Anyone travel from the US to Norway recently?

[konradptr]

A couple of buddies were thinking about taking a trip out to Norway this summer, but wanted to get some inside info. Looking for the best (cheapest) time to fly in, which airport to fly into, how easy it is to get around, how much we are going to spend to get to the top, etc... I don't think we would have a problem with going south into Europe, but again, don't know how realistic it is with 2 weeks off from work. Thanks in advance,

Peter
konradptr@yahoo.com

[imported_Tom Aiello]

Travelocity shows many flights to Stavanger in the $600 range, if your dates are flexible. I'd shoot for the first two weeks in July for a first trip, when there are the most people around to party with, and a huge amount of daylight to jump in. Alternately, you could fly into Oslo and take a train to Stavanger, or fly into Copenhagen and take a ferry.

I'd recommend (for a first trip) flying into Stavanger, spending the night there (hotel will run you a bit, maybe $80 if you shop around), then hopping on the ferry to Lysebotn in the morning (if I recall correctly, it leaves around 10:30am, so it's doubtful you'll make it on the day you fly in). It is possible to catch a bus to somewhere further up the ferry line if your flight arrives before noon, and avoid the night in Lysebotn (and the opportunity to grocery shop, so you'll need to bring food).

It's fairly easy to get around on bus, train and ferry, but much slower than you're used to in the U.S. by car.

With only two weeks, I'd probably focus a first trip exclusively in Lysebotn, and not worry about the bigger (and better, in my opinion) jumps further North (which will require a local guide).

Expect to pay about double what you would for food in the U.S. (whether in a restaurant or grocery store), or even more if you are shopping at the campground store/cafe in Lysebotn (not recommended on price and selection grounds).

If I recall the exchange rate correctly, the boat/bus rides were running about $4 (so you'll pay a little less than $10 for a complete round trip).

I can't remember the cost for the ferry, but I want to say it was around $20 (you can sometimes get half price by showing your rig--I think it depends on the mood of whoever is working).

Have you read the information posted by the locals under the "Kjerag" link at www.thebasepoint.com?

--Tom Aiello
tbaiello@mac.com