At a Glance
Quick OverviewNorway in a Nutshell® is the country’s most iconic tour—a carefully crafted journey that combines world-class scenic railways with UNESCO-listed fjord cruising to deliver the best of Norwegian landscapes in a single, seamless experience. Whether you travel between Oslo and Bergen or make it a round trip, this tour packs stunning mountain plateaus, steep valleys, dramatic waterfalls, and narrow fjords into one unforgettable day or extended adventure.
According to Fjord Tours, Norway in a Nutshell “lets you experience two of the world’s most spectacular fjords, combining scenic rail journeys and fjord cruises to give you the best of Norway.”
The Journey Components
Overview
Norway in a Nutshell combines five transportation segments:
| Segment | Route | Duration | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bergen Railway | Oslo ↔ Myrdal | ~5 hours | Mountain plateau crossing |
| Flåm Railway | Myrdal ↔ Flåm | ~1 hour | Dramatic valley descent |
| Fjord Cruise | Flåm ↔ Gudvangen | ~2 hours | UNESCO Nærøyfjord |
| Bus | Gudvangen ↔ Voss | ~1 hour | Stalheimskleiva hairpins |
| Train | Voss ↔ Bergen | ~1.5 hours | Valley scenery |
The tour can be done in either direction and from multiple starting points.
Segment by Segment
1. Bergen Railway (Oslo - Myrdal)
The Experience: One of the world’s most scenic railway journeys, climbing from Oslo through the Hallingdal valley, across the vast Hardangervidda mountain plateau, and past dramatic mountain peaks.
Key highlights:
- Hallingdal valley views
- Hardangervidda plateau (Europe’s largest mountain plateau)
- Finse Station (1,222 metres—highest point)
- Hardangerjøkulen glacier views
- Hallingskarvet mountain range
Duration: Approximately 5 hours Oslo to Myrdal
Tips:
- Sit on right side (from Oslo) for best glacier views
- Book seat reservation (included in package)
- Bring snacks—journey is long
2. Flåm Railway (Myrdal - Flåm)
The Experience: Descending 867 metres in just 20 kilometres, the Flåm Railway is one of the world’s steepest and most spectacular train rides.
Key highlights:
- 20 tunnels through mountains
- Kjosfossen waterfall stop (5 minutes)
- 80% gradient sections
- Lush Flåm Valley
- Engineering marvel
Duration: Approximately 55 minutes
Tips:
- Sit on right side (descending) for Kjosfossen
- Have camera ready for waterfall stop
- Summer may feature Huldra folklore performance
3. Nærøyfjord Cruise (Flåm - Gudvangen)
The Experience: Gliding through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord—the narrowest fjord arm in Europe—on an eco-friendly vessel surrounded by 1,700-metre cliffs.
Key highlights:
- UNESCO World Heritage scenery
- Narrowest point just 250 metres wide
- Mountain walls rising 1,700 metres
- Waterfalls cascading from heights
- Historic farms on cliff ledges
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Cruise options:
- Premium: New electric vessel “Future of the Fjords”
- Standard: Traditional ferry
Tips:
- Go outside on deck for best photos
- Both sides offer excellent views
- Café on board for refreshments
4. Bus (Gudvangen - Voss)
The Experience: Climbing from the fjord through dramatic hairpin turns with waterfall views.
Summer route (May-September):
- Stalheimskleiva: 13 steep hairpin turns
- Stalheimsfossen waterfall views
- Sivlefossen waterfall
- Dramatic cliff scenery
Winter route (October-April):
- Alternative route for safety
- Still scenic but no Stalheimskleiva descent
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
5. Train (Voss - Bergen)
The Experience: The final leg through western Norwegian valleys to Bergen.
