Western Norway is where classic images of the country come to life. This is a region of long, deep aquamarine fjords carved through rugged mountains; ribbon-like waterfalls that plunge from incredible heights; and colorful villages, towns, and cities that add to the storybook scene. Visitors to Western Norway are certain to feel the lure of adventure with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, fishing, and biking at every turn. While most famous for its natural landscapes, the region is also home to culture-rich cities filled with things to do.
Summer is the ideal time to visit Western Norway. During June, July, and August, you’ll experience the best of Norway’s notoriously fickle weather, as well as extended daylight hours that allow for more time outdoors hiking and biking. The warmer months are also best for getting out onto the water on a kayaking tour or fjord cruise.
An extensive and efficient public transportation network makes it a breeze to get around Western Norway by bus and ferry. Train services are limited but offer a few scenic routes. One of the highlights of the region is riding the Flåm Railway from the end of Aurlandsfjord up to the high mountains at Myrdal. However, having your own wheels offers the flexibility of not being tied to timetables—and this is a region where you’ll want to take it slow.
Norway is notoriously expensive but you can save some money by taking advantage of the nation’s allemannsretten (“everyman’s right”) law. The law allows everyone the right to roam, meaning you can hike or set up camp almost anywhere as long as you leave no trace and follow guidelines. For example, your camp must be at least 500 feet (150 meters) away from the nearest inhabited house or cabin.
Local Currency Norwegian Krone (NOK) | Time Zone EDT (UTC -5) | Country Code +47 | Language(s) Norwegian Bokmål | Attractions 4 | Tours 415 | Reviews 6,047 |
Western Norway is so closely associated with its fjords that the region is also known as Fjord Norway. There are fjords all along the Atlantic coast, but the West Norwegian Fjords of Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are notable as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, cited by the organization for their “exceptional natural beauty.”
...MoreTen days in Western Norway allows you the time to explore the charming cities of Bergen, Stavanger, and Ålesund; take a fjord cruise in UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord; visit the UNESCO-listed Urnes Stave Church; and ride the Flåm Railway, as well as soaking up the scenery on hiking and biking excursions.
...MoreBoth Bergen and Stavanger airports offer good connections to other major Norwegian cities, as well as many European cities. Haugesund, Molde, and Ålesund also have international airports, albeit with more limited services. Smaller airports in Florø, Førde, Kristiansund, Ørsta/Volda, Sandane, and Sogndal offer connections to Oslo.
...MoreYes. Like everywhere else in Norway, English is spoken widely and to a very high standard in Western Norway, especially by younger people. Travelers who don’t speak Norwegian are unlikely to have any problem using English to get around and will even find information signs written in English.
...MoreYes, Western Norway is expensive—as is everywhere in the country. That said, there are ways to cut costs. You can take advantage of Norway’s right to roam and the culture of friluftsliv (“outdoor life”) by exploring the outdoors for free, and preparing your own meals rather than eating and drinking in restaurants.
...MoreWestern Norway is filled with beautiful places, but the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord tops most travelers’ lists. The deep blue fjord is surrounded by tall snow-capped mountain peaks, teeming waterfalls that cascade down sheer cliffs, and lush green forests. You’ll get the best views by getting out onto the fjord on a cruise.
...More
