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Welcome to the Norwegian Nature Guide! - P art one of a comprehensive guide to Norway that I'm putting together.
Its picturesque mountains, beautiful fjords and never-ending forests usually blow most people whom have visited Norway away. It's not hard to see why everyone gazes out in disbelief that such a place exists. This country has so much to offer but not everyone knows about its hidden gems, unfortunately. So, it's time we change that! This nature guide will be covering:

Welcome to my Fatherland, I hope you find this helpful in planning your next trip to Norway.
The following places mentioned are spots that I have personally visited and/or hiked and would definitely recommend to everyone. Being such a massive country, majority of the points of interest are scattered around but these are all easily accessible and along various touristy routes.

The hiking opportunities probably make it one of the top reasons why it is a favourite amongst nature lovers. There is an abundant array of hikes to pick from, you're never going to run out of options. With longer days and warmer temperatures, summer is the season to set out into the great outdoors and explore by foot. Majority of the hikes are only open during the summer due to safety and there are other activities to experience during the winter months.

The following three hikes are the trinity for international travellers visiting Norway for the sole pursue of hiking. They range in difficulty; distance and time taken so hike according to your fitness level. These are the more popular and tourist orientated hikes (still loved by locals) making it easily accessible by public transport. Should you like more information, details and personal experiences on the following, each heading has a click-through taking you to an individual extensive guide.

Distance: 8km round trip
Time taken: 2 - 4hrs around trip
Difficulty: Easy
Season: All year around. In winter, crampons are available for rent from Preikestolen Tourist Centre

This is hands down one of the most visited natural attractions and most hiked trail in the country. During the summer, there are tours taking you here from Stavanger centre and it'sca packed with hikers. Since it is the easiest of the hikes, people of all ages can be seen doing it, even dogs do it! The paths are clear and easy to follow but be mindful of the 4 stages of steep incline. Nonetheless, the effort vs reward makes this an amazing starting point to your Norwegian adventure. Be sure to bring your camera, as you'll be treated to a beautiful view overlooking Lysefjord!

Location: Jørpeland, Rogaland (Western Norway)
Closest major town: Stavanger
Getting here: During the summer months, Tide offers multiple daily transportation to Preikestolen from Stavanger Centre for 300NOK. Alternatively, if you decide to drive, follow the E39 eastbound and go in the direction of Røldal, catching the ferry from Lauvvik to Oanes and follow the signs. This route takes 1.5hrs and the parking at Preikestolen as of November 2016 is 150NOK per day.

Distance: 10km round trip
Time taken: 3.5 - 7hrs around trip
Difficulty: Medium
Season: Summer (April - September)

You may have seen this boulder before in a drone video that was released (and went viral) recently. The subject in the video is none other that Kjeragbolten. This boulder wedged in between two rock faces is such a must-have instagram photo that people are willing to wait in line for over one hour to snap a photo! It is not for the faint hearted and is a dream for the adventure seekers. Depending on your fitness level, this hike can be challenging. There are 3 levels of steep inclinations where chains are used to pull yourself up, while this is an absolute killer on your legs and knees the day after, it's completely worth the hike. A great spot to look over the town of Lysebotn and over Lysefjord.

Location: Lysebotn, Rogaland (Western Norway)
Closest major city: Stavanger
Getting here: Similarly to Preikestolen, Tide takes you from Stavanger Sentrum to the starting point of Kjerag for 590NOK round trip. Driving there will take about 2.5hrs - simply follow E39 eastbound towards Kongeparken and turn off at Route 45 (towards Sirdal) and once you've passed the Ski Centre - continue on the FV975 in the direction of Lysebotn, through the back country roads and there's parking lot on your left hand side. Once again, day parking will set you back 150NOK as of November 2016.

Distance: 22km round trip
Time taken: 8 - 12 hrs round trip
Difficulty: Challenging
Season: April - September. DO NOT attempt in winter.

What list would this be if Trolltunga weren't on it, right? While a lot of people have completed this hike, it is definitely not a walk in the park.

This hike calls for proper hiking boots and preparation (food and clothes wise) as this 22km round trip takes anywhere between 8 - 12 hrs and should only be attempted during the summer months where days are long, the weather is warmer and there's a lot of hikers (in case of an emergency). The trail is well maintained by the Norwegian Hiking Association and is continually being improved, which is incredibly useful especially the first kilometres ascend. The surrounding views are breathtaking, take it all in. Since you're in the wild, camping is permitted (and for free!) so breaking this hike in half will be easier on your knees - just remember not to leave any trash behind! All in all, this hike is extremely doable; maybe do a bit of training leading up so you'll enjoy it more. Trust me, a bit of training goes a long way - this is coming from someone whom has done it thrice.

Location: Tyssedal, Hordaland (Western Norway)
Closest major town: Odda
Getting here: There is a bus that can be taken which stops at the first parking lot (6km) from the starting point. If you're driving, head to the town of Odda and continue northbound on Route 13 towards Tyssedal and follow the signs up the mountain. You will pass one small parking lot half way up the narrow road but keep going until you reach a lake and a massive parking lot in front of Trolltunga Active - this is the starting point of your hike. There are different prices for parking here, depending on how long you take. As of September, an entire day of parking (24hours) will set you back 400NOK.

