Norway's West: Fjords, Mountains, and Bergen

Rick Steves' Europe Travel Guide © 2010 | For Scandinavia's most thrilling sightseeing, we sail under towering fjord cliffs, hike on powerful glaciers, and find surviving traditions in remote farm hamlets. Then we delve into the Hanseatic heritage and enjoy the salty hospitality of Norway's historic capital, Bergen. #ricksteves #ricksteveseurope #norway
Visit www.ricksteves.com for more information about this destination and other destinations in Europe.
Check out more Rick Steves’ Europe travel resources:
• “Rick Steves’ Europe” public television series: www.ricksteves.com/watch-read...
• “Travel with Rick Steves” public radio program: www.ricksteves.com/watch-read...
• European Tours: www.ricksteves.com/tours
• Guidebooks: store.ricksteves.com/shop/gui...
• Travel Gear: store.ricksteves.com/shop/
• Travel Classes: www.ricksteves.com/watch-read...
• Rick Steves Audio Europe App: www.ricksteves.com/watch-read...
Rick Steves, America's most respected authority on European travel, writes European travel guidebooks, and hosts travel shows on public television and public radio.
00:00 Intro
01:51 Jotunheim
02:41 Jostedal Glacier
03:54 Fjords
07:08 Solvorn
13:07 Otternes
15:08 Balestrand
17:06 Bergen

[@DesertRascal]

...and everyone there is genuinely happy and smiling. Visiting Norway must add years to one's life.

[@MYLOVEOFIRELAND2303]

haha yes, i am part Norwegian, but believe me, we are just normal humans and we have our own set of issues and daily struggles. Norway is not utopia, although we do have a better standard of general living, but this is due to paying greater taxes. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. Btw, not everyone is actually happy either. The lengthy Arctic Winter's can really bring many people down emotionally. Some are lonely too and spend days upon days indoors. Happiness is a state of mind anyway, so wherever you go in the world, you'll find many positive and happier and many not so positive and less happy humans. Just a fact of life. Take care.

[@RoamingwithStu]

@@MYLOVEOFIRELAND2303 Hva er egentlig greien med at alle tror Norge er så flott og fantastisk 24/7? Det er et fint sted å bo, men folk tror vi lever på cloud nine hele tiden :P

[@DesertRascal]

What a magical land. It's like someone took a video camera to heaven and brought it back for us.

[@MYLOVEOFIRELAND2303]

There are many other such places on the planet Tim! When one ventures out of their comfort zone & travels, one is faced with global beauty & it's literally everywhere! We just have to open our eyes to see. Peace

[@daniellejohnson9519]

Every time i watch these videos about traveling it makes my heart race. It makes me feel a longing and excitement that i cant get going to a movie, or reading a book. I hope that one day I'm fortunate enough to travel freely and experience all of these wonderful places.

[@hamidsanhaji9761]

Danielle Johnson we can go there if you want

[@debbiequack]

I hope so, too :)

[@Arinubomk]

you are voicing my same feelings. I wish one day I will be able to travel all over the world.

[@laluba3603]

@@hamidsanhaji9761 slave trader?

[@ronnie9187]

5 years have past since your post. I'll hope you had the chance to make some of dreams come true ;)

[@chrisk8187]

I'm putting a block on your channel!!! My grandfather was born in Trondheim, Norway in 1871 and left for America when his older brother came home one day and said to him, "There's a ship leaving for America tomorrow, let's go". My grandfather was 16. He settled in Duluth and worked for the railroad and was in the Spanish-American War. He was 76 when I was born in 1947 and died 20yrs later. He had three daughters, all college educated, which was still unusual in the 1929-1941 period. My parents did visit Norway in the '60's. Having seen your excellent (as usual) videos, I would really like to experience that area! I'm 71 and can't torture myself anymore with your "tour drug" enticements! Thanks!

[@danceswithcarsdc]

Mixed message here, good or torture, blocking or reviewing, make up mind please

[@mobyboy]

Norway is the most beautiful countries I ever seen ! worth it

[@MYLOVEOFIRELAND2303]

I'm part Norwegian and i will put it like this. Norway is one of "many" beautiful countries. It is not the "only" beautiful country. When we travel the world, we come to find this out fairly quickly.

