The beauty of the Northern Lights is hard to beat. Though don’t worry, my meals were up there as well! Photo by: Evan Berman

In the beginning of December, I visited Norway and New York. I saw the Northern Lights in Tromsø, fell in love with the beauty of Bryggen in Bergen, and had tremendous food in both Tromsø and Oslo. I’ve already reviewed each of these stops. This article serves to summarize the trip and give my thoughts on the experience.

This recap is the last article of the Nordic Expedition. For more on this trip, follow these links:

Intro

Flight: Delta Comfort+, CHS-JFK

JFK Lounges

Flight: Norse Airways Economy, JFK-OSL

Flight: Norwegian Economy, OSL-BGO

The Magic of Bergen, Norway

Christmas Markets

Hotel: Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret, Bergen, Norway

Flight: SAS Economy, BGO-SVG

Flight: SAS Economy, SVG-OSL

2 Days in Oslo, Norway

Oslo Restaurants

Hotel: Comfort Karl Johan, Oslo, Norway

Flight: SAS Economy, OSL-TOS

Terrific Tromsø, Norway

A Whale of a Meal, Tromsø, Norway Restaurants

Seeing the Northern Lights

Hotel: Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora, Tromsø, Norway

Hotel: Clarion Collection Hotel With, Tromsø, Norway

Flight: SAS Economy, TOS-OSL

Flight: Norse Atlantic Airways Economy: OSL-JFK

December in New York

Lounges at LGA

Flight: Delta Economy, LGA-CHS

Conclusion (This Article)

Overview:

I decided that despite having returned from a Thanksgiving trip to South America with a friend the week before, I needed to take another international trip! This time, I was off to Norway to see the Northern Lights and get in the Christmas spirit from the beauty and warmth of the Nordic country. The focal points were seeing the aforementioned Northern Lights near Tromsø and seeing the beautiful cities of Bergen and Oslo. While this trip was inspired by an incredible flight deal, Norway has long been a country I’ve wanted to visit. Many hold it as THE country to emulate and while my patriotism (USA, USA!) remains intact, I was impressed by everything that I saw!

The Trip, Visualized:

The final itinerary was as follows: CHS-JFK-OSL-BGO-SVG-OSL-TOS-OSL-JFK, LGA-CHS. That is,

1. Charleston, SC (CHS) to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Delta Comfort+
2. New York-JFK to Oslo Norway’s Gardermoen Airport in Norse Atlantic Airways Economy
3. Oslo to Bergen Norway’s Flesland Airport in Norwegian Economy
4. Bergen to Oslo via Stavanger Airport in SAS Economy
5. Oslo to Tromsø Norway’s Tromsø Airport in SAS Economy
6. Tromsø to Oslo in SAS Economy
7. Oslo to New York-JFK in Norse Atlantic Airways Economy
8. New York’s LaGuardia International Airport (LGA) to Charleston in Delta Economy

Here is a map of that itinerary, courtesy of Great Circle Mapper:

Additionally, here are the hotels that I stayed in at each location:

1. Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret in Bergen, Norway
2. Comfort Hotel Karl Johan in Oslo, Norway
3. Clarion Collection Hotel Aurora in Tromsø, Norway
4. Clarion Collection Hotel With in Tromsø, Norway

Highlights from the Trip:

It’s hard to narrow down any trip to just a handful of moments, but here goes. The top 5 moments from this trip were:

• Seeing the Northern Lights in and around Tromsø, Norway
• Trying whale and reindeer meat for the first time in Tromsø
• Getting tremendous value out of Choice Privileges Points at Nordic Choice Hotels in Bergen, Oslo, and Tromsø
• Visiting Christmas Markets in Bergen and Oslo
• Spending time with family in New York!

Each stop on the trip was exceptional. From the potentially once-in-a-lifetime viewing of the Northern Lights to immersing myself in Nordic culture and history, I had a blast in this short trip! If you’re thinking about visiting Norway, go for it!

Price:

I always include the prices I’ve paid to give an idea of what it costs to go on these trips. Note that my style will not necessarily be the same as yours– I’m happy taking some economy flights to get extraordinary value while splurging on food and drinks. The great news about travel is you get to decide what you want to see and do, as well as how you want to do it! Without further ado, let’s dive into the numbers:

Food and Drink:

• Bergen: 582 NOK ($59.90)
• Oslo: 1,950 NOK ($199.61)
• Tromsø: 1,804 NOK ($185.76)
• New York: N/A

Transportation:

• Bergen: 760.97 NOK ($73.27)
• Oslo: 1,260 NOK ($129.90)
• Tromsø: 245 NOK ($25.67)
• New York: $120.93

Flights:

• Bergen: $112.20
• Oslo: $151.86
• Tromsø: $208.90
• New York: $88.60

Hotel:

• Bergen: 16,000 Choice Points. I purchased 44,200 points for $350.20. In essence, this stay cost $126.77.
• Oslo: 12,000 Choice Points. I purchased 44,200 points for $350.20. In essence, this stay cost $95.08.
• Tromsø: 32,000 Choice Points (16k each night). I purchased 44,200 points for $350.20. In essence, this cost $253.54 or $126.77 per night.
• New York: N/A

Activities:

• Bergen: 135.45 NOK ($13.96)
• Oslo: 340 NOK ($34.57)
• Tromsø: 480 NOK and $105.90 ($155.37)
• New York: N/A

Total Price:

• Bergen: 1,478.42 NOK and $238.97 ($386.10)
• Oslo: 3,550 NOK ($611.02)
• Tromsø: 2,529 NOK and $314.80 ($829.24)
• New York: $209.53

In all, the trip cost $2,035.89 for this 5 day vacation. That may sound like a lot but remember 1) this is Norway, one of the most expensive countries in the world and 2) I stayed in higher end hotels and ate out at nice restaurants. I could have transferred more Choice points (saving $440) and been more budget-conscious had this been a goal. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, this is what I love about travel– you get to do it the way you see fit!

