Norway by Train
Come with us to travel by train through some of the most impressive scenery in Europe and enjoy views of fjords, mountains, lakes, and wide open landscapes. Along the way we will overnight in seven cities and towns: Bergen, Flam, Oslo, Andalsnes, Trondheim, Bodo and Narvik. If you have dreamed of a European train journey, or have always wanted to see Norway and the midnight sun, this may be the trip for you.
We begin in Bergen and enjoy its colourful houses and waterfront charm before taking a spectacular ferry ride to Flam and then continuing by train to Oslo. After a couple of days in the capital, we continue north through Donbas to Andalsnes to enjoy its famous coastal views. From there we take the train to Trondheim for a day of history and riverfront scenery, and then continue far to the north on the train to Bodo. After our time in Bodo, we set sail for the trendy Lofoten Islands before ending in Narvik.
The flow of this trip is simple. We take the train to a new place, stay a couple of nights, explore the main sights together during the days, and enjoy free evenings to walk around and see what's of interest. We mix planned activities with plenty of time to relax, so the trip can match your own interests and energy levels. It is an easy and enjoyable way to experience Norway.
PLEASE NOTE: When our tour ends in Narvik, guests will have a few options if they want to continue their Nordic tour. The first is to add an extra day or two in Narvik to further explore that area. A second is to book TravelMaven's unescorted four-night Swedish train connection package to Stockholm. Finally, given Narvik's 'gateway to the far north' status, TravelMaven is also happy to connect guests with local tourist operators offering options well beyond the Arctic Circle.
DETAILS
LAND PACKAGE: $8,780 (tbc)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $2,450 (tbc)
TYPE: TrainTour
HOTELS: 3 & 4 star
GROUP: Max 12 guests
DURATION: 13 nights (14 days)
Begins in Bergen: Sun May 23; Sun June 6
Ends in Narvik: Sat June 5; Sat June 19
Cities
Bergen
Bergen is Norway’s historic gateway to the fjords, known for its colourful harbour, surrounding mountains, and UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf. We will explore this charming coastal city, wander its scenic waterfront, and enjoy its lively cultural atmosphere. Bergen offers a perfect introduction to western Norway’s landscapes and traditions.
Flam
Flam is famous for two reasons. First, it is located at the end of the stunning Aurlandsfjorden. Photos of cruise ships tied to the town wharf are everywhere on the internet. Second, it's the terminus of the Flamsbana railway, which climbs an incredible 865 metres in just 20 kilometers, making it one of the steepest standard guage railways in the world.
Oslo
Oslo is Norway’s capital and a vibrant blend of waterfront living, modern design, and national history. We will explore some of its key sights and enjoy its relaxed urban atmosphere surrounded by forests and fjord. Oslo offers a welcoming mix of culture, nature, and contemporary Norwegian style.
Andalsnes
Andalsnes is the outdoor capital of the Romsdal region, famous for its steep mountains, fjord views, and iconic lookouts. Here we will ride the Romsdalsgondolen to the summit of Nesaksla and visit the Rampestreken viewpoint for unforgettable scenery. It’s a small town with some of the most impressive landscapes in Norway.
Trondheim
Trondheim is a historic city known for Nidaros Cathedral, colourful wooden neighbourhoods, and its scenic riverfront. During our visit we will explore the cathedral area, wander through the charming Bakklandet district, and enjoy the views from Kristiansten Fortress. Trondheim blends old-world charm with a lively university-city energy.
Bodo
Bodo sits just north of the Arctic Circle and is known for dramatic coastal scenery, modern architecture, and the nearby Saltstraumen maelstrom. During our visit we will experience the power of Saltstraumen, explore the city’s waterfront, and enjoy panoramic views from the surrounding hills. Bodø provides a striking mix of northern nature and contemporary Norwegian life.
Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands lie just off the Norwegian coast. It is only in recent years that the area has become famous due to widespread exposure on Instagram and other social media. As a result, what was unless recently an unknown part of the country is now a popular destination for many visitors.
Narvik
Narvik is a historic port, first made famous during World War Two. While it isn't connected to the Norwegian rail network, ironically it is the terminus of the Swedish railway. in addition to its historic significance, today it is mostly known as the juming off point to Norway's far north.
Daily Agenda
Day 0
DEPART HOME: Begin Journey to Norway
Today, guests will depart from their home airport and begin their journey to Norway, where our adventure awaits. Although flights are not included in this Land Package, TravelMaven is pleased to assist with flight arrangements and can help ensure a smooth journey.
