Which ‘Highlights of Norway’ Trip Suits You?
Dreaming of exploring Scandinavian fairy-tale landscapes of blue fjords, fields covered in wildflowers, majestic mountains and steep waterfalls?
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5 days - The classic Oslo to Bergen rail and fjord journey, with cycling on the historic Rallarvegen
Highlights of Norway with Cycling combines Norway’s classic fjord and railway route with a scenic downhill cycling experience through the mountains.
The itinerary follows the Oslo–Bergen corridor and is designed for travellers who want to add gentle activity without technical cycling.
What you’ll experience
- Scenic rail travel including the Flåm Railway
- A fjord cruise through the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord
- Downhill cycling along the historic Rallarvegen, running parallel to the Flåm Railway
- Overnight stays in fjord villages
How the journey works
- Cycling routes are predominantly downhill and non-technical
- Bicycles and helmets are provided
- Transport between trains, boats and buses is self-guided
- Accommodation and support are arranged by 50 Degrees North
This journey suits travellers looking to experience Norway’s landscapes more actively while keeping logistics simple.
Please note: Due to snow conditions on the mountain plateau, this itinerary operates only in late summer and early autumn, typically from mid-July until snowfall in mid-September.
Note: One well-known way to travel along this rail and fjord corridor is Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours, a self-guided transport journey combining trains, fjord cruise and bus travel. As part of this itinerary, the Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours transport segment is included on selected days, forming part of the overall route.
- Day 1
- Arrive in Oslo and transfer to your centrally located hotel
- Day 2
- Train Oslo to Finse, one of Norway's most popular walking and 'outdoors' spot.
- Day 3
- Cycle to Flåm across the Hardangervidda mountain plateau then downhill through the valley.
- Day 4
- Boat trip on the narrow Aurland & Nærøyfjords
- Day 5
- Depart Bergen
- Start Place
- Oslo, Norway
- End Place
- Bergen, Norway
- Country Visited
- Norway
- Duration
- 5 Days
- Start Date
- Flexible
- Travel Style
- Independent
- Suitability
- Active independent tour suitable for singles, couples & groups
- Carbon Footprint
- 56Kg of CO₂e Average carbon footprint per person?
- Code
- 50DN0650
As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this tour using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.
The CO2-e per person per day of all tours is carefully measured following each season. We fully offset all emissions of our tours on your behalf, and we constantly look at ways to reduce emissions where possible.
Details
Transportation
Train, bike, local bus and fjord ferry. Optional Flåmsbana trip.
Included
- All accommodation in shared double/twin room, single supplement available
- Meals as specified in the itinerary (Drinks paid locally)
- Train from Oslo to Finse
- Bicycle hire and one way drop off Finse to Flåm
- Fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen, bus from Gudvangen to Voss and train from Voss to Bergen
- Luggage transfer between Finse and Flåm
- Luggage transfer between Oslo and Bergen
- 24-hour emergency service
- Taxes and service fees
Not Included
- International flights
- Lunches and dinners not detailed in the program
- Drinks including alcoholic beverages, juice, soft drinks and hot beverages
- Items of personal nature
Optional activity: Flåm Zipline.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Oslo and transfer to your centrally located hotel
Arrive in Oslo, the beautiful Norwegian capital by the Oslofjord. Make your own way to your centrally located hotel in the heart of Oslo, an easy direct express train ride away from the airport. The Norwegian capital has a great deal to offer for the observant traveller. We can recommend a walk around the centre of town to view the Parliament, the Castle, and the Harbour area.
Discover the new area of Bjorvika with the new Opera House and Munch Museum and then explore the charming shopping streets, cosy cafés and exciting eateries of Grünerløkka. After going shopping at numerous design boutiques, vintage shops and flea markets, head to the Mathallen food hall for local specialties. Lastly, visit the new National Museum of Norway down by the harbour before finding a spot in one of the local fish restaurants for dinner.
Accommodation
Clarion Hotel Oslo or similarDay 2 - Train Oslo to Finse, one of Norway's most popular walking and 'outdoors' spot.
Depart Oslo by train to the highest point on the Bergensbanen (Oslo to Bergen railway) at Finse; 1222 meters above sea level. At Finse you will disembark the train and stay at the mountain lodge for the night. If you take the morning train from Oslo you have time to enjoy Finse for local walks in the area. Finse is situated on the edge of Hardangervidda (the Hardanger Mountain Plateau) and offers great views of the Hardangerjøkulen (glacier).
Hardangervidda is one of Norway's most popular walking and trekking areas, and if you are an active walker we recommend to extend your stay at Finse for more extended walks in the area.
