When you’re somebody who thrives on outside journey, loves tenting in beautiful 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 critically. I’ve achieved many a street journey in my life to date however this one has gone proper up there to the most effective i’ve ever achieved.
‘Why?’ I hear you ask.
The views, the drives, the dramatic panorama shifts in a seemingly brief distance, the hikes, the spacious and ample tenting choices. The nicely maintained public services, 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 possibly can really street journey spontaneously (versus planning and reserving all campsites) which simply go away a lot room in your journey for magic to easily unfold alongside the way in which.
Western Norway itself is understood for its fjord-carved landscapes and for iconic spots like Trolltunga and Geirangerfjord. There may be truthfully 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 outside journey meets wellness at it’s absolute most interesting.
When you’re right here and contemplating a Norway street journey, get your be aware 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 prime of your bucket listing.
Prepared?
Getting To Western Norway
One of the simplest ways to succeed in Western Norway to begin your Norway street journey itinerary is by flying into Bergen Airport (BGO), which is called the “Gateway to the Fjords”.
Worldwide flights join by way of main hubs similar to Oslo, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam however if you happen to’re flying from London you possibly can 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 selecting up a automobile or a motorhome for some off the crushed observe journey!
Renting a campervan on 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 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 way of Norway’s wilderness with a campervan permits a lot freedom. You possibly can 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 automobile and resort mixture may be lovely, a campervan provides you an unrivalled and far deeper connection to Norway’s wild facet. I personally suppose doing Norway with a campervan is one of the best ways to see it!
Travelling with a campervan additionally means fewer time constraints, as you possibly can alter your plans on the go with out worrying about check-in instances or availability. You possibly can keep so long as you want and actually customise the journey to your hearts needs!
Roadsurfer provides well-equipped campervans with all of the necessities you want for an epic time on the street. I beloved their consideration to element within the van we had (Roadhouse mannequin) and truthfully can not fault the expertise. They know their viewers and offered all the additional to make it comfortable, 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 outside exercise is mountaineering and tenting, the summer season months from June to August are going to be perfect. These months have gentle temperatures and lengthy daytime. The additional north you go – the extra daylight you’ve in the summertime!
Spring and early fall are additionally nice for fewer crowds, emptier park up spots and maybe a extra spontaneous itinerary. It’s also possible to get cheaper charges on motels, actions and campervan leases!
Nonetheless, as you possibly can 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 satisfying even with cloud however in fact, there are some hikes and viewpoints you’ll naturally need to time with the clearer, excessive visibility days. That was the one method the climate affected our journey. So if you happen to 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 features of touring in Norway is the Allemannsretten, or the “proper to roam” coverage. This legislation grants everybody free entry to nature, which means you possibly can camp virtually anyplace in uncultivated areas, together with forests, mountains, and alongside the fjords, so long as you respect non-public property and the setting (I believe it’s a 200m beneficial distance).
The coverage is such a praise on your Norway street journey itinerary, particularly for these touring by campervan, because it lets you park and camp in distant, lovely areas for as much as two nights at a time with out having to depend on campsites. When you go forward and take advantage of these freedoms like we did, please ensure you go away no hint and observe native tips on hearth security and wildlife safety. This freedom to roam makes Norway a superb vacation spot for outside lovers in search of an off-the-grid expertise, let’s preserve it that method!
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 slightly extra hustle and bustle than you’ll expertise for the remainder of your journey.
I’d undoubtedly suggest testing or eating on the Fish Market and wandering across the vibrant picket homes alongside the Bryggen Wharf (UNESCO World Heritage Website). One other standard factor to do is take the funicular as much as Mount Fløyen for panoramic views throughout Bergen, if you happen to’re feeling lively you possibly can 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, certainly one of 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 possibly can base your self if you happen to’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 equipment 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. Recent fish cooked up in our dwelling on wheels in addition to one of the vital spectacular fjord views I’ve ever seen – we had been off to an excellent begin.
It’s a really scenic hike simply driving alongside the primary street that passes the Hardangerfjord so ensure you catch some in daylight.
If in case you have additional time like we did while 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 way in which again down we drove previous so many ripe and blushed apples calling our identify, we stopped on the Lofthus Cideri to strive a few of the native produce. I’d 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 selecting 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 one of the vital 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 if you happen to’re lively and prepared for a problem. The gap provides as much as about 22 km (14 miles) in whole however your whole strolling distance really depends upon the place you stroll from (there are just a few 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. If in case you have a automobile you possibly can head as much as P2 – Skjeggedal.
