It was my second trip to Norway, but first time to the south part of this country. I love Scandinavia and all about it – culture, food, traditions, people, nature, even the weather. Most of people think two things about Scandinavia: cold and expensive. Cold? Yes, maybe in winter time, but “Norway in a Nutshell” in the beginning of May was absolutely brilliant. For those who worry about the cold weather in Scandinavia, be on the safe side and travel in Spring, Summer or even early Autumn. What about Norway being expensive? It is slightly more expensive than UK, but it’s definitely worth it. Quality you will get there for accommodation and meals is what people say about Scandinavia. Furthermore, nature and beautiful Norwegian fjords are just priceless.
I’ve travelled through Bergen, Lavik, Hoyanger, Flam, Myrdal and Oslo, one of the biggest Norwegian fjord named Sognefjord.
Bergen
So far it is my favourite Norwegian city. Very cosy, very well planned city with beautiful Scandinavian architecture, tiny old town streets, colourful houses, harbor just right in the city center and surrounded by 7 big mountains, which you can reach within 30 minutes. City is very well organized and you don’t need a car there, most visited places can be reached by foot. I had two days in Bergen and I think it is enough for those who don’t want to stick with one place and visit more cities in a shorter period. I highly recommend purchasing Bergen city card and having many free entrances or discounts to museums and other most visited sights. Bergen visitor center is located next to the famous Bergen fish market and right on the harbor. Very modern visitors information center is ready to offer you day tours from Bergen and you can purchase your Bergen card there. After I bought my Bergen City pass, I went downstairs to one of the fish market restaurants. For the first time in my life I tried whale meat and it was a super delicious whale meat burger! For those who like to experience new things I highly recommend whale meat burger. After the fulfilling lunch I started exploring the city. I enjoyed my ride with Floibanen funicular, which takes you on a highest point of the city. You can spend there more time if weather permits, as there are children playgrounds, walking paths, cafe and restaurant. I saw wild goats and sheep there, which was a fun attraction!
While staying in Bergen I’ve visited Bergen museum, Kode museum, Bergen Aquarium and went to Ulriken mountain. I am not a big fan of museums, but I would say that Kode museum is must to visit. Kode Art museum is located in 4 different buildings next to each other, so don’t forget to visit it all. Bergen Aquarium I would recommend for families. If you are travelling with children it would be much fun for them. Ulriken – must do if you have time. Bus there goes every hour and it takes about 30 minutes from city center. Funicular will take you up on the top, where stunning views opens wide. You can hike there or just take your time sitting in a restaurant and enjoying views.
Lavik
I left Bergen after two days staying there. The most convenient way is to take an express boat and enjoy fjord cruise. Express boats are very comfortable, with restrooms, luggage storage, small kiosk, sockets to charge your phone are located to each seat. It took a few hours and I came to Lavik – tiny village with only 200 inhabitants and 10 Tesla charging points! There is only one small family owned hotel, where you will feel like home. Rooms are quite small, but very cosy and comfortable.
Hoyanger
After a night in a charming village we headed to a city called Hoyanger. City has around 4000 habitants and known for having one of the first industrial towns in Norway to use its steep mountains surrounding the town giving excellent conditions for producing hydroelectricity. The main product being produced in the village of Høyanger was aluminium. Aluminium factory is still open these days and providing aluminium goods to Norway and other countries. City has two small hotels, restaurant, city museum and you can find plenty of activities there, such as hiking, fishing, cycling, RIB safaris etc. Must visit for those who are having a fly-drive type holiday. Few decades ago there was built 2500 steps to one of the steeps Hoyanger mountains and every year people are organising competition who will be the fastest to reach the top. As I remember the fastest result was approximately 7 minutes!
Flåm
Flåm is a village in southwestern Norway, in an area known for its fjords. Village is famous by its old railway which is still running. If you are visiting Flåm even for a few hours I would definitely recommend to experience Flåm railway, which goes to Myrdal about an hour with a few stops. On this train you feel like back in 60’s or so and it’s good attraction for all age travellers. Flåm offers lot of hiking tracks, cycling, kayaking and similar outdoor activities. There are few hotels, few restaurants and cafes and lot of tourists in a summer time especially. I would recommend to everyone spend overnight in Flåm.
Myrdal
I had just a few hours in Flåm and my Norway in a Nutshell trip final stop was Oslo. It is very convenient to take famous Flåm railway to Myrdal and catch your train to Oslo going from there. Myrdal is just a stop, and there is not much to see or do, just wait for your train to Oslo. I was travelling in early May and there was some train delays due to railway works. My trip to Oslo took about 7 hours, but usually it takes around 5 hours. Norwegian trains are very comfortable, with WiFi and buffet, where you can buy snacks and beverages. Waffles – must try!
Oslo
Capital of Norway, beautiful city, well known of its green spaces and museums. Probably, I would recommend Oslo city card and Hop On-Off bus, which takes you to the most visited places and museums.
In two full days you can visit it all and if you have more time, I would definitely recommend to visit Oslo Opera house, which is new and modern Scandinavian architecture building. Vigeland park, which is know as the biggest sculpture park in Norway is must visit as well. For those who are craving of history – Viking ship museum, The Fram museum, Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, Kon-Tiki museum. For art lovers – Munch museum. Please be aware that the famous Scream Painting is placed in Oslo University.
Oslo harbour is a very lively city place, lot’s of restaurants, bars, attractions and tourists. Next to it you will find old medieval open air museum, where you can spend hours walking around it.
I’m a traveller who likes to experience rooftop bars and have a view of the cities from the top. For those who are interested in the rooftops I’m happy to recommend The Thief hotel rooftop bar & restaurant. It was especially good one, although expensive!
“Norway in a Nutshell” is one of the best short trips for nature lovers! Please do not hesitate to contact me for more information.
Julija Leliunaite
Baltic Travel Company