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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Essential Fjords and the Norwegian Coast

Independent Norway rail and fjord trip from Oslo to Bergen and Stavanger

Illustration of Essential Fjords and the Norwegian Coast

Railbookers operates this 9-day independent rail vacation through Norway, starting and finishing in Oslo with stops in Flam, Bergen and Stavanger. The route mixes several ways of travelling: a train from Oslo to Myrdal connects onto the Flam Railway, described as one of the world's most scenic rail journeys, down to Flam; a fjord cruise across the Aurlandsfjord and Naeroyfjord to Gudvangen is followed by a bus through Naeroydalen and the Bergen Railway into Bergen; and a coastal ferry carries travellers on to Stavanger before the train back to Oslo. Days in each city, including Bergen's Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf and Stavanger's old wooden houses, are left free to explore independently. It suits travellers who want Norway's fjord and mountain scenery without a guide, are comfortable switching between train, ferry and bus, and don't need every day pre-booked with excursions.

What to know before you look closer

  • The operator lists 17 hotel options across price tiers and cities rather than one fixed hotel per stop, so the final choice depends on the tier booked.
  • The day 3 road route over the Stalheimskleiva hairpin bends only runs from May to September; ask the operator what replaces it for departures outside that window.
  • Day 3 is a multi-leg transfer day combining a fjord cruise, a bus through Naeroydalen and a train into Bergen, rather than a single continuous rail journey.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Oslo

    Your Journey Begins in Oslo

    On arrival in Oslo, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Spend the rest of the day exploring the Norwegian capital. Head up to the Akershus Festning, a medieval castle which offers breathtaking views over the Oslofjord.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Flam

    Oslo to Flam

    After breakfast this morning, take an early train from Oslo to Myrdal and then connect onto the legendary Flam Railway. The journey from the mountain station of Myrdal down to idyllic Flam deep in the fjord has been voted the most scenic rail journey in the world. Take in the awe-inspiring views of rugged mountains, deep valleys and thundering waterfalls as you descend into the Aurlandsfjord.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Bergen

    Flam to Bergen

    Travel by fjord cruise on the magnificent Aurlandsfjord and Naeroyfjord from Flam to the small village of Gudvangen. From there the journey continues with a bus ride through Nydalen, with its charming villages and scenic nature landscape. From May-September the bus travels down the steep hairpin bends of Stalheimskleiva. The bus will arrive in Voss, where you'll continue the tour by train on the Bergen Railway to Bergen.

  4. Day 4overnight: Bergen

    Bergen

    Located on Norway's southwestern coast, Bergen is surrounded by fjords and mountains, including Sognefjord. Visit the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, Bergen Maritime Museum, St. Mary Church and the Rosenkrantz Tower.

  5. Day 5overnight: Stavanger

    Bergen to Stavanger

    Catch a ferry from Bergen to Stavanger. The ferry cruises along the shore for the entire voyage offering spectacular views of the landscapes and passing landmarks, such as Askoybroen (Askoy Bridge) and Sotrabrua (Sotra Bridge). Onboard, you can also enjoy great food and treat yourself to souvenirs in the shop. Once in Stavanger, relax for the evening.

  6. Day 6overnight: Stavanger

    Stavanger

    Famed for its many crowd-pleasing attractions and old wooden houses, Stavanger is a must-see for any traveler visiting Norway. The town is surrounded by beautiful fjords, mountains, and beautiful white-sand beaches, and there is plenty to discover on your own in Stavanger. Wander through its old town, visit the Stavengar Cathedral, the neighborhood of Ovre Homegate, or visit one of the town's impressive museums.

  7. Day 7railovernight: Oslo

    Stavanger to Oslo

    Travel by train from Stavanger back to Oslo. A must-see attraction includes Vigelandsparken (the world's largest sculpture park). Go shopping in Grounerlokka and make a stop at the Opera House, located right near the harbor, to catch a lovely sunset from the roof.

  8. Day 8overnight: Oslo

    Oslo

    Begin your day by visiting the Nobel Peace Centre, where you can see the permanent exhibition and learn all about the Peace Prize's history. Then, walk along the breathtaking waterfront and people watch around Thorvald Meyers gate near the Grounerlokka strip. In the evening, enjoy some traditional Norwegian cuisine to celebrate the final night of your adventure.

  9. Day 9

    Your Journey Ends in Oslo

    Check out of your hotel and continue with your onward travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Flam Railway descends from Myrdal to Flam through rugged mountains, deep valleys and waterfalls, into the Aurlandsfjord.
  • Day 3A fjord cruise covers the Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO-protected Naeroyfjord from Flam to the village of Gudvangen, followed by the Bergen Railway into Bergen.
  • Day 4Bergen's sights include the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, the Bergen Maritime Museum and the Rosenkrantz Tower.
  • Day 5A ferry from Bergen to Stavanger hugs the coast, passing landmarks including the Askoy and Sotra bridges.
  • Day 7The train from Stavanger to Oslo passes near Vigelandsparken, described as the world's largest sculpture park.

Included

  • Rail, and Ferry travel as per itinerary
  • 1-night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Oslo
  • 1-night hotel accommodation with breakfast in Flam
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Bergen
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Stavanger
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Oslo

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, rail and ferry travel are included as per the itinerary, including the Flam Railway, the Bergen Railway and the train from Stavanger back to Oslo.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It's an independent rail vacation; guiding is listed simply as Independent, with no guided tours included.
Which trains are used?
The Flamsbana from Myrdal to Flam, the Bergen Railway from Voss to Bergen, and Norwegian Rail from Stavanger to Oslo.
Is the whole trip by train?
No. Day 3 combines a fjord cruise, a bus through Naeroydalen and a train into Bergen, and day 5 is a ferry from Bergen to Stavanger rather than a train.
What hotels are used?
The operator lists 17 accommodation options across different price tiers and cities rather than one fixed hotel per stop.
How much does the trip cost?
Prices start from $2,479 per person, about $275 per day.

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