main tourist attractions, most of the nightclubs are found there.

Lawo is a popular venue for the younger set in the nation’s capital, where the DJs spin the popular club hits. There the youth of Norway dance until they drop and drink themselves toward Valhalla. A more mature but still lively venue is Café Mono.

There you can listen to live music from a wide range of musical styles while you enjoy food and drink.

To the west, Bergen boasts a buzzing nightlife. Vaskeriet is a venue with a somewhat schizophrenic personality. Before 10 pm, it is a quiet cocktail bar, but after that, it turns into an infamous local hotspot with frequent themed events and guest DJs.

In the north, the Bardus Bar in Tromsø attempts to emulate the bistros of Southern Europe but with a strong hint of Norwegian culture and tradition.

It is especially renowned for its fine dining and lively atmosphere. And over in Stavanger, the Bar Bache is a great place to socialize through the long, long winter nights with relatively affordable drinks.

Getting Around

How you decide to get around Norway largely depends upon your timescale, your budget, and what you want to see.

If you want to go places fast, domestic flights are your best option. There are 52 public airports in Norway, an astounding number for a nation with only 5 million citizens.

SAS Scandinavian Airlines operates regular services to larger towns throughout the country. Some of the local airlines offer special pass tickets for travelers who intend to fly frequently within Norway for a specific period.

However, if you fly, you will miss a lot of spectacular scenery, and it may be more expensive than other means of transport.

Norway has a well-developed railway network with more than 1,900 miles of tracks. Many routes pass through beautiful valleys, curve around mountains, and offer panoramic views of the valleys and fjords.

The Bergen Railway is especially popular with tourists, running between Bergen and Oslo across Europe’s highest mountain plateau. Trains are slower than airplanes, but you will see much more, and they are generally more affordable than other means of transport.

If you want complete freedom, and you want to see every nook and cranny Norway has to offer, then hiring a car is your best option.

You will be able to drive along the famous National Travel Routes and stop anywhere you wish for photo opportunities and to enjoy local attractions. However, there are two problems with hiring a car in Norway.

First, navigating winding mountain roads, with blind corners, icy conditions, and in the dark is not for everybody. Second, car hire is expensive in Norway, so you’ll probably find the train cheaper.

If you decide to hire a car, please remember that the laws and conditions are different in Norway. In particular:

• Headlights must be on 24/7 and seatbelts must be worn
• You must not use your cellphone by hand while driving
• Check whether you’re getting an automatic or manual transmission when you book
• There are lots of speed cameras, and the fines are high
• Norway has super strict DUI laws — don’t drink and drive
• Moose on the road are inevitable
• Gas stations are widely spaced

Accommodations

Every year, tourists flock to Norway to visit its unique cultural and natural attractions, which means there is a wide range of hotels and other places to stay.

However, the attractions are often far apart from each other, requiring a long journey between each. For this reason, when planning a visit to Norway, think carefully about where you need to stay and for how long.

Don’t plan to spend every night of a two-week vacation in Oslo, because you’ll miss out on many natural attractions.

Similarly, don’t plan to spend every night in a hotel in the Arctic north, because you’ll miss out on the many historical and cultural attractions in the south of the country. Plan ahead and book accommodation near each place you plan to visit.

When you’ve chosen where and when you want to stay, you still must choose what kind of accommodation. The many hotels and hostels can be broken into three kinds: convenient, historic, and scenic.

Convenient hotels are those close to the attraction you want to visit and the transport hub—airport, train station, or main road.

You can find many convenient yet relatively affordable hotels throughout the country. Sadly, few will be truly cheap. Norway is an expensive country.

An example of convenient yet affordable accommodation is Hostel St. Svithun in Stavanger , which is a basic 2-star budget hotel in a central location of this popular destination in Northern Norway.

Around Norway, you will find interesting historical hotels that originally served a completely different function, like converted boathouses and farmhouses.

A particularly fascinating hotel is Oscarsborg Castle near Oslo. This fortress was in military service for 350 years until the end of the Cold War and now serves as a resort island.

If you love photo opportunities or waking to a glorious sunrise over a fjord or sunset over a harbor, a scenic hotel is for you. A great example is the modern Clarion Hotel The Edge in Tromsø that overlooks Tromsø Sound and the Arctic Cathedral.

Although the northernmost part of the nation falls within the Arctic Circle, Norway isn’t as cold as you’d expect. In fact, the name “Norway” means “the way north”.

Norway earned its name because its northern coastline is largely free from ice through winter, making it the easiest route north during the coldest months. The Gulf Stream keeps the coastline of Northern Norway warmer than other places at the same latitude.

However, there are vast variations between the different regions of Norway. Generally, the coast receives mild winters, while the inland areas experience cold winters with lots of snow but relatively hot and dry summers.

The mountainous regions remain much colder than other areas throughout the year. The south is considered the most beautiful in summer, but the fjords in spring, when melting ice leads to spectacular waterfalls.

The far north, which falls within the Arctic Circle, experiences 24-hour darkness during midwinter and 24-hour daylight during midsummer. Tromsø is the largest Norwegian town within the Arctic Circle.

Because of the extreme differences in climate from region to region within Norway, it is essential that you research the weather forecast for your specific destinations before you make plans. If you want to see the Northern Lights, 24-hours of darkness is ideal.

But if you want to sightsee, not so much. As a guideline, during summer the average daily high and low are 55 0 F and 46 0 F. In winter, 35 0 F and 27 0 F.

Maybe you think these temperatures are too cold for outdoor fun, but the Norwegians have a famous saying: “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. Bear that in mind while packing for your vacation.

Attractions

Most visitors to Norway come to explore the stunning landscape, famous for its many fjords, snow-capped mountains, and scenic waterfalls.

The coastline of Northern Norway borders the Arctic Sea, and those interested in wildlife can observe creatures adapted to the extreme cold of the far north. The north is also a great place to observe the famous Northern Lights, especially during winter months.

If you are particularly interested in the picturesque scenery of the Norwegian landscape, the fjords and coastline to the west and the mountains of Southern Norway are served by a series of 18 highways designated as National Tourist Routes.

1,150 miles of Norway’s rural roads have been upgraded and their facilities improved to ensure that they are especially tourist-friendly. So, if you’re hiring a car, get your camera ready and check out the National Tourist Routes.

If you’re interested in Norwegian culture and history, then Oslo has it all, and the best area to visit is the Bygdøy Peninsula.

On this tiny peninsula in the west of Oslo, you’ll find the most interesting cultural attractions in the city. Top on my list is the Viking Ship Museum , where you’ll find no less than 3 genuine Viking ships recovered from 9 th -century burial mounds.

Many visitors will be drawn to the spectacular exhibits at the Norwegian Maritime Museum, which boasts several relatively modern ship exhibits along with relocated buildings and a collection of 40 oil paintings relating to Norway’s long relationship with the sea.

Other museums found on the peninsula include the Fram Museum of Polar Exploration, the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Norwegian Folk Museum , and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History.

Those more drawn to art and architecture should look east toward central Oslo and visit the iconic Oslo Opera House.

This masterpiece of modern architecture not only houses the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet plus the National Opera Theater, but it also boasts a significant modern art collection, including the famous floating steel and glass sculpture She Lies .

In the same area, you will find the Munch Museum. There are few people in the western world who would not recognize Edvard Munch’s The Scream , and here is where you can see it in person along with other examples of the artist’s work.

Tour Guides

The 5-Hour Polar Fjord Cruise From Tromsø is our Editor's Choice for the Best Fjord Tours In Norway with its combination of sites seen, tour guides and value.

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best stonehenge tours from london [2024 reviews], the 5 best wine tours from florence [2024 reviews], the 7 best vatican tours ⛪ [2024 reviews], the 5 best seine river dinner cruises [2024 reviews].

Pine Knoll Lodge & Cabins

Fjord Travel Norway Review

Norway is a country of immense natural beauty, with towering peaks and pristine, snow-capped valleys. It’s also home to some of the world’s most iconic fjords – narrow, steep-sided inlets that cut deep into the coastline.

Thanks to its stunning landscape, Norway is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can enjoy everything from city breaks in Oslo to skiing and hiking in the countryside. But one of the best ways to experience the country is by travelling along its stunning coast, and there’s no better way to do that than by taking a fjord cruise.

Fjord Travel Norway is a company that offers a range of different fjord cruises, from short trips to full-blown expeditions. I recently had the chance to try out one of their cruises, and it was an amazing experience.

Our boat sailed from Bergen, a picturesque city located in the west of the country, and we sailed along the coast, stopping at different fjords along the way. The scenery was simply breathtaking, and it was amazing to be able to sail through these secluded inlets and get up close to the towering mountains.

The crew were excellent, and they were always on hand to give us information about the different sights we were seeing. They also organised a range of activities for us during the trip, from hikes to kayaking, which made the journey even more enjoyable.

Overall, I was really impressed with Fjord Travel Norway. The cruises are excellent value for money, and they offer a truly unique way to experience Norway’s stunning coastline. If you’re planning a trip to Norway, I would definitely recommend booking a cruise with them.

• 1 Are the Norwegian fjords worth seeing?
• 2 What is the best way to see the fjords?
• 3 How many days are enough for Norway?
• 4 Can you see the fjords by car?
• 5 Is a fjord cruise worth it?
• 6 Which fjord is most beautiful Norway?
• 7 Which is the best fjord in Norway?

Are the Norwegian fjords worth seeing?

The Norwegian fjords are a series of narrow inlets that snake their way through the mountainous terrain of western Norway. They are a popular tourist destination and are often cited as one of the most beautiful sights in the world.

So, are the Norwegian fjords worth seeing? In a word, yes. The fjords are stunningly beautiful, and offer a range of activities and attractions for visitors. There are a number of different fjords in Norway, so it is worth doing some research to find out which ones are the most scenic and have the most to offer.

The most popular fjords are those in the western part of the country, including the Sognefjord, the Hardangerfjord, and the Geirangerfjord. These fjords are all located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjorden. All three are incredibly scenic, with towering mountains, glistening waterfalls, and picturesque villages.

The Sognefjord is the longest and deepest of the Norwegian fjords, and is a popular destination for cruises. The Hardangerfjord is known for its orchards and fruit farms, while the Geirangerfjord is renowned for its dramatic waterfalls, including the Seven Sisters.

If you’re looking for a breathtakingly beautiful sight, then the Norwegian fjords are definitely worth seeing. The scenery is unforgettable, and there’s plenty to do and see in the fjords themselves. So, don’t miss out – add the Norwegian fjords to your travel bucket list today!

What is the best way to see the fjords?

When it comes to exploring the world’s famous fjords, there are a few different options for how to go about it. Each way has its own unique set of pros and cons, so it can be tricky to decide which is the best way for you. Here is a breakdown of the three most popular ways to see the fjords: by cruise, by car, and by foot.

Cruising the fjords is undoubtedly the most popular way to experience them. A cruise offers the chance to see the fjords from up close, as well as to explore smaller villages and towns that are inaccessible by car or foot. One downside to cruising is that it can be quite expensive – especially if you choose a luxury cruise. Additionally, cruises can be quite crowded, so if you’re looking for a more intimate experience, this might not be the best option for you.

Driving through the fjords is another great way to see them. This option is perfect if you want to have more control over your itinerary and want to be able to stop and explore smaller villages and towns. However, driving can also be quite expensive, as you’ll need to pay for gas, tolls, and parking. Additionally, you’ll need a car that can handle the winding roads and steep cliffs of the fjords.

Finally, hiking through the fjords is a great option if you want to really experience the beauty and isolation of the area. This option can be quite affordable, as all you need is a good pair of hiking boots. However, hiking can be quite strenuous, so if you’re not in good shape, this might not be the best option for you. Additionally, hiking can be quite dangerous if you’re not familiar with the area, so be sure to do your research before setting out on a hike.

How many days are enough for Norway?

Norway is a country in northern Europe that is known for its stunning landscapes and abundance of natural beauty. If you’re wondering how many days are enough for Norway, the answer really depends on what you want to see and do.

Norway is a large country and there is a lot to see and do, so ideally, you would want at least 10 days to explore it fully. That said, there are some shorter itineraries that can be done if you’re limited on time. A 5-day tour of Norway would include visits to the cities of Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger, while a 7-day tour would add in trips to the towns of Lofthus and Flam.

No matter how long you have, it’s important to plan your trip carefully to make sure you see as much of Norway as possible. The best way to do this is to map out an itinerary that includes the most popular sights and attractions, as well as some lesser-known gems that you may not have heard of.

Norway is a country that is best enjoyed outdoors, so make sure to include some hikes and walks in your itinerary. There are also plenty of scenic drives to take, so make sure to factor those in as well.

If you’re looking for some ideas on what to see and do in Norway, here are a few of the country’s most popular attractions:

• The Fjords – Norway is known for its stunning fjords, and a trip to the country is not complete without a visit to one (or more!) of these majestic waterways.

• The Oslo Fjord – The Oslo Fjord is the most popular fjord in Norway and a visit to its picturesque towns and villages is a must-do.

• The Bergen Railway – This scenic railway journey takes you on a journey from the coast to the mountains and is one of the highlights of a trip to Bergen.

• The Vigeland Sculpture Park – This sculpture park in Oslo is home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland and is a must-see for art lovers.

• The Geirangerfjord – This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway and a cruise on its tranquil waters is a must-do.

• The Trolltunga – This dramatic rock formation is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Norway and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

• The Sognefjord – The Sognefjord is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway and a cruise on its icy waters is a must-do for anyone visiting the country.

If you’re looking for a little more inspiration on what to see and do in Norway, the Visit Norway website has a wealth of information on all of the country’s top attractions.

Can you see the fjords by car?

Norway is known for its dramatic landscape and its many, many fjords. If you’re wondering if it’s possible to see the fjords by car, the answer is yes – but it’s not necessarily easy.

The best way to see the fjords is by taking a road trip along Norway’s scenic route, the National Tourist Routes. There are 18 of these routes, and they wind their way through the most beautiful parts of the country. They’re well-maintained and well-signposted, so you won’t have any trouble finding your way.

If you’re not interested in doing a road trip, or if you’re short on time, you can also see the fjords by taking a cruise. There are many cruise operators in Norway, and most of them offer trips to the fjords.

While it’s possible to see the fjords by car, it’s not easy. The roads can be narrow and winding, and they can be difficult to navigate in bad weather. If you’re not comfortable driving in difficult conditions, it’s best to take a cruise or a road trip instead.

Is a fjord cruise worth it?

A fjord cruise is a great way to explore the stunning and dramatic Norwegian coastline. Fjords are long and narrow inlets of the ocean, carved out by glaciers during the last ice age. They are a popular tourist destination and a cruise is the best way to see them.

So, is a fjord cruise worth it? The answer depends on your interests and budget. If you want to see the dramatic Norwegian coastline and enjoy some peace and quiet, a cruise is definitely worth it. You’ll get to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and you’ll have the chance to relax and enjoy the scenery.

