The best destination for a trip with friends

There are lots of good reasons to visit Fjord Norway. There are even more good reasons to visit the area with friends. Or maybe to visit together with one special friend. You choose your travelling companions, and we’ll come up with the best ideas for unforgettable experiences. And don’t forget that the key to travelling in Fjord Norway is to travel slowly enough. We guarantee travel experiences that will inspire you. But be warned – a holiday in Fjord Norway is very addictive!

Culinary journeys

Fjord Norway has been called Norway’s larder for generations. This is no surprise as the fertile region with its proximity to the fjords and sea have provided excellent conditions for producing wonderful food. This produce has been prepared and served with pride in everything from homely kitchens to lovely cafés and restaurants. And this is still the case. And now Fjord Norway has taken food and drink to a whole new level – to the stars.

Stavanger has two Michelin restaurants, RE-NAA and Sabi Omakase, while Bergen in Bergen you will find Bare restaurant in Bergen Børs Hotel. We’re very proud of these stars. However, you don’t have to go to a Michelin restaurant to have a great culinary experience.

We can mention Lysverket, Hoggorm, Damsgård and Colonialen in the centre of Bergen, or Cornelius Sjømatrestaurant on Bjorøy just outside Bergen. As well as Haaheim gaard on Tysnes and Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri in Austevoll. 

If you head for Sandane in Nordfjord, you will find Gloppen hotell with its impressive menu of local dishes and its very own beer. And in Ålesund, Apotekergata No. 5 has upped its game with a topographic menu, while Restaurant Fjordstuene in neighbouring Molde has delighted many diners with its sushi and clipfish. This is merely ‘the tip of the iceberg’ with respect to the many great restaurants found in Fjord Norway. And remember to ask for local drinks when you’re here. Welcome!

Cycling trips

Car trips along the fjords and mountains of Fjord Norway are among the most beautiful experiences Norway has to offer. But at times you may feel like you’re missing out when you’re stuck in a car. We, therefore, recommend cycling to many of the beautiful destinations. ‘The Classic Fjord Tour’ from Molde, across the Atlantic Road to Angvik and then on to Åndalsnes, across the Trollstigen Road to Valldal, Geiranger and finally to Ålesund, is too beautiful for words. So give it a go!

Cider Safari

Did you know that ‘Cider from Hardanger’ is a protected geographical location on a par with Calvados and Champagne? You can go on a Cider Safari in Hardanger in summer and autumn, where you will learn about the history of the farms and products, see what form production takes – and of course sample the delicious different types of cider. There are 19 different cider producers in Hardanger alone. You can start the tour at the beautiful Utne Hotel in Hardanger and then head for the new cider producers.

Highs and lows

Fjord Norway is the perfect destination for activities and an adrenaline rush. Whether you seek really challenging experiences or just want a little action for the fun of it.

Whatever the case, make sure the experience is safe for everyone. We recommend that you use local guides to get the most out of the activities on offer in Fjord Norway. Bringing a guide is voluntary in some places. However, it will definitely give your experiences in Fjord Norway an extra dimension.

Head for Geiranger and drive an electric car from the fjord up to the viewpoint at Dalsnibba (1,500 metres). You can hire a two-seater electric car.

Via Ferrata is an Italian term, which translates as ‘climbing path’ or ‘iron path’. You will find a number of Via Ferrata routes in Fjord Norway. You can for example climb the Himmelstigen route near Trolltunga rock, which includes a Via Ferrata on its ascent.

Fantastic climbing experiences await on the Via Ferrata in the Tyssedalsfjella mountains near Odda, innermost in the Sørfjord, a fjord arm of the beautiful Hardangerfjord. Or how about going on a 5-6-hour long guided hike in the mountains around Loen and then taking the spectacular Loen Skylift cable car back down from Mount Hoven (1,011 metres) to Loen? Many head for Åndalsnes in Møre og Romsdal to walk along Romsdalseggen ridge. Or why not climb the Via Ferrata route there?

