Norway Travel FAQ

Question 1

What is a Nutshell tour?

Accepted Answer

A Nutshell tour is a self-guided travel package that lets you experience Norway’s most scenic fjords and landscapes using trains, buses and boats in one seamless journey. You travel independently on a carefully coordinated route using trains, fjord cruises, and buses. All tickets and schedules are pre-arranged, so you don’t need to book each leg separately or worry about transfers. The tours are flexible: choose your starting point, complete the trip in one day, or add overnight stays and activities for a deeper experience. While the tours are not guided (there’s no tour leader), you’ll have a detailed itinerary and access to customer support if needed. In short: you get the freedom of independent travel, the convenience of coordinated planning, and an itinerary filled with Norway’s greatest natural highlights — all in one seamless package.

Question 2

What's included in a Nutshell tour?

Accepted Answer

A Nutshell tour includes all necessary tickets and travel documents for your journey, so everything you need is organized in advance.  You receive a clear, easy-to-follow itinerary with detailed explanations on how to travel, where to transfer between different transport elements, and step-by-step guidance for your route. If you add an overnight stay or extra activity, these will also be included in your itinerary and travel documents.  The goal is to make your travel experience seamless, with all essential information and bookings provided in one place.

Question 3

Which Nutshell tour should I choose?

Accepted Answer

For first-time visitors: Norway in a Nutshell® is the most popular choice. This iconic route takes you through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, includes the famous Flåm Railway, and covers the essential fjord highlights in one day. For fjord enthusiasts: Sognefjord in a Nutshell™ focuses on Norway's longest and deepest fjord. You'll spend more time cruising the "King of the Fjords" with a 5-hour scenic ferry ride, perfect for experiencing the full scale of the Sognefjord. For waterfall lovers: Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell™ includes spectacular waterfalls like Vøringsfossen and Steinsdalsfossen, plus fruit orchards and national park scenery. For world heritage sites: Geirangerfjord in a Nutshell™ features the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord with its famous Seven Sisters waterfalls and the thrilling Trollstigen mountain road. For dramatic cliffs and hiking: Lysefjord in a Nutshell™ features the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) rising 604 meters above the fjord. You can enjoy it from the water on an electric fjord cruise or add an optional hike to the top. Time considerations: Most tours can be done as day trips, but adding overnight stays in fjord villages like Flåm or Balestrand enhances the experience and reduces travel fatigue.  2-5 day trips including Norway in a Nutshell®: All Nutshell tours are offered as unique travel packages including Norway in a Nutshell® for longer, more scenic exploration of Norway, normally between 2 and 5 days.

Question 4

Where do Nutshell tours start and end?

Accepted Answer

Most Nutshell tours can start and end in multiple cities for maximum flexibility: Main starting/ending points: Oslo - Norway's capital city  Bergen - The "Gateway to the Fjords"  Flåm - The charming fjord village perfect for a stopover on multi-day tours Voss - Mountain town along the Bergen Railway Stavanger - For tours featuring Lysefjord and Preikestolen  Popular route options: One-way Oslo to Bergen (or reverse) - The classic journey crossing Norway Round-trip from Bergen - Perfect day trip returning the same evening Round-trip from Oslo - Longer day trip but includes the full Bergen Railway experience You can customize your tour by choosing different starting and ending points based on your travel plans and where you're staying in Norway. Most tours offer the flexibility to begin in one city and end in another, making them perfect for travelers exploring multiple Norwegian destinations.

Question 5

Can I customize my Nutshell tour with extra days and activities?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Nutshell tours are highly customizable to match your travel style and interests. You can easily add extra days, overnight stays, and activities during the booking process. Flexible duration: Tours can range from one day to several days. Multi-day options give you time to fully experience each destination without rushing. Adding overnight stays also reduces travel fatigue and lets you enjoy evening activities and early morning scenery. Popular customization options: Overnight stays in fjord villages like Flåm, Gudvangen, or Balestrand for a more relaxed experience Popular activities such as kayaking in the fjords, scenic tours to Stegastein viewpoint, and cultural experiences such as Viking experiences at Njardarheimr village and visits to traditional stave churches, subject to season and availability. Advance booking is recommended: Popular activities and accommodations fill up quickly, especially during summer months. When you add activities during your tour booking, everything is coordinated in your itinerary so you don't need to book separately.

Question 6

Can I upgrade my seat?

Accepted Answer

Standard Plus seats are available on selected train departures. If available for your departure, the option will appear in the travel planner during booking.Specific seats cannot be chosen at booking. Once you have received your seat assignment, you can change your seat within the same category on My Page, subject to availability.

Question 7

What's the best time of year to visit Norway for a Nutshell tour?

Accepted Answer

The best time depends on your priorities and what you want to experience, but spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) offer the ideal balance of pleasant weather, stunning scenery, and less crowds. Spring (April-June) - The sweet spot: Dramatic waterfalls at their peak from snowmelt Blossoming fruit trees and wildflowers create stunning landscapes Fewer crowds than peak summer, especially in April-May Pleasant temperatures and 16-17 hours of daylight by June Fall (September-October) - Hidden gem season: Beautiful autumn colors paint the fjords Comfortable hiking weather with fewer tourists Lower accommodation prices as peak season ends Summer (June-August) - Peak experience but popular: Warmest weather and longest days. Pro tip: The Sognefjord area (including Nærøyfjord and Flåm) gets busy in summer, while Hardangerfjord remains more peaceful with fewer tourists.  Adding an extra night on your tour in popular villages like Flåm and Gudvangen, lets you experience the calmness of the fjords once the day-trippers leave. Winter (November-March) - Magical and shorter days: Snow-covered landscapes and fewer crowds create an intimate experience Northern lights possible in northern regions Shorter daylight hours and weather-dependent activities

Question 8

How far in advance should I book my tour?

Accepted Answer

Summer (June–September) and holidays often sell out early. We recommend booking 3-5 months in advance for best availability. On some routes, last-minute tickets may be available up until the day before departure.

Question 9

Discover the best of Norway’s fjords and scenic railways

Experience Norway in a Nutshell®

Norway's bestselling tours

Why travelers trust Fjord Tours

Popular day tours to Norway’s fjords

Explore more with scenic multi-day tours

Why choose Fjord Tours?

Good to know

Get inspired for your fjord journey

Norway's famous fjords

Sognefjord in a Nutshell™ highlights

The Flåm Railway - one of the world's best train journeys

A fjord for everyone

We are here for you