Experience Norway’s celebrated cities, superb railways, breathtaking fjords and remote Lofoten islands, and witness the stunning natural phenomenon of the Midnight Sun

Your Nordic holiday begins at London Heathrow where we meet the Tour Manager before our morning flight to Oslo, Norway's capital. We then travel on Oslo's modern and efficient rail system to our central hotel in the city. These spacious and sleek modern trains provide an immediate glimpse of the country's effective railway system as we travel straight to the heart of the Norwegian capital.

Our four-star hotel is directly outside the station and only a short distance from Oslo's famous 17th-century cathedral. Used for state occasions, it is encircled on three sides by the beautiful Romanesque Revival bazaars - a charming, curved arcade built in the mid-1800s to house butcher stalls, they now contain independent stores and cosy restaurants.

This afternoon you are free to relax or familiarise yourself with the neighbourhood, before dinner together at a local restaurant.

Today, we explore the Norwegian capital with a local guide by coach, visiting some of its most renowned sights. We start at Oslo's opera house with its unique angled exterior of marble and white granite, which visitors are encouraged to walk on the roof for great views across Oslofjord, if the weather is suitable. We also see the City Hall and the neoclassical Royal Palace, then continue to Vigeland Sculpture Park to walk among the extraordinary art of Gustav Vigeland. Our tour ends at lunchtime and you are at leisure for the rest of the day.

You could visit the Aker Brygge district known for its pier and interesting eateries. Oslo offers many world-class museums including the Munch Museum and the National Museum, containing works by the expressionist painter Edvard Munch, renowned for 'The Scream'. Another option is to take a gentle cruise around idyllic Oslofjord, possibly stopping at the Fram Museum to view a 19th-century ship used for polar exploration or visiting the Norsk Folk Museum. Dining independently this evening, you could try new Nordic, international cuisine or fresh seafood in Aker Brygge.

This morning we take a short walk to the station for a rail journey from Oslo to Bergen. Travelling on the world-famous Bergen Railway, the highest in northern Europe, we enjoy views of the wild Norwegian countryside, passing breathtaking glaciers, mountains and spectacular fjords.

Our route enters deep forest where you can look out for wild reindeer and arctic foxes as we cross the Hardanger Plateau. Approaching the summit of the route, Finse, it feels as if we are completely alone in nature. Set 4,000 feet above sea level, this has been a popular training ground for arctic explorers including Scott and Shackleton.

Arriving at Bergen later this afternoon, we walk to our hotel, which is just steps away from the waterfront and Bergen's main square. Before dinner, there's time to settle in and explore our surroundings in this fascinating harbour city.

We discover Bergen on a guided sightseeing tour by coach today. After visiting the Bryggen Waterfront, a World Heritage site, the city's narrow streets and bustling fish market give us a sense of life here for merchants in the 13th century.

The rest of the day is free to continue exploring on your own. You could visit the Bryggen Museum to view the world's largest collection of runic inscriptions. Alternatively, the Fløibanen funicular provides spectacular views across countless scenic islands, showcasing why Bergen is called the 'capital of the fjords'. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Bergen has some excellent restaurants for you to dine independently this evening. Popular local dishes are all based on fresh seafood - Bergen fish soup, fish cakes and traditional steamed cod.

Two scenic rail journeys await today, beginning with the Bergen Railway. Leaving Bergen, the train climbs into the craggy mountains, travelling alongside deep fjords and through tunnels hewn out of solid rock, before arriving in remote Myrdal - 2,840 feet above sea level.

In Myrdal, we board the famous Flåm Railway for an unforgettable ride along one of the steepest lines in the world. As we descend to the fjord-side village of Flåm for the night, tucked away in the innermost corner of Aurlandsfjord, our train negotiates horseshoe curves, twists, turns and 20 tunnels. Along this dramatic route, you can look out at rushing rivers, tumbling waterfalls and snow-capped mountains passing by our window.

After a photo stop at the cascading Kjosfossen waterfall, the train arrives at Flåm this afternoon. Our hotel is a short distance from the train station, where we have dinner this evening.

Today we travel by coach to Geiranger, an idyllic village nestled on the banks of a UNESCO listed fjord. We take a quick ferry ride to Manheller, then drive to the Fjaerland Glacier Museum, where you have free time to explore. Housed in a building designed by the architect Sverre Fehn, the museum's external design reflects the surrounding landscape of jagged mountains and angular glaciers. Inside, award-winning exhibits tell the story of Norway's glacial landscapes and explore the history of glaciology.

