Pearls of Norway: Mountains, Fjords&Glaciers
A perfectly balanced and beautifully designed tour that introduces you to Norway’s most iconic natural and cultural highlights. From elegant, modern Oslo to cozy villages nestled along emerald fjords; from lively Bergen with its seafood aromas and Hanseatic history to majestic glaciers, mirror-like lakes, and snow-capped peaks. Legendary fjord cruises, breathtaking mountain roads, and unforgettable panoramic views await you on this exceptional journey through Norway.
Arrival in Oslo (by plane, ferry, or other means of transport), meeting with a guide and transfer to the city center.
A 4-hour panoramic city tour of Oslo by vehicle (car / minivan / coach). During your introduction to the Norwegian capital, you will see all of the city’s main landmarks, including the stunning white Oslo Opera House, which resembles an iceberg floating on the waters of the Oslo Fjord. You will have time to walk on the roof of the Opera House, offering beautiful views of the waterfront and the fjord.
The tour continues to the historic Akershus Fortress, whose history spans more than 700 years. Once a royal residence, the fortress now houses several museums. You will drive through the narrow streets of Kvadraturen, learn the story behind the name of this old district, stroll along Karl Johans gate, Oslo’s main boulevard, home to three impressive landmarks — the Parliament, the National Theatre, and the Royal Palace. You will also visit Oslo City Hall, where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony takes place each year, and enjoy a leisurely walk through the unique Gustav Vigeland Sculpture Park.
To end the tour on a high note, you will visit Holmenkollen Hill, home to the legendary ski jump, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Free time in Oslo. Overnight at a hotel in Oslo.
Optional: Enjoy a picturesque cruise along the Oslo Fjord or explore Norway’s rich history at the museums on the Bygdøy Peninsula.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Your journey through Norway continues with a scenic drive of approximately 310 km to the magnificent Hardangerfjord, the third longest fjord in the world. Framed by rugged peaks and deep valleys, the fjord is especially beautiful in spring, when fruit orchards burst into bloom along its shores.
The journey to Hardanger follows a scenic road winding through lakes and dramatic mountain terrain. You will stop at carefully selected viewpoints to take in views of mountain lakes and nearby glaciers, before passing through the breathtaking Måbødalen Valley.
You will also visit the famous Vøringsfossen Waterfall, Norway’s highest waterfall by total fall. Experience the raw power of nature as you walk across the newly made staircase bridge over the gorge and listen to the thunderous roar of the cascading water.
The day ends at one of the charming hotels in the Hardangerfjord area. Overnight at the hotel.
Optional: Along the way to Hardanger, you may stop to visit the Bjørneparken (Bear Park), where you can observe brown bears, lynx, and even the extremely rare Amur leopards at close range.
Breakfast at the hotel.
In the morning, you may embark on a yacht cruise along the emerald waters of Hardangerfjord, enjoying the peace and serenity of this stunning landscape. During the cruise, fishing can be arranged upon request, or you may stop at small villages along the fjord’s shore to visit local fruit orchards and sample regional products.
After the cruise, you will continue to Bergen, traveling along the shores of Hardangerfjord and enjoying views of mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers along the way. Scenic stops will be made at the most interesting locations, including a visit to Steinsdalsfossen Waterfall, where you can enjoy an unforgettable walk behind the cascading water along the rock face. As an option you may also visit the Folgefonna Glacier and the summer ski center, with the opportunity for summer skiing on the glacier.
In the afternoon, you will arrive in Bergen, where you can relax and sample local cuisine at one of the cozy restaurants along the waterfront.
Overnight at a hotel in the center of Bergen.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Explore the historic city of Bergen with an experienced licensed guide. Known as the "Gateway to the Fjords", the city was Norway’s commercial capital during the Middle Ages and a key member of the Hanseatic League.
Stroll along the Hanseatic Wharf of Bryggen, with its colorful wooden buildings lining narrow streets, and soak up the atmosphere of the old trading quarter. Continue to Bergenhus Fortress and Rosenkrantz Tower, where your guide will share stories of medieval power struggles and royal history, and visit St. Mary’s Church, the oldest surviving building in the city. The tour ends at the lively Fish Market, where you can taste a variety of Norwegian specialties, from the famous fish soup to whale meat.
Free time in Bergen.
