In May we are renting a car in Oslo after spending a couple of days there and want to make our way to Bergen. I would have preferred to travel by train and do the NIN but my husband wants to go by car. I would still like to experience the Flam railroad and also the fjord cruise from there. I understand we can get a bus back to Flam after the cruise.
1) What is the best route to Flam? We have watched the Norway with Pal video and my husband wants to take the route suggested - Rt. 7. There are some scenic vistas but I am feeling we’ll be missing out taking this route.
2) Where to stay around Flam? Keep seeing things saying to avoid it.
Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Posted by
5 posts
Although some people say to avoid that place, in fact, Flåm still has quite a few good accommodation options. If you want to live conveniently and comfortably, you can choose a hotel or homestay near Flåm pier. In this way, you are facing the fjord as soon as you go out. It is very close to taking the Flåm Railway or fjord cruise ships, which is especially convenient.
Posted by
Citizen of the World
2349 posts
The Bergen Line train ride from Oslo to Bergen is considered to be one of the most spectacular train rides in the world. Is your husband certain he would rather drive and miss this scenic train ride?
The alternative town to stay at near Flam is Aurlandsvangen ( Aurland) which is 6 miles away.
Posted by
Schwerin
3424 posts
A car is a good decision because you will see a lot of things train travelers will never see. Example: Hardanger scenic route.
Did you check the costs for one-way rental? Can be expensive in Norway.
When in May?
Avoid days with cruise ships in Flåm port.
Since you will have a car Stegastein lookout in the morning is a must-do.
Posted by
Washington DC
28689 posts
Lodging in Flam is tight and costly. If I had a car, I'd look for a place not in that town.
You can make a loop like this to avoid retracing your steps around Flam. Three of the four legs are components of the Norway in a Nutshell route. The route works in either direction.
- Flamsbana Myrdal to Flam (vy.no)
- Naeroyfjord ferry from Flam to Gudvangen. There are two companies, neither with very frequent departures; check the schedules.
- Bus from Gudvangen up to Voss (skyss.no)
- Train from Voss to Myrdal (vy.no)
I've taken all those trips except for the short train segment between Voss and Myrdal; those three are highly scenic.
As you already know, there is a bus from Gudvangen back to Flam. Depending on where you've parked your car, that bus might be useful to you, but if time permitted, I'd return to the car by covering the full loop.
Posted by
OP
Ohio
31 posts
Thanks so very much for your helpful replies.
The ship schedule for Flam is very useful. One question tho - is this a set schedule or could arrivals be added? If we plan around this schedule for our trip, could it happen that on the days we plan to be in Flam cruise ships arrive that were scheduled later?
Again, many many thanks!