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5 days in Norway Itinerary recommendations. Flying into Oslo and flying out of Bergen

Posted by (Chicago, IL, USA) on

Hello,

Let me begin by saying that I fully understand that 5 days aren't enough to see Norway but my question is how to make the best use of time if we do have 5 days. Also, I am flying into Oslo and flying out of Bergen. Here is what I am thinking:

Day 1: We are arriving in Oslo at 8 AM. Spend the day seeing Oslo
Day 2: Spend another day in Oslo
Day 3: Leave for "Norway in a Nutshell" route and spend the day exploring the Sognefjord. Sleep in either Flam or Aurland
Day 4: Continue to take ferry to Gudvangen. Then bus to Voss and train to Bergen. Check-into hotel in Bergen
Day 5: Explore Burgen
Day 6: Fly out early in the morning

I have 3 questions:

  1. How can improve in this itinerary? I am looking primarily to explore the fjords and natural beauty of Norway.
  2. Would driving make my sightseeing opportunity better? If so, what route would you recommend to go from Oslo to Bergen. Rick Steves guide wasn't very clear and recommends driving "over Jotunheimen mountains, then along the Lustrafjord to Kaupanger" but that's a 7 hour drive from Oslo. Also I am not sure how easy it is to get 1-way car rentals in Norway.
  3. Which tickets should I book in advance if I am taking public transport?
Posted by
2588 posts

You did not mention special interests.

Car question: one-way rentals are nearly always more expensive.

Depending on route there are a lot of possible stops / nature sights / landscapes that are worth a short stop, e. g. waterfalls, lookout points, etc. The scenic routes give you an example. NiN is more or less mass tourism. If you like to be more on your own and want to make photo stops at certain points a rental car is the best option. A good example is Stalheimskleiva (a steep and curvy downhill pass road; one of my photos): the bus to Voss just drive through the valley and do not use it but you can with a car.

Three basic routes OSL - BGO:
A) South of Hardangervidda (E 134) via Odda with interesting side trips (example)
B) Northern end of Hardangervidda (see scenic route)
C) Jotunheimen is a detour.

I did four car tours through Norway and can tell you that even four weeks are not enough - so do not hesitate with the time you have. You will love it.

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