GREAT PHOTO SPOTS IN THE FJORDS OF NORWAY

Here is a list of great viewpoints and locations for photography and filming in the fjords. Take a short detour by car. Go hiking. Or take a fjord cruise. This is a great tool for planning your holiday in the western fjords of Norway.

These are probably some of the best viewpoints in Norway, sorted from north to south. The prizes are beautiful views and memories for life.

Season: Summer. This also depends on whether the winter-closed roads are open.

 

-Back in France after four weeks in the fjords region, I wanted to thank you for creating the fjords.com website. I stumbled upon it by accident when I was already in Norway. It really helped me find the best spots to take great photos with the GREAT PHOTO SPOTS IN THE FJORDS page.

Marc Dufournet – @marcdufournetphotos

 

Hotels in the Fjords

FJORDS NORWAY - Great Hotels in the Fjords.
Great Hotels in the Fjords.

Read about recommended hotels in Western Norway.

The combination of the beautiful nature, the activities you can do in all four seasons and the stay at a Great Hotel or Bath & Spa Hotel in the fjords is unique.

 

Stave Churches in the Fjords

In the Middle Age there were probably more than 1000 Stave Churches in Norway. A Stave Church is a wooden church from the middle age. Most of the Norwegian Stave Churches were built in the Middle Age around year 1100-1200. Today, there are only 28 left, nine of them are located in western Norway. Borgund Stave Church at Borgund in Lærdal is the most visited Stave Church in Norway.

Innerdalen and Innerdalstårnet

Innerdalen Valley in Trollheimen is known for being Norway’s most beautiful valley. It is a four kilometer long hike from the parking lot to Innerdalen, and this beautiful hike is like being in the middle of a postcard. Mt Innerdalstårnet and Renndalskammen are two popular mountain hikes with starting point from Innerdalen. Renndølsetra and Innerdalshytta are two mountain cabins that welcomes you for a stay. Renndølsetra is also serving fresh waffles, light meals and soft drinks. Innerdalshytta is a DNT Self Serving Cabin.

Grip Island on the Atlantic Coast

Grip Island on the Atlantic Coast is located 14 kilometer north west of Kristiansund in Møre og Romsdal. To visit Grip Island you need to go by boat. Grip Stave Church is believed to be built around year 1300, and is placed on the highest point in the middle of the island, and it is protected from the storms by the surrounding houses.

A round trip by boat from the pier in Kristiansund to Grip can be done twice a day from early June until late August.  This roundtrip, including boat trip and guiding on the island, takes approximately 3.5 hours. The Island is “shut down” during vinter.

The Atlantic Road and the Atlantic Coast

A 36-kilometer long stretch of road between the towns of Kristiansund and Molde, the two main population centres in the county of Møre og Romsdal. The Atlantic Road National Tourist Route runs from Kårvåg to Bud. There are several panoramic view- and rest areas with facilities in bold architectural forms along the Atlantic Road. Here you can experience both nature and architecture in great interaction.

Midsundtrappene (Stairways to Heaven), Atlantic Coast

Midsundtrappene at Otrøya in Romsdal are five beautiful hiking trails that have been made in stone by Sherpas from Nepal. Otrøya is an island in the outer part of the Romsdalsfjord, on the Atlantic coast outside Molde. From the trails and the mountains there is a fantastic view towards the Atlantic Coast and the Atlantic Ocean, and to the outer part of the Romsdalsfjord the with the surrounding islands and mountains.

Molde and the Molde Panorama at Varden

Molde by the outer part of the Romsdalsfjord is the second largest city in Møre og Romsdal. Molde is known as the town of roses, for Molde international Jazz Festival and the Molde Panorama. Drive to the viewpoint Varden, 407 masl, and take in the spectacular Molde Panoramic View towards the Romsdalsfjord and the 222 snowcapped mountains.

Ona Island and Ona Lighthouse

Take a day excursion to Ona Lighthouse, or stay over at Ona Havstuer. Drive westwards from Molde and take the ferry to the island of Aukra. From Småge, in the west on Aukra, there are several daily boat departures to Ona and other islands. Ona is a traditional fishing village with a permanent population of about 17. This small island community has its own shop, a small café, several places to stay and two pottery workshops.

Eikesdal and Mardalsfossen Waterfall, Romsdal

Drive along the 18 kilometer long Lake Eikesdalsvatnet (22 masl) to Eikesdal, a small village surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls. At Eikesdal you can hike up to the Mardalsfossen Waterfall, one of Norway´s highest waterfalls with its 705 meter drop, divided into two vertical waterfalls. This hike takes between 30 and 45 minutes. The waterfall is regulated for hydroelectric power, but is “open” between June 20th and August 20th.

