u/Kiralydavid18

8-day campervan roundtrip from Bergen (first time) with my girlfriend – rate my setup, answer my concerns, and help us build the ultimate route

Hi everyone!

My girlfriend (both 21) and I are finally making what has been my dream trip for years, and I'd really appreciate advice from people who actually know Norway.

We'll arrive in Bergen on August 17 and have 8 days before returning the camper in Bergen.

After weeks of comparing every possible option, we decided to rent a 2008 VW Transporter campervan with:

  • diesel
  • diesel heater
  • inside kitchen
  • 20 L fresh water tank
  • storage
  • roof ventilation
  • privacy windows
  • camping chairs/table
  • bed (about 120 cm wide)

The plan is to wild camp where it's allowed and use campsites every 2–3 days for showers, water refill, and a proper reset.

Our priorities (in order)

  1. The most breathtaking scenery possible.
  2. Hidden gems over tourist traps (although we'll still visit some famous places).
  3. Amazing hikes (medium difficulty is fine).
  4. Kayaking somewhere beautiful.
  5. Great drone locations.
  6. Cozy evenings in the camper.

We're not trying to speedrun Norway. We'd rather spend an afternoon at one incredible place than tick off ten attractions.

Questions

1. What route would YOU take?

If you had exactly 8 days starting and ending in Bergen in August, what route would you choose?

Would you go towards:

  • Hardangerfjord?
  • Sognefjord?
  • Loen?
  • Geiranger?
  • Aurland?
  • somewhere completely different?

I'd love to see your ideal itinerary.

2. Daily driving

Is 150 km/day realistic, or will we naturally end up driving much more?

We're completely happy with slow travel if it means seeing better places.

3. Wild camping

We'll always be respectful.

How easy is it to find beautiful overnight spots with a Transporter?

Any favourite apps or strategies?

4. Food

We'll cook almost every meal ourselves.

What meals worked best for you in a small camper kitchen?

Any Norwegian supermarket foods we absolutely shouldn't miss?

5. Water

We have a 20 L fresh water tank.

Is that enough for:

  • brushing teeth
  • washing dishes
  • quick morning/evening wash
  • cooking

between campsite visits every couple of days?

6. Toilets 😅

This is my girlfriend's biggest concern.

I know this sounds silly, but she's never really done the "vanlife" thing.

How do most people handle bathrooms while travelling like this?

Do you mostly use:

  • gas stations
  • supermarkets
  • campsites
  • public toilets
  • nature (only when necessary)

Any advice that would make her feel more comfortable would be hugely appreciated.

7. Things you wish you knew

What's one thing you wish someone had told you before your first Norway camper trip?

Gear we'll bring

  • Drone
  • Professional camera gear
  • Camping chairs
  • Disposable film camera (for memories)
  • Hiking gear

This trip honestly feels unreal to me.

A year ago it was just an idea. Now I'm actually doing it with my girlfriend, and I really want to make the most of these 8 days.

I'd love any route suggestions, hidden gems, hiking recommendations, camping spots, food ideas, or general advice. Even if it's something small that made your own trip better, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks! 🇳🇴🚐

reddit.com
u/Kiralydavid18 — 1 day ago

8-day campervan roundtrip from Bergen (first time) with my girlfriend – rate my setup, answer my concerns, and help us build the ultimate route

Hi everyone!

My girlfriend (both 21) and I are finally making what has been my dream trip for years, and I'd really appreciate advice from people who actually know Norway.

We'll arrive in Bergen on August 17 and have 8 days before returning the camper in Bergen.

After weeks of comparing every possible option, we decided to rent a 2008 VW Transporter campervan with:

  • diesel
  • diesel heater
  • inside kitchen
  • 20 L fresh water tank
  • storage
  • roof ventilation
  • privacy windows
  • camping chairs/table
  • bed (about 120 cm wide)

The plan is to wild camp where it's allowed and use campsites every 2–3 days for showers, water refill, and a proper reset.

Our priorities (in order)

  1. The most breathtaking scenery possible.
  2. Hidden gems over tourist traps (although we'll still visit some famous places).
  3. Amazing hikes (medium difficulty is fine).
  4. Kayaking somewhere beautiful.
  5. Great drone locations.
  6. Cozy evenings in the camper.

We're not trying to speedrun Norway. We'd rather spend an afternoon at one incredible place than tick off ten attractions.

Questions

1. What route would YOU take?

If you had exactly 8 days starting and ending in Bergen in August, what route would you choose?

Would you go towards:

  • Hardangerfjord?
  • Sognefjord?
  • Loen?
  • Geiranger?
  • Aurland?
  • somewhere completely different?

I'd love to see your ideal itinerary.

2. Daily driving

Is 150 km/day realistic, or will we naturally end up driving much more?

We're completely happy with slow travel if it means seeing better places.

3. Wild camping

We'll always be respectful.

How easy is it to find beautiful overnight spots with a Transporter?

Any favourite apps or strategies?

4. Food

We'll cook almost every meal ourselves.

What meals worked best for you in a small camper kitchen?

Any Norwegian supermarket foods we absolutely shouldn't miss?

5. Water

We have a 20 L fresh water tank.

Is that enough for:

  • brushing teeth
  • washing dishes
  • quick morning/evening wash
  • cooking

between campsite visits every couple of days?

6. Toilets 😅

This is my girlfriend's biggest concern.

I know this sounds silly, but she's never really done the "vanlife" thing.

How do most people handle bathrooms while travelling like this?

Do you mostly use:

  • gas stations
  • supermarkets
  • campsites
  • public toilets
  • nature (only when necessary)

Any advice that would make her feel more comfortable would be hugely appreciated.

7. Things you wish you knew

What's one thing you wish someone had told you before your first Norway camper trip?

Gear we'll bring

  • Drone
  • Professional camera gear
  • Camping chairs
  • Disposable film camera (for memories)
  • Hiking gear

This trip honestly feels unreal to me.

A year ago it was just an idea. Now I'm actually doing it with my girlfriend, and I really want to make the most of these 8 days.

I'd love any route suggestions, hidden gems, hiking recommendations, camping spots, food ideas, or general advice. Even if it's something small that made your own trip better, I'd love to hear it.

Thanks! 🇳🇴🚐

reddit.com
u/Kiralydavid18 — 1 day ago