Few countries reward outdoorsy travelers like Norway. Carved by glaciers, the West Coast is a patchwork of steep fjords, thunderous waterfalls, and ridge walks with views that stretch to the sea. Bergen and Stavanger are your ideal springboards—compact coastal cities framed by trailheads, ferries, and buses that deliver you straight into nature.

Norway’s saga-era history still whispers from stave churches, Viking-age sites, and fisherfolk neighborhoods, while modern Norwegians make the most of the outdoors with well-marked paths, excellent safety standards, and beloved “tur” culture (the social ritual of going for a hike). Expect clean tap water, reliable public transport, and cafes that take coffee seriously.

Practical notes: Weather flips fast—pack layers, waterproofs, and grippy footwear. Many marquee trails (like Kjerag) are summer-only; we’ve noted seasonal alternates to keep this itinerary viable year-round. Your budget (48/100) fits Norway best with buses, self-guided hikes, and a handful of strategic tours.

Bergen

Bergen, the “Gateway to the Fjords,” is ringed by seven mountains and stitched with trails—from a quick climb up Stoltzekleiven’s 900+ stone steps to the panoramic Vidden traverse between Fløyen and Ulriken. When clouds hug the peaks, dive into fisherman history at the harbor or sip exceptional brews at third-wave cafes.

• Top nature hits: Ulriken 643 cable car to the Vidden ridge, Stoltzekleiven to Sandviksfjellet, island walks around Lysøen and Sotra, and fjord cruises into narrow, waterfall-laced inlets.
• Fuel stops: Kaffemisjonen (award-winning pour-overs), Det Lille Kaffekompaniet (cozy pre-hike espresso), Godt Brød or Baker Brun (cinnamon buns and sandwiches), Pingvinen (reindeer stew, fish cakes), Bryggeloftet & Stuene (classic fish soup), Søstrene Hagelin (budget-friendly fish cakes).
• Fun fact: Bergen’s wooden Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, is a UNESCO site; its crooked alleys once housed German merchants who dominated cod trade.

Where to stay (Bergen): Browse apartments and cabins on VRBO Bergen or compare hotels on Hotels.com Bergen. Well-located picks: Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen (great breakfast), Scandic Ørnen (near the light rail), Citybox Bergen (smart-budget), Hotel Norge by Scandic (central with mountain views).

Getting to Bergen: Fly into Bergen (BGO) via Omio flights (Europe) or Trip.com flights (global). From Oslo, the scenic Bergen Line takes ~6.5–7.5 hours; search times and fares on Omio trains (Europe). Light rail links BGO to the city center in ~45 minutes.

Optional Flåm overnight: If you extend beyond a day trip, look at Fretheim Hotel, Flåmsbrygga Hotel, or budget-friendly Flåm Hostel. For Hardangerfjord, consider Hotel Ullensvang, Hardanger Hostel B&B, or Kinsarvik Camping for trailhead access.

Stavanger

Stavanger places you within striking distance of two bucket-list hikes: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), a prow of granite 604 meters above Lysefjord, and Kjeragbolten, the famous boulder wedged between cliffs. Its white wooden old town, colorful Øvre Holmegate, and harbor eateries add a relaxed post-hike scene.

• Top nature hits: Preikestolen, Kjerag (summer season), Dalsnuten ridge for sunrise, Månafossen waterfall in Gjesdal, dune walks at Sola Beach.
• Eats and drinks: Coffeeberry (light roasts), Kokko (design-forward coffee bar), Kanelsnurren (cardamom buns), Fisketorget Stavanger (hearty fish soup), Fortou (creative street food), Døgnvill Burger (post-hike calories), Bøker & Børst (beers in a bookish cafe).
• Fun fact: Stavanger boomed during the oil era, yet locals remained loyal to “friluftsliv”—the Norwegian love of open-air living.

