Hello all,
We are arriving into Oslo in early to mid September and we will be going to Flam by train the next morning. We will spend 2 nights there and then head over to Bergen for 2 nights. What is the best way to go to Bergen from Flam? Is it by train? Or should we think about taking the bus? We will not have a car. I hope the order of Flam, Bergen, Oslo (on the back end) is not going to make us miss out on something vs the order of Bergen, Flam, Oslo. Thanks for any insight although at this point, I would not be able to change the order since part of our party is arriving into Oslo earlier & leaving Norway earlier so that is why we planned the trip the way we did. Thank you for your insights.
Posted by
Wengen
4050 posts
Having been there I'd say that the best way from Flam to Bergen is by boat.
We actually based ourselves in Bergen, and did a rountrip to Flam, going there by boat, and returning by train.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
3962 posts
Although the seven-hour train ride from Oslo to Bergen is considered to be one of the most spectacular in the world, it’s the five-hour portion from Oslo to Myrdal that has the scenic highlights. So, I agree, by taking a boat from Flam to Bergen you’ll enjoy something different without missing out on the really “good stuff” that makes the Bergensbanen train ride so famous.
Posted by
Washington DC
30627 posts
For me, the classic Norway-in-a-Nutshell route is best for those not renting a car. That would be the Naeroyfjord ferry from Flam to Gudvangen, the bus from Gudvangen up to Voss (ideally the tourist route that makes a short stop at the hotel to take in the view), then the train from Voss on to Bergen. Direct boats from Flam to Bergen don't go through the scenic Naeroyfjord, and it would be a shame to miss that.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
3962 posts
I also can’t imagine going all the way to Flam or Aurland and then not seeing the Naeroyfjord— widely considered to be one of the most impressive fjords in Norway. With two nights in Flam you have time to take a roundtrip boat trip from Flam to Gudvangen through the Naeroyfjord. It’s a two-hour journey each way.
Posted by
Lake District, England
12022 posts
the bus from Gudvangen up to Voss (ideally the tourist route that makes a short stop at the hotel to take in the view)
Now that Norways Best are running express buses from Gudvangen to Voss (as of this season), not duplicates on the service route, there is no evidence from either the timetable (on entur) or Norways Best own publicity that they are still stopping at the Stalheim Hotel.
And charging 4x the price of the service buses as well, to be herded about in packed buses.
You can still do the Naeroyfjord and also do the Flam to Bergen direct boat.
Posted by
Chicagoland
2430 posts
I agree with acraven. Take the ferry to Gudvangen, the bus to Voss and the train from Voss to Bergen.
Unfortunately, the bus no longer stops at the Stalheim Hotel, but the drive is still scenic.
The top highlights of our DIY Nutshell from Bergen to Oslo several years ago was the cruise through the Naeroyfjord and the mini bus tour to Stegastein Viewpoint with a couple other stops.
Posted by
115 posts
Just did this a month ago. Agree with Jean and acraven. The Flamsbana train from Myrdol to Flam is incredible, the Oslo to Myrdol very good as well.
BUT I suggest the FjordSafari Rib boat on the fjords - I did the one stopping in Undredal for a cheese tasting. To be right on the water, slowing down and learning about the few towns from your guide, it was wonderful. Then, on the ferry from Flam to Gudvangen, I was able to again see these locations but knew something about them - a different experience from the ferry than the Rib boat.
Staying in Flam (2 nights) and Aurland (1 night) was wonderful and being on the fjords cannot be missed! Also, sauna in Flam on the way to Fjord Farm - great views, sandwiches, animals and a swing!