Train planning in Norway
Sep 3rd, 2013, 05:43 PM
#1
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Train planning in Norway
We are doing a 10 day Hurtigruten trip this fall, which is all planned.
Before the boat trip, we want to do the equivalent of Norway in a Nutshell as a round trip from Bergen. Is it possible to purchase tickets for this the day before in Bergen? Would we get them at the Information Center?
We'll disembark the Hurtigruten ship on the way south in Trondheim and will take a train to Oslo the following day. Again, would we be able to purchase tickets for this the day before in Trondheim?
Thanks for any help or suggestions anyone can make.
Before the boat trip, we want to do the equivalent of Norway in a Nutshell as a round trip from Bergen. Is it possible to purchase tickets for this the day before in Bergen? Would we get them at the Information Center?
We'll disembark the Hurtigruten ship on the way south in Trondheim and will take a train to Oslo the following day. Again, would we be able to purchase tickets for this the day before in Trondheim?
Thanks for any help or suggestions anyone can make.
Sep 3rd, 2013, 08:03 PM
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When we did the NIN from Oslo to Bergen, we purchased the tickets a couple days ahead of time because the train ride starting in Oslo required reservations. On the other hand, I do not recall having reserved seats for the leg going to Bergen, which might suggest that the train from Bergen might not require reservations.
Sep 4th, 2013, 04:18 AM
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Certainly for your trip to Oslo you should try and book it online to get the minipris tickets which will save a lot.
The Norwegian Rail website is easy to use. www.nsb.no
Which boat are you on? We're going again later this month.
The Norwegian Rail website is easy to use. www.nsb.no
Which boat are you on? We're going again later this month.
Sep 4th, 2013, 04:01 PM
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We'll be in Norway for 5 nights next summer. We would like to spend time in Bergen (from which we'll do some form of fjord/nutshell tour and also in Oslo, from which we'll fly to Stockholm (already booked). My questions:
How to divide the days/nights?
If we do the roundtrip norway in a nutshell, and then travel by train from Bergen to Norway, will we be repeating the portion from Myrdal to Bergen going to Oslo when we leave?
How does the Sognefjord in a Nutshell compare to the Norway in a Nutshell. Would it avoid the duplication?
The train Bergen to Oslo seems to take a long time. Is it because of the distance or the terrain?
How to divide the days/nights?
If we do the roundtrip norway in a nutshell, and then travel by train from Bergen to Norway, will we be repeating the portion from Myrdal to Bergen going to Oslo when we leave?
How does the Sognefjord in a Nutshell compare to the Norway in a Nutshell. Would it avoid the duplication?
The train Bergen to Oslo seems to take a long time. Is it because of the distance or the terrain?
Sep 5th, 2013, 07:23 AM
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Yes, Michele, decided you were right about booking the train from Trondheim to Oslo. Know we're doing it, so why not book.
As for the NIN, I was just wondering if it's any less expensive to book each part individually when we're there rather than doing the package. Can't seem to find anything about Senior rates for that either.
hetismij2: We're on the Nordnorge. From your reports, I know you've done this several times, so any further comments or suggestions you can make would be great. Is the coffee really that terrible? Is the expresso included in the coffee package? Friends went on the Norge last spring and gave us their cups. Not sure I feel right using them, plus I'd imagine you need a card or something, too, to show you're entitled to it.
May have additional questions as we get closer.
As for the NIN, I was just wondering if it's any less expensive to book each part individually when we're there rather than doing the package. Can't seem to find anything about Senior rates for that either.
hetismij2: We're on the Nordnorge. From your reports, I know you've done this several times, so any further comments or suggestions you can make would be great. Is the coffee really that terrible? Is the expresso included in the coffee package? Friends went on the Norge last spring and gave us their cups. Not sure I feel right using them, plus I'd imagine you need a card or something, too, to show you're entitled to it.
May have additional questions as we get closer.
Sep 5th, 2013, 07:39 AM
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http://www.norwaynutshell.com/en/exp...in-a-nutshell/
this explains it all - I did it on my own after having bought tickets for all components at the Information office in Bergen Railway station the day before and then went on my own - you do not need reservations on trains from or to Bergen last I knew nor the bus to Gudvagen or Flam train - everyone gets off one convayence and boards the next - just spoke to a friend who did it last week and it was the same.
