Exploring Southern Norway: Our Favorite Stops Among Waterfalls, Enchanted Forests, and Fjords
Southern Norway has a special charm. Here, fjords meet deep forests, colorful villages rub shoulders with fishing jetties, and nature always seems to tell a story. During our family road trip in our campervan, we discovered a region as gentle as it is impressive, where every stop offers its share of adventures, breathtaking panoramas, and little unexpected surprises.
Above all, it’s a region that is ultimately not very touristy, a part of Norway that is less talked about but is so beautiful and well worth a detour!
In this article, we’ll take you through our journey: from Steinsfoss Tømmerrenne, an incredible forest history hike, to Stavanger, a dynamic city with iconic white houses, passing through the unmissable Preikestolen hike and the enchantment of the Fairytale Forest. A perfect loop for a first immersion into southern Norway by campervan.
Steinsfoss Tømmerrenne: An Unusual Walk Between Nature and History
We discovered this hike rather by chance while preparing our trip using Google Maps (feel free to read our article dedicated to road trip preparation) and what a surprise it was!! It’s not a major tourist site, not a world-famous fjord, and precisely: that’s what makes it so charming.
What is a “tømmerrenne”?
The Tømmerrenne is actually an old wooden flume formerly used to slide logs from the heights down to the sawmills in the valley. An ingenious system that allowed bypassing dangerous rapids and waterfalls.
At Steinsfoss, a part of this historic flume has been preserved and restored, winding along the river to the waterfall.
The entire hike takes place inside this flume! Which makes it not only beautiful but also unusual and fun, especially with children.
The hike is very simple, with no elevation gain; it’s an approximately 8 km round trip but easily doable even with young children.
During peak season, remember to bring good sunscreen because yes, in Norway, the sun is strong in summer, very strong, and some sections are not shaded.
The landscapes are sublime and the hike is easy; we had a wonderful afternoon.
Stavanger
Arriving in Stavanger means changing pace. After the forest-lined roads and nature stops of Southern Norway, the city offers a different breath: livelier, more maritime, always focused on the landscapes. You feel both the fishing heritage, the imprint of black gold, and this constant proximity to the fjords that makes you want to go exploring again.
It’s a perfect stop for families: you can stroll through the wooden alleys, embark on a cruise, discover fun museums, or simply enjoy the port.
By the way, if you’re wondering about the best route to get there, we’ve listed all the options for reaching Norway by campervan, whether by road or by sea.
What to do in Stavanger in one day:
Gamle Stavanger
Getting lost in old Stavanger, a real favorite for us! Clearly, it’s one of the most charming neighborhoods you’ll encounter in Norway.
It’s a residential area, with no shops (apart from a few cafes or art galleries), which gives it an authentic atmosphere, far from a fixed decor; the place is very flowery and so peaceful!
The small wooden houses of Gamle Stavanger were inhabited by workers, artisans, and sailors. Simple, functional, often modest, they formed a lively working-class neighborhood, close to the quays.
Stavanger Port and its Maritime Atmosphere
From the Gamle district, you can easily reach the port on foot.
It’s impossible to visit Stavanger without passing through its port: between old fishing boats, modern sailboats, lively terraces, and departures for fjord excursions, the waterfront alone tells the entire local story.
Take the opportunity to visit a fishmonger and buy the catch of the day or, like us, to taste the specialty: fiskesuppe.
A creamy fish soup made with white fish, salmon, and shrimp, absolutely DELICIOUS, definitely not to be missed!
From the port, you can take a cruise to see the Lysefjord.
The cruise is quite long, lasting about 3 hours. If you’re lucky and the weather is good, the landscapes are magnificent, and the boat takes you right below the famous Pulpit Rock!
Be aware that it’s best to book in advance.
Øvre Holmegate
This is THE colorful and lively district of Stavanger!
The houses are of all colors, the ground is painted, the facades are flowery, and the walk there is very pleasant. Very lively, you’ll find many shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Sverd i fjell: The Three Swords in the Rock
These three swords are located outside the city; you won’t be able to reach them on foot.
The monument commemorates the Battle of Hafrsfjord, which is said to have taken place around 872 AD. According to tradition, this victory by King Harald Fairhair marked the unification of Norway into a single kingdom.
Each sword has its symbolism: planted in the rock, they evoke rediscovered peace, the largest represents Harald, the victor of the battle, and the other two symbolize the defeated kings.
The site is quite majestic facing the water, and in bad weather, it takes on a dark Viking feel.
Preikestolen: The Mythical Hike Near Stavanger
One of the most beautiful hikes we’ve done to date!
We have incredible memories of it, and despite its difficulty, we loved it, even the children.
If there’s one image that embodies the Stavanger region, it’s that of Preikestolen. This impressive cliff overlooks the Lysefjord from a height of over 600 meters and attracts travelers from around the world every year.
The rocky plateau of Preikestolen formed approximately 10,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age. Erosion gradually sculpted this spectacular protrusion above the fjord, creating this almost perfectly flat platform.
Its name literally means “the preacher’s pulpit,” due to its shape resembling a church pulpit.
The hike is about 8 km round trip with a significant elevation gain, but the trail is fully developed, so there are no technical difficulties or challenging sections, even for children.
The downside remains the rather steep climb for very young children and its many immense steps built by Nepalese sherpas.
But the reward once at the summit is truly worth it; the landscapes opening onto the fjord are incredible!
A few important points to note:
- Do not hike in bad weather: the ground is slippery, and you won’t see anything at the top, which would be a shame!
- There is no drinking water along the entire hike, so remember to bring plenty of water, especially in summer.
- There are no facilities or even toilets at the top, so take your precautions beforehand 😉 Or find a bush if you can!
- It’s possible to swim in the lakes at the summit, so remember your swimsuit!
- Parking is paid and rather expensive.
