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Norway Fjords in 7 days

Hello everyone! After a lot back and forth, it’s decided Norway fjords in May for our honeymoon. We would start off at Bergen due to convenience of flights then start our way. Suggestions of where to go and where to stay, which towns, would be so appreciated. We are planning on renting a car to do this. A cruise is an option too which would be simpler but we prefer a road trip. I am a finicky person for when it comes to hotel says, a bit of a germaphobe so recommendations on a clean, nice hotel is soooo appreciated. Thank you so much.

Posted by
30624 posts

I don't think we have many posters who've driven in Norway, but I recall seeing a few posts containing what would probably be useful details for you. I'm concerned that some of the (few, I fear) people who could be most helpful to you may not see your inquiry. Therefore, I suggest that, while awaiting responses to this thread, you review earlier posts in the Norway forum whose titles suggest they are relevant: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/norway.

Posted by
7762 posts

Can you be a more specific than "Norway fjords"? What to you want to see and do?

A small note regarding driving: Don't expect any modern wide motorways. Even the main roads in Norway (outside the major cities) are narrow and winding so driving will take time. Expect to average around 60 km/h without stops.

Posted by
4 posts

Thanks. I am aware of the roads and are ok with that. I’ve driven in many places in Europe where the roads are not only winding, but the conditions of the road and other drivers aren’t ideal. We are photographers by hobby so viewpoints, scenery, landscape are our biggest interest. Of course, the people, the food, the culture etc.
thanks

Posted by
7762 posts

There is certainly no lack of scenery in Norway! Are the tickets to Bergen booked? If they are, my suggestion would be to head north from Bergen, basically follow the E39 to Trondheim where you can return the car. But do a lot of detours along the way, i.e. start by following the shores of Sognefjord for a while. And while the fjords are amazing, don't overlook the coastal area as well. You don't mention where you are from, so I don't know how used you are to driving in bad weather, but I suggest you stay low in the valleys. In May, the weather can still be bad in the mountains.

Posted by
2033 posts

We did a June "drive through the fjords" trip a few years ago. We had planned to do it again in 2020 but got Covid cancelled, now rescheduled for June, 2022. this was the agenda for the previous trip: fly to Bergen, get car, drive to Voss, overnight Fleischer's Hotel for 2 nights. Day 2 - drove SE to see other fjords and Vorringfossen. Days 3, drove to Flam, took the tourist train RT, then stopped at a stave church near the ferry to Balestrand. Spent two nights at Kvikne's Hotel - if staying there book in the historic hotel with view of the fjord Day 4 - drove a loop NW of Balestrand. Day 5 - drove to Geiranger, stayed at the Grand Fjord Hotel. Day 6 took the ferry RT on the Geiranger Fjord. Day 7 - took the ferry west on the Geiranger fjord, then drove to Bergen. Stayed at the Admiral Clarion Hotel which has rooms with views of the Bryggen. Had an excellent dinner at the unicorn restaurant on the Bryggen - I don't remember the name of the restaurant but it is in the RS guidebook.

Other comments: planning the driving route was complicated until I realized that the ferries are basically movable bridges which cross the fjords frequently. Driving in Norway was very easy except for one stretch near Geiranger where we ran into whiteout conditions.

We stayed at old historic hotels in Voss and Balestrand because we like them. Food offerings were buffet and rather boring. We had a good a la carte dinner one night at Kvikne's.

There's not much to do in Geiranger itself except enjoy the ferry trip on the fjord.

If you have more questions, PM me - I don't check this forum very often.

Posted by
7762 posts

Trondheim is built on the southern shore of the Trondheim fjord, so it is not removed from the fjords. And as mentioned an interesting city to visit. With a pretty well connected airport. Although my recommendation is to take the train to Oslo to get a view of the inland as well before flying home.