13 reasons to visit Western Norway
Norway is famous for spectacular nature, with its long coastline, deep fjords and steep mountains. And you will find all of this if you go to the western region of Norway. Scroll through these 13 fantastic photos and book your holiday!
1. The Geirangerfjord
The first is one of the Norway’s most famous attractions and on lots of people’s Norway bucket list. The Geirangerfjord is a 15-kilometre-long arm of the Storfjord, and one of the two fjords that makes up the West Norwegian Fjords on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. A boat trip through the fjord from Hellesylt to Geiranger, or opposite, will allow you to see some of the most widely photographed waterfalls in the country – The Bridal Veil; The Seven Sisters; and The Suitor.
2. Geiranger village
There are more things to do in Geiranger than just the fjord cruise. Book a night at Hotel Utsikten and explore the charming village, go hiking, and check out all of the spectacular viewpoints!
3. The Flåm Railway
Known as one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys, people come from all over the world to experience it. The Flåm Railway runs from sea level by the Aurlandsfjord in Flåm up to Myrdal at 867 metres above sea level. The journey along the sparkling blue river through the steep Flåmsdalen Valley takes about 50 minutes, including a photo stop at Kjosfossen waterfall. For a more adventurous touch, combine the railway with Flåm Zipline – Scandinavia’s longest zipline.
4. Rallarvegen - The Navvie's Road
This is one of Norway’s most popular cycling routes. From Haugastøl or Finse to Flåm, Rallarvegen takes you from the high mountain plateau down to the fjord. It is a bucket list experience for many Norwegians, and if you’re into bicycling you should consider it too! It’s a relatively gentle tour that anyone with some cycling experience can do. Take the morning train to Finse, and you’ll be back in Flåm in the afternoon with lots of new experiences under your belt.
5. Flåm Zipline
Did you know you can combine a ride with The Flåm Railway with Scandinavia’s longest zipline AND cycling on the last part of the Rallarvegen? Yes, it’s true. Take the train from Flåm to Vatnahalsen station, walk over to the 1.381 metres-long zipline that will take you down to Kårdal. Here, you pick up the waiting bicycle and ride the approx. 16 kilometres back downhill to Flåm.
6. The Nærøyfjord
This is World Heritage at its finest. This arm of the Aurlandsfjord and the Sognefjord is Norway's narrowest fjord, surrounded by mountains that extend over 1000 metres directly up from the fjord. Along the Nærøyfjord, you’ll find idyllic fjord villages; tiny and almost untouched in modern times without road connections. Together with the Geirangerfjord, the Nærøyfjord makes up the West Norwegian Fjords on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
7. Stegastein
Get an eagle’s eye fjord view! The Stegastein viewing platform projects 30 metres out into the air, 650 metres directly over the Aurlandsfjord. This viewpoint, which is made of steel and clad in pine, has attracted a lot of attention for its design and is located on the National Scenic Route between Aurland and Lærdal – the section known as “Snøvegen” (the Snow Road). Driving the National Scenic Routes in general are a hot tip for your holiday in Norway.
8. Viking Valley
Visit the Vikings of Gudvangen! At the end of the Nærøyfjord, there is a village out of the ordinary. In Viking Valley people live as Vikings year-round, and you are welcome to visit and learn about life in Norway 1000 years ago. A guided tour of the village is included in the entrance fee and the Vikings willingly let you ask all the questions you may have. Make sure to test your skills in ax throwing or archery before you leave!
9. Myrkdalen Mountain Resort
The valley of Myrkdalen is mostly famous for its amounts of snow in winter, but it got loads to offer the rest of the year too. Green meadows and small farms can be seen when the snows of winter melt. Here, you can take the chair lift into the mountain in summer to go hiking or simply enjoy the views, go bicycling off or on road, join in on a guided fly-fishing trip, and much more. Myrkdalen Mountain Resort is a great base for active families.
10. Hiking with fjord views
When the view makes you forget the effort it took to get there! Western Norway has lots of wonderful hikes, and many offers magnificent views towards the fjords. If you want to go hiking with fjord views, Mt. Prest is one of the highlights of Western Norway. Here, you have panoramic views of the Aurlandsfjord and the surrounding, UNESCO-listed landscape.
11. Aurlandsdalen Valley
This is Norway’s answer to the Grand Canyon. The Aurlandsdalen Valley is one of the best-known day-hikes in the Flåm region, and there’s every reason for that. You can walk all the way from Finse to Vassbygdi in Aurland in three stages, spending the nights in various locations on the way, or you can do it in a day from Østerbø. Whatever you choose, it will be an experience to remember.
12. Rafting in Voss
Get close to the elements in Europe’s extreme sports capital! White water rafting is just as thrilling as you may expect, but also a lot of fun. The experienced crew will take care of you and guide you safely down the river – but be ready to get wet. If this sounds too ambitious for you, book Family rafting instead, or stay dry in Voss High-Rope & Zipline Park.
13. Hardanger
Is Hardanger Norway's most romantic region? It is without doubt beautiful. In May / June there are flowering fruit trees as far as the eye can see, and later in summer you can taste the result from small fruit stalls along the road. Combine a relaxing fjord cruise on the fjord arm, Sørfjorden, with cider tasting at local producers or exploring picturesque fjord villages.
