Its good. But the bus-system in Bergen is fucked up
You don’t want to be in Odda on the 17th
Double the expected time it takes to go anywhere. Even if you drive fast enough, you probably don’t want to, you will find plenty of reason to stop and linger places.
I’d stay in Stavanger til 18.05, dont even consider spending 17th of may in Odda, its an experience in a big city. Bring loads of champagne. I would also consider dropping by Haugesund on my way from Bergen to Stavanger.
It looks like you have an amazing trip ahead of you!! I wish you good weather. I’ve lived several years in Bergen and it’s a great city. Haugesund is my home town and I don’t really care for it, might be okay on the 17th but Bergen or Stavanger probably much better. I currently live close to Stavanger (Sandnes) and it’s beautiful here.
Too much rain, yes
Stay away from Odda imo
Damn you should have dropped the west, i would rather recommend Lofoten and Senja.
On the 17th of may, you should stay in Stavanger since it’s the 3rd biggest city. 17th of may is the most celebrated holiday in Norway perhaps tied with christmas so the vibe would be significantly better in Stavanger than Odda
I would recommend Prekestolen when you’re in Stavanger 👍
U should see Ålesund
Are you a hooker or something?
Of you are in Odda, maybe you like to go up to Trolltunga, about 6-8 h from the parking
On your way from Berget to Stavanger I could suggest visiting Karmøy. It’s a island beside Haugesund. It has the most beautiful beaches in Norway.
17th of may is our National day and a very big thing in Norway. I would recomend staying in Stavanger instead of tiny Odda on that day to get the full experience. Look it up on YouTube or something and you get the picture, bring at least a nice shirt to blend in and enjoy👍
I don’t get tourists in norway
Visit Odda when the cherry trees bloom, don’t know when but it is the most beautiful thing i ever seen.
When you are in the Stavanger area you may want to visit the beaches in Jæren. Road 44/507 towards Brusand is a very nice, scenic route on a sunny day. Very popular area with surfers.
If you want some tips from a local. I would recommend you to take the ferry from Geiranger to Hellesylt. Its a bit expensive, especially with car. Probably like 800 kroners or something. But this way you really get to see the Geiranger fjord. And when you reach Hellesylt you can drive through the amazing Norangsdal. It is very green and narrow with mountain walls ranging up to 1600 m on both sides. Most beautiful valley in Norway. Be sure to make som stops here, especially at Lyngstøylvatnet. Its a lake that got formed when there was an avalanche that flooded the valley in 1908. You can see the remains of the houses under water. My Great-Great grandmother was there when it happened but survived. And following this valley you will reach the Hjørundfjord. Check out the majestic Union Øye Hotel. They have a blue room that is haunted. You can sleep here if you like. There are other places f.ex in Urke also where you can rent a cabbin. This area is amazing for hiking if you are up for that. I am biased since I am from this area, but Hjørundfjord and surrounding area is the most beautiful in Norway. You can take the ferry or a boat to Trandal as well, you dont need the car for that. Really cool place. Hjørundfjord is very well preserved and untouched, unlike Geirangerfjord. And from here you could continue to Ørsta – Volda – Stryn and reach Loen. I would skip Balestrand for this if I were you.
Two options with regards to Geiranger:
#1. Ferry!
The first departure from Hellesylt is at 0830 o’clock, so make sure that you’re not late and leave Loen (btw, Loen Skylift and Via Ferrata? Highly recommended!) no later than 0730 o’clock (preferrably at 07 o’clock)! The midday ferry transit (1300 o’clock) from Geiranger is ON SIGNAL ONLY and you must give notice to the ferry AT LEAST 2 hours before (so no later than 11 o’clock) if you want to go back to Hellesylt. Otherwise you must wait for the ferry departing from Geiranger at 1615 o’clock. Depending on your vehicle, it’ll cost you 200-500 NOK each way (perhaps more; check the prices!). The ferry is called MF Aukra and has a capacity to transport 36 vehicles. (https://no.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MF_%C2%ABAukra%C2%BB)
Alternate route to Geiranger is via Fv63 by Langvatnet (Longwater, directly translated) exiting from Rv15 up on top of Strynefjellet after the Oppljos (Uplight, directly translated) tunnel (https://no.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oppljostunnelen) on the east side exiting into Innlandet county and Skjåk commune.