Vengedalen Valley in Isfjorden

There are many valleys that are claimed to be “Norway’s most beautiful”. Vengedalen Valley is one of them. What is certain is that the Vengedalen is right up there in the lead. Vengedalen has been a favorite destination for both locals and tourists since the dawn of time. It is primarily the sport of climbing that has put Vengedalen in Isfjorden on the map of Norway. Today, Vengedalen is best known for being the starting point of the Romsdalseggen and Litlefjellet hikes.

FJORDS NORWAY - Lake Vengedalsvatnet has Mt Romsdalshorn and Trollveggen as backdrops. It can't be more beautiful than this.
Lake Vengedalsvatnet has Mt Romsdalshorn and Trollveggen as backdrops. It doesn’t get more beautiful than this.

Kavliheian in Isfjorden, Romsdal

Drive to Isfjorden in Romsdal. Keep driving east, approximately 2.5 kilometer to Øvre Kavli. From there, around three kilometer (tollroad) to parking place at the end of the road. From the parking place you have a great view towards the Romsdalsfjord and Åndalsnes. Between one and two kilometers easy hike to Kavliheian. Kavliheian is great for both hiking and skiing.

Torvika/Klungnes by the Romsdalsfjord

A short detour by car (approximately 2.5 kilometer) from Riksvei 64 at Torvika between Åndalsnes and Åfarnes in Romsdal. Beautiful view towards the Romsdalsfjord and Innfjorden with it´s surrounding mountains. View from the road, no hiking necessary. But we recommend you to park the car at Torvika and walk along the road to Klungnes to get an even better experience.

The Romsdal Gondola

From fjord to mountain in four and a half minutes. From Eggen Restaurant at the top of Mt Nesaksla you have a fantastic view down to Åndalsnes and the Romsdalsfjord. The new Romsdal Gondola goes from the fjord station at the center of Åndalsnes to the mountain station at Mt Nesaksla, 694 maf (meters above the fjord).

FJORDS NORWAY - View from Eggen Restaurant at the top of Romsdalsgondolen. Photo: Eirik Heen
View from Eggen Restaurant at the top of Romsdalsgondolen. Photo: Eirik Heen

Rauma Railway

The Rauma Railway goes through the Romsdalen valley between Dombås and Åndalsnes is voted as Europe´s most scenic Rail Journey by Lonely Planet. Take the train to the end-station Åndalsnes at one of Norways most spectacular railways. Tom Cruise used the Rauma Railway when filming Mission Impossible 7.

Mt Litlefjellet in Romsdal

Drive to Isfjorden in Romsdal. Continue to Liabygda, from where you drive seven kilometer along the tollroad towards the foot of Mt Litlefjellet. 30 minutes hiking up to Litlefjellet, a mountain ridge between 660 – 790 masl. Fantastic view down to the Romsdalen Valley and the surrounding mountains; Mt Trollveggen, Romsdalshorn, Vengetind and Blånebba. You can also see the beautiful Rauma River down in the Romsdalen Valley, meandering down to Åndalsnes by the Romsdalsfjord.

Tarløysa in Romsdal

This is a long and demanding hike, you should be an experienced hiker to du this hike. This hike is not suitable for children! Mt Tarløysa is located in the middle of the Romsdalsfjord. From the summit there is a great view towards the alpine mountains in Romsdal, towards the Romsdalsfjord and all the way to the Atlantic Coast outside Molde. Tarløysa is a popular hiking destination, there you get to see Romsdal in all its glory.

Rampestreken Viewpoint at Åndalsnes

Part of the Romsdalseggen Ridge between Isfjorden and Åndalsnes in Romsdal. You can do the long hike along Romsdalseggen, and you will pass Rampestreken Viewpoint on the descend down to Åndalsnes (long and heavy hike). Or you can hike upwards from Åndalsnes to Rampestreken at 537 meters above the Romsdalsfjord (1-2 hour trip each way, steep and heavy hike).

FJORDS NORWAY - View from Rampestreken towards Åndalsnes and the Romsdalsfjord.
View from Rampestreken towards Åndalsnes and the Romsdalsfjord.

Trollstigen in Romsdal

Trollstigen is one of our Tourist Icons. It is part of the Geiranger-Trollstigen National Tourist Route, 18 kilometer from Åndalsnes. The Mountain Road with it´s 11 hairpin turns is closed during winter, it usually opens late May. From the Trollstigen Mountain Platou there is a short walk to the two new Viewpoints which is great for taking pictures. Five to ten minutes walk from the parking.

The Troll Wall (Trollveggen) viewpoint in Romsdalen

From Åndalsnes, drive eight kilometers up the Romsdalen Valley to the base of Trollveggen and Romsdalshorn. From here there are great views to the surrounding mountains, to the valley and to Rauma River. Trollveggen is the tallest vertical Rock Face in Europe (more than 1000 meters vertical cliff and 50 meters overhang). The highest peaks at Trollveggen rage almost 1800 meters above the Romsdalen Valley. Trollveggen can be seen from Trollveggen Visitor Centre down in the Romsdalen Valley.

