Highlights of Norway Trips Explained

Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours is a well-known self-guided transport route designed to showcase some of western Norway’s most dramatic rail and fjord scenery in a single journey. Originally created as a full-day route between Oslo and Bergen, it combines scenic train travel, a fjord cruise and a connecting bus journey.

At 50 Degrees North, this classic routing is used as a transport segment within several of our longer, multi-day itineraries. These journeys sit within our Highlights of Norway collection, allowing travellers to experience the same iconic landscapes with more time, overnight stays and a more relaxed pace.

What is Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours?

Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours is not a guided tour. It is a self-guided transport route that links several scheduled public transport services into one continuous journey.

The classic routing includes:

• Train travel on the Bergen Railway between Oslo and Myrdal
• The Flåm Railway between Myrdal and Flåm
• A fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord
• A bus journey through western Norwegian valleys

Travellers move independently between trains, boats and buses, following timetables and announcements. Connections are straightforward and clearly signposted, but the journey is completed without a guide.

Why this route became so popular

The Norway in a Nutshell® route gained international recognition because it brings together several of Norway’s most scenic transport experiences in a compact format. In a single journey, travellers cross high mountain plateaus, descend steep valleys by rail, cruise through narrow fjords and pass through small villages that are otherwise difficult to reach.

While visually impressive, completing the entire route in one long day can feel busy, particularly during peak travel months. For this reason, many travellers now choose to experience the same landscapes over several days instead.

The transport experiences along the route

The Flåm Railway is one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world, ascending and descending more than 860 metres over just 20 kilometres. The journey passes cascading waterfalls, rivers, mountain farms and deep valleys, and travels through a series of hand-built tunnels carved into the mountainside. It is widely regarded as one of the most scenic railway journeys in Europe.

The Fjord Cruise typically lasts around two hours and travels through the narrow Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before continuing along the broader Aurlandsfjord. Steep cliffs rise directly from the water, and the boat makes brief stops at small fjord villages where locals and travellers embark and disembark.

The Bus section connects the fjord cruise with the railway network, travelling through dramatic valley landscapes. Commentary is usually provided, and drivers assist with smooth transfers between connections.

Please note that vehicles no longer drive the Stalheimskleiva road due to safety concerns. This historic road, built in the mid-1800s with tight hairpin bends, can still be viewed from above as you pass through the valley.

How 50 Degrees North uses this route

Across the Highlights of Norway range, the Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours transport route is included on selected days as part of a longer itinerary.

Rather than completing the journey in one day, 50 Degrees North builds on this routing by adding:

• Overnight stays in fjord villages or historic towns
• Carefully paced itineraries over multiple days
• Optional experiences such as hiking, cycling or village visits
• Local knowledge to help avoid peak cruise and summer crowds

This approach allows travellers to experience the same iconic scenery with greater depth, flexibility and comfort.

You can explore our wider collection of journeys in our Norway Fjord Tours.

Highlights of Norway journeys that include this route

The Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours transport segment is incorporated into several Highlights of Norway itineraries, including:

• Highlights of Norway (Classic) – a balanced introduction to Norway’s fjords and railways
• Highlights of Norway in Winter – a quieter, seasonal version adapted for winter travel
• Highlights of Norway with Cycling – combining rail and fjord travel with downhill cycling along the historic Rallarvegen
• Highlights of Norway Premium – with upgraded accommodation and added comfort
• Highlights of Norway with Fjordside Boutique Stays – focusing on small, characterful hotels directly along the fjords
• Highlights of Sognefjord – with extended time on Norway’s longest fjord

Each itinerary uses the classic route differently, depending on season, pacing and travel style.

Other Norway journeys that include this route

Beyond the Highlights of Norway collection, elements of the Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours transport route also feature within several of our longer and more in-depth Norway journeys.

These itineraries use the same iconic rail and fjord corridor as part of a broader experience, often combined with guided touring, coastal voyages or extended time in the mountains and Arctic regions. Examples include:

• Beautiful Norway – a semi-independent journey by private minibus that explores Norway’s mountains, valleys and fjords at a slower pace, including scenic rail travel and a fjord cruise between Flåm and Bergen.
• Best of Norway small group tour – a guided small-group journey combining key fjord regions, historic cities and scenic transport routes, including travel through western Norway’s rail and fjord landscapes.
• Norway In-Depth small group tour – a longer, immersive itinerary designed for travellers who want a comprehensive introduction to Norway’s regions, culture and natural scenery, incorporating classic fjord routes along the way.
• Experience the Northern Lights small group tour – a winter small-group journey that begins in Oslo and Bergen, using scenic rail and fjord travel in southern Norway before continuing north by coastal voyage and overland travel into Arctic Norway and Finland.

In these journeys, the famous rail and fjord sections are one part of a much larger itinerary, allowing travellers to experience Norway’s landscapes across multiple regions, seasons and travel styles.

Practical things to know

Luggage handling: Porter services can be arranged on selected itineraries for travellers who prefer not to carry luggage between transport connections.

Crowds: This route can be busy in peak summer months. Multi-day itineraries allow for quieter travel times and alternative overnight locations.

Travel direction: Journeys can start in either Oslo or Bergen, depending on the itinerary chosen.

Seasonality: Winter versions adjust routing and timing to suit daylight hours and conditions.

Approximate travel times (one-way)

• Train Oslo – Myrdal: around 5 hours
• Flåm Railway: around 1 hour
• Fjord cruise Flåm – Gudvangen: around 2 hours
• Bus Gudvangen – Voss: around 1 hour
• Train Voss – Bergen: around 1 hour

There is no guide on the transport route itself. You travel independently, with clear announcements and short walking distances between connections.

Is Norway in a Nutshell® right for you?

If you are short on time and want a single-day overview of Norway’s fjords and railways, the Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours transport route may suit your needs.

If you prefer a slower pace, overnight stays and a more immersive experience, a Highlights of Norway journey offers a more relaxed way to experience the same landscapes.

To compare the different options, you may find it helpful to read Which Highlights of Norway Trip Suits You?

Image credits: Gjertrud Coutinho, © Terje Rakke / Nordic Life AS / www.fjordnorway.com and Paul Edmundson. Hilda Weges Photography and Shutterstock.