Day 1
ARRIVE IN BERGEN: Walking Tour & Welcome Dinner
Guests will arrive in Bergen this morning and transfer to the hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, we’ll set out on a guided walking tour of Bergen, exploring its historic streets, waterfront views and cultural highlights. Afterward, we’ll gather for our Welcome Dinner at a nearby restaurant.
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2
BERGEN DAY: Cable Car & Free Time
Today we'll start with a ride on the Ulriken643 cable car ascending Mount Ulriken, the city's highest mountain. We'll see spectacular views of fjords, islands, and colourful rooftops below. After descending and returning to our hotel, guests will have a free evening to explore the town at their leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 3
FERRY DAY: Through Fjord to Flam
This morning we'll check out and board a ferry to Flam. The 6-hour journey is a highlight in itself, offering stunning views of Norway’s dramatic coastline, serene waterways, and mountain landscapes. Upon arrival in Flam, we’ll head to our hotel and check in for the night before continuing on to Oslo tomorrow.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 4
TRAIN DAY: Flam to Oslo
This morning we’ll check out of our hotel in Flam and board the 9:00am train to Oslo. The 6-hour ride offers beautiful views of mountains and countryside along the way. After arriving in Oslo, we’ll check into our hotel, and guests will have the evening free to settle in or take a short walk around the city.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 5
OSLO DAY #1:
We’ll begin our time in Oslo with a visit to the Opera House, followed by a relaxed stroll along the waterfront to Akershus Fortress. Guests will then enjoy lunch and free time in the lively Aker Brygge district. The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to explore or unwind at the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 6
OSLO DAY #2:
This morning we’ll visit Vigeland Park for a gentle walk among its famous sculptures. We’ll then continue to the Bygdoy Peninsula, where guests can choose a museum that interests them most. In the afternoon, we’ll head up to Holmenkollen for beautiful city views before returning to the hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7
TRAIN DAY: Oslo to Andalsnes
Today we’ll depart Oslo and board the train to Dombas, a scenic route through forests, valleys, and mountain landscapes. From Dombas, we’ll connect to the train for Andalsnes, one of Norway’s most picturesque rail journeys. Upon arrival, we’ll head to our hotel and check in for the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8
ANDALSNES DAY:
Today we will ride the Romsdalsgondolen to the summit of Nesaksla for spectacular views and a relaxed walk around the mountaintop. We will then visit the famous Rampestreken viewpoint, which requires a short hike. Afterward, we will return to town to enjoy the fjordfront.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 9
TRAIN DAY: Andalsnes to Trondheim
Today we travel to Trondheim by train, connecting in Dombas, along one of Norway’s most beautiful rail routes. Sit back and enjoy the scenery as we pass mountains, rivers, and classic Norwegian landscapes. Upon arrival, we’ll check-in to our hotel, and then take a short walk around our new neighbourhood.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 10
TRONDHEIM DAY
Today we'll begin at Nidaros Cathedral and the nearby Archbishop’s Palace before walking across the Old Town Bridge into the colourful Bakklandet district. In the afternoon we will continue to Kristiansten Fortress for panoramic views of the city, then finish with a river walk to the Solsiden waterfront.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 11
TRAIN DAY: Trondheim to Bodo
Today we will take a long but unforgettable train journey to Bodo. The trip is about ten hours, and the scenery along the Nordland Line is absolutely stunning, with mountains, forests, lakes, and wide open stretches of northern Norway. When we arrive in Bodo we'll head to our hotel.
Day 12
BODO DAY
Today we will begin with a visit to Saltstraumen, the world’s strongest tidal current. After returning to Bodo, we will visit the Norwegian Aviation Museum before enjoying some time along the city’s waterfront. We will finish the day with a trip up to the Ronvikfjellet viewpoint for wonderful views.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 13
FERRY/BUS DAY: Bodo via Lofoten Islands to Narvik
This day begins early with a 3-hour ferry to Moskenes, the southern entry point of the Lofoten Islands. There, we will be picked up by a charter bus to drive us north over islands and bridges to Narvik (300 km) making multiple stops along the way.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 14
DEPARTURE DAY: Narvik to home
Today marks the end of our tour. While many guests will head home to Canada, others may choose to continue their journey. Options include: staying an extra day or two in Narvik; continuing on their own or with a local tour operator into Norway's far north; adding TravelMaven's "train to Stockholm" 4-night extension; or travelling elsewhere in Europe. Ask Barry about options and costs.
Meals included: Breakfast