The benefit of doing the tour in the colder months is that it’s likely to be much less busy, but the days are a lot shorter and the bus in particular may not be able to take the most scenic route. haha! We left Bergen at 8.43am, took a train, a bus, a boat, and another two trains and arrived in Oslo after 11pm. Inside my bag you'll find: Norway In A Nutshell Tour package 4360 – Adults (2 * 1440) and Kids (2*740) Tour Package – DIY Option: 4360 – 3187 = 1173 NOK or $136 USD (about $34 savings per person) Tips for doing a DIY Norway in a Nutshell Tour. Our tour was in June, when the sun doesn’t set until after 10pm, so we were able to see the scenery for all but the very last approach into Oslo. Cruising Norway’s fjords in June is also a must. It was unseasonably cold, and snowed from outside Oslo until just before we got to Flåm, so we got to see the scenery looking very different to the summer photos. To help you prepare for your vacation, we asked our readers what they would pack in their suitcase when heading to Norway in winter. Tromsø has a varied climate both during winter season (average temperature -4 °C) and summer season (average temperature 12 °C). Both sides of the train between Myrdal and Oslo have gorgeous scenery, but soon after leaving Myrdal the train climbs further into the mountains and skirts around a stunning ice-covered lake. Overall, very good travel experience for this usually very independent traveller. The downside of this plan was that our Norway in a Nutshell day ended up being very long and fairly tiring. If you could do this trip again and add an overnight stop, where would it be? I flew round trip to Bergen from Copenhagen on Norwegian during 9-day vacation (5 days off from work). It’s very pretty, but after a day of amazing scenery on Norway in a Nutshell you’re bound to be a bit weary. Thanks Julie, I hope some of my tips were useful and that you had a good time! The popular “Norway in a Nutshell” tour is run year-round between Oslo and Bergen with stops in the Fjords. We used your tips when we took our trip from Bergen to Oslo in July 2019. The train stops at the Kjossfossen waterfall for a few minutes – just long enough for a mountain nymph to emerge and tempt unwary travellers away from their tightly-planned itineraries with a mysterious dance set to very loud piped music. This took us through beautiful scenery all the way to Bergen. A down jacket, hat, and gloves: Bring your warmest layers and accessories if you'll be traveling to northern islands like Jan Mayen and Svalbard. Fjord Tours then got in touch to take the extra payment before sending out our tickets. We've looked at weather conditions, but I was hoping to get first hand advice on what to pack for our trip. Date: June 21, 2018 Location: Bergen, Norway B.A.Livin’ Savings: $53 per person Welcome Travelers! Dressing in layers for winter Norway travel starts with a good base layer also known as thermal underwear. I do wear blue jeans and black jeans. The village of Flåm is actually a little way further up the valley, while the area at the dock-side is more touristy. Rain gear: The weather can turn sour unexpectedly (Bergen, by the way, is the wettest city in Europe) and you might want to take a ferry trip out to the fjords, which is guaranteed to be a wet activity. What To Wear In Norway In February 2021. Alta is another perfect spot for sports … Feb 18, 2015 - Practical tips on what to wear in Norway. We upgraded our Norway in a Nutshell tickets to NSB Komfort for the Myrdal to Oslo section by adding a note in the Fjord Tours booking form. Try to sit on the right-hand side of the train from Flåm to Myrdal. However, if you are here to experience Arctic adventures or chase the Northern Lights, you need to expect temperatures from -25 °C to 5 °C. When the train arrives in Voss, the station exit to get to the bus stop is at the far end of the platform; if you’re in a carriage at the back of the train like we were, you’ll also be at the back of the bus queue with less chance of getting a good seat. Thanks so much for all this great advice Helen. On the bus, the driver pointed out the gorgeous waterfalls, while on the boat and on the Flåm Railway there were screens showing where we were and points of interest along the route. Experience Tromsø on this tour. I'm a female and freeze easily and with temperatures around freezing I would wear my wool long johns, my winter jacket or coat. Relax and enjoy a book or use the excellent free train wifi – it’s been a long journey. Don’t worry about missing the bus or not being able to get on. a proper sweater or shirt and a ordinary-looking pair of jeans) is the ticket just about everywhere unless you plan to go to a really, really nice resturant or some self-important night club. When travelling to Norway in the winter, you can expect cold temperatures outdoors. My husband and I are traveling to Norway in late May 2013 and doing kind of a DIY Norway in a Nutshell. 15% OFF. The snow reflects light and leads to sunburns, so pack your SPF and sunglasses no matter what time of year you'll be visiting. Thanks! Once those barriers go down, it’s a mad dash for seats on the train. If you want a good seat (or even to be sat with your travelling companions) then you need to be near the front of the queue. Myrdal station is a pretty lonely place. Best seller. It's best to bring natural fibers that are breathable and also quick-drying because Norway is extremely wet year-round. I want to add some stops in this tour but I’m not sure where. Complete Norway winter packing list. The key to staying warm in cold climates is dressing in layers. The iconic Norway in a Nutshell Tour is popular in warm weather, but you should also consider doing Norway in a Nutshell in Winter. From Myrdal, you get on board the Flåm Railway. Approaching the snowy land near Finse - what a contrast to the forest! Hi Angela, that sounds amazing! The buses are timed with perfection to meet up with the train from Bergen and get you to the boat tour in Gudvangen, so unfortunately there’s no time to look around the town of Voss. While the normal seats on the Oslo-Bergen train leg are perfectly comfortable, for an extra 100 NOK (around £10 or $12 USD) per person, you can upgrade to reserved seats in NSB Komfort. You do the tour on own with their guidance and connections are all arranged for you. We were there just before high season as well so perhaps not quite as busy as it gets in July/August. The train from Bergen