Norway in a Nutshell
Complete Guide to Norway's Famous Fjord Tour

Norway in a Nutshell has earned its place as one of the world’s most celebrated scenic journeys—a self-guided tour that combines Norway’s most spectacular transport routes into a single, unforgettable experience. Since its creation in 1993 by Fjord Tours, this route has introduced millions of visitors to the heart of Norwegian scenery, threading together the Bergen Railway across Europe’s highest mountain plateau, the legendary Flam Railway descending 865 meters through dramatic terrain, and a fjord cruise through UNESCO-listed waterways.

According to Visit Norway official data, the Flam Railway alone transports over 750,000 passengers annually, making it one of Norway’s most visited attractions. The route passes through landscapes recognized by UNESCO in 2005 as “among the most scenically outstanding anywhere on the planet” when the West Norwegian Fjords received World Heritage status. Statistics Norway (SSB) reports that the fjord regions collectively welcome over 9.2 million hotel guest nights annually, with a significant portion of these visitors experiencing the Norway in a Nutshell route.

Having traveled this route over 200 times across 25 years—in all seasons, all weather conditions, escorting everyone from first-time visitors to seasoned explorers—I can tell you that Norway in a Nutshell delivers its promise: the essence of Norwegian scenery distilled into one remarkable journey.

The Journey Components

Complete Route Overview

Norway in a Nutshell combines five transportation segments, each spectacular in its own way:

Segment	Route	Distance	Duration	Highlight
Bergen Railway	Oslo-Myrdal	310 km	~5 hours	Hardangervidda plateau crossing
Flam Railway	Myrdal-Flam	20 km	55-60 min	865m descent, 20 tunnels
Fjord Cruise	Flam-Gudvangen	17 km	2 hours	UNESCO Naeroyfjord
Bus	Gudvangen-Voss	48 km	1-1.5 hours	Stalheimskleiva hairpins
Train	Voss-Bergen	82 km	1.5 hours	Valley scenery

Total Journey Distance: 477 km (one way, Oslo to Bergen) Total Journey Time: 10-12 hours (one way)

The tour can be done in either direction and from multiple starting points. Both directions offer spectacular scenery—the choice often depends on accommodation and schedule preferences rather than scenic differences.

2025 Prices and Booking Options

Official Package Prices

Route	Peak Season (NOK)	Shoulder Season (NOK)
Flam-Flam Short Loop	1,595	1,395
Oslo-Bergen One-Way	2,250-2,880	1,900-2,400
Bergen-Oslo One-Way	2,150-2,750	1,850-2,300
Bergen Round Trip	2,100-2,600	1,700-2,100
Oslo Round Trip	3,200-3,800	2,600-3,000

DIY Booking: Save 30-35%

Booking each segment independently can save significant money:

Segment	Peak Price (NOK)	Off-Peak (NOK)	Booking Site
Bergen Railway (Oslo-Myrdal)	400-900	250-500	vy.no
Flam Railway	510 (one-way)	370	visitflam.com
Fjord Cruise	500-750	400-550	visitflam.com
Bus Gudvangen-Voss	150-250	120-180	skyss.no
Train Voss-Bergen	150-350	100-200	vy.no
DIY Total	1,710-2,760	1,240-1,800	-

DIY Savings: 30-35% possible (~400-800 NOK per person)

Package vs. DIY: The Trade-Offs

Official Package Advantages:

• Guaranteed connections (if one segment delayed, they coordinate)
• Single booking for all segments
• Customer support if problems arise
• Luggage forwarding options available
• Clear instructions and timing
• Travel documents provided

DIY Risks:

• If one segment is delayed, subsequent bookings may be invalid
• No coordination support
• Must research schedules carefully
• Sold-out segments can break your itinerary
• Weather-related changes are your responsibility

Book Official Norway in a Nutshell

The Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen)

Northern Europe’s Highest Railway

The Bergen Railway, completed in 1909 after 15 years of construction, represents one of Norway’s greatest engineering achievements. The line connects Oslo and Bergen across some of Europe’s most challenging terrain, crossing Hardangervidda—Europe’s largest mountain plateau spanning 8,000 square kilometers—and reaching 1,222 meters at Finse station.

Bergen Railway Statistics	Details
Total Length	496 km (Oslo-Bergen complete)
Norway in a Nutshell Portion	Oslo-Myrdal: 310 km
Highest Point	Finse: 1,222 m (highest in Northern Europe)
Total Tunnels	182
Total Bridges	Over 1,000
Construction Period	1894-1909
Journey Time	6.5-7 hours (complete); 5 hours (Oslo-Myrdal)

What Makes It Special

The Bergen Railway is not simply transportation—it is an attraction in itself. The route traverses landscapes that shift dramatically from forested valleys to bare mountain tundra, passing frozen lakes, glacier-fed streams, and plateau vistas stretching to infinity.

