DAY 1:

Arrival to Oslo and transfer to your hotel. You’ll stay at the formidable Amerikalinjen Hotel next to the bustling central train station, close to the city’s festivities. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail, “Christmas Boat”, in the hotel’s bar Pier 42. This smart brasserie is named after the iconic New York pier where many Norwegians first stepped onto North American soil in search of new opportunities in the early 20th Century. This evening absorb the festive atmosphere of the city and explore our recommendations for places to eat, from food halls to Michelin starred restaurants.

DAY 2:

After an abundant breakfast in the hotel’s covered courtyard, meet with your private guide for your Christmas tour of the city. You’ll soon be filled with the Christmas spirit as you learn how the Norwegians create the feeling of cosiness and Hygge in the run up to Christmas. You’ll see candles flickering in storefront windows, hear Christmas songs resonating the air and smell the scent of mulled wine served from wooden kiosks. You’ll explore the Norwegian concept of ‘Julebord’ and find out how Norwegians serve Christmas fare in the weeks leading to the big day. The tour concludes with a cup of hot mulled wine, “Gløgg”, at the Christmas market Spikersuppa.

The open air market offers a taste of Nordic festive cuisine and local delicacies as well as an outdoor ice rink. Enjoy browsing the traditional and modern handicrafts which are perfect for Christmas gifting and for adding a Nordic twist to your Christmas decorations. Return to your hotel where we recommend booking a table for the Christmas Jazz lunch served amidst gorgeous Norway-meets-New York Christmas decorations.

This afternoon, we suggest visiting the Norsk Folkemuseum. Christmas is a special time to visit this cultural treasure with its stave church, traditional buildings and folk art. Time your visit to coincide with the museum’s much-loved Christmas fair with its bountiful market stalls selling crafts, baked good and decorations. Enjoy a coffee and a gingerbread cookie before admiring the old houses depicting Christmases past in Norway. Visit Santa’s workshop and witness some festive choral music and folk dancing.

If you have time, or would like to extend your stay in Oslo, we’d recommend venturing to the Hadeland Glassworks where you can learn how to blow your own festive ornament to bring back home.

This evening, why not return to the Christmas market at night to witness the twinkling lights and enjoy another cup of hot Gløgg.

DAY 3:

After an early breakfast, it’s a short walk to the train station opposite to join the Bergen railway to the fjords and mountains. This incredible rail journey from Oslo to Flam takes around five hours and traverses rolling countryside, forests, and lakes. You’ll witness endless miles of Christmas card landscapes as you eventually arrive to the mountain station of Myrdal to board the Flamsbana route. This impressive feat of engineering cuts through the mountain side and brings passengers to the foot of the fjord below.

Your accommodation for the next two nights will be at the atmospheric Flamsbrygga Hotel located at the shoreline. Admire the snow-topped mountains and glassy blue Aurlandsjord from your hotel balcony before stepping outdoors for an evening excursion. Discover the fjord village by night on a guided walk in the cool winter air. You’ll wander by headlamp along paths that encircle the village and end at the beach.. Here you’ll listen to local stories about trolls and witches as you sip a warming drink.

Dinner is served in the Aegir brew pub, a traditional building inspired by Norse mythology reminiscent of a stave church. You’ll enjoy platters of smoked reindeer, shellfish, white fish, pork shanks and dark chocolate cake, enjoyed alongside a plank of locally brewed beers to match your food.