Western Norway Travel Guide

This comprehensive tour guide for Western Norway provides both locals and tourists a list of places to visit in Western Norway, best things to do, where to stay, what to buy, and cultural norms.


Introduction to Western Norway

Western Norway, located in the Nordic countries of Europe, is a region known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. Comprised of the counties of Rogaland, Vestland, and Møre og Romsdal, Western Norway is home to some of Norway’s most popular destinations, such as Bergen, Stavanger, and Ålesund. This comprehensive tour guide for Western Norway provides both locals and tourists a list of places to visit in Western Norway, best things to do, where to stay, what to buy, and cultural norms.

List of Places to Visit in Western Norway

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Western Norway is steeped in history, and its museums and historical places are some of the most popular attractions in the region. These include:

  • The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene in Bergen, which offers visitors a glimpse into the city’s history as a bustling trade center in the 1700s.
  • The Norwegian Petroleum Museum in Stavanger, which showcases Norway’s oil industry and its impact on the country’s economy and society.
  • The Viking Ship Museum in Oslo, where visitors can see some of the world’s best-preserved Viking ships and artifacts.

Natural Attractions of Western Norway: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Western Norway is known for its impressive natural landscapes and outdoor adventures. Some must-visit natural attractions include:

  • The Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most scenic fjords, where visitors can take a boat tour or drive the famous Serpentine Road for breathtaking views.
  • The Trolltunga, a stunning rock formation that offers hikers a unique photo opportunity with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
  • The Preikestolen, an iconic cliff that towers over the Lysefjorden and offers stunning panoramic views of the fjord and surrounding mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Western Norway

Western Norway is the perfect destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Below are some of the most popular trails and routes:

  • The Rallarvegen bike route, stretching from Haugastøl to Flåm, offers stunning views of the Hardangervidda plateau and the surrounding mountains.
  • The Besseggen Ridge hike, a challenging 14-kilometer hike in Jotunheimen National Park, rewards hikers with unparalleled views of the surrounding peaks and Gjende Lake.
  • The Stoltzekleiven trail, located in Bergen, is a steep but short hike that takes visitors up 722 stairs and offers impressive views of the city and the surrounding fjords.

Best Things to Do in Western Norway: Activities and Tours

In addition to hiking and biking, Western Norway offers visitors a multitude of activities and tours. Some of the best things to do include:

  • The Flåm Railway, a scenic train ride that takes visitors through picturesque valleys, waterfalls, and fjords.
  • Whale watching tours, which offer visitors the opportunity to see whales, seals, and other marine life in their natural habitat.
  • Sea kayaking tours, which allow visitors to paddle through the region’s stunning fjords and coastal landscapes.

Week-Long Itinerary for Western Norway

To make the most of your visit to Western Norway, consider the following week-long itinerary:

Day Activity
1 Arrive in Bergen, explore the city, visit the Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene
2 Take the Flåm Railway to Flåm and explore the village
3 Hike the Nærøyfjord trail or go whale watching in Aurland
4 Drive to Geiranger and explore the town and its surroundings
5 Take a boat tour of the Geirangerfjord, hike the Trollstigen trail
6 Drive to Ålesund and explore the city and its architecture
7 Take a sea kayaking tour, visit the Art Nouveau Center, depart home

Food and Drink Scene of Western Norway

Must-Try Dishes

The food scene in Western Norway is a must-try for any foodie. Some of the region’s most popular dishes include:

  • Fårikål, a traditional Norwegian lamb and cabbage stew.
  • Kanelboller, a cinnamon roll that is a popular pastry across Scandinavia.
  • Rakfisk, a traditional Norwegian fermented fish.

Local Beverages

Western Norway is also known for its unique beverages, such as:

  • Akevitt, a traditional Norwegian distilled spirit made from potatoes, grain, or herbs and spices.
  • Macks Øl, a locally brewed beer from Tromsø, known for its rich, malty flavor.

Where to Stay in Western Norway: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Western Norway offers a range of accommodation options to suit any budget or preference. Some of the best places to stay include:

  • Hotel Ullensvang, located on the banks of the Hardangerfjord, is a luxury hotel with stunning views of the fjord and surrounding mountains.
  • Bergen YMCA Hostel, located in the heart of the city, offers affordable accommodation for budget travelers.
  • Solstrand Hotel & Bad, located outside Bergen, is a historic hotel with a spa and a private beach.

