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How to Plan an Epic Road Trip in Norway

May 22, 2023 by Silvia 126 Comments

I love places where you can easily get around using solely public transportation, but unfortunately Norway isn’t really one of those places. I mean, if you stick to the cities then public transport will be fine, but if you want to venture into the countryside? You’ll need to rent a car for that in Norway.

Luckily driving in Norway is an amazing experience – in fact I tell everyone who visits that they have to consider a road trip when planning a trip to Norway! I have lived in Norway for eight years, and all of my best trips here have been road trips. 

Plus, public transport can also be really expensive in Norway, so if you’re traveling with other people and want to see as much of Norway as possible, you’re definitely best off renting a car here.

Renting a car in Norway is actually a really good option for budget travelers not only because public transport is expensive here, but also because the cheapest accommodation options are usually outside of the main tourist areas where buses might only pass through once or twice a day. So by renting a car in Norway you can potentially save on transportation AND accommodation.

Plus road trips are so much fun!

If you’re looking for the perfect Norway road trip itinerary, I have put together over thirty Norway itineraries here , most of which are best done by car. 

While I’ve now been living in Norway for eight years, I’ve also spent most all of my summers in Norway since I was a kid (visiting family here), so I’ve definitely learned a thing or two about the whole process of renting a car and planning a road trip in Norway.

I mean, with Norway’s nonstop breathtaking nature it’s kind of impossible to have a bad road trip here, but here my best tips for making yours truly epic.

Norway Travel Guides!  I’ve gathered all my best advice for planning an incredible trip through Southern and Northern Norway in two 95-page ebooks covering my top recommendations for places to visit (both on and off the beaten path), the best times of year to visit, how long to visit for, the best accommodation choices, transportation, what to eat, what to pack, and how to plan the perfect itinerary.

You can  purchase the Norway Travel Guides here .

Car rental in Norway – things to know about renting a car in Norway

The good news is, if you’re traveling with multiple people, renting a car in Norway is going to be a lot cheaper than relying on public transport here. Plus driving in Norway is really easy, as the roads are all well-maintained and there’s very little traffic. Of course the bad news is, it’s still going to be expensive.

At least, a car rental in Norway is going to cost more than rentals in southern Europe where you can get a car for like $50 per week. But! If you book well in advance you can actually get some really good deals on car rentals in Norway too.

I always recommend Auto Europe for car rentals in Norway because they compare prices to give you the best deal. Norwegian laws are quite strict with car rental companies, so you can rest assured that any car rental agency in Norway will be reliable. 

And as fuel in Norway is expensive, definitely go for the smallest, most fuel efficient car you can find.

You’ll also likely be covering huge distances, as Norway is a really big country, so I always opt of unlimited mileage. Or at least make sure you get a minimum of 200 – 300 km a day, depending on what you have planned.

And don’t worry, all cars in Norway have to have winter tires in the winter by law. This isn’t the case in other places in Europe, though. My family has rented cars during the winter in Germany before and then driven up to Norway with them. And it’s always incredibly difficult to drive in Norway on year-round tires!

Driving in Norway

I’ve written a more detailed guide to everything you need to know about driving in Norway here . But here’s a brief overview: 

Toll Roads in Norway

In Norway toll roads are managed by AutoPASS with toll booths that take photos of your license plate automatically and send a bill at the end of the month. This happens automatically, so you don’t even need to slow down as you pass under the toll cameras. You will receive a bill from your Norwegian car rental company after your trip. You can contact the car rental company if you have more questions about when you will receive the bill for the toll roads.

However if you’re driving a foreign vehicle not registered in Norway, paying Norwegian tolls is a bit more complicated. AutoPASS will send an invoice to the registered address of the vehicle. But you can actually speed up the process by registereing with  Euro Parking Collection  (EPC), which will give you access to all your invoices online. I definitely recommend doing this if you’ll be driving a foreign car in Norway! But also don’t freak out if you forget – you’ll just get your invoice in the mail instead.

Car ferries in Norway

Probably one of the most common questions I get about driving in Norway is how to use the car ferries.

No, you don’t need to book short ferries in advance (in fact you usually can’t). You will want to try to arrive fifteen minutes before the ferry leaves to ensure you get a place on the ferry, but to be honest I sometimes arrive right before it’s leaving and I’m almost always able to get on (I think the only exception would be in July when Norway is more crowded).

