Norway in a Nutshell: Going Back In Time To The Ice Age

When I had my passport stamped with the Royal Kingdom of Norway’s monogram, I had no clue that I was essentially signing myself up for a career change. Norway is such an enchanting place that it’s almost like a poem come to life – you can’t help but wonder if you’ll ever see anything else like it. From the moment I stepped foot in Norway, I was captivated by its bewitching charm. I was lucky enough to explore the country through renowned Norway in a Nutshell tour, where I was embraced by the breathtakingly beautiful neighbourhoods and scenery of Scandinavia. It truly is one of the most stunning countries on the planet!

From the moment I arrived in Norway, I knew I had come across something special. Surrounded by its prehistoric grandeur, I felt my heart swell with awe. I was instantly captivated by the steep Norwegian fjords and jagged Glaciers as if I had stepped into another realm. To top it off, I was in for the treat of a lifetime–the ineffable grace of the Northern Lights. On my Norway, in a Nutshell tour, I felt like I was exploring the wild terrains of a natural citadel, the waters and mountains seeping with mysterious beauty.

As I ventured into the enigmatic wilderness of Norway, my camera gave off a combination of clicks and clucks, as if it was trying to capture every spectacular sight my eyes beheld. Everywhere I looked, I was surrounded by breathtakingly majestic valleys and mountains, blanketed with cascading waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. The voyage began in the picturesque cobblestone streets of Bergen and ended in the enchanting Viking hamlet of Gudvangen.

I was mesmerised by the forests, glaciers, fjords, and candle-lit ski resorts that were cloaked in old-world elegance. I took a funicular up to the awe-inspiring Mount Fløyen and strolled along centuries-old Bryggen Wharf for two days during my stay in timeless, mediaeval Bergen city. At the 10th-century Bryggen Wharf, ancient wooden homes still stand, faithfully preserving the bygone memories of a vivacious trading period. It’s a sight to behold – a nostalgic glimpse into the past!

At night, Bryggen Wharf is transformed into a sensational light show, outshining its waterfront contemporaries! Spend a serene evening taking in the delightful view and then pop into the Hanseatic Museum to explore the fascinating collection of trading memoirs!

Gudvangen, The Hamlet of Gods

Eager to explore the mythical realm of the gods? Take a morning bus from Bergen to Gudvangen, a mystical hamlet where the gods reportedly reside! This 3-hour voyage of beauty and wonder only costs $30 or less and will take you through breathtaking landscapes of Haus, Osteroy, Dale, Evanger, Voss Oppheim, and Stalheim on its way to the innermost frame of the Nærøyfjord. Marvel at the picturesque scenes of cascading waterfalls, serene fields, and tranquil countryside – all for a mere $30. Don’t miss out on this divine escapade!

As I arrived in the ancient, Viking town of Gudvangen, I was in awe of the majestic display of Norway flags that surrounded the ticket and information centre. To make sure I wouldn’t miss my fjord cruise, I approached the centre to double-check my reservation, but I found myself with two hours to spare before I had to board. Even with its small size, Gudvangen is breathtaking with its Viking history and traditions that seemingly bring the area to life.

A visit to this model Viking settlement will transport you back to an era long forgotten, allowing you to get an authentic glimpse of their heritage. Its inhabitants have gone all out, with two staff costumed as the Chieftan and his wife, and others dressed as peasants in the traditional garb. Accompanying you on the tour is a long-bearded and long-haired guide who can show you around this Viking town and its craftsmanship, giving you a real sense of what life would have been like in the Viking civilisation.

On my voyage back in time, I explored a model town with handicrafts, graceful Viking ships and other artefacts – the perfect way to get in the spirit of the journey! When it was practically midday, I made a pit stop at the 19th-century Fjordtell restaurant and got myself a hearty reindeer burger, large fries and a large cup of hot coffee to enjoy the grand views of the fjord uninterruptedly. Before I left, I couldn’t help but buy a few souvenirs from the shop – it was the least I could do! As I savoured my juicy burger, nestled in the warmth of a sheepskin cover, I couldn’t help but admire the undeniable beauty of Norway and its remarkable ability to preserve its culture through architectural motifs, both modern and traditional.

