NORTHWEST

Connect with your senses

The northern part of Fjord Norway, on the west coast, is where you'll find the region known as the Northwest.

It's a perfect place for stunning road trips, such as the Atlantic Road Scenic Route (you may have seen James Bond driving there) and the hairpin bends of the famous Trollstigen road. Make the most of the beautiful nature with a hike, bike ride, or fishing trip.

There are also several interesting towns, including Molde, the city of roses which hosts an annual jazz festival, Kristiansund, known for its traditional clipfish, and Åndalsnes, with its proud mountaineering heritage.
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The Trollstigen mountain road in Åndalsnes in Northwest, Fjord Norway.

Storm at The Atlantic Road in Northwest, Fjord Norway.

A group of people standing at the tip of the Rampestreken viewpoint looking at the view of Åndalsnes in Northwest, Fjord Norway.

Feel the adrenaline pump as you navigate the 11 hairpin bends of the Trollstigen mountain road …

… when you drive The Atlantic Road in a shower of sea spray, a part of the National scenic route Atlanterhavsvegen …

… or as you balance across the Romsdalseggen ridge, one of Norway’s most popular hikes.

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

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Two people hiking in the Innerdalen valley in Northwest, Fjord Norway

Alpine skiing at Blånebba in Northwest, Fjord Norway.

Staggering peaks and rough seas. Contrasting weather and wide views.

The Northwest, located in the northern part of Fjord Norway, is where active adventurers seek to take their passion to the next level – whether they want to go hiking, fishing, or cycling in the summer …

… or cruise down never-ending descents (at least that’s what it feels like!) in the winter.

Popular hikes

Check out some of the best and most scenic hikes in Northwest.

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A woman is standing in front of the Mardalsfossen waterfall in Molde during summer. Northwest, Fjord Norway.

The fishing village at Grip island in Kristiansund in Northwest, Fjord Norway

Panoramic view of Molde in Northwest, Fjord Norway.

Overview of the city Kristiansund in Fjord Norway from above in the sunshine.

Norsk Tindesenter in the harbour of Åndalsnes in Northwest, Fjord Norway

Hear the roaring sound of Northern Europe’s highest waterfall, Mardalsfossen (665 metres) …

… and listen to the silence that lies like a blanket over remote island fishing villages such as Grip (pictured) and Bud.

Hold on – is that jazz playing?

Molde, the largest city in the region, attracts thousands of music lovers every year when it hosts the oldest annual jazz festival in Europe.

Kristiansund is often referred to as the “opera town”, as it is home to Norway’s oldest opera and puts on about a hundred performances every year.

The smaller city Åndalsnes, however, calls itself “Norway’s mountaineering capital”. The city is the gateway to the Romsdalen valley and a true gem for all types of mountain hunters.

At the Norwegian mountaineering centre (Norsk Tindesenter), you can learn about the region’s proud mountaineering history and reach new heights on Norway’s highest indoor climbing wall (21 metres).

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

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The Rauma Railway running across the Kylling bridge

Close-up of a cow at Renndølsetra in the Innerdalen valley in Northwest, Fjord Norway.

A man serving waffles at Renndølsetra in the Innerdalen valley in Northwest, Fjord Norway.

Thatched houses at Renndølsetra in the Innerdalen valley in Northwest, Fjord Norway

Kraftkar cheese from Tingvollost on a table in Tingvoll in Northwest, Fjord Norway.

A person, wearing blue coveralls and gloves, holding a bundle of clipfish. Ålesund, Fjord Norway.

From Åndalsnes, you can jump on the Rauma Line, named Europe’s most scenic train journey by Lonely Planet.

Lean back and enjoy the view of well-known attractions such as the Trollveggen vertical rock and the Kylling bridge.

But hey, what’s that smell?

It could be the freshly made waffles from the charming mountain farm Rendølssetra …

… located in the Innerdalen valley, known as one of the most beautiful mountain valleys in Norway.

It could also be the odour of some other kind of homemade delicacies. Maybe a traditional “lefse” (a delicious pastry dish), Kraftkar from Tingvollost, the world’s best blue cheese (no joke!), ooor – let’s be honest, it’s not to be avoided …

… the smell of the dried and salted cod known as clipfish. This local delicacy has been produced and exported to southern countries for centuries.

You can learn more about traditional production at the Klipfish museum in the clipfish capital Kristiansund. If you are really lucky, you will also get a sample of their famous bacalao, the staple dish of the region.

Food and drink

Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.

Åndalsnes

Tindestua restaurant

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The Midsundtrappene stairs to Rørsethornet in Molde in Northwest, Fjord Norway

An eagle in flight with orange background in Smøla in the Northwest, Fjord Norway.

Climb the 2,200 steps of Midsundtrappene, one of Norway’s longest stone staircases, and enjoy a panoramic view of the sea and the archipelago at the top (659 metres above sea level) …

… or watch how the sea eagles fly protectively over the island of Smøla, home to one of the world’s densest white-tailed sea eagle populations.

Prepare to be stunned! But don’t take our word for it.

See it to believe it.

Get more information on Northwest’s official website.

visitnorthwest.no

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Northwest with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.

By train
The scenic Rauma Line from Dombås to Åndalsnes has several daily connections with the Dovre Line between Oslo and Trondheim.
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By bus
Express buses and local buses connect Åndalsnes and Sunndalsøra with Molde, Ålesund, Geiranger, and other places in the area. You can also see The Atlantic Road and Trollstigen by bus.
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By boat
An extensive network of express boats, as well as the coastal express Hurtigruten, take you to many destinations in the Northwest.
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By car
If you are travelling from Oslo, you can follow the E6 northwards and then turn west on the E136 to Åndalsnes and Molde, or the Rv70 to Kristiansund.
If you are coming from Trondheim or Ålesund, follow the E39 to the Northwest.
The Atlantic Road between Molde and Kristiansund is a Norwegian Scenic Route and is one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more at the Norwegian Roads Administration website.
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By plane
Kristiansund Airport has regular flights from Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Ålesund.
Molde Airport has regular flights from Oslo and Bergen.
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Local travel
A well-developed bus and boat network makes it easy to get from A to B in the Northwest.
In Kristiansund, the charming Sundbåten will take you quickly between the city’s four islands.

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People standing at the Stegastein viewpoint along the Norwegian Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet

Norwegian Scenic Routes

People hiking Oppstemten to Mount Ulriken in Bergen

11 stairways to heaven

A group of people fishing from the Myrbærholmen fishing bridge on The Atlantic Road in Fjord Norway.

Fishing at the Atlantic Road

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.