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Norway in a Nutshell Itinerary: a Step-By-Step Guide for First Time Visitors (2025)

I’ve always been a fan of epic train journeys and have taken some pretty memorable ones over the years. So when I stumbled upon the famed Norway in a Nutshell route as I was preparing my Scandinavia itinerary, I knew right away that I had to experience it. Picture this: snow-capped mountains, glacial lakes, deep canyons, and coastal villages dotted with candy-colored cabins. You get to soak in this beautiful scenery all while you’re travelling on one of the world’s highest stretches of railroad tracks going up to 1200 meters above sea level. Some people call it “the most scenic train ride in the world” and it’s hard to disagree.

The interwebs offer an overwhelming amount of information about Norway in a Nutshell, often conflicting. So if you’re planning to include this lovely detour to your Norwegian holiday, you’ve come to the right place. Save yourself a headache by following this meticulously curated guide.

What is Norway in a Nutshell?

Contrary to popular notion, Norway in a Nutshell is NOT a guided tour. It’s a route that stretches from Oslo to Bergen that allows you to glide past some of the most breathtaking landscapes that Norway has to offer. You use a mix of public transportation options including the train, ferry and bus to complete the journey. And yes, you will have to purchase separate tickets for each mode of transport.

Oslo to Bergen (The Classic Norway in a Nutshell Route)

Most tourists follow the classic route from Oslo to Bergen. The journey typically consists of four legs:

  • Leg 1: Scenic train from Oslo to Flam aboard the historic Flam railway. This leg has a stop in Myrdal
  • Leg 2: Classic ferry ride from Flam to Gudvangen
  • Leg 3: Local bus from Gudvangen to Voss
  • Leg 4: Early evening train from Voss to Bergen

Bergen to Oslo

You may also take the reverse route like I did by starting your trip in Bergen and ending it in Oslo. 

  • Leg 1: Morning train from Bergen to Voss 
  • Leg 2: Local bus from Voss to Gudvangen 
  • Leg 3: Classic ferry ride from Gudvangen to Flam
  • Leg 4: Scenic train from Flam to Oslo with a stop in Myrdal

If you have plenty of vacation time to spare, you may opt to do a round-trip; that way you get to cover more areas and have a bit of flexibility with the activities you want to participate in like kayaking, biking and hiking.

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How many days should I spare for Norway in a Nutshell?

You can complete Norway in a Nutshell in a day, with the entire journey taking around 11 to 13 hours. But trust me, you don’t want to do it this way. While transportation in Norway is super efficient and schedules are generally reliable, weather changes can sometimes cause delays. Plus, doing Norway in a Nutshell at breakneck speed will leave you pretty exhausted and may limit your opportunity to appreciate the stunning nature in its full glory especially past the daylight hours. 

It’s ideal to spend two to three days for the trip with overnight stops in Bergen, Flam or Gudvangen. Bergen serves as the gateway to the Norwegian fjords, making it ideal for short cruises or walking tours around its historic wharf. You can even stay in Bergen for three days and never run out of outdoor activities to do. Flam and Gudvangen are tiny villages each with its own unique charm. I’ll cover more of these places later.

tourists walking towards a hotel

Where should I get my Norway in a Nutshell tickets?

Since it’s a self-guided tour, all you have to do is to book individual tickets for each of the four legs of the journey.  Easy peasy? Not quite. You can easily book the train legs of the journey online via Norway’s national railway company website. However, the local bus ride from Gudvangen to Voss (or vice versa) and the two-hour ferry ride from Flam to Gudvangen (or vice versa) must be booked through different providers. Careful planning is key to make sure that the schedules of the bus, ferry and trains align with your Norway in a Nutshell itinerary. For those with limited vacation time, this can be a nerve-wracking experience.

