Norway in a Nutshell: 5 Days of Travel and Photography Adventures
Norway’s dramatic mountains, stunning fjords, and vibrant culture make it a dream destination for any traveler. In this article, I’ll take you through the highlights of my unforgettable five-day adventure in this breathtaking land.
Although my primary goal was photography, I also wanted to immerse myself in Norwegian culture, as it was my first visit to the country. Balancing photography with travel was essential. Before my trip, I thoroughly researched and marked key locations on Google Maps. Starting with a well-thought-out plan can save significant time, especially when traveling on a tight schedule. While I knew of incredible sites like Lofoten, Trolltunga, and Pulpit Rock, I didn’t have the luxury of spending five days exploring them. Thus, I focused on finding the best route for a shorter visit.
During my research, I discovered the ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ (NIN) tour, which seemed perfect for those with limited time. This iconic journey between Oslo and Bergen includes train rides, a ferry cruise, and bus travel, showcasing highlights such as breathtaking train rides and scenic fjord views. While Fjord Tours offers a pre-packaged NIN ticket that covers all transportation, I opted to buy individual tickets and manage the itinerary myself. This not only proved to be more cost-effective but also allowed me to stay in Flam, which turned out to be an ideal location.
I spent a day and a half in Oslo, immersing myself in the city’s rich visual culture. My first stop was the iconic Opera House, a must-visit for any fine art photographer. Its striking modern architecture and dramatic lines offer endless photographic opportunities, making it a perfect spot for capturing unique angles and reflections. Next on my itinerary was Vigeland Park, a remarkable fusion of nature and art. The park is home to over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape. It’s an inspiring location where the interplay of natural elements and sculptural forms provides diverse and compelling subjects for photography. After exploring the Opera House and Vigeland Park, I recommend heading to the National Museum. This venue showcases an impressive array of artworks, including Edvard Munch’s renowned masterpiece, ‘The Scream.’ To fully appreciate the museum’s extensive collection, which also features modern art, I suggest setting aside at least three hours. The museum’s exhibits offer a rich tapestry of artistic styles and subjects, perfect for those looking to expand their visual repertoire.
Although it was my first time in Norway and I was eager to explore every corner, my initial expectation was not to focus on street photography in Oslo. What truly captivated me was the opportunity to experience Norway’s breathtaking natural landscapes. While city life is fascinating, I was particularly drawn to the natural wonders that make Norway so unique.
My real adventure began on the second day of my trip. At 6 a.m., I boarded a train heading towards Myrdal. Despite it being June, the landscape was blanketed in snow, offering a stunning visual feast. The sheer beauty of the snow-covered scenery was so compelling that I found myself wanting to disembark at every stop to capture the views with my camera. My impatience grew as I eagerly anticipated reaching Myrdal, where I could finally start photographing the magnificent surroundings.
Upon arriving in Myrdal, I immediately began photographing the train station and the surrounding vistas. After about an hour of waiting, I boarded the Flåmsbana train, renowned as one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. To be candid, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. The journey is relatively short and offers limited opportunities for capturing great photographs. Sometimes, it might be more rewarding to simply savor the experience. Immersing yourself in the moment and appreciating the scenery can be far more enriching than focusing solely on taking photos.
Myrdal Train Station
Finally, I reached the picturesque village of Flåm. It’s impossible not to be charmed by its perfect setting. After settling into my accommodation, I grabbed my camera and set out to explore. My first destination was the Brekkefossen waterfall, located deeper into Flåm. Following a two-hour hike, I reached the fjord and began to explore the area.
My aim for the first day was to familiarize myself with the surroundings and plan my photography for the following day. I always conduct thorough research before capturing landscape photos. When I find a location that piques my interest, I revisit it to adjust my settings and capture the perfect shot.
As usual, my day began early at around 5 a.m. I set out to capture the scenes that had caught my eye the day before. My morning was spent photographing the iconic red wooden houses and exploring the beach in Flåm, capturing the serene beauty of the landscape.
Stegestain Viewpoint
Later, I purchased a ticket for the vehicle to Stegastein viewpoint. The journey took about half an hour, and the view of the Aurlandsfjord from that vantage point was truly breathtaking. Experiencing the fjord from such a height was a remarkable highlight of the day.
The area is overflowing with stunning vistas that are perfect for photography. I can confidently say it was the highlight of my trip.
Around 3 p.m., I boarded a ferry bound for Gudvangen, embarking on a two-hour journey across the Aurlandsfjord. The experience was nothing short of magical, with countless waterfalls and panoramic views that left me feeling exceptionally peaceful and content. It was a truly unforgettable experience that made me want to return, if only for another chance to explore the fjord.
Upon reaching Gudvangen, I spent some time exploring but decided to head to Voss instead. Although I had researched Gudvangen and found its small Viking town intriguing, I felt it was not worth lingering there. However, if you’re interested in immersing yourself in Viking culture, I would recommend making a stop.
As I made my way to Voss, I received a delightful surprise when the bus made an unplanned stop at the Stalheim Panoramic Terrace. The spontaneity of the stop heightened my excitement, and I was utterly captivated by the view from the terrace. It was an exceptional sight, and I was surprised I hadn’t included this spot in my travel itinerary.
By the time I arrived in Voss, fatigue was beginning to set in. With my train to Bergen scheduled for two and a half hours later and no clear plan for Voss, I felt a bit directionless. I decided to store my bag in a locker at the train station for a small fee and set out with my camera to explore. I pulled out my map and contemplated my options. I decided to visit a nearby beach, take a nature walk, and clear my head.
As I strolled through the forest, I stumbled upon a charming wooden hut nestled deep in the trees. It looked idyllic and might just be the most stunning photo I captured in Norway. I’ll be sharing this photo along with my blog post.
Around 11 p.m., I boarded the train to Bergen and arrived after a brief journey. The next morning, I awoke to rain, which persisted throughout the day. Given Bergen’s reputation for frequent rain due to its mountainous surroundings, I wasn’t particularly surprised. I had planned to photograph Bryggen and the colorful buildings in the surrounding neighborhoods. After visiting these landmarks, I decided to embrace spontaneity once again. I took a cable car to the Fløyen Panorama, which offers breathtaking views of Bergen.
While exploring the foot of Mount Fløyen, I stumbled upon some dirt roads leading into the heart of the forest and decided to take a walk. What I discovered was truly astounding. The pristine soil, the towering trees, and the lush vegetation all seemed untouched by human activity. I spent about three hours wandering alone in the forest, and despite having visited nearly all the famous buildings, streets, and the harbor in Bergen, my time on Mount Fløyen was the highlight of my trip.
In the evening, I visited the bustling fish market, where I encountered some intriguing and unusual sea creatures. I then enjoyed a delicious meal at a charming restaurant, which was a perfect way to wrap up my time in Norway. The following day, I had a flight to Germany. Unable to find an affordable flight to Turkey and with some extra time on my hands, I decided to spend some time in Berlin before heading to Izmir.
Despite the expense and effort, Norway remains one of the most remarkable countries I’ve ever visited. It truly lived up to my expectations for photography. Although this trip wasn’t solely dedicated to capturing images, as my primary goal was to experience the country, I’m certain I will return. Norway offers countless destinations to explore, and my brief journey from Oslo to Bergen was thoroughly satisfying. If asked whether I would undertake this adventure again, my answer would undoubtedly be yes.