As you drive on the ferry, a person will take a photo of your license plate and then wave you forward onto the ferry. Then your rental company will send you the bill (often a month or so later). However, if you have a foreign license plate, the person taking the photos will stop you and you can pay by card. I think you can only pay by card – at least I’ve never seen someone paying for ferries in Norway by cash.

Someone will wave you onto the ferry and tell you exactly where to park. On most car ferries everyone gets out of their car and goes to a communal area. If you’re unsure of whether or not to wait in your car, just watch what everyone else does and do the same. On longer (30 minutes +) ferries there will be a cafeteria selling sandwiches, hotdogs, waffles, and coffee.

Plan for winding roads

If you’ll be driving with anyone prone to getting carsick, you might want to come prepared as Norwegian roads are very curvy. In fact I pretty much always get a bit carsick when riding in a car or bus as a passenger. Though one thing that has really helped me has been sea-bands. It doesn’t seem like they should work, but I promise they do! You can buy them in most pharmacies in Norway, or you can be on the safe side and order them in advance on Amazon here .

Driving in the dark during polar night in winter

Another big concern people have about driving in Norway is driving during polar night.

In the winter northern Norway experiences polar night, which means that it will be dark for most of the day. However even when the sun doesn’t rise, mainland Norway still gets a few hours of daylight each day, so you will still be able to see the beautiful landscape here. In fact I find the colors during polar night incredibly beautiful and well worth the trip.

Roads here are dark with very few streetlights, but the edges are always marked by reflective sticks, so you can easily see where the road is. We actually have to have our headlights on at all times in Norway – even on sunny days – but then of course you can use your high beams when it’s really dark (just remember to turn them off if you pass another car!).

Driving in snow in Norway

Okay this is a big one. Should you plan a winter road trip in Norway if you’ve never driven in snow before?

This is of course something you need to decide for yourself, but I can give you a bit of an overview of what driving in snow in Norway is like.

As I mentioned before, you’ll definitely want to rent a car from Norway (or the Nordics) as we all have winter tires here, which is very important! In fact in northern Norway most cars will have studded tires, which is the best for driving on icy roads (you can ask your rental company for a car with studded tires).

Speaking of icy roads, yes, expect a lot of snow and ice! We don’t really salt the roads here, so in the winter there is almost always a thick layer of snow and ice on the roads. Trucks will of course still plow and grit the roads, but if you’re driving in a snow storm there’s a good chance you could be driving on thick snow.

This isn’t actually as scary as it sounds though. I know a lot of people who have driven in snow for the first time during their Norway road trip. Most important is not to drive too quickly and use the brakes as minimally as possible, as braking is when you risk skidding. Either pump the brakes or slow down by gearing down instead. You should be fine as long as you take it really slowly (don’t worry about the cars behind you – it’s better to be slow than to get in an accident).

The same applies for starting a car in the snow. You’ll want to be very gentle when pressing the gas so that the wheels don’t dig into the snow. Ease out of your parking spot as slowly as possible and then you should be ok. And if you do get stuck in the snow somewhere, just wait for someone to drive by to help you. Most Norwegians with larger cars will have equipment to pull other cars out of the snow here, as it happens so often. So be patient as help will arrive!

Parking in Norway

A lot of towns have free parking, but if you do have to pay there will be a meter, or you can pay on the EasyPark app or Parklink app . These are the two most popular parking apps used all over Norway. 

I’d definitely recommend downloading the apps and setting them up (adding your payment method and car license number) beforehand, as it’s always much easier to simply use the app to pay for parking. Plus with the apps you can adjust your parking time as necessary, instead of running back to the meter or overpaying in advance.

Choose your starting point wisely

Norway is enormous, and with all those mountains and fjords even what look like short distances on a map can take a really long time to cover. Luckily Norway is full of airports, many of which have international flights, so I’d highly recommend deciding what you want to see in Norway before choosing your flights. And if you can’t find a direct flight into the region you’d like to explore then check out the domestic flight options.

The main international airports in Norway are in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Tromsø, Trondheim, Ålesund, and Haugesund.

