DAY 1
Oslo, the nation’s wonderful capital, was my start line — and it is going to be my finish level by the top of this 12-day street journey.
◘◘ Do some thrilling FREE issues to do within the capital
As a Scandinavian vacation spot, it’s no information that issues can get fairly dear round this space; however fret not! In any case, there are LOTS of superior FREE issues to do in Oslo! To start out off, take a look at my article beneath to get some concepts:
READ: Prime 10 FREE Issues to Do in Oslo, an Underrated Nordic Gem (Norway)
TIP: If you’d like a reduced cross that can allow you to get pleasure from FREE admissions to town’s sights and museums (in addition to limitless public transport) then it’s preferrable to get an Oslo Move.
For one of the best lodging selections within the metropolis:
Funds: Oslo Hostel Central / Mid-Vary: Saga Resort Oslo or AirBnB / Luxurious: Resort Continental
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DAY 2
I left Oslo on at the present time (however in fact, if you wish to spend extra time within the capital — which I extremely suggest — then please achieve this! I regrettably didn’t have a lot time so a day was sufficient for me).
Now, you would possibly count on that it will be this time that I might jumpstart my Norway street journey itinerary; nonetheless, I made a decision to try this elsewhere. In addition to, I wished to expertise driving the practice by means of Norway’s breathtaking landscapes, particularly after listening to that they’ve a number of scenic practice rides all through the area.
So the place then did I get my automotive? I made a decision to retrieve it from Åndalsnes, which was my vacation spot as I boarded a practice on this 2nd day.
◘◘ Experience the scenic Dovre and Rauma Railway to Åndalsnes
Dovre Railway runs between Oslo and Trondheim and it goes by means of lovely valleys and mountain ranges. Rauma Railway, alternatively, is well-known as considered one of Norway’s wildest and most lovely practice journeys. That being stated, driving each of those trains will likely be fairly an expertise!
I left early within the morning for this and I particularly cherished the experience by means of Rauma Railway as a result of the practice slows down on one of the best spots alongside the best way such because the Trollveggen cliff face and the Kylling bridge.
It helps to notice although that the Rauma sightseeing practice runs from finish of Might to finish of August and there are voiceovers through the journey in Norwegian, English, and German that explains the terrain.
ITINERARY: To get to each of those railways from Oslo Central Station, it’s good to board the practice that heads to Trondheim — however you’ll must cease midway at Dombås’ station. Change trains simply throughout the platform to Rauma Railway with closing vacation spot as Åndalsnes. For more information, test NSB.
◘◘ Go to Norsk Tindesenter
Åndalsnes is a small city but it surely’s in shut proximity to wonderful locations like Romsdalseggen, Trollstigen, and extra. However, as you’re within the city itself, it will be a clever selection to go to the Norsk Tindesenter (Norwegian Mountaineering Centre) after you seize a hearty lunch.
This middle options not solely trendy displays about mountaineering journey sports activities and historical past but additionally an indoor climbing wall which is alleged to be Norway’s highest! With over 60 climbs throughout 20 anchors, climbers of any capacity can absolutely give this a strive.
In any other case, you may additionally watch a 3D film known as Trollfolk for quarter-hour which showcases the encompassing Romsdal area.
◘◘ Drive by means of Geirangerfjord by way of Trollstigen, one of many Nationwide Vacationer Routes
Backside picture by: Jiri Havran / Statens vegvesen
After exploring Åndalsnes, I went to choose up the rental automotive from an Avis workplace that was positioned within the close by Grand Resort Bellevue. After some preparations we’re achieved, I launched into my Norway street journey itinerary and had my first style of one of many nation’s widespread 18 Nationwide Vacationer Routes: Geiranger-Trollstigen!
This was such an epic experience particularly as I went by means of the serpentine mountain roads of Trollstigen — simply take a look at the picture above!
