For those who’re somebody who thrives on out of doors journey, loves tenting in beautiful distant places, and seeks the fun of climbing dramatic landscapes, this 10-day street journey by means of Western Norway goes to blow your thoughts. Daring declare I do know, however significantly. I’ve carried out many a street journey in my life thus far however this one has gone proper up there to top-of-the-line i’ve ever carried out.
‘Why?’ I hear you ask.
The views, the drives, the dramatic panorama shifts in a seemingly brief distance, the hikes, the spacious and considerable tenting choices. The effectively maintained public amenities, the humbling backdrops behind each nook you flip. Norway is a vacation spot constructed for street journeys AND the locals welcomed us with a smile (not regular, IYKYK).
With locations to park up in abundance, you’ll be able to really street journey spontaneously (versus planning and reserving all campsites) which simply depart a lot room in your journey for magic to easily unfold alongside the best way.
Western Norway itself is thought for its fjord-carved landscapes and for iconic spots like Trolltunga and Geirangerfjord. There’s truthfully although, wild, uncooked magnificence round each nook you flip. Whether or not you’re dreaming of climbing cliff edges, kayaking by means of crystal-clear fjords, or stress-free in a lakeside sauna, Western Norway delivers all of it time and time once more. That is the place out of doors journey meets wellness at it’s absolute best.
For those who’re right here and contemplating a Norway street journey, get your word pad and pen on the prepared. On this Norway street journey itinerary weblog put up I’m going to share the ten day fjord safari that I simply obtained again from and persuade you that it has a deserving spot on the high of your bucket checklist.
Prepared?
Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering one of the best locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your gadget and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
Getting To Western Norway
One of the best ways to succeed in Western Norway to begin your Norway street journey itinerary is by flying into Bergen Airport (BGO), which is named the “Gateway to the Fjords”.
Worldwide flights join by means of main hubs equivalent to Oslo, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam however when you’re flying from London you’ll be able to fly direct to Bergen similar to we did (1hr 55 flight time). Bergen is one of the best place so that you can then spend a day or two earlier than choosing up a automotive or a motorhome for some off the overwhelmed observe journey!
Renting a campervan in your Norway street journey
We employed our campervan from Roadsurfer, a effectively famend firm which have 75 decide up places throughout 17 international locations!! In Norway, you will have the choice to select up in Oslo or Bergen. We knew we needed to be deep within the fjords for our Norway street journey and so we went with the least driving time and picked up from Bergen (a 5 minute Uber from the airport itself).
Driving by means of Norway’s wilderness with a campervan permits a lot freedom. You may take your time to discover distant areas, keep nearer to climbing trails, and get up to views of waterfalls and fjord views. A few of our park up views are ones that i’ll keep in mind for a lifetime. While a automotive and lodge mixture may be lovely, a campervan offers you an unrivalled and far deeper connection to Norway’s wild aspect. I personally suppose doing Norway with a campervan is the easiest way to see it!
Travelling with a campervan additionally means fewer time constraints, as you’ll be able to modify your plans on the go with out worrying about check-in instances or availability. You may keep so long as you want and actually customise the journey to your hearts wishes!
Roadsurfer affords well-equipped campervans with all of the necessities you want for an epic time on the street. I liked their consideration to element within the van we had (Roadhouse mannequin) and truthfully can’t fault the expertise. They know their viewers and offered all the additional to make it comfortable, sensible and ease-filled.
Check out the Roadsurfer places and vans accessible right here.
Additionally, till 28/10/24 you should utilize MOLLIE24 at checkout for £75 off your reserving!
Let’s tuck into the Norway street journey itinerary, we could?
When to Go to Western Norway
In case your give attention to out of doors exercise is climbing and tenting, the summer time months from June to August might be splendid. These months have gentle temperatures and lengthy daylight. The additional north you go – the extra daylight you will have in the summertime!
Spring and early fall are additionally nice for fewer crowds, emptier park up spots and maybe a extra spontaneous itinerary. You too can get cheaper charges on lodges, actions and campervan leases!
Nonetheless, as you’ll be able to think about, the climate is a bit more unpredictable within the shoulder months of April / Might / Sept / Oct. We visited for the primary 2 weeks of September and we had 2/3 days of rain, 3/4 cloudy days after which 2/3 full solar days. It didn’t have an effect on the enjoyment of our journey in any respect because the temperature was so gentle and pleasurable even with cloud however in fact, there are some hikes and viewpoints you’ll naturally wish to time with the clearer, excessive visibility days. That was the one manner the climate affected our journey. So when you do go for shoulder months, hold your itinerary versatile! We pushed again our Trolltunga hike 2 days to attend for the sunshine!
