Luxury fly-drive Norway touring holiday with 9 nights on Norway's west coast fjords and islands with an overnight cruise on Hurtigruten
This luxury fly-drive touring holiday takes you through some of Norway’s most spectacular fjord and mountain scenery, culminating in the chance to drive the famous Atlantic Ocean Road. Start by flying into Bergen where you spend two nights. Known as the city of the seven mountains, Bergen is a beautiful city which used to be the capital of Norway. It is possible to reach one of these mountains by funicular from the city centre, which awards spectacular views of Bergen and the surrounding landscape. Bergen is also known for the colourful façade of Bryggen with its picturesque wooden structures, now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For those more interested in the cultural attractions the Troldhaugen was the home of composer Edvard Grieg and houses a museum and a concert hall where his music is still played. From here you drive to Balestrand, a journey of roughly three and a half hours which takes you alongside the beautiful Sognefjord. The scenery is the main attraction here, with the narrow fjord branches and incredible mountain landscape. There are many varied and well-marked hiking trails around the town and the surrounding mountains which will allow you to take in the magnificent views of the fjords. One of the most popular activities here is a boat trip on the Sognefjord itself; there are options to take ferry tours to see the glaciers along the nearby Fjaerlandsfjord, or perhaps go kayaking on the calm waters. After two nights here drive further north to the town of Loen in the inner reaches of the Nordfjord. Loen’s location here makes it an excellent base to explore this beautiful region, as well as the nearby national park. The Loen Skylift cable car is a recent addition which takes visitors up 1,011 metres above sea level. From here there are many clearly marked hiking trails for all skill levels, all of which give expansive views of the mountains, lakes and even glaciers. There are also many options closer to the ground, from canoeing to fishing to visiting the glaciers at the nearby Josteldalsbreen. After two nights here drive the famous Trollstigen mountain road north to Andalsnes, on the Romdalsfjord, and a small town famed for the Romsdalseggen ridge, Rampestreken viewpoint and for being the starting station of the scenic Rauma Line. Romsadelseggen ridge is one of the world’s most scenic hikes and rewards you with views of the majestic Trollveggen cliff and surrounding mountains. Your next base will take you across some of the most impressive roads in the world – the Atlantic Ocean Road. You spend two nights on the island of Averøy close by, giving you excellent access to the many bridges and viewing points which make up this world-famous route. Finish your holiday by spending one night on the Hurtigruten ship from Kristiansund to Bergen, a perfect relaxing ending allowing you to take in the incredible western coastline. Arrive at Bergen in the afternoon and take a direct evening flight to London Gatwick.
Highlights
Bergen • Balestrand • Loen • Andalsnes • Ocean Road • Hurtigruten cruise overnight
Day by day
Your holiday starts with your arrival in Bergen by a direct flight from London Gatwick where you stay for two nights.
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and was the capital throughout some of the country’s most influential periods. One of your days here should start with a visit to the iconic Bryggen wharf, first established in the 14th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its colourful buildings today house a small museum, shops and restaurants. Bergen is known as the city of the seven mountains, the most easily accessible of which is Fløyen, which can be reached by funicular from the city centre and awards spectacular views of the city and surrounding area. It is possible to take the funicular back, or you may want to hike back down at your leisure. Bergen has the busiest seaport in the country and the market offers an abundance of fish, shellfish, fruits and vegetables – visiting the fish market is a must. Cultural attractions include the Troldhaugen, the former home of Edvard Grieg and today host to a museum about his life and works as well as a concert hall where you can hear his works performed. Its location in the fjords also makes Bergen an excellent base from which to explore more by boat, and there are many options ranging from a quick trip to an all-day experience.
