Fjords
Norway in a Nutshell: the classic fjord round trip from Bergen
A train over the mountains, a bus down some of the steepest bends in Northern Europe, a boat through the Nærøyfjord and the Flåm Railway up from the fjord. This is our guide to Norway in a Nutshell, with the route, tips and hotels for an overnight stop.
There is no better way to understand fjord country than to travel through it. On Norway in a Nutshell you switch between train, bus and boat, and in a single day you see the high mountains, steep valleys, the narrow Nærøyfjord and the Flåm Railway climbing up from the fjord. It is one of Norway’s most popular round trips, and it is easy to see why.
This is our guide to the route, the tips that make the trip better, and the hotels worth an overnight stay along the way.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
What is Norway in a Nutshell?
Norway in a Nutshell is a round trip combining train, bus and boat through some of the most beautiful parts of Western Norway. You can book it as a ready-made package, or put it together yourself with tickets for each leg. You can start in Bergen or Oslo, and return the same day or stay overnight along the way.
The route, step by step
Bergen to Voss: By the Bergen Railway through the valleys east of Bergen.
Voss to Gudvangen: By bus down through the Nærøy valley. In summer many buses take the Stalheimskleiva road, one of the steepest in Northern Europe.
Gudvangen to Flåm: By boat through the Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and on into the Aurlandsfjord.
Flåm to Myrdal: By the Flåm Railway, one of the world’s steepest standard-gauge railways.
Myrdal to Bergen or Oslo: By the Bergen Railway back to Bergen, or on across the Hardangervidda plateau to Oslo.
The route can also be taken in reverse. Read more about the Flåm Railway and the Oslo to Bergen train.
Through the fjords. Photo: Picolo
One day or more?
The trip can be done in one long day from Bergen, but you spend much of it in transit. Many feel the best way is to stay overnight in Flåm or Voss. You get the calm of the fjord village after the day-trippers leave, and time for the Stegastein viewpoint, a bike ride or an extra fjord trip.
When to go
Summer: All routes run and the days are long and light. High season, so book early.
Spring and autumn: Fewer crowds, roaring waterfalls in spring and autumn colours in September.
Winter: Snowy mountains and quiet fjords. Some routes and roads run a reduced service, so check timetables.
Where to stay overnight
In Flåm
Fretheim Hotel: the classic in Flåm
A traditional fjord hotel with two restaurants, close to the Flåm Railway and the fjord boats.
Book your stay: See rooms at Fretheim Hotel
Flåmsbrygga Hotel: on the quay
A hotel on the bay in Flåm, with a brewpub and the fjord boats right outside.
Book your stay: See rooms at Flåmsbrygga Hotel
In Voss
Fleischer’s Hotel: historic by Vangsvatnet lake
A traditional Swiss-style hotel with two restaurants and a short walk to the station.
Book your stay: See rooms at Fleischer’s Hotel
Scandic Voss: modern and central
A modern hotel in Voss, a practical base for onward travel.
Book your stay: See rooms at Scandic Voss
In Bergen before or after
Grand Hotel Terminus: next to the station
A historic hotel right by Bergen railway station, perfect for an early train.
Book your stay: See rooms at Grand Hotel Terminus
See more in our guide to the best hotels in Bergen.
Experiences along the way
Take time for the Stegastein viewpoint above the Aurlandsfjord, a bike ride down the Rallarvegen from Myrdal, or a kayak trip on the Nærøyfjord. With a night in Flåm you get both the fjord and the mountains at their best.
Tips before you go
Book early in summer: The Flåm Railway and the boats can sell out in high season.
Look out at Kjosfossen: The Flåm Railway stops at this thundering waterfall.
Pack layers: The weather can change quickly from fjord to mountain.
Plan breaks: With an overnight stay you get more out of every leg.
Frequently asked questions about Norway in a Nutshell
How long does Norway in a Nutshell take?
The trip can be done in one day from Bergen, but many stay overnight in Flåm or Voss to get more out of it.
Can you do Norway in a Nutshell on your own?
Yes, you can buy tickets for each leg yourself, or book the trip as a ready-made package.
What is the Nærøyfjord?
The Nærøyfjord is a narrow arm of the Sognefjord and, together with the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Where should you stay on Norway in a Nutshell?
Flåm and Voss are the most popular places to stay overnight. Fretheim Hotel and Fleischer’s Hotel are classic choices.