Norway's Fjords, Fells & Railways

With thundering rivers, sky-blue fjords, and frostbitten peaks punctuated by a flurry of fascinating cities, this trip to Norway ups the ante for natural beauty and standout sightseeing opportunities. We’ll lead you coast to coast across wild mountains and majestic fjords by rail and boat, visiting royal Oslo, UNESCO-listed Bergen, and the historic port of Stavanger along the way. Not only will we take the Bergen Railway to its summit station, ride the famous Flåm Railway, and climb Mount Fløyen by funicular, but we’ll also sail through the fjords and along Norway’s coastline. And it doesn’t end there. Stay in a remote mountain wilderness for walks by waterfalls and lakes to stunning viewpoints over the glacier-encrusted landscape and top it all with a final trek to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) to take in what’s arguably Norway’s most wow-worthy scenery.
What you’ll love
- Visiting the contrasting cities of Oslo, Bergen & Stavanger
- Riding the Bergen Railway to the ‘roof of Norway’
- Staying in the unspoilt wilderness at Vatnahalsen and Balestrand
- Hiking to mountain viewpoints at Hardanger Glacier & Pulpit Rock
- A journey on the Flåm Railway from the mountains to fjordside
- Sailing Norway’s fjords & rugged coastline
- Ascending Mount Fløyen on foot and by funicular railway
What’s included
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Full programme of guided walks led by local HF Holidays Leaders
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Comfortable accommodation
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9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 5 evening meals
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All in-destination transport including trains, ferries, and boats
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Return flights from the UK including hold baggage and airport transfers
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
Gallery
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
On arrival to Oslo, you’ll be met by our local HF Holidays Tour Manager who’ll introduce you to the city on a guided tour of Norway’s proud capital and royal seat. Unpack and settle into your hotel before dinner.
Distance: 10km
Our first full day takes us on one of Europe’s most spectacular railway journeys. The Bergen Railway, departs Oslo, climbing gently through green pastures before ascending beyond the tree line to a beautiful wilderness. Our destination is Vatnahalsen where we’ll stay for two nights. In the afternoon, there’s the option of an easy three-hour walk alongside lakes Reinunga and Seltuft – a great introduction to the region.
Distance: 11km
After a 30-minute walk to Myrdal station, we take the Bergen Railway to nearby Finse, the highest point on the line. Finse lies in the Hardangervidda (Hardanger Mountain Plateau), the largest plateau of its kind in Europe. Today’s highlight is a walk to the viewpoint over the Hardanger Glacier - one of Norway’s biggest
Distance: 5km, 3 hours
The world-famous Flåm Railway twists and turns through rocky landscapes as we descend from high mountains to breath taking fjord scenery. On arrival in Flåm we’ll walk to the Brekkefossen waterfall for a lovely view of the fjord and valley. Our ferry then sails along awe-inspiring Aurlandsfjord and into Sognefjord, where we stay for two nights in Balestrand.
This morning is spent walking along the shore of Sognefjord, passing white and red coloured wooden villas nestled against grassy slopes. If weather permits, you can take a refreshing dip in the fjord at Gamleheimsfjøra’s beautiful beach. An afternoon boat trip explores Fjærlandsfjord. After a visit to the Glacier Museum a coach takes us to Bøyabreen Glacier and back to Balestrand.
After a relaxing morning we meet for lunch and a tasting of local cider. Our afternoon ferry sails westwards along Sognefjord, then down the scenic coastline to Bergen, Norway’s second city.
A morning sightseeing tour uncovers Bergen and its UNESCO World Heritage harbourfront, Bryggen. After a light lunch that includes a tasting of the local produce from Bryggen’s harbour, we’ll embark on another of Norway’s great rail experiences. The Fløibanen Funicular takes us to the top of Mount Fløyen. From here we’ll enjoy spectacular views over Bryggen, Bergen, and the surrounding mountains. We return to Bryggen on foot via Blåmanen and Rundemanen.
