1) Preikestolen Sunrise Hike
Preikestolen (or Pulpit Rock) located in western Norway is a steep cliff which rises about 600m above a fjord and one of the most visited attractions in Norway. It makes sense to either camp at the top (which is allowed) or make a night hike with headlamps through the twilight of the night for a crowd free visit early in the morning.
Night hike was a unique hiking experience, we met around 02:00 am, it took us about 6 hours to go up and down again, it is a path with moderate difficulty. I must admit, with my camera bag, at the end i was really exhausted, but all worth it to watch the sunrise illuminating the steep mountain walls.
Preikestolen is located about an hour drive by car (and ferry) from the city of Stavanger, the fourth largest in Norway. The best season to hike the trail is from April to October. There are no fencing or other safety devices, Preikestolen has approximately 200,000 visitors each year.[ Up until 2013 there had been no accidental fatalities at the site. However, there were previously suicides and suicide attempts. According to our guide in the last years there was two accidental fatalities, "if you consider the number of guests each year, you would probably have more risk when you are taking a shower", he added.
Below you find an aerial video I did with the drone as the sun rise.
2) Road Trip
Oslo - Stavanger - Gudvangen - Geiranger - Stigfossen - Oslo
Music credits of the video: Willie Nelson - On the Road Again
Discovering the Norwegian fjords by car is a must. Yes, everything including renting a car is expensive but it will totally wort it. Be prepared that a route which appears to take 5 hours according to google maps will take you about 10 hours since you will for sure stop quite often to enjoy the view and nature. You see the route I followed above, on the way I took two ferries, all ferries are frequently scheduled. Especially motorway number 13 was amazing. For other options you can check:
https://www.fjordnorway.com/planning-your-trip/tour-suggestions/round-trips-by-car/medium-length-trips
3) Kayaking
Fjords in Norway, with stunning coastal areas are perfect for kayaking! It really strikes you when you are out there. Several operators offer rental kayaks and guided tours. You get a feeling of a landscape that is changing for every stroke.
In the fjord areas you may join in on short kayaking tours lasting a couple of hours or 2-3-4 day tours. I totally recommend to do more day tours and camp at the fjords. You will miss a lot if you do a daily tour. I made a 2 day guided tour, started at Gudvangen and ended in Undredal at Nærøyfjord.
4) Cycling Trollstigen
The climb of Trollstigen, which translates to Troll’s Ladder, is one of the most dramatic places in the world to ride a bike.
The main climb is 12.2km at 7 per cent and the landscape through which it passes is incredible.
You will enjoy every pedal: the mountains surrounding, cascading waterfalls, valleys, cliffs.
PS: If you are not a sporty cycler, I recommend to rent an E-bike from Hotel Aak.
5) Glacier Climb
My last plan was to make a glacier climb at Nigardsbreen. However during my entire trip I have stopped so often to make photos, videos and enjoy the view that I had to skip this one to catch my plane back to Munich.
One last tip: If you plan to visit Norway and you are making photos & videos, invest in a drone! Here are two of aerial videos:
Following Road 63 which runs through famous fjord and alpine landscape I am on my way to Trollstigen, as I was trying to find the source of the waterfall with my drone, came across with this crystal clear lake at the top of the jagged mountains...if only i’d known how to rock climb.