SShprints

30 yr old couple looking to do a 5 day trip up to Norway after a wedding in Copenhagen (summer) but have never been to Norway. Based on what I read, thinking to skip Oslo and fly west to either Bergen or Alesund from Copenhagen. Would love to visit the fjords obviously but not familiar with what the best way is. This is what I have thus far:

Day 1: Arrive Bergen in the AM, explore Bergen
Day 2: Explore Bergen
Day 3: Drive up to Næroyfjorden (3hrs)
Day 4: Drive to Gairangerfjorden (5hrs)
Day 5: Afternoon drive to Alesund (2hrs)
Day 6: morning fight out of Alesund to Copenhagen

too much?

Michael

Does the drive time include sightseeing?

There are a couple of stave churches in the area that are definitely worth visiting. A boat ride on Geiranger fjord is also worthwhile. You might want to take a look at my trip report; click on my name to find it.

dyoll

Your estimations of journey times are a little optimistic. There are several ferries and you need to allow waiting time and crossing time, but since you have relatively short driving days this should not be a problem and you have time for stops etc. Should be a pleasant relaxing tour as planned. Just note that one-way car hire tends to be expensive - if you find the cost excessive then there is no need to visit both Sognefjord (Nærøyfjord) and Geirangerfjord - you could do a circular tour from Bergen using National Tourist Routes - http://www.nasjonaleturistveger.no/en

SShprints

The other option I was thinking about is perhaps like this:

Day 1: Arrive Bergen in the AM, explore Bergen
Day 2: Explore Bergen, take overnight ferry to Alesund
Day 3: Explore Alesund
Day 4: Day trip (drive or ferry) to Gairangerfjorden
Day 5: Explore more Gairangerfjorden, return to Alesund
Day 6: morning fight out of Alesund to Copenhagen

this way skipping a need for a car for the whole trip to save costs and less driving. It means we miss Nærøyfjord. Thoughts?

Dyoll, which of the 18 routes is the circular one? There are so many

dyoll

None are circular - you make your own route up to include whichever of the National Tourist Routes you fancy.
With your new option you might as well stay on the ferry and straight to Geirangerfjord. Unless you are doing some activity there, you could stay on the ferry back to Ålesund. Consider bus to Åndalsnes and Rauma railway to Oslo and flying out of there. I understand it is difficult to get cabins for the ferry to Ålesund as these are not released until late (they keep them for travellers doing longer trips). It may be possible to get a cabin to Molde and then bus from there to Åndalsnes.

SShprints

Is Alesund and Geirangerfjord worth it for the extra trip?

I could perhaps just stick to Bergen with a side trip to Næroyfjorden?

Or maybe I can do Oslo-Næroyfjorden-Bergen route?

I am raelly unfamiliar with Norway. Is it all fairly similar?

I hear Oslo is not that exciting to visit.

historytraveler

BTW you heard wrong about Oslo. I only had a day there but could have easily spent several. Certainly, the fjords and spectacular scenery is what Norway is famous for, but Oslo is well worth a visit.

dyoll

It would certainly be a more relaxing holiday if you just concentrated on Nærøyfjord/Sognfjord. Stay a couple of nights in Flåm and do some of the tours - e.g. Stegastein - https://www.visitflam.com/en
Note that there is no need to do the Nærøyfjord ferry and Flåm rail as you will cover these on the way to Flåm and Oslo.
Nærøyfjord and Geirangerfjord are both high and narrow fjords - similar in many ways. In my opinion better to choose one and spend a bit of time in the area rather than try and pack in both in a limited time - on the other hand it is while travelling through Norway that you see the scenery and the journey between Bergen and Ålesund is spectacular.