The fjords off the beaten track

At the westernmost tip of Norway, the Solund archipelago marks a stark departure from the more touristy landscapes of the classic fjords. Here, everything is more dispersed: rocky islets, isolated fishing villages, and a sea that is often very present in the landscape, even in calm weather.

People come to Solund primarily for its unique atmosphere, a blend of sailing, small communities, and a landscape highly exposed to the elements. Travel is dictated by local connections and shipping routes, reinforcing the feeling of isolation without making it inaccessible.

Depending on the weather, the colors change quickly: low skies, low-angled light, or very long evenings in summer. It's a place where you spend as much time observing the landscape as you do traversing it.

Solund Island is a true capsule of coastal culture. For exploration on foot, the hike to Ramnenipa offers a panoramic view of the entire archipelago.

An overnight stop in the Sunnfjord region, in the heart of Norway's west coast. The landscape is composed of wide valleys, rivers and waterfalls, with mountainous terrain structuring the entire scene.

This is a pleasant way to discover a more tranquil Norway, where the distances between sites allow you to fully enjoy the journeys and views along the way. The atmosphere is focused on nature and open spaces, with a strong presence of water and mountains.

A former fishing port that has remained remarkably well-preserved, Kalvåg retains a strong maritime identity with its quays, small wooden houses, and direct connection to the sea. The village stretches along the waterfront, in an environment where navigation and fishing are still part of daily life.

This overnight stop offers a simple and easy-to-understand way to discover the Norwegian west coast, with its coastline, small beaches, and hills accessible on foot. The trails around the village offer panoramic views of the archipelago and neighboring islets.

The whole project highlights the coastal landscape, with an atmosphere focused on the sea and open spaces.

Rebuilt after a major fire at the beginning of the 20th century, Ålesund is now recognized for its coherent Art Nouveau architecture and its location between sea and islands.

The city center is easily explored on foot, with decorated facades, streets laid out around canals, and a prominent waterfront. The whole forms a compact city, where the water is always close at hand.

It is also an interesting step to gain perspective by climbing to the Fjellstua viewpoint on Mount Aksla, which allows you to understand the organization of the city between the islets, the port and the surrounding mountains.

Surrounded by steep peaks and deep valleys, Åndalsnes lies in the heart of the Romsdal region, a renowned starting point for several iconic hiking routes.

The town is situated on the edge of the fjord, with direct access to mountain scenery very close to the center. From the Romsdalen valley, one can quickly reach well-known viewpoints such as Trollveggen or high-altitude trails offering a clear view of the surrounding landscape.

This is a stage focused on wide open spaces, with panoramas that easily follow one another between road, fjord and mountain, and an immediate impression of proximity to the high wall and ridge landscapes.

Nestled at the foot of the Jostedalsbreen glacier, Loen lies in a narrow valley where the landscape quickly narrows between mountains and streams. The setting is dominated by steep cliffs and clear-colored lakes, typical of glacial areas.

The region lends itself to a variety of outdoor activities, with hikes accessible from the valley, cycling routes, and starting points for excursions to the surrounding hills. Access to areas near the Briksdal Glacier also allows visitors to get close to the glacial tongues originating from Jostedalsbreen. From Loen, it is also possible to visit the Geirangerfjord.

Loen functions as an anchor point for exploring several environments in a short time: valley, mountains and glacial areas, with rapid changes in landscapes depending on altitude and routes chosen.

Located on the shores of the Sognefjord, Balestrand is situated in a wide fjord environment, framed by wooded slopes and peaks in the background.

The village is a good starting point for hikes with views of the fjord, accessible from the heights around the center. The presence of orchards in the region is due to a milder climate than in other areas of Western Norway, which also gives the area a strong agricultural identity, particularly around cider production.

The entire area allows you to combine walks along the fjord and high-altitude routes, with open views of the arms of the Sognefjord and the surrounding terrain.

Back in Bergen for your final night, enjoy the city's warm atmosphere and waterfront one last time before your departure. A perfect ending to this exceptional loop through the fjords, between coastal villages, majestic mountains, and unspoiled nature.