Getting away from the usual tourist routes and discovering lesser-known places-there is nothing more beautiful.
Today I am here to tell you about a trip that left me speechless: Norway, explored through the fjords of Sunnfjord and Sunnhordland, starting from Bergen, the famous “gateway to the fjords.”
As TWE’s product manager, I had the honor of being a guest speaker at Visit Norway, a unique opportunity to experience the magic of these lands firsthand.
Before I left, I wondered what kind of weather I would find: sun, rain, wind? Well, in Norway anything can happen in a single day. It was as if nature welcomed me, saying: “Welcome to Norway, Faith!”
Bergen: The Gateway to the Fjords and the Heart of the Journey
Our adventure began in Bergen, a magical city that became our starting and ending point for the duration of the trip. Bergen is an enchantment between the blue sea and the green hills, a place where the ferry is much more than a means of transportation. Norwegians use them every day, whether it is for work, grocery shopping, or simply to move between fjords. What if the weather is too bad and the rides are canceled? No one complains, they simply say, “It’s nature.”
Rosendal: Unique Colors and Atmospheres
From Bergen, we embarked for Rosendal, a small village of intense colors, a natural painting reflecting on the calm water of the fjords. Strolling through its narrow streets, we visited the local museum and discovered spectacular views: every corner was a visual poem, with the colors of the trees dancing on the body of water. A unique and unforgettable atmosphere.
Halsnøy Monastery and The Welcoming of Stord
From Rosendal, a short bus ride took us to Halsnøy Monastery, a place full of medieval, almost mystical charm with an ancient history that transported us back in time. Soon after, we took the ferry back to Stord, where a night at a hotel with a fascinating family history awaited us. The warm welcome and simple beauty of this place gave us a genuine immersion in Norwegian culture.
Moster Amfi: A Dive into Norse Mythology and Viking Cuisine.
The next morning we left for Moster Amfi, a cultural center located in a historic area that chronicles the transition from Norse mythology to Christianity. We explored the old church and the ancient marble tunnels, but the highlight was lunch: served in a cave on a long table, where we were treated to an authentic “Viking stew” and fresh waffles. It was a truly extraordinary experience.
Florø and Kinn: The Essence of a Rural Paradise
The journey continued to Florø, from where we took a ferry to theisland of Kinn, inhabited by only 7 people! Here, in this remote paradise, we had lunch in a guesthouse with one of the locals. It seems almost unreal, but these places make you feel out of time, in a world where nature dictates the pace of life.
Svanøy: A Dwelling in the Green and the Charm of History
A new ferry took us to Svanøy, where we stayed overnight in a manor house surrounded by nature. It felt as if we had stepped back in time, welcomed by an intimate and magical atmosphere, with extraordinary cuisine that enhanced local raw materials. Here, every detail was lovingly cared for, from the presentation of dishes to the furnishings of the house.
Solund: Sustainability and Safari in the Wilderness
At dawn, in total darkness, we set out for Solund, a tiny town with about 700 inhabitants that has made sustainable tourism its mission. We participated in a “wild sheep safari,” an unforgettable experience that allowed us to immerse ourselves in the wilderness. After the safari, we had lunch at a small village café, where local ladies showed us handmade scarves and offered us hot soup served with smiles and genuine hospitality.
Return to Bergen: A Greeting from the Fjords
After the last ferry crossing, we returned to Bergen to close the trip with a visit to the top of Mount Fløyen. From the top, the view of the fjords is breathtaking, a last look at this landscape that enchants and leaves a deep impression.
A Deep Connection with Nature
This trip taught me a lot: in Norway, sustainability is not a choice, but a reality. Everything here is built to respect and preserve nature, from the electric cars to the boats to the cuisine that celebrates local ingredients. Each dish is designed to enhance the freshness of the ingredients, often enhanced with minimalist plating that contrasts with dark tableware.
Norway is an experience away from the usual itineraries. Bergen and its fjords are waiting for you.
Are you ready to explore this land where nature is the real star?
Discover our unpublished itineraries:
- A long weekend to explore Bergen its magical surroundings
- An itinerary between Oslo and Bergen through the majestic fjords
See you soon,
Federica