We are planning to visit Oslo and wanted to take the train to Bergen to see the fjords. We have the choice of one or two days for the trip - flying from Bergen back to Copenhagen and on to home. If we take the train straight to Bergen (6 hours) will we see the fjords leaving some extra time in Bergen? Or should we plan to stop overnight on the way and take the train to Flam then on to Bergen? It will mean losing an extra day out of four planned for Copenhagen. Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.
Posted by
Chico, California, US
59 posts
The main train route from Oslo to Bergen does not actually offer much of a view of the fjords. You pass through some spectacular high mountain scenery, but you aren't able to see the fjords themselves. And the train passes in and out of many snowsheds, which block the view. If I were making the choice asked about in your post, I would take two days to get from Oslo to Bergen: do the nutshell trip (Oslo - Mrydal - Flam - Gudvagen - Voss - Bergen), as outlined by Rick Steves. Three full days in Copenhagen is about right, in my opinion (however, there are some nice day trips out of Copenhagen that you would have to forgo with only three days available).
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
I agree with Bob. Take the Norway In A Nutshell tour from Oslo to Bergen. It'll take all day, but there's no better way to see the fjords given your time frame. You'll get to Bergen about 8 PM. You could spend the next day exploring Bergen, which has plenty for you to see and do. You can find the details here: http://www.norwaynutshell.com/
Posted by
OP
Dallas
13 posts
Thank you for your replies. Looking at the maps and options in Rick's book, we are thinking of going Oslo-Myrdal, Myrdal-Flam. Then take the boat round trip Flam - Gudvangen. From Flam the speed boat to Balestrand and then Balestrand by boat to Bergen. It seems that Voss to Bergen is not as scenic as taking the boat to Bergen. Any thoughts on this itenerary?
Posted by
Chico, California, US
59 posts
Sounds great! I haven't been to Balestrand (I went by way of Gudvangen and Voss to Bergen), but I know that in other posts on this board (which you might want to search for, by the way) Balestrand is highly recommended and is frequently suggested as a good place to stay overnight. You should then have plenty of time to take the boat to Bergen and catch a late afternoon plane to Copenhagen.
Posted by
Charlotte, NC, USA
14 posts
We did the Nutshell in two days (about 7 years ago) and spent the night in Voss. The train from Voss is a little less scenic (if I recall correctly) than the first part of the trip from Oslo, but you do get to Bergen in plenty good time to enjoy Bergen. Be sure to take the floibanen funicular in Bergen. The view is gorgeous. (And that funicular has been operating for many years. My grandmother-in-law took it in the mid-1930's, just before she embarked on the boat that would take her to America, her new home.) Have a fun trip.
Posted by
OP
Dallas
13 posts
What a wonderful experience shared by your family. We plan to take the funicular for sure. We have firmed up hotels for Oslo, Balestrand and Bergen. Now we only have to decide how we will make our way that last day to Bergen, but with several options available, I am sure we will enjoy the trip. Can't wait for July!
Posted by
Tahoe Vista, CA., USA
114 posts
Hei hei- Just returned from 3+ weeks in Scandinavia. We did the same routing...Oslo, Aurland, Balestrand, Bergen....spending 1 night in Aurland, and 2 nights in Balestrand. Oslo-Flam-Aurland-train/cog rail/bus Aurland to Balestrand- 4:? p.m. express boat
Balestrand to Bergen- 5 p.m. express boat, arriving Bergen 8:40 p.m. It was beautiful arriving at sunset. Have fun! Patsy