DavidBL

I''m looking for suggestions on the best way to spend six nights between Bergen and Oslo. We disembark our ship in the morning of May 27th and fly out of Oslo on the morning of June 2nd. We will have seen Bergen before the 27th. Should we rent a car and do a day trip out of Bergen and then train directly to Oslo the next day and spend the rest of our time in Oslo? Or rent a car on the 27 and begin a three night trip to Oslo and end with 3 nights in Oslo? Route E16 all the way with 3 overnights? Not much interested in Norway in a Nutshell as it has to many transfers. We will also have seen the fjords from the water via our cruise. Thanks for any help and suggestions.

PalenQ

then train directly to Oslo the next day and spend the rest of our time in Oslo?>

Oslo for 5 nights? Seems too much but you could do day trips by train to Lillehammer and other places - even Gothenberg, Sweden.

The Oslo-Bergen railway is one of the most scenic in Europe - though cars cannot exactly duplicate its route you can follow it close enough to see the most scenic part of the train -when it goes up to higher elevations and has an Alpine feeling.

anyway if taking trains book early for discounted fares though you can always get on them without pre-booking:

https://www.nsb.no/en/?gclid=Cj0KCQj...AaAu7xEALw_wcB

For lots on European trains in general and Norwegian in specific check www.seat61.com (sage advice about booking your own tickets); www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.ricksteves.com.

Hopefully your post will attract attention of some Norwegian Fodorites who can give you more specific info on driving.

dyoll

If you are prepared to pay expensive one-way charges on hire car then I suggest a tour by car from Bergen to Oslo over 3 - 4 days. Avoid the direct routes and try and include some of the National Tourist Routes - http://www.nasjonaleturistveger.no/en
Staying perhaps in Loen, Solvorn and Eidsfjord. Keep net driving to max 4 hrs to allow plenty of tie for stops and explorations.

dyoll

https://www.visitnorway.com/?lang=uk

PalenQ

Most countries allow cars to be returned inside the country at no or little extra cost- but it seems Norway is an exception. Maybe do a circular route?

menachem

Lots to do in Oslo, despite what people might say. Also lots to do in Bergen, so why not add a night there and go on a daytrip. The Oslofjord is excellent for daytrips as well btw.

xcountry

We rented a car in Norway for a week. Picked up in Oslo and dropped off in Stavanger. The drop off charge was negligible. But I had checked prices with everyone for at least a month before reserving.

Michael

One way charges on car rentals vary according to the agency. We rented a car through Autoeurope because the total cost of the rental was lower than renting it through Kemwel. The difference was a one-way charge that Kemwel's provider applied as an extra, although it may be that a one-way charge was folded into the total price. We rented the car in Bergen and dropped it off in Trondheim.

There is no way of knowing which is the best deal except through a direct comparison. I would start with Autoeurope and Kemwel, and then, try providers such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, etc.

dyoll

I would be wary about car hire brokers - it's always safer to have your contract directly with the car hire company, though I have got some good deals through Ryanair and Norwegian. Do also note that there is a huge excess (typically NOK 10000 - 12000) on standard CDW included in quotes. There is often pressure at the desk to upgrade to supercover.

Michael

<i>I would be wary about car hire brokers</i>

I have the opposite experience, at least with Autoeurope. It went to bat for me when I was double charged this past summer for a charge that should never have occurred. It was easier than potentially arguing with the local rental agency where no one spoke English--the national agency at first said that it had no record of my having picked up the car.

DavidBL

Thanks for everyone's comments. I'm less worried about the car rental than the trip route. Current plan is Bergen,Voss and overnight in Gudvangen.. morning ferry to Kaupanger and on to Luster for overnight. Next day Luster to Laerdal then someplace overnight. Final day drive into Oslo. 3 nights in Oslo. Any comments or recommendations?

kawh

This sounds good. We just got back from a similar path... though after the cruise, spent 3 nights in Bergen, one night on the way to Oslo via NiN, and 4 nights in Oslo. (you can check out my NiN story posted here... a bit of a mess, but ended well!)

I thought the rail along NiN was spectacular... husband liked it better than Bernina Express.

Oslo is our new favorite city. Wow! We stayed (and highly recommend) at the Hotel Christiania Theatre which is across from a park, where we looked out on from both our room and the divine breakfast. So much to do there and so easy to get around (tram, bus, subway and ferry all within a few minutes walk from the hotel.)

BTW... we spent the last night at the hotel located in the airport complex. It was actually less expensive than an average Oslo hotel (there are 2 ... Park Inn Radisson is cheaper than the other Airport Radisson) and a 6 minute walk from lobby to check-in counter) This worked really well for us, as we had a fairly early flight.... we spent the day in town, then grabbed our luggage and had a stress-free trip to the airport the night before flying.

menachem

kawh, I salute you. Finally someone who goes against the common opinion that Oslo is somehow "boring". Oslo is great.

PalenQ

any city or place is great for me - never been disappointed - that said folks with dreams of old-world medieval facades lining streets will be disappointed in Oslo and much of Scandinavian cities in general but those not so restrained can find a vibrant city with lots of charm.

nanabee

Pal >>that said folks with dreams of old-world medieval facades lining streets will be disappointed>>

...but you won't be disappointed in Bergen. There are many beautiful old neighborhoods with the old world charm.

And along the wharf in Bergen is the Bryggen, a World Heritage Site. "Bryggen, the old wharf of Bergen, is a reminder of the town’s importance as part of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire from the 14th to the mid-16th century." http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/59


http://www.theworldisabook.com/26154...way-with-kids/

DavidBL

Thank you everyone. I have finalized plans if anyone cares. First, booking hotels was extremely difficult. Many,many rooms already booked up. This is a warning for other travelers. I changed my itenerary several times just to get lodging. Second, I have no doubt that 3 nights in Oslo is not enough. I am sure there is plenty to do.. So...we disembark in morning and pick-up our car,drive to Lavik and on to Balestrad for overnight. Then on to Marifjora for 2nd night. Next day ferry to Gudvangen thru Naeroyfjord and on to Flam and overnight in Aurland. Final day drive Snow Rd , stop at Borgund and on to Oslo. That will be a long day. My thanks to everyone.

PalenQ

Most people will be salved with 3 days in Oslo -of course could spend more always but yes the 'common opinion' menachem refers to also says something - not everyone will be so taken with Oslo and I admit in my two sojourns there I enjoyed it but a few days was enough- everyone is different though in what turns them on.

menachem

Lovely trip, DavidBL: enjoy!

kawh

sounds great. looking forward to you reporting in!

megdean

bookmarking - also looking forward to your trip report.