HOW TO BOOK NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL
ON YOUR OWN

Even though most Norwegians have never heard of the Norway in a Nutshell route, it often tops the list of things tourists want to see and do in Norway. When booking the tour, you can opt for convenience and book the tour package from Fjord Tours or book Norway in a Nutshell on your own.

Let us show you how to do Norway in a Nutshell DIY version and save between 400 – 700 NOK (roughly 40 to 70 USD) per person.

What is the Norway in a Nutshell Route?

Norway in a Nutshell (sometimes shortened online to NIN) is a self-guided tour package that takes you through some of Norway’s most breathtaking UNESCO-protected fjord and mountain scenery.

This journey typically includes travel through various modes of transportation, combining scenic train rides, a fjord cruise, and a bus trip.

The Norway in a Nutshell tour includes:

🚂 The Flåm Railway

⛴️ Fjord Cruise on the Aurlandsfjørd and Naeroyfjord.

🚌 Bus Trip Between Gudvangen and Voss

🚂 The Oslo-Bergen Railway

The Norway in a Nutshell tour starts from multiple locations, mostly Oslo or Bergen, and it can be customized in terms of duration and the activities included. It’s suitable for all fitness levels and can be done throughout the year.

In addition to the classic Norway in a Nutshell tour, there are variations available, such as the “Sognefjord in a Nutshell,” “Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell,” “Lysefjord in a Nutshell,” or even “Lofoten in a Nutshell,” each offering unique experiences and views of different landscapes and fjords.

Norway in a Nutshell Map

Difference Between the Norway in a Nutshell Route and Fjord Tours Package

The term “Norway in a Nutshell” was coined by Fjord Tours as a brand name for their tour package.

It aptly describes the experience of seeing a condensed version of Norway’s most iconic landscapes in a short period.

This catchy name has become synonymous with the route itself, even when travelers book the components separately and independently of the Fjord Tours package.

Remember That Norway in Nutshell is Not a Guided Tour!!!

The “Norway in a Nutshell” tour is organized and offered by a company called Fjord Tours. However, it is not a guided tour in the traditional sense.

Fjord Tours’ “Norway in a Nutshell” package essentially consolidates a series of public transport tickets into one convenient package. The package typically includes tickets for train journeys (like the scenic Bergen Railway and Flåm Railway), a bus trip, and a boat ride.

This package makes the booking process simpler and more convenient, especially for travelers who prefer to avoid dealing with the logistics of booking each segment of their journey separately.

However, the Fjord Tours’ “Norway in a Nutshell” package is more expensive than booking “Norway in a Nutshell on your own.

Booking Norway in a Nutshell on your own understandably requires some research and planning. However, we will walk you through the process in this article step by step, so it should be a piece of cake.

Why is Norway in a Nutshell so Popular?

The “Norway in a Nutshell” tour is immensely popular for several reasons.

The first is obvious: it takes you to the heart of Fjord Norway. The Flåm Valley and the narrow Nærøyfjord are everything you imagined Norwegian landscapes to be. The lush green valley is surrounded by majestic mountains, with mountain farms dotting the steep valley.

The same goes for the Nærøyfjord, which is on the UNESCO list. This fjord, the narrowest in Norway, is flanked by enormous snow-capped mountains that dwarf the tiny, remote farms along its shores. Moreover, the fjord is only accessible by boat, making you feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1800s.

Secondly, Norway in a Nutshell’s popularity is boosted by its clever marketing and convenience. It is presented as a hassle-free way to see the best of Norway, packaging various modes of transportation into a single itinerary.

In general, Norway is not the most accessible country for public transportation. While connecting the biggest cities, the train network is limited, and bus departures are scarce, often not covering remote areas. However, the “Norway in a Nutshell” tour capitalizes on an opportunity to transport people between Norway’s biggest cities, Oslo and Bergen, and cleverly includes a detour to Flåm.

Important: You are Not a Norway in a Nutshell Traveler

It’s important to remember that if you book the “Norway in a Nutshell” trip on your own, meaning you don’t buy the package from Fjord Tours, then you are NOT a “Norway in a Nutshell” traveler!

There may be separate arrangements for “Norway in a Nutshell” travelers, like a specific bus parked next to the ferry port in Gudvangen. You need to understand that this doesn’t include you. In the case of any issues with any leg of the transport, you need to approach that specific transport company as an independent traveler.

How to book Norway in a Nutshell on Your Own in 5 steps?

