I just booked a weekend trip to Norway (we live in London) for my family of five. Here's the plan:

May 28 Fly to Bergen arriving 23:30, overnight Bergen
May 29 Norway in a Nutshell one-way to Oslo, overnight Oslo
May 30 Sightseeing in Oslo, overnight Oslo
May 31 Fly back to UK at 15:30 out of Oslo

It's a crazy, fast trip, but it's all we've got (we are trying to cram in some last minute travel before we move back to the US this summer). Flights and Nutshell tour area already booked.

What is a good hotel that is near the train station in Bergen to stay in the night before? Nothing luxury, budget minded for a family?

What is the luggage transport situation on the Nutshell tour? We are planning to pack very light for this trip, but what can we expect in terms of lugging our luggage around all day on the Nutshell tour? What about an umbrella stroller for the little guy? Will that be helpful, or will it just be cumbersome?

Also looking for a centrally located hotel in Oslo. Good location is important given our short stay. Also budget minded, but doesn't have to be ultra-cheap. Or even suggestions of a good area to stay would be appreciated.

Other tips?

Thanks!

Samtraveler, Bergen isn't very big and the train station is within walking distance from the centre.

I stayed in a guest house which I highly recommend.
Skansen Pensjonat.

http://www.skansen-pensjonat.no/

It is up a fairly steep hill and lots of steps but the view over Bergen is magnificent and it is like everywhere else in Norway spotlessly clean. Unlike other places in Norway it is also very cheap. No en suite but they have several showers and toilets and you will be provided with a big cosy bathrobe. They are kept spotless and there was never a queue for use.

Luggage won't be a problem but you will be expected to handle it yourself. I would definitely bring a stroller for the little one. There is luggage storage on the train and probable it is stored under the bus. The boat no problem with storage either.

In Oslo I stayed at another excellent and very cheap for Norway Pension. Cochs Pensjonat

http://www.cochspensjonat.no/englishindex.html

Very central overlooking the park and the Palace.

again highly recommended.

Enjoy Norway, my favourite country, clean, organised and everyone speaks English. Only downside it is probably the most expensive country in the world. Norway in a Nutshell (I only did the Bergen - Bergen return) was brilliant, you really do get a glimpse of the whole of Norway.

We have also stayed at Skansen Pensjonat and would highly recommend it as well - cambe has given you good advice. Only problem would be the steps but the view is worth it. There are also steep steps inside the house (we were not the top floor) so it may be wise to see if you can book the lower rooms. We easily walked to the train station from the house.

I think you may be getting into Bergen too late to enjoy some of the fresh seafood they sell at the markets - I can't really remember how long the stalls were open for. We were there at a similar time of year and had a beautiful fine day which makes the scenery even more stunning, I hope you have the same.

Thanks for the replies. Skansen looks nice, but the rooms won't accommodate a family. Plus we won't really be in Bergen at all. We'll be getting in so late on Friday (really after midnight) and leaving first thing in the morning on Saturday, that nothing matters in location except convenience.

Thanks for the Oslo recommendation. That could be good. And the tips on the luggage--helpful!

Anyone else have other ideas, I'd love to hear them! Thanks!

Plesae let me know how the luggage thing came out, because we have the same issue for an august trip. I don't want to lug a suitcase if possible and would love to someoohow send it ahead to Copenhagen where we're going next? Any ideas from your recent trip?

The first Norway in a Nutshell trip we left our luggage at the hotel in Oslo because we would be returning. We took just what we needed for overnight.

The second trip we had to take our luggage with us as we were doing the triangle tour. Train from Oslo to Stavanger, ferry to Bergen, train to Oslo with an overnight on the fjord.

Perhaps you could use backpacks for the weekend trip.

We stay at the Thon Hotel Opera across the street form the train station. It is convenient and a nice hotel - may be more expensive than you want to pay.

When you go to the airport you should have a choice of the fast train or the local train. The local train is not much slower than the fast train and it used to cost half the price of the fast train. So check this out as it may save you a lot of money. Not sure if it is the same now as it was a couple of years ago.

In Bergen we stayed at the Augustin Hotel. The hotels are very expensive so maybe checking out the b&bs/guest houses you could find something good.

Plenty of room on the train for carry-on size luggage. Oversize luggage is a bit more problematic, but not impossible. Buses have plenty of room underneath. The ferry was a bit crowded in the prime viewing areas, but you should be able to find someplace to leave luggage out of the way. As noted, expect to lug your own luggage, however none of the transportation is very far apart.