Romsdalseggen Hike

This is a long and demanding hike, you should be an experienced hiker to du this hike. This hike is not suitable for children! Romsdalseggen in Romsdal has in short time become one of the most popular hikes in Norway. The hike starts in the Vengedalen Valley in Isfjorden and ends in the city center of Åndalsnes. The prize is a fantastic view over the Romsdalen Valley and the Romsdalsfjord. From Romsdalseggen you can actually see all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

Aksla Viewpoint – Ålesund

Mt Aksla is the town-mountain in Ålesund. From the viewpoint there is a fantasic view over Ålesund and the Atlantic Ocean with all the surrounding islands and skerries. You can walk the 418 steps from the city to Aksla, or you can go there by car. At the top (189 masl) you have an outdoor restaurant, a café and a panoramic viewpoint.

Stranda Ski Resort

The Sunnmøre Alps in Møre & Romsdal is an endless eldorado of mountains suitable for skiing, climbing and mountaineering with a great view down to the fjords. Stranda Ski Resort has a fantastic view towards Storfjord and the Sunnmøre Alps.

Fjord Cruise between Geiranger and Hellesylt

The ferry between Geiranger and Hellesylt is a great way to see the Geirangerfjord and the surrounding nature with numerous waterfalls and steep mountains. You will experience the Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil Waterfalls close up. You will see abandoned Mountain Farms like Skageflå far upp the mountainsides. The tour takes approximately one hour, and you can bring your car. Season, see Norway´s best website.

Ørnesvingen – The Eagle Road – The Geirangerfjord

Ørnesvingen (The Eagle Turn) is a viewpoint at the upper part of the Eagle Road in Geiranger. The Eagle Road is part of the 104 kilometer long Geiranger-Trollstigen National Tourist Route. Great view towards the UNESCO-Protected Geirangerfjord and to the small town Geiranger.

Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint in Geiranger

Drive to the viewpoint atFlydalsjuvet and see the iconic view towards Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord with the surrounding mountains and waterfalls.

Geiranger Skywalk Dalsnibba

From Flydalsjuvet you can continue 17 kilometers uphill to Geiranger Skywalk Dalsnibba (tollroad) from you can see Geiranger, the Geirangerfjord and the surrounding mountains. Tremendous view. The road to Dalsnibba is closed during winter. Video by Geiranger Skywalk Dalsnibba.

Skageflå Mountain Farm, Geirangerfjord

This is a fantastic adventure, combined fjord cruise and steep hike up to the abandoned moutainfarm Skageflå (250 meters above the fjord). Start with fjordcruise from Geiranger to Skagehola, the starting point of the path up to Skageflå. Order fjordcruise-tickets online in advance so you are sure to get seats on the boat. Great view towards the UNESCO-Protected Geirangerfjord and to the Seven Sisters Waterfall on the other side of the fjord. From Skageflå, you can return back to the fjord and join the boat back to Geiranger. The hike is steep and demanding. The hike is not suitable for children!

Storseterfossen Waterfall in Geiranger

Storseterfossen Waterfall is special because you can walk behind it. This is a great experience in itself together with the beautiful surrounding nature with high mountains, rivers, waterfalls and deep valleys. There are two trails that goes up towards Storseterfossen Waterfall. Both trails starts at Vesterås above Geiranger.

Vesteråsfjellet Viewpoint in Geiranger

This hike also starts at Vesterås. You need to open the gate beside the restaurant at Vesterås (remember to close the gate after you) and walk along a well prepared tractor road, slightly uphill. After 6-700 meters, the trail divides. Take to the left. From here it is a short hike downhill towards Vesteråsfjellet Viewpoint. From the viewpoint, you can see straight down to Geiranger and to the Geirangerfjord. You can also see Ørnevegen (The Eagle Road) in the background.

The worlds most stunning Swing

A picture of a swing in Trandal on Instagram made the Hjørundfjord world famous. Trandal is a small and quiet village with a great view towards the fjord, and after the picture went viral, many tourists have visited the place to see the swing themselves. Christian Gaard is the place to swing, eat and sleep. Video by photographer, filmmaker and illustrator Alex Atherton.

Guided hike to Mt Saksa (1073 masl) at Sunnmøre

This is a long and demanding hike, you should be an experienced hiker to du this hike. This hike is not suitable for children! The hike to Mt Saksa start at Urke down by the fjord. The mountain lies between Norangsfjorden and the Hjørundfjord, and you have the fjord view to the two fjords from the start at Urke to the summit at 1073 masl. You can join guided hikes in summer, the estimated time to use is four hours to the top.

Norangsdalen Valley

Norangsdalen, also described as “the most beautiful valley in the world”, is a valley between Øye and Tryggestad. The valley is narrow and the surrounding mountains are steep, so steep that they built the mountain pastures into the ground so they worked as shields towards avalanche.

