DAY 1
Oslo, the nation’s superb capital, was my place to begin — and will probably be my finish level by the tip of this 12-day highway 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! After all, there are LOTS of superior FREE issues to do in Oslo! To begin off, take a look at my article beneath to get some concepts:
READ: Top 10 FREE Things to Do in Oslo, an Underrated Nordic Gem (Norway)
TIP: If you desire a discounted move that can allow you to get pleasure from FREE admissions to the town’s sights and museums (in addition to limitless public transport) then it’s preferrable to get an Oslo Pass.
For the most effective lodging selections within the metropolis:
Budget: Oslo Hostel Central / Mid-Range: Saga Hotel Oslo or AirBnB / Luxury: Hotel Continental
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DAY 2
I left Oslo on today (however in fact, if you wish to spend extra time within the capital — which I extremely advocate — then please accomplish that! 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’d jumpstart my Norway highway journey itinerary; nonetheless, I made a decision to try this elsewhere. Besides, I wished to expertise using the prepare by way of Norway’s breathtaking landscapes, particularly after listening to that they’ve a number of scenic prepare 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 prepare on this 2nd day.
◘◘ Ride the scenic Dovre and Rauma Railway to Åndalsnes
Dovre Railway runs between Oslo and Trondheim and it goes by way of stunning valleys and mountain ranges. Rauma Railway, alternatively, is well-known as one in every of Norway’s wildest and most stunning prepare journeys. That being mentioned, using each of those trains will likely be fairly an expertise!
I left early within the morning for this and I particularly liked the trip by way of Rauma Railway as a result of the prepare slows down on the most effective spots alongside the way in which such because the Trollveggen cliff face and the Kylling bridge.
It helps to notice although that the Rauma sightseeing prepare runs from finish of May to finish of August and there are voiceovers in the course of the journey in Norwegian, English, and German that explains the terrain.
ITINERARY: To get to each of those railways from Oslo Central Station, you should board the prepare that heads to Trondheim — however you’ll have to cease midway at Dombås’ station. Change trains simply throughout the platform to Rauma Railway with remaining vacation spot as Åndalsnes. For extra information, verify NSB.
◘◘ Visit Norsk Tindesenter
Åndalsnes is a small city but it surely’s in shut proximity to superb locations like Romsdalseggen, Trollstigen, and extra. Nevertheless, as you’re within the city itself, it will be a smart alternative to go to the Norsk Tindesenter (Norwegian Mountaineering Centre) after you seize a hearty lunch.
This heart options not solely fashionable reveals 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 potential can absolutely give this a strive.
Otherwise, you can additionally watch a 3D film referred to as Trollfolk for quarter-hour which showcases the encircling Romsdal area.
◘◘ Drive by way of Geirangerfjord by way of Trollstigen, one of many National Tourist Routes
Bottom photograph by: Jiri Havran / Statens vegvesen
After exploring Åndalsnes, I went to select up the rental automotive from an Avis workplace that was situated within the close by Grand Hotel Bellevue. After some preparations we’re executed, I launched into my Norway highway journey itinerary and had my first style of one of many nation’s widespread 18 National Tourist Routes: Geiranger-Trollstigen!
This was such an epic trip particularly as I went by way of the serpentine mountain roads of Trollstigen — simply have a look at the photograph above!
To know extra about my expertise in addition to the opposite sights you possibly can see round right here, learn my information beneath:
READ: Geiranger-Trollstigen National Tourist Route: One of Norway’s Most Breathtaking Roads!
◘◘ Spend the night time on the scenic village of Norddal
After a while on the Trollstigen route, you have to to do a crossing on the Linge-Eidsdal automotive ferry. Don’t fear about reserving upfront as a result of you possibly can simply present up on the port and fall consistent 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 extra information and price 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 succeed in Geiranger. For lodging, keep over at Petrines Guest House.
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DAY 3
◘◘ Continue cruising in the direction of Geiranger
Bottom photograph by: Jiri Havran / Statens vegvesen
After trying out at Norddal, proceed the journey by way of Trollstigen with a view to lastly attain Geiranger. One of the highlights of this drive could be Ørnevegen or the “Eagle Road” which is the steepest a part of the highway on the mountainside from Geiranger to Eidsdal (it’s at 620 meters above sea degree).
Afterward, the highway will twist much more by way of 11 hairpin bends as you climb up Stigrøra which is 858 meters above sea degree.
TIP: Make positive to cease by the Eagle’s Bend or Ørnesvingen viewpoint earlier than reaching the city of Geiranger. It’s onerous to overlook whereas driving as a result of not solely is it very seen but it surely’s additionally nearly at all times crammed with individuals.
◘◘ Explore 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. But since our time was quick, I can solely accomplish that a lot apart from discover the village heart itself. So if in case you have the time, I extremely recommend that you simply make your technique to viewing the “Seven Sisters” waterfall other than 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 approach and with a view to get right here, you simply want to move over to Westerås farm — from there, the monitor is nicely marked.
◘◘ Have lunch on the town
For my high suggestions, it’s best to take a look at Olebuda, Brasserie Posten, or Westeras Grad!
