10 Things to do Adventurous in Western Norway That You Shouldn't Miss

November 13, 2021 Jasper Kershner

Western Norway (Norwegian: Vestlandet, Vest-Norge, Vest-Noreg) is the region along the Atlantic coast of southern Norway. It consists of the counties Rogaland, Hordaland, Sogn og Fjordane, and Møre og Romsdal. The region has a population of approximately 1.3 million people. The largest city is Bergen and the second-largest is Stavanger. Historically the regions of Agder, Vest-Telemark, Hallingdal, Valdres and northern parts of Gudbrandsdal have been included in Western Norway.
Restaurants in Western Norway

1. Kjerag

Lysefjord Norway +47 51 70 36 60 [email protected] http://www.visitnorway.com/us/product/?pid=31134
Excellent
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5.0 based on 532 reviews

Kjerag

Reviewed By bigredwombat

Plenty of spaces in the parking lot, so don't worry about that. Might be worth getting there earlier to avoid the line that forms to get on the boulder. If you are scared of heights, bring a friend to take a picture of. I am scared of heights but was able to do Trolltunga and Pulpit Rock, but I couldn't get on this boulder.

2. Trollstigen

Åndalsnes, 6300 Norway +47 948 49 755 http://visitandalsnes.com/en/trollstigen-og-stigfossen-en/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 815 reviews

Trollstigen

Reviewed By feyms - Ironia, United States

From a Holland America Cruise Ship at Molde, Norway we took a bus tour called “Path of the Trolls”. We boarded a ferry to the other side of the fjord, traveled passed the sweetest strawberry fields, which were out of season, through tunnels to the beautiful canyon at Gudbrandsdjuvet. We next headed to the tourist center at Trollstigen. We walked out on to several walkways at the precipice of the Canyon, looking both up at Stigfossen Falls and down to the winding road with 11 hairpin turns to the valley in the distance below. There was breathtaking scenery fro top to bottom. I highly recommend you visit! From there we traveled the troll path to Troll Wall the highest vertical wall in Europe. We traveled back by road and ferry in this rather long 7 hour, but worthwhile venture.

3. Pulpit Rock

4129 Norway https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/preikestolen/185743/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 2,994 reviews

Pulpit Rock

Reviewed By NOVAVol02 - Gainesville, United States

Wife, 21yr old daughter and I hiked Preikestolen (Norwegian name for Pulpit Rock) today and it was fantastic, but not just due to the amazing geography of the area. The overlook from up top is as amazing as all the picture show, but the hike itself was far more challenging and interesting than I was expecting. I’m an experienced backpacker, so day hikes aren’t generally much of a challenge but for a relatively short hike (only 4+km in each direction or about 2.5 miles) it had a good variety of terrain and several sections of steep climbs followed by equally steep downhill. The trail is generally pretty rocky but there is no “hand over hand” climbing required. Trekking poles are handy for those (like me) with occasional knee pain, but they’re not absolutely necessary. Heavy tennis shoes are doable but I used my low-cut Teva hikers. Trail Advice: GET AN EARLY START!!! We stayed at the Fjellstue so we hit the trail just before 0630 and basically had the trail to ourselves on the way up. As we approached the top we passed several couples coming down who we believe camped upon the mountain (we saw several tents in a high meadow/glen 1-2km before the top). Once up on top we shared the plateau with maybe 8 other hikers and spent about 45 minutes having our trail snack and soaking up the amazing views. By the time we headed down the number up top was approaching 20. On the way down we encountered the tour bus crowds and by the time we were almost down the trail was almost full with all types of day hikers and tourists - many with small children or on the older side who we assessed had about 5% chance of making it up to the top. Problem is if you’re “stuck” behind 100s of tourists and slow movers you’re experience is not going to be as enjoyable. Do yourself a favor and stay at the Fjellstue or somewhere on the Tau side of the fjord in order to get an early start. Overall we LOVED the hike and the views. Highly recommend it!

4. Geiranger Fjord

Geiranger, Stranda Norway +47 950 95 260 http://www.geiranger.no/en
Excellent
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5.0 based on 3,051 reviews

Geiranger Fjord

Reviewed By garyrU7172XN - Melbourne, Australia

This fjord is gorgeous, the narrowness of it with near sheer vertical snow capped mountains surrounding and cascading waterfalls makes it a picture perfect setting that is almost unbelievable. There are a few elevated viewing points that are ideal to make the most of the stunning scenery and capturing outstanding photos. A cruise on the fjord is well worthwhile to maximise the fjord in its entirety.

5. Nigardsbreen Glacier

Luster Norway +47 57 68 32 50 [email protected] http://Www.jostedal.com
Excellent
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5.0 based on 389 reviews

Nigardsbreen Glacier

Reviewed By kd1289 - Chicago, United States

Had a great time hiking on the glacier. We did the Short Blue Ice Hike with Jostedalen Breførarlag and had a great experience. As advertised, it is a bit of a trek in - 15 minutes on the boat (each way) + 45 minutes uphill to get from the lake to the glacier. Does require at least a moderate fitness level (one person in our larger group was struggling to make it up to the glacier so turned back before going on the glacier). Great views along the way. Once on the ice, we stopped a number of times for pictures and a snack break. We had a great Nepalese guide who definitely knew his stuff - we felt very safe on the glacier - and was able to take some pictures for us as well. Make sure to clarify what parking lot to meet at (its the one on the lake) and leave enough time to get through the toll between the lot at the glacier center and the meeting point. Would highly recommend for anyone visiting the area! Leave time to look around the exhibits at the Glacier center before/after as well - great views off the back deck.

