Best of Norway - Norway’s Highlights by Rail and Sail

Arrive in Oslo and make your own way from the airport or train station to the hotel. Depending on when you arrive, you may have time to explore this beautiful and compact city. Alternatively, if you’re tired after your journey, you may wish to use the time relaxing and recharging. The choice is yours.

After your hotel breakfast, today is completely at your leisure. Exploring Oslo is remarkably easy. Its compact size makes it ideal to discover and experience the best, the city has to offer. For culture lovers, the Bydgdøy peninsula is home to several museums like the outdoor museum, Folkemuseet and the Viking ship museum. Downtown Oslo, is full of restaurants, bars, cafes and open spaces.

After breakfast, it’s time to check out of your hotel and get on the Flytoget train to the airport where you board the plane heading north. You’ll fly the length of Norway’s mainland to Kirkenes, from around 60 to 70 degrees north. When you step off the plane, you’re approximately 400km north of the Arctic Circle, on the very edge of Norway. The Arctic town of Kirkenes is a place of adventures in wild landscapes, with a surprising blend of cultures. Here, you’re just a few kilometres from the border with Russia – an influence you’ll notice in the bilingual road signs.The transfer bus will take you to the hotel in the centre of the small town, after which you will have time to explore it at your leisure.

Before boarding, and after breakfast, you will still have some time in the morning for other activities such as walks, photography or simply relaxing and enjoying the fresh sea air.Afterwards, it’s time to start one of the main adventure of the trip: your voyage on The Coastal Express to Bergen along the incredible Norwegian coast. Transfer from the hotel to your comfortable cabin on our ship, ready for a 12.30 pm departure. Ahead of you lies five days filled with dramatic landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage sites and delicious onboard dining with Norway’s Coastal Kitchen. You’ll briefly sail into three small ports around the wild Varanger peninsula before night falls on this first part of your journey south: Vardø, Båtsford and Berlevåg.

We make stops at Mehamn and Kjøllefjord during the night before early morning visits to Honningsvåg and Havøysund.In the early afternoon, you’ll spend time in Hammerfest, which has the largest population on a list of the world’s northernmost settlements. See the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column, shop for souvenirs at the Polar Bear Society, or take the path behind the town to the viewpoint atop Mount Salen.We continue cruising Norway’s coastline south to Øksfjord and then to Skjervøy, surrounded by mountain peaks. We’ve been docking at this vital fishing port since 1896.If you’re visiting in winter, you might spot orcas and humpback whales that gather here to feed on herring.As we make our way to Tromsø, you might also glimpse views of the Lyngen Alps which boast some of the highest peaks in all of Norway. We dock at Tromsø just before midnight. In the summer months, you can stroll around the still busy city in glorious 24-hour daylight.

Today, you’ll be exploring the archipelagos of Lofoten and Vesterålen, real highlights of our Norway scenic route.After Finnsnes early in the morning, the ship calls at Harstad where the white-washed Trondenes Church, the world’s northernmost medieval stone church, sits on the peninsula.Next is our smallest port of call Risøyhamn and then Sortland where the landscape slowly transforms from hills to 1,000-metre-high mountains.Our birthplace Stokmarknes is where Captain Richard With began The Coastal Express in 1893. Visit Hurtigrutemuseet, a ship-in-a-bottle building that chronicles our legacy, centred around retired ship MS Finnmarken from 1956.Sailing along Raftsund, the Captain may choose to take the ship into tiny Trollfjord if the weather allows. The mountain walls will look so close you’ll think you can reach out and brush them! To exit the fjord, the ship will rotate 180 degrees on the spot, then sail back out. Remember to look out for sea eagles here too.We reach Svolvær in the evening. The huge mountain that sits above the town is named the Svolvær Goat due to its supposed resemblance. See if you agree!The ship then sails for Stamsund, eventually passing the giant granite cliffs of the Lofoten Wall.

The ship calls at Bodø in the small hours of the morning and then Ørnes at 7am. We then cross over the Arctic Circle just after breakfast. Commemorate the moment with a tradition of tasting a spoonful of good ol’ Norwegian cod liver oil!We make a short stop at Nesna before sailing on to Sandnessjøen, gateway to the magnificent Helgeland Coast.Admire the stunning landscape of the Seven Sisters mountain range, with peaks up to 1,100m high. The tale goes that seven beautiful troll princesses, fleeing from an unwanted suitor, got caught out as the sun rose, turning them into the seven beautiful mountains you see today.You’ll also not want to miss views of Torghatten Mountain, with the distinctive hole in it. There is a local legend as to why and how this mountain came to have such a hole. Make sure you ask your Expedition Team about it!We reach Brønnøysund mid-afternoon. Explore the bustling marina on a walk along Havnegata. In the centre of town is Brønnøy Church: a stone church in the Neo-Gothic style dating back to 1870.Our last stop of the day is the cosy fishing port of Rørvik in the picturesque Vikna archipelago.

