detraveler

We plan to do the Norway in a Nutshell tour at the end of May one-way from Oslo to Bergen and want to break the trip into two days but don't want tie ourselves to a reservation for the hotel along the way unless it is necessary. Ideally, we would like to have the flexibility to stop when we think it makes the most sense given the weather and other issues that might come up when we are there. We would be traveling on Monday 30 May and would need a hotel for that night. Is this off season enough that we would not have an issue finding a hotel room where ever we decide to stay that day? Also, will we have a problem restarting the train trip from Voss to Bergen without advance reservations? I've noticed that some of the trains require a reservation but I'm assuming that we can make them at the station at the last minute. Is that generally the case or is that is a busy segment.

Thank you for any information.

Bjorn

My very very best recommendation is that you plan for an overnight stay at Stalheim hotel, i.e that you take the morning train (8:11 or something) from Oslo. Then you'll catch the Flam-Gudvangen ferry at 3, and around ten minutes past 5 the Gudvangen-Voss bus will take you to the hotel, hopefully by driving up the steep old curves.
To reserve/get info, go to www.stalheim.com
Voss-Bergen: Local trains traffic this leg almost once an hour. Hence you will not need any reservation for this leg, unless you insist going by the express train. However, the latter is only few times a day, does not nessecarily match the bus schedules and will not make the Voss-Bergen stretch faster than the local trains (app 1 hour).
Happy journey, and seat yourselves on the left hand side when enjoying the Myrdal-Flam rail.
And do not miss a Stalheim stop over.
Bjorn, Oslo

Bjorn

PS
Of course you have other options as well. Staying in Flam at Fretheim hotel might be convenient. To my taste a Flam stay is no option, but if disco and quasi-urban and heavy touristic noise is on the agenda, you might love the place. Naturewise the place is very very nice, though.
Finse is another option, depending on wether the Finse 1214 hotel has opened for the season. The hotel is located right at the rail station on top of the mountains (1214 m above sea level). Exotic surroundings wether sun or storm, and may be a fun experience before rejoining the Nutshell tour next morning/mid day.
Again, welcom to Norway
Bjorn, Oslo

detraveler

Bjorn - will we need an advance reservation at the hotels at that time of year or can we just walk in then?

Bjorn

I really don't know. My stomch feeling says yes, you can walk right in. However, the hotels very well might be occupied with conferences/special arrangements on your dates.
For the last two years I've dropped by at Stalheim in the middle of the tourist season, and both times there were no problem getting a room, even less expencive than the expected price.
For safety's reason, though, I recommend you to send an e-mail / give them a call. And for sure: If you make a reservation, it can be cancelled without cost until 6 afternoon on your planned arrival.
All the hotels I mentioned have web-sites in both Norwegian and English, and with e-mail adresses and tel.numbers.
http://www.finse1222.no/
http://www.fretheim-hotel.no/
http://www.stalheim.com/
Good luck
Bjorn
PS: At Finse you will have only few minutes to check the hotel availibility before the Bergen Express starts moving

detraveler

Great...Thank you for all of your advice. I keep forgetting about the liberal cancellation policies. That is an excellent thought.

Judy