Routes · Europe

Zurich to the Norwegian fjords: Bergen, Flåm, Geiranger and Ålesund

Zurich → Bergen → Flåm → Geiranger → Ålesund

Norwegian fjords Best season (general guide): Late May–mid-Sep

Western Norway's fjords are best seen slowly, by train, boat and road. This route spends seven nights between Bergen and Ålesund in the summer season. From Zurich you'll fly to Bergen, sometimes via Oslo or Copenhagen.

Bergen's old wharf, Bryggen, has rows of wooden merchants' houses from the Hanseatic era, and UNESCO lists it. The Fløibanen funicular climbs Mount Fløyen for views over the harbour, and the fish market is next to the water.

Take the train to Myrdal and the steep branch line down to Flåm, then a boat on the narrow Nærøyfjord. The next day, drive north with a ferry crossing to Geiranger, at the head of the Geirangerfjord. Boats pass the Seven Sisters waterfall, and viewpoints above the village look down the fjord. UNESCO lists the West Norwegian Fjords, including Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.

End in Ålesund, which was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style after a fire in 1904. Climb the steps to the Aksla viewpoint for the best view of the town and islands.

Late May to mid-September is the main season, when boats and mountain roads are open. Some mountain roads, such as Trollstigen, may close for repairs, so check before you go.

Pacing: book the Flåm railway and the fjord boats early in summer. Driving in fjord Norway involves ferries and tunnels, so allow extra time.

Each stop has its own character: Bergen's harbour and wooden houses, Flåm's railway, Geiranger's steep fjord walls and Ålesund's Art Nouveau streets. Allow time to sit and look, as the scenery is the point of this trip.

Summer evenings are long here, so you can explore well into the night.

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