Fjords of the West — Oslo to Stavanger & Bergen
Oslo · Lysefjord · Preikestolen · Hardanger · Bergen
This ten-day loop takes in Norway's greatest fjord hits at a relaxed camper pace — south through Telemark to the Stavanger region, up the fruit-lined Hardangerfjord, and back via Bergen. Expect big cliffs, roadside waterfalls and plenty of spots to pull over and put the kettle on.
- Trip length
- 10 days
- Distance
- ~1,600 km round trip from Oslo
- Best time to go
- Late May to September — waterfalls are fullest in June, and the Preikestolen trail is normally snow-free from April to October.
HIGHLIGHTS ALONG THE WAY
- Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) — the iconic 604 m cliff over the Lysefjord
- Lysefjord & Kjeragbolten for the bravest hikers
- Hardangerfjord orchards and the Vøringsfossen waterfall
- Bergen — Bryggen wharf, the fish market and the Fløibanen funicular
WHERE TO CAMP
- Preikestolen Camping in Jørpeland — the classic base for the hike
- Odda / Sørfjord area for Trolltunga and Hardanger
- Lone Camping near Bergen, on a quiet lake just outside the city
COOL EXPERIENCES
- Sunrise hike to Preikestolen before the crowds arrive
- A day among Hardanger's cider farms and fruit stalls
- Take the Fløibanen up for the view over Bergen and the seven mountains
GOOD TO KNOW
- A couple of short car ferries link the fjord shores (the Lysefjord and the Boknafjord crossing) — no booking needed, you just drive on and pay by plate.
- Preikestolen's car park fills by mid-morning in summer; start early both for a space and to beat the crowds on the trail.
- Norwegian road tolls are automatic (AutoPASS) — there are no booths to stop at, you simply drive through.
Campsite and experience tips are suggestions to get you started — we're always happy to share our latest favourites when you book.