One Week in Norway: From Tunnels to Trolls

Somehow, it’s already been over a week since I arrived in Norway and I’ve packed so much in.

This country is everything I dreamt it would be. It’s so beautiful just driving round and taking in all the scenery. It’s like a postcard everywhere I look 😍

So what have I been up to?

Bergen

After the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) hike, I headed to the beautiful city of Bergen. Bergen is the second largest city in Norway (after Oslo) and was originally the capital, hosting royal coronations throughout the thirteenth century.

Bergen is a UNESCO World Heritage City and European City of Culture and is situated on the west coast of Norway, in the heart of the fjords.

The sun was shining as I wandered round the city, and I was delighted to see the cherry blossom 🌸 and tulips 🌷 in full bloom! I headed to Bryggen, the famous wharf front whose colourful buildings have stood on the same foundations since the 12th century. I had a wander to Mariakirken (St Mary’s church), one of the oldest buildings in Bergen, dating back to 1250.

I was going to get the funicular up the hill to the view point, but there was a big queue so I decided to walk it. I instantly regretted my decision to wear trousers that day, I was so hot hiking up the hill! The view at the top was awesome though, and I could see right across the city!

Driving Around Norway

Over the next couple of days, I headed further north and towards a town called Odda where I was booked onto a guided hike.

There are so many fjords and lakes in this part of Norway, you end up driving over so many bridges and through so many tunnels. There are over 1,000 road tunnels in Norway and I drove through the longest one which was 24.5km (Lærdalstunnelen)! It felt like I was driving into the underworld or something!

Trolls play an important part in Nordic folklore. Once upon a time, these creatures roamed freely in the mountains at night, but if they were ever caught out in daylight they turned to stone. You can find troll statues everywhere in Norway, so naturally I had to get a photo with one!

I stopped at Steinsdalfossen which is a 50m powerful waterfall where you can walk right behind it. I also stopped in a town called Eidfjord and had a lovely walk to an Iron Age burial site.

Exploring Odda

I had a day to explore Odda before my big hike the day after, so wanted to take it easy. I headed to Vøringsfossen where you can see Norway’s most famous waterfall. From the viewing platform, you can see water plunging over 182m into the Måbødalen valley below.

I did a lovely 7km walk through the pine forest before heading down to sit by the lake in the sunshine. I parked up in a lay-by for the night, ready for an early start the following morning.

Trolltunga

One of the most famous hiking photos you can get in Norway is Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue). It’s not possible to do the hike on your own at this time of year as the whole way is completely covered in snow, so I booked onto a guided hike.

We had to wear snow shoes as the snow was still up to 2m deep in places! It’s a 20km hike, but whilst it wasn’t that strenuous, it was long especially on the snow so it took nearly all day.

Unfortunately, luck was not on my side this time, as it was too cloudy when we got to the top for the famous star jump photo. Take a look at a photo I found on Google for the view we should have had! It was still a spectacular hike, and a very enjoyable day and I met some lovely people too 🙂

More Exploring

After Trolltunga, I headed to Gunvangen and stopped for a brew. Driving through the valleys is just spectacular.

I stopped at Borgund Stave Church, which is one of only 28 still remaining in Norway. It was built around 1180 and is an example of impressive medieval architecture including carvings of dragon heads on the roof.

I found a place in the mountains in the middle of nowhere to park up for the night and then headed out for a hike up one of the mountains in the morning. And I wasn’t disappointed! The views were once again breathtaking, especially in the sunshine! And when I got to the top, there was still quite a lot of snow, but I just about navigated my way through it!

I’m sure you’ll agree, that Norway is absolutely stunning. So far it is living up to every expectation and I have enjoyed being out in the wilderness and exploring the countryside.

You may be pleasantly surprised (or secretly disappointed) to know that I have found it very easy to access showers so far, and I haven’t even stayed on a campsite yet. There are loads of places, such as service stations, where you can access shower facilities and even sometimes sneak in for free 🤫😂

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Above all else, don’t forget to Live Laugh Love ✌🏼

Travel Stats

Days: 11
Countries: 6 (🇫🇷🇧🇪🇳🇱🇩🇪🇩🇰🇳🇴)
Distance driven: 2,191 miles (3,526km)
Sunrise time: 4:45am
Sunset time: 10:15pm

Poya

13/05/2024 at 06:25

Wow!
Fantastic views as usual, Pity about the clouds at Trolltunga, but still impressive.
Love the troll. I was expecting northern lights photos; were you asleep.
Keep safe.
Poya xx

Kat
13/05/2024 at 08:27

It was too cloudy where I was! 😭 Plus, the sky doesn’t ever really get pitch black here! 🤯

Fliss

13/05/2024 at 06:33

Wow unbelievable scenes mate!! Reading your blogs makes me want to get out in my van immediately! Gutted about the view on Trolltunga but your luck was def due to run out at some point, and I’m sure you’ll be seeing many more spectacular views. Keep the blogs coming! X

Kat
13/05/2024 at 08:27

Haha I know! I’ll just have to come back when you come 😉

Mum

13/05/2024 at 08:29

Completely stunning photos darling and shame about Trolltunga – also glad to read you’re able to find facilities and wild camp too
Keep em coming I’m really enjoying reading xxx

Kat
13/05/2024 at 10:44

Thank you! It’s very much a country that is set up for van life! 😊

13/05/2024 at 10:47

Great photos Kat 😊 Im glad you can easily find showers there x
Enjoy ✌️

Kat
13/05/2024 at 18:57

Ja też 😂

Selma

13/05/2024 at 11:03

Omg Kat, what a spectacular trip. You lucky, lucky girl. Photos are amazing. I can imagine the fresh air and heightened moments at each gobsmacking viewpoint. Lovely. Looking forward to your next blog. Thank you for taking me with you. ❤️❤️❤️👍🌸🌺 Awesome! Xx

Kat
13/05/2024 at 18:57

Absolutely loving it 🥰

Dave

13/05/2024 at 12:52

Great views Kat. I love you drone pics. Are you going much further north? Need pictures of food and booze now!

Stay safe.

Kat
13/05/2024 at 18:59

Yeah, I’m planning on heading all the way to the Lofoten islands in the arctic circle! 😍

Noted the food, thanks for the feedback! But no booze, the fresh pine air is all I need! 😊
1. Dave
  14/05/2024 at 08:30
  
  Looks like a spectacular drive with more bridges over fjords and mountains and a ferry perhaps. Maybe a visit to the museum at the end of the road and a stop at Anita’s Seafood? Wish I was younger!