Before I arrived, I knew that some of the scenery in Norway would be epic. But I’m not sure anything could have prepared me for just how breathtaking it actually is.
The weather this past week has been beautiful, and exploring the mountains and fjords in the sunshine has been delightful. I haven’t had to try too hard to find stunning scenery, every corner I turn is just jaw dropping.
This post should come with a warning ⚠️ Insane scenery ahead. It looks fake (it’s not, I promise!).
Lakes and Fjords
Since being here, I have learnt that the difference between a fjord and a lake is that a fjord is a sea inlet with narrow cliffs on either side, whereas a lake is a large body of water surrounded on all sides by land.
One of the Norwegian guides from the Trolltunga hike the week before had suggested loads of places for me to explore, so I pinned them on my map and I had a look for some decent hikes.
One of the suggestions was Melshornet, which is a mountain near Hjørungavåg village. From the top, there were fantastic views of Storfjorden, the Vartdal mountains and Hareidsdslen valley.
I found a few great camping spots along the fjords or lakes, and have sat out and watched the sunset from the van on several evenings. I even got chance to get the paddle board out and sit and chill on the water for a while.
Everyone you speak to in Norway has a suggestion for the best bakery to buy cinnamon buns. So naturally, every time someone suggests it I have to try one! Feedback from my fans was that I need to show pictures of food, so this one’s for you Dave!
Hjørundfjorden
Another suggestion from the guide was Hjørundfjorden, and my oh my, am I glad I went 😍
The hike started deep in the valley and was a steep climb through the trees. I had no idea what was waiting for me at the top. Views for days!
The water looked so blue and the surrounding mountains were so lush and green!
Stunning Scenery
Driving round Norway has been such a pleasure so far. The roads are great, and really easy to navigate. I wish I could film the scenery while I’m driving as there is so much beauty everywhere. I’ve had to stop a few times and pull over just to take some pictures. I think you’ll agree, it was worth it!
I found another great camping spot on the edge of Storfjorden and watched the sun set from the van. Although it is getting later and later as I head further north. Officially, the sun set at 10:30pm, but even at midnight the sky was still not dark. It’s taking some getting used to!
Another day, another hike (or two!)
Up early the following day, I headed to Åndalsnes and hiked up Rampestreken. It was another beautiful day and I was treated to more incredible views at the top. It was a steep climb, but not that long so I decided to head out again in the afternoon for another hike!
I headed towards Trollstigen, which is a steep mountain pass that twists round eleven hairpin bends in the Romsdalen valley. It is one of the most iconic scenic routes in Norway. The road itself was closed for the winter (it’s still winter here), but you can get to it on foot so off I went.
Trollstigen loosely translates in English to The Troll’s Path. There are large boulders all over the valley, which were moved there by the glaciers millions of years ago. However, Nordic legend tells of trolls who put the boulders there to mark their territory and show dominance to the rival trolls.
The next camping spot I found is quite possibly one of my all time favourite that I’ve ever stayed at (Fliss, you would LOVE it!)! It was a little peninsula on the fjord and had picnic tables and fire pits etc. I sat for hours on a little private beach in the evening to watch the sunset, and in the morning was greeted with a wonderful view of the sun glistening across the fjord.
Each Day Eclipsing the Last
Each day I reflect and think about how lucky I am to have found the most sublime hiking spots. And then I go again and find yet another one!
This time I headed to Tarløysa and up another steep, rocky path to the top of the mountain. The snow on the shady side of the mountain was still about 2 metres deep! I sat and had my lunch overlooking the fjord and snow capped mountains in the distance. What a time to be alive!
Snow Capped Mountains
The next day promised even more sunshine so off I went again to find another mountain to hike up. This time I went to Goksøyra which offered fantastic views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
It was another beautiful day with 24’C sunshine, so as soon as I started hiking up the steep mountain I was sweating buckets. Once I’d got to about 700m, there was loads of snow and I was so tempted to dive face first into it and make a snow angel! (I resisted the urge)
I hiked through the mountains with the snowy caps either side of me and even got chance to get the glass ball out.
