One Week in Norway

I was driving south on Highway 101 yesterday, toward San Jose. It was early morning, my regular commute since 2013, before the pandemic last year brought it to a grinding halt. It was early enough for 101 not to be its usual parking lot. I was listening to NPR, as customary, and the drive was actually somewhat pleasant.

We are at a crossroads. For some companies, remote working is ending. It is time to go back to the (re-configured) office, so long as COVID rates do not increase further. Could this be a reboot, for careers and professional engagement? Or, has this pandemic made us even more pragmatic, facilitated, if not enabled, us to focus on what is really important, and turned up the contrast on the importance of creating a solid foundation for retirement and/or pursuing truly meaningful and satisfying projects and activities?

Now, to the main subject of this post. A friend, considering a trip to Norway, asked for my itinerary. I had visited Norway four years ago, spending two nights in Olso and four in Bergen. In retrospect, three nights at each would have been ideal, but the visit, sandwiched between England and Ireland, was enjoyable and memorable. I have recreated the itinerary, to the extent possible. Needless to say, a more contemporaneous summary would have been preferred.

Getting Around:

Olso is compact and has excellent public transportation (metro, boats, etc.). We traveled from Oslo to Bergen by train (see below), a beautiful way to see the countryside, glaciers, etc. Put simply, while Norway seemed relatively easy to drive, we were fine without a car.

https://en.visitbergen.com/visitor-information/travel-information/getting-here/bergensbanen-oslo-to-bergen-by-train

Accommodations/Food:

See below links regarding accommodations, which were reasonably priced and included fabulous breakfast buffets. Lunch and dinner could be pricey. For lunch, go to the local supermarket and buy cold cuts, cheeses, fruits, and water. This is a relatively inexpensive option. Dinner may be costly.

Oslo:

https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/radisson-blu-oslo

https://vigeland.museum.no/en/vigelandpark

https://www.khm.uio.no/english/visit-us/viking-ship-museum/

https://www.nasjonalmuseet.no/en/

https://www.munchmuseet.no/en

https://www.kongehuset.no/seksjon.html?tid=28697

https://www.oslo.kommune.no/oslo-city-hall/

Bergen:

https://www.thonhotels.com/our-hotels/norway/bergen/thon-hotel-bristol-bergen/

https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/sognefjord-in-a-nutshell/176547/

https://www.floyen.no/en/activities/walks-hikes-floyen/