Oslo, Flåm & the Norwegian Fjords
A 9-day introduction to Norway for first-time visitors
Combine Norway’s capital with mountain railways, peaceful fjord villages and historic Bergen on a journey through some of the country’s most memorable landscapes.
Suggested duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Route: Oslo → Flåm → Bergen
Best suited to: First-time visitors, couples, photographers and nature lovers
Transport: Train, fjord boat and local public transport
Duration
9 Days / 8 nights
Route
Oslo → Flåm → Bergen
Best for
Nature lovers & photographers
Travel Style
Trains, boats & public transport
Introduction to Norway
Norway rewards travellers who treat the journey as part of the experience.
This route begins in Oslo before crossing the mountains by rail and descending towards Flåm and the fjords. It finishes in Bergen, a historic coastal city surrounded by mountains and well positioned for further fjord excursions.
The Oslo–Bergen rail corridor and the transport routes around Flåm allow travellers to experience cities, mountains and fjords without necessarily hiring a car. Visit Norway also promotes several Fjord Norway routes that use combinations of rail, bus and passenger boat.
Your Sample Itinerary
See how your journey could unfold. Every day can be adapted around your interests, pace and travel dates.
Part One: Arrive in Oslo
Days 1-3
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Arrive in Oslo and transfer to your hotel.
Take an introductory walk around the harbour and the Bjørvika district. See the Oslo Opera House, the modern waterfront architecture and the city’s developing cultural quarter.
Enjoy dinner nearby and keep the first evening unhurried.
Overnight: Oslo
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Spend the morning exploring Oslo’s museums and historic centre.
Depending on your interests, visit the National Museum, the MUNCH museum, Akershus Fortress or the waterfront promenade.
Later, travel to the Bygdøy peninsula for museums connected with Norway’s maritime and cultural history, or explore the sculpture installations at Vigeland Park.
Overnight: Oslo
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See the greener side of the capital.
Travel into the hills above Oslo for views across the city and fjord, walk beside the Akerselva River or explore neighbourhoods such as Grünerløkka.
Keep the afternoon free for a sauna experience, a seasonal Oslofjord cruise or additional museum time.
Overnight: Oslo
From Oslo’s modern waterfront to mountain railways, peaceful fjord villages and historic Bergen
Part Two: Bergen Railway & Flåm
Days 4-9
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Leave Oslo by train and travel west along the Bergen Railway.
The journey crosses high plateaus, mountain scenery and remote settlements before connecting with the branch line towards Flåm.
Descend through the valley on the Flåm Railway and check into your accommodation beside the fjord.
The Bergen Railway connects Oslo and Bergen across southern Norway’s mountain landscape, while the Flåm route provides access from the main railway into the fjord region.
Overnight: Flåm or nearby fjord village
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Experience the fjord from the water.
Take a passenger boat through the surrounding fjord landscape, passing steep mountains, waterfalls and small waterside communities. Depending on the selected route, the journey may include the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord area and the village of Gudvangen.
Spend the remainder of the day enjoying Flåm at a slower pace. Walk beside the water, visit a local viewpoint or arrange a gentle kayaking experience.
Overnight: Flåm or nearby fjord village
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Continue west towards Bergen using the most suitable combination of boat, bus and rail for your chosen season.
After checking in, begin exploring the compact city centre. Walk around the harbour, see the historic wooden buildings of Bryggen and explore the nearby streets.
Finish the day with seafood or another regional speciality.
Overnight: Bergen
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Spend a full day in Bergen.
Take the Fløibanen funicular for views across the city and surrounding landscape, visit the fish market and explore the narrow streets around Nordnes and Sandviken.
Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains and serves as a practical base for exploring Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord and other parts of Fjord Norway. Its central area is compact enough to explore largely on foot.
Overnight: Bergen
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Use your final full day for another fjord experience.
The best excursion will depend on the month, weather conditions and your preferred pace. Possibilities include Hardangerfjord, a regional boat journey, a waterfall-focused tour or additional time in the mountains around Bergen.
Travellers who prefer a slower itinerary can spend the day exploring Bergen’s museums, cafés and neighbourhoods instead.
Overnight: Bergen
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Enjoy breakfast before travelling to Bergen Airport or continuing your journey elsewhere in Scandinavia.
Optional additions
Extend the journey with Stavanger, Ålesund, Geiranger, Trondheim, Lofoten or Tromsø.
Additional time can also be used for hiking, kayaking, scenic drives or a slower stay in a smaller fjord community.
Trip Highlights
Travel across mountains and valleys on some of Norway’s most memorable railway routes, including the journey towards Flåm.
Scenic Rail Journeys
Experience steep mountains, waterfalls and quiet waters from passenger boats, village viewpoints and peaceful fjord-side stays.
Fjord Landscapes
Combine Norway’s modern capital with historic Bergen and discover two very different sides of the country.
Oslo to Bergen
Is this itinerary right for you?
This journey is ideal for travellers who want:
✓ Norway’s cities, mountains and fjords in one journey
✓ Scenic rail travel rather than internal flights
✓ A route that does not automatically require a hire car
✓ A balance of cultural attractions and natural landscapes
✓ Several nights in each main location
About this sample itinerary
This itinerary is intended as inspiration and does not represent a fixed package or confirmed quotation. Routes, services and experiences may vary according to season, weather and availability.
Plan a Norwegian journey that flows
The right connections make all the difference in Norway.
Nordic Travel Table will help you build a realistic route, choose suitable fjord experiences and find accommodation that works with your transport plans.
