NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL
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6 DAYS
With Norway being a common starting point for many Arctic voyages, a great way to see a snapshot of the beautiful country is the famed Norway in a Nutshell Tour. This tour is customisable to include your preferences of village stop overs and adventures to suit your interests. Travel through magnificent fjords, make your way through hair pin turns on stunning roads and ride the historical Flåmsbana witnessing why Norway is commonly called one of the most beautiful places on Earth. This tour runs all year round and can run in reverse.
ITINERARY SUMMARY
| Day | Place | Highlights |
| Days 1-2 | Bergen, Norway | Spend two nights in this UNESCO listed city discovering what makes it so special. |
| Day 3 | Bergen – Flåm | Embark on an adventure as you travel via rail, bus and boat to make your way to the picturesque Flåm |
| Day 4 | Flåm – Oslo | Explore this group of islands with a rich natural and cultural history |
| Days 5-6 | Oslo | Transfer to the Oslo airport for your return flight home or alternatively begin your Arctic Cruise Itinerary |
Days 1-2 Bryygen (Bergen)
Overview:
As the second largest city in Norway, Bergen is an absolute delight to explore, easily by foot. As you make your way through the UNESCO location both as a World Heritage City and as a Creative City of Gastronomy you will be in awe of its balance of old and new with cobblestone streets and funky bars and cafes. Colourful and historical houses line the wharf representing the role that Bergen played throughout the Hanseatic League’s trading empire. If you are a keen hiker, explore the seven mountains that envelop the town of Bergen with trails to suit everyone’s fitness level. If you are here during summer, the midnight sun will enable you to explore for as long as your heart desires as you do not need to worry about the sun ever setting.
Day 3 Bergen – Flåm
An adventure lies ahead today as you start your day early heading to Bergen’s main station to catch the train to Voss. Luckily your luggage will be taken by a porter service to Oslo so you are free to roam with just an overnight bag for your journey. Once you are in Voss, time allows you to have a wander around Vangsvatnet, the main lake and witness the beauty of the surrounding Fjords. You can even choose to spend the night here if you would prefer. There is an abundance of adventure activities to fill your time.
From Voss, you will board a bus for the stunning one hour drive to Gudvangen, which translates to the fields of the gods by the water. The bus ride takes you through hair pin turns, past waterfalls and deep into the fjord system that Norway is known for. This historical Viking town is where you board the zero-emission electric ferry which will take you to Flåm. The two hour ferry ride takes you through the UNESCO protected Nærøyfjord and onto the Aurlandsfjord. Your journey concludes at the beautiful town of Flåm, tucked neatly into the fjords. Spend the afternoon exploring the village, buying souvenirs, testing out the local brewery or going on surrounding hikes.
Day 4 Flåm – Oslo
Spend your morning in Flåm visiting the Stegastein viewpoint. A short bus ride will take you to this architecturally astounding viewpoint extending 30 metres from the mountain and 650 metres above the fjord providing you with an incredible view of the surrounds. Upon your return back to Flåm it is time to board the incredible Flåmsbana which will take you to Myrdal.
This train travels through some jaw dropping scenery weaving its way through twenty tunnels, elevating 866 metres, stopping at ten stations and crossing one bridge for the length of 20.2 kilometres. Once the Flåmsbana pulls in to Myrdal, get a drink from the cafe as you wait for the train to take you the 5 hours to Oslo. The scenery does not disappoint as you make your way to the capital of Norway.
Days 5-6 Oslo
Spend two nights in Norway’s capital and design the way you want to experience it. Take your time exploring that abundance of Museums on offer for all different interests. Witness Edvard Munch’s famous artwork “The Scream” at the National Museum, walk through the historical polar vessel the Fram at the Fram Museum and walk through the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History with its extensive collection of artifacts from different social groups and regions of the country. Once you have experienced Norway in a Nutshell, either continue on to your polar vessel for your next adventure or make your way to the airport for your return flight home.