8 days - Independent visit to the mountains, fjords and valleys of Norway. Enjoy staying at boutique hotels and touring around in our private 50DN minibus.
"It's the best of both worlds. It's touring without really being on a tour, so all the minor details are taken care of, allowing you the freedom to get on and enjoy the holiday."
Wander through the Vigeland Sculpture Park and explore the hidden gems of Norway’s capital, Oslo. Discover the Akershus Fortress and the many harbour side restaurants along Aker Brygge. Travelling on a private 50 Degrees North minibus, cross the mountains to visit the traditional Stave Church of Lom and the magnificent Luster and Sognefjord. Experience the valley of Gudbrandsdalen, surrounded by national parks, an abundance of locally produced food, old architecture, and good hiking trails.
The trip runs weekly from May to September with fixed departures from Oslo every Saturday. The trip can also run in reverse starting from Bergen every Monday between May 2019 to Sep 2019. It isn't a group tour as such but for a few days during this itinerary, everyone shares the same minibus, you make friends and enjoy the company of our Norwegian bus driver!
Highlights include
Take a ride on the steep Flåm Railway full of hairpin turns
Travel on a private 50 Degrees North minibus through the Norwegian mountains
Visit the stunning Geiranger fjord
Visit Northern Europe's highest and arguably the most striking mountain pass, Sognefjellet
Discover Bryggen, the old Hanseatic wharf in Bergen, and take the funicular to the top of Mt Fløien.
Day 1
Arrive in Oslo and transfer to your centrally located hotel.
Day 2
Train to Lillehammer - visit the impressive Garmo Stave Church, open-air museums and the Olympic museum.
Day 3
Join 50 Degrees North's private minibus to travel to Lom, a small town encapsulating the very essence of the Norwegian countryside.
Day 4
Day tour to Geiranger and join a fjord cruise before returning to Lom to visit its famous Stave Church
Day 5
Continue your minibus journey together to the heart of the Norwegian fjords
Day 6
Spend your day relaxing, hiking and taking in the views in the peaceful little town of Aurland. Enjoy the harbour area with unspoilt views of the fjord and gardens.
Day 7
Get your private transfer from Aurland to Flåm, and step aboard the world famous Flåm Railway to Myrdal Station with several stunning lookout points along the way, then express boat to Bergen.
Day 8
Depart Bergen
Start Place
Oslo, Scandinavia
End Place
Bergen, Scandinavia
Countries Visited
Scandinavia
Norway
Duration
8 Days
Suitability
Easy
Code
BNOR19
Details
Transportation
All transportation (by buses, trains, and boats) between destinations is included in the price. This includes travel between Lillehammer and Aurland by private 50 Degrees North minibus, which will accommodate spontaneous photo stops, as well as food and rest stops.
Included
7 nights’ hotel accommodation in shared double/twin rooms with private facilities
7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
All transport between destinations by buses, trains and boats
50 Degrees North minibus (or similar) which travels weekly between Lom and Aurland. This minibus works like a hop-on, hop-off bus and may have only yourselves onboard or up to 10-12 people in addition to the driver. Stop along the way for unexpected photo opportunities, National Tourist Route monuments or quick rest stops.
Geiranger day tour with fjord cruise. (Available from late May, subject to change due to weather/snow conditions on the mountain).
Røisheim Historic Hotel included 2 x 4 course meals
29|2 Aurland
Added inclusions: Waterfall walk, hot tub, sauna and day tour to local farm during your 29|2 Aurland stay.
Not Included
International flights, lunches and dinners that have not been detailed in the program, and items of personal nature. A small tip for the bus driver will be appreciated.
Please note there is no guide for this tour. Your bus driver will offer help and answer questions when possible.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive in Oslo and transfer to your centrally located hotel.
Arrive in Oslo, the beautiful Norwegian capital by the Oslofjord. Make your own way to your centrally located hotel in the heart of Oslo, an easy direct express train ride away from the airport. The Norwegian capital has a great deal to offer for the observant traveller. We can recommend a walk around the centre of town to view the Parliament, the Castle, and the Harbour area.
Accommodation
Comfort Hotel Grand Central
Restaurants
Maaemo
Restaurant options in Oslo
Optional Add Ons
Summer night on Oslo fjord
Day 2 - Train to Lillehammer - visit the impressive Garmo Stave Church, open-air museums and the Olympic museum.
