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Magnificent Norwegian Fjords by Rail

from £2098 excluding flights

  • 12 nights
  • Apr-Oct
  • Multi-destination
  • Rail
Home Destinations Nordic Europe Norway Magnificent Norwegian Fjords by Rail

Highlights

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Discover the magnificent scenery of Aurlandsfjord and Naeroyfjord

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Explore two of Scandinavia’s stunning capitals – Copenhagen and Oslo

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Travel by train ‘Across the Roof of Norway’

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Spend time in the beautiful city of Bergen surrounded by fjords

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Sail from Bergen to Stavanger along the stunning Norwegian coastline

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Indulge in a Swedish fika in Gothenburg

Why this trip...

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How you travel

This holiday features transport that is an integral part of the overall experience

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Carefully planned

This itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to provide the experiences and places you'll enjoy at a comfortable pace

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Nordic Heritage

With 40 years of experience in creating trips to Nordics we know this region inside out

Overview

If you thought the Norwegian Fjords were something you could only visit by cruise ship, we’ve got an exciting alternative for you! This special 12-night itinerary takes you on a series of scenic rail journeys from London to the heart of Norway’s magnificent fjord-riven coastline. As well as riding iconic trains like the Bergen Line (‘Across the Roof of Norway’) and Flam’s mountain-clinging ‘Corkscrew Railway’, you’ll travel by rail to both Copenhagen and Oslo. A boat trip between Flam and Bergen and a ferry journey from Bergen to Stavanger ensure you also get to admire the fjords from sea.

Capital attractions in Copenhagen and Oslo

After travelling by train through Belgium and Germany, and spending your first night in Cologne, you arrive in wonderfully stylish Copenhagen. Designer fashion and Michelin-starred cuisine go hand in hand with Viking heritage and Hans Christian Andersen’s Little Mermaid in Denmark’s fun and vibrant capital. Continuing north, via Gothenburg, you reach Oslo, snug between mountains and the sea. The Norwegian capital has cultural and historical attractions ranging from the medieval Akershus Fortress to the shopping and dining district of Aker Brygge, where you will also find museums showcasing the city’s Viking and maritime heritage.

Ride the Bergen Line and Flam Railway

Highlights of this rail odyssey include two of Europe’s most beautiful train journeys: the Bergen Line and Flam Railway. Linking Oslo and Bergen, the Bergensbanen (or Bergen Line) is Europe’s highest railway, climbing to 1,222m above sea level as it crosses the spectacular mountain plateau of Hardangervidda. The 471km journey ‘Across the Roof of Norway’ is abundant with scenic highlights. From Oslo, the train follows the salmon river, Drammenselva, before skirting Tyrifjorden – Norway’s fifth largest lake. Mountains loom ahead and soon you are climbing above Norway’s ancient bear forests to reach Hardangervidda and the realm of reindeer. Crossing the plateau, you pass the majestic Hardangerjokulen glacier before reaching the remote mountain station of Myrdal. The Bergen Line actually continues to Voss and on to Bergen, but you change trains at Myrdal, embarking on the famous Flam Railway. One of the world’s steepest standard gauge railways (with over 80% of the line at a gradient of 5.5%), the ‘Corkscrew Railway’ descends through spectacular scenery, clinging to sheer mountainsides as it passes waterfalls and burrows through 20 tunnels to reach the fjord side village of Flam.

Explore the Norwegian Fjords

From Flam you begin your exploration of the fjords. To start with, you’ll take an unforgettable excursion to the Stegastein viewpoint, an audacious platform jutting out from the mountainside 650m above Aurlandsfjord. Later, back at sea level, you sail along Naeroyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, surrounded by head-spinning views of two of Norway’s most impressive fjords. Reaching Bergen, you have three nights in the former Norwegian capital to explore its beautifully-preserved World Heritage-listed buildings, excellent museums and seafood cuisine, as well as setting off on walks and boat trips in the surrounding fjords. A scenic ferry trip then transports you from Bergen to Stavanger where you can discover the old port’s herring fishery heritage, take a boat trip along magnificent Lysefjord or perhaps hike to Preikestolen – the Pulpit Rock – for one of the most iconic views of this extraordinary region.

