Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Other Ways to Cruise Nærøyfjord:
While most visitors thunder onto
the state-run ferry described above, consider taking a trip on a Sognefjorden
Cruise ship, or a thrilling ride on little inflatable FjordSafari speedboats (both
▲Gudvangen-Voss Bus
Nutshellers get off the boat at Gudvangen and take the bus to Voss. Gud-
vangen is little more than a boat dock and giant tourist kiosk. If you want,
you can browse through the grass-roofed souvenir stores and walk onto a
wooden footbridge—then catch your bus. Buses meet each ferry, or will show
up soon. (It's smart to confirm this in advance if you plan to take the last boat
of the day, which arrives in Gudvangen at about 17:20—the ferry crew can
call ahead to be sure the bus waits for you). While some buses—designed for
commuters rather than sightseers—take the direct route to Voss, buses tied to
the Nutshell schedule take a super-scenic detour via Stalheim (described be-
low). If you're a waterfall junkie, sit on the left.
First the bus takes you up the
Nærøydal
and plunges you into a couple of
long tunnels. Then you'll take a turnoff to drive past the landmark
Stalheim
Hotel
for the first of many spectacular views back into fjord country. While
some buses stop at the hotel for a photo op, others drive right past. Though
the hotel dates from 1885, there's been an inn here since about 1700, where
the royal mailmen would change horses. The hotel is geared for tour groups
(genuine trolls sew the pewter buttons on the sweaters), but the priceless view
from the backyard is free. If your bus pauses here, snap your classic photo,
then stop in the living room to survey the art showing this perch in the 19th
century.
