Across the Roof of Norway - Oslo & Bergen

The wonderful rail journey across the mountains from Oslo in the east to Bergen in the west.

Not until the first decade of the 20th century, when Bergen and Oslo became linked by rail, could the two cities be reached from each other except by making an arduous trek over the Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest mountain plateau.  This one-hundred square kilometre stretch of land became one of the main crossing points for traders, herders and dignitaries who followed the many trails alongside rivers and lakes overlooked by mountains and, at the highest point near Finse, the Hardangerjøkulen glacier.  These trails are now popular with serious hikers and cross-country skiers who revel in the magnificent scenery and solitude they find here.

The Bergen Line rail link, known as the journey ‘Across the Roof of Norway’, was officially opened by King Håkon in 1909 when he enthusiastically called the line ‘our generation’s masterpiece’.  Certainly planning a railway across the Hardangervidda mountain range was no small task. At one point, Taugevatn, the line is 1,301 metres above sea level, making it the highest and most challenging line in northern Europe. Time and again, the railway workers faced the power of nature and at one time, in order to keep the train running, the line had 27 kilometres of snow sheds to protect it from snowdrifts, 60 kilometres of snow screens and 184 tunnels in addition to 55 stations.

Today the trains operating the journey are among NSB’s (Norwegian State Railways’) most modern.  Tourists, commuters and modern day traders can now relax in comfortable carriages, admire spectacular views, and visit, within a relatively short space of time, two of Norway’s most fascinating and contrasting cities.

See also:
Across the Roof of Norway plus Flåm

Across the Roof of Norway plus Geilo

Across the Roof of Norway plus Lofthus

Norway in a Breeze

 

Please view our standard Terms & Conditions for this holiday

View Oslo to Bergen in a larger map

Day 1

Arrive Oslo Airport. Transfer by airport bus to your hotel.

3 nights OSLO - Hotel Bristol (BB)

Day 4

Morning departure by rail for the spectacular journey ‘Across the Roof of Norway’ from Oslo to Bergen.

3 nights BERGEN - Augustin Hotel (BB)

Day 7

Transfer to Bergen Airport for return flight to the UK.

Departure Day:  Daily
Departure Dates:  1 May - 31 October 2011
Duration:  6 nights

NB. Departures also possible from the following airports, subject to flight schedules and availability.

Flights Supplements for departures from alternative airports

Hotel Bristol***plus

In a world of constant change, Hotel Bristol is dedicated to tradition. As soon as you enter the lobby you will experience the unique style that characterizes the hotel; an air of elegance which has been maintained since the hotel welcomed their first guests in 1920. Centrally situated just off Karl Johan’s Gate, the hotel has 251 rooms (10 of which are suites) all equipped with TV, mini-bar, hairdryer, trouser press and telephone. The hotel has a spa and gym, bar, conference centre, garage, room service and wireless internet access. The hotel also has two restaurants; Bristol Grill, focusing on international and Norwegian dishes using local produce and Hambro’s Cafe, a popular Italian bistro.

Augustin Hotel ***

Bergen's oldest family-run hotel now managed by the fourth generation. Centrally located in the shopping and harbour area, the oldest part of the hotel was built in Art Nouveau style in 1909, however, since then the hotel has expanded, incorporating old neighbouring houses and building new wings. The hotel has a popular intimate dinner restaurant (closed Sundays) and a lovely 400-year-old cellar bar.  All bedrooms are equipped with TV, phone, hairdryer, mini-bar and trouser press  Lift to all floors.

Sognefjord in a Nutshell from Bergen

Description:  This trip begins with a lovely journey by express boat northwards along the coastline before turning into the mighty Sognefjord with brief stops at Balestrand and Leikanger before continuing along the Aurlandsfjord to Flåm. The magnificent mountain railway journey to Myrdal is followed by the rail journey back to Bergen.
Operates:  Daily, 15/5 - 30/9.
Duration:  approx. 10 hours, departs 0800.
Price:  £152 per adult, £76 children 4-14.

