You can cover it in one epic day trip, or take your time and do the drive over multiple days. There are so many incredible viewpoints – some are well known, others not so much – but there is so much to explore that I recommend you give yourself at least 2-3 full days. 

It all culminates with the famous 12 Apostles, which is one of the most incredible views to be found in this part of the world. 

But there are places to discover beyond this that are equally impressive and far less crowded. More on that later! 

Video Summary

Check out the full road trip video below as we make our way along the Great Ocean Road so you get the full visual experience. 

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Great Ocean Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – Melbourne to Aireys Inlet

The drive from Melbourne to our first stop is 90 minutes in a south-west direction. You will pass through the city of Geelong which is a common stopover but we continued on until we reached the coast. 

Bells Beach

This is a well-known destination for hosting the Bells Beach Pro surf event each year and is the first glimpse of this southern coastline on this road trip. 

It was mid-afternoon when we arrived but still saw plenty of surfers out in the water at both ends of the beach.

There are multiple viewing platforms that give you a great view of the surf action. You can also see for miles along this glorious coastline! 

It is a very peaceful area with not much else around. But it was a nice place to watch the sun start to set and a nice introduction to this stretch of coastline. 

We did this drive in the middle of winter so despite the setting sun there were plenty of hours left in the day. 

Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery

Five minutes away is the Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie and Ice Creamery. Where I was eager to have an afternoon coffee and try out the gelato, while also stocking up on some sweet treats for the days ahead on the road. 

Inside is visually impressive with colorful and tasty treats and a few touristy items that make gimmicky souvenirs. 

As for the ice cream, it was decent but not mind-blowing. But, we still left happy! 

Anglesea Lookout

When passing through the town of Anglesea, we noticed a small lookout on the side of the road.

Here you can learn about multiple shipwrecks that took place off the coast in the 19th and early 20th century. 

But unless that’s your thing it’s probably not worth the stop. 

Airey’s Inlet

Now that darkness was setting in I booked a last-minute hotel in Airey’s Inlet. It was low season so it was easy to find an affordable room.

However, in the summer months you will not be as lucky, and booking ahead of time is recommended. 

We spent the night in the Sunnymead Hotel and the quality of the room was outstanding!

I particularly enjoyed the assortment of teas available in the room. A nice relaxing touch at the end of a long day on the road. 

Day 2 – Aireys Inlet to the 12 Apostles

We are back on the road at sunrise with the first stop just five minutes down the road. 

Split Point Lighthouse

The Split Point lighthouse and lookout can get very busy during the day. With very limited parking and a steep incline to reach the lighthouse, it can become a long stopover if arriving at peak times. 

However, at this early hour, there was no one around except for a few locals out walking their dogs.

We were able to park at the top of the hill right near the path leading to the lighthouse which saved us a lot of time. 

As for the lighthouse, those who grew up in the 90s may recognize the scene from the TV show around the twist. But nostalgia aside, it’s a beautiful spot with multiple lookouts where you can view Castle Rock on one side, and the Sentinel Rock on the other. 

If you want to explore the inside of the lighthouse, you can join a group tour for just over ten bucks. Buy your tickets below. 

There is a nice beach at the bottom of the hill, but it was too early and too cold for that! So, we hit the road again towards the Memorial Arch.

Memorial Arch

This is a memorial dedicated to the returned servicemen who helped build the Great Ocean Road in the years after WW1. 

This is a popular stopover with limited parking so again we were happy to be there nice and early in the day! 

From this point, the road becomes much more windy as it hugs the coastline. Over the next few hours you will see some of the best coastal views this region has to offer. 

In some sections, you will climb up to some impressive viewpoints with stunning views!

And I would encourage you to stop every time something catches your eye – this is something you will have less freedom to do if only on a day trip – so do yourself a favor and allow plenty of time to do as you please. 

There are frequent stopping areas on the shoulder of the road. Some are very small, but most can accommodate enough vehicles with most stopping only briefly to check out the view and move on. 

But, first we are going to take a small detour inland at the town of Lorne for a short hike to see the Erskine Falls.  

Erskine Falls

A hike may be overstating it. There are two viewpoints to see the falls, one being just 80 meters from the car park, and the other being 220 meters. 

The lower falls lookout will require a lot more steps but is manageable with only moderate levels of fitness. It’s an easy walk! 

Unless you are really in the mood for a hike, I would suggest skipping this stop. It would not make my top 100 waterfalls that I have seen around the world. 

Teddys Lookout

Just south of Lorne is one of the most picturesque viewpoints along the coast. The platform overlooks the Lorne Scenic Beach and the entrance to the St George’s River. 

A road will take you all the way up there so no hiking is required despite the very high position. 

From here, the color of the water is beautiful, and if you are lucky you may be able to spot some whales off the coast. This is just one of many favorite Whale Watching positions. 

Mount Defiance Lookout

If you were short on time then you could skip this one in favor of Teddy’s Lookout and Cape Patton. 

If there is no rush then it’s a nice short stopover with great views over the beachfront. 

Cape Patton Lookout

This is another epic viewpoint with views in both directions along the coastline. 

It is from an elevated position that is equally windy as it is spectacular! Add this one to your list of essential stopovers.

On the way, keep a lookout for a stretch of road near Wye River where the colors of the water were amazing. Especially for a cloudy winter’s day – I can only imagine how much they sparkle under a summery blue sky! 

Apollo Bay

Apollo Bay is a popular home base for vacationers in this part of the world. It is also the perfect lunch stopover for those just passing through. 

The main street has a long shopping strip with a good variety of food options. All right opposite the beach with a large parkland in between. 

You can’t go past Apollo Bay without stopping for a meat pie. There are a handful of bakeries on the main shopping street and I am yet to have a bad pie here. 

Watch out for the magpies if you are eating outside. They will be eyeing off your lunch so be vigilant! 

The coffee was not as impressive, but it paired very well with a vanilla slice. Due to the high winds, we retreated to the car to enjoy this treat.

There is a car park at the end of the town where you get a great view back over the beach that was a nice spot to camp out for half an hour. 

Just what we needed before heading away from the coastline to check out the Maits Rest Rainforest Trail. 

Maits Rest

Here you will find trees upwards of 300 years old along a wooden boardwalk that is very easy to navigate.

The walk is mostly flat and very easy to navigate. You can complete a lap in as little as 20-30 minutes and no more than an hour if you really take your time.

The trees are incredible structures, and you can even peak your head inside some of the hollowed out trunks! 

Cape Otway

Next up we would take a big detour away from the main road to head towards Cape Otway. Here you will find another picturesque lighthouse surrounded by amazing views and a number of historical structures. 

This is another popular whale-watching spot with the area to the right of the lighthouse frequented by these giant mammals. 

We were lucky enough to see one when walking towards the lighthouse, but only for a brief moment.

There is a better viewpoint high up on a nearby hill where you get a clear view of the water. We hung out there for a while with the camera ready hoping to capture another whale on the surface, but no luck!! 

Right next to this spot is an old telegraph station, which looks more like a machine gun bunker. But this was used for communications rather than housing any artillery. 

This area does require an entry fee and a bit more walking than previous stops. There is a cafe onsite where you can have a coffee and some scones to recharge. 

There are also accommodation options and a camping ground if you are looking to hang around a bit longer. 

Oh, and keep an eye out for the local wildlife. You are likely to see small wallabies hopping by and there are snake warning signs along some of the pathways. 

We were also told that koalas hang out in some of the trees, but we didn’t see any, unfortunately.  

We now had a solid 90 minute drive in poor weather to reach our accommodation for the night. This was a bit more low-key and away from the main road – almost felt like a farm stay. 

A very nice and quiet spot to relax for the evening – due to the poor weather it was absolutely freezing! So props to the working heater in the room! 

But most importantly, it was a 3-4 minute drive to the twelve apostles. Our first destination the following morning. 

Day 3 – 12 Apostles to Bay of Islands

We had a slight delay in the morning waiting for a thick fog to lift. The silver lining was that this usually means clear blue skies!! 

And we were not disappointed. We could not have asked for better conditions on arrival at this stunning location. 

The 12 Apostles

We arrived just after 9am and still managed to beat the crowds. We had the viewing platforms almost to ourselves initially, with a steady stream of people also joining over the 40 minutes or so we spent enjoying the views. 

The most iconic view is towards the north-west where you will see most of the remaining rocky structures, as they get pounded by the cold rough seas of the southern ocean. 

If you continue further along the trail to Saddle Lookout then you can also see the view to the south-east and two more of the apostles. 

It is along this beach where the Gibson Steps are located that allow you to access the beach level… which would be our next stop. 

Gibson Steps

The steps are calved into the rock face overlooking the sand and are relatively easy to navigate. 

At this hour, the cliff face casts a big shadow across the beach area – and it is much colder without that sun!! 

You’ll have to walk a couple of hundred meters along the sand to reach the giant rocky structures but this is totally worth it and was the highlight of the whole road trip. 

I loved being able to look up at the rock formations rather than down so I could fully appreciate the size of these things! 

I also enjoyed hearing the roar of the waves crashing in, even if they were only small on that day. 

The whole experience was simply amazing! 

While the 12 apostles are the pinnacle of the Great Ocean Rd, even in this little corner there are a ton of other sites to visit. 

Most are on the other side of Port Campbell, but there is one more to cover just nearby before we take a big inland detour. 

Razorback and Island Archway

This is a small walking trail just a few minutes down the road from the 12 Apostles. It is an easy and flat walk from the car park to both of these sights.

You will reach the Island Archway first with a small viewing platform on your right hand side. The view over a small but rough bay has more rock formations in a similar style but smaller scale. 

At the end of the trail is the Razorback. This is a much more impressive structure and something that the photos do not do justice. 

The sea crashing at the base of this big wall of rock made me grateful to be on this side of the fence. 

12 Apostles Gourmet Food Trail

We’ll be back to coastal features shortly, but we now took a detour along the 12 Apostles Gourmet Food trail to sample some of the local produce.

This is a self-driving route where you will pass by an incredible list of indulgent food stops right on the farm, including dairy farms with an attached cheese store, chocolateries, and fudge vendors. As well as distilleries, breweries, and vineyards for those wanting a more adult-targeted experience. 

The fudge-tasting plate was a highlight on this trip. As were the scones! 

On a previous visit, I also recall leaving with an ungodly amount of cheese! You can choose your own adventure on this food trail and there really is something to suit all tastes and interests. 

Some of the farms also allow you to get up close with the animals.

The trail is worth at least half a day so you can drive around some nice countryside while sampling all the local produce. But you could easily spend 2-3 days in different corners of the route in between some of the coastal sightseeing. Especially if you are staying in Port Campbell. 

Now, back to the coast. 

London Bridge

London Bridge was the next stop – and yes it did fall down!

The giant archway was connected to the mainland until the bridge eroded to the point of collapse a few decades ago. 

What remains is still impressive, but that gap is big and the edges sharp. It must have been a hell of an event when it all crashed down!! 

The car park is right alongside the viewing platform so this is another quick and easy stop as you make your way along the coast. 

Grotto

This is a place where you will have to queue up if you want to take the perfect Instagram shot! We didn’t, but the image above is a fair indication of how nice it would be.

The reflection is very cool but it is not the kind of place you hang around. Especially with the line of people up and down the staircase, which is the only access point for people waiting to snap that pic. 

It is worth a stopover if you are passing by but be warned you may have to scoot past the line if you just want to see the view. 

We had one more big stop for the day, and it was a place that I didn’t know existed until we arrived but is almost as impressive as the 12 apostles. 

Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is only 30 minutes further along the Great Ocean Road but is a lesser-known gem, and a stop I have not seen on many of the day trip itineraries. 