Lake Lyngstøylvatnet in Norangsdalen

Lake Lygnstøylsvatnet is a lake in the Norangsdalen Valley that was “created” in 1908 after a rock avalanche blocked the Norangselva River. Today we can see the ruins after the old mountain pasture under the water, it is a popular place for diving.

FJORDS NORWAY - Lake Lyngstøylvatnet in Norangsdalen
Lake Lyngstøylvatnet in Norangsdalen Valley

Sæbø by the Hjørundfjord

From Sæbø and Hotel Sagafjord there is a fantastic view towards the Hjørundfjord and over to Urke and Øye on the other side of the fjord. We also see famous mountains such as Slogen and Saksa. Great opportunities for many beautiful nature experiences.

Driving to the Hjørundfjord

There are many ways to travel to the Hjørundfjord, one of them is with a car. This is from when I drived over Standalseidet Mountain Pass between Ørsta and Indre Standal by the Hjørundfjord. We were heading to Trandal on the other side of the fjord, and needed to cross the Hjørundfjord by ferry from Indre Standal to Trandal and Christian Gaard.

Hjelle and hike to Segestad Mountain Farm in Oppstryn

This is a relative short but steep hike which starts from Glomnes, close to Hjelle by Lake Oppstrynsvatnet. The hike up to Segestad takes you around one hour and is 3.2 kilometer long. There are several great viewpoints along the well marked trail. From the mountain farm at Segestad (at 314 masl) you have a great view down to Lake Oppstrynsvatnet and to the surrounding snowcapped mountains.

Loen Skylift in Loen, Nordfjord

Loen Skylift to Mt Hoven (1011 masl) in Nordfjord is a gondola that goes from fjord to mountain in five minutes. Great view to the inner part of Nordfjord; Lodalen Valley with Lake Lovatnet, Loen and Olden, Oldedalen Valley and Lake Oldevatnet. Hoven Restaurant at Mt Hoven with fantastic view over the Nordfjord Panorama.

Lake Lovatnet and the Lodalen Valley in Nordfjord

Drive the Lodalen Valley along Lake Lovatnet in Nordfjord towards Kjenndalsstova at the inner part of Lodalen. Several photo stops along the road. Beautiful and wild scenery everywhere. At the inner part of the Lodalen Valley you can see the Kjenndalsbreen Glacier in the far distance. Kjenndalsbreen is part of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier. You can visit Kjenndalsstova which is a great starting point for adventures on lake Lovatnet. Here you can rent both a rowing boat and a canoe, and join guided fishing trips. They also offer boat trips with the tourist boat MS Kjenndal which runs between Kjenndalsstova and Sande by lake Lovatnet.

Breng Seter by Lake Lovatnet

Breng Seter is an abandoned farm yard by Lake Lovatnet. It is dated as far back as year 1340. The beautiful area around the farm yard is today used as a recreation area.

Rakssetra between Loen and Stryn

#Rakssetra is every instagramer’s wet dream. Rakssetra is located up on the hillside at Oppheim between Loen and Stryn. The view from Rakssetra down to Nordfjord, Oldebukta and Olden is fantastic.

FJORDS NORWAY - Rakssetra between Loen and Stryn in Nordfjord, Norway
Rakssetra between Loen and Stryn in Nordfjord

Lake Oldevatnet and the Oldedalen Valley in Nordfjord

Drive the Oldedalen Valley along Lake Oldevatnet in Nordfjord towards Oldedalen and the Briksdal Glacier. It is difficult to drive this road without stopping and having several photo stops. Beautiful and wild scenery everywhere. At Briksdalen at the inner part of the Oldedalen Valley you can join a ride to the Briksdal Glacier in a Troll Car.

Hike to Briksdalsbreen Glacier

Briksdalsbreen Glacier in Olden is an arm of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier. The hike from Briksdalen Valley to the glacier is one of most scenic hikes in Norway. The trail is surrounded by beautiful and wild nature, with steep mountains, wild rivers and waterfalls everywhere. The altitude difference from the start to the end of the trail by the glacier lake is 200 meters.

Hoddevik – Surfers Paradise

The stunning beach in Hoddevik at Stad on the west coast of Nordfjord is a popular goal for surfers. Hoddevik is considered one of Norway’s best surf spots. Stad Surfing and Lapoint Surf Camp will assist you with boards, wet suits and instructions.

Vestkapp (West Cape) at Stadlandet

Vestkapp (West Cape) at 497 masl is the westernmost part of mainland Norway. The view is epic. On a clear day you can see from the Sunnmøre Alps in the north to Ålfotbreen Glacier towards south east and Bremangerlandet in the south direction. The Vestkapp Cliff is quite flat, but do not walk too close to the edge due to the steep cliffs that ends straight into to the Atlantic Ocean 497 meters below you.

