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Day 1
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Fly to Oslo
Your journey begins with a flight to Oslo, Norway’s dynamic and cosmopolitan capital city. On arrival, make your way from the airport to your city centre hotel and enjoy the rest of the day exploring at leisure. A good place to start is the waterfront of the Bjørvika neighbourhood, where you’ll find the Oslo Opera House – perhaps the city’s most striking piece of modernist architecture, a sharp-edged masterpiece of glass, granite and marble. Not far from here is the excellent Munch Museum, a brutalist tower of steel and concrete dedicated to the life and works of the renowned Norwegian artist, Edvard Munch. If it’s warm enough outside, a refreshing dip in the Oslofjord might also be on the cards, or you might pay a visit to the nearby floating sauna.
Elsewhere, you may fancy exploring the vibrant Aker Brygge district, a former shipyard converted into a flourishing complex of waterfront restaurants, bars, shops and housing. Or, you could take the tram or the metro out to Vigeland Sculpture Park, which hosts more than 200 life-size human sculptures by Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland, amid the delightful urban oasis that is Frogner Park.
Stay: Thon Hotel Opera
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Day 2
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Oslo to Flåm
After breakfast, head to Oslo Central Station where you’ll embark on a spectacular journey following the Bergen Railway, which traverses a landscape of forested valleys, rugged mountains and pristine lakes en route to the remote mountain station of Myrdal. Here, you’ll switch to the world-renowned Flåm Railway, offering magnificent views of deep gorges, soaring peaks, cascading waterfalls and rushing rivers en route to the village of Flåm, nestled at the innermost point of the stunning Aurlandsfjord – a smaller branch of Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord – where you’ll spend the night in a cosy, timber-clad hotel.
Stay:
Hotel Flamsbrygga
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 3
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Flåm to Bergen
This morning, you’ll witness the spellbinding beauty of two of Norway’s most alluring fjords, as you take an electric boat ride from Flåm to Gudvangen. First, you’ll cruise along the Aurlandsfjord, before entering the neighbouring Nærøyfjord, which forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s framed by steep-sided mountains that rise over 1,500 metres above sea level, while a series of waterfalls tumble down sheer cliff faces into the calm, mirror-like waters of the narrow fjord. In Gudvangen, you might be interested in visiting Njardarheimr, an authentic Viking village that showcases how the Vikings lived here around 1,000 years ago.
From Gudvangen, you’ll continue your journey by bus, making a brief photo stop in Stalheim to marvel at the terrific view of the Nærøydalen Valley. Then, it’s another gloriously scenic stretch down to Voss, dubbed Norway’s ‘adrenaline capital’, where you’ll hop back on the train which takes you all the way to Bergen.
Stay:
Thon Orion, Bergen
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 4
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Bergen
You have a whole day free to explore Bergen at your own pace. It’s undoubtedly one of Norway’s most attractive cities, boasting a wealth of cultural attractions, superb restaurants and easy access to areas of breathtaking natural beauty, such is its location surrounded by seven mountains and a vast network of fjords. An ideal place to start is Bryggen, the UNESCO-listed wharf that offers a fascinating insight into Bergen’s past as a crucial trading hub of the Hanseatic League from the 14th to the mid-16th-century. Today, this complex of colourful wooden buildings houses an eclectic variety of restaurants, cafes, shops and art galleries. Other worthwhile attractions to explore include the Fish Market, Bergenhus Fortress and Bergen Aquarium.
We have also included a return journey on the Fløibanen funicular, which takes you from the town centre to the top of Mount Fløyen, where you’ll be met by wonderful views overlooking Bergen and out towards the surrounding mountains and fjords. There’s a restaurant and a cafe at the top, as well as numerous hiking trails that meander among the tranquil forests and lakes.
Stay:
Thon Orion, Bergen
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 5
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Hardangerfjord
Begin today with a scenic train ride from Bergen to Voss, followed by a beautiful bus journey to the fjordside village of Ulvik. From here, you’ll cruise the tranquil waters of Hardangerfjord before continuing by bus from Eidfjord. Here, you’ll have time to explore this peaceful village surrounded by steep mountains and glassy waters, or take the option to visit the Norwegian Nature Centre to learn more about the region’s geology and wildlife, before continuing on to the mighty Vøringsfossen waterfall. With its blend of rail, road, and fjord travel, you’ll enjoy a wonderfully varied day showcasing the very best of Hardangerfjord.
Returning to Eidfjord, board the Express Boat to Lofthus, where you’ll check into the historic Hotel Ullensvang right by the waterfront, which offers both indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a restaurant serving traditional Norwegian cuisine. Here, you can rent rowing boats on the fjord, follow the nearby hiking trails, visit the delightful nearby Fløy Bakery or simply unwind and enjoy the serenity of this idyllic spot. Depending on timings, you may also be able to take a short ferry from Kinsarvik to Utne to check out the Hardanger Folk Museum, where you can stroll among beautifully preserved streets lined by traditional wooden houses.
Stay:
Hotel Ullensvang, Hardanger
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
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Day 6
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Hardangerfjord to Bergen
Spend a relaxed morning enjoying your surroundings at Hotel Ullensvang, whether that’s unwinding in the spa, swimming in the indoor or outdoor pools, or strolling along the fjord’s edge. If you’re feeling more active, the area offers a wealth of nature experiences: scenic walking paths through orchards and along the Hardangerfjord, opportunities for kayaking on calm fjord waters, or gentle hikes with panoramic views of mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers. Depending on the season, you might also explore cycling routes, visit nearby fruit farms, or simply soak up the dramatic landscape that makes this part of Hardanger so special. This afternoon, a combination of scenic bus and boat journeys will see you back to Bergen
Stay:
Thon Orion, Bergen
Meals: Breakfast
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Day 7
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Return to UK
Depending on your departure time, you may have some more time to explore Bergen today before heading back to the airport to catch your flight home.
Meals: Breakfast