Personal favourite hikes:

There is so much hiking to be done in Norway that it is almost impossible to include all of them in a short list like this. I am constantly discovering different trails and points of interest around the country but haven't found the time to visit them yet. Hopefully I will complete more local and off beaten track hikes post graduation.

Gaustatoppen and Galdhøpiggen are both tall mountains standing at 1883m and 2469m respectively. Considering they are both the tallest mountains in their respective county (the latter being the tallest in Norway), the hikes are doable and views rewarding.

Gaustatoppen:

Standing at 1 883m, Gaustatoppen is the tallest mountain in the county of Telemark, located near the town of Rjukan (2.5 hrs east of Oslo), an area I spent quite a lot of time during my visits to Norway. This isn't a challenging mountain with clear terrain, it takes 4 hrs to complete the 10km return journey. The Gaustabanen, a cable car taking you up inside the mountain is a good alternative if you encounter bad weather of prefer an easier option. The Gaustabanen is open every day during the summer and costs a fee to take. At the top of the mountain, there is a little cafe where you can sign your name in the visitors log book, tuck into some good Norwegian waffles and on a clear day, you can enjoy a birds eye view overlooking a sixth of the country.

Galdhøpiggen:

Also known as the tallest mountain in Northern Europe, standing at 2 469m, it can be found in Jotunheimen National Park. While this mountain can be ascended without a guide, if you lack hiking knowledge or experience in the mountains, I would highly recommend it. On your journey to the top, you will cross a glacier and your guide will rope you to each other for safety. This is a slightly more challenging hike especially for a little pocket rocket like myself (I stand at 1.57m), as some of the steps will ensure you stretch. The taller folks wouldn't encounter this problem. The tours take place during the summer months and proper equipment and clothing is advised as the mountain range is covered in snow all year round - we were met with a white out during the hike back in the summer of 2012. This hike will take 6 hours to complete.

During the summer, the ski centre on Galdhøpiggen is open so if you fancy tearing up the slopes, you've got the opportunity to do it all year around in Norway!

The talking point of everyone's travels to Norway.
The starting point of most people's journey into the fjords is through Bergen, coincidentally known as the Gateway City to the Fjords. If you're looking at a map, there are countless routes taking you through the fjords and without a doubt, whichever route you take, it'll be amazing no less. Just a heads up, some of these mountain paths can be a very tight squeeze and depending on the time of year, icy as well so drive careful and enjoy the views but please do not slow down while on the highway to take photos, pull over if you want to snap photos.

Lysefjord

The best way to view this fjord is from the top of Preikestolen and Kjerag, which offers undisturbed panoramic views. Alternatively, when you get off the ferry from Lauvvik, drive around the area as you'll be able to drive along the fjord.

Aurlandsfjord

From Aurland, drive towards Lærdal (over the mountains) up a winding and narrow road with one too many hairpins taking you to probably the most beautiful viewpoint over the fjord. This is my personal favourite fjord (and viewpoint) as you're welcomed to views of the town and uninterrupted views seeing down the fjord. There is a small area to stop and snap some photos on the way up but drive carefully and slowly here as most parts of the route is only wide enough for one car!

Nærøyfjord

This is a UNESCO listed fjord and said to be the inspiration behind Disney's Frozen. If you're driving from Bergen, head east on E16 towards Gudvangen where you can enjoy a beautiful view of the fjord. If you would like to see the fjord from the water, a ferry is available taking you around the fjord, surrounding you with its majestic beauty.

Hardangerfjord

This fjord has really deep blue coloured water and it's beautiful! If you fancy camping with a view, there are several campsites set up along the sides of the mountain (at about mid point) and they don't cost too much more than the regular campsites. It is easy enough to spend the day away driving along the E16 and stopping at one too many areas to take in all the beauty.

Geirangerfjord

This is another UNESCO listed and probably the most iconic of all the fjords. It is situated in the Møre og Romsdal county and home to the Sever Sisters Waterfalls (one of the most photographed waterfalls in Norway). There are several fjord cruises which can be arranged taking you to view the fjord or if you rather kayak through the fjord, that is another option. Rentals can be done in villages along the fjord. At one of the many view points, the Queen Sonja's Chair is installed by Fjord Norway, overlooking the town and ferries can be seen going in and out of the harbour like little toy boats.

The best time to see the Norwegian waterfalls at its full force will probably be in late spring - early summer, when the snow starts melting and water rushes down to the rivers, lakes and open sea. Thanks to the infrastructure in Norway, a lot of the tourist routes take you past these waterfalls so it can be see on the way to places. There are parking lots on the side of the road so you'll be able to stretch your legs and snap a couple of photos along your journey.

Låtefossen

An amazing waterfall that you'll see on your journey along National Road 13 - south of Odda. This 165m waterfall is unique in its own right by featuring two individual streams that converge in the middle. There is a parking space on the left side of this photograph where you can step out and enjoy this scenery.

