4. Kjeragbolten and Trolltunga in Southwestern Norway: Jaw-dropping Hikes
Southwestern Norway, Including the Kjerg mountains, is segment number 4 as seen on the map below of Bubbly Tourist's perfect 7 - 10 Day Norway itinerary. Kjeragbolten and Trolltunga are two magnificent hikes that can be found in this part of Norway. Trolltunga, aka the "Troll's Tongue", is located on the western edge of the Hardangervidda plateau of the Hardangerfjord region. The other hike, Kjeragbolten, the Kjerg Boulder, is in the Kjerag mountains further south in the Lysefjord region. These jaw-dropping destinations however are not for the faint of heart.
Bubbly Tip: It rains a lot in Norway, so bring proper rain gear including coats, shoes/boots and umbrellas. And bring layers because you'll need to be able to layer up or strip down depending on the hour of the day. Don't feel like packing everything? Well there's plenty of fashionable stores throughout the country that set the standard with cool and stylish raincoats.
The Hardangerfjord Region
The Hardangerfjord is the fifth longest fjord in the world, and the second longest fjord in Norway. Just south of Bergen, it stretches 111 miles (179 km) from the Atlantic Ocean into the mountainous interior of Norway along the Hardangervidda plateau.
Trolltunga, the "Troll's Tongue"
Hovering over the Ringedalsvatnet lake, Trolltunga is a rock formation that juts out from the mountainside with incredible views. Also known as Pulpit Rock, it is found at the western edge of the Hardangervidda plateau – the largest national park in Norway situated a few hours south of Bergen. As one of the most photographed sites in Scandinavia, the iconic sliver of rock is recognized by most. Reaching Trolltunga, however, involves a long and demanding hike. The 13 mile (28km) hike took friends of Bubbly Tourist 10 hours roundtrip with a guide. It is not recommended without a guide as the guides will supply the gear, spikes, etc., and will help you along trails that are not well marked. Our friends used Trolltunga Active.
Note: the nearest town to Trolltunga is Odda. This small town caters mostly to hikers. There is not much to do around there, but it does have a couple of takeout restaurants.
Kjerag Mountain
Kjerag Mountain is located on the southern shore of the Lysefjord, southwest of the village of Lysebotn. At 1,110 meters, the mountain is just over a mile high and is the highest point on the fjord. Kjerag is a popular destination for hiking, climbing, and BASE jumping. It is roughly 240 miles (400 km) or 7 hours south by car of Bergen.
Kjeragbolten, the Kjerag Boulder
Kjeragbolten, or the Kjerag Boulder, is a massive 180 cubic-foot (5 cubic-meter) boulder wedged between two rocks in Kjerag Mountain. The hike is challenging and demanding, even for experienced hikers. It's 6–10 hours round trip, covers 6.5 miles or 11 kms and gains 800 meters in elevation. The trailhead at Øygardstøl is located on the southern side of the Lysefjord, 4.5 miles (7.5 km) from Lysebotn. It is accessible without climbing equipment but the trail can get slippery when it rains. Recognize too that the Kjerag boulder is suspended above a 3,228 ft (984m) deep abyss, and there are no safety fences under it.
What's Next on the Itinerary after Southwest Norway
The Magnificent Fjords of Northwest Norway
Next on the Bubbly Tourist perfect 7 - 10 day itinerary of Norway is segment 5 which will take you across the Sognefjord to Balestrand. In fact, the last three segments will take you from Bergen to Ålesund in Western Norway across three magnificent fjords: Sognefjord, aka "King of the Fjords", the Nordfjord, known for the Briksdalbreen Glacier, and Geirangerfjord, another UNESCO World Heritage site. This is an absolute stunning part of Norway and we recommend you drive this gorgeous land to maximize all you can see. The best place to pickup your rental car will be at the Bergen Flesland Airport.
Bubbly Tourist Bon Voyage!