Oslo to Bergen: Rail & Hike
- Travel from Oslo to Bergen on the scenic "Bergensbanen" Railway.
- Walking in the mountains and fjordlands of Norway.
- The mountain village of Finse, located 1222m above sea level.
- The beautiful Flåm and Aurlandsdalen fjord valleys.
- Hardangerfjord, the "Orchard of Norway".
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive OsloHome to world-class museums, stunning architecture, beautiful parks and numerous art galleries, the capital city of Norway is a fascinating place, which is easily explored on foot or by bike. We recommend a visit to the Opera House, National Theatre and Vigeland Sculpture Park but take your time to explore yourself and discover what this wonderful city has to offer!
A boutique hotel located in the centre of Oslo right behind the Royal Palace.Offers comfortable, stylish rooms and a charming chill-out area to relax in after a busy day's sightseeing in the capital city.
A modern yet historical building in central Oslo housed within one of Norway’s only Art Deco buildings, locally known as the “skyscraper”.
Board the famous Oslo to Bergen railway or “Bergensbanen” this morning and get ready to enjoy one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Your first stop is Geilo, one of the most famous mountain resorts in Norway.
Disembark here and enjoy a gentle walk around the Ustedalsfjorden surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.
Train: 3.5 hours
Ascent/Descent: 35m/35m
A traditional romantic hotel established in the 18th century, and close to the popular trails of Geilo. The restaurant has a fantastic view and serving traditional meals.
Centrally located in the ski resort of Geilo, Dr. Holms hotel offers free WiFi, free parking and a range of spa facilities. Geilo Train Station is 300 metres away. All guest rooms at Hotel Dr. Holms include cable TV and a private bathroom with shower.
Most guest rooms offer mountain or forest views. The hotel library is the perfect atmosphere to unwind in, featuring an open fireplace.
Classical Norwegian dishes are served at Brasserie Restaurant.
Das Stadtzentrum von Geilo liegt nur 800m vom Hotel entfernt und bietet eine Vielzahl von Geschäften und Restaurants. Das Hotel verfügt über ein Fitnessstudio, einen Pool und eine Sauna und ist in wunderschöner Umgebung eingebettet. In allen Zimmern ist W-LAN verfügbar.
Travel to Finse, located at an elevation of 1222m above sea level, located on the edge of the Hardangerjokulen Glacier and between the Hardangervidda and Hallingskarvet National Parks. This place is steeped in alpine history and there are some fine walks. Todays trail takes you to a small summit known locally as Sankt Pal, from which you gain stunning views of the surrounding mountains and the nearby glacier.
Train: 1h 10m
Ascent/Descent: 389m/389m
A historic hotel, which is part of the famed Dehistoriske group. It has an outstanding location at 1222m, emerging out of the middle of nowhere on the Oslo to Bergen railway. Enjoy fantastic walking, delicious food and great service as well as its wonderful historical ambience. There is also a sauna for free use by hotel residnets from 4pm-9pm. Tonight’s stay is booked on full board basis; please call ahead and book a time for your evening meal between 7pm-9pm. In the morning there will be a lovely breakfast buffet with a self-made lunch package, and the opportunity to refill your own thermos.
Disembark and enjoy a walk down the “Old Navvies Road” to the charming village of Flam on the innermost reaches of the Sognefjord. This winding downhill path passes by a mountain farm and provides wonderful views of the surrounding valley. Stop off at the Kardal mountain farm to sample some local goats cheese.
Train: 30 minutes
Ascent/Descent: 179m/1011m
A traditional family-run chalet-style hotel located by the Aurlandsfjord. Enjoy views of the surrounding spectacular scenery through large windows and glass balcony doors.
Set in a 19th century white clapboard building next to Aurlandsfjord and a 2 minute walk from Flam train station. Rooms feature mountain views and some have terraces. Other facilities include a beautiful waterside restaurant, fireside bar and pretty garden café.
Heimly is a guesthouse of a simple standard with amazing fjord views. It has 22 rooms, a peaceful garden, lounge and panoramic dining room. The rooms are simply furnished and include their own bathroom with shower. Around half of the rooms have views of the fjord and surrounding mountains.
Heimly lies right on the Aurlandsfjord, only 500 metres from the famous Flåm Railway and the centre of Flåm town.
The wild Aurlandsdalen Valley is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of Norway” due to its jaw-droppingly beautiful landscapes of untouched nature, fjords, roaring rivers and paths cut into the steep mountainside. Your walk today is one of the classic hikes of fjord Norway from Østerbø to Vassbygdi.
