We are trying to figure out how to make the best use of our time with just 2 1/2 days to explore the Sognefjord region. We had planned to take the train from Oslo and then use ferries and buses and such to get around, but the various sites we'd like to see (Borgund Stave Church, Stegastein outlook, staying at a place a little more off the beaten track, etc.) are making us think renting a car in Oslo and driving out ourselves might be the way to go.
What do you think? Is a driving from Oslo a good option? Is it worth it, or are public transport options just as good?
Here is the itinerary we are planning if we do drive:
July 5th -- drive from Oslo, check into accommodations (if we drive, we'd like to try a stay at Skahjem Gard outside Aurland -- any feedback on that would be very helpful), spend afternoon/evening on local walks and exploring, possibly fishing (my husband is very excited about fishing in the fjord)
July 6th -- fish early in the morning, then take Naeroyfjord cruise and bus back to Flam.
Afternoon -- drive to Laerdal via the Snow Road, stopping at Stegastein, then visiting Borgund Stave Church, drive back to Aurland via the tunnel
July 7th -- Take Flamsbana to Myrdal and bike back down OR take a kayaking excursion.
July 8th -- Depart for Oslo early in the morning
So we only really need a car for that one day, but I inquired about renting a car in Aurland and found out it would be nearly as much as renting a car that one day there as it would to rent it in Oslo and keep it for our whole trip in Norway.
If we don't have a car, we plan to stay at Vangsgarden and use public transportation for various excursions.
Are there things I'm leaving out of these equations? Any must-see Sognefjord sights that shouldn't miss? (Especially those made accessible by having a car, since if we do have one we'll have some extra time that last day.)
Thanks in advance for your help!
Tomi Ann