FROM OSLO TO THE FJORDS

Is it possible to visit the Western Fjords from Oslo, and spend only one day? I do not have any car, how do I get to the fjords? What fjord in Norway do you recommend to visit? What activities can I do in the fjords?

There are many questions on how, where and how long time you need to experience the Western Fjords from Oslo. Some great fjords to visit are the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord. Below you can read more about two tours with fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, which are two branches of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord.

Visit Sognefjord

Visit Sognefjord is the official destination company for the Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord and Sognefjord area.

Hotels and accommodation in the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord area

Overview of hotels and other places where you can spend the night in the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.

FJORDS NORWAY - It is a fantastic experience to sit in the back of the boat from The Fjords and see the beautiful and wild nature. Here from the Nærøyfjorden.
It is a fantastic experience to sit in the back of the boat from The Fjords and see the beautiful and wild nature. Here from the Nærøyfjorden.

“Norway in a Nutshell” from Oslo to the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord

Fjord Cruise leaving the Nærøyfjord and entering the Aurlandsfjord.
Fjord Cruise leaving the Nærøyfjord and entering the Aurlandsfjord.

Norway in a nutshell, from Oslo or Bergen to Flåm and the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. The Nærøyfjord is a branch of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord, “the King of the Fjords”.

Tour Summary: Train on the Bergen Railway from Oslo or Bergen via the wild and beautiful Flåm Railway to Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord. Then fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.

Another possibility is a train on the Bergen Railway from Oslo or Bergen to Voss, a bus from Voss to Gudvangen, a fjord cruise on the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord from Gudvangen to Flåm and a train on the Flåm Railway from Flåm to Myrdal.

Return to Oslo or Bergen: Bus from Gudvangen to Voss, then train from Voss on the Bergen Railway to Oslo or Bergen.

Another possibility is train on the Flåm Railway from Flåm to Myrdal and a train on the Bergen Railway from Myrdal to Oslo or Bergen.

Season: All year.

Time to spend: Day trip or more, available all year. We recommend to stay longer and experience more. Read more about what to see and do in the Flåm, Aurland, the Aurlandsfjord and the Nærøyfjord area.

Booking: Book this roundtrip with train, bus, fjord cruise, activities and accommodation at Fjord Tours.

“Norway in a Nutshell” roundtrip – From Oslo via the fjords to Bergen

FJORDS NORWAY - View from Stegastein Viewpoint towards the Aurlandsfjord which is a branch of the Sognefjord
View from Stegastein Viewpoint towards the Aurlandsfjord.

Tour Summary: Travel with train on the Bergen and Flåm Railways from Oslo to Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord. Join a fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO Protected Nærøyfjord. Then bus from Gudvangen to Voss and train from Voss to Bergen.

Return to Oslo: From Bergen you take the Bergen Railway back to Oslo. This adventure includes train, fjord cruise, bus and four nights in Hotels (included breakfast) in Oslo, Flåm and Bergen.

Season: See Fjord Travel Norway.

Time to spend: Five days included four nights in hotel.

Booking: Book this roundtrip with train, bus, fjord cruise, activities and accommodation at Fjord Travel Norway.

FJORDS NORWAY - Norway in a Nutshell Fjord Cruise leaving the Aurlandsfjord and entering the Nærøyfjord.
Norway in a Nutshell Fjord Cruise leaving the Aurlandsfjord and entering the Nærøyfjord.

Oslo and the Oslofjord

FJORDS NORWAY - Oslo and the Oslofjord with the Operahouse, Munch Museum and Barcode
Oslo and the Oslofjord with the Opera House, Munch Museum and Barcode.

Oslo – one of Lonely Planet’s Top Ten Cities in 2018, the capital in Norway and the city of Edvard Munch´s “The Scream”, has it´s own beautiful fjord. The Oslofjord is not so narrow as the fjords in western Norway. But with it´s many islands and the easy access from the city center, it is a great fjord to experience. Popular things to do are fjord-cruise, guided kayak tours, rib-boat and swimming in the fjord.

