We are 2 seniors planning to leave Croatia around August 12-13 and fly to Oslo, ultimate destination being Orsta. (husband's family roots) We are not familiar with any part of Norway. I've been told we are already late in securing accommodations for this time of year and that it is VERY expensive. We plan to stay about a week before returning to the USA. I would welcome any information about this region, as well as links to places to stay. Do they have pensions?
Also would anyone recommend renting a car over traveling by train to get to Orsta?
Thanks in advance. We are getting anxious about this leg of the trip!

There is no railway to Ørsta, but you could take the train to Åndalsnes, hire a car and drive from there. Hotels you'll find on any booking engine. There are few if any pensions like you find in the rest of Europe, but you could try AirBnB.

We stayed here in Oslo. Reasonable cost, great location. I don't remember there being an elevator if that is important to you.

https://www.booking.com/hotel/no/cochs-pensjonat.html

Sorry - should have checked first. They do now list having an elevator.

Stayed last June at Comfort Hotel Xpress Youngstorget through booking.com. Am a senor woman and traveling w/o hubby. Hotel was great, location was wonderful, room really nice. I think it would be a great choice.

Thanks for the wonderful suggestions. Very helpful!I was surprised to find out they typically do not have pensions, as that kind of lodging is quite plentiful throughout other places we have stayed in Europe. Wish me luck!

xcountry... don't want to hijack, but we're looking for a hotel in Oslo also. What did you like about the location at Cochs Pensjonat? I see it's by a big park.. but it looks a bit outside of the tourist area?? (just guessing... have not researched Oslo yet!!) Thanks for your thoughts!

Hi Kawh - that's a fair question. I just checked on google maps and Cochs is 3/4 of a mile down to the waterfront. It lists it as a 15 minute walk. That green space is the Royal Palace. Nice grounds to relax in. And once you're through there you're at Karl Johans gate - the city's main street.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Johans_gate

There are several restaurants around Cochs. It is also quite close to the National Gallery.

Oslo is a pretty compact city so what may look to be quite a distance in some cities is not very far in Oslo. I should say though that we are walkers and skiers (which is why we find Norway almost an inspiring place to visit. Norwegians love their outdoors) so walking around is what we do.

I hope you enjoy your visit.

thanks, xcountry!