Compare Norwegian Fjords and Mountains by Indus Travels vs Norway in 7 days - Vision of the Fjords - Superior by Exoticca

Arrival Oslo Gardermoen Airport, pick up rental car and drive to hotel for check-in. We recommend a visit to the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Viking Ship Museum where the best preserved Viking ships ever found are on display, the Fram Museum where the entire original Arctic exploration ship Fram is exhibited with its original interior and inventory, the Kon-tiki Museum which contains original vessels and objects from Thor Heyerdal’s many expeditions or one of the many other interesting sights in Oslo.

Overnight in Oslo

Breakfast at the hotel. After breakfast departure from Oslo, driving via Hønefoss along the charming Halling Valley to the tourist resort town of Geilo. Cross the wild Hardanger Mountain Plateau to Fossli, stopping to view the thundering Vøringsfoss Waterfall with a vertical drop of 180 m. Descend the amazing Mabødal Canyon to the idyllic Hardanger Fjord and along the fjord to the small village of Lofthus.

Overnight in Lofthus

Approx. travel distance: 370 km 

Breakfast at the hotel and ferry crossing Kinsarvik – Utne – Kvanndal. Drive along the beautiful Hardanger Fjord, famous for its many fruit orchards, via the towns of Øystese and Norheimsund to arrive in Bergen around midday. Pick up your Bergen Card, giving you free entrance or discounts at museums, the funicular to Mt. Fløien with the best views of the city and fjords way below, regular city tours etc. We also recommend time to take in the special Bergen charm at the popular Fish and Flower Market, the famous Bryggen Harbour with its gabled packhouses, and the old Hanseatic Quarter.

Overnight in Bergen

Approx. travel distance: 169 km 

After breakfast departure from Bergen and drive via Dale to the town of Voss. Descend the Nærøy Valley, passing the Stalheim Canyon, to the fjordside village of Flam. In Flam board your train for an exhilarating ride on the amazing Flam Railway to Myrdal, a masterpiece of engineering ascending 2.838 feet in less than one hour. The descent from Myrdal to Flam offers opportunities for photo shots of some exciting waterfalls and mountain scenery. After return to Flam, short drive to Gudvangen at the head of the Nærøy Fjord. In Gudvangen board the sightseeing boat for start of approx. 3 hours cruise along the narrow Nærøy Fjord and the famous Sogn Fjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the world. From the sun deck or the comfortable lounge you can enjoy the spectacular scenery of cascading waterfalls, sheer mountain cliffs, snow-clad peaks, and a variety of wildlife. Arrival Kaupanger and short drive via Sogndal to Leikanger.

Overnight in Sognefjord

Approx. travel distance: 200 km 

After breakfast departure from your hotel along the scenic route. Pass the Jostedal Glacier, the largest in Europe, to the village of Skei. Descend to the beautiful Nord Fjord, making a detour at Olden to visit the world-famous Briksdal Glacier. The journey up to the glacier will be made in open cars to give you the best of views. Afterwards continue to Loen where you will have dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Loenfjord

Approx. travel distance: 145 km 

Breakfast at the hotel and continue via Stryn to the picturesque village of Hellesylt. From here you embark the ferry for the mini-cruise along the spectacular Geiranger Fjord, possibly the most impressive of all the Norwegian fjords. During the cruise you will pass some magnificent waterfalls, such as the Bridal Veil and the Seven Sisters.

Overnight in Geiranger

Approx. travel distance: 98 km 

Breakfast at the hotel and depart from Geiranger via one of the serpentine roads, offering the opportunity to digest some amazing views of the fjord, before crossing the rugged Grotli Mountains to Lom. Lom is well known for its 14th century stave church. The tour continues via Lake Vaga, before descending the magnificent Gudbrands Valley to the popular tourist town of Lillehammer, Olympic City of 1994. Continuation along Lake Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, back to Oslo and Holmenkollen, home of the world- famous ski jump arena, offering unforgettable views of the city and Oslo fjord way below before arriving back in Oslo again.

Overnight in Oslo

Approx. travel distance: 416 km 

You will enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, then drive to the airport and return the rental car. Make your way to continue with your journey back home.

