Views of the coasts and mountains in Norway

Sustainable Norway

August 25–September 1, 2026 

Pricing: $8,795 per person; For a single room add $1,350
Trip is limited to 25 participants

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For more information, contact ATA at 855-395-6100 or CHQtravels@academic-travel.com

Overview

Join Mark Wenzler, the Director of the Chautauqua Climate Change Initiative, on an unforgettable journey to explore how Norway’s cities, fjords, and coastal communities are pioneering solutions for a greener future. Begin in Oslo, one of the world’s most sustainable capitals, where you’ll experience firsthand how urban design, renewable energy, and conservation efforts shape daily life. From sustainable infrastructure to local organizations that support economic growth and research, you’ll gain exclusive insights into Norway’s commitment to reducing emissions and preserving its natural landscapes. Wind through breathtaking mountain passes on renewable-energy-powered trains as you travel to the village of Flam, where pristine fjords and historic trails await. Glide silently through UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord on an electric ferry, visit a 12-century stave church, and walk in the footsteps of medieval travelers along the King’s Road. In Bergen, dive into the future of sustainable seafood on a thrilling coastal adventure and taste the country’s wild beauty in every bite.  

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Trip Highlights

  • Experience Norway’s commitment to sustainability aboard a fully electric catamaran while enjoying a scenic dinner on the Oslo Fjord.
  • Ride the Flam Railway, considered one of the world’s most breathtaking train routes for its 800-meter descent through mountain valleys, all powered by renewable energy.
  • Glide through the UNESCO-listed Naeroyfjord on an electric ferry before hiking a preserved medieval route through Norway’s stunning wilderness.
  • Explore the future of ethical fish farming at an innovative aquaculture center, followed by a thrilling RIB boat ride along the Bergen coastline. 
  • Savor a multi-course seafood feast at Cornelius, a renowned Bergen restaurant inspired by the fjord’s natural rhythms.

Trip Expert: Mark Wenzler

Mark Wenzler, Peter Nosler Director of the Chautauqua Climate Initiative, began his service to Chautauqua Institution on June 14, 2021. Under Mark’s direction, the Climate Change Initiative has three primary areas of focus: Developing yearlong robust climate programming for the Institution, Leading the Institution’s work to protect and restore the ecological conditions of Chautauqua Lake, and helping advance a Climate Action Plan for the Institution’s operations. Before Chautauqua, Mark served as senior vice president for conservation programs at the National Parks Conservation Association, a not-for-profit organization working since 1919 to protect and enhance America’s National Park system for present and future generations. Mark also directed the climate and energy programs at the National Environmental Trust. He is a lawyer who began his career as a deputy attorney general prosecuting environmental cases for the New Jersey Division of Law, Environmental Practice Group, and later joined the Public Justice legal advocacy organization to represent organizations and communities in pursuing environmental justice against polluters.

Mark Wenzler

Mark volunteers as chair of the board of trustees of Experience Learning, a high-alpine wilderness-based nonprofit focusing on experiential learning adventure programs for children and adults. He also volunteers as secretary of the board of directors of Climate Ride, a nonprofit that runs multiday cycling and hiking adventures around the globe, raising awareness and funds to fight climate change and advance a just and sustainable future. A New Jersey shore native, Mark resides in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C., with his spouse Dare, daughter Nina, and dog Ranger. He is an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys backpacking, bike touring, backcountry skiing, paddling, wilderness running, and adventure travel.

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 1

Welcome to Norway 

Arrive on individual flights into Oslo (Oslo Gardermoen Airport – OSL) and transfer independently to your hotel. We recommend traveling via Flytoget, an express airport train that operates entirely on renewable energy. The journey from the airport to Oslo Central Station is approximately 20 minutes; your hotel is a 5-minute walk from Oslo Central Station. In the afternoon, gather in the hotel for an introductory lecture by your Chautauqua Expert, Mark Wenzler. Board Brim Explorer’s fully electric catamaran for a welcome dinner cruise through the Oslo Fjord. Enjoy a seasonable meal highlighting traditional Norwegian flavors alongside uninterrupted views of Oslo’s skyline.  

Included Meals: Dinner 

Accommodations: Thon Hotel Opera 

Day 2

Oslo Uncovered 

Begin your day with a guided walking tour of Oslo’s city center. Learn about the history of iconic sites like the Opera House, Royal Palace, and Akershus Fortress, and hear insights into Oslo’s urban planning efforts that aim to reduce emissions throughout the city. After lunch on your own, delve into Oslo’s art scene with visits to Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, and Ekeberg Park, where contemporary art installations meet breathtaking views of Oslo Fjord. Dinner this evening will be at a local restaurant. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Accommodations: Thon Hotel Opera 