Scour these sites for lots of great info on Norway trains and NIN - www.ricksteves.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.seat61.com. Yes you can buy the other train ticket at any Norwegian station - unless you get a discount online I'd just wait - those trains rarely if ever sell out IME.
this explains it all - I did it on my own after having bought tickets for all components at the Information office in Bergen Railway station the day before and then went on my own - you do not need reservations on trains from or to Bergen last I knew nor the bus to Gudvagen or Flam train - everyone gets off one convayence and boards the next - just spoke to a friend who did it last week and it was the same.
Scour these sites for lots of great info on Norway trains and NIN - www.ricksteves.com; www.budgeteuropetravel.com and www.seat61.com. Yes you can buy the other train ticket at any Norwegian station - unless you get a discount online I'd just wait - those trains rarely if ever sell out IME.
Sep 5th, 2013, 07:46 AM
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Coffee is OK. Not brilliant but OK (at least it was on the Vesterålen). No espresso isn't included in the coffee package, but is available.
I haven't decided about taking my cups this time. Officially they are good for a year, but no-one seems to check. I'll probably be a good girl and buy the package again. I like the cups anyway and can give some to my sons.
Do make sure you get your boarding card validated as a ships card so any extras you buy are put on your credit card rather than having to keep paying for every little thing. You will receive a print out of all charges on your final day.
Don't take the Bødø bus from the ship if you only want to go into what, imho, is the world's most boring town. You can easily walk it. You could get the bus to the museum if you are in to U2s or go on the excursion to the Saltstraumen.
I actually quite enjoy the quiet onboard when docked in such places.
Wine beer etc is really expensive in Norway. You can buy your duty free on arrival though, and if you want some booze I recommend you do that. On the ships you can consume your booze in your cabin, but not in the public areas.
Don't expect entertainment on board. Accept life goes slowly on board, take a book or three, though they have libraries too. You will quickly make friends with your table companions and others on board, and that makes it fun. Make sure you take part in the ceremonies for crossing the Arctic circle, both ways.
Find out how they announce aurora sightings on your ship. At night they usually announce them on a radio channel so you can choose to receive them or not.
Have plenty of memory cards for your camera, but don't spend all your time viewing Norway through a view finder.
Bring warm clothing and sensible shoes!
We're on the Kong Harald this time. First time on one of the bigger boats, I've only been on the Vesterålen before.
I believe buying the NIN package is cheaper. I don't know about discounts for seniors though.
21 days and counting.
I haven't decided about taking my cups this time. Officially they are good for a year, but no-one seems to check. I'll probably be a good girl and buy the package again. I like the cups anyway and can give some to my sons.
Do make sure you get your boarding card validated as a ships card so any extras you buy are put on your credit card rather than having to keep paying for every little thing. You will receive a print out of all charges on your final day.
Don't take the Bødø bus from the ship if you only want to go into what, imho, is the world's most boring town. You can easily walk it. You could get the bus to the museum if you are in to U2s or go on the excursion to the Saltstraumen.
I actually quite enjoy the quiet onboard when docked in such places.
Wine beer etc is really expensive in Norway. You can buy your duty free on arrival though, and if you want some booze I recommend you do that. On the ships you can consume your booze in your cabin, but not in the public areas.
Don't expect entertainment on board. Accept life goes slowly on board, take a book or three, though they have libraries too. You will quickly make friends with your table companions and others on board, and that makes it fun. Make sure you take part in the ceremonies for crossing the Arctic circle, both ways.
Find out how they announce aurora sightings on your ship. At night they usually announce them on a radio channel so you can choose to receive them or not.
Have plenty of memory cards for your camera, but don't spend all your time viewing Norway through a view finder.
Bring warm clothing and sensible shoes!
We're on the Kong Harald this time. First time on one of the bigger boats, I've only been on the Vesterålen before.
I believe buying the NIN package is cheaper. I don't know about discounts for seniors though.
21 days and counting
.
Sep 5th, 2013, 08:09 AM
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I re-read your original posting. To do the NIN as a round trip from Bergen is a waste of time. Just do it while going from Oslo to Bergen. You'll be leaving early in the morning and arriving in Bergen around 8 p.m. if memory serves me right.
Sep 5th, 2013, 08:49 AM
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Considering we've traveled quite a bit, it may sound strange that we've never bought anything in a Duty Free shop. Are we able to purchase wine at the Oslo airport when we arrive? I always thought you could only purchase it to take back to the USA. Is the price much better?
Not if, but when, we need to buy more wine, do stores have better prices than the ship? Are there stores to purchase it in many of the places we stop along the way?
Would you say interior temps on the ships are hot, cold, comfortable? Just thinking if I need to be bundled in a sweater all the time.
