Best place to see Fjords in 3 days
 

Hi everyone. We have 3 days to spend in Norway before leaving for France. Always wanted to see the Fjords. We know Rick Steve's talks about Norway in a Nutshell as being a good bet. Does anyone know what would be the best place to stay for 3 nights in Norway that would allow us to take the "Nutshell" tour without having to travel to get to it - what town does this tour begin in and are there any other recommended tours? Wasn't sure if we should fly into and stay in Oslo, Bergen, Flam? We are going to Europe in May so we need to start planning now. Would appreciate help!

We drove from Sweden, stayed overnight in Oslo and headed west to Voss the next day [day 1]. We did Nutshell for the drive to Voss. We did the Flam and Fjord cruise [day 2] spent the night and then the drive back to Oslo on day 3.

We did this in late April and since it was a pretty warm spring, the snows were melting and the waterfalls were great. We only had limited time. If I had to fly in, I would fly to Bergen, then start there and then head to Oslo to fly to France? OR back to Bergen to fly to France.

We stayed 2 nights in Voss at http://www.fleischers.no/en/

Thank you! A good idea. Think we will fly to Bergen.

Bergen is a good base because it is a very interesting and nice city - and you take a train to Voss, thrilling bus ride to Gudvagen on Norway's largest fjord - stopping at the famous Stiendham (sp?) hotel en route (this rural lavish hotel would also be a good base for the Nutshell Tour) - then boat a few hours along the fjord - we saw some whales! to Flam where you take a mountain train - pausing for a look outside at a thundering waterfall - to Myrdhal for a train back to Bergen (or Voss).
Check these sources for lots of details on what I consider to be perhaps the most awe-inspiring thing I have ever done outside of the Swiss Alps! www/norwayinnutshell.com; www.ricksteves.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com - all have lots of details on the Nutshell Tour, which you buy ticket components say in Bergen's train station or at Voss, etc and then do it yourself with all facets coordinated but no reservations needed on the boat or bus or trains.

Think we will fly to Bergen>

the Oslo to Bergen railway is ubiquitously listed as amongst the most dramatically scenic in all of Europe - maybe take the train one way and fly into or out of Oslo?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bD9kLJDZw58

check out the train ride!

I am not against the above advice. I just want to point out that there are other options. You may want to read the following about the various fjords:

http://www.hotelclub.com/blog/norwegian-fjords/

We were just in Stavanger and visited the Lysefjord. Stunning. You can fly non-stop from Stavanger to Paris for $167 on SAS. In my mind either Bergen, Stavanger or both would be a better option that including Oslo if your objective is to see the fjords.