[@Laura-Lee]

As a young child, my family moved to a farm in a small community in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies. We were only there a handful of years, but I later learned why the hamlet was named Bergen and all my neighbours were Norwegian. I had been given a rare gift of being surrounded by the culture and ways that were continued by the progeny of the first Norwegian settlers in this area. They were a hardy, hardworking, ingenious people who ALWAYS had time to help their neighbour and it seemed like EVERYONE could either draw beautifully or knew how to play a stringed instrument. This made for many wonderful, impromptu, living room concerts. What an unknown privilege that I'm glad I finally came to appreciate. Thanks for a look at where they all originated from. Another great "armchair" trip. LLR

[@jamjar5716]

Laura-Lee, what a wonderful experience!

[@timsummers870]

Europe is a blessed continent for its beauty, wealth, culture and, most importantly, its people! Europe is hands down the best corner of the world!!

[@jsb7975]

Still is ?

[@QuantumEffectResidue]

The older I get, and the more I see how the United States is becoming Sodom and Gomorrah 2.0, It makes me really want to go back there where my ancestors came from. Yes, it indeed is the finest set of countries on the face of this entire planet!

[@unwoundorange09]

Mandela Effect Residue if America is the worst country to live in, then go to North Korea or Afghanistan. Why stick around here?

[@Arinubomk]

@@unwoundorange09 People from all over the world are craving to go and settle in America more so the people of India are crazy.

[@martinkulik9466]

if there is not america, europe would be still industrial continent. i am from europe, east europe its morally corrupt region, but even I can recognize that USA is far more influential in terms of what detaching from ancient cultures and living the freedom and pursuing the happiness means.

[@Nattens767]

What I love about videos like this is it shows my country to the world in all its glory - and assures those who've yet to visit that it's not a complete tundra.

[@leembandy]

Lived there for three years, the best three years of our lives! We loved not just the countryside, but the people and the culture. One of the most remarkable things to see on earth is a Norwegian sunrise on a clear winter day.

[@Igweadda]

@@leembandyif you haven’t been yet you should travel møre & Romsdal. Ålesund, etc. Very nice

[@Kathleen5429]

Love Norway and her people. My grandmother was born there in 1895, as were her parents and their families.

[@lindasue8719]

I've watched Rick Steves since first airing. Sometimes with lapses, alas. In times like these, these shows are "good for what ails you". When I'm in a funk these really take me out of myself - so uplifting. 💗 Thank you, Rick Steves and team, for this gift.

[@danceswithcarsdc]

Vicarious travel, but if never fulfilled IRL rather depressing, imnsho

[@voquynhtien]

Norway's scenery is a feast to the eyes.

[@trustmeimnotprocrastinating]

so humble, peaceful, and charming. Norway's always been my favourite Nordic county. Big hug from tropical Indonesia

[@MultiNisachol]

Norway seem like heaven.The road is very clean. The peoples are look like kind.

[@organicspices1709]

Hi sister welcome to India

[@schylermanley1758]

Adore Bergen, spent an entire summer traveling through Norway and fell in love with the country.

[@ramalakshmipradeep]

Vvf

[@grantgullikson4093]

Norway is my home . My parents were born in Norway .I haven't visited in a few years now . It has built in natural beauty .When rick Steve's talks about these old 12 century church's , I used to visit one of them , there built from old Norwegian ships and taken apart and put into church lumber .I haven't been to Alesund now for 11 years .

[@kenoroussell4033]

The beauty caught on this film, as incredible that it is, cannot capture the feelings of seeing it in person when surrounded by it all. Spent 10 weeks traveling and as Steve said, the most dangerous part while driving alone is having to pay attention to the road and look at the wonders at the same time.

[@nlafrance9907]

私は日本人です。ノルウェーは自然が豊かで素敵な街ですね。空気もきっと綺麗でしょうね。遠いけど、いつかは行ってみたいです。

[@JimaBryant]

Gorgeous country -- some of the most beautiful scenic views in the world. The glaciers especially are spectacular.

