A ten-day Norway Fjords street journey itinerary

In case you’re somebody who thrives on outside journey, loves tenting in gorgeous distant areas, and seeks the joys of climbing 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 finished many a street journey in my life to this point however this one has gone proper up there to top-of-the-line i’ve ever finished.

‘Why?’ I hear you ask.

The views, the drives, the dramatic panorama shifts in a seemingly quick distance, the hikes, the spacious and plentiful tenting choices. The effectively 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’ll be able to truly street journey spontaneously (versus planning and reserving all campsites) which simply depart 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’s truthfully although, wild, uncooked magnificence round each nook you flip. Whether or not you’re dreaming of climbing cliff edges, kayaking by way 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.

In case you’re right here and contemplating a Norway street journey, get your word pad and pen on the prepared. On this Norway street journey itinerary weblog submit 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 checklist.

Prepared?

Getting To Western Norway

The easiest way to succeed in Western Norway to begin your Norway street journey itinerary is by flying into Bergen Airport (BGO), which is named 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’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 automobile or a motorhome for some off the overwhelmed observe journey!

Renting a campervan in your Norway street journey

We employed our campervan from Roadsurfer, a effectively famend firm which have 75 decide up areas throughout 17 international locations!! In Norway, you have got 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 may take your time to discover distant areas, keep nearer to climbing 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 automobile and resort mixture is also stunning, a campervan provides you an unrivalled and far deeper connection to Norway’s wild aspect. I personally suppose 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 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 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 supplied all the additional to make it comfortable, sensible and ease-filled.

Check out the Roadsurfer areas and vans accessible 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 climbing and tenting, the summer time months from June to August are going to be best. These months have delicate temperatures and lengthy sunlight hours. The additional north you go – the extra daylight you have 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 may also get cheaper charges on lodges, 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 / 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 delicate and pleasing 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 means 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 is just not wanting 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 regulation grants everybody free entry to nature, that means you’ll be able to camp virtually wherever in uncultivated areas, together with forests, mountains, and alongside the fjords, so long as you respect non-public property and the surroundings (I believe it’s a 200m beneficial distance).

The coverage is such a praise in your Norway street journey itinerary, particularly for these touring by campervan, because it means that you can park and camp in distant, stunning areas for as much as two nights at a time with out having to depend on campsites. In case you go forward and profit from these freedoms like we did, please ensure you depart no hint and observe native tips on hearth security and wildlife safety. This freedom to roam makes Norway a wonderful vacation spot for outside lovers in search of an off-the-grid expertise, let’s preserve it that means!

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 effectively start your Norway street 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 suggest trying out or eating on the Fish Market and wandering across the vibrant picket 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 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.

In case 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 street 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 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 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 an alternative 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 moreover some of the spectacular fjord views I’ve ever seen – we have been off to a terrific begin.

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

When 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 attempt among 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 some of the 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 energetic and prepared for a problem. The space provides as much as about 22 km (14 miles) in whole however your whole strolling distance truly depends upon the place you stroll from (there are a couple of beginning factors). In case 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. When 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 if you happen to’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 guide a return ticket on the shuttle bus to P2 (NOK 200) – guide 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 truly 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 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.
• Be sure to have comfortable footwear on
• Carry layers, technical if 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 Practice Trip

Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Trolltunga to Flåm
After an epic day climbing at Trolltunga, your legs is perhaps a bit of 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 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 best way. The practice journey 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 practice and bike choice the place, when you get to Myrdal, you decide up a motorcycle on the high and cycle all the best way again all the way down to Flåm. It’s a 17km bike journey in distance but it surely’s just about down hill so it’s quicker and rather a lot simpler than chances are you’ll first suppose. The views are insane.

Most likely essentially the most stunning bike journey i’ve ever finished. I additionally beloved that on the best way again down, if you happen to go for the bikes, you have 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, if you happen to 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 guide a public spot you get a 1.5 hour slot and you’ll alternate between lake dips and sauna steams – all while searching over the fjords. Really 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 have 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 means by way of, be sure you cease off for images at Bøyabreen Glacier.

In case 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. Actually the perfect useful resource to have on the street.

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 also be known as ‘Mom Nature’s Wonderland’. You may think about why. It simply will get higher and higher on a Norway street journey, you received’t imagine your eyes!!

Innvikfjorden is without doubt one of the most discuss and best-known fjords in Norway due to how gorgeous 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 stunning. 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 Through Ferrata Loen which I did a few years in the past. Actually, if you happen to love energetic journey, this is without doubt one of the most scenic, exhilarating climbs i’ve ever finished. See all my photographs and my full evaluate right here. In case you do the Through Feratta expertise you’ll climb to the highest after which take the Loen skylift again down (included within the value).

In case you’re in search of a extra mellow journey or just to dine with a view throughout this gorgeous 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 means up if you happen to’re not climbing 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 climbing 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 gives glacier and waterfall views, customary.

After our Loen hike day we needed to seek out someplace to tug up, fish and calm down 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 a couple of hikes from Hjelle however after placing the drone up and exploring from a birds eye view, we seen 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
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 tug over many instances on this route so depart time and if you happen to can, depart time to cook dinner up / take pleasure in your lunch right here too!

When you’ve weaved your means 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 a couple of campsites right here however not many locations to wild camp. At no 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 have 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 scorching bathe. I believe it’s one other 150KR in order for you a spot on the very entrance.

It’s a terrific alternative for a vanlife pitstop as it’s also possible to dump gray water, bathroom 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 imagine it as getting out on the fjord was our remaining Norway street 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 checklist expertise that was the right finish to our Norway street journey.

In case 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. Actually the perfect useful resource to have on the street.

Day 10: Scenic Drive & Return to Bergen

Drive Time: 6-7 hours from Geiranger to Bergen
In case 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. In case you 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 unique 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 gorgeous 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 replenish with contemporary water. I’ve pinned all of them in my Norway Google Map Legend right here. Actually the perfect useful resource to have on the street.

Have you ever been on a Norway street journey?

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

Love as at all times and pleased adventuring…