However, if you’re looking for an action-packed holiday, a fjord cruise may not be the best option. The Norwegian coastline is beautiful, but it’s also rugged and remote. There isn’t a lot to do in the small towns and villages that line the fjords, so you may find yourself bored if you’re not interested in nature and scenery.

In conclusion, a fjord cruise is definitely worth it if you’re looking for a relaxing and scenic holiday. However, if you’re looking for something more active, you may want to consider a different destination.

Which fjord is most beautiful Norway?

Norway is home to some of the most beautiful and dramatic landscapes in the world, and its fjords are no exception. Any visitor to the country is likely to be blown away by their natural beauty and ruggedness.

So, which of Norway’s many fjords is the most beautiful? This is a difficult question to answer, as each one has its own unique charm and all are worth visiting. However, if forced to choose, we would say that the Geirangerfjord is perhaps the most beautiful of them all.

This fjord is located in the western part of the country and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, making it an impressive sight. It is also home to some of the most picturesque villages in Norway, such as Geiranger and Hellesylt, which are well worth a visit.

If you’re looking for a breathtakingly beautiful fjord to explore in Norway, the Geirangerfjord is definitely worth considering.

Which is the best fjord in Norway?

Norway is a country with many natural wonders, including its dozens of fjords. Fjords are long, narrow inlets of the sea that cut deep into the mainland, and Norway has more of them than anywhere else in the world. So, which is the best fjord in Norway?

There are many contenders for the title of best Norwegian fjord. Some of the most popular ones include the Sognefjord, the Hardangerfjord, and the Geirangerfjord. All of these fjords are stunningly beautiful, and they offer plenty of opportunities for exploration and recreation.

The Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, and it’s also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The Hardangerfjord is a beautiful fjord that stretches for nearly 100 kilometers, and it’s home to some of Norway’s most stunning scenery. The Geirangerfjord is perhaps the most famous of all the Norwegian fjords, and it’s known for its dramatic cliffs and stunning waterfalls.

So, which is the best fjord in Norway? It’s hard to say, because all of them are so beautiful. But if you had to choose, the Geirangerfjord would be a good contender for the title.

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Norway in a Nutshell Review: How to See Norway’s Incredible Fjords

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When we were planning our trip to Norway, we knew that seeing Norway’s fjords was one of the highest travel priorities for us. We chose to do so with the Norway in a Nutshell tour, which makes it easy to see some of Norway’s most incredible landscapes. So here is our Norway in a Nutshell review along with some tips to make your journey as smooth as possible!

What is Norway in a Nutshell?

Norway in a Nutshell is a prepackaged “tour” that makes it easy for you to travel from Bergen or Oslo to see Norway’s incredible fjords. The best fjords are not exactly close to Norway’s most popular cities, and it requires some slightly extensive public transport to get to them. It is 100% worth it, but it can also be a bit of a hassle to figure out.

Norway in a Nutshell makes it easy to add the fjords to your Norway itinerary , as it is a one stop shop for all the public transport tickets you’ll need to see Norway’s best fjords. They are operated by Fjord Tours, which has been running since 1982.

It is definitely possible to DIY the tour and buy all the public transport tickets yourself. It can also be a lot cheaper to do it yourself! But many people prefer the convenience of having all their tickets together in one place and their itinerary pre-planned so that everything is timed just right.

Is Norway in a Nutshell a Guided Tour?

No! There is no guide on Norway in a Nutshell. You won’t find anyone directing you where you need to go or sharing information about what you’re seeing. Instead, this is a tour designed for people who are traveling on their own. Don’t worry about getting lost though! You will find a lot of people along the journey with you doing the exact same tour you are! So you will definitely feel like you are traveling with a loose group even though you don’t have a guide.

Norway in a Nutshell Itinerary Options

Norway in a Nutshell is completely customizable based on where you want to start from. You can start from Bergen, Oslo, Voss, Flåm, or Geilo. The most popular options are to start in either Oslo or Bergen and end in either Oslo or Bergen (some people use this tour as a way to travel from Oslo to Bergen or vice versa).

The Norway in a Nutshell tour will include multiple transportation methods. When we were traveling, our kiddo had it memorized: a train to a bus to a boat to a train to another train!

I know it sounds like a lot of transportation, but that’s the point! Every part of the journey will include incredible Norwegian scenery. The highlights include:

• Bergen Railway, where you start to see the incredible mountains and fjords
• Fjord cruise on Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, two of the most scenic fjords in Norway
• Flåm Railway, a historic train with spectacular scenery

The best way to figure out your itinerary is to get on the Norway in a Nutshell site and explore all the different options. They really make it easy to understand your travel options.

Our Norway in a Nutshell Itinerary

We chose to do a roundtrip Norway in a Nutshell tour out of Bergen. Here’s what each step of our journey looked like.

Train from Bergen to Voss

Our journey started with a train ride from Bergen to Voss. We grabbed some breakfast at the little cafe/shop and then found a seat on the train. This isn’t a train with assigned seats usually, so you can take your pick.

Also note which car to get in. Some of the train platforms are shorter, so not all the train cars are accessible. The screen in front of the platform should tell you what car to get into for your stop.

The train from Bergen to Voss has some truly spectacular scenery, so have your cameras out and ready! You’ll pass fjords, small towns, and incredible mountains; although once you see what’s in store later in the day, it will almost feel like nothing. Also be ready to pass through A LOT of tunnels that are cut into the mountains.

When traveling from Bergen to Voss, try to sit on the left side of the train for the best views.

The train from Bergen to Voss takes about an 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Bus from Voss to Gudvangen

Once we got to Voss, we had about 15-20 minutes to get on our bus to Gudvangen. It’s very easy to find the bus stop, as it’s all connected in the same complex. Just check the boards for which bus stop to go to. But you’ll most likely be with a whole crowd of other Norway in a Nutshell tourists, so it will be easy to find.

Even though this is a bus ride (so transportation-wise it’s a little less exciting), you’ll still see some amazing landscapes. And if you are traveling in the summer, you’ll also have a brief stop at Stalheim Hotel for a scenic overlook and a bathroom break.

If you are prone to motion sickness, be prepared for this part of the journey. Some of the roads are a little twisty, so you might want to pack some anti-nausea medicine with you. (We did see at least one person get sick.)

The bus from Voss to Gudvangen takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Looking for books to read before your trip to Norway? Check out these books all about Norway !

Fjord Cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm

Ok y’all. This is it. The big highlight of your Norway in a Nutshell tour, where you’ll travel through some of Norway’s best known fjords.

Once we got to Gudvangen, we had about 30 minutes until our boat departed. They drop you off right at the docks, so we had just enough time to eat a little snack while sitting in the sunshine (we lucked out with some GREAT weather), go to the bathroom, and then board the boat.

Here’s my best tip where to sit on the fjord cruise: go to the top and sit at the back railing. Second best place would be the second level at the back railing.

Everyone is going to try to go to the top, but most of them are going to line up along the left and right railings. But if you camp out there, your views aren’t going to be as good. From the back you can face backwards on the boat and get great views all around you without a ton of people in front of you in one direction. (I’m not sure I’m explaining this well, so try this: if you sit on the right top side of the boat, you’ll have people on your left side views and vice versa. But at the back, you’ll have a straight view from the back of the boat.)

Traveling from Gudvangen to Flåm you will travel through two major fjords, both of which are arms of Sognefjord.

This first is Nærøyfjord. This is well-known to be one of the most incredible fjords in Norway. It’s called Nærøyfjord (Narrow Fjord) because at its narrowest it is only 250 meters across, all the while the sides are jutting up to mountains up to 1,700 meters high, many of which have waterfalls making their way down to the fjord.

The second fjord you’ll travel through is Aurlandsfjord. This fjord is much wider, but is still incredible. You’ll still be surrounded by towering mountains and waterfalls and pass hamlets tucked into the mountainsides.

The fjord cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm takes 2 hours.

What About Food on the Fjord Tour?

On our itinerary, we were on the boat around lunchtime. A lot of people had packed sandwiches and snacks to eat for lunch, but there is a small café on the boat with hot dogs and snacks.

What If I Have Bad Weather on My Fjord Tour?

There is a well-known phrase in Scandinavia: There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes. So look up the weather and dress appropriately for your tour. We lucked out with AMAZING weather on our tour day: sunshine and highs in the upper 60s. But even though it was warm in the sun, once the boat was going the breeze was cold and we definitely wished we had brought a few more layers.

That being said, if you truly to have terrible weather on your trip, there will be some indoor space on your boat. Ours had a very nice indoor seating area with wide windows where you could theoretically still see a lot (although I didn’t move from our position on the top of the boat the whole time, so I wouldn’t exactly know).

Stop in Flåm

Once we got to Flåm, we had about 2 hours and 30 minutes to explore this small town, get something to eat, do some shopping, and relax.

There was a cruise ship in the port while we were there, so it was a bit crowded, but we still enjoyed our time. There are multiple restaurants to choose from (we ended up getting some pizza and ice cream for an early dinner), several shops, and some beautiful areas to walk around in. Plus, it is all tucked into the base of some incredible mountains.

Train from Flåm to Myrdal

From Flåm we took the Flåm Railway to Myrdal. This is a historic railway that is known for being one of the steepest standard gauge railways in the world. You’ll pass by waterfalls and raging rivers, climb up mountainsides, and pass through 20 tunnels.

There is also a stop right next to a huge waterfall where everyone gets out for a few minutes, takes some pictures, and watches a dancer acting as Holdra (a forest spirit from Norwegian mythology). It’s a little bit strange and touristy, but fun nonetheless.

Finally, you’ll arrival at Mrydal, which is a remote station high in the mountains. Through much of the year, you’ll find snow on the ground here. (We visited in early June and there was snow all around us, and it definitely felt very tundra-like.)

In the Mrydal station there is a small café if you want to grab something eat along with bathrooms.

The Flåm Railway journey took about 1 hour.

Train from Myrdal to Bergen

The final leg of our journey was to take a train from Myrdal back to Bergen. There is still all kinds of beauty on this train ride, but to be honest we were feeling a little overstimulated by amazing landscapes at this point and it felt more like an opportunity to sit back and relax. Plus, for a lot of the journey we were traveling back through what we had already passed in the morning.

It was still a lovely train journey though!

Tips for Norway in a Nutshell

If you are traveling on a Norway in a Nutshell Tour, here are some tips and tricks to know:

• On the train journeys, check which cars you need to be in for your specific stop.
• There is not a place where you have to check in with your tickets, but have them ready to go because they will stop by on the train to double check your tickets and make sure you are in the right place.
• When traveling from Bergen to Voss, sit on the left side of the train for the best views! (And on the way back, sit on the right side.)
• On the train from Flåm to Myrdal, try to sit on the right side of the train for the best views. (From Myrdal from Flåm sit on the left side.)
• Wear the right clothing for your trip. It is best to dress in layers!
• While there are several opportunities to get food (notable on the Fjord Cruise and in Flåm) bring snacks and water!
• Even if you aren’t booking your tour through Norway in a Nutshell, get your tickets ahead of time everywhere you can! For our Fjord Cruise, everyone who had bought tickets in advance got to board the board before people were just buying tickets there.

Our Norway in a Nutshell Review

So should you go on a Norway in the Nutshell tour?

While you can definitely see fjords on your own while figuring out your own itinerary (and honestly, this trip definitely has us thinking about the future possibilities of visiting Norway and driving through the fjords on our own), Norway in a Nutshell makes it easy to see the best Norway has to offer.

Yes, you do pay for that convenience. It’s not a cheap ticket! But it means that your itinerary is preplanned, your tickets and directions are all packaged together, and you don’t have to figure things out on your own.

But our Norway in a Nutshell review is that is is convenient, easy to do, and so so beautiful! I honestly don’t have a single compliant or criticism about our tour. The Fjord Tour company has been doing this for a long time, and they know how to walk you through your journey.

So, if you are looking for an easy way to see the fjords in Norway in a day trip from Bergen or Oslo, we think the Norway in a Nutshell tour is definitely worth it!

More Norway Guides

• 13 Best Museums in Oslo, Norway
• 3 Day Bergen Itinerary
• One Day in Oslo Itinerary

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Norwegian Fjords Cruise Tips & Reviews

Posted on Last updated: November 9, 2021

Norway is a must-see destination for nature lovers. I was lucky enough to visit it in summer, when the fjords are green and the days are long.

I went on a cruise in the fjords with Hurtigruten , a fantastic experience that I highly recommend.

We cruised from Bergen all the way up to Cape North and were fascinated by the beauty of the fjords and the midnight sun.

Exploring the Norwegian fjords by cruise is already a magical experience, but especially more so when done with Hurtigruten, an expert local cruise company.

If you want to do a Norwegian fjords cruise and are looking for advice and reviews, you’ve come to the right place.

• 1 What is Hurtigruten?
• 2.1 Currency
• 2.2 Cuisine
• 2.3.1 Norwegian climate in summer
• 2.3.2 Norwegian climate in winter
• 3.2 Geirangerfjord
• 3.3 Cape North
• 3.4 Kirkenes
• 4 Norwegian fjords cruise tips: what to pack

The Geirangerfjord

What is Hurtigruten?

Hurtigruten is a Norwegian cruise, ferry and cargo operator. It was established in 1893 an attempt to improve communications in Norway.

Back in the day in winter when the mainland was covered in snow, travelling via sea and the fjords was the only reliable mode of transport and communication.

In the 1980s with the improvement of roads and the construction of a local airport network the emphasis of Hurtigruten on communication and deliveries became less important, and they started expanding the tourism aspect of their business.

Over time the Hurtigruten ships became bigger and more luxurious, till they became the cruise boats we see today.

One of the Hurtigruten cruise and cargo boats

Things to know about Norway

Before I jump straight into reviewing our Norwegian fjords cruise, I want to give you some background about Norway and the main things to know about the country.

Despite being in the European Union Norway does not use the EUR. The local currency is the Norwegian Krone (NOK).

You should check the current exchange when you visit; at the time of my trip the exchange was approximately 1 EUR to 10 NOK.

Travelling in Norway can be quite pricey, check out this guide to see how much you can expect to spend travelling in Scandinavia .

| READ MORE: HOW TO FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS |

Cute coloured houses in the Norwegian fjords – Photo by Silvia Ribeiro on Scopio

What is the most stereotypically Norwegian thing you can think of? Smoked salmon? Sounds about right.

Obviously there are other elements to Norwegian cuisine, but fish really does play a big part in it. As you have probably already heard everything is expensive in Norway, meals included.

I was pretty traumatised when at the Bergen fish market I paid the equivalent of 8 EUR for a half-litre bottle of water.

However if you do a cruise with Hurtigruten all the meals are included on board, so you could go the whole holiday without spending extra money on food and drink.

The food on board is excellent as well, I have never eaten so much yummy salmon and fish as during the week I spent in Norway!

