Norway, in a Nutshell
Sarah Allen
Maple Grove, MN
Turn Wanderlust into Unforgettable Journeys
With a lifetime of wanderlust and years dedicated to exploring the globe, I've transformed my passion for discovery into a career of guiding others on their own unforgettable journeys.
My adventures have taken me from the bustling streets o...
With a lifetime of wanderlust and years dedicated to exploring the globe, I've transformed my passion for discovery into a career of guiding others on their own unforgettable journeys.
My adventures have taken me from the bustling streets of Beijing to the serene rivers of Europe and the French Alps in Chamonix. One of my most cherished experiences was a recent trip to Norway — from North to South. I slept in a snowhotel, witnessed the Nothern Lights above the Norwegian Sea and jumped into the Aurlandsfjord. This journey deepened my appreciation for curating seamless and enriching travel experiences.
As a Travel Advisor, I specialize in crafting personalized itineraries that cater to your unique interests and desires. Whether you're dreaming of chasing the Northern Lights, indulging in culinary delights in France, or seeking hidden gems off the beaten path in Romania, I'm here to make those dreams a reality. Let's embark on a journey together, creating stories and packing each trip with memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime.
Can Be Reached At
1-763-577-2303
Ferry to Gundavagen via Nærøyfjord
Planning your first trip to Norway? Is a fjord tour on your list? The easiest and most inclusive way to see the Fjords of Western Norway without renting a car is by booking a trip called the Norway in a Nutshell. IMHO. You’ve heard of the Sognefjord and it’s jaw dropping sights, or the narrow Nærøyfjord but have no clue how to string public transportation to get there. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Norway, TWICE and here’s why I booked Norway in a Nutshell each time.
Norway in a Nutshell is not a guided tour where you’re led by a person through each step of the trip. Available year-round, it’s a self discovery trip through Western Norway with pre-arranged series of transportation by rail, fjord cruise and bus. That means you are free to enjoy the journey. The highlight of this trip is the fjord cruise, but there are definitely must-sees along the way, add ons available to your booking.
If in Oslo, this is a creative one way trip to Bergen. Also an easy way to extend a visit to Bergen, taking the route round trip from Bergen to Bergen via Nærøyfjord OR Sognefjord. Different routes available depending on the season. Add additional nights along the way to settle in and experience this majestic part of the country.
This train trip through Norway was an amazing journey through a rugged winter landscape. Talk about “pure as the driven snow”. More snow than we’ve had in MN, and many cabins along the way were buried in the drifts. I tell friends that I went to Norway to find Winter. At one stop, riders got off and skied away from the station! Our ride brought us up to 1400m to the Myrdal Station where we caught the famous Flamsbana train to Flam.
All Aboard! Here’s our route, in a nutshell
Bergen > Myrdall > FlåmNight 1: FlåmNight 2: >Gudvangen> Voss> Bergen (+stop in Dale)
Norway in a Nutshell Extended Stay in Flåm
My first trip to Flåm was in February 2018, and I’ve forever wanted to come back for a longer stay. (I will always choose to come back to Flåm – Autumn would be perfect!) This time, we stayed for two nights. I wanted to explore more of Flåm and see some of the sights I missed on my first visit. I made reservations at Flåmsbrygga Hotel because I love the location (look at the view from our room) and I adore the Ægir microbrewery next door. In the winter, the hotel is quiet and the rooms cozy. Food at Ægir Brewery is excellent with amazing beer pairings, and the casual hospitality is really personable.
Norway in a Nutshell Return from Flåm
Whether you decide to stay the night in Flåm or continue on, you’ll catch the Fjord cruise at the same docking location. In 2018 I took the cruise through the Sognefjord – amazing (and worthy of another blog post.)
On this trip we traveled through the narrow Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen. Tip: Grab a sandwich at the Flåm Bakery>> before your trip. The Fjord Cruise Boat does have Hotdogs, snacks and beverages but there isn’t much time to grab something to eat at Gudvangen before the bus connection.
Catch the bus outside the parking lot of the Viking Village. There will be more than one bus depending on the number of tickets sold. When we were there, it was two busses and both took the same route.
We had enough time to walk off the Cruise and onto the bus, but not enough time for a bathroom stop.The drive from Gudvangen through the Nærøy Valley was breathtaking despite the rain (in February).
Voss to Bergen
It was an easy trip back to Bergen from Voss. It was no problem taking a nap since we knew the end route! Having done some research and finding Dale along the route… we may or may not have stopped to the Dale Factory Outlet and Museum>>. Worth it!
Is Norway in a Nutshell worth it?
For me, Yes!Now, would if be possible to manage the same route on your own? Depends on your comfort level planning multiple transportation services, and the season you travel. For me it would take some head scratching and a spreadsheet – and maybe you’re into that.
Twice I’ve traveled to Norway in the Winter. Having the transportation arranged and not having to worry about driving was worth it to me. Did anyone say Black Ice?!
Excursions were enough to give us a good sample of the region. Norway in a Nutshell was a great intro to the region, and now after two trips I may be able to drive on my own. You will have to decide for you! What I do know is that I will always say yes to Flåm and can’t wait to visit again!