Journey along the northwest coast of Norway
Although Norway boasts countless breathtaking places, let me take you on a tour of my homeland: the northwest coast, home to the enchanting Ålesund, the famous Geiranger Fjord and the fascinating glacial lakes.
Hemsedalsfjellet
This iconic mountain pass changes with the seasons. Winter tends to be marked by closed roads and convoy driving, while summer reveals a rugged but beautiful landscape. As you climb beyond the tree line to 1137m above sea level, the lush forests of eastern Norway give way to barren mountains adorned only with moss and heather. Yet this seemingly barren landscape is teeming with life: sheep graze freely and sometimes block your path, and even a herd of reindeer can make your journey more interesting. As you descend, you'll come across the picturesque villages of Lærdal and Sogndal, situated where the fjords hug the mountains. The local markets offer regional delicacies, and if you want to relax, visit the Ferieogfritidscamp in Lærdal in the evening, where there is usually live music.
Stryn
While driving along the E39, be sure to check out Våtedalen and other sights along the route. You'll soon arrive in the Stryn region, home to glaciers and the famous turquoise-coloured glacial lakes. In the heart of the town, a number of shops and cosy cafés stretch along the picturesque fjord, inviting you to enjoy a pleasant stay. And if you're looking for adventure, the mountains of Stryn will surprise you even in the summer months. Although there is skiing here in summer, the beautiful nature invites you to many other activities. Stryn hides several beautiful valleys - Oldedalen and Lodalen are particularly popular. For families with children, the Oldevatn campsite is a true paradise, serving as a gateway to the impressive Briksdalsbreen glacier. During the summer months, the glacier melts and enriches the water with minerals, which makes Oldevatn Lake a unique colour.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can hike to the top of Skåla at 1848 metres above sea level for a fantastic panoramic view, take the Via Ferrata Loen or take the Loen Skylift to Hoven Mountain. At the top of the mountain you can enjoy dinner with a view or go hiking.
Ålesund
No trip to the northwest coast of Norway would be complete without a visit to the beautiful town of Ålesund. Thanks to its beautiful surroundings and Art Nouveau architecture, it has appeared several times on National Geographic lists and is popular with tourists. In 1904, the town was devastated by a fire that destroyed almost all of the wooden buildings in the town centre. In the following years, the city was rebuilt and regained its iconic architecture. For a bird's eye view of the city, climb the 418 steps to the Aksla Lookout, which offers a breathtaking panorama. If you're travelling with the family, the local aquarium is worth a visit, or you can immerse yourself in local history at one of the museums. A great bonus is that there is parking for caravans and motorhomes right in the town centre.
Geiranger
There are several routes from Ålesund to Geiranger, but my favourite is to take the Strandafjellet to Hellesylt and the ferry across the fjord. When you see the length of the fjord from the water, you'll understand why Geiranger is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, you'll see a few small farms up the hillside where locals had to use rope ladders when the tax collector came, for example, and children had to be roped to a sturdy pole to keep them from falling off the cliff while playing. If you visit here in early summer, you will see the Seven Sisters Waterfall, which should be a spectacular sight by then.
The village of Geiranger, which lies at the end of the fjord, is famous for its breathtaking scenery and has been named the best tourist destination in Scandinavia by Lonely Planet magazine. Since 2005, the Geirangerfjord area has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Despite its popularity, Geiranger has managed to retain its charm. The village has only 250 permanent inhabitants. There are several campsites to choose from during your visit. The tourist season runs from May to early September, making it an ideal summer destination. As you drive out of Geiranger towards Åndalsnes, you can enjoy driving along two of Norway's most famous roads: the Eagle Road and the Troll-ladder . Both are full of sharp hairpin bends, steep cliffs, but beautiful scenery.
Valldal, Gudbrandsjuvet and Trollstigen
Between Geiranger and Åndalsnes you pass through Valldalen, also known as Strawberry Valley. It's a beautiful and narrow valley, flanked on both sides by high mountains. If you watched the fourth series of the popular TV series Succession, you may recognise the landscape. For those travelling with kids or wanting to challenge themselves, there's Valldalen Aktivitetspark, a park with climbing frames and ziplines that's well worth a visit. Keep going and you'll soon reach the top of Trollstigen, a steep road with eleven sharp turns. The road was opened in 1936 but has since been properly improved. There are several viewing platforms at the top where you can see Isterdalen and get a bird's eye view of the road.
Åndalsnes
Åndalsnes is known as the"capital of mountaineering" and offers the perfect combination of quiet and jagged peaks. The famous Trollstigen road, with its hairpin bends, is an exhilarating drive that offers views that will make your heart leap. At its peak, the Trollstigen plateau offers spectacular views of the valley below. For train enthusiasts, there's the Rauma Railway, which runs through picturesque countryside, taking in waterfalls and mountains. Don't miss the hike to Romsdalseggen, which is a challenging but beautiful experience and offers views of the Troll Wall - the highest vertical rock face in Europe. If you don't feel like a strenuous hike along the ridge, you can always take the new cable car to the top.
The way back
From Åndalesnes you can take the E6 road via Dombås and Gudbrandsdalen, which will take you back towards Oslo and Sweden. If you have more time, I recommend taking the ferry across the Romsdalsfjorden to see the iconic Atlantic Ocean Road. This beautiful piece of road winds along the coast between Molde and Kristiansund. If you've seen the last James Bond movie, you might remember a car chase filmed on this road!
In conclusion, the northwest coast of Norway is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture. From tranquil fjords to high mountains, a new adventure awaits around every bend. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this region will bring you memories that will last a lifetime. So pack up your caravan or motorhome, set your sights on the horizon and set off on a journey through one of the world's most magical landscapes. Happy travels and let the majestic beauty of Norway capture your heart!
This article was taken from the Adria Mobilwebsite . The author of this article is Chris Gati.
