The Grand tour of the Fjords

Journey to Balestrand by rail and Sognefjord Cruise

Day 2 takes you on a journey from Oslo to Balestrand, a picturesque fjord village nestled by the Sognefjord. Your day begins with a morning departure aboard the renowned Bergen Line, embarking on a beautiful journey through Norway's natural landscapes. Enjoy stunning vistas of the countryside as you pass by the scenic Hallingdal valley and cross Hardangervidda mountain plateau. Your destination on this leg of the journey is the mountain station of Myrdal, a key transition point on your adventure.

Upon arrival in Myrdal, you will board the Flåm Railway, known as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. This one-hour trip descends from the mountains to the fjord below, offering views of mountain peaks, waterfalls, quaint farms, and the serene flow of the river. This leg of your journey is not just a travel segment but a highlight in itself, providing a vivid showcase of Norway's dramatic landscapes.

From Flåm, step aboard the express boat for a cruise along the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway. Your cruise will start with the Aurlandsfjord branch, leading into the main body of the Sognefjord, and will feature stops at several idyllic fjord villages along the way.

Your destination for the evening is the charming village of Balestrand, where you will disembark and check in at Kviknes Hotel. This beautifully located hotel, with its stunning views of the fjord, offers a peaceful retreat. To enrich your day in Balestrand, we offer a selection of add-on excursions available for booking during the checkout process.

Journey to the "capital of the Fjords"

Day 3 starts with a continuation of the fjord cruise on the Sognefjord, all the way to the historic city of Bergen. As you set ahead from Balestrand, prepare to be mesmerized by the sheer scale and beauty of the Sognefjord, known as the "King of the Fjords" for its majestic length and depth.

The cruise journey brings you closer to the coastal landscape. As you approach the mouth of the fjord, the route winds through a maze of islands and islets. This scenic voyage towards Bergen provides a perspective on the maritime lifestyle and the natural forces that have shaped this region.

Upon arriving in Bergen, you will disembark in the very heart of the city, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and picturesque setting between mountains and sea. Bergen welcomes you with its unique charm and warmth. You will spend two nights in Bergen, giving you ample opportunity to explore the city's historic sites, markets, and scenic viewpoints. We encourage you to visit the the historic Bryggen Wharf, the famous fish market, or taking the cable car up to Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of the city.

Experience the Vøringsfossen Waterfall

Day 4 offers a full-day round trip from Bergen to the Hardangerfjord, Norway's second-largest fjord, known for its landscapes, cascading waterfalls and quaint fjord villages. Your excursion begins with a bus ride to Norheimsund, a gateway to the Hardangerfjord. Here, you'll board an express boat for a scenic fjord cruise that will take you through this stunning region. The boat makes several stops at charming fjord villages along the way, with fruit orchards that cling on to the mountainsides and tall mountains that frame the landscape.

The journey continues as you disembark in the village of Eidfjord, the starting point for your connecting sightseeing trip by bus. The first highlight of this excursion is a stop at Norwegian Nature Center - Hardanger in Eidfjord, an interactive experience centre that delves into the flora and fauna of the Hardangervidda National Park through engaging exhibits.

Next, prepare for a dramatic ascent up the steep Måbødalen valley, leading you to breathtaking views of the Vøringsfossen waterfall. This waterfall is one of Norway's most celebrated natural wonders, boasting a free-falling drop of approximately 180 meters (590 feet) into the valley below, a sight that is sure to leave you in awe.

After some time to experience the waterfall and viewpoints, your journey circles back to Eidfjord village, where you'll rejoin the fjord cruise to Norheimsund. The return trip is not without its highlights; you'll pass by Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, where you can walk behind the waterfall, and cross the Kvamskogen mountain plateau.

The day's excursion concludes as you arrive back in Bergen, enriched by the breathtaking landscapes and natural beauty experienced throughout the day. This Hardangerfjord adventure promises to be a memorable part of your Norwegian journey.