[@HTV-2_Hypersonic_Glide_Vehicle]

Very true Mr. Bryant

[@MYLOVEOFIRELAND2303]

Very true indeed, but as a part Norwegian traveller, i will let you know Sir, that there are other stunning countries in this world, so too, stunning peoples, both inside & out. I was just sharing with a lady, that i visited the tallest mountains in Pakistan K2 & it was simply out of this world! I also saw Nepal's tallest mountains, i trekked & i saw the incredible clear glacial lakes, surrounded by greenery & surrounded by the tallest global mountains. We were on top of the world, literally! I am actually heading back, bec i simply couldn't get enough it all. It was also very peaceful & a truly spiritually uplifting journey. It's easy for we Westerner's, to only assume that NW or Northern Europe is beautiful, but this is simply & utterly untrue! There are many non-European/non-Caucasian global regions which leave one speechless. I know, bec i've experienced it many times whilst travelling the world. I was in Japan & Iran during their Winter's & i experienced much snow, much mountain walking, climbing & in Japan, much cross country skiing across powder snow. It was beyond awesome & utterly beautiful. I felt as though i was dreaming, but of course i wasn't. Anyway, just saying. Cheers

[@MYLOVEOFIRELAND2303]

Our Norwegian glaciers are receding @ an alarming rate unfort. Not in Pakistan however, hence why more & more European backpackers & tourists are now heading there. When you watch the many you tube videos abound, you'll quickly understand why.

[@egilovenysather5559]

THIS IS MY BELOVED COUNTRY AND CITY

[@farazahmad1546]

Egil Ove Nysather its a beutiful place.

[@farazahmad1546]

which month is best to visit?

[@kamaukaruoya4071]

Egil...invite me n i will be there

[@SirDavidHaddon]

Thank You Rick Steves. Been a fan for many years on TV and great to see your videos on KZbin. Such a joy without commercials, THANK YOU. George, New Jersey USA...

[@whitetiger7462]

I'm watching this to recreate my vacation in Norway. Already homesick to go back! I was in Oslo, Bergen, Flam, Stalheim & Trondheim ... Norway is an AMAZING place ... with humble, beautiful, friendly & helpful people! The word "Majestic scenery" does not do the description of Norway justice ... beauty without words to define it

[@saldelberganna6382]

marokkansk?

[@barthalomejerome9572]

Gina jiìì M

[@organicspices1709]

Hi sister I'm India... Welcome to India

[@kirouanemohamedamine7995]

I love you

[@MYLOVEOFIRELAND2303]

Actually, many European & more Western tourists are now travelling to Pakistan's K2 & North, etc;. They've heard about the scenic beauty, people, hospitality, food, culture & the list goes on. There are many personal vlogs via you tube. Peter Santenello, Mark Weins, Luke Damant, (first 2 are both American & Luke is Australian), have visited Pakistan, Iran, etc;. They all loved it very much & most visitors always go back, bec they want more. I know Mark & Luke have visited numerous times, but i'm unsure about Peter.

[@NatashaPereira1991]

Norway is my No. 1 destination to visit in future. I will have to save up money to tour this beautiful place. And if I get a chance, I would love to settle in Norway

[@anzus762]

Natasha Pereira If you're going to move here, I recommend settling in Rosendal

[@maxross832]

Visit bergen and not oslo because oslo sucks

[@parkourgutten1731]

+max ross lol sant

[@satidnatab154]

Thank Rick for taking us to these places and allowing us t Po experience the magnificence of culture and the beauty of nature even just thru your videos...more power and blessings to you!

[@maxsalman783]

Bergen is easily my favourite place in the world. Been there twice, itching to get back there as soon as possible!!

[@MYLOVEOFIRELAND2303]

I love Bergen too, but in truth, there are equally & fairly, many other beautiful/stunning global regions, so i like to self-educate, keep travelling & always keep an open mind. When i open my eyes to this amazing world, i see grand beauty & it's literally everywhere!! Happy travels to you & Peace.

[@exoticfood1905]

I have never known how beautiful Norway is until I see this I will see you for sure this August

[@liloulux2739]

I am already counting the days till summer and our trip to Norway 🇳🇴! I am so excited!!!!! It looks so beautiful!