Optional:
- Scenic mountain hike: Take the cable car up one of Bergen’s mountains and enjoy a scenic 5-hour hike through the mountains, soaking in the beauty of nature and admiring picturesque views of Bergen from above.
- Edvard Grieg’s home: Visit the home of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg, beautifully situated on the shores of a tranquil lake, and immerse yourself in the landscapes that inspired his timeless music.
- Fjord cruise from Bergen: Enjoy a scenic cruise along Bergen’s fjord and skerry coastline, taking in stunning views of Bryggen’s colorful wharf, Bergen’s mountains, and the dramatic landscape along the seashore. Continue to Mostraumen, passing Osterfjorden, cascading waterfalls, and Norway’s rugged western shores. With some luck, you may spot seals on rocky shores or majestic sea eagles.
- Fishing experience with catch-and-grill: Experience the joy of fishing in Norway’s pristine waters, and enjoy a freshly grilled catch prepared in the great outdoors (price on request).
Overnight at a hotel in Bergen.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Your journey into the wondrous world of Norwegian fjords continues to Sognefjord, known as the "King of Fjords". Travel to Gudvangen, located on the shores of Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO-listed fjord and the narrowest fjord in the world.
On the way, you will pass through Voss, a hub for adventure sports, where you may stop at a Norwegian sweater factory or the Voss Vind indoor skydiving center. You will also visit the cascading Tvindefossen Waterfall and traverse the hairpin bends of the Stalheim Gorge, home to one of the steepest mountain roads in Northern Europe.
In Gudvangen, you can pause to visit the Viking Village, enjoy a snack at a local café, or relax on the fjord’s shore while admiring the waterfalls. Then, embark on a 2-hour cruise along Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, arms of the world’s longest fjord, Sognefjord. Glide silently over the emerald waters, with only the cries of seagulls and the roar of waterfalls breaking the tranquility.
Arrive in Flåm, a charming village on the shores of Aurlandsfjord. Visit the Stegastein viewpoint, which literally overhangs the fjord and offers breathtaking views from around 600 meters above the water.
Return to Flåm for rest, with the option to enjoy dinner at a waterfront restaurant serving traditional Norwegian cuisine. Overnight in Flåm or nearby fjord-area accommodations.
Optional:
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Flåm Railway: Take a journey on the world’s steepest scenic railway, a 20 km marvel with a 900-meter elevation difference. This engineering masterpiece, powered by the energy of waterfalls, cuts through the mountains and offers spectacular mountain views. Along the route, you will stop for photographs at one of the waterfalls. For the adventurous, the return to Flåm can be made on foot, by zipline, or by bicycle.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Depart from your hotel in Sognefjord region and enjoy a scenic drive past stunning mountain lakes to the picturesque village of Loen, located on the shores of Nordfjord and near the beautiful Lake Lovatnet.
To fully appreciate the breathtaking scenery of Loen and Nordfjord, take the Loen Skylift, one of Norway’s most spectacular cable cars, soaring almost 1,000 meters up the mountainside. From the top, you’ll be treated to panoramic views over fjords, lakes, and rugged peaks that are truly unforgettable.
At the summit, a panoramic restaurant offers the perfect spot to relax and enjoy traditional Norwegian cuisine while taking in the scenery. Afterwards, you can embark on a mountain walk to a local farm (approximately 1.5 hours) and visit a historic hotel with a distinctive Norwegian interior, immersing yourself in both nature and local culture.
Return to Loen for the evening. Overnight at a hotel in the area.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Begin your day with a visit to Briksdal Glacier, one of Norway’s most accessible and picturesque glaciers. From the parking area, you can take a short 20–30 minute walk to the glacier, or ride in open-air Troll Cars (off-road vehicles) for a fun and scenic approach. For those seeking adventure, a glacier hike is also possible, with a professional guide and special equipment provided by prior arrangement (due to the full itinerary on this day, the hike can only be undertaken on the previous day).
Continue your journey to the charming village of Geiranger, nestled on the shores of Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site and widely regarded as one of the most spectacular fjords in the world.
In Geiranger, embark on a fjord cruise, where you will see the famous "Seven Sisters" Waterfall, dairy farms perched on dramatic mountainsides, and the lush, green fjord slopes rising from the emerald waters.