The good news is that there are plenty of tour companies that act as “consolidators,” serving as one-stop shops where you can purchase all your Norway in a Nutshell tickets in a single package. However, these options tend to be on the pricier side. The most reliable among them is the Norwegian company Fjord Tours, which offers one-day or multi-day self-guided tours to Norway’s most popular fjords, including Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord, and Lysefjord. Most tourists opt to purchase their Norway in a Nutshell package from Fjord Tours for its convenience and reliability.

Before you scream “sponsored post!”, Norway in a Nutshell® is actually a registered trademark of Fjord Tours and they can make your planning process as easy as taking candy from a baby. You may visit their website to get an idea of the timing for each leg of the trip and then book your own train, ferry and bus tickets independently using different providers. Doing it guerilla-style will easily shave off a few hundred kronas to add to your Northern Lights adventure in Iceland or Santa Claus Village trip in Lapland budget.

tourists standing on the edge of a lake

My Norway in a Nutshell Experience

I devoted three days for my Norway in a Nutshell journey and started Day 1 by flying into Bergen, Norway’s second largest city. I only allotted a day to explore the city’s top sights and instantly regretted it. Bergen is gorgeous and I could easily have spent two more days there! Iconic fjords and seven mountain peaks beautifully surround the city. Because of its unique location, Bergen is also Norway’s rainiest city with an average of 239 rainy days in a year. There was a bit of rain when I traveled in March but not enough to spoil my day in this historic coastal gem. 

I got to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bryggen, a waterfront complex of 62 brightly colored wooden houses that recall Bergen’s maritime trading past. I wandered into King Hakon’s Hall, climbed the Rosenkratz Tower, gawked at art at the Kode Art Museum and whizzed up Mt Fløyen via the Fløibanen funicular. Read more on how to spend one day in Bergen here.  

Leg 1: Morning train from Bergen to Voss

After spending a night in Bergen, I was up early to catch the morning train from Bergen station to the city of Voss. My train (R40 Myrdal) left on time at 8:31 am. Leg 1 is a 1.5-hour scenic train ride across local mountain areas and through the inner parts of the Sognefjord, the largest and deepest fjord in Norway. You can enjoy Norway in a Nutshell year-round, but I find that March offers fewer crowds and tranquil scenery.  Winter snow has just started to melt allowing for dramatic landscapes and a more intimate travel experience. 

The train journey from Bergen to Voss is a scenic ride with eight stops along the way, showcasing the beauty of Norway’s landscapes. Departing from Bergen Station at 8:31 AM, the train passes through Arna, Trengereid, Vaksdal, Stanghelle, Dale, Bolstadøyri, Evanger, and Bulken before arriving at Voss Station at 9:43 AM.

Upon arriving at Voss station, I had more than three hours to spare before my next bus ride to Gudvangen. Voss is often seen as just a transfer station for buses to other destinations, but it has its own charms. The station is located right at the edge of the picturesque Vangsvatnet Lake and I went nuts taking lots of photos. I had plenty of time to kill so I explored a couple of shops, had lunch at a restaurant and people-watched by the lake.

man standing on the edge of a lake
Mirro at Vangsvatnet Lake

Where to stay in Bergen

If you’re starting your Norway in a Nutshell journey in Bergen, it’s a smart move to pre-book accommodation near Bryggen. This area is conveniently located close to the railway station, where your adventure will begin. During my visit, I stayed at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, which offered both comfort and a prime location.

How to Book the Train Tickets from Bergen to Voss

I used the Fjord Tours website to get an idea of the timing for each leg of the trip on my preferred dates. Then I proceeded to book my tickets separately. For this leg, I booked my train ticket through Vy.no several weeks ahead of my trip. You may book your ticket up to 90 days in advance for cheaper prices. I got mine for only 257 NOK (Php1,326.68) which was a steal. 

Leg 2: Local bus from Voss to Gudvangen 

The second leg of the journey is a local bus ride from Voss station to Gudvangen’s port (Gudvangen kai/ferjekai). The trip takes around 45 minutes to an hour and the tickets costs 75-100 NOK. To give you an idea of the available bus schedules for the day, you may visit the Skyss travel planner website.

