Norway in a Nutshell® & Best of Northern Norway Classic

On a train and cruise tour of Norway, Nordic Visitor takes care of your local transportation, accommodation and excursions for a relaxed self-guided travel experience. This might include trains, cruises and/or internal flights, as specified in the itinerary.

You will follow an itinerary that’s been pre-planned and booked for you before you arrive in Norway. This means you can take advantage of Nordic Visitor’s insider knowledge while exploring at your leisure. 

Ahead of your arrival, you’ll receive personalised information via email, including an itinerary, map and detailed Norway Travel Guide. 

During your tour, you’ll always be able to reach us by calling our 24/7 helpline. 

The transfers between your hotel and train stations or cruise ports are not included with this package. Usually your accommodation will be within short walking distance. You could also get a taxi from your hotel if you prefer.

Please wait to book flights to Scandinavia until we can confirm your desired travel dates for this tour. This is due to varying availabilities on services included in this package. 

After making a booking with Nordic Visitor, it might take a few weeks to confirm your travel arrangements. We recommend booking your flights once your personal travel consultant gets in touch to confirm your itinerary.

If you have any questions about your flights and itinerary, please contact us for more details.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. 

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch with your travel consultant and they’ll create your dream trip.

Due to the nature of this tour and the activities included, it’s not recommended for families with young children. That said, it is suitable for active children of 7 years or older. If in doubt, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

Yes, you should have moderate to good physical fitness to take part comfortably in this tour. This is because packages set in the Arctic are considered adventure travel due to the specific conditions you’ll experience. Arctic travel can sometimes involve extreme weather conditions as well as vigorous activity and animals (like huskies and reindeer) on many excursions.

This tour includes the famous Norway in a Nutshell tour from Oslo to Bergen. This is one of Norway’s most iconic journeys. You’ll travel by train, bus and ferry, seeing beautiful landscapes of steep mountains, frosty waterfalls, shimmering fjords, charming villages and scenic coastline.

The first leg of the journey is from Oslo to Flåm. Then you'll be travelling from Flåm to Bergen. The duration of both days will be around 6 hours. 

The connections will be announced and clearly explained in your travel documents. You will receive a ticket with all the information about transfer points and timings with your final travel documents.

You can book an optional luggage transfer for the journey. If you do this, you’ll want a backpack for your daily essentials and one-night stay. Your luggage will be waiting for you at your destination.

If you do not book a luggage transfer, you will have to carry your bags between the train, boat and bus. All connections will be within easy reach and there will be storage available for your luggage during each leg of the journey.

This package includes a domestic flight in Norway between Bergen and Tromsø. Usually, there are direct flights several times a day but, in some cases, flights might connect via Oslo.

Flights departing from Bergen are often in the early morning. This means that you might need to check in at the airport from 7 AM.

Your travel consultant will book the best option for your travel dates, dependent on availability. Flight times will be confirmed when we book your travel arrangements.

Tromsø is ideally located within the “Northern Lights Belt” and this excursion is a great opportunity to witness a spectacular phenomenon.

This small northern lights bus tour is likely to last approximately 5 hours. You’ll be picked up from Tromsø around 7:30 PM heading out of the city to an ideal spot for hunting the lights. This location will depend on the night’s weather and aurora forecast.

Your professional guide will provide hot drinks and snacks and help you set up your own camera to capture the moment. They will also take high-resolution photos during your excursion, which will be shared after the tour.

Make sure to wear appropriate warm layers for this excursion. Read more about the northern lights in Norway in our helpful guide.

On this tour, you will hop aboard a coastal cruise, provided by either Hurtigruten or Havila Voyages, along the Norwegian west coast. You’ll be staying in your own cabin with private facilities.

Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages operate along the same route on different days. Your personal travel consultant will book the cruise on your behalf in light of your tour’s start date and the rest of your itinerary.

If you are travelling on a Hurtigruten cruise:
Hurtigruten ships offer a classic Norwegian experience, with cosy cabins furnished with either twin or double beds. Your room will be between 8-11 square metres (86-118 square feet) and will always include a port hole, but please note that a view from the window cannot be guaranteed.

Instead, Hurtigruten ships all offer comfortable viewing decks, dining areas and lounges. This way, you can spend your mornings and evenings relaxing with incredible views of the passing Norwegian coastline.

If you are travelling on a Havila Voyages cruise:
Havila Voyages ships are the newer cruise liners on the block. Their modern cabins are furnished with either twin or double beds and are all around 15 square metres (161 feet). Your room will have a port hole and a small sofa so you can watch the views of ocean or coastline go past. Or, head up to the lounge, restaurant or viewing deck to see more of the passing fjords.

When you book your Norway adventure, your travel consultant will arrange the details of your cruise departure in light of your tour’s start date. They’ll then include all the information in your personal itinerary.

If you have a specific cruise in mind, check out our list of Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages sailing dates in 2024 and 2025.

Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages are shipping companies which transport travellers along the Norwegian coastline. Both offer incredible views of spectacular fjords and charming coastal villages as they journey towards Norway’s north or south.

That said, both companies have their own histories and distinct characters. Your cruise experience will vary depending on which company you’re travelling with. We’ve broken down the key differences below so you know what to expect on your seafaring adventure.

Hurtigruten dates back to 1893, and many of its ships were originally used to transport post. Due to the historic nature of these cruises, each one differs in size and your room’s port hole window may not have a view. Instead, you can expect a cosy cabin stay, with access to charming lounges and restaurant areas that have floor-to-ceiling windows.

Havila Voyages are a newer company, with a focus on eco-friendly and sustainable travel. Their rooms are slightly larger and have views of either the ocean or the coastline from their port holes. Just like Hurtigruten, they offer on-board facilities such as relaxing lounges, restaurants and viewing decks.

Whichever company you travel with, you’ll enjoy a private cabin with either a double or twin beds and ensuite facilities. Please bear in mind that we cannot guarantee your cabin number for coastal voyages shorter than 5 nights.

When your ship is in port for longer than 30 minutes, you’ll have the option to disembark. Optional shore excursions will also be available on your journey, so make sure to pre-book any activities that interest you.

The North Cape, or “Nordkapp”, is mainland Europe’s northernmost point, located at latitude 71°N. On this tour, you’ll take a shore excursion from your Hurtigruten cruise to come admire the views of the cape.

Rising to an impressive 308 metres (1,000 feet) above the Barents Sea, the cape was originally an important orientation point for sailors. Today it is better known for its spectacular scenery and wildlife sighting opportunities.

You’ll have time to enjoy the views and try to spot birds or sea life. On the cape, you’ll also find a museum and restaurant where you can learn about early expeditions to the North Cape.

Your dog sledding tour from the Snowhotel will last around 1 hour. You’ll board the traditional sledge and be pulled by excited huskies on a 5-kilometre (3-mile) ride. The route will follow the fjord in the scenic Sandnesdalen.

This excursion is a fun way to admire the Arctic landscape. Picture snow-covered mountain plateaus, white tundra and long fjords.

No experience is required to take part. You should dress according to the weather, but a thermal suit and warm shoes will also be provided for the activity.

This package includes a one-night stay in a unique ice room at the Snowhotel. The hotel is an impressive complex with 20 rooms carved by master ice sculptors from around the world. 

Transfers to and from the hotel are included with the Snowhotel Experience. You will also take a tour of the hotel, and enjoy dinner here as well as a visit to the ice bar. 

If you would prefer not to stay in an ice room at the Snowhotel, there is the option of staying in a small cabin. You can select this option in the booking steps. 

The cabins are warm, comfortable and offer panoramic views if you want to stay up late looking out for the northern lights.

While at Camp Tamok, you’ll join a snowmobile excursion with an expert guide. This will allow you to experience the snowy countryside in a thrilling way.

You’ll start by meeting your tour guide for a safety briefing. They will also provide you with the gear you need and teach you how to drive a snowmobile. After you’re outfitted and informed, it’s time to take to the snow.

Here's some important information:

• Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driving licence.
• Everyone who takes part in this excursion must be at least 130 centimetres (4 f 3) in height to meet safety requirements.
• Two people share a snowmobile and take turns driving.

From the Snowhotel, you’ll travel by snowmobile to the nearby fjord. From here, you’ll help fishermen pull up king crab traps from the depths of the sea.

After the active, outdoors adventure, you’ll head back to the Snowhotel to go cook and enjoy your fresh catch of the day.

On your Norway tour, you’ll stay in accommodation that’s been hand-picked by our travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience. 

During the booking process, you can select whether you want Comfort Plus or Superior accommodation. Comfort Plus usually consists of standard rooms in good quality and comfortable 3-star hotels. Superior is standard rooms in 4-star hotels combined with Superior rooms in premium 3-star hotels.

You will also be able to choose between single, double or triple rooms. Please note that in Norway room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America. 

For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra single bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

If you have anything specific in mind, please contact us to discuss customising your accommodation options.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline. 

During your tour, there will always be a travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

If you have a passport from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa to visit Norway. This visa-free entry is valid for up to 90 days.

Visiting from another country? You can find out whether you require a visa to enter Norway on the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Select your home country to view details. If you do require a visa, you will be directed to your local embassy website to learn about the visa requirements.

Your passport must also be valid for at least 3 months from your departure from Norway. It’s good to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it.

Only you can pick the best time to visit Norway for your trip. It’ll depend on how much time you have to explore and what you want to see and do in Norway.

During the summer months, June, July and August, you’ll have the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours of the year. This is ideal for outdoor excursions and taking full advantage of your days for sightseeing.