From the Arctic-inspired architecture to the mediaeval Viking log huts, all covered in earth and grass, I was in awe of the ancient culture that had once called Gudvangen home. And with its trendy outdoor terrace, the charming antique hotel offers some truly magnificent Viking-themed rooms for guests who choose to stay. As we set sail and watched the stunning hamlet of Gudvangen disappear into a fog of picturesque landscapes, we were reminded of the deeply rooted passion for food that Norwegians possess, and their penchant for pushing the boundaries of culinary creativity.

The awe-inspiring Kjerringfossen waterfall made me catch my breath – plummeting a staggering 394 feet, it was a sight to behold! I was lucky enough to snag a great spot on the third-floor deck, giving me a perfect view of the stunning fisheye hemispherical effect.

As I took a moment to reflect and marvel at the breathtaking 180° view of Precambrian Age rocks that had been shaped throughout millions of years, the cruise set sail. Before long, a flock of around a dozen seagulls had joined us, effortlessly keeping pace with our journey. A few of the more daring Asians even tried to feed them by holding out their palms, though, despite their efforts, the birds seemed to be exceedingly choosy about where they got their snacks from. Still, I couldn’t resist giving it a go. Gripping a handful of treats, I waited patiently for what felt like an eternity – 30 long minutes! Then, in an incredible moment of serendipity, a seagull swooped down and fed right out of my palm!

It was, without a doubt, an extraordinary experience that I won’t ever forget. Norway is renowned for its conservation of nature – a visit there will allow you to spot some of the most majestic creatures. From humpback, sperm, and orca whales, to wild reindeer, prehistoric musk oxen, and even Arctic foxes, Norway has it all! But if you want to see the best of the best, Svalbard is the place to go. Polar bears, walruses, and a plethora of exotic migratory birds such as Puffins, Rundes, and Varanger seabirds inhabit this remote landscape of dramatic and perilous beauty.

As I was stuck in my seat for the next two hours, I was captivated by the majestic ice-age mountains that encircled the Sognefjord, Naeroyfjord, and Aurlandsfjord like a storybook. These majestic UNESCO World Heritage Fjords, made even more spectacular by the breathtaking glacial lagoons, were too beautiful to resist – my camera almost couldn’t keep up with the rapid succession of clicking until the battery was nearly exhausted. For the remaining thirty minutes of this incredible sail, I found myself in the pantry of the ship, chatting with the captain and the crew as my camera charged.

Truly, a journey like this will leave you speechless. The real-time sailing was being beamed to a giant LED Tv in the crew lounge, so I didn’t miss a beat of the sightseeing while I was indoors. As we reached Flåm, the captain gave me the heads up, so I hightailed it to the deck and there we were, luxuriating in the view of the small dockyard, with its smattering of dangling tyres. After a few hours in Flåm, I hopped aboard the Flamsbana for the world’s most extraordinary train ride, slithering along railway tracks that sliced Norway in two.

The Charming Flåm

Flåm is a lovely hamlet famous for being the origin of Flamsbana, the world’s best scenic train. Despite its small size, this charming Scandinavian neighbourhood has a lot to offer. But first, I went to the Flåm Railway Museum to learn about the fascinating stories that led to the world’s steepest railway, the Flåm Railway. A vintage electric El-9 engine and rail push trolleys are two of the more interesting items on show. It’s intriguing to imagine antiquity through a massive collection of antiques, movies, and photographs.

I was transported to 1924 when the Flåm Railway was built. I was surprised to learn that the railway took more than 15 years to build and nearly 70 years to complete. In 1940, the 20-kilometre route from Flåm to Myrdal was finally put into service. Twenty tunnels were hand-built to make this happen. Isn’t it incredible? By visiting this museum, I learned not only about the railway’s incredible engineering but also about the different tribulations that it underwent throughout its construction.

It was a fascinating visit! The following few hours were spent perusing souvenir shops to tap into the Norweigan proclivity for vintage and elegance. I was met by humorous Trolls and statues everywhere I went, symbols of Norway’s vibrant culture. I would have loved to stay in Flam for a few days and explore its neighbourhood by bike or electric car if I hadn’t been booked on an onward excursion with Flamsbana. Both of these items are available for rent! Despite their proximity to nature, Norwegians have a strong desire for luxury, so don’t be shocked if you see a few Porsches and other high-end vehicles on the road.

My brief excursion to Flåm came to a close with a sampling of the city’s gourmet cuisine at its bustling marketplace. In this marketplace, decorated in red, yellow, and white, you will find some of Norway’s Best – locally made delicacies, ciders, and juices. The most popular establishments include Fretheim Hotel, Ægir microbrewery, Flåm bakery, Arven’s and Toget café. As soon as I heard the air whistle, I finished my meal and dashed to the store to get Flam’s famed cured smoked pork and goat cheese. 

