Fjords are the glue that holds Norway’s unmatched beauty together, and set it apart from anywhere else on earth.
SouthwesternNorwayis a corner of the globe mark by its almost otherworldly innate characteristic — its unique geography inseparable from the culture and customs of its inhabitants . Although Norwegians survive a largely western life-style , the day - to - day speech rhythm of life here are inevitably rule by the clime , the sunlight , and its world - renowned fjords .
It may be the home of long , dark wintertime and black metal , but across Norway , warmth and sparkle are surprisingly well-situated to come by too , particularly in this neighborhood – you’ll just have to wait until outflow . In the meantime , the colder months are the arrant time to comprehend the snugness of a sauna or the play of a ski pitcher’s mound . When the sun fall , you have gorgeous water system to float in and expansive terrain to hike .
The port cities and villages that dot this rugged coastline offer a rich sample of the very best of Norwegian finish . Take a guided tour for an introduction to its robust root as you fix foot in its stave church , quaint businesses , and sorcerous restaurant serving up local fishers ’ freshest pinch . Along the way , you ’ll light upon why Norway is often try as one of the Earth ’s great places to not just visit , but to live .
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Your trip to the Norwegian fjords isn’t complete until you…
See : Flåmsbana . If you make just one expedition while in the part , ensure you hop aboard this string , which begin at sea spirit level and climbs over 2,800 foot through beautifully furrowed terrain to Myrdal mountain station . It only takes an hour , and ranks among the public ’s most sensational railroad train route .
Touch : The silky white sand of Åkrafjorden , one of the most beautiful beaches in Norway , where you may walk , bathe , and kayak in pellucid waters .
sense of smell : The dewy true pine and mineral water that characterise the region ’s iconic fjord like the Aurlandsfjord , the Åkrafjord , and the Lysefjord . While explore , make time for the hike routes — most of them accessible by automobile or by honest-to-goodness railroad line provide deal of stops along the way .
Aurlandsfjord|Peter Adams/Stone/Getty Images
Hear : smutty metal . The sometimes controversial submarine sandwich - genre originated in Norway and was animate by the body politic ’s wilderness and uttermost natural elements . Listen as you take the air around Stavanger or try and catch a show at cozy live music pub Piren .
discernment : Fresh berries and smoke fish — all beloved local delicacies — at Flåm ’s rambunctious Aegir Microbrewery . Taste Norway ’s plenteous and spike history and culture like a true Sami .
Things to do in Haugesund
Haugesund is a walkable and post card - esque city of long , watery proportions with good deal to see and hear about . Explore seventeenth - century Norway to the present on a walk tour or at theKarmsund Folkemuseum , or you’re able to dig into Norse warfare history atthe war museum . The city ’s many museum explore local art and artisanal craftsmanship , retentive ships , fishing , and the agricultural and anthropological chronicle of this officious goal .
While in Haugesund , you ’ll also want to keep your center peeled for Norway ’s obelisk national monument , Haraldshaugen , which was build in 1872 to commemorate a C of conjugation . Haraldshaugen is say to be the burial topographic point of Harald Fairhair , Norway ’s first king .
Morning : Take a footfall back into this city ’s plenteous history by taking a manoeuver enlistment led by a local expert . spell offer byViking Adventureare a certain wager .
Aurlandsfjord|Peter Adams/Stone/Getty Images
noontide : Visiting Åkrasanden just might ruin all other beaches for you . Accessible from Haugesund by hired machine , bus , or private transfer , this stretchiness of ashen sand and aquamarine North Sea water feels almost like a tropical paradise , except with waters refreshing enough to wake you up and sandpaper just perfect for sunbathing , picnicking , birdwatching , or going for a walking . Once there , Fiordos Noruegosoffers a range of brief beach and fiord outing that will give up you to still get back to the city with prison term to spare .
Afternoon : search the candy - colourise facade of the fjordic waterfront , then digress down picturesque Haraldsgata , teeming with cafes and boutique . An early afternoon aperitif at one of Haugesund ’s honest-to-god pubs , Mackkjelleren , is a great post to get chit-chat with locals and try this spot ’s signature brews .
Evening : Dine at the kickshaw , low - winder but romanticDattera Til Lothe . Book a table and enjoy their earth fish soup and stew , open - faced runt sandwiches , stark naked rainbow salads , steaks , and market greens , all in a softly lit setting filled with carved wood and fresh flowers . This spot also boasts a great wine listing .
Viking Adventure|Photo courtesy of Visit Haugesund/Visit Norway. Photo courtesy of Vest Foto/ Ida K. Vollum/Visit Norway.
Things to do in Stavanger
A twelfth - century cathedral looms at the centre of this industrial fjordside city , bringing together its historic and modern-day vibes with a utterly Norwegian diplomacy . Stavanger is a quieter metropolis , but its university town position signify it is still collapse with plentitude of young vigour .
One of Norway ’s most - sing - about fjords ( Lysefjord ) is 75 minutes away from township , but if you ’d rather not make the schlep to the mountains , Stavanger is still home to mountain of buy at and eating options to keep you entertained in its business district sphere .
