Norway in a Nutshell from Bergen vs. Express Boat

Deedee,

Sorry you had to wait so long for any respose. There just are not that many people here who visit Scandinavia, apparently.

I have not been on the express boat, but I have read about it. Our family with young children went from Bergen to Oslo in summer, 2008 via the Nutshell route (which we did on our own, not with a tour).

We didn't stop in Aurland, but we did spend 2 hours in Flåm waiting for our next connection and shopping at the gift shop. That's pretty much all anyone does in Flåm. So if you are staying a night, I'm sure Aurland would be the better choice.

The train between Bergen and Voss to do the nutshell is nothing special, but the only reason to do the fast boat, I think, is to get off at Balestrand, stay a day, and continue on to Flåm from there. The outer fjords (the part closer to the sea) are very wide and not dramatic scenery. It's in inner, narrow fingers that have the best fjord scenery, and that is why the nutshell folks do that little cruise they do near Flåm. But if you prefer being on the water to a train, there is nothing wrong with it, either. If you make that choice, I would spend the night in Balestrand instead of Aurland.

By the way, we will be in Germany with the children in three months & are very excited!!

A couple of thoughts for you:

To me the highlight of that time is the ferry ride on the Naeroyfjord. If you intend to take the express boat from Bergen to Flam, stay in Flam and move on, I would tell you that you are missing something.

That said you can certainly go to Flam, take the Ferry ride, bus back to Flam and stay the night.

As Randy mentioned both the express boat and the Bergen-Voss segments are very nice, but I would agree with the sentiment they are not worth going out of ones way for.

Have not stayed in Aurland, Flam is really a scenic depot with some tourist shops. If your schedule permits I would think of staying on the Fjord more be it Balestrand or elsewhere.

Thanks everyone for your input! I appreciate it! Unfortunatley Balestrand is pretty much closed until May, and we will be there mid-April, so I think that pretty much makes the decision for us. I appreciate the input on Flam vs. Aurland!

Randy--have a great time in Germany! We have been expats here for a year and a half and love it! Have a great time on your trip to Deutschland!

In June we are doing the express boat to Balestrand - over night there - express boat to Midtfords (switch boats middle of the Fjord) and go to Gudvangen - which will take us thru the best fjord. Then taxi or bus to Flam. Flam train to Myrdal and on to Oslo.