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Assistance with DIY Norway in Nutshell itinerary

Posted by on

Hi. We (2 active adults) are DIY'ing a Norway in a Nutshell trip in late September. We have an 8-day Eurail pass (US citizens) that we will be selectively using throughout the trip.

We are starting in Oslo and spending a few days in Flam to relax, and enjoy the outdoors. This leg of the journey is all set thanks to the great info on these forums.

It's the Flam -> Bergen portion where I am unsure where I could benefit from this group's insight.

  • 09:30 - 11:30 - Flam - Gudvangen - fjord cruise with Norway's Best. Tickets purchased online.
  • 11:50 - 12:45 - Gudvangen - Voss - #950 bus (seems best to purchase on location at the station)
  • Voss - Bergen: there is a 12:56 - 14:14 train that seems to be included/no reservations needed on the Eurail site... but I'm concerned about the time to make the transfer. Is 11 minutes enough? Otherwise, I'm considering the a 13:51 - 15:00 train that does require seat reservations.

Thanks in advance!

Posted by
1143 posts

If you don't get an answer here, post your question on Tripadvisor. They get a lot of NIN questions and have good answers.

I haven't used a EurailPass since the 1970s. Does it allow you to reserve a seat on a given train? I ask because the Bergen - Oslo train does sell out. We rode the line last month. The two daytime trains were sold out the weeks that we were in Norway. Admittedly, that was July, September may be fewer travelers.

Posted by
156 posts

Voss - Bergen: there is a 12:56 - 14:14 train that seems to be included/no reservations needed on the Eurail site... but I'm concerned about the time to make the transfer. Is 11 minutes enough? Otherwise, I'm considering the a 13:51 - 15:00 train that does require seat reservations.
A

It’s enough time in theory, although I’ve not taken that route exactly. All depends on the bus being on time. However you may want to consider the later train. The earlier train only gets you 46 extra minutes in Bergen and with many hotel check in times 3pm or later this may not be very useful time for you.

Also, you might be hungry for lunch by the time to get to Voss. The earlier train is a regional train that I don’t think has any food available. The later train is a long distance train from Oslo which would serve food, but you’d also have time in Voss to get a quick lunch before boarding.

Good luck and enjoy!

Posted by
2 posts

Lunch! Yes, of course! I completely overlooked that and would undoubtedly end up hangry. Thanks for pointing out the obvious. I'll reduce my stress and go for the reserved 13:51.

Thanks, both for the suggestions!!

Re: Eurail pass - it does sometimes allow for booking certain legs, but not all. (Sometimes it's a small upcharge, other times it's just to reserve your seat but included in the cost.) It's helpful to know some do sell out so I can try and avoid that when possible while still providing some flexibility for other portions.

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