Norway in a Nutshell

Updated: Dec 28, 2023

Norway has been gaining more attention from travelers in recent years, and it's no wonder! With glaciers, mountains, and fjords as the perfect backdrop - you'll be taken aback by the beauty of this destination. The Norway in a Nutshell trademarked route is a great option for first time visitors to see a great deal in a short amount of time. You'll experience a great sampling of Norway - and we love how this route offers flexibility in how you travel - and what you see and do along the way.

This route takes you from Oslo, the capital of Norway, through the fjord villages of Flåm and Voss, and concludes in Bergen - one of the most important cities in Norwegian history. So sit back and imagine what your next trip to Norway can be!

Begin in Oslo

Oslo is the largest international hub of travel in Norway - and a bustling city. We love the many activity options in Oslo - and we'll help you choose what's right for you. One of our favorites (in the right season) is a 3 hour electric bike tour that takes you through the main sites of the city. The terrain is easy and it's a perfect opportunity to learn about every day life and culture in Norway's capital. You'll visit city hall (home of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony), and the medieval renaissance Akershus Castle and Fortress, and pedal through the natural sanctuary of the Royal Palace gardens. Your guides will also give you up to date information on the best places to eat and drink in the city.

Since Oslo is bordered by a fjord on one side and Norwegian forest on the other side, you may want to take a short hike in the forested hills above the city in the afternoon. If you're not up for a hike you may choose to picnic on the city peninsula, Huk. Or, if you're in Oslo in the winter and you love adrenaline, we recommend the outdoor toboggan track, Korketrekkeren - just know that you're in for a 250 meter drop!

No matter when you go - Oslo has a plethora of restaurants and bars in the city center to try year round, and if fresh seafood is your thing, you can go to the downtown harbor, Rådhuskaia, for shrimp (an Oslo delicacy) fresh off the boat! On your way out of Oslo, we recommend a driver so that you can take in the mountains, fjords, valleys, and waterfalls along the route.

Head to Flåm

After Oslo you'll head for Flåm - perfect for sightseers looking to experience the history and culture of Norway. Flåm has a magical landscape year round, and we can book you on a spectacular fjord cruise between Flåm village and Gudvangen village in the Nærøyfjord. It's the perfect 2 hour cruise to view the steep valleys and snow covered mountains along the sides of the fjord. Gudvangen, a Viking village just outside of Flåm, is an immersive historical experience to see the way Vikings lived and how the culture of Norway is still impacted from Viking history.

In the warmer months, we recommend taking a Fjord Safari Taste - an immersive culinary experience. The personal guide aboard will share local tales and history as you take in the stunning scenery. On the return, you'll stop at Undredal, the village that inspired the Disney movie Frozen, for a farmstead visit to taste their world-famous goat cheese.

For those looking for the best views of this majestic area, plan to take the Flåm railway- one of Norway's major and most spectacular tourist attractions. Along the way, you can see rivers that cut through deep ravines, snow-capped mountains and mountain farms clinging dizzily to sheer slopes. The train will even stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall for a photoshoot- that's how jaw dropping the sights are!

Continue to Voss

After Flåm it's time for Voss - the adrenaline capital of Norway, this UNESCO World Heritage sight has plenty of thrill-seeking opportunities like white water rafting down the Strandaelva or Raundalselva rivers, mountain biking through the Bømoen forest, and skydiving next to the Olsskavlen Mountain. In winter months, these mountain resorts are an ultimate ski destination.

While Voss is a fabulous location for adventure seekers year round, there are also enjoyable experiences for those that may like a slower pace. The Voss gondola is a beautiful afternoon expedition for panoramic views of the area from the top of Mount Hanguren, and it's a great stop for local cuisine. A stop at the Voss Folk Museum is also a popular for those looking to take in the history of the Fjord villages that surround it.

Conclude in Bergen

Finally you'll take a train to the last stop on your adventure! During the 12th and 13th centuries when Bergen was the capital of Norway the Norwegian kings resided here, and many historical events took place in this busy port. We love a short guided tour of the city, including a visit to the famous Fish and Flower Market, the popular Hanseatic Quarter, the ancient Maria Church, and the old Bryggen Harbour with its gabled pack houses. Once in Bryggen, you can spend time walking the streets with cozy shops, cafes, galleries, studios and art outlets.

While in Bergen, we highly recommend the sought after (and famous) funicular railway. The trip starts from the city centre of Bergen and takes you over 1000 feet above sea level. In just 6 minutes, you'll find yourself on top of Mount Fløyen where you can enjoy the magnificent view of Bergen and its surroundings. While you are there you can also enjoy amenities such as restaurants, a souvenir shop, and children's playground.