When you’re somebody who thrives on out of doors journey, loves tenting in gorgeous distant areas, and seeks the fun of mountaineering dramatic landscapes, this 10-day street journey by way of Western Norway goes to blow your thoughts. Daring declare I do know, however significantly. I’ve performed many a street journey in my life to this point however this one has gone proper up there to among the finest i’ve ever performed.
‘Why?’ I hear you ask.
The views, the drives, the dramatic panorama shifts in a seemingly quick distance, the hikes, the spacious and considerable tenting choices. The nicely 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 truly 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 may be actually although, wild, uncooked magnificence round each nook you flip. Whether or not you’re dreaming of mountaineering cliff edges, kayaking by way of crystal-clear fjords, or enjoyable 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.
When you’re right here and contemplating a Norway street journey, get your notice pad and pen on the prepared. On this Norway street journey itinerary weblog submit 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 prime of your bucket record.
Prepared?
Getting To Western Norway
The easiest way 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 way of main hubs akin 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 the very 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 monitor journey!
Renting a campervan in your Norway street journey
We employed our campervan from Roadsurfer, a nicely famend firm which have 75 choose up areas throughout 17 international locations!! In Norway, you’ve got the choice to choose up in Oslo or Bergen. We knew we wished 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 way of Norway’s wilderness with a campervan permits a lot freedom. You may take your time to discover distant areas, keep nearer to mountaineering 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 resort mixture may be stunning, a campervan provides you an unrivalled and far deeper connection to Norway’s wild aspect. I personally suppose doing Norway with a campervan is one of the simplest ways to see it!
Travelling with a campervan additionally means fewer time constraints, as you’ll be able to alter your plans on the go with out worrying about check-in occasions or availability. You may keep so long as you want and actually customise the journey to your hearts needs!
Roadsurfer presents 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 actually can’t fault the expertise. They know their viewers and supplied all the additional to make it cozy, sensible and ease-filled.
Check out the Roadsurfer areas and vans obtainable right here.
Additionally, till 28/10/24 you should use 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 focus for out of doors exercise is mountaineering and tenting, the summer season months from June to August are going to be supreme. These months have delicate temperatures and lengthy daylight. The additional north you go – the extra daylight you’ve got in the summertime!
Spring and early fall are additionally nice for fewer crowds, emptier park up spots and maybe a extra spontaneous itinerary. You may as well get cheaper charges on inns, actions and campervan leases!
Nevertheless, as you’ll be able to think about, the climate is a bit more unpredictable within the shoulder months of April / Could / 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 delicate and satisfying even with cloud however after all, there are some hikes and viewpoints you’ll naturally need to time with the clearer, excessive visibility days. That was the one means the climate affected our journey. So when you do go for shoulder months, preserve 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 will not be in need of journey!!
Midnight solar mountaineering
The midnight solar is a pure phenomenon that happens in Norway throughout the summer season when the solar stays above the horizon for a number of months. The impact is brought on by the Earth’s tilt and rotation, which causes the northern hemisphere to tilt nearer to the solar as summer season arrives. The additional north you go, the longer the midnight solar lasts.
The Proper To Roam coverage
One of many distinctive points of touring in Norway is the Allemannsretten, or the “proper to roam” coverage. This regulation 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 non-public property and the atmosphere (I feel it’s a 200m advisable distance).
The coverage is such a praise in your Norway street journey itinerary, particularly for these touring by campervan, because it lets you park and camp in distant, stunning areas for as much as two nights at a time with out having to depend on campsites. When you go forward and benefit from these freedoms like we did, please be sure to depart no hint and comply with native tips on fireplace security and wildlife safety. This freedom to roam makes Norway a superb vacation spot for out of doors lovers in search of an off-the-grid expertise, let’s preserve it that means!
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, chill out and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your system 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 it’s possible you’ll as nicely 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 a bit 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 widespread 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.
When you’d like entry to all my favorite finds, espresso and brunch spots and extra, you may 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 a substitute went on a waterfall tour to see Tjørnadalsfossen waterfall and some others within the space. There are some nice locations to prime 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 parter was solely fishing for 10 minutes and caught 4 recent mackerel for our breakfast! Heaven. Contemporary fish cooked up in our house on wheels apart from probably the most spectacular fjord views I’ve ever seen – we have been off to an incredible begin.
It’s a really scenic hike simply driving alongside the principle street that passes the Hardangerfjord so be sure to catch some in daylight.
When you’ve got additional time like we did while ready for the climate to choose 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 under). 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 attempt among the native produce. I’d extremely suggest stopping by, they’ve a wide range 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 choosing spots on this hike, I’ve pinned them together with my actual 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 probably the most iconic hikes in Norway. It was so value ready round for the clear skies!
The round-trip hike for this hike is difficult however so rewarding, and is the right day hike in Norway when you’re lively and prepared for a problem. The gap provides as much as about 22 km (14 miles) in complete however your complete strolling distance truly relies on the place you stroll from (there are a number of beginning factors). When you’re doing this hike as a part of your street journey and you’ve got a motorhome, your solely choice for parking is P1 – Tyssedal. When you’ve got 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 ebook a return ticket on the shuttle bus to P2 (NOK 200) – ebook 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 truly begins)
The remainder of it’s then free and straightforward to comply with and the view from the Troll’s Tongue (the rock jutting out 700 meters above Ringedalsvatnet Lake) is value each step and penny!
It value us just below £100 for the 2 of us with all prices thought-about! Sure it appears steep however they’ve an excellent operation operating right here for the quantity of tourism it attracts and it was a reasonably seamless expertise!
Prime Ideas:
- Begin early (earlier than 7 AM) to keep away from the crowds and catch dawn.
