I-Cruiser

How easy is it to find pastry shops in Norway? Are they easily found in the tourist areas or off the beaten path? We love taking something back on the ship for later in the evening.

Good pastry shops are in all parts of the world I would imagine dotted around the towns and cities. They are found streetside and in the malls.

Isn't the rule of thumb that very rarely are there anything magnificent in terms of eateries in the touristy areas.

Look for bakeries and you will be on your way to find something delicious to bring back to the ship.

The coffee shop "Raccoon" in Ålesund have some fantastic baked goods etc.

In Geiranger there is a local bakery.

A beautiful grey spring they with 7C....

What is there to do in Narvik on a Sat June 25 ' date='/16 ??? thanks Marty[/quote']

 

Its been a long while since I visited Narvik in Northern Norway.

 

But some things to do which would be really interesting are:

The Ofotbanen railroad trip.

A fjord cruise on the Ofotfjorden.

 

There are of course lots of other things to do but its time restricted.

You can visit one of the most beautiful mountains in Norway but its a 90km drive south.

 

I enclose a link so you better can choose activities in the time frame you have.

http://www.visitnarvik.com/Home

Walking home one evening.

The view from my livingroom.

Where am I ?? :)

I Cruiser--working on maps and saving stuff to tablet etc. This is what I have for Alesund--remember I'm into photography so if you think we'll have time to add something or suggest please do so. Nedre Strandate and pick up car--Trollstigen-Troll Wall-Andalsnes-Aksla Viewpoint-Apotekergata-Brosundet tannklinikk, Molja Lighthouse, Molovegen, Alesund Church and then back to turn in car.

 

The above is in the order that we are going so if you think adjustments should be made to save time let me know.

 

Linda

En route Trollstigen you have to stop at Gudbrandsjuvet. Its between the village of Valldal and Trollstigen.

Brosundet is important.

The "tannklinkikk" which means dentist in Norwegian not much:D:D I hope you dont need to go there.

Apotekergaten and Moloveien is in my neighborhood. :)

"......Apotekergata-Brosundet tannklinikk, Molja Lighthouse, Molovegen, Alesund Church and then back to turn in car. .." - All these places you mention in Ålesund is best and easiest done by walking. Its not easy to find parking.

I would deliver the car and do the Church, Apotekergaten, Moloveien, the Lighthouse and Brosundet....

You're the best!!! So helpful!!!! Googling now. Thank you so much. Believe it or not almost done. :)

 

Linda

The Fjord senter is by Hotel Union and just above the Church. You can walk up its uphill on the main road.

The waterfall walk starts by the Fjord senter and will take you approx. 20-30 minutes down.

Its a lovely walk as long as the weather holds...

I have visited the Fjord Senter a few times and I do like the visuals of how life was along the fjord before.

The movie is also interesting.

We are booked on a bus tour to Dalsnibba. It is only about 2 hrs long and we are in port for 7 hours. I have tried finding stuff to do and don't seem to find much except for an octagon church. Any other things to do?

 

Linda

What about a visit to the Fjord Senter. Do the waterfall walk. Visit Westerås farm. Take a bus tour to the Eagle rd./bends. Have a hot chocolate and home made chocolateS at the chocolate shop in the village...

The road from Geiranger up to Mt. Dalsnibba opened today.:):)

Getting so excited--writing things down in regards to Alesund as its our first stop!! I'm looking at the webcams and see there is a Holland America ship in port today and looks like no rain--it really puts it in reality by looking at the cams. Now I'm excited!!! We've rented a car and plan to go to Trollstigen--I have done the google map and looks easy--is it just E39 and then E136 and that's it? I've also written down some things to hopefully see as I'm into photography--I sure hope we have time to see some of the things that I-Cruiser recommended to photograph. In regards to route I see the loop on my notes and the locations to google map it. I-Cruiser is such a blessing. I can't thank you enough for all your help to all of us.

 

Linda

Linda - Thank you so much. Your words are very sweet.

I do hope you will have a fantastic experience cruising Norway.