Key highlights:
- Voss town views
- Valley and mountain scenery
- Arrival in Bergen city centre
Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
Book Norway in a NutshellItinerary Options
Day Trip: Oslo to Bergen
| Time | Segment | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 06:25 | Train | Depart Oslo S |
| 11:27 | Arrive | Myrdal station |
| 12:11 | Flåm Railway | Depart Myrdal |
| 13:05 | Arrive | Flåm village |
| 13:30-15:00 | Free time | Lunch, explore Flåm |
| 15:30 | Cruise | Depart Flåm |
| 17:30 | Arrive | Gudvangen |
| 17:45 | Bus | Depart Gudvangen |
| 18:45 | Arrive | Voss |
| 19:08 | Train | Depart Voss |
| 20:19 | Arrive | Bergen |
Times are approximate—check current schedules
Day Trip: Bergen to Oslo
The journey works equally well in reverse:
- Morning departure from Bergen
- Evening arrival in Oslo
- Same spectacular segments in opposite order
Multi-Day Options
2-Day with Overnight in Flåm:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Oslo/Bergen to Flåm, overnight |
| 2 | Explore Flåm, cruise, continue to Bergen/Oslo |
3-Day Extended:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| 1 | Oslo to Flåm via Flåm Railway |
| 2 | Flåm activities: kayaking, hiking, Viking village |
| 3 | Fjord cruise, bus, train to Bergen |
5-Day Complete Experience:
| Day | Overnight |
|---|---|
| 1 | Oslo |
| 2 | Flåm |
| 3 | Voss |
| 4 | Bergen |
| 5 | Departure |
Round Trip Options
From Oslo (Round Trip):
- Day 1: Oslo → Flåm → Bergen
- Day 2: Bergen exploration
- Day 3: Bergen → Oslo (direct or repeat in reverse)
From Bergen (Round Trip):
- Day 1: Bergen → Flåm (via Voss)
- Day 2: Flåm Railway round trip, fjord activities
- Day 3: Return to Bergen
Booking Options
Official Package (Recommended)
Through Fjord Tours:
- All segments included
- Guaranteed connections
- Travel documents provided
- Customer support
- Premium or Standard cruise choice
Prices (2026 approximate):
- Day trip: NOK 2,500-3,500 (£195-270)
- Multi-day packages: NOK 5,000-15,000+ (£390-1,165)
DIY (Book Separately)
You can book each segment independently:
Train segments:
- Book through Vy
- Available 60-90 days in advance
- Bergen Railway seat reservation recommended
Flåm Railway + Cruise:
- Book through Norway’s Best
- Combination packages available
Bus:
- Included in most packages
- Or book locally
Savings vs. Convenience:
- DIY can save 10-20%
- Requires more planning
- Risk of missed connections
- No support if delays occur
When to Book
- Summer (June-August): Book 2-3 months ahead
- Shoulder season (May, September): Book 1-2 months ahead
- Winter: Book 2-4 weeks ahead
- Peak dates: Book maximum advance
Practical Information
What to Bring
- Layered clothing: Weather varies by elevation
- Rain jacket: Always possible in Norway
- Camera: Essential for this scenic journey
- Snacks and water: Long journey with limited stops
- Valid tickets: Paper or digital
- Identification: May be required
Starting Points
From Oslo:
- Depart Oslo S (Central Station)
- Morning departures for day trip
- Best for tourists already in Oslo
From Bergen:
- Depart Bergen Station
- Shorter to reach Flåm
- Best for those starting in Bergen
From Flåm:
- Start with fjord cruise
- Flexible scheduling
- Good for multi-day stays
From Voss:
- Midpoint start
- Good for those driving
Luggage
- Large luggage can be challenging
- Consider luggage storage in Oslo/Bergen
- Carry essentials in day bag
- Flåm has storage lockers
Accessibility
- Bergen Railway fully accessible
- Flåm Railway: contact ahead
- Fjord cruise: accessible decks
- Bus: varies, notify in advance
Best Time to Visit
By Season
Summer (June-August):
- Best weather
- All segments operating normally
- Longest days
- Most crowded—book ahead
- Stalheimskleiva open
Spring (May):
- Dramatic waterfalls (snowmelt)
- Fewer crowds
- Variable weather
- Good availability
Autumn (September-October):
- Autumn colours
- Quieter
- Good weather possible
- Reduced services late October
Winter (November-March):
- Snow-covered landscapes
- Atmospheric journey
- Shorter daylight
- Alternative bus route
- Fewer tourists
Weather Considerations
- Pack layers regardless of season
- Rain possible year-round
- Mountain weather differs from fjord
- Clear days offer best photography
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth the price?
Yes. Norway in a Nutshell efficiently combines multiple highlights that would otherwise require separate planning. The convenience, guaranteed connections, and comprehensive experience justify the cost for most travellers.
Can children do this tour?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly. Children under 4 travel free on trains, reduced rates for ages 4-15. The journey is long—bring entertainment and snacks for kids.
What if weather is bad?
The tour operates in most weather conditions. Rain doesn’t stop trains, ferries, or buses. Fog may reduce views but creates atmospheric scenery. Only extreme conditions cause cancellations.
Can I stop overnight midway?
Yes, multi-day packages include overnight options in Flåm, Voss, or both. This allows more relaxed pacing and time for activities.
Is it better than driving?
The tour offers experiences impossible by car—particularly the Flåm Railway (no road parallel) and the fjord cruise perspective. Many visitors combine: car to Bergen or Oslo, then tour between cities.
Alternatives and Add-Ons
Sognefjord in a Nutshell
Similar concept with more time in Sognefjord:
- Explore additional fjord villages
- More fjord cruise time
- Balestrand and glacier options
Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell
Focuses on Hardangerfjord region:
- Different fjord scenery
- Vøringsfossen waterfall
- Trolltunga access
Add-On Activities
In Flåm:
- Kayaking (2-4 hours)
- Njardarheimr Viking Village
- Hiking
- Ægir Brewpub
In Bergen:
- Bryggen UNESCO site
- Fløibanen funicular
- Fish market
- City exploration
Final Advice
Norway in a Nutshell delivers exactly what its name promises—the essence of Norwegian landscape beauty in one concentrated journey. Whether you race through in a day or stretch it across a week, the combination of mountain railways, fjord cruising, and varied transportation creates an experience that has made this tour legendary.
Book well in advance for summer travel, bring layers and a camera, and prepare for sensory overload as Norway reveals its finest scenery through train windows and across fjord waters. This is bucket-list travel at its best.
Information in this guide is sourced from Fjord Tours and Visit Bergen. Schedules and prices subject to change—verify current information before booking. Last updated January 2026.