Månafossen is the tallest waterfall in the Rogaland county standing at 92m. To get to the viewpoint in the photo, it takes about 15 - 30 mins up a steep incline with chains for aiding. The hike can be attempted all year around but in the winter months, the surfaces are covered in ice making the hike challenging. The path continues up and around to the other side of the falls taking you to a farm called Mån.

Vøringfossen

This is said to be the famous waterfall in Norway. If you're in the Hardangervidda area, it is easy to make a detour to check out this waterfall. The photo above was taken in the Spring where the water was still frozen but once the snow starts melting, this scenery transforms into a 182m plunging waterfall with lush greenery. There is a hike available taking you to near the foot of the falls but can only be done during the summer as the paths are too slippery to be attempted in the winter months.

Tvindefossen

This 110m waterfall sits off the E16 between Voss and Flåm and while it's not the tallest waterfall in the county, it is still a marvel to look at.

Imagine going to bed and the sun is still shining brightly through your blinds and waking up to the sun high in the sky. It's a bit of an odd sensation but that's what happens during the summer months especially in the Northern parts of Norway. It is quite amazing watching the sun slightly touch the horizon and come back up but it may take you quite a while to get your body used to it. I personally saw it whilst visiting my relatives in Bodø.

This is probably on everyone's bucket list - the Northern Lights. Depending on the solar activity, it can be witnessed quite far south but head further north increase your chances of seeing it! A favourite for many visitors is Tromsø - considered to be the northernmost city in the world. While there is no guarantee to see the Lights, they are breathtaking to witness. Be sure to rug up as temperatures plummet during the winter.

Oh, wow! Not sure about you but that was a lot of ground to cover for the first instalment. There you have it, a local's guide to some off the beaten nature spots in Norway that will be sure spice up your itinerary. What were some of your favourite suggestions?
Peace, love and good vibes.

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A local's guide to Norwegian Nature - The Travelling Sloth

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Welcome to the Norwegian Nature Guide! - Part one of a comprehensive guide to Norway that I'm putting together. Its picturesque mountains, beautiful fjords and never-ending forests usually blow most people whom have visited Norway away. It's not hard to see why everyone gazes out in disbelief that such a place exists.

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The Skageflå farm in Geiranger is one of the most unusual landmarks in all of Norway and Europe for that matter. It sits high above the Geirangerfjord on a steep mountain ledge overlooking the magnificent Seven Sisters Waterfall. It can only be accessed by steep narrow stairs or a long hike from the village of Geiranger. It's one of a handful of farms on the mountainside ledges of the Geirangerfjorden in Stranda, Møre og Romsdal county, Norway. But it's no ordinary farm. The King and Queen of Norway celebrated their silver wedding anniversary here back in 1993!

The Geirangerfjord is one of Norway's most recognizable tourist attraction. It graces covers of magazines and postcards and is the gateway some of the most adventurous activities in Norway. I was out and about exploring and looking for places to hike when saw a postcard in the tourist information center. There on top of the fjord sits a mountain farm. Appearing magnificent and impossibly built.

Geirangerfjorden

Though there were a bunch of hiking trails in the area, I was so enamored by the postcard photo that I wanted to capture the scene for myself with own my camera!

Adventure Begins

There are two ways to get to the Skageflå farm. You can hike from Geiranger to Skagefla on a round trip hike covering 12 Kilometers or you can take a water taxi to Skagehola and hike up to the farm making your way back to Geiranger.

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I swear I was a pirate in my previous life because I just had a hankering for a boat ride and I've been driving around too long and was starting to feel like a land lubber. So I decided to take the water taxi route and do the hike back to Geiranger. This route is very steep but steps have been carved into the rocks and supports are in place along the most exposed stretches. There are also handrails on the most difficult sections.

You might want to do the round-trip route instead if you have any fear of heights. I saw a guy slowly getting carried by his buddies on the way down because he was hyperventilating from his fear of heights. But this is an adventure blog, what's an adventure without a little danger, right? Hell, I looked down every so often on the way up and my legs would feel weak from the sight of sheer vertical drop below.

Don't look down!

In many of these mountain ledge farms, people had to tether their children and animals on ropes so they don't fall to their deaths in the fjord below. After this harrowing ascent, you finally arrive at Skageflå. The farm was abandoned in 1916 but it was once one of the richer goat farms in Geiranger with 2 or 3 mountain pastures for its animals. A rock slide in 1873 destroyed much of the cultivable land. It is now a major tourist attraction and the world heritage celebration in 2006 was held there.

The views of the fjord from the farm are very dramatic and you can see the Seven Sisters waterfall flowing directly across the fjord. From there you can see yet another mountain farm on the ledge next to the waterfall. It makes you wonder what sort of madness drove these people to build farms this high up.

There and Back Again

The trek to town and back again would be such a miserable ordeal. There are no convenient stores nearby. No roads for cars. It's just a narrow stair to the fjord or a rugged trail to the village. You'd have to trek 6 kilometers just to get a soda! I mean, if I was a billionaire and had a helicopter service, sure maybe. But we're talking about medieval folks here with just donkeys and their own feet for transport. Crazy!

