Norway Travel FAQ

Question 1

What is included in Norway in a Nutshell®?

Accepted Answer

Norway in a Nutshell® is a self-guided tour that lets you experience the essence of Norway’s most famous fjords, mountains, and scenic railways — all in one effortless journey. The tour includes: •	A scenic fjord cruise on the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord •	The famous Flåm Railway •	The Bergen Railway •	A bus journey through the beautiful Nærøydalen valley All tickets and a detailed travel guide are provided in one easy to read itinerary. Overnight stays and extra activities can easily be added to your booking.

Question 2

Where can I start and end Norway in a Nutshell®?

Accepted Answer

You can start and end your Norway in a Nutshell® tour in Oslo, Bergen, Flåm, Voss, or Geilo. The tour is highly flexible: Choose a one-way journey, such as Oslo to Bergen or Bergen to Oslo Book a round trip, returning to your starting city Norway in a Nutshell® is often referred to as the most scenic way to travel between Oslo and Bergen, combining fjords, mountains, and famous railways in one trip.

Question 3

How long does Norway in a Nutshell® take, and can I do it in one day?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can complete the Norway in a Nutshell® tour in one day.  The journey between Oslo and Bergen typically takes around 13 hours.  A round trip from Bergen usually takes 9–14 hours, depending on connections and season.  Many travelers choose to extend the tour with overnight stays and local activities for a more relaxed and memorable experience. Hotels and activities can easily be added when booking your tour.

Question 4

Is food included in Norway in a Nutshell®?

Accepted Answer

No, food is not included in the Norway in a Nutshell® tour, but there are multiple options to buy food along the route: You’ll find restaurants, bakeries, and food shops in locations such as Oslo, Bergen, Flåm, Voss, and Gudvangen. Most regional trains between Oslo and Bergen offer a bistro serving snacks, hot/cold meals, drinks, beer and wine. The electric fjord cruise has an onboard kiosk with drinks and hot/cold dishes, as well as beer and wine. You can also add local food experiences to your tour when booking your itinerary.

Question 5

Can I reserve window seats or PLUS seats on Norway in a Nutshell®?

Accepted Answer

Flåm Railway:There is only open seating on the Flåm Railway, and window seats cannot be reserved. Going uphill from the fjords toward the mountains, you will see Kjosfossen waterfall on your left, and the right side offers scenic views over the valley.  Pro tip: You can open the top part of the windows in many carriages, which helps photographers avoid reflections. Bergen Railway:On the Norway in a Nutshell® tour, Bergen Railway tickets are for standard seating, and window or PLUS seats cannot be reserved. However, both sides of the train provide spectacular views. You can move freely between carriages during the journey to photograph from large windows on both sides or enjoy a break in the café car of the train, with big windows for great views. In summary: The experience on the Flåm Railway and Bergen Railway remains spectacular regardless of seating position.

Question 6

Can I bring my luggage on the tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can bring luggage on the Norway in a Nutshell® tour. All trains, buses, and boats allow luggage, and transfers are close and simple Storage racks are available on trains and ferries for suitcases and bags. Keep valuables with you in a small bag or backpack. Luggage lockers are available at Oslo, Bergen, and Flåm train stations for storing bags during stopovers or one-way trips. Book our luggage transfer service between hotels in Oslo and Bergen to ship your bags ahead and travel light; book early for guaranteed availability. Pack light for easiest handling, especially on stairs, platforms, or cobblestone streets. Lockers and luggage transfer may have fees and size limits; check for details at each station.

Question 7

Where to stay overnight on the Norway in a Nutshell® tour?

Accepted Answer

You can easily add overnight stays at several scenic stops along the Norway in a Nutshell® route when booking your tour, for a more immersive experience. Popular towns include: Flåm: Offers a range of hotels and guesthouses, famous fjord views, restaurants, and outdoor activities. Voss: A lively small town for those seeking culture, sports, and dining options. Gudvangen: A peaceful village at the mouth of the Nærøyfjord, ideal for quiet stays, Viking history and dramatic nature. Oslo or Bergen: The main cities, often used for pre-tour and post-tour nights. Advance booking is strongly recommended for all towns, especially Flåm in summer. Many travelers choose Flåm or Voss for scenic overnight stays, while Gudvangen offers a combination of peaceful nature and engaging cultural experiences thanks to its Viking heritage.

Question 8

Does Norway in a Nutshell® sell out?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Norway in a Nutshell® is a very popular tour and tickets can sell out, especially during the peak summer months (June–September). For the best availability, we recommend booking 3–6 months in advance. On some routes, last-minute tickets may be available up until the day before departure—but this is not guaranteed during busy seasons.

Question 9

Is Norway in a Nutshell® worth it?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Norway in a Nutshell® is one of the most popular and rewarding scenic tours in Norway. Travelers often find it worth the price because it combines: World-famous scenery: fjords, mountains, and charming villages Convenience: all train, bus, and boat connections are pre-arranged Stress-free travel: no need to book tickets or coordinate transfers yourself All travel tickets and a detailed itinerary are included, so you can focus on the experience instead of logistics. While the tour is not guided (no tour leader), you’ll have access to customer service, and all connections are designed for smooth, hassle-free travel. The tour can be done as a one-day trip or extended with overnight stays and local activities for a deeper experience. It’s possible to book each transportation leg independently and sometimes save on costs, but many travelers prefer the package option for its simplicity and peace of mind.

Question 10

Can I bring my dog on Norway in a Nutshell®?

Accepted Answer

Dogs are allowed on Norway in a Nutshell®. Small dogs travel free on trains, fjord cruises, and buses, while larger dogs require a child ticket on trains. Pets must be leashed or in a carrier.

Question 11

Is Norway in a Nutshell® a sustainable travel choice?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Norway in a Nutshell® is widely recognized as one of the most sustainable ways to experience Norway’s fjord region. The entire tour uses eco-friendly public transport—including electric trains powered by renewable energy, clean buses, and modern electric fjord cruises—to reduce carbon emissions compared to driving or flying. Our activity providers and accommodation partners are environmentally certified to the greatest possible extent, making it easy to choose eco-friendly options throughout the tour. Choosing Norway in a Nutshell® supports responsible, year-round tourism, benefitting both travelers and the environment.

Question 12

Still haven't found what you are looking for?

Accepted Answer

See our detailed FAQ for even more frequently asked questions, or contact our team directly for further help

The classic Norwegian fjord tour by scenic train & fjord cruise

Norway in a Nutshell®

The Norway in a Nutshell® tour includes:

Norway's most popular tour package

Highlights on the tour

Cruise the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord

Travel back in time on the Flåm Railway

Enjoy the scenic Bergen Railway

See the beautiful landscapes of the Nærøydalen valley

Norway in a Nutshell® itinerary

What our customers say about Norway in a Nutshell®

Stunning scenery

Beautiful places

Perfectly arranged tour

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3 to 5 day adventure packages including Norway in a Nutshell®

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