This post is sponsored by Fjord Tours, Norway in a Nutshell and Visit Flam, who gifted me this excursion. As always, all experiences, photos, thoughts and opinions are my own!
Norway, y’all. I can’t tell you how long I’ve been dreaming of a visit to this incredible country. Kicking off my 2 week Scandinavia trip in Bergen, I got to experience the best of Norway in one day through the Norway in a Nutshell tour.
Here’s Norway in a Nutshell – The Best of Norway in One Day:
About the Norway in a Nutshell Tour
The Norway in a Nutshell tour is a completely customizable trip, transporting you on the Bergen Railway, along the UNESCO fjords and to the picturesque village of Flåm with a scenic train ride down the iconic Flåm Railway.
As a self-guided tour in its entirety, it can be completed in one day, departing roundtrip from Oslo, Bergen, Voss or Flåm. An added customization is to spend an evening in any one of these places, adding in various activities to create a 2-3 day event. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try departing from one location and arriving in another.
For more information about booking the Norway in a Nutshell tour, visit the Fjord Tours website here and, for inspiration as to why you should visit Flåm, check out their website here!
My Experience on the Norway in a Nutshell Tour
With an early morning wake up, I walk down to the Bergen Rail station to board an 8 AM train headed for Voss.
Bergen → Voss by Train
After finding our assigned seats, I settle in for an hour ride on the Bergen Railway, a journey regarded as one of the best train rides in Europe. Whisking you through picturesque Norwegian countryside, the villages based along the river shine with colorful red homes.
Arriving in Voss, I begin to feel that snowy alpine environment as the entire village adorns that ski resort style. Walking about 3 minutes to the bus stop from the train, I board my hour ride that will take me to Gudvangen.
Voss → Gudvangen by Bus
Winding around the snowy mountains and along frozen creeks, the bus trip runs us parallel with the pristine Lønavatnet Lake.
Before I know it, the bus is dropping us off at the ferry port in Gudvangen, the portal to the fjords.
With some time to kill before boarding the ferry, I take some time to explore the small area. Basking in that snowy scenery and breathtaking views, I warm up with a cup of coffee in the cafe inside.
After about an hour of moseying around Gudvangen, it’s time to board the ferry to Flåm!
Gudvangen → Flåm by Ferry
While every other passenger bee-lined for the front of the ferry, I chose the back side of the boat to snag a front-row seat for the best views. Before departure, I buy some coffee from the snack bar and settle in to my seat.
I can’t stop marveling over these picture-postcard snapshots of Norway as the ferry pulls away from the port.
With a 2 hour cruise on the stunning Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, I quickly realize why Norway’s fjords are UNESCO-protected sites. With the sun shining, the temps are mild enough to stand out on the deck as we sail by tiny villages propped in front of monstrous mountains.
Read More: Cruising Through the Fjords of Norway
Two hours fly by so quickly, in no time the ferry’s pulling up to the little village of Flåm.
With about an hour layover before the Flåmsbana departs, we waltz around the village snapping shots and popping in and out of stores. The highlight of our little layover was sitting outside the Flåm bakery, soaking in those magnificent sights.
Read More: A Visit to Flåm + The Flåmsbana
That hour flew past just as quickly as the past 6 and now it’s time to board the Flåmsbana!
Flåm → Myrdal via Flåm Railway
If you’re unfamiliar with the Flåm Railway, it’s regarded as the most beautiful train rides in the entire world. The ride hoists you up nearly 2900 feet within a 45 minute ride.
Since I visited in March, the landscape was entirely covered in snow, creating the most magical winter wonderland. Rain, snow, sleet or shine, the Flåm Train was no less than incredible.
Read More about my trip on the Flåmsbana here
The Flåmsbana does make one quick stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall. Even though it’s frozen this time of year, I still enjoy the brisk stop on the route.
The Flåmsbana ends in Myrdal, a train station in the middle of nowhere at the peak of Norway’s mountains. We only have to wait about 10 minutes until the train to head back to Bergen arrives. Luckily there’s room to wait inside! The scenery of Norway is just as breathtaking on the way back to Bergen as it was on the Flåmsbana.
Myrdal → Bergen via Bergen Railway
The Perfect Day in Norway
The Norway in a Nutshell tour definitely lives up to the hype. It’s the perfect way to see the best of Norway in a day!
A huge thank you to Fjord Norway, Fjord Tours, Visit Flam and Visit Bergen for sponsoring my Norway in a Nutshell tour! I can’t think of a better way for us to kick off our Scandinavian adventures than this full day’s explorations.
Read More Scandinavia Travel Posts HereFor more information about booking the Norway in a Nutshell tour, visit the Fjord Tours website here. For inspiration as to why you should visit Flåm, check out their website here!
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