cambe

I am thinking of doing a Hurtigruten Cruise from Bergen to Tromso (possibly Kirkenes)next year - April or May.

I have several questions which I would appreciate some help with.

1.I would like to walk in some snow and don,t mind the cold but as I come from Ireland I would prefer not to go during a wet period (I know no one can predict the weather and Bergen has lots of rain so I am directing this question to north of Trondheim)

2. The north voyage from Bergen to Tromso looks better as the stops are longer at Alesund and Trondheim
However, it stops in Svolvaer for only 1 hour - is this long enough and is there a lot to see and do in Bodo? The south bound voyage (which I don't quite understand from the brochure) spends a lot longer in the Lofoten Islands during daylight, is this more scenic?

3. Mid April and May go to Geirangerfjord. Is this worth it and will there still be snow at this time in Tromso?

4. I have sort of decided to end my trip in Tromso but would it be better to go to Kirkenes - is the north cape worth seeing or is it desolate? (I don't like the west coast of Ireland as I find it brown, barren and depressing).

5. I intend flying into Oslo and taking the Norway in a Nutshell trip to Bergen. Is this a good trip or is it better to fly into Bergen and do the NIAN as a day trip from there?

I can fly from Tromso to Oslo or London or Kirkenes to Oslo and onward to either London or Dublin (I live in Northern Ireland so London or Dublin makes no difference.

Sorry so many questions but which month would be best to walk in the snow and have enough daylight to see the sights?

Thanks

Helen

cambe

Anyone??

Viajero2

July.

RM67

There will be snow on high ground pretty much all year round.

You can see some in the national park where Glittertinden, Norway's tallest mountain is found, or (handier for you) in the NIN district - there is a very scenic 'snow road' across the mountains that connects Aurland and Laerdal that will let you walk in your snow on the same day you've swum in a fjord!

I haven't been as far north as Kirkenes, but have heard that compared with some other stops on the Hurtigrouten, it's nothing special.

RM67

PS I'd go June-August.

Jed

We went from Bergen to Kirkenes in 1994, and at that time, Kirkenes was interesting, but 'nothing special'. But getting there was.

Going to Nordcap, standing at the top of Europe and seeing the Sami culture was well worth it.

As to the time spent in Lofoten, I'm not sure, but I think it is more a matter of the time that it gets there, and how the schedule works to get to the next destination. It may also be to provide a different view for the people who do the round trip.

kettamic

My wife and I went in May a few years ago and we were in Bergen for May 17th, their 4th of July. It was great!

cambe

Thanks everyone I have decided to take the 7 day northbound journey on MS Finnmarken on 15th May so I will be there for the May festival.

Hope to at least see snow on the mountains and there may still be some snow on the ground at the north cape.

Thanks again

Helen

travel52

We were in Norway May 2007. We started in Oslo, drove to Lillehamer (some snow on the ground), back to Oslo (cold but good weather). We then did NIN to Bergen. Lots of snow to see from a warm train on that trip. Bergen had beautiful weather ! We found out that May is their best month for sunny, non rainy days. We loved Bergen.

pat

We went in May and the weather was great.

nhulberg

I like to go to Norway in May and June. That is the low season for tourism, yet the weather is decent. In July the whole country shuts down and evvverrryone goes on vacation for four weeks, hoping to grab a bit of sun. Since I live in California, sun isn't such a high priority.

The Nutshell trip is well worth your time.

Cambe (Helen), your May timing is great, and it is fun to be there for 17th of May.