West Norway, Made Easy: Sail Directly to Stavanger or Bergen
West Norway is where Norway turns truly dramatic: deep fjords, sharp mountain ridges, waterfalls that seem to pour straight out of the sky, and coastal cities that blend maritime history with a modern, welcoming food scene. It is also a region many travellers from the continent approach the hard way: sailing to Kristiansand and then spending a full day driving north-west before the landscapes reach their full wow-factor.
There is a simpler route. By sailing with Fjord Line from Hirtshals directly to Stavanger or Bergen, you arrive where the experiences begin. The west coast ports, Bergen and Stavanger, both serve as gateways to Norway’s stunning fjords and mountains - and you can save valuable holiday time by travelling straight to the heart of the region.
Why choose the Stavanger and Bergen ports?
Because time is your most valuable travel currency. If your plan is to explore fjords, hike iconic viewpoints, and soak up city life between nature adventures, starting your journey in the right place matters. Instead of using your first day (or more) on long stretches of road after arriving in Southern Norway, you can sail directly to the west coast and begin exploring almost immediately.
And if you are planning to visit Bergen anyway, you can save yourself eight hours on the road by sailing with us all the way. That is eight hours you can spend on a fjord cruise, a scenic train ride, a relaxed seafood lunch by the harbour - or simply doing less and enjoying more.
Two ports, two perfect starting points
Stavanger is the natural base for Lysefjorden, Preikestolen and the south-western fjord landscape, while Bergen sits right on the doorstep of the iconic fjord country of Hardanger and Sogn. Both cities are easy to navigate, packed with culture and atmosphere, and set you up for day trips and longer loops without constant hotel changes. In other words: you can keep your itinerary simple and still see a lot.
Stavanger: fjords, viewpoints and coastal charm
Stavanger is compact, lively and surprisingly varied. In the morning you can stroll through cobbled streets lined with white wooden houses; by lunchtime you can be on the water, sailing into one of Norway’s most famous fjords. The city’s energy comes from a mix of old seafaring traditions, modern design and a strong food culture that loves local ingredients - especially seafood.
But Stavanger’s real superpower is proximity. From the port, you are within reach of bucket-list scenery that most travellers associate with 'Norway in one picture'.
Lysefjorden: the fjord classic that always delivers
Lysefjorden is the kind of landscape that resets your sense of scale. Sheer cliffs fall into dark water, and the light changes the mood from hour to hour. A fjord cruise is an effortless way to experience the drama, while active travellers can choose kayaking or viewpoints along the fjord that turn every stop into a photo moment.
Preikestolen: Norway’s most iconic 'wow' view
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is famous for a reason. The hike is achievable for many travellers with reasonable fitness, and the payoff is extraordinary: a broad rock plateau hanging above the fjord, with an open, cinematic view that feels almost unreal. Start early for a calmer trail, and reward yourself afterwards with a relaxed evening back in Stavanger - the perfect balance of effort and comfort.
Kjerag: big-mountain scenery for adventurous days
If you want a longer, more demanding mountain day, Kjerag delivers with high-alpine drama. The area is known for Kjeragbolten, the famous boulder wedged between two cliffs, but even without the classic photo, the hike is a full-on West Norway experience: steep sections, expansive views and a powerful sense of wilderness.
Bergen: world heritage, mountain views and fjords around the corner
Bergen is Norway’s storybook city by the sea - colourful, historic and framed by seven mountains. It feels international yet distinctly Norwegian, with a waterfront that invites slow walks and spontaneous stops for coffee, fresh pastries and local flavours. Bergen is also a smart base for fjord exploration: you can enjoy city life one day and be deep in fjord country the next.
This is where West Norway becomes wonderfully efficient: short transfers, high impact scenery, and many routes that work as day trips if you prefer to sleep in the same place.
Bryggen: history you can walk into
Bryggen, the UNESCO World Heritage wharf, is Bergen’s most iconic sight. The leaning wooden façades and narrow alleyways tell the story of centuries of trade, craftsmanship and coastal life. Explore the small shops and workshops tucked inside the passages, then continue to the fish market area for a taste of Bergen’s relationship with the sea.
Fløyen or Ulriken: effortless views, memorable moments
For big views with minimal planning, Bergen’s mountain lifts are hard to beat. Take the Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen for a classic panorama, or head to Ulriken for an even higher vantage point. Both options let you choose your pace: a short stroll to a viewpoint, a longer walk on well-marked trails, or simply a quiet break with the city spread out beneath you.
The fjord experience: Hardanger, Sognefjord, Flåm and Nærøyfjord
From Bergen, some of Norway’s most famous fjord landscapes become accessible in a surprisingly smooth way. Hardanger is known for waterfalls, orchards and scenic roads. Sognefjord - Norway’s longest and deepest fjord - offers huge variety, from broad fjord arms to narrow passages between towering mountains. Flåm is a well-known gateway for fjord cruises and rail experiences, and nearby Nærøyfjord is often highlighted for its dramatic, intimate scale.
You do not need to overplan: pick one anchor experience (a fjord cruise, a scenic railway, or a waterfall route) and let the rest of the day unfold. On the west coast, the journey between places is often part of the highlight reel.
A holiday that starts at sea: MS Bergensfjord and MS Stavangerfjord
Choosing the west coast ports is mostly about getting closer to the experiences. But it also changes the feel of the journey. On board MS Bergensfjord and MS Stavangerfjord, the crossing becomes a calm transition from everyday life to holiday mode.
Settle into comfortable surroundings, enjoy a good meal, and let the sea set the pace. When you wake up closer to the fjords and mountains, you arrive with more energy - and with your itinerary still intact. For couples, friends and families travelling with a car, it is a practical choice that also feels like a treat.
Make your West Norway plan simple
West Norway rewards travellers who give it time. By sailing directly from Hirtshals to Stavanger or Bergen, you spend less of that time on long road stretches and more on the experiences you came for: fjords, mountains, culture, food and the feeling of being somewhere genuinely different.
Whether you picture yourself standing on Preikestolen with Lysefjorden far below, wandering Bryggen’s historic alleyways, or cruising through a narrow fjord framed by peaks, the best shortcut is simply to arrive closer. Save valuable holiday time by travelling directly to the fjords and mountains - and let the west coast do the rest.