On the wet days we took to fishing, saunas on the fjord entrance and card video games within the van with tea and biscuits on lockdown. A Norway street journey shouldn’t be wanting journey!!
Midnight solar climbing
The midnight solar is a pure phenomenon that happens in Norway through the summer time when the solar stays above the horizon for a number of months. The impact is attributable to the Earth’s tilt and rotation, which causes the northern hemisphere to tilt nearer to the solar as summer time arrives. The additional north you go, the longer the midnight solar lasts.
The Proper To Roam coverage
One of many distinctive features of travelling in Norway is the Allemannsretten, or the “proper to roam” coverage. This legislation grants everybody free entry to nature, which means you’ll be able to camp virtually anyplace in uncultivated areas, together with forests, mountains, and alongside the fjords, so long as you respect personal property and the surroundings (I feel it’s a 200m really useful distance).
The coverage is such a praise in your Norway street journey itinerary, particularly for these travelling by campervan, because it permits you to park and camp in distant, lovely places for as much as two nights at a time with out having to depend on campsites. For those who go forward and take advantage of these freedoms like we did, please depart no hint and observe native fireplace security and wildlife safety tips. This freedom to roam makes Norway a superb vacation spot for out of doors lovers on the lookout for an off-the-grid expertise, let’s hold it that manner!
Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering one of the best locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your gadget and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
Day 1 + 2: Bergen – The Gateway to the Fjords
Drive Time: 0 hours (Beginning Level)
You’ve landed right here so chances are you’ll as effectively start your Norway street journey adventures in Bergen, an enthralling metropolis surrounded by mountains and fjords on west coast of Norway.. You’ll discover cruise ships pulling in right here and slightly extra hustle and bustle than you’ll expertise for the remainder of your journey.
I’d positively suggest trying out or eating on the Fish Market and wandering across the vibrant wood homes alongside the Bryggen Wharf (UNESCO World Heritage Web site). One other standard factor to do is take the funicular as much as Mount Fløyen for panoramic views throughout Bergen, when you’re feeling lively you’ll be able to take the path and stroll again down afterwards or, head again down on the funicular.
Different issues I’d suggest are… baked items from Godt Brød, brunch at Løvetann Café & Bistro and a sauna at Heit Sauna Bergen.
For those who’d like entry to all my favorite finds, espresso and brunch spots and extra, you will get lifetime entry to my Norway Google Map Legend right here.
Day 3: Hardangerfjord
Drive Time: 2 hours from Bergen to Odda
On the second day of your Norway street journey itinerary, head southeast towards Hardangerfjord, one in all Norway’s most scenic fjords and put together to get straight into the center of the views. The principle city on this area is Odda, the place you’ll be able to base your self when you’re seeking to tuck straight into the long-lasting Trolltunga hike the next day.
We had rain upon arrival in Odda and so we pushed our hike again a day and as an alternative went on a waterfall tour to see Tjørnadalsfossen waterfall and some others within the space. There are some nice locations to high up your journey wardrobe / fishing package in Odda. We headed to the Sports activities Outlet and obtained some nice offers on waterproofs and lures!
We parked up proper on the fjord for our second night and my accomplice was solely fishing for 10 minutes and caught 4 contemporary mackerel for our breakfast! Heaven. Contemporary fish cooked up in our dwelling on wheels beside one of the crucial spectacular fjord views I’ve ever seen – we had been off to an awesome begin.
It’s insanely scenic simply driving alongside the primary street that passes the Hardangerfjord so be sure to catch a few of that drive in daylight.
In case you have additional time like we did whereas ready for the climate to select up, I’d extremely suggest heading to Lofthus, parking right here and taking the hike as much as the Hoven cabin (a free public cabin, pictured beneath). It was INCREDIBLE.
On the best way again down we drove previous so many ripe and blushed apples calling our title, we stopped on the Lofthus Cideri to strive a few of the native produce. I might extremely suggest stopping by, they’ve quite a lot of apple ciders and apple juices so that you can quench your thirst with after your hike.
P.s. I discovered some fairly epic mushroom-picking spots on this hike, I’ve pinned them together with my precise tenting spots and fishing spots onto the Norway Google Map right here.
Day 4: Trolltunga – The Iconic Hike
Drive Time: 0.5 hours from Odda to Trolltunga trailhead
Put together your self for one of the crucial iconic hikes in Norway. It was so price ready round for the clear skies!
The round-trip hike for this hike is difficult however so rewarding, and is the proper day hike in Norway when you’re lively and prepared for a problem. The space provides as much as about 22 km (14 miles) in whole however your whole strolling distance really will depend on the place you stroll from (there are a couple of beginning factors). For those who’re doing this hike as a part of your street journey and you’ve got a motorhome, your solely possibility for parking is P1 – Tyssedal. In case you have a automotive you’ll be able to head as much as P2 – Skjeggedal.