Are you considering booking “Norway in a Nutshell” on your own? Great! Go for it! You’ll end up riding the same trains, buses, and boats as the people who booked their packaged tour through Fjord Tours, and you will pay less for it.

Piecing together different trains, boats, and buses might seem intimidating. Still, it’s easier than you might think.

Currently, you will only need to make bookings on two separate websites when booking “Norway in a Nutshell” on your own: Vy.no for the train journeys and Norway’s Best for the Nærøyfjord ferry and the bus between Gudvangen and Voss.

By doing “Norway in a Nutshell” on your own, you can save between 400 – 700 NOK (roughly 40 to 70 USD) per person compared to booking the “Norway in a Nutshell” package from Fjord Tours.

Let us show you how to do it.

Norway in a Nutshell Itinerary from Oslo

Step 1: Book Train Tickets for the Bergen and/Or Flåm Railway

(Oslo - Myrdal/Flåm)

The first stretch of the trip takes you from Oslo S (the main train station in Oslo) to Myrdal Station, located on the Hardangervidda mountain plateau.

The railway connecting Oslo and Bergen, the two largest cities in Norway, is called the Bergen Line or “Bergenbanen” in Norwegian, and it is often mentioned among the most beautiful train rides in Europe.

The initial part of the trip may not seem spectacular, at least in my opinion. First, you pass the suburbs of Oslo, but soon you enter beautiful valleys. As you approach Geilo, you enter the Hardangervidda mountain plateau.

The Hardangervidda Plateau is one of Norway’s and Europe’s most expansive open spaces, encompassing nearly 10,000 square kilometers of varied Arctic wilderness—larger than Yellowstone National Park in the United States.

In Haugastøl, the railway veers away from the road, and you continue across the plateau with no roads or civilization in sight. The train stops in Finse, at 1,222 meters above sea level, is the highest railway station in Norway.

From there, the train continues to Myrdal, another location accessible only by train. In Myrdal, the Bergen Line goes further to Bergen. However, you will need to change trains and board the famous Flåm Railway, or “Flåmbana/Flåmbanen” in Norwegian.

The journey on the Flåm Railway is not just a means of transport but an attraction in itself, famed for its engineering and the breathtaking views it offers.

We recommend spending at least a day in Flåm.

To be completely honest, the village itself is not particularly remarkable. It often hosts large cruise ships (you can check the cruise ship calendar to try and avoid dates with big ships in the port), and the small village feels like one big souvenir shop.

However, the Flåm bakery offers some of the best cinnamon buns we have ever tasted, and Flåm is an excellent starting point for trips into the surrounding mountains. One of the most popular spots around Flåm is the Stegastein viewpoint, which provides a panoramic view of the Aurlandsfjord.

⬇️ There are some tricky parts in the booking process on Vy.no, so we’ve made this screen recording video to guide you through the process step by step ⬇️

Step 2 (Optional): Book Bicycles or Flåm Zipline

(Myrdal To Flåm)

When your train arrives at Myrdal, you have two options: continue to Flåm on another train or bike down through the Flåmdalen valley.

The road from Myrdal covers the last 20 kilometers of Rallarvegen, Norway’s most spectacular cycle route. A highlight of the trip is Myrdalsberget, where the route winds down through 21 hairpin bends before following the valley floor and the Flåm River to Flåm.

👉 You can rent a bike at Café Rallaren at the Myrdal train station and bike down the hairpin turns (like we did).

Alternatively, you can get off the train at Vatnahalsen station (or walk there from Myrdal) and take the Flåm Zipline, which, at 1,381 meters, is the longest zipline in Scandinavia.

At the end of the zipline at Kårdal summer farm, you can either rent a bicycle (which must be rented in advance) and bike the 18 kilometers downhill to Flåm, or you can walk 2.5 kilometers to Blomheller station and catch the next train to Flåm.

Step 3: Book the Nærøyfjorden Ferry

(Flåm - Gudvangen)

The fjord cruise in Nærøyfjorden is, in our opinion, the highlight of the “Norway in a Nutshell” route.

Starting from Flåm, you begin sailing on the famous Aurlandsfjord, which is already quite spectacular, but Nærøyfjord takes it to another level. Being the narrowest fjord in Norway and inaccessible by road, the only way to see it is from the boat. Your neck might hurt from looking up at the stunning mountains and waterfalls cascading down the mountainsides.

