loklok

This summer, I plan to travel with my wife and eight years old son to Norway. Target spend 3 days either in Stavanger or Bergen. Difficult to choose, can you give me some recommendations?

Initially, Pulpit Rock attracts me most and hence I simply head to Stavanger. However, the more research I did, Bergen and Sognefjord are both attractive too.

As I only afford three days in Norway and it takes 7 hours to travel between Stavanger and Bergen, hence impossible to stay in both towns!

What would u recommend? If Sognefjord got something similar to Pulpit Rock, guess Bergen is better.

Lastly, I will rent a car to move around in Norway, car friendly is a plus too. Or I shouldn't drive at all?! Kindly share with me your suggestions.

menachem

I'd choose Bergen. Nicer as a town.

Tip: take the funicular to Fløyen: at the top there's a nice restaurant, but also a small cafe and a very good children's playground. Stunning views if the weather is good.

Why the fixation with Pulpit Rock? Almost everywhere in Norway it's gorgeous.

loklok

Thanks Menachem, yep, pulpit rock is nice but there are many attractions in Norway! I am also checking the National Tourist Routes as I like drive around. Seems to me Bergen is great!

I booked a connected flight to Stavanger, if I opt for Bergen, need to change the flight....

menachem

How's your 8 year old with driving long distances? You'll find you'll be driving quite long stretches.

colduphere

We went to Stavanger specifically to visit Pulpit Rock. Certainly a memorable hike. If you click on my name you will find out trip report (Preikestolen).

loklok

My son is fine with long drive, 3-4 hours interval should be no prob. Last time we drive almost entire day in Provence to chase lavender!

Thanks Colduphere, is the hike manageable by a 8 years old boy? Pulpit rock is amazing...

colduphere

Loklok - the hike would not be difficult for an 8 year old. There are some large steps from rock to rock on the way up but people of all ages were managing just fine. I would try and go early in the day so it is not too crowded.

Our daughter just spent a couple of months in Hong Kong. Loved it.

loklok

Thanks again! Great that your daughter loves Hong Kong! A tiny place full of excitement. No lack of anything except fresh air and scenery! That's why high hope for this trip!!!!

dyoll

Bus between Bergen and Stavanger takes only 5 hrs and is a scenic journey with a couple of ferry crossings where you can get out and stretch your legs. Try and arrange an open jaw ticket - fly into Stavanger and out of Bergen, then you can enjoy a day in both and fit in Pulpit rock, unless of course your 3 days includes days of arrival and departure. 3 whole days is 4 nights!

loklok

Thanks dyoll! I have three whole days, 4 nights. Arrival Stavanger at night on Aug11, depart at noon on Aug15.

Thats a good idea to have open jaw ticket! Actually I have checked with the website from National Tourist Route for Norway, and found out that Ryfylke & Hardanger route are both very attractive, and there are endless of mighty water fall which will enrich my trip very much! Ryfylke starts near Stavanger, heading north to the east of Bergen! If have time, can try Hardanger on the third day!!!!

colduphere

Loklok you may want to give yourself at least two possible days to hike to the Pulpit Rock. It rains a lot in the area and doing the hike in the rain would not be ideal.

Just a suggestion.

menachem

Hardanger Fjord you can also do as a daytrip by bus and local ferry from Bergen.

nanabee

I can't speak for Pulpit Rock, but it sounds like it would be a nice hike.

I've stayed in Bergen. It's a beautiful city and you can take the Floybanen up to the top of the mountain and the view of the city is breathtaking. There are the historic merchant buildings (The Bryggen) from the late 1300's to mid 1700's. There are trails and hiking areas outside the city as well.

loklok

Yes, the hike will be far more difficult in rainy day...

Actually I have booked flight to Stavanger before posting this thread. Now I tend to fly in Stavanger and exit from Bergen, need to pay some surcharge.

Rent a car to get to Bergen on the second day after trying my luck for pulpit rock hike on the first day (if raining, go to visit museum...)! I will follow National Tourist Route and hopefully seeing many nice sceneries, and spent a night in a quiet town near Bergen!!!

Thanks again for the great advice, and do let me know if there is nice spots I couldn't miss along my driving route from Stavanger to Bergen, and attractions near Bergen!