Discover Norway by Rail – The Bergen & Flam Railway
7 Night itinerary including 3 nights in Oslo, 1 night in Flam, 3 nights in Bergen and journeys on board the Bergen and Flam Railway.
This itinerary is available to book year round.
Norway is known for its stunning fjords, cosy cities and the awe-inspiring Northern Lights. Our itinerary allows you to experience the best of Norway, including unforgettable rail journeys on board the Bergen and Flam Railway, two of the most scenic rail journeys in the world.
Your trip will begin with 3 nights in Norway’s capital, Oslo. Take time to explore this vibrant city, its history and architecture.
Following your time in the capital, you will travel on the Bergen Railway from Oslo to Myrdal, passing through beautiful mountain and valley scenery. Upon arrival at Myrdal, you will join the Flam Line to get to your next destination – Flam Village. The rail journey from Myrdal to Flam allows you to take in even more of Norway’s beauty, dramatic waterfalls, rivers, valleys and mountains, described as ‘the very definition of Norwegian nature’.
Our itinerary includes 1 night in Flam, a village in the Flåmsdalen valley which is located at the inner end of the Aurlandsfjorden.
After enjoying an evening of relaxation in Flam, you will take the Flam Railway back up to Myrdal and re join the Bergen Railway. Sit back and enjoy more stunning views along the way before reaching your final destination – Bergen, known as ‘The Heart of the Fjords’. Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, offering small town charm and many experiences to be enjoyed.
*Our Discover Norway itinerary can be completely tailored to suit individual requirements.
- Flight from London to Oslo (regional available)
- Airport Transfers
- 3 Nights stay at Amerikalinjen, Oslo. Breakfast Included
- 1 Night stay at Fretheim Hotel, Flam. Breakfast Included
- 3 Nights stay at Opus XVI, Bergen. Breakfast Included
- Journey on board the Bergen Railway from Oslo to Myrdal & Myrdal to Bergen.
- Return journey on board the Flam Railway between Myrdal & Flam.
- Flight from Bergen to London (regional available)
Guide Price from £1,999 pp
Discover Norway – The Bergen & Flam Railway
DETAILED ITINERARY
Discover Norway – Bergen & Flam Railway Itinerary
Day 1 – Oslo
Your trip begins with a morning flight from London Gatwick to Oslo Gardermoen, arriving early afternoon. Upon arrival into Oslo, you will be transferred by private transfer to your hotel in Oslo, Amerikalinjen.
Amerikalinjen is a 4* vibrant boutique hotel, located in the city centre making it the perfect base to explore the capital. Check in to your room and spend the remainder of your afternoon and evening at leisure.
Day 2 – Oslo
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, before your first full day of exploring Oslo begins.
Perhaps go for a stroll and take in the amazing sights, hop on a sightseeing bus or book a private guided tour of the city.
This evening, take advantage of the many restaurants on offer in the city and indulge in some local cuisine.
Day 3 – Oslo
Today is another full day to enjoy Oslo, or surrounding areas.
You may wish to book on to a boat tour or sightseeing cruise, to see more of Oslo from the waters.
Alternatively, find out more about Oslo’s history by visiting a museum (there are more than 50, so you’ll be spoilt for choice).
Day 4 – Bergen & Flam Railway/Flam
Expect an early departure from your hotel this morning, as you make your way to Oslo station to begin your journey on the Bergen Railway.
Approximately 4-5 hours in duration to Myrdal, your journey on the Bergen Railway will be a highlight of your trip so far. In addition to stunning scenery, you will be seated in the PLUS carriage, with comfortable seating and unlimited tea and coffee available.
Upon arrival at Myrdal station, change platforms to board the train for your journey on the Flam Railway. This journey will be a lot shorter in duration (approximately 1 hour), however the scenery will be just as breathtaking. You will arrive into Flam mid afternoon.
Your accommodation in Flam will be the 4* Fretheim Hotel, a refurbished 1800s manor house, 200 yards from the Aurlandsfjord and only a couple of minutes walk from the station.
You may wish to relax, unwind and enjoy your surroundings during your short stay in Flam, however if you are looking for activities to take part in, consider a hike to Brekkefossen Waterfall, cycling through Flam valley or if time allows – a Norwegian fjord cruise.
Day 5 – Flam/Flam & Bergen Railway/Bergen
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and time at leisure in Flam this morning, before re joining the Flam line before midday. Upon arrival at Myrdal station, change platforms and re join the Bergen Railway – for the final leg of your rail journey to Bergen.
Following another scenic journey through picturesque surroundings (approximately 2-3 hours), you will arrive at Bergen station.
Your 3 nights in Bergen will be spent at the 4* Opus XVI, with breakfast included. Located in the heart of Bergen, Opus XVI is a classic yet modern hotel.
Enjoy the remainder of your day at leisure.
Day 6 – Bergen
Following breakfast at your hotel, it is time for your first full day in Bergen.
Choose to sightsee the city by foot, bus or segway.