Today you collect your hire car and drive along the Sognefjord to the town of Balestrand. Head out of Bergen, across the bridges which take you over the sparkling waters dotted with green islands. As you drive further north the scenery remains lusciously green and you will be rewarded with frequent views of Norway’s beauty, an excellent introduction to the country’s splendour. At Oppedal join the fast car ferry service to Lavik, then continue to follow the winding roads as they twist around the fjords. The remainder of the journey takes along the width of the Sognefjord, past the towns of Nordeide and Hoyanger, and eventually to Balestrand, your base for the next two nights.
Balestrand is situated on the northern shore of the majestic Sognefjord. We highly recommend using your time here to explore the stunning scenery, and the best way to do this is by boat. It is possible to take a ferry up the Fjærlandsfjord to Mundal, where you can visit the Glacier Museum. This features interactive exhibitions on the history of the area and its glaciers, as well as a panoramic cinema showcasing the glacier from every possible angle. For those interested in more active pursuits, Fjærland also offers the opportunity to hike on the glacier itself. At the top of Flatbreen, around a 3-hour hike from Fjærland, you will find the Flatbrehytta cabin and can witness beautiful views of the fjord. There are also excellent hiking opportunities closer to home; Balestrand offers an abundance varied and well-marked hiking trails around the town and the surrounding mountains. In the summer you can go kayaking on the fjord and for a couple of months each year river fishing is a popular activity. Other attractions include the Norwegian Travel and Tourism Museum, which follows the tracks of the first explorers and how their discoveries led to the development of the Norwegian tourism we see today, and the Sognefjord aquarium, entry to which includes the rental of a rowing boat or canoe.
Today you drive to Loen in the inner reaches of the Nordfjord. Leave Balestrand and take the short car ferry service across the Sognefjord. The next section of your drive will have almost constant views of the fjord and the mountains, before you head away from the waters and into the more forested area leading up to Fjaerland. After skirting along the edge of the Fjaerlandsfjord, you will travel through the mountains themselves, emerging alongside the clear blue waters of Lake Jolstravatnet. From here you head north through a luscious green valley framed by mountains. This land becomes more agricultural as you pass through the small town of Byrkjelo, before you eventually reach the edge of the Nordfjord. Follow the winding road along the inlet until finally reach Loen at its head, where you check into your hotel for the next two nights.
Despite its small size, Loen is known as being an excellent adventure paradise and has been attracting visitors for many decades. For the best views of the area a visit to one of the main attractions is essential: Mt Hoven is 1,011 metres high and is reachable via the Leon Skylift cable car. There are multiple clearly marked hiking trails for all skill levels from here. For those wanting views with a more challenging hike, Mt Scala offers a difficult trail which has views of glaciers and fjords along the way. Back on the ground Lake Lovatnet will give you a very different but no less picturesque perspective of the scenery. Boat cruises are common on the lake, and there are opportunities for kayaking and fishing as well. Around 30 kilometres outside Loen you will find the Briksdalsbreen Glacier, a famous part of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier in the Jostedal National Park. This glacier is roughly 1,200 metres high, and it is possible to partake in glacier hikes, perhaps by taking a unique “Trollcar” up the glacier. The highest point of this glacier is Lodalskåka. It is a long trip of about 8-12 hours to reach its peak, but the incredible opportunity to hike across glacier and past the beautiful Lake Kåpevatnet is not one to be missed for adventure enthusiasts.
Start your drive to Åndalsnes by following the small branch of the Nordfjord, enjoying dramatic fjord and mountain scenery on one side and the luscious, sloped forest on the other. Head briefly away from the water until you reach Hornidalsvetnet, Europe’s deepest lake. Cross the lake by bridge at one of its narrowest points before skirting alongside it for the next section of the journey. The scenery will become more rugged again from here, as the roads wind and twist to follow the mountain valleys. One of the most interesting parts of the journey is the hairpin bends as you descend the serpentine mountain road of Trollstigen. The scenery here is breathtakingly beautiful, with tumbling waterfalls and jagged mountains pressing in on all sides. From here you pass through dense and enchanting forest right out of a fairy-tale. The final stretch of your journey takes you alongside the Rauma River as you arrive at Åndalsnes, on the Romdalsfjord, your base for the next two nights.
