Geirangerfjord & Norway in a Nutshell® in five days
Norway is dramatic, peaceful, wild, and calm, all at the same time. Towering fjords, tiny villages tucked between mountains and sea, and trains that climb through landscapes that feel unreal.
1 min readUpdated: Jan 8, 2026By: The Fjord Tours team
"A trip I will never forget"
Adventurer Espen Bakketun, together with his partner Silje, set out to experience a journey that captures all of it—a 5-day round trip that people call the best way to see the very heart of Norway.
Their tour combines two of the country's most legendary experiences: the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and the world-famous Norway in a Nutshell®. It's carefully designed to show you the best of Norway, effortlessly and sustainably, with complete freedom to explore at your own pace.
It’s easy to add activities and overnight accommodation too, so you’re not locked into an operator’s schedule and have plenty of time to enjoy Norway just the way you want.
Day 1: Bergen to Ålesund
The adventure begins in Bergen, Norway's charming west coast city. You can also start and end in Oslo—everything connects seamlessly with one ticket covering all boats, buses, and trains. The route is flexible, allowing you to add extra nights wherever you want to explore more.
"Our journey started bright and early in Bergen. And like so many adventures here, we began on the water, gliding through the fjords. What a start to the trip, right? See you in five days, Bergen," says the adventurer.
The fluffy pancake tradition
Traveling in Norway often means taking at least one ferry or boat. There's a local food tradition worth trying: a svele. This thick, fluffy pancake is served with either buttercream and sugar or sweet brown cheese, and it's a true Norwegian ferry classic.
"A svele is mandatory when traveling," Espen explains while enjoying one on board. "And as we enjoy our svele, we are getting closer to Måløy, where we'll hop off and switch to a bus."
The fjord of the north
The boat arrives in Måløy, where a bus awaits to continue the journey. After a short ride to Nordfjord (yes, ‘the fjord of the north’), there's a 30-minute window before the next connection—just enough time to visit Minibakeriet, a local bakery that comes highly recommended.
"We got off one bus and then there's another bus just waiting there for you," Silje notes. "You can really see how easy everything is on this trip."
A comfortable double-decker bus carries travelers toward Ålesund, offering mountain and fjord views that make even the transportation feel like part of the experience.
Discovering Ålesund's art nouveau charm
Ålesund is a small coastal city spread across a chain of islands, right where the fjords meet the Atlantic Ocean. After a devastating fire in 1904, the entire city was rebuilt in beautiful art nouveau style, with striking architecture featuring soft curves, towers, and details that give the streets a unique, almost fairy tale-like character.
"We're on our way up to Aksla, which is probably the most famous viewpoint in Ålesund," Espen shares. "Really, it's one of the most famous viewpoints in Norway, actually. And it's all stairs, but the view is worth it."
From the top, the entire city is spread out below—fishing boats in the harbor, cozy cafes in pastel buildings along the waterfront, and mountains rising in every direction.
A taste of local seafood
Ålesund is renowned for its seafood, particularly bacalao, a Spanish dish made using the finest Norwegian cod. The city produces over 90% of Norway's bacalao exports, making it the perfect place to try this traditional dish.
"I knew I probably would like it, but I am loving it," Espen says after trying the Royal Bacalao Plate.
"I can honestly say, if you're in Ålesund or in Norway in general, you need to try bacalao. I've never tried it before. It's just fantastic."
Day 2: Into the heart of Geirangerfjord
Day two brings one of the journey's top highlights: a three-hour fjord cruise from Ålesund into the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Formed by glaciers over thousands of years, the fjord is surrounded by steep cliffs, wild waterfalls, and tiny farms clinging to impossible slopes.
"Even though I have seen photos a thousand times, nothing really prepares you for how dramatic it feels in person," Espen reflects. "How small those farms look high above us or how powerful the waterfalls are when you are right beneath them."
The boat passes the Seven Sisters waterfall (Syv søstre) and Suitor waterfall (Friaren), with historic farms perched on ledges high above the water.
Adventure in Geiranger
When booking this tour, you can easily add activities and extra days/hotels directly to your itinerary. Espen and Silje chose the Geiranger Zipline and Via Ferrata Park.
"If I tell you I am terrified of heights, would that be a problem?" Espen asks the guide nervously.
The via ferrata course takes participants along the mountainside with spectacular views of the fjord below, offering that perfect mix of adrenaline and accomplishment.
Many travelers add an extra night’s stay in Geiranger. This tiny fjord village is one of the most iconic places to visit in Norway, and the additional time allows you to really experience its atmosphere.
Facing my fears at 400 meters
“I'm terrified of heights. Like, really terrified. So when we arrived at the via ferrata in Geiranger, I almost backed out. But something about being there—the fjord below, the mountains around us, Silje's encouragement—made me clip in anyway,” says Espen.
“The first few steps were pure adrenaline. My hands were shaking. But as we moved along the mountainside, something shifted. I started focusing on the next hold, the next step, instead of the drop below.
And then, suddenly, I was at the end, looking back at what I'd just crossed. Feeling something I hadn't expected to feel: proud.”
“That's what this trip does. It pushes you just enough to discover what you're capable of. And the view from up there? Absolutely worth every terrified moment,” says Espen.
Day 3: Electric exploration and mountain road
Geiranger offers a unique way to explore: tiny electric cars (EVs) available for rent at the harbor, with GPS systems that provide information at each viewpoint.
"Cruising around in these tiny electrical cars is, well, honestly, way more fun than it should be," Espen says.
The route includes stops at famous viewpoints like Flydalsjuvet, where the bird’s eye view down into the fjord reveals cruise ships looking impossibly small far below.