Watching the midnight sun from the deck of the Midnatsol, our Hurtigruten cruise boat

Norwegian climate in summer

The weather in Norway can vary massively depending on the time of year when you visit.

I was there from the end of July to early August and found a pleasant mild climate, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C and long days.

The days get longer the further north you go, we went all the way to Cape North so were lucky enough to see the Midnight Sun and spend a couple days without ever seeing night.

Even in the most Southern parts of Norway you can get up to 19 hours a day of light in summer. We were lucky enough to find all sunny days, however it is not uncommon to find rain and cloudy days even in summer.

One of the beautiful waterfalls in the Norwegian fjords – Photo by Sumona Banerji on Scopio

Norwegian climate in winter

In winter instead the weather is very cold and the days are much shorter. Average temperatures in winter are below 0°C and there can be as little as 1 hour a day of sunshine.

While the weather sounds far from ideal, it is actually perfect for seeing the Northern Lights if this is something you are interested in (definitely an experience I want to do at some point)!

Views over Bergen, Norway

Our Norwegian fjords cruise reviewed

We did the Classic Voyage North that went from Bergen to Kirkenes on board the Midnatsol. The cruise lasts 7 days with prices varying depending on the type of cabin and time of year you book.

Since the Midnatsol is also a mailing delivery boat the cruise actually does a lot of stops, some only for a brief couple hours and some even in the middle of the night, just for the purpose of dropping off mail.

The most beautiful stops in my opinion were the following.

Enjoying the beautiful landscape of the Norwegian fjords – Photo by Dani James on Scopio

Bergen is the starting point of the cruise, a lovely city known as the cultural gateaway to the fjords. At one point Bergen was even the capital of Norway before Oslo.

The Bryggen district along the harbour, with its colourful wooden houses, is one of the most photographed and recognizable spots of Bergen. Another famous spot of Bergen that you can’t miss is the famous fish market.

While it can be a bit pricey (as is most of Norway compared to other European destinations!) the fish is of extremely good quality and well worth the price.

We stocked up on different types of smoked salmon that we then took home. Here you can also taste smoked whale if you’re feeling intrepid.

We were only in Bergen for half a day, which meant we were only able to explore the city centre, if you’re looking for more advice and ideas of things to do in Bergen, make sure to check out this article written by From Here To Sunday  or this 5-day Bergen itinerary by Travel Weekly .

The colourful houses of the Bryggen district in Bergen, Norway

Geirangerfjord

The highlight of the trip for me was cruising in the fjords, especially the Geirangerfjord and the areas surrounding it.

Sitting in the sun on the top deck while cruising in the fjords, surrounded by green mountains and waterfalls is a truly magical experience.

The Geirangerfjord a 15 km branch of the Sunnylvsfjorden and at the end of it there is a small village called Geiranger.

The cruise boats are too big to dock at the small town harbour, so you have to leave the Midnatsol via the smaller launch boats. From Geiranger we got a bus that drove us to a viewing platform at the top of the Geirangerfjord.

The view from up there was truly stunning.

Cruising into the Geirangerfjord

We ended the cruise up at Cape North, the northernmost point in Europe. There is a big metal globe that marks the exact point, just on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea.

The landscape there is truly impressive and it makes you feel small in front of the power of nature.

There are also deers that roam free in the fields next to the Cape North globe, we tried approaching some but without much luck.

The beauty of coming so far in northern Norway is that the days are even longer and if you’re lucky you will be able to see the Midnight Sun.

Being able to sit on the deck of the Midnatsol (which funnily enough means Midnight Sun!) at 11:30pm and watch the sun sink lower towards the sea with a bring orange sky was another highlight of the trip for me.

The metal globe of Cape North

Kirkenes was the final stop of our cruise. The town is quite small and uneventful, we were there on a Sunday and most of the shops were closed too so there was little to do.

One of the cool things about Kirkenes (in the nerdy eyes of a Geography graduate like me) is that it’s very close to both the Russian and Finnish borders.

If you wanted to you could jump in a car and after a short couple hour drive reach the point where the three borders meet.

Open landscapes in Norway

Norwegian fjords cruise tips: what to pack

One of the big questions I had before going on my Norwegian fjords cruise was what I should be packing.

I looked at the weather forecast but I found it hard to believe it could really get to 20°C or more, after all I was about to go the furthest North I’d ever been in my life.

Some essentials I recommend you pack for your cruise include; a light waterproof jacket , comfortable trainers and a warm hoodie.

For more packing information check out my Iceland summer packing list (different country I know, but similar weather conditions).

The harbour of Bergen, Norway – Photo by Sumona Banerji on Scopio

Final thoughts on doing a Norway fjords summer cruise

Have you been to Norway? Did you love it as much as me? Let me know in the comments below!

Norway is a beautiful destination; with its stunning nature and landscapes it will leave you breathless. If cruises aren’t your thing, check out these awesome Norway road trip routes !

Especially in summer when the fjords are green and you will have a chance to see the Midnight Sun, it truly is a must-see location.

Cruising the fjords with Hurtigruten will give you the opportunity to see and experience many different parts of Norway in a short period of time.

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The 5 Best Fjords in Norway: Complete Guide

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With nearly 1200 fjords in total, Norway is undisputedly the fjord capital of the world. Hence it is no surprise to know that travellers often get confused about which are best fjords in Norway (all though I sure have my favourites). So, in this post I have made a list of the 5 best fjords in Norway that you should prioritise when visiting!

Did you know that the word “fjord” itself is actually Norwegian? Instead of finding an English translation, at some point the rest of the world just started using it!

The fjords were created by glaciers, so massive that they went below the sea level back in the day. The steep valleys were then carved into the ground under the glaciers.

The glaciers slowly retreated, as we know from our geography lessons, and the ocean flooded the U- and V-shaped valley forming the famous fjords. In short, fjords are basically a V/U-shaped undersea valley.

National Geographic Magazine has ranked the Norwegian fjords as the best ‘ unspoiled travel destinations in the world ’. And when the American newspaper Chicago Tribune prepared its own list of ‘Seven wonders of Nature’, it included Norwegian fjords amongst the seven!

So, I’m not even being blunt when I say that you need to see the Norwegian fjords for yourself. And if you are here to know what the best fjords in Norway are; keep reading!

For my custom-made itineraries for fjord Norway, head this way!

Table of Contents

Location of fjords in Norway

Most of Norway’s fjords are located along the western coast, where I grew up. Hence, the best places to see Norway’s fjords are Stavanger, Bergen and even Ålesund, if you are wondering which Norwegian cities to visit.

All of these three cities are located on the western coast, and the best fjords in Norway are located close to these towns. In fact, Bergen is referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Fjords of Norway’ and is, in my opinion, the best place to start the fjord exploration.

Spending a short amount of time in Bergen , but want to make the most of it? Here are some of my favourite tours of Bergen !

The best way to see Norway’s fjords

The best way to see Norway fjords is by cruising right through them, of course!

While on a fjord cruise (or speed boat adventure), you will be able to admire the beauty of the surrounding landscape, the idyllic villages that lay along the fjord and the majestic waterfalls that plunge right into the fjord itself.

To get a panoramic or bird’s eye view of the fjord, you could choose to hike the peaks surrounding it ( just remember what I said in my massive Norway travel guide ; it is NOT called “hiking the fjords”! ).

Hiking is another one of the best ways to see Norway’s fjords. Some fjords can also be explored by road-tripping alongside them, and if you plan to do so, make sure to read this post covering 7 places to stop on a road trip in Norway!

The 5 Best fjords in Norway

The fjords of Norway are long, narrow, deep and have numerous side arms. Some of these side arms are even more famous and beautiful than the main fjords.

Every fjord is unique and has its own peculiarity, so regardless of which one(s) you aim to see; I know you’ll have a great time when visiting Norway.

While each fjord is beautiful in its own way, I would personally recommend you prioritise the 5 best fjords of Norway listed below before considering a visit to other fjords.

Do note that this is not an extensive list, and just my opinion and recommendation for the best fjords to see in Norway. There are others, such as Nordfjord (which you may be seeing if you sail on a cruise to Olden ) and even the Oslofjord as well!

If you want to see the fjords of Norway in 10 days, here’s the perfect itinerary for that!

#1 The Sognefjord

The Sognefjord is Norway’s largest fjord and hence nicknamed as the ‘King of Fjords’ (but trust me; no locals ever call it this). It is both the longest and the deepest fjord in Norway (and the world) and hence has many interesting experiences which make it amongst the best fjords in Norway. The Sognefjord stretches out for 200 kilometres into the country and cuts a deep slash across the map of Norway. Towards its innermost arm, it branches off into smaller fjords, most notably Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord ( where I grew up, yayy! ). The Nærøyfjord gets its own spot on this list below. At the end of the best fjord in Norway lies the largest glacier of mainland Europe – Jostedalsbreen, where you can try hiking on ice.

The Sognefjord is 6 kilometres wide and more than 1300 metres deep in some parts. There’s a lot to do in the Sognefjord region, like hiking in the Jotunheimen National Park, exploring Norway’s oldest stave churches, and fish or cycle around the idyllic villages.

If you want to explore the Sognefjord villages of Flåm, Aurland, Gudvangen and Undredal on your trip to Norway, you’ll want to check out my complete guide to Flåm and the villages around the fjord .

Ways to explore the Sognefjord

You can explore the Sognefjord from most of the surrounding villages like Balestrand, Lærdal, Sogndal, Fjærland, or Skjolden. You can start the journey of fjord exploration from Bergen to any of these villages.

Cruise – The passenger ferry Norled provides high-speed services to Sogndal from Bergen (and vice versa). As mentioned, travelling by boat is one of the best ways to see Norway’s fjords. The ferry services that link Bergen with Flåm also sail through the Sognefjord via Balestrand and Sogndal. You can book your cruise from Norled.

Road – You could drive through the villages along the Sognefjord by car starting from Bergen. This way you could also explore the towns like Lavik, Balestrand, Sogndal, Skjolden and Lærdal at your own pace, and stop along the way at the viewpoints giving incredible views of the Sognefjord. From Lærdal, you can plan a trip to Flåm and Gudvangen to explore the Nærøyfjord and ride the world-famous Flam Railway back to Bergen.

Hike – The most famous hikes along Sognefjord are in the areas of the Jotunheimen National Park, the Jostedalsbreen National Park, Vidasethovden, Breheimen and the Aurlandsdalen, Utladalen valleys, and The King’s Road. Here is my post on my favourite hikes in Norway .

At the end of the Sognefjord, you’ll find a gem by the water, and my favourite hotel in my hometown – Vangsgaarden .

#2 The Nærøyfjord

I strongly considered putting the Nærøyfjord as #1 on the list, but since it is technically a fjord arm of the Sognefjord, this felt fair. Regardless; you can consider the two fjords to share the #1 spot on this list of the best fjords in Norway.

Located between Gudvangen and the Aurlandsfjord, in Aurland municipality, the Nærøyfjord is in my opinion the most beautiful fjord in Norway. As mentioned, it is a side arm of the Sognefjord and it is just 18 kilometres long. Despite its small size, the Nærøyfjord is indescribably breathtaking. Being as narrow as 500 metres at some points , it is also one of the narrowest fjords in Europe. The Nærøyfjord was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 , and since then most travellers visiting Norway plan to include this famous fjord in their itinerary (with good reason).

The steep, often snow-covered mountains of Aurland surround the Nærøyfjord. As you know, I spent my entire childhood in and grew up in Aurland. Hence, I can proudly say that I am a close witness to the incredible beauty of the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord. Since the fjord is narrow, you can get very close to the surrounding landscape as well as the awe-inspiring cascading waterfalls if you opt to take a fjord cruise through it. In fact, when sailing from Gudvangen (at the end of the Nærøyfjord) to Flåm (at the end of the Aurlandsfjord), you’ll sail past the village I grew up in!

Wondering where to stay once you get to Flåm? Here is a complete list of all the hotels (and hostels) in Flam , Norway.

Ways to explore the Nærøyfjord

Cruise – You can either hop on a private cruise operator that takes you from Bergen to Flåm or drive directly to Gudvangen or Flåm to explore the Nærøyfjord by boat. The Norway in a Nutshell tour includes a ferry ride from Flåm to Gudvangen that covers both the Nærøyfjord and the Aurlandsfjord. It is possible to book this fjordcruise on your own too.

Road – There is no road along the Nærøyfjord that could give you a panoramic view of the fjord. Therefore, it’s best to drive to Gudvangen or Flåm and then sail through the fjord on a fjord cruise as mentioned above.

Hike – The Rimstigen hike is amongst the forgotten, offbeat hikes in the Nærøyfjord region (though not forgotten by locals). The 2 hour-hike starts by the Nærøyfjord near Bakka and offers a fantastic bird’s eye view of the fjord itself. The photo below, taken by my friend Torgeir on this hike, proves just that!

Se dette innlegget på Instagram Et innlegg delt av Torgeir Skjerdal (@torgeirskjerdal)

#3 The Geirangerfjord

The Geirangerfjord is one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway. The fjord has also been included on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2005, but after its Disney’s Frozen came out, it became the most visited fjord in Norway. Actually, the fjords in general gained incredible popularity after that movie, as it was inspired by Norwegian culture and the Norwegian fjord landscape.

Norwegian culture has also inspired a love for knitted sweaters! Head to this post for some Scandinavian sweaters I recommend.

Several abandoned farms surround the Geirangerfjord and have lately been restored for visitors. The small village of Geiranger is located at the end of the fjord. The 15-kilometre long Geirangerfjord is famed for its deep blue waters, dramatic mountain peaks and astonishing waterfalls making it one of the best fjords in Norway.

The Seven Sisters waterfall plunges right into the fjord and can be seen from a fjord cruise. The Suitor Falls faces the Seven Sisters waterfall just across the fjord. It’s good that the fjord cruises sail slowly, otherwise you wouldn’t have time to look at both; or to hear the old tale of how they came to be.

You’d be surprised to hear that the area and its beauty is under threat, as a massive part of a nearby mountain named Åkerneset is slowly finding its way into the Geirangerfjord, and is expected to one day cave and fall into the fjord. It’s suspected that the following tsunami will wipe out the entire village of Geiranger . Hence, it is advised that you visit the fjord when you can!

Fun fact: a Norwegian disaster movie called Bølgen (“the wave”) was made a few years back, covering this potential event.

Ways to explore the Geirangerfjord:

Cruise – Geiranger is located in North West Norway and is best visited in the summer season. You could drive to Ålesund from Bergen and then take a cruise from Ålesund to explore the fjord. You can also book the cruise from the main port of the Geiranger village. Almost all of the cruising excursions can be booked online at Geiranger Fjord Service or Fjord Tours . The audio guide in the cruise boats can help you better understand the attractions and the surrounding region.