There is a sequence of smaller but similar rock formations scattered around the bay in a similar fashion to the twelve apostles, albeit on a moderate scale. 

It is another amazing spot with very few people there – which could just be due to our winter visit.

Another group already at the lookout spotted a whale moments before we arrived. Unfortunately, we were not as lucky. But its nice to know they are out there and if you were patient you are likely to see one in the right season. 

Returning from the Great Ocean Road

This is where the Great Ocean Road swings inland. If you wish to return to Melbourne then the inland highways are far more direct with shorter travel times than the road you have covered of the last three days. 

If you would like to continue your road trip adventure there are multiple directions you could take. Two great options are:

• Continue along the coast to Warnambool.
• Head north towards the Grampians National Park. There are multiple access points and a broad variety of activities. 

Where to Stay Along the Great Ocean Road

Our stays were unplanned and dependent on how far we drove each day. It was low season and easy to book good quality accommodation at the last minute for a reasonable price. 

We stayed at:

• Sunnymead Hotel at Aireys Inlet
• Twelve Apostles Motel & Country Retreat

If you are planning a longer vacation and plan to stay for multiple nights then I recommend staying in one of the larger towns so you have easy access to restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations.

The best towns to stay in along the Great Ocean Road are below. Click the links to see the accommodation options available – and remember to book well in advance in the warmer months.

• Port Campbell (closest to the 12 Apostles and Gourmet Food Trail)
• Apollo Bay (about halfway along the Great Ocean Rd)
• Lorne (close to some of the best lookouts)
• Anglesea (gateway to the Great Ocean Road)

Conclusion

Everyone should do a road trip along the Great Ocean Road once in their life. 

It’s an incredible part of the world and at times feels like the end of the earth with the next stop being Antarctica! 

Hopefully this article has inspired you to take the slower route and enjoy an extended road trip, rather than the day trip that fast tracks to the 12 Apostles. 

There is so much more to enjoy along the way.

I had wrestled with the idea of standing on this rock – that hangs in a precarious position, at an impossible height – for months! And for the sake of my sleep decided I wouldn’t do it…

Until I got there, and decided I would! 

Am I proud of it? No! Would I do it again? No! But was the hike worth it? Hell yes! 

In this article, I’ll share all you need to know about the hiking experience to reach Kjeragbolten and what it is like to stand on this rock that I also wish just didn’t exist. 

Video Experience of Kjeragbolten

If you would like to see what the hike looked like then check out the video below. 

This also includes a debrief immediately after standing on the rock and the combination of relief, remorse, and exhilaration that it was done! 

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Standing on Kjeragbolten

I am sure most of you reading this just want to know what it is like to stand on Kjeragbolten, right?

Well, I have the full story for you shortly. But first, let’s cover some basics and get some questions answered for context.

What is Kjeragbolten

Kjeragbolten is a boulder jammed between two cliff faces high up on the Kjerag mountain. This rock dangles over a gap that is over 1,000m down to the fjord below.

There are incredible views behind the rock overlooking the water yet this is not enough for many visitors. They feel the need to stand on this narrow, dangerous, and precariously placed rock. 

How Big is the Rock?

The rock is actually quite large, but the surface area is more of a hump than a flat surface.

It is big enough that you would jump onto it confidently if it were not surrounded by a 1,000m sheer drop on both sides! 

While it is not totally flat, the area that you can stand on is no more than one metre across.

As you can see in the image above, anywhere other than the middle would be on a precarious angle and not somewhere you want to be! 

The next image shows the size of Kjeragbolten looking directly down from above the rock. There is no one standing on it so it is difficult to give it scale, but hopefully the two images combined give you some idea what to expect. 

This view also demonstrates how narrow that final step is before stepping out onto the rock. This part is just as dangerous as the boulder itself, but more on this in a moment. 

Has Anyone Fallen Off Kjeragbolten?

No one has fallen off Kjeragbolten yet. However, as you can see from the images above the feat is very unsafe and is only a matter of time until someone does. 

If you lose your nerve while on the rock, or you suffer from vertigo, or simply lose your footing, you will slide straight off and that will be the end of you. 

The narrow walkway to get to the rock is equally as dangerous. There is only a small bolt to hold on to while you navigate a skinny and slippery step on the way to the rock. 

Should I stand on Kjeragbolten?

No, you should not stand on Kjeragbolten. There are signs at the start of the hike discouraging people from doing so… But people do, myself included – and my informed opinion is don’t do it! 

Of all the adrenaline-inducing things that I have done in my lifetime, this was the only one where I did not feel energised afterwards. I was relieved, and full of remorse.

It was a stupid thing to do and not something I encourage. 

However, I observed others get on and off the rock multiple times and did not seem bothered at all. 

The bottom line is that it’s a personal choice, and despite any rational thought about the risk vs reward when you arrive, it is easy to get caught by that allure and act on impulse and say stuff it, I’m going in! 

What is it like to stand on Kjeragbolten?

My decision to go through with this was largely based on impulse. I watched a lady do it who must have been in her 60s and she stepped on and off seamlessly. I was already psyching myself up and without saying much I handed my travel partner my camera and just said I’m doing it. 

The narrow step to get near the rock was ok. I held onto that bolt and felt confident. 

It was only when I made that big step out onto the rock that my survival instinct kicked in and a voice said “what the fuck are you doing”.

By this time I was mid-step and past the point of no return. I got a small leg shake mid-step but was able to pop myself up onto the rock without issue. 

I did the obligatory pose and for a moment felt happy and confident. Until I actually thought about what was all around me, followed by the realization I had to turn and step over that gap once again. 

My heart was racing, and I took a few deep breaths and told myself that the only way to do this was with as much confidence as possible.

A mistake is most likely if half-passing this and being tentative. 

Let’s just say I was very relieved to be back on the stable ground again, but I felt more remorse than adrenaline afterward. Strangely I also felt some shame. 

Kjerag Hiking Information

Now that we have covered the idiocy of standing on Kjeragbolten, there is a glorious and challenging hike to discuss.

The rock is the excuse that gets people here, but the hike is an amazing experience and worth the visit on its own. 

The hiking trail often veers close to the cliffs overlooking the fjord and the views are simply stunning!

It is a steep and challenging route but if the conditions are dry most able bodied people of moderate fitness will be up for this. But you need to be realistic with yourself as you read through this information. 

How Far is the Hike to Kjeragbolten?

From the car park at Øygardstøl to Kjeragbolten is 4.9kms, and the round trip will take you half a day at least. We started the hike at 8 am and returned before 2 pm.

So roughly six hours for the round trip, including stoppages to eat, rest, and of course stand on the boulder. 

There is a series of inclines and declines on the hike that can be quite steep. Each incline is higher and longer than the subsequent decline and your elevation increases significantly with each one. 

We found that the declines were quite pleasant due to the protection from the high winds while in between the peaks on either side. When you climb up the other side and get exposed again that is when the wind can really pick up! 

The inclines can look daunting with the other hikers at the top appearing as tiny specs up on the horizon. But if you just focus on one foot in front of the other, then progress is surprisingly quick. 

Difficulty Level

The hike is challenging but can be completed with only moderate levels of fitness as long as you can handle the inclines and declines.

There are some steep sections where chains are in place to help you pull yourself up. 

It can be difficult on your calves due to the angle of the climb, so you will need to consider this in addition to the 10km round trip.

Gear Required

There are two items that you should have to ensure you can complete the hike safely and in comfort.

The first is hiking boots, you don’t need them if the weather is good but if you get some rain it would get very slippery and potentially dangerous if you have the wrong footwear. 

I wore runners on the day and was very lucky we had a small window of good weather. The extra grip is all the more important if you plan on standing on Kjeragbolten.

The second is a pair of gloves. Again, you can get by without them but the chains are cold and can be rough on your hands.

I didn’t use gloves but I did bring an extra pair of socks to slip over the hands just in case it got too much. 

Aside from these items, you should also bring the basics, such as:

• Waterproof jacket
• Hat
• Mobile phone 
• Sunscreen
• Map
• Food
• Plenty of water

Do I need a Tour Guide to Hike to Kjeragbolten? 

You do not need a tour guide to hike to Kjeragbolten. The route is well signposted and you can generally just follow the other hikers. 

It was not crowded when we visited (July) but there was always people around so you knew the general direction. 

Hiking with a guide would be helpful if the conditions are volatile and you want more certainty that you would be looked after if things deteriorate.

Or, if you are traveling solo and looking for a group to share the experience with. 

Weather on the Mountain

The weather will determine the quality of your experience. On a pleasant day, the hike is much easier, and the views along the way are simply amazing! 

If it is cloudy then you may miss out on a lot of what the hike has to offer! 

We were lucky in that we hiked through fog in the morning and saw very little, but this had cleared by the return journey and we were able to see over the mountains, down to the fjord, and over the town of Lysebotn way down below. 

If it rains then you will have a much more difficult time navigating the hike. It would be cold, slippery, and a much less enjoyable experience that I would not recommend. 

The best time of year to do the hike is from….. when the conditions are most favorable. You will still need to check the forecasts regularly as conditions can change quickly. 

Are there Toilets on the Hike?

There are no toilets on the hike to Kjeragbolten so you should use the bathroom at the car park before you leave. 

You will have to go at some point along such a long hike, so do everyone a favor and go well away from the trails and not in the water streams. 

After the Hike

If you have your own vehicle then make sure you head downhill from the main car park towards the town of Lysebotn.

The waterfront area that looks back down the fjord, and up towards the mountain you just climbed will give you a new perspective of just how high it is! 

You can see the visitor’s center from there and it is a small bump on top of the mountain. And you will know from your experience that it only gets higher from there!! 

How to Get to Kjeragbolten

We drove from Stavanger to Kjeragbolten, which is about 2.5 hours by road. This is the easiest way as the location is very remote.

Having our own vehicle also allowed us to keep going north as part of our road trip itinerary, rather than backtracking to Stavanger like most of the options available to the public.  

There is also a car ferry that runs from Stavanger to Lysebotn that would be a nice trip along the fjords amongst the mountains. From the dock, it is an easy ten-minute drive up a winding road to the Øygardsstøl car park. 

There is a public bus service that also runs from Stavanger that will bring you to the car park. However, this only runs between June and September and is a point-to-point bus with one departure in both directions each day.

So you would have to be confident you can make the journey in six hours or you risk missing your return leg!

The fourth option is to jump on a group tour. These are available as day trips from Stavanger. 

Conclusion

I have said throughout this article that standing on Kjeragbolten is not a great idea. 

Whether you do or not, the sight of this strange boulder wedged between the cliffs is pretty special and the views on offer along the hike make this an incredible experience regardless. 

I made an impulsive decision to stand on the rock despite months of saying I won’t. So be prepared for that, and if you choose to do it then good luck to you! I hope you make it home safe again. 

Many of them are just on the side of the road and easy to access without having to invest the time and effort into a long hike. 

In this article, we will summarise the best waterfalls in the West Norwegian Fjords region. 

Epic Waterfalls Video

To fully appreciate the size and power of this list of waterfalls I encourage you to watch the video below, and then read the full article. 

There is only so much I can convey with the picture. You need to see this water flow! 

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Top 7 Best Waterfalls in Norway

1. Langfossen

At the top of the list is possibly the most epic waterfall I have ever seen in my life! It is so big that only half of the face of the waterfall is visible in the image above. 

Langfossen is 612 meters high! See that ridge right at the top? That’s about half way up! 

This is a seriously powerful and violent flow of water that thunders down the mountain at an incredible pace, and makes you feel incredibly small when you stand at the base. 

It has a similar shape and beauty to the third waterfall on our list (Tvindefossen), but is six times the size! 