[@eaglefan1124]

Rick Steves. The biggest and best loveable dork on KZbin. He is one of the best.

[@veronikakoleckova6436]

Beautiful Norway, beautiful culture, I will definitely go there for a holiday.

[@Mselenasandu]

So beautiful this Norway , amazing country .

[@rhapsody22ful]

YEP, you're (always) right ;-)

[@kirouanemohamedamine7995]

Are you single?

[@MYLOVEOFIRELAND2303]

Your country is beautiful too!! So too, your gorgeous people.

[@fingerstylefan]

As a photographer, I would have a field day(s) here. So Beautiful!!. He said many people left to come to the Americas to find a better life. To me, moving to Norway would be the better life.

[@deepalib3096]

The mountains, valleys, cruises. ...everything is simply wonderful!

[@missbookworm28]

My oh my how beautiful is Norway on my bucket list 😍

[@imperijaable]

Norway is just amazing.

[@joannapotts8732]

The Norwegian English is the best ever xD I love my home country

[@yuvrajchavan7999]

Ohh man... I'm in love with Norway 😍. I'm gonna stay at least a month in this heavenly place

[@arinonsalvia786]

Have fun man! Went to Lofoten this summer. Even though we had bad weather, it was truly amazing.

[@catherinehui795]

Thank you Rick for bringing back lovely memories of stunning scenery of the fjord country. We hope to visit again.

[@vedantkale1163]

I love Europe and Rick Steve's tours but I specifically came to this video to cure my Frozen fever. And I am not disappointed!

[@maninblack9271]

This channel helps me survive the lockdown of Corona. Looking forward to traveling

[@beatrizmaldonadoatenas4425]

Me too

[@PictureitPerfect]

Norway is downright beautiful! I just want to binge vacation with Rick Steves!

[@chicolofi]

Grieg's music made me fall in love with Norway.

[@szbarn]

Do you know the name of the classical piece they were playing when they started talking about E.Grieg?

[@chicolofi]

@@szbarn Yes, it is Solveig's Song, from Peer Gynt Suite no. 2.

[@kingbuckyduck5669]

They play another piece by Edvard Grieg when Steve visits Solvorn. The piece is his “Bådnlåt”, or Boat Song. Originally written as a piano piece, the arrangement is done by an orchestra here, I believe it’s the Slovak Symphony Orchestra. Piece starts around 6:55 and ends at 8:40

[@chicolofi]

@@kingbuckyduck5669 You're correct. The piece I was referring to starts at 22:26, when Rick begins to talk about Grieg. This video has other wonderful pieces written by that amazing composer.

[@daisychan7093]

Hi Rick, thanks to you and your team for sharing your travel experience in KZbin. Love watching each individual episode tremendously. Greetings from Malaysia.

[@sninjasa3790]

Is it just me or is Rick Steves voice so calming?

[@terrimichaels3018]

While tuning in to his show every week I realized Rick was born to this career and yes he does have a calming voice 😆

[@AarlandSun]

Wow, Rick. I really love how you present your experiences. Thank you for your content!

[@seabreeze234]

Norway is a amazing country . very good people .rich country.i have been in Norway by ship .I like the water it's very clear water n very clean.

[@MYLOVEOFIRELAND2303]

Peace to you bro & all the best. :-)

[@itsEzvn]

I’m 90% Norwegian heritage and i live in America n would love to go there it’s so beautiful

[@cherylnelson8392]

I'm 50% Norwegian. Would love to live there.

[@Kay-jg6tf]

I recommend western Norway. There is so much more than you can see on the video. I live in Aalesund myself :)

[@Aslaugarsson]

I’m 75% Norwegian and rest Icelandic and some Finish. Lived in Norway my whole life

[@urmusiq]

Bergen is wonderful, been there many times and loved it. Just pack a raincoat! It rains something like 270 days a year.

[@egilovenysather5559]

Bergen the most beatiful city of Norway !

[@HappyDoge7801]

This makes me think of when I lived in Stavanger, another town not to far from Bergen. The scenery and and fjords are absolutely beautiful, and I would do anything to go back

[@sarah300c1]

Stunning! What a dream to visit this country.

