We returned yesterday from a trip in the area. We did the standard nutshell trip with an overnight at Stalheim. We did not need a reservation for the bus from Gudvangen to Voss. We paid the driver for the fare in cash (no credit cards accepted). They brought in 4 buses to meet the ferry in Gudvangen and I saw another bus that seemed to be in reserve if needed. We left Stalheim the next morning and took a bus for the full trip from there to Bergen at the hotel's recommendation. The bus was really very nice with a decent bathroom and we did not have to wait in Voss for the next train. The trip was faster by bus since there was no down time at the station and took the same route as the train so the view was the same.

You will be all right with either train, and won't need to reserve ahead. The only train that gets pretty crowded is the later one, at 1915, because you have all of the nutshell travelers that left Oslo at 8 a.m. on that one. Even then, reservations aren't required, and everyone manages to get on and get a seat. For all trains other than the Signatur, which leaves Voss at 1:30 p.m. and later at 9:30, while reservations aren't required, it would be a good idea to bring food and drink with you.

Thanks to you both for your very helpful information! I feel much better about it now!

I don't know the answers to your questions, but did want to mention that my boat to Gudvangen from Flam was late (I did the Nutshell trip a little more than a week ago).

Since there was about an hour's wait, we made the bus easily (the bus would obviously wait anyway).

The train to Myrdal (from Oslo) was late also (in fact, it left the station late -- just a minute or two).

So you should prepare for a possible delay.

How did you arrange for your express ferry from Balestrand to Midtfjord and the transfer to ferry. I was able to plan for trip from Flam to Balestrand on Fjord 1, but can't seem to find a schedule that allow me to go from Balestrnad to Midtfjord.

Thanks
June

Midtfjord ("Middle of the fjord") is when two boats meet on the water and exchange passengers. This might not be necessary for your trip.

Which places do you want to travel between?

I want to go from Balestand to Gudvangen so we can see the narrow fjord area.
June

It seems the option of transferring Midtfjord does not exist this summer. Summer 2011 you will have to first take the express boat from Balestrand to Undredal, Aurland or Flåm (http://www.fjord1.no/filesystem/2010/10/flaam_balestrand_flaam_2011_2391.jpg) and then transfer to the Flåm to Gudvangen boat from any of these places ( http://www.fjord1.no/filesystem/2010/10/flaam_gudvangen_2011_2388.jpg).

If you travel on the boat leaving Balestrand at 08:30 in the morning, you have the option to wait for the boat to Gudvangen in Undredal. This place is well worth a visit. You would arrive at Undredal around 10:10 and be picked up by the boat to Gudvangen around 11:25.

In the time tables the stop at Undredal is marked with an "x". This means that the boat will stop on request and that the departure time is not fixed.

When you board the boat from Balestrand you should tell the crew that you want to exit at Undredal. Ask them about how to inform the boat going to Gudvangen that you want to be picked up at Undredal. They may call the boat for you.