Aurlandsfjord Town Of Flam at dawn. Beautiful Nature Norway natural landscape.
Nestled along the rugged Norwegian coastline, Bergen serves as a gateway to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Scandinavia. This charming city, with its historic landmarks, mountainous setting, and vibrant cultural scene, is a worthy destination in its own right.
Travelers should definitely consider spending a day or two in Bergen as part of any Norway travel itinerary.
Once you’ve enjoyed the highlights of Bergen, its advantageous west coast location makes it the perfect base for exploring some of Norway’s most famous fjord landscapes.
The famous fjords, a symbol of Norway's natural beauty, are deep, narrow inlets, flanked by towering cliffs and dramatic waterfalls. Each fjord has its own unique natural character and cultural stories.
There’s so much to see and do in Bergen, and it’s the also the ideal base to explore the Norwegian ... [+]
1. Take Norway’s Best Train Journeys
From snow-capped mountains to verdant valleys, the views from the train between Bergen and the fjords are diverse and breathtaking no matter the season.
The Bergen Line, covering a 6.5-hour route to Oslo across Norway's rugged terrain, offers sweeping vistas of Hardangervidda, Europe's highest mountain plateau.
This line connects with the Flåm Railway at Myrdal station. In just one hour, the train descends through a striking valley past a lively blue river, historic farms, and magnificent waterfalls, eventually reaching Flåm village on the shore of the Aurlandsfjord.
It’s rightly known as one of the world's most spectacular rail journeys, and provides a memorable transit to one of Norway’s most scenic fjords.
In Flåm, visitors can soak up the scenery before returning to Bergen, or join an all-electric sightseeing ferry trip to Gudvangen. Both the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord offer archetypal fjord views of steep mountainsides, slender waterfalls, and picturesque villages.
The route is available as a package deal called Norway in a Nutshell, but it can also be booked independently, which can save travelers money in the off-season or when booked several weeks in advance.
2. Fast Ferry From Bergen To Flåm
From April to October, Norled operates a daily ferry service between Bergen and Flåm via several stops along the Sognefjord and Aurlandsfjord.
Undredal village in the Norwegian Fjords region.
As it leaves Bergen at 8am for a 1.30pm arrival in Flåm, and returns from Flåm at 3.30pm arriving in Bergen at 9pm, the return trip functions as a day-long mini-cruise through the fjords.
A large sun deck is perfect for birdwatching or photography, while the large windows in the indoor lounge mean you won't miss out on the views if the weather isn't so good.
3. Short Fjord Cruise To Mostraumen
If time is tight, consider the sightseeing cruise from Bergen to Mostraumen. On the plus side, it takes just three hours for the roundtrip and runs daily throughout the year.
However, while the cruise will give you a taste of Norway’s fjord landscape including narrow waterways and waterfalls, it doesn't include any of the famous fjords for which the region is best known.
4. Norway’s Coastal Ferry
Departing from Bergen every day of the year, the Norwegian coastal ferry offers a unique way to explore Norway's stunning coastal landscape, blending the convenience of travel with ever-changing scenic beauty.
Although primarily used to transit local passengers and cargo between 34 ports all along the coastline, international tourists join the ferry for an 11-night cruise-like experience. Because of the high number of port calls, the rugged coastline is rarely far from sight.
Hurtigruten and Havila coastal ferries call into Norway’s Hjørundfjord during the fall season.
During the summer season, the Hurtigruten and Havila cruise ferries take a scenic detour from Ålesund into the world-famous Geirangerfjord. In the fall, a trip into the lesser-known but equally-scenic Hjørundfjord is on the itinerary.
5. Take A Road Trip
From picturesque fjord villages to outstanding mountain viewpoints, some of Norway’s most scenic spots are only accessible with your own transport. If you have your own car or secure a rental, driving around the fjord region offers the most flexibility.
The region is vast. Although it’s tempting to plan a long road trip with early starts and multiple stops per day in a bid to try and see as much as possible, you’re far better off slowing down. If Google Maps gives you a time of three hours, allow five. You’ll want to make several stops on the way for photographs.
The Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord are the closest major fjords to Bergen. Consider a leisurely drive to a fjord town such as Balestrand or Eidfjord, from where you’ll be able to choose from several options.
From Eidfjord, a fjordside drive along the narrow Sørfjord, or a visit to the spectacular waterfall Vøringsfossen are two such possibilities.
