Magic of the Fjords: Self-Launched Bergen to Oslo in 7 Days
7 days · Norway
On The Go Tours charges £1,600
No-markup version: ~£740 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Experience the breathtaking Norwegian fjords independently — from the colourful harbour of Bergen through the dramatic Sognefjord to the vibrant capital Oslo. This self-launched version follows the same iconic route as On The Go Tours' "Magic of the Fjords" trip, swapping group tour pricing for budget-savvy hostel stays, public ferries, and self-bookable activities. Norway isn't cheap, but doing it yourself cuts the operator markup significantly — and you set your own pace. Expect world-class scenery, the legendary Flåm Railway, glacier viewpoints, and buzzing city culture, all on your own terms. Cost estimates are approximate and based on budget/mid-range solo traveller rates.
Day-by-day
Arrival in Bergen
Bergen
Fly into Bergen Airport (BGO) and make your way into the city centre. The airport bus (Flybussen) runs regularly to the city centre for around £12 — far cheaper than a taxi. Check into your hostel or budget hotel in the city centre and get oriented. Bergen is compact and very walkable. Spend the afternoon wandering the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf area and the harbour at your own pace. Grab dinner at one of the casual restaurants around the Fish Market — try a fish soup or a salmon wrap for an affordable and authentic introduction to Norwegian cuisine (budget £10–15 for a meal).
🚌Flybussen airport bus from Bergen Airport to city centre (~£12 one way)
🛏Marken Gjestehus or Bergen YMCA Hostel (dorm ~£25–30/night, private ~£60–75/night)
- →Arrive at Bergen Airport — take the Flybussen airport bus to city centre (~£12)
- →Check into hostel or budget guesthouse near the city centre
- →Self-guided wander around Bryggen Wharf and Bergen Harbour
- →Dinner near the Fish Market — try fish soup or a salmon wrap
Exploring Bergen — Bryggen, Fish Market & Fløibanen
Bergen
Today you'll explore Bergen's highlights independently. Start with a self-guided walking tour of Bryggen Wharf, the Church of Mary (Mariakirken), and Håkon's Hall / Rosenkrantz Tower — entry to these landmarks is around £8–12. Head to the historic Fish Market (Fisketorget) mid-morning to browse stalls and grab a snack. In the afternoon, ride the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen for panoramic views over the city and fjords — a return ticket costs around £12. If you'd prefer a guided experience, book a 'Bergen Food Tour & Fish Market Tasting with Fløibanen' through GetYourGuide for approximately £60–80. The evening is free to explore Bergen's lively Nordnes neighbourhood or enjoy a drink along the wharf.
🚌Walking and Fløibanen funicular (included above)
🛏Marken Gjestehus or Bergen YMCA Hostel
- →Self-guided walk of Bryggen Wharf, Church of Mary, and Håkon's Hall (~£8–12 entry)
- →Visit the Fish Market (Fisketorget) — free to browse, snacks from ~£5
- →Ride the Fløibanen Funicular to Mount Fløyen for panoramic views (return ~£12)
- →Optional: Book a Bergen Food Tour & Fish Market Tasting via GetYourGuide (~£60–80)
- →Optional: Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen via local boat tour operators (~£45–60)
Ferry Through Sognefjord to Balestrand
Bergen to Balestrand
Today is a spectacular travel day. Take the public Norled express ferry from Bergen to Balestrand — this sails directly through the magnificent Sognefjord, Europe's longest and deepest fjord. Book your ticket in advance at norled.no; the journey takes approximately 4 hours and costs around £30–45 per person. Make sure to arrive at the Strandkaiterminal early to secure a window seat — aim to board at least 30 minutes before departure. Balestrand is a tiny, picturesque village perched on the fjord — check into your guesthouse and take a slow evening stroll along the waterfront. Dinner at the Kviknes Hotel restaurant is a treat if budget allows, or self-cater with supplies from the local shop.
🚌Norled express ferry, Bergen to Balestrand (~£30–45 per person)
🛏Balestrand Hotel or Dragsvik Fjordhotel (budget rooms ~£70–90/night)
- →Take the Norled public ferry from Bergen to Balestrand via Sognefjord (~£30–45, book in advance at norled.no)
- →Arrive in Balestrand and check in to guesthouse
- →Evening stroll along Balestrand waterfront and fjord views
- →Dinner at local guesthouse or self-cater from the village shop
Glaciers & Fjords — Day Trip from Balestrand
Balestrand
Spend the day exploring the dramatic landscape around Balestrand. The highlight is a half-day excursion to Fjærland — bookable directly with Fjærland Fjordhotell or via local operators. The trip includes a boat through the Fjærlandsfjord, a visit to the Norwegian Glacier Museum (Norsk Bremuseum) which features a panoramic film about the Jostedalen Glacier (entry ~£15), and a coach visit to the Supphellebreen and Boyabreen glacier arms of the Jostedal Glacier. The full excursion costs around £50–70 per person when booked locally (available June 1 to September 15). In the afternoon, return to Balestrand and enjoy the peaceful fjordside setting. Dinner is included at many guesthouses — ask when booking — or head to the village's small selection of eateries.
