Suzanne

My mother and I are planning a trip to Norway next July. We are definatly going to Trodheim to visit relatives but we're not sure what to do after that any suggestions? What about a tour throught the Fjords? Is there a good tour company? <BR>Thanks in advance. <BR>Suzanne

Nils

I recommend you to go from Tronheim to Bergen on the south west coast. You should visit the following places: Roeros, Geiranger, Stryn, Joelster, Balestrand, Voss, Norheimsund (try Sandven Hotel), Os (try Solstrand Fjord Hotel). From Bergen you should try "Norway in a nutshell" including the famous railway "Flaamsbanen", Voss and The Sogne Fjord. In Trondheim you must visit the Nidarosdomen, the Stiftsgaarden og the Munkholmen. In Bergen you should not miss the Haakonshallen, the Bryggen, the fish market, the railcars to the mountains of Floeyen and of Ulriken, Edvard Grieg's home "Troldhaugen", the Aquarium and the Fantoft Stave Church. I live in Bergen and can give you more information about Bergen if you need. Nils

Al

Suzanne -- Nils is giving you good advice. We took the train from Oslo to Bergen where we boarded the Hurtigruten ship (manned by Bergen Lines) all the way to Kirkenes, beyond the North Cape. We thought Bergen was the most interesting city we saw -- so easy to explore on foot. You will love it. Trondheim was one of our stops. There we took a shore excursion that included a museum of musical instruments, housed in an old wooden house. Very interesting. Be sure to visit Trondheim's cathedral, the northernmost cathedral in all of Europe. I am sure that you will enjoy Norway and its friendly people. However, be prepared to confront the very strong Norwegian kroner. In our opinion and experience, Norway prices were higher than those of Sweden and Denmark. However, the scenery is absolutely splendid.

s.fowler

I second the vote for the Ringve Museum. The highlight is the guide's playing of music from the same period as the instrument ON the actual instrument! Be sure to get the recordings they sell. You won't regret it! I seem to remember, among the various keyboard instruments a "violin" that could be played with a small keyboard! We *are* an inventive species.

barb.b.

we were in Norway in July/Aug. of this year (98) we saw relatives in Sande, Sandefjord and Oslo...if you are going to Oslo, I would book a bus tour...it takes you to several places that you would not have time to see in a day....the tour is about 4 or 5 hours and covers a lot of history.....well worth it....also, if you have a couple hundred dollars to spare!!!you could take in the TheatreCaffen in Oslo...very unique and oftentimes there are famous artists dining there.... <BR> <BR>Next time we go, we would take a trip up north to see many of the beautiful areas.

Harald Hansen

The advice from Nils about Bergen, the Flam train and Sognefjord are all good. Olso is great if you have three or four days. Frognerparken on a sunny day cannot be beat. <BR> Trondheim has about the worst weather in Norway, the south along the Skaggerak is the best. <BR> The North is terrific for rugged beauty and the midnight sun. <BR> Get out and meet the people. In the north, in particular, everyone seems in a good mood all summer. People are very hospitable.

Cheryl Z.

<BR>Suzanne, you can't miss with a "Norway in a Nutshell" tour, a wonderful scenic combination of train/bus/boat thru the fjords and mountains. Incredible! Very easy to book when you are there. Some advice though - even tho it'll be July, bring raingear and be prepared for chilly rainy weather. We took our first trip to Norway last Aug. and it was the worst weather they said they'd ever had, especially Bergen. However, we still enjoyed it, saw some incredible scenery and wouldn't have missed it for anything. We actually had snowflakes on our "Nutshell" cruise up in the mountains. Have a wonderful time.