After some free time in Bergen, we’ll board the coastal ferry to complete our route down Norway’s coastline, with lunch included on board. Our destination is maritime Stavanger for our final two nights.
Distance: 6 km
Our final day is one of the highlights of our Norwegian adventure. From our start point, we’ll make a 350-metre ascent to Preikestolen – the rocky plateau known as Pulpit Rock that sits majestically 604 metres above Lysefjord and offers knockout views over the Norwehian fjords.
After breakfast, we return to Stavanger International Airport for our return flight home.
Comfort Hotel Grand Central, Oslo
For a stay in central Oslo, The Comfort Hotel Grand Central offers easy access to all the city’s sights as well as the newly-opened Østbanehallen – a former 18th century railway station transformed into a modern retail space packed with shops, bars, and restaurants. Inside, compact but comfortable rooms come with TV, Wi-Fi, and an en-suite bathroom with shower.
Zander K Hotel, Bergen
Since its opening in March 2017, the Zander K has established itself as one of Bergen’s trendiest hotels. Sleekly designed rooms come in a contemporary Nordic style while the restaurant showcases dishes made with local produce. The hotel is located just a stone’s throw from Bergen railway station.
The Hotel Scandic Stavanger City, Stavanger
The Hotel Scandic Stavanger City offers 226 comfortable and modern hotel rooms within walking distance of the city’s shopping and nightlife areas. Unwind after a day of exploring in the hotel’s popular Varmen Bar, make use of the well-equipped gym, and take advantage of the lobby area’s 24-hour shop. Location wise, the hotel is in easy reach of trips to nearby Lysefjorden and the ferry service for hikes up to Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock).
The Hotel Vatnahalsen, Flåmsdalen
Only accessible by train, The Hotel Vatnahalsen is a remote retreat situated amidst a vast mountain wilderness known as the ‘roof of Norway’. Its enviable location makes it an ideal base for a host of outdoor activities including walking, mountain biking, and ziplining. Simple yet cosy rooms all come with excellent views of the surrounding landscape and the welcoming lounge area is great for catching up with fellow guests or curling up with a good book by the open fireplace. In the restaurant, you’ll find panoramic windows overlooking Reinunga Lake and traditional Nordic dishes using local organic vegetables and meat from animals that have grazed on the mountain.
Midtnes Hotel, Balestrand
A simple hotel overlooking the beautiful Sognefjord, the Midtnes offers spacious, comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi, plus a private pier for swimming. As for location, you’ll be in easy reach of main sights including the town’s charming church and the Norwegian Travel Museum.
Essential information
It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulated jacket/top
- Walking clothing
- Walking socks (plus spares)
- Sunhat
- Gloves/mitts and warm hat
- Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
- Headtorch
- High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
- Sunglasses with a dark lens
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
- Passport
- Visa (if applicable)
- Copy of your travel insurance policy
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)
Recommended
- Collapsible walking poles
- Swimwear and travel towel
- Snacks
- Dry bags
- Rubbish bags
- Insect repellent
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- GPS device
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All packages that include flights are ATOL protected. Advertised prices listed below show the lowest economy flight price option for that departure. On holidays where we offer local UK airports, details will appear in the “Important Information” section below and available alternative flight options will be offered when you book. Seating upgrades may be available on request and at an additional charge, please call 020 3974 8865 for a quote.
Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
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2024 | ||||||||
09 Jun - 18 Jun 2024 9 nights |
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23 Jun - 02 Jul 2024 9 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport
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01 Sep - 10 Sep 2024 9 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Heathrow Airport
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Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
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2024 | ||||||||
09 Jun - 18 Jun 2024 9 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
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23 Jun - 02 Jul 2024 9 nights |
Itinerary
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01 Sep - 10 Sep 2024 9 nights |
Itinerary
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Double Call to Enquire
|
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Important information
- With flights holidays: Price includes return flights to Oslo Gardermoen Airport, hold baggage and airport transfers
- Our airport taxi service operates at this resort – price available on request