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Fjord Explorer

The 'Queen of the Fjords', Norway in a Nutshell and more
Sognefjord, Norway © Shutterstock

This trip takes you on the best of the stunning Norwegian fjords - the Sognefjord, the Aurlandsfjord, the Nærøyfjord and the Hardangerfjord, known as the 'Queen of the Fjords'. It also includes the famous Flamsbanen Railway journey, part of the famous Norway in a Nutshell tour. The tour starts in Oslo then takes you to Myrdal, Flam, Voss, Lofthus, Norheimsund and Bergen. 

Itinerary

Day 1 Oslo Arrival

On arrival in Oslo make your own way to your hotel. You may like to enjoy some of the city's fine museums including, the Fram Polar Expedition museum, the Kon Tiki Museum and Vigeland Sculpture Park. Or stroll through the old wharf area of Bryggen, now bustling with bars and cafes. Otherwise visit the Munch Museum, the Maritime Museum or Akershus Fortress. Overnight at Thon Opera Hotel or similar in Oslo.

Day 2 Oslo - Myrdal - Flam - Gudvangen - Voss - Lofthus with 'Norway in a Nutshell'

This morning make your own way to the railway station for departure on the train from Oslo to Myrdal. At Myrdal mountain station change trains (just cross the platform), and board the famous Flamsbanen Railway. This train journey provides some of Norway's most magnificent scenery, on a 20km journey where you will see rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls cascading down the side of steep, snow-capped mountains and mountain farms which cling dizzily to sheer slopes.

On arrival in Flåm, walk the short distance to the pier and start a cruise to Gudvangen. The ferry travels out of Aurlandsfjord and into Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest fjords in Europe, and included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Surrounded by towering mountains up to 1,800m high, this branch of the Sognefjord is amazingly beautiful, and you can see small, traditional farms with brightly coloured wooden houses, and even goats grazing beside the fjord, as the boat cruises gently along.There may also be lazy seals basking on the rocks.

At Gudvangen, disembark and board the bus which waits for you at the pier, for an exciting ride up the twisting road of Stalheim Canyon, past waterfalls and sheer cliffs, to the lakeside town of Voss. The bus drops you off at the Voss railway station, and here you will meet your driver, for the private taxi transfer to Lofthus. Dinner and overnight at the Ullensvang Hotel, beautifully located by the shores of the Hardangerfjord.

Please note you can add an overnight stay in Flam tonight and travel on to Lofthus tomorrow if you wish - please enquire.

Day 3 Lofthus and Hardanger Fjord, 'Queen of the Fjords': Day at leisure

Today is at leisure. You can relax in the pool or in the hotel's gardens, or perhaps enjoy a fjord cruise. There are some great self guided hikes from the hotel including a 2 - 3 hours hike to the waterfalls Opo and Skrikjo- Opo is the third longest fall in Norway at 650m, whilst Skrikjo has a 400m fall. The hotel will assist you with directions and hiring of a guide if required. Dinner and 2nd overnight at Ullensvang Hotel.

Day 4 Lofthus - Norheimsund - Bergen

Morning at leisure before departure on the afternoon ferry to Norheimsund, further along the Hardangerfjord. On arrival in Norheimsund walk up the pier to board the Bergen bound bus. On arrival in Bergen, make your own way to your hotel. This old Hanseatic trading city is full of history and tradition, an international city that has retained its small-town charm and atmosphere, and offers an exciting blend of nature and culture. Visit the Fish and Flower markets, take the funicular up Mount Floyen for amazing views, and explore the shops, cafes and centuries old wooden houses of the old wharf area. Overnight at Zander K Hotel or similar in Bergen.

Day 5 Bergen Departure

Following breakfast this morning, your tour arrangements conclude.


2024 departures: daily 01 May - 25 September

Notes:

Extra nights can be added, or add an overnight stay in Flam - please ask us.

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