An adventure holiday in Norway's Western fjords is a thrilling and picturesque experience. Norway's Western fjords offer a perfect blend of natural wonders, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and explorers. On your journey, you will be spoiled with breathtaking landscapes! This 7-day adventure holiday starts in Bergen. From there you will embark on adventure-filled days in the beautiful Nærøyfjord and Auerlandsdalen. Next, you will enjoy Nordfjord, admire the scenic views over the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, and finish your adventure holiday by driving Norway's spectacular Atlantic Road along the coast from Åndalsnes to Ålesund.
Day 1 - Arrival in Bergen
Welcome to Bergen, Norway's charming coastal city, the starting point of our adventure holiday. Spend the day exploring Bergen's historic and UNESCO listed Bryggen Wharf - characterized by old wooden houses, small cobbled streets, and century-old buildings. Don’t miss the Fish Market and explore the charming neighborhood of Sandviken, known for its colorful houses and narrow streets. Apart from cultural experiences, Bergen also offers many outdoor activities. Head to Mount Fløyen (a funicular brings you from the city in less than 10 minutes to the top). Here you can explore hiking trails and enjoy the sweeping view. Overnight in Bergen.
Day 2 - Depart for Gudvangen: Enjoy a Kayaking Tour on Nærøyfjord
Today, you will depart on a scenic road trip from Bergen to Gudvangen. It is a picturesque journey that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Norway. It offers breathtaking views of fjords, mountains, and waterfalls. As you drive, you'll encounter numerous hairpin bends that provide panoramic vistas and there are plenty of lookouts where you can stop and admire the view. In Gudvangen, enjoy a guided kayak tour on the Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO listed fjord renowned for its dramatic landscapes, with steep mountainsides, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear waters. Kayaking allows you to get up close to these natural wonders!
After your kayak tour, you might like visiting the small village of Undredal, known for its well-preserved traditional Norwegian architecture. The village is dotted with colorful wooden houses and buildings, some of which date back several centuries. Many of the houses in Undredal offer breathtaking views of the Nærøyfjord and the surrounding mountains, creating a picturesque setting. Undredal is also famous for its production of traditional goat cheese called "geitost." You can visit local cheese producers and taste this specialty. Finally, don’t miss the Undredal Stave Church, a type of medieval wooden church characterized by its unique architectural style. The Undredal Stave Church is one of the smallest stave churches in Norway and is open to visitors during the summer months. Overnight in the area.
Day 3 - Explore Auerlandsdalen: Embark on a Bike Tour from Myrdal to Flåm
Biking from Myrdal to Flåm is an unforgettable adventure that combines the thrill of downhill biking with some of Norway's most stunning natural beauty. It's a must-do activity for outdoor enthusiasts! Head to the village of Flåm where you can rent a bike and take the Flåmsbana Railway from Flåm to Myrdal with your bike. Well-trained bikers can also make the climb uphill by bike! From Myrdal, the 20-km-ride back is a beautiful descent that takes you through lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, and steep mountainsides. On your way, you have ample opportunities to stop and admire the stunning views of the Aurlandsfjord and the surrounding landscape. Once you arrive in Flåm, you can choose from a variety of activities or just absorb the relaxing ambiance of the town.
Those who are not in for a bike ride can take the car and go for a short car ride to Aurlandsvangen (30 minutes). Halfway you can visit the remote village of Otternes, and visit its open-air cultural heritage museum showcasing historic farms. A winding road (8 km) from Aurlandsvangen brings you to the breathtaking Stegastein Viewpoint. The viewpoint is a marvel of modern architecture and design. The viewpoint platform extends 30 meters out from the mountainside and is suspended 650 meters above the fjord. The structure seems to float in the air, and offers some of the most awe-inspiring panoramic views of the Aurlandsfjord! Overnight in Flåm.
Day 4 - Bøyabreen Glacier and a visit to Loen
From Flåm a 2.5-hour ride brings you to the Bøyabreen Glacier; here you can experience its icy wonders on a guided tour. You get right to the glacier where you can sometimes see and hear ice breaking! After the tour, continue your journey to Loen. Loen is nestled at the Eastern end of the Nordfjord, surrounded by towering mountains and the sparkling waters of the fjord. It's a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as hiking and boat trips on the fjord. Take a ride up the spectacular Loen Skylift, which goes to the top of Mount Hoven to enjoy the fantastic views over the Nordfjord and the Lovatnet Lake.