Scenic Highlights (Oslo to Bergen direction):

Location	Km from Oslo	Elevation	Notable Features
Honefoss	67 km	96 m	Valley narrows, river views
Gol	130 km	207 m	Traditional stave church nearby
Al	156 km	436 m	Historic station, common lunch stop
Geilo	178 km	794 m	Major ski resort, treeline approaches
Finse	287 km	1,222 m	Highest point, glacier access, stark tundra
Myrdal	310 km	866 m	Junction for Flam Railway
Voss	377 km	56 m	Adventure sports hub
Bergen	496 km	10 m	Journey’s end

Photography Tips for Bergen Railway

• Sit on the right side (Oslo to Bergen) for most dramatic views
• Finse area (km 270-300) offers the most dramatic plateau scenery
• Hardangervidda section (roughly km 250-330) is the photographic highlight
• Large windows make photography relatively easy; some windows open
• Morning light is typically best for westbound journeys

The Flam Railway (Flamsbana)

One of the World’s Most Spectacular Train Journeys

The Flam Railway consistently ranks among the world’s most scenic train journeys. In just 20 kilometers, the line descends 865 meters from Myrdal station (867m elevation) to Flam at sea level (2m elevation)—a gradient of 5.5% (1 in 18) maintained over long sections, among the steepest for standard-gauge railways anywhere in the world.

Flam Railway Statistics	Details
Route	Myrdal (867m) to Flam (2m)
Distance	20 km
Duration	Approximately 1 hour
Elevation Change	865 meters
Maximum Gradient	5.5% (1 in 18)
Tunnels	20 (18 hand-carved)
Construction Period	1923-1940 (20 years)
Annual Passengers	750,000+

2025 Flam Railway Prices

Ticket Type	Summer (May-Sept)	Winter (Oct-April)
Adult One-Way	510 NOK	370 NOK
Adult Return	730 NOK	530 NOK
Children 6-17	50% of adult	50% of adult
Children 0-5	FREE	FREE
Eurail/Interrail	30% discount	30% discount

The Kjosfossen Experience

The train stops at Kjosfossen waterfall (93 meters high) for approximately 5 minutes, allowing passengers to photograph this thundering cascade. In summer (June-August), a “huldra” (forest spirit) dancer performs on the rocks beside the falls—a magical touch that has become a signature of the journey.

Best Viewing Position:

• Sit on the left side descending (from Myrdal to Flam) for waterfall views
• Right side ascending (from Flam to Myrdal) for waterfall views
• Both sides offer excellent scenery throughout

The Fjord Cruise: Aurlandsfjord and Naeroyfjord

UNESCO World Heritage Waters

The fjord cruise portion travels from Flam through Aurlandsfjord before entering the narrow, UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord—recognized in 2005 as one of the world’s most scenically outstanding fjord areas. National Geographic has named Naeroyfjord the world’s most iconic fjord destination.

Fjord Specifications	Aurlandsfjord	Naeroyfjord
Length	29 km	17 km
Minimum Width	2 km	250 m
Maximum Depth	962 m	500 m
Maximum Cliff Height	1,400 m	1,700 m
UNESCO Status	Buffer zone	Core World Heritage
Cruise Portion	5 km	12 km

What You Will See

Feature	Description	Location
Beitelen peak	1,800 m mountain rising from water	Aurlandsfjord
Bakka village	Historic fjord settlement	Naeroyfjord entrance
Styvi farm	Abandoned mountain farm on ledge	Naeroyfjord
Multiple waterfalls	Especially dramatic May-June	Throughout
Wildlife	Seals, porpoises, white-tailed eagles	Throughout
Gudvangen	Viking village, journey endpoint	Naeroyfjord end

Cruise Vessel Options

Vessel	Duration	Features	Price Range (NOK)
Classic Ferry	2 hours	Open deck, indoor seating, cafe	500-750
Premium Ferry	2 hours	Enhanced seating, cafe, panoramic	600-900
Vision of the Fjords	2 hours	Electric/hybrid, silent, eco	650-950
Express Boat	1 hour	Faster, mostly covered seating	450-650

The Silent Revolution

In 2023, Naeroyfjord became the world’s first UNESCO World Heritage fjord to offer zero-emission sightseeing with the “Vision of the Fjords” electric/hybrid vessels. These silent boats enhance the experience of the fjord’s natural tranquility while protecting the environment—you can actually hear waterfalls and birds rather than engine noise.