Take a bus from Flam to Østerbø (1h) The bus runs until the end of August only, after this time a taxi will be required (payable locally). Then follow the trail cut into the cliff face along the Nesbø-vatnet lake, with an optional detour to the Vetlahelvete cave. Expect amazing views every step of the way! Arriving at Vassbygdi, take the bus or taxi back to Flam (25min).
Alternatively, take your pick of a number of short walks around Flam. We suggest two routes— one to a pretty waterfall not far from Flam or another to a nearby farmstead dating back to the 17th century. There are also a number of other short walks you can take around Flam itself.
Walk: 15 km, Ascent/Descent: 269m/1008m or
Walk: 6-8 km, Ascent/Descent: 104-301m/104-301m
A traditional family-run chalet-style hotel located by the Aurlandsfjord. Enjoy views of the surrounding spectacular scenery through large windows and glass balcony doors.
Set in a 19th century white clapboard building next to Aurlandsfjord and a 2 minute walk from Flam train station. Rooms feature mountain views and some have terraces. Other facilities include a beautiful waterside restaurant, fireside bar and pretty garden café.
Heimly is a guesthouse of a simple standard with amazing fjord views. It has 22 rooms, a peaceful garden, lounge and panoramic dining room. The rooms are simply furnished and include their own bathroom with shower. Around half of the rooms have views of the fjord and surrounding mountains.
Heimly lies right on the Aurlandsfjord, only 500 metres from the famous Flåm Railway and the centre of Flåm town.
Today is a travel day, so sit back, relax and take in the views as you travel by train on to Voss, before catching a local bus to Lofthus, located on the wonderful Hardangerfjord.
Your hotel for the next couple of nights is the beautiful Hotel Ullensvang in an area which is home to an estimated half a million fruit trees and spectacularly located on the edge of the fjord.
Train: Flam to Myrdal (1h), Myrdal to Voss (1h 15m)
Bus Voss to Lofthus: 1h 20m
Dinner: Lofthus
Hotel Ullensvang is a beautiful historic hotel which has been run by five generations of the Utne family dating back to 1846. First thing you will probably notice is its breathtaking views upwards towards the Hardangervidda mountain plain and the Folgefonna glacier, and down to the Hardangerfjord. Ensure you make the most of your stay in the wonderful Ullensvang Bath, a spa and wellness centre with an 88-meter long swimming channel stretching from the swimming pool indoors to an infinity pool outdoors, it also has a jacuzzi, sauna’s and a Japanese massage creek (this is all inclusive in the cost of your trip). You will taste the flavours of Hardanger in the hotel restaurant, where dishes are made from the best local produce available. Squash, rowing boats, ten-pin bowling, playroom and tennis are only a few of the activities on offer – Just ask at reception for more details!
Set on a farm just 200 yards from the shores of Hardangerfjord, this property offers simple accommodation with free Wi-Fi. The on-site restaurant specialises in Norwegian and Thai food. At Ullensvang Gjesteheim, all rooms have a seating area, desk and wash basin. Some rooms have a private bathroom with shower. Guests can fish in the River Opo, which runs through the garden. Bicycle rentals and hiking in Hardangervidda National Park are also popular activities.
There are several lovely walks to choose from around Lofthus, from short walks around fruit trails to more challenging mountain walks taking you high above Lofthus or to nearby waterfalls. We provide route notes for 3 different options and you can take your pick depending on how energetic you feel!
Walk: 9-18km
Hotel Ullensvang is a beautiful historic hotel which has been run by five generations of the Utne family dating back to 1846. First thing you will probably notice is its breathtaking views upwards towards the Hardangervidda mountain plain and the Folgefonna glacier, and down to the Hardangerfjord. Ensure you make the most of your stay in the wonderful Ullensvang Bath, a spa and wellness centre with an 88-meter long swimming channel stretching from the swimming pool indoors to an infinity pool outdoors, it also has a jacuzzi, sauna’s and a Japanese massage creek (this is all inclusive in the cost of your trip). You will taste the flavours of Hardanger in the hotel restaurant, where dishes are made from the best local produce available. Squash, rowing boats, ten-pin bowling, playroom and tennis are only a few of the activities on offer – Just ask at reception for more details!
Set on a farm just 200 yards from the shores of Hardangerfjord, this property offers simple accommodation with free Wi-Fi. The on-site restaurant specialises in Norwegian and Thai food. At Ullensvang Gjesteheim, all rooms have a seating area, desk and wash basin. Some rooms have a private bathroom with shower. Guests can fish in the River Opo, which runs through the garden. Bicycle rentals and hiking in Hardangervidda National Park are also popular activities.