Road – Geiranger can also be reached by road via the famous Trollstigen, and then you could take the Geiranger Skywalk to get breathtaking panoramic views of the fjord below. Another popular lookout point is Ørnesvingen viewpoint, from where you get an unobstructed view of the majestic Geirangerfjord, the steep mountains and also see the Seven Sisters waterfall.

The road up Dalsnibba also offers a fantastic view of the Geirangerfjord with the town of Geiranger in the foreground. The drive to Dalsnibba viewpoint takes about 40 minutes from the Geiranger town centre.

Please note that some roads are closed in winter. I always recommend you check the Norwegian Road Directory when driving.

Hike – There are several less-known hiking trails that start from Geiranger town, namely Lostad (1-hour hike), Skageflå (2-hour hike) and Keipane (4-5-hour hike). Each of these hikes will offer you a unique perspective of the Geirangerfjord.

#4 The Hardangerfjord

The Hardangerfjord is the second-longest fjord in Norway, stretching 180 kilometres into the land from the ocean. The area is referred to as “Norway’s orchard” as the land surrounding the fjord is extremely fertile, and is known for its popular apple juice and ciders. The Hardangerfjord is best visited in the Spring season when the fruits, flowers and berries are in full bloom – an absolute stunning time of year to visit!

The Hardangerfjord branches out into smaller fjords as it reaches inland. The bigger side arms of the fjord are Eidfjord and Sørfjorden, with Folgefonna glacier on one side and the Hardangervidda mountain plateau on the other. Both fjords are worth visiting, and I recommend staying in either Odda (a great starting point for the Trolltunga hike) or Norheimsund .

Here are some great activities in the Hardanger region:

Ways to explore the Hardangerfjord

Cruise – You could either reach Norheimsund from Bergen or travel directly to Odda to start your cruise in the Hardangerfjord. From Norheimsund, you will sail into the Hardangerfjord and witness the surrounding landscape full of historic villages and idyllic waterfalls. You will then move towards the Eidfjord arm, where you will be able to sight one of Norway’s largest and most popular waterfalls, Vøringsfossen. The sight of Vøringsfossen waterfalls itself makes Hardangerfjord one of the best fjords in Norway. Odda can be reached via a car by a 3 hour drive from Bergen and 4 hours from Stavanger. You can then enjoy a 1,5-hour RIB boat adventure to Ullensvang and back.

Road – Driving along the Hardangerfjord can be counted amongst the most scenic drives in Norway. You can start from Bergen and make your first stop at the Steindalsfossen waterfall where you can walk safely and stay completely dry behind it! Further, you can make your way to Steinstøberget that offers a great view of the fjord and the Folgefonna glacier (a national park). Drive on the road along the fjord to Odda and then Låtefoss to witness the Låtefoss waterfall, with a drop of 165 metres!

Hike – The Hardangerfjord is known for its hiking trails , the most popular one being Trolltunga, off course (you know, the cliff shaped like a troll’s tongue). It offers breathtaking views of the Hardangerfjord. Trolltunga attracts thousands of hikers every summer. The hikes to Vøringsfossen waterfall, the waterfalls in Husedalen and HM Queen Sonjas’s panoramic hiking trail between Kinsarvik and Lofthus are some other good hiking options alongside the Hardangerfjord.

#5 The Lysefjord

The Lysefjord, which directly translates to ‘the light fjord’, due to the light colour of the granite rocks surrounding it, is amongst the smaller fjords (40 kilometres long) in Norway. Though small, it is considered amongst the best fjords in Norway, without a doubt! Much due to the many popular (and famous) hikes along it. The Lysefjord is the southernmost fjord in Western Norway.

The Lysefjord region has been named a Sustainable Tourism Destination as the community and tourism boards work continuously to reduce the negative impact of tourism. Hence, it is a great choice for environmentally conscious travellers.

Curious about some of the activities offered in the Lysefjord region? Here they are:

Ways to explore the Lysefjord

Cruise – The Lysefjord can be reached by a 1-hour cruise from Stavanger. You can even cruise through the Lysefjord from Lysebotn or Lauvvik (the latter is a short drive from Stavanger, and as the cruise is a car ferry, you could bring your car).

Road – In summers, you can reach Lysebotn village by road via the 27-hairpin bends. Forsand is another excellent base to explore Lysefjord, and within easier reach from Stavanger. If you want to avoid driving on the somewhat dangerous Lysebotnvegen road, you could drive to Forsand from Stavanger and then take a ferry to explore the Lysefjord and the surrounding hiking trails.

Hike – As mentioned, the Lysefjord is home to the popular hiking trail Pulpit Rock . The 604 metres high Pulpit Rock plateau, that you can reach after a 3-hour hike offers an incredible panoramic view of the Lysefjord.

Lysefjord is also home to a loved and hated hiking trail called Flørli 4444. It is the world’s longest wooden staircase hike with 4444 steps to the top! Another gorgeous hiking trail can take you to the Kjerag boulder (Kjeragbolten), which is a large boulder suspended between two rock sides. This is one of the most Instagrammable destinations from the Lysefjord.

Wondering what to do once you are in Stavanger? Here is a complete list of things to do in Stavanger , Norway.

I hope you now have a good idea of the best fjords in Norway and can make an informed decision on which fjords to fit into your Norway itinerary . I recommend visiting the fjords between April and September. However, an increasing amount of people book their trips for the colder months of the year, as most of the activities on and around the fjord run during the winter too. My guide on visiting the Norwegian fjords in winter will be handy to you if you plan a winter trip. Of course, you can make up your own mind by reading this month-by-month breakdown of the best time to visit Norway .

Are you planning a trip to Norway? Then you’ll want to read my extensive Norway travel guide , which covers everything from where to go, how much to tip, and more. If you are wondering what else to do in Norway in addition to seeing the fjords, my article on the best places to visit in Norway will help you out.

Please leave a comment below if you have any questions or feedback, and if you enjoyed this post, I’d love it if you shared it!

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Norway in a Nutshell Review – Is It Worth It?

August 26, 2022 by Silvia 169 Comments

I can tell summer is just around the corner now, because more and more people are asking me about Norway’s most famous tour: Norway in a Nutshell.

There are a few different versions of this tour, depending on whether you’ll be departing from Oslo, Bergen, Voss, or Flåm, but they all have the same objective: to take you through the beautiful scenery of the Flåm Railway, Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord, and Stalheimskleiva.

So for everyone who has asked for my personal Norway in a Nutshell tour review here it goes: I don’t think it’s worth it.

Okay, maybe it’s a bit more complicated than that.

The Norway in a Nutshell tour itself is amazing. Like, it really does take you through some truly gorgeous places. I did it with my friends as a teenager and loved it. In fact this photo I took on the tour was my desktop background for a good 8 years:

I just have two problems with the Norway in a Nutshell tour: 1. it uses public transportation and 2. you’d be able to see more for less money if you rented a car.

The first point is actually my biggest issue with the tour – Norway in a Nutshell isn’t a guided tour, it just provides you with a set of tickets, all of which you could book independently for much cheaper . So you’re essentially paying a (pretty high!) fee to have someone book tickets that you could easily book online yourself.

In my opinion, this almost feels like a bit of a scam.  Almost . 

I mean, the convenience of having the tickets booked all together in one place is certainly worth it for some (especially as a few legs of the journey can’t actually be booked in advance otherwise – though they also don’t need to be), but it seems a little crazy to me that this is sold as an expensive tour when all you’re actually getting is a bunch of public transport tickets.

But the dumbest part is that if you’re booking through the tour, you’re going to be traveling on all of the busiest buses, ferries, and trains, with everyone else who has booked the same tour. Whereas if you did the same route independently you could choose transport times to avoid all the crowds.

Wait, actually the dumbest part might be that the tickets you get with the tour are not real transport tickets.  You will still have to wait in line when you arrive to exchange your Norway in a Nutshell tickets for the actual train, bus or boat tickets . And no, your ticket does not reserve you a spot either. So what’s the point?

Norway Travel Guides!  I’ve gathered all my best advice for planning an incredible trip through Southern and Northern Norway in two 95-page ebooks covering my top recommendations for places to visit (both on and off the beaten path), the best times of year to visit, how long to visit for, the best accommodation choices, transportation, what to eat, what to pack, and how to plan the perfect itinerary.

You can  purchase the Norway Travel Guides here .

Now, Fjord Tours, the company behind Norway in a Nutshell, has been around since 1982. And I really don’t mean to disrespect them. They offer a wonderful service for people who don’t know how to book tickets online, or would prefer to pay someone to do so.

But this 2022! Thanks to the Internet we can all book these tickets on our own now, so for many of us the service offered by Norway in a Nutshell is simply outdated. Why wouldn’t we just book our own tickets, where we can choose our own departure times and forego paying someone else a hefty fee, especially when planning a trip to an already very expensive country?

So if you’re not able to rent a car in Norway, I recommend doing a DIY version of the Norway fjord tour by booking the same itinerary yourself. You’ll save money (especially if you book your trains well in advance!) and have more flexibility to avoid the busy travel times and maybe take the journey a little more slowly, if you have time.

Booking the Norway fjord tour route independently

It’s actually incredibly easy to replicate the Norway fjord tour because they give you all their itineraries on their website. So if you want to do the exact Norway fjord tour you can simply find the itinerary you want to copy here , and then book your train, ferry, and bus tickets yourself.

So for example, if you want to do a tour starting and ending in Oslo, enter Oslo as your start and end point. 

Note: this tour gets incredibly crowded in the summer, especially in July, so I would highly recommend visiting outside of that time if at all possible.

Another advantage of booking this Norway fjord tour independently is that you can supplement it with some other really cool tours and activities since you’ll be deciding all of your own transport times. You’ll find some really great adventure tours and activities here (like zip-lining and even taking a helicopter ride over the fjords !). And since you’ll be saving money by booking your Norway fjord tour yourself, you’ll have extra money for adding activities.

Booking trains in Norway

You can book the train on the Vy website . If you book well in advance (you can book them up to three months in advance) you can get a really good deal on a “lowest price” ticket for the longer stretches – I’ve booked 10 hour train rides for 249 NOK (less than $30).

I just checked, and for August 5 you could still get a ticket from Oslo to Bergen for 249 NOK:

Or, if you’re following the Oslo Norway fjord tour itinerary, you could get a train from Oslo to Myrdal for 249 NOK:

Then you can get the train from Myrdal to Flåm for 430 NOK:

There are some regional trains, like the one to/from Bergen from/to Voss, that you can’t actually book in advance. But don’t worry, these trains don’t have assigned seats so you just need to arrive at the train station in good time to buy your ticket and you’ll be fine (worst case, if you board the train late you might have to stand if it’s very full).

Now, the one annoying thing about booking the Vy trains yourself is that the website won’t process credit cards from the United States, Canada and Australia, because apparently they lack a security protocol used for safe payments in Europe.

Instead you can pay online with PayPal, or if you don’t have PayPal  (though really, you should have PayPal) you’ll have to call Vy at +47 23 62 00 00. They speak perfect English, so you can just tell them which routes you want to book and then they’ll send you a link to pay with your card. It sounds like a pain, but it should actually be really easy!

Booking a fjord cruise in Norway

You can then book your fjord cruise here , and again you can either follow the Norway in a Nutshell itinerary and book the same Nærøyfjord cruise, or choose a different ferry or time (if you go early or late you can avoid some of the crowds).

Be aware that these cruises do book up, so you’ll definitely want to book this one in advance! Personally here I’d choose the 17:00 ferry, which should be much quieter, and then I’d spend the night near Gudvangen (which is  gorgeous ).

And when you’re in Gudvangen you could also stop by the Viking Village. This isn’t a museum, but a village where people live like Vikings. There are regular guided tours from June to September, and you can talk to the locals who have chosen to live like this even today.

It’s a really interesting way to learn more about the Viking era, from people who are so incredibly passionate about it that they continue to carry out the traditions and way of life.

Booking buses in Norway

While you do want to book long bus journeys in advance, as tickets online are cheaper than buying on the bus (I actually tend to just book them on my phone right before boarding the bus), depending on your route you’ll probably just be using the local bus on this journey, where you’ll by your ticket from the driver. Again, just get to the bus stop in time and you’ll be fine.

You can check the local bus schedule for the buses around Hordaland on Skyss , and Vy.no also sells bus tickets for some routes (from Gudvangen E16). So for example, from Gudvangen (Gudvangen kai) to Voss (Voss Stasjon) you’ll simply put in the two stations and see the timetable – you can then choose to get the same bus that’s listed on the Norway fjord tour itinerary, or you could get an earlier or later one, depending on what you want to do.

One thing to note: only the bus departing to/from Gudvangen kai (the dock where the ferry leaves from) from/to Voss will do the hairpin route via Stalheimskleiva. There are also some express buses to/from Gudvangen E16, but they go through a tunnel instead, and the bus stop is about 500 meters from the ferry dock.

And then from Voss you’ll probably be getting the train back to Oslo or Bergen, which you can again book on the Vy website.

If you were going straight back to Oslo you could get the evening train so that you can see the scenery (luckily at this time of year it will stay light!), or you could get the overnight train. Personally I would get the evening train, as there are many hotels right near the train station in Oslo, so it won’t be a problem getting in late.

So the total cost for roundtrip from Oslo via Voss (I included an overnight by Gudvangen here, so the hotel would be extra) would be 1622 NOK (about 190 USD). If you booked the same tour with Norway in a Nutshell it would cost 3420 NOK (about 400 USD) – that’s a 1798 NOK difference, or about 211 USD!

So the tour can be half the price if you book it yourself. That’s kind of absurd, no?

Seeing Norway by car instead

Usually I’m a huge fan of public transport, especially trains, but in Norway I always always prefer to travel by car. First because renting a car in Norway is usually cheaper than using public transport (at least if you’re two or more people), and second because having a car gives you the freedom to explore more of the countryside.

Read also: How to Plan an Epic Road Trip in Norway

The Flåm Railway is a beautiful rail journey, but I also found it to be an incredibly frustrating experience because I wanted to be able to stop in the prettiest areas and explore off the track a bit. You actually will be able to see more if you drive around the fjord region instead. Plus then you can get farther off the beaten path, which is especially helpful in the summer when the Norway in a Nutshell tour route is so, SO crowded. 

But if you want to drive along the Flåm railway route, you can drive up from Flåm towards Myrdal. The road does get really narrow at the end and you can’t actually drive all the way to Myrdal. But if you want you can hike the last few kilometers, which will take you up the famous Rallarvegen road, which is especially popular amongst cyclists.

This is also where the Flåm zipline is! I did this hike this summer (2022) and then spent the night at the top at the Vatnahalsen Hotel , which can actually only be reached by hiking or by train. 

You can also potentially save a lot of money by renting a car, not only because public transport is expensive in Norway, but also because the cheapest accommodation options are usually outside of the main tourist areas with few to no public transport connections. So by renting a car in Norway you can potentially save on transportation AND accommodation. 