To know extra about my expertise in addition to the opposite sights you may see round right here, learn my information beneath:
◘◘ Spend the night time on the scenic village of Norddal
After a while on the Trollstigen route, you will want to do a crossing on the Linge-Eidsdal automotive ferry. Don’t fear about reserving upfront as a result of you may simply present up on the port and fall in step with the opposite automobiles.
Departures are each half-hour and crossing time will solely take 10 minutes for under 79 NOK (I had a small sedan). For more information and charge segregation, see right here.
Upon crossing, I like to recommend spending the night time within the charming little city of Norddal as there isn’t sufficient time to achieve Geiranger. For lodging, keep over at Petrines Visitor Home.
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DAY 3
◘◘ Proceed cruising in the direction of Geiranger
Backside picture by: Jiri Havran / Statens vegvesen
After testing at Norddal, proceed the journey by way of Trollstigen as a way to lastly attain Geiranger. One of many highlights of this drive could be Ørnevegen or the “Eagle Street” which is the steepest a part of the street on the mountainside from Geiranger to Eidsdal (it’s at 620 meters above sea stage).
Afterward, the street will twist much more by means of 11 hairpin bends as you climb up Stigrøra which is 858 meters above sea stage.
TIP: Be certain that to cease by the Eagle’s Bend or Ørnesvingen viewpoint earlier than reaching the city of Geiranger. It’s exhausting to overlook whereas driving as a result of not solely is it very seen but it surely’s additionally virtually all the time stuffed with individuals.
◘◘ Discover Geiranger and do some hikes
Geirangerfjord is a real magnificence — therefore, it comes as no shock that it’s a UNESCO-protected space in Norway. And so, with its majestic mountain peaks, waterfalls, and landscapes, there absolutely are tons of sightseeing journeys that you are able to do right here. However since our time was brief, I can solely achieve this a lot aside from discover the village middle itself. So you probably have the time, I extremely recommend that you simply make your option to viewing the “Seven Sisters” waterfall except for doing another hikes.
As for us, I selected to hike to the highly effective Storseterfossen waterfall because it has a novel path that leads behind it. This hike takes roughly an hour every method and as a way to get right here, you simply want to go over to Westerås farm — from there, the monitor is effectively marked.
◘◘ Have lunch on the town
For my high suggestions, it’s best to take a look at Olebuda, Brasserie Posten, or Westeras Grad!
◘◘ Keep the night time at Resort Utsikten and benefit from the grand view over Geiranger
I urge you to spend your night time at Resort Utsikten. Why? Nicely, should you ask for the rooms that face the street, you should have a tremendous view over Geirangerfjord proper from the consolation of your room! (As pictured above).
Close by this lodging, you’ll even discover a small viewpoint by the aspect of the street.
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DAY 4
Today will principally contain driving by means of extra of Norway’s Nationwide Vacationer Routes (with beautiful stops and viewpoints alongside the best way). So ensure you pack sufficient snacks and meals! Don’t overlook to arm your self with a killer music playlist too.
◘◘ Drive to Kaupanger by way of Sognefjellet Nationwide Vacationer Route
At your individual tempo after breakfast and check-out, make your option to Lom after which proceed on Sognefjord by way of Sognefjellet Nationwide Vacationer Route as a way to attain Kaupanger by the top of the day. This scenic drive will take about 5 hours, not together with stops — which I extremely suggest that you simply do everytime you occur to glimpse dreamy and rugged terrains (that can undoubtedly quantity many!).
Some added trivia for you, this Sognefjellet Nationwide Vacationer Route is alleged to be northern Europe’s highest mountain cross at 1,434 meters excessive.
RECOMMENDED STOPS:
- Lom Stave Church: A stave church is a medieval picket Christian church that has distinctive timber framing and nook posts known as stafr in Outdated Norse (or ‘stav’ in trendy Norwegian). As you arrive in Lom, make certain to cease by this church so you may witness an instance of the elaborately-designed stav church that you’d almost definitely have witnessed earlier than in films involving Vikings or dragons.