Where to stay (Stavanger): Compare stays on VRBO Stavanger or Hotels.com Stavanger. Solid mid-range choices: Hotel Victoria (harbor views), Scandic Stavanger City (reliable, central), or the budget-friendly Stavanger Bed & Breakfast.

Travel Bergen → Stavanger: Morning buses and ferries take ~5–6 hours (US$35–70); check options on Omio buses (Europe) and Omio ferries (Europe). Flying takes ~40 minutes but adds airport transfers; browse on Omio flights.

Day 1: Arrive in Bergen, Fjord Air, and a Sunset Stroll

Afternoon: Arrive and drop bags. Stretch your legs with a harbor loop along Bryggen’s timber lanes to Sandviksbryggen. For a first taste of Norway, grab fish soup or plukkfisk at Bryggeloftet & Stuene, or quick fish cakes at Søstrene Hagelin if you’re on the move.

Evening: Ride the Fløibanen funicular for a golden-hour view over the harbor; wander the short Skomakerdiket loop at the top to smell the pines. Dinner at Pingvinen for Norwegian comfort fare (try the fish gratin). Nightcap at Apollon for local beers and vinyl.

Day 2: The Vidden Ridge—Bergen’s Iconic Mountain Traverse

Morning: Coffee at Det Lille Kaffekompaniet, then take the Ulriken 643 cable car. Start the Vidden hike from Ulriken toward Fløyen (or reverse). Expect 13–15 km, steady undulation, and constant fjord-and-island vistas.

Afternoon: Picnic on the ridge (windproof layer essential). If weather turns, bail on shorter spurs to Brushytten or Skomakerdiket and descend by the Fløibanen. Otherwise, complete the traverse in 5–6 hours total.

Evening: Reward yourself with cod or mussels at Colonialen Litteraturhuset’s bistro-style menu, or keep it casual with Trekroneren’s legendary hot dogs (rein and lamb varieties). Early night—tomorrow is about boats and waterfalls.

Day 3: Fjords Up Close—Mostraumen Cruise + Forest Walk

Morning: Join a smaller-vessel fjord cruise to narrow Mostraumen, where waterfalls brush the deck and cliffs tower overhead. Book: Mostraumen Fjord Cruise - the local operator.

Afternoon: Back in town, take the light rail to Fantoft and walk the forest paths around the stave church, or head to Sandviksfjellet via Stoltzekleiven for a short, steep climb with a killer view.

Evening: Casual dinner at Bryggen Tracteursted (game and fish with historic flair) or wood-fired pizza and local beer at Bien Basar. Grab a cinnamon bun for tomorrow from Baker Brun.

Day 4: Hardangerfjord Waterfalls—Husedalen Valley Day Hike

Morning: Early bus via Voss toward Kinsarvik (2.5–3.5 hours, ~US$35–45; check Omio buses). Trailhead is a short walk from Kinsarvik to the Husedalen valley, famed for four massive waterfalls (Tveitafossen, Nyastølsfossen, Nykkjesøyfossen, and Søtefossen).

Afternoon: Choose your turnaround—reaching two falls is moderate (3–4 hours RT); all four is a big day (6–8 hours). Terrain is rocky and can be wet; wear waterproof boots. If you prefer a lighter day, consider the fruit trail near Lofthus with fjord views and orchards.

Evening: Bus back to Bergen for dinner. For a budget bowl, Søstrene Hagelin; for something heartier, Pingvinen’s daily stew. Early to bed for tomorrow’s full-day epic.

Day 5: Nærøyfjord + Flåm Railway—A West Norway Classic (Full-Day Tour)

Set aside the whole day for a seamless combo of UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, the Flåm Railway, and a living Viking village. Expect jaw-dropping fjord narrows, heritage boats, and one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world. Book from Bergen: Guided tour to Viking Village, Nærøyfjorden Cruise & Flåm Railway.

Tip: If you’d rather linger in the valley, consider an optional overnight at Fretheim Hotel or Flåmsbrygga Hotel and return to Bergen tomorrow morning.

