The rail journey has taken me from the deep blue harbors of Oslo past lakes and streams huddled by lush greenery and red bursts from Norwegian cottages so charming they could be home to storybook characters.
We trek upwards through the mountains, seemingly frosted with a layer of white marshmallow cream that reveals itself to be sun beaten snow, where hearty locals are still skiing and snowmobiling even though its May.
In the mountain station of Myrdal, I change to a train on the Flåm railway, one of the most panoramic in Norway. On the antique train we dip down from the mountains, curving past rushing waterfalls, rocky mountainsides and farm villages. As we descend, the Flåm valley comes into view, dotted with picturesque homes, livestock and a historic church. And then suddenly the Aurlandsfjord is in front of me. Steep mountain peaks jut out from the water, reflecting their brilliance into the narrow water way.
This is the Norway I have dreamt about and I am experiencing it thanks to Fjord Tours ®. Norway is famous for its stunning scenery, undoubtedly some of the best in Europe.
The Nordic country, slightly smaller in size than the state of California, has a population of just more than five million. Though the country’s transportation system is highly efficient, given the low population and remote locations of many of the natural wonders, getting to the most scenic points is not a straight shot and can be tricky to navigate.
Fjord Tours ® is the easiest way to visit the country’s most scenic landscapes. This tour organizer offers a variety of round trip tours that can be personalized to your itinerary and tastes. Round trips can be completed in as little as a day and depart from Oslo, Bergen or Voss.
Fjord Tours ® doesn’t offer guided group tours, but rather organizes all the transportation required to experience the fjords (and believe me – there’s so many elements involved you will be glad to have someone do the planning for you). This makes them a perfect option for travelers like me who enjoy freedom and independence and don’t want to be stuck with a large group of tourists all day long.
On my recent visit to Norway, I experienced the Norway in a nutshell ® tour, the most popular roundtrip tour from Oslo. In addition to the Flåm railway, highlights include a fjordcruise through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Herritage site that is part of Sognefjord, the world’s longest fjord. You will also experience the scenic Bergen railway and can spend the night in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city that offers plenty of seaside charms of its own.
Unfortunately due to my tight travel schedule I was only able to experience the beginning part of the tour, but the scenery I saw was so unbelievably gorgeous it left me scouring my travel schedule and pondering when I can head back to this enchanting land.
The views of the Aurlandsfjord are some of the most breathtaking I’ve seen in all my travels, and Fjord Tours ® made exploring the scenery such a seamless process all I had to do was sit back, relax and take it all in.
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
I would love to visit there someday. I have so many places on my bucket list 🙂
Lindsey
It looks like Arendale!! I need to visit this place and reenact Frozen!
Lauren
It does indeed look like the scenery in Frozen. If only I had Elsa's fabulous dress!
Jessica
Wow what a beautiful site to see! It definitely reminds me of the Frozen movie. I have a very vivid picture in my mind due to the fact that my 5 year old makes me watch it twice a day!
Tiffany Cruz
Those photos are breathtaking. I could only imagine what it must look like in person. I'd love to visit Norway by way of boat.
lisa
That looks like a breathtakingly beautiful place to visit!
Liz Mays
That's definitely a glorious trip. I would love to experience that.
Isabella Grey
I would KILL to get to take a trip like this! It's gorgeous!
Clancy Harrison
Looks like an amazing place and your pictures a awesome!
Amy
Absolutely beautiful photos! I would love to visit one day!
Debbie Denny
Oh my. This is an awesome place. The pictures are beautiful.
krystalskitsch
Norway looks spectacular! I'd love to travel to Europe one day.
Karen
Wow, this looks stunning! I would love to take a vacation like this one day and go exploring. Norway looks amazing!
Cara
Oh how breathtakingly beautiful! Visiting Norway is on my bucket list!
Shell
What a gorgeous place to visit! Thanks for sharing your pics!
Janell Poulette
That looks so relaxing. I love looking at beautiful scenery. I would love to visit some countries in Europe one day.
Mickey
That's beautiful! I'd love to see it someday.
Emily
Ok, what a cool opportunity! My ancestors are from Norway!
Janeane Davis
Wow, this place is so extremely beautiful. Just looking at the photos is a a breath taking experience.
Veronica
Your pics look amazing. I love the beautiful scenery. Looks like Norway might be on my list of places to visit
Carly Bellard
Our planet is amazing! I would love to get to travel abroad one day! I need to start saving up- my travel list keeps growing!
valmg
I've never been there. How beautiful it looks!
StacieinAtlanta
What a gorgeous landscape. I would love to visit Norway one day.
Rosey
I'd like to tour this area too, and I'd def. hire someone. My sense of direction is poor even at home where I know where everything is located. 😉
melinda
Norway is stunning with all those views. I wish we had more landscape like that here
Autumn
Norway looks so beautiful! I'd love to visit there one day.
Kayla
All those pictures are downright breathtaking! Norway is definitely one of the (many) places I'd love to travel to and explore one day!
Angie
Oh my word, it's just beautiful. Every single photo is just gorgeous!
Christie
I've seen Fjords in Alaska, but the Norway ones are so majestic. Gotta take the kids there one day (It's Disney Frozen world!)
Courtney Pies
Wow, Norway looks absolutely beautiful! I definitely would love to go sometime!
Ashley Robinson
That looks like a gorgeous place to visit! I've added it to my bucket list.
Chelsea
Absolutely beautiful! I've been to Milford Sound in New Zealand's south island which is also a fjord and it looks so similar to these pictures!
Christina S
This looks like a great trip. Even though you didn't get the experience the whole things, looks like you still had a wonderful time!
Prototype Mama
Wow! This looks amazing. We're hoping to be able to travel when my kids get older-- I love experiencing new cultures and places
Cam
These pictures are gorgeous!! The greenery, the waterfall... Just amazing!