Several companies offer boat transport between Flåm and Gudvangen.

However, Norway’s Best, with their electric vessels “Future of the Fjords” and “Legacy of the Fjords,” stands out. The boats are silent, modern, and spacious. Thanks to cleverly designed outdoor observation decks and large panoramic windows, they don’t feel crowded even at full capacity.

You can consider adding an overnight stay in Gudvangen, mainly if you haven’t stayed the night in Flåm. Even if you stayed in Flåm, you might want to explore the Viking Village in Gudvangen.

Besides the Viking village, there’s not much to do in Gudvangen itself, as it’s an even smaller village than Flåm. You can join a kayaking trip or, if you’re into hiking, walk along the fjord to Bakka village, where the famous Rimstigen hike starts.

Step 4: Book the Bus

(Gudvangen - Voss)

The bus from Gudvangen to Voss has always been the trickiest part of the “Norway in a Nutshell” DIY puzzle.

However, it is actually relatively easy, at least if you want to follow the “Norway in a Nutshell” itinerary. You can book the bus from Gudvangen to Voss on Norway’s Best website, just like you would book the Nærøyfjorden cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen.

But suppose you’re flexible with your plans and perhaps want to spend a night in Flåm or Gudvangen without following the NIN itinerary to the letter. In that case, you can also check out the buses from Vy.no (the same company where you book the trains) or the Nor-Way bus company.

The highlight of the bus tour between Gudvangen and Voss USED TO BE the Stalheimskleiva road. This historic road, built between 1842 and 1846, was one of the steepest, if not the steepest, in Northern Europe.

It featured 13 hairpin bends winding up between two iconic waterfalls: Stalheimsfossen and Sivlefossen. Unfortunately, in the summer of 2020, a landslide damaged the road. Since then, it has remained closed to motorized traffic. As a result, it is no longer part of the “Norway in a Nutshell” tour.

Step 5: Book the train for Bergen Railway

(Voss - Bergen)

Booking the train from Voss to Bergen, the final stretch of the “Norway in a Nutshell” itinerary, will be easy since you already have experience using the Vy.no webpage.

Norway in a Nutshell Itinerary from Bergen

Booking the “Norway in a Nutshell” tour from Bergen follows the same procedure as starting from Oslo, just in reverse order.

Step 1: Book the train for Bergen Railway

(Voss - Bergen)

Go to the website vy.no (or use the app) and book the train tickets for the Bergen-Voss stretch.

Step 2: Book Bus Tickets

(Voss - Gudvangen)

Book the bus tickets for the Voss-Gudvangen stretch on Norway’s Best website.

Step 3: Book the Cruise on Nærøyfjorden

(Gudvangen - Flåm)

Book the ferry tickets for the Nærøyfjorden Cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm on Norway’s Best website.

Step 4: Book the Flåm Railway and Bergen Railway

(Flåm - Oslo)

Go to the website vy.no (or use the app) and book the Flåm Railway and Bergen Railway train tickets there.

How Much Does Norway in a Nutshell Cost?

That’s a great question. You don’t do the “Norway in a Nutshell” tour on your own just for the joy of spending time studying different websites and figuring out how to put the itinerary together. You do it to save money! So, let’s look at how much you save and whether the time spent reading this guide and booking your trip on your own is worth it.

First of all, the prices for the “Norway in a Nutshell” package change throughout the season, just like train ticket prices vary. So, I can’t give you any exact numbers.

In a separate paragraph, we’ll explore exactly how much more you would pay for the “Norway in a Nutshell” package versus booking it on your own.

However, there’s one aspect rarely mentioned when comparing booking “Norway in a Nutshell” via Fjord Tours versus doing it yourself. While you can book the package tours several months in advance, the train company Vy only releases their train tickets for sale 90 days before departure.

Therefore, you won’t be able to book your tour as far in advance as the package tour. This can be problematic, especially if you want to add extra days in Flåm or Gudvangen, as these places are pretty small, extremely popular, and accommodations sell out quickly.

Norway in a Nutshell Price: Fjord Tours

Out of curiosity, I checked the prices of the “Norway in a Nutshell” package for each month and was surprised to find that the prices don’t vary as much as I had expected.

While I thought the prices would peak between June and September, the peak season in western Norway, the difference wasn’t significant.

The lowest price was 2,560 NOK per person on November 1, 2024, and the highest was 2,865 NOK between June and September.