Departing the museum, we continue our scenic journey to Loen, located in the innermost area of the Nordfjord region. The contrast of the green-blue fjord, the mighty Jostedalsbreen Glacier and looming snow-dusted mountains surrounding this tiny village provide unforgettable views.

Arriving in Geiranger this afternoon, there's time to refresh and enjoy the stunning scenery before dinner.

Please Note - For departure 26th June we wll stay at the Geiranger Hotel in Geiranger.

For departure 22nd July we wll stay at the Hotel Loenfjord, in Loen.

After breakfast at our hotel, we travel by coach to Geirangerfjord, the 'jewel in the crown' of Norway's fjords. Arriving at Geiranger port, we set off on a cruise across the serene waters for the best views of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Acclaimed for its unique landscape, this nine-mile-long branch of Storfjord (meaning 'Great Fjord') has distinctive towering cliff walls and impressive waterfalls. As we cruise, the scenery envelops us in a world of stunning colour, the lush green of the trees contrasting with the blue water and brilliant white of the snow-capped distant peaks. When it rains, waterfalls appear seemingly from nowhere, cascading into the water below.

Disembarking at Hellesylt, we return to Geiranger, passing the Dalsnibba viewpoint, Europe's highest fjord view at a staggering 4,500 feet. Your afternoon is at leisure - you could enjoy the facilities and mountain views at our hotel before dinner this evening.

We set off by coach this morning on a journey to Åndalsnes on Romsdalfjord, travelling along the serpentine Trollstigen Mountain Road* and admiring cinematic views across deep green valleys and cascading waterfalls. We cross the fjord at Eidsdal to Linge by ferry. On arrival in Åndalsnes, we board the Rauma Railway - a 71-mile-long journey filled with scenic views of magnificent and contrasting landscapes. We enter the jaw-dropping Romsdal Valley, pause to admire the rushing Verma waterfall and cross the famous Kylling Bridge.

Following the course of the emerald green River Rauma, our train glides around the surrounding hillsides as we pass the insurmountable 'Troll Wall' and the banks of the Romsdal Fjord, finally reaching the picturesque hamlets and villages of Dombås. Here, we change trains and continue our journey to the historic city of Trondheim for two nights. We walk the short distance from the station to Trondheim's fjordside harbour to check in to our hotel and have a late dinner.

*Please note: the opening date of Trollstigen Road varies due to road and snow conditions. Early departures before mid-June may travel on an alternative route.

Awaking in the atmospheric harbourside of Trondheim this morning, we discover the city's history on a guided tour. Once a major trading centre, Trondheim is now a hub of technology and innovation. We walk through the city's Old Quarter, pass the colourful waterfront houses of Bakklandet, and admire the elegant Gothic architecture of Nidaros Cathedral. We also visit the Royal Residence - the largest wooden building in Northern Europe with around 140 different rooms.

The afternoon is free to continue sightseeing at your own pace. Among the city's broad avenues, old warehouses and pretty timber dwellings, there are many attractions. The Ringve Music Museum is situated on a hill and surrounded by the city's botanical gardens, and the Archbishop's Palace Museum is a treasure trove of local archaeological finds. The old town has bookstore cafés and bakeries with a reputation for relaxed lunches and great coffee. This evening, we dine at our hotel.

After an early breakfast, we depart Trondheim for a journey north on the sensational Nordland Railway*, a 452-mile journey to Bodø. Affectionately known as the Polar Express due to the picture-book scenes enroute, we travel through some of Norway's most amazing landscapes. Mountain vistas, tranquil fjords and glimmering lakes roll past the windows of our comfortable carriage.

The Nordland takes us through the beautiful and varied landscapes of northern Norway, and we cross the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees north shortly before reaching the town of Lonsdal, the highest point on the route. There is a chance we might see reindeer in the mountains or the elusive sea eagle soaring over the picturesque coast. In the height of summer, the sun may illuminate our entire journey, giving us the spectacular experience of nearly 24-hour daytime.

The train reaches Fauske before turning west for the final approach to Bodø, our scenic base for the night. We transfer by coach to our hotel where we have dinner.