Board your train at the Oslo Central Station and head towards Lillehammer, the small town that rose to international fame when it hosted the Winter Olympics in 1994. Check into your central hotel.
Spend the day at your leisure: Browse the local shops, visit open-air museum Maihaugen, the Norwegian Olympic Museum, and do not miss the impressive Garmo Stave Church.
Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Clarion Collection Hotel Hammer or similar
Day 3 - Join 50 Degrees North's private minibus to travel to Lom, a small town encapsulating the very essence of the Norwegian countryside.
Join the 50 Degrees North private minibus to Lom, a 3-hour scenic drive from Lillehammer. This bus trip takes you through some of Norway’s most beautiful highlands and lush valleys. Experience the valley of Gudbrandsdalen surrounded by the national parks, an abundance of locally produced food, old architecture, and good hiking.
Lom is a small town encapsulating the very essence of the Norwegian countryside. Situated in the famous Jotunheimen National Park, Lom is surrounded by majestic nature. Check into your charming historic hotel. Dinner is included this evening.
Meals
1 Breakfast 1 Dinner
Accommodation
Fossheim Hotel or similar
Day 4 - Day tour to Geiranger and join a fjord cruise before returning to Lom to visit its famous Stave Church
Join the 50 Degrees North minibus for a day tour to Geiranger, which is 1.5 hours’ drive away from Lom. On arrival, join a fjord cruise and experience the Geirangerfjord UNESCO World Heritage site. The scenery here is absolutely breathtaking. Take a closer look at the “Seven Sisters”, “Bridal Veil” and “Suitor” waterfalls, the majestic fjord cliffs and abandoned mountain farms. Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to see porpoises playing in the fjord.
Travelling back from Geiranger, the minibus can stop at the famous Lom Stave Church, constructed in Norman-style in 1170. It still operates as the local church today.
Please note that the Geirangerfjord visit is subject to change due to weather and snow conditions. The mountain road from Lom to Geiranger normally opens from end of May. Alternatively, have a day to yourself in Lom. We suggest visiting Brimi Bue, a popular Lom hot-spot for fresh local produce and traditional Nordic flavours, owned by renowned chef Arne Brimi. Indulge yourselves in the historic atmosphere of Lom open-air museum and its houses dating from the early 1600s and experience the old farmer culture. The Norwegian Mountain Centre is also worth a visit.
Meals
1 Breakfast 1 Dinner
Accommodation
Fossheim Hotel
Day 5 - Continue your minibus journey together to the heart of the Norwegian fjords
Depart Lom for another scenic journey through the spectacular mountain and fjord country of Breheimen and Jostedalsheimen. Stop at Sognefjellshytta (approx. 1 hr drive) for a coffee/tea break, then sit back and enjoy the scenery until your next stop at the cubist stone at Mefjellet. The final stop before descending down the mountain is at Nedre Oscarshaug – another fantastic spot for photos and great views.
After lunch at Skjolden Hotel, drive approx. 20-30 mins to Feigumfossen and continue to the charming Urnes Stave Church (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest church in Norway). Catch a ferry to Solvorn and continue over Aurlandsfjellet. Lastly, enjoy a stop at Stegastein before arriving to the peaceful village of Aurland.
Read about today's drive along Northern Europe's highest and arguably the most striking mountain pass, the road over Sognefjellet.
Meals
1 Breakfast 1 Lunch
Accommodation
Vangsgården Gjestegiveri or similar
Day 6 - Spend your day relaxing, hiking and taking in the views in the peaceful little town of Aurland. Enjoy the harbour area with unspoilt views of the fjord and gardens.
Spend your day relaxing, hiking and taking in the views in the peaceful little town of Aurland. Enjoy the harbour area with unspoilt views of the fjord and surrounding gardens. Optional visits to local mountain farms, guided hikes or a fjord safari can be pre-booked (at additional cost).
Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Vangsgården Gjestegiveri or similar
Day 7 - Get your private transfer from Aurland to Flåm, and step aboard the world famous Flåm Railway to Myrdal Station with several stunning lookout points along the way, then express boat to Bergen.