Also be advised; the highest average speed limit in Western Norway (except for certain city highways) is 80 kph, and there are a lot of towns/more densely populated areas where the speed limit is often 50-60 kph for several kilometers.
So always err on the side of caution with regards to how much time you think you need to get to anywhere, and it is prudent to increase your estimated time of travel with >50% in order to mitigate any unforeseen events and/or mistakes. That way you don’t have to rush to get to where you want to go, you can casually stop wherever and whenever you want to have a break and/or if there’s something you want to see/experience, and you’ll reduce your stress substantially during your travels.
The roads are quite windy and sharp, so I hope you’re well used to driving on narrow roads! 😀
Good luck, and welcome!
(Last tip! En route to Loen from Sogndal, there’s a gorgeous valley that starts from Klakegg (67km from Sogndal after passing Skei and before arriving at Byrkjelo) which is called *Våtedalen* (Wetdale/Wetvalley, directly translated) – I really, really, _really_ recommend stopping here and there as your drive through this mesmerising valley; it’s just so nice and beautiful, that you’ll be tempted to pull over and slam your tent forcefully into the ground by the riverbed!)
People are hyping the 17th too much. It feels special as a norwegian but from an outsider it probably won’t look that big (especially when not “participating”)
you should go further north if possible 🙂
Jesus, that looks like an exhausting and shitty trip. I would pay good bucks to not do that. Is there even much to see at those places?
Just borrow car and get lost in the wilderness…
Odda – voss i recommend stopping somewhere in hardanger and enjoying the view and fruit orchards.
visit the top north too
If you’re going to Odda then visit Låtefossen
Lots Of backtracking, i would suggest on leg
Stavanger Odda to travel by hjelmeland, that way you shave time, and gets to see more of the country. Also travel to by Førde on the way to balestrand. Also saves time but gets to see more
17th of May should definitely be spent in Bergen in the city centre. Be there before the parade starts, find a good spot and enjoy. Also, all shops are closed on the 17th, and unless you have a kitchen and have bought groceries the day before, many restaurants will only have prebooked tables. The standard food on 17th is ice cream and hotdogs. Sundays almost all shops are closed, except for a few grocery stores and tourist shops.
There aren’t always any good places to eat while on the road, so bringing sandwiches or similar and beverages in a cooler is also a good idea as roadside places are very expensive.
Where’s Oslo?
Make sure you get to see the national day celebration!
First. Spend more time in Bergen than in Stavanger. Also stay the 17th in Bergen as the National Day celebration is unique there.
Second, you should research the roads around Hardanger more. This route has you driving the rather dull road from Bergen to Stavanger across the not-so -interesting island of Stord, and has two ferries. It then backtracks to Odda and drives straight to Voss, bypassing most of Hardanger (Which besides Bergen is what you really want to see)
I’d rather drive to Jondal and drive around Hardanger using a couple of days in this region before heading north to Sognefjorden. After all, May is fruit blossoming season in Hardanger, a region that’s famous for its orchards and ciders, and the Hardanger fruit blossoming is just as beautiful as the famous cherry blossoming in Japan.
Also, I wonder how you plan to drive from Voss to Myrdal? There’s no road there, just railroad tracks. And Myrdal is just a dull station on top of the mountain plateau, the real interesting thing is the journey down to Flåm (rail only)
Drive to Lærdal instead, visit the Stave church, cross the Sognefjorden to Solvorn and Urnes before you head back. If you want to see Flåm and Næryøyfjorden visit by car instead.