- Dalsnibba Viewpoint: You’ll discover right here the Geiranger Skywalk which is the best fjord view from a street. As somebody who’s afraid of heights, it took each muscle in my physique to remain on this skywalk for at the very least 10 seconds (I failed). However, the views listed below are majestic as you’re surrounded by snow-covered mountains and dramatic fjords! (Toll street is open from late Might to October, NOK 130).
◘◘ Test-in to Vesterland
It’s nice to go loopy in your stops whereas driving by means of Sognefjellet Nationwide Vacationer Route however please do not forget that the reception in Vesterland closes 9:00PM — which would be the resort that we stayed in by the top of at the present time — and which I like to recommend.
So if you’re operating late, simply name forward to rearrange key supply.
DAY 5
After all of the driving, I made a decision to take it simple on at the present time of my Norway street journey itinerary as I took some relaxation within the morning and did some minor aspect journeys within the afternoon earlier than coming again to Vesterland once more for the night time.
◘◘ All about glaciers
Only a 10-minute drive away, you’ll find Brævasshytta whereby you may benefit from the view of the attractive glacier known as Bøyabreen. You may view this from the principle street or from Brevasshytta restaurant which is nearer to the ice. It has massive panoramic home windows and should you’re fortunate, you may see massive blocks of ice crashing down.
RECOMMENDED SIDE TRIPS: Fjærland village to see Jostedalsbreen (the LARGEST glacier in continental Europe), Norwegian Booktown in Fjærland, and/or the Norwegian Glacier Museum.
◘◘ Head on to Gaularfjell Nationwide Vacationer Route
Backside picture by: Jiri Havran / Statens vegvesen
Should you nonetheless have a while, I urge you to drive to Skei, Førde, and up the attractive Gaularfjell Nationwide Vacationer Route.
This one is a little bit of a hidden gem as a result of its spectacular new viewpoint, Utsikten, simply opened final June 2016. Should you proceed to Gaularvassdraget, you may even see protected watercourses that supply something from wild rapids, and waterfalls to calm rivers.
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DAY 6
◘◘ Go to Balestrand and benefit from the metropolis for the day
From Kaupanger, you’ll attain the city of Balestrand in simply lower than 2 hours. This municipality is extremely charming! To finest get pleasure from your keep right here I might recommend the next:
- Lease bikes on the Vacationer Info middle and discover the realm
- Do a RIB boat journey with Balestrand Fjord Journey (which might be booked on the Vacationer Info middle as effectively)
- Go to Sognefjord Akvarium
- See St. Olav’s Church
- Do a nature path (Kerklingen) — a fantastic exercise for households too as there are trails with numerous ranges of difficulties
- Tour Nærøyfjord, essentially the most slim fjord on this planet (which may also be achieved with Balestrand Fjord Journey)
◘◘ Check in and have dinner at Kviknes Resort
Finest resort in Balestrand? There’s no contest actually as I discover Kviknes Resort as the only option potential! Should you’re on a funds, different choices are Balestrand Resort or Vacation Residence.
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DAY 7
◘◘ Journey to Odda
Through Vikafjellet street, slowly make your option to Odda. This may take about 4 hours, after which you will want to do a ferry crossing with Dragsvik-Vangsnes (cost for tickets might be achieved on board).
Someplace alongside the city of Vik, should you haven’t managed to go to a stave church but (from these I’ve already beforehand talked about), you may then go to the Hopperstad Stave Church.
◘◘ Keep at Trolltunga Resort
In preparation for tomorrow’s massive hike, relaxation effectively for the remainder of the day after your check-in to Trolltunga Resort.
◘◘ Get misplaced round Odda
If, nonetheless, you get stressed throughout this Norway street journey itinerary, you may stroll across the picturesque municipality of Odda. One of many issues that I recommend you do is to drive to Låtefossen Waterfall which is simply 20 minutes away.