I left the farm and continued to hike up the steep terrain. The steepness slowly diminished as it led me to the summer dairy farm, Homlongsætra. Here's yet another dramatic view of the Geirangerfjord with houses that look like it's plucked out of a Tolkien novel. It makes wonder if anybody will open one of those wooden doors and somebody would walk out yelling: " No, thank you. We don't want any more visitors, well-wishers, or distant relations!"

Continuing past this leads yet to another dairy farm, Bjønnastien where the trail slowly grows milder as it tapers downhill towards the Homlong and slides down close to a precipice the Geirangerfjord. There are markers along the way warning you of the dangers on the trail. There are holes in the ground that drop directly below into the fjord, so take caution! Once you're past this section the trail will join the Geirangerfjord, past a couple of campgrounds and you're back in the village of Geiranger.

HIKE THE SKAGEFLA FARM YOURSELF

To get to Skagefla you can take the bus directly to Geiranger from Oslo international airport.

There's a high volume of tourist boats that frequent the Geirangerfjord so the town has built up a very solid tourist infrastructure.

You can do the round-trip hike from Geiranger to Skakegfla or take a water taxi across to Skagehola - this is the steepest section you can choose to avoid if you take the round-trip route.

There are a lot of knee popping sections that will keep you honest. Take hiking poles if you must.

Good hiking shoes like the Vasque Breeze is a must. There are a lot of steep and slippery sections.

If you need a place to stay in Geirangerfjord, I recommend the Homlong Gjestetun, which overlooks the fjord!

Take your time. The views here are stunning beyond words. You don't want to rush anything like this.

Carry a camera like a mirrorless Sony A7ii, mount it on a Carbon Fiber Tripod and take a bunch of pictures!

HAVE YOU BEEN TO THE GEIRANGERFJORD?

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Hiking the Geiranger - Skageflå - Homlong Trail in Norway

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The Skageflå farm in Geiranger is one of the most unusual landmarks in all of Norway and Europe for that matter. It sits high above the Geirangerfjord on a steep mountain ledge overlooking the magnificent Seven Sisters Waterfall. It can only be accessed by steep narrow stairs or a long hike from the village of Geiranger.

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Top 25 offbeat places in Norway - Official Travel Guide to Norway - visitnorway.com

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Norway's most widely travelled journalist and discerning adventurer, Jens A. Riisnæs, has put together a list of his 25 favourite places in Norway.

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Norway is considered as one of the most beautiful country in the world, it is known for its picturesque sites. If you are planning for your holidays to Norway then these 15 places are a must for you to visit.

Cliff Preikestolen in fjord Lysefjord, Norway

600 meters above the waters of gorgeous Lysefjord, lay the Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock. It is one of the most breathtaking sites in the country. If you plan to hike it will take almost 2 hours to reach to the spot.

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Norway is considered as one of the most beautiful country in the world, it is known for its picturesque sites. If you are planning for your holidays to Norway then these 15 places are a must for you to visit. Cliff Preikestolen in fjord Lysefjord, Norway 600 meters above the waters of gorgeous Lysefjord, lay the Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock.

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Viking sites in Norway are among the oldest in the world. As we see viking history trickle back into pop culture, more and more people are gaining interest in the Viking Age. And they should! Vikings were incredible farmers, artists, craftsman, seafarers, storytellers and warriors of legend. They were responsible for settling coastlines from Great Britain to America and various areas throughout Scandinavia and Europe. And with the History Channel's fourth season of the hit history-based drama series, Vikings on its way, many have fallen in love with the intrepid age of shield maidens and warriors.

"At some point you realize that there's a lot more to the mythology and history. It's about a philosophy as much as anything else," says Peersen. "You start discovering the nuances and appreciating the things that are more ... subtle. The beautiful things."

-Ivar Peersen, co-founder and guitarist in the Norwegian "Viking metal" band Enslaved.

Norway the Destination

Move Norway to the top of your bucket list. There is no other place on earth like it. Once visit to this eco friendly country and you'll understand why Norse legends were grown here. Breathtaking landscapes and otherworldly vistas will capture your memory for a lifetime. There's something for every bit of traveler in you in Norway. Whether it's dining, shopping, exploring nature or cruising along incredible fjords. Norway is a place where everyone leaves happy. Here are some incredible Viking heritage sites in Norway for you to add to your bucket list of adventures.

Viking Sites in Norway

#1 Lofotr Museum in the Lofoten Islands

In the Iron Age, 10-15 Chieftans held seats in northern Norway. One of these seats were at Borg in Lofoten and is the only place where the Chieftan's home was actually found. In the History Channel's series, Vikings you can see this type of home (long house) realized as Ragnar Lothbrok's home. Just like Ragnar's home there are several rooms consisting of living quarters, gildhall (dining hall) and an animal stable which has been transformed into an exhibition room sharing Norse Mythology noted as the Viking's belief system.

#2 Stiklestad Cultural Center, outside Trondheim

It is here where Norway's most historic battle, the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, took place and became the most important marker as the country's transition from paganism to Christianity. At the end of July you can experience "St. Olav Days at Stiklestad" with its concerts, plays, guided tours, lectures, excursions and activities for the whole family. During St. Olav Days is the St. Olav Drama which depicts the events before and after the historic battle.

