Norwegian fjords itinerary advice
#1
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Norwegian fjords itinerary advice
I'm planning a 2 week trip through the western fjords at the end of May. It seems like a lot of people manage to see a lot in less time than I have, but I'm still getting concerned that my itinerary might be too hectic. Was looking for advice from the fjord experts, especially Bjorn who knows the area so well.
Fly into Bergen - 2 nights
Ulvik - 2 nights
Stalheim - 1 night.
Balestrand - 2 nights
Mundal/Fjaerland - 2 nights
Geiranger - 4 nights
Selje - 2 nights
Back to Bergen for flight home
Does this seem like too much to cram in or is it reasonable? What should be cut, if anything? Keep in mind that we'll be using public transport for the entire thing (don't feel like managing those roads, and have heard the connections are excellent anyway) so a lot of time will be spent on buses, trains, boats.
(BTW, Selje is just there because it seems they have a direct boat to Bergen, where we have to end up for the flight back to Amsterdam.)
Fly into Bergen - 2 nights
Ulvik - 2 nights
Stalheim - 1 night.
Balestrand - 2 nights
Mundal/Fjaerland - 2 nights
Geiranger - 4 nights
Selje - 2 nights
Back to Bergen for flight home
Does this seem like too much to cram in or is it reasonable? What should be cut, if anything? Keep in mind that we'll be using public transport for the entire thing (don't feel like managing those roads, and have heard the connections are excellent anyway) so a lot of time will be spent on buses, trains, boats.
(BTW, Selje is just there because it seems they have a direct boat to Bergen, where we have to end up for the flight back to Amsterdam.)
#3
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I probably should have replied earlier. But your itinerary sounds very relaxing to me.
I would personally not stay more than 3 nights in Geiranger, but I am staying one week at a nearby fjord this summer having a car, so I should probably not say anything.
I like the Idea of two nights in Selje balancing all those fjords for some coastal view with sandy beaches (although usually too cold to swim). One suggestion would be visiting Selje monastery and learn about the legend St. Sunniva. But disappointingly the 'Monastery'-boat only runs on Sundays until June 21.
I would personally not stay more than 3 nights in Geiranger, but I am staying one week at a nearby fjord this summer having a car, so I should probably not say anything.
I like the Idea of two nights in Selje balancing all those fjords for some coastal view with sandy beaches (although usually too cold to swim). One suggestion would be visiting Selje monastery and learn about the legend St. Sunniva. But disappointingly the 'Monastery'-boat only runs on Sundays until June 21.
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Mark: Not an expert like Bjorn, but we have been to and enjoyed the area. Your itinerary sounds great with the exception of the four days at Geiranger. Too much in my humble opinion. We spent two days. Wandered all over the shoreline and up the hills and spent a lot of time just looking at the fjord from our room which had a wonderful view. Unless you just want to kick back, two days is plenty.
It rained lightly one day around lunch time. We went to the deli and got a picnic lunch. They have these tables with benches waterside and there are little peaked roofs over the tables. So, we sat at the table, enjoyed our lunch and the fantastic view, completely dry. We look at the pictures we took and laugh at this one. Great fun.
If you are looking for something to do for two days (assuming you trim Geiranger to two days), look into Alesund on the coast. It is a pretty, easy drive from Geiranger and we found it delightful. We stayed at a hotel on the harbor and the great ships from around the World were in. What a fantastic view. Anyway, the town is Art deco in architecture. A German Prince didn't like the town as it stood and had it redone in Art Deco and it is completely charming. If you stay here, go out to the islands one day and see the waterside farms with very old , well maintained buildings, great little churches and wonderful views at all times. We loved this area and it is a pretty, easy ride to Ballestrand from here.
If nothing else, this reponse will get you to the top again where Bjorn might see it. Haven't heard from him for a while. Hope he is all right. Have a great trip.
It rained lightly one day around lunch time. We went to the deli and got a picnic lunch. They have these tables with benches waterside and there are little peaked roofs over the tables. So, we sat at the table, enjoyed our lunch and the fantastic view, completely dry. We look at the pictures we took and laugh at this one. Great fun.
If you are looking for something to do for two days (assuming you trim Geiranger to two days), look into Alesund on the coast. It is a pretty, easy drive from Geiranger and we found it delightful. We stayed at a hotel on the harbor and the great ships from around the World were in. What a fantastic view. Anyway, the town is Art deco in architecture. A German Prince didn't like the town as it stood and had it redone in Art Deco and it is completely charming. If you stay here, go out to the islands one day and see the waterside farms with very old , well maintained buildings, great little churches and wonderful views at all times. We loved this area and it is a pretty, easy ride to Ballestrand from here.
If nothing else, this reponse will get you to the top again where Bjorn might see it. Haven't heard from him for a while. Hope he is all right. Have a great trip.
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Thanks for the replies... I was planning on 4 days in Geiranger mainly because it seems it will take a while to get there via public transport and I just wanted to stay put for a few days somewhere after a day on the bus. But will consider all of your suggestions!