How to Travel the Norwegian Fjords by Train and Ferry

Navigating the winding mountain roads of Norway by rental car can be a dream, but might not be for everyone. A Norway fjord Summer itinerary can still be executed with use of public transport. Skipping the cruise ships and experiencing the true majesty of the Norwegian fjords by train and ferry is one of the most rewarding ways to see Scandinavia.

If you have started looking at the maps, you’ve probably realised: coordinating public transport in Norway isn’t as simple as buying a single train ticket.

To see the best of Norway, an itinerary using public transport requires crossing multiple regional boundaries, jumping from historic rails to local express boats, and timing tight connection windows. Of course, there will at times be the need for two wheels on the road, however this would be in the form of a private transfer and driver to get you to your destination.  All of this is entirely possible, but it requires some expertise – that’s where we come in! In this guide, we’ll map out a tailor-made trip to Norway, via tracks and waterways.

Bergen: The Cultural Gateway to the Fjords

To kick off a world-class tailor-made trip to Norway, there is no better starting point than Bergen. Nestled between several mountains and wrapped around a bustling harbour, this city seamlessly blends rich history with a vibrant, modern cultural scene.

Before you even step foot on a regional train or ferry, Bergen demands at least a couple of days of exploration. You can wander through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hanseatic wharf, or take the Fløibanen funicular up to the summit of Mount Fløyen for a panoramic view of the city. From its famous fresh fish market to its historical Norwegian museums, it is a city bursting with life during the long summer days.

The Perfect Day Trip: Deep Into Hardangerfjord

Basing yourself in a city such as Bergen, especially for a car free holiday, opens up to many possible day trips out of the city.

Often referred to as the “Garden of Norway”, Hardangerfjord is approximately 30 minutes outside of the city. This fjord is a hikers paradise, with a mix of advance and intermediate routes on offer. Hardangerfjord offers a completely different vibe to the sheer, moody cliffs you’ll see later in the north. In the summer, the hillsides here are lush, green, and bursting with apple orchards.

Deep into the Sognefjord: Making Aurland Your Base

When exploring the Norwegian fjords by train and ferry, your transit choices completely shape the pace of your holiday. Instead of rushing through the valleys on a crowded tour bus, the ultimate method of transportation is a direct morning express boat right from Bergen’s harbour.

This voyage takes you out through the coastal islands and directly into the mouth of the Sognefjord – the “King of the Fjords”. As the boat glides inland over the course of five hours, the landscape transforms dramatically. The open coastal waters give way to towering stone cliffs and cascading waterfalls that drop straight into the deep blue water.

While most tourists stay on the boat all the way to the very end of the line, the secret to a relaxed, authentic Norway fjord summer itinerary is stepping off slightly earlier at the picturesque village of Aurland.

The Perfect Fjord Basecamp

Nestled quietly on the edge of the Aurlandsfjord, Aurland feels like a peaceful sanctuary compared to the frantic tourist hubs nearby. Basing yourself here for a few nights, you can unpack your bags once and use the region’s network of local passenger boats and shuttle buses to arrange day trips. 

Staying in Aurland puts you in the perfect position to explore the area’s two most famous highlights:

• The World-Famous Rail Journey: A short connection down the water brings you to the neighboring village of Flåm, for the iconic Flåm Railway. Towering over 800 metres above the valley floor, this historic train ride is a masterpiece of engineering, offering jaw-dropping views of plunging ravines and roaring waterfalls.

• The UNESCO Heritage Waters: From Flåm, you can easily connect onto an electric fjord cruise that sails through the breath-taking Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen. This is one of the narrowest and most dramatic fjords in Europe, wrapped in UNESCO protection.

  

By timing these day-trips correctly, you get to experience the absolute best of the region’s tracks and waterways before escaping the afternoon crowds and returning to the absolute tranquility of your waterfront base in Aurland. But because these local boats, shuttle buses, and train carriages operate on strict seasonal summer timetables, coordinating these connecting windows requires a master plan.