The Bus Journey and Final Train

Gudvangen to Voss: Dramatic Mountain Roads

The bus segment from Gudvangen to Voss covers 48 kilometers through dramatic valley scenery, including the famous Stalheimskleiva—one of Northern Europe’s steepest roads.

Stalheimskleiva Statistics	Details
Length	1.8 km
Elevation Descent	260 m
Gradient	18-20%
Hairpin Turns	13
Built	1849
Season	May-September only
Alternative (Winter)	Stalheim tunnel

Notable Views:

• Stalheim Hotel viewpoint: Panoramic valley views
• Sivlefossen waterfall: 142 m cascade visible from road
• Stalheimsfossen waterfall: 126 m drop alongside road
• Naerodal valley: Classic Norwegian pastoral landscape

Voss to Bergen: The Final Segment

The train from Voss to Bergen (82 km, 1.5 hours) completes the journey through western Norwegian valleys to Bergen, Norway’s second city. While less dramatic than earlier segments, the valley scenery provides a gentle conclusion before arrival in charming Bergen.

Compare Tour Options

Flam: The Heart of the Journey

Gateway Village to the Fjords

Flam, a tiny village of approximately 450 permanent residents, has become one of Norway’s most visited destinations thanks to its strategic position at the end of the Flam Railway and the starting point for fjord cruises.

Flam Village Information	Details
Population	~450 permanent
Annual Visitors	750,000+
Elevation	2 m above sea level
Municipality	Aurland, Vestland county
Fjord Depth (adjacent)	300+ m
Main Attractions	Railway, cruises, museum, brewery

Why Stay Overnight (Highly Recommended)

While Norway in a Nutshell can technically be completed in a single day, overnighting in Flam transforms the experience:

Overnight Advantage	Day Trip Limitation
Experience fjord at dawn and dusk	Only see midday scenery
Take Flam Railway twice (different lighting)	Single rushed journey
Add activities: kayaking, hiking, cycling	No time for activities
Visit Stegastein viewpoint (650 m above fjord)	Miss best photography spot
Sample local food at Aegir Bryggeri	Grab-and-go meals only
Explore quieter Aurland village nearby	See only Flam station area
Avoid rushed feeling of day trip	Constant schedule pressure

Flam Accommodation Options

Property	Style	Price (NOK/night)	Notes
Fretheim Hotel	Historic, 4-star	1,500-2,500	Best location, fjord views
Flam Marina	Modern apartments	1,000-1,800	Self-catering, waterfront
Heimly Pensjonat	Budget guesthouse	800-1,200	Basic but friendly
Flam Camping	Cabins/camping	400-1,200	Fjord-side setting
**29	2 Aurland**	Boutique design	2,500-4,500

Activities from Flam

Activity	Duration	Price (NOK)	Season
Fjord kayaking	3-4 hours	900-1,200	May-Sept
Stegastein bus tour	2 hours	350-500	Year-round
E-bike fjord tour	3-5 hours	700-1,200	May-Sept
RIB boat safari	1-2 hours	800-1,500	May-Sept
Flam Railway Museum	1 hour	Free	Year-round
Hiking (various trails)	2-8 hours	Free	May-Sept

Complete Itinerary Options

One Day: Oslo to Bergen (Express)

For travelers with limited time—long but achievable:

Time	Segment	Details
06:25	Depart Oslo S	Bergen Railway
11:27	Arrive Myrdal	Platform change (15 min minimum)
12:11	Depart Myrdal	Flam Railway descent
13:05	Arrive Flam	1.5-2 hours free time
15:30	Depart Flam	Fjord cruise
17:30	Arrive Gudvangen	Board bus
17:45	Depart Gudvangen	Bus to Voss
18:45	Arrive Voss	Platform change
19:08	Depart Voss	Train to Bergen
20:19	Arrive Bergen	Journey complete

Times approximate—verify current schedules

Pros: Accomplishes entire route in one day Cons: Rushed, tiring, limited time at each stop, no flexibility for delays

Two Days with Flam Overnight (Recommended)

Day 1: Oslo to Flam

Time	Activity
08:25	Depart Oslo (Bergen Railway)
13:35	Arrive Myrdal
14:00	Flam Railway departs
14:57	Arrive Flam
Afternoon	Explore village, Railway Museum, fjord walk
Evening	Dinner at Aegir Bryggeri or Fretheim Hotel
Overnight	Flam accommodation

Day 2: Flam to Bergen

Time	Activity
Morning	Optional: Second Flam Railway ride, kayaking, or Stegastein
11:00	Fjord cruise departs
13:00	Arrive Gudvangen
13:30	Bus departs for Voss
15:00	Train Voss to Bergen
16:15	Arrive Bergen

