Well-known as a one-day experience, the Norway in a nutshell tour combines iconic experiences from Oslo to Bergen via Flam. Showcasing the jaw-dropping scenery of Fjord Norway, this rewarding route can also be done in a slower, more immersive timeframe letting you savour every moment.
No matter if your time is limited or you’re in it for the long haul, Norway in a nutshell can be tailored to you. Rail Travel Specialist, Kieran explains…
Norway is an increasingly popular destination for British travellers, and it is easy to see why. The country offers gorgeous fjord scenery, centuries of history and world-famous culture – and it’s only a 2-hour flight from London to Oslo. At Discover the World we get many customers looking to visit Norway for the first time. With so much to see over a wide area, it can be difficult to know where to start – that’s where the Norway in a Nutshell package comes in.
What is Norway in a Nutshell?
Norway in a Nutshell is a tour that can be run from either Oslo or Bergen, as part of a longer itinerary. It gives you a cost- and time-effective way to see the natural beauty of southern Norway in a day, but it can also be extended with overnight stays. My own experience of this tour was in spring, and I can personally state that there is no better introduction to the wonder of the Norwegian fjords!
What are the highlights of the route?
The tour starts early in the morning, with a scenic train journey from Oslo (or Bergen) to Myrdal station, high in the southern mountains. From Oslo this takes around 5 hours, and after leaving the city suburbs you climb rapidly into foothills. Even in April, the train was busy with weekend skiers heading off to catch the last of the snow on the slopes. Eyes glued on the landscape, it changes rapidly, from the lush greenery of the coast to chiselled, snow-covered mountains of the south-western fjords. Reaching Myrdal, the small station which sits 866m above sea level in the Aurland municipality, signals the next stage of the adventure. Here the famous Flam Corkscrew Railway awaits.
The Flamsbana is over 100 years old, and travels on some of the steepest railway gradients in Europe. You sit on old-fashioned wooden seats, and the train takes about an hour to descend to the village of Flam on the edge of picturesque Aurlandsfjord.
After a relaxed lunch in Flam, it’s time to switch transport, boarding an electric boat for a near-silent cruise along the spectacular fjord. With only the rhythmic sound of water running over the bow, the 2-hour trip to Gudvangen is a chance to take in the stunning scenery as you pass tiny fjord-side villages and a sprinkle of colourful holiday houses perched on the fjord edge.
At Gudvangen, the transport changes again, as a coach will be waiting to take you on the 1-hour drive back to the main train line at Vossevangen (Voss to its friends). While this may not be the marquee part of the tour, do not succumb to the classic coach-activated sleep mode during this leg of the journey – the road weaves past glassy lakes and through amazing mountain scenery you will not want to miss.
At Voss train station, you board the train once more heading in either direction – to Bergen or back to Oslo, depending on your plans.
How to experience Norway in a Nutshell
All in all, it’s a full day of seeing Norway at its best – wonderful mountains, idyllic fjords, and tiny spots hidden away from the tourist crowd. We can add Norway in a Nutshell to any of our Norway packages – either as a round trip or as a scenic way to get between Oslo and Bergen.
If you prefer, we can slow the pace allowing more time to savour. Our 6-night Over the Roof of Norway trip includes all the sections of the shorter tour, but with added accommodation in each city to allow you to relax.
Feeling inspired?
Norway is awash with history, culture and natural beauty. Get in touch with Kieran and the team on 01737 214 250 to start planning your Norwegian holiday or send an enquiry. We know that you’ll have a wonderful time!