This trip to Norway took place during the month of March 2024. It’s still low season. It’s cold and still snowing. Ideally, you’d go between May and September. And yet, Norway has so much to offer even in low season.
The ultimate goal of all travelers at this time of year is to sail into the northern regions to photograph the northern lights. That’s not the aim of this trip, which lasted just ten days and gives just a taste of all the possibilities this country has to offer.
Departure from Oslo
Oslo, Norway’s capital, is located in the south of the country. It is situated at sea level. Its population in 2024 is around 630,000. In March, temperatures can drop below zero degrees Celsius.
The Oslo Opera
A must-see. Located right in the city center, just below the main train station. Built in 2008. Performances include ballet and opera. Very modern architecture. You can walk around it and even climb to the top. The exterior is free to enter.
Park Vigeland
The Vigeland Park is located in the Frognerparken Park in Oslo. It features 212 sculptures of nude statues.
One of the capital’s highlights are its many museums. The most interesting to visit are the Polar Expedition Museum (Fram Museum) and the Viking Museum (Vikingskipshuset), both located on the Bigdøy peninsula. This is also where you can enjoy cross-country skiing and seaside hiking. Ideal for a moment’s escape from the urban center.
The Oslo-Bergen tourist train
One of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. And that’s saying something because the scenery is so magnificent. Below is the route between Oslo Central Station and Myrdal.
Myrdal-Flåm
If the train continues towards Bergen, it’s possible to stop en route at Myrdal to catch another tourist train, the Flåmsbana. This is an old vintage train that stops several times along the way to let passengers off the train to take a few snapshots. The train’s final destination is Flåm.
The Nærøyfjord
From the market town of Flåm, you can continue to Gudvangen by ferry. Perhaps the most beautiful fjord in the world, or at least the narrowest. Its cliffs are impressive. You feel so small sailing on its surface.
Ålesund
From Gudvangen, most travelers take the train back to Bergen. If you want to continue further north, you can rent a car or take public transport. The road to Ålesund is magnificent. By car, there are plenty of places to stop for a picnic. It’s worth taking your time, as nature is so beautiful. The road crosses numerous bridges and fjords. Some can only be crossed by ferry, where you’ll have to load your car. One stop on the way is the Geiranger fjord. This is one of Norway’s most popular sites. Ålesund is a town on the west coast of Norway. It’s also a stopover before taking the Hurtigruten.
The Hurtigruten
The Hurtigruten is the cruise line that takes travelers to the Arctic Circle. It stops at Ålesund. The journey to Bergen takes around 14 hours. On board, it’s the height of luxury, with a personal cabin and a more-than-satisfying buffet.
Bergen
Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city. Above all, it is an obligatory stop for all travelers disembarking from the Hurtigruten. The port of Bergen is as tranquil as you could wish for. A must-see is the fish market, a sort of complex where you can buy and sample a wide range of dishes. Another aspect of Bergen not to be missed is the district of wooden houses. Located on the waterfront, these wooden buildings are really just souvenir stores for tourists. But the place is worth a look.