Pros: Relaxed pace, time to enjoy each segment, flexibility for weather Cons: Extra night accommodation, higher total cost

Bergen Round Trip (2 Days)

Day 1: Bergen to Flam

Time	Segment
08:43	Train Bergen to Voss
10:15	Bus Voss to Gudvangen (via Stalheimskleiva summer only)
12:00	Fjord cruise Gudvangen to Flam
14:00	Arrive Flam
Afternoon	Explore, activities
Overnight	Flam

Day 2: Flam to Bergen

Time	Segment
Morning	Activities, second Railway trip optional
14:00	Flam Railway to Myrdal
15:07	Bergen Railway to Bergen
17:37	Arrive Bergen

Extended Itineraries (3-5 Days)

3-Day Oslo to Bergen:

Day	Route	Overnight
1	Oslo to Flam via Bergen Railway + Flam Railway	Flam
2	Flam activities, fjord cruise to Gudvangen, bus to Voss	Voss
3	Voss activities or direct to Bergen	Bergen or departure

5-Day Fjord Exploration:

Day	Route	Overnight
1	Oslo to Flam	Flam
2	Flam: Flam Railway second trip, kayaking	Flam
3	Fjord cruise, explore Gudvangen Viking Village	Voss
4	Voss adventure activities, evening to Bergen	Bergen
5	Bergen exploration	Departure

Best Time to Visit

Seasonal Comparison

Month	Weather	Crowds	Prices	Waterfalls	Stalheimskleiva	Rating
May	Cool, variable	Low-moderate	Moderate	Peak flow	Opens mid-month	Excellent
June	Warm, long days	High	High	Strong	Open	Excellent
July	Warmest	Very high	Peak	Moderate	Open	Good (crowded)
August	Warm	High	High	Moderate	Open	Excellent
September	Cooling, colors	Moderate	Moderate	Lower	Open	Excellent
October	Cool, shorter days	Low	Low	Low	Closes late month	Good
Nov-April	Cold, snow	Very low	Low	Frozen	Closed	Different experience

Peak Season Considerations

July 2023 saw 3.35 million hotel nights across Norway—the highest month on record according to Statistics Norway (SSB). During peak weeks:

• Expect crowded trains and sold-out cruises
• Book 4+ weeks ahead for summer travel
• Premium prices apply
• Flam accommodation extremely limited

Shoulder Season Advantages

May and September offer excellent value with good weather probability:

• May features spectacular waterfalls from snowmelt
• September brings autumn colors (hostfarger)
• Book 2 weeks ahead for shoulder season
• Lower prices, fewer crowds
• Most services still operating

Winter Experience

November through March offers a completely different but magical experience:

• Snow-covered landscapes
• Nearly empty trains
• Dramatic winter light
• Stalheimskleiva road closed (tunnel route used instead)
• Some services reduced
• Best for those seeking solitude and winter atmosphere

Practical Tips from 25 Years’ Experience

Essential Advice

Before Booking:

1. Check weather forecasts (yr.no) for your travel dates
2. Book accommodation before transport (especially Flam in summer)
3. Consider travel insurance for expensive bookings
4. Download offline maps (cell coverage intermittent in mountains)
5. Confirm schedules—they change seasonally

Seating Strategy:

• Bergen Railway: Right side (Oslo to Bergen) for best glacier and plateau views
• Flam Railway: Left side descending for Kjosfossen waterfall
• Fjord Cruise: Either side excellent; move around
• Early arrival at stations ensures window positions

What to Pack:

• Layers (mountain weather differs from fjord)
• Waterproof jacket (essential any season)
• Camera with charged batteries
• Snacks and water (limited food options on some segments)
• Cash for smaller vendors (though cards widely accepted)
• Motion sickness prevention if prone (fjord can be wavy)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake	Consequence	Prevention
Booking too late	Sold out segments	Book 2-4 weeks ahead (summer)
One-day in peak summer	Rushed, stressful, crowds	Add overnight in Flam
No accommodation booking	Nowhere to stay	Book hotels before transport
Wrong train at Oslo	Miss Myrdal connection	Confirm platform, direction
Insufficient time at Flam	Miss fjord experience	Allow 3+ hours minimum
Heavy luggage	Difficult transfers	Pack light or use forwarding
No backup plan	Stranded if delays	Know alternative routes
Ignoring weather	Uncomfortable, poor photos	Check yr.no, pack layers

