Norway. Nærøyfjord Hikes

  Our journey through the Nærøyfjord region was a dramatic blend of alpine challenge and fjordside serenity. From a snowy summit camp on Bakkanosi to a rainbow-lit tent above the fjord near Rimstigen, this two-day hike offered everything: unpredictable mountain weather, breathtaking views, and a deep dive into Norway’s natural and cultural heritage...

  Map of the hikes..

  We arrived by bus at Holmen fylkesgrensa, not far from Gudvangen, just before noon. The weather was cloudy with light rain, but the forecast promised a brief window of clear skies around 9 PM. That gave us hope to reach the summit of Bakkanosi, known for its panoramic views over the Nærøyfjord.  From the bus stop, we walked through a 3 km tunnel—fortunately, traffic was rare...

  As we climbed past 1000 meters, the landscape turned wintry, with snow-covered terrain and frozen lakes reminiscent of Jotunheimen National Park. Near the summit, we found a snow-free spot - an unexpected little patch of dry ground - and pitched our tent there, hoping to catch a sunset view over the fjord.

  But the weather turned worse - strong winds and snow kept us inside the tent all night. The mountain remained in the clouds, and we saw nothing of the fjord. In good weather, the view should look like the picture below...

  It seems the forecast was wrong - or simply didn’t apply to the top of Bakkanosi. Instead of clear views, we got this...

  By morning, everything around us was covered in snow. And the mountain remained completely wrapped in clouds...

  We hurried down, stopping briefly at the Bakkanosi summit to snap a quick photo...

  As we dropped below the snow line, the green and golden landscapes lifted our spirits...

  After passing through the tunnel again, we hitchhiked to Gudvangen, where the day took a brighter turn...

  In Gudvangen, we finally saw the Nærøyfjord in all its glory...

  After grabbing some treats from the local market, we walked along the fjord toward the Rimstigen trailhead...

  As we continued our hike along the fjord, we passed through the charming village of Bakka. Nestled at the foot of the towering Bakkanosi mountain where the fjord narrows dramatically, Bakka is one of the few inhabited hamlets along the Nærøyfjord. The village is home to the historic white wooden Bakka Church, built in 1859, and traditional farms like Bakka and Tufto...

  While passing through, we saw many goats grazing peacefully, a charming sight that added to the authentic rural atmosphere...

   This peaceful area is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its cultural landscape shaped by centuries of farming, hunting, and gathering. Today, locals maintain small-scale agriculture, mostly dairy goats, and offer tourism experiences such as cozy cabin rentals. The village’s serene beauty, classic wooden architecture, and stunning fjord views make it a perfect stop for those seeking authentic Norwegian charm...

  We continued our hike up Rimstigen enjoying constant views of the fjord... 

  Then, while climbing, we admired the stunning Tuftefossen waterfall cascading down the mountainside, adding a soothing backdrop to our ascent...

  Near the first lake, we found a perfect tent spot with panoramic views - fjord on one side, mountains on the other...

  As rain began to drizzle, we took shelter in the tent - and were soon rewarded with a beautiful rainbow arching over the fjord...

  The next morning, we descended the same way, seeing the fjord in a new light...

  On our way back, we passed Nærøyfjord Camping, a peaceful spot nestled right by the fjord, surrounded by steep mountain walls and lush greenery. It’s a cozy base for hikers, kayakers, and anyone wanting to soak in the quiet beauty of the area. With cabins, tent sites, and direct access to the water, it looked like an ideal place for a more relaxed stay. But for us, nothing could compare to our wild camp high in the mountains - far from everything...

  We spent some time exploring Bakka Church and its peaceful cemetery before slowly making our way back to Gudvangen along the beautiful fjord...

   We arrived back in Gudvangen around 10:30 in the morning and crossed the charming wooden bridge over the river...

  Before boarding, we took advantage of the public WC facilities to freshen up - nothing like a hot shower after six days in the mountains without one. With a bit of time to spare, we grabbed some hot dogs from the nearby gas station - simple, but exactly what we needed. After we found a cozy spot by the fjord to sit and relax while waiting for our ferry...

  The peaceful surroundings and stunning fjord views made the wait enjoyable as we prepared for our noon cruise through the breathtaking Nærøyfjord to Kaupanger...