Get your private transfer from Aurland to Flåm, and step aboard the world famous Flåm Railway to Myrdal Station with several stunning lookout points along the way. Thanks to its steep incline (from sea level to almost 900 meters above sea level in a short hour), the train-ride is rated as one of Europe’s best rail journeys and has become a real highlight for visitors in Norway.
Return to Flåm to board the express ferry to Bergen. Take in the fresh air on Norway’s longest fjord, the Sognefjord, during this 5-hour ferry-ride towards Bergen. Check into your centrally located hotel at the end of the day.
Meals
1 Breakfast
Accommodation
Clarion Hotel Admiral
Day 8 - Depart Bergen
After breakfast, transfer to the airport or extend your stay with a short Hurtigruten voyage.
Meals
1 Breakfast
Dates & Prices
All prices listed are per person.
The trip runs weekly from May to September with fixed departures from Oslo every Saturday. First departure is 18th May 2019.
Dates
Valid From
Valid To
Price
Status
Accommodation
18 May 2019 21 Sep 2019
18 May 2019
21 Sep 2019
AUD 3,135
Limited availability
Standard
18 May 2019 21 Sep 2019
18 May 2019
21 Sep 2019
AUD 977
Limited availability
Extra for Single
18 May 2019 21 Sep 2019
18 May 2019
21 Sep 2019
AUD 5,768
Limited availability
Superior
Important Information
Short of time? It is possible to join this tour in Lillehammer on the evening of Day 2. There are direct trains from Gardemoen airport (1.5hrs). This tour also runs in reverse, departing in Bergen.
The side trip to Geiranger travels over mountains and is available late May, subject to change due to weather/snow conditions on the mountain.
An premium version of this tour is available - please ask us for details.
Our 'Beautiful Norway' and 'Beautiful Norway Express' tours work as a hop-on, hop-off bus for a certain section so depending on the date, you can be travelling with potential 2 - 8 people. This is a great option for a solo traveller.
Gallery
Beautiful Norway, credit: Tim Warrington@digernes - ferry crossing near Vangsgården GjestegiveriNational Tourist Route SognefjelletVangsgården Gjestegiveri - Deluxe room upgradeGeiranger FjordFossheim Hotel, credit: Tim WarringtonGeiranger, Credits: Øyvind Heen - Visitnorway.comLom Bakery, Tina Stafrèn/Visitnorway.comVisit Norway National Tourist Route SognefjelletAurlandsfjorden, credit: Robin Strand, Fjord NorwayAurlandsfjorden, credit: Bergen Tourist Board / Girish ChouhanVangsgården GjestegiveriVangsgården GjestegiveriVangsgården GjestegiveriYour hotel in Bergen, Clarion Hotel Admiral, credit: Atle RasmussenFjord Accommodation, credit: Tim Warrington Clarion Hotel Admiral in BergenSunset in Bergen, credit: Bergen Tourist Board / Girish Chouhan - visitBergen.comMan and woman dancing on Bryggen, the wharf in Bergen, credit: Bergen Tourist Board / Tom Kjøde – visitBergen.comOsloNational Tourist Route SognefjelletNational Tourist Route SognefjelletNational Tourist Route SognefjelletNational Tourist Route SognefjelletNational Tourist Route SognefjelletNational Tourist Route SognefjelletNational Tourist Route SognefjelletNational Tourist Route SognefjelletNational Tourist Route SognefjelletNational Tourist Route SognefjelletRøisheim Hotell - Beautiful Norway Premium UpgradeRøisheim Hotell - Beautiful Norway Premium UpgradeRiverside lodge, www.montag.no
Interactive Tour Map
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Our Norwegian Destination Specialist, Ivy Thompson, on ways to enjoy and explore a vibrant Oslo.
OUR NORWEGIAN DESTINATION SPECIALIST, IVY THOMPSON, ON WAYS TO ENJOY AND EXPLORE A VIBRANT OSLO
I have just returned from a long overdue visit to Oslo in Norway, the city where I grew up. Oslo has gone through continuous and monumental change in the past 20 years; becoming less the "younger sibling"-capital of the former Scandinavian union of Norway, Denmark and Sweden, while rapidly transforming into a charming mix of classical apartment-buildings, villas, parks and shiny, contemporary architecture by the fjord.