🚌Local boat and coach as part of Fjærland excursion (included in activity cost)
🛏Balestrand Hotel or Dragsvik Fjordhotel
- →Book the Fjærland half-day glacier excursion locally or via Visit Sognefjord (~£50–70 total)
- →Boat journey through Fjærlandsfjord
- →Visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum (Norsk Bremuseum) with panoramic glacier film (~£15 entry)
- →Coach visits to Supphellebreen and Boyabreen glacier arms of Jostedal Glacier
- →Return by boat to Balestrand — free afternoon along the fjord
The Flåm Railway & Train to Oslo
Balestrand to Flåm to Oslo
An iconic day of travel. Take the early morning ferry from Balestrand to Flåm along the Aurlandsfjord — a stunning short crossing (~1.5 hrs, ~£15–20 via Norled). Spend some free time exploring the charming village of Flåm before boarding the legendary Flåmsbana mountain railway from Flåm to Myrdal — one of the world's steepest and most scenic rail journeys, passing waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. Book your Flåmsbana ticket in advance at visitflam.com; expect to pay around £25–35 per person. From Myrdal, connect onto the Bergen Railway to Oslo (Vy trains, about 5 hours) — tickets from £30–60 depending on how far in advance you book via vy.no. Arrive in Oslo in the evening, check in, and grab dinner near your accommodation.
🚌Norled ferry Balestrand–Flåm (~£15–20), Flåmsbana railway (~£25–35), Bergen Line train Myrdal–Oslo (~£30–60)
🛏Anker Hostel or Oslo Hostel Haraldsheim (dorm ~£28–35/night, private ~£70–90/night)
- →Take the morning Norled ferry from Balestrand to Flåm via Aurlandsfjord (~£15–20)
- →Explore the village of Flåm on foot — free time
- →Board the Flåmsbana mountain railway from Flåm to Myrdal (book in advance at visitflam.com, ~£25–35)
- →Connect to Bergen Railway from Myrdal to Oslo (Vy trains, ~£30–60, book at vy.no)
- →Arrive in Oslo — check in and dinner near city centre
Oslo City Highlights — Frogner Park, Royal Palace & Akershus
Oslo
Explore Oslo on foot and by tram — the city is very walkable and its public transport is excellent. Start with Frogner Park and the famous Vigeland Sculpture Park (free entry), then walk or tram to the Royal Palace and its gardens. Head to the waterfront to visit Akershus Fortress and City Hall (Oslo Rådhus), which are free or low-cost to enter. The Bygdøy Peninsula is worth an afternoon visit — take bus 30 from Nationaltheatret to reach the Viking Ship Museum and Norwegian Folk Museum (entry ~£15–18 each). For a convenient all-in-one option, purchase a 24-hour Oslo Pass (~£40–50) for unlimited public transport and free entry to over 30 museums. Alternatively, book a 3-hour walking tour of Oslo's highlights via GetYourGuide for around £20–30.
🚌Oslo public trams and buses — day pass ~£10 or included in Oslo Pass
🛏Anker Hostel or Oslo Hostel Haraldsheim
- →Visit Vigeland Sculpture Park at Frogner Park (free entry)
- →Walk to Royal Palace and gardens (exterior free, changing of the guard daily)
- →Akershus Fortress and Castle — self-guided visit (~£6–10 entry)
- →Oslo City Hall (Rådhus) — free to enter, home of the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony
- →Optional: 24-hour Oslo Pass for unlimited transport and museum entry (~£40–50)
- →Optional: Bygdøy Peninsula — Viking Ship Museum (~£18) and Norwegian Folk Museum (~£18) via bus 30
- →Optional: Book a 3-hour Oslo city walking tour via GetYourGuide (~£20–30)
Final Morning in Oslo & Departure
Oslo
Your final morning in Norway. If you have time before your flight or onward journey, explore the Aker Brygge waterfront and Tjuvholmen sculpture park, or grab a coffee and pastry at one of Oslo's excellent bakeries (try a skillingsbolle — a Norwegian cinnamon roll). If you didn't make it to the Munch Museum or the new National Museum yesterday, both are well worth a morning visit. Head to Oslo Airport (Gardermoen) by the Flytoget airport express train (~£22, departing every 10 minutes) — the journey takes 20 minutes. Book a later flight to maximise your final morning in the city.
🚌Flytoget airport express train from Oslo Central to Gardermoen (~£22)
🛏Check out — departure day
- →Morning stroll along Aker Brygge waterfront and Tjuvholmen sculpture park (free)
- →Optional: Munch Museum (~£18) or National Museum of Norway (~£18)
- →Try a skillingsbolle (Norwegian cinnamon roll) at a local bakery (~£3–4)
- →Transfer to Oslo Airport Gardermoen via Flytoget express train (~£22, 20 mins)
Self-launched vs. On The Go Tours
| This itinerary (self-launched) | On The Go Tours | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£740 | £1,600 |
| Duration | 7 days | 7 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £860 per person (54%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more On The Go Tours-style trips? Check them out here.~£740
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Magic of the Fjords: Self-Launched Bergen to Oslo in 7 Days cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £740 per person for 7 days in Norway. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with On The Go Tours?+
Yes — On The Go Tours charges around £1,600 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £740 — a saving of roughly £860 (54%) per person.
How long is the Norway trip?+
This itinerary runs 7 days, covering 7 day-by-day stops through Norway.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a adventure, culture, hiking trip through Norway, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
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