A trip you’ll be talking about for years! Starting and ending in Oslo, take the popular Norway in a Nutshell® train journey over the mountains to Bergen, along with a detour south to Stavanger. Enjoy an exciting ride on the steep Flåm Railway, spectacular fjord views and historic cities as well as the chance to hike up to the famous Pulpit Rock.
Due to limited available accommodation in Flåm adjustments to the itinerary may be necessary.
A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.
Download PDF
Arrive to Gardermoen Airport in Oslo. For an easy and comfortable way to get to your hotel in central Oslo, we are happy to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you arrive early, we suggest buying an Oslo Pass for free travel on all public transit along with free admission to over 30 museums and attractions plus special offers on entertainment, restaurants, shops and more. The pass can be purchased at tourist information centres or at most hotels and major attractions in the city.
Spend the night at a hotel in central Oslo.
Get an early start and head to Oslo Central Station, where you’ll commence the Norway in a Nutshell® railway journey towards Bergen. This train ride, voted one of the 20 best in the world, takes you over Norway’s “mountainous rooftop” and through charming villages like Gol and Geilo. In Myrdal, you’ll switch trains to the Flåm Railway for an incredible 20 km ride with a 900-metre descent to the beautiful village of Flåm. Here, you’ll have free admission to the Flåm Railway Documentation Centre, located right beside Flåm Station, where you can learn about the construction of the world’s steepest railway line.
Spend the night in Flåm.*
*Due to limited available accommodation in Flåm adjustments to the itinerary may be necessary.
Departure from Oslo: 08:11
Arrival to Flåm: 14:25
We recommend that you book luggage transfer for the Norway in a Nutshell part of your travel. Your luggage will be picked up in Oslo and will be waiting for you upon arrival in Bergen. Pack an overnight bag if you spend the night in Flåm. Price per item is €40.
From Flåm, you’ll be transported by boat onto the Aurlandsfjord and into the World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord, the narrowest fjord in Europe. This is perhaps the most beautiful and wildest arm of the Sognefjord, with its tall mountains, mighty waterfalls and small farms clinging to the steep mountainsides. The boat then takes you to Gudvangen, from where you’ll be transported by bus up Stalheimskleiva, Northern Europe’s steepest stretch of road. After a thrilling ride around 13 hairpin bends and a brief pause to enjoy the view from Stalheim Hotel, you will continue to Voss to board the train for the last stretch of the journey to Bergen.
Spend the night in Bergen.
Departure from Flåm: 15:10
Arrival to Bergen: 20:34
Despite being an international city, Bergen, “The Capital of the Fjords”, has all the charms of a small town. Here you’ll find Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with remarkably preserved old houses, a lively fish and flower market, cable cars offering stunning views, great museums and more. You can also take the one-hour “mini-train” tour through the city centre, offering such sights as well as the Maria Church, King Håkon’s Hall, the Rosenkrantz Tower and a panoramic view of the city from the Fjellveien Road.
Spend the night in central Bergen.
Get an early breakfast and then head to the Bergen Bus terminal, located in the city center. There you will board the Coastal bus, which takes you along the rugged West coast of Norway, through fjords and islands to Stavanger. Sit back and enjoy the scenery from the bus. The bus ride includes two ferry crossings, where you can stretch your legs, visit the cafeteria and enjoy the view from the passenger deck.
This fourth-largest city in Norway is a favourite among visitors for its lively city centre, timbered Old town (Gamle Stavanger) and historic harbour area. Here you can find all sorts of interesting museums and attractions along with great restaurants and cafes. And not far from Stavanager is the gorgeous Lysefjord, which includes the famous natural landmarks of the Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) and Kjærag Mountain with its dare-devil photo spot, the Kjeragbolten boulder. These impressive sights are accessible on optional tours that depart daily in summer from the city centre.
Spend another night in Stavanger.
Head to Stavanger Central Station in mid-morning to board a train that takes you though the inlands of south-eastern Norway, often called the country’s “Sunny Side”. This scenic rail journey crosses small valleys and rivers, effectively closing the circle and returning you to Oslo. Now is the time to sit back, enjoy the comforts of travelling by train and let the experiences from this amazing holiday sink in.
Arrive in the evening to Oslo, where you will spend one last night.
Departure from Stavanger: 10:32
Arrival to Oslo: 18:58
For transportation to Oslo-Gardermoen Airport, you can take the Flytoget express train from Oslo Central Station or a taxi directly from your hotel. If your flight is in the afternoon, take the opportunity to do some last-minute shopping, visit one of Oslo’s museums or just relax at a café before your journey back home.