Points Earned:

Food and Drink:

• Bergen: 90 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points and 114 AmEx Membership Rewards Points
• Oslo: 802 AmEx Membership Rewards Points
• Tromsø: 383 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points, 144 AmEx Membership Rewards Points, and 42 Capital One Miles
• New York: N/A

Transportation:

• Bergen: 219 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
• Oslo: 390 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
• Tromsø: 76 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
• New York: 962 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

Flights:

• Bergen: 561 AmEx Membership Rewards Points
• Oslo: 759 AmEx Membership Rewards Points
• Tromsø: 1,043 AmEx Membership Reward Points
• New York: 1,306 AmEx Membership Rewards Points

Hotel:

• Bergen: $6.34
• Oslo: $17.51
• Tromsø: $17.51
• Buenos Aires: None, paid in cash
• New York: N/A

Activities:

• Bergen: 14 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
• Oslo: 69 Capital One Miles
• Tromsø: 308 Capital One Miles
• New York: N/A

Total Points:

• Bergen: 675 AmEx Membership Rewards Points, 323 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points, $6.34 in cashback
• Oslo: 1,561 AmEx Membership Rewards Points, 390 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points, 69 Capital One Miles, $17.51 in cashback
• Tromsø: 1,187 AmEx Membership Rewards Points, 459 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points, 350 Capital One Miles, $17.51 in cashback
• New York: 1,306 AmEx Membership Rewards Points and 962 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

In all, I earned 4,729 AmEx Membership Rewards Points, 2,134 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points, 419 Capital One Miles, and $23.85 in cashback. That’s a good start to another vacation!

Evan’s Recommendations:

I’d like to give my thoughts on what was good, bad, and so-so on this trip. To do that, I’ll list 3 categories: can’t miss items, avoid, and if you have time. The options come from the entire trip, so it’s possible 1 place has all the recommendations or none of them. As always, what do you think? Let me know if you think I’ve omitted anything or have overrated an experience.

Can’t Miss:

• Northern Lights near Tromsø:
  • There’s no guarantee you will see them. After all, we had to drive nearly to the border of Sweden and wait out the clouds to see glimpses of the Lights and the second night saw the tour cancelled. That said, the beauty of seeing the Aurora Borealis is amazing and something you should really make an effort to see
  • Any time other than the summer will offer a chance to spot them, it’s up to you what weather you are willing to bear to see these beauties!
• Full Steam Tromsø
  • The opportunity to try reindeer stew and smoked whale does not come along every day! This meal was the culinary highlight of my trip, later to be shared with the incredible restaurants in Oslo
  • Order: smoked whale and the special. This may not always be reindeer stew, it may be a fish. That being said, I doubt you could go wrong with whatever the special may be!
• Stock and Vaaghals, Oslo
  • I will lump these two restaurants together due to their location, despite their differences.
  • Whale again is on offer at both of these locations. The “normal” options of fish, game, or vegetables certainly did not dissappoint.
  • Order: four course daily meal at Stock, cod at Vaaghals.
• Bryggen, Bergen
  • This UNESCO recognized neighborhood is unbelievably beautiful. I stayed in Bryggen and highly recommend anyone visiting Bergen (which is a must-do!) do the same, but even if not, you must stroll along the streets and stop in the shops!
  • I would recommend Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret, the hotel where I stayed.
• The Tree at Rockefeller Center
  • Is New York’s midtown touristy? Yes, absolutely! That being said, the decorations on the shops of Fifth Avenue and the beautiful tree in Rockefeller Center exude the joy of the Season. If you’re in New York during late November or December, go and see the tree, it’s worth it!

If You Have Time:

• Oslo and Bergen Christmas Markets
  • Yes, these are not as large or famous as the ones in Germany, Austria, and other countries on the Continent. That being said, Christmas Markets and a beautiful thing and I defy you to visit one and leave unhappy (unless it’s after realizing that you have to find a way to bring something home with you on the plane 😉 )
• Last Train:
  • Do you like live music and experiencing new things? If so, head to Last Train in Oslo and watch a punk rock band with your new Norwegian friends!
• Oslo Museum:
  • My friends and family know that I love exploring museums in any city that I visit. Even if you are not a “museum person” this should be a great spot to visit. One of my favorite items was the display of Scandinavian furniture and the history behind what we now consider to be a classic Scandinavian design.
• Nobel Prize Center:
  • This museum was not my favorite– there was too much “preaching” on certain political and social issues– but it was interesting to learn more about the history of this famous award. I particularly enjoyed noticing the controversial individuals who have won the award such as Bob Dylan and Yasser Arafat! Not quite the egg on the face of a certain other Magazine’s Man/Person of the Year but still amusing to view!

Avoid:

The most obvious thing here would be to avoid losing your passport. 😉 In all seriousness, I would avoid arriving on Sunday night into any town other than Oslo. I struggled to find open restaurants in Tromsø, a tourist-focused city.

Summary:

I visited Norway and spent a day in New York. I had a wonderful time and though the cost was higher than my previous trip, I got tremendous value from Choice Points. Specifically, I paid $350.20 to stay 5 nights in Norway, one of the most expensive countries in the world! Roughly $70 a day to stay in upper mid-tier hotels is a great value!

I hope you enjoyed following along as much I enjoyed this trip! Have you been to Norway or seen the Northern Lights? If not, what was your favorite part of the trip? Let me know in the comments! Next up: Asheville, NC.