◘◘ Stay the night time at Hotel Utsikten and benefit from the grand view over Geiranger
I urge you to spend your night time at Hotel Utsikten. Why? Well, for those who ask for the rooms that face the highway, you’ll have a tremendous view over Geirangerfjord proper from the consolation of your room! (As pictured above).
Nearby this lodging, you’ll even discover a small viewpoint by the aspect of the highway.
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DAY 4
This day will largely contain driving by way of extra of Norway’s National Tourist Routes (with beautiful stops and viewpoints alongside the way in which). 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 National Tourist Route
At your individual tempo after breakfast and check-out, make your technique to Lom after which proceed on Sognefjord by way of Sognefjellet National Tourist Route with a view to attain Kaupanger by the tip of the day. This scenic drive will take about 5 hours, not together with stops — which I extremely advocate that you simply do everytime you occur to glimpse dreamy and rugged terrains (that can positively quantity many!).
Some added trivia for you, this Sognefjellet National Tourist Route is alleged to be northern Europe’s highest mountain move 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 referred to as stafr in Old Norse (or ‘stav’ in fashionable Norwegian). As you arrive in Lom, ensure that to cease by this church so you possibly can witness an instance of the elaborately-designed stav church that you’d most definitely have witnessed earlier than in motion pictures involving Vikings or dragons.
- Dalsnibba Viewpoint: You’ll discover right here the Geiranger Skywalk which is the best fjord view from a highway. As somebody who’s afraid of heights, it took each muscle in my physique to remain on this skywalk for a minimum of 10 seconds (I failed). Nevertheless, the views listed here are majestic as you’re surrounded by snow-covered mountains and dramatic fjords! (Toll highway is open from late May to October, NOK 130).
◘◘ Check-in to Vesterland
It’s superb to go loopy in your stops whereas driving by way of Sognefjellet National Tourist Route however please do not forget that the reception in Vesterland closes 9:00PM — which would be the lodge that we stayed in by the tip of today — and which I like to recommend.
So if you’re working late, simply name forward to rearrange key supply.
DAY 5
After all of the driving, I made a decision to take it straightforward on today of my Norway highway 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
Just a 10-minute drive away, you will see that Brævasshytta whereby you possibly can benefit from the view of the attractive glacier referred to as Bøyabreen. You can view this from the principle highway or from Brevasshytta restaurant which is nearer to the ice. It has large panoramic home windows and for those who’re fortunate, you possibly can see large 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 National Tourist Route
Bottom photograph by: Jiri Havran / Statens vegvesen
If you continue to have a while, I urge you to drive to Skei, Førde, and up the attractive Gaularfjell National Tourist 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. If you proceed to Gaularvassdraget, you can 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’d recommend the next:
- Rent bikes on the Tourist Information heart and discover the realm
- Do a RIB boat journey with Balestrand Fjord Adventure (which could be booked on the Tourist Information heart as nicely)
- Visit Sognefjord Akvarium
- See St. Olav’s Church
- Do a nature path (Kerklingen) — an ideal exercise for households too as there are trails with varied ranges of difficulties
- Tour Nærøyfjord, essentially the most slender fjord on this planet (which may also be executed with Balestrand Fjord Adventure)
◘◘ Check in and have dinner at Kviknes Hotel
Best lodge in Balestrand? There’s no contest actually as I discover Kviknes Hotel as the only option potential! If you’re on a price range, different choices are Balestrand Hotel or Holiday Home.
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DAY 7
◘◘ Journey to Odda
Via Vikafjellet highway, slowly make your technique to Odda. This will take about 4 hours, after which you have to to do a ferry crossing with Dragsvik-Vangsnes (cost for tickets could be executed on board).
Somewhere alongside the city of Vik, for those who haven’t managed to go to a stave church but (from these I’ve already beforehand talked about), you possibly can then go to the Hopperstad Stave Church.
◘◘ Stay at Trolltunga Hotel
In preparation for tomorrow’s large hike, relaxation nicely for the remainder of the day after your check-in to Trolltunga Hotel.
◘◘ Get misplaced round Odda
If, nonetheless, you get stressed throughout this Norway highway journey itinerary, you possibly can stroll across the picturesque municipality of Odda. One of the issues that I recommend you do is to drive to Låtefossen Waterfall which is simply 20 minutes away.
I actually liked this waterfall due to its distinctive design! As proven within the photograph above, it has two separate streams that be a part of within the center after which movement underneath the Norwegian National Road 13, thereby making it a spectacular (and moist) view as you drive by way of or get nearer to the falls.
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DAY 8
◘◘ Wake up early and hike the famed Trolltunga
One of the highest 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!
However, it’s no stroll within the park to succeed in right here. Truth be advised, this is among the most troublesome hikes that I’ve ever executed in my life: it spanned 11 hours at 23 kilometers lengthy and 1,200 meters excessive!
…but it surely was SO value it. It’s no marvel to me now why it’s referred to as the most effective hikes on this planet as a result of apart from the view on the high, the scenes I noticed throughout my hike had been so darn unimaginable.
