Hi all... <BR>After perusing some of the older posts we've gathered that this route is extremely scenic. <BR>After staying with friends, we are renting a car in Lillehamer and then will work our way west and south for 4 days and will end up in Bergen. We then plan on staying in Bergen for 2-3 days, then need to get back to Oslo for our return flight (plus we want to spend 2+ days there). <BR> <BR>Finally the question is: should we keep the rental car and drive the 300 or so miles to Oslo (probably more than 1 day)....or should we take the scenic train....I pretty much ruled out a plane as we want to enjoy the beauty of Norway up close. Obviously it will take longer by car, but we will be able to stop and linger longer at unforgettable sites...is it a difficult drive through the mountains? <BR> <BR>thanks in advance! <BR>Bill

Bill, <BR>I spent my 21st birthday on a train from Oslo to Stavanger. It was a full day (approx 7am to 5pm). That route roughly follows the southern coastline. It was a beautiful day. I really know nothing about the Bergen-Oslo route by train or car, but IMO driving in any mountains can become tiresome if you are not accustomed to it. I would be inclinded to take the train. I hope this might help you decide.

Bill: no car, no car, no car. Take two days to do this, and do it like this: Take a boat from Bergen through the fjord to Ballastrande and stay overnight at the Kvickne Hotel. Boat will drop you and your bags off at the boat dock at the Hotel. Stay overnight and leave the next morning on another boat that will take you deep into the fjords to the base of the mountains and the Flam railway train. Get on the train and go straight up, zigzagging to the top of the mountains. Get off this train onto the train that will peacefully take you to Oslo. <BR> <BR>We did it last year, in May, Oslo to Bergen and LOVED IT. Such a breath of fresh air, such majesty to see the fjords with SOMEONE else navigating. Mention Norway in a Nutshell (that is the one day version) to your travel agent, then tell them you want to spend the night in Ballastrande at the Kvickne. There is then another name for this two day excursion, which escapes me. Norway in a Nutshell will prompt them. <BR> <BR>Spend freely!

I live in Bergen. I recommend the train. If you drive, you have several alternatives. In summer it is not a rough trip, but you can have snow in the mountain in May and in the beginning of June. Snow is very rare in July and August. Welcome to Norway. Nils <BR>

<BR>The train!!!!!!

<BR>The train!!!!!! Actually, do the Norway in a Nutshell, and it's a combination train/boat/bus/train.

Hi Bill - I join the other posters to say train by all means! One of the most beautiful trips. You can also arrange an overnight on the Norway in a Nutshell trip, which is what we did. I can't for the life of me remember the name of the small hotel where we stayed, but it was surrounded by water, mountains and waterfalls - spectacular. Not fancy but spotless and incredibly serene and beautiful surroundings. The Norway in a Nutshell agents will know where it is because it is one of their packages. The whole excursion worked like a charm! Happy travels!

I just returned from Norway and would highly recommend doing the Norway in a Nutshell route. It has a variety of methods to get from Bergen to Oslo or vice versa. We left Oslo by train, changed to the Flam line in Myrdal, took the express ferry down the Sognefjord to Bergen. Wow!! If I was to do it again I would definitely check into one of the little hotels along the fjord for a day of hiking. Take the train!!!! <BR>

As I understood you have 4 days between Lillehammer and Bergen. What I would suggest is that you keep the car. It is not a problem to drive in the norwegian mountains. Road conditions are often good, and there would not be a problem driving. If you drive you will be able to decide what you will like to do. From Lillehammer I would drive to Kristiansund. This is a 5 hour drive. This will take you through the Gudbrandsdalen Valley which is beautiful, over the mountain plateu Dovre and down to the coast. Kristiansund is a charming city placed on small islands. Stay the night in Kristiansund. The next day you should drive the Atlantic Ocean Road to Molde. Molde is the host of Molde International Jazz Festival. From Molde drive to Åndalsnes and the majestic Romsdal mountains. Drive the Trollstigen road, and on to Geiranger. From Geiranger go to Stryn and the Jostedalen/Briksdal Glacier. Beautiful. It is not far from The Flåm railway and Sognefjorden, and there is lot of interesting places in this area. From Sognefjorden it is not far to Bergen. If it is possible you can leave the car in Bergen, and take the train to Oslo. This is also a very nice trip. <BR>Have a nice stay in Norway. I can give you more details if you want. <BR>Kaja <BR>

I forgot to mention tise web site: http://www.gonorway.no/ <BR>You will find a lot of information on the places I wrote about. <BR>Kaja