Norway's Fjords

What is the best way to see the fjords for the budget traveler

Norway isn't a budget country, rather it is one of the most expensive countries there is. Money can be saved by doing at least some of the following: camp in a tent, cook for yourself, travel by bicycle. In many ways, the last of those really is the best way to see the fjords as a budget traveller.

where is the best place to stay to see the fjords

The fjords cover a large area, and topography makes transport slow, despite all the tunnels. There isn't a single centre that lets you see very much on day trips. In many ways, it's the actual travelling around that gives you the views, though the train routes aren't terribly helpful to that end, though it can get you to places from which you only need to travel a little more. Look at a map and some picture books or available web materials to decide where you most want to go to.

For the budget traveler i would say to base yourself in a campsite in the summer months, cook for yourself and travel via public transport.

But be warned the area you can be covered by train is rather restricted, because of the country's topography and using local buses and ferry''s seems to be the way to go.

im a norwegian, and i know its not cheap. but it is possible :) one of the most beautiful fjords is sognefjorden (look it up) i would take the train from oslo to myrdal. im not sure if your ticket covers this, but if not you can get a mini pris (mini prize) ticket if you are early. this will take you up on the mountain. from here take the flomrailway down to flom. i dont work for the tourist department, but its a beautiful ride down the mountain with the view of different fjords. flom / flam is a small village where the steep mountain meets the fjord. a good place to stay is at flaam camping, where you either can rent a small cabin or put up your tent. they rent out bicycles so you easily can get around the fjord by road, depending on how fit you are! there is also a boat doing a loop to the nearby fjords, dont think its too expensive. its a ferry.

i did this with some foreign friends some years ago, and overall it was not too expensive, but still a beautiful trip. flam is a nice little place with friendly locals. hope this helps, just send a pm if there is anything else! :)

http://www.flaam-camping.no/

http://www.visitflam.no/flaamsbana/

Hi, sorry to come in on this post, but you haven't chatted for a while and I wondered if I could also pick your brains for some information.

We are considering coming to Norway in late Oct this year, mainly as we have heard that it can be a good place to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, and of other destinations for this we think that seeing the Fjords etc would also make for a great trip as obviously the lights are not guaranteed!

Is there good places where you can stay near the Fjords but are also in a good location to chase the lights, would it be more beneficial to have your own hire vehicle to get around, particularly at the time of year we want to visit as presumably some of the places to stay may be out of the way and there maybe snow???

We are really not sure where to start as travel agents etc are not particularly good with advice for this type of travel and also the brochures are pretty limited.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
J

We are considering coming to Norway in late Oct this year, mainly as we have heard that it can be a good place to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights, and of other destinations for this we think that seeing the Fjords etc would also make for a great trip as obviously the lights are not guaranteed!

Not far enough north for the northern lights

If you want to go to Norway for the lights either:
go to Alta
or go to Tromso but realise you will need to drive inland for the best chances

How about like this:

www.vimeo.com/71696216