Alex helped me organize my trip to Norway, which was amazing! He (and Carina) absolutely nailed it!
November isn't necessarily the most popular time to travel through Norway, but Alex prepared me with what to expect with the weather and limited availability for activities. With his knowledge of the areas, he led me in the perfect direction for what I should and shouldn't do, and where I should and shouldn't stay. I wouldn't hesitate to go back in November again - it wasn't too cold and...
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Alex helped me organize my trip to Norway, which was amazing! He (and Carina) absolutely nailed it!
November isn't necessarily the most popular time to travel through Norway, but Alex prepared me with what to expect with the weather and limited availability for activities. With his knowledge of the areas, he led me in the perfect direction for what I should and shouldn't do, and where I should and shouldn't stay. I wouldn't hesitate to go back in November again - it wasn't too cold and was nice and quiet : ).
I explored Bergen, Aurland, Ålesund, and Svlovær! My local guides were incredible (Eric and Leif!) and were very flexible with our plans. We ended up getting to explore more than I expected - Leif showed me the hidden gems of Aurland, Gudvangen, and Flam and Eric showed me all around the Lofoten Islands, he even took me to his own village to see how they live.
My accommodations, transportation (private and shared transfers as well as flights), and activities were all organized seamlessly. I wasn't able to do the Northern Lights tour, but all of the local guides in the area had to cancel due to the weather. They offered me the next day, but the weather was quite heavy that night too; this is something that Alex prepared me for - it's dependant on the weather. I was able to enjoy my floating sauna a bit longer since I then didn't have to head out for the tour. I'll definitely be back to Norway!
Hotel Reviews
Clarion Hotel Bergen
Bergen
This hotel was perfect for what I was looking for! It even had a sauna and fitness center, which was a nice surprise. It is located on the historic Bryggen, which is a UNESCO site in Bergen! It was so nice being able to step out of my quiet hotel and be right near shops, cafes, and the fish market.
Location
Located on Bryggen, the UNESCO World Heritage site in Bergen with all of the cute buildings on the water!
Cleanliness & Comfort
Quiet hotel even though it's in the center of town
Wangen Apartments by Fjord Resort
Aurland
I loved this aparthotel! It is right on the fjord, with not a single thing in your view. Most Aurland businesses are closed in November, which Alex had told me, but it is so close to Flåm that I loved the idea of being a bit outside of the crowds.
This aparthotel has a full kitchen and a grocery store next door, so I was able to make my own meals which was a really nice change of pace during traveling!
Location
Right on the fjord! Floating sauna outside too that you can reserve a session at (and jump into the fjord)
Cleanliness & Comfort
Everything was stocked in the kitchen and was very clean!
Clarion Hotel Admiral
Bergen
This hotel has an incredible breakfast and view of Bryggen! I suggest waking up early, while still dark, and seeing Bryggen. It was all lit up and the water was still, creating an amazing mirrored image!
My specific room left a bit to be desired, but it was due to my choice of a standard room. I was still quite happy with the amenities and location though! With the location and amenities, it's a great choice - I'd just suggest upgrading to a top-tier room that will be more updated and with a balcony.
Authenticity & Character
My room was fairly outdated compared to other rooms I saw when walking past. It sounds like the updated rooms with balconies facing Byrggen are the deluxe and above rooms.
Quality Hotel Ålesund
Ålesund
This hotel is right on the water and on the edge of the main street with shops, cafes, and restaurants in Ålesund! When I checked in, since I was early, I asked if I'd get a better room in the same tier if I were to wait to check in - they said yes. They suggested I waited a few hours and I could probably get a room with a view to the water. This is exactly what I did and exactly what I got. I just dropped my luggage in their luggage room and explored for a bit, then got back and enjoyed my room.
This hotel has a great breakfast and a restaurant for dinner. They also have a small menu that they offer 24/7 with paninis, pizzas, and such. This was so nice for me, getting in and just wanting something quick.
Location
This hotel is right on the water and on the edge of the main street with shops, cafes, and restaurants in Ålesund!
Staff
The staff was very helpful here! They also helped with calling taxis for me anytime I needed which was a nice little "extra."
Cleanliness & Comfort
Very clean and cozy room
This place is a must if you can! It is so quaint, with amazing views, and incredible dinners! It has a kitchen which was nice, given that my daylight was short. I was able to go to the store and grab some things and enjoy my cozy place after my activities.
The only con of this place is that it is across the bridge, so if it's raining, you just have to walk about 10-15m to get to the shops, but the hotel had a large umbrella in my room, so this wasn't a problem for me.
The floating sauna in Svlovær is also part of this property, so I loved having just a quick 2-minute walk from my room to the sauna (the views from this sauna are unreal.. highly suggest!)
Authenticity & Character
This feels like exactly what I would expect in the Lofoten Islands! It has that mountain and fishing village charm!
Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre Oslo Airport
Gardermoen
This is right out of the airport (about a 5-10m walk) and was exactly what I wanted since I was only staying one night in Oslo to catch my flight the next day back to the US. This is a bigger hotel, but was very clean, quiet, and had an incredible breakfast, which opens early. I'm an early riser, so I really appreciated being able to get some nice coffee early!
Location
Right outside of the airport (about a 5-10m walk)
Activity Reviews
Food & Culture Walk
Bergen
Very cool experience! Marianne, my guide, was born in Bergen and knew so many ins and outs! The pace of this tour was perfect, we saw (and tasted) quite a bit, but it didn't feel rushed. We went all through Bryggen, the fish market, and even to the first coffee shop in Bergen (the owner is still working the cafe and making the baked goods and coffee). There were many things that I would've just walked right past if it weren't for this tour. Great experience!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
I actually didn't have transport, I met my guide at the fish market and we walked from there.
Walk up to Aksla Viewpoint
Ålesund
This is a must if in Alesund! It's a short walk right in town (lots of steps, but plenty of spots to take a break). I suggest doing it during the daylight and again in the evening if you can - it's cool to see the lights at night!
Winter Kayaking & Floating Sauna
Ålesund
I thought I was going to be chillllllly on this (winter kayaking?!), but in fact, I was quite warm - who knew?! It was the perfect amount of effort (moderate, and the guide was flexible with going slower or faster, depending on what you wanted) and we had suits on that kept us dry and cozy. We did a loop around the island and then ended at the floating sauna (where you can jump into the water too!). This was a fun experience!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Private Lofoten Sightseeing Trip
Svolvær
Eric, my guide, feels like my new best friend! I specifically chose a private experience to get a flexible/personalized experience. Right when I met my guide, he asked if there was anything specifically that I wanted to see/visit. I didn't know much of the area and trusted his judgment. We drove all around, stopping at hidden gems as well as some popular sites (Henningsvær soccer field, Haukland Beach...). This was a really cool time to visit these spots since they can get busy in peak season - I feel like I got the private showing of the hot spots. Eric also drove me through his village (11 houses, 13 residents) and showed how the locals live. Very cool and authentic experience with a knowledgeable guide!
This is a must-do if in the Lofoten Islands and just wanting to make the most of your time there!
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Lofoten Floating Sauna Experience
Svolvær
This floating sauna is unreal - the views are amazing! Highly suggest trying to do the sauna during daylight (to appreciate the views even more) and jumping off of the roof into the water!
Quality of Experience
I did the sauna in the evening, after sunset, so it was dark. Although still a great experience, I would've liked to do in the daylight to appreciate the views, my schedule just didn't allow for it.
Local specialist: Alex Mottler