Norway is also one of the easiest countries I’ve driven in. Yes, the roads have lots of twists and turns, but they’re generally quite wide (at least compared to some other places I’ve driven!) and with very little traffic. The only time I don’t like driving in Norway is in the winter when there’s lots of snow on the roads.

So yes, if you are at all able to rent a car in Norway I would 100% recommend taking a road trip around the fjords instead of doing the Norway in a Nutshell tour.

You can find my favorite road trip route from Bergen here , or you could follow the Norway in a Nutshell route more closely.

I’ve also written up a post with my top picks for places to stay along Sognefjord (including some lovely off the beaten path villages). If you’re on a really tight schedule you might not be able to stray too far off the main route, but I highly, highly recommend taking a look at my list and seeing if you can stay at at least one of these places, because they are so much nicer than the main tourist spots.

And then of course if you want to see the fjords from the water you can book a fjord cruise . Again, I recommend doing a cruise early or late in the day, as midday can get really crowded with tour groups.

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May 5, 2017 at 6:51 pm

So many good tips! I’m hoarding them for next summer, when I *may* actually take you up on that offer and see if you’re there to visit! (Don’t worry, I’m exactly as harmless IRL as I seem here 😉 )

Silvia says

June 12, 2017 at 3:42 pm

Sorry, forgot to reply to this one but yes please, how amazing it would be to meet in real life! Unless it turns out we don’t like each other, haha. Though I would be very surprised if that were the case…

June 12, 2017 at 3:45 pm

Ha, I forgot I wrote this, but I still stand by it! We might have to find a cunning way to overcome IRL shyness, but I think it would be fun!

Heather Hudak says

May 5, 2017 at 7:26 pm

I love that you have included comprehensive train schedules, links to itineraries, and ideas for places to stay. You’ve made it really easy to see the best of Norway!

May 9, 2017 at 7:32 pm

Thanks, Heather, glad you think so!

May 5, 2017 at 8:41 pm

Thank you for the great tips. I need some advice on – how to go from Bergen To Alesund – cheapest? Fastest? Easiest? Traveling date : 16 May ’17. And I’m thinking about boarding the Hutrigrten port to port from Bergen to Alesund… is it doable? How much roughly?

How to dress in May weather this year? Is it still cold?

Finally I will be in Norway from 10-20th May.

Thank you in advance.

May 9, 2017 at 7:31 pm

I don’t know how much Hurtigruten costs, but you should be able to find out pretty easily online! Or you could always just fly from Bergen to Ålesund. The nicest way would be to drive, but that would take a lot longer.

May is cold this year, so bring lots of warm clothing!

Vanessa Brune says

May 5, 2017 at 10:40 pm

Bookmarking this for when I finally get to explore the South! I totally agree with you though – public transport in Norway just usually sucks as the distances are huge! Renting a car and just driving around is always the better option – after all, you never know which postcard perfect motive you’ll find around the next corner 😉

May 9, 2017 at 7:00 pm

Yup, I’m all about the Norwegian road trips. And I guess you’ll be able to explore the south soon?!

Justine says

May 6, 2017 at 9:38 am

A road trip through Norway pretty much sounds like the best thing ever. Now if I could only find the time (and money) to get there… hopefully someday soon!

May 9, 2017 at 6:58 pm

Aah it would be amazing if you visited!

Stephanie Liane says

May 7, 2017 at 4:51 pm

Love the detail and suggestions here! I am wondering if there is any suggestion to bypass the bus trip at all? The trains and fjord cruise is what sounds good to my family.

You could simply do a roundtrip fjord cruise from Flåm, and then you won’t need to get the bus. Or you could just do a little boat trip from Flåm – have a look through the options on the fjord cruise site I linked to.

May 10, 2017 at 9:44 pm

Hi Silvia! Your blog is lovely, just makes me want to pack right away! I’m living in Aarhus for a year with my boyfriend and we’d love to spend a couple of weeks in Norway … on a budget of course 🙂 I was wondering, do you think there’s some place we could rent a van? Nothing fancy! And maybe beginning the trip in Bergen, and ending in Oslo? In Portugal we can do that … not sure if it is possible there? Thank you so much!

May 11, 2017 at 1:39 pm

Do you mean a camper van? I think they’re quite expensive to rent here, but you definitely can – just not sure if they’d let you pick up and drop off at two different locations. Though you could always get a cheap overnight train or flight back to Oslo at the end instead of driving (the best scenery is all on the west coast anyway). The absolute cheapest way to do it though would be to rent a small car from Sixt as they have some really cheap options ( http://heartmybackpack.com/sixt-discount ) and then camp or stay in the little huts at campsites.

Victoria @The British Berliner says

May 11, 2017 at 9:16 am

‘Love this post. Very detailed.

I haven’t been to Norway yet, but I’ll get there and when I do, your guide will be extremely useful.

Thanks Silvia!

May 11, 2017 at 1:36 pm

Haha yeah, possibly a bit too detailed – I went full out nerd on this one!

Mercy Woods says

May 17, 2017 at 5:50 pm

Thank you so much for this post!!

Absolutely love it! I am currently studying abroad in Spain and I am planning on spending a few days around Norway! I literally have no idea what I am going to do. I have always dreamed of going to Norway, and I’m thinking of going for a short time this summer just to see the Fjords and enjoy all that Norway has to offer!

Are you in Norway this summer? Do you host events there for people to meet you and listen to your adventures? My aspiration is to travel the world and document it and I would love to meet you and hear how you did it!

Thank you for being such an inspiration!

May 30, 2017 at 4:58 pm

I won’t be in Norway very much this summer, but that would be so fun if I were! I hope you have an amazing time if you come!

May 24, 2017 at 8:23 pm

Thanks for all the tips!! Do you have any recommendations for traveling or things to do/see in February?? I know it’s like the COLDEST and darkest month of the year but I found crazy-cheap airfare so I couldnt pass it up. I’ve read the northern lights is a must, but that’s about it. Have you done “Norway in a Nutshell” during this time of the year?

May 30, 2017 at 4:25 pm

I know people who did Norway in a Nutshell in winter and loved it! You’ll be way too far south to see the northern lights though. If you were you I would head straight up to Northern Norway – Tromso or even Lofoten would be amazing! Maybe see if you can find cheap flights there?

April 2, 2019 at 8:49 pm

Thanks for the wonderful blog. I’m planning a 4 weeks trip in Feb. Quick question, for the fjord cruise, you recommended boarding the 1700 session as it is quieter. In term of scenery, would it be too dark to see anything by that time?

April 3, 2019 at 2:51 pm

It depends when in February you’ll be visiting – you might actually be going right at sunset, which would be beautiful! Just Google the place, date, and sunset time and you’ll see.

J.D. Moore says

June 2, 2017 at 4:36 pm

I just wanted to thank you for your very detailed and easy to follow blog posting. I just finished booking the trains and the boat tour for my girlfriend and I. We saved a considerable amount of money booking ourselves and it’s all thanks to you and this blog post! We will be getting on the train in Oslo in a little less than 2 weeks we are beyond excited.

Thanks again!

June 7, 2017 at 5:41 am

Your site is so helpful – thank you!

You mention driving the Flam Railway route as an alternative – would you basically just link up with the route in either Flam or Myrdal? And would there be any need for 4WD?

June 7, 2017 at 3:37 pm

If you want to do the exact route and see the waterfall then I would recommend getting the train – but I actually preferred just driving and following any pretty scenery – often I’d go off on smaller roads. And my car is tiny so you definitely won’t need 4WD!

Leslie says

April 10, 2018 at 3:24 am

Hi Silvia – thank you so much for your blogs on Norway! I’m planning a trip in September and I have probably read ALL of them!

You’ve completely inspired me to rent cars everywhere I go! My plan is to rent a car in Stavanger, drive up to Bergen (how is that drive?), then round trip to Balstrand, Flam, Aurland and back to Bergen. Since this is my first trip, I’m wondering if there is anything that I will miss by NOT doing the Flam railway. I have to admit, the train is so cute and the pictures I see from it are amazing, but then again – It’s Norway. Everything looks amazing (in my humble opinion). I’m still deciding on whether to head up to the Lofoten Islands – rain or not, but if I do road tripping it is 🙂

Again … such great information! I joined the FB group too and having been gleaning lots of great tips from the questions/answers posted there!

April 11, 2018 at 3:32 pm

I’m so happy to hear that – and your trip sounds like it will be wonderful!

June 12, 2017 at 3:57 am

We will be in Norway in mid July for 14 days. We plan to do Norway in a nutshell and have not booked it.will that be difficultto do on a friday-Sunday? We will stay 2 nights in Bergan. Any recommendations on hotels? How do you pack for that time of year? Thank you

June 12, 2017 at 2:24 pm

I would just check the booking sites now to see if there are still available trains and ferries. Mid July is the busiest time of year in Norway, so you should try to book transport and especially accommodation as soon as possible. I have an article with my recommendations for hotels in Bergen here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/best-hotels-bergen/ and hotels on Sognefjord (including Flåm) here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/best-sognefjord-accommodation/

Kamlesh Ramcharitar says

June 26, 2017 at 2:15 am

Just came across your blog a couple days now and they’re all incredibly detailed. I’ve been researching Norway off/on for a couple months now and I’m planning a trip in October (2017). I may spend just about 3-days in Stavanger (hike either Preikestolen or Kjerag) and have about 4 more leftover in Norway.

I’m so torn between trying to see anything in the cities (Oslo & Bergen or others) and going more inland to visit the towns perched near the fjords. From what I’ve seen, the rainy weather may be less a problem in the inland locations? I’d prefer to take in the stunning visuals (fjordscape) rather than tramp around the cities. Also would have liked to do some more hiking etc. but I’ll be traveling alone so I don’t know how that’s gonna work out.

June 30, 2017 at 4:44 pm

It’s true, it rains less inland. Bergen is a really great city, while tourists often don’t find Oslo as interesting (it doesn’t have Bergen’s beautiful landscape). I would maybe skip Oslo and just fly in/out of Bergen, as you’ll see a lot of beautiful landscape around Stavanger and Bergen. I’ve written about some nice places to stay on the fjord near Bergen, though you would need a car (or to hitchhike) to reach some of these places: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/best-sognefjord-accommodation/ .

I hope you have an amazing trip!

July 11, 2017 at 5:28 am

My husband and 2 young adult children will be in Norway the last week of July. I was in the process of buying train tickets myself, following Norway in a nutshell suggestions when I came upon your blog about renting a car. So you recommend driving from Myrdal to Flom instead of riding the Flom Train? We are going from Oslo to Flom to Bergen.

July 11, 2017 at 12:38 pm

If you’ll only be going one direction then I would get the train, as it could be a hassle returning the rental car. I do love driving in Norway as you can explore off the beaten path a bit and it’s often cheaper than public transport, but for one way trips sometimes it’s not as practical.

Have an amazing time!

Ashley S says

July 22, 2017 at 11:23 pm

Hi – Thank you, this has been so helpful in planning our excursion from Oslo to Bergen! We’ve decided to take your advice and stay overnight in Gudvangen, however I can’t seem to find any hotels or places to stay. We’ll be arriving at 19:15 at the end of August. Are there any hotels in Gudvangen or should we take a bus elsewhere?

July 27, 2017 at 9:10 am

I know of this hotel in Gudvangen: http://go.redirectingat.com?id=72376X1521313&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fhotel%2Fno%2Fgudvangen-apartments.en-gb.html , or you could try Airbnb maybe.

July 27, 2017 at 2:23 pm

We will be traveling in mid-September and wanted to use public transportation and car rental between Oslo and Bergen. We would also like to include a lot of hiking along the way, where would you recommend renting a car midway between Oslo and Bergen? Also, is it better to just fly into Bergen and start our tour from there? We will be in norway for 9 days.

July 29, 2017 at 4:13 pm

If you want to rent a car between Oslo and Bergen I would do so in one of the towns on the train line, so that you can take the train instead of a bus there. Personally I would just fly into Bergen as I don’t find Oslo so interesting, but of course that’s totally up to you. Have an amazing trip!

August 6, 2017 at 2:42 am

This is super helpful, thanks! Quick question – if we’re thinking of doing Bergen to Oslo in mid-November, is driving still an option? Not sure if winter driving is in full effect. We’d like to rent a car and do the route ourselves, but may have to opt for public transport based on roads. Any thoughts or suggestions appreciated! Good winter driving skills (NY and CO) but not sure how that compares to Norway! Also risk of road closures? Thanks!

August 7, 2017 at 9:30 am

Awesome post! Quick follow-up question: does any of your advice change if we will be traveling with a ~1-year-old baby (and consequently will have more luggage, a stroller, etc.)? For example, are there seat reservations that we’ll need for a good experience but can’t make on our own without the tour company? Thanks!

merry natalia says

August 16, 2017 at 5:57 pm

Many thanks for your lovely tips. We are thinking to take this trip at end of Nov this year. Starting at Bergen with Norway in a Nutshell and continuing to Oslo. Do you think we will be fine to carry big luggage and carry on luggage with us on train, bus and ferry? Appreciate your input.

Cheers, merry

September 9, 2017 at 2:13 pm

Hi Silvia – I have just come across your site and absolutely love it! So much great information for first time travellers to Norway. My husband and I are driving from Copenhagen to Oslo in October and only have a couple of days to see as much as we can. Can you recommend a driving route from Oslo that will give us a good overview of Norway in only a day or two please? Thanks

September 29, 2017 at 5:54 pm

I would consider driving to Rjukan and up to Gaustatoppen and back!

September 18, 2017 at 3:59 am

Thank you so much for this helpful guide!! Saved me $60 🙂

Paula Sherwood says

October 2, 2017 at 5:47 pm

Hi Silvia. So glad that I found your websites (just had fun looking at your Accommodations one). Feel like we should know you since you come from Worcester and we currently live in Plymouth, MA! We are planning a trip to Norway next summer with 3 generations, including two teenage grandchildren. We’ve already booked a Hurtigruten cruise for the Bergen to Kirkenes route, and would like to follow a Norway in a Nutshell itinerary, but the consensus is not to rent a car (since the kids would be much happier on trains and boats).

My first question is: are taxis and/or Ubers generally available to get folks from one town to another, say, on the Sognefjord?

Also, would you recommend that we book a night or two in Kirkenes at the end of the cruise?

Thank you so much!

October 3, 2017 at 4:21 pm

Taxis are incredibly expensive in Norway, but generally available even in more remote destinations (you’ll just have to wait longer for them or book in advance). And yes to Kirkenes, if you have the time! It’s a really interesting little place.

Felice says

October 25, 2017 at 9:31 am

This blog is a God send! I’m visiting Norway in April 2018 (hope the weather is kind!). Thanks to your advice I will be booking independently going to Trondheim first and doing the nutshell tour in reverse.

Thanks so much!

October 29, 2017 at 6:47 pm

So happy you found it helpful!