Enjoy the sea

Little beats a fantastic kayaking trip on a dead calm fjord in Western Norway. Maybe an inquisitive porpoise will surface to see what’s going on, or a sea eagle will dive down to catch its dinner right in front of you. While some may be experienced kayakers, others may be giving it a go for the first time: It’s easier than you think, but it’s a good idea to take a course before setting off on your own. 

You can kayak more or less anywhere in Fjord Norway. We’ve selected a few gems you should consider: The island of Stord and the low islands and safe waters of the Fitjarøyane islands, are situated between Haugesund and Bergen. Maybe you can spend the night in a tent or under the stars on one of the islands? The old trading post Brandasund is also worth a visit. 

Not everyone is aware that the archipelago around Sotra outside Bergen is perfect for kayaking. Møvik and Glesvær are great starting points for trips. Solund, at the mouth of the Sognefjord, is the firm favourite of many experienced kayakers. The islands Sula, Ytre Sula, Steinsøysund and Losna are surrounded by hundreds of small islands, islets and skerries. They are kayaking heaven with their rich fauna above and below the surface of the sea. This is no easy area for small boats to navigate, and nor is the island of Smøla in the very north of Fjord Norway. The more than 6,000 submerged reefs, islets and skerries make it a nightmare for boating enthusiasts. For kayakers, on the other hand, it is sheer heaven. Kayaking around Smøla is a trip of around 80 km. This makes it a great weekend trip for experienced kayakers, while beginners can do a shorter trip.

If you seek speed and a more bracing experience, river rafting in Voss or on the Valldøla river is definitely recommended. Or how about you and your friends ending your visit in Fjord Norway with a stand up paddling (SUP) trip on the Istra river, a tributary of the Rauma river? The trip on this river in the Romsdalen valley is like a journey on a quiet river in the jungle – only much more beautiful.

Places to stay

Fjord Norway has accommodation options that you won’t forget in a hurry. The Tourist Offices in the different places will help you to find accommodation that suits you. A few of them are listed below, from south to north:

Utsira outside Karmøy is Norway’s smallest municipality with a permanent population of just 200. Here you can stay at Utsira lighthouse, and be a "lighthouse keeper for a day".

At Sandve between Stavanger and Bergen, you will find Skaarnesheimen Raw Ocean Lodge. This is the perfect accommodation for those who want to try glamping by the sea.

There are many historic hotels in Fjord Norway that are full of soul and steeped in tradition and offer fantastic experiences. You’ll definitely want to stay an extra night. Sogndalstrand Kulturhotell three miles south of Egersund comprises 11 different buildings. Kviknes Hotel and Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel on the Sognefjord, Hotel Ullensvang in Hardanger and Fleischer's Hotel in Voss are just some of the hotels that give you a glimpse back in time to the hotels’ history.

In Bergen, there is a wide range of hotels to choose from. One of the more unique hotels is the small Steens Hotel & Bar which dates back to 1890. Or how about staying at Villa Solhaug on idyllic Bjorøy just outside the city?

In Sandane, you can enjoy the tranquillity and each other during your stay at the treetop cabins at Engeset Trehytter (treehouses). And when there, take the opportunity to experience the walking trails at Trivselsskogen and its "love path".

In Valldal, you will find Juvet landskapshotell, which has been mentioned in countless international magazines, and Hotel Utsikten, which sits high above the fjord innermost in Geiranger. Its name, which translates as ‘the hotel with the view’ says it all.

In Ålesund, you will find Brosundet hotel whose room no 47 is actually in Molja lighthouse in the middle of the town. Nordre Flatmark gård is located not far away in Rauma, and sleeps up to 17 guests in beautiful surroundings. Hotel Aak, a firm favourite with climbers, is not far from the Trollveggen cliff, Mount Romsdalshorn and the Trollstigen road. For exclusive experiences out along the coast of Romsdal, you can choose between Flatflesa lighthouse near Finnøy Havstuer and Korsholmen near Håholmen Havstuer. There is a beautiful fishing village on Smøla called Veiholmen. The quality and unique views of the accommodation at Olsen Naustet and Olsen Pensjonat will be a positive surprise for many.