Highlights of the Sognefjord multi-centre holiday

Visit some of the Sognefjord’s must-see spots on this multi-centre to Bergen, Balestrand and Flåm or Aurland

The waterside city of Bergen, also known as the gateway to the fjords, offers Norwegian charm, plenty to do, and is a great base for exploring the famous fjords. Whilst Bergen technically sits within a fjord itself, it’s not the typically steep, dramatic mountains and deep waterways that you might envisage, but a small city with a busy, historic harbour. Balestrand offers breathtaking scenery, with snow-capped mountains and spectacular views across the fjords. The challenging walking trails are calling to be explored, but don't worry, as the steep ascents are rewarded with views you will never forget. Flåm and Aurland add the final bit of wow factor as you board the Flåm railway and journey through the magnificent mountainous landscape, whilst Aurland invites you to slow down and enjoy the peace within the village that is surrounded by nature. 

Stay for a minimum of one night in Bergen, a minimum of two nights in Balestrand, and a minimum of three nights in Flåm/Aurland, with a choice of starting or finishing the trip in Bergen.

Our Walking Specialists can tailor your trip to the dates, durations and hotels that suit you. 

There are seven mountains surrounding the city of Bergen, one being Mount Fløyen, which is the easiest to reach from the centre. Ride on the funicular and be swept up the mountain in a matter of minutes. At the top, the viewing platform invites plenty of visitors seeking out those panoramic views of the city, but if you dive into the footpaths that skirt their way through the mountain forests, you’ll feel a million miles from the hustle and bustle of city life with peaceful, pine-covered pathways linking up local mountains.

Back in the city, boats push off from the harbour where you’ll see the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf with its colourful buildings lining the water’s edge. The narrow corridors between the buildings reveal a small maze of cobble-stoned streets housing local cafes, shops selling arts and crafts, as well as your typical tourist finds. Wander into the city centre and pass by the Snalungeren lake, where you’ll find Bergen's cultural heart with museums and galleries to explore, housing masterpieces by Munch as well as other artists. You’ll also find lots of independent cafes, bars, and restaurants, great to discover as you hop your way around the city and try out the food scene here. There are also day trips on offer, including excursions to the famous fjords. It takes a while to get to the fjords from Bergen, but most of the journeys go through fantastic scenery, so there’s plenty to see along the way. 

Mountains have parted ways over many millennia to make way for calm waters that are as deep as the surrounding mountains are high in Balestrand. Boats glide along peacefully as the water ripples towards charming shoreside villages, and dramatic mountains line the water’s edge. During early spring, the fjord mountains are usually topped with snowy peaks, whilst summer sees wildflowers, waterfalls and walking trails burst into life. At the Sognefjord's heart, you’ll find the beautiful village of Balestrand. Its picturesque setting, peaceful centre and rewarding walking trails make it a must-stay spot on the Sognefjord. 

As you approach, Balestrand almost appears to be floating on the fjord as its peninsula juts out into the water. Its distinctive ‘dragon style’ architecture makes up the village centre, where you’ll find a small selection of cafes to enjoy, as well as a museum detailing the history of tourism in this region. But the main attraction here is the scenery. From Bergen, you can reach the village of Balestrand in around five hours by ferry, but if you’re coming from Flåm or Aurland, the ferry takes around two and a half hours. The ferry journeys take you through the Sognefjord, offering fantastic scenery to admire along the way. 

Flåm and Aurland, whilst they’re just 20 minutes apart by bus, each have their own unique characteristics and charm.

The famous Flåm Railway invites plenty of day-trippers to Flåm, bringing a flurry of energy to this small village. There’s a hive of activity during the day as people board cruises setting sail for the Sognefjord. Try tasty treats in the Flåm bakery, or explore the Flåm museum and learn the history of the area. Staying here for a few days means you get to experience Flåm's peaceful side. As the last train of the day departs, so do the crowds, leaving a serene silence to enjoy the calm waters of the Aurlandsfjord. There are several day trips available from Flåm, including a trip on the Flåm railway, which journeys between Flåm and Myrdal in around an hour one way. It’s said to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world as you skirt through the valley filled with mountains, greenery and dramatic waterfalls. You can also day trip to places like Voss, Gudvangen or cruise down the Nærøyfjord to see this UNESCO-listed sight.

Aurland, whilst it doesn’t have the same transport connections as Flåm, it does have fewer day-trippers. Its peaceful shores are made for admiring the fjord – the Stegastein viewpoint above the village is a popular spot to visit, but generally, Aurland is a quiet fjord village where the main activity is enjoying nature.

To get to Flåm or Aurland, you’ll journey by ferry one way and by train the other way, depending on which order you’re doing this multi-centre in. Ferrys to/from Balestrand generally take around 2 hours, and trains to/from Bergen generally take around 4 hours (with changes on route). All ferries and trains depart from Flåm, so guests staying in Aurland will also have to catch the bus to and from Flåm.