Why Norway is the Ultimate "Coolcation"
With Europe having more frequent and intense heatwaves, Summer doesn’t have to mean sweating. Last August, we took a coolcation—a summer trip to a cooler climate—and spent a week exploring Norway’s fjords, mountains, and natural beauty. If you love hiking, fresh air, and stunning landscapes, this trip is for you.
Bergen to Odda: A Scenic Start
We kicked things off by flying into Bergen, renting a car (highly recommended), and driving straight towards Odda. The three-hour drive was gorgeous —waterfalls, winding roads, and towering peaks everywhere you look. Even in late August when other places were sweltering, Bergen was topping out at about 55F/12C. The coolcation was starting off accurately!
Fun fact about Norway - their typical road trip snacks are gas station hotdogs with interesting toppings and candy. We're not normally candy people but the Scandi candies in Norway hooked us.
Along the way, we stopped at a few scenic viewpoints and took in the crisp mountain air. Odda, a small town nestled between mountains and fjords, was our base for two nights. Our big goal? Hiking Trolltunga.
Hiking to Trolltunga: Tough but Worth It
Trolltunga is one of Norway’s most famous hikes, and for good reason. The 28-kilometer (17-mile) round-trip trail is no joke. It takes 8 to 12 hours, climbs over 800 meters (2,600 feet). But the payoff? Unreal. Trolltunga is a rock outcropping jutting out over a lake several thousand feet in the air, creating one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the world.
If you’re thinking about doing it, start early, pack plenty of snacks, and check the weather. Conditions change fast - even bad weather wont last long! We would advise buying waterpoof pants as we had to buy them in Odda due to the forecast and were glad we had them. Sturdy hiking boots are a must, and so is dressing in layers. Temperatures drop quickly at higher elevations.
After hiking all day, we rewarded ourselves with a sauna session before crashing for the night. Although not required at all, we joined a group with a guide via Trolltunga Adventures who helped make it a great day!
The Drive to Flåm: Waterfalls, Valleys, and Fjord Views
The next morning, we hit the road again, driving from Odda to Flåm via Voss. This drive was equally beautiful with mirror-like lakes, lush green valleys, and waterfalls cascading down cliffs. We took our time, stopping at the famous Tvindefossen waterfall near Voss. It looked like something straight out of a postcard.
Flåm is a tiny village, but it packs in some of the best ways to experience the Norway fjords.
First up: a fjord cruise through Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. Floating between towering cliffs with waterfalls tumbling down? Unreal. Book a fjord cruise here.
Exploring Flåm: Kayaking, Hiking, and Sauna Time
Beyond cruising, Flåm has plenty to keep you busy. We hiked up above Aurlandvangen for a jaw-dropping fjord view. Then we spent an afternoon ocean kayaking, paddling through still waters surrounded by towering cliffs. It’s a peaceful yet active way to take in the beauty of the Norway fjords up close.
One of our favorite stops? A floating sauna right on the fjord. Plenty of people jump straight into the freezing water afterward... a coolcation indeed! We, however, chickened out and stayed cozy inside. If you’re braver than us, the contrast of hot sauna steam and icy fjord water is supposed to be incredibly refreshing. Check out Flåm’s floating sauna.
Why a Coolcation is the Best Summer Escape
If you love the outdoors but summer heat isn’t your thing, a coolcation in Norway is perfect. It’s great for hikers, nature lovers, families with active kids, or anyone who wants to swap city noise for mountain air. Whether you’re hiking, kayaking, or just soaking up the views, a coolcation lets you enjoy nature without overheating. If you’re looking for a summer trip that’s active and refreshing, this is it.
About JAM Travel
JAM Travel is all about helping you plan unforgettable trips with detailed, experience-based guides. We’ve traveled to over 70 countries and love sharing the best places to eat, stay, and explore. Although we don't have a coolcation or Norway guide on sale, we do have guides to great cities like Paris, Istanbul, Amsterdam, and our home of London. Check out our curated travel guides and collections at jamtravel.shop.
Sweet Travels!