There are multiple places to view

1. From the car park and surrounding picnic area. This is as far back as you can get without being on the water – you’ll need to be here to see the full face of the waterfall. 
2. There is a tunnel that takes you to the other side of the road so you can get up close to the base. This is where the above photo was taken. 
3. There is a hiking trail that will take you all the way to the top of the falls. We had done the Kjeragbolten hike the day prior so I did not do this – I hope to go back one day to experience this hike as it was one of my favorite places in Norway! 

I would encourage you to allocate a few hours for your visit to Langfossen so you can do all three of the above! 

2. Trollstigen

The waterfalls of Trollstigen are only a side note to this natural masterpiece. 

It is the huge valley and surrounding mountains that take centre stage, but the twin waterfalls and the winding road of that bends between each face of water is part of what makes this experience a true highlight of any road trip through Norway. 

This whole scene has the wow factor everywhere you look, but if you objectively look at the waterfalls they are not as impressive as Langfossen. But you simply couldn’t rate them any lower than no. 2 due to the incredible backdrop. 

There are multiple viewing platforms at the top of the waterfalls that over look the valley, and there is also a small car park at the base so you can see the view in the opposite direction. 

In between is simply one of the most magical drives you will ever go on, and one that gives me goosebumps whenever I think back to it. 

3. Tvindefossen

The shape of the flow of water at Tvindefossen is very similar to Langfossen, but is smaller in height and broader across the face. 

This creates a majestic staircase of water flowing across multiple streams that creates a perfect scene that belongs on a postcard. 

It is not the biggest waterfall on our list at 110m in height, but it makes up for it with its unique shape and strong water flows that are very imposing and loud! 

4. Latefossen

This is one of the most unique waterfalls that I have seen that combines both towering twin flows of water, lush greenery that splits them down the middle, and a dark rocky backdrop that provides an amazing contrast of colours.

Latefossen stands at 165 meters tall and has a unique v-shape with two streams of water that converge at the base, crashing into a river just meters from a road bridge!  

My favorite part about this is when you are approaching by road you cannot see the falls until you are right next to them! It is both a shock and another wow moment when you first see it. 

You have to be careful though. The road is wet, and no one is watching where they are going! Traffic slows to a crawl here so you need to be careful not to drive into the back of a car that has stopped. 

There is a car park at the end of the bridge so you can get out and walk around. Crossing the road can be equally dangerous so take care if you want to get closer to the base of the falls. 

5. Steinsdalsfossen

Steinsdalsfossen is the smallest waterfall on our list at just 46 meters tall. 

What makes this such an epic waterfall is the contrast you get in the experience when viewing from a distance to when up close. 

As you approach Steinsdalsfossen it looks like a tranquil and picturesque location. Like something that belongs one a book cover. But when up close to the narrow flow of the water you realise just how powerful it is! 

There is a walkway that goes under the stream of water to a viewing platform alongside the face. As you pass by underneath you notice the force of the waterfall is unlike anything else on this list. It is small and concentrated, but fast and dense. 

When you reach the viewing platform you get a stunning view past the waterfall and over the surrounding region. Everything looks tranquil again, but you have that raging torrent of water just a few feet away. 

6. Seven sisters and Ljosurdfossen

If you head out onto the fjord from the popular town of Geiranger you will find these twin waterfalls on opposite sides of the water to each other. 

Both are over 200 meters high and have a unique look about them. 

On one side you have the Seven Sisters waterfall, where multiple streams of water look to delicately flow down a broad section of cliff. No one stream is particularly big and almost has a silky look to it. 

Directly opposite is the more imposing flow of Ljosurdfossen. This is a waterfall that is more typical of what we have discussed so far where a big stream of water cascades down an impressive and uniquely shaped cliff face. 

If traveling by kayak, you can get very close to the base of the waterfall and it is a very impressive site! I highly recommend that you kayak here if you have the time and the fitness to do so. 

You can also visit the falls in a fraction of the time by just taking a boat. Cruises leave the main port frequently and will allow you to just hang out on the boat and take in the views in relative comfort. 

You can also view the falls from land on one of the hiking trails along the mountains on both sides of the fjord. 

7. Waterfall Walk

Still in the town of Geiranger, the Waterfall Walk is an elevated walking platform with multiple viewpoints that track the edge of the Geiranger River. 

This allows you to get very close to a series of rapids and falls as it flows through the town and out into the fjords.

You will get close enough to cop some of the spray, but its a small inconvenience to experience the roar of the water as it thunders down each waterfall. 

The walk is 300 steps from the base to the top and is an impressive display of nature’s power, yet on a much smaller scale than the other waterfalls on this list. 

Conclusion

The big caveat to this list is that I have not (yet) visited every waterfall in Norway.

One comment on the YouTube video above mentioned that we should also check out Vøringsfossen and one day I hope to do so!

Regardless, I hope this has given you some inspiration to put Norway at the top of your must-visit countries.

It is an incredible place to do a road trip with some incredible waterfalls just waiting to be discovered. 

The image of the large cruise ships with the glowing blue water is a feature on most cruise ship brochures. As a result, the town gets flooded with tourists every day from multiple vessels pulling into the port. 

As a result, Geiranger has a reputation as being a bit of a tourist trap, and on first impressions, I thought exactly the same thing. But there is more to this beautiful little village than I first thought and it is absolutely worth a visit. 

Geiranger Video Experience

If you prefer to watch rather than read then check out the video below. 

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8 Things to Do in Geiranger

1. Kayak the Fjord

Kayaking is the best way to soak up the beauty of Geiranger, the fjord, and the surrounding mountains. It is an incredible experience to gently paddle along the water in almost complete isolation. 

Aside from the occasional boat passing by, and one gigantic cruise liner, it was incredibly peaceful on the water and was the one activity that made me fall in love with this place. I cannot recommend it highly enough! 

The highlight of the day was paddling out to the two waterfalls that sit on opposite sides of the fjord. 

The Seven Sisters is on one side, which I assume got its name from the seven streams of water that flow down the face of the cliffs. 

And on the opposite side is the Friaren waterfall. You can get very close to the base of the waterfall and the view from the water is incredible. 

This was our turnaround point and the trip was just over two hours in total. You can make a full day of this and go further, slower, or have stops along the way if you wish. 

You have the option to join a group tour or just head out yourself. If you are heading out on your own make sure you give yourself plenty of time, and take a packed lunch to enjoy along the way. There are plenty of places you can stop along the shore to eat in a truly memorable spot. 

2. Cruise the Fjord

If Kayaking is not for you and you still want to see the twin waterfalls, you can get the same views in a fraction of the time and effort by just taking a boat. 

Cruises leave the main port frequently and is a relatively affordable activity. You can pre-purchase your tickets here.

The cruising time is much shorter vs the kayaking so a good option if you just want the views rather than the experience of being on the fjord.  

3. Waterfall Walk

The Waterfall Walk is a series of rapids and falls that flow through the town of Geiranger and out into the fjords. 

There is a suspended platform with walkways and viewpoints that track the edge of the Geiranger River that allows you to get very close to the roar of the water as it thunders down each waterfall. 

You will get close enough to cop some of the spray in some points but this is easily avoided if you prefer to stay dry. 

No single waterfall would rate highly against the best waterfalls in Norway, but altogether it is an impressive display of nature and a very enjoyable walk up the 300 steps from the base to the top. 

4. Skywalk (Mt. Dalsnibba)

Sitting on top of Mount Dalsnibba, overlooking the town of Geiranger, is the Skywalk viewing platform. Here you will get the best panoramic view of the town, the fjord, and all of the surrounding mountains. 

There are numerous outdoor platforms that you can explore freely, and inside you can find a gift shop and cafe with various places to enjoy the views and a snack in the warmth of the visitor’s center. 

The viewing platform itself has a guard rail made from glass so even those unwilling to go near the edge (and 500m drop!) will be able to get a clear view through the valley to the town of Geiranger. 

For the more adventurous, you can also park at the lower car park and hike the steep 400m path up to the Skywalk viewpoint. 

The views are sensational no matter where you look and is the best way to introduce yourself to this little corner of Norway. 

5. The Icy Lake

On the drive up to the Skywalk you will pass by a lake that is almost frozen over. This was surprising to say the least considering it was the middle of summer and not being that cold. 

I am sure there is an actual name for this location but I have not been able to find it. It is not far from the toll booth on the way to Skywalk and it is right next to the only road in and out, so you can’t miss it.  

Seeing this for the first time was a bit of a wow moment!

It is a very quiet location and despite the icy surroundings I was still just wearing a t-shirt. 

6. Viewpoints Along the Ørnevegen Bends

Back on the main road that runs down towards the town from the mountains and there is a series of viewpoints at varying elevations that give you different perspectives on the same view that you have experienced at the Skywalk. 

As you get closer to the town, you the view may seem familiar with many tourist brochures of Norway having this view on the front page! 

The road into town is full of hairpin bends and will have multiple turnoffs with car parks available to stop at each of these viewpoints. I would encourage you to stop at all of them to find the one you like best! 

My favorite was the Flyalsjuvet viewpoint, which is much lower and not far from the town limits. 

7. Hiking Trails

The mountains surrounding Geiranger is a hiker’s dream. There are trails that set off in every direction that range from one hour to four hours in length and varying degrees of difficulty.

What all routes have in common is the incredible views to be found of the fjords and surrounding mountains. 

You can get the official hiking map here.

8. Geiranger Sjokolade

You can sample the handmade chocolates in-store and decide which one you would like to purchase to take with you. This led me to buy multiple bags to take with me, and you will too! 

But the highlight was the waffles on a stick that you can eat at the in-house cafe.

These soft and fluffy sweet treats were well-earned after a morning of kayaking and are an absolute must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. 

Where to Stay in Geiranger

Being a popular tourist town the accommodation is expensive and not of the highest quality. If you have your own vehicle I would recommend you stay outside of the main town, where you can get some amazing accommodation for half the price. 

My top recommendation is an hour away in the small town of Olden which has one of the best roadside motels I have ever stayed in – Nesset Fjordcamping.

The rooms are affordable and you can opt for a balcony that sits right over the fjord. 

However, if you are looking for accommodation in Geiranger itself, then you are unlikely to find any budget-friendly options. We stayed at the Havila Hotel Geiranger, which is the only option in the center of the village. 

It was double the price of the Olden accommodation but also had a balcony with an amazing view over the fjord. The decor is old and looks like something out of the Titanic but it is an ok place to stay… Just overpriced. 

Other alternatives that are close to the waterfront but further out are: 

• Best alternative: Hotel Union
• Best budget option nearby: Vinje Camping

Is Geiranger Worth Visiting?

Geiranger is definitely worth visiting as part of your Norway road trip itinerary, but you don’t necessarily need to stay there overnight to enjoy most of what this destination has to offer.

You can complete most of these activities in a single day, unless you plan on tackling multiple hiking trails. 

Given the cost of staying in town, a day trip is the best option so you can leave and stay somewhere nearby but far cheaper.

At night there is no nightlife to speak of, and only a few restaurants are around the hotels.

So, half a day for kayaking and another half a day to walk around the village or take on a moderate hike and you will have done 80% of what is possible.

But if you want to move a bit slower and take your time, then the hotels won’t break the bank for a single night. 

I since read online that Myvatn Nature Baths was a far superior experience. So, it was high on my list of must-see destinations when I returned to Iceland to explore the north of the country some years later. 

After experiencing both destinations I can now conduct a detailed comparison from a more informed point of view.

I’ll say upfront that I disagree with the advice I read about Myvatn, and in this article, I will summarize exactly why.  

Video Summary

If you prefer to watch rather than read, then check out the video below summarising the full Blue Lagoon vs Myvatn Nature Baths comparison. 