Spend the morning in Trondheim, then sail past beautiful island scenery and some of Norway’s smallest communities before exploring Kristiansund and Molde.Stroll around Trondheim in the early morning as the city wakes. Visit the sacred Nidaros Cathedral, resting place of St. Olav. Then, walk to Gamle Bybro bridge for a photo opportunity over Nid River. Treat yourself to quality coffee and a Nordic patisserie in one of the Bakklandet district’s many chic cafés then walk up to Kristiansten Fort for great views of Norway’s third largest city.We dock at Kristiansund’s harbour in the late afternoon. The town is spread over three islands and known for being Norway’s “Bacalao Capital” for the salted cod that’s dried on the surrounding cliffs, called klippfisk in Norwegian. Take a walk around the cobblestone streets of the old town and tour the lively port. You can also head up to the old watchtower at Varden viewpoint for a lovely panorama.The penultimate port of the day is Molde where you can spot the tops of the Romsdal Alps. Nicknamed “The City of Roses”, flowers should be in bloom between mid-June and late August.

Our Norwegian coastal cruise together, at least this time, will reach its end later today. During the previous night, we’ll call at Ålesund and Torvik. On our approach to Måløy, you might catch a glimpse of the northbound Coastal Express if you’re up early enough.You’ll have a chance to glimpse Nordfjord, under the enormous Jostedal Glacier, mainland Europe’s largest.The ship then docks at Florø in the morning where you can take in the harbour and marina.Leaving Florø, you’ll spot Stabben Lighthouse, a favourite subject for photographers. There’s also stunning views to enjoy as we cross the mouth of Sognefjord, the longest and widest fjord in the whole of Norway.As we reach our final port in the afternoon, the ship will navigate through the last islands and skerries of our Norway scenic route, and sail down Hjeltefjord to arrive into Bergen.But luckily your journey is not over yet. After disembarkation you’ll take that transfer bus to your hotel to check in.Spend the afternoon discovering the city known as the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’. Founded in 1070 CE, Bergen retains much of its historical charm and character, making it a fascinating place to explore. Perhaps start by visiting the UNESCO-listed Bryggen district, where colourful wharfs dating back to the 14th century stand as a testament to the city's rich trading history. Stroll through the cobblestone alleyways lined with quaint shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes. Enjoy a meal at a café or restaurant, sampling local delicacies such as fresh fish and traditional Norwegian dishes.For a bird's-eye view of the city, take a trip on the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen. The panoramic views from the summit are truly captivating, offering a great perspective of Bergen and the surrounding fjords. Don't miss the famous fish market, where you can sample an array of fresh seafood and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling port city. With its blend of historical sites, natural beauty, and lively culture.

After a good breakfast, a transfer bus will take you to the railway station in Bergen. This is where your exciting train journey through the breathtaking landscape of Western Norway begins. Sit back and enjoy panoramic views of cascading waterfalls, deep fjords, and breathtaking nature. The train journey takes a little over an hour.Welcome to Voss! Here you will board the coach, which will take you through the heart of Norway's fjord landscape. Along the way, you will experience breathtaking views of lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, and high mountain cliffs. The journey takes about one hour, and our destination is Gudvangen. Gudvangen is a tiny village nestled in the Nærøyfjord. It is the starting point for our fjord cruise and is also home to an authentic Viking village, Njardarheim. The electric cruise boat starts its journey through the breathtaking beauty of the Nærøyfjord, a designated World Heritage Site. In the narrow and impressive fjord, you will be treated to views of high cliffs, clear waters, mountain peaks, and charming villages. After about two hours of cruising, we dock in Flåm, a small village in the Aurlandsfjord. Take your time to explore this quaint village nestled in the heart of the fjords. Visit the Flåm Railway Museum to delve into the history of this incredible railway, which has been a lifeline for the region for over a century. The museum offers fascinating exhibits that highlight the challenges and triumphs of building such an ambitious project. Afterwards, unwind by visiting the local brewery, where you can sample craft beers while soaking in the peaceful surroundings of the fjord. The combination of natural beauty, a rich history, and local flavours makes Flåm a destination that captures the essence of Norway's charm.We spend tonight in Flåm.

Another highlight of this journey is waiting for you today: the Flåm Railway is one of the most impressive train trips in the world. This scenic train takes you on a captivating journey with unrivalled views of rushing waterfalls, deep valleys, and peaceful landscapes along the way. The journey takes about one hour and ends in Myrdal. Myrdal is a mountain station on the Bergen Railway, and this is where you’ll change trains between the Flåm Railway and the Bergen Railway.The Bergen Railway is often described as one of the most picturesque train journeys in the world. This iconic railway line offers passengers a spectacular journey through lush farmland, passing forests, majestic peaks and unspoilt fjords, making it an unforgettable travel experience.In the afternoon the journey ends where it started – in Oslo: Welcome back!As you will have previously discovered, Oslo is packed with restaurants, bars, and cafes – especially in bohemian Grünerløkka or the trendy new Barcode district – making it easy to get a feel for life here. Don't miss the Vigeland Sculpture Park, home to over 200 – often surreal – sculptures by the famous sculptor Gustav Vigeland, and Ekeberg Park, known for its art installations and panoramic views of the city. The Munch Museum is a must-visit for art lovers, and it houses an extensive collection of works by the celebrated Norwegian painter Edvard Munch, including his iconic painting "The Scream."

The journey ends here in Oslo, but only after you have enjoyed a proper Norwegian breakfast buffet. You are welcome to extend your trip with us if you have not yet discovered enough of Norway.

Itineraries are subject to change.