I actually cherished this waterfall due to its distinctive design! As proven within the picture above, it has two separate streams that be part of within the center after which circulate underneath the Norwegian Nationwide Street 13, thereby making it a spectacular (and moist) view as you drive by means of or get nearer to the falls.
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DAY 8
◘◘ Get up early and hike the famed Trolltunga
One of many high actions that I aimed to perform as I traveled to Norway was to hike the well-known Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue) and attain its iconic peak (tongue) — and I did!
Nonetheless, it’s no stroll within the park to achieve right here. Reality be informed, this is among the most tough hikes that I’ve ever achieved in my life: it spanned 11 hours at 23 kilometers lengthy and 1,200 meters excessive!
…but it surely was SO price it. It’s no surprise to me now why it’s known as among the finest hikes on this planet as a result of aside from the view on the high, the scenes I noticed throughout my hike have been so darn unbelievable.
I give props to our information from Trolltunga Lively as effectively as a result of if it was not for his steerage, I don’t assume I might have reached the highest (keep in mind guys: pacing is vital!). With out additional ado, if you wish to attain this epic view, you may learn my detailed information beneath:
READ: Final Mountaineering Information to Norway’s Beautiful Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue)
Now, in fact, you may hike the path by your self however should you’re not a seasoned hiker like me, or should you merely need one of the best steerage which you could must make the most of your hike, I might suggest that you simply e book with Trolltunga Lively. I did their Traditional Trolltunga route and it was completely memorable. (Should you’re extra into excessive actions, they produce other sorts of excursions too similar to ziplining or mountaineering.)
Alternatively, if you wish to know what to pack, put on, carry, and so forth.? Once more, simply head to my Trolltunga information and also you’ll discover all the data you want.
After I completed this hike, I didn’t have any vitality left to do anything (and I wager you’ll really feel the identical) so I’m not gonna recommend any exercise for the night time aside from to seize some dinner and have a very good sleep.
DAY 9
◘◘ Drive to Stavanger by way of Rv 13, Nationwide Vacationer Route Ryfylke, and make stops alongside the best way
In your method from Odda to Stavanger, you’ll have to undergo yet one more Nationwide Vacationer Route known as as Ryfylke.
It can take about 5 hours and by now, it is going to come as second nature to you to make a number of stops alongside the best way given the spectacular terrain that you simply’ve been seeing up to now in Norway — so, take your time in having fun with the sights you cross by!
Don’t overlook to witness Låtefosse Waterfall although should you haven’t managed to test it out on Day 7 earlier than.
Different issues to pay attention to are the grand fjords to your proper in Hardangerfjord space in addition to the would possibly of Svandalfossen waterfall simply earlier than you attain Saudasjøen in Ryfylke.
◘◘ Tour across the metropolis of Stavanger
Stavanger is the 4th largest metropolis in Norway and you are able to do a number of historic and concrete excursions right here. Relaxation assured, the middle is kind of compact so virtually each notable sight might be reached on foot.
With that in thoughts, don’t overlook to cease by Outdated Stavanger to witness Europe’s finest preserved picket home settlement, NuArt Avenue to get some Instagram-worthy pictures, Swords in Rock to be taught extra concerning the historic Battle of Hafrsfjord, and the Norwegian Petroleum museum (Norsk Oljemuseum) should you’re all for seeing how oil and gasoline are created, found and produced within the North Sea.
◘◘ Test-in for the night time
For a cushty keep, test in to Myhregaarden Resort which has a main spot within the metropolis.
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DAY 10
◘◘ Hike as much as Preikestolen
From Stavanger, head over to Tau by automotive ferry. The crossing takes about 40 minutes and likewise departs each 40 minutes the place you may pay to your tickets on board (for more information, see right here.) As soon as in Tau, park the automotive at Preikestolen Mountain Lodge which is a 20-minute drive away.