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Myvatn Nature Baths vs Blue Lagoon Comparison

We will keep score across 8 points of comparison, some objective and some subjective, that will allow you to determine what experience you would like the most. You may not agree with the latter so I would encourage you to keep your own score as we move through each category.  

They are both expensive to visit and I hope this list allows you to pick the one that will provide you with the best experience possible for your money. 

Size and Space

We are kicking things off with a fairly easy one. The Blue Lagoon is huge, and Myvatn is not. 

However, the Blue Lagoon attracts 7x the number of annual visitors but is nowhere near 7x the size. Of course, not everyone is there are the same time but it will get busy at peak times.

We visited first thing in the morning and had plenty of space. In that first hour, we barely saw anyone else. By the time we left, it was far busier but still with lots of room. 

The entry timeslots do a good job of spreading out the crowd throughout the day. There is no time limit once inside so the crowd will build up in the afternoon. You will be guaranteed a great experience if you simply avoid the busy periods.

We visited Myvatn Nature Baths late in the afternoon at one of the busier times in the day. The pools were not crowded at all, but the edge of the bath was.

I found that mildly inconvenient because there was nowhere in the water to just sit and relax. Which is why everyone hangs around the edges. 

It is a much smaller complex with limited bath areas to explore. So you may run out of things to do a lot sooner. 

So the first point goes to the Blue Lagoon.

Visual Appeal 

The large glowing turquoise waters of the blue lagoon are simply stunning. Even if you didn’t swim, a visit would be worthwhile just to see the colors with the volcanic rocks, and steam vents in the background. 

It is a unique setting that you won’t find elsewhere.

Myvatn is also blue, but it doesn’t have the same glow that really jumps out at you.

The surrounding landscape is far more baron with only the distant lake breaking up what is a fairly plain view behind the baths.

Another easy point for the Blue Lagoon. 

The Water Experience 

The water temperature is almost the same at each location. Myvatn is 37-40 degrees, and Blue Lagoon ranges from 36-40 degrees celsius. 

A more significant differentiating factor here is the strong sulfur smell that you get in these waters! 

The whole Myvatn region has a mild sulfur smell which in some areas is overpowering! The geothermal mud baths at Hverir have by far the most pungent smell I have encountered in Iceland.

After visiting earlier in the day it is possible my nostrils were still tainted when arriving at the nature baths. 

Regardless, I remain of the opinion that the smell is worse at Myvatn than the Blue Lagoon. It is not intolerable but is strong enough to stand out in my memory. 

I have no such recollection of the Blue Lagoon. Yes, there was a smell, but it was mild in comparison and not particularly bothersome. 

Price of Entry

Myvatn is in a far more remote location and is therefore a less popular destination. The relative cost reflects this. The Blue Lagoon is one of the most famous, and most popular attractions in the country. 

So expect to pay more! 

The prices summarised below are true as of March 2024, which includes a conversion from Icelandic Kronur to US dollars.

There are seasonal fluctuations with these prices to consider and they will change over time. However, for the purposes of this comparison, the price differential is unlikely to change.

• Myvatyn – $51
• Blue Lagoon – $72 to $104

So that is an easy point for the Myvatn Nature Baths! But there is more to this story than the minimum cost alone when assessing value.

Inclusions and Add-Ons 

If you are looking for luxurious add-ons then the Blue Lagoon is in its own league here. There are hotels and day spas on site that will provide you with an incredible (and expensive!) experience. 

If this is what you are looking for then there is no question that Blue Lagoon is the right option for you. But more on this later on in our list.

A comparison that is more relevant to the average traveler is the standard inclusions for the price of entry. We will consider the most basic and cheapest entry packages to see what you get for your money.

At the Blue Lagoon, you have the following inclusions as standard: 

• Entry to the Blue Lagoon at your reserved time slot
• Mud mask
• Drink from the swim-up bar
• Towel
• Locker

At Myvatn the price of entry will get you into the baths and use of a locker, and that’s all. 

You will pay separately for a towel, drinks, bath robes, or any other extras you would like. Once you account for all of this the cost would be near the Blue Lagoon anyway – with no option for a mud mask. 

This is a pay for what you need model, which gives people more choice and flexibility in how they spend.  

The Blue Lagoon wins the point for standard inclusions, and there is an argument that it is better value considering the superior facilities. But you are locked into a higher spend regardless of what you will actually use. 

Ease of Booking

Both destinations offer a user-friendly website that allows you to book your timeslots seamlessly online. But if you think you can book a spontaneous visit to both destinations, think again! 

The Blue Lagoon often sells out days in advance! If you are trying to book at the last minute, you may get lucky with an early morning or late night time slot. But it is rare in the busier months. 

You have far more flexibility at Myvatn. We visited the baths after spending the day driving around the Diamond Circle and were not sure of our time of arrival. We checked the website throughout the day and there were plenty of timeslots available.

We did not book until a couple of hours before arrival once we knew our arrival time. 

This is another case of Myvatn offering more flexibility in your experience. Even in the busier summer months. 

Convenience of Location

The Blue Lagoon is a short 20-minute drive from Keflavik Airport, where the majority of tourists start their journey into Iceland. This makes it a a convenient introduction to Iceland, or a relaxing way to say goodbye.

If you used the same starting point to reach Myvatn, the 6-7 hour drive is an obvious differentiator. However, there is a second airport in the north of Iceland at Akureyri which would be far more convenient.  

The drive from Akureyri Airport to the Myvatn Nature Baths is just over one hour. Much better than driving 6 hours across the country, but the trip is still also three times longer than the drive to the Blue Lagoon.

No contest really…  

Additional Stuff to Do 

I mentioned earlier that the Blue Lagoon has a range of additional experiences including:

• Spa day
• Float therapy
• In water massage

All of these are incredibly expensive!

The spa experience is upwards of $500US… Much more than I would ever spend, but for the sake of this comparison, it is an impressive list of extras. 

There are also two incredible hotels where you can stay on-site. Some rooms have water views, and others overlooking the volcanic landscape surrounding the area. Check out the links below to book (affiliate links):

• The Retreat at Blue Lagoon
• Silica Hotel at Blue Lagoon

Myvathn has none of these – except a steam bath – which is a nice way to warm up if you are there on a colder day but isn’t really my thing. 

Another easy point for the Blue Lagoon which adds an exclamation point to an already decisive result!  

Which One is Better?

The Blue Lagoon is better on most points of comparison according to our scoring. You may have reached a different conclusion based on your own preferences, and what may be more suitable for your Iceland road trip itinerary.

The full scoring summary is below:

Recommendations

If you are completing a full loop around Iceland then I would still recommend you attend both. They are located at opposing ends of the country and would be spaced out at almost the halfway point in your journey. 

It is a rejuvenating experience for weary travelers regardless of which one you attend. Given the cheap relative cost of Myvatn it might be just what you need to slow down and relax at the halfway point in your journey. 

However, if you only have the budget or time to attend one then I would definitely go with the Blue Lagoon. The colors, size, and surrounding landscape is on a whole other level and is an experience not to be missed! 

It will be more expensive, but you will get more inclusions for your money and are likely to stay longer due to the size of the complex and additional activities included as standard. Yes you will have to pay much more for the Blue Lagoon vs the Myvatn Nature baths, but the experience is on a whole other level. 

Just book for an early morning or late night session to avoid the busier times of the day to really make the most of your experience.

Each one has its own unique characteristics. From the shape of the water flow to the surrounding lush greenery or volcanic black rock. Or just the raw power of the flow of water that roars when you get near. 

In this video, we will be counting down the 11 best waterfalls in Iceland! And I guarantee you that every single one of them is deserving of a place in your Iceland road trip itinerary. 

Waterfalls By Region

Below is a quick overview of where you will find each waterfall. This is a useful shortcut once you know which region you will be visiting. 

Every region is easily explored in a rental car or campervan on a self-drive itinerary, but if you are looking for an organized tour click on the links for each region to check out what is available for that area: 

• Golden Circle: Gulfoss
• South Coast (Ring Road): Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Fossálarfoss
• Snæfellsjökull National Park: Kirkjufellfoss
• Northern Ring Road (and Diamond Circle): Dettifoss, Selfoss, Fosslaug, Kolufoss, Goðafoss
• Westfjords: Dynjandi

Subjective Disclaimer: I also wanted to point out that this list is entirely subjective and opinions are likely to differ. I have also not visited every waterfall in Iceland – but i hope to one day!! 

If you know of a waterfall that should have made the list then let me know! I hope to return again one day and I’ll make sure I check it out. 

Video Summary

Check out the video below if you prefer to watch than read, and want to see the footage of these glorious destinations! 

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Top 11 Waterfalls in Iceland

1. Skogafoss

Skogafoss is the king of Icelandic waterfalls and has a touch of magic about it. This is my favorite waterfall in Iceland for three reasons. 

The first is that from a distance it is a peaceful and tranquil scene with a thick sheet of water falling gracefully between lush greenery. You can see it from the ring road and it will catch your eye immediately. 

The second is the accessibility of the falls. You easily can walk right up to the base where you are face to face with the powerful flow of water, crashing into the ground with a thud from 200 feet in the air.

Last of all, there is a campsite close to the base where you can settle in for the night with the falls in full view. The whitenoise of the churning water is constant and the view amazing every time you look up… and what a view to wake up to!! 

Next to the waterfall is a staircase that takes you to a viewing platform overlooking the lip of the waterfall. Here you get some great views back over the valley and out to the coast.

Skogafoss is also the gateway to Waterfall Way, which is an 8km hike with 25 additional waterfalls for you to marvel at. You just keep on walking inland from the viewing platform and follow the stream of water. 

I have not yet done this hike but I hope to one day. 

2. Goðafoss

In a close second, we travel to the opposite side of the country to Goðafoss in the north. This is another place that is very accessible with the falls being a stone’s throw from the ring road. 

Also known as the waterfall of the gods, Goðafoss is barely 30 feet tall. But what it lacks in height, it makes up for in power, beauty, color, and the sheer volume of water. 

The beautiful turquoise water that flows in gives this waterfall a unique glow that complements the unique shape of the falls. 

You can drive between each side of the falls with parking lots located at both, but you will get the best views from the east bank parking lot side. 

Here there is a viewing platform that sits right over the lip of the falls and is the closest point to view the area. Nearby you can also climb down to water level to get closer to the crashing water at the base, and the glowing blue river that carries the water downstream. 

It is a stunning place! 

3. Dynjandi 

At no. 3, we are venturing into the Westfjords region in the northwest of Iceland. This area is characterized by mountainous terrain overlooking incredible waterways, and the Dynjandi waterfall is perfectly located to showcase both. 

From the parking lot, there is a walkway that takes you up a gentle slope and past seven other smaller waterfalls. It is an easy and very scenic walk. 

But Dynjandi is clearly the star of the show! It sits tantalizingly at the top of this incline and the flow of the water gets louder as you approach the face. Once you reach the top, if you turn around you will be treated to an equally stunning view over the fjords. 

Back to the waterfall itself, the face starts narrow and expands out evenly on both sides to a much wider base as the rock also bulges out. It reminds me of a middle-aged man’s beer belly… But I may be alone in that abstract interpretation. 

One of the best parts is that this is an isolated part of the country with much less tourist traffic. It is not unusual to have Dynjandi almost to yourself. 

Allowing you to really take your time and absorb the beauty of this incredible place. 

4. Gullfoss

We now head back to the south-west of the country and along the popular golden circle route, to the amazing Gullfoss waterfall which is number 4 on our list. 

At nearly 750 feet wide, this is another epic display of raw power at a scale that you really just have to see for yourself. 

The falls are characterized by the massive tiers that resemble a staircase making its way into a crevice over 100 feet deep – where the water looks to just disappear! 

