A Winter Rail Odyssey in Fjord Norway

Famous Mountain Railway

Famous Mountain Railway

Photo Credits: Kyrre Wangen

Beautiful Winter View Over Bergen

Beautiful Winter View Over Bergen

Photo Credits: Tatyana Vyc

Snow Covered Royal Castle

Snow Covered Royal Castle

Photo Credits: byggarn.se

Winter Views From The Fjord Express Boat

Winter Views From The Fjord Express Boat

Photo Credits: Morten Normann Almeland's

Spectacular Stegastein Viewpoint

Spectacular Stegastein Viewpoint

Photo Credits: Visit Flam

A Winter Rail Odyssey in Fjord Norway

Europe’s highest railway, the Bergensbahnen, links Oslo and Bergen, climbing to 4000 feet across a barren snowclad Hardangervidda mountain plateau and descends through steep valleys, mirrored in the fjords below. This has been designated as one of the great railway journeys of the world and is just as dramatic in the winter months. A stop off in the fjordside village of Flåm, at this time devoid of the summer crowds, reveals a sleepy hamlet of a bygone era. 

DAY 1 To Oslo
Fly to Oslo and self-transfer to your chosen hotel for two nights. We recommend the Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion, centrally located and a short walk from the central rail station, Karl Johan Avenue and the Aker Brygge district. This hotel also serves complimentary afternoon waffles and a welcome light buffet supper. The remainder of the day is free for you to familiarise yourself with your surroundings.
 
DAY 2 Oslo – Day at leisure
Oslo has over 50 museums. View the world’s largest collection of artwork by Munch and study the works of Nobel Prize Laureates at the Nobel Peace Centre. The Viking Ship, Fram and Kon-Tiki museums chart Norway’s maritime history. Alternatively, embrace the outdoors with a trip to the surrounding forests. Oslo Winter Park and Ski Centre are just minutes from the city. Aker Brygge, is now a cosmopolitan collection of harbour front bars and restaurants and excellent place for casual dining and people watching.
 
DAY 3 Norway in a Nutshell to Flåm
The famous Oslo to Bergen railway normally departs the central station at 08.25. The journey initially takes you through the rolling farmlands surrounding Oslo, eventually arriving at the mountain station of Myrdal, where you change for Flåmsbana. The Flåm Railway is one of the steepest tracks in the world. The descent offers panoramic views, passes frozen waterfalls and goes through 20 tunnels.The line terminates in the fjord-side village of Flåm, situated in the innermost reaches of Aurlandsfjord, an arm of Sognefjord. In the summer Flåm can be a teeming mass of tourists, but in winter, it reverts to a sleepy hamlet with a population of around 400 people. Check in to your chosen hotel. We recommend the Flåmsbrygga Hotel, where 38 of the 41 rooms have a balcony and enjoy a fjord view. Despite the tiny population, there remains plenty to do. Visit the Flåm Railway Museum, sip a hand-crafted beer from the Aegir Brewery or take a gentle walk around the numerous paths that surround the village.
 
DAY 4 Stegastein, Naeroyfjord and Bergen
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before taking an excursion to Stegastein. It is a rather dramatic drive up to this spectacular viewpoint, located 650m above the fjord and you are rewarded with a stunning vista from the platform.Returning to Flåm, be ready to board the 15.00 ferry, for your onward journey. The ferry sails down the UNESCO World Heritage Naeroyfjord, which at this time of the year is surrounded by steep snow-covered mountain tops. On arrival in Gudvangen, board the bus to Voss, then re-joining the train bound for Bergen. Arrival in Bergen is around 19.00. Self-transfer to your chosen hotel. We recommend the Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, steps away from historic Bryggen.
 
DAY 5 Bergen
Today is free for you to explore Bergen at your leisure. A treasure trove of delights await including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen, Fløyen, the funicular railway and up to two dozen museums, including Troldhaugen, home of composer Edvard Grieg. Restaurants and café’s offer a wide range of locally sourced produce and don’t forget to try a delicious cinnamon bun.
 
DAY 6 UK
There remains ample time today to continue with your exploration of this delightful Hanseatic town before heading to the airport in time for your return flight home.
Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion
Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion
The Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion is located just a few minutes walk from Oslo’s central station, the fashionable shopping district of Karl Johan avenue and the cosmopolitan Aker Brygge district. This boutique style hotel has a wide choice of modern and charming rooms, all with a Scandinavian twist and some with views of the Opera House and harbour area. The hotel offers complimentary afternoon waffles and a light evening buffet supper served from 18.00-21.00 daily.
Excellent location ▪ Free Wi-Fi ▪ Good value
Flåmsbrygga Hotell
Flåmsbrygga Hotell
The Flåmsbrygga Hotel is located as close to the edge of the Aurlandsfjord as one could possibly get. A character filled property with 41 rooms, 38 of which have a fjord view and balcony. The Flåmstova Restaurant is a warm, rustic retreat serving the best of locally sourced products with a modern Norwegian twist. The adjoining Aegir Brewery reflects a Viking heritage with a 9m high fireplace and delights in pairing its locally brewed beer with both its menu and that of the Flåmstova.
Delightful location ▪ Excellent views of Aurlandsfjord ▪ tea & coffee facilities in the room
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz
Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz
This newly renovated property has quickly become one of our favoured properties in Bergen. The traditional red brick façade hides a smart, modern hotel, ideally located just metres from Bergen’s famous ‘Bryggen’ and a short walk from the Fish Market and Fløybanen.  The well-equipped rooms all have private WC/shower, mini-bar, Bose music system and 48” smart TV, as well as exceptionally comfortable beds. An extensive Scandinavian buffet breakfast is included and served in the bustling breakfast room. As well as a lobby bar, there is a comfortable guest lounge where you can relax after the day’s sightseeing and enjoy the complimentary Nespresso coffee.
Excellent value in a prime location ▪ Superior rooms with Nespresso machines, bathrobe and slippers ▪ Parking adjacent to the hotel (charge)