November 5, 2017 at 1:30 am

I was on the Norway in a Nutshell website, and the tour price at the moment is 1,440 NOK, which isn’t that big a difference compared to what you’d pay if you booked yourself.

Am I looking at the wrong page, or are those just winter rates? Will they be hiked back up to 2,440 come summertime?

This is a painstakingly comprehensive article. Thanks 🙂

November 5, 2017 at 10:58 am

Just went back and checked and the round trip from Oslo via Voss is still listed as 2480. 1440 is just the cheapest route they have (probably one way).

November 16, 2017 at 10:09 am

really like your summary in visiting Norway…i have question, do you come to know any company that can send luggage from Bergen to OSLO, thank you

Suzanne Pearlman says

December 4, 2017 at 3:23 am

What wonderful blog Silvia! I’m planning a trip from Santa Fe, NM (USA) for next December and this was such great information! I really appreciate all of your tips, thank you.

December 6, 2017 at 4:43 pm

Oh that’s wonderful, have an amazing time!

December 27, 2017 at 9:04 pm

I’ve got a random question for you – my brother and I are planning to visit Norway the last 2 weeks of May. If we got there before National Day, where would you suggest celebrating? Are there certain cities that celebrate more than others? We both prefer less-touristy destinations.

December 31, 2017 at 1:24 pm

The bigger celebrations will be in the cities – Oslo’s is the biggest – but you’ll find lovely celebrations everywhere. I would maybe try to be in at least a bigger town maybe of at least 5,000 inhabitants, as smaller places might not have so much of a parade or anything.

January 6, 2018 at 12:20 am

Silvia, thank you so much for this post! I am planning a trip to the fjords this summer and have been very hesitant about NiN. This was a great, honest post and inspired me to do it myself 🙂 For the trip, my partner and I will fly into Bergen (because it is the best route from Paris). Do you think it is do-able to rent a car and drive from Bergen to Flåm for example? Merci beaucoup 🙂

January 9, 2018 at 8:04 pm

I just came across your site looking for ideas on how to DYI Norway in a nutsell. I will be in Norway March 2018. This will be my first solo international trip. I am very excited and I am really looking forward to making my way from Oslo to Bergen and back. Thank you for all of your great information. I like your site and look forward to reading about the different counties that you have visited and adventures you’ve had.

Melissa Lusk says

January 11, 2018 at 5:10 pm

Hi Silvia, First, let me say thank you for this great website and awesome advice. I really appreciate being able to reference this information. We are coming to visit right during the summer, the beginning of July. We have booked our accomodations and we’re starting in Oslo (1 night), going to Gudvangen and around (3 nights), Bergen (half-day), and then Tyssedal (2 nights). We have to rent a car to go to Tyssedal and we were originally thinking take trains/ferries from Oslo to Bergen and then rent a car, but after reading your posts I’m wondering if it would be better to rent the car in Oslo and then return it in Bergen (we fly out of Bergen).

As far as I can tell the pros of the trains are no stress, no navigating, and just enjoying the views. And the pros of driving are being able to stop when you want. One site in particular that has me on the fence is I am very excited to see the Borgund Stave Chruch and I’ve read the bus ride from Flam is limited in it’s availability. We are staying at the Gudvangen Camping site, so I’m thinking it would be safer to drive. But, I’m still torn.

As such, I’m seeking your advice. Please let me know which option you would recommend. A. Renting a car in Oslo and driving the trip. Or, B. Train/ferry/bus to Bergen and the rent a car.

Thank you very much for your time and help!

April 26, 2023 at 2:02 am

Hello. We are planning on doing this same trip in June. Just wondering what you decided as far as the transport situation went? Did you take a train from Oslo to Bergen, then rent a car? I’d really appreciate the feedback. -Chris

January 14, 2018 at 2:07 pm

Love this blog, makes me want to explore Norway even more! (I live in the southwest part of Norway, not to far south/southeast of Stavanger).

Have already bookmarked this blog for further reading!

February 5, 2018 at 8:35 pm

Love this blog, thank you so much! We are planning to fly into Bergen and we were thinking to do the Norway in a nutshell. We planned to rent a car in Bergen and travel around. Do you happen to know if we could rent a car in Bergen and return it in Oslo? Do you know if we could leave our rental car where we take off for the cruise? From Oslo we plan to fly to Northern Sweden. I have shared your blog with my friends.

February 8, 2018 at 7:41 pm

You should be able to rent a car in Bergen to drop off somewhere else, but it’s usually more expensive. Sometimes you can find quiet good deals if you book it early enough though – once for me it was nearly the same price as returning it to the same city, so it’s worth checking! And you should be able to leave your car in at the ferry parking lot – not sure if you have to pay or not though, so you might want to check with them.

February 20, 2018 at 6:40 pm

Hi Silvia, thanks so much for this post which is still relevant in 2018. I just booked the Oslo – Myrdal – Flam train ticket on NSB and the Flam – Gudvangen cruise on VisitFlam following your instructions. Since I’m not able to buy the Gudvangen to Voss bus ticket and Voss to Bergen train ticket in advance, I don’t know if I’ll save any money overall (compared to booking through Fjord Tours’ Norway in a Nutshell) but I like the additional flexibility it gives me. I can choose my seat on the train (you can’t if you book the NIN package because the seat is allocated to you), and to add on a ticket protector (in my case it was 38NOK) for the fjord cruise that allows me to refund/change my cruise ticket until the day before. If you book the NIN package, you can’t make changes or cancellations to any legs of your journey unless you top up 350NOK for cancellation protection when you book and even then, if you cancel, you still have to supply a medical certificate or a letter stating your extenuating circumstances. So even if not for the monetary savings, the DIY tour offers other advantages. Thanks again!

February 21, 2018 at 5:04 pm

I can’t get over how detailed, useful and beautifully written your blog is – it’s along the lines of how I think and covers all the options/ideas I would have spent hours exploring myself, so I feel like I owe you!

My partner is from Oslo and always tells me about the beauty of Norway, so I do end up moving there (from London), I think I might message you to ask your advice on various other things if you don’t mind!

Many thanks!!

February 24, 2018 at 6:22 pm

Hi, I’m “Y” who commented earlier about the flexibility of DIY Norway in a Nutshell. Just an update: I realised that the train timing that fitted in for my Voss to Bergen leg happened to be a regional train so I was able to book it in advance (full price but refundable). With that booked, and estimating that the Gudvangen to Voss bus is around 120NOK, I was able to calculate that the overall cost of my DIY Oslo – Bergen NiN (inclu. premium fjord cruise and cancellation protector) would be around NOK 1450 as compared to the package NiN cost of NOK 2250 for the same dates and same components. The difference of NOK 800 translates to a 35 per cent cost savings. So, this was a really great overall outcome!

March 2, 2018 at 11:02 am

That’s great news!

Sweeda says

February 28, 2018 at 1:13 pm

Hi, I am so glad to have come across your blog, perhaps you can help clarify for me. I am so confused about the Norway in a Nutshell – is that just meant to be a journey where you sit and enjoy the scenery from the various means of transportation you are on? I don’t understand. The times between each destination from the itinerary is so little as well, so I guessed that there wouldn’t really be time to get off at each destination and take time seeing the place, walk around etc. Is it meant to be just get from one place to another and enjoy everything via the train, bus, ferry etc? Also, if I were to get off and wander around, is it easy enough to wander around and get back to the bus stop, station and see everything much closer etc.

March 2, 2018 at 10:56 am

Yeah, it’s mostly meant to show you the sights while on the transport. This works well on the ferries, as it is a great place to view the fjords from, but if you want to explore more on your own I would book independently and factor in more time, or maybe even rent a car.

March 15, 2018 at 12:05 pm

Hello my name is Viola and thank you so much for this info, very helpful! My family and I will be visiting Norway come this July and are wanting to DYI the Hurtigruten Norway in a Nutshell. I’m a little nervous and want to make sure its done right. So I have a few questions. Is the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord Cruise on one trip or two different cruises? Also regarding the Hurtigruten coastal cruise overnight stay, From Bergen to Ålesund which company is used? And is the over nighting on the cruise ship or do we spend the night somewhere and need accommodations? Is the tender boat to Urke and sight seeing through Norangsdalen valley to Hotel Union all included on the Hjørundfjord cruise? Your feed back is very much a appreciated. Thanks, Viola😊

March 27, 2018 at 5:17 pm

Hi Viola, I’m not Silvia but I am following the thread because I had previously followed the instructions here to book DIY NiN and also commented. Separately, on my own, I also booked tickets to go from Bergen to Ålesund on the Hurtigruten, so thought I would answer this part. You can book the Hurtigruten tickets yourself on http://www.hurtigruten.no and choose the tab ‘havn til havn’ which means ‘port to port’. Then, you just enter your embarkation and disembarkation points to get the price. If you use Google Chrome as browser, just choose the translate option to get the page translated to your preferred language. If you are on a budget, the Bergen to Ålesund journey which is 13.5 hours is considered a short trip so it gives you an option to book as a deck passenger (no cabin). The price without a cabin (especially for a solo traveller) is cheaper than one with a cabin. You can check out both pricings and compare. Hope this helps. Silvia, hope you don’t mind me replying this part.

April 1, 2018 at 5:54 pm

Thank you very much!! This does help, very much appreciated!😃

April 2, 2018 at 4:56 pm

You’re welcome! I realise you are travelling in July, which is summer season, so if you travel Bergen to Ålesund then, the Hurtigruten offers an extended sailing Ålesund – Geiranger – Hjørundfjord – Ålesund, so that may be quite a scenic option. You can choose the extended option when you book your tickets. Or see the sailing schedule (click the Sommer/Summer tab for July sailings) here: http://www.hurtigruten.no/praktisk-informasjon/ruteplan Cheers.

Brandon Converse says

March 18, 2018 at 1:29 pm

I really enjoy your articles and webpage in general. This one specifically, speaks right to me, because I love to vacation via rental car because everything is at my pace, or should I say “our pace”. My wife and I are both from the US and absolutely love traveling to new places. She’s the navigator, I’m the driver, and together we’ve experienced some incredible places “off the beaten path”. Norway is the ultimate destination for me, and am currently planning our 10 year anniversary (summer 2019) trip to Norway. I’ve already got a foundation established for the regions we want to visit but would really enjoy receiving some feedback from you on the small villages to see just north of Bergen and then flights up to the Lofoten Islands, traveling the E10 and staying in the rorbuers. I’ve been reading many of your articles but just now signed up for your newsletter and FaceBook group. I’m so thankful you have this webpage and are sharing your experiences and tips for Norway. It’s great to learn from those who have been there. Thanks!

March 19, 2018 at 6:27 pm

I have booked the train ticket from Oslo-Bergen next week. But do you think that I should cancel it, and do the NIN or the manual NIN instead? Because if we book the NIN tour, we can use the one-way tour to reach Bergen instead of riding the train Oslo-Bergen? Not sure if I am making any sense. Because I think it will save quite a lot of money

March 26, 2018 at 12:14 am

Is it better to do the NIN instead of the DIY NIN version you’ve posted if we are traveling as a family of 4 the week before Christmas 2018? I’m wondering about the roads etc even though we are competent drivers.

Thanks so much for your wonderful blog.

March 26, 2018 at 5:24 pm

The DIY version is exactly the same as NiN, except that you book the tickets yourself. But if you mean if it would be better to do a road trip, I think it depends on your experience driving in snow. If you’re used to it it should be fine, but if snow makes you nervous maybe stick with the trains!

kaitlin says

March 28, 2018 at 6:45 pm

I was planning on doing the Norway in a nutshell tour and was curious what places in recommended staying the night at? I’m planning to go in June and a few of the places the hotels are already booked. I’m planning on just purchasing the tickets through the company since my boyfriend and I are both terrible with directions so doing a rental car probably isn’t the beat option for us. Also what is the weather like in mid June? I’m from San Diego California so pretty much everything is cold to me!

Gabriel says

April 8, 2018 at 5:52 pm

I was planning to make a day trip by car. I have already booked an AVIS from Bergen City Center for that day at a reasonable price. Do you think is possible to drive to Flam, take boat trip and then come back to Bergen in the afternoon. This will take place in May 2018. Thanks for your help.

April 11, 2018 at 3:35 pm

I think that should be doable!

Sujata Suri says

April 12, 2018 at 11:35 am

My husband and I plan to visit our friends in Oslo in June. We were in the process of planning a Norway In A Nutshell “Tour” – ended up thoroughly confused & a few Google searches later, we stumbled upon your v.informative blog. We are also considering visiting Stockholm by train and Copenhagen via the Stena Line cruise. Looking at an approx 10 day itinerary.

Since we are still at the drawing board, could you please suggest how best we could utilize the time if we do not drive (don’t think our driving licenses would be valid in Norway)?

Warm regards

April 21, 2018 at 12:10 pm

Where are you from? Most foreign driver’s licenses are valid in Norway for up to a year – just check online.

Mihiri Arven says

April 12, 2018 at 12:30 pm

Thank you so much for this Blog post which was very helpful for me. I was about to book the NIN tour for 4 persons which was about 13600 SEK when I found your blog. What a relief and now I’ve booked almost everything by myself and it cost me only 8600 SEK. So I was able to save about 5000SEK which was quite a lot of money. Also I had the flexibility to pick the suitable times by myself. Only thing i’m going to do different compared to NIN is, that take a direct bus from Gudvangen E16 to Bergen. I found this site http://www.nettbuss.no/bestilling/velg-avgang where you can book the bus also. Do you think we will miss anything without taking bus+train option rather than taking the direct bus?

April 21, 2018 at 12:09 pm

The route is a bit different, but still beautiful!

Tim Stein says

April 15, 2018 at 8:09 pm

Hi: Do you have any suggestions on a one-way car rental from Bergen to Oslo? We have 4 adults and 2 kids. Everything available is sooooo expensive.

April 21, 2018 at 12:08 pm

I’m afraid one-way rentals will be quite expensive – usually sixt.com has the best rates though!

Sheetal says

April 16, 2018 at 5:54 pm

Your blog seems incredible specially for tips on Norway. We have booked our tickets for Norway for mid May and plan to drive around Oslo – Flam – Bergen – Stavanger – Oslo over a period of 4 days. I had a quick question (because all the searches have left me thoroughly confused) – the route from Gudvangen to Voss – is this via ‘stalheimskleiva’ in that direction? Or does this road ‘stalheimskleiva’ run from Voss to Gudvangen? Reason for my question is I read it is a one-way road now and goes downhill so which direction do i need to take to be able to drive along this road?

Thanks in advance, and apologies if the question doesn’t make sense!

Cheers, Sheetal.

hejpdx says

April 23, 2018 at 8:04 pm

I am not a Norway expert, but I happen just now to be planning a Norway driving trip which includes the Stalheimsklevia Road. The Road is off of road E16. It runs from high ground to low ground, which is also basically from west to east. If you locate the Stalheim Hotel on a map, the Road will take you east from there back to E16. If you want to drive to the Road from the other direction, you have to pass it and then return on E16 so you can enter from the right direction (not a great distance). maps.google.com should help to picture this.