There are multiple walkways that allow you to get very close to the front of the falls, or you can admire from a distance and walk along the top of a nearby ridge to take in the full view of the falls, and the surrounding river. 

From the car park, you can also see a huge glacier in the distance. 

5. Dettifoss

At number 5, we are going from scenic beauty to raw power! Dettifoss is one of the most intimidating, yet endearing sites you will ever see. 

While it is not the tallest waterfall, at just 144 feet high, it has a nearly 330-foot face with monstrous volumes of water pouring relentlessly over the edge. 

The violent crash of the water below creates a loud roar and an incredible spray that will get you wet even from hundreds of meters away. 

The best part is you can get right up close to the face of the waterfalls with multiple viewing platforms allowing you to marvel at this natural wonder. 

It is far from the prettiest site you will see in Iceland, but it can’t be beaten for the raw power of Mother Nature on display… And I absolutely loved it! 

6. Seljalandsfoss

Seljalandsfoss is one of the most famous places in Iceland and is best known for the stunning photos taken from behind the curtain of water looking out across the lush green landscape.

It is the walkable pathway behind the falls that makes this such a popular place with tourists. 

The water runs down from a nearby glacier and looks like it just falls off a shelf that runs for many miles along this stretch of road. 

This description may understate the near 200-foot drop that creates this curtain of water falling from the edge of this… shelf. The scale and surrounding beauty is sure to make this one of the most memorable stops.

It is also a landmark that starts one of the most remarkable stretches of road anywhere in the world. You spot this from a distance when approaching on the ring road, and for the next few hundred kms you see nothing but beauty. 

7. Kolufoss 

At no. 7 we are headed into the Kolugljúfur Canyon to find this stunning waterfall named Kolufoss. 

The falls are underneath a suspension bridge that runs over the canyon providing an outstanding view of the falls. The car park is right next to this so another very accessible destination. 

If the view from the bridge is not enough, you can venture a little further without too much effort and test your rock climbing skills to get up close and personal with the face of the waterfall. 

At just over 25 feet it is another modest waterfall, but you have such great access that it is an incredible experience!

There are also multiple viewing platforms for the canyon, and if you want a more adventurous day out you can hike into the canyon itself. 

It is a must-see on any Northern Iceland itinerary. 

8. Fosslaug

Just 100 kms to the east is the equally beautiful Fosslaug waterfall. 

Located on private property, you will need to walk for around 10 minutes from the car park through a paddock full of Icelandic horses. Eventually you will get to a ridge that overlooks the front of the waterfall. 

From here you get a great view that allows you to appreciate the breadth of the falls as the water cascades down from a narrow lip and spreads out across multiple tiers on a 60+ foot journey down to the river below. 

If you walk all the way to the lip of the falls you will also find a hot spring upstream just a little where you can have a swim. 

The only disappointing element is that I could not find a way to get down to water level at the foot of the falls. Not being able to get close to the roar of the water hitting the base makes me feel like I am missing out on the best bit. 

9. Kirkjufellfoss

A visit to Kirkjufellfoss is not really about the waterfall. The main feature is Kirkjufell Mountain, but when you combine this with the falls you have one of the most perfect landscape shots you will find anywhere. 

The mountain is the landmark that first made me take notice of Iceland as a country and one of my favorite places to have visited. It is also the perfect way to finish a day trip to the Snæfellsjökull National Park.

The waterfall is just a bonus!

10. Fossálarfoss

This is one of the most tranquil sites in Iceland and despite being right next to the ring road in the south, it is such a low-key place it would be easy to drive right past it.

Here you will find a broad stream of water running down a very modest slope in comparison to everything else on our list. 

This is not among the epic and powerful waterfalls on our list, but it is one of the most beautiful. 

11. Selfoss 

Always overshadowed by its monstrously large neighbour Dettifoss, the much smaller Selfoss stands at just 36 feet in height. 

But what gives Selfoss its unique beauty is the cascading water across a 330-foot wide cliff face with the majority of the falls lining one side of the rocky terrain. 

This creates a stunning scene where the river is flanked by a series of falls in the foreground that lead up to a keyhole-shaped junction. 

Most will visit this site as an afterthought after seeing Dettifoss, it is a worthwhile visit all on its own. 

Conclusion

For a country nicknamed “The Land of Fire and Ice”, I think that this under sells what the waterfalls bring to Iceland’s beauty. 

You can almost mark your Iceland road trip itinerary by what waterfalls you would like to see, and fill in the gaps with all the other incredible experiences in Iceland. 

Photos and videos can only tell you so much about what to expect. Once you hear the roar of the water flow, see the mix of colors, and see these beautiful sights for yourself you will then understand why I feel so strongly about this.

Norway is a very modern country with excellent infrastructure, so it’s remarkably easy to get around. 

There are some nuances worth understanding before you get behind the wheel to ensure a smooth road trip.

Video Summary

We have also summarized these tips in the video below, where you will also be treated to some amazing Norwegian landscapes while we talk through each point! 

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11 Norway Driving Tips for Tourists

Low Legal Blood Alcohol Limit

Compared to most Western countries, Norway has a very low legal limit for alcohol in your blood when you get behind the wheel at 0.02.

This is 75% lower than most states in the USA (0.08) and 60% lower than Australia and a number of other European countries (0.05). 

If you’re on vacation, chances are you’ll be having a few drinks with dinner and might be tempted to have a beer with lunch. 

If you are driving, don’t! You could be over that limit after a single drink!

The penalties are harsh and if you get caught it could completely ruin your vacation.

Tolls are Frequent and Expensive

As you can see from the invoice below, tolls are an additional cost that you will need to factor into your trip. 

Over nine days we accumulated 26 different toll charges that averaged out to around US$10 per day. 

Not outrageously high, but it’s an extra expense nonetheless and something you will not be able to avoid.

Unique and Interesting Tunnels

Tunnels are a mundane feature of most transport networks, but not in Norway! 

After three or four days of driving, I started to notice that no two tunnels were alike and some had interesting features, shapes, and designs. Like a network of unique fingerprints all over Norway. 

I found myself looking forward to the next tunnel. Which is a very unusual thing to say out loud. 

Car Rental is Expensive

This will come as no surprise in an expensive country like Norway, but renting a car will be a huge part of your vacation costs!

To get the best deal, we recommend using a comparison website that will scan a number of different rental providers and present you with the best prices available. 

Another important tip is to make sure that your rental comes with unlimited KMs/Miles as part of the rental agreement. 

This will ensure that you do not incur additional costs after you return the vehicle if you have driven longer distances (which is likely in a large country like Norway!). 

>>> Click Here for Vehicle Rental Price Comparisons <<<

Watch Out for Norwegian Wildlife

You are going to see a lot of sheep grazing on, or near, the roads and hanging around in car parks. They can be a hazard so make sure you take care and slow down when you see them. 

You may need to be patient with them if a group of them is moving across a road. But they generally move on fairly quickly.

If you plan to take photos of them make sure your vehicles are safely off the road first, and be wary that some just do not like people and won’t let you near them. 

Ferries Across the Fjords

When driving along the coast you will find a number of road connections that are serviced by ferries, rather than bridges and tunnels. 

This will slow you down and you will need to factor longer travel times into your itinerary when you encounter a water crossing. 

However, it is not as slow as you think and if you get lucky with the timing of the ferry any disruption will be minimal. 

The ferries have a large capacity and are frequent. The crossing is a good chance to get out of the car and stretch your legs, plus there is usually an onboard cafe and bathroom facilities. 

The trips are generally smooth and you get to enjoy some nice views of the mountains and fjords while in transit. 

Delays from Road Works

Something that is guaranteed to slow you down (and is far less enjoyable!) is road work! You will find this and various maintenance projects taking place all over Norway’s road network. 

This often means traffic can only flow in one direction at a time, on a single lane, with the other side being let through periodically. 

This was the biggest cause of delays on our trip and something that navigation apps really struggled to accurately factor into travel times. 

You may need an additional time buffer if driving longer distances and have an inflexible deadline, like a flight or other kind of transport connection. 

Inappropriate Speed Limits

The vehicle we rented had a speed limit display on the dashboard, which made it much easier to keep track of the variations in speed limits.

A common observation was that it was legal to travel much faster than a safe speed for the road conditions. 

There are a lot of tight corners and bends that are not as well sign-posted, and sometimes variations in the road surface (especially in bad weather). 

So, in the interest of safety just slow down and drive to the conditions, regardless of what the speed limit is telling you to do. 

Especially when driving for longer periods where your response times may deteriorate.  

Norwegians are incredibly patient and courteous drivers 

I was amazed at just how tolerant and patient Norwegians are on the road. Could you say the same thing about the drivers in your hometown? I know I can’t. 

As an example, I was driving down what I thought was a deserted road and just before one of the famous Norwegian tunnels there was a small turn-off. 

We had no idea what was down there and made a snap decision to check it out. 

I slowed down to see if there was room to pull the car off the road, but what I had not noticed is there was a car right behind me! 

They sat there patiently and didn’t make a sound while I pulled off the road.

I felt bad about this when I realized that he had been sitting there for at least 10 seconds while I was being indecisive. I waved at him to offer some form of apology, and he just drove on without making a fuss. 

In my home country, they would have been honking their horn as soon as I even slowed down. 

Paid Parking 

When inside the major cities and towns there will be a lot of paid parking. Most is obvious with large parking stations available, and obvious sign posting on the streets. 

However, in some areas, it is harder to spot and there are also paid parking spaces available on what looks like private land. 

Look out for the phrase “Mort of gift” on a sign. This translates to something like “park for a fee” and there should be a ticket machine nearby.

Narrow Back Streets in Cities

Your navigation apps have no regard for the width or quality of back streets and you may hit some roads that will barely qualify and roads!

We hit one that was more of an overgrown driveway. I was grateful to make it out of there without scratching our rental car!  

You may also end up in someone’s front yard, as we did on one occasion. 

Bonus Tip – Itinerary Planning in Norway

To get the best out of a road trip around Norway you will want to have as much flexibility in your itinerary as possible. 

There are so many popular sites that can guide your route but some of the best stuff can be found on the side of the road unexpectedly, or from driving down a street just because you are curious. 

Nothing beats discovering a hidden gem and sometimes these can become your favorite part of your trip. 

If you are keeping to a tight schedule you may lose that freedom. 

Final Word

Norway is one of the easiest countries to drive around as a tourist. The roads are high quality and easy to navigate. 

You will also be treated to some of the most amazing scenery anywhere on earth.

You will have plenty of unexpected experiences with some of the most beautiful places being outside of the main tourist attractions and just on the side of the road. 

So when planning your own road trip adventure be sure to include plenty of extra time so that you have the freedom to follow your instincts and explore.

You never know what you will discover around every turn. 

Quick Summary

Here is a high-level summary of the main destinations we covered in our 10 day trip through the West Norwegian Fjords so you can get a feel for the route we took.

There are a number of great activities that we just couldn’t squeeze in.

We have noted these on the appropriate days below so you know where you may want to spend more time and deviate from our itinerary. 

• Day 0 – Oslo
• Day 1 – Stavanger
• Day 2 – Kjeragbolten, Lysebotn, Hovden
• Day 3 – Langfossen, Latefossen, Odda, Steinsdalsfossen, Bergen
• Day 4 – Bergen, Tvindefossen, Laerdal
• Day 5 – Nigardbreen Glacier Hike, Olden
• Day 6 – Geiranger
• Day 7 – Geiranger, Trollstigen, Sjøholt
• Day 8 – Alesund
• Day 9 – Return to Oslo

Full Road Trip Video

If you prefer to watch rather than read then check out our epic road trip video here. Norway is such a beautiful country that the visuals will get you far more excited to visit than the written word ever could. 

