My First Adventure in Norway
I’ve just returned from my first-ever visit to Norway, and the beauty of this country has left a lasting impression on me. I’m now back to my regular routine at home, yet my thoughts are still wandering back to the stunning landscapes of my trip. 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, often not even that far from home. Opting to join a Skyhook adventure for this experience was the best decision. The trip consisted of Hike, Kayak, and Wild Camp on the Norwegian Fjords, a four-day expedition! Here’s how it turned out.
Discovering Bergen – The Gateway to the Fjords
I chose to commence my journey in Bergen, the country’s second-largest city. This gave me a couple of days settle in and make the most of the weekend before the expedition officially began. Upon my arrival in Bergen, I wasted no time. After dropping off my bags at the accommodation, I ventured straight to Hoggorm, a pizza place freshly prepared and served straight from a piping hot oven. Bacon & Pineapple was my top selection, what’s not to love? Highly recommend this place.
The weekend in Bergen was a total rainfest. It’s no 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.’ So I threw on my North Face jacket and embraced it.
On Sunday, I took the Fløibanen funicular up to Fløyen, which sits 320 metres above sea level, a 5 to 8-minute ride. At the top, Bergen was mostly hidden beneath mist and rain, but as I hung around the city slowly revealed itself through the low clouds. I chose to walk back down via a peaceful 45-minute forest trail. Even in the rain, it was absolutely worth it.
With some extra time in Bergen, I ended up doing the same journey again, this time at night. With the city twinkling below, lit up against the dark sky it was a nice experience.
With a brief moment to relax, I treated myself to a Norwegian vanilla custard bun, a must-try.
I 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. Bergen has a quiet charm that’s easy to fall for.
Fjord Kayaking and Wild Fishing in Norway
On a Monday morning, I set off for Stavanger to join the Skyhook adventure group, a journey that took 4 hours and 37 minutes, including a bus ride and two picturesque ferry crossings. While it was just a way to get to the next stop on my itinerary, it turned out to be a surprisingly lovely part of the trip.
When I arrived, our group gathered at a charming hut, our home base for the next leg of the adventure. This cozy lodge is part of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT), which manages over 550 cabins across Norway. These huts offer hikers and outdoor lovers a comfortable, budget-friendly place to stay. So if you’re looking for another reason to visit Norway, this is it!
That first evening was spent getting to know the group, meeting our guide Lukas, and enjoying a delicious reindeer dinner sourced from Eastern and Northern Norway, where Sámi communities – the oldest in large parts of Northern Norway have been herding reindeer for generations.
When morning came knocking, one of my newfound comrades and I decided to dive straight into the frigid fjord waters for a wake-up call.
The following day, we all geared up for a full day of kayaking. Picture this: a kayak loaded with everything but the kitchen sink, food, a tent, all our belongings and then we had to climb in. It was chaotic, a bit wobbly… but so much fun! I was especially grateful to have mastered the art of packing light (and smart) before the 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. 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.
Wild Camping in Norwegian Fjords
We finally paddled up to the campsite, our very own slice of paradise. Uncomfortable nights’ sleep? Who cares! Every time I unzipped the tent, those jaw-dropping views washed away any fatigue.
Our days began with more kayaking, and evenings were spent gathered around a crackling fire, a good ol’ whiskey in hand. Our Scottish crew had brought their favourite bottles, making it the perfect way to kick back and unwind.
But we didn’t stop there. One morning, we set off at 7 a.m. for a hiking expedition to Pulpit Rock. The hike lasted just over three hours and was one of those “pinch me” moments, like stepping right into a postcard. I had always admired it from afar, through other people’s photos and stories, but being there in person was simply amazing. As my Norwegian adventure came to a close, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for all the experiences I’d had.
There’s something so special about arriving at a campsite by kayak, sleeping under the stars, warming yourself by a campfire, and enjoying camp-cooked meals. It’s an authenticity that no posh hotel room could ever provide.
Our guide Lukas Hallberg. He was the heart and soul of the trip. His passion for nature was contagious, reminding us how a knowledgeable guide can transform an outdoor adventure. For a few days, I found myself in a world completely different from the one I’d left behind.
So here’s to embracing new, creative ways of exploring the world, whatever that may look like for each of us. In the end, it’s these experiences that shape our journeys. And there’s nothing quite like coming home and sharing stories of the places you’ve been with curious friends.
Until next time, keep wandering, keep exploring with a heart full of gratitude.