The inner-city area on the edge of the Oslofjord is heaving with activity, life, culture and innovation: The Sorenga-precinct behind the famous Oslo Opera House is complete, the new yet iconic Barcode-buildings are gleaming and the grand Deichman Library and spectacular Munch Museum will both open their doors in 2020. Tjuvholmen and Aker Brygge continue to dazzle with indulgent food, shopping, art and people watching.
While parts of central part of Oslo may look busy with cranes and construction-works, there are many amazing, and sometimes hidden, gems for you to enjoy if you know where to find them. Explore this modern capital nestled amongst forested green hills with cutting-edge architecture right on the water's edge, and find your own favourite spot to feel the pulse of Oslo:
Vippa/ Akershus Medieval Fort
Take a stroll from the Oslo Town Hall down along the pier below the medieval Akershus Fort, and find yourself down by the new street-food-with-a-conscience hub 'Vippa'. Named after the original name of the pier itself, Vippetangen, the converted fishing-warehouse is now the thriving home of nine uniquely different street-food stalls complete with a bar, barista, outdoor seating and a sustainable ethos. In their own words:
"Vippa is a social and business model to facilitate and integrate immigrants and young aspiring food entrepreneurs into the social fabric of Norwegian culture. Vippa, strategically located in the Port of Oslo, is the host of multiple food stands offering sustainable and diverse food to Oslo's increasingly bustling foodscape. Vippa's vision is to bring together cultures through cuisines.[...] We see food as a way to stimulate dialogue amongst citizens and best agricultural practises as a best way to feed them. We feel obliged, by today's social and cultural unrest, to create a space - a common platform where these best practises could serve as links between cultures, languages and cuisines in the act of moving forward."
Enjoy a delicious lunch with a side of microbrewed local beer and treat yourself to an organic soft-serve ice-cream for dessert before walking the slow way back through the historic Akershus Fort above the fjord.
Address: Akershusstranda 25, Oslo
HIMKOK/ Torggata Botaniske
Who doesn't love to stumble upon the secret bars that hip locals frequent? If you consider yourself a world-class cocktail connoisseur and love exciting combinations of flavour, you cannot go past these two gems in inner-city Oslo near Youngstorvet (Youngs Square). Both bars pride themselves on local, seasonal flavours and beautiful presentation. Make sure you visit for a Nordic nightcap after dinner, there are many lovely restaurants to choose from in the area.
Don't let the unassuming front-door fool you; an exciting micro-distillery experience awaits at the cool and spacious HIMKOK. The bar distills their own vodka, gin and Scandinavian favourite aquavit and use them in bases of drinks so outstanding it's rated as one of the world's best bars.
Address: Storgata 27, Oslo
The nearby Torggata Botaniske is easier to find and smells fresh and flowery thanks to the vines and plants covering both walls, windows and the ceiling. The small but interesting cocktail-list concentrates on botanical ingredients; think drinks with fresh basil and salted seaweed powder, spicy chipotle, ginger, lemon myrtle, rhubarb or crisp Norwegian apples.
Address: Torggata 17B, Oslo
Tim Wendelboe Espresso Bar/ Mathallen/ Nedre Foss Gaard
Catch the eastbound 11 or 12 trams from the city and get off at the Olaf Ryes Plass-stop to
wander through the eclectic, young Grunerlokka in Oslo's inner East. This old working-class suburb is now full of interesting restaurants, boutiques, bars and cafes. If the smell of freshly ground coffee-beans gets you going; make sure to stop by world-renowned and awarded Tim Wendelboe Espresso Bar. The tiny coffee-roaster treats brown brew as a fine art and the results are magnificent. Their Iced Latte served in a martini-glass tastes perfect on warm summer-days in the city and still is the best coffee I've had to date.
Address: Grünersgate 1, on the corner of Fossveien in Grünerløkka, Oslo.
Peckish? Take the short stroll from Tim Wendelboe down the grassy river-bank towards Mathallen. A trip to Mathallen ('The Food Hall') down by the River Akerselva offers upmarket produce from a good selection of international as well as local cuisines and products. Shop anything from artisan Belgian chocolate, French macaroons, deep-fried Hungarian bread and Italian house-made gelati to local Norwegian cheeses, baked goods and cured meats for a relaxing picnic on a nearby park-bench.
