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?
Our Highlights of Norway trips let you explore Scandinavian fairy-tale landscapes of blue fjords, wildflower-covered fields, majestic mountains, and cascading waterfalls. Norway is the perfect destination, with dramatic coastlines, historic homesteads, and charming boutique hotels.
These journeys include transport segments that follow the well-known Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours route, which combines scenic rail and fjord travel through western Norway.
Short on time? Choose from three scenic, condensed tour options. If you prefer a longer adventure, our full range of Norwegian fjord tours include stays in historic fjord hotels, unique farm lodges & much more.
Read on to find your perfect ‘Highlights of Norway’ journey fit:
Highlights of Norway (Classic)
Highlights of Norway is the ideal choice for first-time visitors wanting a well-balanced introduction to Norway’s most iconic fjord and railway scenery. The journey follows Norway’s classic scenic corridor between Oslo and Bergen, combining rail travel, fjord cruising and carefully paced overnight stays.
You’ll travel on the celebrated Bergen Railway, experience the iconic Flåm Railway between Myrdal and Flåm, and enjoy fjord cruising through dramatic landscapes including the Aurlandsfjord and UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. By spreading the journey over several days, this itinerary allows time to enjoy small fjord villages rather than rushing through in a single long day.
As part of this itinerary, a Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours transport segment is included on selected days, forming part of the overall route.
Highlights of Norway in Winter
Highlights of Norway in Winter offers a quieter, more atmospheric way to experience Norway’s fjords and railways under snow-covered landscapes and crisp winter light.
The itinerary follows the same classic route as the summer version, with seasonal adjustments to suit daylight hours and winter conditions. Highlights include winter rail travel across mountain plateaus, the Flåm Railway framed by frozen waterfalls, and fjord cruising during the calm winter season.
Cosy, historic hotels provide warm and welcoming bases along the way, making this journey ideal for travellers seeking scenery and atmosphere without extreme cold or winter activities.
As part of this itinerary, a Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours transport segment is included on selected days, adapted for winter travel.
Highlights of Norway Premium
Highlights of Norway Premium is designed for travellers who value added comfort, refined accommodation and a smoother overall journey, while still experiencing Norway’s classic landscapes.
Following the same iconic fjord and railway route between Oslo and Bergen, this variation enhances the experience with upgraded hotels, often historic or boutique properties, and selected premium travel inclusions where available. The pace is relaxed, with more attention given to comfort, space and setting.
As part of this itinerary, a Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours transport segment is included on selected days, with the journey extended through overnight stays and upgraded arrangements.
Highlights of Norway with Fjordside Boutique Stays
Highlights of Norway with Fjordside Boutique Stays is ideal for travellers who prioritise atmosphere and location, with overnight stays in small, characterful hotels set directly along the fjords.
The itinerary follows Norway’s classic scenic route, including rail travel and fjord cruising, but places particular emphasis on staying close to the water in quieter fjord communities. This creates a slower, more immersive experience focused on setting and sense of place.
As part of this itinerary, a Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours transport segment is included on selected days, forming part of the overall route.
Highlights of Norway with Cycling
Highlights of Norway with Cycling is designed for travellers who want to experience Norway’s landscapes in a more active way while still enjoying the country’s classic rail and fjord scenery.
This journey combines scenic rail travel with downhill cycling along the historic Rallarvegen, the former construction road built during the creation of the Oslo–Bergen Railway. Cycling sections are predominantly downhill and non-technical, making them accessible to confident leisure cyclists. Along the way, you pass alpine plateaus, mountain farms and dramatic valley scenery, with fjord travel providing a comfortable counterbalance to the active elements.
With planned luggage transfers, optional visits to fjord villages such as Gudvangen, and a mix of rail, bus, bike and fjord travel, this itinerary suits travellers looking for a hands-on yet well-supported way to explore Norway.
Highlights of Sognefjord
Experience Norway’s longest fjord on our Highlights of Sognefjord journey, designed for travellers who want extended time on the water and fewer transport changes.
Starting from either Oslo or Bergen, the itinerary combines scenic rail travel towards Flåm with a fjord cruise along the Sognefjord, which stretches more than 200 kilometres inland through steep-sided landscapes and small fjord communities. The journey continues towards Bergen, Norway’s historic west-coast city.
By focusing on a single fjord rather than covering long distances each day, this itinerary offers a slower pace and deeper immersion in Norway’s fjord landscapes, making it an ideal option for travellers who want to spend more time experiencing the scenery rather than moving between locations.
How Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours fits into these journeys
Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours is a self-guided transport route originally designed as a full-day journey between Oslo and Bergen, combining trains, fjord cruise and bus travel.
Across the Highlights of Norway range, this well-known routing is included as a transport segment on selected days. 50 Degrees North then builds on this foundation with overnight stays, optional experiences and a more relaxed pace, allowing travellers to experience the same landscapes with greater depth and flexibility.
Maps of the Fjord Norway region:
To help understand how these tours work: these two maps narrow into the region that hosts these classic Norway tours.
Looking at the specific map below, Flåm is the purple star - the yellow markers indicate the ‘Highlights of Sognefjord’ route, and the blue cameras indicate the 'straight to Bergen' ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ route. The cyclist indicates Myrdal, the starting point of the fantastic downhill cycling route that follows the Flåmsbana train journey down to Flåm.
Want more?
Make the most of your Highlights railway-journey by adding a night or two along the way. We can help you with anything from booking accommodation in gorgeous historic hotels or family-friendly apartments, to organising activities like hiking, kayaking or fjord safaris. The contrast between busy cities and the quieter pace in the countryside adds variety to your Norwegian holiday. Our complete range of Norwegian Fjord tours can be found here
Image credits: Fjord Norway, © Terje Rakke / Nordic Life AS / www.fjordnorway.com and Paul Edmundson.