#3 Trondenes Historical Center, Harstad

Located in a heritage rich landscape echoing the Viking era, Middle Ages and World War II, the Trondenes Historical Center offers an exhibition of multimedia, featuring vision, music, light and smell.

#4 Viking Swords Monument, Stavagner

Commanding the attention of most everyone at Hafrsfjord are the Three Swords in Stone monument. This towering monument commemorates the legendary Battle of Hafrsfjord in 872, after which Viking King Harald Fair Hair united the three districts of Norway into one kingdom. Of all the Viking sites this is one you'd want to visit in the afternoon. Fewer people and better photos.

#5 Historical Borre at Borrehaugene, Horten

This is the largest Viking graveyard of Scandinavia with significant discoveries from ancient times. The Midgard Canter has information on the barrows and graves. Local folklore tells that early in the mornings you can hear the elves play on "The Fiddler's Mound" on the vicarage field.

#6 Viking Ship Museum, Oslo

The Viking Ship Museum presents Viking ship discoveries from Gokstad, Oseberg and Tune as well as other finds from Viking tombs around the Oslo Fjord. It houses an incredible collection of artifacts and information on the Viking Age. It also displays the world's two best-preserved Viking long ships from the 9th Century. This is probably one of the most popular Viking sites in Norway.

#7 The Viking City Kaupang, Larvik

The first city in Norway was located at Kaupang and was established around year 800. Many skilled craftsmen did business here with visitors from near and far.

#8 Bronseplassen, Lillesand

This Viking site is a reconstructed settlement from the Viking Bronze Age. It's known for its fertility labyrinth, archery and story-telling.

#9 Avaldsnes, Haugesund

Once the seat of the highest Viking Kings of Norway, Avaldsnes is a pristine Viking settlement surrounded by breathtaking landscape that even in the bitter cold remains green. Perhaps it's Thor, said to have walked along the shores here, which keeps this place so magical. This site is just a 10-minute walk from the historic St. Olav's Church. Here you can see just how the Vikings lived from day to day. In the Norwegian History Center there is an incredible permanent show on Vikings and their ancestors, inclusive of their beliefs which we now know as Norse Mythology. Of all the Viking sites I've explored this is one of my favorites.

#10 Kvernes Kirkeomrade, Averoy

This museum and ancient burial ground span 4,000 years of Norwegian history. The church and cemetery here are still in use.

The Viking Age left more than legends in its wake. With more and more discoveries of Viking artifacts, we continue to understand how they lived. And with an incredible drama series like the History Channel's Vikings, we are able to realize this dramatic era more than ever before. Add Viking sites to your bucket list of epic adventures to be had, it's one you won't regret.

This article was made possible by:

What captures you most about Norway?

This guide is presented by American Tourister. Our travel philosophy is to pack more fun into every moment and every bag, like our Star Wars, Disney and Marvel luggage collections. Keep up with us by keeping an eye on #PackMoreFun!

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10 Amazing Viking Sites in Norway for Fans of Vikings

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Viking sites in Norway are among the oldest in the world. As we see viking history trickle back into pop culture, more and more people are gaining interest in the Viking Age. And they should! Vikings were incredible farmers, artists, craftsman, seafarers, storytellers and warriors of legend.

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60 Reasons to Visit Norway Before You Die

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60 Reasons to Visit Norway Before You Die

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Viking Swords at Stavanger Swords Monument

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Viking Swords at Stavanger Swords Monument

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For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, this Norway itinerary is perfect. In 10 days, you will be able to do four amazing hikes. Be daring and stand on Kjeragbolten, hike out to Trolltunga and pose for the camera, enjoy epic views out to the Atlantic Ocean from Romsdalseggen, and hike Norway's most popular hike, Pulpit Rock. Mixed in with the hiking days are visits to quaint coastal towns, scenic drives along the fjords and through the world's longest tunnel, and a chance to experience some of the best that Norway has to offer.

Norway is a gorgeous country, and on this itinerary you get to see it via car, ferry, airplane, train, and your own two feet. In our opinion, there is no better way to see Norway than by hiking!

This Norway itinerary is good for:

Day 1

Arrive in Oslo, Fly to Stavanger

Arrive in Oslo and catch a connecting flight to Stavanger. Stavanger will be your home base for the next three nights. From here, you will hike to Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten.

Have dinner, get some rest, and tomorrow will be the first Norwegian hike.

Day 2

Hike to Pulpit Rock

Stavanger is connected to Pulpit Rock by public transportation. After breakfast at your hotel, catch the ferry from Stavanger to Tau. This is a twenty-minute scenic ferry ride, giving you your first glimpse of the Norwegian fjords.

Once in Tau, there is a bus service that will drive visitors to the start of the Pulpit Rock hike.

The hike to Pulpit Rock is Norway's most iconic hike, with views of the Lysefjord and this slab of rock that almost looks like it is from another planet. This giant monolith is also known as Preikestolen.

