My husband and I did RS Scandinavian trip in 2009 and traveled independently in Norway afterwards. Now, my granddaughter and her mother have included a Norway adventure, July 12-July18, in their Scandinavian plans.
Flight into Bergen on July 12; Bergen -Nutshell- on July 14; and then onto Oslo for 16, 17, 18. Question:
1. If they don't overnight on the 14th somewhere between Flam and Oslo it makes for too late of an arrival in Oslo.
Not excited about Flam and wondering about Geilo for an overnight. Thoughts?
2. Does anyone know what section of the Sogneford RS does on the Scandinavian tour? I know the bus dropped us off one place and we were picked up another, so we did just a section.
3. A lot has changed in 17 years since we were there. Tech? Uber? Thoughts are welcome.
We have done 18 RS tours, which speaks for itself. ❤️ Rick and the folks his tours attract!
Posted by
Northern Minnesota
1030 posts
Staying in Geillo is what I would do.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
4044 posts
If you mean this July, then they should overnight where they can find accommodations. Flam is very likely completely booked for that time it is peak travel season. Another forum member had difficulty finding a place in Flam in August. If there are any activities they really want to do book ahead, especially the Flam railroad.
I don't know if the RS tour alternates drop off / pick ups for the fjord tour. Perhaps looking at online scrapbooks will jog your memory. https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/scrapbooks/tour-alum-scrapbooks
Chances are they won't need much or any cash, so make sure they have credit cards or digital wallets. Make sure their cell phone plans work in Norway.
Posted by
Chicagoland
2322 posts
Depending on their budget, there are currently rooms available in Flåm at both the Fretheim Hotel and the Flåmsbrygga Hotel for July 14.
An advantage of staying in Flåm is they would have time to visit Stegastein Viewpoint or possibly go kayaking or hiking.
They will probably never need cash, only card or Apple Wallet/Google Wallet.
Bergen is very walkable. And Uber is basically the same as taxi, not like in the US. In Oslo, the public transportation is wonderful - no need for taxis.
Posted by
OP
MIdwest
46 posts
I did get a reservation in Flam for Tuesday, July 12. Thank you as one room was left! Flam seemed like the lynchpin to a fluid, last minute plan! 👍 Now, I am rethinking how to get them from Bergen to Flam. In 2009, we took the ferry from Bergen but stopped for one night in Balestrand, which won't work. However, they could take the ferry from Bergen to Flam, seeing more of the Sognefjord. I think it is about 6 hours. Then, enjoy some time in Flam as was suggested. Is it feasible to do any of the Nueroyfjord later that afternoon or early evening? That maybe fjord overkill. My original thinking was to train to Voss and see the Nueroyfjord that way. But that seems a hassle with luggage, etc., and they have other long train rides elsewhere - Myrdal to Oslo and Oslo to Copenhagen. Thus, I am back to the idea of taking the direct ferry from Bergen to Flam. Your thoughts are appreciated! For sure, I have 1 night in Flam, July 14. 👍
Posted by
Lake District, England /On Pilgrimage
11759 posts
The problem is that if they arrive in Bergen on 12 July it is all but impossible to catch the once a day ferry from Bergen to Flam on the same morning.
It would be a case of playing it by ear.
You can certainly get to Gudvangen by train/bus or bus direct, then see that morning on arrival whether either of the two ferry companies has on the day availability.
The direct buses- the long distance ones - continue to Flam as a back stop.
Likewise there are extra commuter trains this summer from Bergen to Myrdal. If you wait until late in the day when all day trippers and cruise passengers have gone, then the late afternoon Myrdal to Flam trains will have walk up capacity.
EDIT- Norway's Best have a 2 hour evening cruise from 1700 to 1900 from Flam on the Aurlandsfjord in July and August.
Posted by
OP
MIdwest
46 posts
My error. They arrive in Bergen on July 12 and leave for Flam on July 14 at 8:00 if use Direct Ferry, which I am thinking might work better for them. I did secure a hotel in Flam for the night of the 14th. Sorry about confusion.
Posted by
Chicagoland
2322 posts
I would suggest following the traditional Norway in a Nutshell route. Take the train to Voss, then the bus (waterfalls) to Gudvangen where they will take the 2 hour catamaran ferry on the Naeroyfjord and Aurlandfjord to Flåm. Every bit of the journey is scenic. The connections are very easy and, unless they are traveling with a mountain of luggage, they should have no problems.
There is a service between Bergen and Oslo that will transport your luggage, Porter Service AS. We used them in 2023 to send our 2 bags to our hotel in Oslo. We traveled the Nutshell route with a small backpack between the 2 of us with an overnight in Flåm. It worked perfectly.