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16 days - Escorted summer tour from Bergen to Helsinki
Join our escorted tour through the Norwegian fjords from Bergen to Oslo, visiting the stunning Geiranger fjord and enjoy the mountain landscape of Sognefjellet which makes its way up to the summit at 1,434 metres. Our premium 50 Degrees North mini-coach will take you along the stretch of breathtaking mountain roads between Lærdal and Aurland before reaching the Aurlandsfjord, one of the most picturesque fjords in the world, where you will stay fjordside!
Moving along, wander through the Vigeland Sculpture Park and explore the hidden gems of Norway’s capital, Oslo. Then it is overnight ferry to Copenhagen with private city tours before travelling to Stockholm on an express train. This tour finishes in Helsinki with a day tour in Tallinn, Estonia. Enjoy a hassle-free travel experience with our experienced tour escorts, staying in quality boutique or premium hotels carefully selected by our Scandinavia travel experts.
With a maximum of 15 travellers, there are five departures in 2024 throughout the summer.
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.
Transportation (by buses, trains, ferries and boats) between destinations is included in the price (not arrival and departure transfers). This includes travel between Aurland and Lillehammer by premium 50 Degrees North mini-coach, which will accommodate spontaneous photo stops, as well as food and rest stops.
International flights, lunches, alcohol and dinners that have not been detailed in the program, and items of personal nature. A small tip for the Norwegian bus driver will be appreciated.
Arrival and departure transfers are not included.
Portage is not included - you will be responsible for carrying all your luggage.
Arrive and make your own way to your hotel.
Before meeting your group, discover some of Bergen's many attractions and sights, many of them within walking distance. Recommended sights of interests are the Hanseatic harbour Bryggen, Ulriken, Troldhaugen, the Fish and Flower market, Bergen Aquarium and Gamle Bergen (Old Bergen Open Air Museum).
Meet your escort and group this evening for a welcome dinner.
Discover the sights of historic Bergen, including a ride on the funicular railway up Mt. Fløien to admire panoramic views of the centre from 1050 feet above sea level.
Bergen's centre is very compact, with much to see and hear about within a very short walking distance. Stroll around Bryggen, a World Heritage Site, where you will hear of life in times gone by, dried cod fish, Hanseatic merchants, fires, Norwegian resistance fighters and present-day life at the wharf. Pass by the lively waterside Fish Market and explore the Bergen Fortress area, where you will find Håkons Hall from 1261 and the Rosenkranz Tower from 1560s, or wander down the old cobblestone alleyways in the heart of Bergen and see typical, quaint Bergen houses and chimney houses while hearing about life in Bergen past and present.
The afternoon and evening is free for your own exploration.
This morning, board an express boat from Bergen to Flåm. Take in the fresh air on Norway’s longest fjord, the Sognefjord, during this 5-hour ferry-ride. Then take a trip on one of the world's best rail journeys, the Flåm Railway up to Myrdal Station. On your return to Flåm, you will privately transfer to Aurland to your centrally located hotel by the fjord.
Depart Aurland for another scenic journey through the spectacular mountain and fjord country of Breheimen and Jostedalsheimen. Firstly, your drive will take you over the old road and remote mountain region of Aurlandsfjellet, enjoying a stop at Stegastein. Stop at the charming Urnes Stave Church (an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest church in Norway) before local lunch.
Then it is time to be amazed at the old, narrow mountain highway as you share the roads with wandering sheep, crossing the Breheimen and Jostedalsheimen counties. Stop at Nedre Oscarhaug, the cubist stone at Mefjellet and Sognefjellshytta (approx. 1 hr drive) for a coffee/tea break.
Lom is a small town encapsulating the very essence of the Norwegian countryside. Situated in the famous Jotunheimen National Park, Lom is surrounded by majestic nature. Check into your charming historic hotel and then browse design shops, local cafes and galleries. Dinner is included this evening.
Join the 50 Degrees North mini-coach for a day tour to Geiranger, which is 1.5 hours’ drive away from Lom. On arrival, join a fjord rib boat cruise and experience the Geirangerfjord UNESCO World Heritage site. The scenery here is absolutely breathtaking. Take a closer look at the “Seven Sisters”, “Bridal Veil” and “Suitor” waterfalls, the majestic fjord cliffs and abandoned mountain farms. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to see porpoises playing in the fjord.
Please note that the Geirangerfjord visit is subject to change due to weather and snow conditions. The mountain road from Lom to Geiranger normally opens from end of May. Alternatively, have a day to yourself in Lom. We suggest visiting Brimi Bue, a popular Lom hot-spot for fresh local produce and traditional Nordic flavours, owned by renowned chef Arne Brimi -the lunch time slot has good value options to try. Indulge yourselves in the historic atmosphere of Lom open-air museum and its houses dating from the early 1600s and experience the old farmer culture. The Norwegian Mountain Centre is also worth a visit.