As a (very) general guide:

• If you’re interested in Norway’s cities and mountains fly into Oslo.
• If you’re interested in the fjords but still want to see a city fly into Bergen.
• If you want to do Preikestolen, Kjeragbolten, and Trolltunga – probably the three most famous hikes in Norway – fly into Stavanger. (Though if you only want to do Trolltunga then Bergen is closer.)
• If you’re interested in fjords and mountains, including Geirangerfjord, Trollstigen, and the Atlantic Road, fly into Ålesund.
• If you want to see the Northern Lights, the Arctic, and Lofoten fly into Tromsø or Bodø.

If you’re still unsure of where to go, click on the different regions of the map below for a summary of the region’s main attractions and links to my blog posts about each area.

Use the National Scenic Routes in Norway as a guide

Norway has a lot of absurdly scenic roads, but it also has its fair share of boring highways. And you definitely don’t want to spend the bulk of your epic Norwegian road trip driving through tunnels, which Norway has a  lot of.

An easy way to find Norway’s most scenic roads is by using the National Tourist Routes map . Just to warn you, their website is super glitchy and I still haven’t managed to get the map to load on my phone, but it’s 100% worth pulling out your laptop to check out this site, because every single road listed on it is guaranteed to be amazing.

I always check the map before setting out on a road trip and I try to take detours through as many of the tourist routes as I can. I’ve now driven 15 of the 18 routes and have never been disappointed. In fact driving in Norway is kind of my favorite thing ever, thanks to all the amazing views!

VARANGER : The far north of Norway truly does feel like the edge of the world. This is actually one of my favorite areas to drive in, especially in the summer when it’s one of the few places in Norway that isn’t crowded with tourists. Plus in the summer you’ll find lots of reindeer roaming the roads! Just be careful not to hit any. 

HAVØYSUND : This is another stunning northern route, and can be combined with the Varanger scenic route above. You can find my full road trip itinerary including both Varanger and Havøysund here .

SENJA : Senja has been growing in popularity but is still way less crowded than places like Lofoten and the fjords in southern Norway. The mountain peaks here are stunning, and personally it’s one of my top picks for northern lights viewing in the winter. You can read about my winter trip to Senja (including the best accommodation) here .

ANDØYA : The Vesterålen islands are a great quieter alternative or addition to a trip to Lofoten. Again I can particularly recommend this route in the winter, where you can see whales, the northern lights, and the most beautiful pink skies during the polar night. You can find my guide to the Andøya route in Vesterålen here .

LOFOTEN : This is widely considered amongst Norwegians to be the most beautiful drive in Norway. Here you’ll find jagged mountains rising out of the water with lots of cute red fishing cabins, as Lofoten is a center for cod fishing in Norway. Lofoten is incredibly touristy these days, but still worth the crowds for those beautiful mountain views and picturesque red cabins. I have a bunch of Lofoten guides on my site, but you can start with this guide to planning a Lofoten trip .

HELGELANDSKYSTEN : The Helgeland coast is my favorite are in all of Norway! In fact I love Helgeland so much that I ended up moving here . The Helgeland coast is spotted with countless islands, with similar jagged mountains to Lofoten but far fewer tourists. If you want to get off the beaten path a bit, I definitely recommend Lofoten. You can read my Helgelandskysten guide here . It’s best in the summer, but Helgeland is also beautiful in the winter.

ATLANTIC OCEAN ROAD : The Atlantic Road is probably one of Norway’s most famous roads. This road includes lots of bridges connecting islands, and it was incredibly expensive to build, so Norway put a lot of marketing behind it to draw in visitors. I’d say it’s certainly one of Norway’s most impressive roads, but I wouldn’t put it at the very top of the list – maybe around #10. It’s similar to the Helgeland coast and Lofoten, but the landscape isn’t anywhere near as dramatic. You can read my experience driving the Atlantic Ocean Road here .

GEIRANGER – TROLLSTIGEN : I always say if you only have time to visit one place in Norway, one of my recommendations would be the Geiranger – Trollstigen area (you can find my other recommendation here ). Trollstigen is famous for its many hairpin turns, but actually I find the mountain views at the top the most impressive. And Geirangerfjord is widely considered one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords. You can read my guide to the Geiranger – Trollstigen scenic route here .

GAMLE STRYNEFJELLSVEGEN : This is probably my favorite drive in southern Norway. It’s only open in the summer as the road winds high up into the mountains, but definitely try to make it here if you get the chance. You can read about my experience driving Gamle Strynefjellsvegen here .

RONDANE : This is apparently the most dry area of Norway, and the landscape here really is unique for the country. I’ve written about my trip to Rondane National Park here as well as here .

