With its monumental landscapes, its wild expanses, and its fjords forming aquatic labyrinths, Norway is a destination that has tempted us for a long time. So when Nordic Nomads invited us to try out their week-long Norwegian road trip to the Fjord region in summer, we were excited.
This trip is a special road trip because our vehicle is also our accommodation. It has a pop-up tent on the roof and has everything you need (stove, cooking pots, table, and chairs) to prepare food. Every night, we can stay at a campsite (reserved by Nordic Nomads) or bivouac as we wish.
Before arriving in Bergen, preparation for our road trip to Norway
As I said in the intro, we are going to experience this road trip in Norway thanks to Nordic Nomads – a travel base that put together the itinerary and took care of 100% of the logistical part of the trip (flight reservation, shuttle from the airport to the first base camp, vehicle rental, campsite reservation, design of a detailed road book, meals, etc.).
Before the trip, everything was very simple to book the stay and choose the different options. We were informed at regular intervals to remind us of important organizational points (formalities, list of things to bring, flight reminders, etc.). Everything is centralized on a platform and allows you to access your documents very easily.
In the practical information at the end of this article, I have added some additional tips from our experience. So it was without incident that we arrived in Bergen in Norway, the starting point of this week-long road trip in the fjord region.
road trip in Norway, on the waterfall route
As soon as we arrive at the airport, we are greeted by a driver who takes care of the shuttle. We then meet other people who will also experience this trip to Norway. We will be able to meet them again during the route and in the evening in the different base camps.
It takes us about 30 minutes to arrive at the Nordic Nomads base camp. But we won’t be there very long. Indeed, the trip is already off to a flying start because our first campsite is 123 km away.
A “ranger” (person who acts as liaison) welcomes us and gives us all the useful information so that we can get by for the week. She shows us the vehicle in detail, explains how the roof tent works, and the equipment available for cooking, and gives us the road book containing the precise itinerary (also accessible on an application).
Everything is very easy to use, so we can hit the road very quickly. Anyway, if we have any questions, we can contact the Nordic Nomads team through a WhatsApp group.
Arriving quite late in the afternoon, we wasted no time and headed towards the first point of interest, the Morkholsfossen waterfall. We can see it from the road but to enjoy it more, we stop in the small parking lot provided for this purpose and we walk along the river.
The path is not signposted, but we find a way to access it, taking care to stay dry, the meadow we cross is saturated with water. Although the waterfall is not very high, it has an impressive flow and a magnificent setting.
If the weather had permitted it would surely have been a beautiful spot for swimming. This waterfall is the first of many on this route in Norway. Along the way, we will also come across the Fossen Bratte which can be admired from above from the road or approached on foot by taking another path.
Continuing the route on the magnificent Hardanger road which winds between glaciers, waterfalls, and cultivated areas, we arrive at Steindhalfossen, the waterfall that most captivated us. 48 meters high, it can be admired from all angles since it is very clear. So we have fun taking photos of it from all angles. With its small particularity, you can pass under the veil of water and easily approach its summit for an even more immersive experience.
In case you haven’t guessed yet, focused means waterfall, it can be useful on the road to flush out more! There are many tourist signs (on a brown background) along the roads indicating places of interest. By knowing certain words, we can know if they are waterfalls, natural parks, gorges, etc.
Our visit to Norway takes place mainly in the fjord region, so our route will be occasionally interspersed with ferry crossings. The route on Google takes this into account and the frequency of ferries is high. The first day already allows us to have this experience. From the boat, you can see the villages along the water’s edge receding. The colorful houses and their reflections with the mountain in the background form a real postcard.
That day, we arrived at the campsite late (around 11 p.m.), just in time to enjoy the sunset. We do not regret having taken our time to contemplate the wonders of this first day of a road trip in Norway. They predict a magnificent stay.
Between fjords and Norwegian traditions
The first night in a roof tent went very well. Installation is super easy and quick.
Nordic Nomads – travel base also allows you to choose the “Food pack” option with everything you need to make 3 meals a day. There are freeze-dried products, pasta, rice, coffee, and other products that are easy to store and cook on the go. I will give you more details in the practical information.
As we had taken this option, we already had breakfast and everything we needed to enjoy before leaving for the second stage of this visit to Norway. We consult the roadbook to see all the points of interest that will mark the day’s itinerary. On the program, are cultural places, fabulous waterfalls, and pretty wooden churches.
We stop first to contemplate the Skjervefossen, a magnificent waterfall that can be observed from above from the car park or at its base by taking the small path that descends through the vegetation. This little walk is done to the sound of the water which rushes down 60 meters high with force. When you’re at his feet, it’s impossible not to have your breath taken away. It is nestled in a beautiful dark rocky setting in a semi-circle.
Plants flourish profusely thanks to the ambient humidity. After this moment of wonder, we take the winding road again, we are amazed at each turn. We make a short stop at the Voss folk museum to look at the old architecture of the farms. If you want to know more, it is possible to access exhibitions and the site inside for an entrance fee.