5-Day Locals' Approach: Shopping and Sightseeing in Western Norway
Western Norway, Norway
5 days
About Western Norway, Norway
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Western Norway, a region renowned for its stunning fjords, towering mountains, and vibrant cultural heritage. Embark on a thrilling journey through the UNESCO-listed fjords, Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, or hike the majestic trails of Jotunheimen National Park. Explore the charming coastal cities of Bergen and Ålesund, rich in history and Nordic charm. Discover the unique stave churches in rural villages and savor the local cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and traditional Norwegian dishes. In winter, enjoy world-class skiing and Northern Lights viewing. Western Norway offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and cultural exploration.
5-Day Itinerary
Day 2
Art, Neighborhoods, and Fjords
Morning
Visit the KODE Art Museums, which houses an extensive collection of art and design, including works by Edvard Munch.
Lunch
Have lunch in the charming neighborhood of Nordnes, known for its narrow streets and old wooden houses.
Afternoon
Take a boat trip to the Hardangerfjord, the second longest fjord in Norway. The fjord is known for its breathtaking scenery, including waterfalls and orchards.
Dinner
Enjoy dinner with a view of the fjord.
Evening
Return to Bergen and relax in your hotel after a long day of sightseeing.
Day 3
Stavanger's History and Nightlife
Morning
Travel to the city of Stavanger, where you can visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum and learn about the oil industry's impact on Norwegian society.
Lunch
Have lunch in the city center, where you can find a variety of restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.
Afternoon
Explore Old Stavanger, a historic area with well-preserved wooden houses from the turn of the 18th century.
Dinner
Have dinner in one of the local restaurants in the city center.
Evening
Take a walk along the harbor and enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife.
Day 4
Hiking and Sightseeing in Lysefjord
Morning
Take a ferry to the Lysefjord, where you can hike to the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) for a stunning view of the fjord.
Lunch
Enjoy a packed lunch at the top of Preikestolen.
Afternoon
Return to Stavanger and visit the Stavanger Cathedral, the oldest cathedral in Norway.
Dinner
Have dinner in one of the local restaurants in the city center.
Evening
Relax in your hotel after a long day of hiking and sightseeing.
Day 5
Monuments and Farewell to Western Norway
Morning
Visit the Sverd i fjell, three large swords monument commemorating the Battle of Hafrsfjord.
Lunch
Have lunch in the city center before heading back to Bergen.
Afternoon
Return to Bergen and do some last-minute shopping in the city center.
Dinner
Have a farewell dinner in one of the local restaurants in the city center.
Evening
Take a final stroll around the city before ending your trip.
Attractions in Itinerary (11)
1Mount Fløyen
A mountain offering hiking trails and stunning views of the city and fjords.
2Hanseatic Wharf
Hanseatic Wharf, also known as Bryggen, is a historic district in Bergen, Norway. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its wooden architecture and historic significance.
3KODE Art Museums
One of the largest museums for art, craft, design and music in the Nordic countries.
4Hardangerfjord
The second longest fjord in Norway, offering stunning views and activities like hiking and fishing.
5Norwegian Petroleum Museum
A museum dedicated to the oil and gas industry, featuring interactive exhibits.
6Old Stavanger
A historic area of Stavanger, known for its well-preserved wooden houses.
7Lysefjord
A stunning fjord known for its impressive rock formations, including the famous Pulpit Rock.
8Preikestolen
A famous tourist attraction in Norway, Preikestolen is a steep cliff which rises 604 metres above the Lysefjorden.
9Stavanger Cathedral
The oldest cathedral in Norway, featuring beautiful Romanesque and Gothic architecture.
10Sverd i fjell
Monument of three giant swords commemorating the Battle of Hafrsfjord.
11Bergen Fish Market
A bustling seafood market offering a variety of fresh fish, shellfish, fruits, vegetables, and souvenirs. It's also home to several eateries serving traditional Norwegian seafood dishes.
Local Food and Drinks (12)
Fårikål
Fårikål is Norway's national dish, and it's a hearty mutton and cabbage stew. It's particularly popular in Western Norway, where sheep farming is prevalent.
Rakfisk
Rakfisk is a traditional Norwegian dish made from fermented fish, usually trout. It's a delicacy in Western Norway, especially during the holiday season.
Klippfisk
Klippfisk is dried and salted cod, a staple in the Norwegian diet. It's particularly popular in Western Norway, where it's often used in traditional dishes.