And this might anger some locals here, but consider dropping Stavanger all together. It’s a detour, and although a nice city it does not warrant a visit in itself
Be in Stavanger 17 th of may, big party that date.
Maybe spend abit more than 3,5 h from Stavanger to Odda. Also, do take the scenic route, RV13. The other route is aslo nice, but I would suggest taht RV13 is more scenic. if you really have some extra time, drive through Sauda and across the mountain [Roldalsfjellet](https://portalsauda.no/opplevelse/roldalsvegen-saudafjellet/) from there, but I do not know if that road is open that early, lots of snow in the mountains so far this year. If you do thake the ordinary road E39 and E134 and need food along the way, I suggest you eat at [Åkrafjordtunet](https://www.akrafjordtunet.no/).
I see you are spending 17th of May In Odda. Maybe the cider boat route is runnig that day? Possibly not much else of activities open? 17th of May is National day/constitution day and a big celebration. Myself, I always celebrate 17th in Bergen.
From Odda to Voss i definetly recommend taking the road from Odda to Voss via the Utne-Kvanndal Ferry, something you should do anyways, or else may be stuck in traffic for maybe three extra hours, there is a piece of the other road which is abyssmal, where there always is a traffic jam in tourist season).
And you should stop at one (or more) of the cider houses along the road (driving over Utne-Kvanndal that would be the cider houses of Alde, Edel, Kvestad, 57/7 (Store Naa), Aga and Harding. Personally I would recommend [Alde](https://www.aldesider.no/bleiegard). And you can have dinner at [Siderhuset Ola K](https://www.olak.no/) (which is a restaurant and not a cider producer)
I feel like Americans traveling to Norway focus far more on quantity rather than quality. They want to see the entire country rather than just having a good time. Try a week in Hvaler instead, you’ll enjoy it a lot more.
35 comments
Its good. But the bus-system in Bergen is fucked up
You don’t want to be in Odda on the 17th
Double the expected time it takes to go anywhere. Even if you drive fast enough, you probably don’t want to, you will find plenty of reason to stop and linger places.
I’d stay in Stavanger til 18.05, dont even consider spending 17th of may in Odda, its an experience in a big city. Bring loads of champagne. I would also consider dropping by Haugesund on my way from Bergen to Stavanger.
It looks like you have an amazing trip ahead of you!! I wish you good weather. I’ve lived several years in Bergen and it’s a great city. Haugesund is my home town and I don’t really care for it, might be okay on the 17th but Bergen or Stavanger probably much better. I currently live close to Stavanger (Sandnes) and it’s beautiful here.
Too much rain, yes
Stay away from Odda imo
Damn you should have dropped the west, i would rather recommend Lofoten and Senja.
On the 17th of may, you should stay in Stavanger since it’s the 3rd biggest city. 17th of may is the most celebrated holiday in Norway perhaps tied with christmas so the vibe would be significantly better in Stavanger than Odda
I would recommend Prekestolen when you’re in Stavanger 👍
U should see Ålesund
Are you a hooker or something?
Of you are in Odda, maybe you like to go up to Trolltunga, about 6-8 h from the parking
On your way from Berget to Stavanger I could suggest visiting Karmøy. It’s a island beside Haugesund. It has the most beautiful beaches in Norway.
17th of may is our National day and a very big thing in Norway. I would recomend staying in Stavanger instead of tiny Odda on that day to get the full experience. Look it up on YouTube or something and you get the picture, bring at least a nice shirt to blend in and enjoy👍
I don’t get tourists in norway
Visit Odda when the cherry trees bloom, don’t know when but it is the most beautiful thing i ever seen.
When you are in the Stavanger area you may want to visit the beaches in Jæren. Road 44/507 towards Brusand is a very nice, scenic route on a sunny day. Very popular area with surfers.
