Highlights of Norway tours starting from Oslo
Quiet moments beside waterfalls, views of the Flåm Railway threading through the valley, and time to unwind surrounded by fjord landscapes define this journey.
Starting your journey in Oslo offers a natural and scenic introduction to Norway’s fjords, railways and mountain landscapes, travelling west through valleys and high plateaus towards the coast.
A key stop along this route is Flåm, a small village set at the end of the Aurlandsfjord. Travelling from Oslo, you journey by train to Myrdal before descending into Flåm on the iconic Flåm Railway, one of the steepest and most spectacular standard-gauge railways in the world.
Highlights of Norway tours starting from Oslo are independent, multi-day journeys designed to showcase Norway’s classic fjord landscapes at a relaxed pace. Typically spanning 2 to 4 days, they combine scenic rail travel, fjord cruising and overnight stays in small villages, allowing you to experience the region beyond a single long travel day. They form part of our wider collection of carefully curated Norwegian fjord tours, designed to suit different travel styles, seasons and timeframes.
50 Degrees North specialises in extending this classic route with thoughtful pacing, carefully selected accommodation and optional experiences that help travellers step away from peak summer and cruise crowds.
What’s included in the classic Highlights of Norway journey
A typical Highlights of Norway (Classic) itinerary starting from Oslo includes:
- Scenic rail travel on the Bergen Railway across Norway’s mountain plateau
- The iconic Flåm Railway between Myrdal and Flåm
- A fjord cruise through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and the beautiful Aurlandsfjord
- Bus travel through dramatic valley landscapes
- Overnight stays in fjord villages or nearby historic towns
Travel between trains, boats and buses is self-guided, while accommodation, transport reservations and on-tour support are arranged by 50 Degrees North.
Optional experiences to add to your Highlights of Norway journey
Even on a shorter itinerary, it’s possible to personalise your journey with memorable additions.
Waterfall walk near Flåm
A rewarding short walk leads to Brekkefossen waterfall, offering panoramic views over the Flåm Valley and the railway below. The walk is moderate and can be adapted to suit your pace.
Zipline
The Flåm Zipline is the longest zipline in Scandinavia, running from Vatnahalsen near the Bergen Line and Flåm Railway down into the Flåm Valley. It’s an exhilarating way to experience the landscape from above.
Visit a small fjord village
Explore the fjord village of Undredal, known for its traditional goat cheese production and distinctive stave church. This guided visit includes:
• Enjoy magical fjord views from the local restaurant situated at the dock.
• Taste local goat cheese products and enjoy a homemade lunch.
• Learn about the historical Norwegian goat cheese production from a local expert
• A guided tour of Scandinavia’s smallest Stave Church
Private Borgund Stave Church Visit
From Flåm, travel by private minivan through the Lærdal Tunnel, the world’s longest road tunnel, before hiking sections of the historic King’s Road (Vindhellavegen). The experience includes a private guided visit to Borgund Stave Church, Norway’s best-preserved stave church, built around 1181.
Unique accommodation upgrades
For travellers seeking added comfort and a quieter setting, an upgraded option is available.
Highlights of Norway with Premium Accommodation extends the journey to 5 days and includes an overnight stay at a boutique riverside lodge near Flåm. Designed to step away from cruise traffic, this version offers:
- A longer stay in a peaceful fjord setting
- Half board dining
- Included activities such as hiking, kayaking or cycling
Highlights of Norway with Fjordside Boutique Stays focuses on overnight stays in small, characterful hotels located directly along the fjords. This variation is ideal for travellers who value setting and sense of place, and features:
- Carefully selected fjordside boutique hotels
- A slower, more immersive pace along the classic route
- Scenic rail and fjord travel, including the Flåm Railway
Both options build on the same classic fjord and railway route, while offering different ways to experience Norway’s landscapes in greater comfort and with more time to enjoy each location.
How this relates to Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours
One well-known way to travel along this rail and fjord corridor is Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours, a self-guided transport journey combining trains, fjord cruise and bus travel.
As part of Highlights of Norway tours starting from Oslo, the Norway in a Nutshell® by Fjord Tours transport segment is included on selected days, forming part of the overall route.
50 Degrees North then builds on this classic routing with overnight stays, optional experiences and a more considered pace, creating journeys that are both flexible and immersive.