Travelling around Norway from Oslo to Bergen is no mean feat; a landmass so speckled with mountains and fjords that everywhere you turn it's impossible not to be awed by the staggering and dramatic landscapes that surround you. And there are several modes of exploration available, from boats to trains, cars, bikes and your own two feet...
Train: Oslo to Bergen
This is considered one of the world's most scenic train rides with the seven hour journey taking you across one of Europe's highest plateaus through varied and spectacular nature. The train is the ideal spot for splitting your journey from Oslo to Bergen and getting away from the crowds of Flam, heading slightly inland to 292 Aurland. This is a totally unique property run by the wonderful Tone and Bjorn who have carefully restored his grandparents' farm house and outbuildings into this personal and characterful property with a rich fly fishing history and a true passion for the nature that surrounds it. Excursions here are totally personalised and can include hiking on glaciers in the summer months, camping out in a traditional Laavu tent, fly fishing, kayaking and meeting local food producers. For something even more exclusive, try the remote Svansborg Cabin near to the Josteldalen glacier.
Express Boat
From here, you take the Express Boat through Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord, arriving into Bergen in the evening. Here, stay at Solstrand, just 20 minutes south of the city on pretty Bjornefjorden. With views over the surrounding islands this is the ideal base for exploring Bergen whilst still getting that fjord feeling. Here, enjoy a delightful dip in the fjord, borrow the hotel's traditional rowing boats or kayaks to explore the bay or alternatively, take to the water on board a fjord cruise through the Hardangerfjord to pretty Rosendal.
Fjord Exploring
The more northerly fjords around Alesund are best explored by car and boat. Spend a few days in pretty Alesund staying at Hotel Brosundet and enjoy a meal at their wonderful Maki restaurant and take in this small city on foot or by bike. Take the express boat over to the Devold Factory which is home to several outdoorsy outlet shops and is perfect for kitting up. A must do here is a Wildlife RIB Safari ride which will take you out to explore the coastline's seal colony and the eagles and puffins at Runde.
Otherwise, sail through the fjords to hotel Union Oye for lunch at this totally unique and traditionally Norwegian hotel whose former guests include Kaiser Wilhelm, Karen Blixen and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. If you fancy staying over, don't miss a challenging guided hike up Mount Slogen (also the name of the delicious local beer).
For unbeatable peace and tranquillity, head into the Sunmore Alps and stay at Storfjord. With its wonderful grass roofed buildings this is likely to be the highlight of your trip so is best saved until last. There are several short walks from the hotel or you might like to borrow the kayaks or bikes available here, or simply enjoy a dip in the small outdoor Jacuzzi before a delicious dinner. Beyond the hotel drive over to popular Geirangerfjord via Trollstigen, with its eleven hairpin bends, for a taste of iconic Norway (but beware of the summer crowds here). For a birds eye view, take a helicopter ride from the hotel over the fjords to see this amazing landscape from the air to really sum up what this beautiful country is all about.