Rømmegrøt
Rømmegrøt is a traditional Norwegian porridge made with sour cream, whole milk, wheat flour, butter, and salt. It's a popular comfort food in Western Norway.
Lefse
Lefse is a traditional soft Norwegian flatbread made with potatoes, flour, butter, and milk or cream. It's a staple in Western Norway, often served with butter, sugar, and cinnamon.
Pinnekjøtt
Pinnekjøtt is a festive dish in Western Norway, typically served at Christmas. It's made from ribs of lamb or mutton that have been salted and dried.
Krumkake
Krumkake is a traditional Norwegian waffle cookie, often served during the Christmas season. It's particularly popular in Western Norway.
Raspeballer
Raspeballer, also known as potato dumplings, are a traditional Norwegian dish. They're particularly popular in Western Norway, where they're often served with bacon, butter, and mashed rutabaga.
Gravlaks
Gravlaks is a dish of cured salmon, seasoned with dill, salt, sugar, and pepper. It's a delicacy in Western Norway, often served as an appetizer.
Aquavit
Aquavit is a traditional Norwegian spirit, distilled from potatoes and flavored with caraway. It's a popular drink in Western Norway, often served at celebrations and festive occasions.
Solbærtoddy
Solbærtoddy is a warm blackcurrant toddy, a popular non-alcoholic drink in Western Norway, especially during the colder months.
Karsk
Karsk is a traditional Norwegian cocktail made with coffee and moonshine or vodka. It's a popular drink in Western Norway, particularly in rural areas.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Western Norway is during the summer months, from June to August. During this period, you can enjoy long, bright days and mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and sightseeing. The famous fjords and picturesque landscapes are at their most vibrant, and wildlife is abundant. However, if you're interested in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, the winter months from December to April would be the best time for you. Please note that winter in Norway can be quite cold and daylight hours are significantly shorter.
National holidays
Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.
| Date | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
January 1 | Mon | New Year's Day |
March 28 | Thu | Maundy Thursday |
March 29 | Fri | Good Friday |
March 31 | Sun | Easter Sunday |
April 1 | Mon | Easter Monday |
May 1 | Wed | Labor Day |
May 9 | Thu | Ascension Day |
May 17 | Fri | 17 May Constitution Day (1814) |
May 19 | Sun | Whit Sunday |
May 20 | Mon | Whit Monday |
December 25 | Wed | Christmas Day |
December 26 | Thu | Boxing Day |
How to get around
Car Rental
Renting a car is a popular option for getting around in Western Norway. It provides the flexibility to explore at your own pace. There are several car rental companies available at airports and city centers. Remember to check the driving rules in Norway before your trip.
Public Bus
Public buses are a cost-effective way to travel around Western Norway. They connect major cities and towns, and even some of the more remote areas. Timetables can be found online or at local bus stations.
Train
The train network in Western Norway is efficient and offers stunning views of the landscape. The Bergen Railway, for example, is considered one of the most scenic train routes in the world. Trains are comfortable and punctual, and tickets can be purchased online or at the station.
Ferry
Ferries are an essential part of the transport system in Western Norway, connecting islands and crossing fjords. Some routes are primarily for local transport, while others are more touristic, offering beautiful views of the fjords and mountains.
Bicycle
Cycling is a popular way to get around in Western Norway, especially in the summer months. Many towns and cities have bike rental services, and there are numerous marked cycling routes throughout the region.
Hiking
Hiking is not only a mode of transport but also a favorite pastime in Norway. Western Norway is home to some of the country's most famous hikes, including Preikestolen and Trolltunga. Always check the weather forecast and prepare adequately before setting off on a hike.
Ridesharing
Ridesharing services, such as Uber, are available in some of the larger cities in Western Norway, like Bergen and Stavanger. This can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, especially if you're traveling in a group.
Taxi
Taxis are widely available in cities and larger towns in Western Norway. They can be hailed on the street, booked in advance, or found at taxi ranks at airports and train stations. Note that taxis in Norway can be quite expensive compared to other modes of transport.
Airport Shuttle
Most airports in Western Norway offer shuttle services to and from the city center. These are often the most convenient way to travel directly to your hotel or accommodation.
Public Boat
Public boats are a common mode of transport in the coastal and fjord areas of Western Norway. They connect many of the smaller islands with the mainland and offer a unique way to experience the beautiful Norwegian coastline.
