Discover Scandinavia's Most Scenic Railway journey
Experience one of Scandinavia's most spectacular journeys, combining the iconic Flåm Railway with a cruise through the beautiful Aurlandsfjord and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord.
Norway is renowned for its spectacular scenery, from dramatic fjords and soaring mountains to colourful villages and historic cities. One of the best ways to experience it all is on the famous Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours route. At 50 Degrees North, our Highlights of Norway journey follows this iconic route while giving you the flexibility to stay longer and experience more of western Norway.
Combining rail, ferry and road, this unforgettable journey travels between Oslo and Bergen through some of the country's most breathtaking landscapes. Along the way, you'll experience the spectacular Flåm Railway, cruise through the beautiful Aurlandsfjord and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord, and enjoy mountain scenery that showcases Norway at its very best.
Why is the Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours route so special?
The Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours route is one of Norway's most iconic travel experiences because it combines the country's most spectacular scenery into a single, seamless journey. Travelling between Oslo and Bergen, it brings together scenic railways, a fjord cruise and dramatic mountain landscapes, offering an unforgettable introduction to western Norway.
At 50 Degrees North, our Highlights of Norway journey follows this famous route while giving you the flexibility to spend longer in the fjords and experience destinations such as Flåm and Aurland at a more relaxed pace. Rather than simply passing through, you have time to enjoy boutique accommodation, local experiences and the spectacular scenery long after many day visitors have continued their journey.
From the mountain plateau aboard the Oslo to Bergen Railway, to the iconic Flåm Railway and a cruise through the beautiful Aurlandsfjord and UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord, every stage of the journey reveals a different side of Norway. It's this combination of rail, fjord and mountain experiences that has made the route one of the country's best-loved journeys for generations.
What makes the Flåm Railway so special?
The Flåm Railway is one of Norway's most celebrated rail journeys. Running between Myrdal and Flåm, it descends from the mountains to the fjord through steep valleys, waterfalls and hand-carved tunnels, making it one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world.
Although the journey is only 20 kilometres long, the scenery changes dramatically as the train winds from the mountain plateau to the shores of the Aurlandsfjord. It's one of Norway's signature travel experiences and consistently ranks among Europe's finest railway journeys.
To learn more, read our guides to the Flåm Railway and the Oslo to Bergen Railway.
What will you see on the fjord cruise?
The scenic cruise between Flåm and Gudvangen takes you through two of Norway's most beautiful fjords. The journey begins on the tranquil Aurlandsfjord before continuing into the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest and most dramatic fjords in Europe.
As you glide between towering mountains, you'll pass cascading waterfalls, traditional farms perched on steep hillsides and tiny fjord settlements that can only be reached by boat. Experiencing these landscapes from the water offers a completely different perspective to travelling by road or rail and is one of the highlights of the journey.
What is the Stalheimskleiva road?
Between May and September, the journey includes a scenic bus ride along the historic Stalheimskleiva mountain road. Famous for its tight hairpin bends, the road winds through dramatic mountain scenery, passing the impressive Sivlefossen and Stalheimsfossen waterfalls before opening onto sweeping views across the Nærøy Valley.
Although modern tunnels now bypass the original road, Stalheimskleiva remains one of Norway's most memorable mountain roads and a highlight of the summer route.
Can you spend longer in the fjords?
Absolutely. While many travellers complete the route in a single day, spending an extra night or two allows you to experience western Norway at a much more relaxed pace.
Stay in charming fjord villages such as Flåm or Aurland, where you can enjoy boutique accommodation, hike through spectacular mountain landscapes, kayak on the fjord or join guided excursions. You can also continue to destinations such as Geiranger or Stalheim to discover even more of Norway's dramatic scenery.
Our Norwegian fjord tours are designed to do exactly that, giving you time to slow down and enjoy the landscapes rather than simply passing through them.
Is the Highlights of Norway journey worth it?
If you're looking for one of the best introductions to western Norway, it's hard to beat. Combining scenic railways, a fjord cruise and spectacular mountain landscapes, the journey showcases many of the country's most iconic experiences in a single itinerary.
At 50 Degrees North, our Highlights of Norway journey builds on the famous Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours route by giving you the flexibility to stay longer, enjoy carefully selected accommodation and experience the fjords at a more relaxed pace.
Whether it's your first visit to Norway or you're returning to explore more of the country, this journey remains one of the very best ways to experience Norway's extraordinary landscapes.
Ready to start planning? Explore our Norwegian fjord tours, discover the Flåm Railway, learn more about the Oslo to Bergen Railway, explore our Highlights of Norway guide, or browse our latest Norway travel articles for more inspiration.
_Image credits: Lari Laasjärvi for 50DN, Sverre Hjørnevik, Fjord Norway and Aurland 29|2