Norway in a Nutshell
- 8 Days
- From £1,299
- Norway
- Take the train to Norway via Hamburg and Gothenburg
- Two days to explore Norwegian capital Oslo
- Norway in a Nutshell including the Flåm Railway and a night in Flåm
- Historic Hanseatic Bergen on Norway’s west coast
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard class rail travel with seat reservations
- Norway in a Nutshell excursion from Oslo to Bergen (via Flam)
- 7 nights’ hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Clearly-presented wallets for your rail tickets, flight documentation and hotel vouchers
- All credit card surcharges and prompt delivery of your travel documents to your home
Suggested Itinerary
Head to St Pancras for an early Eurostar service to Brussels this morning. Once you pull into Midi station, there is an easy connection on to the ICE service for Cologne. Another quick change here and you are on your way to Hamburg. When you arrive into Hamburg, cross the road and check in for an overnight stay at the Reichshof Hamburg Hotel (or similar).
This evening, you can choose to dine out in the city centre, or at the hotel’s own restaurant, serving local and international dishes.
After breakfast this morning, return to the station and continue your journey north to Danish capital Copenhagen. Here, there’s time for a bite to eat before you board a second train, taking across another border and into Sweden. Arrive into the university city of Gothenburg this evening and check in for an overnight stay at the First Hotel G (or similar).
There’s plenty of time to settle in, before heading out to dinner.
A short rail journey takes you to Oslo, where you check in at the Thon Opera Hotel (or similar) for a 2-night stay.
Capital of Norway since the 14th century, Oslo is a thriving city made up of diverse architectural styles and distinct districts. Highlights of any visit here include the elegant Royal Palace and the Viking Ship Museum, boasting amongst other exhibits, two Viking ships that are over 1,000 years old. During the summer, you can also relax on one of the lovely beaches in the Oslofjord or sit and people watch at a café, with some of the world’s best coffee.
Leave Oslo early this morning on a train to Myrdal, the mountain station where you board the famous Flåm Railway, offering spectacular panoramic views to some of the wildest and most magnificent scenery in the Norwegian fjords. The base station is in the village of Flam on the valley floor of the Sognefjord. Here, you’ll check in for an overnight stay at the Flåmsbrygga Hotel (or similar).
Enjoy the peace and quiet of the fjord once everyone has rejoined the train and perhaps take advantage of some of the outdoor activities the hotel has to offer.
You have a morning at leisure to relax and enjoy your stunning surroundings then, after lunch, board a cruise boat which will take you along the Aurlandsfjord to Gudvangen. From here, you’ll be taken by bus through pretty villages and sweeping landscapes to Voss.
The last part of your journey will be by train from Voss to Bergen on the last stretch of the famous Bergen Line. Arrive in Bergen and make your way into the city centre for a 2 night stay at the Clarion Admiral Hotel (or similar)
Norway’s second city was an important trade hub in the middle ages and a member of the powerful Hanseatic League. The remaining wharf buildings from this period (pictured) are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Don’t miss the funicular ride up to the peak of Mount Fløyen for panoramic city views. You may also like to visit the Edvard Grieg House, where the renowned composer once lived.
After breakfast this morning, leave your hotel and make your way to the airport for a return flight to the UK (not included). Or, you may prefer to continue your holiday and explore more of Scandinavia by train – just let us know your plans!
ALTERNATIVE ROUTE: If you have the time, you can retrace your steps and travel overland by rail back to London, with stops in different cities such as Copenhagen, Hannover or Cologne. We can arrange this for you – please call for details and prices.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Hamburg
Less than 200 metres from the Hauptbahnhof (main railway station), this Art Deco style hotel has everything you need for an overnight stay. A bar and restaurant is available on site and there are extensive leisure facilities, including a spa, sauna and fitness centre. The Binnenalster and city centre are a short stroll from the hotel.
Gothenburg
Occupying a convenient location about Gothenburg Central Station, the First G is a boutique design hotel featuring original art work and an elegant Champagne bar. All bedrooms come with free Wi-Fi internet access, bathrooms with under-floor heating and tea & coffee making facilities. There is also a restaurant featuring internationally inspired cuisine.
Oslo
The Thon Opera Hotel is located adjacent to Oslo’s main train station, and offers easy access to the rest of the city. Along with comfortable, moden bedrooms, the hotel also offers a restaurant overlooking the Oslo Opera House and a bar with an outdoor terrace. Karl Johan high street is a two minute walk from the hotel, boasting stunning views of the Oslofjord.
Flam
The Flåmsbrygga Hotel is located close to Flåm harbour and the railway station. It features cozy pinewood-panelled bedrooms with private bathroom, tea & coffee making facilities and free Wi-Fi. The hotel’s Norse-themed restaurant & pub, Ægir Brew Pub, brews its own beer and serves lunch and dinner during summer. There is also a cafe with an outdoor terrace.
Bergen
Across the fjord from the medieval wharf area of Bryggen, this elegant hotel occupies converted warehouse buildings dating back to 1904. Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi access. The hotel’s restaurant offers a menu of international cuisine and views across to the colourful Hanseatic houses of old Bergen.