Åndalsnes has access to some of the best hiking opportunities in the world. Romsdalseggen ridge is one of the world’s most scenic hikes, taking you up to an altitude of 970m for views of the majestic Trollveggen and the surrounding mountains. This is a relatively challenging hike but well worth the trip for those seeking an adventurous activity. The region’s other most famous location for an excellent view is the Rampestreken viewpoint, reachable via a steep path from Åndalsnes town centre. Åndalsnes is one of the starting stations for the world-famous Rauma Railway. Travel leisurely alongside the emerald-green River Rauma, passing through mountains and fjords. The trains usually stop for photo opportunities at Kylling Bridge and Trollveggen, Europe’s highest perpendicular mountain wall. The slower sightseeing trains run during the summer months, but services run along the line throughout the year. Within the town itself you will find the Norwegian Mountaineering Centre focusing on Norwegian mountaineering history and outdoor mountain activities. This includes a museum featuring interactive exhibitions about the history and development of mountaineering, as well as a unique 3D cinema and Norway’s highest indoor climbing wall.
After two nights in Åndalsnes you drive to your final stop on the small fishing island of Haholmen, through arguably the most scenic locations so far. Haholmen is located extremely close to the famous Atlantic Ocean Road and is an excellent base from which to explore this beautiful area via its impressive road network. Leaving Åndalsnes, drive alongside the sparkling blue water until you reach Afarnes, where a car ferry will take you across this narrow stretch of the fjord. From here the journey becomes increasingly spectacular as you cross bridges stretching large gaps between islands, with unbroken water on either side of you. You will skirt the edge of the Fraenfjorden as you pass through the village of Malme, and you may want to stop at Trollkirka shortly after this. From here you can explore the Trollkirka (Troll church) marble and limestone cave which features underground rivers and waterfalls. The final stretch to your hotel on the island of Haholmen takes you across a series of tiny islands connected by ingenious bridges. This is the famous Atlantic Ocean Road. The views here are truly breath-taking and you will want to stop in multiple places to take pictures of this famous road and the fjord scenery. Arrive in Geitøya where you will leave your car to take either an express boat or a Viking Ship across to the hotel, a journey of roughly 10 minutes. Check in to your hotel for two nights before heading out to explore more of the area.
Specific highlights at Haholmen include the Kjeksa, a wonderful viewpoint near the fishing village of Bud, and Geitøya, where you can take a short walk both to the hilltops and down to the water. Eldhusøya is an elevated hiking path which was designed to protect the natural environment whilst providing everyone the opportunity to explore this area by foot. It will award you spectacular views of the twisting road which arcs between the islands.
Today you continue to enjoy the amazing seascape as you travel from the island along the Atlantic Ocean Road to the town of Kristiansund. Populated for more than 10,000 years, Kristiansund is believed by some to be where the people first settled in Norway. It also has one of the country’s best natural harbours in the centre of the city, where you can try the town’s specialty of bacalao, dried salted cod. In the evening from Kristiansund you board the Hurtigruten service for an overnight sea journey back to Bergen. The ferry stops at the city of Ålesund, a port town known for its art nouveau architectural style. After exploring the fjords by road this sea voyage will provide you with a welcome opportunity to see them from a very different, yet no less scenic angle.
You approach Bergen passing the picturesque Nordfjord beneath Jostedal Glacier. The boat crosses the majestic Sognefjord before arriving in Bergen at about 14.45 hrs. You disembark with time to take an evening flight direct to London Gatwick.
The itinerary was exactly what we planned for. Travelling around by plane, train, car and ferry was perfectly arranged and all ran smoothly.Mrs A, October 2024
Holiday price guide From £2,660 per person
Holiday Code SCFD03
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury fly-drive Norway touring holiday with 9 nights on Norway's west coast fjords and islands with an overnight cruise on Hurtigruten
Your holiday starts with your arrival in Bergen by a direct flight from London Gatwick where you stay for two nights.