Day 6: Travel to Stavanger, Harbor Walks, and Wooden Old Town

Morning: Depart Bergen to Stavanger by bus/ferry combo (~5–6 hours, US$35–70; check Omio buses and Omio ferries). Check into your hotel near the harbor for easy day-trip logistics.

Afternoon: Wander Gamle Stavanger’s cobbled lanes of white wooden houses, then stroll Øvre Holmegate’s pastel row for photos. Coffee at Coffeeberry; stock trail snacks at a local REMA or MENY supermarket to save on costs.

Evening: Carb-up for tomorrow’s hike: Døgnvill Burger or hearty fish soup at Fisketorget Stavanger. Sunset amble along the harbor boardwalk; turn in early.

Day 7: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)—Norway’s Iconic Cliff

Morning: After a quick Kanelsnurren bun and espresso at Kokko, take the seasonal shuttle to Preikestolen Basecamp (~1 hour each way; ~US$20–30 RT—search Omio buses). The classic route is ~8 km RT, 500 m elevation gain, 3.5–5 hours total on granite slabs and stone staircases.

Afternoon: Lunch at the top with Lysefjord sprawling below—give the edge respectful distance in wind. On return, consider a cold dip near Refsvatnet by the basecamp if weather allows.

Evening: Celebrate with shared plates at Fortou (inventive, well-priced) or crisp seafood at Bølgen & Moi near the waterfront. Casual beers at Bøker & Børst back on Øvre Holmegate.

Day 8: Kjeragbolten Summit (Summer) or Månafossen Waterfall (Shoulder/Winter)

Option A—Kjeragbolten (mid-June–Sept): Long but unforgettable. Take the early seasonal bus (~3 hours each way; check Omio buses) to Øygardstøl. The 10–12 km RT hike gains ~800 m over chained sections—6–8 hours total. Pack layers, gloves, and plenty of water. The boulder photo is optional—only step if conditions are dry and you’re confident.

Option B—Månafossen (year-round, microspikes in winter): A 1–2 hour round-trip with steep steps and chains near the falls; extend to the Mån farm for a half-day. Combine with a Dalsnuten ridge hike (easy-moderate, 2–3 hours RT) if time and weather permit.

Evening: Warm up with ramen or bowls at Ramen Renaa Xpress, or go Norwegian comfort at Eg & Du (soups, salads, fresh bread). If you’ve still got energy, sunset at Sola Beach’s dunes.

Day 9: Sunrise Ridge and Departure

Morning: Quick sunrise outing to Dalsnuten (20–30 minutes from town; 2–3 hours RT, big views for modest effort). Alternatively, stroll the lakes at Mosvatnet for an easy leg-stretcher.

Afternoon: Depart from Stavanger Airport (SVG). Compare returns on Omio flights (Europe) or Trip.com flights (global). If training onward in Europe, check Omio trains.

Evening: If you fly later, grab an early dinner: sharing plates at Fortou or fish at Fisketorget. Pick up a bag of Kaffe frisks from Coffeeberry for the trip home.

Budget-savvy tips: Use public transport and shuttles for hikes, carry a refillable bottle (tap water is excellent), and stock trail snacks from supermarkets. Norway’s right-to-roam ethos means trail access is free; invest in a couple of standout experiences (like the fjord+rail day) to round out the adventure.

Seasonal notes: Kjerag is typically mid-June to mid-September; outside that window, choose lower-elevation hikes (Månafossen, Dalsnuten) and fjord cruises. Always check forecasts and heed local signage; conditions change quickly.

This nine-day, nature-forward route delivers Norway’s greatest hits without city overload: ridge walks above Bergen, deep-into-the-fjord days, and Stavanger’s cliffside epics. With smart transport and mid-range stays, you’ll maximize trails, views, and fresh air—exactly the adventurous vibe you asked for.