If you happen to’re somebody who thrives on outside journey, loves tenting in beautiful distant places, and seeks the fun of mountaineering dramatic landscapes, this 10-day highway journey by means of Western Norway goes to blow your thoughts. Daring declare I do know, however significantly. I’ve achieved many a highway journey in my life thus far however this one has gone proper up there to among the best 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 considerable tenting choices. The nicely maintained public amenities, the humbling backdrops behind each nook you flip. Norway is a vacation spot constructed for highway 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 highway 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 best way.
Western Norway itself is understood 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 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 outside journey meets wellness at it’s absolute best.
If you happen to’re right here and contemplating a Norway highway journey, get your notice pad and pen on the prepared. On this Norway highway journey itinerary weblog publish I’m going to share the ten day fjord safari that I simply bought again from and persuade you that it has a deserving spot on the prime of your bucket record.
Prepared?
Getting To Western Norway
One of the best ways to succeed in Western Norway to start out your Norway highway journey itinerary is by flying into Bergen Airport (BGO), which is called the “Gateway to the Fjords”.
Worldwide flights join by means of main hubs equivalent to Oslo, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam however in the event you’re flying from London you’ll be able to fly direct to Bergen identical to we did (1hr 55 flight time). Bergen is the most effective place so that you can then spend a day or two earlier than choosing up a automobile or a motorhome for some off the crushed observe journey!
Renting a campervan on your Norway highway journey
We employed our campervan from Roadsurfer, a nicely famend firm which have 75 decide up places throughout 17 international locations!! In Norway, you’ve got the choice to select up in Oslo or Bergen. We knew we wished to be deep within the fjords for our Norway highway 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 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 lodge mixture is also lovely, a campervan offers you an unrivalled and far deeper connection to Norway’s wild aspect. I personally assume 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’ll be able to 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 affords well-equipped campervans with all of the necessities you want for an epic time on the highway. I cherished their consideration to element within the van we had (Roadhouse mannequin) and actually 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 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 highway 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 splendid. These months have gentle temperatures and lengthy daytime. 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 can even get cheaper charges on accommodations, 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 / 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 in the event you do go for shoulder months, maintain 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 highway journey shouldn’t be wanting 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 elements of touring 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 nearly wherever in uncultivated areas, together with forests, mountains, and alongside the fjords, so long as you respect personal property and the surroundings (I believe it’s a 200m really helpful distance).
The coverage is such a praise on your Norway highway journey itinerary, particularly for these touring by campervan, because it means that you can park and camp in distant, lovely places for as much as two nights at a time with out having to depend on campsites. If you happen to go forward and take advantage of these freedoms like we did, please be sure you go away no hint and comply with native pointers 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 maintain 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 highway journey adventures in Bergen, a captivating metropolis surrounded by mountains and fjords on west coast of Norway.. You’ll discover cruise ships pulling in right here and somewhat 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 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, in the event you’re feeling energetic 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.
If you happen to’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 highway journey itinerary, head southeast towards Hardangerfjord, considered 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’ll be able to base your self in the event you’re seeking to tuck straight into the enduring 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 prime up your journey wardrobe / fishing package in Odda. We headed to the Sports activities Outlet and bought 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 contemporary mackerel for our breakfast! Heaven. Contemporary fish cooked up in our house on wheels apart from one of the crucial spectacular fjord views I’ve ever seen – we have been off to an important begin.
It’s a really scenic hike simply driving alongside the primary highway that passes the Hardangerfjord so be sure you catch some in daylight.
In case you have further 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 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 strive a number of the native produce. I might 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 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 in the event you’re energetic 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 number of beginning factors). If you happen to’re doing this hike as a part of your highway journey and you’ve got a motorhome, your solely choice for parking is P1 – Tyssedal. In case you have a automobile you’ll be able to head as much as P2 – Skjeggedal.
Right here’s what I learnt and didn’t know beforehand in the event 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 really begins)
The remainder of it’s then free and simple to comply with 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-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 Suggestions:
- Begin early (earlier than 7 AM) to keep away from the crowds and catch dawn.
- Be sure you have comfortable footwear on
- Convey layers, technical when you have them as your temperature will fluctuate
- Pack loads of snacks, your lunch and many 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 somewhat 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 practice trip begins right here which weaves up by means of the mountains to Myrdal, providing probably 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 ebook the practice and bike choice the place, when you get to Myrdal, you decide up a motorbike 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 so much simpler than it’s possible you’ll first assume. The views are insane.
Most likely probably the most lovely bike trip i’ve ever achieved. I additionally cherished that on the best way again down, in the event you go for the bikes, you’ve got 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, in the event you haven’t gotten in a fjord-front sauna by day 6, it’s now your time. You have got two choices on this space that i’d suggest.
The primary is Fyrig Sauna in Skei. If you ebook a public spot you get a 1.5 hour slot and you may alternate between lake dips and sauna steams – all while looking over the fjords. Really heaven on your physique and thoughts.
The opposite one which can be close by and has insane views is the Velte Dampen floating sauna. It was closed the day we have 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 method by means of, you’ll want to cease off for images at Bøyabreen Glacier.
If you happen to’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 most effective useful resource to have on the highway.
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 be known as ‘Mom Nature’s Wonderland’. You possibly can think about why. It simply will get higher and higher on a Norway highway journey, you received’t imagine your eyes!!
Innvikfjorden is among the most discuss and best-known fjords in Norway due to how beautiful the scenes are right here. You already know… 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. Actually, in the event you love energetic journey, this is among the most scenic, exhilarating climbs i’ve ever achieved. See all my photos and my full evaluate right here. If you happen to 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).
If you happen to’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 somewhat dear however it’s the one method up in the event you’re not mountaineering 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 loosen up 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 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 have been heat on the backside of the skylift and we have been glad for further 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, commonplace.
After our Loen hike day we wished to seek out someplace to drag up, fish and loosen up with a view. This spot was completely excellent. We wild camped on the lake entrance, cooked up dinner and did all of the healthful belongings you do while on a highway 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 beautiful 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 price getting your self right into a harmful state of affairs.
Day 9: Geirangerfjord – Norway’s Most Well-known Fjord
Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Hjelle to Geiranger
Individuals had advised us about Geirangerfjord however they hadn’t advised us concerning the drive there. WOW. Simply have a look at that view.
You’ll be wanting to drag over many instances on this route so go away time and in the event you can, go away time to cook dinner up / get pleasure from your lunch right here too!
When you’ve weaved your method 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 number of 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 cherished 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 sizzling bathe. I believe it’s one other 150KR if you need a spot on the very entrance.
It’s an important alternative for a vanlife pitstop as it’s also possible to dump gray water, bathroom and refill with contemporary water!
We solely had someday right here and we woke to FULL mist and no visibility. We couldn’t imagine it as getting out on the fjord was our ultimate Norway highway 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 11am the clouds began to half somewhat 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 proper finish to our Norway highway journey.
If you happen to’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 most effective useful resource to have on the highway.
Day 10: Scenic Drive & Return to Bergen
Drive Time: 6-7 hours from Geiranger to Bergen
If you happen to 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. If you happen to rise early, you’ll cowl a part of your route once more (probability 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 all the time so beautiful 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 contemporary water. I’ve pinned all of them in my Norway Google Map Legend right here. Actually the most effective useful resource to have on the highway.
Have you ever been on a Norway highway journey?
What are the most effective issues to do in Norway? Something you’d add to this Norway bucket record?