Address: Mathallen, Vulkan 5, Oslo
Thirsty? Join the locals' love for a cold, refreshing 'utepils' (translates to 'beer outside') or glass of sparkling prosecco, and cross the footbridge from Mathallen back across the river to Nedre Foss Gaard, a beautifully restored old farmhouse dating back to the 1200s. On the 2nd floor you will find Nedre Foss Brewery with no less than 30 kinds of beer on tap. Indulge in Norwegian seafood in the stylish, downstairs dining-room. Nedre Foss Gaard offers beautifully presented brunch (weekends only), lunch and dinner with carefully selected seasonal ingredients. The inviting outdoor tables under umbrellas and trees are lovely for a late summer dinner by the river.
Address: Nordre gate 2, Oslo
Restaurants to try in Oslo
Tietse Stelma
Oslo restaurants, in the tradition of the New Nordic Food Movement, have the depth and sophistication you would expect from the capital city of Norway. Read our options for places to try.
In Oslo you find restaurants in all price categories and genres.
Norwegian cuisine in its traditional form is based largely on the raw materials readily available in Norway and its mountains, wilderness and coast. It differs in many respects from its continental counterparts with a stronger focus on game and fish. Many of the traditional dishes are results of using conserved materials, with respect to the long winters.
Here is a few of ourfavouritesin Oslo's wide variety of restaurants:
Lofoten Fish Restaurant, traditional and quaint with the broths and creamy fish options you would expect in Norway
Restaurant Kontrast , near Mathallen, 1 Michelin-star restaurant with a moderate price tag (pictured above)
Topp Hem, Norwegian, seasonal and local from nearby farms served as share-platters
Maaemo
Nedre Foss Gård - it’s an old historic farm in Oslo that is now a refurbished (after a fire in 2016) restaurant/ bar with and outdoor courtyard. Nedre Foss Gård means Lower Waterfall (Foss) Farm.
Theatercafeen
Solsiden Restaurant
De Fem Stuer, is located in the old wooden building from 1894 and is one of Oslo's best restaurant set in a great surrounding on top of hill overlooking Oslo
Ekebergrestauranten
Engebret Café
Frognerseteren Restaurant: Finstua
For less expensive restaurants, head to the Grunerlokka district. It is great place to take in the city's pulse in the city's more ethnically diverse east. In this once working-class area, the vital signs of budget Oslo are most apparent, with low-cost restaurants, second-hand clothes shops and student bars grouped around the streets Markveien and Thorvald Meyers Gate. Among them, the café bar Fru Hagen has a legion of blond locals seeking cheap eats. On a Sunday evening, when much of the city is almost deserted, Fru Hagen is heaving.
When in Oslo try these local cuisines:
Smoked Salmon or Røkt Laks
Kjøttboller - Meatballs
Krumkake - waffle-like pancake, which are then filled with whipped cream
In Oslo you find restaurants in all price categories and genres.
Norwegian cuisine in its traditional form is based largely on the raw materials readily available in Norway and its mountains, wilderness and coast. It differs in many respects from its continental counterparts with a stronger focus on game and fish. Many of the traditional dishes are results of using conserved materials, with respect to the long winters.
Here is few of ourfavouritesto Oslo's wide variety of restaurants:
Lofoten Fish Restaurant Kontrast Tom Hem
Maaemo Nedre Foss Gård
Theatercafeen
Solsiden Restaurant
De Fem Stuer
Ekebergrestauranten
Engebret Café
Frognerseteren Restaurant: Finstua
For less expensive restaurants, head to the Grunerlokka district. It is great place to take in the city's pulse in the city's more ethnically diverse east. In this once working-class area, the vital signs of budget Oslo are most apparent, with low-cost restaurants, second-hand clothes shops and student bars grouped around the streets Markveien and Thorvald Meyers Gate. Among them, the café bar Fru Hagen has a legion of blond locals seeking cheap eats. On a Sunday evening, when much of the city is almost deserted, Fru Hagen is heaving.
**When in Oslo try these local cuisines: **
Smoked Salmon or Røkt Laks
Kjøttboller - Meatballs
Krumkake - waffle-like pancake, which are then filled with whipped cream