The train and bus stations in Voss share the same building. To get to the bus station, you just need to go at ground level. Look for the buses clearly labelled Norway in a Nutshell.

bus stop with Norwegian fjords in the background

As far as bus rides go, this has to be the most scenic one I’ve ever taken so far. The sweeping vistas of snow-capped mountains, cascading waterfalls, and countryside homes with patches of ice clinging to the roofs are almost dream-like. The road zigzags as you descend into the stunning Stalheim canyon. The road ranks among the steepest in Northern Europe. With each hairpin bend, you’ll enjoy spectacular views. The bus journey ends in Gudvangen ‘s ferry port.

man standing on the edge of the Norwegian Fjord
Mirro at Gudvangen ferry port

The Village of Gudvangen

Known as the “Place of the Gods,” Gudvangen is a picturesque village at the end of the Nærøyfjord. This fjord is the narrowest in the world. It is named after Njord, the Norse god of wind and sea. During the Viking Age, Gudvangen was a bustling hub for sailing and trade. The village had a population of over 600 at its peak. Today, fewer than 100 residents call it home. Gudvangen is now a charming port for fjord cruises. It is also a popular tourist destination, especially for its captivating Viking Village.

Norwegian Fjord views at a stop in the Norway in a Nutshell itinerary

The Viking Village of Njardarheimr

Now, the Viking Village in Njardarheimr is a love-it or hate-it type of attraction. For those with a fascination with the history of the Vikings, the place is a treat. You will find people dressed in traditional Viking costumes going about their daily lives as they did back in that era. It’s sort of like an outdoor theatre. Think Renaissance fair but Vikings. You may also participate in free axe throwing and archery. You can buy tickets at Norway’s Best for 235 NOK for adults and 105 NOK for kids. They also hold 30-minute guided tours in English all throughout the day.

Since the Viking Village is just a short six-minute walk from Gudvangen port, I figured it’s a nice little detour while waiting for my ferry. The walk towards the Viking Village is an experience in itself. You stroll over a wooden bridge with jaw-dropping, panoramic views of the Nærøyfjord flanked between mountains. Take your cameras out for your Instagram-worthy selfies here.

Apart from the Viking Village, there’s not much to do at Gudvangen’s port. There’s a small souvenir shop and a quaint café nearby. In the summer season, the place is popular as a kayaking and hiking spot. There are also several camping grounds in and around the area.

man standing on a bridge
Mirro at the Viking Village in Njardarheimr

How to Book the Bus Ticket from Voss to Gudvangen

  1. Through Norway’s Best: You can book your ticket up to 90 days in advance via the Norway’s Best website.
  2. Using the Skyss Billett App: Download the app on your phone and buy a single journey ticket. Skyss is the public transport authority in Norway’s Vestland county. When purchasing through the app, select Voss stasjon (Zone E) in the “From” field and Gudvangen ferjekai (Zone J) in the “To” field—or vice versa, depending on your itinerary.
  3. Directly from the Bus Driver: Tickets can also be purchased onboard the bus.

Leg 3: Classic ferry ride from Gudvangen to Flam

Nærøyfjord: A UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Nærøyfjord is actually listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site together with Geirangerfjord. Renowned for their beauty, these two fjords have been rated by the National Geographic Society as the world’s number one natural heritage site. At 17 kilometers long, the Nærøyfjord is a narrower branch of the Sognefjord.

ferry view at the Norway in a Nutshell itinerary

The Norwegian Fjord Cruise Experience

I took the 5:15pm cruise and was lucky enough to have a bit of sun until around nearly 7pm. What I find really appealing about the third leg is that it’s a sustainable cruise that uses the first fully electric catamaran in the world. The experience was very smooth and almost completely silent. The boat has large glass windows ensuring that everyone gets a panoramic view. There are also large screens onboard showing you where you are in the fjord and highlighting points of interest such as the picturesque villages of Dyrdal and Undredal. If you feel a little peckish, there’s a small café where you can buy sausages, sandwiches and drinks.

