Mix & Match: Norway's Rail & Fjords

Welcome to the Kingdom of Norway! Forests and the beautiful Oslo Fjord surround this vibrant capital city. Upon arrival, make your own way to your centrally located hotel.With the rest of the day at leisure, we recommend taking a stroll along the famous Karl Johan's Street, the city's main boulevard lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops leading to the Royal Palace. Oslo is a wonderfully walkable city, so take your time to soak up the atmosphere at your own pace. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal may offer the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

Oslo is yours to explore today. The city effortlessly blends Viking heritage with a buzzing modern culture, and there's no shortage of things to see and do. Whether you choose to wander through neighbourhoods at your own pace or dive into the city's incredible museum scene, Oslo won't disappoint.We recommend purchasing a 24-hour Oslo Pass, which grants free travel on public transport across the city and free entry to most of Oslo's top attractions, including Akershus Castle, Oslo City Hall, the Fram Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Munch Museum, the National History Museum, the Nobel Peace Center, and more. For an escorted experience, you may wish to take part in the optional morning city tour. The rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening, prepare your overnight bag for the following 2 nights as your main luggage will be transferred ahead. Special Information To make the journey easier, your luggage will be transferred to Bergen ahead of you. Please make sure to take an overnight bag for your 2-night stay in Balestrand. Your luggage (max. 1 bag per person) must be given to the reception at your hotel (Thon Hotel Opera) by 6:30am (or the night before). Luggage is picked up from reception and will be available from your hotel in Bergen on arrival.

Today is one of the most spectacular travel days Norway has to offer. After giving your main luggage to reception to be transferred to Bergen, make your way to Oslo Central Station for an early morning departure, as you begin the iconic Norway rail journey towards the fjords. Board the Bergen Railway and travel through breathtaking mountain scenery to Myrdal Station, a remote junction perched high in the Norwegian highlands. From here, you'll board the legendary Flåmsbana – one of the world's steepest railway lines – for a thrilling descent through dramatic gorges, past roaring waterfalls, and through 20 tunnels to the charming village of Flåm. Sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery; every viewpoint is more spectacular than the last. Arriving in Flåm, you'll have some free time to explore this picturesque village before embarking on a cruise along the Aurlandsfjord, an arm of the magnificent Sognefjord – the longest fjord in Norway at 204 kilometres. Towering mountains, glittering waters, and cascading waterfalls surround you as the boat carries you to your overnight stop and dinner in the idyllic village of Balestrand. Inspiring Highlights Bergen Railway Flåmsbana Railway Aurlandsfjord cruise Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 10–11 hours in total, including all train and ferry connections. Trains depart Oslo Central Station early in the morning (approximately 06:25 or 08:25). Please refer to your travel documents for confirmed timings.

Spend the day at leisure in beautiful Balestrand, a small village nestled on the shores of the Sognefjord. With its apple orchards, traditional wooden architecture, and peaceful atmosphere, it's the perfect place to slow down and take in the grandeur of Norwegian fjord life. Stroll along the waterfront, explore local galleries, or simply sit and watch the ferries glide across the mirror-like waters surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Return to the hotel in the evening for your included dinner.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Balestrand before embarking on your afternoon fast boat service to Bergen – Norway's gateway to the fjords and a UNESCO World Heritage city. As you cruise along the Sognefjord towards the coast, take in the sweeping fjord scenery one last time before arriving in this vibrant and colourful port city. Bergen is a city like no other, and you'll have the evening to begin exploring its charming streets, colourful wharves, and lively café scene. Keep an eye out for the famous Bryggen wharf area as you find your bearings in this beautiful city. Inspiring Highlights Fast boat to Bergen Sognefjord Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

The morning is yours to discover Bergen at your own pace. A stroll through the city's UNESCO-listed Bryggen quarter reveals rows of brightly coloured wooden Hanseatic buildings lining the harbour – one of Norway's most iconic sights. Nearby, the historic St Mary's Church and Håkon's Hall are well worth a visit. Later you will meet you local guide for a Bergen Food & Culture Walk. Visit Fjellskål Fisketorget for Bergen-style smoked seafood, Trekroneren for Bergen street food, taste local craft beer or a Scandinavian spirit, enjoy a traditional Bergen fish dish at Bare Vestland, and finish with a Bergen-inspired dessert at Sweet Rain. Your expert local guide will share the stories and history behind each stop along the way. We recommend picking up a Bergen City Card for 24 hours, which offers free travel on the Light Rail and city buses, plus free entry to Haakon's Hall, Rosenkrantz Tower, St Mary Church, the Norwegian Fisheries Museum, Horda Museum, Fantoft Stave Church, and discounts at many other attractions, shops, and restaurants. Inspiring Highlights Bryggen Quarter Food & Culture Walk

Enjoy another full day to explore Bergen at your own leisure. With so much to see and do in this vibrant UNESCO World Heritage city, today is a wonderful opportunity to revisit favourite spots or discover something new. Consider taking the Fløibanen Funicular up to Mount Fløyen for sweeping views over the city and surrounding fjords, or venture deeper into the Bryggen quarter to explore its medieval alleyways, artisan boutiques, and galleries. Bergen's waterfront is ideal for a leisurely afternoon, with plenty of cafes and restaurants to enjoy fresh local seafood. Alternatively, choose to take an optional fjord cruise through the mostumen strait before returning to your hotel in the afternoon.

After breakfast, your Norwegian adventure draws to a close. Take a final morning stroll through Bergen's beautiful streets before making your own way to the airport at the appropriate time. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special Information Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.