You will also find more detailed videos on a number of Norway destinations we discovered along the way on our channel page. 

>>> Subscribe to Our Channel Here <<<

10 Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary

We started our trip in the capital of Oslo which is a very modern city with an interesting mix of medieval Viking history, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty. 

The Oslo Opera House, Viking Ship Museum, and Royal Palace are all highlights that you can explore in a day if you are keen to hit the road (like we were!). 

But to start our road trip we had to get to the town of Stavanger on the west coast of Norway where we would pickup our rental car. 

We took the overnight train and had a very restful night in a sleeper car while in transit. 

Day 1

Stavanger

There are two sides to this city that are unique and worthwhile exploring on foot. 

The first is the old town on the west side of the harbor. The cobbled streets and wooden houses with beautiful gardens throughout make this a cute little area to explore on foot. 

It is right next to the waterfront where we caught our first sight of the signature colorful houses and Hanseatic architecture that we would find throughout Norway’s coastal towns. 

The colorful buildings stretched back from the waterfront to what looked like some incredible nightlife areas.

Unfortunately, the streets were very quiet due to our early arrival so we didn’t get to see them in full swing. 

Strangely known as the Oil Capital of Norway, Stavanger also features a petroleum museum. While this may be an interesting time we were about to drive into what is some of the most beautiful natural landscapes on the planet.

So we decided to skip this one. 

When heading out of town we made one more stop at the Sverd i fjell (Swords in Rock) which a monument to commemorate the Battle of Hafrsfjord nearly 1,200 years ago! 

It is certainly a more peaceful place in the present day. 

Stavanger to Tjørhom

The road to Tjørhom was just a taste of what was to come and we left the coast and headed into the mountains. The landscape was becoming more dramatic with every passing mile. 

The drive was only 100kms but we stopped so many times to take in the scenery that it took us most of the day to reach our accommodation for the night at Tjørhom. 

One thing to remember is that towns with restaurants and general services are few and far between. So stock up on supplies when in the major cities.

We didn’t figure this out until we reached our final destination and had to piece together some meals based on what was available at a gas station. 

We stayed at the Sirdal Hostel, which was more like a snow lodge than a hostel. We had a private room, but strangely rooms are not allocated at check-in.

You just walk around and pick one you like that isn’t occupied. 

Day 2

Kjeragbolten Hike

For months we had been discussing whether we would stand on that rock and had decided that neither of us would do it. The risk vs reward just wasn’t justifiable. 

But… Over the course of the three-hour hike, we changed our minds. More on that shortly. 

The hike takes around six hours for a round trip from the car park to Kjeragbolten and back. It is fairly easy to navigate on your own but there are plenty of guided tours available if you want to hike with a group.

Some of the inclines are steep but there are chains to help when needed and you can complete the hike with only moderate levels of fitness. 

You are at the whims of the weather gods though and on our way up there was a thick fog and we were unable to enjoy much of the view.

This changed on the way down though and were treated to some amazing views of the fjords, mountain ranges, and over the town of Lysebotn way down below. 

We were very unprepared and did not have gloves or hiking shoes. The rain stayed away which was very fortunate as the rocks would get slippery quickly when wet.

Hiking shoes really are a must! It was fairly stupid of us to go up there without them. 

You don’t need gloves but they will make you much more comfortable as the chains can get cold up there.

Now, back to that rock that hangs between the two cliffs 1,000m above the ground… Yeah, we stood on it, but I am not thrilled with myself for doing so. 

It is not difficult to do, but the margin for error is low. One slip and there will be no second chances. The narrow walkway to get to the rock is narrow and more slippery than the rock itself so take care on the way out there. 

The chain has also been removed and there is only a metal ring drilled into the surrounding rock face to hang on to when navigating this narrow walkway. 

As much as the thought of it makes my stomach churn, we did observe elderly ladies getting on and off comfortably and one guy who was taking jump shot pictures.

I wouldn’t do it again but it is hard not to when you travel such a long way to be there! 

Lysebotn

If you have the time to head further downhill after completing the hike then you can be in the small town of Lysebotn within ten minutes, and it is absolutely worthwhile! 

The waterfront view is incredible!

There are steep grey cliffs on either side of the fjord that rise up from the water and created a hauntingly beautiful scene with all the fog and cloud that was still hanging around. 

I would have loved to stay here overnight but your options are limited and you would have to book in advance.

So we hopped back in the car and made the long drive to the ski village of Hovden where we would spend the night. 

Hovden

We stayed at the Hovden Fjellstoge, which looks like a prime place to stay in the snow season!

You could see the ski lifts all around the surrounding mountains making their way up the grassy summertime slopes. 

The accommodation was basic, but the on-site restaurant gave us the opportunity to have a more hearty meal than the day prior and have a few glasses of wine to celebrate surviving the day! 

Day 3

Langfossen

This was to be a day packed with some of the most amazing waterfalls you will see anywhere in the world, and our first stop was my favorite one of them all! 

The scale of Langfossen is simply mind blowing!

When you stand near the base what you can see is epic, but it is only once you stand as far back as possible and look over the ridge you realize that you were only looking at the lower half of this incredible waterfall!

To see the top you have to hike… and I was dying to do so! But, due to time constraints and tired legs from the day prior we decided not to (but I will go back to Norway one day so I can!). 

Latefossen

Our next stop was in the Odda region which is best known as the starting point for the Trolltunga hike.

This is another that I would love to do one day but it is a full-day activity so we had to pass for the same reasons in the last point. 

While passing through we stopped at the Latefossen twin waterfalls. What they lack in height compared to Langfossen they certainly make up for in character. 

There are two grand waterfalls that flow side by side around this central rocky greenery to create a unique flow of roaring water. 

It is setback from the road and you cannot see it until you are right in front of the face of the waterfalls. So drive carefully through here because traffic slows right down and you can be caught unawares… Everyone takes their eyes off the road!! 

Odda

We stopped off in the village of Odda for lunch overlooking the fjord. But the highlight was just prior to arriving in the main part of town. The road in leads you around a large lake called Sandvinvatnet.

The views around this lake are tranquil and slightly different to the fjords you see everywhere else. The surrounding mountains covered in thick forest was more like something out of Jurassic Park.

Make sure you give yourself time to stop here as it is a real gem and not something we knew of, or expected to find!

Steinsdalsfossen

Our last waterfall for the day was Steinsdalsfossen. The water flow appears smaller and more peaceful compared to our two prior stops but when up close the volume of water is powerful and creates a mighty roar as it thunders over the edge. 

What makes Steinsdalsfossen unique is the picturesque surrounding area with long grass and flowers surrounding the muddy skirts around the base of the waterfall.

Secondly, there is a footpath that allows you to walk right underneath the waterfall to a small viewing platform that looks back towards the falls and over the surrounding region. 

It is a beautiful sight and a highly recommended stop.

From there we finished at Bergen where we would spend the night at the Citybox Hotel. We stayed in the Oslo equivalent and loved the quality of the communal facilities.

The rooms again are very basic but you have access to a modern kitchen and chill-out areas that are very useful as a home base after check-out time! 

Day 4

Bergen

This city experiences nearly 240 rainy days each year and it was as gloomy as you would expect.

But it was still a great place to explore on foot with the city area being fairly compact. Which is why the local walking tours are so popular. 

Highlights include the Festplassen which is a lake and park area, right next to a buzzing commercial area that leads you towards the waterfront. 

You will find great seafood all through Norway but Bergen seemed to highlight this better than most with waterfront restaurants and an open-air market catering to all tastes and budgets.

Something we didn’t expect to find was a vendor selling whale salami. I have been assured that it’s not from the endangered kind and it is actually a common food there. 

The waterfront area has more of these wooden houses painted in an array of colors. You can tell that apart from a new coat of paint these have stood in the same form for for a very long time!  

The highlight is taking the funicular to the top of the Fløyen where you get some amazing views back over the city and out over the fjords in one direction, and the whole region in the opposite direction.

Despite the gloomy conditions, it was still a cracking view and an activity we both loved!

After spending most of the day exploring the city we still had a few daylight hours to head to our next destination. 

Tvindefossen

There is always time for another waterfall stopover in Norway and Tvindefossen is one that you can’t miss.

It is a similar shape to the epic Langfossen but only a fraction of the size. 

The broad streams of water that flow down the tiered face of the rocks give this site a very majestic feel and it was one of my favorites. 

Laerdal

We managed to find accommodation in another small town that sits on a fjord nestled between the mountains.

Laerdal was similar to Lysebotn but a slightly larger town with a much larger holiday park right on the water. 

Despite its size, it felt almost deserted and we only saw a handful of other people there.

Our modest cabin was almost on the water and it was nice to be able to walk around the peaceful surrounding areas after another big day. 

Day 5

Nigardsbreen Glacier Hike

There are a number of options to hike the glacier with most being between 3-6 hours. We chose the Short Blue Ice Hike which was around 4 hours from start to finish.

This was a good length of time to experience the glacier without stretching things out. 

There is an option to have a packed lunch included which we DO NOT recommend! It would have been easier to chew through a piece of the glacial ice than the sandwich provided! 

Your tour group moves up the ice fairly slowly and you are unlikely to be tested if unfit. It is more about the scenery and being careful, than any kind of physical challenge. 

The guides provide interesting insights into the glacier and how it takes shape, and they take you to at least one blue ice cave. The glacier is always changing so everyone’s experience will be different. 

We were unprepared (as usual) and were provided gloves but sunglasses were not. The cloud cover made this bearable but the guide did warn that if the sun comes out it can be quite blinding. 

Olden

Our next stop was hands down the best accommodation that we stayed in, and my favorite roadside motel of all time!

The small rooms at Nesset Fjordcamping include a balcony that sits right on the fjord and is so close that you may as well pack a fishing line. 

The price of the room was half what we would pay the following night in Geiranger, and the experience so much nicer! 

The water had that blue green color that glows in the daylight hours and the surrounding area was so quiet and peaceful, despite here being a large cruise ship on the opposite side of the fjord. 

It is an incredible place and somewhere I could happily spend a week disconnected from the world just enjoying that magical view. 

Day 6

Skywalk

This was the lightest driving day of the trip, but we still managed to find a number of worthy stops. The first being on the way to the skywalk complex just outside of Geiranger. 

The road heads high into the mountains and we came across a large lake that was almost frozen over, despite it being the middle of summer and not that cold. 

A winding road climbs upwards from there towards the skywalk. There are multiple viewing platforms that overlooks the valley from a tremendous height! 

Geiranger, the huge cruise ships, and the winding roads that take you there, all appear tiny from this distance. 

Geiranger

While inside the village the town definitely lives up to its reputation as being a bit of a tourist mecca.

It can get busy during the day when the cruise ships roll in and offload hundreds of people into this small town, but we didn’t find it to be a huge imposition on our time there. 

On arrival we headed straight to the waterfall walk and started at the base, walking the 326 step stairs case all the way to the top.

The walking platform tracks a series of waterfalls that total 85 meters in height once you reach the top. 

It resembles more of a whitewater rafting course rather than the huge waterfalls we had seen on our trip so far.

Which is a very cool sight on its own and is the main discharge point for all of the water cascading down the valley all the way from the skywalk we visited earlier. 

We stayed at the waterfront Hotel Geiranger which was annoyingly expensive after the wonderful experience we had the day prior in Olden.

The decor throughout the hotel was old enough to be on the Titanic and the restaurants were about what you would expect from a touristy hotel. 

Day 7

Kayaking Geirangerfjord

We underestimated the time it would take to paddle from the kayak center to the twin waterfalls that sit on opposite sides of the fjord; Seven Sisters Waterfall, and The Suitor. 

