TAILOR-MADE TOUR Oslo , the Sognefjord and Bergen
8 NIGHTS / 9 DAYS
This touring holiday by train and boat allows you to experience Norway ’ s capital before embarking on an exploration of the dramatic Sognefjord . You travel on the scenic Flåm Railway , one of the prettiest in Europe , and stay in the fjord town of Balestrand on the Sognefjord before taking a boat to picturesque Bergen , a UNESCO World Heritage site and near to the home of composer Edvard Grieg . Spend three nights in Bergen before taking the train back to Oslo for the flight home ( or fly back from Bergen ).
DAY-BY-DAY Day 1 Arrive in Oslo This touring holiday of Norway ’ s Sognefjord and Bergen begins with your arrival by plane into Oslo , where you spend three nights .
Days 2 and 3 In Oslo You have two full days in Oslo . Oslo , the capital of Norway sits on the country ’ s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord . During your time here we highly recommend visiting the Bygdøy Peninsula , home to five national museums : the Viking Ship Museum , the Fram Museum , the Norwegian Folk Museum , the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Norwegian Maritim Museum . The Fram Museum displays the strongest wooden ship ever built which still holds the record for sailing the farthest north and farthest south . It is possible to board the ship and see how the crew and their dogs managed to survive in the coldest and most dangerous places on earth . There are also exhibitions on the Arctic and Northwest passage . The Viking Ship Museum displays finds from four different Viking burial sites around the Oslo fjord , whilst the Norwegian Folk Museum is an open-air attraction showcasing the diverse wooden architecture and history of the country and its traditions . Another major attraction is Akershus Castle and Fortress . Completed during the 14th century , this mediaeval castle had a strategical location at the very end of the headland and withstood several sieges throughout the ages . Guided tours of the fortress are available during the summer . As well as museums , Oslo is known for its green spaces , the most famous of which is the Frogner Park . Within this area is the Vigeland Sculpture Park , featuring more than 200 sculptures in bronze , granite and iron and one of Norway ’ s top tourist attractions . Housed in some beautiful gardens of its own , the Royal Palace is the official seat of the current Norwegian King and Queen . Take a tour of the palace during the summer or stop by to see the changing of the guard at 13:30 .
Day 4 Oslo to Balestrand by train and boat Today you embark on one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world . Leave Oslo in the early morning on a direct train service to Myrdal , the start of the Flåm railway . This incredible journey descends 2,833 ft through mountainous terrain , passing towering cliffs , chasms and cascades . Leaving Myrdal station , the train travels down into the Flåmsdalen Valley , passing through two of the 16 tunnels en route . Following your passage through the Vatnahalsen Tunnel you will find yourself on a mountainside ledge hundreds of feet above the valley floor . Trains often stop briefly Kjosfossen , allowing you to take in the breath-taking 738-ft-high waterfall there . From here you pass through two more tunnels , including the longest one of Nåli , before arriving at Berekvam station 1,129 ft above sea level . Continuing downhill through five more tunnels and over the Hoga River , the valley will eventually start to widen out as you pass close by the Rjoandefossen waterfall . The journey ends in Flåm , where you have a couple of hours to explore this quiet and picturesque town before taking the boat across the fjord to Balestrand , which is your base for the next two nights . The boat journey today takes you along part of the Sognefjord , giving you more breath-taking views of some of Norway ’ s most spectacular scenery .
Day 5 In Balestrand Balestrand is situated on the northern shore of majestic Sognefjord . We highly recommend using your time here to explore the stunning scenery , and the best way to do this is by boat . It is possible to take a ferry up the Fjærlandsfjord to Mundal , where you can visit the Glacier Museum . This features interactive exhibitions on the history of the area and its glaciers , as well as a panoramic cinema showcasing the glacier from every possible angle . For those interested in more active pursuits , Fjærland also offers the opportunity to hike on the glacier itself . At the top of Flatbreen , around a 3-hour hike from Fjærland , you will find the Flatbrehytta cabin and can witness beautiful views of the fjord . There are also excellent hiking opportunities closer to home ; Balestrand offers many varied and well-marked hiking trails around the town and the surrounding mountains . In the summer you can go kayaking on the fjord and for a couple of months each year river fishing is a popular activity . Other attractions include the Norwegian Travel and Tourism Museum , which follows the tracks of the first explorers and how their discoveries led to the development of the Norwegian tourism industry which we see today , and the Sognefjord aquarium , entry to which includes the rental of a rowing boat or canoe .
Day 6 Balestrand to Bergen by fast ferry Today you travel to your final Norwegian base of Bergen by fast ferry , a journey of roughly four hours . The Sognefjord is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway and the second longest in the world . Depart early in the morning . Upon first leaving Balestrand the mountains will press in on all sides as you stop at the town of Vik and the quiet area of Nordeide . The fjord will occasionally open up , giving you breath-taking views across the calm water with the mountains in the background , before heading into more heavily forested area , interspersed with the occasional village and picturesque Nordic architecture . The boat will continue to stop at small at various points along the banks of the fjord , including at Vardetangen , the western-most point of mainland Norway . Continue through the winding narrow routes of the fjord before it opens out again as
Bergen comes into view . Check in to your hotel for three nights .
Days 7 and 8 In Bergen Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and was the capital throughout some of the country ’ s most influential periods . One of your days here should start with a visit to the iconic Bryggen wharf , first established in the 14th century and a UNESCO World Heritage site . Its colourful buildings today house a small museum , shops and restaurants . Bergen is known as the city of the seven mountains , the most easily accessible of which is Fløyen , which can be reached by funicular from the city centre and awards spectacular views of the city and surrounding area . It is possible to take the funicular back , or you may want to hike back down at your leisure . For a fully immersive experience you should take the time to visit the Bergen Fish Market . Bergen has the busiest seaport in the country and the market offers an abundance of fish , shellfish , fruit and vegetables . Cultural attractions include the Troldhaugen , the former home of Edvard Grieg and today host to a museum about his life and works as well as a concert hall where you can hear his music performed . Bergen ’ s location in the fjords also makes it an excellent base from which to explore more by boat , and there are multiple options ranging from a quick trip to an all-day experience .
Day 9 Bergen to Oslo by train and flight to London On your final day in Norway you board an early departure along the famously scenic Bergen railway to Oslo . This route takes you through more of Norway ’ s most stunning scenery . Emerging from the Ulriken Tunnel leaving Bergen , you will soon be travelling alongside the clear waters of the River Vossa before reaching the ski resort of Voss . Leaving here the track follows a spectacular canyon before ascending steeply along the tree line . You will pass by Myrdal , the starting station of the Flåm Railway , keeping an eye out for incredible views down a precipice into Flåmsdal and Sognefjord . Shortly afterwards the train passes through Finse , the highest railway station in Norway , and skirts along the northern shore of Lake Ustevatn , which can be frozen for three quarters of the year . The farms dotted among the hills will appear more frequently as you draw closer to Oslo before entering the final tunnel which announces your arrival into the capital . After a quick change of trains in Oslo , you will be on your way to the airport where you will board your flight home . Or , you may fly back to the UK from Bergen .
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