touring norway on your own

Many backpackers are put off by the cost of a trip to Norway. Just a few steps from the port (Gudvangen kai/ferjekai), bus 950 to Voss (Voss stasjon) was already waiting for us. Or you can take a package tour with Fjord Tours for about the same price and less hassle. One of the best things to do while youre in the area, and the next step on your Norway in a Nutshell journey, is a boat cruise from Flm to Gudvangen along the Nryfjord. Norway in a Nutshell is the most popular tourist attraction in Norway, similar to Icelands Golden Circle day excursion. It will be a full day! Naples, Italy Pompeii On Your Own Excursion | Norwegian Cruise Line Shore Excursion Details View More Excursions Pompeii On Your Own Naples, Italy Prices are shown in USD Adult From: $ 49 00 Child From: $ 49 00 LOG IN TO BOOK FIND CRUISES Share: Convenience of one-stop shopping for all of the ports you'll be visiting document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We are planning to drive from Odda to Flam and doing norway in a nutshell on our own. We started our planning by looking at the Norway in a Nutshell website to get an idea of the timing for each leg of the trip as well as beginning and ending times for the segments. Norway in a Nutshell isnt actually a guided tour, which is a common misconception. The 10 BEST Restaurants in Playa del Ingles,, Gran Canaria Diving My experience Scuba Diving, 19 Amazing Things to do in Alanya, Trkiye, Lofoten in Winter: 25 Amazing Things to do, Norway in a Nutshell Tour [Complete Guide +, 26 Must-Visit Magic Towns in Mexico [Best Pueblos. dont miss these Bergen tours that I recommend! If you do not have a rental car, you should book the official Norway in a Nutshell tour. You can also create your own self-guided walk to visit the city attractions which interest you the most. Open Privacy Options As mentioned above, the trip consists of boat, bus and train tickets, and take you through the Sognefjord in Western Norway (where I grew up!). Additionally, the train between Voss and Bergen is no more scenic than the bus. A: The best Self-guided Tours in Norway according to Viator travelers are: Oslo Highlights Private Walking Tour. Additionally, you can elect to spend a night in the Flm or Aurland area, and can book your accommodation through FjordTours (who sell the NIN tour). If you tend to get motion sickness, it is strongly recommended that you take Dramamine prior to boarding. Now that youve arrived Gudvangen, if you have time, take a quick look aroundand then move onward to Flm (by car: 20 km, 20 minutes drive). Norwegian trains are super prompt, and we got the impression the conductor waited to depart until the train from Oslo had deboarded anyway. We discovered that leaving Oslo shortly after 8am wouldnt get us into Bergen until about 9:30 that night. This is usually not very important, but if there is an unforeseen circumstance where the boat cannot run (for example), it is important to understand that you need to approach the boat company as an individual traveller, and not a Norway in a Nutshell traveller. Stop #1: The Stalheim Hotel You can book online, but booking over the phone simplified my planning process. This road is typically closed from mid-October through early June due to snowfall. Your Norway in a Nutshell experience kicks off at Oslos main train station, with a one-way ticket to Myrdals train station. If you do Norway in a Nutshell on your own, you can save a lot of money! What even is the Norway in a Nutshell tour? NO luggage. We had been a little worried about whether there would be enough seats and how the transfer would work. The views from this train ride are absolutely astounding, meandering through the Norwegian countryside as the sun rises. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. It takes another 30 minutes to drive from the hotel/Gudvangen to Flam. Tour of Norway - Wikipedia Looking forward to my trip later this fall :). Make sure to stock up on snacks and refill your water bottle before boarding. I personally hardly ever book packages when I travel, and always try to find my own way to do things. Cheers, Julie, Thank you Julie. Instead of booking the cruise on both the Naeroyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, you can book a car ferry from Gudvangen to Kaupanger. Crime rates are extremely low even in major cities such as Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger . USA Once your train tickets to Flm are booked and sorted, the first leg of your trip is ready. Is it necessary to book these activities in Flam ahead of time or can we go purchase these activities once we are there? The reality is that this routewhether or not you purchase the package through the companyis built for tourists. This takes you through the breathtaking Nryfjord and leaves you in Gudvangen. 9 minutes is enough to get between the train platforms (there are only 2). Norway in a Nutshell is the most popular tourist attraction in Norway, similar to Iceland's Golden Circle day excursion. Enjoy the view of Naeroydalen valley from the rear patio of the Stalheim Hotel. On either side of the ferry, mountains rose up nearly 5000 feet as we sliced our way across the frigid water. While the itinerary is pretty flexible, its also long. If you are looking to do Norway in a Nutshell from Oslo and end your tour in Bergen, its a pretty straight forward journey. No. Planning a trip to Norway? It is highly advisable to purchase these tickets in advance. We are moderate hikers and love hiking, walking, no health issues. Aside from a snowstorm, you should be able to do Norway in a Nutshell, but might have to skip the view from the Stalheim Hotel. The first is to follow a similar route as the Oslo version, only departing from Bergen (duh). You can choose if you want to go by bus to Voss and continue with the train, or just take the bus all the way to Bergen. To read more about Norway in a Nutshell, visit their website. Personally, I always travel this route by bus, because the Express buses are so comfortable, and it seems like a bit of a hassle to change to a train for such a short journey. 