Quality time in Bergen and evening cruise departure

Day 5 gives you an opportunity to explore Bergen at your leisure, soaking in the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and natural surroundings before embarking on a coastal cruise heading north in the evening. You can tailor your experience in Bergen according to your interests, with a selection of day excursions available to add during the booking process.

As the day transitions into evening, prepare for the next leg of your Norwegian adventure with a cruise departure at 8:30 PM. Whether you choose to sail with the authentic Hurtigruten ships, known for their traditional Norwegian coastal voyages, or opt for the environmentally friendly Havila Voyages ships, your journey from Bergen to Trondheim promises to be a memorable experience. Spend the next two nights aboard, where you will witness the stunning coastal scenery of Norway unfold as you journey northward.

Ålesund & Geirangerfjord day trip

Day 6 of your journey starts with the ship's morning arrival in the coastal town of Ålesund. The ship continues along the main Storfjord before it turns into the stunning Geirangerfjord, renowned for its dramatic waterfalls and steep mountain sides.

After lunch, the ship arrives at the tiny fjord village of Geiranger, a gateway to some of Norway's most breathtaking natural wonders. Disembarking in tender boats, you'll join a land excursion that promises to enhance your appreciation of this spectacular region.

The land excursion begins with a journey up the Ørnesvingen Eagle’s Road, offering a panoramic view of the Geirangerfjord below. Crossing over the mountain, you'll descend to the fjord for a short ferry crossing. The journey continues across another mountain, leading to the iconic Trollstigen hairpin road. Trollstigen, known for its steep incline and sharp bends, is an engineering marvel that offers unparalleled vistas at every turn.

The excursion continues to Åndalsnes, a charming fjord village that is home to the Romsdalen gondola that is shown in the HBO series "Succession". The excursions ends in the town of Molde where you will rejoin the ship.

Note:
In September and October, the itinerary shifts to the Hjørundfjord, offering an alternative yet equally mesmerizing land excursion from Urke, instead of the Eagle Road and Trollstigen.

Full day in Trondheim - Norways food capital

After breakfast on board the ship, you will disembark in the town of Trondheim and check in at a centrally located hotel, positioning you perfectly to explore the attractions this picturesque town has to offer.

Trondheim's recognition as a European Region of Gastronomy (2022) is a testament to its vibrant culinary scene. This prestigious award highlights the city's commitment to sustainability, local produce, and the celebration of its culinary heritage, making Trondheim a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.

Trondheim is home to a treasure trove of historical and cultural sights. Your day is at leisure, allowing you the freedom to delve into the city's unique charm at your own pace. We encourage to visit to the magnificent Nidarosdomen, wander through the cobblestone streets of Bakklandet and cross the Old Town Bridge, which offers picturesque views of the river and the city.

Travel back to Oslo - a scenic farewell

Let's wrap this Norwegian odyssey with a bang. Your final act? Embark on a scenic return to Oslo aboard the Dovre Line. This morning departure by train will take you across the Dovrefjell mountain plateau and through the Gudbrandsdalen valley.

As the train winds its way across the Dovrefjell mountain plateau, you should be on the lookout for musk oxen. This ancient creature, with its thick fur and powerful build, is a sight to behold. The Dovre Line traverses through the Dovrefjell National Park, the only places in Norway where musk oxen can be observed in the wild.

Roll into Oslo like a boss, and here's where you get to write your own perfect ending. We've got you covered with an optional table at Kontrast, the two-Michelin-starred heavyweight where Chef Mikael Svensson turns local ingredients into pure magic. 

You can also choose to have dinner on the fjord, and have Oslo as a changing backdrop while you eat.

Not feeling the fine dining vibes? Hit up Aker Brygge when the light's getting good - that golden hour view across the fjord is the kind of thing that makes leaving Norway tomorrow really hard. Or just do what the locals do: grab a refreshment at a local bar and toast to the fact that you just crushed Norway like a pro.