hellomoe

Hello!

I want to plan a short trip from Paris to Norway for my husband's birthday in late September. Given financial constraints, it will have to be a short trip (I'm thinking three days). I know it's a bummer to give a trip such short time, but his family is Norwegian (all live in the US now so no more connections in Norway), and it would be fun surprise for him.

Oslo is an obvious choice, but what are some other ideas? He's super proud of his viking heritage (he loves boats, weird pickled fish, sweaters, you get the idea) so a small, authentically (or perhaps typically?) Norwegian town would be great. Should I try to find a cheap airbnb in Oslo, or do you recommend somewhere else?

Thanks for your help!

(budget would be something like $75 per night... I'm seeing some airbnb's in Oslo for cheaper, but also aren't quite sure where to look). The cheaper, the better...

hellomoe

I should mention-- neither of us are into the club/bar scene. We'd much prefer to walk around old streets and just look around, versus consuming. Looking for something more traditionally Norwegian with history

MaineGG

I think Bergen would meet all your criteria.

http://www.visitbergen.com/en/WHAT-T...ps/?TLp=179639

And from there you can take a daytrip, Norway in a Nutshell, to visit the spectacular fjord area.

PalenQ

Bergen and the Norway in a Nutshell I also highly recommend - Bergen is an older looking town than modern Oslo and being one of the old Hanseatic Ports reeks of history - a bit south of town is a museum with the famous Bog Man - ancient mummy thousands of years old.

http://www.norwaynutshell.com/

You can do it with a tour group or easily on your own - for details on your own check www.seat61.com; www,budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com. It's marquee attraction is a few hour boat ride on Norway's largest fjord - we saw whales! No need to pre-book - just buy tickets for all components once in Bergen.

Ozarksbill

Yep, Bergen my choice...snacking in the market, shopping along the Bryggen, touring old Hanseatic quarters and museum, strolling over to Nygardsparken with flowers and fountain, maybe a concert in Korskirken, harbor cruise to see fjords. Plus the Norway in a Nutshell if going to Oslo and maybe taken anyway because of beauty. Beware of trolls...there's one right on Bryggen.

Treesa

I second the recommendation for Bergen or perhaps Alesund. Your budget is a bit low, though. Perhaps you can find a B&B that would meet your criteria.

Michael

Bergen. There are nice shops in the historical district and woolens for sale around the harbor.

Look at my trip report on Norway, which includes Bergen and where we stayed for a reasonable price; click on my name to find it.

michele_d

I have to agree with Bergen also. Lovely little town. Grab lunch at the fish market. We took the tram to the top of the mountain above the port. Lovely views from up there. Check with your hotel and see if they have the free breakfast and free afternoon meal. We saved quite a bit eating these meals at the hotel. All we needed was a light lunch or picnic lunch in between. Definitely do the one day tour to the fjords. Breath taking! Norway is just a beautiful country. You will love it.

HappyTrvlr

Bergen, Alesund, Oslo are wonderful. The Viking Ship museum in Oslo is outstanding. Your budget is very low for ultra expensive Norway.

hetismij2

Stavanger, Bergen, Oslo Trondheim or Tromsø. Any would be good. Tromsø gives you a chance of seeing the Aurora.

pariswat

Bergen in Belgium ? Noway to go so much up north. Mons ieur !

Ozarksbill

pariswat, are you afraid of trolls or what?

PalenQ

I've been to Bergen Belgium - properly caled Mons - NATO HQs I believe but nothing exceptional for sure. Pleasant town like zillions on Europe but nothing at all comparable to Bergen, Norway.

nanabee

I would also recommend Bergen, Norway. And I recommend this bed and breakfast:

http://www.tosostre.no/

hellomoe

Thanks so much, everyone! I am going to try for Bergen, but it might just be too far of a stretch for our budget. I'll post a trip review if we make it from Paris to Bergen

Michael

Norwegian Air might have very cheap flights from Paris/Orly to Bergen.

http://www.flylc.com/directall-en.asp#.Vbfi8LevNOI

PalenQ

If going to Bergen you may want to take one of Europe's most scenic trains to Oslo - and fly out of there or vice versa is fares to Oslo are cheaper.

https://www.google.com/search?q=oslo...w=1455&bih=977

tower

Here's the Norway you'll want to experience, if only in part.You can possibly squeeze in Bergen, the fjords (Naeroy, Geiranger) and Alesund in the time alloted. No time for Oslo and it's outdoor Folk Museum.

HelloMoe:
If you could only stretch it to 5-6 days, that would make it all a bit more comfortably do-able.

No trip report...but some scenic pics to give you an idea of what you can or cannot fit in

tower

Hellomoe: Here are the Norway pics for you:

https://picasaweb.google.com/stuartt...uHk6iIgbSEgAE#

dyoll

You'd barely get a hostel for USD75. AirBnB perhaps a long way out of the city. Plus if that is your hotel budget you'll also find that food and transport are way over expectations.