Important information
Currencykr NOK
Time zoneUTC+1
Driving sideRight
Emergency phone112, 110
Drinking waterYes
Power sockets
Voltage230 V
Things to know about Western Norway, Norway as a first time visitor
1
Norwegian Krone (NOK) is the official currency of Norway. It's advisable to have some local currency for small expenses.
2
Norway is known for its high cost of living. Be prepared for higher prices for food, accommodation, and transportation compared to other European countries.
3
The official language is Norwegian, but English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and by younger people.
4
Norway uses the Europlug (Type C & F) socket. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
5
Norway is a very safe country to travel to. However, it's always important to take standard precautions to protect your belongings.
6
Public transportation is reliable and efficient. It includes buses, trams, ferries, and trains.
7
Tipping is not mandatory in Norway, but it's common to leave a 10-15% tip in restaurants if you're happy with the service.
8
Norway has a right to roam law, known as 'allemannsretten', which allows you to camp for free in wild places.
9
The weather in Western Norway can be unpredictable. Always check the forecast and be prepared for sudden changes.
10
In summer (June-August), temperatures range from 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C). In winter (December-February), it can get as cold as 27°F to 45°F (-3°C to 7°C).
11
Norway is in the Central European Time Zone (CET, GMT +1). During daylight saving time, it's Central European Summer Time (CEST, GMT +2).
12
Norway has a high standard of healthcare. However, it's recommended to have travel insurance that covers health.
13
Tap water is safe to drink in Norway and is often of higher quality than bottled water.
14
Norway has strict laws on alcohol. It's only sold at certain times in supermarkets, and stronger drinks are only available at Vinmonopolet (state-owned alcohol stores).
15
Norway is a very eco-friendly country. Recycling is common, and many hotels and restaurants focus on using local and organic products.
16
Norwegian cuisine is based on its landscape. Seafood is very popular, especially salmon and cod. Also, try local specialties like brunost (brown cheese) and klippfisk (dried salted cod).
17
Norway has a zero-tolerance policy for driving under the influence of alcohol. The legal limit is very low, at 0.02% blood alcohol content.
18
Norway is a cashless society. Most transactions are done by card, even for small amounts. It's advisable to have a card that doesn't charge for international transactions.
19
In case of emergency, the general emergency number in Norway is 112.
20
Norway has a high UV index during summer, despite not being very hot. It's recommended to use sunscreen, even on cloudy days.
Basic Norwegian to know as a first time visitor
English phrase | Native phrase | Pronunciation | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|
Hello | Hei | hay | Greeting someone |
Goodbye | Ha det | ha de | Saying goodbye |
Thank you | Takk | tack | Expressing gratitude |
Yes | Ja | ya | Agreeing or affirming |
No | Nei | nay | Disagreeing or negating |
Please | Vær så snill | var so snill | Making a polite request |
Excuse me | Unnskyld meg | un-shild may | Getting someone's attention or apologizing |
I don't understand | Jeg forstår ikke | yay for-stor ee-keh | When you don't understand something |
Do you speak English? | Snakker du engelsk? | snakker doo eng-elsk | Asking if someone speaks English |
Where is the bathroom? | Hvor er toalettet? | vor air toa-let-et | Asking for directions to the bathroom |
I need help | Jeg trenger hjelp | yay tranger yelp | When you need assistance |
Can I have the menu, please? | Kan jeg få menyen, vær så snill? | kan yay foa men-yen, var so snill | Requesting the menu in a restaurant |
How much does this cost? | Hvor mye koster dette? | vor mye koster dette | Asking the price of something |
I'm lost | Jeg er tapt | yay air tapt | When you've lost your way |
Can you help me? | Kan du hjelpe meg? | kan doo yel-pe may | Asking for help |
Where is...? | Hvor er...? | vor air | Asking for directions |
I'm sorry | Jeg beklager | yay be-klager | Apologizing |
Good morning | God morgen | god morgen | Greeting someone in the morning |
Good night | God natt | god nat | Saying goodnight |
I would like... | Jeg vil gjerne ha... | yay vil yerna ha | Making a request or order |
Packing List
Clothing
Thermal underwear
Warm socks
Waterproof hiking boots
Comfortable walking shoes
Warm sweaters
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof pants
Gloves
Beanie
Scarf
Swimsuit (for hot springs or indoor pools)
Casual outfits for dining out
Pajamas
Underwear
Sunglasses
Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Deodorant
Razor and shaving cream
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Hand sanitizer
Travel-sized first aid kit
Prescription medications
Contact lenses and solution (if needed)
Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license (for car rentals)
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency (Norwegian krone)
