Norway is a dream destination for nature lovers, and my recent trip from Oslo to Bergen with my teenage daughters was nothing short of magical. We spent a week in September taking the famous train from Oslo to Bergen. From the moment we stepped off the train, we were greeted by breath-taking landscapes that left us in awe—towering mountains, deep fjords, and lush valleys at every turn.
Although we had to visit Norway on a budget, we managed to adapt and avoid overspending by booking many activities in advance, despite the country’s high prices compared to the UK. As usual, I spent a few weeks on Skyscanner a few months before our trip, and I secured return flights for all of us (one adult and two teenagers) from Stansted Airport for the grand total of £100! Although we live in the Midlands, flying from Stansted saved me money even when factoring in fuel costs for driving down and securing affordable parking, with a shuttle included just 10 minutes from the airport.
Oslo has two airports, so my plane tickets were cheaper since we flew into one and returned from the other. I also pre-booked train tickets from Torp Sandefjord Airport, which takes approximately 45 minutes to reach the city centre of Oslo. I must say that the public transport in Norway was outstanding throughout our trip; it was always on time, clean, and reasonably priced.
Arrival in Oslo
Our adventure began in Oslo, the capital of Norway. We had booked a hostel in advance and dropped off our bags before heading out to eat at Oslo Street Food. There, we enjoyed a variety of cuisines, freshly cooked to order, alongside unlimited drinking water and a vibrant atmosphere.
We capped off our day with a visit to the Oslo Opera House, where we climbed the roof to take in panoramic views of the city and the fjord while watching the sunset. Often overlooked in favour of Norway’s natural wonders, Oslo has its own unique charm. After a long day of travelling, we returned to our hostel, where we had an en-suite family room, knowing we had an early train to catch the next day.
Train Ride to Geilo
After a restful night in Oslo, we boarded the train to Bergen, a journey renowned for being one of the most scenic rail routes in the world. To save money, be sure to book your tickets in advance. I found the VY app incredibly helpful for booking and tracking our transport.
After the first hour, we left the suburbs behind, and the scenery transformed into beautiful lakes and woodlands. Our first stop for the night was Geilo, a charming ski town that offers much more than just winter sports. Although we travelled in the first week of September, the ski lifts and zip lines were closed for maintenance, however, that didn’t stop us from hiking up the mountainside and enjoying the breath-taking views of the valley below.
Late afternoon we returned to our hotel for a swim, sauna, and takeaway pizza. I had pre-booked all our hotels and hostels on Booking.com, ensuring I found reasonably priced options well in advance.
Onwards to Explore Voss
We woke up early the next morning to reboard the Bergen train. The scenery was breathtaking, and the teens even put down their phones to take in the beautiful views as we sped along. Our next stop was the town of Voss, famous for its adrenaline-pumping outdoor activities. Although our budget didn’t stretch to extreme sports, Voss still offered a sense of adventure.
After getting off at the station, we hopped onto a gondola I had pre-booked to the top of Mount Hanguren. I must admit, I’m scared of heights, so my daughters had a good laugh watching me pretend not to be frightened as we travelled upward. Once at the top, we explored one of the many walking trails and enjoyed the swing, which would have offered stunning views had it been a clear day.
We also indulged in waffles at the summit restaurant. Known as “vafler” in Norwegian, these waffles are a traditional dish in Norway. They are thinner and crisper than Belgian or American-style waffles and are absolutely delicious. I highly recommend trying them!
Although mist rolled in at the top of the mountain, it didn’t diminish the experience. Afterwards, we stayed at a lakeside hostel that offered access to a sauna and allowed us to swim in the lake. We watched as others jumped into the chilly water and quickly ran out, but that wasn’t for us! Voss felt like a hidden gem, far from the more touristy areas. The sun shone brightly as we walked along the lake back to the train station the next day.
Two Nights in Bergen
As we departed from Geilo, the train began to ascent, slowly climbing to the magnificent Hardangervidda Plateau. Nestled comfortably in our seats, we gazed out the window, mesmerised by the breath-taking panorama. Here, on Europe’s largest mountain plateau, the landscape was a stunning tapestry of tundra, frozen lakes, and majestic snowy peaks. Each view was more spectacular than the last. Eventually we descended through the valleys to Bergen.
Bergen is a coastal city surrounded by seven mountains. It’s known for its frequent rain, but we were fortunate to have two sunny days during our visit. The city’s colourful wooden houses along Bryggen Wharf are a breath-taking sight. We pre-booked a four-hour fjord cruise, which was worth the money, although it was quite chilly when we ventured onto the outer decks. Cruising along the narrow waters, flanked by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls, was breath-taking.
We also explored the city centre, where my daughters enjoyed clothes shopping, and were thrilled to purchase food items they had only ‘seen on TikTok! However, we all squirmed at the sale of whale meat everywhere as didn’t realise it was still happening.
The highlight of Bergen for my daughters was the trip up Mount Fløyen via the funicular. At the top are panoramic views of Bergen and a woodland walk leading to a lake with free canoe rentals. The most delightful experience was encountering the friendly mountain goats that roamed freely in the area. Overall, it was a very special two days.
Flam and the Fjords
Flam, a small village located at the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, was our next destination. We took the world-famous Flam Railway, which offered views of waterfalls, steep mountains, and valleys. My daughters enjoyed the train ride, but they cringed when it stopped at Kjosfossen Waterfall, where passengers were treated to a surprise performance by a mythical “Huldra” (forest spirit) dancer. While the falls are stunning on their own, the unexpected appearance of someone in a blonde wig dancing awkwardly to loud music felt unnecessary. This should have been a warning that Flam might be quite touristy.
Upon our arrival, we noticed a massive cruise ship docked, completely blocking the view of the fjord. Flam has very little to offer beyond a few shops aimed at cruise tourists. Honestly, if you have already taken the four-hour fjord cruise in Bergen and travelled the Bergen Line, you wouldn't miss much by skipping Flam.
However, we stayed in a charming red cabin in Aurland, a lovely village just 15 minutes away by local bus from the crowds of Flam. Aurland offers unspoiled views of the fjord. The campsite next to a stream is beautiful, and I would highly recommend it.
Oslo and Home
After spending a night in Aurland, we boarded the Flåm Railway, which took us back to the Bergen Line. From there, we caught a train to Oslo, where we stayed at a hotel near the Oslo airport, Gardermoen in preparation for our flight home the following morning.
Our journey from Oslo to Bergen in Norway was an unforgettable experience. The combination of scenic train rides, gondola trips, fjord cruises, and mountain hikes provided the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. We shared many laughs, and surprisingly, we returned with our drone intact—despite being novice flyers—after a few close calls over the fjords.
We all fell in love with Norway and its friendly people, and we plan to return, as it’s a vast country, and we barely scratched the surface. Next time, we aim to explore the far north. If you’re considering a family trip to Norway, don’t hesitate! This Scandinavian gem has something for everyone, and the memories made here will last a lifetime.
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