Day 1: US - Night on board

Ready to discover the spectacular landscapes and scenic fjords of Norway? Arrive at your departure airport to catch a flight to Oslo.* Night on board. * Important: If your outbound flight leaves at dawn (before 04:00 a.m.) you must arrive at the airport the night before the selected departure day.

Day 2: Oslo

Arrive at Gardermoen airport and transfer to the hotel.* Oslo is the capital of Norway and a great place to discover the local culture and cuisine. The city is known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, its green spaces and its numerous museums, many of which are dedicated to the country's Viking heritage. Overnight stay in Oslo. * Transfers are provided by a regular Flybuss Service.

Day 3: Oslo - Oppland

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning enjoy a fascinating panoramic tour of Oslo including Frogner Park which houses the Sculptural Ensemble of Vigeland, the Town Hall, the Royal Palace, and the Modern Opera House. Afterwards, set off for Lillehammer, the city famous for the Olympics of '94, which is situated on the shores of Lake Mjøsa. Admire its tiny picturesque streets. Here you have the option to visit the Maihaugen Open-Air Museum.* Continue through the Oppland region and check-in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Oppland. * Optional Maihaugen Open-Air Museum: Maihaugen is Norway’s largest open-air museum outside of Oslo. The museum offers more than 200 buildings from different eras, superb cultural experiences and numerous exhibitions. You may find a cheaper price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.

Day 4: Oppland - Briksdal Glacier - Sogn og Fjordane

Breakfast at the hotel. An exciting day awaits as you set off for Briksdal Glacier. On the way, stop for a brief visit to the beautiful Lom Church.* Located inside the Jostedalsbreen National Park, the Briksdal Glacier is set within the breathtaking Briksdalen Valley, rising to a height of 1200 metres. Enjoy some free time in Briksdal to admire the unbelievable views, take photos, explore the valley and have lunch (at your own expense). Afterwards, head to the Førde region, to check in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Sogn og Fjordane. * Optional Entrance to Lom Church: Enjoy entrance to Lom Stave Church where you can admire the beautiful Romanesque architecture of this 12th-century site, one of the largest churches in Norway.Please note: You may find a cheaper entrance ticket price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.

Day 5: Sogn og Fjordane - Sognefjord - Bergen

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off into the landscapes of the land of fjords, and enjoy a panoramic cruise through the beautiful Sognefjord, one of the most famous and beautiful in the whole of Norway. Admire the Nærøy Fjord and the Sognefjord with its high mountains, waterfalls and breathtaking landscape, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Afterwards, continue to Gudvangen to enjoy some free time in this quaint village, nestled at the base of the Angosto Fjord. We recommend taking an optional excursion to the fascinating Viking Museum here.* Afterwards, continue to Voss where you can explore at your leisure until finally arriving in Bergen the 'capital of the fjords'. Transfer to the hotel and get settled in. Overnight stay in Bergen. * Optional Viking Museum Visit: Visit Gudvangen's Viking Museum to learn more about this important period in Norwegian history. The Viking Museum is home to impressive Viking-style buildings, re-enactments and brilliant insights into Norway's Viking heritage.

Day 6: Bergen

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off on a fascinating panoramic tour of Bergen for an overview of its sights and history. Visit the Fish Market, famous for its busy atmosphere and excellent produce, and the Hanseatic Neighbourhood or Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with traditional buildings, museums, restaurants and cafes. The afternoon is free at your leisure. We recommend an optional Funicular Ride to Mount Floyen.* Overnight stay in Bergen. * Optional Mount Floyen Funicular Ride: Ride to the top of Mount Floyen for exceptional views of Bergen and the surrounding fjord-lands. You may find a cheaper price at the destination, but it is recommended that you book through Exoticca to secure your place in advance.

Day 7: Bergen - Hardangerfjord - Oslo

Breakfast at the hotel. Set off early towards Oslo and on the way travel across the mighty Hardangerfjord. On the shores of this fjord you can watch the various different farming communities, many of them dedicated to fish farming. After admiring the glistening fjord, head to the Hardangervidda Plateau, home to large herds of wild reindeer. Continue to Olso and watch the changing landscapes and natural beauty of the Buskerud region pass by. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Oslo.

Day 8: Oslo - US

Breakfast at the hotel. At the indicated time, transfer to Gardermoen airport for your return flight back to the US.* Arrive in the US and end your trip. * Transfers are provided by a regular Flybuss Service.