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and was the capital throughout some of the country’s most influential periods. One of your days here should start with a visit to the iconic Bryggen wharf, first established in the 14th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its colourful buildings today house a small museum, shops and restaurants. Bergen is known as the city of the seven mountains, the most easily accessible of which is Fløyen, which can be reached by funicular from the city centre and awards spectacular views of the city and surrounding area. It is possible to take the funicular back, or you may want to hike back down at your leisure. Bergen has the busiest seaport in the country and the market offers an abundance of fish, shellfish, fruits and vegetables – visiting the fish market is a must. Cultural attractions include the Troldhaugen, the former home of Edvard Grieg and today host to a museum about his life and works as well as a concert hall where you can hear his works performed. Its location in the fjords also makes Bergen an excellent base from which to explore more by boat, and there are many options ranging from a quick trip to an all-day experience.
Today you collect your hire car and drive along the Sognefjord to the town of Balestrand. Head out of Bergen, across the bridges which take you over the sparkling waters dotted with green islands. As you drive further north the scenery remains lusciously green and you will be rewarded with frequent views of Norway’s beauty, an excellent introduction to the country’s splendour. At Oppedal join the fast car ferry service to Lavik, then continue to follow the winding roads as they twist around the fjords. The remainder of the journey takes along the width of the Sognefjord, past the towns of Nordeide and Hoyanger, and eventually to Balestrand, your base for the next two nights.
Balestrand is situated on the northern shore of the majestic Sognefjord. We highly recommend using your time here to explore the stunning scenery, and the best way to do this is by boat. It is possible to take a ferry up the Fjærlandsfjord to Mundal, where you can visit the Glacier Museum. This features interactive exhibitions on the history of the area and its glaciers, as well as a panoramic cinema showcasing the glacier from every possible angle. For those interested in more active pursuits, Fjærland also offers the opportunity to hike on the glacier itself. At the top of Flatbreen, around a 3-hour hike from Fjærland, you will find the Flatbrehytta cabin and can witness beautiful views of the fjord. There are also excellent hiking opportunities closer to home; Balestrand offers an abundance varied and well-marked hiking trails around the town and the surrounding mountains. In the summer you can go kayaking on the fjord and for a couple of months each year river fishing is a popular activity. Other attractions include the Norwegian Travel and Tourism Museum, which follows the tracks of the first explorers and how their discoveries led to the development of the Norwegian tourism we see today, and the Sognefjord aquarium, entry to which includes the rental of a rowing boat or canoe.
Today you drive to Loen in the inner reaches of the Nordfjord. Leave Balestrand and take the short car ferry service across the Sognefjord. The next section of your drive will have almost constant views of the fjord and the mountains, before you head away from the waters and into the more forested area leading up to Fjaerland. After skirting along the edge of the Fjaerlandsfjord, you will travel through the mountains themselves, emerging alongside the clear blue waters of Lake Jolstravatnet. From here you head north through a luscious green valley framed by mountains. This land becomes more agricultural as you pass through the small town of Byrkjelo, before you eventually reach the edge of the Nordfjord. Follow the winding road along the inlet until finally reach Loen at its head, where you check into your hotel for the next two nights.
Despite its small size, Loen is known as being an excellent adventure paradise and has been attracting visitors for many decades. For the best views of the area a visit to one of the main attractions is essential: Mt Hoven is 1,011 metres high and is reachable via the Leon Skylift cable car. There are multiple clearly marked hiking trails for all skill levels from here. For those wanting views with a more challenging hike, Mt Scala offers a difficult trail which has views of glaciers and fjords along the way. Back on the ground Lake Lovatnet will give you a very different but no less picturesque perspective of the scenery. Boat cruises are common on the lake, and there are opportunities for kayaking and fishing as well. Around 30 kilometres outside Loen you will find the Briksdalsbreen Glacier, a famous part of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier in the Jostedal National Park. This glacier is roughly 1,200 metres high, and it is possible to partake in glacier hikes, perhaps by taking a unique “Trollcar” up the glacier. The highest point of this glacier is Lodalskåka. It is a long trip of about 8-12 hours to reach its peak, but the incredible opportunity to hike across glacier and past the beautiful Lake Kåpevatnet is not one to be missed for adventure enthusiasts.