May 16, 2018 at 11:51 am

Thanks for the reply. It now makes it clear! 🙂

Elizabeth Anglarill says

June 4, 2018 at 8:49 pm

Hi Silvia –

Can’t tell you how grateful I was to stumble upon your blog. I had been looking into NIN, and you’ve just saved me a lot of money, as well as clarified some things for me as well.

I wonder if you could advise me on a travel question. I am traveling to Norway in early July with my 2 boys (ages 10 & 14). We’ll be in Oslo for 2 nights, and then head to Bergen doing the NIN itinerary. I would love to stay a night somewhere along the line so that I can enjoy the countryside some more, and hopefully be able to do some kayaking (recommendations for that is appreciated). Your suggestions of Aurland, or Gudvangen look ideal, however, lodging is proving to be difficult. I had planned to stay one night in Bergen, where I’m assuming lodging will be easier, but would you suggest I stay a few nights (I can do up 5 nights)? Is it a good base for day trips, and such? Ideal activities are biking and kayaking, if that helps, and just slowing down a bit.

Thanks in advance!

Heather says

June 7, 2018 at 4:13 am

I’m so glad I ran across your post. My husband and I are in the early stages of planning a trip to Norway and we were trying to decide if we should just book the expensive “tours” or try to piece it together ourselves. This post was seriously so helpful for making that decision. We will definitely rent a car so we can take our time and go at our own pace so we can stop and see the beautiful scenery!

Patrick McMahon says

June 18, 2018 at 1:45 pm

Great, informative stuff here! My wife has been bugging me to do the Nutshell (it’s a big thing for Chinese tourists it sounds) and your ala carte approach is just plain smart. Question: Any recommendations on where to stay in Gudvangen? Thanks again.

June 19, 2018 at 8:47 am

My friends recently stayed here in Gudvangen and said it was nice: https://fave.co/2MEnRmu This is another option: https://fave.co/2JXl0mG

Carole McIntyre says

February 17, 2020 at 4:21 am

You mention how cheaply you may rent a car. It has been my experience in the past that the rate you book for has nothing to do with what you end up paying. The insurance and whatever else they add, jacks the prize through the ceiling. Has that changed for foreigners? In addition they require a credit card be used,so they can bill it directly for any possible scratch, with no recourse.

February 17, 2020 at 11:01 am

Hm, I’ve never experienced extra charges when renting a car in Norway.They do bill you later for any toll roads you took, but that’s purely based on where you drove. The only place I’ve experienced added costs was in Spain, but that was for a super cheap rental car.

Melissa Yu says

June 24, 2018 at 3:31 pm

We will have a car for the entirety of our 2 week stay in Norway. My husband wants to do the Flam Railway because he heard it’s the prettiest train ride in the world. However, your blog says to travel by car? I am reading conflicting information on whether the route is accessible by car. People have said the road does not go where the train goes. Can you provide more info and suggested routes if you do not recommend the Flam Railway?

June 27, 2018 at 10:28 am

It’s a different route by car, but also very pretty! Of course if you want to do the exact rail route you could always park your car and ride the train up and down.

Andrew says

November 6, 2018 at 4:33 pm

Silvia, What would be the route by car that is comparable to Flam Railway?

July 10, 2018 at 7:52 am

Just wanted to say thanks for writing this blog!

I was able to book the same trip as NiN but be more flexible with the times I wanted to travel as well as pick my seats for the train ride from Myrdal to Oslo. Also, I saved about $180 between the two of us for the same trip!

Bergen – Voss Train Voss – Gudvangen Bus (yet to book this one yet but seems the least worrisome leg of the trip) Gudvangen – Flam Fjord Cruise Flam – Myrdal – Oslo Train

Thank you for catching all the important points that gave me the confidence to book the trip myself. I can’t wait for our trip in August!

Sharon says

July 10, 2018 at 5:17 pm

Thank you so much! This was so helpful and much appreciated. You are a gem.

Jennifer Liscinsky says

July 25, 2018 at 9:43 pm

This information is awesome, thank you so much for writing all this! My friend and I are visiting the first week of August…we were supposed to stay with one of my friends I met while living in Dublin and he convinced us to book tickets to go to Bergen saying we could stay with him. He’s now not replied to my messages for 2 months so we’re last minute looking for ideas/places to stay during prime tourist season and we’re both poor graduate students so I’m very frustrated and mad at him but your post has helped so much!

Sameer says

July 26, 2018 at 10:19 am

Great Information here… Thank you for all information. I am planning to go for “Norway in Nutshell” tour with my wife and two kids(age:1 year & 4 years). I tried to calculate indivisual ticket of entire itinerary but it cost me same as they are charging from Bergen -flam-Bergen.

I like to know if we can carry a baby stroller with us during entire trip…I doubt if we can carry it in boat/bus.

July 27, 2018 at 5:49 pm

Ah I’m afraid I’ve never traveled with kids, so I’m not sure about the baby stroller. Norway seems quite baby friendly in general though, so you probably can take a stroller.

Alicia Scott says

August 4, 2018 at 7:18 am

I came upon your blog today while researching Tallinn. Now I can’t stop reading it. Thank you for all the great information. Would love your advice. My friend and I are going from Oslo to Bergen and we’re going to take the train but book it ourselves rather than through Norway in a Nutshell. We plan to do it in two days and then spend a third day in Bergen. We plan on staying overnight in Gudvangen the first night and go to Voss/Bergen the next day. Anything we should do the second day besides travel to Bergen on the bus/train? We have a full third day in Bergen too.

August 9, 2018 at 6:55 pm

Love love love your blog and it has been my inspiration for our planned road trip to Norway early Sept. We are renting a car in Bergen and want to check my itenary with you. Day 1: Bergen via Hardangerfjord to Odda and Latefossen Waterfall. Continue north and sleep in Voss. Day 2: Voss to Flam. Park car. Do return Flam Railway trip Flam to Myrdal. Continue onto the Aurlandsfjellet scenic route. Cross Sognefjellet and onto Sognefjelletvegen. Sleep on R55 near Skjolden 30mins from Gaupne. Day 3: continue on R55 to Lom. Head to Geiranger but do the Strynefjellsvegen. Sleep outside Geiranger. Geirangerfjord cruise late pm. Day 4:Geiranger via Trollstigen to Andalsnes. Then towards Molde and do a stretch of the Atlantic Road. Sleep Molde. Day 5: Molde to Alesund to return rental car late morning in Alesund.

Question: 1)Do I leave Flam railway trip in my itenary, or rather spend more time around Hardangerfjord and scrap the Flam Railway. 2) According to google maps this very full itenary is okay, or do you think I need to slow down. It is just sooo expensive to rent a car that I am trying to do as much as possible in a day and do not mind starting early in the mornings.

Really appreciate any advice!

August 25, 2018 at 9:28 pm

HI, I have been reading your blog over and over! So much good information. I will be there in November this year to do a Hurtigruten cruise. I have two days in Bergen and want to do one day of the Flam railway with a fjord cruise. I really want to take the railway down from Myral to Flam and then catch a train back to Bergen. Do they have a train that will go from Flam to Bergen?

August 31, 2018 at 3:18 am

Hi Laura. I am not the blog’s author but I was just in Norway 2 weeks ago and did a diy Norway in a nutshell tour. You are right, this blog is so helpful.

There is no direct train from Flam to Bergen. I think the only train in Flam is the Flam railway.

So if you intend to travel by train to Bergen, you have to take the Flam railway back to Myrdal then change to another train to get to Bergen.

Jeremiah says

October 4, 2018 at 2:20 pm

Thanks. I’m heading to Norway from Austin later this month, and this is exactly the information I was looking for.

October 9, 2018 at 5:51 pm

Hey, thank you for all the detailed tips. I am planning to visit in 1st week of November, not sure if its a bad idea? I imagine it will be too cold and days going to be short too, so we have to do one thing in a day and cant keep train journeys or cruise for evenings as will be dark to see anything? I have no compelling reason as such to visit in November only but me and my friend both wanted to visit norway and we have weekend free that time.Flights are cheap too but then we dont want to come if we cant explore and enjoy the beauty around. Please suggest.

December 24, 2018 at 9:11 pm

Hello Silvia! I am LOVING your blog. Thank you SO MUCH for the work you put into it. The links to all things you suggest are so helpful. You seem to think of EVERYTHING and I love all your pictures. I feel like I like to travel in a similar way to you. With that, I have been dreaming of traveling to Norway and have just purchased my flights for October 2-22, 2019. I am traveling with my mom… she is 71. So I won’t be doing any camping but still want to hike & kayak (per what the season allows :)). I have been looking into the Hurigruten round trip cruise. I was overwhelemd by ALL of the options in the Country and had heard that a cruise was a good way to see a lot on a budget (?? really?). But not knowing any better I found Hurtigruten and for a cruise, it looked great. But After reading many of your posts and this one especially I wondered if you had any thoughts on the cruise. Right now OUr plan is to do the round trip cruise (Bergen to Kirkenes and back to Bergen) and then travel for 5 days after… Probaby to Oslo and maybe back to Lofoten (Rein) or to that town you talked about, Ana-Sira Or Stavanger. So much is in the works :). Just wanted to get your thoughts… Cruise or no? 🙂 Thank you!

Alexandra says

January 1, 2019 at 1:35 pm

Hi, Silvia! First of all, thank you soooo much for this post! It’s so detailed and with all the links, it’s just fantastic and a precious help to all of us. I’m planning to do the NiN in May, but I’m thinking about the “reverse” route (beggining in Myrdal and ending in Voss). But, due to train and buses schedules, I need to spend around 2h both in Gudvangen and Voss. Do you think I can entertain myself for a couple of hours there, or I’m gonna be bored? I don’t mind walking a bit, or spending some time just reading and enjoying a warm drink – I even think it might be a way to know some cute places – , but I’m afraid that the places would be too quiet and with nothing to see/do in a walkable distance to the station (it was the problem with ending in Myrdal, because I nedded to spend 1h there, and I read it is mainly a transit station, so I decided to try the oposite route – just not sure if it’s a better option).

Thank you very much in advance! Happy 2019! Alexandra

David Rosenbaum says

February 10, 2019 at 5:39 am

Hi, Silvia. Thank you for all of the great information. My wife and I are planning a trip to Norway mid-September of 2019, three weeks through the first week in October. We will do nine days on Hurtigruten (Bergen to Kirkenes to Svolvaer) then a week driving around Lofoten and maybe Senja, too.

Two questions: Considering what we are doing, would NIN be overkill or more of the same? Second, what do you think about Northern Norway and Lofoten from mid September to early October?

Thanks, Dave

March 5, 2019 at 1:59 am

I just priced this out for a day trip from Bergen as a loop back to Bergen for a Friday in June. 4625NOK on the NIN website; 3594NOK booking separately for 2 adults and a child; saves about $115 USD.

PARTHA DATTA says

March 6, 2019 at 9:09 pm

We are planning for May, but the gas price is little confusing. One of my friends told me that it would be so expensive if we travel hy car. Can anyone please kindly guestimate the car travel cost from Oslo to Bergen based on the current gas price in Norway? The price and metric comparison giving me hectic in comparison to USA gas price calculator.

March 6, 2019 at 10:23 pm

Gas costs about 16 NOK per liter right now, so you need to look up the gas mileage of the type of car you’re looking to rent and then divide the number of miles you’ll drive by the gas mileage (in liters), and multiply that by 16 to find out about how much you’ll spend on gas.

Jeremy Tan says

April 6, 2019 at 2:37 pm

Thank you so much for the information, i am intending to visit Norway and Tromso for the 1st 2 week of December 2019. Do you have any recommendation or guide that i can follow?

Northern Lights is definitely a must visit in our itinerary.

April 6, 2019 at 3:34 pm

You can find all my information and guides to the Northern Lights here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/tips-northern-lights-norway/

April 26, 2019 at 10:16 am

Hello Silvia,

Thanks for you amazing guide on the self-planned ‘Norway in a Nutshell’, we saved lots of money by booking things independently 🙂

One question: should the bus from Voss (Voss Stasjon) to Gudvangen (Gudvangen kai) be booked advance via the app (we are going there in late July) or should we head straight to the bus stop then book at last minute? I’m afraid that there will be lots of passengers- which we won’t be able to get on the bus- as we followed the same itinerary as listed in fjordtours.

Please advise us on this matter.

Thanks, Aidan

Manuela A. says

April 26, 2019 at 3:07 pm

Hello Silvia, lovely to e-meet you. This is very helpful and detailed, thank you 🙂

One question, I want to do NiN like you suggested and book the tickets myself to save some money however I like the idea of renting a car as well. I am very excited about the Flam railway and my concern is: am I going to enjoy the views with the car same as If I were on the train? I heard the train goes very high, would that possible with the car?

Many thanks in advance and have a lovely weekend. M.

April 26, 2019 at 8:40 pm

To be honest I think the views from the car will be even better, plus you’ll have the added advantage of getting to stop to take photos whenever you want!

John K says

May 4, 2019 at 5:12 pm

I am stilll a little confused can you help? If I do day trip via driving from Oslo where do I catch the train or fjord cruise? And then how do I get back to my vehicle? If you can point me to a good day trip itinerary for a fjord visit in June I would be forever grateful.

May 4, 2019 at 5:13 pm

Thank you John

May 29, 2019 at 10:07 pm

It looks like you can do the fjord cruise round trip.

Abhinay says

June 11, 2019 at 4:16 pm

We have followed your suggestion and could save lot of time and rush. It has been a fantastic tour.

Alicja Lisnow says

July 20, 2019 at 11:45 pm

Thank you so much for this review, we appreciate how thorough you are and how now it all makes more sense to me in deciding where to go from Bergen to Oslo, or not. I do have a question.

We are taking a cruise that will stop at Stavanger, Eidfjord, and Bergen Norway. Do you think it also makes sense for us to rent a car and visit Godwangen, Flam and Aurlandsvangen? Is it worth taking 2 days to see these additional locations considering where we stop?

helpless says

August 26, 2019 at 5:48 pm

Will be travelling using this guide in mid Sept. Just wondering, are we only required to book the train from Oslo to Myrdal? What about the train from Myrdal to Flam? Ferry from Flam to Gudvangen? Bus from Gudvangen to Voss? and Train from Voss to Bergen? Do we have to book those in advance too? If not, will there be any price difference if we are to buy the ticket on the spot?

September 2, 2019 at 4:07 pm

You can (and should!) book everything in advance except the bus tickets. The bus you can simply pay for by card when you get on.

