Hello,
My girl friend and I are going to Oslo for six days over President's Day weekend, we are flying from the USA. We land on Friday morning and we depart Wednesday midday. I am interested in going to Bergen but I am wondering if it is worth it. The rail takes about 6.5 hours, and we also thought about flying there one-way and taking the train back so that we can see the scenery, which is a highlight from what I understand.
So, is Bergen worth the trip?
Thanks
Brian
Brian, it would be very helpful if you would put your home country in your profile, so we know about the length of your overall trip for the long weekend.
Most people like Bergen, but there are plenty of old seafaring towns in Europe. Have you ever been to a Hanseatic League town? Have you been to some old ports in Belgium or Germany? Have you read Rick Steves on Norway?
I would say, as you hint, that Norway in A Nutshell (self-guided) might be the best use of your time. But cost, advance purchase, crowding, and available time all figure in. Your train ride should be strategic, not just transportation to Bergen.
We really loved Bergen when we were there a year ago. But I certainly wouldn't consider going in February as it's just so far north--and so cold. We did the Norway in a Nutshell tour, and found the train ride down into the fjords to be the highlight of the trip. We've seen far more beautiful scenery than the fjords itself (Kauai and Austrian Alps.)
I can honestly say the people in Bergen were the most beautiful people I've ever seen--anywhere. And they're so sweet in disposition.
The scenery between Oslo and Bergen is indeed spectacular, although I did the trip in May, and I don't know what you should expect in February. I also enjoyed Bergen a lot, and I think it is worth at minimum a full day, but two would be better.
With five nights total, three in Oslo and two in Bergen might make sense, allowing a full day for the journey in one direction, and flying the other direction (assuming you have to return to Oslo for a flight you have already booked). Perhaps you can fly back from Bergen on Wednesday morning so you'll be at the airport for your return flight.
Oslo to Bergen. Emerson: "Life is a journey, not a destination. The journey between Oslo and Bergen may be worth more than the destination. That said, Bergen is worth a full day of exploration
https://www.norwaynutshell.com/original-norway-in-a-nutshell/
I liked Bergen much more than Oslo. I would do it. The Norway in a Nutshell tour, or a similar route is an excellent idea.
I liked Bergen better than Oslo, too. But I was there in July, and actually had two consecutive days in Bergen with no rain (statistically quite rare at any time of year). From what I've read (no personal knowledge), Bergen has less cold weather than Oslo (it rarely snows), but gets much more rain.
In your situation I'd go to Bergen, simply because I don't think Oslo has 6 days of sights, particularly in weather where just "walking around" isn't going to be fun, and where it will get dark early.
At least one way, you should do the Norway In A Nutshell. For the return, you can fly, take a day train, or take an overnight train; which to do depends on your personal preferences, prices, etc.
Rick's book Snapshot: Norway has LOTS of information about Oslo, Bergen, and Norway In A Nutshell - far more than anyone can post here. It also has some money-saving tips, which will be very useful for this very expensive country.
In all honesty I think you can do Bergen in less than two days. I felt that down by the waterfront it was pretty touristy - catering to the cruise ships. If you pull up Bergen there is always the photo of the beautiful row of old buildings along the waterfront. Well that's pretty much it. When we went in September many of the tourist sites were closed. What we liked best was the new hands on Maritime museum. Bergen beyond the waterfront has quaint row houses lining narrow streets built into the steep hills.
That said, the train trip from Oslo to Bergen was AMAZING! But we took it in September and it hadn't snowed yet. The views were incredible. The train goes from sea level to alpine to sea level. I am not sure what it would be like at this time of the year.
There is a lot to do in Oslo - consider the Oslo pass. It's worth it. Be sure and take the red line to the end (ski resort). Enjoy.
Congrats on your upcoming trip! You'll have a great time.
My husband and I did Oslo-Bergen-Stockholm this past June. We did the Norway Nutshell tour (Oslo to Bergen) purchasing our tickets for the train ahead of time, but the fjord tour and smaller train rides as we went. The weather was pretty dismal on our Nutshell tour. The Fjord tour boat portion was PACKED with cruise ship tourists. Since it was pouring rain, it was hard to get the true beauty of the fjords from the boat. However, the train ride portions before and after the fjord were beautiful. Simply stunning! I think it's a great way to really see some of the Norwegian country side. Once in Bergen, we spent 1/2 day at a Grieg home tour and concert. We also toured some of the museums and went to the Floyen overlook. I would agree that the Bergen waterfront is pretty, but very touristy. We felt 2 nights was a perfect amount of time.
I will share one more thing... We purchased one way tickets from Bergen to Stockholm for very affordable prices. The Bergen airport was easy to reach via Flybussen (bus direct to the airport) and small enough to manage quickly. If it were me, I would probably spend 4 nights in Oslo, get on the 6am train to Bergen for the Nutshell tour, Spend 2 nights in Bergen and fly back to Oslo for your home bound flight.
Have a great time!
