Sailing the Norwegian fjords is definitely one of the top activities in every traveler’s bucket list, and in fact it has always been in mine too! I have been waiting for years to get a good chance to go to Norway, and because I can’t handle very well cold temperatures, this summer seemed the best time to plan a trip there! It wasn’t warm as in South of Europe, but surely the best season for me. In June the temperature was between 14℃ and 18℃. Also, in summertime it’s almost always bright and the sunset is around 11pm. It never gets fully dark, whereas in winter is most likely always dark.
USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT NORWAY:
- Language: Norwegian and Nynorsk (New Norwegian). English is well spoken everywhere
- Visa: NO visa for EU citizens. Please check the rules for your passport
- Capital: Oslo. Population: 659,000 people (Bergen is the second largest city)
- Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK) – life in Norway is really expensive, be aware of it!
- Time Zone: UTC/GMT +1
- Country Code: +47
- Emergency number: police 112, ambulance 113
- Population: 5,4 million people
‘Norway in a Nutshell’ day trip
‘Norway in a Nutshell’ is probably the most popular organization for a day trip to the fjords and I can tell you it is very well organized! It offers several options, mostly from Bergen, the second largest city in Norway, famous for being ‘the getaway to the fjords’. You can also plan the fjords trip from Oslo though, but it is a much longer trip.
I personally chose the round trip from Bergen via Myrdal, catching trains, boat and bus! A very incredible day trip! I chose also the Premium boat for the sailing part which I highly recommend. Please note that it is NOT a ‘group trip’, but you will travel by yourself following the schedule given to you.
Price: 1440 NOK on the normal boat, 1710 NOK on the premium boat
Tip: bring with you a rain coat and an umbrella! It rains a lot and the wind is strong.
Let’s go together step by step through this wonderful adventure:
- 8:43am: local train from Bergen to Myrdal, during which you can start enjoying the scenic Bergen railway from the window!
- 10:58am: once you arrive in Myrdal station, just get off the train and catch the ‘panoramic train’ to Flåm. After few minutes the train stops to let the passengers admiring a breathtaking waterfall, with Nordic songs on the background and a dancer performing near the water. Pretty amazing!
- 11:55am: arriving in Flåm, where you will have few hours for lunch and getting around. I’d suggest to go to Flamstova restaurant, it is very cozy and the food is much better than at the bars. You can have buffet lunch and it is probably better to book it in advance (+47 57 63 20 50) as many people like it! Flåm is very small, you will see few shops, few bars and a small market.
Aegir Brewery & Pub in Flåm, Norway
- 2pm: finally it is time to sail the fjords! The boat brings you to the world famous UNESCO-protected Nærøfjord (listed in 2005) and also to the magnificent Aurlandsfjord! Below some pics for you:
- 3:30pm: arriving in Gudvangen, where the bus is already waiting for you and departs at 3:40pm to go to Voss station. This bus tour is unforgettable as you go down the really steep hairpin bends of Stalheimskleiva! (only in summertime)
- 4:55pm: arriving at Voss station. You will have some time to rest and buy some souvenirs. The next train is at 5:41pm and it arrives in Bergen at 6:55pm.
I loved this trip and I immensely recommend it to everyone, especially in summertime!
And you… Are you lusting for the sublime?
Always,
Carlotta