Home Bespoke Tours Fjords & Peaks Express: Norway’s Iconic Railways This spectacular, fast-paced trip takes travellers through the heart of Norway via the country’s most renowned railways, passing the majestic fjords and vibrant cities along the way. Best time of year: Summer Suggested duration: 7 nights Traveller type: Fast pace, for families, for adventure seekers, for the hiking experts Set out on a high-speed Norwegian adventure through the country’s most remarkable landscapes and witness majestic fjords alongside towering mountains while indulging in the iconic railway journeys. Your trip begins in Oslo, where you will discover Norway’s vibrant capital on a 4-hour sightseeing tour before taking time for independent exploration. On the next day, venture into the heart of Norway via the phenomenal Rauma Railway, which traverses lush green valleys and passes towering mountains, bringing you to the charming mountain town of Åndalsnes. After a scenic transfer, you will be accommodated in a historic hotel in Norway’s most iconic fjord village — the idyllic Geiranger. From this secluded settlement, hop on a ferry and cruise the enchanting, UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, travelling towards the beautiful town of Ålesund. Located on the west coast of Norway across a collection of interconnected islands, Ålesund is arguably the country’s most beautiful city, best witnessed from the panoramic Aksla viewpoint. The next stop on your itinerary — Bergen — lies within a short flight from Ålesund, enchanting all visitors with its architectural beauty. Bryggen, the historic wharf famous for its string of colourful houses facing the waterfront, holds appeal for everyone, and you will have time to explore this and Bergen’s other major attractions on a private guided tour. Finally, the last leg of your journey takes you back to Oslo on a fascinating day trip to the fjords. Begin with a scenic train ride to Voss and a no less picturesque bus ride to Gudvangen. Afterwards, cruise the majestic Nærøyfjord to the lovely mountain village of Flåm, where you will embark on another remarkable train journey — the world-famous Flåm Railway, which traverses the spellbinding Flåm Valley. Ultimately, the final train trip from Myrdal will bring you back to Norway’s capital city, delivering a perfect finale to your unforgettable express trip. Previous tour itinerary Day 1 Arrive in Oslo and explore the vibrant Norwegian capital independently before concluding the day with a delicious dinner at a sophisticated restaurant in Aker Brygge. Day 2 Discover the best of Oslo on a combined 4-hour sightseeing tour, visiting the city’s major attractions, including the renowned Vigeland Park. In the afternoon, explore the city’s world-class museums or set sail on an optional scenic cruise in the Oslofjord. Day 3 Begin your day experiencing one of Europe’s most scenic railway trips by taking a train to Åndalsnes, a picturesque mountain town on the shore of Romsdalsfjord. The journey’s absolute highlight is the dramatic Rauma Line, which traverses the stunning Romsdalen Valley and passes alongside the spectacular Trollveggen, Europe’s tallest vertical rock face. After lunch and a brief city exploration in Åndalsnes, you will take a private transfer to the tranquil village of Geiranger, making a stop at Trollstigen — a remarkable serpentine road and one of Norway’s major landmarks — along the way. Day 4 After a memorable night in Norway’s most iconic fjord village, you will embark on a captivating fjord cruise across the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and arrive in the beautiful town of Ålesund. Spend the rest of the evening exploring the city at your leisure or ascending to the Aksla viewpoint for panoramic views under the enchanting midnight sun. Day 5 Following a morning walking tour around Ålesund, transfer to the airport and catch a flight to Bergen. Spend the rest of the day exploring Norway’s second-largest city independently, concluding with a flavourful dinner at one of the exquisite restaurants in central Bergen. Day 6 Begin your day with a private walking tour of the city, discovering Bergen’s major attractions and hidden gems, followed by a cable car ride to Mount Fløyen. In the afternoon, consider visiting one of the city’s top-notch museums or taking an optional fjord cruise to the Mostraumen Strait. Day 7 Set out on a day trip to the fjords, which begins at Bergen’s railway station and takes you to the scenic town of Voss. Afterwards, experience a picturesque bus ride through lush valleys amidst towering mountains to Gudvangen, where you will join a majestic cruise across the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. Subsequently, you will take another scenic train journey, travelling along the world-famous Flåm