Start your drive to Åndalsnes by following the small branch of the Nordfjord, enjoying dramatic fjord and mountain scenery on one side and the luscious, sloped forest on the other. Head briefly away from the water until you reach Hornidalsvetnet, Europe’s deepest lake. Cross the lake by bridge at one of its narrowest points before skirting alongside it for the next section of the journey. The scenery will become more rugged again from here, as the roads wind and twist to follow the mountain valleys. One of the most interesting parts of the journey is the hairpin bends as you descend the serpentine mountain road of Trollstigen. The scenery here is breathtakingly beautiful, with tumbling waterfalls and jagged mountains pressing in on all sides. From here you pass through dense and enchanting forest right out of a fairy-tale. The final stretch of your journey takes you alongside the Rauma River as you arrive at Åndalsnes, on the Romdalsfjord, your base for the next two nights.
Åndalsnes has access to some of the best hiking opportunities in the world. Romsdalseggen ridge is one of the world’s most scenic hikes, taking you up to an altitude of 970m for views of the majestic Trollveggen and the surrounding mountains. This is a relatively challenging hike but well worth the trip for those seeking an adventurous activity. The region’s other most famous location for an excellent view is the Rampestreken viewpoint, reachable via a steep path from Åndalsnes town centre. Åndalsnes is one of the starting stations for the world-famous Rauma Railway. Travel leisurely alongside the emerald-green River Rauma, passing through mountains and fjords. The trains usually stop for photo opportunities at Kylling Bridge and Trollveggen, Europe’s highest perpendicular mountain wall. The slower sightseeing trains run during the summer months, but services run along the line throughout the year. Within the town itself you will find the Norwegian Mountaineering Centre focusing on Norwegian mountaineering history and outdoor mountain activities. This includes a museum featuring interactive exhibitions about the history and development of mountaineering, as well as a unique 3D cinema and Norway’s highest indoor climbing wall.
After two nights in Åndalsnes you drive to your final stop on the small fishing island of Haholmen, through arguably the most scenic locations so far. Haholmen is located extremely close to the famous Atlantic Ocean Road and is an excellent base from which to explore this beautiful area via its impressive road network. Leaving Åndalsnes, drive alongside the sparkling blue water until you reach Afarnes, where a car ferry will take you across this narrow stretch of the fjord. From here the journey becomes increasingly spectacular as you cross bridges stretching large gaps between islands, with unbroken water on either side of you. You will skirt the edge of the Fraenfjorden as you pass through the village of Malme, and you may want to stop at Trollkirka shortly after this. From here you can explore the Trollkirka (Troll church) marble and limestone cave which features underground rivers and waterfalls. The final stretch to your hotel on the island of Haholmen takes you across a series of tiny islands connected by ingenious bridges. This is the famous Atlantic Ocean Road. The views here are truly breath-taking and you will want to stop in multiple places to take pictures of this famous road and the fjord scenery. Arrive in Geitøya where you will leave your car to take either an express boat or a Viking Ship across to the hotel, a journey of roughly 10 minutes. Check in to your hotel for two nights before heading out to explore more of the area.
Specific highlights at Haholmen include the Kjeksa, a wonderful viewpoint near the fishing village of Bud, and Geitøya, where you can take a short walk both to the hilltops and down to the water. Eldhusøya is an elevated hiking path which was designed to protect the natural environment whilst providing everyone the opportunity to explore this area by foot. It will award you spectacular views of the twisting road which arcs between the islands.