If you want some tips from a local. I would recommend you to take the ferry from Geiranger to Hellesylt. Its a bit expensive, especially with car. Probably like 800 kroners or something. But this way you really get to see the Geiranger fjord. And when you reach Hellesylt you can drive through the amazing Norangsdal. It is very green and narrow with mountain walls ranging up to 1600 m on both sides. Most beautiful valley in Norway. Be sure to make som stops here, especially at Lyngstøylvatnet. Its a lake that got formed when there was an avalanche that flooded the valley in 1908. You can see the remains of the houses under water. My Great-Great grandmother was there when it happened but survived. And following this valley you will reach the Hjørundfjord. Check out the majestic Union Øye Hotel. They have a blue room that is haunted. You can sleep here if you like. There are other places f.ex in Urke also where you can rent a cabbin. This area is amazing for hiking if you are up for that. I am biased since I am from this area, but Hjørundfjord and surrounding area is the most beautiful in Norway. You can take the ferry or a boat to Trandal as well, you dont need the car for that. Really cool place. Hjørundfjord is very well preserved and untouched, unlike Geirangerfjord. And from here you could continue to Ørsta – Volda – Stryn and reach Loen. I would skip Balestrand for this if I were you.
Two options with regards to Geiranger:
#1. Ferry!
The first departure from Hellesylt is at 0830 o’clock, so make sure that you’re not late and leave Loen (btw, Loen Skylift and Via Ferrata? Highly recommended!) no later than 0730 o’clock (preferrably at 07 o’clock)! The midday ferry transit (1300 o’clock) from Geiranger is ON SIGNAL ONLY and you must give notice to the ferry AT LEAST 2 hours before (so no later than 11 o’clock) if you want to go back to Hellesylt. Otherwise you must wait for the ferry departing from Geiranger at 1615 o’clock. Depending on your vehicle, it’ll cost you 200-500 NOK each way (perhaps more; check the prices!). The ferry is called MF Aukra and has a capacity to transport 36 vehicles. (https://no.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/MF_%C2%ABAukra%C2%BB)
https://www.fjord1.no/Ruteoversikt/Moere-og-Romsdal/Geiranger-Hellesylt?date=23.05.2022&from=NSR%3AQuay%3A67215&to=NSR%3AQuay%3A68560
#2. Car!
Alternate route to Geiranger is via Fv63 by Langvatnet (Longwater, directly translated) exiting from Rv15 up on top of Strynefjellet after the Oppljos (Uplight, directly translated) tunnel (https://no.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oppljostunnelen) on the east side exiting into Innlandet county and Skjåk commune.
*WARNING!* This road MAY still be winter closed on your planned date to travel to Geiranger (https://www.nasjonaleturistveger.no/no/presse/vinterstengte-strekninger/), so for the love of everything you hold dear; don’t miss the damn ferry!
Also be advised; the highest average speed limit in Western Norway (except for certain city highways) is 80 kph, and there are a lot of towns/more densely populated areas where the speed limit is often 50-60 kph for several kilometers.
So always err on the side of caution with regards to how much time you think you need to get to anywhere, and it is prudent to increase your estimated time of travel with >50% in order to mitigate any unforeseen events and/or mistakes. That way you don’t have to rush to get to where you want to go, you can casually stop wherever and whenever you want to have a break and/or if there’s something you want to see/experience, and you’ll reduce your stress substantially during your travels.
The roads are quite windy and sharp, so I hope you’re well used to driving on narrow roads! 😀
Good luck, and welcome!
(Last tip! En route to Loen from Sogndal, there’s a gorgeous valley that starts from Klakegg (67km from Sogndal after passing Skei and before arriving at Byrkjelo) which is called *Våtedalen* (Wetdale/Wetvalley, directly translated) – I really, really, _really_ recommend stopping here and there as your drive through this mesmerising valley; it’s just so nice and beautiful, that you’ll be tempted to pull over and slam your tent forcefully into the ground by the riverbed!)
People are hyping the 17th too much. It feels special as a norwegian but from an outsider it probably won’t look that big (especially when not “participating”)
you should go further north if possible 🙂
Jesus, that looks like an exhausting and shitty trip. I would pay good bucks to not do that. Is there even much to see at those places?