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Grand Tour of Oslo

Description:  Guided tour by coach and boat. Classic fjord sightseeing passing the Opera House to the polar ship Fram, the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Maritime Museum with panorama film, the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Viking Ships, Holmenkollen Ski Jump with museum and the Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Operates: 20 May - 28 Aug.
Departs: 1030.
Duration: 7 1/2 hours.
Price: £67 per adult; £36 per child 4-16; under 4's are free.

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Oslo Combination

Description:  Guided tour by Mini-Cruise passing the Opera House to the Kon-Tiki Museum, the polar ship Fram and the Maritime museum with panorama film.
Operates: Daily, 20 May - 28 Aug.
Departs: 0945 & 1100.
Duration: 3 hours.
Price: £43 per adult; £22 per child 4-16; under 4's are free.

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Oslo Experience

Description:  Guided tour by boat and coach. 1 hour Mini Cruise passing the Opera House to the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Viking ships, Holmenkollen Ski Jump with museum and the Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Operates: Daily, 20 May - 28 Aug.
Departs: 1245.
Duration: 5 hrs.
Price: £52 per adult; £25 per child 4-16; under 4's are free.

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Norway in a Nutshell from Bergen

Description:  Perhaps Norway’s most famous roundtrip including the rail journey to Myrdal, the Flåm Mountain Railway, boat trip along the Aurlands and Nærøy fjords and Stalheim Gorge.
Operates:  Daily, all year.
Duration:  approx. 9 hours, departs 08:40 or 10:28.
Price:  £129 per adult, £67 children 4-14.

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Norwegian Evening on the Fjord from Oslo

Description:  Cruise on board a traditional wooden sailing ship, passing through a maze of green islands, the Opera House and the fortress. A Norwegian prawn buffet is included in the price.
Operates: 18 Jun - 4 Sep.
Departs: 1900.
Duration: 3 hours.
Price: £43 per adult; £22 per child 4-16; under 4's are free.

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Hardanger in a Nutshell from Bergen

Description:  This lovely roundtrip includes the rail journey from Bergen to Voss on the Bergen Railway line and a coach tour through attractive farmland and delightful villages typical of Western Norway. There is also a fjord cruise on the Hardangerfjord to Eidfjord where you join a sightseeing tour to Vøringfoss Falls and the Hardangervidda Naturcentre. The journey by boat offers spectacular views of towering mountains and impressive waterfalls.
Operates: Daily, 1/5 - 30/9.
Duration: 11 ½ hours (12 ½ on Sat), departs 0730.
Price: £112 per adult, £76 children under 16.

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Guided Tour of Bergen and Grieg\'s Home, Troldhaugen

Description:  Begins with a tour of Bergen centre including the Wharf which is on UNESCO's World Heritage list, St. Mary Church, the University area and many other historical and beautiful locations. Afterwards the tour continues to Gamlehaugen, residence of the Norwegian Royal Family when visiting Bergen and to Troldhaugen where the composer Edward Grieg lived for 22 years.
Operates:  Daily, 1/5 – 30/9 (ex. 17/5).
Duration:  3 hours, departs 1100.
Price:  £33 per adult, £23 children under 16

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Fjord Sightseeing from Oslo

Description:  This is the classic guided Oslo Fjord sightseeing which passes the fortress, the Opera House and through a maze of islands with small summer houses. Refreshments sold onboard.
Operates:
Daily, 2 Apr - 20 May & 30 Aug - 26 Sep, 1030, 1300 & 1530.
21 May - 24 Jun, 1030, 1300, 1530 & 1745.
25 Jun - 28 Aug, 1030, 1130, 1300, 1400, 1530, 1630 & 1745.
Duration: 2 hours.
Price: £26 per adult; £14 per child 4-16; children under 4 are free.

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Norway Active Roundtrip from Bergen

Description:  Roundtrip including the rail journey to Myrdal, the Flåm Mountain Railway, mountain biking, RIB boat safari along the Aurlands and Nærøy fjords and Stalheim Gorge. A great alternative to the traditional Norway in a Nutshell excursion for those seeking a more active trip.
Operates:  Daily, 1/5 - 30/9.
Duration:  Approx. 9 hours, departs 06:57 (but well worth it!).
Price:  £183 per adult, £126 children 3-14.

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