We have included a luggage service between Oslo and Bergen, meaning you do not have to bring your main luggage for the trip. Your luggage will be picked up from your hotel in Oslo and transferred to your hotel in Bergen. You will take an overnight rucksack only for your trip to Finse and Flåm.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Dinner
Accommodation
Finse 1222 Mountain LodgeDay 3 - Cycle to Flåm across the Hardangervidda mountain plateau then downhill through the valley.
After breakfast you will pick up your bicycle at Finse and start the cycling trip along the railway construction road (Rallarvegen) to Myrdal and on to Flåm. The trip follows a well maintained gravel road through the Hardangervidda. Take your time to enjoy the fabulous scenery, and if you are lucky you might even spot wild reindeer in the area. You will pass by the Fagervatn Lake, which is the highest point of Rallarvegen at 1310m. In the summertime, a café is run in the Fagernut Dwelling, where you can buy freshly made waffles and coffee.
The terrain is reasonably flat with some up and down between Finse and Myrdal (38km). Then at Myrdal you will take off towards Flåm and follow the very steep downhill switchback path to the bottom of the Flåm Valley. These last 20km from Myrdal to Flåm offer stunning views down the valley following the Flåm Railway. Doing the trip by bike allows you to plan a leisurely trip with lots of photo opportunities that those travelling by train will miss.
On reaching Flåm you will check into your local hotel. Make sure you keep your bikes for the afternoon in Flåm to do local bike rides.
Alternative walking itinerary
If you are more of a walker than a cyclist you can chose to take the train between Finse and Myrdal, and then walk from Myrdal down the Flåm Valley to Flåm (20km) instead of biking.
Travelling with different activity levels
If you travel as a party of 2 or more, and only one (or a few) of you want to do the active Norway in a Nutshell version, then we are more than happy to arrange those who do not want to bike to do the ’standard’ Norway in a Nutshell version of the itinerary. You will still be staying at the same hotels each night, and follow the same general itinerary, just using different modes of transport. Just ask us for details.
Lunch is a packed lunch.
Meals
1 Breakfast1 Dinner
Accommodation
Fretheim Hotel or similarDay 4 - Boat trip on the narrow Aurland & Nærøyfjords
Spend the morning at leisure in Flåm before taking the mid morning ferry along the Aurland and Nærøyfjords to Gudvangen. Once again many photo opportunities will present themselves with steep mountain sides on either side of the fjord and beautiful tumbling waterfalls.
In Gudvangen switch to a local bus taking you up the hairpin bends of Stalheimskleiva and back up to the main Oslo to Bergen rail line at Voss. In Voss you have a few hours available to enjoy this village before boarding the train to Bergen. Arrive Bergen in the early afternoon and make your own way to your hotel.
Please note that you are able to add an optional visit to the Viking Village Gudvangen today, however, you will not arrive in Bergen until 20.40pm.
Meals
1 BreakfastAccommodation
Bergen Børs Hotel or similarDay 5 - Depart Bergen
After breakfast, self transfer to the Bergen airport.
Meals
1 BreakfastDates & Prices
All prices listed are per person, based on two people sharing a room. Prices are indicative.
Dates
Valid From
Valid To
From Price
Status
Accommodation
5 Jul 2026
30 Sep 2026
30 Sep 2026
5 Jul 2026
30 Sep 2026
AUD 2,395
On request
Standard
5 Jul 2026
30 Sep 2026
30 Sep 2026
5 Jul 2026
30 Sep 2026
AUD 1,263
On request
Extra for Single
Important Information
If you are travelling with a partner, you can alternate your activities - for instance, one can ride down and the other train down (Flåmsbana) to the Flåm hotel.
Highlights of Norway luggage porter service:
Porter service offers safe and secure transportation of your luggage, allowing you to travel through the fjords between Oslo and Bergen with just an overnight bag. Please pack your overnight bag according to the number of nights you will be away from your main luggage. Bring any valuables and medications with you.
You leave the luggage at the hotel reception before 6:30AM and the Porter Service will pick it up and deliver it to your hotel in Bergen by 9:00PM that same day. It will be stored safely until you arrive in Bergen (up to three to four nights later as required).
Please note that 1 piece of luggage per person is included unless otherwise specified.
