I'm considering going to Bergen before moving on to Central Europe for approximately 7 weeks. I'm thinking it would be for about 4 nights, but that can be adjusted. I know it is out of the way, but it's not hard to fly between there and Germany. I don't see a Scandinavian centric trip in my future. I would like to see beautiful scenery and wondered if anyone knew of organized day trips to the fjords? We would be in Mid-September 2020. Thanks for any advice!
Posted by
Berlin
2219 posts
You can do some standard trips based on public transport, e.g. organized in a tour such as Norway in a Nutshell (NiN) to Flam & Naeroyfjord.
Other option is to rent a car and explore on your own which gives more freedom and places available that are not done by these standard tours, e.g. Hardanger scenic route.
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10218 posts
Thanks Mark!
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10218 posts
If I was to rent a car, does anyone have a suggested itinerary for an approximately 4 day trip? If I fly into Bergen, I don't necessarily have to fly out of there. Oslo could be an option.
Posted by
Berlin
2219 posts
Bergen - Oslo can end in a one-way surcharge for rental car.
Several options. I would follow the sun, meaning to check the weather forecast for the regions (not longer than 24-48 hrs before) and choose the route. Weather makes a real difference in experiencing Norway.
One option: Scenic route Hardanger and scenic route Ryfylke, drop car in Stavanger and (night) train to Oslo.
Another: Bergen - Voss - Flam - scenic route Aurlandsfjellet, route 50 back to Oslo.
Another: Scenic route Hardanger and scenic route Hardangervidda and back to Oslo
Maybe my favorite: Scenic route Hardanger and north loop of scenic route Ryfylke, E134 and unpromoted scenic route Rjukan to Skien and back to Oslo (maybe drop Skien after Notodden and add Kongsberg).
Posted by
OP
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10218 posts
How easy would it be to find lodging at the last minute? While I don't mind driving, I'm concerned I will miss seeing the scenery.
Posted by
Berlin
2219 posts
In September you can be really relaxed.
Also driving will be an easy issue because if you are not close Bergen, Stavanger and Oslo there is not much traffic. On the E-routes there will be normal traffic. The scenery on the countryside can be really lonely. On the scenic routes a few cars will be along with you but that's it. In most cases easy to drive slow or stop on the sideway and enjoy the scenery or do some photos.
Even in June '18 I was alone for 2 hours at waterfall Skjervsfossen (part of Hardanger route). June!
Mid-September is low season in Norway, so you can be relaxed to book something during lunch or in the afternoon for the evening.