Scandinavian Travel - our suggestions for great reads
Before departure, or while dreaming of a Scandinavian adventure, get your fill of inspiring travel books here.
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7 days - Independent tour with local boutique stays and experiences
Experience the best of Norway’s mountains and fjords on this scenic journey from Oslo to the coastal Ålesund via Gudbransdal Valley. Travel by train through stunning landscapes, stay in charming, local boutique hotels, and enjoy handpicked guided experiences along the way from farm visits and canoeing in the mountain lakes to traveling along iconic roads by e-Bike and exploring coastal towns.
Starting in Oslo, journey by train to Norway’s heartland and the cozy Skåbu Fjellhotell, then continue to Åndalsnes for an active mountain stay before reaching the coastal beauty of Ålesund. With a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, this tour offers an unforgettable taste of Norway’s diverse landscapes.
This tour can be tailored to your preferences, ask us about additional experiences to make it even more special!
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.
Private transfers, train
International flights, lunches and dinners not detailed in the program and items of personal nature.
Arrive in Oslo and make and enjoy the private transfer to your central hotel in the heart of Oslo. The Norwegian capital has a great deal to offer for the discerning traveller. If you arrive early, we can recommend a walk around the centre of town to view the Parliament, the Castle & 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.
Take a mid-morning train from Oslo to Vinstra (ca 3h). Heading north on the Dovrebanen line, the journey passes through picturesque farmland and charming villages along Norway’s largest lake, Mjøsa. Beyond Lillehammer, the scenery shifts to verdant valleys and forested hills as you approach the tranquil town of Vinstra. On arrival, private transfer to your boutique hotel (ca. 30min).
On arrival, settle in before enjoy a private tour of a nearby local mountain farm with a history dating back to the 1830s, and with some buildings that are even older. Since its humble beginnings, the farm has expanded, changed owners and been modernised, but has still managed to keep the soul and the charm of a typical mountain farm, with its 20 traditional timber buildings circling a grassy yard. Meet with the owners, animals and taste locally produced, sustainable food processed on the farm.
In the evening, enjoy a tasty dinner at Restaurant Skadir.
Overnight at a Skåbu boutique lodge.
Experience the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility on this guided canoeing excursion. Glide across calm waters, weaving through a picturesque landscape surrounded by unspoiled nature. Along the way, step ashore for a short scenic hike leading to a viewpoint, where you may even spot a moose in its natural habitat.
As the journey continues, a well-earned break awaits at a charming rest area, where you’ll savor a delicious, locally sourced lunch. After soaking in the beauty of the surroundings, return to the water for a final, leisurely paddle back.
In the evening, enjoy a tasty dinner at Restaurant Skadir.
Overnight at a Skåbu boutique lodge.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a scenic mountain hotel before heading to Vinstra train station for the next leg of your journey. Board the Rauma Line and enjoy a breathtaking ride through dramatic landscapes, passing towering mountains and deep valleys on your way to Åndalsnes.
Upon arrival, settle into the charming Hotel Aak, a historic retreat surrounded by stunning nature. Savor a delicious dinner featuring local flavors, then unwind and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this legendary mountain lodge.
Start your day with a nourishing breakfast at Hotel Aak before setting off on a guided e-bike adventure to Trollstigen, one of Norway’s most iconic mountain roads. Pedal through 11 breathtaking hairpin bends, surrounded by the majestic peaks of Bispen, Kongen, and Dronninga, while your guide shares fascinating insights into the region’s history and landscapes. With the help of an electric bike, you can fully immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, stopping at the famous viewpoint to take in the panoramic views of Trollstigen and Isterdalen.
After a well-earned break at the mountaintop café, enjoy the exhilarating ride back to Hotel Aak, where you can unwind after your adventure. In the evening, savor a delicious dinner at the hotel, reflecting on an unforgettable day exploring Norway’s dramatic mountain landscapes.
After a breakfast at Hotel Aak, enjoy a private transfer (ca. 2h) to the coastal town of Ålesund, known for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and scenic waterfront.
On a privately guided walking tour, uncover Ålesund’s fascinating history from its transformation after the great fire of 1904 to its role in World War II. Wander through the beautifully restored Art Nouveau district and admire the intricate details of its colorful buildings. Stroll along the picturesque harbor, visit Ålesund Church, and take in breathtaking panoramic views from the Aksla viewpoint, offering a stunning perspective of the surrounding fjords and mountains.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure, soaking in the charm of this vibrant coastal town.
After breakfast, continue your journey onwards or home with private transfer to the airport, or enjoy a relaxing stay in Ålesund. Ask us for ideas if you want to extend your tour.
All prices listed are per person, based on two people sharing a room. Prices are indicative due to the current uncertainty across Europe with increasing energy and volatile fuel costs.
There are many different options for this tour and it is advised that you contact us to discuss what suits you best, especially when it comes to the activities.
The tour can be run from Oslo to Ålesund or vice versa.
Before departure, or while dreaming of a Scandinavian adventure, get your fill of inspiring travel books here.
The seasons of Norway offer a varied experience so think carefully about when you want to go. You can get a completely different experience of the same trip depending on if you do the trip in Spring, Summer, Autumn or Winter.
50 Degrees North wins 'Norway's Leading Tour Operator' at the World Travel Awards for the fourth year running. “We are very pleased with this award following the challenging year for the travel and tourism industry”, said Tietse Stelma, 50 Degrees North’s Norwegian founder and CEO.
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.
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 would expect. On the other hand, necessities such as bread and milk, are taxed low and therefore are great value.
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.