Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Beyond the Nutshell
The Sognefjord is the ultimate natural thrill Norway has to offer, and
there's no doubt that the Nutshell route outlined in this chapter is the most
efficient way to see it quickly. Unfortunately, its trains, buses, and boats
are thronged with other visitors who have the same idea. Those who stick
with the Nutshell crowd enjoy it, but—as they spend the day jostling with
a United Nations of tourists for the best photo—can't shake that lemming
feeling.
Travelers with a bit more time, and the willingness to chart their own
course, often have a more rewarding Sognefjord experience. It's surpris-
ingly easy to break out of the Nutshell and hit the northern part of the
Sognefjord (for example, using the Bergen-Vik-Balestrand-Aurland-Flåm
In the next chapter, you'll find some tempting stopovers on the north
bank of the Sognefjord, including adorable fjordside villages (such as
Balestrand and Solvorn), evocative stave churches (including Hopperstad
and Urnes), and a chance to get up close to a glacier (at the Nigard Glaci-
er).
Readuponyouroptions,thenbeadventurousaboutmixingandmatch-
ing the fjordside attractions that appeal to you most. Use the Nutshell as a
springboard for diving into the Back Door fjords of your travel dreams.
When to Go:
The Nutshell trip is possible all year. In the summer (late
June-late Aug), the connections are most convenient, the weather is most
likely to be good...and the route is at its most crowded. Outside of this time,
sightscloseandschedulesbecomemorechallenging. SomesaytheNutshellis
mostbeautiful inwinter,thoughschedules areseverely reduced(andyoucan't
do it as a day trip from Oslo). It's easy to confirm schedules, connections, and
prices locally or online (latest info posted each May on
www.ruteinfo.net
)
.
