Tips before traveling:
Before sharing the itinerary with you, I'd like to mention some useful tips so you can enjoy the trip to the most avoiding possible inconveniences.
· By law, it is allowed to camp anywhere in Norway with the exception of some rules, like being in a further distance than 150m from a private property among few other rules. BUT I must say that in Southern Norway (in the North I found it easier) most of the places have camping forbidden signals. Thus, I must confess that finding a spot to sleep for free was a big challenge during the whole trip.
EVA'S TIP❗ try to find a spot to do overnight the earlier the better so you don't go to sleep late at night trying to find one.
This won't be a problem if you want to pay a camping every night, there are plenty campings in Norway.
EVA'S TIP❗it is possible to pay only for using the hot water in some campings. In case you don't want to sleep in the camping but only using the hot water to take a shower, ask the camping if it's possible to pay only for the shower, so you can avoid paying the parking lot, which is more expensive.
· Be careful when driving along the Norwegian roads, there are radars and the maximum speed varies from time to time, most of the times will be 80km/h. So, you must bear in mind that traveling along Norway might take longer than it should because of these speed limits.
In addition, there quite a few tolls along the Southern part of the country, so be conscious of this, too.
· Avoid buying plastic bottles in the supermarket. Water is free in Norway and you can drink from the tap. Refill your bottles in restaurants, sinks, etc. It shouldn't be a problem.
· Nature is sacred, please be respectful when camping outdoors, doing hikes... never leave trash behind.
· Bring with you all type of clothing, weather in Norway (and in the Nordic/Arctic region in general) changes in minutes. In one single day you could experience sunny, rainy, windy or even snowy weather. So the clever way to dress is by wearing different layers.
· Related to luggage, when traveling by campervan, avoid bringing with you a big suitcase. Never, please. Always try to travel light with a backpack, that you can carry on the plane with you. Believe me when telling you that you won't use everything you bring.
1-week itinerary by campervan around Southern Norway:
The itinerary I'm sharing with you next is based on my experience exploring the southern part of the country by van for 1 week. The itinerary includes tips, so you avoid some mistakes I made, and as well as an effective organization of the activities so you can enjoy your time to the fullest!
Something important to add is that, of course, you could change some destinations for others, in case you'd like. The itinerary is based on geographical distance so you can drive the less hours the better between each stop.
DAY 1 - FLÅM & NÆRØYFJORD
The first day can be a bit tough because you'll be driving a long distance (around 5 hours) from Oslo (if you land in Oslo's airport) to Flåm, our first stop, where we'll visit one of the UNESCO's Norwegian Fjords, the Nærøyfjord. Additionally, Flåm and the surrounding villages are beautiful and worth to visit.
Flåm
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EVA'S TIP❗ Bear in mind that in Flåm you must pay parking almost everywhere!
There is a free parking in the starting point hike of the Brekefossen, this picture is taken from the point view over there. There are around 500 stairs up to the waterfall. If you have time, is worth doing it. But if you park your car there, you'll need to walk few minutes to reach to the village.
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Undredal
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The village in the picture is Undredal, you should go and see it. It is This perspective is taken from the cruise along the fjord.
This is a special village because it is famous for its cheese production, including the brown cheese, typical from Norway.
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Stegastein- LOOKOUT
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EVA'S TIP❗ Is it worth it? Well, if you have spare time, I would say yes, go. But it's true that the road is uphill and with a lot of curves, so it will depend on your willingness to drive like this for around 20 minutes, and then coming back from the same road.
The view is nice, but once you've seen there's nothing else. So, you could visit it but, if you don't, you won't miss much.
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Nærøyfjord
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The most incredible part of this area is to take an electric cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm or viceversa. The cruise takes around 2 hours to complete.
EVA'S TIP ❗ Book the cruise in advance online to avoid inconveniences.
You will sail along Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, an UNESCO's Heritage Norwegian Fjord, which, at the same time, is a small part of the Sognefjord, the World's second largest fjord.
You definitely must see this place by cruise! It is similar than Geirangerfjord, perhaps a bit less impressive, but still really beautiful.
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Below I share with you an extra hike and an extra spot nearby this area in case you have 1 more day:
Bakkanosi
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I didn't do this hike because of lack of time. But it takes around 6 hours in total and it leads you to a beautiful point view of the fjord.
The trail is close to Gudvangen.
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Borgund Stave Church
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You could perhaps do a quick stop to visit this Stave church on your way from Oslo to Flåm. It is beautiful to see a typical Norwegian church.
There is an Exhibition (under payment) and also options to get a guide.
EVA'S TIP❗I visited just from outside for free.
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DAY 2 - JOSTEDALSBREEN
You could explore the largest European Continental glacier and do some amazing hikes around the place!
Briksdal glacier hike
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Located in Jostedalsbreen, the largest European Continental glacier, you'll find impressive landscapes and hikes to do. Like this one in Briksdal glacier.
If you have the chance to go, try to stay at least 2-3 days to enjoy to the fullest.
There are hikes of all levels and lengths around the area.
You'll need to take a ferry to get to the place (around 4 hours in total from Flåm), otherwise the drive will take longer, like 6 hours.
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DAY 3 - HARDANGERFJORD
Located around 2 hours away from Flåm (6 hours driving in total if you come from the glacier), you'll find Hardangerfjord. This is a nice place for doing some hikes and visiting some amazing waterfalls.
