Norway
Norway - a smorgasbord of mountain and fjord, excellent railways and beautiful cruise ships can be experienced in one day. 'Norway in a Nutshell' incorporates a railway line that drops 2,800 feet in 55 minutes at Flam, a meandering boat cruise up the steep-sided Sognefjord, ending with either an evening on the historic harbour front at Bergen or back for dinner in one of Oslo's Michelin-starred restaurants.
Every morning the 8.00 am train leaves for Bergen, then on to Myrdal and Flam where you join a boat for the next leg on the Sognefjord, then shuttle bus to Voss where your train takes you back to Oslo or Bergen for the evening.
www.norwayinanutshell.com
Eplet Hostel is set in the middle of a working orchard (complete with two pet sheep) overlooking Sognefjord, the second-longest fjord in the world. The views are jaw-dropping and the apple juice is to die for.
It's run like a home by the very hospitable Henrik. Family and private rooms are available within the house while a (cheaper) dormitory is located in the roof of a former barn within the grounds. Camping is possible. Facilities are basic but lovingly attended. In addition to the usual internet, television and kitchen/bathrooms there are hammocks, mini golf and free mountain bikes.
There's plenty to do nearby, including day trips to Urnes stave church (a Unesco world heritage site) and a waterfall, great bike routes, apple picking, juice making, and of course gazing at that gorgeous fjord view with a fresh glass of cider.
A lady in Bergen tourist office recommended this place to us and she really knew what she was talking about. It made our trip.
Eplet Bed and Apple
Solvorn
Western Norway
E-mail: trondhenrik@eplet.net
Tel: + 47 4164 9469
Website: www.eplet.net
You can reach Solvorn by public transport. Further details on the website.
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