|
|
Post by Patrick on Jul 19, 2002 18:26:49 GMT -5
I definitely see what you're saying when referencing my list of cities. Some cities such as Belfast and Liverpool for example I wouldn't necessarily want to stay in, but more check out along the way (if possible). Since I first posted my list I've also been thinking of getting rid of a lot of Germany. My main interests are Ire, UK, Den, Nor, Swe. >> I would take out: >> Belfast, Liverpool, Brussels, Hannover, Hamburg, Goteborg, Karlstad I have no real attachment to any of those places except possibly Goteborg I might want to check out. As for Helsinki, Ideally yes I would love to be able to get a flight from there back to Toronto, or even to London or something from are friends at parachu.. I mean RyanAir. Oslo-Bergen sounds really good - I may just have to find a way to add a week or something to my travel schedule... may be tough though I am planning on using night trains A) - to save time. and B) - because I'm a cheapskate and don't want to pay for lodging if I can avoid it. I have no problem sleeping in a seat  All your suggestions have been noted! That's why I stuck up the list and your input is great, thanks nitsansh. |
|
|
|
Post by Kim on Jul 19, 2002 20:27:55 GMT -5
One thing people don't realize about the route from Oslo to Bergen is it's spectacular. The scenery is beautiful along the way. I think that's what Nitsansh was meaning when he said you don't do this route at night.
The train actually stops along the way at the highest peak (1222 meters altitude) where you can get out for a few minutes to take photos. Being so high, it's snow covered-even when we were there in the summer.
It is a long train ride though.. it would be nice for you to be able to spend a couple days in Oslo and then maybe 3 in Bergen, just cause it's such a distance to go. The Norway in a Nutshell tour (so fantastic, I'll say again!) will take up one entire day.
Kim
|
|
|
|
Post by Patrick on Jul 19, 2002 22:59:08 GMT -5
Yes, I figured he meant stay up for the scenery.
Just wondering Kim, how long is the train ride from Oslo to Bergen? On my map it says about 300km.. but you guys make it sound like a weeklong journey?
|
|
|
|
Post by Kim on Jul 19, 2002 23:39:32 GMT -5
It's actually about 490k and it takes about 7-8 hours.
Not week long by any means but not a ride you want to do, stay a day, then have to do again to get back to Oslo.
Kim
PS- Angelfire was doing weird things with your Shamrock icon so I uploaded it my server and changed it in your profile.
|
|
|
|
Post by Patrick on Jul 20, 2002 0:34:25 GMT -5
That is a bit of a ride. I'll take that into consideration and I'll have to refine my plans this weekend.
I'm even thinking of setting up a little map on my webspace if I get it working, and can toy with stuff there. Plus I have photos from Europe I want to put up from my last trip.
And thank you for loading my icon, I really appreciate that!
|
|
|
|
Post by nitsansh on Jul 20, 2002 10:17:10 GMT -5
Patrick You said you go for the trip next May, didn't you? So what's the hurry? There's no need to refine your itinerary this weekend, there's still plenty of time! As to the Norway in Nutshell route... you can do it en route from Oslo to Bergen or vice versa, or a return trip from Bergen, or even return trip from Oslo using night train for the second leg. The best idea would be Oslo to Bergen or Bergen to Oslo. It would take 12-13 hours. A return trip from Bergen, which is what I did, takes only 9 hours, but will require extra travel day. I travelled with a consecutive pass, not the flexi pass (which did not exist 14 years ago, so it was the only one available!), so travel days were not an issue... But assuming you travel with a flexi pass, you better use 2 travel days rather than 3... make sure you sleep well on the night before the trip... I would not recommend to arrive Oslo on a night train and take the train to Bergen right away, even though you would save a travel day this way... I would suggest this itinerary: Arrive Oslo by night train from Copenhagen (or from Goteborg if you stop there). Spend 2 days and nights in Oslo. Take the "Nutshell" route to Bergen on day 3 (book a bed there as you will arrive late), stay another day in Bergen, and return to Oslo by night or the next day. If you can spare another day, take a day excursion to the Sognefjord. It's not cheap - these trips by boat or bus could cost over 50$ - but it's a money well spent. The Nutshell trip is cheaper, since most of the journey is by train. The Flam train was free with Eurailpass when I was there, so I only had to add the boat and bus fare, but I think nowadays you only get a reduction. Expect to pay 20-30$ for the section not covered by your railpass. If time and money were not in short supply, I would recommend a trip by bus and boat between Bergen and Andalsnes, and check out the Sognefjord, Nordfjord and Gierangerfjord en route. This trip requires 3-4 days and will cost over 100$. From Andalsnes you can take a train back to Oslo. Check these sites: www.5stars-of-scandinavia.com/5stars/nutshell.htmwww.fylkesbaatane.no/fjordturar/www.ruteinfo.net/en/ |
|
|
|
Post by Patrick on Jul 20, 2002 11:46:20 GMT -5
Yep, no rush in planning but I'm going away for the weekend and find its relaxing reading up on the stuff etc. so it's not like it's a chore or anything And I'm going to look into those tours in Norway even if they are a bit expensive. I figure if you go all that way you might as well spend the money while you're there right! |
|
|
|
Post by Lyzz Caley on Aug 1, 2002 1:49:24 GMT -5
I completely agree with the previous poster. I would really look at your itinerary close and start cutting. My sister and I just returned from our first trip to Europe. In four weeks we were able to see the following places: 1. London 2. Paris 3. San Sebastian, Spain 4. Madrid 5. Barcelona 6. Milan (Just a day!) 7. Cinque Terre 8. Rome 9. Venice 10. Amsterdam Whenever we left a city, we always had a couple of things we did not get to do. (Good for our next trip!) Also, I would highly recommend the discount airlines in Europe. With deregulation, flying in some cases is the way to go. (Cheaper and quicker than rail.) Here's some websites: www.ryanair.com www.go.comwww.easyjet.comwww.britair.comwww.europebyair.comwww.buzz.comVirgin Atlantic also has a lot of cheap flight. Have a fantastic time on your trip!!! I can't wait until my next trip to Europe. |
|