Railway before catching the final train to Oslo. Day 8 Depart from Oslo or extend your stay in the city. Get in touch Explore Norwaywithout the effort. We’re here to help you escape reality — seeing incredible landscapes without the admin required to get there. Get in touch for custom tours tailored to you. Begin your Journey Rauma Railway takes travellers through the namesake valley, enchanting visitors with spectacular vistas of towering peaks. Tour highlights Our favourite stops The Royal Palace of Oslo The remarkable Neoclassical palace stands majestically on a rise at the end of Karl Johans gate, Oslo’s main thoroughfare. This magnificent building is the official residence of the Norwegian monarchs and boasts a truly dramatic history. It was erected for the very person the street is named after, King Karl III Johan, but the Swedish monarch who had conquered Norway never had the opportunity to reside within its walls. Comprising 173 rooms, including a banqueting hall and a private chapel, the 19th-century palace is surrounded by a beautifully designed Slottsparken, featuring picturesque ponds and classical statues. Travellers can explore this major attraction by joining one of the public guided tours, available only during summer and requiring advance booking (tickets sell out quickly). However, visitors unable to secure a tour can still witness the elaborate changing of the guard ceremony, held daily at 13:30 outside the palace. Rauma Railway The rail tracks of the Rauma Railway run alongside the towering peaks of Trollveggen. The railway, opened between 1921 and 1924, offers one of Europe’s most scenic rides. The train takes travellers along the majestic Romsdalen Valley, past the towering Trollveggen and numerous waterfalls, and crosses the impressive stone arch bridge spanning the Rauma River. While Rauma is less famous than the world-renowned Flåmsbana, it is certainly no less beautiful. The railway is so scenic that it even briefly featured in the sixth Harry Potter film! Geirangerfjord Geirangerfjord, Norway’s most famous fjord, is a genuine masterpiece of nature, surrounded by steep mountains on all sides and cascading waterfalls. The fjord, which attracts at least 300,000 visitors annually, is a great place for activities such as kayaking, RIB boat tours, and hiking in the surrounding area. Aksla viewpoint Also known as Fjellstua, the viewpoint on Mount Aksla is one of the most popular attractions in Ålesund, offering spectacular views of the city and the surrounding archipelago. Visitors can reach the spot by climbing 418 stairs or taking the city train. Fjellstua also serves as a starting point for several scenic hikes and features an on-site restaurant, perfect for a delicious meal with unforgettable vistas. Bryggen Bryggen is a colourful waterfront district that dates back to the era of the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval network of German merchants. It is one of Norway’s most popular tourist attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can even stop by the local Hanseatic Museum to gain valuable insights into the history of Bryggen and that influential merchant guild. Nærøyfjord Nærøyfjord is an arm and arguably the most beautiful stretch of the Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest fjord, also known as the “King of the Fjords.” As the name suggests, Nærøyfjord is one of the world’s narrowest fjords. Nestled between towering mountains and tiny, picturesque villages in green meadows, this fjord is best experienced on an unforgettable cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm. Flåm Railway Flåmsbana is one of the world’s steepest standard-gauge railway lines, running along the Flåmselvi River, through picturesque green valleys, and past cascading waterfalls. Many call it the most scenic train ride in the world, which explains why it has become one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. The train makes a stop near the roaring Kjosfossen waterfall, where passengers can watch a short spectacle featuring Huldra, a tempting forest creature from Scandinavian folklore. Places you’ll explore Review the route Oslo Åndalsnes Geiranger Ålesund Bergen Voss Gudvangen Flåm Myrdal Oslo Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a vibrant city known for its modern architecture, rich history and cultural core — packed with museums, parks, and a stunning waterfront. Read more Åndalsnes Located at the mouth of the majestic Romsdalen valley, Åndalsnes is a haven for climbers and hikers, serving as a starting point for trips to Trollveggen and Trollstigen. Read more Geiranger Geiranger, surrounded by towering mountains and cascading waterfalls, is a tiny, picturesque village that sits at the end of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, making