Right here’s what I learnt and didn’t know beforehand when you’re coming by campervan:
- You’ll have to park at P1 (NOK 300 for the day, no in a single day sleeping allowed)
- You’ll then have to e-book a return ticket on the shuttle bus to P2 (NOK 200) – e-book right here
- From P2 you’ll be able to both stroll (4km steep uphill) or get one other shuttle bus as much as P3 for NOK 150 (the place the hike really begins)
The remainder of it’s then free and simple to observe and the view from the Troll’s Tongue (the rock jutting out 700 meters above Ringedalsvatnet Lake) is price each step and penny!
It value us just below £100 for the 2 of us with all prices thought of! Sure it appears steep however they’ve an excellent operation working right here for the quantity of tourism it attracts and it was a reasonably seamless expertise!
High Suggestions:
- Begin early (earlier than 7 AM) to keep away from the crowds and catch dawn.
- Ensure you have comfortable footwear on
- Convey layers, technical you probably have them as your temperature will fluctuate
- Pack loads of snacks, your lunch and many water.
Day 5: Flåm – The Well-known Scenic Prepare Journey
Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Trolltunga to Flåm
After an epic day climbing at Trolltunga, your legs could be slightly drained however the journey continues!
I’d suggest what we did which was to move to Flåm, a really picturesque little spot nestled alongside Aurlandsfjord. The world-famous Flåmsbana practice trip begins right here which weaves up by means of the mountains to Myrdal, providing essentially the most breathtaking views of waterfalls and rivers alongside the best way. The practice trip itself is about 40/50 minutes and the views are on either side.
In case your legs aren’t too drained (or in the event that they want loosening after the hike) you’ll be able to e-book the practice and bike possibility the place, when you get to Myrdal, you decide up a motorbike on the high and cycle all the best way again right down to Flåm. It’s a 17km bike trip in distance nevertheless it’s just about down hill so it’s sooner and loads simpler than chances are you’ll first suppose. The views are insane.
In all probability essentially the most lovely bike trip i’ve ever carried out. I additionally liked that on the best way again down, when you go for the bikes, you will have the choice to cease and take in the surroundings for so long as you want! I’d suggest taking some snacks and drinks with you to make a day of it!
Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering one of the best locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your gadget and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
Day 6: Skei – Sauna on the water
Drive Time: 2.5 hours from Flåm to Skei
Okay, when you haven’t gotten in a fjord-front sauna by day 6, it’s now your time. You will have two choices on this space that i’d suggest.
The primary is Fyrig Sauna in Skei. If you e-book a public spot you get a 1.5 hour slot and you’ll alternate between lake dips and sauna steams – all while looking over the fjords. Actually heaven in your physique and thoughts.
The opposite one which can also be close by and has insane views is the Velte Dampen floating sauna. It was closed the day we had been passing by means of however my gosh, discuss a sauna with a view! Go and inform me all about it please!
Oh and in your manner by means of, you should definitely cease off for pictures at Bøyabreen Glacier.
For those who’d like entry to all my favorite finds, espresso and brunch spots and extra alongside our route, you will get lifetime entry to my Norway Google Map Legend right here. Truthfully one of the best useful resource to have on the street.
Day 7: Loen – Skylift & Mountaineering Journey
Drive Time: 45 minutes from Olden to Loen
As you drive from Skei to Loen you’ll arrive to the water once more and take the scenic drive round Innvikfjorden which can also be known as ‘Mom Nature’s Wonderland’. You may think about why. It simply will get higher and higher on a Norway street journey, you received’t consider your eyes!!
Innvikfjorden is among the most talked about and best-known fjords in Norway due to how beautiful the scenes are right here. You realize… crystal waters, emerald-green forests, snow-capped mountain backdrop, and a number of cascading waterfalls offering the white noise. It’s foolish lovely. This fjord stretches throughout 4.5 kilometres, and each Olden and Loen sit on the shores right here.
Among the best adventures to go on in Loen is the By way of Ferrata Loen which I did a few years in the past. Truthfully, when you love lively journey, this is among the most scenic, exhilarating climbs i’ve ever carried out. See all my photographs and my full evaluate right here. For those who do the By way of Feratta expertise you’ll climb to the highest after which take the Loen skylift again down (included within the worth).
For those who’re on the lookout for a extra mellow journey or just to dine with a view throughout this beautiful fjordland, I like to recommend taking Loen Skylift, which takes you 1,011 meters above sea stage in simply 5 minutes. It’s slightly dear nevertheless it’s the one manner up when you’re not climbing and the views are really spectacular.
