My wife and I will be in Sweden in early June are are planning a Norwegian fjord layover on the way home. The plan is to fly in, rent a car, drive around for three days, then fly home. Bergen and Alesund have equally convenient flight connections and seem to be conveniently located for sights to see. If you were to pick between these regions for a three day driving tour, which would you pick?
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
I've been to the fjords around both Bergen and Alesund and IMHO the fjords near Alesund are far more spectacular, the best one being the Geirangerfjord. You can take the car ferry from Hellesylt, ride the car ferry down the length of the fjord, get off in the town of Geiranger, and then drive back to Alesund. Also you should drive the Trollstigen road - one of the most stunning drives I've ever taken. Stop at the overlook at the top of the pass and also at Gudbrandsjuvet gorge.
There are so many other great things in this area and if you plan to spend a few days there I can give you a few other ideas! We spent a month there a couple of summers ago and thoroughly covered the place!
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks for the very useful reply Anita. I was definitely planning on the cruise through Geirangerfjord and the mountain drive. We are interested in seeing a Stave Church as well so may take an excursion to Lom as that would seem to be the closest option. I know there are several closer to Bergen, but getting down there and back in three days may be more driving than we want. I could also use lodging recommendations for that area.
Posted by
Long Beach, California, USA
3398 posts
There are actually two stave churches in the area of Alesund. One is the Kvernes stave church...really beautiful, richly decorated on the inside, and filled with interesting objects. It's in a stunning setting with a view over a fjord as well as ancient viking stone sites all around the area that you can walk to.
The other one, which we haven't been to, is called the Rodven stave church.
I can't help with lodging unfortunately because we were there on a home exchange. Anywhere in downtown Alesund would be nice though - the town has quite a bit to see and great restaurants!