We will be traveling from Bergen to Oslo via the Nutshell route. We are thinking that we would like to stay in Balestrand for one night. It looks like there is one express boat from Flam to Balestrand that leaves everyday at 15:30 and takes 1.5 hours. We would stay over night and then get back on the express boat the next day at 11:58 arrives in Flam at 13:40 and then we need to make our way to Myrdal train to Oslo. We were going to stay in Aurland but Balestrand looked inviting and I love cider and want to go the Ciderhuset for dinner. Is it worth it to take the express train from Flam to Balestrand or just keep it simple and stay in Aurland. I am assuming that the boat ride from Bergen to Balestrand will not be as eye opening as taking the Nutshell route via Gudvangen. thoughts??
Posted by
Schwerin
3664 posts
Is it worth it to take the express train from Flam to Balestrand
There is no train from Flam to Balestrand.
If Balestrand is worth it depends on your preferences; read Rick's part on Balestrand. I think that investing time to get to Stegastein (see photo) is the better used time because viewing fjords only from sea level is less impressive imo. At sunny days try to get there before noon for light from behind.
I love cider
Travel tip: then Frankfurt (Main) in Germany is your place to be (link to a German article).
Posted by
Washington DC
28929 posts
I would not want to skip the Naeroyfjord ferry from Flam to Gudvangen. That is arguably the most scenic segment of the Nutshell route.
There is a reason why RS doesn't recommend staying in Balestrand unless you have at least two nights to spend in the area. All of the highly scenic parts of the Nutshell route are on the south side of the Sognefjord. Balestrand's location on the north side makes staying there logistically challenging. It does sound like a very nice place to stay, though.
Posted by
1722 posts
I am not an expert on cider and know nothing about the Ciderhuset. Unless Ciderhuset is unique in some way I would not prioritize it over the Naeroyfjord. There's a reason why the Naeroyfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Posted by
OP
California
71 posts
Thank you everyone for your insight. I will stick with the original RS plan. We will be in Bergen and then take the nutshell route and stay in Aurland and then on to Oslo the next day.