- Ensure you have cozy footwear on
- Deliver layers, technical you probably have them as your temperature will fluctuate
- Pack loads of snacks, your lunch and plenty of water.
Day 5: Flåm – The Well-known Scenic Practice Trip
Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Trolltunga to Flåm
After an epic day mountaineering at Trolltunga, your legs may be a bit drained however the journey continues!
I’d suggest what we did which was to go to Flåm, a really picturesque little spot nestled alongside Aurlandsfjord. The world-famous Flåmsbana prepare trip begins right here which weaves up by way of the mountains to Myrdal, providing essentially the most breathtaking views of waterfalls and rivers alongside the best way. The prepare 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 ebook the prepare and bike choice the place, when you get to Myrdal, you choose up a motorcycle on the prime and cycle all the best way again right down to Flåm. It’s a 17km bike trip in distance however it’s just about down hill so it’s sooner and loads simpler than it’s possible you’ll first suppose. The views are insane.
Most likely essentially the most stunning bike trip i’ve ever performed. I additionally liked that on the best way again down, when you go for the bikes, you’ve got the choice to cease and absorb the surroundings for so long as you want! I’d suggest taking some snacks and drinks with you to make a day of it!
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’ve two choices on this space that i’d suggest.
The primary is Fyrig Sauna in Skei. Once you ebook a public spot you get a 1.5 hour slot and you may alternate between lake dips and sauna steams – all while searching over the fjords. Really 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 have been passing by way of however my gosh, speak about a sauna with a view! Go and inform me all about it please!
Oh and in your means by way of, make sure you cease off for images at Bøyabreen Glacier.
When you’d like entry to all my favorite finds, espresso and brunch spots and extra alongside our route, you may get lifetime entry to my Norway Google Map Legend right here. Truthfully the very best useful resource to have on the street.
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, chill out and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your system and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
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 gained’t imagine your eyes!!
Innvikfjorden is without doubt one of the most speak about and best-known fjords in Norway due to how gorgeous the scenes are right here. You understand… crystal waters, emerald-green forests, snow-capped mountain backdrop, and a number of cascading waterfalls offering the white noise. It’s foolish stunning. This fjord stretches throughout 4.5 kilometres, and each Olden and Loen sit on the shores right here.
Probably the greatest 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 without doubt one of the most scenic, exhilarating climbs i’ve ever performed. See all my photos and my full evaluation right here. When you 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).
When you’re in search of a extra mellow journey or just to dine with a view throughout this gorgeous fjordland, I like to recommend taking Loen Skylift, which takes you 1,011 meters above sea stage in simply 5 minutes. It’s a bit expensive however it’s the one means up when you’re not mountaineering and the views are actually spectacular.
When you arrive on the skylift to the highest of Mount Hoven, you’ll be able to go to Hoven restaurant and chill out with a view OR take one of many mountaineering paths on the prime.
They’re rather well sculpted out and also you don’t want a information to take pleasure in 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 have been heat on the backside of the skylift and we have been glad for additional thermals and raincoats on the prime!
Each occasions 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 gives glacier and waterfall views, normal.
After our Loen hike day we wished to seek out someplace to drag up, fish and chill out with a view. This spot was completely good. 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 nearly as good because it will get.
There are a number of hikes from Hjelle however after placing the drone up and exploring from a birds eye view, we seen 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 value getting your self right into a harmful scenario.
Day 9: Geirangerfjord – Norway’s Most Well-known Fjord
Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Hjelle to Geiranger
Folks had advised us about Geirangerfjord however they hadn’t advised us concerning the drive there. WOW. Simply take a look at that view.
You’ll be wanting to drag over many occasions on this route so depart time and when you can, depart time to cook dinner up / take pleasure in your lunch right here too!
When you’ve weaved your means by way 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 number of campsites right here however not many locations to wild camp. At no cost camp spots you’ll be higher 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 have 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 electrical hook up and 25KR for a 6 minute scorching bathe. I feel it’s one other 150KR if you need a spot on the very entrance.
It’s an incredible alternative for a vanlife pitstop as you may also dump gray water, bathroom and refill with recent water!
We solely had at some point right here and we woke to FULL mist and no visibility. We couldn’t imagine it as getting out on the fjord was our closing Norway street journey dream and we had no extra days to play with.
We determined to attend the morning out to see if it’d clear. It didn’t look hopeful after which at round 11am the clouds began to half a bit 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. Really a bucket record expertise that was the right finish to our Norway street journey.
When you’d like full entry to all my favorite finds, espresso, wild tenting spots and extra alongside our route, you may get lifetime entry to my Norway Google Map Legend right here. Truthfully the very best useful resource to have on the street.
Day 10: Scenic Drive & Return to Bergen
Drive Time: 6-7 hours from Geiranger to Bergen
When you 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. When you rise early, you’ll cowl a part of your route once more (likelihood to cease for any extra images and souvenirs) after which at Skei you’ll take a distinct route alongside Djupvatnet Lake and thru the excessive mountain passes again towards Bergen.
The roads in Norway are nicely maintained and I really feel just like the views are simply at all times so gorgeous the drive time passes so shortly. Simply after the ultimate ferry from Lavik, there have been loads of alternatives to cease by the water, type 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 recent water. I’ve pinned all of them in my Norway Google Map Legend right here. Truthfully the very best useful resource to have on the street.
Have you ever been on a Norway street journey?
What are the very best issues to do in Norway? Something you’d add to this Norway bucket record?
Love as at all times and glad adventuring…
Get lifetime entry to my countless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering the very best locations to eat, drink, chill out and discover within the space. You merely open the Google Map in your system and all my pins are on the contact of your fingertips.