SOGNEFJELLET : This route isn’t too far from Bergen, and takes you from beautiful fjord views up into a barren mountain landscape.

AURLANDSFJELLET : The Sognefjellet scenic route leads into Aurlandsfjellet as you head south, which will take you down into the beautiful fjord area outside of Bergen. You can read about my experience driving on both Sognefjellet and Aurlandsfjellet as well as wild camping here .

VALDRESFLYE : Farther inland than the Sognefjellet and Aurlandsfjellet routes, the Valdresflye scenic route is a great option if you are heading north (or south) and don’t have the time to take lots of ferries along the coast. I used to drive this route when driving from southern Norway up to Trondheim and back, and it never disappointed. You can read more about my experience driving the Valdresflye scenic route here .

GAULARFJELLET : If you want to spend more time along the fjords, take this route along the fjord and up into Gaular Mountain. This is also a great place to spend the night (or several nights!). You can find my guide to the best accommodation along Sognefjord here .

HARDANGER : This coastal drive is especially beautiful in the spring, when the fruit trees along Hardangerfjord are in bloom, but you can take this route any time of year. You can read about my experience driving the Hardanger scenic route here .

HARDANGERVIDDA : I used to live at the foot of Hardangervidda National Park, but while I’m a  huge fan of the park, this is one of my least favorite of the 18 Norwegian scenic routes. Yes, you’ll get to go up on Hardangervidda, the largest plateau of its kind in Europe, however the road itself is just a busy highway. If you do choose to take this route I would try to stop along the way to hike into the park a bit. Or you could take the ferry into Hardangervidda instead.

RYFYLKE : This is one of the most famous drives in all of Norway, and for good reason. You’ll be passing by two of Norway’s most popular hikes,  Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)  and Kjeragbolten, and then ending up near Norway’s third most famous hike, Trolltunga. You can find my itinerary including this drive in my Norway itinerary guide .

JÆREN : Last and, unfortunately least. This drive is surprisingly boring and I can’t quite understand why it’s one of Norway’s scenic routes. This is just a busy road along the coast, and not a particularly scenic piece of coastline at that. I would skip this, unless you’ll already be heading this way, for example if you’re driving from Kristiansand to Stavanger.

Connect with people on Couchsurfing and Facebook

Of course not every scenic road in Norway has made it onto the list of National Tourist Routes, so to find more beautiful drives you’re best off asking locals! Norwegians love to gush about the beautiful nature here, and I feel like at least once a week someone is telling me about a drive that I just have to do here.

I personally love to use Couchsurfing to connect with locals from an area (even if I’m not planning to use it for accommodation) but of course you can also find people on Facebook or other social media channels.

I never would have visited Åna-Sira if a local hadn’t told me about it!

Keep an eye out for the northern lights

If you’ll be traveling to Northern Norway in the winter, one of the best things about traveling by car is getting to chase the northern lights!

You’ll want to keep track of both the weather and aurora forecasts and try to get to clear skies, especially with views north. It’s definitely worth marking out the spots on your route with good views north (you can often tell simply by looking at a map), and then stopping in those areas to check the skies.

Northern Lights Guide!

I’ve also written an in depth ebook covering all aspects of planning your northern lights trip, including the best places in the Nordics to see the northern lights, the best time to see the Northern Lights, my top accommodation choices, tour options, how to chase the northern lights (including which apps I use), how to photograph and film the northern lights, what to pack for your trip, and other exciting Arctic activities to try on your trip up North.

If you want to ensure you have the best northern lights trip possible, you can purchase the ebook here .   

Check if the roads are open when planning a trip to Norway

A lot of the high mountain roads close during the winter, and it’s easy to forget that winter in Norway can mean September to June.

You can check the current status of roads at on this map , though unfortunately it’s only in Norwegian. If a road is closed for the season Google will tell you – something which is important to keep in mind if you are mapping out your route in the winter, as Google will avoid any roads that are closed unless you change the dates to the summer.

Schedule at least one free day to make up for bad weather

Even if you’re traveling on a tight schedule, it can still be worth leaving one day free. I’d especially recommend doing this if you’ll be visiting a particular place that you’ve always dreamed of seeing, because the weather here can be really unpredictable so you might end up needing an extra day to (hopefully!) let the skies clear.

