City: Western Norway
Top Things to do in Western Norway
Top Hotels in Western Norway
Countries
What to do and see in Western Norway, Norway: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Western Norway (Norwegian: Vestlandet, Vest-Norge, Vest-Noreg) is the region along the Atlantic coast of southern Norway. It consists of the counties Rogaland, Hordaland, Sogn og Fjordane, and Møre og Romsdal. The region has a population of approximately 1.3 million people. The largest city is Bergen and the second-largest is Stavanger. Historically the regions of Agder, Vest-Telemark, Hallingdal, Valdres and northern parts of Gudbrandsdal have been included in Western Norway.
Restaurants in Western Norway
1. Pulpit Rock
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,994 reviews
Reviewed By NOVAVol02 - Gainesville, United States
Wife, 21yr old daughter and I hiked Preikestolen (Norwegian name for Pulpit Rock) today and it was fantastic, but not just due to the amazing geography of the area. The overlook from up top is as amazing as all the picture show, but the hike itself was far more challenging and interesting than I was expecting. I’m an experienced backpacker, so day hikes aren’t generally much of a challenge but for a relatively short hike (only 4+km in each direction or about 2.5 miles) it had a good variety of terrain and several sections of steep climbs followed by equally steep downhill. The trail is generally pretty rocky but there is no “hand over hand” climbing required. Trekking poles are handy for those (like me) with occasional knee pain, but they’re not absolutely necessary. Heavy tennis shoes are doable but I used my low-cut Teva hikers. Trail Advice: GET AN EARLY START!!! We stayed at the Fjellstue so we hit the trail just before 0630 and basically had the trail to ourselves on the way up. As we approached the top we passed several couples coming down who we believe camped upon the mountain (we saw several tents in a high meadow/glen 1-2km before the top). Once up on top we shared the plateau with maybe 8 other hikers and spent about 45 minutes having our trail snack and soaking up the amazing views. By the time we headed down the number up top was approaching 20. On the way down we encountered the tour bus crowds and by the time we were almost down the trail was almost full with all types of day hikers and tourists - many with small children or on the older side who we assessed had about 5% chance of making it up to the top. Problem is if you’re “stuck” behind 100s of tourists and slow movers you’re experience is not going to be as enjoyable. Do yourself a favor and stay at the Fjellstue or somewhere on the Tau side of the fjord in order to get an early start. Overall we LOVED the hike and the views. Highly recommend it!
2. Trollstigen
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 815 reviews
Reviewed By feyms - Ironia, United States
From a Holland America Cruise Ship at Molde, Norway we took a bus tour called “Path of the Trolls”. We boarded a ferry to the other side of the fjord, traveled passed the sweetest strawberry fields, which were out of season, through tunnels to the beautiful canyon at Gudbrandsdjuvet. We next headed to the tourist center at Trollstigen. We walked out on to several walkways at the precipice of the Canyon, looking both up at Stigfossen Falls and down to the winding road with 11 hairpin turns to the valley in the distance below. There was breathtaking scenery fro top to bottom. I highly recommend you visit! From there we traveled the troll path to Troll Wall the highest vertical wall in Europe. We traveled back by road and ferry in this rather long 7 hour, but worthwhile venture.
3. Trolltunga
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,340 reviews
Trolltunga – Norway's Most Spectacular Rock Formation Trolltunga is one of the most scenic and spectacular cliffs in Norway, hovering 700 metres above Ringedalsvatnet lake. Situated at the western edge of the Hardangervidda plateau, near the town of Odda, Trolltunga was carved by the icecap that once covered most of Scandinavia. The hike through high-mountain terrain up to Trolltunga (1180 m) is long and demanding, but you are rewarded with magnificent views. From the main trailhead at P2 in Skjeggedal, the round-trip hike is 28 km with an ascent of almost 800 metres. The estimated hiking time is 8–12 hours. There is an additional trailhead at P3 Magelitopp. The round-trip hike from P3 Magelitopp is 20 km with an ascent of about 320 metres. The estimated hiking time is 7–10 hours. Hikers need to be properly equipped and in good shape. All the info you need about hiking to Trolltunga: https://trolltunga.com/.
Reviewed By leifs708
We took the Shuttle bus from the parking to the starting point of the actual walk. Unless you are very fit and will enjoy 9 additional KM steep up hill walk, i will strongly recommend this Shuttle bus, since the walk from the starting point and return is 20 KM. When we arrived at Trolltunga we had a great time enjoying this unique view. Absolutely worth the efforts and a great memory. Remember to take additional clothes and sufficient food and drinks.
4. Romsdalseggen
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 205 reviews
Undoubtley, one of the world's most beautiful hikes! Enjoy hours with breathtaking scenery in a fantastic alpine environment, with balcony view to many of the most famous mountain peaks in Norway. Magnificent 365 degrees view from top of the ridge. Easy access from Åndalsnes in Norway. Daily bus service to the start point in Summer, departing every morning from Åndalsnes Train Station. Season Ultimo June - Ultimo September.
Reviewed By 172lorat - Sofia, Bulgaria
Romsdalseggen was a fantastic and rewarding hike with spectacular views. What sets Romsdalseggen apart from other hikes is that you get a fantastic view throughout most of the hike since you walk on the ridgeline for quite a long time. I would definitely reccommend this hike since it gives quite a unique experince with having to climb some of the steepest parts and also the views are the best i've seen in Norway. It is, however, worth it to note that for those who are not up to doing the whole hike it is also possible to climb the first 3-4 km where you get a fantastic view and return after to the parking in Vinjedalen. It is also possible to do the opposite - hike the path leading to Rampestreken and continue on but note that it is a much steeper path. The weather conditions should be considered. An overall extremely rewarding hike but bear in mind that it is a challenging one (ca 7-8 h if you stop often for pictures as we did) with a very steep descend which can cause your legs to tremble. The descend felt quite long too.
