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Pre-Havila cruise plans - does it make sense?

Posted by (Charleston, SC) on

Dear fellow travelers and fellow curious planners,

We decided to take the north to south leg of the Havila cruise, and to add a day that will allow us to see the Geiranger fjord and Alesund. That is settled. At 75 and 82, we don't move at the same clip as 50 years ago, but we get around.

I checked a variety of flights, and found multi-city flights that will land us in Bergen and take us home from Alesund.
For the days leading up to the cruise, I wanted to see the interior of the country and spend 2 days in Oslo.

We'd like to keep the trip at 2 weeks.

Do you recommend two nights in Bergen?

This is the tentative plan. Does it make sense? Any recommendations to share?

Day 1 - Travel, to from the US to Bergen
Day 2 - Arrive; explore Bergen; walk. Various recommended sites. Funicular to viewpoint. (Hotel)
Day 3 - Bergen (Hotel)
Day 4 - Norway in a Nutshell. Long, beautiful day. Send luggage ahead. (Hotel)
Day 5 - Oslo (Hotel)
Day 6 - Oslo (Hotel)
Day 7 - Kirkenes (Aug 1) (Hotel)
Day 8 and onward - Ship, Alesund

Posted by
1071 posts

I would add 2 more days in Bergen. Enough to get you over the jet lag and a chance to explore Bergen and the surrounding area at a reasonable pace.

Posted by
711 posts

In 2023 we did north to south on Hurtigruten from Kirkenes (staying 2 nights) to Bergen for 2 nights, then DIY Norway in a Nutshell with overnight in Flåm, then 2 nights in Oslo. We then flew from Oslo to Ålesund for 3 nights and home from Ålesund. Great trip. You will enjoy it.

2 nights is good in Bergen. You could do a walking tour the Old Town. We booked the 2hour Walk through Bergen Past & Present. We also took the guided tour at Schotstuene to learn more about the Hanseatic League. The weather wasn't condusive to seeing the view at the top of the funicular during our stay.

We also used the Porter Service and it worked perfectly.

During our stay in Ålesund, we took a different Hurtigruten ship into and out of Geirangerfjord. Unfortunately, the day was damp and overcast., but the views were still nice. The next day we booked a fantastic all day minibus tour to Trollstigen. The sky was blue, the owner/driver was delightful and the views from above the fjord were spectacular.

I would book ahead for dinner, as the more popular restaurants book up.

Posted by
3906 posts

During summer sailing plan the South to North route will carry you through the Geirangerfjord on a Havila or Hurtigruten ship. Excursion will take you by bus from Geiranger back to the next stop of the ship. So you have the chance also to see Geiranger not only from fjord level.

So, how about Oslo --> Bergen --> ship to Kirkenes or minimum to Honningsvag / North Cape?

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