Rest assured go to (and back:-)) Trollstigen is very easy.

You will need to stop at Gudbrandsjuvet and Valldal. Then, stop where you fancy and you think the vista is at its most beautiful.

The weather today has been pleasant. Cold but pleasant with no rain.

Yesterday was a perfect spring day with temps up in the 70F :D:D

Linda, we all would love to hear about your trip so please come back and tell us all about it.

Lars :-)

Getting the road to Trollstigen ready for the opening at end of May.

Thanks to everyone for their advice. I started to look at rental cars in Alesund today and had one more question... Are all rental cars manual transmission? I'm a little embarrassed to stay that might be a deal-breaker for us... Though maybe I just didn't look at enough rentals?

The Budget an Avis is the rentals walking distance from the pier.

But, you also have "Sydsiden Bilutleie"/Europecar:

http://www.sydsidenbilutleie.no/site/index.php/kontakt-oss

Further away is Hertz.

The last 2 locations are to far to walk so you would need a taxi unless the rental companies can deliver.

My husband is not able to walk long distances and uses a transport chair. We would like to walk around in Bergen and just do our own thing in that port. I see cobblestones mentioned and was wondering if there are any smooth sidewalks or is everything going to be a very bumpy ride for him?

The pavements are narrow and some parts do have cobblestones but I have heard from others using the same vehicle that they managed quiet well.

This thread has been very helpful, but I have to admit, I think I've missed a tip or ten after 65+ pages.

 

I hope you'll indulge a few questions regarding ports of call - and I apologize if these have been covered previously.

 

To give some context, we'll be cruising the Norwegian fjords via Holland America in June of this year. As we're a group of 4 - two adults, two children - we'd like to avoid the high prices of the ship excursions completely.

 

I am looking for reassurance that we'll be able to DIY at each of the following locations.

 

Eidfjord (June 14) -- Our plan is to go to the tourist office with the intent of visiting Voringfossen. It looks like there may be buses you can book that run every 30 minutes or so when ships are in port. Is this correct and is it definitely something we can book on-site at the tourist office?

I am not to familiar with this port in south western Norway but as the site you want to visit is very familiar you could get tickets on site or I would imagine even online.

 

Alesund (June 15) -- We thought the kids would enjoy the aquarium, and we'd also like to visit the museums in the art nouveau area. I'm not sure the 400+ steps are for us - but we would like to make sure we see the view from Mt. Aksla. I am figuring the hop-on/hop-off bus is our best bet - and I am assuming we can buy tickets at the tourist office here. Is that correct -- or are there other local/recommended tours we should investigate?

You can get tickets on the pier. There is a litte tent/booth. Expect long lines unless you run out first thing in the morning.

If you dont do all the 400+ steps at least try for a few.....

 

Geiranger (June 16) -- Our plan here is to do either the mountain highlights bus or the panorama bus (http://www.geirangerfjord.no/bus-turer-i-geiranger-2), as well as the waterfall walk and maybe fjordcenter. Can we wait and by bus tickets on site? I feel like our selection may be weather dependent, so I would prefer to wait until day-of -- unless these commonly sell out.

They do tend to sell out fast. Best think is to check online and it will tell you which departures are available. Most probably they will sell out.

 

Our other stop is Bergen (June 17). Our plan there is to do the funicular, walk around the wharf, fish market and generally take in the sights. The one question here is whether this boat tour - http://www.rodne.no/fjord-cruise/from-bergen/ - would be a better option? I am not very familiar with the area, so unsure of whether getting a small taste of Bergen would be more memorable than this fjord tour.

I would concentrate on Bergen with the funicular, wharf etc...Even tho the fjord is beautiful you will enjoy other more stunning fjords.

Aside from the questions above, any opinions on whether we're really missing out on something spectacular at any of these ports? I know the big "attraction" we're neglecting is the trollstigen -- but I am not sure I can talk the kids into 8 hours on a bus.

As mentioned before you can rent a car and drive the Trollstigen...It would be fun and memorable. I am sure your kids will be to busy taking in the scenery etc so they would not get bored.