I wish I could have stayed an extra day to see Trollstigen without the fog!

Pack rain gear and warm clothing

Even if you’re visiting Norway in the summer, you’ll need some warm clothing – especially if you’ be driving up into the mountains. And if you have a good waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers (I love these ones !) then you won’t need to let bad weather stop you from enjoying Norway’s nature.

Even in the summer I would recommend bringing warm thermals to wear under your clothes while in the mountains, a good quality wool sweater , and of course a raincoat and rain pants.

If you’re camping, bring a really warm sleeping bag and pitch away from the main road

Even in the summer the nights in the mountains get really cold, so make sure your sleeping bag can withstand freezing temperatures.

And while wild camping is totally legal here, I do try to camp out of sight of the road. Last summer there was a lot of press in Norway about European tourists loading their cars with food and camping their way through Norway, spending almost no money while here, so a lot of locals don’t look too kindly on tents.

It’s really silly, but the one time I did camp by the side of a road I was honked at all night, and when I asked other travelers about it many had experienced the same thing. Besides, it’s much nicer camping away from the noise of traffic anyway!

Alternate between grocery store meals and restaurants

Having the extra space of a car makes it a lot easier to buy and store food for meals, which can save a ton of money while traveling in Norway. I generally eat one restaurant meal a day on my travels and balance out the expense with cheap grocery store meals the rest of the day.

If you are traveling on a tight budget then read my post about eating on a budget in Norway.

Anyone have any tips to add? Share them in the comments!

P.S. I’ve written up loads of guides for the best accommodation in Norway for different budgets, including lots of hidden gems in the more popular areas. You can see all my accommodation guides here .

Want to see more of my travel photos? Follow me on Instagram here ♥

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Kelsey says

October 24, 2016 at 8:15 pm

I love all your posts and your writing always keeps me entertained. I can’t wait to actually get my ass over to Norway and take advantage of your amazing tips!

Silvia says

October 28, 2016 at 10:32 am

Aaah thanks, Kelsey! I hope you make it over here soon 🙂

February 18, 2018 at 9:43 am

So, coming over at the end of April. The train I wanted is already booked, sadly. I’m on a tight schedule. Would driving from Oslo to Flam, where I hope to do a boat tour, be safe at that time of year generally speaking.

February 18, 2018 at 2:48 pm

Of course, that drive is very easy and should be fine in April.

November 26, 2018 at 5:57 pm

I am flying into olso march 9th and was hoping to drive to Flam as well and explore the fjords. Ive been having trouble finding information on how realistically possible that is given weather/road conditions. Thoughts or advice? I would rather not train as I prefer to be mobile during my whole stay

November 28, 2018 at 1:22 pm

I think you should be fine in March.

October 24, 2016 at 8:49 pm

A road trip through Norway is definitely very high on my bucket list BUT I’m mostly commenting to say that I LOVE your new header and “about me” photo!! *heart eyes emoji*

October 28, 2016 at 10:33 am

Aaaah that makes me so happy! I tried to hire someone to make a new logo but couldn’t get my aesthetic across, so I ended up putting this together on my own, ha. And I SO needed a new about photo!

October 24, 2016 at 10:27 pm

I am so going to use this advice to plan a roadtrip for next year! Thanks 🙂

PS I love your new ‘about me’ pic!

October 28, 2016 at 10:34 am

Thanks, it was definitely time for a new photo! And I hope you have an amazing road trip when you do come 🙂

Joella says

October 25, 2016 at 1:53 am

I just noticed your new header/logo and design. So cute!

Thanks, Joella!

Marina says

October 25, 2016 at 2:33 pm

Beautiful country! <3

October 28, 2016 at 10:27 am

It really is!

Kate Newman says

October 25, 2016 at 10:22 pm

Norway looks like such a magical place. You’ve given some amazing pointers, I’ll definitely have to look back at this post when I plan my Norway trip X

October 28, 2016 at 10:28 am

I hope you love it as much as I do when you come!

October 27, 2016 at 2:42 pm

I was just reminded that I do have a tip for roadtrippers: if you don’t plan on camping, but do want to go in summer, book really early! Accommodation anywhere near any of the big fjord tourist draws fills up incredibly early, so you may have to book half a year in advance if you want to sleep in one of the prettiest villages on the Geiranger fjord, for instance.