There are several lovely walks to choose from around Lofthus, from short walks around fruit trails to more challenging mountain walks taking you high above Lofthus or to nearby waterfalls. We provide route notes for 3 different options and you can take your pick depending on how energetic you feel!
Walk: 9-18km
Hotel Ullensvang is a beautiful historic hotel which has been run by five generations of the Utne family dating back to 1846. First thing you will probably notice is its breathtaking views upwards towards the Hardangervidda mountain plain and the Folgefonna glacier, and down to the Hardangerfjord. Ensure you make the most of your stay in the wonderful Ullensvang Bath, a spa and wellness centre with an 88-meter long swimming channel stretching from the swimming pool indoors to an infinity pool outdoors, it also has a jacuzzi, sauna’s and a Japanese massage creek (this is all inclusive in the cost of your trip). You will taste the flavours of Hardanger in the hotel restaurant, where dishes are made from the best local produce available. Squash, rowing boats, ten-pin bowling, playroom and tennis are only a few of the activities on offer – Just ask at reception for more details!
Set on a farm just 200 yards from the shores of Hardangerfjord, this property offers simple accommodation with free Wi-Fi. The on-site restaurant specialises in Norwegian and Thai food. At Ullensvang Gjesteheim, all rooms have a seating area, desk and wash basin. Some rooms have a private bathroom with shower. Guests can fish in the River Opo, which runs through the garden. Bicycle rentals and hiking in Hardangervidda National Park are also popular activities.
Your final day’s journey takes you from the Hardangerfjord to Bergen, with a stop off in Voss along the way for one final walk into the mountains! After visiting the folk museum, a steep footpath takes you up Mount Hanguren. Returning to the town of Voss, board the train to Bergen where you will arrive in the early evening.
Enjoy an evening stroll around the historic hanseatic wharf Bryggen and an evening meal from one of the city’s fantastic seafood restaurants.
Bus Lofthus to Voss: 1h 30m
Train Voss to Bergen: 1h 30m
Ascent/Descent: 596m/598m
A bright, friendly hotel located on the popular Torgalmenningen square in central Bergen. The building dates back to 1926, and has been lovingly converted into a funky, modern hotel with many of the original features still preserved.
Beautifully located by the quayside next to the historic Bryggen. Coffee, tea, fruit and waffles are all included.
The hotel is located in central Bergen and it enjoys fantastic views of the harbour, the famous Bryggen, the mountains and the fish market. The 270 degree sea view provides a true maritime ambiance. All rooms have a minibar, iron and ironing board, chair and desk. Free Wi-Fi available.
Check out after breakfast and make your way back to the airport, or speak to one of our Destination & Adventure Specialists about arranging extra nights.
Other Information
Is it for me?Perfect if you enjoy the journey as much as the destination, this tour allows you to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery, in between varied walks of 8- 20km and ascents of up to 775m. Overnight stops are in charming mountain inns and traditional fjord-side hotels.
Discovery | Think of it as a ‘local’s guide’ to the best of the region. It includes a combination of activity and transportation to give you the freedom to explore and cover more ground at your own pace. We do all the research and organisation for you. All you have to do is turn up and enjoy!
Rail and Hike | Perfectly planned itineraries discovering the best of a destination both by train and on foot.
We grade this tour as moderate overall (with a couple of the days being moderate-strenuous). You will be walking for between 3 and 6 hours per day with ascents of up to 775m. Many of the walks are also quite easy to shorten if you don’t want to walk as much and as you are not walking from inn to inn each day, this gives you the flexibility to enjoy as much walking as you desire.
Stay for 9 nights in 3-star standard hotels. We have carefully chosen traditional hotels in spectacular mountain and fjord-side locations which offer great service, fantastic views and good restaurants. The accommodation we normally use is detailed below. Occasionally we may have to use different hotels than the ones named subject to availability but they will be of a very similar standard. The accommodation we normally use is detailed below, however is subject to availability and therefore alternatives of an equal standard may be offered.
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
Unfortunately this trip is not available to solo walkers due to the remote nature of some of the walks. However we are able to offer single rooms within your party for a supplement.
Meals
9 breakfasts and 3 evening meals are included. To keep things flexible, other dinners and lunches are not included. Most of your accommodations will be happy to prepare a packed lunch or you can stop on your way at a cafe or restaurant of your choice. Drinks are not included but available at all overnight accommodations.
