On our third day in Norway, we decided to spend the entire day exploring the areas around Bergen. We booked a guided tour that took us nearly three hours away from Bergen and lasted 11 hours from start to finish. Along the way, we made several stops to admire the country’s beauty, but five places stood out as particularly noteworthy.
Tvindefossen Waterfall
This impressive waterfall is known for its scenic beauty and was a popular rest stop for several travelers.
Gudvangen
We stopped here to snap some photos and later disembarked from our boat tour at this location.
Stegastein Viewpoint
The 98-foot-long and 13-foot-wide platform, made of steel and laminated pine, overlooks Aurlandsvangen and the Aurlandsfjord. The entire platform stands 2,133 feet above Aurlandsfjord, providing a panoramic view of the area. The road up the mountainside was narrow, allowing only one vehicle at a time. There are waysides where oncoming traffic can pull to the side, but vehicles often come head-to-head, and one has to reverse. We were delayed by a large coach bus, which caused significant issues on our descent.
Flåm
Flåm is a small village in Norway, located at the end of the Aurlandsfjord. It is a popular starting point for boat tours, including ours.
Nærøyfjord
The highlight of our tour was riding an electric catamaran through Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nærøyfjord is one of the narrowest fjords in Europe, with a width of only 500 meters at its narrowest point. It is known for its dramatic landscapes, steep mountains, and serene waters.
The electric catamaran through Nærøyfjord was designed to resemble the Oslo Opera House. The vessel offers a silent and eco-friendly way to explore the fjord, providing unobstructed views of the landscape. The sleek, modern design of the catamaran, inspired by the architectural lines of the opera house, enhances the scenic experience while minimizing environmental impact.