August 26, 2019 at 5:50 pm

September 19, 2019 at 6:47 am

Hi Silvia! Loved all your info! I was looking at Norway in Nutshell for my potential trip. I plan to do a tour with Aurora Holidays in Jan 12th thru 19th then head to Norway after & maybe Sweden from Jan 19th thru 30. Renting a car would be ideal but since we will be going in the dead if winter doing the public transportation would be better. Any suggestions where to stay? Hotel vs Airbnb? Activities? What cities or town s to stay at? Where ever we could save money the better. All your help is much appreciated.

October 26, 2019 at 11:15 pm

Thanks a ton for all this information. One question – and I apologise if you’ve answered this a million times before. I want to go from Bergen to Oslo, with the Myrdal Flam detour thrown in. The Vy website has 249 NOK tickets from Bergen to Oslo, and 360 NOK from Myrdal to Flam, as you suggested.

But, if I want, after doing Myrdal-Flam, to get back on track for Oslo, Flam Oslo tickets are 609 NOK, with one change, and 16 hrs overall! So to be clear, do I need to pay 249+360+609? Or is there a way to book Bergen-Oslo, stop in Myrdal and do the Flam detour, and resume your journey to Oslo on the same initial 249 NOK fare?

I hope I make sense, and any help will be much appreciated!

October 27, 2019 at 2:54 pm

The prices are for specific departures, so unfortunately you can’t take a detour off the same ticket. You’ll need to book separate tickets for each specific departure, and the price will vary according to availability.

Have a great trip!

Lynn B Jones says

January 12, 2020 at 6:04 am

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am so glad to have found your site. Your insights to Norway travel are incredibly helpful. I have been trying to plan an itinerary for a May trip to Norway and every night I find myself with 78 open browser tabs. There is so much to read and so confusing! We plan on starting in Oslo, then going to Bergen, Stavanger and Ålesund before going back to Oslo. We were considering the NIN but now might decide to drive.

Laura B. Cher says

February 7, 2020 at 10:28 pm

Hi Silvia, Really appreciate all your great Norway info. We will be in Norway May 29-June 2, starting in Bergen. And we’d like to do some of the Norway in a Nutshell trip by car, ending up in Oslo in time for a morning flight on June 2. This means essentially 3 days of happily wandering. Is this realistic and, if so, do you have a suggested route? Tentatively, I set up one night in the Lavik Fjord Hotel. Will that work for doing by car on the route? And is there a recommended place to stay near the Oslo end of the route, close to where the airport is?

Thanks so much for your help!

Laura and David

February 9, 2020 at 1:09 pm

That sounds like a good plan! If you’ll still have your car then I’d actually recommend checking Airbnb.com for a place on your route.

Nadine says

February 24, 2020 at 4:38 am

Great info! Just what I have been looking for! I am planning a trip to Norway April 19-25. What are your thoughts about spring weather? I understand Norway spring can be a mix of late winter and/or mild weather. Are there areas inaccessible or not recommended due to spring weather? Not sure if I should save a Norway trip for when I can travel in June. Really appreciate your insight, thank you

February 26, 2020 at 1:54 pm

Hm I do prefer June, but Norway in April is nice as well. Most roads should be accessible, except for the high mountain roads that are closed all winter. I’d say come in April if you have the chance!

February 28, 2020 at 3:55 am

First of all Silvia you are amazing! Excellent post I can’t believe the amount of information and the superb way that you present it (sorry about my English but it not my primary language). May I ask if there is a way to reach Bergen from Flam by sea or I should stick to the boat tour and then take the bus. Or maybe from other city I don’t know I was thinking moving forward and not returning to Flam and take the bus. If you have any tips , and you have the time for an answer I would be extremely happy. Hope the best and can’t thank you enough for the time you put into this.

March 2, 2020 at 4:20 pm

Yes, there’s a boat from Flåm to Bergen that takes about five hours. You can book tickets here: https://booking.norled.no/default.aspx?_ga=2.143587197.935810423.1583162287-928645056.1583162287

June 7, 2020 at 3:19 pm

I found this article so helpful. Thank you so much. Norway is such a beautiful country.

Matteo says

July 27, 2021 at 11:15 pm

I’m booking separately all the tickets from Oslo to Bergen like the Norway in a nutshell trip. Only a question: how can I do for buying bus tickets Gudavangen-Voss? With Skyss app I can’t find the time and I don’t find any other way to buy tickets. Thank you for advice

July 29, 2021 at 4:25 pm

There are no reservations for the bus tickets – you simply buy it one you board the bus.

Carolyn Buenaflor says

August 30, 2021 at 6:49 pm

Planning to follow the Norway in a Nutshell tour but booking my own tickets this winter – this information is perfect! I want to go from Oslo to Bergen but want to take my time, where would you recommend spending one night along this route? Thanks!

February 13, 2022 at 4:31 pm

Hi Silvia, I am so happy to have found your blog. Thank you for all the great information and the links to make it easier for this 71 year old LOL. As we have all come through a crazy couple years I am wondering if there are any changes to be aware of. I am booking a cruise to circumnavigate Svalberg/Spitsbergen starting 6/3 in Oslo and ending 6/15 in Oslo. Since I will have traveled so far, from the US, I would like to experience a bit more of Norway and was thinking to add 5 – 7 days that would include 2 days in Oslo, 2 in Bergen on a NIN itinerary. I am not sure if I will try to do that pre (late May) or post cruise (late mid June). Based on weather and crowds what would be your recommendation? I can fly into or out of either Bergen or Oslo. I would greatly appreciate any input as this is a once in a lifetime trip for me. Thank you again

February 14, 2022 at 2:25 pm

How exciting! You’ll have better weather in late June than May, and it’s still before the main summer crowds arrive in July. Personally I would fly in and out of Bergen and skip Oslo, as Bergen is a much more beautiful city. I hope you have a great time!

Neil Erwin says

March 16, 2022 at 1:07 am

We are cruise ship passengers in Flam for one day in May wanting to do the Norway in a nutshell trip via rental car. Do you know of any rental car companies that rent cars out of Flam or Gudvangen?

June 9, 2022 at 10:47 am

I’m from the Flåm/Aurland area and enjoyed reading your article. I didn’t have a chance to go through all the comments here, but can also recommend taking the train up to Myrdal and walk/cycle back down to Flåm. Part of this journey can be taken by using a zip line ( https://www.flaamzipline.no/ ) and the rest of the walk is just stunning with waterfalls and goats 🙂 it’s not steep but it will take a few hours. Once back in Flåm splurge out on soft ice cream and a warm cup of coffee (our staple diet 😉 )

Shout if I can be of any help xx

June 20, 2022 at 4:54 pm

Hi Hilde, thank you for the walking/hiking tip from Myrdal to Flam. I love walking and exploring, and discovering things along the way, so this is hugely helpful. I will ask this of Silvia as well: I will most likely be coming in early to mid-November. I don’t mind cold weather. But is this still a beautiful time to come? Will roads still be passable without snow? Thanks so much!

Angela G says

August 23, 2022 at 4:52 pm

Man, I was so going to do that zipline after seeing your post. I’ll be there the 2nd half of october and they’re closed. Looks amazing!

June 20, 2022 at 4:57 pm

Silvia, thank you for taking the time and energy to put together such outstanding information on Norway. I love the practical advice and the insights. This is hugely helpful! I will go through your guides this week as I begin to plan my solo adventure in November.

Before I begin booking a rental car and such, I wanted to get your opinion on coming to Norway in November. Do you think the roads will be easy to navigate? I don’t mind the cold–I just want to make sure the views are still stunning! Thanks again!

June 23, 2022 at 11:55 am

Yes, the views are still stunning! Some of the scenic routes will be closed for the season though, so keep that in mind when planning. I have more info on that here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/plan-road-trip-norway/

Suzanne says

July 5, 2022 at 9:13 pm

Hello Silvia, Your information and travel suggestions are AWESOME! I will be arriving in Oslo Oct. 20 and leaving Oslo the 24th. Sounds like I like to travel like you do-off the beaten path, less crowds, rent a car and stop where I want, seeing remote, quaint places. THANK YOU! Can you suggest a road trip route that is doable in a car seeing all the most amazing places and scenery in just 3-4 days? Also, as far as daylight and weather the best times to be places?

August 23, 2022 at 4:50 pm

I’ll be in Oslo the 19th and looking to do my own nutshell route on the 20th! Sadly I don’t have as much time as you, but so excited to see the scenery!

August 23, 2022 at 4:48 pm

So happy I stumbled upon your post. I’m usually a self planner but was tempted by the ease of the nutshell, however I’m coming in October and would miss hours of scenery after sunset, so I’ll do it myself and take up your suggestion to stay in Gudvangen. I can’t find a bus though. I put in the stops on the Skyss website and there are no routes, not for october 21 or any other date I search so that’s making me nervous. Is this a bus that I should be booking in person the day of or should I be able to find something online (since it’s been 5 years since your post)? Any suggestions? Also if you could do any Fjord tour reachable by the public transit system between oslo and bergen is the one that norway in a nutshell does the one you’d choose? Thanks so much for your amazing detailed post!

August 26, 2022 at 12:42 pm

The bus is the local bus, so you can’t book it in advance. And yeah, the Nærøyfjord tour is my favorite!

Francis says

September 26, 2022 at 5:34 am

Hi Silvia – Amazing blog, with so much details. If I were to rent a car from Bergen to Oslo and follow the NIN route – I have to Ieave my car at Gidvangen to take the ferry. But the ferry stops at Flam – so how do I get my car back?

Another consideration: If I were to book the public buses and ferries – is there space to stow our luggage?

September 26, 2022 at 9:11 am

You’ll have to take the ferry back from Gudvangen, or you can get the bus from Gudvangen to Flåm. And yes, you can bring your luggage on the buses and ferries.

Robert Dunas says

March 9, 2023 at 1:33 am

Wow, what a wealth of information! If we do book all the NIN legs from Oslo to Bergen on our own (then flying from Bergen to Stockholm) what can we do with our luggage (a suitcase each for my wife and I) while we are on the train/flam railway, boat and then bus to Voss or Bergen. Is our only option to carry the suitcases with us the whole time? Thank you so much for your help, plus I really appreciated your sense of humor! Bob

March 9, 2023 at 10:28 am

There are luggage lockers at the Bergen train station! https://en.visitbergen.com/visitor-information/travel-information/getting-here/bergensbanen-oslo-to-bergen-by-train/bergen-railway-station

Anjali says

April 14, 2023 at 9:32 am

Hi, Thank you for the post. We are planning an 8-10 days vacation trip to Scandinavia in July. I would like to taste every type of travel like travel by car but I like to have at least a small portion by train and then ferry on the route from Bergen to Oslo. We are planning a 2 day trip.Could you please give suggestions.

CHETNA KHANDELWAL says

May 7, 2023 at 8:33 pm

THIS ARTICLE OF YOURS IS VERY INFORMATIVE…ONE QUESTION FOR YOU WE WILL BE TRAVELLING FROM 5TH AUGUST FOR A WEEK IN NORWAY…WE ARE PLANNING A FOUR DAY DIY TRIP OF NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL ..WE WILL STILL HAVE 3 MORE DAYS… WHICH OTHER PLACE DO YOU RECCOMMEND IN NORWAY IN AUGUST ? THANKS IN ADVANCE

May 11, 2023 at 2:33 pm

Hardangerfjord! https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/day-trips-from-bergen-norway/

May 13, 2023 at 10:24 pm

Please can you advise….we will be starting our trip in Oslo July 9th and want to do a combination of car rental, train, ferry, bus etc so we get to see the most scenic routes possible. We only have 3 days and was thinking we need to get to Flam as that seems to be the most spectacular. Can you suggest a possible route for us, which mode of transport and where to stay along the way? We probably need to end the trip close to Oslo as we will train travel back to Sweden and finally onto Stockholm. Thank you so much.

May 15, 2023 at 11:56 am

I would get the train from Oslo to Bergen, spend a day in Bergen, and then rent a car for a couple of days to see the fjords, maybe staying in Fjærland or at the Kviknes Hotel in Balestrand. Ready my Bergen guide here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/top-29-things-to-do-in-bergen-norway/ And road trip from Bergen here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/aurlandsfjellet-sognefjellet-bergen-road-trip/

June 17, 2023 at 5:13 am

Just bought your Southern Norway Travel Guide and will read but love the website/suggestions. I have 4 kids and getting a rental car in Stavanger (flying from Copenhagen) bc limited rentals that carry six. Any suggestions for an 8 day loop back to Stavanger in August. Time enough to get to the Alesund area? Thanks for any quick suggestions.

June 20, 2023 at 5:14 pm

It depends how much driving per day your kids are comfortable with, but maybe you could take the Ryfylkle scenic route (perhaps staying at this glamping location on the way: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/hoiland-gard – you can read more about it in the ebook) then drive up to Hardangerfjord and spend a night near Ullensvang, and then drive up to Bergen. You can return to Stavanger the more direct ferry route, which only takes 4.5 hours.

July 6, 2023 at 2:34 am

Your blog is amazing! Thank you so much for all the information you provide. We’re traveling to Norway in September 🙂

August 2, 2023 at 2:06 pm

Great info and still relevant – many thanks.

I do not drive but I am planning on the Norway in a Nutshell tour by booking my own tickets. Do you know if booking via Fjord tours gives me any advantages in terms of transportation in this case?

August 2, 2023 at 3:38 pm

No, the tickets are exactly the same regardless of whether you book through a tour or independently. Locals of course always book independently to save money.

Brian Summerfield says

August 25, 2023 at 4:36 am

My partner and myself are planning to visit Norway in January. We are flying into Bergen. We want to do the Norway in a nutshell and will book the train bus and ferry ourselves. I would like to ask you is the catamaran from Gudvangen to Flåm running in winter and a better option? I take it that this journey in winter will be a lot less busy.

Grace Goh says

October 8, 2023 at 1:13 pm

Hi, reading your article has given us options on how to get on this NIN tour, especially if we could save some money. We will be getting through from Bergen to Oslo in February 2024 and I wonder if you could help with confirming on the below so we could proceed to book the tour on our own.

1. Bergen to Voss & Mydral to Oslo via Train – that would be through the VY website. Is that also for Flam to Mydral ?

2. The connecting bus ride from Voss to Gudvangen – is bus the only option to catch the cruise ? You mentioned booking from VY site or Skyss. The stops wd be Voss stasjon, Voss to Gudvangen E16, Aurland – this is on Skyss ? You mentioned to take Gudvangen kai as that stops near the cruise – then am I correct that will be via VY website.

3. For the fjord cruise, you mentioned booking from https://www.norwaysbest.com/things-to-do/fjords/fjord-cruise-naeroyfjord/#booknow and during winter, i would think 5.30pm would be too dark ? I guessing the 12pm slot is good if we follow the time table 🙂

Can you recommend a luggage service that can bring our luggage from Bergen to Oslo ? Also, we thought of stopping in Voss or Flam – which would you recommend?

Greatly appreciate your reply and also your blog is really informative 🙂

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Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

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