Norway Guide: DIY Norway in a Nutshell
My husband and I took our family to Bergen and around Norway following the “Norway in a Nutshell” itinerary.
This post maps out our exact 5 day Norway itinerary—a trip full of beautiful sights, exploring the fjords, and memorable family moments in Europe.
Our Detailed 5-Day Norway Itinerary Map:
Day 1: Bergen
Day 2: Bergen → Myrdal → Aurland (via the Scenic Flåm Railway)
Day 3: Aurland
Day 4: Aurland → Gudvangen (via the Nærøyfjord Cruise) → Voss → Bergen
Day 5: Bergen
Need-to-Know for Norway
Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK) – note they do not use the Euro!!
Language: Norwegian, English
Airports:
BGO – Bergen Airport
There are other major airports in Norway such as Oslo, but this blog is based off Bergen
230 volts and 50 hertz, Type C and Type F electrical sockets.
Getting Around in Norway:
We used public transportation to get around Bergen and throughout Norway. The logistics were a big part of this trip, so more on booking each of the segments later.
Getting from the airport: We took the City Light Rail (Bybanen) line number 1 to go from BGO into central Bergen. It takes about 45 minutes and costs only 49 NOK per person. I used the Skyss Billet app to buy train tickets (just within Zone A). The tickets are valid for an hour, so buy it right before you get on the train.
Getting Around Bergen: I used the same Skyss Billet app to buy single tickets to use the bus system in Bergen. I just looked on Google Maps for the bus routes and then bought tickets right before getting on the bus. They never really checked them and you don’t have to scan on and off.
Accommodation:
We spent the first night in Bergen, two nights in Aurland, and then the last night again in Bergen.
Bergen: Breeze Hotel Victoria – We just needed a convenient and affordable place for our nights in Bergen to act as a homebase. This hotel worked just fine for our family with contactless check in, luggage storage options, and comfortable rooms.
Aurland: Wagen Apartments Fjord Resort – This place was a splurge, but it was so worth it. This apartment was so comfortable for the seven of us, with a full kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and a stunning view of the fjord. This place was not cheap, but it was worth it for the experience we had and the amount of time we spent in this apartment.
Logistics To Book In Advance:
To replicate the “Norway in a Nutshell” tour, the most complicated thing is booking all the transportation. You can save a decent amount of money and add flexibility by booking this on your own. Below are all the tickets you’ll need to book for your trip.
Train from Bergen to Myrdal: We booked the R40 Line Bergen stasjon – Myrdal stasjon. The best place to book this is on the VY website.
Flam Scenic Railway: You have to be on top of this one because the Flam Railway is very popular. You don’t need much time in Myrdal because it is literally just a train station. We booked the R45 Line Myrdal stasjon – Flam stasjon. The best place to book this is on the VY website.
Bus to Aurland: If you want to spend your time in Aurland like we did, you’ll need a bus from Flam to Aurland. We booked the bus on Norway’s Best website.
Nærøyfjord Cruise: For the next leg of your route, you’re going to take this iconic fjord cruise from Aurland to Gudvangen. We booked this on the Norway’s Best website as well. This one also books out, so make sure you buy your tickets early.
Bus from Gudvangen to Voss: Time to make your way back towards Bergen. We booked VY450 Gudvangen E16 to Voss Stasjon on VY website. You have to walk a little ways from the port to the bus stop – so make sure you factor that in.
Train from Voss to Bergen: Finally – for your last leg, book train R40 from Voss Stasjon to Bergen Stasjon on the VY website.
Bergen Highlights:
We spent a couple days in Bergen before and after our “Norway in a Nutshell” tour. We loved exploring the cute coastal town.
Ride the Fløibanen Funicular to Mount Fløyen: Easily our top Bergen highlight! Take the iconic funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for the most ridiculously beautiful panoramic views of Bergen, the fjords, and the seven mountains that surround the city. You can walk around the park, play at the troll playground, grab a bite, and look at the souvenir shop. The price is NOK 190 (approx. $18 USD) per person.
Explore Bryggen: Make your way through this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. These historic, colorful, lean-in-on-each-other wooden buildings are an Instagram dream. Pro Tip: Duck into the narrow, dark alleys between the buildings—it’s like stepping back 400 years (and a great photo op!).
DIY Walking Tour: Your walk through Bergen’s medieval history is easy, as these three sites are clustered together: start at St. Mary’s Church (the city’s oldest building) before moving just a few steps to the large grounds of Bergenhus Fortress to see the King’s ceremonial hall and the towers, then conclude your visit inside the fortress at the Bergenhus Fortress Museum, which details local military history, including the WWII Resistance.
Eat Your Way Through the Fish Market (Fisketorget): This is one of the most famous food markets in Norway, and it’s a sensory overload in the best way. Indulge in super-fresh, local seafood—like king crab, salmon, or the notorious reindeer sausage (yes, really). Grab some fish and chips or a casual bite right by the harbor.
Drink the best hot chocolate ever: When in Bergen, you have to go to Fjak at get a hot chocolate. I don’t necessarily seek out hot chocolate, but we tried this and it was mind blowing. Totally worth a stop!
Aurland Highlights:
We decided to spend our two nights in Aurland, the most iconic fjord village. We could not have picked a better spot and absolutely loved it here. There isn’t much to do – per say – but it is the best place to be.
Fjord Sauna: This was definitely a highlight! It was a surreal bucket list experience. It is a little expensive and popular – so be sure to book in advance.
Stegastein lookout: This is a famous overview where you can see the turn of the Fjord. There are two ways to get up here: drive and hike. Our group did a combo of both. The hike is quite steep and challenging. With proper hiking boots – it’s pretty enjoyable, but it would be dangerous if it is wet. This is not an accessible option for everyone – so the other option is to book a bus to take you to the viewpoint. In my honest opinion – the viewpoint isn’t worth the bus ticket. While the view is spectacular, there are a lot of crowds and you get good views at plenty of other spots.
Explore Aurland: Spend your time walking the shores of the fjord, swimming off the docks (if you’re up for the cold!), buying some local products at Art House Fern, and grab a coffee at Marianne Bakery & Cafe.
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October 13, 2025
