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Across the Roof of Norway - Oslo & Bergen
Self-guided, 6 nights featuring the rail journey 'Across the Roof of Norway'
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To Book Call us on 01274 875 199 Or 
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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.
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) or Hotel Continental (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) or Clarion Hotel Admiral (BB)
Day 7
Transfer to Bergen Airport for return flight to the UK.
Departure Day: Daily From London Heathrow Airport
Departure Dates: 1 May - 30 September 2012*
Duration: 6 nights
N.B. Alternative airports available for departure.
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.
Hotel Continental *****
Hotel Continental has been a family enterprise for four generations. It is over 100 years old, and is situated in the heart of Oslo between Aker Brygge and the Oslo fjord, The Royal Palace, The National Theatre and Parliament. Since 1975 Hotel Continental has been the only Norwegian member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The hotel has six restaurants each with a reputation for excellence with Theatercafeen being listed by the New York Times as one of the 10 world’s most famous cafes. The hotel also offers impressively equipped fitness facilities with the option to book a personal trainer for your workout session. All rooms have TV, telephone, mini-bar, broadband internet access, hairdryer and either trouser press or iron and ironing board (on request).
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.
Clarion Hotel Admiral ****
Clarion Hotel Admiral is the only waterside hotel in Bergen with the best view to Bryggen, Vågen and Fløien. Centrally located in the heart of Bergen overlooking the harbour in a magnificent old packhouse building dating back to 1906. The hotel has a restaurant and cocktail lounge with views of the harbour and all bedrooms are equipped with satellite TV, telephone, trouser press, mini-bar and hairdryer. Our prices are based on harbour view rooms which have a small balconette directly overlooking the water. Lift to all floors.
Across the Roof of Norway - Oslo & Bergen
Fjord Sightseeing from Oslo
Description: This is the classic guided Oslo Fjord sightseeing which passes the fortress, the new Opera House and through a maze of islands with small summer houses. Refreshments sold onboard.
Operates: 1 Apr – 20 May & 29 Aug – 25 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: £27 per person
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, the Holmenkollen Ski Jump with museum and the Vigeland Sculpture Park.
Operates: 20 May – 28 Aug.
Departs: 1030.
Duration: 7½ hours.
Price: £71 per person
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's 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 Edvard Grieg lived for 22 years.
Operates: Daily, 1 May – 30 Sep (except 17 May).
Duration: 3 hours.
Departs: 1200.
Price: £33 per adult, £23 children under 16.
Hardanger in a Nutshell
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 can join a sightseeing tour to Vøringfoss Falls and the Hardangervidda Naturcentre (supplement of NOK to pay onboard the boat). The journey by boat offers spectacular views of towering mountains and impressive waterfalls.
Operates: Daily, 1 May - 30 Sep.
Duration: 11½ hours (12½ on Sat).
Departs: 0730.
Price: £112 per adult, £76 children under 16.
* Please note, some excursions may not operate during early and late season. Check the operation dates under Excursions.
Please view our standard Terms & Conditions for this holiday.
To book call 01274 875 199 or