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How to 5 nights between Oslo and Bergen?

Planning a two week trip between Denmark and Norway. We are down to five nights to split between Oslo and Bergen (will overnight in Flam). Originally I was thinking two in Oslo and three in Bergen based on other trip reports. I am reading RS Scandinavia as I write this and he recommends 3 in Oslo and 1-2 in Bergen.

We generally are slow travelers and can spend longer in each town than RS usually recommends without getting bored. There will be us and our 7 year old daughter, so extensive hiking in the mtns is out of the picture.

I always heard Oslo was a little gritty and two nights was enough, bur now second guessing. FWIW we will be arriving via the overnight ferry from Copenhagen, and then taking the train to Flam.

Thanks!

Posted by
642 posts

Agree with RS. Bergen is beautiful and charming but also small and compact. There is not a whole lot to do there. Much more to see and do in and around Oslo…which did not impress us as “gritty “. We especially enjoyed Vigeland Park (your daughter may not appreciate the sculptures but there is plenty of space to run and play!). The Oslo Opera House is also interesting to visit — both outside and in. And, food is great!

Posted by
653 posts

For me, Oslo has plenty for two days (possibly three). Bergen has enough for one if you are just wanting to walk around the old wharf, and another if you also want to do the beautiful scenic walk from Mount Ulriken to Mount Fløyen. This walk is about 8 miles and includes a bit of rock scrambling but we saw many children doing it. But Bergen really is the gateway to the fjords so spending more time here also means you can take day trips to the local fjords (like Hardangerfjord).

Posted by
17794 posts

I liked both Oslo and Bergen.

Look into taking the entire "Norway in a Nutshell" routing and spread it out over two days. It won't be as rushed.

Posted by
801 posts

Just returned .I did not find Oslo gritty at all. Your 7 yr old will enjoy the trams Vigeland Park and you can do boat trips in the harbor. We did the Historical Museum. We caught the one half hour tour of the Viking exhibit...the guide is great and let us a d some kids try on a helmet and hold a shield and sword. InFlam there was a ' train ' that went along the town. And some trails. In Bergen we did the funicular to top and that was fun

Posted by
1790 posts

I, also, would not describe Oslo as gritty. I quite enjoyed the city (2023), spent 4 nights, 3 full days and another half on arrival day. I could have stayed longer. We didn't run out of things to see. (I'm also a "slow" traveler.)

Thinking of the 7 year old, we also spent 4 nights in Bergen. I think I could have entertained mine at age 7 better in Oslo. Bergen has the Fløibanen funicular, very central and straight up the mountain to a viewing area. An easy walk through a Troll Forest is a short distance away. Day cruises through fjords leaving from central location. Museums - but none stunning that I can think a 7 year old might enjoy. There was a recent post about a new Troll Museum - I would be checking that if privileged to travel with a kiddie.

Oslo - The Munch Museum on Floor 7 has an exhibit that I think is unique in the world - Munch's "home" recreated very interactively with some highlights geared to children. Even if not interested in the other floors of Munch's art, I think that area might be of interest to many kids.

Norsk Folkemuseum is fascinating if your child likes walking into old homes, schools, churches, farms, shops. Boat ride across the harbor to Bygdøy is a plus (and easy). If you go, study the map before setting out - there are many, many options and some may be more appealing than other.

A couple interesting ship museums - Kontiki and Fram. At Fram, one can walk on the ship. Kontiki is a unique construction. Those can be fairly short visits - not large places. I found the Maritime Museum disappointing. The 3 museums are in close proximity.

The National Museum is fabulous. The website will give you an idea if it is right for your daughter, I know not all are the museum lovers I was at that age!
Vigeland Park, as noted, if the weather is good. Take a look online to see if this would appeal.

Enjoy!

Posted by
140 posts

Thanks all- I think I will keep my 3 nights in bergen (which is really only two full days + the rest of the day after I get there from Flam) - but might consider moving one of my 5 nights in Copenhagen to Oslo

Posted by
1288 posts

Up on Mt. Floyen, there is an amazing "ropes course" for kids. I think you could go nearly 100 yards without touching the ground. Fantastic for your daughter. And great fun to watch. The whole area was amazing. We spent about half a day up there.
There was a lot more to do in Oslo than in Bergen, at least for kids. Vigeland Park is great. Kids of all ages love the little angry baby, but the other sculptures are really cool to see, too. A trip out to Bygdoy could take most of a day. We rode the bus out and took the ferry back. I know one of the museums out there is closed/closing for a time, but there is a lot to see. https://www.visitoslo.com/en/activities-and-attractions/boroughs/bygdoy/attractions/