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
- Local Tour Manager that leads walks and sightseeing
- 9 nights' accommodation in multiple locations
- 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 7 dinners
- All in-destination transport
- Return flights from London Gatwick, including baggage and 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.
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 your local Tour Manager who’ll introduce you to the city on a guided tour of Norway’s proud capital and royal seat. Our tour will be partly on foot and partly by coach, to ensure we see the most spectacular sights in this green city, set at the head of the Oslofjord. We’ll take a walk in Frogner Park, with its beautiful sculptures and visit the interesting Fram Museum. We’ll then go on to our hotel, to unpack and settle in before our set-course evening meal.
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.
Distance:10km / 6.5 miles
Ascent: 50 m / 165 feet
Descent :50 m / 165 feet
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 an easy 3.5-hour walk alongside lakes Reinunga and Seltuft – a great introduction to the region. This hike takes us along the gravel road and the lakeside. Though mainly flat, there is some ascent and descent as we switch between them. We'll continue to our hotel in Myrdal where we'll stay for two nights, enjoying a delicious set local menu each evening.
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.
Distance: 11km / 7 miles
Ascent: 150 m / 495 feet
Descent: 150 m / 495 feet
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. This walk will take around five hours, but the views are worth the effort. We’ll start heading eastwards along the Finsevatnet where our route takes us through terrain which is rough and rocky in part. Surefootedness is required as we cross a suspension bridge, enjoying the surrounding landscapes of mountains and streams.
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.
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Ascent: 155 m / 510 feet
Descent: 155 m / 510 feet
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 from the town alongside the river, then up the mountainside to the Brekkefossen waterfall. As the trail opens up onto a grassy ledge, we will have a lovely view of the fjord and valley. We’ll make our way back down to the village, where our ferry then sails along awe-inspiring Aurlandsfjord and into Sognefjord, where we stay for two nights in Balestrand.
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.
This morning is free for you to enjoy a walk 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 which is described as a “hanging glacier” because most of it is still spread over the mountain top. After taking in this sight we return to Balestrand by boat.
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.
Scandic Ørnen, Bergen
Located just moments from Bergen railway station, Scandic Ørnen is a stylish, contemporary hotel ideal for exploring the city’s main attractions. Spacious rooms come with all the essentials including free Wi-Fi, TV, and en-suite bathroom. The hotel is home to Roast Restaurant & Bar, known for locally sourced ingredients and panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Guests also have access to a fitness centre and can enjoy one of the city’s best hotel breakfasts, served in the light-filled restaurant each morning. Bryggen Wharf and the Fløibanen funicular are just a short stroll away.
Distance: 6 km / 3.5 miles
Descent: 320 m / 1050 feet
A morning sightseeing tour uncovers Bergen and its UNESCO World Heritage harbourfront, Bryggen. After a small taste 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, making the walk down via Blåmanen and Rundemanen, taking in the scenery as we go.
Scandic Ørnen, Bergen
Located just moments from Bergen railway station, Scandic Ørnen is a stylish, contemporary hotel ideal for exploring the city’s main attractions. Spacious rooms come with all the essentials including free Wi-Fi, TV, and en-suite bathroom. The hotel is home to Roast Restaurant & Bar, known for locally sourced ingredients and panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Guests also have access to a fitness centre and can enjoy one of the city’s best hotel breakfasts, served in the light-filled restaurant each morning. Bryggen Wharf and the Fløibanen funicular are just a short stroll away.
After some free time to explore Bergen this morning we’ll board the coastal ferry to complete our route down Norway’s coastline. We will have dinner onboard the ferry before we arrive into Stavanger this evening.
Scandic Ørnen, Bergen
Located just moments from Bergen railway station, Scandic Ørnen is a stylish, contemporary hotel ideal for exploring the city’s main attractions. Spacious rooms come with all the essentials including free Wi-Fi, TV, and en-suite bathroom. The hotel is home to Roast Restaurant & Bar, known for locally sourced ingredients and panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Guests also have access to a fitness centre and can enjoy one of the city’s best hotel breakfasts, served in the light-filled restaurant each morning. Bryggen Wharf and the Fløibanen funicular are just a short stroll away.
