Best of Scandinavia 2027

I did the NiN after the RS tour.
My thought was that I would have a second chance in case weather while on the tour wasn't great. Turned out the tour weather was better, but I don't regret doing it. Only the actual fjord cruise is a repeat, I thought the Flåmsbana train was a highlight.

I haven't been on the RS tour, but I agree with LIZinPA. The weather is so unpredictable, the NIN would give you a second opportunity for better weather.

I thought the fjord cruise along with our added mini bus tour to Stegastein Viewpoint were the highlights of the Nutshell. IMO, except for a few bits, the Bergen Railway was the least scenic portion of the trip. Especially if you've traveled in mountain areas like the Alps.

We did the tour earlier this year and did not know about the Norway in a Nutshell tour in time to find a place to stay near Flam. NiN doesn't get into Olso until late in the evening so if I was doing it I would break it into 2 days. Flam can be pricy, lodging options have been discussed on the forum previously which you can find with a search. But they fill quickly, now would be a good time to book if you are interested. I agree with the others, it doubles your chances of good weather. And Norway is so scenic I don't anyone complains about seeing it twice!

Are you spending more time in Oslo after the tour? The tour is only there an evening and then a full day. I wish we had more time there, a lot to see and explore. So if you're just going to Oslo to fly home I would recommend adding more time.

Hello,

The fjord cruise you will do on the tour is the same as the Nutshell cruise, between Flam and Gudvangen. If you have 3 nights, I suggest doing a variation of the Nutshell trip called Sognefjord in a Nutshell. You can take the Express boat from Bergen to Balestrand and stay there 3 nights, then take the same express boat 3 days later from Balestrand to Flam, where you can take the Flamsbana train to Myrdal, to catch a train to Oslo. The whole trip can be booked several months ahead through Fjord Tours - www.fjordtours.no.

While in Balestrand you can take cruise up the Fjaerland fjord, a boat across the fjord to Vik to see the Hopperstad Stave church, rent kayaks, go on a hike or just relax. Be sure to have the smorgasbord one night at the hotel Kvikness!

Thanks Rich! We LOVED Balestrand so much, we actually stayed an extra night. And yes, Hotel Kvikness was memorable, we stayed in the modern wing, but a walk through the gorgeous hand-carved wooden room near the lobby was truly amazing!