I am interested in going to Scandinavia in early October. I will fly British Air and get over my jet lag in the UK. I will have approximately 10 ¡V 12 nights for Scandinavia. <BR>„h Can anyone make any suggestions on an itinerary?<BR>„h Is it wise to rent a car?<BR>„h I would like to se the Fjords but heard they do not have tours in October. <BR>„h How do I get from country to country<BR>„h What is the weather like then?<BR><BR>Thanks<BR>

1) Hard to suggest itinerary without knowing you interests, but how about: Fly to Copenhagen, boat to Oslo (or Kristiansand - personally I wouldn't say Oslo's a must, but then again people seem to like it), train to Bergen, travel through the fjords by bus north to Trondheim and from there on south to Oslo again. You could do more, you could do less, but I'd say this would be good for a not too rushed 10-12 days itinerary.<BR><BR>2)Not really. It's extremely expensive, and buses are (relatively) frequent, reliable and comfortable. Far cheaper.<BR><BR>3)Who wants tours... Use local transportation, no problem. If you go by bus from Bergen, you'll see plenty of them. A suggestion could be going by ferry from Hellesylt to Geiranger or the other way around, this would take you through what I and many others consider the most beautiful fjord of Norway (www.geiranger.no)...there are ferries. <BR><BR>4)Bus, boat, plane, train, your choice.<BR><BR>5)Bad luck scenario: Rainy, cloudy, chilly.<BR>Good luck scenario: Sunny, fairly warm. <BR>Definitely bring clothes for rain and cold (anything from 5-25c). Colors will be magnificent in either case. And you're avoiding the tourist crowds.<BR><BR>Feel free to e-mail me if you'd like to know about transportation etc. without the tours, I sort of live in the middle of the fjords. [email protected]

1. Suggestion on Itinerary: Fly to Copenhagen and take the overnight boat to Oslo. Take the train to the inland town of Roros, it should have butiful colours in October. Continue on train to Trondheim. Book the costal Hurtigruten to Bergen. Take the train to Voss or Myrdal and make a detour on the Flom railway. Go back to Oslo or Bergen and fly into Stockholm. <BR>You could also stop in Aalesund, rent a car and drive thru the fjords on your way to Bergen. If so I would definitely fly out of Bergen. <BR>2. Personally I like the freedom of travelling by car. But the cheapest would be by bus.<BR>3. 'Fjord Tours' have all year tours.<BR>http://www.rallarvegen.no/eng/index.html<BR>Possibly do the Great Costal Tour thru Osterdalen with a stopover in Roros mining town, or the smaller Costal tour over the mountain to Aalesund.<BR>4. Taking the plane is the best way from Norway to Stockholm. From Copenhagen I would say the boat, you make the trip as you sleep.<BR>5. Weather is unpredictable, but probably in the forties - fifties.<BR><BR>Happy stay!<BR>

I would just like to state that kirikou is absolutely right about going on local transportation. Nor-Way bussekspress and Morebil does offer some very good long distance or short distance buss tours (Bergen-Forde-Stryn-Alesund with a detour to Geiranger perhaps?) Hop on and off, as you like. Another benefit is that you easier get in contact with others although Norwegians are not the most outspoken to say the least. <BR>The busses do have large luggage compartments. You need not worry!<BR>

Thanks so much for your help. I am trying to work out the details without flying to much. This is the greatest source of information. The flight over is enough for me. Kirikou, I tried emailing you but it came back. I will try again.

If going on the costal steamer Hurtigruten after 1. October one should consider doing the trip starting from Bergen. That way you get a three-hour stop in Aalesund.<BR>http://www.hurtigruten.com/uk/rplan2.html<BR>

If going to Stockholm by rail, check out the Scan rail offer. You get 50% off going by buss on some coastal bus routes. (www.scanrail.com)<BR> <BR>I hope you get in contact with kirikou

The trip to Stockholm from Oslo can be done in about 5 hours, as this article in the Norway post can tell you. I guess it will take years.. to get down to 3 hours as they hope.<BR>http://www.norwaypost.no/content.asp...uster_id=19901

HELEN,<BR>THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE INFO. My planning for the trip is slowly coming together.