Day 3

Sustainable Design & Urban Innovation 

Considered one of the greenest cities in the world, Oslo has invested heavily in environmentally friendly infrastructure and urban design. Gain exclusive insights into the city’s groundbreaking sustainable architecture on a guided tour of three of its greenest areas: the Okern Portal, a multi-use hub with a rooftop garden and indoor biophilic design; Vulkan Green District, an energy-efficient neighborhood that uses extensive solar water heating systems and energy pulled from 300-metre deep geothermal wells; and Losaeter, an urban park with traditional grain fields, a public baking house, and community garden. Pause for lunch in a local restaurant, then enjoy a visit and discussion with a representative from a local sustainability organization such as Norfund Climate Investment Fund, which supports economic growth built on low carbon technologies in emerging markets, or Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, the country’s leading institution for applied ecological research (specific organization pending confirmation). Dinner and the remainder of the day will be at leisure in Oslo. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodations: Thon Hotel Opera 

Day 4

Stunning Views on the Flam Railway 

Travel on trains powered by renewable energy to the central Norwegian village of Flam. Begin with a ride though mountain passes on the Bergen Rail, then change to the historic Flam Railway, considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. With views of distant snow-capped mountains, majestic waterfalls, and tiny wooden houses dotting the valley below, you’ll descend over 800 meters in one exhilarating hour. The total train journey will take approximately 6 hours. Please note that porterage services are not available, all guests will be responsible for their own bags. Please pack accordingly. Check in to your hotel and enjoy time to freshen up before gathering for dinner at a local restaurant.  

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Accommodations: Flamsbrygga Hotel 

Day 5

Famous Fjords and Historic Hikes 

Board an electric ferry for a silent cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage Naeroyfjord, a narrow fjord lined by towering mountains. During your journey, you’ll hear about conservation efforts to preserve this pristine ecosystem. After lunch as a group, visit the Brogund Stave Church, a remarkably well preserved 12th-century village church, followed by a 1.5-mile scenic hike along a well-preserved section of the old King’s Road, a historical route that served as a link between eastern and western Norway. Return to Flam, where dinner and the rest of the evening will be at leisure.  

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Accommodations: Flamsbrygga Hotel 

Day 6

Spectacular Voyage to Bergen 

This morning, you may choose an optional activity in Flam:  

Optional morning activity A: Wake up with a rejuvenating session at Fjord Sauna, a sustainably built floating sauna whose design emphasizes harmony with the natural surroundings. This experience will be offered at an additional cost.  

Optional morning activity B: Paddle through the serene waters of the Aurlandsfjord on a guided kayak tour. This activity does not require any prior kayaking experience and will be offered at an additional cost.  

Travelers who do not choose an optional activity will enjoy a morning at leisure in Flam. In the afternoon, travel via low-emissions ferry through the stunning Sognefjord to Bergen, Norway’s second largest city. The ferry journey will take approximately 5 hours. Please note that porterage services are not available, all guests will be responsible for their own bags. Please pack accordingly. Arrive in Bergen in the evening, where dinner and the remainder of the day will be at your leisure. 

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodations: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel 

Day 7

Coastal Adventures 

Begin your day with a high-speed RIB boat (Rigid Inflatable Boat) tour along the Bergen coastline, then dive into the future of sustainable seafood at Storebla, an innovative aquaculture center focused on ethical fish farming. Learn about fish breeding, sustainable feeding techniques, and the ecological balance required to protect marine life, and enjoy tastings of fresh seafood which showcases the results of these eco-conscious practices. Return to Bergen via RIB boat and enjoy an afternoon to explore the charming city on your own. Raise a toast to your time in Norway during a Farewell Dinner at Cornelius Seafood Restaurant, located on a private island and offering a multi-course menu inspired by the weather of the day and the raw beauty of the local fjords. 

Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner 

Accommodations: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel 

Day 8

Departures 

Transfer individually to the airport (Bergen Flesland Airport – BGO) and depart Bergen on individual flights for your journey home.  

Included Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodations

Thon Hotel Opera – Oslo (3 nights) 
Ideally located in Oslo’s city center, modern and colorful rooms offer Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, writing desks, and a tea kettle. Onsite amenities include the sleek Eufemia Bar and Restaurant and a fitness center. The Thon Hotel Opera is BREEAM-certified for its efforts to reduce carbon emissions to net zero 

Flamsbrygga Hotel – Flam (2 nights) 
Built in the style of rustic Norwegian cabins and overlooking the Flam harbor, bright and cozy rooms feature wood floors, Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, tea and coffeemaking equipment, and beautiful views of the nearby harbor. Dining options include Furukroa Café, Flåmstova Restaurant, and Ægir Brewpub, named after the Norse King of the Sea and serving modern dishes inspired by the Viking Age. The Flamsbrygga Hotel is Environmental Lighthouse Certified for its commitment to sustainable energy consumption and support for the local economy and community. 

Radisson Blu Royal Hotel – Bergen (2 nights) 
Nestled in the city’s historic wharf neighborhood, this contemporary hotel seamlessly blends design and comfort. Rooms are furnished with stylish décor that reflects the hotel’s harbor setting and provide Wi-Fi, satellite television, writing desk, and tea and coffeemaking equipment. An onsite gym offers fitness equipment and free weights, and the 26 North Bar and Restaurant serves traditional Norwegian flavors alongside tasty cocktails.