Tvindefossen
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A quick stop to see this waterfall next to the road on your way down to Hardangerfjord coming from Gudvangen.
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Vøringfossen
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This is a beautiful waterfall worth to see passing by Eidfjord. There is actually another one nearby. Everything is connected by a metal and wooden trail, and there is even a hotel next to it, in case you want to grab something to eat.
The parking is for free.
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Husedalen valley
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This is a recommended hike to take while you are in this valley. The hike reached to 4 different waterfalls, and the last one is the most impressive I must say.
The hike can be a bit long and difficult, if you get to do the 4 waterfalls, specially if you are not used to hike or you're not fit enough. Otherwise, you'll be fine.
The parking is for free.
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DAY 4 - TROLLTUNGA
Trolltunga is the iconic Norwegian landscape, so it is worth to visit this place. This hike will take you all day, between 7-8 hours depending on your walking pace.
Trolltunga
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EVA'S TIP❗ try to start hiking the earlier you can to avoid crowds in Trolltunga. The waiting line to take the picture on the impressive stone can take up to 2 hours! So, really, start early to avoid as much people as you can.
The hike is long, but I won't say it is difficult. The elevation is 800 meters and there are a lot of flat parts.
Enjoy the views along the hike!
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Hildal Camping
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EVA'S TIP❗you don't need to pay to sleep, pay 50NOK per person to use hot water, instead and take a good shower after the hike. The price includes 6 minutes of hot water.
You'll find a parking place somewhere near the road for free, like in the Låtefossen parking lot.
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Låtefossen
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A nice waterfall along the road, and you could even consider doing overnight in the parking lot.
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Langfossen
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A big waterfall along the road that you'll find if you deviate a bit direction towards Stavanger. It is worth to see.
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DAY 5 - BERGEN
This day could be a good day to visit one of the most picturesque Norwegian villages: Bergen.
Bergen
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Bergen is a such beautiful town to visit and where you can perfectly spend 1 whole day walking along the colorful streets.
You cannot miss Bryggen historical place in front of the harbour, and get to the top of the hill to see Bergen from the top going to Fløibanen taking the Funicular.
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DAY 6 - PREIKESTOLEN & STAVANGER
I suggest taking the hike to Preikestolen early in the morning and visit the city of Stavanger located 1 hour away from the hike after. Once you've done here, start driving to Oslo, because a long distance is waiting for you, a long 7 hours drive.
I took the road going by the coast, to see some beaches and villages which I'll mention below in case you want to do some stops on the way, which is recommended.
Pulpit Rock / Preikestolen
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An amazing place to see, and a Norwegian icon, too.
EVA'S TIP❗ try to do the hike the earlier you can to avoid crowds.
The hike is easy, with an elevation of 500m. In total it will take around 4 hours, depending on your walking pace and endurance.
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Stavanger
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Stavanger is a beautiful city to visit, but specially downtown. The most colorful street is called Øvre Holmegate.
It's nice to walk around for a bit, but no need to spend a whole day in here.
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Driving towards Oslo you could stop in some places depending on if you drive along the interior part or the coast:
Månafossen
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I didn't go to this waterfall but it can be a nice stop on the way to Oslo.
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Sjøsanden
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This can be a nice stop if you have a sunny day and want to see a beach in the Southern part of the country.
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Kristiansand
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A beautiful city, with flowers everywhere and beautiful streets. Worth to stop to see it.
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Heddal stave church
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A quick stop to admire this church on your way to Oslo.
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DAY 7 - OSLO
Oslo
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You cannot leave the country without seeing the capital of Oslo.
It's a beautiful city, full of attractive buildings and vibrant culture.
I recommend walking along Karl Johans Gate, the Main Street. And explore a bit around.
Of course, you should see the Opera, too, located in the harbor. The metro to the airport is just in front of the Opera.
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Geirangerfjord
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If you have the chance to go a bit further north, don't miss out the most impressive Norwegian fjord!
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I sincerely hope that this itinerary can become a useful guide to plan your upcoming roadtrip around Southern Norway.
Check other guides that can be of your interest below
You can also read about “My Story” if you are interested in knowing more about living abroad, being nomad, or other destinations, and to get to know more about me and how I started moving around! 👇🏼
I’ve been living nomad for the last years, and here I’ll show how I’ve done it without spending money, earning it, instead!
Since I started living abroad, I received comments claiming that I'm rich or lucky. So I decided to write about my story with the aim to show how living this lifestyle can be aittanable for everybody and to show a bit more about me!
Don't expect to read about being a digital nomad, that's not the only way to live like that. There are many other possibilities to have a nomad lifestyle.
Hopefully, I get to inspire somebody to start pursuing their dreams, no matter how big they are, they can happen (I can tell), to get out from the auto-pilot we all live in, and to dare oneself to step out of the comfort zone! 💭✈️
I will talk about:
• How did I start living abroad?
• Places I have lived in so far
• How I keep having this lifestyle
• My best tip to live nomad
• The people I met along the journey
• What's next?
Adventure • Budget • Nature
Thank you for reading, and don't hesitate to reach me out on Instagram @evarios14 if you have any question, feedback or just want to connect!
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