As the cruise ship sliced its way across the icy waters, I was mesmerized as jagged peaks towered above me on both sides of the ferry. There were endless rows of pine trees and tiny farms clinging to the craggy mountain slopes. Keep your eyes peeled for some waterfalls—you will pass by a couple of them. There’s a huge one at the point where the boat rounds a corner and the Nærøyfjord merges into the larger Aurlandsfjord. 

Exploring the Villages of Dyrdal and Undredal or Heading to Flam

Some tourists go all in and take a roundtrip of this ferry ride. Others take the time to stop and explore the tiny villages of Dyrdal and Undredal. Since I have limited time and it was getting dark outside, I opted to head straight to Flam where I will be staying overnight.

Tip: In case you missed this ferry ride and need to urgently go to Flam or Gudvangen, there are shuttle buses that ply the Flam–Gudvangen route and a ticket costs 130 NOK. Just be aware that there are limited bus schedules during the winter season. Taxi options and Uber can also be limited to non-existent in winter.

I disembarked at the Flam ferry terminal at around 7:30pm. Flam is touted as the most touristy place in Norway. Compared to the charming little village of Gudvangen, Flam is a docking area for massive cruise ships and is lined with restaurants and souvenir shops.

farm house in the middle of the road
my rustic accommodation in Flam

Where to Stay in Flam

If you choose to stay the night in Flam, the wise choice is to pre-book an accommodation near the ferry terminal since it’s adjacent to the railway station where you will take the final leg of your trip. As for me, I stayed at Brekke Gard Hostel, a rustic accommodation set in the middle of a farm, which is a 20-30 minute walk from the ferry terminal. Yes, I opted for a Norwegian farm stay. The room was basic but the view outside my window was sensational.  The farm is located at the base of a scenic rocky mountain which is popular among hikers. A short hike will bring you to the beautiful Rjoandefossen waterfall.

How to Book the Ticket to the Fjord Cruise

The third leg of the journey is an unforgettable two-hour fjord cruise crossing the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord which ends in the tiny fjord village of Flåm. You can book it at Norway’s Best and a one-way ticket costs 640 NOK. There are two departures per day: 12 pm and 5:15pm. You just need to present a valid ID and your mobile ticket to board the ferry.

Leg 4: Scenic train from Flam to Oslo with a stop in Myrdal

Leg 4 is essentially divided into two parts: Flam to Myrdal and then Myrdal to Oslo. You use the same ticket for both legs of the trip.

Flam to Myrdal

This part of the journey is often called “the most scenic train ride in the world.” It’s a 44-minute ride along the 20.2-kilometer-long Flåm Line (Flåmsbana) aboard an old-fashioned steam train. The Flåm-Myrdal Railway is famous not only for its views but also for its steepness. It descends 865 meters (2,838 feet), with 80% of the journey running on a gradient of 5.5%.

A quick note: The Flåm Railway is crowded year-round, and seats are not reserved. Arriving early at the station and queuing up is essential. Keep in mind that you’ll be competing with independent travelers and tour groups from cruise ships docked in the fjord.