Experienced hikers can take a walk to Lake Lovatnet viewpoint (13 km round trip). From this viewpoint you have gorgeous vistas of the deep blue waters of the lake set against a backdrop of rugged mountains and cascading waterfalls. It's a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts looking to capture the raw beauty of Norway's fjord country. Thrill seekers can take an impressive ride on the Loen Zip Line taking you all over the valley! Overnight in Loen.
Day 5 - Explore Nordfjord: Enjoy scenic drives and stunning photo opportunities.
Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Norway's landscape, the Nordfjord region beckons with its enchanting allure. Here, majestic fjords with their crystal-clear waters cut through towering mountains! You'll discover charming villages with quaint wooden houses with colorful facades that dot the landscape, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.
From Loen, a little hour's drive westward takes you to Nordfjordeid. Quaint Norwegian architecture graces the streets, providing a sense of the town's history and heritage. A little hour further, you will find the idyllic village of Selje! Selje is a coastal gem on Norway's western shores. The village is perched on the edge of the North Sea, where rugged cliffs and golden beaches frame the landscape. The most captivating feature of Selje is the mystical Selje Monastery ruins, perched on a rocky islet just offshore. This ancient abbey holds a rich history dating back to the 12th century, shrouded in legends of saints and miracles. Selje's coastline is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Explore winding trails that lead you through lush meadows and along dramatic cliffs, or simply bask in the tranquility of the North Sea breeze at the beach. Overnight in Loen.
Day 6 - Geirangerfjord + Waterfalls, strawberries, and the iconic Trollstigen Road
From Loen head to the Geirangerfjord, another UNESCO World Heritage site! Geirangerfjord, a masterpiece of nature's grandeur, it boasts sheer cliffs that plunge into emerald waters, crowned by cascading waterfalls. In the town of Geiranger, you board a cruise (with your car) to Hellesylt. Sailing through Geirangerfjord you can admire the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil waterfalls, while the serenity of the fjord's waters reflects the majesty of the surrounding mountains. Small farms are clinging to the mountainsides, and seem to have stood still in time. Before boarding you can take a stroll through the charming village of Geiranger where you can find local products in the small stores. Arriving at Hellesylt, continue your road trip. You will pass the quiet valley of Valldal, a picturesque and fertile valley with emerald-green fields and rolling hills. The valley is renowned for its sun-kissed strawberries, grown in the fertile soil and long summer days. Make a stop at one of the farms and buy some of the red jewels for a picnic!
On your way from Valldal to Åndalsnes, you will encounter the Trollstigen road. This winding mountain pass (with 11 hairpin bends) is undoubtedly a masterpiece of engineering in the midst of the lush valleys and mighty mountains. You will find spectacular viewing platforms such as Gudbrandsjuvet and Ørnesvingen that offer extraordinary views down to the Geirangerfjord. Continue to Åndalsnes to spend the night.
Day 7 - Åndalsnes Atlantic Road & Ålesund: An awe-inspiring Road Trip
The last day of this trip in Norway's western fjords goes to Ålesund. But first, take some time to explore Åndalsnes. Consider a visit to the Rampestreken viewpoint, perched high above the town of Åndalsnes. You can reach the viewpoint by a thrilling hike or the convenient Rampebanen funicular! On the top, you'll find yourself surrounded by the stunning landscapes of the Romsdalen Valley and the Romsdalsfjord below.
Get back on the road and make the last stretch to Ålesund along the world-famous Atlantic Road, known for its dramatic twists and turns as it spans the Norwegian Sea. As you traverse this route, you'll experience the thrill of crossing eight bridges, some of which seemingly leap from one islet to another, offering breathtaking sea views. Make sure to pause at designated viewpoints to capture the awe-inspiring landscapes. Upon arrival stroll through the charming coastal town of Ålesund, renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture, museums, galleries, and waterfront promenade. Conclude your adventure in Ålesund.
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