Right here’s what I learnt and didn’t know beforehand if you happen to’re coming by campervan:
- You’ll must park at P1 (NOK 300 for the day, no in a single day sleeping allowed)
- You’ll then must guide a return ticket on the shuttle bus to P2 (NOK 200) – guide right here
- From P2 you possibly can 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 value each step and penny!
It price us slightly below £100 for the 2 of us with all prices thought-about! 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!
Prime Suggestions:
- Begin early (earlier than 7 AM) to keep away from the crowds and catch dawn.
- Ensure you have comfortable footwear on
- Deliver layers, technical if in case you have them as your temperature will fluctuate
- Pack loads of snacks, your lunch and plenty of water.
Day 5: Flåm – The Well-known Scenic Prepare Journey
Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Trolltunga to Flåm
After an epic day mountaineering 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 journey 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 way in which. The practice journey 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 possibly can guide the practice and bike choice the place, when you get to Myrdal, you choose up a motorcycle on the prime and cycle all the way in which again all the way down to Flåm. It’s a 17km bike journey in distance however it’s just about down hill so it’s quicker and lots simpler than it’s possible you’ll first suppose. The views are insane.
Most likely essentially the most lovely bike journey i’ve ever achieved. I additionally beloved that on the way in which again down, if you happen to go for the bikes, you’ve 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!
Day 6: Skei – Sauna on the water
Drive Time: 2.5 hours from Flåm to Skei
Okay, if you happen to haven’t gotten in a fjord-front sauna by day 6, it’s now your time. You could have two choices on this space that i’d suggest.
The primary is Fyrig Sauna in Skei. While you guide 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 on 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 way of however my gosh, discuss a sauna with a view! Go and inform me all about it please!
Oh and in your method by way of, make sure you cease off for photographs 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. Actually the very best useful resource to have on the street.
Day 7: Loen – Skylift & Climbing 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 possibly can think about why. It simply will get higher and higher on a Norway street journey, you gained’t consider your eyes!!
Innvikfjorden is likely one of the most discuss and best-known fjords in Norway due to how beautiful the scenes are right here. … 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.
Top-of-the-line adventures to go on in Loen is the By way of Ferrata Loen which I did a few years in the past. Actually, if you happen to love lively journey, this is likely one of the most scenic, exhilarating climbs i’ve ever achieved. See all my pictures and my full assessment 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 beautiful fjordland, I like to recommend taking Loen Skylift, which takes you 1,011 meters above sea degree in simply 5 minutes. It’s slightly dear however it’s the one method up if you happen to’re not mountaineering and the views are really spectacular.
When you arrive on the skylift to the highest of Mount Hoven, you possibly can 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 had been heat on the backside of the skylift and we had been glad for additional thermals and raincoats on the prime!
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 gives glacier and waterfall views, normal.
After our Loen hike day we needed to search out someplace to tug 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 belongings you do while on a street journey. That is nearly as good because it will get.
There are just a few 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 photograph 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
Individuals had instructed us about Geirangerfjord however they hadn’t instructed us in regards to the drive there. WOW. Simply take a look at that view.
You’ll be wanting to tug over many instances on this route so go away time and if you happen to can, go away time to prepare dinner up / take pleasure in your lunch right here too!
When you’ve weaved your method 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 Website know for spots just like the Seven Sisters waterfall and the Skagefla hike. There are just a few campsites right here however not many locations to wild camp. Without spending a dime 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 beloved our keep right here, the services had been very clear and trendy. You pay 320KR for a pitch (plus 40KR for every grownup) after which you possibly can pay 50KR moreover for electrical hook up and 25KR for a 6 minute scorching bathe. I believe it’s one other 150KR if you would like a spot on the very entrance.
It’s an excellent alternative for a vanlife pitstop as it’s also possible to dump gray water, bathroom and refill with recent water!
We solely had in the future right here and we woke to FULL mist and no visibility. We couldn’t consider it as getting out on the fjord was our ultimate 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 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 listing 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. Actually 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’re 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 photographs 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 nicely 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 recent water. I’ve pinned all of them in my Norway Google Map Legend right here. Actually 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 listing?