What to Buy in Western Norway: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Western Norway is known for its high-quality crafts and locally produced products. Some souvenirs and local products to consider bringing home include:

  • Knitwear, such as woolen sweaters, hats, and mittens.
  • Hand-blown glassware, such as vases and bowls, from local glassblowers.
  • Brunost, a uniquely Norwegian caramelized cheese.

Local Culture and Customs of Western Norway

Norwegian culture values simplicity, equality, and nature. When visiting Western Norway, it is important to keep the following customs and cultural norms in mind:

  • Remove your shoes when entering someone’s home.
  • Punctuality is important.
  • Respect nature and leave no trace.

Best Time to Visit Western Norway

The best time to visit Western Norway is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and the days are long. However, this is also the peak season, so be prepared for crowds and higher prices. For those who prefer a quieter and cooler experience, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of May and September.

Do’s and Don’ts of Western Norway

Do:

  • Respect nature and leave no trace.
  • Tip only for exceptional service.
  • Be on time.

Don’t:

  • Wear your shoes indoors.
  • Assume everyone speaks perfect English.
  • Get overly intoxicated in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Western Norway

Western Norway is generally a very safe place to visit, with low crime rates and a high standard of living. However, visitors should still take standard safety precautions, such as:

  • Store valuables in a safe place.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, particularly at night.
  • Follow safety guidelines and warnings in outdoor areas.

Health in Western Norway

Norway has a high standard of healthcare, and visitors can expect to receive quality medical care if needed. However, healthcare can be expensive, so it is important to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Getting to Western Norway: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Western Norway

The main airports serving Western Norway are Bergen Airport, Stavanger Airport, and Ålesund Airport. All three airports have both domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Western Norway

Western Norway is well-connected by bus, with several bus stations serving the region. The largest bus operator is NOR-WAY Bussekspress.

Other Options

Another popular way to arrive in Western Norway is by cruise ship. The region is a popular stop on many Norwegian Fjord cruises.

How to Get Around in Western Norway

The best way to get around Western Norway is by car, as it offers the most flexibility and access to remote areas. However, public transportation, such as buses and trains, is also available.

Where to Go Next from Western Norway: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Western Norway is a great starting point for exploring other parts of Norway. Some nearby destinations and excursions to consider include:

  • Oslo, Norway’s capital city, which can be reached by a scenic train ride from Bergen.
  • Sognefjord, the largest and deepest fjord in Norway.
  • The Lofoten Islands, a stunning archipelago located in northern Norway, known for its rugged landscapes and picturesque fishing villages.

Conclusion

Western Norway is a region that offers visitors a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. With this comprehensive tour guide, visitors can make the most of their trip by exploring the region’s must-visit attractions, trying its unique cuisine, and immersing themselves in the local culture.

Aurlandsfjord seen from Stegastein Aurlandsfjord seen from Stegastein Characteristic wooden buildings (Stavanger). Characteristic wooden buildings (Stavanger). Balestrand. Balestrand. Haukelivatnet lake, birthplace of the ice age theory. Haukelivatnet lake, birthplace of the ice age theory. Information board in English at the entrance to Reinheimen National Park, Trollstigen on Road 63 (Norway) . Information board in English at the entrance to Reinheimen National Park, Trollstigen on Road 63 (Norway) . Air transport gives a different perspective on this rugged land. Stord-Fitjar archipelago south of Bergen. Air transport gives a different perspective on this rugged land. Stord-Fitjar archipelago south of Bergen. A large number of ferries connect roads in the very fragmented western area. A large number of ferries connect roads in the very fragmented western area. Lærdal tunnel at 25 km is the world's longest road tunnel. The tunnel is an attraction as such including the Lærdal tunnel at 25 km is the world's longest road tunnel. The tunnel is an attraction as such including the "blue caves" that breaks the boredom of the drive. Bryggen in Bergen Bryggen in Bergen Central Ålesund. Central Ålesund. West Norway has countless waterfalls West Norway has countless waterfalls Apples like ''Gravenstein'' are used for cider. Apples like ''Gravenstein'' are used for cider.


    Hordaland
    Møre og Romsdal
    Rogaland
    Sogn og Fjordane