hi everyone, early planning round trip to and from oslo, but want to head to the very north, no desire to spend time in oslo, but air is cheaper, want to see wildlife up near tromso or bleik, or up that way, puffins, whales etc, can train or rent car, can skip bergen, can spend 14 to 18 days but don't want to do 1 nighters to much if possible, any and all suggestions are welcome thx. also where to stay, prefer water views and great food. thx Mary
Posted by
West Coast
176 posts
I had never heard of Hurtigruten until I started planning my (summer before Covid) trip. It could be just what you are looking for. I sailed north from Bergen to the terminus well past the Arctic Circle. (You can opt for the round trip but by day 5 I was ready to be on land full time.) Most passengers then used the provided shuttle to fly back to the south, but I stayed in the north for some research I wanted to undertake.
There were shore excursions that were led by naturalists but I don't remember them being wildlife specific.
The food was outstanding- nobody dressed up like on a traditional cruise and the chefs used local products. There were talks by the guides to provide context.
It was expensive! So you have to calculate the cost vs a hotel/feeding yourself. I bought the Internet package and the excursions were also pricey.
I am a solo traveler- and had a single (very efficient use of space) cabin but it was near where cars and cargo were loaded so it could be very loud.
I hope this helps you! Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by
Berlin
2994 posts
Basically you speak about some days on Andøya, in Andenes and Bleik. Andenes has an airport or you fly to Evenes (EVE) and rent a car from there. Hotel options are very limited up there. Thon hotel is OK, Hotell Marena is a little more individually and better located.
And yes, I did puffin and whale safari two times in different years each. Both really worth it. Be aware that puffin safari do not land on Beikøya, just driving around on a small boat.
Travel dates are important because whales and puffins are not always around there. Check websites of safari providers with descriptions and tips.
Both safaris do not drive out at bad weather which means wind and / or swall. Rain is interesting nobody up there. So, be prepared to stand / sit some hours possibly in rain, and it can get really cold.
Tip: You will spend thousands to get and stay there. Rent a camera with a 300 or a 500 mm lense (Canon, Kikon, Sony, ...) and train to use sports mode because puffins are extremely fast (private photo example) and whales are in most cases not very close by and they do not drive closer to respect the animals. You can nearly forget smartphones for these tours.
Tip 2: Lofoten and Senja are close with beautiful lanscape sceneries.
Hint: A day trip from Alesund you will find bird island Runde which allows to hike a hill from the backside.
Around Tromso you will find also rib boat tours to possible whale spots. Personally I am not a fan of these because the angle for photography is worse than from a former fisher boat.
Posted by
OP
32 posts
Thanks for the reply, can go either very late march/early mid april or end of august/ sept. I worried i will miss puffins, whales, well i have seen them in new zealand, so can skip would rather see birds and land animals. was thinking flying oslo, then getting food fly to north norway either tromso or ?? like to say ive been to the artic circle, then rent a car drive down to bergen then take train back to oslo to fly out with 14 to 18 days travel. i do spend hours reading online and you tube videos, how i got my new zealand trip done. but personal experience is the best IMO thx Mary
Posted by
OP
32 posts
ok route i think i got it, input?
fly to oslo, have food get on flight to tromoso stay 3 days do reindeer tour explore senja (rent a car)
drive to lofoten islands stay 3 days. maybe whale watching etc
take car ferry to bodo stay in bodo 2 day ( not sure what to do here yet)
drive to alesund stay 3 days, see puffins on runde island by boat or walk, geirangefjord etc
drive to bergen, stay 2 days, just relax and shop
hop on Nutshell train to oslo,
fly back, depending on time might need to spend night in oslo thoughts?
right now looking at first or second week of april
Posted by
Washington DC
28052 posts
I believe you'll need a night in Oslo before the flight if home is in North America. That's a long train trip from Bergen to Oslo even with none of the other Nutshell components inserted.
Posted by
49 posts
Not sure if you are locked in on Norway. But, if your priorities is puffins, you might consider Skomer Island, Wales. They allow 250 people onto the island and the puffins approach within 5 feet. One of the most extraordinary experiences of my life. (We were there in May when the birds are nesting/caring for their pufflings.)