We started our trip to Norway by travelling from Bergen to Tyssedal for 2 nights, to complete Trolltunga Hike. We've written an individual Guide for Trolltunga, so if you're interested in finding out more about that, you can read it here: The Trolltunga Hike - A Complete Guide
In this article however, we will be sharing our travel tips and experience of the following 2 days that we spent exploring Bergen, Flåm and the Fjords tour that we did.
Bergen
The day after the Trolltunga hike we travelled back to Bergen for 2 more nights.
Bergen is a great city to explore. It's not so big that you need public transport to get around, but not so small that you do everything in a day! We walked everywhere and there's enough to keep you occupied for a few days at least.
A Few Things To Do in Bergen
Bryggen is a lovely area to spend an evening. Lots of interesting shops and places to sit down for a drink by the harbour.
Hop on the cable‑car up to Mount Fløyen for fantastic views over the city.
Take a dip in the North Sea at Nordnes seawater pool.
On our second day in Bergen we did what is known as the "Norway in a Nutshell" Tour.
Norway in a Nutshell Tour
To book this tour through an actual tour operator (who arrange the transport, tickets, timeline etc.) it would cost you nearly £160 per person. Which is quite pricey! BUT, alternatively you can do what we did and book it separately yourself and save approximately £60 per person! So we would highly recommend it!
The Norway in a Nutshell Tour includes one of the worlds most scenic railways and a incredible fjords cruise. It is an amazing experience - one you will not forget.
Bergen –> Myrdal –> Flåm –> Gudvangen –> Voss –> Bergen
The tour route is pretty simple. You get a train from Bergen to Myrdal. Then from Myrdal walk across the road from the station and get the scenic railway down to Flåm (which stops off at the Kjosfoseen waterfall on the way). When you reach Flåm you can explore the little village which has a population of approximately 350 people. Then from Flåm you get a ferry that goes along the Aurlandsfjord, through part of the Nærøyfjord and finally stopping at Gudvangen. From Gudvangen you get off the ferry and get on a bus to Voss train station. And then finally from Voss you get the train back to Bergen. Honestly, it's not as long or complicated as it may sound. And booking it yourself also gives you more flexibility and freedom on the timings of everything. If you want more time in Flåm then you can book the ferry later on.
A word of advice/recommendation when booking the ferry.. make sure you book the ELECTRIC ferry. It is so much nicer. It just glides down the fjords in silence. It's so peaceful and worth the slightly higher cost!
To give you an idea on the timings of everything and the transport that will need to be booked in advance, we will include the exact timings of what we booked. Of course this is just an example for you to amend according to your own plans.
The "Norway in a Nutshell" tour starts from Myrdal. So if you are staying in Bergen like we were, you first need to get the train from Bergen to Myrdal.
Part 1: Bergen to Myrdal via NSB train – 8:43AM - 10:51AM
The Bergen railway and the Flåm Railway merge on the Myrdal Plateau. Myrdal was a very small train station, and you can walk to the Flåm Railway by crossing a small platform. Myrdal station is 867 meters above sea level.
Getting off the train at Myrdal, cross over to the platform where the Flåm Railway is signposted. Be sure to sit on left hand side of the train down to Flåm for the best views.
Part 2: Myrdal to Flåm via Flåm Railway – 10:58AM - 11:55AM
The Flåm railway is considered one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. This 12.4 mile (20 km) track stretches from the mountain to sea level with about a 2,950 ft (900 m) elevation. The train journey takes 1 hour with a short 10 minute stop off at Kjosfoseen to see the huge waterfall.
Train stop-off at Kjosfoseen Waterfall
Seen via Flåm Railway
Part 3: Stopover in Flåm – 2 hours (11.55AM arrival)
Flåm is a beautiful and charming village of about 350-450 residents. It is located at the end of Aurlandsfjord and surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and scenic valleys. Many multi-day fjord cruises stop here as a port. This area is a hub of shops, restaurants and activities that include biking, hiking, canoeing and boat safari. Also food stalls offering a variety of cuisine. A spectacular place to hike and admire the beauty in nature.
NOTE: the 2 hour stopover is just a guideline – depending on what you plan to do here.
Part 4: Cruising the fjords from Flåm to Gudvangen via ferry – 2:00PM - 4: 00PM
As we mentioned before, make sure you have booked on to an electric ferry in advance!
It’s recommend lining up early to get on the ferry boat. There are designated lines depending on your tour or ticket type. Since we were not part of any group, we were able to get boarded before those with prepaid and arranged Norway in a Nutshell tickets.
Once aboard, find a seat (preferably outside) and enjoy a cruise along UNESCO World Heritage listed fjords. It will sail through Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord which is one of Europe’s narrowest fjord and a branch of the famous Sognefjord. Nærøyfjord is 10.6 miles (17 km) long and only 820 ft (250 meters) wide at its narrowest point. The boat may stop at a few fjord-side villages and waterfalls along the way.
Dan forgot his hat, so he had to buy a bandanna to prevent getting sunstroke!
Part 5: Gudvangen to Voss train Station via Skyss bus (4500) – 16.35PM - 17.25PM
The ferry stops at Gudvangen, a small village with about 60 residents. The main building from the dock is a souvenir shop with a cafeteria. It is surrounded by snowy mountain peaks and waterfalls cascading all around. There are some Viking statues to be seen. Apparently, this was an important meeting area during the Viking days.
The Norway in a Nutshell bus stop is by the parking area and just a few steps from the harbour and souvenir shop. Bus tickets have to be purchased onboard the bus.
Bus ride takes approx. 50mins. The highlight of this bus ride is the winding road on Stalheimskleiva. This 1 mile (1.5) km long road is one of Northern Europe’s steepest with at least 13 sharp hairpin bends.
Part 6: Voss to Bergen via NSB train – 17.41PM - 18.55PM
Arrive back in Bergen once again.
Simple.
We would 100% recommend doing the 'Norway in a Nutshell' tour route, it was an amazing day out seeing so much nature and beautiful scenery.
Hope that this overview of what we did in Norway and how to do this particular tour yourself was helpful. We hope it gives you some inspiration for planning your own trip!
If you do have any specific questions regarding Norway or the Trolltunga Hike, please feel free to drop a comment below and we'll do our best to answer them!
Thanks for reading.
Dan & Lois