5. Mount Floyen and the Funicular
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,937 reviews
Fløyen is a must do while in Bergen. Fløibanen, the funicular brings you up the hillside, from Bergen city centre to the top of the mountain in 6 minutes. At Mount Fløyen you will find beautiful views of Bergen, the nearby islands, fjords and mountains surrounding Bergen. Fløyen is a great destination for hiking, mountain biking and soft adventures. We are surrounded by hillsides, mountains, forests, nice little lakes and numerous trails. We offer daily guided hikes “Hiking Mount Fløyen" and Mountain bike rental from mid June until mid August. We love children, and the children love Fløyen. Let the kids explore our playground, Fløysletten climbing playground, the Troll forest. Try out canoe paddling at lake Skomakerdiket (mid June - mid August), feel the adrenalin rush in FløyenKids ziplinepark and get at kiss from our lovely goats at Fløyen. Fløistuen shop and cafè have souvenirs, perfect gifts and memories from Bergen and Norway. We offer local food as “Fløyenbollen", the cinnamon-bun and our organic soup “Fløyensuppen". Fløien Folkerestaurant is open daily from May until September.
Reviewed By VidhyaSriram - Singapore, Singapore
It is just a few minutes walk from the "Bryggen".The short 5 to 6 mins funicular ride took us to Mt Floyen, a fantastic area on earth with beautiful natural surroundings and walking/hiking paths. Amazing views from the top of Mt Floyen.
6. Mount Ulriken and the cable car
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,516 reviews
Ulriken Cable Car is currently closed due to construction work in relation to building a brand new cable car, cable car stations and restaurant at the mountain top. We welcome all guest back on the cable car for summer 2021. The trails and sherpa stairs to the top are always open.
Reviewed By jobenn9936 - Murrells Inlet, United States
This is a great way to see a great view of the City of Bergen and the surrounding coastal mountain and fjord region. You can get tickets at the Tourist Information Center near the fish market; they include a bus trip up to the cable car and back, so you also get a good close up look at the city.The views at the top are very nice. There is a cafe up there so you can grab a light bite and cocktail and enjoy the view. There are also opportunities to hike into the mountains from easy children's hike to challenging trek, if you are so inclined. If visiting Bergen, this is a must see stop.
7. Troldhaugen Edvard Grieg Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,145 reviews
Enchanting residence of the composer Edvard Grieg and his wife, who lived there every summer from 1885 to 1907. The museum also comprises the chamber music hall, Troldsalen, where daily concerts are held during the summer season. Museum building with shop, exhibition and cafeteria.
Reviewed By PerthRetireds
What a beautiful tour - from Thomas greeting us on the sidewalk outside the Visitor Centre, his very knowledgeable talk, the little gem of a house with the amazingly concealed concert hall. The acoustics were excellent, the performance top notch, and the tour was very good value. To listen to Grieg under these excellent conditions AND take in the same view he enjoyed while composing - very special indeed. Thanks to everyone and especially Thomas.
8. Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,820 reviews
Reviewed By lobstaluva - Springfield, United States
We spent a couple of days in Bergen and loved every minute of this charming city. The colorful facades of the wooden buildings facing the water are first to catch your eye. They are shops, restaurants and cafes (excellent ice cream shop). Between some of these buildings are narrow alleyways that lead you back to interesting places. Here you will see artisans at work, odd architecture, crafts to purchase. Continue walking along the water past these colorful buildings and you will come to the Bryggen Museum and St Mary’s church up a small hill on the right. Walk around the end of the harbor and to the other side to see the fish market section. There is every kind of edible sea creature imaginable, some uniquely displayed. There are several open air restaurants..... we ate at Fish Me and had delicious king crab. There is a visitor center, lots of boats to check out, shops, cafes and activity. Plan to spend a couple of hours just walking around soaking up the culture.
9. Norwegian Petroleum Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,331 reviews
A Dynamic Museum for a Dynamic IndustryNorwegian Petroleum Museum is a museum for everyone. Its exhibits explain how oil and gas are created, disovered and produced, and what they are used for. The museum also provides informastion about technological advances and the way petroleum influences Norwegian society. Original objects, models, films and interactive exhibits illustrate everything from everyday life offshore to technology and dramatic incidents. The curious cat Petro serves as a guide through the museum's science centre.The museum was designed by architects Lunde & Løvseth, and is an attraction in itself. Its architecture is a scenographic interpretation of the Norwegian bedrock, the open coastal landscape and the offshore oil installations. Architechtural reviews have said that there is hardly a building in Norway which signals its function as obviously as the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. The museum was opened in 1999.
Reviewed By pederthess - Landstuhl, Germany
An absolut worthy venue to spend some hours if you are in Stavanger. A historical journey through the oil exploration in Norway and Scandinavia, which shows the troubled road from the very first endeavours to today modern platforms. Amazing setup, with show rooms and videos, even things you can try on your own, so live and near that you almost feel being there for real.
10. Lysefjord
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,555 reviews
Reviewed By drm1958 - Exeter, United Kingdom
A great cruise out from Stavanger along the Lysefjord to view the Pulpit Rock. A lovely modern boat, purpose designed to make the most of this experience, lots of viewing deck space accompanied by warm enclosed cabins if the weather is inclement. The Pulpit Rock has its own story and is magnificent to see from below, I might just climb up there one day! Our cruise included a stop for waffles, sour cream and jam at one of the most inaccessible places on the fjord, great fun! The scenery is simply stunning, totally off the scale in any language. If you only have a short day in Stavanger and want to see the fjords then take this trip. Everything is weather dependent everywhere so be prepared for that, otherwise, just enjoy.
