First, Thank you to anyone with input. HELP REQUESTED - input on: (1) the idea of a self-drive excursion to experience the fjords/scenery (road conditions unrelated to weather - travel is in August), (2) feasibility of itinerary, (3) opinions on some “either/or choices”. THE FACTS: We will arrive in Oslo early on a Monday morning after a few days in Copenhagen. Assuming no sightseeing in Oslo upon arrival, we have 4 full days and 3 nights before leaving Oslo for Sweden. Have read the “Oslo-Bergen-fjords itinerary help” post, have looked at public transportation/itinerary in connection with Norway and Sognefjord in a nutshell, have read reviews of same, have looked at National Tourist Routes Maps (but need to revisit to cobble together an entire driving trip to ensure scenic portions). THE OBJECTIVE: Experience the beautiful fjords/nature, the people and a bit of Bergen. PERSONAL FRAME OF REFERENCE: Have driven in Ireland (often a wall on one side and no guard rail on the other side) so I have narrow road driving experience but not at 1434 meters (4,704 feet). Drove Pike’s Peak, Colorado (14,124 feet) many years ago (no guard rails, limited visibility that day - never to be repeated). TENTATIVE ITINERARY: Day 1 - Drive Oslo to Solvorn (with stops along the way...Flåm, Lærdal perhaps; 6+ hrs driving plus stops). Dinner and sleep in Solvorn. Day 2 - Drive 1+ hour to Breheimsenteret Glacier Center for 1 - 2 hr Nigard glacier walk (I realize the duration is longer to include check-in, preparation, etc.) then drive 2 hours to Balestrand. Dinner and sleep in Balestrand. Day 3 - explore Balestrand first half of day and then drive to Bergen (under 4 hours). Dinner and sleep in Bergen. Day 4 - Bergen in the day; leave for Oslo in the afternoon (train; no driving). I realize I need to confirm intention of dropping off car rental in a city different from initiation). So, fellow travelers, (1) Given the terrain of the itinerary above, is your qualitative opinion that this would be a “white knuckle, steering wheel clutching” experience or not, for the most part? (2) Given my stated objective above of a nature-filled experience with Bergen exposure, do you believe the itinerary is realistic/unrealistic? (3) Related to (2) what are your “trade-off” suggestions (e.g., forgo Nigard glacial walk and Solvorn in favor of Balestrand (or vice versa). Please comment on whether you have experienced the above itinerary (or pieces of it) by car and provide your opinion based on that experience. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Seattle
255 posts
Although we drove to some of the same areas you are passing through we took mostly different routes so I can't comment on how "white knuckle" all your routes are except to say this: if any of your routes show rapid elevation changes from sea level up to 4000 feet, I would assume that there is driving along narrow switchbacks involved, since that was always the case for every such road we were on. If you will be on NTRs, that website will list elevation info for each road. For nonNTRs, I'd search the Norwegian Public Roads Administration website for those. Or use Google Earth to estimate. I have no comment on your chosen destinations except to say that Balestrand is quite small and we saw everything there that we wanted to see in under 2 hours. That included a fair amount of time in the hotel and walking up to the town church. Most of the areas you are passing through are certainly quite rural and fjords are all scenic, so I'd guess it will meet your definition of "nature filled". And you will get a dash of Bergen in 2 half-days. Enjoy. Please return to this Forum afterwards to report your experiences and opinions.