Trollstigen and Åndalsnes
From Geiranger, the bus journey toward Åndalsnes deserves a special mention. The road includes Trollstigen (the Troll's Ladder), one of Norway's most dramatic mountain roads with 11 hairpin turns.
"The trip from Geiranger to Åndalsnes was just absolutely fantastic," Espen says. "I had a chat with the bus driver, and it turns out he's retired. But luckily for us, he still likes to drive this route."
In Åndalsnes, the Romsdalen Gondola takes visitors from the valley floor up to Nesaksla mountain, where views over Romsdalen valley capture the essence of western Norway.
In Åndalsnes, the Romsdalen Gondola takes visitors from the valley floor up to Nesaksla mountain, where views over Romsdalen valley capture the essence of western Norway.
"The higher we go, the more the views open up. And you can already tell that this is going to be special."
Day 4: A scenic railway journey to Oslo
Two train journeys from Åndalsnes to Oslo offer a different kind of beauty—comfortable travel with big windows framing hours of ever-changing Norwegian landscapes.
The Rauma Railway takes you from Åndalsnes to Dombås passing the spectacular Troll Wall (Trollveggen) vertical rock face and crosses Kylling Bridge (Kylling Bru). At Dombås, you change to the Dovre Line beforepassing gentle valleys and crystal-clear lakes on your way to Oslo.
"What I really love about this trip is how varied it is," Espen reflects.
"Boats, buses, mountain roads, and now this long scenic train ride. Each part feels different, but everything connects so smoothly."
Oslo and an evening cruise
Stepping off the train in Oslo means shifting from quiet mountains to a modern city with that distinctly calm Norwegian atmosphere. Oslo offers an optional evening activity: an electric dinner cruise on the Oslo Fjord, combining excellent food with stunning views as the city lights begin to glow.
"After days of moving through mountains and fjords, ending the day like this feels perfect," Espen says. "Good food, good company, and the city fading into the evening light."
Day 5: Norway in a Nutshell® – the legendary finale
The final day brings the journey's most famous section: Norway in a Nutshell®. This route is so renowned that many travelers do it as a standalone trip, but experiencing it as the culmination of five days makes it even more special.
The Bergen Railway climbs from Oslo and up into the mountains towards Myrdal, passing through landscapes that transform from urban to high mountain plateau.
The Flåm Railway
At Myrdal, travelers change to the Flåm Railway— quite possibly the most spectacular train journey in the world. This engineering marvel descends nearly 900 meters in the course of just 20 kilometers. "A true once-in-a-lifetime experience," Espen says.
"The way the train drops from high mountain terrain into the heart of the fjord landscape—it doesn't feel real half the time."
The train stops at Kjosfossen waterfall, where passengers can step out and feel the power of the cascading water up close.
The Nærøyfjord
From the scenic village of Flåm, nestled between fjords and mountains, a quiet electric boat carries passengers through the Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the narrowest fjords in Norway.
"Somehow, even after five days of scenery, this fjord still hits different," Espen observes. "And the fact that the boat is electric makes the whole experience feel even more special."
"It’s silent and smooth, and is a reminder that you can explore places like this without disturbing them."
Return to Bergen
The final leg brings travelers from Voss back to Bergen on a comfortable train ride—just long enough to reflect on five unforgettable days.
"This is a trip filled with moments that stay with you," Espen concludes.
"A trip where every day brought something new to feel and remember. It’s a trip I will never forget."
Silje: The moment everything went quiet
“We were on the electric boat through Nærøyfjord when I realized something: there was no engine noise. Just water, wind, and the occasional soft cascade of a waterfall in the distance,” says Silje.
“Everyone on deck had gone quiet too. Not awkward quiet—peaceful quiet. Like we were all holding our breath, afraid to break whatever spell the fjord had cast,” she adds.
“The cliffs rose straight up on both sides, so high you had to lean back to see the tops.
And in that silence, gliding through one of the narrowest fjords in Norway, I understood why people travel halfway around the world for this,” says Silje.
Some moments don't need words. They just need you to be present
Ready to experience Norway's ultimate adventure?
Five days. Two UNESCO World Heritage fjords. One unforgettable journey through the heart of Norway. This route delivers what it promises—seamless connections, dramatic landscapes, and moments that stay with you long after you return home.
From art nouveau Ålesund to the legendary Flåm Railway, from adrenaline activities in Geiranger to peaceful electric boat cruises through narrow fjords, every day offers something different. The beauty of this journey lies not just in the destinations, but in how effortlessly everything connects, giving you the freedom to explore Norway at your own pace.
As Espen and Silje discovered, this really is the ultimate way to experience Norway.
UNESCO Geirangerfjord & Norway in a Nutshell®
- Watch Espen's journey: Experience every moment through his video, capturing the drama and beauty of Norway
- Get a detailed itinerary: Download the complete day-by-day guide with departure times and local tips
- Book your adventure: Start planning today, with all transportation and recommended activities included in one ticket
Practical travel tips
When to go
The tour operates from June 1st through September, with each month offering distinct advantages. June and July deliver the longest days and warmest weather—perfect for late evening exploring and those midnight sun-tinged skies. August and September provide excellent conditions with notably fewer crowds, making popular viewpoints more peaceful and accommodations easier to book.
What to pack
Layers are essential. Bring a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, a warm mid-layer for boat rides, and a camera. Norwegian weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains.
Activities and hotels
Add experiences directly when booking, such as a zipline and via ferrata in Geiranger, Romsdalen Gondola in Åndalsnes, or an electric dinner cruise in Oslo. Everything gets confirmed in advance.
Accessibility
The core itinerary is accessible to most fitness levels. Optional activities vary in how physically demanding they are. Some viewpoints involve stairs, but you can take your time.
Language
English is widely spoken throughout Norway. All transportation announcements are in multiple languages.