From right here, it’s time to beat yet one more pure surprise that’s widespread in Norway: Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock!
I’m fairly certain you’ve gotten already seen this spot in images on-line, and because it towers at a powerful top of 604 meters over Lysefjord, you’ll absolutely be in awe of its grandeur. It helps to notice that CNN and Lonely Planet have even named this as one of many world’s most spectacular viewing factors.
Now, should you’re questioning how its distinctive form (like a protruding tooth) was fashioned, it’s stated that it was almost definitely formed by the growth of ice some 1000’s of years in the past.
IMPORTANT: Mountaineering right here takes about 4 hours (2 hours every method) but it surely has been seen that the route can get shorter so there are literally plans underway to enhance this path. Please put on correct mountaineering garments and footwear in accordance with the forecasted climate. Deliver sufficient meals and water for 4 hours, in addition to some further change of garments in case the climate turns bitter.
◘◘ Take a scenic ferry experience from Forsand to Lysebotn
Time for yet one more ferry experience! However this time round, it is going to span a bit longer (about 2.5 hours). Plus, it is going to really be a sightseeing tour the place you may look at Pulpit Rock and Kjerag mountain from one other angle.
There can even be a voiceover in English that can clarify the environment’ wild geology and glacial panorama.
Price begins at NOK 315 per individual. Bookings might be achieved right here.
◘◘ In a single day at Lysefjorden Turisthytte at Lysebotn
To e book, go right here.
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DAY 11
◘◘ Hike to Kjeragbolten
Time to do yet another hike earlier than this Norwegian journey ends! After you take a look at of Lysefjorden Turisthytte, just be sure you pack your individual lunch pack earlier than driving to Øygardstøl (which is about 10 minutes by automotive). Park your automotive right here for 100 NOK and you’ll find the beginning of the Kjeragbolten mountaineering path close by.
What’s Kjeragbolten? As you will note within the picture above, it is a boulder that’s wedged within the (Kjerag) mountain’s crevasse.
…Inform me, does it make your abdomen churn?
As a result of it does to me!
If I’ve to say so myself, stepping on this rock is quite a bit scarier than Trolltunga. Certain, the house on high of the rock is vast — however not vast sufficient. To one of the best of my information, nobody has fallen from this, so should you simply take further care, you’ll be nice.
You may be questioning although: why would individuals even wish to threat it and go on high of this scary boulder? Nicely, it’s seemingly the attract of it as a result of it’s a really well-known vacation spot in Norway. In any case, it’s very accessible even with none climbing tools (it may be only a 5-hour hike, with 2.5 hours every method at an honest tempo). If you’re into base leaping, that is additionally among the finest spots to do it!
IMPORTANT: As traditional, please put on correct mountaineering garments and footwear in accordance with the forecasted climate. Deliver sufficient meals and water for at the very least 5 hours, in addition to some further change of garments in case the climate turns bitter.
◘◘ Make your option to Sandnes, do some stops and discover the realm
Automotive again to Sandnes takes roughly 3 hours. Some highlights alongside the best way which you could take a look at are:
- Sirdal Skisenter at Thjørhomfjellet: This can be a nice ski resort should you’re right here in winter and a fantastic mountaineering space through the summer season.
- Gloppedalsura Scree: a spot that has avalanche boulders which might be piled on high of each other. Nice for picture ops!
- Dalsnuten: That is only a 30-minute hike from Gramstad which has a pleasant lookout level over the Jæren space, Sandnes and Stavanger.
◘◘ Have your final night time at Kronen Gaard Resort
About an hour’s experience away from town middle, I booked right into a room in Kronen Gaard Resort and it was such a nice keep. The inside decorations have been actually swell.
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DAY 11
On the final day of my Norway street journey itinerary, I delivered my rental automotive to Avis at Stavanger Airport, Sola. I flew to Oslo by way of SAS and from there, took one other flight again dwelling!