Norway in a Nutshell Price: DIY

Let’s compare the prices for the “Norway in a Nutshell” experience by Fjord Tours versus booking your own trip.

For the journey between Oslo and Bergen on March 1, 2024, you would pay 2,725 NOK per person with Fjord Tours, but it would only cost you between 2,000 and 2,300 NOK if you book it on your own.

Now, imagine traveling as a group or family of four. Doing “Norway in a Nutshell” DIY could save you between 1,700 and 2,900 NOK, which is a substantial amount that can be spent on other fun activities or good food!

Norway in a Nutshell Price: Rail Ninja

Rail Ninja is an independent online reservation service for train tickets, offering a convenient platform to book tickets worldwide. Rail Ninja aims to simplify booking train tickets online, but it’s essential to know that they are not a rail carrier and do not operate any trains themselves.

Rail Ninja is a third-party booking platform that adds service fees on top of the train ticket price and sells the tickets for double what you would pay when ordering them through vy.no.

To illustrate the price difference for train tickets on the Oslo-Flåm stretch, tickets on Rail Ninja cost 2,054 NOK per person, while on Vy.no, they range from 1,089 to 1,385 NOK, depending on the cancellation policy.

Is Norway in a Nutshell Worth It?

Nobody can answer whether “Norway in a Nutshell” is worth it FOR YOU.

First, it depends on your preferences, budget, and travel style. Second of all, are we talking about the “Norway in a Nutshell” PACKAGE by Fjord Tours, or are we talking about the ROUTE between Oslo, Flåm, Gudvangen, and Bergen, which people commonly call “Norway in a Nutshell”?

Let´s start with the first one: Is the NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL PACKAGE BY FJORD TOURS worth it?

FOR ME it’s NOT worth paying 2,725 NOK for a collection of public transport tickets wrapped together in a handy tour package if I can get the same experience for 700 NOK cheaper by booking it on my own.

Another interesting question is whether the “Norway in a Nutshell” ROUTE is worth it.

Again, that depends on your travel style, budget, and tolerance for crowds. Because trust me, Gudvangen and Flåm are some of the most popular places in western Norway. And given that both are small villages, they get crowded during the high season.

However, there is a good reason why Nærøyfjord made it to the UNESCO World Heritage list and why the historic Flam railway became one of Norway’s most visited travel attractions. The scenery in this part of the country is simply breathtaking.

We did parts of the Norway in a Nutshell route (the Flåm railway, the biking trip from Myrdal to Flåm, and the boat trip from Flåm to Gudvangen and back) in May 2023, and we absolutely loved it.

Honestly, after more than 10+ years of traveling all over Norway, we can say that the fjord cruise in Nærøyfjorden and the biking trip from Myrdal to Flåm are some of the best activities we have ever done.

So FOR US, Norway in a Nutshell ROUTE was absolutely worth it.

Norway in a Nutshell By Car

Doing Norway in a Nutshell by car is a topic for a separate article. Let us emphasize that since Norway in a Nutshell is a collection of public transportation tickets, it is, by principle, not doable by car.

You can rent a car and explore the breathtaking scenery around Gudvangen and Flåm; however, the Flåm Valley and Nærøyfjorden, which are the highlights of Norway in a Nutshell itinerary, are inaccessible by car.

Summary: Norway in a Nutshell DIY

To sum it up, don’t be intimidated by the idea of buying tickets for Norway in a Nutshell on your own; it’s easier than you think and can save you a lot of money!

👉 Buy the train tickets at Vy.no (formerly nsb.no – you can still find it in some older articles)
👉 Purchase your bus tickets at Norways Best.
👉 Buy ferry tickets at Norways Best.

👉 Doing Norway in a Nutshell in just one day can be very rushed. Consider splitting the trip and adding an overnight stay in Flåm, Aurland or Gudvangen.
👉 Consider renting bikes and biking through the Flåm Valley!

👉 Remember, there are no seat reservations on the Flåm Railway; it’s first come, first served.
👉 For the journey from Flåm to Myrdal, try to sit on the right-hand side for the best views.
👉 Some windows on the Flåm train can be opened; choose seats next to these windows for better photo opportunities.

Western Norway: Interactive Map

If you’re planning to explore the rugged beauty of the Lofoten mountains, we highly recommend equipping yourself with our interactive hiking map.

The interactive map features 50 trails across Lofoten, each color-coded according to difficulty level.