Sit back for the final 3-hour scenic drive to Lillehammer. This bus trip takes you through some of Norway’s most beautiful highlands and lush valleys. Experience the valley of Gudbrandsdalen surrounded by the national parks, an abundance of locally produced food, old architecture, and good hiking.
Arrive into Lillehammer, the small town that rose to international fame when it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1994. Transfer to the train station and 2.5hr train journey to Oslo.
Discover the must-sees of beautiful Oslo including the Royal Palace and Vigeland Park on a private walking tour of its most famous sights. Enjoy all the landmarks of Oslo's city centre on a 3-hour walking tour with a local guide. Get a taste of the life in this vibrant capital through its famous sights, and enjoy its architectural and cultural diversity.
See the Royal Palace, the Norwegian Parliament, and the University of Oslo, and stroll the bustling Karl Johan pedestrian shopping area.
Free morning in Oslo before later this afternoon, boarding the overnight ferry to Copenhagen. Accommodation in seaside cabins with shower/WC. Enjoy the hot tub on the back deck, the entertainment and various dining establishments. Be sure to sit on the deck as you leave the Oslo fjord for beautiful views and locals enjoying the summer.
Arrive into Copenhagen this morning and transfer to your hotel. Copenhagen has a long history, and many delightful attractions and sights - you will never run out of something to see or to do. The city is small and cosy, an ideal way to explore the city is by foot, and public transport.
Your local guide will meet you and you will head off for a stroll through the charming streets and squares of Old Town, and see the impressive Danish Parliament, colourful Nyhavn, and the elegant Royal Palace of Amalienborg. Discover the must-sees of beautiful Copenhagen including Nyhavn and the Royal Palace on a private walking tour of its most famous sights.
Discover the charming streets and squares of Old Town, and see the impressive Danish Parliament, colourful Nyhavn, and the elegant Royal Palace of Amalienborg.
Today is a completely free day so you can sleep in, explore the cafes and restaurants or venture out of the city on a day tour.
Roskilde isn't too far out of town if you want to visit the Viking Museum or art lovers can train to Louisiana. There is also a new adventure park with impressive towers and gardens to visit. Ask your local guide for some options. Enjoy this super cool city!
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and more of Copenhagen before transferring to the train station for your express train journey to Stockholm.
Sweden's capital is charming, vibrant and surrounded by beauty and water - hence its nickname, Venice of the North! Stockholm offers interesting museums and castles; the city offers a warm atmosphere and the old town has charming small alleyways boasting several famous restaurants.
This afternoon, be sure to make time for a visit to the ABBA museum with great interactive exhibits - a glass of champagne (for Dutch courage to get on stage & the pure fun of it) to accompany your tour is recommended! On the other hand, take the serious option & visit the Nobel Prize museum in the Old town.
After breakfast (which is seriously one of the best breakfast buffets in Scandinavia), discover the must-sees of Stockholm's historic Old Town, including the Royal Palace and the Cathedral on a guided walking tour of its charming cobbled streets.
Stockholm's old town, Gamla Stan, is one of the city’s 14 islands. It is here, in the medieval part of the city, where everything began, the first buildings dating around 1200. This is not simply a museum area, but a lively part of the city where Stockholmers live, work, shop and go to school. The Old Town has narrow alleys and streets with cobbled stones, where your guide will introduce you to interesting historical sites, and tell you the story of how the city of Stockholm was founded and how Stockholmers live today.
See the Royal Palace and visit the island of Riddarholmen, including the Riddarholmen Church, which was built by Franciscan monks in the 1200s. Stop for a traditional Swedish cinnamon bun at a local bakery, and see old-fashioned hard candy being made at Polkagris Kokeri. You can sample some for yourself and pick up some to take home with you.
Spend some time shopping or even explore the waterways of Stockholm before transferring to the port to board the overnight ferry to Helsinki, Finland. Again, be sure to sit outside to watch the archipelago of islands go past - one of our favourite places in Scandinavia.
The Finnish capital is a compact city where the most important sights can easily be explored on foot. Meet your local guide this morning for a 3-hour stroll through the streets and squares of Helsinki. Senate Square, surrounded by the historical quarters and the iconic Lutheran Cathedral, is the place where the East meets the West and you will become familiar with Finland’s unique position between Sweden and Russia. A walk along the colourful Kauppatori market is an absolute must and entering the Old Market Hall will give you a taste of local delicacies such as reindeer meat and rye bread.
Crossing the Esplanade Park, and past Railway Station, one of the main landmarks, you will arrive to another square, Kansalaistori, which showcases the pulse of modern Nordic city. The walk will continue through the Töölö district to pay a visit to the Rock Church, a Lutheran shrine build inside a solid rock in the 1960’s and the most visited site of Helsinki. Return to the city centre like a local by tram. A panoramic tram ride passes through south Helsinki’s Art Nouveau and diplomatic districts.