Grotlesanden Beach and Bremangerlandet

Grotle and Grotlesanden Beach is situated on the island of Bremangerlandet  on the Atlantic Coast outside Måløy. You must take the ferry from Måløy to Oldeide to get there, then drive towards west across the mountain pass to Grotle on the western side of the island. Grotlesanden  is one of the most beautiful beaches in Norway.

Kannesteinen at Vågsøy

Kannesteinen is a three meter high mushroom-shaped rock that has been formed by ice and the waves from the ocean during thousands of years. The rock is situated at Oppedal in the western part of Vågsøy, northwest of Måløy.

Kråkenes Lighthouse at Vågsøy

Kråkenes Lighthouse was built in 1906 and is located at Kråkenes, at the far end of Vågsøy in Kinn Municipality. You can spend the night at Kråkenes Lighthouse and in Stormhuset, which is located 50 meters from the lighthouse. There is also a small café there in the summer.

Balestrand by the Sognefjord

In the middle of the Sognefjord, where the fjord is at its widest and the mountains starts to rise, you’ll find Balestrand, an idyllic village down by the fjord. Balestrand is one of the first places the foreign tourists visited when they discovered Norway in the mid-19th century.

Utsikten Viewpoint and Gaularfjellet Mountain Road

The 130 kilometer long drive across Gaularfjellet National Tourist Route is exciting and varied, and is closed during winter. Flatheim at Viksdalen by the the road, close to Likholefossen Waterfall,  is a farm yard where you can live close to nature together with the animals on the farm. The new viewpoint at Utsikten at the top of Gaularfjellet is one of many great viewpoints along this road which goes between Balestrand by the Sognefjord and Moskog and Sande in Sunnfjord.

Fjærland at the inner part of the Fjærlandsfjord

The Fjærlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord,  leads you to the outskirts of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier. At the head of the fjord you will find interesting attractions such as the Norwegian Glacier Museum and the picturesque town Fjærland (the Norwegian book town). From the ferry quay in Mundal it is a short drive by car or bus to see the Glaciers.

Anestølen Mountain Pasture and Sogndalsdalen Valley

Between Fjærland and Sogndal, you can explore the Sogndalsdalen Valley and the Anestølen Mountain Farm where you can buy homemade goat´s cheese during summer. Here you also have Sogndal Ski Center.

Urnes Stave Church at Ornes by the Lustrafjord

Urnes Stave Church at Ornes by the Lustrafjord.
Urnes Stave Church at Ornes by the Lustrafjord.

Urnes Stave Church is the oldest of the remaining Stave Churches in Norway, and is one of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Western Norway. The church was built around year 1130 AD, and is situated at Ornes by the Lustrafjord.

A nice way to explore Urnes Stave Church and the beautiful surroundings is to drive to Solvorn and cross the Lustrafjord by ferry to Ornes. From the ferry quay at Ornes, there is only a short walk uphill to the Stave Church.

During summer you can join a guided “tour” outside and inside the church. There is also a small café close to the church where you can buy short travelled and local made refreshments.

FJORDS NORWAY - Urnes Stave Church at Ornes by the Lustrafjord. The idyllic Fjord Village Solvorn on the other side of the fjord.
Urnes Stave Church at Ornes by the Lustrafjord. The idyllic Fjord Village Solvorn on the other side of the fjord.

Svarthiller/Mt Molden by the Lustrafjord

This is a long and demanding hike, you should be an experienced hiker to du this hike. This hike is not suitable for children! A one hour hike to Svarthiller or two hours hike to Mt Molden (1118 masl) in Luster gives you a tremendous view towards the Lustrafjord and the surrounding mountains. Start at the parking place by the road between Hafslo and Mollandsmarki in Luster (500 masl). The trail is marked.

Mollandsmarki and Raaum Gard – On the edge

The road to Mollandsmarki is the same road as for the hike to Mt Molden. But drive past the parking lot where the hike to Molden starts, and continue further towards Mollandsmarki. Soon the Lustrafjord will reveal itself to you, and the view from the road towards the Lustrafjord is fantastic. In the cabins at Raaum Gard you can literally live right on the edge and look straight down into the fjord and over to Ornes on the other side of the fjord.

Indre Ofredal by the Årdalsfjord

Small idyllic fjord villages are located along the Årdalsfjord, squeezed between steep mountains, waterfalls, rivers and the fjord. The abandoned fjord village Indre Ofredal is one of these villages. After many years of decay, the association Ne fø´ Sjøen has now restored many of the houses at Indre Ofredal. They have a small cafeteria and offer accommodation in the old restored Boat House down by the fjord.

Guided hike on Nigardsbreen Glacier

The guided hikes on Nigardsbreen can be done in small or large groups. All hikes on the glacier are guided by experienced guides, and all necessary equipment are provided. Some of the hikes you can choose between are Blue Ice Family Hike, Short or Long Blue Ice Hike and Special Blue Ice Hike.

