It is easy to get around in Norway. The best way to enjoy the beauty of the Norwegian fjords is to travel independently through the fjords. You can take a scenic train journey or explore the fjords by car.
Our high-spirited travel expert Jessica loves to explore Norway. She particularly enjoys the landscapes of the Norwegian fjords.
To travel independently through the fjords of Norway - with a group of friends, family, partner or alone, is a spectacular experience. During the summer months from June to August, travellers can observe cruise ships sailing through the narrowest fjords, buses winding along serpentine roads and trains driving over untouched nature.
Escorted groups as well as the individual travellers have one shared goal: to enjoy the beauty of the fjords in Norway. Most escorted coach tours in Norway are only offered during the summer months, which means that visitors coming in spring, autumn and winter often must travel on a self-guided tour. While traveling, as part of an escorted coach tour seems like a reasonable thing to do when exploring an unknown region, independent travel has its own advantages when it comes to gaining experiences and cultural knowledge of the destination you visit.
This summer I travelled independently through the fjords of Norway. It was an extraordinary experience, and something I would recommend everyone to do.
A great way to travel through the fjord area is by public transportation, such as trains, buses and boats. The main advantage of this type of travel is that it is possible during the whole year, while each season has its own highlights. I truly enjoyed traveling with public transport as I could admire the breathtaking landscapes from the comfort of a warm seat. Travelling with public transport enables you to travel “like a local” as most of the transportation serves also as transport for inhabitants of the small fjord villages. How about meeting a local farmer on the bus who is on his way to visit his grandchildren? Beside that, you are able to observe untouched nature and visit places that are not accessible by road.
It is a great spot to stay “away from the crowds”.
One of those places is Vatnahalsen, located along the famous Flåm Railway and only accessible by train. It is possible to stay there overnight, surrounded by mountains, before continuing the journey the next morning. I like to stop here, breath in the fresh mountain air and enjoy a chat with the owner of this family-owned hotel. It is a great spot to stay “away from the crowds”.
Furthermore, when you do independent travel, you can decide how much time you wish to spend in each destination by choosing the best suitable departure times beforehand.
Another way is to travel the fjord region by car. I can recommend this type of traveling during late spring, summer and autumn, as the roads are free of snow and ice. A self-drive tour allows you to travel from destination to destination while stopping at the most famous sights along the way. This type of travel also enables you to cover great distances and visit many of the most famous fjords in Norway. The great advantage is that you can decide yourselves where to stop and which sights you wish to visit.
It is easy, enjoyable and gives you the feeling of a total freedom.
Driving through the fjords of Norway is an adventure and you should be prepared for narrow roads and steep inclines. I enjoyed travelling through the fjords by car and will do it again. It is easy, enjoyable and gives you the feeling of a total freedom.