Accommodation Location
We will always try and accommodate you at the locations detailed in your itinerary. Occasionally, because of limited availability, there is the option to be accommodated at an alternative location. In the unlikely event that we have to accommodate you elsewhere we will advise you of this before confirming your booking.
Norway has an excellent system for trail-marking and all of the paths you will be following will be well way-marked.
Navigation is straightforward as you can use the Macs Adventure Smartphone App which has maps, GPS tracks, and daily route information. Simply download the GPS tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone with the assurance that navigation will be simple, and you can’t get lost. You will find more information on downloading the app in your Macs Adventure Account. As this is a self guided walk you will be responsible for navigation, decision making and safety during your trip.
Our walks usually begin and end at a central point in town (such as a church, bus stop, etc.). Access routes to your accommodation are not included in our km daily figures. However, the Macs app will guide you to your accommodation.
Recommended Reading
Although not essential, if you would like more information on the route please see our recommendation below:
- Geilo by Nordeca (map)
- Finse by Nordeca (map)
- Aurland by Nordeca (map)
- Hardangerjokulen by Nordeca (map)
- Voss by Nordeca (map)
- 9 Nights in 3-star standard hotels
- 9 Breakfasts
- 4 Dinners
- Train journeys as per itinerary
- Access to maps, GPX tracks and daily route information with the Macs Adventure smartphone navigation app
- All your trip documents provided digitally through your online Macs “My Account”
- 24-7 Emergency telephone support from our office
- Travel insurance (required)
- Travel to Oslo and from Bergen
- Luggage Transfer on Day 4 from Myrdal to Flam (payable locally)
- Lunches
- Drinks and snacks
- Local buses or taxis
- Personal equipment
- Additional nights before, during or after the trip
- Guided glacier hike (this is only possible mid July till mid August)
You can start this tour on any day of the week between the start of July and the end of August subject to availability. This is the most pleasant time of the year to walk around in Norway with plenty of hours of daylight and warm daytime temperatures. Please note that depending on weather and the previous winter, there can still be some snow on the trails at the beginning and end of the season. We recommend booking as far in advance as possible as the accommodations get booked up very quickly however we will always try our very best to accommodate your plans.
There are direct flights to Oslo from most major cities in Europe, and from some cities in North America and Asia. Example flight times are London-Oslo (2h), New York-Oslo (7.5h), Rome-Oslo (3h).
By Air - You can fly direct from Bergen to a number of central destinations in Europe like Amsterdam (1h 30m), Copenhagen (1h 30m) London (2h), and Paris (2h). You can also fly via Oslo (55m), with up to 20 flights per day between Oslo and Bergen.
By Ferry - There are a couple of different ways to travel to Bergen by ferry or boat.The famous Hurtigruten cruise line stops there. You can also arrive by one of the high-speed ferries which travel up and down the Norwegian coast with Norled. Or you can catch the ferry from Stavanger with Fjord Line.
By Train: If you are flying back from Oslo, we can book a return ticket on the train for you. Please select this as an option when making your booking. The total train journey from Bergen back to Oslo takes approx. 7 hours.
All your train tickets as per the itinerary are included as part of this tour. This will be in a standard cabin/seat. If you would like to upgrade to first class, please let us know and this can be priced on request for you.
Online Documents
At Macs Adventure we care about the environment! We’re taking action to minimize the impact we have by converting the majority of our tour documentation for online delivery.
On this tour, all your detailed tour information will be digitally delivered. You will have access to this documentation via “My Account” on our website.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised as the region is extremely popular and the accommodations do get booked up quickly. However, we will always try our very best to accommodate your plans.
We grade this tour as moderate. You will be walking for between 3 and 6 hours per day, and the maximum ascent in one day is about 775m. This trip is suited to keen walkers who are used to walking in hillier terrain.
Your detailed information pack will be sent to you after you book. This has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, waterproof clothes and a day pack.
You will be required to do both on our Rail and Hike itineraries, and on some days you will be required to take your bags with you or you receive baggage handling to your next walking location! Please check and refer to your specific Rail and Hike itinerary on our website, and visit the ‘Included’ section for clarification on this.
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Why Macs
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At Macs, we don’t do tour buses, groups, or guides. Instead, we give you the freedom and confidence to have your own self-guided hiking or biking adventure.
This is active travel led by you.
You choose your departure date and who you travel with, we do the rest.
We sort accommodation and luggage transfers and provide your route in an easy-to-use app.
We give you everything you need to travel independently but we're here 24/7 if you need us.
Getting from A to B under your own steam is intensely rewarding. With Macs, you'll see the world, and yourself, differently.