Want to spend three nights in Balestrand. What is the best scenic way to get to Balestrand from Oslo and then to Bergen by auto.
What should we see along the way. We would like to get to Balestrand from Oslo in one day.
We would like to go through the fjord by Gudvangen and then to Balestrand . What is the best way to do this if possible.
My experience is using public transport only. I don't mean to be flip, but if I were driving, I'm not sure what information would be necessary besides a good map and a guide book.
Driving is easy in the sense that the roads are well cared for and marked. However, driving in & around the fjords will test your patience. Ferries are necessary to cross ($) which can take a fair amount of time, roads have tolls ($) and gas is very expensive ($10/gal). Since the scenery is grand and the driver can't really appreciate the scenery, that's a problem, too.
I would consider their excellent public transport system. There are trains, boats and busses to just about everywhere and all very user-friendly.
Sorry I couldn't have been more help.
We did seriously consider using public transport. Several of us are having back issues, so walking may be an issue. Also there are four of us to absorb the cost.
We are the kind of people who like to get off the normal path.
There are several ways to drive to Balestrand and I would welcome suggestions of things to see along the way and suggestions of the actual roads to take.
We know about the cost of gas and tolls. We were in Norway around Stavanger and Sogndalstrand last summer.
We have found that transport is not getting us easily to several places we want to go so decided to rent a car. Got a Passat station wagon for $650 for the week.
In that case, driving makes much more sense, then.
Good for you for going back again so soon. Hopefully someone else will chime in with some off-the-beaten-path firsthand advice.
There are a lot fewer folks here who comment on Scandinavia - must be much less visited than the places to the south, which is too bad.
You might try reading the Lonely Planet Scandinavia guide book. I find they have the most comprehensive information about an area and so are likely to have more off-the-beaten-path suggestions. This is one case in which the Rick Steves guide may not be the best choice, as his coverage is pretty basic here.
Have a great time!
Thanks!
Thanks for the suggestions.
We have been to Norway a number of times over the last 23 years. We have already gone on the Norway in a Nutshell Trip and although we enjoyed the trip, we would have liked to have spent much more time in the fjord district just soaking in the views and relaxing. We will spend three nights in a cabin at the edge of the fjord in Balestrand, then will use the time to motor around to see the area. Then we will be off to Bergen and spend three nights there in an apartment.
Although it sounds like a lot of time, we will not arrive in Balestrand until rather late that first day, so effectively we will only have two full days there.
We have found in our travels that we enjoy an area and trip much more if we take a bit more time to really get the feel for an area, especially this area as my husband's father came from south of Stavanger in Sogndalstrand, a wonderful village on Norway's historic registry.
We may also have some relatives come and visit in Balestrand or go visit them which will use up part of the time.
I am at a crossroads now choosing which routes to use for our trip. On our way to Bergen we could motor along the fjord and cross over nearer the coast and travel over the islands to get to Bergen or we could go inland, so am still looking for other views as to the best path to use.
Hi Norma,
If you have the time and haven't done this before, consider driving through the Jotunheim Mountains. It is a long 1 day drive. We drove from Lillehammer to Aurland (also on the Sognefjord). From Oslo, take E16 to 51 north to 55 (5.5 hrs per via Michelin). The stave church in Lom makes a nice stop or overnight. If you have nice weather, the drive from Elvesaeter to Sogndal (2.3 hrs) on Route 55 is spectacular. From there, you could continue on 55 to Hella and cross by ferry to Dragsvik and drive to Balestrand. Or, you can use the ferry system near Sogndal to get to Gudvangen.
A shorter scenic alternative is Oslo to Aurland (5.5 hrs). Take the Mountain Road (I think it's Route 50, at visitNorway.com they call it the Adventure Road) rather than the tunnel from Laerdal. However, the Mountain Road is very narrow with hairpin turns, so only do it if it wouldn't be stressful. The overlook above Aurland (Stegastein)on this road provides a scenic view you will never forget. From Aurland you can take a ferry either to Gudvangen or Balestrand.
Have a wonderful trip!
Thank you very much for the suggestions. We have decided to rent a car so we can move more freely in the time we have. By the time you factor in the ferry costs and limited eating options, the expense is not that much more with four adults traveling.
I have three books and will check out your suggestions.