After the cruise, drive along the mountain roads to the breathtaking viewpoints of Ørnevegen (Eagle Road), Flydalsjuvet, and the Dalsnibba plateau, where you can enjoy a walk along the SkyWalk trail for stunning panoramas of the fjord below. Time permitting, you may also take a short hike to a mountain farm and nearby waterfalls.
Overnight at a hotel in Geiranger.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Today you will explore some of Norway’s most famous and dramatic mountain landscapes, including Trollstigen (The Troll Road) and Trollveggen (Troll Wall).
Depart from Geiranger and enjoy a spectacular drive to Åndalsnes, a small town surrounded by majestic peaks and often called the "mountain capital" of Norway. The route winds along steep fjords, cascading waterfalls, and lush valleys, offering breathtaking views of Geirangerfjord, the surrounding mountains, and rivers slicing through the landscape.
Arrive at Trollstigen, Norway’s most famous mountain road. Take a short walk along the road and pause at the viewpoints to admire the spectacular scenery: the road twists and turns through 11 hairpin bends, descending sharply into the valley, surrounded by sheer cliffs and snowy peaks.
In Åndalsnes you can take the cable car to the top of Mount Nesaksla (708 m), where a panoramic restaurant awaits. From the summit, enjoy 360-degree views of the Romsdal mountains, Åndalsnes, fertile green valleys, and the emerald waters of Rauma River. From here, you can also take a short hike to the Rampestreken viewpoint (about 20 minutes each way) for truly unforgettable perspectives.
Return to Åndalsnes and continue past Trollveggen, Europe’s highest vertical cliff at 1,000 meters, marveling at the sheer scale of this natural wonder.
Continue to Ålesund, a charming town built on islands in Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) style, for the evening. Overnight at the hotel.
On the last day of your Norwegian tour, you will explore Ålesund, a charming town of dramatic architecture and rich history, spread across seven islands in the Storfjord. Almost completely destroyed by fire in 1904, the town was quickly rebuilt in the stunning Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) style, becoming one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful towns.
Our experienced guide will lead you through the maze of streets, sharing fascinating stories about Ålesund’s history and highlighting the town’s most photogenic corners. Admire elegantly decorated buildings with intricate façades, mosaics, and ornamental towers and spires, as well as city sculptures and monuments. Take a stroll through the historic park and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views from Mount Aksla.
After the tour, savor local delicacies at a café on the city’s waterfront.
Bid farewell to your guide and transfer to Ålesund Airport for your journey back home.
Optional:
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Atlantic Sea Park (Atlanterhavsparken): Visit one of Northern Europe’s largest marine aquariums, that offer up-close encounters with Norway’s rich coastal wildlife, making it a perfect experience for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
- Oslo: Parliament Building, Oslo City Hall, Royal Palace, Akershus Fortress, Oslo Opera House, Gustav Vigeland Sculpture Park
- Bergen: Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Bergenhus Fortress, Rosenkrantz Tower, St. Mary’s Church
- Ålesund: Aksla Viewpoint, Ålesund Harbor and Brosundet Canal, Kongensgata pedestrian street, Statue of Rollo, Jugendstilsenteret (Art Nouveau Centre)
- Fjords: Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord, Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, Nordfjord, Geirangerfjord
- Waterfalls: Vøringsfossen, Steinsdalsfossen, Tvindefossen, “Seven Sisters” Waterfal
- Glaciers: Folgefonna Glacier, Briksdal Glacier
- Scenic Viewpoits: Stegastein Viewpoint, Flydalsjuvet, Dalsnibba, Mount Aksla, Rampestreken*
- Natural landmarks: Stalheim, Trollstigen (Troll Road), Trollveggen (Troll Wall), Ørnevegen (Eagle Road)
- Accommodation according to the itinerary in double rooms with breakfast
- Services of a driver-guide in a minivan or car in Norway, including toll roads, parking, ferries, and the driver’s accommodation and meals
- Airport transfers and city–port–city transfers
- Guided city tours with a licensed guide in Oslo, Bergen, and Ålesund
- Sognefjord cruise (approx. 2 hours)
- Geirangerfjord cruise (approx. 1 hour)
- Visits to the Stegastein Viewpoint, Eagle Road (Ørnevegen), and Dalsnibba
- Museum entrance fees
- Meals during the tour
- Optional excursions and additional cruises