Catch the express ferry from Helsinki this morning and travel acrosss to Tallinn. Meet your local guide and discover the sights and stories of Tallinn's beautiful Old Town and beyond on a 3-hour walking tour with a local guide. Winding cobblestone lanes and iron street lamps. Gothic spires and medieval markets. Centuries old buildings with their red tile roofs and hidden courtyards. This is the city's famous Old Town.
Explore the most interesting sights of the medieval Old Town, as well as some of the most modern architecture of the town. The excursion will start with a brief history of Estonia and Tallinn as you enter one of the best-preserved Hanseatic towns in the world. In the Upper Old Town, you can admire Alexander Nevsky Cathedral - the largest Orthodox church in the city - as well as the Houses of Estonian Parliament and one of the oldest churches in Estonia, the Dome Church. Experience the panoramic views from Toompea Hills over the Lower Town and the rest of the city of Tallinn.
Later in the afternoon, you will take the ferry back to Helsinki. Enjoy an early dinner on board as you celebrate this Scandinavian and Finnish adventure before saying farewell to your escort and fellow travellers.
After breakfast, make your own way to the airport.
All prices listed are per person, based on two people sharing a room.
NOTE: Accommodations are subject to change and twin rooms can be requested but not guaranteed.
MEDICAL AND HEALTH INFORMATION:
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy group travel. Please consider carefully how much luggage you bring as you will be responsible for carrying all the luggage. There is limited portage service in Scandinavia and your tour escorts cannot help you, beyond reason.
Scandinavia is a fairly accessible destination for people with restricted mobility and other disabilities and is actively working to be more accessible every day. However, please note that our group tours are often not suitable for persons with limited accessibility due to inclusions and pace. 50 Degrees North is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability and we can tailor-make independent itineraries for travellers when needed. Please contact us for further details.
SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL:
As a Nordic specialist we are keen to show travellers the hidden gems of the countries we visit, and as an anti-dote to over-tourism to reduce the environmental pressures on the traditional and busy routes that most travel companies will take. This itinerary has been designed to do just that.
Our premium mini-coach tours are one way in which we are looking at how we can reduce carbon emissions over all styles of travel that we offer, not just on our group tours which by their nature have shared transport, but also on our private options.
Throughout your stay we have hand-selected accommodations which are locally owned, have deep roots in their communities, and pride themselves on supporting local facilities and producers. This is done through shopping locally, and buying sustainably sourced options, so in the words of one of the chefs in the accommodation you will be staying in 'you should taste what’s here in the surroundings, from lakes, mountains and farms'
On this itinerary we also support Nordic Choice Hotels, a collection of hotels renowned for their environmental efforts. The hotels are ISO 14001 certified, have launched plastic free initiatives in partnership with WWF, where possible are powered by renewable energy and are taking great strides to reduce water consumption and reduce the use of chemicals. Even though access to water is not an issue in Norway compared to other parts of the world, this hotel group is conscious of the energy consumed for heating, and chemicals required for purification, so reduction makes up part of their overall environmental policy. In addition to this they provide sustainable, organic, fair-trade food, and only use sustainably produced palm oil.
Front Image: Fredrik Ahlsen - Maverix Media
Take a closer look at the boutique hotels and restaurants that we recommend as a part of our independent 'Beautiful Norway' tour across the fjords. We start in Lom, take a culinary stopover in Skjolden after having journeyed along the mountain pass across Sognefjellet, and finish at our beautiful accommodation in Aurland.
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.
A total of six escorted tours around Norway and further into Scandinavia have been released for 2024 summer season. Visit highlights such as a Geiranger day tour with fjord rib boat safari and the Flåm Railway excursion on Best of Norway or the Loen Skylift and guided city tours of Ålesund and Bergen on the Scenic Fjords of Norway.
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Oslo restaurants, in the tradition of the New Nordic Food Movement, have the depth and sophistication you would expect from the capital city of Norway. Read our options for places to try.
In Oslo you find restaurants in all price categories and genres.
Norwegian cuisine in its traditional form is based largely on the raw materials readily available in Norway and its mountains, wilderness and coast. It differs in many respects from its continental counterparts with a stronger focus on game and fish. Many of the traditional dishes are results of using conserved materials, with respect to the long winters.
For less expensive restaurants, head to the Grunerlokka district. It is great place to take in the city's pulse in the city's more ethnically diverse east. In this once working-class area, the vital signs of budget Oslo are most apparent, with low-cost restaurants, second-hand clothes shops and student bars grouped around the streets Markveien and Thorvald Meyers Gate. Among them, the café bar Fru Hagen has a legion of blond locals seeking cheap eats. On a Sunday evening, when much of the city is almost deserted, Fru Hagen is heaving.
Smoked Salmon or Røkt Laks
Kjøttboller - Meatballs
Krumkake - waffle-like pancake, which are then filled with whipped cream