The round trip took us just over 2.5 hours but I would encourage you to hire your kayak for 3-4, and take some food with you so you can relax and take your time. 

I paddled hard most of the time but this didn’t stop me from enjoying the incredible scenery that was all around us and the relative tranquility in the water compared to being in town.

We felt alone on the water at times and only passed the occasional kayak, ferry, and one gigantic cruise ship! 

If you don’t want to paddle you can see the waterfalls on the ferry that leaves the main town regularly. But if you can manage the paddle then it is easy to just self-tour, but if you feel more comfortable there are group kayaking trips also.

Either option is simply amazing!

Before we left Geiranger we stopped in the village to go to the famous Geiranger Sjokolade for some chocolate tasting and their signature waffles on a stick. It was well-earned after all that paddling. 

Trollstigen

Onwards to what was the highlight of the trip. This iconic valley with its winding roads that are flanked by multiple waterfalls is one of my favorite places I have ever visited. 

The viewing platforms are very accessible from the visitor’s center with a level walkway taking you past the lip of the waterfalls, and perched up on the cliff tops with one of the most magnificent views you will ever see down this epic valley. 

When seeing these images, and footage of the drive down to the valley floor I still get goosebumps!

It is one of the most enjoyable drives of my life and the only tough part is keeping your eyes on the road when you swing past the water cascading right past the edge of the hairpin bends. 

When you reach the bottom you can pull onto the shoulder of the road for one last glimpse looking back up towards the platform we visited earlier. You can barely see it! 

For those who would like to go on to something more challenging, you can hike up to a number of the peaks throughout the valley. This would be for more serious hikers though. 

Sjøholt

Our next stop was another small town on the fjords named Sjøholt. We visited the waterfront which was nice, but we were not there for any reason other than the convenience of the location. 

We stayed at the Sjøholt Sommerhotell which again had simple rooms, and water views. Again we were limited to frozen meals and the hotel staff were nice enough to give us access to the kitchen to be able to heat everything up. 

The best part was that we were here for two nights and did not have to drag suitcases back to the car early the next morning. 

Day 8

Alesund

This was our second last day of the road trip so we wanted to take a day trip to the coast and return to Sjøholt in the evening to shorten the long drive back to Oslo planned for the next day. 

Alesund has another one of those famous Norweigan coastal views that you have likely stumbled across before. The lookout when you first reach the town was the highlight for us. 

The town itself we found to be a little underwhelming. Which was a shame because it is a destination that many people love!

It is definitely a beautiful place with the canals running through the middle of town and right up to the rows of houses. 

Unless you are heading out onto the water we found the town a bit light on activities so we didn’t hang around too long. We made the drive out to the islands and as far as the lighthouse at Alnes. 

Again, this was a bit underwhelming. By then the weather was deteriorating and we felt we had reached the end point of our Norway adventure for now. 

Day 10

Sjøholt to Oslo

On our last day we had to cover the 500km journey back to the capital before our flight that afternoon. So it was an early start and we were on a tight schedule! 

It was a very enjoyable drive, with the first half passing through some incredible mountain scenery.

This is something I will never get tired of and finishing on this note just makes me want to return to Norway as soon as I can! 

Final Word

This epic road trip itinerary has only covered the West Norweigan fjords, and there were stops along the way where we could easily have spent more time. 

This trip is definitely in my top two road trips of all time and there is so much more of the country left to be explored. One day we will come back, and head further north!

Read more:

• Driving tips for tourists in Norway

In this article, we will explore the limitations of half a day vs a full day at Pompeii so you can decide if it is worthwhile for you when you just don’t have the time (or the stamina!). 

Quick Summary

If you are after a fast answer to whether half a day is enough for you to explore Pompeii, you can sum up our recommendations as follows: 

• Half a day if – you know exactly what you want to see, will get tired after a few hours of walking, and are traveling from Naples or the Amalfi Coast.
• Full day if – you want to do a guided tour and explore independently, can walk all day, are traveling from further away, and want to do activities outside the city walls.  

Prefer to watch rather than read? Check out the video below where we talk through all of your options while admiring some amazing footage of the archeological site.

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5 Questions for a Full Day vs Half Day in Pompeii

1. Guided Tour or Self Tour?

A guided tour will typically go for 2-2.5 hours. You will get some amazing insight into the history and culture of Pompeii city but group tours can move painfully slow! 

If you only have a half day you would still have some time to self-explore afterward but most of your time will be invested in the tour. 

So there is a trade-off to make if you are on limited time. If you have a full day you can complete your tour in the morning, have a leisurely lunch, and then explore by yourself in the afternoon. 

This is what we would recommend to anyone who has a full day and is not in a hurry!

If you skip the tour and spend half a day exploring then you can see a lot of the complex, but you won’t have time to walk the whole city. This leads us to our second question. 

2. What Sites Do You Want to See?

Doing some preparation will help you get the best value for the time invested. 

The city is huge! You cannot walk everywhere in half a day, and you will need to be strategic. 

Mark your must-see destinations on a map and start your day at the point furthest from the exit. You can then work your way back over the course of a few hours and finish on tired legs as close to the exit as possible. 

If you have a full day then you do not have to be as deliberate and can just see where the day takes you. 

3. How Much Can You Walk in a Single Day? 

You may enter the archeological site with the best intentions to explore every corner but may find your legs giving way after a few hours. 

The average office worker will only walk 3,000-4,000 steps a day. When we visited Pompeii we only had half a day and walked 17,000 steps! 

Realistically, can you walk for a full day? For many, the answer is no which makes this decision less relevant. 

But if you have the fitness to cover more ground then you may want to have more time. There is so much to see that you don’t want to leave feeling that you missed out (like we kind of did!). 

4. Where Are You Traveling from? 

Pompeii is an easy day trip from most villages on the Amalfi Coast. There are organized tours that will take you there in an hour or so, or you could get the train from Sorrento. 

It is a similar distance from Naples. 

If you are traveling from Rome then it is over two hours in each direction and you lose a large portion of the day. It just isn’t possible to do this in half a day and you will need to budget your time accordingly.

5. How Much Time Do You Have to Spare?

The unfortunate reality of planning a travel itinerary is that time in one place comes at the expense of somewhere else. 

If you only have half a day to spare then it is absolutely worthwhile visiting Pompeii. It is better than missing out altogether! 

But if you can squeeze in a full day then you will have the opportunity to see so much more.

Pompeii Time Saving Tips

Pre-Book Your Tickets Online 

The lines early in the morning can be long! If you buy online ahead of time then you can skip the queues and save some time there. 

In the afternoon you can usually walk straight in without delay. But you will also be battling some extreme heat in summer time which can be very taxing. 

So the morning is recommended, and pre-booking is the most efficient way to enter. 

Hire A Private Guide

If you don’t have the patience for a larger group tour then a private tour should see you moving at a pace that suits you. 

The cost is much higher though and in some cases more than double on a per person basis. 

But you will get more direct interaction with your tour guide and are likely to see more in a short space of time. 

So if you can afford it, and you are on limited time, then a private tour guide will be the best use of your time.

Pre-Plan Your Route

Reinforcing the point made earlier about doing some research before you arrive so you know what you want to see. 

If you are zigzagging around this massive complex to find things you want to see then you will lose time. An inefficient route will save your legs, and maximize your time. 

Activities of Interest Near Pompeii

A final bonus question is to ask yourself if there are activities outside of the city walls that interest you. 

There are a number of great experiences in the region surrounding Pompeii. Usually a city tour is also included in the package. 

Check out some of the tour options below that show off more of what Pompeii has to offer:

• Mt Vesuvius and Pompeii Tour
• Horse Riding and Pompeii
• Wine tasting and lunch experience 

Final Word 

We have not spoken much about the experience of exploring Pompeii beyond some of the images and videos shared in this article. 

It really is an incredible place to explore! Some of the buildings are so well preserved that you really do get a window into what life would have been like living in the city so long ago. 

No matter how much time you have to spare it is absolutely worthwhile visiting Pompeii if you only have half a day. 

But a full day would always be preferred so you can spend more time immersing yourself in this ancient city.

Not sure where to head after Pompeii? Check out our comparison of Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast.

You will also find jam-packed crowds in the peak months in some of the most popular towns! 

You could easily fill two weeks full exploring the region, but we only had five days and managed to squeeze a lot in! 

In this post, we will share our full Amalfi Coast itinerary, including some detours to Capri, Sorrento, and Pompeii. 

Quick Summary

There are 13 villages you could visit along the Amalfi Coast and if you wanted to see all of them you would need much longer than five days.

This itinerary covers the most popular towns in and around the Amalfi Coast and includes day trips to areas just outside the region:

• Day 1 – Salerno
• Day 2 – Amalfi and Ravello
• Day 3 – Positano (including the Fiordo Di Furore) and Maiori
• Day 4 – Sorrento and Pompeii
• Day 5 – Capri

If you prefer to watch than read check out the full Amalfi Coast itinerary video below. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel. 

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Amalfi Coast Itinerary 

Day 1 – Salerno

This is an optional stopover that is easily accessible by train if you wanted a stepping stone on your way to the Amalfi Coast. 

Many will travel through Salerno and jump straight on a bus to their final coastal destination. But if you wanted to stick around you can check out the following highlights: 

• Arechi Castle and the incredible views over the town over the Gulf of Salerno. 
• Salerno Cathedral and the Temple of Pomona, both located at Alfano Square and offer a glimpse into the old Roman period. 

Day 2 – Amalfi and Ravello

We kick off our first full day on the coast by taking a day trip to the town of Amalfi. 

On arrival, we are greeted by an incredibly busy port area that is the primary transport hub for the village. Here you can take a bus or ferry in any direction and you will see crowds in every direction. 

Right next door is the main beach, which is also busy but still with enough space to lay a towel down (if you don’t want to pay for an expensive sun bed) and a comfortable swim. 

We decided to first explore the town and walked away from the waterfront towards the mountains. 

Amalfi Highlights:

• Piazza Duomo and St Andrea Fountain
• Amalfi Cathedral
• Beaches on either side of the port

You are first greeted by the town square which has a number of restaurants on the edges and has the St Andrea statue in the middle sitting opposite a grand staircase that leads up to an old cathedral that overlooks the area. 

As you head deeper into the town, the main street narrows (yet still fits cars through) with very little space between the balconies in what could only be described as a very italian streetscape. 

There are a number of small laneways that branch out in a jumbled mess to all corners of the village. The occasional faded pink house and mountain backdrop make Amalfi a very charming place to explore on foot. 

We sampled the local wines, pasta, and bruschetta at a restaurant as far away from the port area as possible (we assumed this would be better) and were very impressed with the food! 

Now it was time to sample the signature lemon sorbet packed in a real lemon. I was skeptical that this was more of a gimmick than anything of substance but I loved it! 

Being able to switch the sorbet around the edges to catch more of the sour goodness of the lemon was a refreshing treat after a heavy lunch. 

Now it was time to cool off with a swim at the beach. By this time it was mid-afternoon and the crowd was still manageable. 

However, if you are looking for a quieter place to swim you can walk to the western end of the town and there is a smaller beach there with very few people.

We only discovered this after walking to the end of a long walkway around the marina so we could get a view of the village. This was worthwhile even in the heat so we could get the full view of Amalfi. 

The best views will be from the water on a ferry or boat, but this was good enough while on dry land. 

From there we headed back to the bustling bus station at the port to make our way up to the mountaintop village of Ravello. 

Ravello Highlights:

• Mountaintop views and 
• Cliffside gardens of Villa Rufolo
• Town square with rural outlook

The views from the final bus stop are nothing short of amazing! You are very high up and can see over the towns of Maiori and Minori down towards the east. 

