We are bringing my in-laws to Norway in two weeks to celebrate Constitution Day in Oslo (we arrive Oslo early on the 16th) and see their Norwegian homelands (Kvisteseid and Vinje). We'll have a rental car on the 18th to do this, and then we depart for home from Bergen on the 20th. My husband suggests we drive to Bergen on the 18th with stops at the homeland towns on the way. I feel disappointed to not do Norway in a Nutshell, but also want to spend some time in Bergen. Awfully complicated...but would appreciate any itinerary suggestions.

There's no need to be disappointed with not doing the Norway in a Nutshell. The main reason of its popularity is that itys easy to do. The Hardanger area is just as nice its Norwayys fruit region and beautiful with fjord and mountain especially in May. Many Norwegians go on holiday to Hardanger in May to view the apple blossom.

From Kviteseid and Vinje drive road E134 to Odda. Then I would suggest driving north-west to the new (2001) tunnel under the Folgefonna Glacier to Sundal, maybe drive a bit further and visit the Brevik Glacier a part of the Folgefonna Glacier.
http://home.c2i.net/mauranger/n_maur_tur_sundal.htm
From Sundal continue to the Barony of Rosendal a beautiful part of Norway
http://www.baroniet.no
http://www.turistservice.no/eng/
In Rosendal, take the ferry to the other side of the fjord and continue to Bergen.

From Odda you could also drive north to Lofthus and Eidfjord. Maybe visit Kjeysen Farm at the Sima hydroelectric power plant. Famous for its view. You could walk to the farm on a steep pathway from the fjord or drive up a hill and through a tunnel. There is the troll-train going to Voringsfossen falls. But the 'train' starts running in June and the falls is dried out until aprox. The same time (the Dam is closed)
http://www.hotel-ullensvang.no/engelsk/edefault.htm
From Eidfjord take a ferry to the other side and continue to Voss and Bergen.

I wrongfully wrote Brevik and Brevik Glacier. I meant Bondhus and Bondhus Glacier, I'm ashamed of myself.

I hope you'll not drive the hole way from Oslo to Bergen in one day. It will be 9 hours of driving, and hopefully you will do a bit of sightseeing. I would stay overnight at either Vinje, Lofthus or Rosendal and continue to Bergen next day. Even if you drive Oslo-Vinje-Oslo it would take the hole day I guess 8 hours. Bergen is quite compact. One evening and some time the next morning/day should be enough.

Actually I'm doing the Oslo-Stavanger-Rosendal-Oslo for my holyday this summer.

Helen, Thanks so much! What wonderful suggestions. We will enjoy following your itinerary very much! We look forward to coming next week! Thanks again.

Helen, you mentioned Hotel Ullensvang. Would it be a good place to stop if one was doing the Norway in a Nutshell railway tour or is it too far to get there and one needs a car?
Can you tell me more about it. Would it be good place to stay for a few days in the middle of sightseeing?

Hotel Ullensvang is basically a good but big hotel in a nice location. If you want to know about what there is to do in the area
http://www.hotel-ullensvang.no/Resor...sk/default.htm
It's a bit awkward travelling without a car due to the fact that theres only one boat going from Ulvang to Lofthus a day. The boat passes Lofthus twice one going to Ulvang and Eidford and one on the return.
http://www.hsd.no/hsdruter.nsf/(pages)/1DB62CD1C27A845FC1256AC700305F95/$file/side+10.pdf
If having a rental from Voss there are scenic routes to Lofthus by car.
http://www.carwalks.com/English/RoundTrip2.htm, not necessary to buy the maps.

Not having a car and doing the Nutshell I would probably end up in Aurland instead, a cosy place and close to Flom, but not as touristy. (First stop at the Nutshell boatpart of the journey).

If you want to experience another fjord while you are in Norway you could do the Nutshell to Voss, and continue by buss to Ulvik Timetable in pdf
http://www.hsd.no/hsdruter.nsf/(pages)/55ABD83D3A5ED5A4C1256D1800286553/$file/Tab.945.pdf
And stay there instead. Maybe visit Eidfjord. When you continue to Bergen take the passangerboat to Lofthus, Utne, Kinsarvik and Nordheimsund before continuing by a corresponding bus to Bergen. You can read more about the journey here
http://www.fjordtours.no/visartikkel.asp?id=118
But it's easily arranged on your own or maybe you could get a combo when buying the Nutshell package.

I have travelled past on my way to Bergen, but I will stay in the area for a longer time for my holiday this year. Probably not staying in Lofthus, but having a car. I'm staying in cabins - doing it cheaper