Was hoping you could all give final input on our fjord/Norway itinerary, it will be the last week of our 3 week Scandanavia trip. We are a family of 4 with two sons (19/21). Listed below are destinations with plans to stop along the way and sightsee or do short hikes. Wondering if this is the road trip and timing others would recommend.
5/23 Fly to Bergen, arrive evening (Sleep in Bergen)
5/24 Day in Bergen (Sleep in Bergen)
5/25 We could stay in Bergen one more night or start our drive through the fjords. First stop is to Aurland, near Flam
5/26 Train and Fjord excursion in Flam (Sleep in Aurland, near Flam)
Found out there is a 1,000 person cruise coming this day. Wondering if I should push to be here and do excursions 25th with no cruise ships.
5/27 Drive to Hjelle (sleep in Hjelle)
5/28 Drive Geiranger/Trollstigen to Alesund (sleep in Alesund)
5/29 Day in Alesund and then fly to Oslo evening (Sleep in Oslo)
5/30 Oslo (Sleep in Oslo)
5/31 Oslo (Sleep in Oslo)
6/1 Depart from Oslo 1:50pm
Posted by
Berlin
2235 posts
5/25 travel by train to Voss and may be explore Hardanger route with rental car (sleep in Voss)
Avoid rental car in Bergen (expensive and rarely good parking opportunities).
From Aurland I would drive to Geiranger via Sognefjell (if open) and sleep in Grotli.
Next morning start with Dalsnibba in the morning, after that fjord cruise as pedestrian to Hellesyslt and back.
Alternatively explore Stalheimskleiva, Flam and Aurland on 5/25 and sleep in Myrkdalen Hotel. And continue your journey to Hjelle via street 13 (Hopperstad church), ferry Vangsnes and Gaularfjell.
One week earlier you could see how Norwegians celebrate their National Day on May 17.
On the other hand weather still can play a role at end of May (passes open?).
For rental car parking donwload the EasyPark app which is very popular in Europe.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
1427 posts
Just a cautionary note on the roads to Geiranger and Trollstigen: Last year, the Trollstigen did not open until May 29. In 2022 the Trollstigen opened on June 9. While the Trollstigen is generally open by May 24, it is weather-dependent and that has become more unpredictable. And while it is said that the 16-mile stretch of Highway 63 between Eidsdal and Geiranger is always open, last year in September it was temporarily closed due to the weather. Work crews were building a tunnel on that stretch of road, which might be continuing this spring and may cause a slight delay if vehicles in both directions have to share one lane.
You’re wise to try to avoid the cruise ships whenever possible, so moving up your stay in Aurland one day to avoid the throngs from the ship is a good idea. When I was in Geiranger— a town of 300 permanent residents— there was a 5,000- passenger cruise ship in port last September that made Geiranger very “touristy,” to say the least.
Just 4 miles uphill on Highway 63 from Geiranger is a spectacular viewpoint that’s not to be missed called the ORNESVINGEN Viewpoint. Plan to stop here for incredible views 2,000 feet above the Geirangerfjord and its massive waterfalls.
The Norwegian government has a couple of websites with highway conditions and listings of their open/closed status.
www.vegvesen.no has comprehensive listings of highways with excellent maps. If you see the word “Apen” that section of road is open; if you see the word “Stengt” the road is closed.
The other Norwegian government website which covers national scenic routes travelers are usually interested in is www.nasjonaleturistveger.no.
Have a great trip!
Posted by
OP
21 posts
markk,
We were going to rent in Bergen the day we leave so we don't have to worry about parking. I will check on price difference. Thank you for the recommendations I will look them up.
Kenko,
ORNESVINGEN is on our list. Thank you.
We have Made Norway the last leg due to weather and have a plan B if roads don't open that will take us via more ferries to Asland, but hoping the roads open.