There are bars and restaurants perched at the top of the cliff with uninterrupted views, but we wanted to explore the town first and headed towards the main square. 

Ravello is a much more peaceful place and feels much more rural compared to the seaside towns. 

It has a much more cultural feel with a number of artsy vendors and galleries scattered amongst the narrow streets, that have an older look to them compared to Amalfi. 

Day 3 – Positano (via Fiordo di Furore)

Today we would travel by bus from Ravello along the coast to the popular town of Positano, and see some highlights along the way. 

It is a slow trip on the bus due to the narrow road and busy traffic. You will frequently come to a stop while vehicles try and squeeze past each other! 

So be prepared to lose a big chunk of your day to travel. 

Fiordo di Furore

This is one of the most recognizable places on the coast. The small beach with an arched bridge towering over it is a beautiful sight. 

There are ledges along the edge of the staircase where you can cliff jump into the deep water below, and overall it would be a fun place to hang out if it were not for one exception!

What the pictures cannot tell you is that the corner of the beach where the sun first hits each day stinks!! 

When you have a small beach with a narrow waterway, that is visited by thousands of tourists, it should not be surprising that the place smells like a toilet. 

I was able to avoid the smell and swim on the shaded side of the beach but it still feels a bit icky overall. So we didn’t hang around long. 

Positano Highlights

• Views from the walkway heading into Positano
• Fornillo to get away from the crowds!

This is the busiest village we encountered on the coast. From a distance, it may be the most beautiful town but when in the middle it can be a bit overwhelming during the day. 

The bus drops you at the top of the hill leading into town and there is a walkway that hugs the cliff’s edge, with restaurants and viewing points scattered along the footpath. 

This is where you get the best views of Positano! It is an amazing sight to see the colorful houses stacked up on the mountain, with the beach at its foot, and the glowing blue water all around. 

As you walk down the hill the streets get narrower and the crowd gets thicker. There are some charming laneways that would be nice if it were not for the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd trying to make their way through in both directions. 

We had to retreat into one of the waterfront restaurants to get some breathing room and avoid the stifling heat. The location was amazing, but the food was mediocre (and expensive). 

Typical of a tourist focussed restaurant. 

The beach was also very crowded and with sunbeds crammed in without space for much else. Unless you are going to spend the whole day here it is not worth the expense. 

So after all of that, we were running out of reasons to stay, so we decided to get on a ferry to seek out a quieter beach where we could relax and swim without the chaos. 

Boarding a ferry was equally chaotic, crowded, and generally unpleasant in the sweltering heat. Once we got moving and the breeze picked up it was much nicer and the views looking back at the coast were very nice. 

Overall, we were not thrilled with our Positano experience. I am sure it is nicer in the evenings when the crowds thin out but it is not a place I will be returning to in a hurry. 

Maiori

We found a nice and spacious beach at Maiori and were able to swim and relax there to finish off the day. 

This was more of a family-oriented area with more open spaces on the beach.

There was also a long shopping strip that ran through the center of town with a more modern style of bars, stores, and restaurants that was high on convenience but lower on cultural value. 

We were happy to return to our sanctuary at the top of the mountain and enjoyed another nice dinner with amazing views at Ravello.

Day 4 – Sorrento and Pompeii

Today we would move our home base from Ravello to the city of Sorrento. 

This would give us easy access to the Island of Capri and transport links back to the major cities. 

Despite getting on the first bus of the day from Ravello it still took over two hours to arrive in Sorrento (which is why we planned to stay and not travel back & forth). 

By the time we checked into our new hotel, it was approaching lunchtime. So we thought we could squeeze in an afternoon to explore Pompeii.

Pompeii

Is half a day enough to explore Pompeii? I think yes, but I could have easily spent a full day there. 

The area is so big that it is impossible to see it all in half a day, but you can cover a lot of ground! 

Unless you are well-read on the subject, it would really be worthwhile taking a guided tour at the start of your day. I wish we had organized this ahead of time! 

This would give you more context when exploring things on your own afterward. 

Having said that, it is still an amazing experience to explore independently. Some of the old buildings are preserved so well that it truly does give you a window into the lifestyle of some of the wealthier occupants. 

The detail that was still visible in the wall decorations, paintings, statues, and furniture was beyond what I expected. 

When you encounter the castings in the shape of bodies it is very moving. You also get a feel for the tragedy of the event and just how quickly the eruption of Mt Vesuvian buried the city. 

There is a feeling of despair in how some of these bodies were positioned. Which is a sobering reminder of how quickly your life can change. 

Sorrento Highlights

• Old Town with its lively atmosphere day and night
• Another old cathedral (if you’re into that)
• Our hotel!! 

Later that evening we explored the city of Sorrento, which really comes alive at night time! 

It has more of a city feel with large commercial areas that are buzzing with street performers, restaurants that spill out into the mall, and bars everywhere. 

There is a fun vibe and was much more lively compared to the peaceful settings of Ravello. 

We were always happy to come home to our hotel, Villa Giovanna. 

It was a ten-minute walk out of town but they ran a free shuttle service from the edge of town to the hotel on a schedule, and would sometimes do ad-hoc drop-offs on request.

Day 5 – Island of Capri

Capri is such a fun place to visit and our day trip to the island was our favorite part of the whole week! 

It was an easy ferry ride from Sorento to the port at Capri, and from there the first activity was our two-hour boat rental. 

Capri Highlights

• Mt Solaro
• Faraglioni (you’ll need a boat to get close!)
• Blue Grotto

Boat Rental

I had never driven a boat before but it was fairly easy. Within 15 minutes of leaving the port, I was testing my skills by driving through the famous Faraglioni rock formation.

There is a queue of boats lining up to go through there and it was not the tight fit that I expected. So we managed to get through with the boat unscathed!

From there we traveled further down the coast past a number of super yachts and other tourist boats until we found a nice quiet cove to drop the anchor and have a swim. 

This was a lot of fun and I wish we spent more time here. Unfortunately, we cut it short to 30 minutes so we had time to make it all the way around the island and back to port within the two-hour rental period. 

This was a mistake! There is no need to go around the island unless you plan on accessing the blue grotto from the water. You can pull up at a buoy outside the entry and a small boat will bring you into the blue cave.

However, the boat rental is expensive, and considering you can access the blue grotto from land anyway there is no need to do this on rental time. 

So after circumnavigating the island and seeing more than enough coastline for the day we returned the boat at the port and went on to enjoy a nice lunch on the waterfront. 

Beaches

There are a number of beaches to choose from around the main town. But they do get very busy! 

Just the site of the crowded shore made us wish we were still on that boat where we could swim almost anywhere we liked! 

So we moved on to seek out the best views on Capri! 

Mount Salerno

The bus ride from the port area to Mount Salerno is an experience in itself! The road is narrow and follows a winding road along a cliff’s edge. The views are incredible, and only get better the higher we go. 

To reach the top of Mt Salerno you take a single-seat chair lift. The first few minutes are a bit dull but once you start to get some altitude you emerge from the canopy to see incredible views over the Gulf of Naples. 

We had a wonderfully clear day and could see all the way to Mt Vesuvius (I think) on the way up. 

When at the summit, you have views in every direction. 

Day 6 – Train from Sorrento to Rome

We spent our final morning enjoying the views from our hotel and enjoying the swimming pool and gardens, all with magnificent views. 

Sorrento has much easier access to transport links than the Amalfi Coast and after checking out we had an easy time jumping on a train to head back to Rome. 

Tips for Selecting Accommodation On the Amalfi Coast

For a first-timer, it is easy to underestimate the effort required to walk from accommodation to a bus stop or into town. 

As a general rule, if you are walking toward the coast you are going downhill, and vice versa. But what you need to know is just how steep these short walks can be!

They are steep! And a 200m walk that looks easy on Google Maps could be a serious leg workout that will leave you sweaty and sore. 

So, if you are looking for a room with a view outside of the main towns remember these tips when selecting your accommodation: 

• Look for somewhere with nearby bus stops both above and below the location. 
• Check if the accommodation offers a shuttle service (many do!) so you can avoid buses. 
• At bus times of the day, buses get to capacity fast and will not stop to pick up passengers. The further away from town you are the more likely you can get a ride. If somewhere in the middle you risk being stuck for what could be hours. 

Amalfi Coast Transport

The location, infrastructure, and terrain around the Amalfi Coast make it a much more difficult place to travel compared to other popular coastal regions such as Cinque Terre (which has a train line!). 

There are some pitfalls that we will point out below. But with some basic planning, you can navigate your stay without too many hiccups. 

How to Travel Between Villages on the Amalfi Coast

There are two main options unless you plan on having your own vehicle. Both are fairly slow and crowded in the busier months, this will not detract from your experience too much in most cases. 

Bus

There is one main road that runs the stretch of the coast and it is busy, narrow, and very slow to travel. 

At peak times there is also the risk that buses will be too full to pick you up and you may be left stranded if not boarding at one of the major towns. 

Having said that, the views are amazing and the prices are relatively cheap. 

If you have a long journey and are traveling with suitcases try and travel early before things get too crowded! 

Full timetable information and route information is available here.  

Ferry

The ferry links are excellent between all of the major towns but there are two major pitfalls:

1. The cost will be far higher than the bus. 
2. The lines to board a ferry can be long and brutal in the hot sun! 

Having said that it is by far the most pleasant way to travel when you are on board. The sea breeze and the views of the coast are stunning! 

Self-Drive

If you plan on driving a car the smaller the better! The buses mentioned earlier take up a lot of road and squeezing past them is a constant battle. 

Parking will also not be easy!! 

The trade-off is you have the ultimate freedom to go wherever you like whenever you like. 

You could also rent a small motorbike or scooter. This will be much more convenient but has obvious risks. 

Also, make sure you check your travel insurance as a lot of policies will not cover you when on two wheels!! 

How to Travel to the Amalfi Coast

We had an awful time getting to the coast from Naples airport. A combination of our lack of planning and a taxi strike on the day of our arrival resulted in us spending the night on the train platform at Salerno. 

So read this section carefully so you do not end up doing the same… It was not fun! 

For each of these options, we are assuming traveling from Naples airport. If you are coming in by train then you can skip the first step in each case and the remainder will be relevant. 

Private Car

I wanted to mention this first because if I ever return this is what I will do, no question! 

It is the most expensive option by far, but if you have at least one person to split it with then I think the per-head cost is absolutely worth it compared to the gauntlet you have to navigate while lugging around suitcases. 

There are multiple services that will meet you at the airport and take you directly to your accommodation. This will be a 90-minute trip compared to what would be at least half a day otherwise. 

Bus/Train/Bus

The next easiest option would be to take the bus from the airport to the main train station at Naples. 

From there you can take the train to either Sorrento or Salerno, depending on which end of the coast is your final destination. 

The distance between these two points is over two hours’ worth of bus time so it is worthwhile considering your shortest route. 

From there you can take the most appropriate bus to get to your accommodation. Again, check the link mentioned previously with bus route options and timetable information.

Note: if taking this option you should arrive early in the morning to give yourself the full day to navigate the above and reach your destination. It may take longer than you think!! 

Bus/Ferry/Bus

Once you take the bus into Naples you have a number of ferry options. 

• Naples to Sorrento -> followed by a bus to your final destination
• Naples to either Capri/Positano/Amalfi -> followed by a bus to your final destination.

All of these options are inconvenient and time-consuming. 

Final Word

The Amalfi Coast allows you to choose your own pace of holiday. 

There is so much to discover and you can fill your days with activities on the sea and on land, but you can also lay on the beach drinking cocktails all day.

We can’t wait to return to the Amalfi Coast so we can do both! 

For more on the Italian seaside, you can also check out our comparison of the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre here.