This evening, consider dining at Opus XVI brasserie & bar. Here, you can enjoy French-inspired cuisine, made from the finest local ingredients.
Day 7 – Bergen
A Fjord tour is one of the most popular things to do in Bergen – so today, why not choose from the selection of Fjord tours and cruises available from Bergen.
Alternatively, visit Bryggen, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
Day 8 – Bergen
After an incredible 7 nights and 8 days on your Norway adventure, it is time to check out of your final hotel.
A private transfer will collect you from your hotel, where you will be taken to Bergen Airport for your return flight to London.
BERGEN RAILWAY
The Bergen Railway
The Bergen Line is the most popular Norwegian train journey, connecting two of Norway’s best cities, Bergen and Oslo.
The train passes through beautiful mountain scenery from Oslo to Gol and Geilo, up through the Hallingdal valley towards Finse in the high mountains, and along the gorgeous Hardangerjøkulen glacier, before descending towards the final stop.
If travelling the full route from Oslo to Bergen (or vice versa), the journey will take 7 hours. As per our Discover Norway Itinerary, we split the journey up by connecting with the Flam Line.
Included on your Bergen Railway Journey
- Seating in Plus Carriage
- Comfortable seats and headrests
- Power Outlets
- Free tea and coffee
- Access to on board cafe (meals or snacks not included in fare)
FLAM RAILWAY
The Flam Railway
Despite the journey only being one hour in duration, the Flam Line is one of the most famous railways in the world.
The train travels from Mydral station down to the village of Flam (and return), due to the steep ascent from 0 to 866 metres above sea level, two locomotives are required – one in front and one behind the train, and every carriage is rigged with a special brake system.
You can expect gorgeous views in fair weather, with dramatic waterfalls, rivers, valleys and mountains. The train also takes a five-minute photo stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall where you can disembark and go out onto the platform.
There is no seating allocation when you book a ticket on the Flam Line, you simply board the train and find a seat.
HOTELS
Hotels in Oslo, Flam & Norway
Amerikalinjen, Oslo
Located right in the city centre of Oslo, Amerikalinjen is a vibrant boutique hotel named after the 19th century cruise ship line of the same name.
The rooms reflect Amerikalinjen’s identity, with an eclectic mix of modern comfort, Norwegian design classics and a rich history.
The hotel offers an all day brasserie, a courtyard to relax with coffee, a bar and a basement jazz bar.
Fretheim Hotel, Flam
Fretheim Hotel boasts mountain and fjord views, only a few minutes walk away from Flam Station.
Built in Swiss chalet style at the end of the 19th Century, all rooms have views towards the Aurlandsfjord or the surrounding mountains.
The oldest part of the hotel has been carefully restored to reveal beautiful details, with open fires and antique furniture in the lounges, library and in all the historical guest rooms.
The hotel features a restaurant serving Norwegian cuisine based on organic, locally sourced ingredients, a terrace for drinking and dining in the summer months, a bar and cafe.
Opus XVI, Bergen
Opus XVI offers 65 unique and luxurious rooms right in the heart of Bergen. Each room is individually designed with a classic yet modern design.
The hotels brasserie and bar allows you to sit back for a relaxing and delicious À la carte breakfast, afternoon tea, or meal prepared with traditional French dishes from the finest local ingredients.
Bergen Central Station is only 750 yards away from the hotel, perfectly combining this hotel with a journey on the Bergen Railway.
*Other hotels are available to book with this package – please ask for details.
BEST TIME TO VISIT NORWAY
Find out when to travel to Norway
The Best Time to Visit Norway
When to visit Norway will depend on what you want to see and do during your trip.
Do you want to see clear, epic landscapes? Avoid the crowds? Or is your main purpose of visiting Norway to experience the Northern Lights in all its glory?
Note that there are no guarantees with the weather in Norway. Spells of rain and cold can happen during any month, so be prepared.
For Clear, Epic Landscapes
June, July and August are the best months to go to Norway for warmer temperatures and longer days. You will also get the clearest views on your Bergen and Flam Rail journeys.
This is Norway’s High Season, so be prepared for crowds.
Avoiding the Crowds
May and September offer mild temperatures and uncrowded, colourful landscapes. With fewer visitors and temperatures generally still mild, the shoulder season is still a popular time to visit Norway – particularly the Fjords.
Low Season/Winter Scenery
Between the months of October and April, you’ll have the short hours of Daylight. You can however expect to see beautiful snow-capped landscapes during your rail journeys if travelling in peak Winter months.
Do be prepared for the possibility of bitterly cold weather during the winter in Norway.
The Northern Lights
The locations in this itinerary are too far south of the Arctic Circle to see the aurora borealis.
You’ll need to head to Northern Norway during the Winter months (between October and March) to experience the magic of the Northern Lights. There are a handful of towns, like Tromsø and Svalbard, which are perfectly-situated for aurora viewing.
If you are looking to plan a trip revolving around the Northern Lights, get in touch with us and we can prepare for you a bespoke Norway Itinerary.
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