Morning : The Gamle Stavanger historical city center and its cobblestone streets will have you earnestly look at relocate here . Its 170 white wooden house predate World War II and are lined with sunflower and foxgloves and ample Norse flag . The whole thing cry informal , maritime , slightly obsessed chic .
Åkrasanden|Anetlanda/iStock/Getty Images
Noon : Exploring Lysefjord from Stavanger is also easily done on a nasty timeline . You may allow for late in the morning and be back for an early dinner party . The ferry goes straightaway from downtown and the four - hour round slip is worth the free fall - idle beautiful scenery . Aboard the ferry , you ’ll belike spot seal savor on rocks and you ’ll also float right past the infamous Vagabond ’s Cave and creep near to the acute Hengjanefossen falls .
Late afternoon : take hold of a table atGådjå Etiopisk , a dead local and lowkey eatery that is a Stavanger favourite . share platters of squashy buckwheat injera bread and all the attic stews and sauce it can mop up is comforting after a foresightful day pass explore .
Evening : If you feel yourself in town after iniquity , you ’ll realize that Stavanger is n’t of necessity the station for a wild Nox out . Check the listings , though , for locale likePirenorBackstageand you might be able to catch some bouncy euphony .
Dattera Til Lothe|Photo courtesy of Dattera Til Lothe
Things to do in Flåm
If you ’ve ever been toIcelandor theFaroe Islands , Flåm is a village that calls to mind some of the most remote element of both dear terminus . This is patent in Flåm ’s riotous emerald hills and field of view , dramatic waterfalls , sharp drop , and winding bend with outstanding eyeshot around every recess . Nestled at the far end of Aurlandsfjord , a vena of the vast Sognefjord , this tiny ancient spot is hugged by mountain over 4,500 metrical foot mellow . The surrounding UNESCO World Heritage website , Aurlandsfjord , is one of the state ’s most treasured destination and measure over 10 miles long .
Home to less than 500 Norwegians who live in the village yr - round , Flåm welcome many thousands of visitors each year who come in to seeits museumand adorable cafes and eatery . But the independent magnet is without doubt the iconicFlåmsbanarailway , which allows you to hurtle through the landscape painting in a vintage train compartment .
Morning : Make like Elsa and herFrozenfriends aboard theFlåmsbana . If you feel like you ’re living in a movie while in Flåm , it ’s belike because its scenery is suppose to have inspire the Disney blockbuster . The Flåmsbana from Flåm to Myrdal croak through 20 tunnel and stops many times for photo ops along the manner , make it the idealistic way to experience everything the hamlet and its surround have to proffer .
Gamle Stavanger|Photo courtesy of FotoKnoff / Sven-Erik Knoff - Visit Region Stavanger. mauinow1/iStock/Getty Images
high noon : Marvel in the meridian of this majestic railway and enjoy the aspect from the top . Indulge in a warm waffle or pancake the charmingCafe Rallaren , and wind your direction back down while enjoying a fresh view of everything you see on the way up .
good afternoon : Take in the sights and aroma of Flåm ’s catch of the day , before reconcile in at the local fable that is the Green Norway Flåm street food carrel in the main village square . You might get different jewels of the ocean depending on the Clarence Day and time of year , but it will be console and served in a bustling environment that feel truly characteristic of this well-disposed , sleepy , startlingly beautiful place . Take a seat at a picnic board to slurp down on your fish chowder as you watch the village life go by .
Evening : Aegir Microbrewery , identify after the Norse God of the seas , is a kinfolk affair establish by an American Norse husband - and - married woman squad . It ’s a cozy Viking pub where you could do savouring and tours before feasting on full-blooded cup of tea that trace their antecedent back over a century . Aegir ’s blends of hops with bracing mountain water system must be try out , as should their newer range of fruity hard seltzers .
Lysefjord loop|Photo courtesy of Fjord Norway/fjordnorway.com/Visit Norway
What to know before you go
The currency
The currency is Norwegian kroner ( crown ) , not Euros . But credit cards are wide accepted and cash is seldom needed .
International adaptors you’ll need
Regular EU adaptors will do . test and bring slim adaptors for any aged plugs .
When to plan your visit
When to visit Norway really calculate on whether you ’re a fire - and - ice kind of person , or a summer lounge lizard . Winters bring the aurora and more winter sports , along with the need to load down tidy sum of layer . Visiting during the summer months allows you to live a wider compass of activities .
Do’s and don’ts of visiting Norway
Do expect and cook for any weather condition , and do n’t wait anything to come cheap in Norway . Meals are generally quite hearty and generous , alcohol-dependent drinks very expensive .
Your fun Norway dinner party fact
Aquavit is literally the lifeblood of any seafaring fjordperson , so make like a local and down it at least once during your visit . It will protect you against the cold , and you’re able to make a want before your stroke .
Backstage|Nightman1965/Shutterstock
The Flåm railway|Photo courtesy of Torild Moland - TravelStock/Visit Norway. Photo courtesy of Øyvind Heen - fjords.com/Visit Norway.
Fish market|Sergey-73/Shutterstock
Aegir Microbrewery|Photo courtesy of Aegir Microbrewery
