Before we begin, if you have yet to purchase your tickets for Norway in a Nutshell trip, you can read our blog on how to save money for this trip.
If you are here to just read about the journey, you can start HERE.
I am going to start by answering some questions that could help you prepare for the trip.
Table of Content
What is Norway in a Nutshell?
While researching on your activities to do in Norway, you would have come across Norway in a Nutshell and it might be confusing on what that is.
Norway in a Nutshell is a customisable tour package that takes visitors on a scenic journey through Norway’s fjords, mountains, and valleys.
Contrary to its name, this is a platform (by fjordtours) that lets you add activities and then provides you with a timetable after catering for the necessary timings.
After which, you can book all the necessary tickets easily. Of course, this comes at a cost.
Is Norway in a Nutshell Expensive?
Norway is a destination that’s known for its breathtaking natural scenery, unique culture, and of course, its high prices.
If you’re considering taking the popular Norway in a Nutshell trip, you may be wondering if it’s an expensive venture.
While the Norway in a Nutshell tour is marketed as an all-in-one package, it’s actually possible to save money by booking the trip yourself.
You can learn more about how to do so at our blog which teaches you on how to extract the information and book the journey yourself.
How Long Do You Need for Norway in a Nutshell from Oslo to Bergen?
The journey we took from Oslo to Bergen was within a day.
Of course, we did not plan for any accommodation in between the stations.
You could very much stretch this out by adding accommodation to the trip on the fjordtours platform.
The transport timing would change accordingly.
When is the Best Time for Norway in a Nutshell Trip From Oslo to Bergen?
The best time to visit is arguably Spring where the temperature is perfect to stay outdoors and the flowers are blooming.
The summer months, from June to August, could also be a good time to travel due to the warmer weather and longer days.
However, summer is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and possibly higher prices.
What To Pack For The Norway in a Nutshell Trip From Oslo to Bergen
Here are some general guidelines for what to wear in Norway:
Layers: Norway’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to pack clothes that can be layered. This way, you can add or remove layers depending on the temperature.
Waterproof and windproof clothing: Norway can be rainy and windy, so it’s a good idea to bring a waterproof and windproof jacket or coat. Make sure to also pack waterproof shoes or boots.
Warm clothing: If you’re travelling to Norway in the winter, be sure to pack warm clothing such as thermal underwear, wool sweaters, and a down jacket. In the summer, a light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient.
Comfortable footwear: Norway is a country with a lot of outdoor activities, so it’s important to have comfortable and sturdy footwear. Good hiking shoes or boots are recommended if you plan to do any hiking or walking.
Accessories: Don’t forget to pack accessories like hats, gloves, and scarves, especially if you’re visiting in the winter.
Where To Book Your Tickets?
Below are the breakdown for each leg of the journey and where to book. Refer to this blog on how to save money by booking the trip yourself.
| Departure – Arrival | Operator | Website |
| OSLO – MYRDAL (F4: Oslo S – Myrdal stasjon) | Vy.no | LINK *Edit Date and Time |
| MYRDAL – FLÅM (R45: Myrdal stasjon – Flåm stasjon) | Vy.no | LINK *Edit Date and Time |
| FLÅM – GUDVANGEN (Cruise: Select location accordingly) | Norway’s best | LINK |
| GUDVANGEN – VOSS (Bus: Select location accordingly) | Norway’s best | LINK |
| VOSS – BERGEN (Voss stasjon – Bergen stasjon) | Vy.no | LINK *Edit Date and Time |
1st leg: OSLO – MYRDAL (Train)
We start our journey by taking the train leaving for Bergen at 8.25am.
There are plenty of eateries at the Oslo Central Station. You can check the shops and timings on Google Map or on the Oslo S website.
We bought a burger at Burger King in the morning and had it before taking the train.
This first leg of the journey is the longest as we leave Oslo S at 08:25 and arrive at Myrdal at 13:06.
For a relatively big guy like me, the leg room and space on the seats (cheapest option) were extremely sufficient.
I managed to squeeze in some screen time to complete some work.
Nearing to Myrdal, as we leave the city centre, the view gets better and better.
Some might say that the view would be better if it was summer.
However, I am not complaining about this view of the winter wonderland.
2nd leg: MYRDAL – FLÅM (train)
The train arrives on time at Myrdal station, this is where we transit to the Flåm Railway/Flamsbana, arguably one of the most scenic train route in the World.
Wen we arrived, there was a snow storm. Thankfully, we just had to get to the platform opposite to the one we arrived in.
We made our way quickly between the platforms and boarded the Flåm Railway/Flamsbana.
There are no seat allocation for the Flåm Railway/Flamsbana, all we had to do is get seated.
I recommend getting a sit on the left side of the train. However, it is not crucial as either side will get extremely beautiful views.
There interior of the train has a vintage look, it somehow reminded me of the movie Murder on the Orient Express.
I really loved the looks of the cabin.
Enough of it, it’s time for us to now turn our attention to the scenery outside.
The train departed on time. Based on the other blog that I have researched, it will usually depart after the train from Oslo come as most of the Norway in a Nutshell passengers would transfer onto this train.
The Flåm Railway/Flamsbana train would make its descend from the highland to the the base of the fjords in Norway.
We would enter the tunnels of 180-degrees, in which 18 out of 20 were drilled into the mountain.
Along the way, it would make a 5 minutes stop where you can take photo of the Kjosfossen waterfall, with an altitude of 669m.
Unfortunately it was winter for us so we did not manage to capture the waterfall in action.
I was not enjoying this part of the trip as it was winter and most views we see are just pure white trees and frozen waterfalls.
Nearing to the foot of the mountain, we start to see green, grassy land which made us feel better.
After approximately an hour, going through the tunnels and descending through the mountain, we arrive in FLÅM.
You would need to head towards the cruise, it would be pretty obvious. You can look for the Norway’s Best logo on the posters beside the cruise.
3rd leg: FLÅM – GUDVANGEN (Cruise)
It was time to board the Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord.
We entered the cruise and was extremely surprised by its extremely posh, clean and spacious interior.
The cruise set off after a while as we sit back and enjoy the view of the fjord with World Heritage status.
Norway is known for its beautiful fjords and we were both mesmerised by majestic fjords before us.
The Fjord Cruise also made some stop along the way such as this waterfall below.
After a while, it got chilly and we decided to come indoors to enjoy the fjord through the large glass windows.
4th leg: GUDVANGEN – VOSS (Bus)
The cruise arrives in Gudvangen, at this time, we were drained out of our energy and it was getting dark (Sunset around 5.00pm in early February)
You can follow the path out of the cruise and you will arrive at this souvenir shop.
The next transport, a bus that brings us from Gudvangen to Voss would be outside of the open parking lot in front of the shop.
The bus ride was uneventful.
At this point, everything was dark and we could safely say that the sightseeing part of the journey has ended.
Final leg: VOSS – BERGEN (Train)
After we arrive at the bus terminal at Voss, the train station is just on top of the bus terminal.
We made our way to the platform and waited for our train.
This pretty much concludes our journey from Oslo to Bergen.
Reflections
We would have preferred to have seen this during the summer months, as the weather would have been much better.
As it was the end of winter, the sky was still gloomy and it was snowy at times.
Nonetheless, we are thankful to have seen the Fjords and they are definitely a spectacular sight that is unique to Norway.
Stay tuned for our blog on things to do in Bergen and Oslo!
If you are planning a trip to Oslo, read our 2D1N TWO DAYS IN OSLO: A FOODIE’S GUIDE TO THE NORWEGIAN CAPITAL.