The Ekeberg Park is the place where Edvard Munch was inspired to paint the world famous “The Scream”. This is close to Ekebergparken Sculpture Park, and is really a must place to visit when you are in Oslo. You can see many of Edvard Munch`s paintings at the National Museum or the Munch Museum, both museums are brand new and opened in the summer 2022.

Frognerseteren Restaurant is located just a few hundred meters above Holmenkollen Ski Jump. From there, there is a fantastic view over Oslo and the Oslofjord. Have we forgotten to mention anything? Yes, of course. There are a million reasons to Visit Oslo. You should also visit the Kon-Tiki Museum and the Vigeland Sculpture Park. And of course, don´t forget the shopping. Oslo is a “small big city” surrounded by beautiful nature and is really worth a visit. And it is a “hub” to other adventures in Norway.

Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord – What to See and Do

FJORDS NORWAY - The UNESCO Protected Nærøyfjord
Nærøyfjord.

Flåm, Aurland and Gudvangen are perfect starting points for experiences in and around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, two of the world’s most beautiful and dramatic fjords. On 14 July 2005, the Nærøyfjord together with the Geirangerfjord became part of our common UNESCO’s world heritage.

From Flåm you can take part in a fjord safari or a fjord cruise on the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. You can take this fjord cruise as a round trip (both ways) or one way combined with bus between Flåm and Gudvangen. See the great view from Stegastein viewpoint, 650 meters above Aurland. Taste the local goat’s cheese in Undredal or in Skjerdal, two villages by the Aurlandsfjord.

Flåm Railway is the train journey from fjord to mountain, perhaps the most beautiful railway in the world. You can combine this train journey with cycling along Rallarvegen which goes from the high mountains via Flåmsdalen Valley to Flåm. Aurlandsdalen Valley is one of Norway’s most popular hikes. The lower part of Aurlandsdalen, which is also the most popular, starts from Østerbø and ends at Vassbygdi in Aurland.

The Flåm Valley is a beautiful adventure. The valley between Myrdal (866.8 masl) and Flåm by the Aurlandsfjord is 18 kilometer long. The valley is narrow and the mountains are steep, and there are waterfalls and rivers wherever you turn around. Flåm Valley is a great place for hiking and biking. Flåm Zipline sends you off at over 100 kilometers per hour, you are just hanging in a thin steel wire high above the valley.

By the Nærøyfjord, we have the small villages of Gudvangen, Bakka, Styvi and Dyrdal. Styvi is the only place without permanent inhabitants during the winter, and is together with Dyrdal without road connection. Gudvangen is one of two ports where the iconic ferry trip along the inner part of the Sognefjord departs and arrives. Visit the Viking village Njardarheimr in Gudvangen and experience the history and culture of the Viking Age.

The Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord are both part of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord which is located in the northern part of the county of Vestland, in the middle of Western Norway.

Hotels and Accommodation in the  Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord area

Overview of where you can spend the night in the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.

Sakte – Stay and Explore the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord 



“Sakte” is a collaboration between companies that provide adventures, accommodation, dining and short-travelled food- and products. “Sakte” are located in the area around the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord and is an offer for those who want to contribute to a sustainable society in the world heritage area.

FJORDS NORWAY - Reis Sakte - Hiking towards Skjerdal and the Aurlandsfjord
Reis Sakte – Hiking towards Skjerdal and the Aurlandsfjord

 

HOTELS - ACCOMMODATION - LINKS

Here you will find an overview of recommended HOTELS in addition to SPA & BATH HOTELS and OTHER ACCOMMODATION PLACES in Western Norway. The combination of beautiful nature, activities that you can do in all four seasons and a stay at a great accommodation is unique. A stay in one of these places will do you good, both for body and mind.

There are ten restaurants that have awarded Michelin stars and Michelin awards in Western Norway. Eight of the Michelin restaurants are in Stavanger and two in Bergen. Here you will find FJORDS MICHELIN, where you will also find a list of recommended hotels in Western Norway, recommended by Michelin.

USEFUL LINKS is a list of websites with great information on Norway and the Fjords.

The Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord – Map Overview