Maribel

Russ,
Your stunning photos make me believe that Norway is one of the most beautiful places on earth and have made me now put a high priority on a Norway trip, especially to the fjords.
I had thought of doing Norway the "easy" (or maybe "lazy") way, doing the NIN with deviation and Hurtigruten from Bergen north, but you've convinced me that driving would be much more rewarding for the spectacular scenery and ability to make detours of one's choosing.

I just have a couple of practical questions, if you don't mind-
Did you need to pay a steep drop off fee for your car rental from Bergen to Alesund? And did you choose that car rental company for a particular reason (better rates?) rather than go through Auto Europe?
Did you consider going in September (which I'm contemplating) or has your May-June time frame always been your preferred time to travel?

Your last two lodgings look truly incredible!
Thanks so much for the gorgeous ride!

russ_in_LA

I haven't had internet service at home the past 4 days (total hell), and I have no phone or cell service at home without wifi, so I'm just seeing these comments now. Thanks again everyone for your replies. I appreciate the feedback. I didn't do a lot on logistics, so if you have any questions, please let me know.

russ_in_LA

I'm so happy you enjoyed the report! I checked my receipts and can't find a line item for the one-way fee, so it must have been just rolled in with the total. When I made the reservation, I just went with the cheapest company. The booking landed at Budget car rental in the end. I have used Auto Europe many times and always been happy, but just went on price this time. Renting a car is great, so long as you can roll with punches as far as closures and ferrys.

If I had to do it again, I would do the Norway portion of the trip in mid-June, maybe starting June 11 or so. The spring flowers were pretty and the waterfalls at their peak when we went, but many roads, restaurants and activities were closed. Mid-June should have the same advantages, but with more things open. Last week of August or first week of Sept should be very good as well, after the peak crowds have left. NOTE: If weatherspark.com is to be believed, April-July has the least rain in the Bergen area. Mid-Sept to mid-Jan seems to be the peak rainy season. Here's a link for more info:

https://weatherspark.com/y/52849/Ave...way-Year-Round

Our final hotels were definitely the splurge of the trip but Norway is expensive, not matter what level of meals and lodgings you book. Have fun when you go!

TDudette

Bravo, russ_in_LA. What a gorgeous country... thank you for giving everyone such exquisite views of it.

russ_in_LA

Thanks so much! We loved Norway more than we expected to. I definitely recommend it!

mjs

Just wanted to report that we are now in Stockholm after a few days in London and Copenhagen. Using your trip report to help guide us. Have been here before but it’s been a very long time. Visited the Nobel museum today which I enjoyed very much. Highly recommended if you are into the sciences. Had a nice lunch at Meatballs for the people and wandered around
Gamla Stan.

Fyris

Not just any random doorway, this is the house where Count Axel von Fersen hid in 1810 before a mob found him, dragged him out in the street and murdered him.

He certainly was an interesting person, friend (and rumoured lover) of Marie Antoinette and participated in the American revolutionary war.

A former government building, now used by the parliament instead.

As a local, my suggestion would be the train between Copenhagen and Stockholm.

Actually, that is Riddarholmen.

russ_in_LA

Hope it's helpful. Have a great time!

russ_in_LA

Thanks for the info. Always love to hear additional details.
I do wish we had taken the train from Copenhagen to Stockholm.
I realized my Gamla Stan/Riddarholmen error after I posted, but more than an hour had elapsed, so I couldn't edit it. Thanks for the clarification.

mjs

We took the 6:19 pm train from Copenhagen with arrival about 11:43pm. Cost was about $43 a person second class. Nice scenery for much of the trip. Also about a 7 minute walk to the Sheraton hotel in Stockholm from the central train station. . I thought it was significantly less expensive than flying and more comfortable and less stressful.

progol

russ, you outdid yourself (if that's possible!) with scenic vistas and spectacular photos! I'm angry at you now because I have to include Scandinavia, or at least Norway, on my long list of places I want to visit. It hadn't been on my radar before, really. It's your fault. But now it is on that ever-growing list, and how is it going to be possible to do them all!?

Really, fantastic trip!

mjs

Currently in Oslo on way to Bergen from
Stockholm via SAS. I want to amend my suggestion that one should take the train from
Copenhagen to Stockholm. It’s not a suggestion. Take the train, take the train, take the train. Also if flying SAS pay a little more for SAS plus.

russ_in_LA

Thanks! I really enjoyed reliving our Portugal trip from last year through your report. Glad you had a good time!

I have the feeling we should have taken the train

yestravel

Wonderful details! Appreciate you taking all the time to write our your trip. We are thinking of doing a similar trip in Spring 2023 & using yours a starting point. Did you consider going further up to say Bodø? You mentioned going later in the Spring, would you say leaving a week later might help or more? Thanks for your insights!

russ_in_LA

Glad you enjoyed the report! If I had it to do over, I would start June 1, that way all of the roads in Norway would be open. Happy travels!