[@XxDreamPoolxX]

Norway looks beautiful... Maybe, I could go there one day? :) With regards, from America!

[@daviddebergh254]

Rick is like the Bill Nye of travel

[@relaxandrefocuswithmegan]

Great analogy.

[@ashtonlambert7673]

Rick Steves has the best job in the world...

[@sharisayed3004]

Always enjoyed your videos. And the high-def quality visual is amazing for us to enjoy the breathtaking pictures. Its as if we were there with you Rick. Thankyou for bringing these experiences to us.

[@shinycat01]

This is where I would love to live! so much history and beauty, nice people too :)

[@meghdadmousaviyan1777]

You are as beautiful as the ocean

[@meghdadmousaviyan1777]

Ok thanks

[@christineowen4447]

Leaving hot South Australia on Boxing Day 2015. Only 17.5 weeks to go, but not counting. Snow, fjords, mountains, Norway in a Nutshell, vikings, Northern Lights, Hurtigruten voyage, Arctic Circle, and more snow. Can't wait.

[@saldelberganna6382]

marokkansk?

[@relaxandrefocuswithmegan]

How was it?

[@jeanjacquesndjeyeha1874]

Hello owen

[@rogerpaice4806]

Rick Steves & his crew ............"fan.... tas.... tic" Norway's West, a most inspiring nation a wonderfully put together film. 10/10 ***** Thank you.

[@LAKR47]

Made me cry. What a day in Vermont. Great video encapsulating the awe and appreciation for nature and shared experience

This video for sure shows some of the most scenic parts of Norway!

[@yeskay7]

Sir, Thank you for this rich video escapade.

[@Red21Viper]

Bergen is extremely beautiful

[@ioleromeo919]

I video del Dottor Rick Steves sono tutti ben fatti, affascinanti ed esaustivi. Grazie

[@kirouanemohamedamine7995]

hei jeg er fra Algerie. Jeg ønsker å bo i Norge takk

[@martinwright4125]

another of my very favorite. so much more there than one would imagine.

[@kiansadeghi5289]

Amazing landscapes I've ever seen, I liked it..

[@anndeakin1508]

Norway glazers and ices rivers glaziers gives to great landscapes and views Thanks Rick fur this majestic tour Ann Deakin 19th Feb 2021

[@antkhan2177]

Rick Steves, you do make some of the most organized and entertaining tour videos. You are very knowledgeable and interested in the places you are visiting. These make for a very entertaining experience.

[@MYLOVEOFIRELAND2303]

So very true Anthony!! Take care bro.

[@lunaw9319]

very beautiful, can't wait to visit Europe...2017

[@rosalindataganna915]

So peaceful and beautiful country NORWAY...

[@koshinggaolo5913]

Gorgeous place , Sooo Beautiful ! You can feel the beauty and Tranquility even by just watching in the YT . I will see you soon Norway!!!!!

[@Dovakin1294]

This is heaven. I loved this place

[@shambhukumar5532]

Sir, the location, photography, facts and information related to your videos are wonderful. 👍👌💛❤️

[@milesaway3699]

The motherland.

[@jenniferlewer2265]

+ranger fedrelandet*

[@barenorsk]

Homeland

[@organicspices1709]

Well come to India

[@geraldineboholst4932]

wow amazing like paradise

[@susane4078]

I am of Norwegian heritage, proven by Ancestry DNA. My great-grandparents left Bergen in 1902 to come to Minnesota. My grandma was 2..Thank you for your videos of Norway for they allow me to visit my forefathers homeland via KZbin. ❤️ I hope to visit one day.

[@kirouanemohamedamine7995]

hei jeg er fra Algerie. Jeg ønsker å bo i Norge takk

[@Travagsta]

Norway is amazing. Looking forward!

[@josephhinton5489]

Rick, you have the best job on earth and you do it well. I think Norway is my favorite country on the planet.

[@feoder1]

Amazing video and thanks, Steve for sharing theses beautiful views with us ! Cheers from Switzerland 🇨🇭🕊️🙂

[@EnigmaticNeurosis]

I want to live in Skyrim. I mean Norway.

