Advice on Balestrand, Eidfjord, and Stavanger

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athomton
athomton

Hello-
I'm planning a trip for Norway this June with my husband. We're definitely going to Oslo, Bergen, and doing some version of the Norway in a Nutshell trip. We won't have a lot of time to see everything we want to in the time we have, but I figure we have enough time to slow down and enjoy 1-2 nights in TWO of these places--the problem is that I can't decide between Balestrand (extending the Nutshell trip a bit and taking in the sights around that area), Eidfjord (or Ulrik, both sound nice and like there's a lot of hiking and fjord views), and Stavanger (with time for the Lysefjord and hiking to Pulpit Rock).

I have one crazy itenerary mapped out where we do all three, but I want to be able to slow down a bit, enjoy the scenery and take a hike in at least a few places--not just run across Norway! I know it's really a matter of personal taste, but I would love to hear from people who have been to these places before. Any opinions, advice, thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks-
AT

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osloviking
osloviking

These are three great fjord areas, if you want to slow down you need time (transport between these places takes time as topography is complex) or you need to focus on 1 or 2. Balestrand has a nice traditional wooden hotel on a nice location in the great Sognefjord.

Eidfjord is also nice, a branch of the wonderful Hardangerfjord, from Eidfjord you can make a small detour to the mountain plateau (hiking opportunities), the road up is crazy and runs in a gorge with a great waterfall (Vøringsfossen, road and hotel on the edge):
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3255/2574330155_7220a2293d.jpg
http://www.lagreid.gs.hl.no/mabo/voringsfoss2.jpg

Lysefjord and Preikestolen is of course great too.

Essential is type of transport as public transport may be time consuming, particularly if you go perpendicular to the main axis.

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athomton
athomton

Thanks for the great information! We will have 8 full days in Norway and plan to spend 2 days in the Oslo area and 1-2 days in Bergen...how much more do you think that leaves time for?

Of those 3 areas, are some easier to get to? I've been using multiple guide books and websites to try and figure out the transportation, and some of it does seem a bit comlicated!

All information and advice is greatly appreciated!

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kathy777
kathy777

Hi. I live in Stavanger, which is a major hub, with plenty of traffic to/from both Oslo and Bergen. I assume you are doing Oslo first, and then Bergen? I would recommend that you take the bus from Bergen to Stavanger (Kystbussen - very comfortable. Beautiful views and ferry crossings included in ticket price). From Stavanger, you can either fly to Oslo (for as little as 400 kroner with Norwegian Air Shuttle, if you book well in advance), or take the train (8 hours). There is usually a night train, if you want to save time, although a cupée is not cheap. Lysefjord and Preikestolen are awesome! Stavanger is also very international, with plenty of restaurants and entertainment. Enjoy!

www.norwegian.no
www.nsb.no

Both websites have an English version

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osloviking
osloviking

Most public transport is to/from cities, not between small villages like Flåm and Eidfjord. Keep in mind that Norway is not densely populated and topography is complex.

To/from cities (Bergen or Stavanger) is relatively easy.

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