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Vacations By Rail · Escorted tour

Grand Tour of Norway

Norwegian escorted rail tour from Oslo to Arctic Lofoten Islands on four named trains

Illustration of Grand Tour of Norway

Vacations By Rail's Grand Tour of Norway is a 13-day escorted journey from Oslo to the Arctic Lofoten Islands, led by a dedicated tour manager and encompassing four celebrated Norwegian railways. The itinerary interweaves rail travel with coach journeys, a fjord cruise, and ferry rides through some of Scandinavia's most dramatic scenery. You travel on the Bergen Railway across the Hardanger Plateau, ride the steep Flåm Railway through 20 tunnels to a fjordside village, board the Rauma Railway through the Romsdal Valley, and join the Nordland Railway, known as the Polar Express, on a 452-mile journey across the Arctic Circle. Days split between guided city tours in Oslo and Trondheim, a cruise across the Geirangerfjord, and a two-night stay in the Lofoten Islands to witness the Midnight Sun. Accommodation is in 3- and 4-star hotels; meals include daily breakfast and nine dinners. This tour suits first-time rail travelers seeking expert guidance and small-group comfort, as well as repeat rail enthusiasts eager to experience Norway's four most famous railways.

What to know before you look closer

  • International flights to and from Norway are not included; only the internal flight on day 13 from Evenes to Oslo is covered.
  • The tour uses 3- and 4-star hotels; final accommodation depends on availability and tour tier at booking.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Oslo

    Arrival in Oslo, Norway's capital

    Arrive in Oslo and make your way to the centrally located hotel to check in and meet the Tour Manager and fellow travelers. Dinner at a local restaurant this evening.

  2. Day 2overnight: Oslo

    Discovering Oslo, one of the world's most walkable capitals

    A guided coach tour of Oslo taking in the Opera House, City Hall, the Royal Palace and Vigeland Sculpture Park, with an afternoon at leisure.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Bergen

    The Bergen Railway, one of the world's greatest rail journeys

    An epic rail journey from Oslo to Bergen on the Bergen Railway, crossing the Hardanger Plateau and passing through Finse.

  4. Day 4overnight: Bergen

    Exploring Bergen, a beautiful city in the heart of the fjords

    A guided coach sightseeing tour of Bergen and the Bryggen waterfront, with the rest of the day free to explore.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Flåm

    Riding the beloved Flåm Railway

    Board the Bergen Railway to Myrdal, then transfer to the Flåm Railway for a descent through 20 tunnels to the fjordside village of Flåm, with a stop at Kjosfossen waterfall.

  6. Day 6overnight: Geiranger

    To Geiranger, on the banks of a UNESCO listed fjord

    Travel by coach and ferry via the Fjaerland Glacier Museum and Loen to Geiranger.

  7. Day 7overnight: Geiranger

    Cruising the magnificent Geirangerfjord

    A cruise across Geirangerfjord to Hellesylt and back, passing the Dalsnibba viewpoint, Europe's highest fjord view.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Trondheim

    Scenic vistas on the Rauma Railway to Trondheim

    Travel by coach along the Trollstigen Mountain Road to Åndalsnes, then board the Rauma Railway through the Romsdal Valley to Trondheim.

  9. Day 9overnight: Trondheim

    Discovering Trondheim, Norway's Viking Capital

    A guided walking tour of Trondheim's Old Quarter, Bakklandet, Nidaros Cathedral and the Stiftsgården royal residence.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Bodø

    The amazing Nordland Railway and Bodø

    A 452-mile journey on the Nordland Railway (the 'Polar Express'), crossing the Arctic Circle en route to Bodø.

  11. Day 11overnight: Svolvær

    The Lofoten Islands

    Ferry from Bodø to Moskenes, then a scenic drive to Svolvær for a two-night stay, followed by a Midnight Sun excursion to Gimsoy Beach.

  12. Day 12overnight: Svolvær

    Touring the Lofoten Islands and a sea eagle safari

    Sightseeing across Henningsvær, Vestvågøy and Leknes, followed by a sea eagle safari cruise from Svolvær.

  13. Day 13

    Traveling home

    A picnic breakfast during the transfer to Evenes Airport, then an internal flight to Oslo to begin the journey home.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 3The Bergen Railway climbs the Hardanger Plateau and crosses through Finse on one of the world's greatest rail journeys.
  • Day 5The Flåm Railway descends through 20 tunnels from Myrdal to the fjordside village of Flåm, with a stop at Kjosfossen waterfall.
  • Day 7A fjord cruise across Geirangerfjord passes the Dalsnibba viewpoint, Europe's highest fjord view.
  • Day 10The Nordland Railway, known as the Polar Express, carries travelers 452 miles northward across the Arctic Circle to Bodø.
  • Day 11A Midnight Sun excursion to Gimsoy Beach in the Lofoten Islands showcases the Arctic's continuous daylight in summer.

Included

  • Expertise of a Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 12 nights' 3 & 4-Star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail, cruise, ferry and coach travel throughout your tour
  • All internal flights
  • Breakfast each day, 1 lunch, 9 dinners
  • Group luggage transfers between hotels from Oslo to Flåm, Trondheim to Bodø
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance
  • Flights and Airport transfers not included

Also sold by

The same itinerary is listed by more than one company. Prices and inclusions can differ; compare before booking.

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Vacations By Rail includes Standard Class rail travel on four railways: the Bergen, Flåm, Rauma, and Nordland railways, plus all coach, ferry, and cruise travel.
Is this an escorted tour?
Yes. A professional tour manager leads the group from start to finish and oversees all daily activities.
What meals are included?
Breakfast daily, one lunch, and nine dinners. Some meals are at local restaurants.
Which train journeys are on the itinerary?
The Bergen Railway from Oslo to Bergen, the Flåm Railway from Myrdal to Flåm, the Rauma Railway from Åndalsnes to Trondheim, and the Nordland Railway from Trondheim to Bodø.
When does the Midnight Sun viewing happen?
During day 11 in the Lofoten Islands, north of the Arctic Circle, when the sun does not set during summer.
How much walking is involved?
The tour includes guided walking tours in Trondheim and Oslo, city exploration, and boarding of ferries and trains. The activity level is rated Mobility Rating 4.

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