You’ll find comprehensive details for each trail, including distance, elevation gain, estimated duration, and parking information.

We’ve also included concise descriptions highlighting any tricky or exposed sections, along with links to the route on a hiking map. This feature is incredibly helpful for planning your adventure, especially when you have limited time and want to select a hike that fits your schedule.

Best of all, our map is seamlessly integrated with the Google Maps app, making it easy to use without the need for additional downloads – except for mapy.cz, which is an invaluable hiking app that we highly recommend.

10 Things to know before Booking Norway in a Nutshell

✅ Tour Package: Norway in a Nutshell is a collection of public transport tickets put together by Fjord Tours into a convenient package.

✅ No Guided Tour: It’s a self-guided tour; you’re responsible for catching each connection.

✅ Flexible Itinerary: You can start from Bergen, Oslo, Flåm, Voss, Geilo or Gudvangen. However, most people start in Oslo or Bergen. The route is customizable.

✅ Advance Booking Recommended: Book tickets in advance, especially during peak season. Vy releases train tickets for sale 90 days prior to the travel date.

✅ Save by Booking Separately: Booking Norway in a Nutshell on your own is cheaper than the package deal from Fjord Tours.

✅ Luggage Handling: You’re responsible for your own luggage throughout the journey. Try to pack light!

✅ Duration: NIN can be done in one day, but it will be a long and exhausting day.

✅ Overnight Stays: Consider staying overnight in places like Flåm, Gudvangen, or Aurland.

✅ No Seat Reservations: On the Flåm Railway, seats cannot be reserved; it’s first-come, first-served.

✅ Right Side on Flåm Railway: For the best views, sit on the right-hand side when traveling from Flåm to Myrdal.

So, this is the end!

After reading this article, will you opt for the Norway in a Nutshell trip? And if so, will you book it on your own, or would you prefer to use the tour package from Fjord Tours?

I understand that the topic is quite complex, but I’ve tried to explain it as clearly as possible.

Please let me know in the comments if you found the article helpful, or if you still have any questions!

Ivar & Radka

Hi! We are Ivar & Radka, an international couple who runs the Guide to Lofoten. We met in Trondheim and lived together in western Norway, Narvik and Tromsø. At the moment we call western Lofoten our home. We hope our page will make it easier for you to explore the beautiful places that made us chose Norway for our home.

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One Response

Crystal says:

5. 3. 2024 at 0:06

Thank you for this straightforward article. It made booking it myself very easy. It took me about one hour to book it all myself, but I saved about $84USD total for a family of four.

Reply

HOW TO BOOK NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL ON YOUR OWN

What is the Norway in a Nutshell Route?

Norway in a Nutshell Map

Table of Contents

Difference Between the Norway in a Nutshell Route and Fjord Tours Package

Remember That Norway in Nutshell is Not a Guided Tour!!!

Why is Norway in a Nutshell so Popular?

Important: You are Not a Norway in a Nutshell Traveler

How to book Norway in a Nutshell on Your Own in 5 steps?

Norway in a Nutshell Itinerary from Oslo

Step 1: Book Train Tickets for the Bergen and/Or Flåm Railway

(Oslo - Myrdal/Flåm)

We recommend spending at least a day in Flåm.

Step 2 (Optional): Book Bicycles or Flåm Zipline

(Myrdal To Flåm)

Step 3: Book the Nærøyfjorden Ferry

(Flåm - Gudvangen)

Step 4: Book the Bus

(Gudvangen - Voss)

Step 5: Book the train for Bergen Railway

(Voss - Bergen)

Norway in a Nutshell Itinerary from Bergen

Step 1: Book the train for Bergen Railway

(Voss - Bergen)

Step 2: Book Bus Tickets

(Voss - Gudvangen)

Step 3: Book the Cruise on Nærøyfjorden

(Gudvangen - Flåm)

Step 4: Book the Flåm Railway and Bergen Railway

(Flåm - Oslo)

How Much Does Norway in a Nutshell Cost?

Norway in a Nutshell Price: Fjord Tours

Norway in a Nutshell Price: DIY

Norway in a Nutshell Price: Rail Ninja

Is Norway in a Nutshell Worth It?

Norway in a Nutshell By Car

Summary: Norway in a Nutshell DIY

Western Norway: Interactive Map

10 Things to know before Booking Norway in a Nutshell

Ivar & Radka

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HOW TO BOOK NORWAY IN A NUTSHELL
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