Itinerary

Depart London on Eurostar to Brussels and continue to Cologne, arriving by late afternoon. There’s time to explore the historic centre, dominated by Kolner Dom – Cologne’s grand Gothic cathedral, famed for its soaring twin spires. Overnight in Cologne.

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Travel by train to Hamburg and on to Copenhagen, arriving in time for dinner. Spend two nights in Copenhagen.

Easily explored on foot or by electric bike (available to rent around the city), Copenhagen’s highlights include the Tivoli Gardens. Dating from 1843, this nostalgic mix of parks, lakes, historic buildings and amusement rides includes a classic wooden rollercoaster from 1914. Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy can be found at various sites, including the harbourside statue of the Little Mermaid, while Viking treasures – from longboats to runic stones – can be discovered in Copenhagen’s excellent museums. The 17th-century harbour, Nyhavn, is lined with colourful townhouses and waterfront bars and restaurants, while Denmark’s ancient monarchy is evident in royal palaces and castles such as Amalienborg, Christiansborg and Kronborg. To fully experience Danish hygge, chill out in the soulful neighbourhood of Christianshavn – best known for the self-governing community of Freetown Christiania and full of cafés and restaurants serving delicious Nordic cuisine. Overnight Copenhagen.

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Leaving Copenhagen, travel by train across the 8km-long Oresund Bridge to Sweden and continue north to reach Gothenburg. A coastal city with a real buzz, Gothenburg has a lively waterfront, cobbled streets, canals and a superb art museum. Explore the Haga neighbourhood with its traditional wooden houses and boutiques selling chocolates, fashion, antiques and Swedish delicacies. It’s an ideal place for taking fika, a traditional Swedish coffee break – usually with freshly-baked cake or a cinnamon bun. Afterwards, walk up to the 17th-century fort of Skansen Kronan for panoramic city views. Dining options in Gothenburg range from tasty street markets to mouth-watering Michelin-starred restaurants. Overnight in Gothenburg.

Today’s rail journey takes you north along the coastline of West Sweden and on to the Norwegian capital of Oslo. The harbourside Opera House has a rakish roof that appears to slope out of the water and is designed so you can easily walk up the top for views of the city and surrounding fjord. For an insight into Oslo’s medieval past, don’t miss the Akershus Fortress. The outstanding museums in the waterside Aker Brygge district, meanwhile, display ceremonial Viking longships and the 39m-long schooner Fram, used by Norwegian polar explorers Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen. Nearby, you will find Oslo’s best shopping and dining opportunities, including some superb seafood restaurants. Spend two nights in Oslo.

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Take a morning stroll in Frogner Park, viewing the 212 bronze and granite works by Norway’s best-loved sculptor Gustav Vigeland, including The Monolith, The Angry Boy and Wheel of Life. Explore more of the maritime treasures in Aker Brygge’s museums, or admire the traditional and contemporary art in Oslo’s many galleries. For a break from sightseeing, visit the The Well, Scandinavian’s largest spa and bathhouse with numerous pools, saunas and steam rooms, as well as massage and treatments to indulge in.

A day enjoying two of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys, travel on the high-plateau ‘Across the Roof of Norway’ train to Myrdal where you change to the famous ‘Corkscrew Railway’ for a breathtaking descent to the fjordside village of Flam for an overnight stay.

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Take an optional morning excursion to the viewing point at Stegastein, travelling on an electric minibus past 18th-century hillside farms before reaching the specially built platform jutting out over Aurlandsfjord. Return to Flåm and join the ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour to Bergen. Sail along Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, falling under the spell of some of Norway’s most dramatic fjord scenery. After reaching Gudvangen, travel by bus through picture-postcard villages to Voss, from where you continue to Bergen by train. Spend three nights in Bergen.