Just borrow car and get lost in the wilderness…
Odda – voss i recommend stopping somewhere in hardanger and enjoying the view and fruit orchards.
visit the top north too
If you’re going to Odda then visit Låtefossen
Lots Of backtracking, i would suggest on leg
Stavanger Odda to travel by hjelmeland, that way you shave time, and gets to see more of the country. Also travel to by Førde on the way to balestrand. Also saves time but gets to see more
17th of May should definitely be spent in Bergen in the city centre. Be there before the parade starts, find a good spot and enjoy. Also, all shops are closed on the 17th, and unless you have a kitchen and have bought groceries the day before, many restaurants will only have prebooked tables. The standard food on 17th is ice cream and hotdogs. Sundays almost all shops are closed, except for a few grocery stores and tourist shops.
There aren’t always any good places to eat while on the road, so bringing sandwiches or similar and beverages in a cooler is also a good idea as roadside places are very expensive.
Where’s Oslo?
Make sure you get to see the national day celebration!
First. Spend more time in Bergen than in Stavanger. Also stay the 17th in Bergen as the National Day celebration is unique there.
Second, you should research the roads around Hardanger more. This route has you driving the rather dull road from Bergen to Stavanger across the not-so -interesting island of Stord, and has two ferries. It then backtracks to Odda and drives straight to Voss, bypassing most of Hardanger (Which besides Bergen is what you really want to see)
I’d rather drive to Jondal and drive around Hardanger using a couple of days in this region before heading north to Sognefjorden. After all, May is fruit blossoming season in Hardanger, a region that’s famous for its orchards and ciders, and the Hardanger fruit blossoming is just as beautiful as the famous cherry blossoming in Japan.
Also, I wonder how you plan to drive from Voss to Myrdal? There’s no road there, just railroad tracks. And Myrdal is just a dull station on top of the mountain plateau, the real interesting thing is the journey down to Flåm (rail only)
Drive to Lærdal instead, visit the Stave church, cross the Sognefjorden to Solvorn and Urnes before you head back. If you want to see Flåm and Næryøyfjorden visit by car instead.
And this might anger some locals here, but consider dropping Stavanger all together. It’s a detour, and although a nice city it does not warrant a visit in itself
Be in Stavanger 17 th of may, big party that date.
Maybe spend abit more than 3,5 h from Stavanger to Odda. Also, do take the scenic route, RV13. The other route is aslo nice, but I would suggest taht RV13 is more scenic. if you really have some extra time, drive through Sauda and across the mountain [Roldalsfjellet](https://portalsauda.no/opplevelse/roldalsvegen-saudafjellet/) from there, but I do not know if that road is open that early, lots of snow in the mountains so far this year. If you do thake the ordinary road E39 and E134 and need food along the way, I suggest you eat at [Åkrafjordtunet](https://www.akrafjordtunet.no/).
I see you are spending 17th of May In Odda. Maybe the cider boat route is runnig that day? Possibly not much else of activities open? 17th of May is National day/constitution day and a big celebration. Myself, I always celebrate 17th in Bergen.
From Odda to Voss i definetly recommend taking the road from Odda to Voss via the Utne-Kvanndal Ferry, something you should do anyways, or else may be stuck in traffic for maybe three extra hours, there is a piece of the other road which is abyssmal, where there always is a traffic jam in tourist season).
And you should stop at one (or more) of the cider houses along the road (driving over Utne-Kvanndal that would be the cider houses of Alde, Edel, Kvestad, 57/7 (Store Naa), Aga and Harding. Personally I would recommend [Alde](https://www.aldesider.no/bleiegard). And you can have dinner at [Siderhuset Ola K](https://www.olak.no/) (which is a restaurant and not a cider producer)
I feel like Americans traveling to Norway focus far more on quantity rather than quality. They want to see the entire country rather than just having a good time. Try a week in Hvaler instead, you’ll enjoy it a lot more.