1-800-592-5566. . Drive to the Stegastein viewpoint for a spectacular view over Aurlandsfjord. From there, a combination of a bus and train take you to Bergen, Norways second largest city. One If By Land Tours is a student and adult travel tour operator with 35 years of experience. Alesund (Norway) on our own? - Northern Europe & Baltic Sea - Cruise The schedule starts in either Bergen or Oslo, and takes you through the UNESCO-Listed Nryfjord via the different modes of transportation. Norway offers many scenic drives. It offers a spectacular view. Nordic Visitor offers a wide range of tours in Norway that can be customised to your liking, such as with extra nights and optional activities . In Flm you will find quality restaurants in the local hotels and if you prefer a lighter meal there is also a bakery and a "snack bar" available. If you worry about how to get around in Norway by public transport, Fjord Tours has organized a sustainable and scenic package called, Sognefjorden and Hardangerfjorden in a nutshell, The Twist at Kistefos & Hadeland Glassworks, Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen and Shellfish Platter. There is a way you can do both. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-europebackpacker_com-portrait-1-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'europebackpacker_com-portrait-1','ezslot_18',121,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-europebackpacker_com-portrait-1-0');The Nryfjord fjord has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. I love hearing from you! Tickets can be purchased separately for the fjord cruise and the Flm Railway. 15 (Hilarious) Norwegian Christmas Traditions and How we Celebrate 18 Things youll only understand if you grew up 44 Great Things to do in Oslo, Norway [By Norway Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Visit Norway! 2 Nights at 3* hotel in Tromso: 75. The less adventurous and less scenic option (due to tunnels) is to get back on E16. Nordic Visitor offers a wide range of tours in Norway that can be customised to your liking, such as with extra nights and optional activities . We are a local, family-owned company. This doesn't cost you anything, but makes a huge difference for me! Drive the Stalheimskleiva, a winding, steep road with views of the Naeroydalen valley. However, in 2021 the road going down these steep, steep turns was closed for traffic indefinitely. There is also a tour called Sognefjord in a Nutshell, leaving from Bergen. As you have purchased your ticket directly with them, they are responsible for you. Yes, you can save $100-200 by booking it on your own. Bergens colorful houses on the wharf. Lance tried some of their craft beers and we indulged in food fit for Vikings, which was perfect for the cold winter evening. Take the round trip Flmsbana to Myrdal and back to Flm, one of the steepest and most beautiful railways in the world. This takes about 2.5 hours for the entire round trip journey. If you want to learn more about this, I have written a guide on how to travel the full Norway in a Nutshell tour on your own here. We were concerned that we would miss the connecting train, as we only had a few minutes between trains, but it wasnt a problem at all. Music and cultural actors at Nyhavna invite you to a party at Havet. This way, you get to put together a trip that is perfect for their interests and priorities. If you have to head back to Oslo right away, you can also take an overnight NSB train from Voss to Oslo. Additionally, if something goes wrong, youll get better service from the transportation providers directly than from FjordTours. 4 Nights in a shared inside cabin on Hurtigruten voyage from Bergen to Tromso: 760. So lets dive in! Typically, it is travelled by means of public transport, which includes trains, buses, and boats. For example, in just one day, you can take a train from Bergen to Voss, a bus from Voss to the Stalheim Hotel to enjoy the stunning view of the Naeroydalen valley, a bus ride on one of Northern Europes steepest roads (Stalheimskleiva), a cruise on Naeroyfjord & Aurlandsfjord, take the Flm Railway to Myrdal, and then take a train onward to Oslo. Norway Self Drive Tour Packages 2023/2024 : Nordic Visitor In addition to that, it enables you to plan the routes according to your needs . The tour can start in Oslo, Bergen, Voss or Flm and end either where you started or at one of its other destinations. As I have mentioned a few times, if something were to go wrong during a trip (such as an engine failure on a boat, an avalanche along the Oslo-Bergen railway, or a landslide in Gudvangen these things happen), and you have booked Norway in a Nutshell, the people you need to contact are FjordTours. Self-Guided Walking Tours to Explore Bergen, Norway Follow these 3 expert-designed self-guided walking tours to explore Bergen, Norway on foot at your own pace. This alternative itinerary means you will not cruise on the Aurlandsfjord, but you will still cruise on the Naeroyfjord (the more famous of the two fjords), and you will still overlook the Aurlandsfjord from the Stegastein viewpoint. FoodThere are no meals included on the Norway in a nutshell tour, but not to worry, there are many options for you to get a "bite" during the tour. If you do it as we lay it out, there are 2 cruises in the morning that leave from Flam, 9:30 and 11:30 plus some in the afternoon. Active Adventure 6-day Kayak & Wild Camp the Archipelago - self-guided 9 reviews "Beautiful surroundings, one of the only holidays you are truly in the wild. Privacy Policy It is just a 5-minute walk from the ferry dock. You can choose from a wide range of tours exploring some of the most popular routes across this spectacular country. This is a one way road that travels in the direction from the Stalheim Hotel towards Gudvangen. https://planmoretrips.com/blog/how-to-book-norway-in-a-nutshell-itinerary-on-your-own-step-by-step-guide. For more details, read this next: how to get from Oslo to Flm, Norway. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-europebackpacker_com-netboard-1-0-asloaded{max-width:250px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'europebackpacker_com-netboard-1','ezslot_13',128,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-europebackpacker_com-netboard-1-0'); lesund is a gorgeous city in its own right, often called Norways most beautiful city. Due to a fire in the early 1900s, the city had to totally rebuild, and was totally redone in a delightfully whimsical art nouveau style. I'm Lisa, the girl behind Fjords and Beaches! By the time the train to Bergen arrived in Voss, the sun was starting to sink lower on the horizon. Tegan and Alex are travel, hiking, and biking enthusiasts currently based in Amsterdam. Norway in a Nutshell Tour [Complete Guide + ON YOUR OWN]. If the Oslo train is late, I'm almost positive they would hold the Flam train. With a bit of planning ahead, its entirely possible to travel Norway on a shoestring. Therefore, you are adding an unnecessary third party to the mix. view tours Norwegian Holidays - low-price package holidays with Norwegian. Due to their meandering speed of fewer than 10 knots per hour, they are able to be battery-powered and rechargeable making them more environmentally friendly. Looks like youll have a great time in Flam! I was born and raised by the beautiful fjords of Norway, and am passionate about wine, diving and sharing my adventures with you!Read more about me here!Looking for something? Sadly, this is something I have seen with my own eyes. CCPA Compliance Information, Quick Links Im currently based here, and love hearing how much travellers have enjoyed Bergen! #1 Posted March 28, 2008 We're on the July 25 Northern Europe sailing aboard Eurodam, and we're not sure what to do about Alesund. Whether you travel on your own or in the company of a guided small group, Nordic Visitor makes it easy to combine visits to Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland all in one tailor-made 3-week itinerary. The bus ride is fairly brief, only about 45 minutes, and you can connect to your next destination from the larger train station in Voss.The Norway in a Nutshell day trip showcases some of the countrys prettiest destinations. Targeted towards travelers on whirlwind tours of Norway, this is a convenient way to see the best of the best of Norway in just one day. Seville On Your Own DETAILS 0 Reviews Write a Review 9 hrs Estimate Duration The best thing about Seville is that all the major sights are packed neatly into one easily-walkable square mile, most of which is flat. Consider this post the starting point for your Norway in a Nutshell itinerary. From bespoke train and cruise holidays, to tailor-made road trips in the fjords, an adventure awaits you with a custom tour in Norway designed by the travel experts at Nordic Visitor. Heres my guide to booking the Norway in a Nutshell trip on your own (written on my other travel []. Train tickets from Oslo or Bergen to Flm (via Myrdal and including the Flm Railway) can be booked here! What to Pack for Norway in Winter [Packing List Norway in a Nutshell Tour [Complete Guide + ON 3 bucket list-worthy accommodations to check out after, Where to stay in Mauritius: Traveller Hotel Recommendations. But, since I have explained this version above, heres the other (better) way to do Norway in a Nutshell, Bergen edition. For the traveler with only a limited amount of time in Norway, this tour can be very appealing. The tour consists of transportation offered by several companies, and by booking it as one big trip, you avoid having to book it through all these different companies. I seem to recall our connection was about the same. Below I have covered the route from Oslo to Bergen, and from Bergen to Oslo, pointing out any differences there may be along the way. Laced with snow in some places and waterfalls in others, the cliffs and craggy mountain slopes were epic. Super easy! Our visit to the fjords ended in Gudvangen, and transferring onward couldnt have been simpler. Visiting Lake Como in Winter: A Budget Guide. Looking for a long holiday or a short break? However, if I book all my transportation separately, according to this guide, the cost breakdown would be the following: As you can see, you can save around $100 by booking the Norway in a Nutshell trip on your own. I am planning a trip in August. If you can, we really recommend checking out Bergen, since its not too far from Voss and is one of Norways best cities, filled with beautiful views, great cafes, and much milder weather. Solo travel in Norway - Be your own boss | Visit Norway What's the best form of transportation to get around the area - sightseeing and dining? The cruises that depart between noon and 2: . Flight from Tromso to Oslo: 132. For an hour and a half, we watched the landscape speed by our windows. It is such a beautiful