Today you continue to enjoy the amazing seascape as you travel from the island along the Atlantic Ocean Road to the town of Kristiansund. Populated for more than 10,000 years, Kristiansund is believed by some to be where the people first settled in Norway. It also has one of the country’s best natural harbours in the centre of the city, where you can try the town’s specialty of bacalao, dried salted cod. In the evening from Kristiansund you board the Hurtigruten service for an overnight sea journey back to Bergen. The ferry stops at the city of Ålesund, a port town known for its art nouveau architectural style. After exploring the fjords by road this sea voyage will provide you with a welcome opportunity to see them from a very different, yet no less scenic angle.
You approach Bergen passing the picturesque Nordfjord beneath Jostedal Glacier. The boat crosses the majestic Sognefjord before arriving in Bergen at about 14.45 hrs. You disembark with time to take an evening flight direct to London Gatwick.
The itinerary was exactly what we planned for. Travelling around by plane, train, car and ferry was perfectly arranged and all ran smoothly.Mrs A, October 2024
Holiday price guide From £2,660 per person
Holiday Code SCFD03
Our prices include
● Return flights from London to Bergen
● Hire of a group B car for 10 days from Bergen downtown back to Bergen airport
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Standard double room at Bergen Børs Hotel, Bergen
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Standard double room at Kviknes Hotel, Balestrand
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Standard double room at Hotel Alexandra, Loen
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Standard double room at Hotel Grand Bellevue, Andalsnes
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Double room at Haholmen Havstuer Hotel, Averøy
● 1 night’s bed and breakfast in a Polar outside cabin on the Kristiansund – Bergen Hurtigruten
● Ferry crossing for car on Hurtigruten from Kristiansund to Bergen
● Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
Our prices do not include
● Early check-in or late check-out at any hotels (although we can arrange this on request at additional cost)
● Any other services not mentioned above, such as transfers and meals except breakfast at hotels
● Personal holiday insurance. This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday.
● Possible local tourist tax, usually the equivalent of £1 to £3 per person per night, and payable locally to the hotel
● Transfers in any cities
Additional information This holiday can be arranged throughout the year subject to the opening dates of the hotels. Timings can vary depending on the month and day of the week.
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury fly-drive Norway touring holiday with 9 nights on Norway's west coast fjords and islands with an overnight cruise on Hurtigruten
An hotel that is a fusion of the historic and the modern, 4-star, in the centre of Bergen, opposite the Fish Market and with 127 rooms. A cosy and exhilarating atmosphere. Restaurant with Michelin star.
Standard double room
A striking hotel on the side of the Sognefjord dating from 1752 with an historic and a modern part. Great emphasis on local food.
Historic room with fjord view
The Hotel Alexandra is a historic, family-run hotel in the inner reaches of the Nordfjord. Traditional rooms with excellent views, two dining options, baths and spa.
Superior double room
A traditional hotel set on a fishing island, reached by fishing boat or Viking ship. Authentic cuisine, comfortable rooms and excellent views.