Here’s a tip: Try to get a window seat. It doesn’t matter whether it’s on the left or right side of the train. Both sides offer stunning views. Expect some movement during the ride, as people will likely shift around to take photos from both sides. Be patient. The breathtaking scenery is worth the occasional intrusion.

woman standing on the platform of Myrdal Station
scenic train from Flam to Myrdal

Kjosfossen Waterfall

The train (R45) departed promptly at 9:00 am, heading toward the stunning Flåm Valley. We passed through 20 tunnels, emerging to breathtaking views of the Flåm River, jagged cliffs, and snowy fields. There was a 10-minute stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall. This spot is often considered the most impressive sight on the Flåm Railway. However, since I traveled in March, the waterfall was completely frozen.

tourists taking photos of Kjosfossen Waterfall, one of the stops of the Norway in a Nutshell trip
our stop at the Kjosfossen Waterfall

Myrdal Station

The journey ended at the small mountain station of Myrdal, 867 meters above sea level. Here, passengers were supposed to change trains and switch to the main Bergen line. However, due to weather challenges, the train to Oslo was delayed by over an hour. Myrdal Station is a pretty lonely place to get stuck for more than an hour. There’s no road access and besides the café at the station, there’s no restaurant or shop to speak of. I spent the time taking pictures against the snowy backdrop. By nearly 11 am, the train to Oslo finally arrived.

man standing on snowy tracks, at stop at the Norway in a Nutshell itinerary
Mirro at Myrdal Station

Myrdal to Oslo

The final part of my Norway in a Nutshell experience is a five-hour journey on the Bergen Line. This route starts in Myrdal and ends at Oslo S Station. The Bergen Line stretches 500 kilometers. It takes you across the stunning Hardangervidda mountain plateau and through the Hallingdal valley to Oslo. This is a full-service train (F4) with an NSB Kafé offering pricey sandwiches. It also features a premium carriage called VyPlus, which has upgraded seats and unlimited coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. By this point, I was already spoiled by the breathtaking views. I barely reacted when I saw an ice-covered lake. It was just past 4 PM when I arrived in Oslo.

How to Book the Train Tickets from Flam to Oslo

The final leg of this trip was the top highlight of my Norway in a Nutshell experience – the iconic scenic railway from Flam to Oslo. You may book your tickets online at Vy.no. I paid 1089 NOK for my nearly six-hour trip.

How much I spent for my Norway in a Nutshell Trip?

Here’s a breakdown of my total Norway in a Nutshell trip cost. Note that this does not include flights and accommodations:

Norway in a NutshellProviderAmount in NOKAmount in USDAmount in PHP
Leg 1: Morning train from Bergen to VossVy.noNOK 257.00USD 22.88₱1,326.68
Leg 2: Local bus from Voss to Gudvangen Norway’s BestNOK 98.00USD 8.72₱505.89
Leg 3: Classic ferry ride from Gudvangen to FlamNorway’s BestNOK 640.00USD 56.97₱3,303.80
Leg 4: Scenic train from Flam to Oslo with a stop in MyrdalVy.noNOK 1,089.00USD 96.93₱5,621.62
TOTALNOK 2,084.00USD 185.50₱10,757.99
Norway in a Nutshell itinerary pin for Pinterest

Staying connected in Norway

Staying connected during the Norway in a Nutshell journey can be a bit tricky. While the train from Bergen to Voss, Flam to Myrdal and Myrdal to Oslo offers Wi-Fi, it may not always be reliable. The ferry provides Wi-Fi, and phone reception is generally good, though you might lose signal on parts of the Flåm Railway. For a more reliable connection, it’s best to get your own solution, such as the Holafly eSIM for Europe.

Pin this for future reference!

Norway in a Nutshell was definitely an experience of a lifetime and if my wallet permits it, I’d do it again. It would be interesting to see the same landscape in lush evergreens and under the bright sun. Next summer perhaps? Pin this post to Pinterest for future reference and share the adventure with your travel buddies!

By Mirro Macatangay

Mirro Macatangay is a freelance travel writer with passport stamps from 49 countries. He is drawn towards travels that respect local cultures and environments. He is also a Lean Six Sigma and Human-Centered Design facilitator.

One reply on “Norway in a Nutshell Itinerary: a Step-By-Step Guide for First Time Visitors (2025)”

Wow. Good read. Hope I could have that courage to solo travel too. Haha, but with all the research and stuff, I don’t think I have the patience to do that haha.

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