Hairpin bends, glacial lakes and waterfalls that leave you speechless. Two weeks through fjord Norway, and then you slip into the bathrobe of the country’s most beautiful spa hotel.
For two weeks you drive along the most rugged coastline of fjord Norway. From thundering waterfalls in Voss to winding mountain roads that exist nowhere else. Along the way you stay in charming lodges and cabins with picturesque views.
You end the trip on the south coast at the most beautiful spa hotel in Norway, after which you sail back to Denmark.
“This trip includes some of my favourite places in all of Norway. Runde, Loen and Åndalsnes draw me back time and again. You simply have to see them.”
Michelle ● Lost in Norvana
At the northern tip of Denmark you board the ferry to Norway. The crossing takes about 17.5 hours. On board you can enjoy various places to eat, a café, tax-free shopping and entertainment.
Your adventure begins in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city. Bergen lies between seven mountains and is known as the rainiest city in Europe. But trust me: Bergen is beautiful in the rain too.
You have two days to explore the city at your leisure. Stroll past the colourful wooden houses of Bryggen, the old Hanseatic wharf on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and then wander into the narrow alleys behind it. That’s where you’ll find the real charm of Bergen. Curious how the Hanseatic merchants dominated trade here for centuries? Then you’ve come to the right place. And of course you’ll go up, by funicular or on foot, to the top of Fløyen. From there you look out over the city, the fjords and the islands.
Today you swap the city for nature. You drive via Norheimsund along the Hardangerfjord, and that drive is an experience in itself. One waterfall after another appears along the way, and you’ll find yourself stopping more often than planned. At Steinsdalsfossen you can even walk right behind the falling water. Bring your raincoat!
Voss is the place for adventurers, but it’s also a wonderful place to unwind. Take the gondola up Hanguren for a sweeping view over the lake and the mountains, or go for a walk in the countryside around the village. And don’t miss Tvindefossen: here the water tumbles down in tiers, so close that you can feel the spray on your face.
Loen lies at the end of the Nordfjord, surrounded by steep mountains and glaciers. And you can see that in the water. Lake Lovatnet has a colour you can hardly believe: a milky turquoise, fed by meltwater from the glacier. In photos it looks edited; in real life it’s even more beautiful.
Drive along the lake to Kjenndalsbreen, a glacier tongue you can admire up close. Prefer to head up high? The Loen Skylift takes you to more than 1,000 metres in just a few minutes, with the fjord at your feet. At the top you can go hiking, or simply enjoy the view with a cup of coffee.
Runde is home to around 150 people and about 100,000 birds. The island is one of the best places in Norway to see puffins, and yes, they’re even funnier in real life than in photos. Bridges and tunnels take you straight onto the island, so there’s no need to take a boat.
Runde is small, but you won’t be bored for a moment. Hike to the bird cliffs, look out for seals and sea eagles, or get into a kayak. Fancy a bit of adventure? Then try coasteering: climbing, scrambling and jumping along the rocky coast. And did you know that a Dutch gold treasure was once found here? In the museum on the island you’ll hear the whole story, with a bowl of fresh fish soup to go with it.
Åndalsnes isn’t called the mountain sports capital of Norway for nothing. The village lies deep in Romsdalen, surrounded by peaks that almost make you crick your neck. How many summits can you count?
You don’t have to be a mountaineer to enjoy the heights here. The gondola takes you above the fjord in a few minutes, and if you’re a keen hiker, Romsdalseggen awaits: one of the most beautiful mountain hikes in the country. Be sure to take a drive through the valley past Trollveggen, the highest vertical rock face in Europe. And if you dare, drive up the hairpin bends of Trollstigen, one of Norway’s most famous roads.
After the rugged peaks of Åndalsnes, the landscape becomes gentler. Rondane was Norway’s very first national park, and you’ll immediately understand why. Rounded mountain tops, vast plateaus full of heather and moss, and with a bit of luck you’ll even see wild reindeer.
Put on your hiking boots and explore the park on foot. There are routes for every level, from a short walk to a viewpoint to a proper hike deep into the park. Prefer to drive? Then the road straight through the park is an attraction in itself, with viewpoints you simply can’t drive past. From one of them, more than a hundred years ago, Norway’s most famous painting was made.
After two weeks of mountains, fjords and waterfalls, it’s time to relax. You end your trip on the south coast at Farris Bad: a spa hotel right on the beach. Think of a roof terrace with sun loungers and sea views, saunas, delicious food and a room where you can hear the waves in the morning. Here you’re allowed to simply do nothing for a while.
Still want to see something? Walk to Mølen, Norway’s largest boulder beach, or cycle to the charming coastal town of Stavern with its white wooden houses. And did you know that Larvik is the birthplace of Thor Heyerdahl, the man behind the Kon-Tiki expedition?
By arrangement, all accommodation can be upgraded to more luxurious rooms or other destinations.
At Farris Bad you have a huge choice of wonderful spa treatments, including massages, facials or a seaweed bath in your room. These can be added by arrangement.
If you’d like to dive even deeper into Runde after the puffin evening, you can also add a coasteering adventure or a seaweed excursion on the island. I’m happy to tell you more about these options.
Anything else you’d like to know about this trip? Just ask me. I’m happy to help.
This trip is at its most beautiful between late June and late September. Outside that period, some roads may already be closed, or still be closed, because of winter conditions.
The puffins are only around for part of the season, roughly from early April to early August.
Yes, you take this trip in your own car. You travel from the Netherlands via Germany and Denmark to Norway.
The crossing from Hirtshals to Bergen and the return journey from Larvik to Hirtshals are included. The domestic ferries you take during the trip are not included.
The walk to the sea cliff where you can see the puffins starts with a steep climb, but after that it’s very manageable for all levels. It’s wise to wear good shoes and walk at your own pace.
Yes, this trip is perfectly suitable for children. The spa at the end is 18+ only, though, so an alternative accommodation will be suggested.
Certainly! Norway is very dog-friendly. In high season dogs must be kept on a lead, though. Many accommodations (and the ferry) also charge extra for bringing your faithful four-legged friend.
Finland · Lapland
Finland
Norway · Fjords · West coast