*Please note: due to repair works on the Nordland Railway, we will travel from Trondheim to Steinkjer by coach before continuing by rail. 

This morning we transfer to Bodø pier where we board a ferry to the picturesque port of Moskenes. Arriving in the early afternoon, we take a scenic drive through idyllic fishing villages to Svolvær for a two-night stay in the tiny capital of the Lofoten Isles.

Described as Europe's most dramatic and spectacular islands, the Lofoten archipelago is connected to mainland Norway by a series of bridges and ferries. These remote Arctic Circle islands are defined by jagged mountains with vivid green slopes extending to the aquamarine sea, white sandy beaches and traditional red fishing huts.

You are free to dine independently before our Midnight Sun excursion*. We travel by coach to Gimsoy Beach, a beautiful white sandy beach with a range of spectacular mountains - a popular place to experience this natural phenomenon.

*Please note: the midnight sun excursion will only run on departures from 27th May 2026 to 26th June 2026.

We continue exploring the Lofoten archipelago with a full morning of sightseeing on various islands. We begin by making a photo stop at the fishing village of Henningsvaer, then continue to the rugged yet beautiful Vestvågøy island and its town of Leknes. Set between green meadows and dramatic mountains, there's free time to find lunch here. Our return journey includes a detour through the remote and scenic village of Kvalnes.

Back in Svolvær this afternoon, we take a safari cruise into sea eagle territory. On board, we enjoy refreshments including fish soup, coffee, tea and snacks. Our cruise boat offers warm thermal suits and comfortable places to sit out on deck or inside the salon. While we look out for the majestic, endangered sea eagle, other wildlife - such as heron, seals, dolphins and even whales - may also make an appearance. After our cruise, we transfer back to our hotel where we dine this evening.

We have an early start this morning, so our hotel provides us with a picnic breakfast as we transfer to Evenes airport for our flight to Oslo. There's some time in Oslo airport before we board our flight back to London Heathrow, landing this afternoon. After saying your goodbyes, you can make your way home. Your holiday may be over, but memories of Norway's spellbinding Arctic landscapes, remote islands and fascinating cities are sure to linger.

Please note, hotels may differ depending on departure date.

Please note: you will need to transport your own luggage on flights and the Nordland Railway, rather than via our luggage service.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world, this high-altitude trip through southern Norway links the old Hanseatic city of Bergen and the Norwegian capital, Oslo. The harsh climate experienced in this part of the world has produced a landscape that is breathtaking and wild, and the Bergen Railway enables us to soak up the spectacular views whilst relaxing in warm, comfortable carriages.

A branch line of the Bergen Railway, the scenic Flåm Railway takes passengers on a wonderful 12.5 mile (20km) journey up one of the steepest railway lines in the world. On its journey from Flåm, located at the innermost corner of the Aurlandsfjord, the train negotiates horseshoe curves, twists, turns and 20 tunnels - 18 of which were drilled by hand.

The scenery is truly spectacular, with rivers and waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and remote farms passing by the window as you travel towards Myrdal at 2,838 feet (865m).

The Nordland Railway runs between the historic Viking capital of Norway, Trondheim, to the beautiful coastal city of Bodø in northern Norway. The railway is 453 miles in length, making it Norway's longest mainline railway. It is also one of only a few railway lines in the world that crosses the Arctic Circle. The railway, also called 'the train of the midnight sun', takes passengers through the beautifully varied scenery of northern Norway and includes views of lakes, rivers and fjords, as well as the spectacular Svartisen Glacier.

The Nordland Railway crosses the Arctic Circle (66 degrees north) near Lønsdal, the highest station on the line at 1678 feet above sea level. The northern part of Norway is famous as an ideal place to view the Northern Lights. During the summer, in fine weather, the sun remains visible 24 hours a day.

Our spectacular journey on the 71-mile Raumabanen Railway begins in the village of Dombås. The train takes us along the valley carved by the River Rauma, offering magnificent views of the awe-inspiring crags, peaks and plateaus of the Alpine massif along the way.

Just beyond Verma, the train enters the semi-circular Stavem Tunnel, which reverses the train's direction, taking us back the way we just came, before crossing the famous Kylling Bridge.

Further along the line we pass Trollveggen (Troll Wall), the tallest vertical rock face in Europe, continuing through the wild, awe-inspiring landscape towards the town of Åndalsnes, on the shores of the beautiful Romsdal Fjord.

