Slow travel through Norway

Oslo

Tag 1: Arrival in Oslo

Travel like the locals and take the airport train to Oslo city. The frequent, convenient service goes from the airport right into the heart of the city. 

Norway's rapidly growing capital is still considered a small city, helped by the fact that it's surrounded by mountains and sea. Not only is the city centre made for walking, but outlying neighborhoods are lovely to explore, filled with charm and character.

After you get settled into your hotel, take the rest of the day to explore. Enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes on Karl Johans Street, before visiting one of the main landmarks, choose from Oslo Royal Palace, Tinghuset (The Parliament), Olso Townhall, Akershus Fortress, Oslo Operahouse, and Oslo Cathedral. 

For dinner, you'll be spoilt for choice in the Grünerløkka neighborhood along the Akerselva River; the old industrial area is now a lively evening destination.

Oslo

Tag 2: Scenic Fjord cruise

After breakfast, set out to discover more of Oslo. Visit Aker Brygge, a newly built neighborhood on a man-made peninsula. Walk on the boardwalk, mingle with locals, or just sit and enjoy a coffee while the world goes by.

Spend the afternoon seeing Oslo from a completely new angle - from the fjord. Board an electric ferry for a fabulous cruise from the city centre heading up the fjord, to see where Norwegians spend their summers. Enjoy brunch aboard the ferry as you pass coastal towns and islands filled with summerhouses and elegant permanent residences, all part of a rich waterfront culture.

Popular evening destinations are Aker Brygge, Yungstorget, Grünerløkka, or Karl Johans Street; from cafes and bars to Michelin starred restaurants there is something for everyone.

Relax after dinner strolling through the sculptural displays at Frogner park, or take the train to Vigeland Park.

Oslo - Geilo

Tag 3: Raw nature in Geilo

Take a train from Oslo to Geilo, passing through scenic landscapes en route from the coast to central Norway.

A small town located between Hallingskravet and Hardangervidda National Park, Geilo is an exciting summer and winter destination. In the winter, tehre are adventurous ski slopes, while in the summer it transforms into a hiker's paradise.

After checking into your hotel, take an afternoon walk along the Revesporet trail. It is a 1.4 km round-trip running south from the center of Geilo. Along the trail, explore the village, greet the animals at the Geilojordet farmyard, and marvel at the modern Geilo Kulturkyrkje (cultural church).

If the day is warm, take your swimwear with you - there is a recreational area just by the lake perfect for a refreshing dip.

Take time to enjoy the green mountain landscape and wild natural surroundings.

Geilo

Tag 4: Inspiring day walks for body and soul

After breakfast at the hotel, gather a day bag for a beautiful hike in the mountains. Geilo has many beautiful trails suitable for everyone, with panoramic views of the Norwegian mountains.

This day of self-guided hiking is the best way to get up close to nature at your own pace. Hiking is therapy for body and soul - be immersed in all the sights, sounds and smells of nature. Take the shortcut to the Hardangervidda plateau with the chairlift up from Vestlia or enjoy a hike around the Ustedalsfjorden lake, within walking distance of the village centre.

Not sure where to start? Highly recommended is the Skurdalsåsen trail is a 17km day hike which follows a trail moving in and out of the mountain forest, at around 1,000m above sea level. At each step along the way, encounter beautiful nature and amazing views of the surrounding mountains and Geilo village.

Geilo - Flåm - Balestrand

Tag 5: Fabulous Fjords by rail

Take a scenic 1-hour train ride from Geilo to Myrdal. At Myrdal, switch onto the Flåm Railway, arguably one of the world's steepest railways. Stretching from 867m above sea level down to 2 meters above sea level (Flåm) the route is 20km long and reaches right down to Aurlandsfjord; look out for the wild and beautiful Kjosfossen waterfall. 

In Flåm, take a small walk to the port and join a local ferry that crosses over to Balestrand. The ferry passes through the whole length of Aurlands Fjord and into the beautiful Sognefjord. Relax in the indoor seating area or enjoy the views of the fjords right from the deck.

Balestrand is know for its fjord-side villas and St. Olav´ s Church. Spend the rest of the day exploring; walk around the town, visit St. Olav's Church, browse the small boutiques and look around the local museums.

Balestrand

Tag 6: Lush landscapes and local produce

Kayaking is one of the best ways to get close to nature on the fjords. Spend the morning with a local guide and journey around the fjord at a moderate pace (suitable for first time kayakers). Along the way you will get to know the area and learn stories of local life and culture.

The fjord regions are known for their lush and fertile land, used for centuries by locals to grow a wide variety of foods. This afternoon a warm welcome awaits at a small orchard and cider brewery in Balestrand. Meet the owners and enjoy an afternoon walk through the apple orchard, learning about the history and varieties grown here in Balestrand. After the tour, take a seat in the lovely restaurant and sample the local flavours.

Balestrand - Bergen

Tag 7: Ferry to spectacular Bergen

This morning take a ferry to Bergen. The scenic ferry ride will take you through the whole Sognefjord all the way to the ocean. Enjoy the passing views from a comfortable indoor seat or outside on the deck.

As one of the oldest ports in Europe, Bergen enjoys a spectacular setting surrounded by ocean, mountains, and fjords. Enjoy your time in the easily walkable centre, with its vast selection of cultural and outdoor activities, plus a lively restaurant and nightlife scene.

Start with a ride on the Fløibanen funicular -or hike the trail on foot- to the top of Mt. Fløyen, one of Bergen's seven peaks. Enjoy the best views of the city from the top and discover hidden troll sculptures along the way.

Check out the downtown Bryggen area to view the colorful wooden houses along the waterfront, which characterize the city dating back to the 1700s, the whole neighborhood is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Bergen

Tag 8: Breathtaking Ulriken Peaks

Take a ride up to Mt. Ulriken with the Ulriken Cable Car. Mt. Ulriken is the highest of "the 7 mountains", 643m above sea level, with panoramic views of Bergen and the whole region.

Meet your guide in the early afternoon at the top of Mt. Ulriken and embark on an adventurous trip around the peaks of Bergen. Popular for its easy accessiblity, Ulriken is a popular mountain for hiking for both locals and visitors because of its easy accessibility, enjoy breathtaking views of Bergen and beyond, as far as the sea and the islands. Discover the area off the beaten track with your local guide and discover why the locals love Mt. Ulriken so much.

The hike lasts about 2.5hrs before return to the starting point; take the cable car back down or enjoy a well-deserved meal at the Skyskraperen Restaurant.

Bergen

Tag 9: Departure from Bergen

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and reflect on a week making cherished memories in Norway.

The town of Bergen and the airport are conveniently connected by airport buses, departing from the centre direct to the airport.