Travel Tips | Destination Guides
Norway in a Nutshell: From Oslo to Bergen and Back Again
Norway has some of the most remarkable scenery I've encountered in my travels. Mountains, waterfalls, fjords, and small villages are all part of the experience. One of my favorite ways to see the country is by combining a journey on the Bergen Railway with the popular Norway in a Nutshell tour.
I've traveled this route myself, beginning in Oslo, taking the train to Bergen, and returning to Oslo through the fjords and mountains of western Norway. What makes the journey interesting is that you experience the landscape from several different perspectives, traveling by train, bus, and boat.
And you don't have to do it all at once.
Starting in Oslo: The Bergen Railway
For many international visitors, Oslo is the natural starting point. Norway's largest airport is located just outside the capital, making it a convenient place to begin exploring the country.
From Oslo, the Bergen Railway takes approximately seven hours to reach Bergen on Norway's western coast.
This isn't an ordinary train ride. As you leave Oslo, the landscape gradually changes from forests and valleys to mountains and open plateaus. The railway crosses the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, passing through Finse, the highest station on the line, at approximately 4,000 feet above sea level.
I particularly enjoyed watching the scenery change throughout the journey.
The trains are comfortable, with large windows that make sightseeing easy. Food and beverages are available onboard, although I wouldn't plan on a memorable Norwegian dining experience. During my journey, the selections were mostly familiar items such as hamburgers, hot dogs, and pizza.
My advice is to bring a few snacks and settle in for the ride.
Bergen: More Than a Stop Along the Way
Bergen deserves more than a quick visit.
When I visited Norway, we decided to spend two days in Bergen rather than immediately continuing our journey. I'm glad we did. It gave us time to explore the city's museums, learn more about its history, and enjoy the atmosphere of this historic coastal city.
One of Bergen's most recognizable landmarks is Bryggen, the colorful wooden buildings along the waterfront that reflect the city's long history as a trading port. There's plenty to discover beyond the harbor, too.
Bergen is also an excellent starting point for exploring other parts of coastal Norway. You might take excursions into the surrounding fjords, visit smaller coastal communities, or continue north on a coastal voyage.
For that reason, I recommend allowing some flexibility in your itinerary. You don't necessarily need to return to Oslo immediately. Bergen and the surrounding region are worth spending some time exploring.
Returning to Oslo: Norway in a Nutshell
For my return to Oslo, I followed the Norway in a Nutshell route, which combines several different forms of transportation.
The journey begins with a train from Bergen to Voss, followed by a bus ride to the small village of Gudvangen.
From Gudvangen, you board a boat for a cruise through the Nærøyfjord, part of the UNESCO-listed West Norwegian Fjords. This is one of the highlights of the trip, with steep mountains rising directly from the water, waterfalls, and small farms scattered along the shoreline.
The cruise ends in Flåm, where you board the famous Flåm Railway.
This relatively short train journey climbs from the fjord to the mountain station at Myrdal. Along the way, you'll pass waterfalls, steep valleys, and some impressive examples of Norwegian railway engineering.
At Myrdal, you reconnect with the Bergen Railway for the final journey back to Oslo.
It's a wonderful way to experience several different sides of Norway without renting a car.
Planning Your Journey
Although Norway in a Nutshell is often described as a tour, it isn't a traditional guided excursion. It's a coordinated itinerary using regularly scheduled transportation services.
You travel independently, following the connections arranged for your journey.
The route can be completed in a day from Bergen to Oslo, but I prefer allowing additional time to explore along the way. Overnight stays in Bergen or Flåm can make the experience more relaxed.
A few things are worth remembering. Book well in advance during the busy summer season, dress in layers, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. You'll also want to consider luggage arrangements, particularly if you're extending your stay along the route.
You can book Norway in a Nutshell directly through Fjord Tours. I also work with travel partners who can arrange the journey as part of a larger Norwegian vacation.
A Different Way to Experience Norway
What I appreciate about this journey is the variety. You're not simply looking at Norway through a tour bus window. You're crossing mountains by rail, traveling through valleys, and seeing the fjords from the water.
And if you're planning to fly home from Oslo, the return journey becomes part of the experience rather than simply another day of transportation.
For travelers who enjoy scenery, rail journeys, and exploring at their own pace, it's a trip well worth considering.
If you're thinking about visiting Norway, I'd be happy to help you explore the possibilities.