Essential Norway

Fly to Norway

Your Norwegian adventure begins as you fly to Oslo, Norway's fascinating capital. On arrival, you will transfer into the city centre by rail, and walk to the 4* Thon Hotel Opera.

A Tour of Oslo

You begin your stay in Oslo with a guided walking tour to introduce you to the main sights. The new state Opera House is situated close to our hotel and is an impressive, award-winning example of modern architecture. During your panoramic tour you will also see Norway's magnificent 19th century Royal Palace, and the 20th century Oslo City Hall, which is the home of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremonies. Your afternoon is spent at leisure in Norway's capital city.

Oslo offers a good choice of museums including the Viking Ship and Maritime Museum, the Folk Museum and the Edvard Munch Museum, just to name a few. You could also visit Oslo's world famous Art Gallery and view Munch's most famous piece, the expressionist painting known as 'The Scream'.

A walk up Karl Johans Gate will reveal the Royal Palace and a multitude of shops and restaurants. At Akershus Castle and Fortress you will find the location of King Christian IV's old defences. Otherwise, you could take a scenic cruise on Oslofjord. Cruises on the Oslofjord are available just a short walk from the hotel. The Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art is a fantastic example of modernity in itself, and its beguiling architectural design is certainly worth visiting.

Alternatively, you could visit the apartment of Norway's most famous literary son, Henrik Ibsen. The apartment, now a museum, is said to be laid out with furniture as an exact replica as the famous playwright had it during his lifetime. Visiting the islands of the Oslofjord (payable locally) means you will be able to view the imposing Oscarborg Fortress. Now a museum, the mighty castle was an important bastion during World War II and the museum offers a variety of exhibitions detailing what happened at this famous location.

The Bergen Railway

Travel on Northern Europe's highest railway today. Walk to the station and board the Bergen Railway for the breathtakingly scenic journey to Bergen, the gateway to Norway's fjordlands. Beginning in southern Norway, the train starts its ascent into the rugged mountains, travelling alongside deep fjords and passing through numerous tunnels hewn out of the solid rock to the stations at Arna and Dale.

After the Trollkona tunnel - the longest on the line at 5.5 miles (8.7km) - you reach Bergen, situated on the edge of Norway's fjord country. Here, you will stay at the Zander K Hotel Bergen.

Exploring Bergen

Today you begin your explorations of beautiful Bergen, visiting the Bryggen Waterfront, a delightful area which is the location of the old Hanseatic trading wharf as well as a UNESCO World Heritage site. After the tour, the rest of your day is at leisure.

At leisure in Bergen

Enjoy another day at leisure in Bergen today. The city of Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains and is based around its harbour. In the Bergenhus district there are well-preserved medieval buildings. On the other side of the harbour is the Klosteret area, which has beautiful 18th century wooden houses and charming alleys, where you can take a stroll out to the Nordnes peninsula. The city centre extends from the main square (Torget) to the Nygård area, where most of the shops and restaurants can be found.

In the Middle Ages, Bergen was the largest city in Scandinavia and it wasn't until the 1830s that it was overtaken by Oslo. Bergen retains its status as an important port city. Bergen was involved in trade with countries all over Europe and was awarded its city charter as long ago as 1070, by King Olav Kyrre. Contacts with the Hanseatic League allowed Bergen to export fish and import crucial supplies of grain. In the harbour, which is called Vågen, you can still see parts of the Bryggen, the old Hanseatic Wharf.

The old wooden buildings are on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and have been damaged by fire several times. Your time is at leisure here, be sure to visit Bergen's popular Old Town.

The Flåm Railway

Embark on a full day excursion that encapsulates Norway in a Nutshell today. Today includes a journey on the iconic Flåm Railway, one of the most scenic in the world, travelling along one of the steepest lines in existence. Following some free time to discover Flåm, take to the waters on a spellbinding cruise along two of Norway's tranquil fjords, Aurlandsfjord and Naeroyfjord.

Bergen and Home

Today, you bid farewell to Norway, transferring to Bergen airport for the flight back home.