Food sounds wonderful and I'm definitely looking forward to trying many new foods.
We are going with another couple, but my husband loves to talk with everyone he meets, so I'm sure we'll make new friends quickly.
Not if, but when, we need to buy more wine, do stores have better prices than the ship? Are there stores to purchase it in many of the places we stop along the way?
Would you say interior temps on the ships are hot, cold, comfortable? Just thinking if I need to be bundled in a sweater all the time.
Food sounds wonderful and I'm definitely looking forward to trying many new foods.
We are going with another couple, but my husband loves to talk with everyone he meets, so I'm sure we'll make new friends quickly.
Sep 5th, 2013, 09:14 AM
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Hi Clousie,
I have not taken a cruise in Norway but I have visited Norway and taken cruises before so...the temps inside the ship are usually very comfortable. It is when you are outside that it can be a bit chilly because of the movement of the ship. But that is where you get the best views, especially on the front of the boat! You will definitely be able to find outside areas on the ship where it is more protected, like the back of the boat, but plan on taking some outer layers to block the wind.
Regarding the wine situation: We stayed in an apt in Norway for a week so of course we needed to buy wine! We found that the wine was sold in a store all by itself, not in regular markets so just have a heads up on that. The days and hours of operation were also very very limited.
Your cruise directors should be knowledgeable on where to buy the wine in the ports, although I don't know if you are allowed to bring it back on board. I'm sure as soon as you disembark you can ask a local shop owner and they can let you know where to buy some wine.
Have a fun trip!
I have not taken a cruise in Norway but I have visited Norway and taken cruises before so...the temps inside the ship are usually very comfortable. It is when you are outside that it can be a bit chilly because of the movement of the ship. But that is where you get the best views, especially on the front of the boat! You will definitely be able to find outside areas on the ship where it is more protected, like the back of the boat, but plan on taking some outer layers to block the wind.
Regarding the wine situation: We stayed in an apt in Norway for a week so of course we needed to buy wine! We found that the wine was sold in a store all by itself, not in regular markets so just have a heads up on that. The days and hours of operation were also very very limited.
Your cruise directors should be knowledgeable on where to buy the wine in the ports, although I don't know if you are allowed to bring it back on board. I'm sure as soon as you disembark you can ask a local shop owner and they can let you know where to buy some wine.
Have a fun trip!
Sep 5th, 2013, 09:24 AM
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The ships are comfortable inside, not hot, but comfy.
Bring layers and something windproof. That will make a huge difference on deck.
You can buy wine at the duty free, maybe getting your allowance as a wine box is easiest. Other you have to find a state run store. With 4 of you it may work out easier if not cheaper just to share a bottle you buy on board.
Duty free is cheaper than in the shops or onboard, but no bargain compared to other countries.
Oh, if you buy souvenirs see if you can get the tax back on them. You need a form for it. The shop onboard for instance is a shop which can do the paperwork for what you buy.
Bring layers and something windproof. That will make a huge difference on deck.
You can buy wine at the duty free, maybe getting your allowance as a wine box is easiest. Other you have to find a state run store. With 4 of you it may work out easier if not cheaper just to share a bottle you buy on board.
Duty free is cheaper than in the shops or onboard, but no bargain compared to other countries.
Oh, if you buy souvenirs see if you can get the tax back on them. You need a form for it. The shop onboard for instance is a shop which can do the paperwork for what you buy.
Sep 9th, 2013, 10:05 AM
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Bring all the booze you can into Norway as it costs an absolute fortune once there and for harder stuff yes you must track down a state-run store with bankers hours - last time I was there they were closed on weekends! They have a monopoly last I knew on stronger alcoholic sales - weak beer can be bought in supermarkets last time I was there.
Sep 9th, 2013, 01:00 PM
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To do the NIN as a round trip from Bergen is a waste of time. Just do it while going from Oslo to Bergen.>
ok if you can leave your baggage in Oslo if returning there or sent it ahead or you are packing light - you do have to transfer from train to train to boat to bus to train.
Aso I enjoyed walking around Flam - would not have with bags in town - perhaps Norwegian Railways have a way to send bags ahead if not returning to Olso - if so leave them like my friend just did in baggage room at Oslo's main train station.
ok if you can leave your baggage in Oslo if returning there or sent it ahead or you are packing light - you do have to transfer from train to train to boat to bus to train.
Aso I enjoyed walking around Flam - would not have with bags in town - perhaps Norwegian Railways have a way to send bags ahead if not returning to Olso - if so leave them like my friend just did in baggage room at Oslo's main train station.