The hike is four miles round trip, the shortest on this itinerary. It is an easy hike that anyone with average fitness can do, including children. Since it is Norway's most popular hike, expect lots of crowds, especially during the peak travel season from June through August.

To get back to Stavanger, take the bus to Tau and the ferry to Stavanger. There should be plenty of time for dinner in Stavanger.

We ate at ND Sorensen's Dampskibsexpedition Pub. The food was fantastic but it was expensive. Well, this is Norway, one of the most expensive destinations in the world. Expect to pay $30 to $40 for an entrée and $10 for a beer.

Day 3

Kjeragbolten Hike

This was our favorite day while visiting Norway. The hike to Kjeragbolten is epic, with some of the best views of the fjords in Norway along with that chance to step out onto the boulder...if you so dare!

Kjeragbolten is located two hours away from Stavanger (140 km) and there are two ways to get there: a bus service that only runs during the peak summer months, or by rental car. We chose the rental car option. For four people this was more economical and more convenient.

The hike to Kjeragbolten is 12 km round trip, taking hikers between 5 and 7 hours to complete the hike. It is longer and more strenuous than Pulpit Rock, with sections of rock scrambling and chain-assisted climbing, which made this the favorite hike in Norway for Tyler and Kara. The views along the way are unbelievable. Even if you have no plans to step out onto Kjerag, this hike is still absolutely worth it for the views along the way.

The infamous boulder is wedged between two rock faces 1000 meters off of the ground. It's a crazy thing to do but one of our favorite traveling memories, for sure!

For more on hiking to Kjeragbolten (including details on how to get here), check out these posts:
The Kjeragbolten Hike: A Complete Guide Kjeragbolten: Our Favorite Hike in Norway
After the Kjeragbolten hike, if you are up for another adventure, then you might consider driving down (and then back up) Lysevegen Road. It is a narrow road with 32 sharp bends, an average gradient of 9.4%, and an elevation difference of more than 800 meters (2600 ft) over only 5.8 km (3.6 miles). And if that isn't crazy enough then there is a tunnel near the bottom that turns 340 degrees.

If you are up for this adventure, like we were, then when you pull out of the Kjerag parking lot turn left and you'll start going down this dangerous, windy, switchback road almost right away. This road connects the Kjeragbolten car park with the town of Lysebotn.

Drive two hours back to Stavanger, return the rental car, and get a good night's sleep.

Day 4

Bergen, Norway

Take a morning flight from Stavanger to Bergen. It is possible to take a bus or a ferry to Bergen, but this takes five hours and you need that time today to tour Bergen.

Once in Bergen, rent another car. You will have this car until you reach Ålesund on day 10.

Most of the day is available for exploring Bergen, a coastal town that was once a German settlement. Have lunch at the fish market, wander the cobblestoned streets, take the funicular up the hillside for the best views over Bergen, and explore Bryggen, the location of the Hanseatic houses along the harbor.

Once finished in Bergen, you have a two and a half hour drive to Eidfjord, a tiny town located near Hardangerfjord. We recommend taking the route that drives past Steinsdalsfossen, a waterfall that is visible from the road. You can follow the footpath behind the waterfall.

If you arrive in Eidfjord with extra time, consider driving to the Voringfossen viewpoint, a 20 minute drive each way from Eidfjord.

We recommend making Eidfjord your home base for hiking to Trolltunga. However, you can also choose to stay in Tyssedal or Odda. These two towns are located very close to the hike but will add an hour drive onto the drive to Flam on day 6.

Day 5

Trolltunga

Today is another day of epic hiking and a chance to see more of iconic Norway.

From Eidfjord, it is an hour and a fifteen minute drive south to Tyssedal and the start of the Trolltunga hike. The views along the way were some of my favorites in Norway.

Several years ago, the hike started as a 1 km strenuous walk up an old funicular track. That is now closed. There are now two options for hiking to Trolltunga.

Option 1 is to hike the switchback trail near the funicular track. This is strenuous but once at the top, it is mostly easy-going for the rest of the hike out to Trolltunga. The views along the way are even better than those to Kjeragbolten, in my opinion.

Option 2, the Sky Ladder, is a tour that has visitors cycling and then climbing a Via Ferrata, finishing this journey not far from Trolltunga.

The hike to Trolltunga takes 8 to 10 hours to complete, going 23 km total. After completion of the hike, drive back to Eidfjord.

Trolltunga: A Fabulous Hike Packed with Incredible Scenery

Day 6

Norway in a Nutshell

The Norway in a Nutshell tour takes visitors on a cruise through one of the most scenic fjords in Norway along with a ride on the Flåm railway. From Eidfjord, it is a 2 hour ride (115 km) to Flåm, one of the starting points for the organized tour.

If you are following our itinerary and/or have your own transportation, then it is not necessary to book the organized tour. You can follow our guide on how to do Norway in a Nutshell on your own. You'll want to drive from Eidfjord to the Stalheim Hotel, where our guide begins.