Hike to Austerdalsbreen Glacier

This is a long and demanding hike, you should be an experienced hiker to du this hike. This hike is not suitable for children! Austerdalsbreen Glacier have the reputation of being the finest ice scenery in Europe. From the viewpoint, you can see the three hanging glaciers (Loke, Odin and Tor) falling down from the plateau glacierJostedalsbreen, together creating the beautiful Austerdalsbreen Glacier down in the valley named Austerdalen.

Feigefossen Waterfall in Luster

Urnes is a great starting point for biking and hiking. The road along the Lustrafjord towards Skjolden at the innermost part of the Lustrafjord is almost without traffic, and the view to the fjord and the mountains and villages on the other side is great. You can combine bike and hike and see the Feigefossen Waterfall with a vertical drop of 229 meters. You can hike to where the waterfall cascades into the the Feigeelva River. The hike is easy and takes around an hour, the path is marked. It is also possible to continue the hike to the top where the waterfall goes over the edge.

Sengjaberget at Skjolden

This is a short and easy hike with a great view, 120 meters above Skjolden and the Lustrafjord. You can hike along the road from Skjolden Hotel (one hour hike – 3.2 kilometer) or drive up to the start of the trail and hike from there (15 minutes hike – 320 meter). From Sengjaberget you have great view towards Eidsvatnet and Eidselva River, Skjolden, the Lustrafjord and Mt Molden in the horizon.

The Sognefjellet Mountain Road

High in the Jotunheimen mountains, the Sognefjellet Mountain Road runs between the Sognefjord and the Gudbrandsdalen Valley. The Sognefjellet National Tourist Route is the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe with its 1434 meters. The 106 kilometer long road is closed during winter.

Vindhellavegen and Borgund Stave Church in Borgund, Lærdal

If you visit Borgund Stave Church, we also recommend you to visit Vindhellavegen, part of the old King´s Road between west and east of Norway. Vindhellavegen was completed around year 1793 and is now part of a 100 kilometer long hiking route between Lærdal by the Sognefjord and Vang in Valdres. From Borgund Stave Church, there is only a short hike to Vindhellavegen.

Stegastein Viewpoint in Aurland

Stegastein is part of the Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route, 650 meters above Aurland and the Aurlandsfjord. Great view towards the Aurlandsfjord and the surrounding mountains. The road up to Stegastein is open all year, but during winter the road is closed just above Stegastein.

Undredal by the Aurlandsfjord

Undredal is a beautiful village down by the Aurlandsfjord. The village is famous for the goats, it´s local made white and brown Goat Cheese and Undredal Stave Church, Norway´s smallest Church. The movie Frozen I is inspired by this small village. Undredal with the surrounding steep mountains rising straight up from the fjord will take your breath away.

Skjerdal Stølsysteri and Café

Meet goats, sheep and horses at a traditional Norwegian mountain farm. The  brown and white goats cheese has been produced in this valley for hundred of years. Experience the life on the farm and taste traditional, local food at Skjerdal Stølsysteri and Cafè. The mountain farm is about 30 minutes hike from Skjerdal outside Aurland. Follow an old farm road up through steep landscape, with beautiful views over the Aurlandsfjord and the surrounding steep mountains.

Hiking Aurlandsdalen Valley

This is a long and demanding hike, you should be an experienced hiker to du this hike. This hike is not suitable for children! The Aurlandsdalen Valley is wild and beautiful. It is situated in the Flåm and Aurland area in the Sognefjord, and is one of Norway´s most popular hiking destinations. This article is from the lowest part of the Aurlandsdalen Valley, a 20 kilometer long hike starting at Østerbø and ending at Vassbygdi in Aurland.

Biking Rallarvegen (the Navvies Road)

One of the finest and most famous cycle roads in Norway is the 82-kilometer long Rallarvegen (the Navvie`s Road) running from Haugastøl via Finse to Flåm. The most popular part of the cycle route is from Finse, at 1222 meters above sea level, to Flåm down by the Sognefjord.

Otternes farmyard between Aurland and Flåm

Otternes farmyard is a cluster of 27 old buildings from the 1700s. Great view towards the Aurlandsfjord and to Flåm from the farmyard. The road up to Otternes is marked with a small sign by the main road between Aurland and Flåm.

Flåm Railway

Flåm Railway is one of top 10 scenic railways in the world. This is the train journey from fjord to mountain. It starts at Flåm at the inner part of the Aurlandsfjord and ends at Myrdal Train Station which is part of the Bergen Railway.

Stalheim Hotel in Nærøydalen Valley

From Stalheim Hotel you have a great view towards the narrow Nærøydalen Valley which is surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls. 

