Hello all. Assume we are leaving Oslo on July 19 and will then fly out of Bergen the afternoon of July 22nd. We are four very active adults in our 30s who enjoy hiking and would like to maximize our time in these 3.5 days. The NIN sounds interesting and we are also up for off the path suggestions. Would very much appreciate any and all suggestions on how to build an itinerary.
Posted by
Duluth, MN🌲
12241 posts
Will you have a car or will you be using public transportation? That makes a difference.
Posted by
Chicagoland
2341 posts
Here's the link to the official Norway in a Nutshell Tour
FjordTours
If you are thinking of overnighting in Flåm, book your lodging ASAP. Most hotels and campgrounds have been booked for months.
If you are renting a car, as Mardee says, it will make a difference. You'll have more options.
Posted by
OP
16 posts
We will be using public transport but are fine to hire a cab or driver if available.
Thoughts on one or two nights in the same location?
Posted by
Duluth, MN🌲
12241 posts
If you are interested in doing the NIN, there are many people that take the Fjord Tours itinerary jeanm linked to upthread and do it on their own to save money. I know Jean herself did that, so she can probably give you some more ideas if you're interested. And you don't need a car for that.
My daughter and I are taking several days to go from Oslo to Bergen when we are there in July. In fact, we will be arriving in Oslo on July 19, and then leaving on the 22nd and heading to Morgedal for the night, then traveling to Voss, Balestrand and Olden, and from there going to Alesund for several nights and then Bergen, where we will fly home. But we will have a car, which makes that a bit easier.
Posted by
Chicagoland
2341 posts
Okay, using public transportation with very limited time:
- 19 start the Nutshell, overnighting in Flåm or Aurland
- 20 continue the Nutshell to Bergen, overnight Bergen
- 21 overnight Bergen
- 22 leave Bergen
Flåm: If you're on a budget, book 2 rooms with shared bath at the Brekkie Gard Hostel, if you're budget allows the Flåmsbrygga Hotel has 2 rooms with private bath available for your dates at the moment. If you book refundable reservations, you can keep checking to see if better priced lodging opens up.
With an overnight in Flåm, with some preplanning, you'll have time to get to Stegastein Viewpoint, go kayaking and take a hike.
Bergen: in addition to the historic Bryggen and museums, walk or take the funicular up to Mt. Fløyen where you have several options for hikes and take in the views.
Do not wait to book lodging in Flåm/Aurland if you plan to do the Nutshell Most places have been booked for months.
Posted by
OP
16 posts
This is invaluable information thank you so much. I incorrectly typed the dates. I will be in Oslo on July 19th and leaving on the morning of the 20th for Flam. The hotel you suggested is booked. Any other suggestions?
Also if any suggestions in Bergen I'd be all ears.
Posted by
Duluth, MN🌲
12241 posts
For accommodations in Flam and/or Aurland, you might want to read this thread from a few weeks ago. The OP was looking for two rooms and having difficulty finding them, but if you were just looking for one, it should be easier. There were some recommendations in here. https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/norway/overnight-accommodation-needed-in-near-flam
With regards to Bergen, what suggestions are you looking for? Accommodations or sightseeing ideas? Jean had a few ideas for sightseeing in Bergen in her thread above.
In terms of accommodations, we will be staying at the Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, which was recommended by Jean (above), and it sits right on the water. But others have given this a good recommendation as well. Generally, Thon hotels can be a good choice as they are clean and comfortable and usually reasonably priced, considering you are in an expensive country. 😊
Posted by
Chicagoland
2341 posts
The Flåmsbrygga Hotel also offers several apartments. There are currently 2 apartments available in Aurland on the water, about a 20 minute bus ride from Flåm.
A 1 bedroom apartment with a sofa bed in the living room that sleeps up to 4. And a studio that sleeps 2.
Adding that room availability in Flåm is constantly changing as travelers' plans change. If you book refundable lodging now, you may be able to grab something in Flåm later as things evolve.