Read more about this full day itinerary, including what to see on the drive from Eidfjord to Flåm:
How to do Norway in a Nutshell on your own
Once the tour is over it is time to drive to Balestrand. On the way, and only about 30 minutes from Flåm, is the Stegastein Viewpoint, a scenic lookout over Aurlandsfjord. From this viewpoint you can continue along the Aurlandsvegen Snow Road, a high mountain road with spectacular scenery. Or you can back track down the mountain and take the world's longest tunnel, Lærdalstunnelen (24.5 km or 15.2 miles).

Day 7

Drive to Geiranger

Today is a full day of driving but if you get lucky with the weather (we did not) the scenery is amazing. This drive takes you along fjords and through small towns, giving you plenty of opportunities to stop for food along the way.

Sites to see on the drive between Balestrand and Geiranger include:

Likholefossen (we ended up not stopping here ourselves due to a late start)

Jostedalsbreen National Park Centre (listed in Google Maps as Jostedalsbreen Nasjonalparksenter) for an education on glaciers

Old Strynefjell Mountain Road (Old Road 258) ... for the views

Videseter Hotel to look at the view of the valley (located on Old Strynefjell Mountain Road)

From the Videseter Hotel you can also walk to the Videfossen Waterfall (listed in Google Maps as Buldrefossen)

As you approach Geiranger there are various viewpoints to see:

Dalsnibba Viewpoint - highest of the views of valley and fjord. The road here is Norway's highest car road.

Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint

In the afternoon, you will arrive in Geiranger, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fjord known for being one of the most spectacular in Norway.

Day 8

There is plenty of time in the day to explore Geirangerfjord before moving on again. There are hiking and biking trails, kayaks to rent, viewpoints to drive to, and the small town of Geiranger to explore and to go shopping.

From Geiranger it is a two hour drive to the next town, Åndalsnes. This is another scenic drive and just before arriving in Åndalsnes you will drive the Trollstigen (Troll's Ladder), a switchback road that is one of the most popular drives in Norway.

Have dinner in Åndalsnes and get settled into your accommodations. Tomorrow is an early morning.

Day 9

Romsdalseggen Hike

Romsdalseggen is an 11 km hike along the spine of a mountain. Although not the longest hike in the itinerary, we found it to be the most difficult. This hike can take 8 to 10 hours to complete.

From Åndalsnes, there is a bus that delivers hikers to the start of the hike. This hike is a point to point hike, starting on farmland and ending in the town of Åndalsnes. Weather can be unpredictable...we were here in August and there was a chance of snow in the forecast.

The hike starts off with a strenuous climb, taking hikers to the spine of the mountain. From here, on a clear day, you can see all of the way out to the Atlantic Ocean. We were not so lucky, but even so, the views were still amazing.

Beware of the low cloud cover...this hike goes right along the edge of a mountain and one false step could send you off over the side. Our kids called it "oblivion."

Read More: Hiking Romsdalseggen Ridge

After your hike, enjoy dinner in town.

Day 10

Ålesund and Oslo

From Åndalsnes it is a two hour drive west to Ålesund, another coastal town.

Enjoy the day exploring Ålesund and don't miss the walk up the hillside for the best views of the town.

In the afternoon, fly to Oslo, completing your tour of Norway.

When To Go

The best time to do this itinerary is between June and September, especially if you plan on hiking these trails. Snow lingers on some of these trails up until June. The earliest you can hike Trolltunga without a guide is June 15, according to the Visit Norway website.

For your best chance of clear weather, visit Norway in the spring and early summer. In August, rainfall chances increase. It is not unusual to have rainy weather during September and October.

We did this same itinerary in early August.
Post updated February 2018.
Visiting Norway? Buy the Guide
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For hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, this Norway itinerary is perfect. In 10 days, you will be able to do four amazing hikes. Be daring and stand on Kjeragbolten, hike out to Trolltunga and pose for the camera, enjoy epic views out to the Atlantic Ocean from Romsdalseggen, and hike Norway's most popular hike, Pulpit Rock.

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Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Read the full disclosure policy here.

Before going to Norway, I had a few preconceived notions about the country: One, that it was expensive. Two, that everyone was tall and Viking-like. And three, that it was full of incredible landscapes.

These things were all proven to be (at least partially) true. But I learned so much more about the country while I was there. I learned about its government, healthcare, and social system. I learned that its Viking-like people are incredibly friendly and fluent in English. I learned that it has some awesome cities outside of Oslo. And it learned that it's actually even prettier in person.

In May 2015, I spent 10 days traveling around Norway, riding trains, eating seafood, navigating twisting roads, meeting lovely people, seeing incredible vistas, and falling in love with the concept of heated bathroom floors.

Even though I was there during the coldest, wettest spring most Norwegians can remember in recent years, I LOVED Norway. Yes, it was expensive - but this is one splurge that I think is absolutely worth it.

If you're planning your own trip to Norway soon, here's a look at my 10 days there to help inspire your own travel itinerary:

Day 1-2: Oslo

I started out in Oslo, where I spent two days trying to see as much as I could while battling jet lag. Highlights included a walking tour of the main city sights (like the City Hall, the Opera House, Karl Johans gate, and the fortress), Vigeland Park with its many sculptures, and going to the Viking Ship and folk museums. There's SO much to do and see in Oslo, so I know it's somewhere I'll need to go back to sometime!

