Nutshell Questions
 

Thanks so much to those who responded to my previous post. This is SO helpful -- but you already know that:)

I think I'm a little unclear about the Norway in a Nutshell concept. It looks fantastic but it seems there is little or no time to explore the places you visit unless you stay overnight. I'm thinking about overnight stays in Stalheim and Bergen (or at least one of the two).

In the other stops is it possible to stay to hike, or eat, or sightsee -- and then pick up the tour a few hours later? Or do you need to wait until the following day to continue the tour?

I guess I'm just not quiten understanding. Is the main purpose of this tour simply to have transportation to a series of scenic spots? Is the beauty of the scenery along the journey itself the main point -- as opposed to the destinations?

Also, would it be better (or cost less) to arrange my own transportation from Oslo to Stalheim, and then from Stalheim to Bergen?
Thanks so much for your help. Any suggestions will be appreciated. (FYI, I'll be traveling the last few days in May.)

It's called "Norway in a nutshell" simply because it is a quick way of seeing a lot in a short time. I've not done the trip, but I think the tour uses scheduled trains and boats, so therefore you can plan your own trip, staying as long as you like at places en route. If the tour uses public transport, you can check schedules on www.rutebok.no which covers all public transport in Norway.

I'm no expert, but I would agree that Nutshell is indeed as you say a scenic route from Oslo to Bergen. At one place the mountain tram stops and everyone gets off to view a waterfall. So while you can stop off to hike, and many do you, can also just continue by various means to your destination. Or as you say you can stop off at Stalheim.

Bergen is more than an overnight stay I would say...it is an enjoyable seacoast city in which to spend a few days. Besides being at the harbor market and exploring the bryggen and Hanseatic museum, take in some folkore entrtainment, this might include a fjord boat trip, go over to Oygarden village, take a trip to the unusual house built by Ole Bull, etc.
Ozatrks Bill

I feel your pain (questions that is)!

We took the Norway in a Nutshell last summer. I was also confused as I started planning this part of our trip. It is certainly transportation to Bergen. It is also a beautiful tour. Even as we took the trip, we felt the "Nutshell" was somewhat confusing. Few instructions as you move from train to train to boat to bus to train. There is little time in each stop. It is not an organized tour with a guide. You have to listen carefully and move to the next step (particularily to the correct ship). Having said all this ~ do it, do it, do it. It is beautiful and well worth the "minimal confusion".

Couple points:

I recommend making reservations as soon as you know your schedule

I recommend looking into a baggage service. They will pick up your bags at your hotel in Oslo and deliver to Bergen. We did not use this service because it seemed expensive. Hindsight ~ wish we had. Depending on how much luggage you have, it may solve a problem.

Bergen is a beautiful city. We stayed there for two nights and then flew to Stockholm (our favorite large Baltic city).

The view from Stalheim is absolutely beautiful (you will stop there for awhile). Our itinerary did not allow us to overnight there.

I would sit on the right side of 1st train and make sure view is not blocked by window divides.

I am sure you will get several good replies. Enjoy!

Yes, it IS a hard concept to "get a handle on" but I agree that it is well worth it. We just did it summer 2004. Our luggage was not a huge problem as we were staying with family in Oslo and only took enough for our N in a N trip and then an extension from Bergen to Alesund. I'm pretty sure food was available on the train and the ferry...I don't recall starving! I do remember arriving in Bergen VERY tired and VERY hungry and went out immediately for pizza to Pepe's, recommended on this site and a wonderful place to eat. I also agree that you need to spend AT LEAST a couple of nights in Bergen. Boy, would I have loved more time there!! And, back to N in a N, yes, I do think the main point is the scenery along the way, not the stops. Keep in mind I made this trip with two teenagers and I lived to tell about it!