The Premium Overland Shift: Sognefjord to the Sunnmøre Alps

While navigating the Norwegian fjords by train and ferry is peaceful, there are some places which require a private driver to take you off the beaten track. This lets you sit back, relax, and look out of the window at the views whilst an expert handles the mountain passes and historic detours. We promise, it is worth the journey!

A Storybook Stop in Fjærland: Norway’s “Book Town”

Leaving the Aurland region, the six-hour private journey takes you north through some of the country’s most dramatic topography. Your driver-guide can curate the perfect day, allowing you to stop at ancient architectural marvels like the Borgund Stave Church.

Your destination is Fjærland, an enchanting, storybook village where steep mountains drop directly into a bright green fjord arm. Known affectionately as Norway’s official “Book Town”, Fjærland perfectly blends peaceful fjord life with a cultural character.

Setting Base in Stranda: The Heart of the Peaks

Continuing further north where the landscape shifts from deep valleys to the jagged peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps. You are aiming for Stranda, a serene hideaway surrounded by dense forest and dramatic fjord views.

Staying in a premium mountain penthouse suite here gives you a luxurious home away from home. With large panoramic windows overlooking the peaks, a roaring fireplace, and thoughtful welcome gifts of local produce, it is the ultimate alpine sanctuary. From here, you have private guides at your disposal to unlock the best of the region.

Chasing Waterfalls: Kayaking in Geirangerfjord

From your base in Stranda, the jewel in the crown of your Norway fjord summer itinerary awaits: the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord.

While thousands of tourists view this majestic fjord from the crowded decks of giant cruise ships, the absolute best way to experience it is up close. Embarking on a privately guided experience for kayaking in Geirangerfjord lets you take to the water at a relaxed pace. See waterfalls like the Seven Sisters cascade from hanging valleys high above, pull ashore onto secluded beaches or look up at historic fjord farms clinging to the cliff edge. 

A Coastal Excursion: The Art Nouveau Elegance of Ålesund

Stranda also serves as a great starting point for a full-day coastal excursion north to Ålesund.

Start with a short drive to the edge of the Storfjord, where you will roll onto a frequent local ferry to cross the deep water, before driving along coastal roads until the colourful harbourfront of Ålesund comes into view.

Ålesund is entirely unique in Norway, world-renowned for its striking Art Nouveau architecture and vibrant maritime atmosphere. Spend the day exploring at your own pace:

• Wander the elegant streets and the lively harbour at Brosundet.
• Climb the 418 steps to the Fjellstua viewpoint for a breathtaking panoramic view of the town spilling across a network of islands into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Grand Finale: Oslo Culture

To close out an unforgettable two week Norway itinerary by public transport, your journey loops back east to the capital via the legendary Rauma Railway, famously named the world’s most scenic train journey by Lonely Planet.

Oslo is wonderfully compact and walkable, making it a dream to explore. A private city tour is the perfect way to wander past the Royal Palace and the National Theatre, ending at the National Museum to view Edvard Munch’s iconic masterpiece, The Scream. To celebrate your final evening, board a private charter boat to cruise the Oslofjord at sunset, sailing past the ultra-modern Opera House into quiet, scenic coves – the perfect end to an epic summer adventure.

Ready to Plan Your Car-Free Fjord Adventure?

There is no denying that experiencing the Norwegian fjords by train and ferry is one of the most rewarding, sustainable, and spectacular ways to see Scandinavia.

But as you have probably realised, making a bespoke itinerary look this seamless requires a massive amount of logistical expertise. Mapping out private driver-guides, securing highly sought-after tickets for the Flåm Railway, coordinating local ferry crossings, and finding the ultimate boutique waterfront hotels. 

That is where we come in.

We do understand that every journey won’t always be seamless with cancellations or disruptions being out of anyone’s control. However with our team on hand to help, you will be back on track in no time. Make contact with our highly knowable and experienced Travel Specialist to start planning your tailor-made trip to Norway.