There is too much to see here to stand still. Every corner of the country; a small natural wonder. Every moment of "Friluftsliv"; a piece of happiness. That's why Norway has a network of routes that will be really stimulating, as you wander around happily.
"Kun den som omstreifer, finner nye veier", says a Norwegian proverb: "Only those who roam will find new paths." In Norway, this sparsely populated country where fjords run like blue veins through mountain ridges, where forests stretch out like green seas and further up the lush plateaus covered in moss and lichen, wandering around becomes a duty.
If you are traveling by car, you can immerse yourself in the impressive world of art and culture in Bergen or Oslo - it is worth seeing and experiencing, no question. But the soul of the country lies away from the cities; Norway is an Eldorado for outdoor enthusiasts, which unfolds its charm even - or rather especially - outside the main season. In autumn, the forests glow in shades of gold and red, in winter the northern lights dance across snow-covered peaks and ice-cold lakes. These natural spectacles are enchanting and you want to experience as many of them as possible.
The infrastructure for campers is excellent - from idyllically situated "Bobilplassen", as Norwegians call their pitches, to classic campsites. The locals are convinced that life in the great outdoors makes us happier people, and so the so-called "Friluftsliv" is as much a part of the Norwegian soul as cross-country skiing and woolly sweaters. Who needs a hotel room when you can set up your bed by the rushing river; who needs a fine gourmet restaurant when you can fill your folding table with Norwegian specialties? Smoked salmon, prawns, Brunost cheese, fresh berries - and a magical view of the surrounding countryside.
Because, despite all the love for aimless wandering, a little orientation can't hurt, the state has put together 18 scenic routes that connect the most beautiful sections of the country over a total of 2,200 kilometers. But there are not only natural wonders along the route - such as thundering waterfalls, beaches, lonely mountain ridges and the characteristic fjord landscapes - but also man-made attractions: in collaboration with renowned architects and designers, original rest areas and art installations have been created that combine aesthetics with functionality and nature with culture.
The longest route, Helgelandskysten, winds for over 433 kilometers along the impressive coast of northern Norway. It runs from Godøystraumen in the north to its southern terminus in Holm. You should allow plenty of time, not only because of the six ferry trips, but above all because of the constantly changing scenery, which tempts you to stop, get off and marvel at it all the time. The Jæren route to the south is an impressive route with sandy beaches, dune landscapes and traditional fishing villages - it is around 130 kilometers long and runs between Bore and Flekkefjord. Hardanger runs for almost 160 kilometers through the interior of the country, past spectacular fjords, waterfalls and rock formations such as Trolltunga, the "Troll's Tongue" hovering over the abyss - this is an approximately ten-meter-long, horizontal rocky outcrop high above the Ringedalsvatnet reservoir.
The apple harvest begins here in the fall. Around 1,000 years ago, English monks discovered that the steep slopes along the fjords (so steep that in many places the harvest is only done by hand) offer ideal conditions for growing fruit. The juice and sparkling wine produced from these apples is considered the best in the world; the latter is often referred to as the "Champagne of apple ciders". Stories and discoveries like these can be found all over the country. "Omstreifer" is the magic word: roaming around - and discovering new paths in the process.
Nasjonale Turistveger
Information on the 18 scenic routes (not all of them are suitable for large campers and accessible all year round). nasjonaleturistveger.no
Bobilplassen
Information about parking spaces. bobilplassen.no
Campsites
Camping in Norway. camping.no
Woodnest
Tree house accommodation, like a nest in the middle of the forest; near Bergen. woodnest.no
Hanseatic Hotel
A historic house from the 17th century. en.dethanseatiskehotel.no
Tyssedal Boutique Hotel
Beautiful house with an art collection, close to "Trolltunga". tyssedalhotel.no
Treetop Panorama Apartments
The name says it all. hardangerfjordtun.no
Hotel Ullensvang
A historic hotel right by the water; friendly atmosphere. hotelullensvang.no
Alde Sider at Bleie farm on the Sørfjorden
Located on a side arm of the Hardangerfjord - the cider from Hardanger was named the best in Norway in 2018 aldesider.no