Thank you in advance for your help and opinions. This will be our first family cruise and we're more than excited.

Sounds like you have planned some great days ashore.

I have made my comments in "red"

45 more days until we leave and after researching for a year and excited beyond words I'm getting nervous the closer it gets. lol. 3 days in Copenhagen and 2 days in Oslo on our own is making me nervous. My husband leaves all this researching and getting around up to me--friends tell me be grateful as then you get to see what you want to see. The thought of getting around by public transportation scares me. Us americans are spoiled and use our cars. I have found the applications Rome2rio and FetchMyWay applications for tablet and considering getting a sim card so we will have international access. The application tells you exactly how to get around--which bus--where to catch it--where to get off---etc. I think this application will take my fears away. Anybody else get nervous or get the sim card in order to have the application? I can't believe this vacation is now getting down to the end before it's a reality. I've waited for this for so long.

 

Linda

Linda - no reason to be nervous. You will have the time of your life.

Remember to remember to take it all in and enjoy every minute of it.

Does this tour have a name. What companies offer it? It sounds wonderful. We will be on Celebrity...

Its called Trollstigen or Path of the Trolls.

The cruise lines usually offers this. I know Celebrity does.

Hello Lars,

Thank you for your enthusiastic and generous advice... I read all 69 pages of your thread and your links. I must have missed this question:

 

If our family with two kids ages 10 and 8 wants to walk up and down the steps to Mt. Aksla, about how much time would that take? We had wanted to take the bus to the other hill,(Mt. U--I can't remember the name) and hike over. Would we still have time?

 

We arrive at 0930 and have a RIB boat tour at 1130.

 

Would we have to do this walk in the morning? Or should we walk after the RIB tour, which ends about 1330. Our cruiseship leaves at 1745.

 

Thank you!

Respect to you on work well done:):)...

All depending on how fast your are but I would suggest calculation at least 30-40 minutes pr way.

Due to time and your tour I would suggest doing this in the afternoon giving you more time.

Can you please tell me where I can get a detailed map of Eidfjord? For such a small town, I would like to explore it by foot. Walking tour map with details would be nice. Thanks!

Not sure how detailed you would like your map but Google came up with a few.;)

Alternativly you could email elin@visiteidfjord.no and ask for a tourist map.

Thank so much- we will now be in port twice so I booked this excision and have a day in Alesund! Will you help with another excursion question? We have two different days in Eidfjord. For one day we have booked a Sightseeing tour with coach to the waterfall Vøringsfossen and Hardangervidda Nature Centre. For the other day we can't decide between a few things and would love your advice.

1) renting a bike and biking to the Sima Powerplant + biking to the end of Simadal

2) hiking to Kjeåsen

Or

3) Holland Tour- waffles and Waterfalls -

Drive through the village of Eidfjord before you continue up the steep Måbødalen Valley. The old road to the top was once only four miles made up of an alarming series of hairpin bends carved into the mountainside. Today there is a new, safer route that leads to the enormous Hardanger Mountain Plateau -- the largest mountain plateau in Northern Europe and one of the few places in Norway where wild reindeer herds still live untended. Keep your eyes peeled; but they are elusive creatures, brilliantly camouflaged and, thus, are seldom seen. Stop for refreshments at Halne Mountain Lodge, about 30 miles from Eidfjord. The lodge is situated about 3,700 feet above sea level in the heart of the Hardanger Mountain Plain and its wooden interior is pleasantly welcoming. Coffee or tea and a homemade Norwegian waffle will be served with jam and sour cream, and be sure to check out the many items and photos from the area. Return to the Måbødalen Valley and stop at the Sysen Dam -- the main reservoir for the Sima Power Station and one of Norway's largest embankment dams. The dam’s watertight core is lined with filter zones of sand and gravel, weighted down and supported by large quantities of rock. The dam itself is more than a half-mile long, 265 feet tall and 813 feet wide at the bottom. Continue to Fossli to view the Vøringsfossen Waterfalls. You’ll take a short walk on an uneven path to the viewpoint. The majestic falls cascade almost 600 feet into the wild Måbø Valley below. Return to Eidfjord by way of the Måbødalen Valley.