to Voss is a small local train, and there aren’t any seat reservations. Casual wear (e.g. We do the planning, you just enjoy the ride. Always making the most of my annual leave! I would love to visit Norway one day! If you do choose to split your Norway in a Nutshell trip over several days then you could spend a night in Voss to try some of the many outdoor activities available around town. If one-way from Bergen to Oslo is a bit of a slog, then a round trip from Oslo, while possible, is an epically long day – a full 24 hours which sees you taking the night train back from Bergen to Oslo, arriving back in Oslo at 6am. You’ll be on the best side to see the mighty Kjossfossen waterfall, and there’s still plenty to see for the rest of the journey. A round trip from Bergen is a more relaxing option, very popular with cruise ship passengers. The line between Bergen and Voss passes some beautiful scenery, including stunning lakes and pretty villages. Our question regards shoes/boots. If you’re travelling in winter, double-check the itinerary. The premium boat in particular is very cleverly designed, with sloping walkways which let everyone on board get a great view, although there’s no seating outside. Waterproof boots: Boots are almost optional during the summer in Norway, but during the winter, they're most certainly not. Most of them, including the Kjossfossen the Flåm train stops for, were almost completely frozen over. Boots: Bring along your sturdiest boots, too (of the hiking variety, specifically, if you wish to explore the pristine fjords and mountains on foot). Until then, please stay safe and stay home. Nov 3, 2015 - Shop for discount made-in-Norway Norwegian sweaters at the Dale of Norway factory outlet and store in Dale, Norway. Love Norway. There are screens inside the premium cruise boat which show whereabouts you are in the fjord and mark points of interest, such as the pretty village of Dyrdal; a huge waterfall which crashes down the mountainside; and the point where the boat rounds the corner from the Nærøyfjord into the Aurlandsfjord (look out for seals on the rocks below the headland). We met many cyclists who stay there on a route through the mountains; it seems there are some package tours where you can hire a bike and get a train ride to the top of the mountain, then ride downhill to various destinations, staying at some hotels along the way. Also, if we are considering a round-trip from Oslo, what is the ideal number of days (including overnight stops along the way) to allow? Any ideas on what to wear in Norway in winter? Photo: From the fjord cruise Norway in a nutshell. We had a couple of hours there in between our boat trip on the fjords and our train ride on the Flåmsbana to Myrdal, but it wasn’t enough time to do any of the lovely walks around Flåm. I had a lightweight raincoat in my bag ( this one from Patagonia that folds up into its own pocket) and wore a t-shirt and hoodie. Please look for the bus with sign for Norway in a nutshell®/Voss at the harbour. Available from Bergen daily all year. Boots: Bring along your sturdiest boots, too (of the hiking variety, specifically, if you wish to explore the pristine fjords and mountains on foot). 7 days / 6 nights May - Sep Norway in a Nutshell® - Classic. The most significant step where you can make savings is on the Bergen railway section. I do recommend Norway in a Nutshell but just be prepared for a long day. Here are 3 reasons why. If you’re travelling with children, then many trains also have special family carriages with a soft play area and cartoons showing on a TV screen. Good travel experience! If you do take one of these hikes, make sure you’re back in plenty of time for your train ride to Myrdal. If you dream of visiting the Norwegian fjords, the popular Norway in a Nutshell tour is a great way to get a taste of the Norwegian landscape in a short time. Long sleeves: Not only is it always chilly (if not absolutely icy), Norway also has a mosquito problem, especially during the months of April and August. A wool cardigan or high-quality fleece jacket can replace a thick sweater, meaning more space in your suitcase and easier undressing if you do get warm. Up Norway – tailored journeys. Vossa Jazz Festival: Norway celebrates the genre during the first week of April. Areas in the far north without the Gulf Stream warming coastal waters are cold even in the summer. Skyroam Mobile Hotspot: Global WiFi is a MUST for travellers to Norway. THE SECOND LEG . The day trip from Bergen to see the fjords involves taking a: Train from Bergen to Voss; Bus from Voss to Gudvangen; Ferry (Premium) from Gudvangen to Flåm ; Train from Flåm to Myrdal; Train from Myrdal to Bergen #1 and #5: First, train tickets to and from Bergen can be purchased on the NSB website. Long johns and medium wool socks is the easiest way to pack warm wear. My girlfriend's family lives in Norway and she had been on the Norway in a Nutshell already so she knew what she wanted to do. Enjoy the Northern Lights walk! Here’s a look at what was in my bag for my trip to Northern Norway: In my main suitcase. We did try to book Minipris tickets for our trip but overall it worked out only a few pounds cheaper to do a DIY tour so we opted for the reassurance of the official supplier Fjord Tours. Even if it’s summertime, you’re a fair way above sea level now, and it’s worth bringing a sweater to wear while you wait for the train. I did not brink hiking boots as they are heavy in suitcase. What was the tour group size? For the best experience on the Flåm Railway part of the trip, you’re going to want to get tactical. Decide whether you want to do a one-way Norway in a Nutshell journey or a round trip from Oslo or Bergen. The best thing to wear for Norway in a Nutshell in summer is layers, remembering to pack light. Weather in Sweden: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature, Weather in Southern China: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature, Guide to the Weather and Climate of Bergen, Norway, How To Pack and Plan for the Average Temperatures in Belfast. Up Norway – tailored journeys. While some people may have been disappointed to not see blue skies and green hills, I was mesmerised by the snowy landscape. I’ve done the same thing twice now and would probably do it again. It's actually quite temperate on the western coast, thanks to the passing North Atlantic Current of the Gulf Stream. 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