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Ascent: 600m / 1970 feet
Descent: 600m / 1970 feet
Our last day is one of the highlights of our Norwegian adventure, also our most challenging walk, with our experienced leader on hand to guide us through some of the steeper sections on one of the country’s most famous mountain hikes. From our start point, we’ll make the ascent to Preikestolen – the rocky plateau and iconic rock formation known as Pulpit Rock that sits majestically 604 metres above Lysefjord and offers knockout views over the Norwegian fjords. In the evening we'll enjoy our final meal together in Norway.
Hotel Thon Stavanger, Stavanger
For a stay in central Stavanger, the Hotel Thon offers easy access to all the city’s sights and sits just steps from the beautiful 12th century cathedral. The hotel retains an air of traditional style but comes with modern elements and facilities throughout, including comfortable rooms complete with all mod cons. There’s a warm and welcoming dining room and the hotel’s second-floor lounge is a wonderful spot to enjoy views over the city, with a morning coffee.
Enjoy our final breakfast this morning. We return today to Stavanger International Airport for the return flight home.
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.
Scandic Ørnen, Bergen
Located just moments from Bergen railway station, Scandic Ørnen is a stylish, contemporary hotel ideal for exploring the city’s main attractions. Spacious rooms come with all the essentials including free Wi-Fi, TV, and en-suite bathroom. The hotel is home to Roast Restaurant & Bar, known for locally sourced ingredients and panoramic views from the rooftop terrace. Guests also have access to a fitness centre and can enjoy one of the city’s best hotel breakfasts, served in the light-filled restaurant each morning. Bryggen Wharf and the Fløibanen funicular are just a short stroll away.
Hotel Thon Stavanger, Stavanger
For a stay in central Stavanger, the Hotel Thon offers easy access to all the city’s sights and sits just steps from the beautiful 12th century cathedral. The hotel retains an air of traditional style but comes with modern elements and facilities throughout, including comfortable rooms complete with all mod cons. There’s a warm and welcoming dining room and the hotel’s second-floor lounge is a wonderful spot to enjoy views over the city, with a morning coffee.
Essential information
Transport throughout the tour is by coach/rail/boat. On a number of days, we walk with our luggage between hotels and departure/arrival railway stations or docks. A coach is used for airport transfers and on some days for excursions.
What to pack
Even during summer in Norway’s fjords, you need to be prepared for rapid weather changes and so packing requires versatile layers to manage this. Pack for all conditions with a mix of light, breathable clothes and warm, sturdy clothing for chilly, wet conditions.
Essentials
- Walking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof trousers
- Insulating layers - fleece/wool
- 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
- Insect repellent
- Rucksack (15-30 litres)
- Mobile phone
- Camera
- 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
- Dry bags
Optional extras
- Camera
- Sit mat
- Gaiters
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Extra Savings for Members
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| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
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| 2026 | ||||||||
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28 Jun - 07 Jul 2026 9 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
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05 Jul - 14 Jul 2026 9 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
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19 Jul - 28 Jul 2026 9 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
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30 Aug - 08 Sep 2026 9 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
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06 Sep - 15 Sep 2026 9 nights |
Itinerary Flight from London Gatwick Airport
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Double Call to Enquire
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Trip Notes
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| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
28 Jun - 07 Jul 2026 9 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
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Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
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|
05 Jul - 14 Jul 2026 9 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
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Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
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19 Jul - 28 Jul 2026 9 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
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Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
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30 Aug - 08 Sep 2026 9 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
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Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
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06 Sep - 15 Sep 2026 9 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
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Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
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Important information
- With flight holidays: Price includes flights to Oslo returning from Stavanger, hold baggage and airport transfers
- Independent travellers can join our transfers from Oslo Airport and to Stavanger Airport - please contact us for prices
662Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