I’ve hiked every day this week, up some of the steepest, most incredible mountains I’ve ever seen. But writing this blog has tired me out and tipped me over the edge. I hope it was worth it 😂
After the most astonishing week on the west coast, it was time I started heading north to the promised land of the Lofoten Islands.
Until next time, Live Laugh Love ✌🏼
Travel Stats
- Days: 17
- Countries: 6 (🇫🇷🇧🇪🇳🇱🇩🇪🇩🇰🇳🇴)
- Distance driven: 2,630 miles (4,232km)
- Distance hiked: 45 miles (73km)
- Sunrise time: 3:58am
- Sunset time: 10:31pm
I’m loving your blog sweetheart and so pleased that you’re discovering new adventures
Keep em coming
Xxx💜💜💜xxX
Thanks Mum 😊💜
Stunning photos as usual.
You’re very brave walking through troll country on your own. Don’t linger on any bridges!
Have you tried the fermented fish yet?
All my love,
Pxx
Do you think I’m more scared of the trolls than they are of me? 😂
Yesssss the famous glass ball!! I was wondering when that would make an appearance haha. Omg the van spot on the peninsula sounds unbelievable…I wish I could transport myself there in my Moho to join you. You’ve definitely inspired me to prioritise Norway as my next moho destination!!! Get me to those mountains immediately. Loving the blogs and seeing the journey as it unfolds, keep em coming. 🚐⛰️😍☀️ xx
Get planning your next trip! 🚐
Best one yet! 👌🏽 keep them coming 😁
Thanks Em, miss you xx
Thanks Kat. Such spectacular views. It looks like even without hiking up stupidly high mountains the scenery is great. I must practice jumping as the photos are great and thanks for the food pic. Looking forward to the next one.
You are so lucky with this weather! I love this average road in Norway and camping in Hornindalsvatnet 😍 Enjoy every moment x And I hope you still find opportunites to take a shower:)
Unbelievably lucky! ☀️
I enjoy reading about your journey, the pictures are
Incredible, keep going Kat, “Life is for living “
Thanks Tony 😎✌🏼
Oh Kat, what can I say? . Blimmin marvellous!. What a trip. Photos are incredible. Stunning. Just one thing. Who was that other brew for? Sorry none of my business! ❤️🫶. Thank you for taking me on this journey with you. 😘
Haha I’d love to fuel the gossip, but sadly it was a case of:
“Relationship status – made dinner for two, ate both” 😂
Norway is so beautiful through your eyes – just loving the photos and journal. Cant wait till you get to to the places we visited in Jan 24 and see it in a different season. P.S. I was the same as Selma, that extra brew!!! But I do know how you love your cuppa tea.
Thanks Sharon 😊 heading north as we speak, will be crossing into the arctic circle today! ☕️☕️
Fabulous photos Kat, inspirational.
Wrap up warm for Lofoten up there in the arctic circle 🥶
Thanks Jean! Hoping for some sunshine! ☀️
Absolutely loving these updates, pictures are epic. What’s cost of living like there?like, getting a brew and cake?eating out? Is it much more expensive than here? X
Thanks Puddin’ 😊
Yeah it’s one of the most expensive counties in the world, I think it’s in the top 10!
I haven’t eaten out while I’ve been here (no job, innit) but a coffee and a cinnamon bun costs about £10.
Amazing Kat! Loving the updates, wow the views are just incredible!
I hope when you find the best cinnamon bun, you bring back a tray for us all to sample!
Hope you’ve now recovered from writing this blog! Much love xx
Ha you’ve got no chance Johnson 😂
Love the Jumping for Joy photo 🩷 🙂 xx
You should see the other guy 😂 oh no wait, that doesn’t make sense 🤨🤷🏻♀️
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