Norway in a nutshell
PACKING
We planned our trip for the end of July. Norway has unpredictable weather so make sure to bring layers and be prepared for sun and rain. We interrailed from Amsterdam to Oslo using a 7-day pass (264 euros) and had to continue our trip from there to head to our first destination, which was Bergen.
Since we were going to be on foot a lot we packed minimally and lightweight.
Our complete backpacking list:
Essentials
- Backpack
- Waterbottle
- Toilet paper
- Lighter
- Matches
- Phone
- Powerbank
- Charger, earbuds
- Wallet
Sleeping
- Tent
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Mat (+ optional extra foam mat for insulation)
- Tent Canvas (for under the tent)
Clothing
- Coat
- Pants
- Shorts
- Fleece jacket
- Leggings/Joggers
- Raincoat
- Underwear
- T-shirts
- Socks
- Slippers
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Beanie
Toiletries
- Travel Towel
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Lotion/face cream
- Nail clippers
- Bug spray
- Soap bar
- Alcohol
- Tweezers/Tick pliers
- Sunscreen
Cooking
- Stove
- Fuel
- Pot/Pan
- Cloth
- Cutlery (Sporks :)
- Plates
- Mug
- Sponge
Other
- Rope
- Knife
- Extra bag for dirty laundry
- Flashlight
- Elastics, rope ties
- Ziploc bags
1. HAUKELAND
After spending a night in beautiful Copenhagen, we took the train to Oslo and then to Bergen station - from there we traveled to our first destination.
Our first camping spot was in Haukeland:
A cute camping with everything you need located an hour away from Bergen station by bus. The bus ride brings you through beautiful sights until you arrive to this gorgeous lake with plenty of spots to pitch up your tent.
Staying at campings in Norway was very cheap, especially with just a tent and two people. Prices vary from 5 euros a night to 15 euros a night.
2. LONE - ULRIKEN
For day 3, we did a hike from Lone (the camping) to Ulriken. This hike was 7 km long and had a rise of 700 meters. We used the AllTrails app to find this hike. As it is a popular route, there is plenty to choose from.
At the end of the hike - after admiring the incredible view from Ulriken mountain - we took the gondola back down. This was around 20 euros per person.
3. BERGEN - TVINDE
We packed up our camping gear and headed to Bergen city center.
The city center is small and we explored it in a few hours. The colorful houses and bustling haven made it an entertaining morning.
From Bergen station we took the 2 hour train to Voss and then a 30 min bus to Tvinde Camping
We set up our tent right under the Tvindefossen waterfall and even cooked a meal on the rocks where kids were playing and families were taking pictures. It was an amazing sight and the sound of the waterfall lulled you to sleep at night.
We stayed here for two nights costing us around 10 euros per person.
4. FINSE
Wild camping time!
In the morning, we traveled back by bus to Voss Station and took a 1-hour train to Finse.
Finse can only be reached by train. The lake area allows wild camping on one side of the lake as the other side houses guests in a luxe DNT Finsehytta (mountain cabin).
After crossing the bridge to the other side and walking for a bit to find the perfect spot we set up our tent close to the lake. Sheeps surround the lake and might wake you up in the morning with their bells :P
The next day, we hiked towards the Hardangerjøkulen glacier that is located near the lake.
We used the AllTrails app again but had to improvise halfway because some paths were not marked clearly anymore. The rocky terrain near the lake creates a challenging but beautiful hike.
We ended the hike with a warm shower at the DNT hut. They allow you to use their shower for a small fee and enjoy their warm drinks in their cafe.
5. Ål
After our final day in Finse, we took the 1-hour train to Ål station and got picked up by our Airbnb host and brought to a lovely cabin near the sheep farms.
The cabin supplies electricy, gas, and water jugs. We stayed here for 3 nights living very minimally ;) washing our clothes, cooking simple meals, playing board games and enjoying the countryside.
6. Oslo
Our last few days were spent back in society in the beautiful city of Oslo. Taking the train from Ål to Oslo took us 4 hours where we explored a bit of the city center first.
We stayed in an Airbnb near Lambertseter. This neighborhood is 20 mins by U-Bahn away from Oslo center and offers plenty of places for a quiet stay.
Activities in Oslo:
There is plenty to explore in Oslo!
1. We loved doing a self-guided tour of the city. We used the Questo app where we found a super entertaining tour of Oslo combining history and mythical stories.
Here are some spots you have to see!
3. Lunch at Bahn Mi XO for the best Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwhiches and bubble tea!
2. Dinner at Norlaks Sushi! Tasted great and affordable :)
Thank you for reading!
I hope you found plenty of inspiration from this Thatch guide for your trip to Norway. Contact me for any questions!
Happy travels!
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