Experience the best of Southern Norway on this 8-day, 7-night summer journey from Oslo to Stavanger, travelling in a small group of around 20 to 30 guests through some of the country’s most celebrated landscapes.
The adventure begins in Oslo, Norway’s modern capital on the Oslofjord, before heading into the mountains by rail. From Myrdal, the steep and dramatic Flåm Railway descends to the edge of the Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest and most scenic fjords in Western Norway, where a cruise carries you through the heart of the landscape to Gudvangen. The route continues to Bergen, an historic coastal city known for its colourful Bryggen Wharf, before following the coastline south to Stavanger, gateway to the Lysefjord. Here, Pulpit Rock, one of Norway’s most recognised landmarks, can be experienced either from a fjord cruise below or by a self-guided hike from above (additional cost).
With centrally located hotels and a balance of guided activities and free time, this itinerary offers an easy and rewarding introduction to Norway’s landscapes, culture, and coastal towns.
Day 1: Oslo
Arrive in Norway’s capital and transfer to the city centre via a short and comfortable journey on the airport train. Set between forest and fjord, Oslo offers a perfect introduction to Norwegian life, where nature is never far from the city. The compact centre makes it easy to settle in, with a calm, understated atmosphere that reflects the Norwegian way of living.
Day 2: Oslo Highlights
After breakfast, enjoy a panoramic city tour, introducing Oslo’s key landmarks, history and waterfront setting. You’ll get a sense of how the city blends modern Scandinavian design with deep Viking and maritime heritage. Areas like the revitalised harbour show how Oslo has transformed into a cultural hub while still staying closely connected to its natural surroundings.
Day 3: Oslo – Voss
Travel by train to Myrdal, continue on the iconic Flåm Railway, then cruise through the Nærøyfjord before reaching Voss. This journey showcases some of Norway’s most dramatic landscapes, from steep mountain valleys to UNESCO-listed fjords carved by glaciers over thousands of years. It’s considered one of the most scenic routes in the Nordics and gives a real sense of the country’s scale and natural beauty.
Day 4: Voss – Bergen
Continue by train to Bergen, often referred to as the gateway to Norway’s fjords. The city’s historic waterfront reflects its role as a major trading centre during the Hanseatic period, which connected Norway to wider European markets. The afternoon at leisure gives you time to get a feel for the lay of the land in Bergen, where the harbour, surrounding mountains and frequent rainfall all play a role in shaping daily life.
Day 5: Bergen Highlights
Explore Bryggen Wharf, take the Fløibanen funicular, or visit the local fish market and harbour area. Bergen offers a good introduction to western Norway’s coastal culture, where fishing and maritime industries have long dominated.
The concept of “friluftsliv” (literally translated as “open-air living”) is a core part of Norwegian culture, referring to spending time outdoors in a simple, everyday way. In Bergen, this is reflected in how easily you can reach walking trails and viewpoints just minutes from the city centre, making nature a natural part of daily life rather than something reserved for weekends or special trips.
Day 6: Bergen – Stavanger
Transfer to the harbour and board a coastal ferry to Stavanger, travelling south along Norway’s west coast. This route passes through a landscape shaped by glacial activity, with scattered islands and exposed shoreline. Coastal transport like this has historically been essential in connecting communities in a region where overland travel was more limited.
Day 7: Stavanger & Rødne Fjord Cruise
Today is yours to explore Stavanger at your own pace. Your included experience is a scenic cruise through Lysefjord, one of Norway’s most dramatic fjords, aboard a silent electric catamaran departing from Strandkaien. As you leave the city behind, you’ll pass through steep mountain landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and calm fjord waters. Along the way, take in highlights such as the cave Fantahålå, the towering Hengjanefossen waterfall, and the iconic cliff of Preikestolen rising above the fjord.
For those wanting a more active experience, you can choose to hike Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) at an additional cost. This is one of Norway’s most iconic and rewarding hikes. This self-guided walk covers approximately 8 km return (around 4 hours), following a well-marked but varied trail through forest paths, rocky terrain, wooden boardwalks, and some steeper sections (a good level of balance and steady footing is recommended). The hike culminates at the famous plateau, rising 604 metres above Lysefjord, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramic views over the terrain.
Lysefjord is one of Norway’s most dramatic landscapes, and Preikestolen one of its most recognisable natural landmarks. Whether you take it in from the water or from above, this is Norwegian nature at its most striking.
Day 8: Stavanger/Departure
Transfer to Stavanger Airport for onward travel. As your journey ends, you leave with a deeper appreciation for how Norway’s landscapes, culture and way of life are closely intertwined – something that defines travel across the Nordics.
Experience Preikestolen
Extend your Norwegian experience with the more challenging self-guided ‘Fjord Cruise & Mountain Hike’ option.
