A ten-day Norway Fjords highway journey itinerary

When you’re somebody who thrives on out of doors journey, loves tenting in beautiful distant areas, and seeks the joys of mountaineering dramatic landscapes, this 10-day highway journey via Western Norway goes to blow your thoughts. Daring declare I do know, however critically. I’ve accomplished many a highway journey in my life up to now however this one has gone proper up there to probably the greatest i’ve ever accomplished.

‘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 effectively 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 truly 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 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 via 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.

When you’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 submit I’m going to share the ten day fjord safari that I simply received again from and persuade you that it has a deserving spot on the high of your bucket listing.

Prepared?

Getting To Western Norway

One of the simplest ways to achieve Western Norway to begin your Norway highway journey itinerary is by flying into Bergen Airport (BGO), which is called the “Gateway to the Fjords”.

Worldwide flights join via main hubs corresponding to Oslo, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam however should 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 perfect place so that you can then spend a day or two earlier than choosing up a automotive or a motorhome for some off the crushed monitor journey!

Renting a campervan on your Norway highway journey

We employed our campervan from Roadsurfer, a effectively famend firm which have 75 decide up areas throughout 17 international locations!! In Norway, you’ve gotten the choice to select up in Oslo or Bergen. We knew we needed 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 via 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 bear in mind for a lifetime. While a automotive and resort mixture is also lovely, a campervan offers you an unrivalled and far deeper connection to Norway’s wild facet. 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 may keep so long as you want and actually customise the journey to your hearts wishes!

Roadsurfer gives well-equipped campervans with all of the necessities you want for an epic time on the highway. I liked their consideration to element within the van we had (Roadhouse mannequin) and actually can not 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 accessible 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 out of doors exercise is mountaineering and tenting, the summer season months from June to August are going to be best. These months have delicate temperatures and lengthy daylight. The additional north you go – the extra daylight you’ve gotten 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 motels, 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 / 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 pleasant 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 manner the climate affected our journey. So should 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 highway journey isn’t in need of journey!!

The Proper To Roam coverage

One of many distinctive facets 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 anyplace in uncultivated areas, together with forests, mountains, and alongside the fjords, so long as you respect personal property and the atmosphere (I feel it’s a 200m beneficial distance).

The coverage is such a praise on your Norway highway 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 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 out of doors lovers in search of an off-the-grid expertise, let’s preserve it that manner!

Day 1 + 2: Bergen – The Gateway to the Fjords

Drive Time: 0 hours (Beginning Level)
You’ve landed right here so you might as effectively 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 a bit of extra hustle and bustle than you’ll expertise for the remainder of your journey.

I’d undoubtedly advocate 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 fashionable factor to do is take the funicular as much as Mount Fløyen for panoramic views throughout Bergen, should 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 advocate 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 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 highway journey itinerary, head southeast towards Hardangerfjord, one in all Norway’s most scenic fjords and put together to get straight into the guts of the views. The principle city on this area is Odda, the place you’ll be able to base your self should you’re trying 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 high up your journey wardrobe / fishing equipment in Odda. We headed to the Sports activities Outlet and received 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 residence on wheels in addition to one of the vital 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 principle highway that passes the Hardangerfjord so be sure you catch some in daylight.

If in case you have further time like we did while ready for the climate to select up, I’d extremely advocate heading to Lofthus, parking 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 advocate 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 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 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 should you’re energetic and prepared for a problem. The gap provides as much as about 22 km (14 miles) in whole however your whole strolling distance truly will depend on the place you stroll from (there are a couple of beginning factors). When you’re doing this hike as a part of your highway journey and you’ve got a motorhome, your solely possibility for parking is P1 – Tyssedal. If 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 should 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) – book 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 price us just 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 fairly seamless expertise!

Prime Suggestions:

• Begin early (earlier than 7 AM) to keep away from the crowds and catch dawn.
• Be sure you have cozy footwear on
• Deliver layers, technical in case you have them as your temperature will fluctuate
• Pack loads of snacks, your lunch and many water.

Day 5: Flåm – The Well-known Scenic Prepare Experience

Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Trolltunga to Flåm
After an epic day mountaineering at Trolltunga, your legs may be a bit of drained however the journey continues!

I’d advocate what we did which was to go to Flåm, a really picturesque little spot nestled alongside Aurlandsfjord. The world-famous Flåmsbana practice experience begins right here which weaves up via the mountains to Myrdal, providing probably the most breathtaking views of waterfalls and rivers alongside the best way. The practice experience 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 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 experience in distance but it surely’s just about down hill so it’s sooner and rather a lot simpler than you might first assume. The views are insane.

In all probability probably the most lovely bike experience i’ve ever accomplished. I additionally liked that on the best way again down, should you go for the bikes, you’ve gotten the choice to cease and absorb the surroundings for so long as you want! I’d advocate 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, should you haven’t gotten in a fjord-front sauna by day 6, it’s now your time. You’ve got two choices on this space that i’d advocate.

The primary is Fyrig Sauna in Skei. Whenever 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 via however my gosh, discuss a sauna with a view! Go and inform me all about it please!

Oh and in your manner via, make sure to cease off for pictures at Bøyabreen Glacier.

When you’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 the perfect useful resource to have on the highway.

Day 7: Loen – Skylift & Mountain 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 may think about why. It simply will get higher and higher on a Norway highway journey, you received’t consider your eyes!!

Innvikfjorden is without doubt one of the most discuss 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.

Probably the greatest adventures to go on in Loen is the Through Ferrata Loen which I did a few years in the past. Truthfully, should you love energetic journey, this is without doubt one of the most scenic, exhilarating climbs i’ve ever accomplished. See all my photographs and my full evaluation right here. When you do the Through Feratta expertise you’ll climb to the highest after which take the Loen skylift again down (included within the value).

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 a bit of dear but it surely’s the one manner up should 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 calm down with a view OR take one of many mountaineering paths on the high.

They’re very 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). Go away 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 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, customary.

After our Loen hike day we needed to search out someplace to tug 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 belongings you do while on a highway journey. That is nearly 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!

Day 9: Geirangerfjord – Norway’s Most Well-known Fjord

Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Hjelle to Geiranger
Folks 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 tug over many instances on this route so go away time and should you can, go away time to prepare dinner up / take pleasure in your lunch right here too!

When you’ve weaved your manner via 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 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 in order for you a spot on the very entrance.

It’s an important alternative for a vanlife pitstop as you can even dump gray water, bathroom and replenish 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 closing 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 a bit of 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 listing expertise that was the right finish to our Norway highway journey.

When you’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 the perfect useful resource to have on the highway.

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 (probability to cease for any extra pictures 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 effectively maintained and I really feel just like the views are simply at all times 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, 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 replenish with recent water. I’ve pinned all of them in my Norway Google Map Legend right here. Truthfully the perfect useful resource to have on the highway.

Have you ever been on a Norway highway journey?

What are the perfect issues to do in Norway? Something you’d add to this Norway bucket listing?