NOTE – Due to the great danger of rock falls and both rock- and snow avalanches, the road Stalheimskleiva and the road and trail below Stalheimskleiva are now permanently closed, both for cars, for cycling and for hiking/walking. Do not stay in this area at all due to the high risk of rockfall and avalanches!

Ulvik in Hardanger

Ulvik is a beautiful small town by the Ulvikafjord, a small branch of the Hardangerfjord. Visit Ulvik in May and experience the apple tree blossoming. Spring time in the fjords and in the Hardangerfjord area is beautiful. Take a fjordcruise from Norheimsund to Ulvik and see it all.

Fløibanen Funicular and Mt Fløyen in Bergen

If you visit Bergen, you should take the Fløibanen Funicular to Mt Fløyen. Both Fløibanen and Fløyen are great experiences, with the best view over Bergen city, Vågen Harbour and Byfjorden (the Cityfjord). At Mt Fløyen you have Fløirestauranten and Fløien Shop and Café. Mt Fløyen is a great startingpoint for hiking in the surrounding mountains. And there are also many activities for children, like the Troll Forest and the best playground in Bergen.

Bryggen (The Hanseatic Wharf) in Bergen

Bryggen (The Hanseatic Wharf) in Bergen, is part of our common World Heritage. The earliest buildings at Bryggen has been dated to around 1100. The wooden buildings (61 in total) down by the harbour in the historic city center of Bergen were built after a fire in 1702.

Dronningstien (The Queens Hiking Trail) in Hardanger

Approximately 6-10 hours (heavy) hike between Kinsarvik and Lofthus in Hardanger. If you start at Kinsarvik, it is a 4.5 kilometer long and steep hike to a tremendous panorama view down to the Hardangerfjord. Direction: Drive the 2.5 kilometer long and steep road from Kinsarvik (by the Esso Gas Station) to a parking place at Røte. Continue to hike up the 4.5 kilometer long forest road to Heng.

This is the starting point of Queens Sonja´s Panoramic Hiking Trail to Lofthus. Great panorama view and photo spot. The Queens Hiking Trail is marked. This is a long and demanding hike, you should be an experienced hiker to du this hike. This hike is not suitable for children!

Lake Bondhusvatnet in Kvinnherad

Drive to Sunndal in Kvinnherad by the Hardangerfjord. From Sunndal, drive up Bondhusdalen Valley to the end of the road where you can park you car. Continue hiking on the trail to the outlet of Lake Bondhusvatnet. If you have the time, you should also consider hiking to the innermost part of the lake, below the Bondhusbreen Glacier (two hours hike from the parking place, one way).

Trolltunga in Hardanger

FJORDS NORWAY - Trolltunga in Hardanger.
Trolltunga and Lake Ringedalsvatnet.

As one of the most spectacular cliffs in Norway, Trolltunga has during a short time gone from being an unknown place to become one of Norway´s most famous tourist attractions. This is a relatively long and hard hike in the high mountains. The hike is not suitable for children!

It is a long and demanding mountain hike that starts from Skjeggedal not far from Odda, you should be an experienced hiker to do this hike. Due to the challenging and long hike in rapidly changing weather, we recommend you to join a Guided Hike to Trolltunga. The hike to Trolltunga and return takes around 10 to 12 hours or more.

SEASON – Summer – normally you can do the hike from mid July to mid September, all depending on the weather and the amount of snow in the mountains. Normally the terrain in the high mountains along the trail to Trolltunga is covered with snow well into the summer. See the official website of Trolltunga for more information about the hike, season and guiding.

IMPORTANT – The weather can change dramatically in the Norwegian mountains. This is why you should follow the Norwegian Mountain Code when hiking in Norway. It can change from summer and sunny weather to winter and frost in minutes, also in summer. Always check the weather before you go hiking. For safety reasons, it is recommended to avoid hiking in thunderstorms, in fog, in bad weather and when there is snow and ice in the terrain and on the paths.

Always bring good clothes and hiking shoes. And have enough food and water in your rucksack.

NOTE – There are poor mobile coverage, and in some places there are no mobile coverage at all, along the trail to Trolltunga. In any case, it is recommended to bring an extra power bank to charge your phone.

GUIDE – Trolltunga Active is based at Odda, and offers guiding, equipment rental and accommodation. Some of the adventures Trolltunga Active can offer is Trolltunga Hike, Via Ferrata Trolltunga and Tyssedal, Fjord adventures and Winter adventures.

GUIDE – Trolltunga Adventures arrange i.a. guided hikes to Trolltunga and to experience a steaming sauna by the fjord.

The video below is from a summer-hike to Trolltunga with a few short detours. The detours were done to get some extra great views.

Låtefoss Waterfall at Odda in Hardanger

From Odda there is a short distance to the Oddadalen Valley with the famous waterfalls like Låtefoss and Tjørnadalsfossen Waterfalls.

