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NORWAY
Day One: Stavenger
When we arrived, we picked up our rental car at the airport. We landed around 5:00 PM so our first day wasn't too eventful. However, if you have more time, make sure to walk around Stavenger, it is an absolutely beautiful city! We stayed in a hostel about 10 minutes (drive) from the downtown area. There were parking garages near the harbor that were fairly reasonable in price.
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Walk around town, there is a long strip of bars/ restaurants right by the water
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When we arrived, there was a stage set up with a band playing so we grabbed a few drinks and enjoyed the music!
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We didn't stay out too late because day two starts the whirlwind tour of breathtaking hikes!
Day Two: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) Hike
This hike was about 4 miles, not too strenuous but very crowded! It's a good idea to get an early start if you want to beat the crowds. The sun also sets late during the summer in Norway, so hiking later in the day is also an option! The trailhead was about an hour and a half from our hostel.
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When driving through Norway, you may have to pay to take your car on a ferry- the prices vary and they charge per person so have cash on hand! The ferries replace bridges, they are very efficient and usually show up on GPS directions so you will know in advance if you have to take a ferry.
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Preikestolen is located in Ryfylke and overlooks Lysefjord
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The hike is said to take about 4 hours
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Make sure to stop at a grocery store in town to pack lunches before heading to the trailhead!
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There were parking lots all along the mountain leading up to the trailhead
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There is also a hotel right by the trailhead if you are looking for nicer lodging
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After the hike, we drove back to Stavenger to enjoy another night on the town
Day Three: Kjeragbolten Hike
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Drive about 2 hours from the hostel to Kjeragboltcen Trailhead
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In the GPS, type in "kjerag parking"
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You will have to pay for parking, it's about 200 NOK
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Be cautious while driving, there are some really steep parts and Norway has VERY narrow roads.
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- The hike is about 12 KM (5-7 hours roundtrip)
- There is a large restaurant/ visitor center at the base of the trailhead, so you will be able to use the restroom before your trek
- This hike requires you to go over three different mountain tops, each one higher than the last, so you really will experience "up hill both ways"
- There are chains along the route to help you because some parts are very steep
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The most memorable part of this hike is the giant bolder wedged between two mountains
- Standing on it isn't as scary as it looks, but it's also not for the faint of heart- know your limits & be cautious.
- The trailhead is very close to a famous road called, Lysevegen road. We decided to test our luck & drive down it. I wouldn't call it a must do, but it's a fun memory.
- We made our way back for one last night in the beautiful Stavenger
Day Four: Drive to Odda
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We stopped at a grocery store and grabbed some breakfast before hitting the road
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Drive about 3 and a half hours to Odda- we included some beautiful stops along the way
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Enjoy the drive! There is so much scenery, stop for pictures!
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You will have to drive through A LOT of tunnels, you may lose GPS service for a little bit
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We stayed in a small cabin at one of the campsites.
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There are cheaper, camping options on the grounds but we wanted something a little more comfortable
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The cabin can sleep four, but we had three people
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two nights cost $118/ person (with three people)
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There was a full kitchen and private bathroom
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The campsite is close to Trolltunga, which was the main attraction!
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There is a small town walking distance from the campsite
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After we checked in, we went into town and bought all of our groceries
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We didn't do much on this day because we wanted to be well rested before the Trolltunga hike but there are a ton of hiking and excursion options near by.
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You can ask the people in the cabin check-in for recommendations
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Day Five: Hike Trolltunga
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Trolltunga Hike: about 13.6 miles round trip, 10-12 hours
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Wake up early because today is the day!
- The trailhead was about 1 hour from our cabin
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You will have to pay 500 NOK for parking
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We also bought a bus pass (one way) from the parking lot to the trailhead
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Busing to the trailhead will save about 2 hours of brutal switchbacks. You don't see a whole lot during this part of the hike, so you wouldn't be missing out on anything
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We had to wait about 35 minutes for the bus to come, but it was well worth it! we ended up passing all of the people who decided to start hiking when we got to the bus stop.
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You will want to pack a lot of water, but there are some fresh water sources along the hike so you can fill your water bottle up along the way
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At the top of the hike, people wait in line to take that instagram photo- the line is really long, so if you're gonna wait for your shot, you might want to eat your lunch while you're in line.
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Make sure to explore the area, there are some smaller ledges that will give you another beautiful shot!
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Also know that there aren't bathrooms so be prepared for that.
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After the hike, we cooked the food that we packed/ bought the day before and grabbed some ice cream in town.
Day Six: Scenic Drive to Geiranger
I'll be there first to admit that the way I travel is not for everyone. With that said, day six was a LONG day of driving, BUT Norway offers an endless supply of beautiful pull-offs & scenery along the way.
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Drive about 7 hours & 40 minutes to Geiranger, Norway.
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Stegastein Lookout *optional stop*
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Aurlandsfjellet *optional stop*
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Buldrefossen *optional stop*
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The stops will obviously add some time to the drive
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Once again, we had sandwiches & snacks packed so we wouldn't have to stop too much.
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When we arrived in Geiranger, we went straight into town to have a substantial meal
Geirangerfjord
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We stayed in an adorable cabin right on the water, Fjordan Campingytter
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The scenery was well worth the stay!
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The cabin was also far from the main tourist area, which made it feel like a nice escape.
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Warning: This area is a cruise ship stop, so some hours have more tourist traffic around town.
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We walked to town a few times, but you can also find parking relatively easily if you prefer to drive.
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There is the ABSOLUTE BEST chocolate shop in town. They've won international contests. It is an absolute must! plus it's really cute!
Day Seven: Rock Climbing & Caving
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Grab Breakfast
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Leave for rock climbing around 9:30
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We went rock climbing about one hour away from our cabin
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Rock Climbing Excursion at 11:00 AM
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About $100.00
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Tour lasts 3-4 hours
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we lucked out and had a private excursion, which was not planned, so our tour was about 3 hours
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This company offers other excursions, like canyoning, rafting, etc.
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We had to take a ferry to and from the rock climbing, have cash on hand!
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Depending on how you're feeling, there are a ton of hiking options around Geirangerfjord
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We explored more food options in town & hit some of the shops (very touristy shops)
Day Eight: Fjord Cruise & Alesund
Before heading North to Alesund, we enjoyed one last excursion in Geiranger
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About 1-2 hours
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295 NOK/ $35 USD
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The cruise leaves from the center of town. There is a building next to the dock, you can buy your ticket in advance or at the gate. Arrive early if you're buying your ticket at the gate.
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Dress warm! the breeze will be a little chilly, especially if you go in the morning.
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Grab a bight to eat
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Drive about 2 hours to Alesund, Norway
Alesund
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We stayed in an Air-bnb a few miles from downtown.
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Fjellstua: View of the City
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There was a festival going on throughout the city
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We were able to enjoy street food, live music, and great drinks by the water!
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Day Nine: Fly to Oslo, Explore the City
We returned our rental car in to the airport in Alesund and took a one-way flight down to Oslo, Norway
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Flight to Oslo at 10:00 AM
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We stayed in a hostel in the city center
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This hostel doesn't have air conditioning
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It was just a few steps away from one of the train stops
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Oslo is a very unique city, we didn't have anything specific in mind
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Vigeland Sculpture Park
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The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet
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Oslo Cathedral
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The Royal Palace
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I called it an early night because I had to catch a flight, but there are plenty of restaurants and bars in the area
