Norway in a Nutshell
The core tour plus an extension to St. Petersburg, Russia. Enjoy all the Scandinavian Capitals and end with majestic St. Petersburg; with its ornate summer palaces and awe inspiring residences of tzars past!
Travel Code: NO001
Oslo – Balestrand – Bergen or Bergen - Balestrand - Oslo
May 01 – September 30
3 days/2 nights | Recommended Itinerary
Daily departures from Oslo- Fjord View rooms
This trip offers our version of the most popular attractions found in Fjord Norway – idyllically located between Oslo and Bergen. We are proud to feature this popular module between Oslo and Bergen with a recommended overnight in the Sognefjord at one of our featured historic hotels, Kvikne’s Hotel, in Balestrand, coupled with the Bergensbanen RR, Flåm Railway, fjord cruising and glacier exploring in Fjærland.
FIRST CLASS
Kvikne’s Hotel, a family-run, historic hotel Upgrades to historic section available upon request!
MODERATE
Balestrand Hotel, a family-run hotel that caters to the bed-and-breakfast traveler, fjord view
Oslo – Myrdal – Flåm – Balestrand
The train to Balestrand departs Oslo Central Station at 8:11 a.m. for Myrdal. Once you arrive in Myrdal, transfer to the famous Flåm Railway, and descend 860 spectacular meters into the lush valley below. In Flåm, connect to the Fylkesbaatane Express Boat, arriving in Balestrand at 4:55 p.m. Check into your family-run hotel to enjoy the rest of the evening. There is a sumptuous buffet dinner, complete with traditional Norwegian cuisine, served nightly at the historic Kvikne’s hotel.
Accommodations: Kvikne’s Hotel (first class) or sister property; Balestrand Hotel (moderate)
Balestrand – Fjærland Glacier Experience
After a wonderful breakfast buffet, take the 7:50 a.m. express boat to Fjærland and visit the Bøyum Glacier. Once you reach Fjærland, there will be a transfer to the museum, or if you like, you can walk the short journey. From the museum, the glacier is another mile away. You are free to explore this beautiful area more on foot or by the bus provided. Don’t miss the 3:30 p.m. ferry back to Balestrand!
Accommodations: Kvikne’s Hotel (first class) or sister property, Balestrand Hotel (moderate)
Balestrand – Bergen
Enjoy the last leg of our Nutshell version with a 7:55 a.m. express boat departure to Bergen. Arrive at 11:00 a.m. and take the opportunity to enjoy this delightful “Gateway to the Fjords.
- + Day 1
-
Oslo – Myrdal – Flåm – Balestrand
The train to Balestrand departs Oslo Central Station at 8:11 a.m. for Myrdal. Once you arrive in Myrdal, transfer to the famous Flåm Railway, and descend 860 spectacular meters into the lush valley below. In Flåm, connect to the Fylkesbaatane Express Boat, arriving in Balestrand at 4:55 p.m. Check into your family-run hotel to enjoy the rest of the evening. There is a sumptuous buffet dinner, complete with traditional Norwegian cuisine, served nightly at the historic Kvikne’s hotel.
Accommodations: Kvikne’s Hotel (first class) or sister property; Balestrand Hotel (moderate)
- + Day 2
-
Balestrand – Fjærland Glacier Experience
After a wonderful breakfast buffet, take the 7:50 a.m. express boat to Fjærland and visit the Bøyum Glacier. Once you reach Fjærland, there will be a transfer to the museum, or if you like, you can walk the short journey. From the museum, the glacier is another mile away. You are free to explore this beautiful area more on foot or by the bus provided. Don’t miss the 3:30 p.m. ferry back to Balestrand!
Accommodations: Kvikne’s Hotel (first class) or sister property, Balestrand Hotel (moderate)
- + Day 3
-
Balestrand – Bergen
Enjoy the last leg of our Nutshell version with a 7:55 a.m. express boat departure to Bergen. Arrive at 11:00 a.m. and take the opportunity to enjoy this delightful “Gateway to the Fjords.
You can enjoy the experience by taking a reverse journey!
Express boat from Bergen – Balestrand – Flåm – Flåm Railway – Myrdal – Bergen Line – Oslo
Oslo to Oslo also available!
In addition, we are featuring a fjord-area outfitter in Balestrand that offers kayaking experiences and two overnight optional modules for individuals and intergenerational families. You can camp along the way to Fjærland or stay overnight in another historic hotel, Hotel Mundal in Fjærland. See our active traveler section.
- Cruise, tour or hike the incredible fjords along the picturesque coastline.
- Visit the historic and well-preserved stave churches.
- Tour the North Cape to experience the traditional Sami culture and reindeer herding, Karåsjok, Kautokeino and the Midnight Sun.
- Cruise the Lofoten Islands, fishing villages and cabins-rorburers.
- Try your hand at hiking, glacier walking, biking, skiing, fjord kayaking, horseback riding and fishing.
- Explore sites of newly discovered Viking history and relics.
- Experience a Grieg piano recital at Troldhaugen in Bergen.
- See weaving, pewter, glass, woodcraft and porcelain shops.