If you’d like to experience the top attractions with fewer visitors around then you could book a summer itinerary in May or September. These shoulder season months generally have more tour and attraction availability.

Please note that if you travel in spring, end of March through April, you’ll find that many attractions and museums are operating on reduced winter hours. 

The winter months are also popular, but generally quieter. Travel to Norway at this time of year to see snowy mountains, cruise along frosty fjords and chase the magnificent northern lights. 

If you head north in December and January, you could experience the polar night. At this time of year, the conditions are also ideal for winter activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling and more.

Read more about the best time to visit Norway on our blog.

Because of its northerly location close to and inside the Arctic Circle, Norway has limited daylight in winter. 

In the south, you can expect more daylight than in the north. For example, in Tromsø, you’ll have less than 7 hours of daylight from late October. Then from late November to mid-January, the sun never rises. This is called the “polar night”.

In Oslo and Bergen, you’ll get 5–10 hours of daylight across the winter. 

The beauty of these extended hours of darkness in Norway is that you’ll have a better chance of seeing the northern lights.

Find out what the daylight hours will be during the month of your visit in this guide to time and daylight in Norway.

Yes! Wintertime is the right season to visit Norway if you want to see the northern lights (or aurora borealis). You can experience the northern lights in the north of Norway between October and March, with peak visibility from December through February. 

For the best chances of seeing them, head into the Arctic Circle, to locations such as Tromsø, Kirkenes and the Lofoten islands. With Nordic Visitor, you can also pick from a selection of Norway northern lights tours.

Please note that the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. Even if you go out on a specific northern lights excursion, you might not see them, depending on the conditions or cloud cover. 

Read our Norway northern lights guide to learn more.

The winter climate in Norway is generally cold, but the weather will vary greatly depending on where you visit. 

From November, the temperatures fall and around the country you can expect averages between 1–5°C (34–41°F). This is also the time of year where snow starts falling and you’ll be able to admire the white-topped mountains.

For the rest of the winter, December until March, you’ll probably experience temperatures below freezing, around 0 to -7°C (31–19°F). This means you should come prepared with warm, insulated clothes and outer layers.

Read Norway weather conditions for more information on the local climate. 

Please note that sightseeing is dependent on weather and road conditions. Your itinerary might need to be altered if these conditions are not favourable during your visit. 

During Norway’s winter season, you can expect temperatures below freezing. For that reason, you’ll want to pack and dress with plenty of layers to keep yourself warm and dry.

Here is an essential winter packing list for your trip to Norway:

• Insulated and waterproof jacket
• Cosy wool or fleece jumpers
• Snow or waterproof trousers depending on your destination
• Warm gloves, hat and scarf
• Insulated boots
• A few pairs of thermal socks
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Electronic gear such as smartphone, external powerpack, and travel adapters
• and don’t forget your camera!
   

If you’re heading north and plan on taking part in winter excursions, you could also bring glove liners and heat packs for extra warmth.

Some day tour operators will provide you with thermal suits for your comfort. To find out if equipment is provided check the details of each activity before you leave for Norway, or get in touch with your personal travel consultant.

For more information, check out this Norway packing list.

In most major Norwegian cities and towns you will be able to find coin-operated launderettes, with self-service facilities, and dry cleaners. Most hotels on your trip will also offer a laundry or dry cleaning service for an additional cost.

When you travel with Nordic Visitor, breakfast at your Norway accommodation is always included.  For the rest of your meals, the amount of spending money you need will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to. 

That said, we recommend budgeting between 100–400 NOK for lunch per person, each day. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between 500–1,000 NOK. Meanwhile, at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay 1,500 NOK or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages. 

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

We recommend waiting for a confirmation from your travel consultant to ensure your travel dates are available. You’ll then be able to purchase your flights with confidence.

If you like to plan well ahead, you’ll find that it’s possible to book many tours for the following year. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us. 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

We aim to complete bookings within a few weeks. During this time we take care of booking your accommodation, activities, and transport, confirming all parts of your journey. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. 

When we get back to you might depend slightly on how far ahead you’ve booked your travels and other tours running at the time. 

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

If you have any questions before your trip, you can get in touch with our Norway travel experts. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office opening hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online Norway Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

• Which currency is used in Norway and which credit cards are widely accepted
• What kind of electric adapters or converters you’ll need
• Which languages do Norwegian speak (yes, English is one of them!)
• How to get a refund on tax-free shopping
• As well as tipping, buying snacks, and other useful information

After you have booked your tour, it will only take a few days to confirm its availability. But it may take a few weeks to create your itinerary and book everything. 

Once your trip details are finalised, we’ll send you e-copies of your travel documents. This will include your personalised itinerary, our Norway Travel Guide and your service vouchers. We recommend printing your tickets and vouchers to bring with you to Norway.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will usually need to check out from your room around 10–11 AM. If you’re staying in town longer, you will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before making your way to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Euro (EUR). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.