it perfect for recreation and activities on the fjord. Read more Ålesund Spread over several islands in a truly picturesque setting, Ålesund is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and the spectacular views from Mount Aksla. Read more Bergen Bergen, nicknamed “the city of seven mountains,” is the country’s second-largest city and the gateway to the West Norwegian fjords. Read more Voss Oftentimes referred to as “Norway’s adventure capital,” Voss is home to two major ski resorts, attracting travellers year-round with its abundance of outdoor activities — from rafting and hiking in summer to skiing and snowboarding in winter. Read more Gudvangen Nestled at the end of the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, Gudvangen is famous for the reconstructed Viking village of Njardarheimr and the spectacular scenery of imposing mountains and cascading waterfalls that surround it. Read more Flåm Flåm, a small mountain village in western Norway, sits on the shore of the Aurlandsfjord and draws crowds of travellers thanks to the Flåmsbana, which many call the world’s most scenic train ride. Read more Myrdal Myrdal, a small mountain village and train station, is best known as the last stop of the Flåmsbana, one of the world’s most scenic train rides. Read more Oslo Oslo, the capital of Norway, is a vibrant city known for its modern architecture, rich history and cultural core — packed with museums, parks, and a stunning waterfront. Read more Åndalsnes Located at the mouth of the majestic Romsdalen valley, Åndalsnes is a haven for climbers and hikers, serving as a starting point for trips to Trollveggen and Trollstigen. Read more Geiranger Geiranger, surrounded by towering mountains and cascading waterfalls, is a tiny, picturesque village that sits at the end of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, making it perfect for recreation and activities on the fjord. Read more Ålesund Spread over several islands in a truly picturesque setting, Ålesund is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture and the spectacular views from Mount Aksla. Read more Bergen Bergen, nicknamed “the city of seven mountains,” is the country’s second-largest city and the gateway to the West Norwegian fjords. Read more Voss Oftentimes referred to as “Norway’s adventure capital,” Voss is home to two major ski resorts, attracting travellers year-round with its abundance of outdoor activities — from rafting and hiking in summer to skiing and snowboarding in winter. Read more Gudvangen Nestled at the end of the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, Gudvangen is famous for the reconstructed Viking village of Njardarheimr and the spectacular scenery of imposing mountains and cascading waterfalls that surround it. Read more Flåm Flåm, a small mountain village in western Norway, sits on the shore of the Aurlandsfjord and draws crowds of travellers thanks to the Flåmsbana, which many call the world’s most scenic train ride. Read more Myrdal Myrdal, a small mountain village and train station, is best known as the last stop of the Flåmsbana, one of the world’s most scenic train rides. Read more Frequently asked questions How it works Pricing Travel support Can I book an itinerary exactly as it is on your website? Not quite. Every traveller is unique, and so is every itinerary we create. The sample itineraries on our website are meant to inspire you and give you an idea of what’s possible. Your personal Travel Consultant will design a bespoke trip tailored specifically to your preferences, interests, and travel style. What’s the difference between a private trip and a group tour? All our trips are private and tailor-made. We do not offer scheduled group tours. Instead, we focus on fully customized itineraries designed just for you and your travel companions. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, every detail will be crafted to suit your individual needs. How do we start planning a custom itinerary? It all begins with a conversation. Once you reach out to us, one of our Travel Consultants will get in touch to learn more about your travel style, interests, and must-sees. From there, we’ll craft a personalised itinerary, refining it with your feedback until it’s just right. Once confirmed, we handle all the logistics, so you can simply enjoy the journey. How long does the planning process take? It depends on the complexity of your itinerary and how much customisation is required. Some trips come together in a matter of days, while others – especially those with special arrangements or remote destinations – can take a few weeks. We recommend getting in touch as early as possible to ensure availability and a seamless experience. Can I make changes to my itinerary after booking? Absolutely. We understand that