[@mimimomooxo391]

omg best comment

[@benhenry1116]

EnigmaticNeurosis fus ro da... oh im sorry about your eardrums.

[@SuperSlayerized]

Jakob Frisvoldsen Damnnn...I live in US,but I am gonna live in Norway one day..very soon . I think in Bergen! !

[@ChromePalace]

Come on down! We have lots of space here in Bergen.

[@musicagustum6639]

+Jakob Frisvoldsen Is Norway that low-populated? How much do you estimate the population of, let's say, Bergen?

[@aftabmugheriaftab6413]

beautiful Norway, wonderful place to visit, love from pakistan

[@sootysammy7586]

Norway is sooo expensive but Bergen is beautiful and worth every single penny. Locals are friendly and very civilised.

[@maxross832]

Agreed

[@HakaTech]

+sooty sammy Not anymore. The Norwegian is extremely weak now to Euros, Pound and Dollars. 1 Year ago:(1 dollar is 5.5 kroner) today: (1 dollar is 8.7 kroner). So it's a lot cheaper now for tourists

[@hmmeth]

The Norwegian English is the best ever xD I love my home country

[@user-hf1pg2ey6l]

What a beautiful country, my favourite in Scandinavia.

[@bnbalenda]

Norway is a good country, I will recommend anyone who has never been in Norway to try it; I promise you that you will not egret it.

[@iammessiah9126]

sweden is better though....just sayin....

[@azureeingvildhjllundbeck8746]

Thank you😊i had already been in Norway

[@azureeingvildhjllundbeck8746]

max ross Ingvild var navnet av min bestemor var norsk men i Danmark jeg født.

[@maxross832]

Azuree Ingvild Hjøllund åh ok

[@ohworldgirl]

I am Messiah Really. Can you just say why?

[@akshitanand7374]

Norway is one of the happiest, most developed countries and it offers one of the best quality of life.

[@user-mn2np1id1s]

フェリーであちこちを移動してサバの買い付けをしてもいました！ オールスンドの丘の上からの街並みが素晴らしくノルウエーを感じさせてくれました！ 2回目はロシア国境近くで移植した大型KING CRUBの検品に行き、またまた、HOTELの 屋上にあるサウナから最北の街並みをま見てオーロラこそ見られませんでしたが 満喫しても来ました。

[@bosse641]

The most beautiful country in the world.

[@ginto4110]

The way he guide us is make me feel so comfortable

[@Rocio1988]

I love your documentaries Rick Stevens all are wonderful with great details in each documentary. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@simonroyjonesuk]

Wow. What a wonderful video

[@monicacall7532]

I’ve been to all of these places! This program brought back happy memories for this descendant of Norwegian Vikings. Thanks.

[@ZeitdiebX]

Goosebumps. So many fond memories.

[@lisar9425]

This one is particularly well filmed.

[@linettelow]

Loving these shares, Rick :D Plenty stunning ♡ Have a splendid weekend. Xx

[@emilsedeisasi3027]

Fascinating! Thanks for sharing!

[@travldtwoseven]

Thanks for the memories! From a Rick Steve's tour in 2004 we are looking forward to seeing Scandinavia again this year.

[@allongtin1243]

wonderful video of western norway...rick knows how to find the truly once in a lifetime places to visit.

[@snakedr67]

Rick, I'm now a world citizen thanks to your videos!

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

Breathtaking Fjord-tour.

[@darvindarvin7952]

I live in Norway and i love Bergen very much , Bergen is most beautiful city in the Norway

[@kirouanemohamedamine7995]

hei jeg er fra Algerie. Jeg ønsker å bo i Norge takk

[@ScrapbookingCecilia]

Wowww you even play the piano!!!! Love Norway :)

[@jeanjacquesndjeyeha1874]

I love you

[@LivingWalks]

Hi there Steve, we've just started doing natural sound and sight video walks in the UK and it's lovely to find you're video's taking us to parts of the world we may never get to visit, just enjoying experiencing then here. I've subscribed and look forward to seeing more.

[@ramthian]

Absolutely beauties 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤. Happy new year 🎊 😊to you guys 👍. Thanks again x