Destination: Norway

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Norway in Microcosm

ONE-TWO WEEKS

The route from Oslo to Bergen can be done in two days as part of the ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ tour. If you’ve more time, a week is advisable. A circuit from Bergen to Stavanger and returning via Lysefjord and Hardangerfjord will add another week to the journey. If you’re returning to Oslo, the entire itinerary takes in around 1570km.

After a couple of days exploring Oslo’s bountiful galleries and museums, take the Oslo–Bergen railway, often billed as one of the most spectacular rail journeys on earth, traversing along its route northwest a wonderful cross-section of Norwegian scenery. From Oslo, the line climbs gently through forests, plateaus and ski centres to the wild and lonely mountain and glacier country of the vast Hardangervidda Plateau, home to Europe’s largest herd of wild reindeer. At Myrdal, take the wonderful Flåmsbanen railway, down steep gradients and past magnificent waterfalls to Flåm, from where fjord cruises head up the incomparable Sognefjord.

From Gudvangen, Voss, where thrill seekers will love the adventure activities on offer is easily accessible. Beyond Voss, the railway passes through a forested and lake-studded landscape, becoming ever more impressive with huge walls of rock soaring up from the west coast fjords, which the line hugs for most of the way into Bergen.

Bergen is a delight with its timbered houses, wonderful fish market and a cosmopolitan air and rewards those who stay a few days. With good transport connections, Bergen could act as a launch pad for a trip south to Stavanger, an appealing place which deserves at least two days. Stavanger also serves as a base for trips to Lysefjord, including the walk up to the dramatic Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock for extraordinary panoramic views. En route back to Bergen you could linger for a while in Hardangerfjord where Ulvik and Eidfjord stand out among Norway’s most worthwhile fjord-side towns. From Bergen, the return train trip to Oslo is one journey you won’t mind making twice.