plans can evolve, and we’ll do our best to accommodate any adjustments. Changes may be subject to availability and potential additional costs, but we’ll always strive to make your trip as flexible as possible. What added value do you provide? Planning a seamless and memorable trip takes time and expertise – that’s where we come in. From itinerary design and booking to on-the-ground logistics, we take care of everything, ensuring a hassle-free experience. We work with trusted local partners, personally vet every element of your journey, and remain available 24/7 should you need assistance. With us, you’re not just booking a trip – you’re investing in a carefully curated travel experience. Can you arrange a rental car for my trip? Yes, we can arrange a rental car for you. Once we discuss the terms and pricing, you can decide whether to book through us or arrange it independently. We’ll ensure that you have the right vehicle for your itinerary and provide recommendations for driving routes and road conditions. Why aren’t all meals included in the price? We believe discovering local cuisine is an essential part of your journey, and everyone has different tastes. To give you flexibility, we typically include daily breakfast and occasional lunches or dinners. In remote areas, such as in hotels near fjords or remote villages, dinner is usually included. Your final itinerary will specify which meals are covered. How does your pricing work? The prices on our website are indicative and based on two or more travellers sharing the cost of accommodation, transport, and experiences. Once you get in touch, we will provide a customised quote based on your travel dates, group size, accommodation choices, and any special requests. Since every trip is tailor-made, the final cost will reflect your unique itinerary. Are international flights included in the price? No, international flights are not included. Many of our travellers prefer to book their own flights using frequent-flyer miles or loyalty points. However, if you need assistance finding the best routes or timings, we’re happy to help. All regional and domestic flights within your itinerary, as well as other transport, are included in the cost. What if my flight is delayed or cancelled? If your flight is delayed or cancelled, we recommend informing us as soon as possible so we can assist with any necessary changes to your itinerary. If you have booked your flights independently, you should contact your airline directly for rebooking options. However, we will do our best to adjust transfers, accommodations, and activities to keep your trip running smoothly. Do you provide electronic documents and itineraries? Yes! We are committed to sustainable travel, so we provide all travel documents, itineraries, and confirmations electronically. Your personalised itinerary will be accessible through a mobile-friendly application, ensuring you have all the details at your fingertips without the need for printed documents. What happens if I need assistance during my trip? We provide 24/7 support throughout your journey. Whether you have a last-minute question, need to adjust your itinerary, or require urgent assistance, our team is just a call or message away. We work closely with trusted local partners to ensure you always have someone to turn to, no matter where you are. Do I need an international driver’s licence for a self-drive tour? In most cases, a valid driving licence from your home country is sufficient for driving in the Nordic region. However, some rental companies may require an International Driving Permit (IDP), especially if your licence is not in English or does not use the Roman alphabet. We recommend checking in advance to ensure you have the correct documentation. You will also need to present your licence for activities such as snowmobile safaris. Do I need a visa to travel to the Nordic region? Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the countries you plan to visit. Many travellers from Europe, North America, and certain other regions can enter visa-free for short stays. However, starting in 2025, visitors from visa-exempt countries (such as the U.S., Canada, and the U.K.) will need to apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) permit before entering the Schengen Area, which includes most Nordic countries. The ETIAS application is a quick online process and is valid for multiple trips over three years. Please note that the launch date of the system is currently unknown. Since entry requirements can change, we recommend checking with your local embassy or asking your Travel Consultant for guidance. While we can provide information, it is usually the traveller’s responsibility to arrange visas or travel authorisations. 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