A ten-day Norway Fjords highway journey itinerary

Should you’re somebody who thrives on outside journey, loves tenting in beautiful distant places, 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 the most effective 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 nicely maintained public services, 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 way in which.

Western Norway itself is thought for its fjord-carved landscapes and for iconic spots like Trolltunga and Geirangerfjord. There’s 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 outside journey meets wellness at it’s absolute best.

Should 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 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 high of your bucket listing.

Prepared?

Getting To Western Norway

The easiest way to succeed in 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 equivalent to Oslo, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam however if you happen to’re flying from London you’ll be able to fly direct to Bergen identical to we did (1hr 55 flight time). Bergen is one of the best 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 monitor journey!

Renting a campervan in 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 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 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 is also stunning, a campervan provides you an unrivalled and far deeper connection to Norway’s wild aspect. I personally assume doing Norway with a campervan is the easiest way to see it!

Travelling with a campervan additionally means fewer time constraints, as you’ll be able to modify your plans on the go with out worrying about check-in occasions 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 beloved 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 comfortable, sensible and ease-filled.

Check out the Roadsurfer places and vans out there here.

Additionally, till 28/10/24 you need to use MOLLIE24 at checkout for £75 off your reserving!

Let’s tuck into the Norway highway journey itinerary, lets?

When to Go to Western Norway

In case your focus for outside exercise is mountaineering and tenting, the summer time months from June to August are going to be superb. These months have gentle temperatures and lengthy sunlight hours. 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. You may as well 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 after all, there are some hikes and viewpoints you’ll naturally wish to time with the clearer, excessive visibility days. That was the one manner 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 highway journey isn’t in need of journey!!

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, that 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 atmosphere (I feel it’s a 200m really helpful distance).

The coverage is such a praise in your Norway highway journey itinerary, particularly for these touring by campervan, because it permits you to park and camp in distant, stunning places for as much as two nights at a time with out having to depend on campsites. Should you go forward and take advantage of these freedoms like we did, please ensure you go away no hint and comply with native tips on hearth security and wildlife safety. This freedom to roam makes Norway a superb vacation spot for outside lovers searching for an off-the-grid expertise, let’s preserve it that manner!

Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering one of the best locations to eat, drink, calm down 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 chances are 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 trying out or eating on the Fish Market and wandering across the vibrant wood homes alongside the Bryggen Wharf (UNESCO World Heritage Website). One other widespread 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’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.

Should 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 highway journey itinerary, head southeast towards Hardangerfjord, one among Norway’s most scenic fjords and put together to get straight into the guts of the views. The primary city on this area is Odda, the place you’ll be able to base your self if you happen to’re trying 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 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 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. Recent fish cooked up in our house on wheels apart from one of the crucial spectacular fjord views I’ve ever seen – we had been off to an incredible begin.

It’s a really scenic hike simply driving alongside the principle highway that passes the Hardangerfjord so ensure you catch some in daylight.

You probably have additional time like we did while ready for the climate to select up, I’d extremely suggest heading to Lofthus, parking 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 title, we stopped on the Lofthus Cideri to strive a few 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 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 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 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 complete however your complete strolling distance truly is determined by the place you stroll from (there are just a few beginning factors). Should 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. You probably 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 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) – 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 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 fairly seamless expertise!

Prime Ideas:

• Begin early (earlier than 7 AM) to keep away from the crowds and catch dawn.
• Ensure you have comfortable footwear on
• Carry 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 Prepare Experience

Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Trolltunga to Flåm
After an epic day mountaineering at Trolltunga, your legs is perhaps somewhat 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 prepare experience begins right here which weaves up via the mountains to Myrdal, providing essentially the most breathtaking views of waterfalls and rivers alongside the way in which. The prepare experience itself is about 40/50 minutes and the views are on each 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 guide the prepare and bike possibility the place, when you get to Myrdal, you decide up a motorbike on the high and cycle all the way in which again all the way down to Flåm. It’s a 17km bike experience in distance but it surely’s just about down hill so it’s quicker and quite a bit simpler than chances are you’ll first assume. The views are insane.

In all probability essentially the most stunning bike experience i’ve ever accomplished. 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 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, if you happen to haven’t gotten in a fjord-front sauna by day 6, it’s now your time. You’ve gotten 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 may alternate between lake dips and sauna steams – all while searching over the fjords. Actually 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 had been passing via however my gosh, speak about a sauna with a view! Go and inform me all about it please!

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

Should 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 one of the best useful resource to have on the highway.

Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering one of the best locations to eat, drink, calm down 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 possibly can 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 speak about and best-known fjords in Norway due to how beautiful 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 Through Ferrata Loen which I did a few years in the past. Truthfully, if you happen to love lively journey, this is without doubt one of the most scenic, exhilarating climbs i’ve ever accomplished. See all my photographs and my full overview right here. Should you do the Through Feratta expertise you’ll climb to the highest after which take the Loen skylift again down (included within the worth).

Should you’re searching for 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 stage in simply 5 minutes. It’s somewhat expensive but it surely’s the one manner up if you happen to’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 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). 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 high!

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, commonplace.

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 stuff you do while on a highway journey. That is pretty much 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!

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 in regards to the drive there. WOW. Simply take a look at that view.

You’ll be wanting to tug over many occasions on this route so go away time and if you happen to can, go away time to cook 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 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 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 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’ll be able to pay 50KR moreover for electrical hook up and 25KR for a 6 minute sizzling 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 too can dump gray water, rest room and replenish with contemporary water!

We solely had sooner or later right here and we woke to FULL mist and no visibility. We couldn’t consider it as getting out on the fjord was our remaining 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. Actually a bucket listing expertise that was the right finish to our Norway highway journey.

Should 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 one of the best useful resource to have on the highway.

Day 10: Scenic Drive & Return to Bergen

Drive Time: 6-7 hours from Geiranger to Bergen
Should 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. Should 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 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 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, rest room waste and replenish with contemporary water. I’ve pinned all of them in my Norway Google Map Legend right here. Truthfully one of the best useful resource to have on the highway.

Have you ever been on a Norway highway journey?

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

Love as at all times and completely happy adventuring… 

Get lifetime entry to my limitless hours of analysis and time spent on the bottom discovering one of the best locations to eat, drink, calm down 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.