I give props to our information from Trolltunga Active as nicely as a result of if it was not for his steering, I don’t assume I’d have reached the highest (bear in mind guys: pacing is vital!). Without additional ado, if you wish to attain this epic view, you possibly can learn my detailed information beneath:
READ: Ultimate Hiking Guide to Norway’s Stunning Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue)
Now, in fact, you possibly can hike the path by your self however for those who’re not a seasoned hiker like me, or for those who merely need the most effective steering that you could need to make the most of your hike, I’d advocate that you simply e book with Trolltunga Active. I did their Classic Trolltunga route and it was completely memorable. (If you’re extra into excessive actions, they produce other varieties of excursions too reminiscent of ziplining or mountaineering.)
Alternatively, if you wish to know what to pack, put on, deliver, and so on.? Again, simply head to my Trolltunga information and also you’ll discover all the knowledge you want.
After I completed this hike, I didn’t have any power 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 apart from to seize some dinner and have a very good sleep.
DAY 9
◘◘ Drive to Stavanger by way of Rv 13, National Tourist Route Ryfylke, and make stops alongside the way in which
On your approach from Odda to Stavanger, you’ll have to undergo one more National Tourist Route referred to as as Ryfylke.
It will take about 5 hours and by now, it should come as second nature to you to make a number of stops alongside the way in which 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 move by!
Don’t overlook to witness Låtefosse Waterfall although for those who haven’t managed to test it out on Day 7 earlier than.
Other issues to be aware of 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. Rest assured, the middle is sort of compact so nearly each notable sight could be reached on foot.
With that in thoughts, don’t overlook to cease by Old Stavanger to witness Europe’s finest preserved picket home settlement, NuArt Street to get some Instagram-worthy photographs, Swords in Rock to be taught extra concerning the historic Battle of Hafrsfjord, and the Norwegian Petroleum museum (Norsk Oljemuseum) for those who’re curious about seeing how oil and fuel are created, found and produced within the North Sea.
◘◘ Check-in for the night time
For a snug keep, verify in to Myhregaarden Hotel which has a first-rate 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 possibly can pay to your tickets on board (for more information, see right here.) Once in Tau, park the automotive at Preikestolen Mountain Lodge which is a 20-minute drive away.
From right here, it’s time to overcome one more pure marvel that’s widespread in Norway: Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock!
I’m fairly positive you may have already seen this spot in pictures 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, for those who’re questioning how its distinctive form (like a protruding tooth) was shaped, it’s mentioned that it was most definitely formed by the growth of ice some 1000’s of years in the past.
IMPORTANT: Hiking right here takes about 4 hours (2 hours every approach) 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 mountain climbing garments and sneakers in accordance with the forecasted climate. Bring 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 trip from Forsand to Lysebotn
Time for one more ferry trip! But this time round, it should span a bit longer (about 2.5 hours). Plus, it should really be a sightseeing tour the place you possibly can look at Pulpit Rock and Kjerag mountain from one other angle.
There will even be a voiceover in English that can clarify the environment’ wild geology and glacial panorama.
Cost begins at NOK 315 per particular person. Bookings could be executed right here.
◘◘ Overnight 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 remember to 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 will see that the beginning of the Kjeragbolten mountain climbing path close by.
What’s Kjeragbolten? As you will note within the photograph above, this can be a boulder that’s wedged within the (Kjerag) mountain’s crevasse.
…Tell me, does it make your abdomen churn?
Because it does to me!
If I’ve to say so myself, stepping on this rock is lots scarier than Trolltunga. Sure, the house on high of the rock is extensive — however not extensive sufficient. To the most effective of my information, nobody has fallen from this, so for those who simply take further care, you’ll be superb.
You is likely to be questioning although: why would individuals even wish to threat it and go on high of this scary boulder? Well, it’s seemingly the attract of it as a result of it’s a really well-known vacation spot in Norway. After all, it’s very accessible even with none climbing tools (it may be only a 5-hour hike, with 2.5 hours every approach at an honest tempo). If you’re into base leaping, that is additionally the most effective spots to do it!
IMPORTANT: As ordinary, please put on correct mountain climbing garments and sneakers in accordance with the forecasted climate. Bring sufficient meals and water for a minimum of 5 hours, in addition to some further change of garments in case the climate turns bitter.
◘◘ Make your technique to Sandnes, do some stops and discover the realm
Car again to Sandnes takes roughly 3 hours. Some highlights alongside the way in which that you could take a look at are:
- Sirdal Skisenter at Thjørhomfjellet: This is a superb ski resort for those who’re right here in winter and an ideal mountain climbing space in the course of the summer season.
- Gloppedalsura Scree: a spot that has avalanche boulders which are piled on high of each other. Great for photograph ops!
- Dalsnuten: This 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 Hotel
About an hour’s trip away from the town heart, I booked right into a room in Kronen Gaard Hotel and it was such a nice keep. The inside decorations had been actually swell.
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DAY 11
On the final day of my Norway highway 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!