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Fjord Excursion vs. Norway in a Nutshell - Choice or Both?

We are two relatively “non-active” travelers who need some comparison advice. We will be cruising up the coast from Bergen in mid-June for several days (already booked) and then flying back south to Bergen to spend another 4 days there. We have the option for an, essentially, full-day excursion off the ship which tours the Geirangerfjord and the Trollstigen Pass (drive up the Eagle Road, Eidsdalvatnet Lake, ferry to Linge, Gudbrands Gorge, Romsdalsfjord). We were also planning to do the Norway in a Nutshell round trip from/to Bergen after the cruise.

I’m worried we will be repeating the experience (even though they are different fjords) and concerned we should choose one OR the other. Does anyone have any comparison comments? Thoughts about one itinerary being preferred over the other? Do the full excursion from the ship, but just part of NIN? Thanks for any input!

Posted by
3398 posts

I've done both and if I had to choose, I would choose the Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen Pass over the NIN route hands-down. It is far more spectacular!!

Posted by
16895 posts

I have not done the northern route but certainly would do. If you're taking the Hurtigruten, it's probably a once-in-a-lifetime investment of time and money, which I think you should make the most of. You don't have to book the NIN in advance, if you think you may get "fjorded out." Or are you thinking of cutting nights in Bergen if you don't do the NIN?

Posted by
10 posts

Laura - Yes, we are doing Hurtigruten and going as far as Kirkenes, and the time in Bergen stays the same regardless; it's just how we spend that time. I want to make sure we won't just be basically "re-running" the Geirangerfjord trip or that we should do the NIN, which so many have been positive about, instead of the Geirangerfjord, or that we really should do both! And, of course, factoring in the cost, is something to consider, as well. Sounds like Anita is strongly in favor of the Geirangerfjord (thanks for that, Anita!)