Norway West Coast August 2022

We took the VY train from Bergen Station to Voss as this was the most scenic route and would become our first glimpse of the scenery to follow. Voss has a cable car, water sports and is set on a large Fjord, it had a lovely relaxed feel. We stayed one night and then begun our Kayaking Adventure.

The kayaking was challenging on the 1st day but the rest of the time it was gentle, the Fjords were stunning with waterfalls, goats, mountains, this was the same route the cruise ships use.

We stayed overnight in a tent by the side of the Fjord, we took a quick dip in the water to see how cold it was, yes it was cold but bearable. Overall a great experience, one of life’s memories made.

After more kayaking on the 2nd day, we headed back to Bergen for 2 nights. Our hotel was on the waterfront, the weather was lovely so we could sit outside for breakfast and our view was across the harbour to the colourful waterfront houses.

There are lots of restaurants in Bergen, we chose one for its beautiful setting on the waterfront to see the sunset but unfortunately a typical tourist trap being expensive for the small portion of food. The next night we had a Thai meal away from the harbour but again not great quality and expensive. Sad to say we didn’t have a great food experience but we only ate twice so I am sure there are better places.

We took the Funicular to the top of Mount Floyen. This was a highlight in Bergen, there is so much up there. There are the views over Bergen itself and there are running/walking/cycle trails. There is a large lake, childrens playground and lots of goats that like to be stroked, cafe, outdoor shop, picnic areas. It is a lovely peaceful place to spend a few hours.

There are Fjord or city boat excursions, the hop on hop off bus, shopping, museums, the quirky wooden back streets. I would recommend 2 or 3 days in Bergen.

We picked up a hire car and drove to the Flam Railway, which was around 3 hours on a very easy/quiet drive. We boarded the train and made our way up to Myrdal (866 metres high). It is known as one of the most scenic railway journeys and either side of the train you will see waterfalls, fjords, hills, trees (it wouldn’t matter which side you sat).

At Myrdal, the train returns to Flam. As you have seen the same scenery on the way up, if you are able, you can grab a push bike at Myrdal and cycle back to Flam. The distance is approx 20kms and mainly downhill. I would highly recommend doing this if you can, this was another highlight for me.

Once back, we jumped in the car to Hafslo, approx a 2 hour drive which included a car ferry crossing across a Fjord.

We stayed for 3 nights and it gave us a chance to base ourselves to explore. One day we went to Veitastrond to the Tungestølen area (approx 45 min windy scenic drive) with a pre arranged lunch with a wise lady called Aud. She has a cabin which looks out towards Austerdalsbreen, which is one arm of a glacier. To see the glimpse of a glacier whilst eating traditional Norwegian food was stunning.

In the morning we drove to Norsk BreMuseum which is a Glacier Museum in Fjærland, it took about 40 mins from Hafslo. They have produced an amazing video to show the top of Norways Glaciers, you can walk around the museum to learn more about Glaciers.

We then drove back towards Hafslo to hike up Mount Molden. It took us 4 hours up and down and is not the easiest of hikes, you do need some level of fitness but if the summit is too far there are a couple of view points before the top, the 2nd viewpoint has a breath taking view and was my favourite.

The next day we drove to an Urnes Stave Church (approx 45 min drive and ferry), this is very unique, its the oldest stave church in Norway, built in 1130's.

From there we headed North to Geiranger. We drove the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe climbing the Sognefjells Road 1434 metres above sea level. We felt like we were on top of the world and could touch mini glaciers, there were hair pin bends up and down and was the best road I have ever driven, it was just brilliant (6 hours).

We stayed in Geiranger for 2 nights. We went on a RIB which is a high speed boat out on the Fjords, which was good fun. The town is tiny with a few shops and cafes and there is a lot to do from here, you can hike, kayak, bike, they have these little e-cars which guide you to different spots.

From there we continued North towards the Trolls Road. Another awesome journey with more hairpin bends and the scenery just doesn’t stop, 5 hours later we arrived in the fishing village of Kristiansund, this was a 1 night stop with the aim of driving the Atlantic Road back down towards Storfjord in the morning.

The Atlantic Road is actually not very long and it didn’t feel like we went across the 8 bridges, there is 1 bridge in particular that is exciting to cross and has a great stop point just at the end so you can get out and take pictures.

We continued on towards Storfjord to our next hotel for 2 nights to relax. It is a small luxury hotel of the world and it didn’t disappoint, the views across the Fjord from the communal seating areas were breath taking.

You can do a hike, kayak, a Fjord Cruise or just relax in the wellness centre, hot tub and sauna. There is nothing nearby so would definitely recommend half board here. We hired out the hotel Kayaks and went on the nearby Storfjorden water for an hour or so which was great.

Lastly we made our way to Alesund and spent a few hours here before heading to Alesund Airport. Alesund is known for its amazing fish and chips, we walked the 418 steps to a vantage point to give you great views over the city. The city itself is pretty, you can shop, eat, mooch around the harbour and admire the buildings. You can also kayak and paddle board through the marina. There are museums and galleries and I would say to spend 2 to 3 days there.

The prices of food and drink are much higher than the UK, for some things double the price and for others, even triple.

Norway was amazing - the Fjords, Mountains, exciting roads, activities and the people are humorous and friendly.

The roads are quiet and a pleasure to drive on, if you like a road trip then Norway has to be on your bucket list.