Not only is Bergen right in the heart of the Norwegian Fjords, sitting pretty between Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord, but it is also a UNESCO World Heritage City. Colourful harbourside buildings and narrow alleyways in the Bryggen district reflect its medieval past and important role in the Hanseatic League. Spend some time delving into its fascinating museums and perusing the craft shops, bars and restaurants. Bergen’s Fish Market is another must-see. Dating back to 1276, it’s where you’ll find the fresh ingredients that find their way into Bergen’s famous fish soup, fish cakes and persetorsk (traditionally steamed cod). For stunning views of the city and surrounding fjords, take the funicular up Mt Floyen where you can stroll walking trails of varying lengths. At Floistuen, relax with a drink and some local pastries and delicacies before heading back down to the city.

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With another day based in this beautiful city, perhaps take a fjord cruise to Troldhaugen, home of composer Edvard Grieg. Visit the Art Museum KODE, where works from JC Dahl, Edvard Munch and Nikolai Astrup are displayed. Bergenhus Fortress is one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fortresses and has a colourful military past. Bergen has an abundance of gastronomic experiences and there is a great choice of restaurants to choose from – not only in the city, but also on nearby islands, adding an extra dimension to the culinary adventure.

Leaving Bergen, relax on the stunning 5.5hr voyage to Stavanger, watching the fjords, mountains and islands of Norway’s west coast slip past from the deck of your ferry. Arriving in the old city of Stavanger, walk among the historic, brightly painted wharf houses – built in the late 18th century as storerooms and saltings for the herring industry. In Old Stavanger, you’ll find over 170 white-washed wooden houses, many of them now used as craft shops, cafés and galleries. One street – Ovre Holmegate – is painted in a rainbow of colours. Throughout the city (Recognised as Europe’s best preserved wooden house settlements) you will come across stunning street art and murals. Stavanger is also an important city for the oil industry and a visit to the petroleum museum is highly recommended. Eating out is another highlight, with options ranging from harbourside cafés to Michelin restaurants RE-NAA and Sabi Omakase. Overnight in Stavanger.

On your final day in the magnificent Norwegian Fjords, perhaps take a cruise along Lysefjord, looking out for the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) looming high above you. If you are feeling active, it is also possible to take a bus to the starting point for the hike to the Pulpit Rock (unguided and summer only), return to Stavanger in the evening by bus.

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Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.

Accommodation Options

We will recommend accommodation for this holiday, but with a vast choice available, we can adapt to suit your personal preference mixing different grades and styles in different towns and cities.

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Prices and Departures

Price from £2098 excluding flights

This itinerary is based on rail travel from the UK, flying home from Stavanger. Airfares are quoted separately to the holiday price. When enquiring, our Travel Specialists will provide the best fare possible from your preferred airline.

What's Included

  • Accommodation in rooms with private bathroom
  • Breakfast throughout
  • Rail travel and transport as specified
  • Ferry from Bergen to Stavanger
  • 24 hour emergency assistance from our team during your holiday
  • No surcharge guarantee
  • Full financial protection

From prices per person

Based on two sharing a twin room with private facilities. Prices may vary depending on departure date. Please contact us for a detailed quote based on your preferred travel dates.

Departure Duration Twin Price
April - October 12 nights £2,098 Price excludes the flight from Stavanger to the UK*

*Please note that flights are not included in the price, but will be quoted at the time of booking.

This itinerary is flexible and the number of nights at each of the overnight stays can be extended or reduced.

Children under 12 travel free on the parent's Interrail Pass and 12-27 year olds receive a discounted youth Interrail Pass. Accommodation is in family rooms where available. Please contact our travel specialist for a quotation.

Tailor made trips

As independent destination specialists, we are able to tailor make holidays to suit you, be that customising the itineraries shown on this website or creating something bespoke.

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