Norway by Rail & Sea - Dovre, Flåmsbana & the Western Fjords
What to expect
Classic Standard – This is a new itinerary that has the same thoughtful route design, trusted local partnerships and carefully paced experiences that define our travel style, with accommodation centred on comfortable 3-star hotels in convenient locations.
Norway by Rail & Sea is one of the most geographically ambitious itineraries in our Classic range, and one of the most rewarding. Rather than following the standard Oslo–Bergen corridor, this seven-day journey takes a deliberate detour north through the heart of Norway before turning south again along the coast, giving you three entirely different ways of experiencing the country in a single trip.
The journey begins in Oslo before heading north by rail through the broad pastoral landscapes of the Gudbrandsdalen valley on the historic Dovrebanen, one of Norway's great engineering achievements, arriving in Trondheim, a medieval city of genuine character with a cathedral that has been a pilgrimage destination since the twelfth century.
From Trondheim, you board a Norwegian coastal vessel for an overnight sailing southward along one of the world's most celebrated stretches of coastline. This is Norway seen from the sea: sheltered channels between islands, remote fishing villages, and the slow emergence of Bergen's seven mountains on the horizon as the ship arrives in the morning. It is an unhurried and deeply atmospheric way to travel, and one that no land-based route can replicate.
Two nights in Bergen give you time to explore the UNESCO-listed Bryggen, the fish market and the funicular up to Mount Fløyen, before a full day devoted to the circular journey with Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours, taking in the Flåm Railway and a fjord cruise through the Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. For a full explanation of how this iconic route works, read our Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours Explained guide.
This is an itinerary for travellers who want to understand Norway's geography as well as its scenery, and who value the journey itself as much as the destinations along the way.
Highlights
- Explore Norway’s vibrant capital Oslo on a guided walking tour
- Travel through spectacular mountain landscapes on the Dovre Railway
- Visit Lillehammer, home of the 1994 Winter Olympics and the Maihaugen open-air museum
- Discover the historic city of Trondheim, rich in Norwegian heritage
- Sail overnight along Norway’s legendary coastline on a classic coastal ferry voyage
- Experience a circular journey from Bergen with Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours, taking in the Flåm Railway and a fjord cruise through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord
- Explore the colourful harbour city of Bergen, gateway to the fjords
What's Included
- All internal ground transport
- 5 nights hotel accommodation
- 1 night on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage from Trondheim to Bergen
- Daily breakfast
- Light dinner included in our preferred hotels in Lillehammer and Trondheim (note: pending hotel availability)
- Lunch and dinner on Coastal Voyage
- Rail journey from Oslo to Lillehammer
- Entry to Maihaugen and the Olympic Museum
- Rail journey from Lillehammer to Trondheim, including the Dovre Railway
- Circular journey from Bergen with Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours, including the Flåm Railway and fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord
- 24-hour emergency service
- Taxes and service fees
Departure Date
Select your preferred date or enquire
Your Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Oslo
Day 2 - Scenic Rail to Lillehammer, afternoon at local museums
Day 3 - Enjoy a picturesque rail journey north on your way to the historical city of Trondheim
Day 4 - Board the Norwegian coastal ferry for an unforgettable overnight sailing along Norway’s legendary coastline
Day 5 - Arrive in Bergen and begin the Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours circuit
Day 6 - Return to Bergen via the Flåm Railway and Voss
Day 7 - Depart Bergen
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Enquire about Norway by Rail & Sea - Dovre, Flåmsbana & the Western Fjords
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