Read more: Oslo is Totally Cool

Day 3-4: Trondheim

After Oslo, it was off to Trondheim by train. It rained a good portion of the time I was there, but thankfully the saying " Don't like the weather? Wait 5 minutes " applied here and I DID get some brief moments of sun. I enjoyed Trondheim much more than I expected to, from the wooden wharf houses in the Bakklandet to the massive Nidaros Cathedral in the middle of town. Trondheim gets overlooked by many people because it isn't known for its landscapes - but I still found it to be a very cool city worth a visit.

Read more: Why You Should Add Trondheim to Your Norway Itinerary

Day 5: Kristiansund

I arrived in Kristiansund by ferry from Trondheim, greeted by more rain and cool weather. I then had a near-panic attack over a mix-up with the rental car I was supposed to pick up there, keeping me from doing much exploring. But then the skies began to clear and a rainbow and beautiful sunset reminded me that everything works out in the end (and it did!).

Day 6: Grip Island

Before leaving Kristiansund the next day, I hopped on a boat tour out to Grip Island. This former fishing village was abandoned decades ago, but locals still use the houses and cabins for summer homes. The weather out at sea was much better than the weather on the mainland, meaning that I once again had a brief meeting with sunshine while exploring the small island.

Check out Gripruta to plan your own visit to this very cool island.

Read more: Going Back in Time in Grip

Day 6: The Atlantic Highway

Once back in Kristiansund, I hopped in my rental car and began the drive to Ålesund. But I didn't take the normal highway there - I took the long way 'round, which included driving along the 8-kilometer-long Atlanterhavsveien, or Atlantic Ocean Road. This has to be the most scenic stretch of 8 kilometers I've even driven, with the highlight being the Storseisundet Bridge.

Read more: The Shortest Yet Most Epic Road Trip Ever

Day 7: Ålesund

I spent the night of Day 6 as well as the next day in Ålesund, Norway's art nouveau city on the coast. I explored a bit on foot, saw the city from above (it looks fake from up high!), visited the aquarium, and even did a short road trip out to a nearby island to see the Alnes lighthouse. Since Ålesund is built atop a handful of islands, driving between them is interesting - it requires using several undersea tunnels!

Read more: All You Need to Know About Ålesund

Day 8: Geirangerfjord

It was difficult to imagine anything topping what I'd already seen, but Norway's Geirangerfjord managed to do it. I took a car ferry through part of the famous fjord, then used a tiny electric car to explore Geiranger for the afternoon. The viewpoints above the small port town are STUNNING, and even cloudy weather couldn't dampen my mood. I then drove up the twisting Eagle's Road to an adorable guesthouse in Norddal where I ate goat for the very first time.

Read more: The Most Famous Fjord in Norway

Day 9: Trollstigen

My next driving adventure was down another very short but very cool stretch of road: Trollstigen, or the Trolls' Road. I drove through snowy mountain passes to get there, and climbed through snow drifts to get photos at the top. Totally worth it, though.

Day 9-10: Åndalsnes

My adventure more or less ended in Åndalsnes, a small town that's both on the fjords AND surrounded by mountains. A thriving adventure sport scene has formed here (everything from mountain climbing to base jumping), and I got to try stand-up paddleboarding on a river for the first time. I also stayed in my favorite hotel of the trip, a family-run one called Hotel Aak.

Where I stayed in Åndalsnes: At Hotel Aak, which was such an awesome hotel run by a very friendly family.

Then next day, I dropped off my car and took the famous Rauma Railway from Åndalsnes to Dombås, and then continued on to Oslo and my final night in Norway.

I didn't do the typical "first time in Norway" route that usually includes Bergen - but I'm actually glad for that. I got to see some really awesome parts of the country (some I'd never even heard of before), and feel like I have a much better feel for Norway, its people, and what it has to offer now.

Plus, Bergen will always be there next time.
READ NEXT: A Weeklong Northern Norway Road Trip Itinerary
Which of these destinations would you add to your own Norway itinerary?
Thanks to Innovation Norway, Visit Oslo, Visit Trondheim, Fjord Norway, and NSB for making this trip fantastic! As always, all opinions are my own, regardless of who is footing the bill. Check out these Norway resources: Find your Norway accommodation: LET'S PIN IT!

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Norway Travel Itinerary: How to Spend 10 Days in Norway

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Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). Read the full disclosure policy here. Before going to Norway, I had a few preconceived notions about the country: One, that it was expensive.

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Equality, freedom... and waffles. The foods, traditions and way of life here on the outskirts of Europe may sometimes seem peculiar. Hopefully you can learn a thing or two by reading here.

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Freedom of Religion Guaranteed Church Religion

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Physical Enviroment Political and legal systems Constitutional Monarchy Monarch (Military +symbol of continuity and stability) Leader of Majority party = Prime minister Supreme Court is the Head of legislature Economy One of the highest standards of living in the world low inflation and Unemployment Heavy Tax Bunders Global Economic Crisis