Travel insurance documents
Hotel and car rental reservations
Emergency contact information
Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Power bank
Camera
Memory cards for camera
Charger for camera
Travel adapter (Norway uses Type F plugs)
Headphones
Miscellaneous items
Reusable water bottle
Snacks for hiking
Travel guidebook for Norway
Maps of the areas you'll be visiting
Backpack for day trips
Travel pillow for flights
Earplugs and eye mask
Umbrella
Binoculars for wildlife viewing
Weather Conditions
Western Norway, also known as Vestlandet, is known for its stunning fjords, mountains, and coastal scenery. However, its weather can be quite unpredictable, so it's essential to be prepared for various conditions. The region experiences a temperate oceanic climate, which means mild winters and cooler summer months compared to other regions at the same latitude. The average summer temperature ranges from 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C), while in winter, it varies between 30°F and 45°F (-1°C to 7°C). Rain is a common occurrence in Western Norway, especially in Bergen, known as the rainiest city in Europe. Therefore, regardless of when you visit, it's advisable to pack waterproof clothing, including a raincoat and umbrella. In the winter months, snowfall is common in the mountains and inland areas, making it a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. If you're planning to go skiing or snowboarding, ensure you have warm clothing, including thermal layers, gloves, and hats. The weather can change rapidly in the fjords and mountains, so if you're planning on hiking or boating, it's important to check the local weather forecast regularly. Despite the unpredictable weather, the natural beauty of Western Norway is undeniable. The Northern Lights can often be seen in the winter months, while the summer offers long days and the Midnight Sun in certain areas. Remember, the key to enjoying your visit to Western Norway is to be prepared for all types of weather. Happy travels!
| Month | Hi / Lo (°C) | Weather Overview |
|---|---|---|
January | 4° / -1° | January is the coldest month in Western Norway, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Snowfall is common, making it a great time for winter sports. |
February | 4° / -1° | February is still quite cold, with similar temperatures to January. Snow is still common, and the days are slowly starting to get longer. |
March | 6° / 0° | March sees a slight increase in temperature, but it's still chilly. The snow begins to melt, and the days get noticeably longer. |
April | 10° / 2° | April is when spring starts to show, with temperatures rising and more hours of daylight. However, there can still be some cold snaps, so pack accordingly. |
May | 16° / 6° | May is a beautiful month to visit Western Norway, with mild temperatures and long days. The countryside is in full bloom, and outdoor activities are plentiful. |
June | 19° / 9° | June is the start of summer, with warm temperatures and the longest days of the year. It's a great time for hiking and exploring the fjords. |
July | 21° / 11° | July is the warmest month in Western Norway, with plenty of sunshine. It's the perfect time for swimming, boating, and other water activities. |
August | 21° / 11° | August is still quite warm, but the days start to get shorter. It's a great time to visit the cities and enjoy the outdoor cafes. |
September | 18° / 8° | September sees a drop in temperature, but it's still quite mild. The fall colors start to show, making it a beautiful time for sightseeing. |
October | 13° / 5° | October is when the fall weather really sets in, with cooler temperatures and shorter days. It's a great time for hiking and enjoying the fall colors. |
November | 8° / 2° | November is quite cold, with the first snowfalls of the season. The days are short, but the snow-covered landscape is beautiful. |
December | 5° / 0° | December is a festive time in Western Norway, with Christmas markets and plenty of snow. The days are short, but the Northern Lights can often be seen. |
Did you know?
Places near by Western Norway, Norway
Bergen
Known for its UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, Fløyen mountain, and annual Bergen International Festival.
Stavanger
Famous for its old town, cathedral, and nearby Pulpit Rock.
Trondheim
Home to the Nidaros Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace, and the Old Town Bridge.
Oslo
The capital of Norway, known for its green spaces and museums, including the Edvard Munch Museum and the Norsk Folkemuseum.
Tromsø
Famous for its Northern Lights, Midnight Sun Marathon, and the Arctic Cathedral.
Lillehammer
Known for its Olympic Park, Maihaugen open-air museum, and the Norwegian Road Museum.
Ålesund
Famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, the Atlanterhavsparken aquarium, and the Aksla viewpoint.
Kristiansand
Known for its old town, Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park, and the Kristiansand Cathedral.
Fredrikstad
Famous for its old town, the Kongsten Fort, and the Hvaler islands.
Narvik
Known for its War Museum, the Ofoten Railway, and the Narvikfjellet mountain.
