📍 Norway

NORWAY BY RAIL: OSLO TO BERGEN THROUGH FJORDS AND PLATEAUS

Snow plateaus stretching toward frozen horizons, trains crossing waterfall mist, fjords cutting between cliffs. Norway's grandeur, humbling.

≈ 15
Days
1819
Km
4
Stops
📖 7 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Take the train from Oslo to Bergen, crossing Hardangervidda plateau's vast expanses. Then descend on the Flåm line amid waterfalls, and glide across Sognefjord waters beneath sheer cliffs. In Bergen, Bryggen and its colorful houses conclude a journey where Norway is lived through mountain and water.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Oslo

viking ships opera house nordic design

🔍

Discover

1
Akerselva riverside walk from Grunerlokka to waterfalls and former mills
2
Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen waterfront promenade on Oslofjord
3
Oslo Opera House (Operahuset) exterior rooftop walk
4
Oslo Botanical Garden (Botanisk hage) greenhouses
+3 Places visited
🎯

Activities

City photo walk: facades and heritage buildings in Sentrum
2
Day

Oslo

viking ships opera house nordic design

🔍

Discover

1
Norsk Folkemuseum (incl. Gol Stave Church)
2
Viking Ship Museum (Vikingskipshuset) exterior/collection context
🎯

Activities

Ferry Aker Brygge to Bygdoy round trip across Oslofjord
3
Day

Oslo

viking ships opera house nordic design

🔍

Discover

1
Holmenkollen Ski Museum & Tower panoramic viewpoint
2
Holmenkollbakken arena walkabout and fjord view terrace
🎯

Activities

Attend biathlon races or training at Holmenkollen National Arena
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 293.6 km
Travel time: 3h40
4
Day

Flam

railway descent waterfalls fjord village base

🔍

Discover

1
Sundvollen viewpoints over Tyrifjorden (en route)
2
Hallingdalsvegen scenic drive via Fla and valleys
3
Eldrevatnet high-plateau white paradise photo stops on RV52
4
Laerdal Tunnel (24.5 km) traverse with illuminated caverns
🎯

Activities

Road trip Oslo to Flam via E16/RV7-52 mountain corridors (winter driving)
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 315 km
Travel time: 5h30
5
Day

Flam

railway descent waterfalls fjord village base

🔍

Discover

1
Flamsbana Museum (railway history and exhibition)
2
Walk from Flam to Otternes bygdetun farm cluster over Aurlandsfjord
3
Aurlandsfjord village stroll and fjord viewpoints
🎯

Activities

Easy fjordside hike and photo session around Flam harbour
6
Day

Flam

railway descent waterfalls fjord village base

🔍

Discover

1
Naeroyfjord UNESCO landscape viewing (onboard and shore)
2
Gudvangen village short walk and fjord terminus lookout
🎯

Activities

Silent electric fjord cruise Flam <-> Gudvangen
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 143.8 km
Travel time: 2h24
7
Day

Bergen

bryggen wharf colorful timber fish market

🔍

Discover

1
Naeroydalen valley viewpoints on E16 (hairpins and cliffs)
2
Fjord overlooks along E16 approaches to Bergen
3
First wander through Bryggen Hanseatic wharf facades
🎯

Activities

Drive Flam to Bergen via E16 mountain tunnels and valleys
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 170 km
Travel time: 3h
8
Day

Bergen

bryggen wharf colorful timber fish market

🔍

Discover

1
Bryggen quarter detailed visit (alleyways and wooden warehouses)
2
Fisketorget fish market exploration
3
Nordnesparken coastal park loop
🎯

Activities

Floibanen funicular to Mount Floyen and Troll Forest walk
9
Day

Bergen

bryggen wharf colorful timber fish market

🔍

Discover

1
Fantoft Stave Church (exterior and grounds)
2
Arboretum and Botanical Garden at Milde (coastal trails)
🎯

Activities

Short nature hike among mossy forests and rocky coves at Milde
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 116.2 km
Travel time: 1h56
10
Day

Ulvik

orchard fjord apple cider tranquil waters

🔍

Discover

1
Steinsdalsfossen waterfall walk-behind path (Norheimsund)
2
Alvikvegen scenic drive hugging Hardangerfjord
3
Hardanger Bridge (Hardangerbrua) crossing viewpoints
4
Ulvik village promenade along Ulvikafjord
🎯

Activities

Drive Bergen to Ulvik via Norheimsund and Hardanger
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 150 km
Travel time: 3h30
11
Day

Ulvik

orchard fjord apple cider tranquil waters

🔍

Discover

1
Hike to viewpoints over Ulvikafjord and Osafjord (local trails)
2
Voringsfossen viewpoints and step bridges near Eidfjord
🎯

Activities

Scenic loop Ulvik to Eidfjord and back with tunnel roundabouts and fjord vistas
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 290.5 km
Travel time: 3h38
12
Day

Oslo

viking ships opera house nordic design

🔍

Discover

1
Hardangervidda plateau winter vistas along RV7
2
Hol Gamle Kyrkje and Hol Church exteriors (quick cultural stops)
🚗
Next stop
⏱️ Long drive (5h+)
Distance: 340 km
Travel time: 6h

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🛡️ Travel advice - Norway

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Summer (June-August): Peak season with midnight sun, warmest weather (15-25°C), and all attractions accessible. Highest prices but ideal conditions for hiking, fjord cruises, and outdoor activities.

Northern Lights Season (September-March): Best aurora viewing with long dark nights, winter activities, and snow-covered landscapes. Cold temperatures (-5 to 5°C) but magical winter experiences.

Shoulder Season (May, September): Excellent weather with fewer crowds and moderate prices. Spring blooms or autumn colors, comfortable temperatures, most activities available.

Winter Sports Season (December-March): Cold weather (-10 to 0°C) perfect for skiing, dog sledding, and winter adventures. Aurora season with cozy cabin culture and winter festivals.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 12 and 18 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Norway?

Nordic paradise with dramatic fjords, Northern Lights, and progressive society. Experience midnight sun, traditional culture, and incredible natural phenomena. The country offers natural wonders with cultural authenticity and environmental leadership. Norway provides life-changing natural experiences with cultural depth and progressive values.