Norway

[MadMaryBoddington]

We are planning a holiday in Norway in August. Intending to start with a few days in Ålesund then set off on a road trip, taking in Geiranger, Molde and the Atlantic Road. Anyone been? Recommendations of places to stay/must sees/surprise gems?

I’ve not been to Norway apart from a weekend in Bergen twenty years ago, so it will be amazing to see somewhere new that I know very little about.

I also have a ticket to see a-ha while there

Assuming you're flying, you can take advantage of the duty-free shops at airports as Norway is not in the EU.

Oh that’s a bonus; I hadn’t thought of that. Thanks Monger

Get a guidebook, the country is full of "gems" everywhere.

I’ve got one, mixture! Just interested to hear personal recommendations too.

Don't underestimate distances/times for travelling between places despite how "close" they look on a map. We had a very long detour once in Norway (in perfectly fine weather) due to a landslide/rockfall which meant that a 2 hour drive took 4.5! Having said that the detour was very picturesque. Stay in "summer house" on a Fjord if you can. Do the Flam railway ( Bergen to Oslo or reverse) -that's a whole day really. Also recommend hunting down a Stave church if you like interesting buildings/architecture. Other than that just enjoy some time relaxing in such a beautiful (and clean) country. Love Norway and plan to go back once I've ticked a few other places of my list.

Thanks R00t that’s really helpful, especially about travel times.

Be prepared for how expensive it is to eat,drink and stay.
Scenery is utterly breathtaking.
Journeys do take significant time though especially if ferries are involved.