The elegant 3-Star Thon Hotel Bristol is located in central Bergen, 450 yards from the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Waterfront. Breakfast is served in the top floor restaurant which has a view over the city. Coffee and tea is available in the lobby. The brightly decorated guest rooms have private bathrooms with a shower, complimentary toiletries and a hairdryer. Each room is equipped with a minibar, a desk, a flat-screen television and free Wi-Fi.

The 4-Star Fretheim Hotel in Flåm is a long-standing favourite with Great Rail Journeys' customers. Built on an old farm, the villa is located by the cobalt blue waters of Sognefjord, set in a valley alongside cliffs that rise sharply into the clouds. The interior is tastefully decorated with glazed floors and wood panelling, while the in-house bar offers exclusive views of the fjord - the perfect spot to unwind after an exhilarating day.

The 4-Star Thon Hotel Lofoten is perfectly located in Svolvaer Harbour, overlooking the water and surrounding mountains and within easy walking distance of the town's attractions. The hotel has a restaurant and a bar and guests enjoy free access to a local gym just a short walk from the hotel. The stylish guest rooms come with a telephone, flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi, a mini bar and a hairdryer.

This modern, 4-Star hotel overlooks Trondheim's fjordside harbour, and is close to many of the city's most popular attractions and the railway station. On site you'll find a laid-back bar as well as a spacious roof terrace with unbeatable views across the water. Each room features contemporary décor alongside free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen television, a mini-bar and coffee making facilities.

The 4-Star Quality Ramsalt is located near Langstranda Beach and The Norwegian Aviation Museum. Each guest room is equipped with complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV and a hairdryer. The property has an on site fitness centre, shared lounge, a restaurant and bar.

Located in Oslo's buzzing city centre, this modern 4-Star hotel is 37-storeys high, overlooking the city and Oslo Fjord. Facilities include a state-of-the-art gym, a sauna, a swimming pool, a rooftop restaurant and bar. The stylish guest rooms are equipped with a writing desk, satellite TV, a tea &coffee maker and free Wi-Fi.

The 4-Star Hotel Loenfjord Loen features two restaurants and a cocktail bar, a terrace with an outdoor fireplace, and a games room. Modern guest rooms offer either a mountain or fjord view, with a private bathrooms. Rooms are equipped with a sofa, heating, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a hairdryer and The 4-Star Hotel Loenfjord Loen features two restaurants and a cocktail bar, a terrace with an outdoor fireplace, and a games room. Modern guest rooms offer either a mountain or fjord view, with a private bathrooms. Rooms are equipped with a sofa, heating, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.complimentary toiletries.

Originally by a Swiss-style chalet, this historic 4-Star hotel was built in 1899. Still owned by the same family, over the years it has been renovated and extended, now containing an indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, an outdoor pool (seasonal) a spa offering various therapies and treatments (payable locally). The garden and terraces offer views across to the fjord, while the rustic restaurant in the garden provides a unique setting for meals. Guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, ironing equipment, tea & coffee-making facilities, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Flight upgrades are available. For information regarding the types of upgrades offered by the various airlines we use, call our expert team for details.

Spending a night in London before your tour can make such a difference to the first day of your holiday - you can arrive in the capital in good time, relaxed and ready to join your Tour Manager the next morning. You may even want to take in a show on the West End or dine in one of London's famous restaurants. Perhaps on your return to London, you would like to break your journey with an overnight stay before continuing home.

We can book a wide range of hotels in central London or, for our holidays beginning with a flight, at Heathrow, Gatwick, or Manchester Airport for the night before or after your holiday. If you require a quote for single occupancy at any of the hotels, please contact us on 01904 734 805.

Buying tickets for UK train services can be a tricky business - there are so many fares to choose from, each with different rules and restrictions. As you are connecting with an international departure, we strongly recommend that you book a fully flexible ticket to ensure that should the departure times for your holiday change, your rail ticket can allow for these changes.

We can book fully-flexible UK rail tickets from your local station to join your holiday whether this be a European holiday from St Pancras or a UK holiday. The prices are competitive and tickets are not restricted to a particular train or time of day, and in most cases offer you a free choice of routes.

For an up to date quote from your local station, please ask one of our Tour Advisors.