Home > Rick on TV > Guide to Shows

Oslo, Bergen, and the Fjords

Rick Steves' Europe: Episode # 107C

Norway's seafaring past lives on in Oslo, where its harbor holds remnants from long-ago oceanic adventures. We head to the Norwegian Resistance Museum, which chronicles Norway's brave stance against the Nazis, and leave the city to ride the scenic rails and cruise a fjord. Finally, in Bergen, we stroll the Hanseatic quarter, discovering links to the city's history.

Travel Details

Norway in a Nutshell

The most exciting single-day trip you could make from Oslo or Bergen is this circular train/boat/bus/train jaunt through fjord country. It's famous, everybody does it...and if you're looking for the scenic grandeur of Norway, so should you.

Tourist offices and train stations have souvenir-worthy brochures with photos, descriptions, and exact times. The all-day trip starts by train every morning from Oslo and Bergen.

The Route: Leaving from Oslo, you'll ride the Oslo-Bergen train to Myrdal (MEER-doll), take the scenic train from Myrdal to Flåm, hop on the fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen, and then take the bus from Gudvangen to Voss. (It's easier than it sounds — just follow the crowds.) At Voss, jump on the Oslo-Bergen train and head west for Bergen or east for Oslo. The Nutshell trip is possible all year. Some say it's most beautiful in winter (but not possible then as a day trip from Oslo).

Reservations: At the busiest part of peak season (July–mid-Aug), the Oslo-Bergen train (especially the leg between Oslo and Myrdal) can fill up well in advance: It's very important to reserve a seat at least a week ahead. Do it as soon as your itinerary is set: Dial 81 50 08 88 (from the US: 011-47-81 50 08 88), press 4 for English, and book with a credit card. It can be difficult to get through to this number in peak season — keep trying. You can also buy tickets — but not make railpass reservations — online at www.nsb.no.

If you have a Scanrail, Eurailpass, or Eurail Selectpass, you can get discounts on the journey (but not on the package deals mentioned below). It's also wise to reserve ahead for the Flåm-Gudvangen fjord cruise. Although you can't make a reservation for
the Myrdal–Flåm train or the Gudvangen–Voss bus, this won't pose a problem for you.

Buying and reserving the Nutshell journey on your own isn't difficult. For solo travelers, the package deals from Fjord Tours (described below) save you time, but not any money. Couples and families should buy and reserve the trip on their own (get train tickets, including Myrdal-Flåm segment, at the train station in Oslo or Bergen) and purchase your fjord-cruise ticket on the boat or from the TI in Flåm. You can buy the tickets for the Gudvangen bus on board from the driver.

Packages: If you have a railpass, or if you're a student or a senior (and therefore eligible for discounts), do the Nutshell on your own. Fjord Tours sells the Nutshell package (among other package trips, www.fjordtours.no) at all Norwegian State Railways stations, including Oslo and Bergen, or through their Customer Service line in Norway (tel. 81 56 82 22).

Updated for 2010.