I’ve just returned from my first-ever visit to Norway, and the beauty of this country has left a lasting impression on me. Even though I’m back to my regular routine, my thoughts are still wandering in the stunning landscapes of Norway. In the past, I believed that reaching the summit of Mont Blanc or exploring the Andes mountains in Peru would be the pinnacle of my travel experiences. However, my time in Norway, especially along the mesmerising fjords, has shown me that there is breathtaking beauty waiting to be discovered in every corner of the world. Opting to join a group was the best decision on this occasion. The trip consisted of Hike, Kayak, and Wild Camp on the Norwegian Fjords, a four-day expedition! Allow me to walk you through the details of my itinerary.
Exploring Bergen
I chose to commence my journey in Bergen, the country’s second-largest city. This gave me a couple of days to adapt to the Norwegian lifestyle and make the most of the weekend before the expedition officially began on a Monday. Upon my late arrival in Bergen, I wasted no time, I was just so excited to be here. After dropping off my bags at the accommodation, I ventured straight to Hoggorm, a pizza place recommended by a friend. It turns out that Frozen pizza is a big thing in Norway, so I needed a slice of the action! It’s worth noting that the pizza at Hoggorm was freshly prepared and served straight from a piping hot oven. I enjoyed a local beer along with my chosen pizza, Bacon & Pineapple was my top selection – what’s not to love?
As I expected, the weekend I spent in Bergen was a total rainfest. Honestly, it’s no big surprise since it’s known to be the rainiest city in Europe. As they say, ‘There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.’ Nevertheless, I managed to have an enjoyable and eventful time despite this. On Sunday, I took the Fløibanen funicular and the trip to Fløyen (320 meters above sea level) took approximately 5 to 8 minutes. Once I reached the top, I gazed out at the picturesque cityscape of Bergen on a misty, rainy day. It was magical as the city slowly revealed itself through the low mist that hung over it. I decided to walk back down, which took about 45 minutes and was well worth it—it was a beautiful walk through the forest.
Following a brief pause to relax and rejuvenate while savoring Norwegian vanilla custard buns, I promptly made my way to the Bergen Free Walking Tour, which I had booked with ‘twenty four.’ It turned out to be a great way to see the city and actively learn about the famous colourful buildings, the trading district, and music composers like Edvard Grieg and his famous compositions, such as the Peer Gynt Suite. Walking tours certainly make it more memorable than reading about it in a book. I wrapped up the day at a neighbourhood bar, engaging in spontaneous chats with the friendly locals. I wholeheartedly recommend exploring this city.
Kayaking & Fishing Adventures
On a Monday morning, I set off for Stavangar, a journey that stretched for 4 hours and 37 minutes. It includes a bus ride and two picturesque ferry crossings. Upon reaching our destination, our group assembled at a charming hut. This cozy lodge had been incorporated into the Norwegian tourist organization as a DNT hut. The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) manages over 550 cabins across Norway, providing numerous options for comfortable and budget-friendly accommodations during your hiking adventure. So, if you’re looking for another reason to visit, here it is!
Picture this: a kayak loaded down with everything but the kitchen sink – food, a tent, our belongings! And then we had to hop in!
I had a great night getting to know the group, meeting our guide Lukas, and savouring a tasty reindeer dinner sourced from the East and North of Norway, where the Sámi folks have been herding reindeer for generations. The Sámi culture is the ancient heart of Northern Norway. Our cosy hut nestled on the edge of a fjord treated us to one heck of a view. So, when morning came knocking, I teamed up with one of my newfound comrades, and we decided to dive into the frigid fjord waters for a wake-up call. Tuesday morning, we all geared up for a day of kayaking. Picture this: a kayak loaded down with everything but the kitchen sink – food, a tent, our belongings! And then we had to hop in! Who would’ve thought a kayak could carry so much? I’m glad I mastered the art of packing light and smart before my trip. As we glided along the peaceful fjords, it was like we were on a top-secret mission to transport our campsite to the next destination.Except for a curious seal that momentarily appeared, and the occasional passing boat, the fjords appeared to be empty.
Our guide gave us the lowdown on the thriving local fish populations, which included Cod, Pollock, whiting, mackerel, salmon, and more. So, we decided to try our luck with a “harpe” (Harp) and trolling, a fishing method where we moved our kayaks forward with our fishing lines trailing behind. I also experimented with a new technique called pilking, which involved working the bait up and down in one spot. I enjoyed this because it provided us with some relaxation time from kayaking. However, the fish seemed to be playing a game of hide and seek, and we weren’t exactly the champions. Consequently, our dinner that evening turned into a “fishless” risotto. 
Camping experience
When we finally paddled up to the campsite and wrestled with our tents, I quickly realised that I should probably attend Tent Pitching 101 for future sake! Over the next few days, our campsite was like our very own slice of paradise. Uncomfortable nights sleep? Who cares! When I unzipped that tent, the jaw-dropping views washed away any fatigue. Camping truly provides an up-close and personal connection with nature and I was here for it, soaking it all in. It offers a unique experience compared to staying in a hotel.
Our day started with some kayaking for good measure, and our evenings? Oh boy, those were a treat! Gathered around a crackling fire after dinner, with a good ol’ whiskey in hand. Our Scottish crew had brought along their favourite bottles, and it was the perfect setting to kick back and have a sip!
We didn’t stop there – we embarked on a hiking expedition to Pulpit Rock, kicking off our journey around 7 am to reach the hike’s starting point. And let me tell you, it was a scene like a dream. Upon reaching Pulpit Rock, we ventured a bit further up to escape the bustling crowds that were starting to form. The entire hike lasted just a tad over 3 hours, and the beauty of it all was mind-blowing. It was one of those “pinch me” moments that make you feel like you’re living in a postcard. 🏞️💫
As I come to the end of my Norwegian adventure. I can’t help but feel grateful for the experiences I’ve had. I’ve got to admit, there’s a special feeling when you arrive at your campsite by kayak, staying in a tent, the warmth of a campfire, camp-cooked meals, and fully immersing myself in an authentic experience that makes me feel more at ease than any posh hotel room ever could.
Our guide, Lukas Hallberg, was like the heart and soul of our Norwegian adventure. Lukas, a multi-day tour guide added something special to our trip. He really loves nature, and you can’t help but catch his enthusiasm. Lukas made our adventure better, reminding us how a passionate and knowledgeable guide can greatly enhance the outdoors experience. So, even if you don’t know your guide in advance, checking company reviews that mention the guide can be really helpful. For a few days, I found myself in a world quite different from the high-rise apartments of Barcelona that I had left behind. So, let’s raise a virtual Norwegian beer to embrace innovative ways of exploring the world. Ultimately, in the end, it’s the experiences that shape your journey. There’s nothing quite like coming home and sharing stories of the places you’ve visited with curious friends. My hope is that, by doing so, you inspire them to embark on their own unique and personal journeys.
Until next time, keep wandering, keep exploring with a heart full of gratitude.
