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Glaciers and Fjord Villages

Bergen, Balestrand, the Glaciers, Flåm & Oslo
Fjaerland, Norway © Shutterstock

Explore Norway's true highlights on this short, Independent tour. Travel from Bergen to Oslo, take a journey on the famous Flåm Railway, visit the charming fjord towns of Balestrand, Flåm and Fjaerland, and enjoy an excursion to the amazing Jostedalsbreen Glacier. Your tour arrangements include accommodation, transport and a visit to the glacier from Balestrand. This tour can also be done in reverse, from Oslo to Bergen.

Itinerary

Day 1 Bergen Arrival

Arrive in Bergen and make your own way to your hotel. Bergen is a lively city beautifully situated on the fjord and surrounded by seven mountains, with a long history as a Hanseatic trading port. Walk along Bryygen, the historic old wharf area, with charming timbered houses formerly the homes and warehouses of wealthy merchants; explore the fish and flowers markets, and enjoy a meal in one of the many cafes and restaurants of this lovely historic town. Perhaps take the funicular ride up to Mt Fløien for a panoramic view of Bergen and its surroundings. Overnight at Hotel Hordaheimen or similar. 

Day 2 Bergen – Sognefjord - Balestrand

This morning make your own way to the pier for the ferry from Bergen to Balestrand, cruising along the scenic coast through narrow straits and past islands, colourful summer houses and tiny villages. Then continue into the majestic Sognefjord and on to Balestrand, an idyllic village on the shores of the fjord. Here you can visit St. Olav's stave church and the aquarium and enjoy some great scenic walks. Or perhaps take an optional kayak tour or RIB tour. Dinner and two nights at the delightful Kvikne's Hotel; operated by generations of the same family since 1877, and graced with an extensive collection of artworks and antiques, the hotel is part of Norwegian history.

Day 3 Balestrand: Fjaerland and Glacier Visit

Today start with a cruise from Balestrand to Fjaerland, then continue by bus to the Glacier Museum, the official visitor centre of the Jostedalsbreen National Park, where you can enjoy some great exhibits explaining how the glacier was formed and describing the natural history of the area. From the Museum the continues by bus up to the Bøyabreen glacier, a branch of the mighty Jostedalsbreen glacier, the largest glacier on mainland Europe. Return to Fjaerland which is known as a Book Town, with book shops situated just about everywhere, including in old cow sheds and pigpens, on the ferry quay, then return by boat to Balestrand. Dinner and overnight at Kvikne's Hotel.

Day 4 Balestrand - Sognefjord - Flåm + optional tours

Cruise from Balestrand to the lovely small village of Flåm on the Sognefjord; in the afternoon perhaps visit the local brewery for a tasting, explore the railway museum, or walk up the valley floor to the charming old wooden church. Or take an optional trip by bus to Stegastein viewpoint or a RIB tour on the Naeroyfjord. Dinner and overnight at the lovely Fretheim Hotel, Flåm, or similar, in the heart of the village.

Day 5 Flåm - Myrdal - Oslo

Today take the famous steep Flåmsbanen Mountain Railway, travelling past waterfalls & valleys, from Flåm to Myrdal. This train journey provides some of Norway's wildest and most magnificent scenery. On the 20km-long train ride you can see rivers that cut through deep ravines, waterfalls that cascade down the side of steep, snow-capped mountains, and small farms clinging dizzily to sheer slopes. At Myrdal change trains to connect with the train to Oslo, taking you through wild and beautiful landscapes of a different kind.This part of the railway is Northern Europe's highest-altitude railway line. Relax and enjoy changing scenery as the train takes you over Norway's mountainous rooftop and through charming villages to Oslo. On arrival in Oslo, make your own way to the hotel. Time at leisure to explore on your own. Or perhaps enjoy some of Oslo's fine museums including the Fram Polar Expedition museum, the Kon Tiki Museum and Vigelund Sculpture Park. Or take a stroll through the old wharf area of Bryggen, now bustling with bars and cafes. Visit the Munch Museum, the Maritime Museum and Akershus Fortress, and much more. Overnight at Thon Hotel Opera or similar.

Day 6 Oslo Departure

Arrangements end after breakfast.


2024 departures: daily 01 June - 12 September*

Notes:

*This tour can also be offered mid-April to May and mid-September to October without the Glacier day excursion. Day 3 would be a day at leisure in Balestrand. For optional excursions in Balestrand, please enquire. 

Add extra nights or do the tour in reverse.

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