 

 

We would repeat the same waterfall but may be worthwhile? Thanks for helping.

I suspect you will be eating your fare share of waffles(:D) so I would suggest the biking tour. How wonderful it will be to take in the scenery up close and at your own pace.

I have never been to the powerplant myself but it is one of the largest in Europe some 700 meters inside the mountain.

Sure it will be spectacular but will it compare to the natural beauty of Simadalen??

Please come back and tell us all about it.

Lars

THANK YOU - to everyone who took their time answering while I was away.

I sure appreciate the effort.

:):):):)

Hi,

I have a question about our stop in Alesund! We are on the msKonningsdam this summer and I am excited to finally be coming to Norway for the first time. I can not decide between just enjoying our day in Alesund or taking advantage of the ship's tour: "About the Excursion

Take a short sightseeing tour of Ålesund city, passing the town of Spjelkavik en route to Sjøholt village.

 

From Sjøholt, you’ll follow the shoreline of Storfjord, enjoying beautiful scenes from the road. You are now in an area known for both salmon fishing and furniture making. The furniture crafted here is exported all over the world. In Stordal alone there are several furniture factories.

 

Pass the old, octagonal Stordal Church (1789) and through Liabygd and Valldal, renowned for growing sweet strawberries. You will follow the valley towards Trollstigen (the Troll Path), passing the impressive Gudbrandsjuvet Gorge. On top of the mountain you can still see signs of the old road built in 1028 by Viking King Olav.

 

In the center of the Trolltindene mountain range you will stop for a typical Norwegian buffet lunch of hot and cold dishes, desserts and coffee. A bottle of mineral water or light beer is included per person.

 

From the highest point on the road, at 2,800 feet above sea level, you will drive the famous Troll Path with its 11 exciting hairpin bends leading down to Isterdalen Valley. Stop to visit the famous Troll Wall -- well known to mountaineers all over the planet. This wall has the highest overhang in Europe and is visited by world-famous climbers every summer.

 

Pass Romsdalsfjord and the picturesque villages of Innfjorden, Mandalen, Vagstrand and Vikebukt before crossing Orskog Mountain to join the main road back to Ålesund"

 

Which do you recommend? I am thinking if we stay in town we will hike, visit museums and enjoy the beautiful scenery rather than be on a bus all day??

Thanks!

To me this is more then just "sitting on a bus all day".

Lots of stunning scenery and things to take pictures of.

I would suggest this tour as its one of the most interesting. It will for sure "wow" you.

We are on the P&O Arcadia and will be stopping overnight in Hellesylt before moving onto Geiranger early the next morning. Basically there is not enough births to overnight at Geiranger. I assuming we will be able to get off at Hellesylt on the evening of the 3rd June (Friday). Nothing listed currently on the P&O personaliser, so wondered what has happened before.

 

Just curious really.

 

Many thanks

 

Keith (Southend, UK) :)

As long as you are overnight you might be able to go ashore.

From Hellesylt its really easy to do the drive to the village of Øye through the Norangsdalen/valley. Lovey scenery and if you do late afternoon/evening you might be able to have dinner at the old and stunning Hotel Union Øye.

The drive without stops is only 30 minutes.

What is the very best scenery from Flam; boat or train? What about Bergen? We love the fjods and have been to South Island, New Zealand. Our cruise ship is offering two train rides from Flam for $210. We would rather do our own thing.

My favourite is the boat trip from Flåm to Nærøyfjord then bus back to Flåm.

I would like to see the Great Ocean Road. Is that possible if we rent a car? We were in Alesund in 2014 and saw the viewpoint, the marina area etc as we did the Norway in a Nutshell that came from Andalasnes and Oslo. We are not really birders. Thank you

To rent a car from Ålesund to drive the Atlantic Road?

Depends how long you are in port for as driving will take 3 hrs one way.