Optional activity in Gudvangen:
Optional Tour on Day 4: Upon arrival at Gudvangen, you can decide to enter the Viking Village Njardarheim for an afternoon of education and insights into the Viking way of life. You have 3-4 hours to enjoy lunch and then a tour of the village with one of the local Vikings. Activities such as axe throwing and blacksmithing differ each week and depend on the weather. If you decide to include this option, you will not arrive into Bergen until 20.40pm.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Weather conditions may occasionally affect certain activities, and as a result, the schedule may be adjusted to ensure the best possible experience for all guests. For multi-activity stays, often the order of the activities will be confirmed locally on arrival. Activities might vary slightly in their duration or location due to the weather and local conditions. Any activities that are unable to be re-scheduled due to weather conditions, will be refunded as a general practice, as determined by the activity provider.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Weather conditions may occasionally affect certain activities, and as a result, the schedule may be adjusted to ensure the best possible experience for all guests. For multi-activity stays, often the order of the activities will be confirmed locally on arrival. Activities might vary slightly in their duration or location due to the weather and local conditions. Any activities that are unable to be re-scheduled due to weather conditions will be refunded as a general practice, as determined by the activity provider.
Gallery
Interactive Tour Map
Inspiration
Premium 50 Degrees North mini-coach tours through Norway
Our premium 50 Degrees North mini-coach represent a new style of travel: 2-12 independent travellers traverse exceptionally beautiful, yet hard-to-reach areas of Norway, thus experiencing something unique and authentic while contributing to more modest local economies.
Highlights of Norway tours starting from Oslo
Quiet moments beside waterfalls, views of the Flåm Railway threading through the valley, and time to unwind surrounded by fjord landscapes define this journey.
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Travel Safe
Travel Insurance and Safety
Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours with 50 Degrees North. The safety of our travellers, staff and operators is a major priority of 50 Degrees North. With an operational office in Norway, 50 Degrees North has access to an up-to-the-minute flow of information regarding the countries we work in. We are also in regular contact with the various operators we use. Their in-depth knowledge and understanding of their various areas is vital.
Practical information about Scandinavian Hotels
Practical information about Scandinavian Hotels
- Hotel rooms in Scandinavia are normally furnished with twin beds, which can be moved together to form a double bed or placed separately. Please note that single rooms are generally smaller than doubles, and are often equipped with a shower instead of a bath. Purpose-built triple or family rooms are likewise unusual in Scandinavian hotels. Whilst it is possible for 3 persons to share a room, this will normally be a double room with an extra bed, with correspondingly less space to move about in.
- It is also unusual to have a porter at hotels to carry your luggage.
- There is free wi-fi in many hotels in Scandinavia.
- Unexpectedly, all forms of Scandinavian accommodation rarely provide tea and coffee facilities in their rooms. If you are lucky, a kettle will be supplied but nothing else. Please ask at reception for some provisions when you arrive or just carry a small selection from home.
- Please also note that in Scandinavia - in particular, during winter - the included lunch will often be a hearty warm soup with bread.
- More remote hotels in Lapland will offer dinner at an additional cost. In some spots, there will be limited choices else where. Generally, you get a very nice home-cooked Scandinavian dinner. However, you may sometimes find only one or two choices only for your main course.
- In Scandinavia, it is normal for washing and laundry facilities to be in the basement. If you are staying in apartment type accommodation, check downstairs or ask for assistance.
Practical budgeting information before your departure to Norway
Practical budgeting information before your departure to Norway:
Budget surprises:
Norway has a few items that typically surprise travellers when visiting Norway for the first time. Alcohol and luxury items are heavily taxed and therefore prices are higher than you might expect. On the other hand, necessities such as bread and milk, are taxed low and therefore are great value.
Alcohol import allowance into Norway:
We recommend that you bring all the alcohol you’re allowed to bring into the country when you arrive. There are many lovely parks and balconies where you can enjoy your duty free. However, be sure not to bring more than you’re allowed!
As of May 2014, the allowances according to Visit Norway are:
Alcoholic beverages:
Minimum age: 18/ 20*
1 litre of beverages with more than 22% up to and including 60% alcohol per volume as well as 1½ litre with more than 2.5% up to and including 22% alcohol per volume or three litres with more than 2.5% up to and including 22% alcohol per volume
and
2 litres of beer with more than 2.5 % or other beverages with more than 2.5% up to and including 4.7% alcohol per volume.
This means that you may for example bring with you five litres of beer provided you do not have any other alcoholic beverages with you.
*For importing alcoholic beverages with more than 22% alcohol per volume the minimum age is 20.
It’s illegal to bring extra alcohol into Norway and can end up costing you. Another thing you should bring and not buy in Norway is razor blades. Good razor blades in Norway are expensive.
Highlights of Norway luggage porter service
Highlights of Norway luggage porter service:
We include a porter service which offers a safe and secure transportation of your luggage between Oslo and Voss/Bergen (the Norway in the Nutshell component of the tour).
Please leave your luggage at the hotel reception before 6:30AM and the Porter service will then pick your luggage up and bring it to your destination hotel, where it will be available at 9:00PM the same day.
The luggage service allows you to travel between Oslo and Bergen with just a small day/overnight bag.
Please note that 1 piece of luggage per person is included unless otherwise specified.