place, with lots of great things to do. The connections are all within close proximity to each other for easy transfer. Day 6 - Bergen Walking Tour. During 2021-2022, they adopted contactless payments and both Visa and Mastercard are accepted (supposedly). You can take the Norway in a Nutshell tour year round. We found the views to be best on the left side of both trains, but Im not sure it makes too much difference. There are several departures a day year-round, and the boat takes you along the Aurlandsfjord and through the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Nryfjord. You can piece together your own Norway in a Nutshell tour. However, as you have probably figured out by now, we highly recommend taking your time and doing the tour over several days to get the most out of your travel in Norway. Norway is known to be one of the safest countries in the world. While the package deal may seem like the best option, it is literally a package of separate tickets that are combined by a tour operator and sent to you. You can take the ferry and the bus between Gudvangen and Flam. This cruise takes about 2 hours, one-way. By using this website, you agree to our use of Cookies and our Privacy Policy. Total Cycling Distance: 165 km / 103 miles. The Nutshell route starts with a spectacular train ride, leaving Oslo at about 8 a.m. for Bergen. THE TOP 10 Norway Tours & Excursions in 2023 - Viator @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-europebackpacker_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'europebackpacker_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_3',118,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-europebackpacker_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0');When you arrive in Myrdal, its only a few steps to your connection to Flm, so its okay if the timing is a bit tight. The Norway in a Nutshell tour is great, especially if you are looking for an easy way to see the fjords, without having to spend time figuring out the different schedules and tickets yourself. The conductor does not give change. The Flmsbana website (for prices, timetables, and booking your tickets in advance). From Bergen, it will take about 2.5 hours to drive to the Stalheim Hotel. The site is between the A55 and the North Wales coast line railway (see map). You can then drive yourself back to Flm for the Flm Railway. So it is a rather misleading price to advertise (as it is a lot more expensive to travel between Oslo and Bergen). Our Advantage: We are student tour operators not travel agents. The following day, on 2 . Many of you come across the Norway in a Nutshell tour when researching your trip to Norway, and having grown up in one of the villages it travels through, Im the perfect person to write a complete guide to it. Mid afternoon, book the Flam train ride. The package trip starts from both major cities in Norway, and it is possible to do Norway in a Nutshell from Oslo and from Bergen. If your desired time slots are sold out then: From Flm, drive up to the Stegastein viewpoint, a scenic lookout over Aurlandsfjord. Fjord cruise on your own! | Sailing & Boat Activities | Hordvik | Norway DIY Norway In A Nutshell Tour - BOOK IT YOURSELF & SAVE - TravelMore If the view from the Stalheim Hotel didnt get your heart pumping then driving the Stalheimskleiva certainly will! The best ways to get from Bergen to Flam, Aurora Photography: GoPro Camera Settings for Northern Lights. We didn't have any issue transporting our luggage and have never heard of others having that problem. We will start from Oslo and plan to stay in Flam for 2 nights. First I will break down all the modes of transportation used for each leg of the tour, and then I have gotten into more specifics on the route for each version of it. It is one of the steepest roads in Europe, complete with hairpin turns and views of waterfalls. A side note on this: you have no idea how many travellers book their own Norway in a Nutshell tour, yet do not understand that they ARE NOT Norway in a Nutshell travellers when they do it this way. What is your recommendation? BEST OF THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS: For an overview of the best things to do, read our Lofoten Islands Top Ten List. Once you are in Flm, you will travel by boat (fjord cruise) from Flm to Gudvangen (tickets for the boat are, as mentioned above, booked on the Norways Best website). Most people just bring it with them, but if you are doing a return trip to Oslo or Bergen, there are lockers for luggage storage at both train stations. Great blog! We're headed out this August - 2023. [], [] does exactly that, so why not just book it yourself (they do not run their own transportation)? As in; you will literally be travelling on the same train, bus and boat as other people who have booked their tickets individually (at a much lower price). Top tip: I often get asked what side of the Flm Railway has the best views. It happens all the time that individual travellers say that they are doing Norway in a Nutshell, and end up missing out on important information because they did not understand the difference. Start by booking your train from Oslo to Flm. Cheers, Julie, Hi, Thank you for the itineraries and tips. Gibraltar on your Own - Norwegian Cruise Line As you can see, booking Norway in a Nutshell is a little more expensive than doing it on your own. Second, as we noted above, this bus ride takes you from Gudvangen to Voss via the Stalheimskleiva Road one of the steepest roads in Europe. Regardless of which city you are leaving from, you will start your tour travelling by train to Myrdal.

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