Across the Roof of Norway - Oslo, Lofthus, Bergen

The wonderful rail journey across the mountains from Oslo in the east to Bergen in the west and featuring a sojourn to the Hardangerfjord and the village of Lofthus.

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 rail journey was named the Bergen Line and has become known as the journey 'Across the Roof of Norway'.

Lofthus stands on Sørfjord, an arm of Hardangerfjord, and is best described as one vast orchard overlooked from across the fjord by the Folgefonn Glacier. Fruit trees were first brought here by Cistercian monks at the close of the 12th Century and the large stone Monks Steps now provide one of the gateways to the Hardangervidda plateau.

Lofthus was a favourite region for artists, in particular Norway’s most famous composer, Edvard Grieg. However, the village's location is most suited to those seeking magnificent walking and hiking trails accompanied by quality accommodation in which to relax and spoil one’s self.

 

Day 1

Arrive Oslo Airport. Transfer by airport bus to Oslo City Centre.

3 nights OSLO - Hotel Bristol (BB)

Day 4

Morning departure by rail for the spectacular journey 'Across the Roof of Norway' from Oslo to Geilo. From Geilo journey by express bus descending through the lovely Måbø Valley, passing Vøringsfoss Falls, to Hardanger. Alongside the fjord to Lofthus.

3 nights LOFTHUS - Ullensvang Hotel (HB)

Day 7

A lovely journey by boat along the Hardangerfjord to Norheimsund then by bus over the Kvam Mountains to Bergen.

3 nights BERGEN - Augustin Hotel (BB)

Day 10

Transfer to Bergen Airport for return flight to the UK.

Departure Day:  Daily from London Heathrow Airport
Departure Dates:  1 May - 30 September 2011
Duration:  9 nights

Flight supplements for alternative departure 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.

Ullensvang Hotel*****

A lovely hotel directly overlooking Sørfjord. Lounges, bars, dancing to live music and a beautiful dining room overlooking the fjord. The indoor activity centre includes a swimming pool, golf simulator, squash and tennis courts, pool, table tennis and a fitness room. The relax department has saunas, hot tub, massage chairs and a solarium with a variety of Spa treatments available on request (please ask for further details). There is a large fjordside veranda/garden from where it's possible to rent rowing boats, pedalos and bicycles. Taber’s rooms are all with guaranteed fjord view.

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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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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