Fjærland book town: our stop between the fjords and glacier
A little village full of second-hand books beside a fjord was always going to get my attention. We arrived in Fjærland after some of the bookshops had closed for the season, but there were still honesty shelves to browse and the prettiest setting for a wander. I'd just check the opening dates more carefully if the bookshops are your main reason for coming.
Fjærland appealed to me straight away: second-hand books, little buildings and the fjord beside them. We visited during our September campervan trip, after the Flåm part of the route and before continuing towards Bøyabreen and Løken.
A village worth leaving time for
It is a good place to slow down, especially if you enjoy browsing rather than racing between viewpoints. But there is one thing I would check much more carefully next time: the opening season.
Our September visit had a catch
Some of the bookshops had already closed for the season when we arrived. That changed the visit from the bookshop-filled afternoon I had imagined. There were still honesty shelves to browse and a lovely village setting, so I was glad we stopped.
If the shops are your main reason for coming, use the Fjærland visitor website to find current local information and confirm opening dates. Don't assume the photos of full shelves mean every shop will be open on an autumn weekday.
Honesty shelves and a rainy wander
The outdoor shelves were part of the charm. We could look through books with the fjord close by, then wander around the village. We had rainy weather, so the umbrella came out too. It wasn't the sunny version of the stop, but it still felt like somewhere a little different.
Bring a waterproof layer and leave a flexible amount of time. If most shops are closed, you may want a shorter visit. If they're open and you love books, this is exactly the sort of place where a quick stop can turn into a much longer one.
Bøyabreen was our next stop
After Fjærland we went to the Bøyabreen glacier viewpoint. This was a viewpoint visit, not a guided glacier hike or a walk on the ice. That distinction matters when deciding how much time and preparation your day needs.
Use the signed visitor access and check current local guidance. A photograph of the glacier isn't a reason to walk beyond safe or marked areas, and a driving route should end at the visitor access rather than a pin on the ice.
Finish with time at your campsite
We continued to Løken Camping, where the lake view from the van was a highlight in itself. I would leave time to settle in rather than filling every daylight hour with another stop.
This is why I like planning the overnight areas first. Fjærland, a glacier viewpoint and a campsite can make a lovely day, but only if the driving and arrival arrangements fit. Our full Norway guide brings the route, campsites and notes together so you can shorten the day where it suits you.
Plan the rest of your Norway trip
Get our Norway Fjords guide for the web guide, downloadable PDF, place map and editable itinerary. Read these next:
Watch our Norway road trip
Watch our Norway road trip on YouTube, 68m46s. It is also our latest public full-length upload at publication. Visit Ellen’s YouTube channel.
Frequently asked questions
Are the bookshops open year-round?
Check the current local opening dates. Some had closed for the season when we visited in September.
Did we hike on Bøyabreen glacier?
No. We visited the viewpoint; we did not take a glacier hike.
