Epic road trip, 4275KM from Oslo to Bodo. M...
Norway | Apr 1 - Apr 11, 2024

Syephen
Syephen L.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Apr 12, 2024

Epic road trip, 4275KM from Oslo to Bodo. Mathia was very enthusiastic in the planning phase and very amenble to changing plans as the inital plan had far less driving but we were keen to see as much of Norway as possible and our kids travel well. First hotel and car hire were a short walk from the station so very convenient. Thon Opera let us check in early so we had a great day (in sun) exploring Oslo. Car hire was all organised by Mathia. Two nights in a fishing cabin in Aurland and the scenery was spectacular. Vking village was much better than I was expecting as did not feel like a tourist trap 'gimmicky show' but a village occupied by people clearly knowlegable and enthusiastic about Vikings! The cruise was also great and very cold! Then onto Loen. Accommodation was the most basic I think we had but was ok. We eat at the top pf the mountain in the restuarant. Views were incredible, ambience great (Very very quiet as we were out of season) and the food great. Onto Alesund and the best hotel we stayed at Brosundet. Lovely walk up to the viewing platform overlooking the city. If the sauna had been operational the morning we were due to leave that would have been perfect! Then onto Andalsnes and a hotel with great views. Another fantastic meal on top of the mountain with excellent food. Then onto Trondheim. Hotel had been awarded the best breakfast in Norway for multiple years in a row and it was very good! Trondheim woudl have been better in sunshine but it was grey, raining and cold but we found a great coffee (Norway seems a tricky place if you love your coffee!!) Then a very long drive up to Bronnoysund which was very beautiful. The hut we stayed in was good and overlooked a fishing farm and we had two nights here. We were able to hike through the hole in the mountain which was closed for work but the workmen let us through! Another advantage of being out of season! That day was very sunny and ended with an amazing sunset and the Northern Lights! The final longest drive was up to Bodo. We passed into the arctic circle, the landscapes were varied and beautiful. The arctic cafe was closed (Again out of season!) and the final accomodation was ok but we were again in rain and cold with no views of the spectacular scenery. Last day we flew back to Oslo and had a great day in the sun lazing in Olivia's, the italian restaurant on the dock. It was a perfectly organised trip and although this length of driving is not for everyone we cetainly enjoyed it. Mathia was in contact throughout, offering suggestions. 10/10 for enthusiasm. Thanks!

Hotel Review
Thon Hotel Opera
Oslo

Friendly, let us check in early. Great location. Great breakfast! Rooms very comfortable

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Mathia Pacenti
Mathia
Mathia Pacenti
Local specialist in VesterĂ¥len, Norway | Replied on Apr 12, 2024
Dear Steve,
Thank you very much for your kind and detailed review.
You have been very cooperative and helpful throughout the entire process. It was exciting to create the itinerary with your help, and even more interesting was hearing your comments and feedback while you were traveling along the country. Yes, your trip was epic and charming at the same time. I think Norway deserves to be experienced on the road. If you had a couple of days more at your disposal, I would have invited you and...
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Dear Steve,
Thank you very much for your kind and detailed review.
You have been very cooperative and helpful throughout the entire process. It was exciting to create the itinerary with your help, and even more interesting was hearing your comments and feedback while you were traveling along the country. Yes, your trip was epic and charming at the same time. I think Norway deserves to be experienced on the road. If you had a couple of days more at your disposal, I would have invited you and your family to where I live. VesterĂ¥len Archipelago was not that far. Next time, ok?
Enjoy your time back home and have a great summer.
Cheers
Mathia