Norway and Scotland with Arnold
Overview
| Day | Location | Activity(s) | Restaurant Suggestion | Lodging Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, June 27, 2025 | Stavanger | Explore Gamle Stavanger, Sola Beach | Fisketorget for seafood | Skansen Hotel or Hotel Victoria |
| Saturday, June 28, 2025 | Stavanger area | Preikestolen Pulpit Rock Hike | Egget | Stavanger Bed & Breakfast or Clarion Hotel |
| Sunday, June 29, 2025 | Stavanger area | Kjeragbolten (options below) | Back in town: Renaa Matbaren | Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel |
| Monday, June 30, 2025 | Drive Stavanger → Odda | Scenic stops (e.g., Latefossen) | Smeltehuset Restaurant in Odda | Hardanger Hotel or budget hostels nearby |
| Tuesday, July 1, 2025 | Odda | Trolltunga Hike | Odda town: Iris Scene Cafe | Airbnb or Hotel Trolltunga |
| Wednesday, July 2, 2025 | Bergen → Edinburgh | Old Town Stroll, Work day | Timberyard (small plates in Edinburgh) | Castle Rock Hostel or Hotel Indigo |
| Thursday, July 3, 2025 | Edinburgh | Work day/Explore | Deacon’s House Café (traditional Scottish meal) | Budget stay: The Baxter or Holiday Inn |
| Friday, July 4, 2025 | Edinburgh | Old Town Tour/Work day | The Holyrood 9A (pub-style dining) | Stay Central Hotel or Courtyard by Marriott |
| Saturday, July 5, 2025 | Drive Edinburgh → Glencoe | Visit Rannoch Moor, Hiking | Glencoe Gathering for hearty meals | Clachaig Inn or Glencoe Youth Hostel |
| Sunday, July 6, 2025 | Glencoe/Highlands | Glenfinnan Viaduct, Mallaig | The Snowgoose in Fort William | Alexander Hotel or Moorings Hotel |
| Monday, July 7, 2025 | Fly Scotland → Dublin | Explore Dublin City Center | The Woollen Mills or Temple Bar classics | Oscar’s Hostel or Trinity College Campus |
NORWAY (June 27–July 2)
DAY 1: Friday, June 27, 2025
- Location: Stavanger (Arrival 12:10)
- Activity: Afternoon/Evening Explore
- Status: Off (Arrival Day)
Suggested Plan
- Arrive in Stavanger around noon, pick up rental car.
- Check into your hostel/mid‐range hotel.
- After a quick lunch, explore Gamle Stavanger (Old Town) with its charming white wooden houses.
- Option: Short drive to Sola Beach or to see the “Swords in Rock” monument (15–20 min from city center) for a scenic photo stop.
- Dinner in town (try Fisketorget or a mid‐budget local restaurant).
DAY 2: Saturday, June 28, 2025
- Location: Stavanger area
- Activity: Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)
- Status: Off
Suggested Plan
- Early start (7–8 AM) for Preikestolen. Drive/ferry to trailhead (~1 hour total).
- Hike Preikestolen (4–5 hours round trip). Bring snacks/drinks, and enjoy incredible views over Lysefjord.
- Evening relaxation or stroll the harbor.
DAY 3: Sunday, June 29, 2025
- Location: Stavanger Area
- Activity: Hike to Kjeragbolten
- Status: Off (Full day adventure)
Suggested Plan
- Rise early for the scenic drive (approximately 2.5 hours) from Stavanger to the Kjerag trailhead at Øygardstøl, enjoying stunning fjord views en route.
- Embark on a challenging but rewarding hike to Kjeragbolten, approximately 10 km round-trip (5–6 hours hiking time). Be prepared with hiking boots, sufficient water, snacks, and suitable clothing layers.
- Reach Kjeragbolten, the famous boulder wedged between two cliffs, and capture memorable photos of this iconic spot overlooking breathtaking Lysefjord.
- Begin your descent early enough to return comfortably to Stavanger in the evening.
- Enjoy a cozy dinner in Stavanger town at Renaa Matbaren or a restaurant of your choice.
DAY 4: Monday, June 30, 2025
- Location: Drive Stavanger → Odda (Hardanger region)
- Activity: Scenic Drive + Light Exploration
- Status: Off (Take day off)
Suggested Plan
- Drive ~3–4 hours to Odda. Along the way, visit Latefossen waterfall and quaint villages in the Ryfylke or Hardanger region.
- Arrive in Odda, check in, and take a short hike like Buarbreen Glacier viewpoint if time allows.
- Spend the afternoon working (US hours).
DAY 5: Tuesday, July 1, 2025
-
Location: Odda Activity: Trolltunga Hike - Status: Off
Suggested Plan
- Start very early (6 AM) to tackle Trolltunga. Note that the round-trip can take 10–12 hours, so time it to return before the evening.