When you arrive on the skylift to the highest of Mount Hoven, you’ll be able to go to Hoven restaurant and calm down with a view OR take one of many climbing paths on the high.
They’re very well sculpted out and also you don’t want a information to get pleasure from them!
We did the longer hike as much as Staurinibba, which stands at 1379 asl. It’s a reasonably difficult trek that elevates you an extra 379m over 5.4km (spherical journey). Depart 3-4 hours for this and take layers! We had been heat on the backside of the skylift and we had been glad for additional thermals and raincoats on the high!
Each instances I’ve been to Loen I’ve skilled all seasons in a day!
Day 8: Hjelle + Glomnesfossen
Drive Time: 1 hour from Loen to Hjelle
Hjelle is a quiet village alongside Lake Oppstrynsvatnet that provides glacier and waterfall views, normal.
After our Loen hike day we needed to search out someplace to drag up, fish and calm down with a view. This spot was completely excellent. We wild camped on the lake entrance, cooked up dinner and did all of the healthful stuff you do while on a street journey. That is pretty much as good because it will get.
There are a couple of hikes from Hjelle however after placing the drone up and exploring from a birds eye view, we observed Glomnesfossen, a stunning lesser-known waterfall tucked away within the forest. So after a blissful sleep and a cup of espresso the next morning – we walked as much as discover and take an icy dip within the glacial waters!
Watch out!
When swimming in rivers, lake or waterfalls, keep supervised and watch the currents earlier than you get in. There are some actually sturdy currents in Norway and no picture is price getting your self right into a harmful scenario.
Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering one of the best locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your gadget and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
Day 9: Geirangerfjord – Norway’s Most Well-known Fjord
Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Hjelle to Geiranger
Individuals had instructed us about Geirangerfjord however they hadn’t instructed us in regards to the drive there. WOW. Simply have a look at that view.
You’ll be wanting to drag over many instances on this route so depart time and when you can, depart time to cook dinner up / get pleasure from your lunch right here too!
When you’ve weaved your manner by means of the scenic roads down and into to Geiranger itself, you arrive to the crown jewel of Norwegian fjords, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site know for spots just like the Seven Sisters waterfall and the Skagefla hike. There are a couple of campsites right here however not many locations to wild camp. Free of charge camp spots, you’ll be higher off heading again as much as the scenic drive-in. We selected to remain at Geirangerfjorden Feriesenter which was proper on the waterfront.
We liked our keep right here, the amenities had been very clear and fashionable. You pay 320KR for a pitch (plus 40KR for every grownup) after which you’ll be able to pay 50KR moreover for an electrical hook-up and 25KR for a 6-minute sizzling bathe. I feel it’s one other 150KR if you need a spot on the very entrance.
It’s an awesome alternative for a vanlife pitstop as you can even dump gray water, bathroom and refill with contemporary water!
We solely had sooner or later right here and we woke to FULL mist and no visibility. We couldn’t consider it as getting out on the fjord was our last Norway street journey dream and we had no extra days to play with.
We determined to attend the morning out to see if it would clear. It didn’t look hopeful after which at round 11 am the clouds began to half slightly and we took an opportunity and rented a ship from Geirangerfjorden Feriesenter (on the campsite).
To our delight, the skies cleared and we loved a 4 hour expertise on our little energy boat, catching 4 fish (Coal fish) and drifting previous many a waterfall as we went. Actually a bucket checklist expertise that was the proper finish to our Norway street journey.
For those who’d like full entry to all my favorite finds, espresso, wild tenting spots and extra alongside our route, you will get lifetime entry to my Norway Google Map Legend right here. Truthfully one of the best useful resource to have on the street.
Day 10: Scenic Drive & Return to Bergen
Drive Time: 6-7 hours from Geiranger to Bergen
For those who select to take the identical route as us, the final day will imply you are taking the longest drive of your journey again to Bergen. For those who rise early, you’ll cowl a part of your route once more (likelihood to cease for any extra pictures and souvenirs) after which at Skei you’ll take a unique route alongside Djupvatnet Lake and thru the excessive mountain passes again towards Bergen.
The roads in Norway are effectively maintained and I really feel just like the views are simply all the time so beautiful the drive time passes so rapidly. Simply after the ultimate ferry from Lavik, there have been loads of alternatives to cease by the water, kind out the campervan able to return it and tuck into one final riverside picnic.
I discovered some actually nice spots to empty gray water, bathroom waste and refill with contemporary water. I’ve pinned all of them in my Norway Google Map Legend right here. Truthfully one of the best useful resource to have on the street.
Have you ever been on a Norway street journey?
What are one of the best issues to do in Norway? Something you’d add to this Norway bucket checklist?
Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering one of the best locations to eat, drink, calm down and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your gadget and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
