“Norway in a Nutshell” is a popular, self-guided tour that showcases some of Norway’s most spectacular fjord and mountain scenery. It’s a carefully planned route using a series of public transportation — trains, a bus, and a ferry — that are coordinated to connect with one another.
The route is designed to be an efficient way to experience a “nutshell” of Norway’s natural highlights – cities, fjords and mountains – typically connecting the major cities of Oslo and Bergen.
Key aspects of the tour
- Self-guided or agency: The classic journey can be done in one day or with overnight stays as a self-guided and self-booked tour, or with a tour agency. The easiest and budget-friendly way is to simply follow the schedule and making the connections. The connections are designed to be straightforward, and other people do the same on the same route.
- Which way?: The tour can be booked as a round trip from Bergen or Oslo, or as a one-way trip between the two cities. You can also customize your journey by adding overnight stays in picturesque towns like Flåm, Voss, or Gudvangen, which many people recommend to fully appreciate the scenery.
- Year-round experience: While the summer months are most popular for their long daylight hours and lush scenery, the tour operates year-round, offering a different but equally beautiful experience in winter with snow-covered mountains and ice on the fjords.
- Booking: You can either book the “package” through an official provider, which includes all tickets in one transaction, or you can book each leg of the journey individually yourself to potentially save money.
Route and Bookings DIY
Most travelers start from Oslo and end in Bergen, and the ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour involves the following legs:
This involves booking each leg of the journey individually through the different transportation companies. This is the exact same experience as the package tour, but all the bookings are handled by the traveler. Many travelers report significant cost savings by booking this way, especially getting the “mini-pris” (saver) tickets on the trains if booked well in advance.
Apps and websites
- Vy: For booking train tickets of legs 1, 2, 4 and 5, which includes the scenic Bergen Railway and the Flåm Railway. Bookings can be done on VY website at www.vy.no, but the best way to book is downloading and using the VY iOS or Android app.
- Norway’s Best: For booking fjord cruise between Flåm and Gudvangen (leg 3), visit Norway’s Best website. There are two operators – Lustrabaatane and Fjord Cruise – both have similar timings of departure but Fjord Cruise have better boats for 360deg views and is more expensive than Lustrabaatane.
Norway’s Best website will book cruise for Fjord Cruise (NOK 640), but to book Lustrabaatane, visit their website to compare costs and bookings (NOK 520).
Itinerary and bookings
Here is the itinerary split over two days to book ‘Norway in a Nutshell’:
- Leg 1 (Day 1)
Oslo -> Myrdal (VY.no)
This is a breathtaking train journey between Oslo and Myrdal (or Bergen and Myrdal). It’s considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world, taking over the stunning Hardangervidda mountain plateau. Book the 9:18am train (F4 Myrdal) from Oslo Central Station, reaching Myrdal at 3:01pm.
- Leg 2 (Day 1)
Myrdal -> Flåm (VY.no)
At Myrdal, transfer to the famous Flåm Railway, or Flåmsbana. This is a spectacular 20-kilometer train ride that descends steeply from the mountains down to the fjord village of Flåm. Along the way, it stops for a photo opportunity at the Kjosfossen waterfall. After reaching Myrdal, take a break for about an hour, have coffee or snacks at the restaurant on the platform. Book the 4:07pm train (Flåmsbana) from Myrdal to Flåm, reaching Flåm at 5:05pm.Important Note: If you take the early morning train from Oslo to Myrdal, you can take the Flåmsbana connection to Flåm, and then taking the ferry to Gudvangen, finishing your trip in a single day. But staying a night in Flåm gives a good break and time to explore this tiny town.
- Leg 2.1 (Day 2)
Flåm -> Stegastein -> Flåm (Norway’s Best)
The next morning book a bus (on Norway’s Best) from Flåm to Stegastein leaving at 8:30am and back to Flåm at 10am.
- Leg 3 (Day 2)
Flåm -> Gudvangen (Lustrabaatane)
Board a ferry from Flåm for a cruise through the narrow, UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and the broader Aurlandsfjord. This is often considered the highlight of the tour, with the boat gliding between towering mountain cliffs and passing small, traditional farms. Book 11am ferry by Lustrabaatane, reaching Gudvangen at 1:00pm. The best place to purchase tickets is on their website.
- Leg 4 (Day 2)
Gudvangen -> Voss (VY.no)
The cruise ends in the small village of Gudvangen. From there, a bus navigates through the Nærøydalen valley to the town of Voss. After reaching Gudvangen, walk for 8-10 minutes from the ferry terminal to the E16 highway, turn right and wait at the bus stop. Take the VY Bus to Voss, at 1:54pm, reaching Voss at 2:44pm. Right next to the bus station in Voss is the train station, so head over there and wait for 46 minutes.
- Leg 5 (Day 2)
Voss -> Bergen (VY.no)
The final leg of the journey is a train from Voss to Bergen completing the circuit. Book the 3:30pm train from Voss station to Bergen station, reaching Bergen at 4:54pm.
General tips for booking Norway in a Nutshell
- Book in advance: The tour is very popular, especially during the summer, and can sell out. Booking ahead is highly recommended.
- Not a guided tour: The “Norway in a Nutshell” package is a collection of public transportation tickets. There is no tour guide traveling with you. You’ll be responsible for following your itinerary and making the connections.
- Start and end points: The most common routes are a round trip from Oslo or Bergen, or a one-way trip between the two cities. You can also start the tour from other towns on the route, such as Voss or Flåm.
- Consider the season: The tour runs year-round, but daylight hours are limited in the winter. The summer (May to September) is the sweet spot for comfortable weather and long days.
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