Norway: Nærøyfjord Cruise, Viking Village & Flåm Railway Day Trip

Summary

From Bergen to fjords, waterfalls and Viking tales in one day

You’ll taste glacier-fed air at Tvindefossen waterfall, wander Gudvangen’s Viking village with locals who really live it, cruise down UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, and ride the famously steep Flåm Railway past waterfalls and mountain farms—all in one long but oddly peaceful day trip from Bergen.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly missed the bus at Strandkaien because I got distracted by a seagull stealing someone’s sandwich (classic Bergen). But our guide, Sigrid, waved me over with a grin—she seemed used to tourists drifting off. The drive out toward Gudvangen was quiet at first, just the hum of the road and those huge mountains pressing in. We stopped at Tvindefossen waterfall where the air actually tasted different—sort of sharp and green? People were filling bottles like it was magic. I tried it too, but honestly, it just tasted cold.

In Gudvangen, Sigrid led us through Njardarheimr, the Viking village. There was a guy in full chainmail who let me hold his axe (he said “careful” about five times). The smell of wood smoke clung to everything. I tried to say “takk for maten” after sampling some flatbread—Li laughed when I butchered it. It’s weirdly moving seeing people so into their history; they weren’t acting for us, just living it.

The Nærøyfjord cruise was quieter than I expected—just wind and that low engine rumble echoing off cliffs. The water looked almost black under the clouds. At one point, a little cluster of red houses slid past on shore and I wondered what winter must be like here. In Flåm we had maybe an hour—enough for coffee and a walk past sheep chewing grass like nothing special was happening (meanwhile my heart was pounding from all the scenery). The Flåm Railway is as steep as everyone says; my ears popped twice going up to Myrdal. Kjosfossen waterfall thundered by so close you could feel spray through the open window if you leaned out (don’t tell Sigrid).

The last train switch at Myrdal felt almost dreamlike—I think half our group nodded off as we rolled back toward Voss. By then my phone battery was dead anyway so I just watched rain streak across the glass and tried to memorize how blue everything looked in that weird Norwegian light. I still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Viking village, fjord cruise, and railways

• Meet guide at Strandkaien
• Bus transfer to Gudvangen
• Guided tour of Viking village Njardarheimr
• Two-hour scenic cruise on Nærøyfjord
• Arrive in Flåm and explore village
• Visit Flåm Railway Museum
• Board Flåm Railway to Myrdal
• See Kjosfossen waterfall from train
• Change to Bergen Railway to Voss
• Bus transfer back to Bergen

Top questions

How long is the Nærøyfjord cruise?

The fjord cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm lasts about 2 hours.

Is pickup included from Bergen?

The tour starts with bus transfer from Strandkaien in Bergen; pickup is included there.

Do you visit a real Viking village?

Yes, there’s a guided visit to Njardarheimr Viking Village in Gudvangen where locals recreate daily life from the Viking Age.

How steep is the Flåm Railway?

The Flåm Railway climbs 866 meters over 20 kilometers with gradients up to 5.5%.

Are meals or drinks included?

No meals are included but you’ll have time in Flåm for coffee or snacks on your own.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams/strollers and specialized infant seats are allowed.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near departure points.

What waterfalls do you see on this tour?

You’ll stop at Tvindefossen near Voss and see Kjosfossen from the Flåm Railway.

What’s included

Your day includes coach transfers from Bergen to Gudvangen and back via Voss, a guided walk through Njardarheimr Viking Village with local hosts, premium cruise tickets for Nærøyfjord from Gudvangen to Flåm, time in Flåm village itself (with optional museum visit), reserved seats on both the famous Flåm Railway up to Myrdal and onward on the scenic Bergen Line before returning by bus—all logistics sorted so you can just show up and take it all in.