Låtefoss is a 165 meter high waterfall cascading into the Oddadalen Valley, 16 kilometer south of Odda. The Oddadalen Valley is 10 kilometers long, there are many waterfalls ending into the valley. Låtefoss is the most famous one, and it is funneling under the rustic six-arched bridge along Riksvei 13 (Route 13). Parking place beside the waterfall.

SEASON – Best time to visit is early Summer. Then the waterflow in the waterfall is at its “maximum” and is a fantastic sight.

NOTE! The car park at Låtefoss is small and narrow, and the car park can sometimes be full. It can be a challenge to park there, and there is a lot of traffic going straight past at high speed. You have to be careful and aware of many people and a lot of traffic in terms of parking.

FJORDS NORWAY - Låtefoss Waterfall in Oddadalen Valley in Hardanger
Låtefoss Waterfall in Oddadalen Valley in Hardanger

Buerdalen Valley and Buerbreen Glacier

From Odda, drive to the inner part of the Buerdalen Valley, to the Parking Lot at the innermost part of the valley. From here you have a great view towards Buerbreen Glacier, to the surrounding mountains and the beautiful and wild valley. This is close to Odda and Sørfjorden in Hardanger.

Kjeåsen Mountain Farm and Simadalsfjorden

Eidfjord in Hardanger, Vestland. Eidfjord in the eastern part of the Hardangerfjord is a great base for nature experiences and activities. Drive to to Kjeåsen Mountain Farm above Simadalen by Eidfjord and enjoy the great view down to Simadalsfjorden and to Eidfjord in the innermost part of the Hardangerfjord. NOTE! It is not allowed to enter the private properties at Kjeåsen. Respect privacy. NOTE! The road is closed in winter.

Vøringsfossen Waterfall

This is a long and demanding hike, you should be an experienced hiker to du this hike. This hike is not suitable for children! Eidfjord in Hardanger, Vestland. Between Eidfjord and the Hardangervidda Mountain Plateau, the Måbødalen Valley and Vøringsfossen Waterfall are two tourist attractions visible from the road. You can drive to the view point and see Vøringsfossen Waterfall from above, or you can do a short 45 minutes hike and experience the waterfall from the below. This is part of the Hardangervidda National Tourist Route.

Eiaholmen in Lovrafjorden, Ryfylke

Is this the most photographed island in Norway? The small island Eiaholmen in Lovrafjorden in Sand in Ryfylke is a popular motif for instagrammers and others. Lovra Viewpoint is part of Ryfylkevegen National Tourist Route and is a bit hidden. It can be reached by walking along a short trail which starts by the road. The other side of the fjord, the southernmost end of Lovrafjorden, is probably the most popular place for taking pictures of the Eiaholmen Island.

Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock) by the Lysefjord in Ryfylke

This is a long and demanding hike, you should be an experienced hiker to du this hike. This hike is not suitable for children! Approximately two hours hike from Preikestolhytta Mountain Lodge (where you can park the car) to the Preikestolen Mountain Plateau. Preikestolen is flat and square, but the edge (on three of four sides) is a 604 meter vertical drop straight into the fjord. Great view down to the Lysefjord and the surrounding nature. The trail is marked.

Swords in Rock at Hafrsfjord

The “Swords in Rock” monument at Hafrsfjord, five kilometer south-east of the center of Stavanger in Rogaland. This is the place where the battle of Hafrsfjord took place in year 872, when the Viking King Harald Fairhair gathered all of Norway under one crown. The Viking swords are modelled on swords found in various parts of Norway. They represents peace, unity and freedom since the swords are planted into solid rock, whence they may never be removed. The monument is situated by the road, short walk from the parking place.

FJORDS NORWAY - Swords in Rock at Hafrsfjord - Stavanger
Swords in Rock in Hafrsfjord – Stavanger

Trollpikken (Trolls Dick) in Egersund

Trollpikken is located near Egersund in Dalane, south of Stavanger. The name is given because it looks like a …., you know. In 2017 somebody cut off Trollpikken, but the locals managed to collect money to raise Trollpikken up again. The hike to Trollpikken is approximately two kilometers and will take you around one hour each way.

 

HOTELS - ACCOMMODATION - LINKS

Here you will find an overview of recommended HOTELS in addition to SPA & BATH HOTELS and OTHER ACCOMMODATION PLACES in Western Norway. The combination of beautiful nature, activities that you can do in all four seasons and a stay at a great accommodation is unique. A stay in one of these places will do you good, both for body and mind.

There are ten restaurants that have awarded Michelin stars and Michelin awards in Western Norway. Eight of the Michelin restaurants are in Stavanger and two in Bergen. Here you will find FJORDS MICHELIN, where you will also find a list of recommended hotels in Western Norway, recommended by Michelin.

USEFUL LINKS is a list of websites with great information on Norway and the Fjords.

Photo- and Filming Spots in the fjords – Map Overview