The steam trumpet, just like in the golden age, made audible signalling that the Flamsbana was reaching the station. I waited near Tekna’s statues and boarded the 13th bogie as soon as the train came to a standstill.

From Flåm To Finse

The train journey to Flamsbana was unlike any other! This peripatetic party train passes through some of the country’s most beautiful scenery, including a brief stop at the massive Kjosfossen Waterfall. If you stand anywhere near the railing, Kjosfossen’s frigid splatters will make sure to contact you as they fall from a height of 740 feet. If you’re lucky, you might get a glimpse of the dancing woman at Kjosfossen, who tells the storey of the Huldra, a beautiful woodland spirit who tempts men into the woods, through her dance. It’s an old Norwegian folktale.

I held on to the map I was given before I boarded the train, as well as the audio tour detailing the history of the places we passed through, for the remainder of the journey. The entire track is a winter wonderland, with snowdrifts and haystacks on both sides. We arrived at the Bergen-Oslo line’s Myrdal Station in under two hours. Instead of continuing to Oslo, I changed trains in Myrdal and went to Geilo, Norway’s best ski resort. It was raining when I got to Myrdal, so I spent the time waiting at Café Rallaren, the town’s only coffee shop.

It took another hour to get to Geilo from Finse. Finse is a stopping borough noted for its Star Wars movie facility, and it is at the highest point of the Bergen Railway. Finse1222, a historic landmark that opened in 1909, is another noteworthy landmark. I’d been on the road all day, but there’s something about Norway that makes you never feel tired. I was in for another surprise when I arrived at the Geilo railway station. The gorgeous yellow buildings, wrapped in layers of white snow, greeted me when I arrived in Norway’s darling ski town. Bring plenty of warm clothing when visiting Geilo, as the temperature here may readily dip to 0 degrees even in the summer. I rented a car to get to Vestlia Resort.

This was my first time visiting a ski town and resort that allows you to ski from door to door. Vestlia Resort is a lovely retreat in all of its magnificence. This resort resembles a castle pinned with a Reindeer head, strange wooden furnishings, old chandeliers, and a path of always lighted candles to keep you warm as if it were straight out of a storybook. Inside the room, the architecture is soft camber with a lovely balcony overlooking distant snow. The service is kind and professional in every manner, and the cuisine is delicious.

The hydro-pool, spa, sauna, and Jacuzzis are all excellent and provide complete relaxation. The hotel facilities might keep you entertained all day, and you can always go skiing, ski-sailing, hiking, biking, or taking calm glacier walks for outdoor activities. This, without a doubt, is one of my favourite properties in Norway.

Concluding the Trip in Oslo

I rode the bus to Oslo after a superb weekend in Geilo. I visited Frognerparken, Oslo City Hall, the Viking Ship Museum, Danstredet, Bygdoy, and the Holmenkollen Ski Arena in Norway’s modern capital. However, for me, what summed up Norway, in a nutshell, was a career move. I kept dreaming about the royal kingdom even after returning from Norway for six months, which prompted me to make the conscious decision to quit my 15-year advertising profession and pursue a career as a travel writer.

I’d like to think that travelling through time for a thousand years brought out my inner Viking. Take this renowned Norway in a Nutshell journey to experience some of the world’s most incredible sights, and who knows, you might even discover an inner link to mythology.

Norway in a Nutshell Expense

Customisable Norway in a Nutshell vacation runs year-round, allowing you to command your favourite stopovers. From the world’s oldest Wharf to the narrowest Fjord, this Norway journey is not an inexpensive one, however, the joy it offers is worth every penny you spend. The total cost of the vacation will be around $400, plus $200 for food and shopping. In this location, a keepsake might cost anywhere from $10 to $50, while warm gear can cost anywhere from $50 to $500.

Norway in a Nutshell Ticket: NOK 840 or EUR 80 per adult

Flamsbana Journey: NOK 597 or EUR 54 per adult

Bike Rental for one day: NOK 782 or EUR 70 per adult

Bergen – Voss – Gudavnagen: NOK 320 or EUR 30 per adult

Gudvangen to Flam Cruise: NOK 305 or EUR 30 per adult

Flam – Myrdal – Oslo Train Tickets: NOK 569 or EUR 52 per adult