- Option to skip Trolltunga for another local hike if stamina or weather is a concern.
- Spend the evening working (US hours) once back at Odda or nearby lodging.
DAY 6: Wednesday, July 2, 2025
- Location: Bergen → Edinburgh
- Activity: Travel + Light Explore
- Status: Work & Light Explore
Suggested Plan
- Morning flight from Bergen to Edinburgh (exact time TBD).
- Check in to lodging upon arrival in Edinburgh in early/mid-afternoon.
- Spend afternoon working (US hours).
- Evening stroll around the Royal Mile or local dining.
SCOTLAND (July 2–July 7)
DAY 7: Thursday, July 3, 2025
- Location: Edinburgh
- Activity: Work + Light Explore
- Status: Work & Light Explore
Suggested Plan
- Morning: Optional short activity like a walk up Calton Hill.
- Work in the afternoon (US hours).
- Evening: Explore Princes Street or enjoy a relaxing dinner.
DAY 8: Friday, July 4, 2025
- Location: Edinburgh
- Activity: Work + Light Explore
- Status: Work & Light Explore
Suggested Plan
- Morning: Leisurely breakfast, optional short activity.
- Work in the afternoon (US hours).
- Evening: Take a guided walking tour or ghost tour for local flavor. Dinner near Grassmarket.
DAY 9: Saturday, July 5, 2025
- Location: Drive Edinburgh → Glencoe/Fort William
- Activity: Hiking/Scenic Drives
- Status: Off
Suggested Plan
- Morning drive ~3 hours to Glencoe, with stops at places like Rannoch Moor.
- Afternoon hiking: Choose The Lost Valley or a scenic drive through the valley.
- Spend the night in Glencoe or Fort William area.
DAY 10: Sunday, July 6, 2025
- Location: Highlands → Return to Edinburgh
- Activity: Glenfinnan Viaduct + Coastal Exploration
- Status: Off
Suggested Plan
- Start with a visit to Glenfinnan Viaduct. Might hike a short trail or explore Mallaig for coastal scenery.
- Afternoon drive back to Edinburgh. Return car if desired.
DAY 11: Monday, July 7, 2025
- Location: Flight from Scotland → Dublin
- Activity: Travel + Dublin Exploration
- Status: Off (Take day off)
Suggested Plan
- Flight to Dublin in the morning or midday.
- Settle into accommodation and explore Dublin city center, focusing on places like Trinity College and Grafton Street.
- Evening meal and live music in Temple Bar.
ADDITIONAL TIPS
- Flexibility: Remain adaptable to changes due to weather or energy levels, particularly with outdoor activities and hikes.
- Dining & Accommodation: Consider local specialties and budget-friendly options that are highly rated by locals.
- Connectivity: Check Wi-Fi availability at chosen accommodations or nearby cafes to ensure smooth working sessions.
Alternatives to the Sightseeing Cruise
1. Lysefjord Kayaking Adventure
- Activity: Instead of a large sightseeing cruise, consider renting a kayak and embarking on a closer, more personal exploration of the Lysefjord. This activity allows for an active adventure with the opportunity to explore small inlets and shores.
- Considerations: Ensure you are comfortable with kayaking and check local providers for guided tours if preferred.
2. Kjeragbolten Hike
- Activity: If you’re up for another challenging hike, Kjeragbolten offers breathtaking views and the chance to stand on a boulder wedged in a cliff. It’s more strenuous but incredibly rewarding.
- Considerations: This is a full-day activity; plan accordingly and check weather conditions.
3. RIB Boat Safari
- Activity: Experience Lysefjord at high speed with a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) trip. These fast boats provide a thrilling ride and the opportunity to see seals and other wildlife up close.
- Considerations: Booking ahead is recommended.
4. Flor & Fjære Garden Visit
- Activity: A short boat ride from Stavanger, visit this beautiful island garden with colorful exotic plants, dining options, and guided tours.
- Considerations: Requires a reservation and is open during certain months.
5. Visit to Utstein Monastery
- Activity: Explore Norway’s best-preserved medieval monastery on Mosterøy, with serene grounds and historical insights.
- Considerations: Car rental may be required for travel; check for guided tour availability.
6. Explore Local Museums
- Activity: Spend the day visiting museums such as the Norwegian Petroleum Museum or the Stavanger Art Museum for cultural and historical insights.
- Considerations: This is an ideal option for a more relaxed day, especially if the weather is not favorable for outdoor activities.
7. Guided Fjord Fishing Trip
- Activity: Join a local fishing trip to experience the thrill of fishing in the fjords and learn about local marine life.
- Considerations: Check for availability and book in advance; local providers offer necessary gear and instruction.