Standard room
The itinerary was exactly what we planned for. Travelling around by plane, train, car and ferry was perfectly arranged and all ran smoothly.Mrs A, October 2024
Holiday price guide From £2,660 per person
Holiday Code SCFD03
Call us on 01392 441245
Luxury fly-drive Norway touring holiday with 9 nights on Norway's west coast fjords and islands with an overnight cruise on Hurtigruten
About Vestlandet and Norway's fjordland
Vestlandet contains many of the archetypal sites the visitor associates with Norway: spectacular fjords, colourful fishing ports, stave churches and dramatic panoramas. Vestlandet is a long, thin region in the west of the country, bordering the North Sea and interspersed by jagged inlets from the sea into the mountainous interior: the fjords including Sognefjorden, Geirangerfjord, Lysefjorden, Hardangerfjorden and Eidfjord. Bergen is the outstanding jewel as a town in this region, a World Heritage City, with ancient history, attractive buildings, world-class museums and superb restaurants. Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord and is composed of five large arms with fingers, of which Naeroyfjorden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To complement the dramatic natural scenery, there are ample man-made delights in the area too, with charming villages, waterfronts, well-preserved Viking heritage sites and local foodie specialities. You can witness the drama of the Sognefjord by boat from Bergen to Flam on a journey of about five hours. Just north and south of the innermost reaches of the Sognefjord are the outstanding stave churches of Borgund, unchanged since the Middle Ages, and Urnes, the oldest stave church in Norway. The Geirangerfjord is one of the best-known and justifiably so as it contains ten miles of dramatic natural beauty with numerous waterfalls tumbling down the vertical cliff face. The Hardangerfjord runs from the North Sea to the Hardangervidda Plateau and offers a wealth of attractive scenery and pretty towns, with numerous activities. There are also apple orchards and farmland, hiking and cycling. Towards the north of the region is the coastal town of Alesund, whose centre consists mainly of striking Art Nouveau buildings, constructed in the early 20th Century after a fire destroyed most of the old town centre.
Highlights of Vestlandet
Vestlandet is fjord country and the most well-known and spectactular are Sognefjorden, the Geirangerfjord, Lysefjorden, Hardangerfjorden and Eidfjord. The seafaring cities and ports of Bergen and Alesund offer a mixture of cultural, food and sightseeing possibilities. Bergen has the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen with museum, shops, galleries and restaurants. There is the KODE museum of art and design and at Troldhaugen you can visit the home of Edvard Grieg. The region is also home to the Flam railway and cable cars take you to mountain tops. Alesund is renowned as an Art Deco town after a fire in 1904 destroyed the old town. From here it is the gateway to the Geirangerfjord and the Trollstigen mountain road. Combine land and water sports as well as spectacular scenery in Vestlandet. You can also visit glaciers in this region and take the Atlantic Road for coastal vistas.
Cultural highlights of Vestlandet
There is a wide range of cultural visits throughout the region: KUBE art nouveau centre in Alesund, Agatunet traditional Norwegian village on the Hardangerfjord, Kinn stone church from the Middle Ages, Alesund medieval age museum, The Vicarage at Nesset childhood home of Nobel Prize for Literature winner Bjornson, Bergenhus Fortress in Bergen, Suldal living museum farm, Eldhuset at Undredal on the Sognfjord showing local traditions, pasture farming and goat's cheese production, Sirdal mountain musuem, Bergen school museum, Geirganger timber church, Flam railway museum, Steffagarden on Ona croft from 1793, Visnes mining museum, Hardanger fold museum, Baroniet Rosendal manor house and gardens, Viking exhbition at Eidfjord, Vik historical tour, Kaupanger stave church on the Sognefjord, Trollveggen visitor centre, Viking village at Gudvangen, Borgund church, Osteroy museum, Ardal old church Ryfylke.
Festivals of Vestlandet
Kristiansund has a food festival in June, there is a Viking festival in Avaldsnes in June, Sola holds a kite festival in June, Floro holds the world's longest herring table in June, early July sees the Skudefestivalen the largest gathering of coastal culture in western Norway, Floro holds a sea sports festival in mid July, Molde holds the oldest continuously running jazz festival in the world in July, Haugesund harbour days is a yearly tradition in mid August, The Tomato festival is held in mid August at Finnoy on the Ryfylke Islands near Stavanger, Hardanger holds a music festival at the end of August, Bergen has a food festival at the beginning of September.
Gastronomy of Vestlandet
The mild climate and soils of the region lend themselves to the growing of fruit and berries that produce apple juice, cider and jams. Strawberries, raspberries and cherries are also grown locally. Cheeses are produced in the region including the Tingvoll cheese that has been produced here since 1303. Smoked salmon and cured meats are also local. Clipfish (dried salted cod) in the Alsesund area.