6. Folgefonna National Park

Rosendal Norway +47 53 48 42 80 https://folgefonna.info/
Excellent
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5.0 based on 38 reviews

Folgefonna National Park

Norway's third largest glacier. In 2005 Folgefonna National Park was opened, which at the time was Norway's twenty fifth national park. Folgefonna is known for its dramatic and beautiful scenery. Here you will find fjords, mountains, lakes, rivers and water falls. There are lots of things to see in the park, and this makes the area one of the country's most important destinations. Access trails start at Rullestad in Etne, at Bergsto or at Mosnes (by boat).

7. Husedalen Valley

Modnavegen Hardanger, Kinsarvik 5780 Norway +47 53 66 31 12 [email protected] http://www.visitullensvang.no
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5.0 based on 96 reviews

Husedalen Valley

The valley from Kinsarvik to Hardangervidda is one of the natural wonders in Ullensvang, including 4 impressive waterfalls, lying close at each other within a distance of 3 hours on foot. Tveitafossen, abt 4 kms from Kinsarvik centre, thereafter 3 bigger waterfalls within walking distance Nyastolsfossen, Nykkjesoyfossen and Sotefossen. Excellent terrain for hikes.

Reviewed By SoliMoli - Oberhof, Germany

For us it was a great hike with some breathtaking sceneries on our way up to the top. You also have the opportunity to get to know some history about the region as you walk along the trail. Totally worth it and would revisit.

8. Innerdalen Valley

Innerdalen, Sunndalsora 6620 Norway +47 71 69 77 96 [email protected] http://www.innerdalen.com/heim/artikkel/tabid/110/Article/11/landskapsvern.aspx#.VP2reeFx0XE
Excellent
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5.0 based on 25 reviews

Innerdalen Valley

Innerdalen has frequently been called Norway's most beautiful mountain valley. Drive the RV 70 road between Sunndalsora and Tingvoll, turn off at Alvundeid and head in to Nerdal. Park your car and enjoy the hour it takes you to stroll the four kilometres in to the heart of the Innerdalen valley. The valley resembles a cathedral, dominated by the 1,452 metre mountain Innerdalstarnet (Means; The tower of Innerdalen walley), which towers over the valley like a natural spire. A crystal clear lake sparkles on the valley floor and streams and small rivers cascade down from the glaciers above. A network of marked paths takes you out of the valley and into the mountains, where Renndolsetra summer pasture farm lies ready to welcome you with traditional fare and farm animals. Further into the mountains, you come to the Innerdalshyttene cabins, one old and one new cabin, which are run by the Norwegian Mountain Hiking Association and which have long been used as a stopping place, and a place to eat and stay overnight by travellers in the mountains.

9. Mount Skala

Tjugen Jostedalsbreen National Park, Stryn 6789 Norway +47 57 07 40 54 [email protected] http://www.fjordnorway.com/en/WHAT-TO-DO/Hiking/Four-peaks/Mount-Skala
Excellent
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5.0 based on 40 reviews

Mount Skala

10. Raudmelen

Holmen, sentrum, Balestrand 6899 Norway +47 57 69 12 55 [email protected]
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5.0 based on 35 reviews

Raudmelen

Raudmelen (972m) Raudmelen is a mountain which towers 972m over the centre of Balestrand. A hiking trail goes up the mountainside from Balestrand to the top of Raudmelen. This is a demanding hike. From the top you have fantastic views over the Sognefjord, both out towards Stolsheimen and in towards Fjaerland and Leikanger. Start: Start by Belehalli sports hall, at the same place as the starting point for the nature trail. Take the red route to Raudmelen. The first part goes along the marked nature trail, but soon turns off upwards. After following the relatively steep path up through the woods it is nice to take a break at Orrabenken (370m) where you get a wonderful view over Balestrand centre and the Sognefjord. From Orrabenken follow the path on upwards. The blue route turns off towards Balastolen and Fjaerestedstolen and the red route continues up towards Raudmelen. At Burasi (575m), another fine resting place, you get a marvellous view over Sognefjord and Esefjella. The path goes on up and along the ridge towards the top with wonderful views on both sides. On one side you see down over the green slopes to Balestrand and on the other dramatic rocky mountainsides towards Esedalen. At the top you are rewarded with fantastic views over the Sognefjord. This is a demanding hike and takes approx. 6 hours. Good advice: Get a map from the tourist office. Be sure to take plenty of water as there is no drinking water on this route. Getting there: From Balestrand quay/tourist office walk up Laerergata and on to Kreklingevegen until you get to Belehalli sports hall. The roads are signposted with white nature trail signs. To reach Balestrand take the express bus from Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim or express boat from Bergen. If you come by car from Oslo take the E16 and route 55. From Bergen or Trondheim take the E39 and route 55.

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