10 Things to do Adventurous in Western Norway That You Shouldn't Miss

Norway's third largest glacier. In 2005 Folgefonna National Park was opened, which at the time was Norway's twenty fifth national park. Folgefonna is known for its dramatic and beautiful scenery. Here you will find fjords, mountains, lakes, rivers and water falls. There are lots of things to see in the park, and this makes the area one of the country's most important destinations. Access trails start at Rullestad in Etne, at Bergsto or at Mosnes (by boat).

The valley from Kinsarvik to Hardangervidda is one of the natural wonders in Ullensvang, including 4 impressive waterfalls, lying close at each other within a distance of 3 hours on foot. Tveitafossen, abt 4 kms from Kinsarvik centre, thereafter 3 bigger waterfalls within walking distance Nyastolsfossen, Nykkjesoyfossen and Sotefossen. Excellent terrain for hikes.

Innerdalen has frequently been called Norway's most beautiful mountain valley. Drive the RV 70 road between Sunndalsora and Tingvoll, turn off at Alvundeid and head in to Nerdal. Park your car and enjoy the hour it takes you to stroll the four kilometres in to the heart of the Innerdalen valley. The valley resembles a cathedral, dominated by the 1,452 metre mountain Innerdalstarnet (Means; The tower of Innerdalen walley), which towers over the valley like a natural spire. A crystal clear lake sparkles on the valley floor and streams and small rivers cascade down from the glaciers above. A network of marked paths takes you out of the valley and into the mountains, where Renndolsetra summer pasture farm lies ready to welcome you with traditional fare and farm animals. Further into the mountains, you come to the Innerdalshyttene cabins, one old and one new cabin, which are run by the Norwegian Mountain Hiking Association and which have long been used as a stopping place, and a place to eat and stay overnight by travellers in the mountains.

Raudmelen (972m) Raudmelen is a mountain which towers 972m over the centre of Balestrand. A hiking trail goes up the mountainside from Balestrand to the top of Raudmelen. This is a demanding hike. From the top you have fantastic views over the Sognefjord, both out towards Stolsheimen and in towards Fjaerland and Leikanger. Start: Start by Belehalli sports hall, at the same place as the starting point for the nature trail. Take the red route to Raudmelen. The first part goes along the marked nature trail, but soon turns off upwards. After following the relatively steep path up through the woods it is nice to take a break at Orrabenken (370m) where you get a wonderful view over Balestrand centre and the Sognefjord. From Orrabenken follow the path on upwards. The blue route turns off towards Balastolen and Fjaerestedstolen and the red route continues up towards Raudmelen. At Burasi (575m), another fine resting place, you get a marvellous view over Sognefjord and Esefjella. The path goes on up and along the ridge towards the top with wonderful views on both sides. On one side you see down over the green slopes to Balestrand and on the other dramatic rocky mountainsides towards Esedalen. At the top you are rewarded with fantastic views over the Sognefjord. This is a demanding hike and takes approx. 6 hours. Good advice: Get a map from the tourist office. Be sure to take plenty of water as there is no drinking water on this route. Getting there: From Balestrand quay/tourist office walk up Laerergata and on to Kreklingevegen until you get to Belehalli sports hall. The roads are signposted with white nature trail signs. To reach Balestrand take the express bus from Oslo, Bergen or Trondheim or express boat from Bergen. If you come by car from Oslo take the E16 and route 55. From Bergen or Trondheim take the E39 and route 55.