Oslo to Bergen Summer Adventure - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

Welcome to Oslo! 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 center made for walking, but outlying neighborhoods—filled with charm and character—are easily accessible by public transportation, so jump on a tram, train, or bus and explore all of what Oslo has to offer.

Suggested activities include: 

• Take a half-day and wander around Aker Brygge, an area on the Oslofjord made up of beautiful, modern buildings where you can find bars and abundant nightlife. It acts as a sort of courtyard for the city of Oslo and brings together both tourists and locals alike to enjoy the great food, atmosphere, and entertainment.

• Spend the afternoon visiting the Viking Ship Museum and the Norwegian Open-Air Folk Museum by way of public transportation. Both museums are in the same area, so they pair well together! 

• Walk along the Havnepromenaden (harbor promenade)—a new five-and-a-half-mile waterfront park, which combines sightseeing, history, art, architecture, and a little bit of adventure.

• Visit the Vigeland Sculpture Park, where 200 larger than life sculptures are placed throughout this green lung in the middle of the city. 

For dinner, explore the city's historic core buzzing with restaurants and cafés that stay cozy in cold weather, with several options that offer outdoor seating during summer months.

Day 2: Train to Geilo - Bus to Eidfjord

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you'll take a train out of the city towards the mountain village of Geilo. Located along the scenic Bergen Railway, Geilo enjoys close proximity to two of the country's best national parks: Hallingskarvet and Hardangervidda. This mountainous area of Norway offers magnificent photo opportunities and year-round activities for all ages. 

When you disembark the train, you'll simply walk over to the bus station to connect to your midday ride to Eidfjord. In about two hours, you will arrive at this small village along the Hardangerfjord (the 2nd longest fjord in Norway). With dramatic mountains and waterfall sightings, it's easy to see why Eidfjord is considered to be one of the most beautiful fjord-side towns in Norway.

Once you check into your guesthouse, you'll have the rest of the day to explore the area. Start by having tea or coffee at one of the waterfront cafés to enjoy the view, like the terrace at the Fjell & Fjord Hotel, then have a walk around to decide which restaurant you'd like to try for dinner. This is an ideal starting point for trips around the Hardangervidda, so there are plenty of activities to start thinking about.

Day 3: Fjordcruise to Utne

Today, you can enjoy a relaxing breakfast at your hotel and more time exploring Eidfjord before you get ready to set sail! You'll head to the port in the early afternoon to catch your two-hour fjordcruise headed west for the town of Utne. Keep your camera close as the ride offers scenery in every direction.

When you arrive at Utne in the heart of the Hardangerfjord, you'll walk to your hotel and home base for the next two nights—one of Norway’s oldest hotels. Utne Hotel has been in continuous operation in the same building since 1722 when Peder Larsson Børsem was granted his innkeeper’s license. Careful thought is given to architectural details, amenities, and decor. 

In the evening, wander around Utne's streets and then stop for dinner either in town or on-site. If choosing the latter, the restaurant at Utne Hotel is decorated almost the same way as it was in 1930 when it was designed in cooperation with the architect Torgeir Alvsaker.

Day 4: Explore Utne & Cider Tasting

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll have the whole day to spend in the Utne area! Some suggested activities include:

• Hike the Valley of Husedalen: Just across the fjord from Utne is the Husadalen area, known for its four gorgeous waterfalls, located one after the other, on the way from Kinsarvik to Hardangervidda. Choose between a longer hiking route that passes each of the waterfalls (and back), which takes 5-6 hours, or a shorter option with fewer waterfalls. 
  
  
• Hike Trolltunga: Experience the impressive Trolltunga (Troll's Tongue) rock formation with this longer and more challenging day-trip. Located above Ringedalsvatnet Lake in Skjeggedal, Trolltunga's popular vantage point offers fantastic views of the area. This trip takes 8–10 hours with a height gain of 2952 feet (900 m).
  
  
• Hardanger Folk Museum: This regional open-air museum in Utne features embroidery, traditional costumes, and Norway's largest collection of old Hardanger fiddles. Explore temporary and permanent art exhibitions, and several historic buildings including farmhouses and boathouses, artifacts, as well as outdoor art installations along with a museum shop and café.   

In the evening, you'll take part in a local cider tasting at the hotel. Apples have been a popular crop in the area since the 13th century and this cold-pressed cider, between 3% and 12% alcohol, has a long tradition in the area. During the tasting, you'll try several variations and learn about the culture behind this important product.

Day 5: Train to Flåm - Fjordcruise to Bergen

This morning, after an early breakfast at your hotel, you'll take the train to Myrdal and then connect to the famous Flåm Railway. This is known as one of the steepest railways in the world, with spectacular views of mountainous peaks and fjords. Be sure to watch for the Kjosfossen waterfall (the train will stop here for photographs before departing again for Flåm.)

Once you arrive, you may have some time to explore this small village along the Sognefjord. You may want to set out on a nearby hiking trail, visit the Flam Railway Museum, or tour the Flåm church—constructed from wood in 1667. Be sure to sample traditional Norwegian cuisine at one of the many cafes, pubs or restaurants in town.

In the mid-afternoon, you'll head to Flåm's port to travel to Bergen by ferry (about five hours) along the Sognefjord. Enjoy spectacular scenery and refreshments as you set sail and learn about local villages along this route. For instance, you'll cruise along the spectacular Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord which flows through Aurland and Undredal for your viewing pleasure. You'll also have an opportunity to gawk at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord with towering mountains rising 5,600 feet (1,700 m) high.

Once you get to Bergen, check out the Bryggen area of downtown to view old wooden houses dating back to the 1700s (a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site). The cobblestoned streets in town are compact and walkable, with lively restaurants and nightlife, thanks in part to a young student population. 

Day 6: Depart Bergen

It's time to say farewell to Norway! Enjoy your last moments in this beautiful city with a leisurely breakfast, neighborhood stroll, and/or souvenir shopping before you head to the airport for your return flight home.