titusdahl

My wife and I will be in Norway for a week in late July 2003. We will then travel to Denmark. We've considered either renting a car for the distance or booking a flight. Any thoughts on the advantages between these 2 options? We are first time travelers. We will stay in Denmark for a week. Thanks>

Snoopy

Depends on where in Norway . . . I've made the drive from Oslo to Copenhagen. It was during the winter and it took two days because of the weather. I wasn't all that impressed with the scenery. But I'd been in Hamar and Lillehammar for 2 weeks! Maybe I was expecting too much.

Having made the trip once (which could be done in one day, and during the time of year that you'll be there, there will be plenty of daylight) I'd fly. It's about an hour from Oslo to Copenhagen. Then I'd rent a car in Copenhagen. But that's because I'm a car person. I don't like escorted tours. For example, the tour for Kronborg Castle -- of "Hamlet" fame -- is a 9:00am to 3:00pm tour from Copenhagen. It's about a 40 minute drive each way. So like it or not, you'll spend about 4 hours at the castle. That's way too much for me.

Again. . . where in Norway? Where in Denmark? Do you have reservations in Denmark yet? That time of year it can be very difficult to get hotel space in Copenhagen.

helen

Have you thought about the DFDS seaways boat option?

GeoffHamer

DFDS has the most civilised way of getting from Oslo to København. They have huge ships with a range of cabins, bars, restaurants, etc, so it's like staying in a hotel for the night. You can check details on www.dfdsseaways.com.

Snoopy

I've taken the DFDS trip from Copenhagen to Oslo and the arrival in Oslo was spectacular. I don't know what the return trip is like.

I will say that there was very little sleeping between Cph and Oslo. We left around 4:00pm and the drinking and loud singing began at 4:01pm and never stopped. Our cabin was fairly close to a clot of "people" who felt compelled to scream-sing non-stop. It wasn't a disaster, though other Danes told me of similar experiences.

helen

Snoopy, The trip is almost the same in both directions. I'm sorry of your experience with partying drunk Norwegians, and yes I must admit it is common on Friday and Saturday cruises especially during winter months. I'm not familiar with scream-singing but loud talk/music. Mid-week is much better. I have only once travelled in July, it was quiet then. Some companies closes in July and many Norwegians are on holiday with children, and try to behave.

Deloris

Do you guys want the easy way?????????
Fly!!!!!!!!!!!Book your tics now, before you leave.On y9ur international package. Rent- a -cars and ferries are not cheap in Europe, take too much time and dramamine and if you do not speak the lingo and get in a problem...lotsa luck. The flight is about an hour and the trains in Scandinavia from the airports to the center of the cities are cheap and clean-fabulous. We're
going back to Norway next summer after a great vacation there 3 years ago in Norway/Sweden/Denmark and the Scandinavians have the award for trains
and metros..By the way, SAS hotels and possibly some others have convenient and cheap bus transport to airports and 3 years ago sent the bags from their SAS hotel so you could catch a train empty handed.With the world situation now, who knows.
And hit the city wharf restaurants and think of me when you scarf up the fabulous fresh shrimp, salmon,etc. with a harbor view!!!

viking

I wouldn't miss the boat ride for anything. In July the daylight is long and weather conditions benign. Departure and arrival is scenically dramatic (and conveniently located).
You see a local slice of life. My shared room was quiet the whole night, as everyone was off partying in the public areas. If there had been noise from high spirits, the gentle boat movement rocks you into deep sleep.

You save a hotel charge. I hear recent price rises are avoidable by buying tix far ahead (can search for a thread on that).