Before I give up the idea of travel to Norway altogether, I thought I would try another approach. To summarize, I am a woman, in my late 60s and traveling alone. I prefer independent travel, but am having a hard time getting the information I need to make Norway travel arrangements. I had originally thought to sail on the Hurtigruten, but it is too expensive for May and June when I would be traveling. My next idea involved too much traveling to too many locations and I got really discouraged with all the arrangements and reservations that were needed. New idea, if I can get some help with planning: concentrate on the areas around Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim including the fjords in those areas. Fjord Tours has a number of 'tours' that cover these, but I prefer to move more slowly, adding nights and modifying so that I can really experience Norway. The problem is that the only contact I can find for Fjord Tours (so that I can ask questions)is a phone number in Norway (we are 9 hours behind here in California). Who can I contact? Are there travel professional in the US who are experienced with Norwegian travel? Any suggestions would be VERY appreciated before I give up and go somewhere else this year.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
1525 posts
Diane,
I am glad you have not given up on your trip. Eliminating the arctic jaunt will save a great deal of time, cost and complications. The arctic is unique and interesting, but I can remember thinking to myself as we were flying home; "How would I plan our trip differently if I could have done it over again?" and one of the answers was to eliminate that arctic leg.
Since your Oslo-Trondheim-Bergen & fjords route matches much of our own, I can give you a great deal of information in detail, including where to go, how much there is to do in each location, and how to deal with transportation. I can provide you with links to see this information for yourself. You do not need to participate in any "tour". But for me to do so is time consuming and very wordy.
I would suggest you PM (private message) me and give me your email address. That would make it easier to write at length and send links and photos, etc. I would also ask that you tell me when you want to travel and if you have any idea where you want to fly in & out of. It's up to you....
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2776 posts
Hi Diane, have you thought about flying into Kirkenes (you would have to change planes in Oslo) and renting a car? There is so much you could visit, Lapp villages, North Cape. There is a great restaurant in Kirkenes that sits on the Russian border.
Posted by
OP
Salinas
124 posts
I use public transportation because the idea of having to deal with a blow-out at my age is daunting. Besides, I want to look at the scenery, not the road. It requires a bit more planning and gives less flexibility, but in my case that is best as I am easily distracted by promising looking side roads.
Posted by
Freedonia
15162 posts
Have you contacted the Norwegian Tourist Board? Their sole purpose is to help people travel in Norway. They have lots of information on their website, have brochures that can be ordered, and you can even email or call them with questions. They are in New York.
Visit Norway
Posted by
Dallas, United States
705 posts
Diane, You've received good ideas of US contacts. But you still want to ask Fjord Tours questions, right. I suggest you stay up late or get up early and telephone. There will be someone that speaks English, you can get your questions answered, and, if you have your credit card handy, possibly finalize the deal if its to your liking.
Good luck.
Posted by
OP
Salinas
124 posts
Fjord Tours offers discounts on hotel rooms with a 'fjord pass' purchase, but there are some pretty good suggestions in Rick Steve's Scandinavia book as well. Has anyone had experience with either? How much ahead of time do I need to reserve hotel rooms for late May into early June? Thanks, again!
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2776 posts
Diane, I was looking and there are tours that you can get from Kirkenes.... ghttp://www.kirkenesinfo.no/et .....here is one website you can look at. There are others do a search for Kirkenes. http://www.visitnorway.com/en/Articles/Norway/North/Kirkenes/
Posted by
OP
Salinas
124 posts
I'm thinking 4 nights total in Oslo, 2-3 in Trondheim, 3 in Bergen which gives me a couple more (up to 4) nights that I could add to those cities or spend elsewhere. Any favorites that wouldn't require a LONG trip to reach? Your help is as usual, invaluable. Diane
Posted by
OP
Salinas
124 posts
addendum: I could do day trips out of the aforementioned three cities, as well- I just don't know what the possibilities are. Diane
Posted by
Bergen, Norway
1 posts
Hi Diane,
Fjord Tours launched a new homepage last Thursday. This time they have included a contact form so that you are able to contact them by e-mail. Here is the link to the contact form: http://www.fjordtours.com/en/customer-support/contact-us/
I hope this will work out for you!
Posted by
OP
Salinas
124 posts
Thank you, that is great news and will make planning much more convenient.