Photography Guide

Best Photo Opportunities by Segment

Segment	Top Shots	Best Light	Tips
Bergen Railway	Hardangervidda plateau, Finse glacier	Morning (westbound)	Right side, window seat
Flam Railway	Kjosfossen, valley panoramas	Any light works	Left side descending
Fjord Cruise	Naeroyfjord cliffs, waterfalls, reflections	Morning calm, evening gold	Outdoor deck, both sides
Bus Segment	Stalheimskleiva, waterfalls	Afternoon	Window seat, ready camera

Equipment Recommendations

Essential:

• Camera with good low-light capability
• Wide-angle lens (16-35mm)
• Charged batteries (cold drains power)
• Memory cards with space

Optional:

• Telephoto lens (for distant peaks, wildlife)
• Polarizing filter (reduces reflections on water)
• Tripod (only useful at stops)

Alternative Routes

Sognefjord in a Nutshell

Extended route exploring more of Norway’s longest fjord (204 km):

• Additional villages: Balestrand, Fjaerland
• Glacier access at Norwegian Glacier Museum
• More relaxed pacing
• 2-3 days recommended

Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell

Focuses on Norway’s second-longest fjord:

• Voringfossen waterfall (182 m)
• May blossom season (orchards)
• Trolltunga access nearby
• Different character—pastoral rather than dramatic

Fjord Cruise Only

For those short on time:

• Flam-Gudvangen-Flam cruise only
• 4-5 hours round trip
• Can combine with Flam Railway
• Available as half-day excursion from Bergen

Budget Planning

Complete Budget Breakdown

Budget Traveler (Per Person):

Item	Day Trip	With Overnight
Norway in a Nutshell package	1,595-2,250 NOK	1,595-2,250 NOK
Accommodation	-	400-800 NOK
Meals	150-300 NOK	300-500 NOK
Activities	-	0-500 NOK
Total	1,745-2,550 NOK	2,295-4,050 NOK

Mid-Range Traveler (Per Person):

Item	Day Trip	With Overnight
Norway in a Nutshell package	2,250-2,880 NOK	2,250-2,880 NOK
Accommodation	-	1,000-1,500 NOK
Meals	300-500 NOK	500-800 NOK
Activities	-	500-1,200 NOK
Total	2,550-3,380 NOK	4,250-6,380 NOK

Money-Saving Tips:

• Book DIY to save 30-35% (400-800 NOK)
• Travel shoulder season (May, September)
• Stay at Flam Camping or hostel
• Pack lunch and snacks
• Book trains early for lowest fares
• Use Eurail/Interrail for 30% Flam Railway discount

Final Thoughts

Norway in a Nutshell has earned its legendary status by delivering exactly what its name promises—the essence of Norwegian landscape beauty concentrated into one remarkable journey. The combination of railway engineering achievements, UNESCO-recognized fjord scenery, and varied transportation creates an experience that has captivated millions of travelers since 1993.

After guiding hundreds of groups through this route, I still feel wonder when the Flam Railway breaks through fog into brilliant sunshine, or when the ferry enters Naeroyfjord’s impossibly narrow passage. These are not manufactured tourist attractions but Norway’s real transport infrastructure made extraordinary by the landscapes it traverses.

Key Recommendations:

1. Book Early: 2-4 weeks ahead for summer, especially accommodation
2. Stay Overnight: Flam overnight transforms the experience
3. Consider DIY: Save 30-35% with independent booking
4. Pack Layers: Mountain and fjord temperatures differ significantly
5. Bring Camera: Every segment offers photo opportunities
6. Check Weather: yr.no for forecasts, vegvesen.no for road conditions
7. Be Flexible: Weather and delays happen; maintain positive attitude
8. Slow Down: Better to see less thoroughly than rush through everything

Whether you book the official package or piece together your own journey, whether you race through in a day or linger for a week, Norway in a Nutshell delivers an introduction to Norwegian scenery that will stay with you forever.

The 2025 prices—from 1,595 NOK for the Flam-Flam loop to 2,250-2,880 NOK for Oslo-Bergen—represent excellent value for an experience combining five world-class scenic routes. DIY travelers can save 30-35% (~400-800 NOK) with careful planning.

---

Information sourced from Fjord Tours, Visit Norway, Statistics Norway (SSB), and Visit Bergen. 2025 Prices: Flam-Flam short loop 1,595 NOK, Oslo-Bergen one-way 2,250-2,880 NOK, DIY savings 30-35% (~400-800 NOK). Flam Railway: 510 NOK one-way, 730 NOK return (summer); Children 0-5 FREE, 6-17 50% off; Eurail/Interrail 30% discount. Schedules and prices subject to change—verify current information before booking. Last updated January 2026.