Bergen: Viking Village & UNESCO NærøyFjord Cruise to Flåm

The drive from Bergen offers stunning landscapes, with views of the beautiful Osterfjord and fascinating stories from your guide along the way.

After about an hour, we make a short stop — a chance to stretch your legs and use the restroom. When opening hours allow, the break is arranged at Dale Outlet, a welcoming shop located beside the historic textile factory that has made the village renowned for its quality knitwear. It offers a variety of great goods from different suppliers at reduced prices.

About thirty minutes later, we pass through Voss — a charming town in the heart of Western Norway — before the scenery becomes even more dramatic as we approach majestic mountains, spectacular waterfalls, and one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords.

Tvindefossen is an impressive waterfall, dropping 116 meters in a beautiful display of multiple streams cascading down the cliff. The waterfall is surrounded by a legend claiming that its water has rejuvenating powers. This legend has made Tvindefossen one of Norway’s most visited natural attractions, welcoming thousands of visitors each year. (From June 1st to August 31st, we visit Tvindefossen on the return journey.)

The Viking Village in Gudvangen – a living encounter with the past Nestled between mountains and fjords lies Njardarheimr, an authentic Viking village where history comes to life. Here, you’ll experience how the Vikings lived over a thousand years ago – with genuine craftsmanship, traditional buildings, weapons, clothing, and everyday life. Modern-day Vikings welcome you with knowledge and enthusiasm, offering a unique insight into our Nordic heritage. This is not a museum – it’s a living village where you can smell the tar, hear the blacksmith’s hammer, and maybe even try your hand at archery! Gudvangen is a beautiful and authentic little village at the end of the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord – a place that truly showcases the real Norway. Surrounded by towering mountains and waterfalls on all sides, Gudvangen offers a peaceful and charming atmosphere – and it’s here we’ll enjoy our lunch.

Flåm is a picturesque village located at the end of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the majestic Sognefjord. The area offers a spectacular combination of steep mountains, waterfalls, and a tranquil atmosphere, making it one of the most visited destinations in Norway. The village is home to the iconic Flåm Railway, which winds its way from the fjord up to the high mountains at Myrdal – an impressive train journey considered one of the most scenic in the world. In Flåm, you'll have some free time to explore whatever interests you most – perhaps a visit to the charming Flåm Church, the Railway Museum, or simply a coffee and something sweet at a local bakery.

In Flåm, we board the boat that takes us out onto the Nærøyfjord – one of Norway’s most beautiful and dramatic fjords. Known for its steep mountainsides, narrow passages, and breathtaking scenery, the fjord offers a nature experience like no other. Nærøyfjord is a branch of the Sognefjord and stretches over 17 kilometers, with mountains rising up to 1,800 meters above sea level. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage list, this area truly showcases the power and beauty of nature. Sit back and enjoy the untouched wilderness that surrounds you.

After the cruise arrives in Gudvangen, we spend some extra time in the UNESCO area and enjoy fresh coffee and traditional Norwegian pastry at the café right by the pier. We then continue by bus toward Voss, often reffered to as the “adventure capital” of Western Norway, before returning to Bergen, filled with impressions and memories from a day that truly showcases the very best of Western Norway. From May 1st to August 31st, we instead head to the historic Stalheim Hotel, majestically located with panoramic views over the dramatic Nærøydalen Valley. Here, we serve coffee and freshly made Norwegian waffles while you listen to the fascinating story of the hotel — a place that has welcomed travelers since the 1800s and has long been a favorite stop for royalty and artists. After the coffee break at Stalheim, we return to Bergen.