Local Living & Cultural Adventure from Oslo to Bergen - Winter

Embark on a winter journey along the Fjord Mountain Route from Oslo to Bergen, delving into local living and culture. Encounter Viking heritage in Gudvangen, explore the famed Borgund stave church with a snowshoe hike, cruise through majestic fjords, and savor authentic delicacies like rakfisk and local beer. Immerse yourself in Norway's captivating landscapes and traditions on this enriching adventure. 


Description

Embark on a mesmerizing five-day winter expedition along the Fjord Mountain Route, tracing the rich tapestry of local life and culture from Oslo to Bergen.

Begin your journey with a scenic bus ride from Oslo to Fagernes, a charming village nestled amidst stunning landscapes. Explore the local museum and immerse yourself in Norwegian countryside living at Scandic Valdres. Delve into the culinary delights of Noråker farm, sampling traditional delicacies like rakfisk and Småvesen beer. Then, ascend to Filefjell for a mountain retreat at Tyin Filefjell. Discover the ancient beauty of Borgund stave church and embark on a thrilling snowshoe adventure along the Kingsroad. Traverse the stunning Sognefjord region en route to Gudvangen, passing through the world's longest car tunnel. Retreat at Gudvangen Hotel. Step back in time with a visit to a Viking village before concluding your journey in Bergen.

Experience the essence of Norwegian heritage, cuisine, and landscapes on this unforgettable winter odyssey.


Day 1

Bus ride from Oslo to Fagernes, visit local museum

Today you will start your Norwegian winter adventure with a scenic bus ride which will take you from the vibrant, modern capital of Oslo towards more laid-back sceneries, in the frame of Fagernes, a little village located in the mountainous region of Valdres. After 3 hours through jaw-dropping views from the bus, you will be able to step into Norwegian everyday life.
You will pay a visit to the local museum, and venture around Fagernes to discover what it has to offer; shops, restaurants or simply an easy walk in the local nature to reconnect with yourself, before a well-deserved rest at your accommodation!

Accommodation: Scandic Valdres

Meals: - , - , -
Meals: You can choose from different restaurants around Fagernes.


Day 2

Taste local food

One of the most well-hidden gems of Norway it's his gastronomy; despite the fact the Norway has won the Bocuse d'Or and the prize for best cheese in the world, many are still not acquainted with its products. Today we will introduce you to Rakfisk from Noråker farm and the hand-made beer from Småvesen brewery; rakfisk is the name given to fermented fish – most commonly freshwater fish – but the one from Valdres is particularly appreciated in the country, by virtue of its delicate taste and mouth feeling, with Noråker farm being in activity since the 1500s, whilst Småvesen is far more modern in terms of activity but no less dutiful in producing 12 different types of beer!
After such an introduction to this local bouquet of flavors, you will board the Fjord Mountain Route bus to reach new heights – with a 90-minute drive to Filefjell, at 1000 m.a.s.l., where you will find your next accommodation!

Accommodation: Tyin Filefjell

Meals: breakfast, - , dinner

Day 3

Snowshoe hike along King's Road and visit Stave church

A good part of Norwegian daily life revolves around physical activity in nature, very often on ancient trails passing by historic monuments; today we will show you churches and royal roads! From Filefjell we will take the bus towards the Borgund Stave Church, a small yet renowned church still in use, with the typical architecture of mixed Christian and Pagan elements; it will not be possible to enter inside, but the outer view it's still fascinating! Behind the church, we will follow a hidden path on snowshoes leading us to the King's Road. The name derives by virtue of royal edicts which called for the construction – and maintenance – of a road able to connect Oslo to Bergen. The trail was first constructed between 1790s with further upgrading in the 1800s and it is still possible to see the difference between the older trail (steeper and narrower) before we follow hairpins turns down to the main road.
After this activity in a breath-taking environment, you will take the bus in the direction Sognefjord, reaching the well-known village of Flåm, where you will be welcomed at your next accommodation.

Accommodation: Fretheim Hotel

Meal: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner


Day 4

Flåm Railwayand Fjord Cruise

Flåm is famous for its views and stunning contrast between tall mountains and deep fjords, but as well for its train; today you will experience the Flåm Railway, a train trail whose construction required 20 years, despite being relatively short (20 km), due to geographical features. It has fame to be is the steepest standard-gauge railway in Europe, and you will be able to see it with your eyes; mountains dramatically cutting down to valleys, rich and powerful waterfalls, whilst you can enjoy the views from a cushy, cozy and comfy seat in the warmth of the train.
After the mountain side, we will bring you on the waters with a Fjord Cruise, en route to Gudvangen. From the silence of the electric ferry, you will be able to immerse in the quiet and peace of the Nærøyfjord, Unesco Heritage since 2005, reaching the historic village of Gudvangen.

Accommodation: Gudvangen Hotel

Meal: Breakfast, packed lunch, dinner

Day 5

Viking Village


In Gudvangen there have always been several places of worship since pre-Christian times, as the name suggests ("vang" being the noun for open space in front of places of worship, and "Gud" as noun for God), but today local has recreated a Viking village to remember and celebrate the importance of the place in local history. Wander through the huts and discover how Vikings used to live, work and spent their free time.
After this enriching experience, you will be taking the bus to the second city of the kingdom, Bergen! After a 3-hour ride, you will reach the coastal town which has served as capital city during Medieval times, first center of commerce until 1850 and cultural center of the country; here you will be able to observe a multi-cultural and international environment which gives a vibrant atmosphere wherever you go, perfect closing for this wonderful adventure!

Meal: Breakfast, - , -

Included

  • All bus tickets as described in the program between Oslo and Bergen.

  • 4x accommodations

  • Meals:
  • 4x breakfast
  • 2x packed lunch
  • 3x dinner

  • Entrance Fagernes Museum, Viking village
  • Guided tour: Noråker Farm, SmåVesen brewery
  • Guided tour: Borgund stave church & King's Road
  • Flåm Railway round trip
  • Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord

Price

Per person in double room: NOK 12.295

Single room suppl.: NOK 3.100 

Other

Season 2024:

December - April