Trip to Norway- suggestions for itinerary?
 

Hello,

I was thinking of a trip to Norway this summer. I'm not sure of the dates, but it would probably be between mid-July to early-mid August. I would like the trip to last around 10 days. Here is what I was thinking of:

Day 1: Fly to Oslo, sightseeing there. (I went to Oslo four years ago, so I've already seen a few sights.)
Day 2: Train to Bergen. I understand the journey is quite nice. Is it worth it, or would it be better to save time and take the plane?
Day 3: Bergen
Day 4: Bergen and surrounding area (using hire car)
Day 5: Fly to Ålesund, walk around Ålesund.
Day 6: Ålesund and surrounding area ( a trip on Geirangerfjorden?)
Day 7: Drive from Ålesund to Molde (with another hire car). Visit Molde.
Day 8: Drive from Molde to Kristiansund, via Atlanterhavsveien.

That's my idea. Can anyone recommend 2 more days somewhere? (could be in Sweden or Denmark)

What do you think of this idea for an itinerary? Would it be feasible (are the distances each day too long, for example?) Would I be spending too long/ not long enough in a certain place? Would it be very touristy?

While I would go there to admire the natural beauty, I'm also interested in art, history, good food, culture, churches. Would the above itinerary be good for that, or not? (I would like to see some stave churches, if possible)

Do you think I would not be spending enough time on the fjords/ driving along them? I mentioned a possible trip on Geirangerfjorden with the ferry, but should I visit the area around Sognefjorden? Or change the itinerary to take in more of the fjords?

I have a generous budget for the trip.

What would the weather be like? From your experience, what is the weather like at that time of year? (Roughly what is the temperature normally at that time, and how much rain would there normally be?)

Thanks,
lualpache

day 3 - Norway in a Nutshell trip is such an extraordinary thing and cannot be done by car - only by boat - train and bus - in my deades of European travel this is at the top of my all-time great things to have done in Europe.

Forget the car this day and do the NIN - train from Bergen to Voss (Knute Rockne's grave in cenetery near train station - hop a mountain bus vis the famous Stalheim Hotel down to Norway's largest fjord - take a boat along it - maybe seeing whales - to Flam - take mountain train that makes a special stop to view a huge waterfalls - to Myrdhal for trains back to Bergen.

http://www.norwaynutshell.com/?gclid...FfE7MgodKz0Abw

for more info on Norwegian trains and the nutshell experience check out these IMO fantastic sources - www.ricksteves.com; www.seat61.com and www.budgeteuropetravel.com. For ythe NIN thing you buy all the various transit components in Bergen's train station and then you do your own tour, tickets in hand for each segment.

Thanks for the advice! I appreciate it. Thanks also for the links

What would the weather be like? From your experience, what is the weather like at that time of year?>

I was there in September which normally can get a little dicey but it was in the 60s and sunny - but in real summer not much warmer I believe but the days are so so long!

I haven't been , but I've always wanted to take one of the coastal cruise. checkout Visitnorway.com

I second Norway in a Nutshell. Fly SAS if you can; they are great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRv7fYl5zn8

the NIN tour on video

Thanks for all the advice.

I'll do Norway in a Nutshell tour. Would it be better to go Myrdal to Voss, or start in Voss and end in Myrdal?

I would be interesting in going to Undredal, if there is enough time while waiting in Flam. Does anyone know how I could get to Undredal from Flam (and back to Flam from Undredal)?

Are there any other parts of Sognefjorden area worth seeing (but using my hire car, something suitable for a day trip from Bergen)?

lualpache

Rather than flying to Oslo, I'm considering flying directly to Bergen, saving time and money by not doing the long train ride.

How much would I be missing if I didn't do the Oslo-Bergen train journey? Is it an unmissable experience, or would it be better to miss the Oslo part of the trip and go straight to Bergen?

Thanks,
lualpache

How much would I be missing if I didn't do the Oslo-Bergen train journey?>

Well that train trip is ubiquitously listed as one of Europe's most scenic train rides but it is also a long haul - it is hard to tell whether one will be enthralled or not - I do not think it is un-missable as nothing IMO is.

there is also an overnight train Oslo to Bergen and v.v. - days are long in summer so you may be able to see some of the scenes!