November 4, 2016 at 6:55 pm

Oh that is a good tip – I didn’t realize that since I’ve never traveled in Norway in the high season! Trying to avoid it, haha.

Brittany from Boston says

October 28, 2016 at 2:52 am

Definitely looks like a beautiful place to go road tripping! And it’s great to have these words of wisdom from a seasoned road tripper!

November 4, 2016 at 7:02 pm

Haha I am the biggest fan of road trips ever.

Natalie says

November 3, 2016 at 12:17 am

Norway looks so beautiful and green! Complete opposite to London where I currently live!

Thanks for sharing and your photos look amazing.

December 1, 2016 at 4:17 pm

Hey I was wondering if anyone could answer a quick question. When do you think is best to carry out a trip like this? I’d love to see the Northern Lights but I’d hate to freeze to death wild camping. I’ve wanted to see the NL for so long I am prepared to hold it off a little longer if it means my road trip will be a lot more enjoyable. What do you think?

December 14, 2016 at 2:50 pm

Yeah, I don’t think you can camp during a northern lights trip, since you’ll want to be really far up north, and you’ll need to go sometime between October and March when it’s still dark. You might want to split up the trips – or you could go somewhere cheaper like northern Sweden to see the lights, and do a separate road trip through Norway when it’s warmer.

Aurélie says

June 20, 2017 at 8:36 pm

first off, your website is really great! so much usefull information…

Planning on going on a road trip with a friend next month to Norway. (Been keen onto for so long 🙂 – so yay!) She has a sort of camper van, with a roof that opens up. So can sleep in this, but also bring a tent.

My question is, can you wild camp with the van? Or if we use the tent, where do you park the car? As you suggested in your post to stay away from the roads, to avoid getting honked at :). but what do you do with your car?

PS: is there’s a website or something ro have an overview of the ferry crossings within Norway, and maybe their costs?

thanks in advance! warm regards, Aurélie

Tracy Cooper says

June 30, 2017 at 4:40 pm

my companion and I have hired a campervan for the last week of August and the first week of September 2017. We have worked out a rough route starting in Oslo/Jesshiem, heading straight up the RV3 and E6 to Mo i rana. From there we will head south to Trondheim, Alesund, Bergen, Stavanger and finally back to Oslo. We hope to have enough time to go via the Atlantic Highway, Trollstigen, Gerainger, Dalsnibba and Nigardsbreen. Do you have any suggestions for places that we should make a point of stopping at along our route, other than those I’ve mentioned. I would hate to miss a “must see” because I was unaware of it.

I should point out that the route is not “set in stone”, it will depend on how much time we spend in various places along the way. If we find somewhere we particularly like, we may spend more time there and perhaps miss out one or two of other planned stops. Any other tips you have would be greatly appreciated.

kind regards Tracy (and Glenda)

Grayson says

July 23, 2017 at 2:07 am

I’ve been reading your Norway travel posts eagerly because I snagged an insanely cheap ticket to Oslo in March. I’m from Texas so I’m not intimidated by the size of Norway so much as how wintry it’s going to be! I lived in Colorado and have some snow-driving experience but I’m still trying to get my head around how to plan the trip. So thanks for all of your informative posts!

July 27, 2017 at 9:08 am

Oh that’s very exciting! The roads will mostly be fine in March except in the mountains, where it will still be quite snowy. It’s a beautiful time of year to visit!

August 23, 2017 at 9:41 pm

I’m heading there in January. Is it crazy to plan any kind of road tripping at that time?! We’re flying in to Oslo then taking the train to Bergen, I think. From there, I was planning to rent a car and take us up to the fjords and mountains (not sure where yet).

August 31, 2017 at 11:15 am

A lot of the mountain roads will be closed in January, but otherwise it should be a beautiful time for a road trip!

August 20, 2017 at 4:44 pm

My husband and I will be in Norway in about 2 weeks for about a week. By far, your website has given us the most helpful information. We are both VERY excited and very overwhelmed at the same time! We don’t like to plan our trips much in advance and are realizing that with as much as we want to do in Norway, we will need to do some planning!! First off, thank you for taking time to post all of this detailed information!! Would you be willing to exchange a few emails with us as we attempt to plan our honeymoon?

October 21, 2017 at 10:26 am

Hi Silvia, My husband I are planning to go July next year for 7 days from 12th July to 19th July and without any research we booked our flights to Tromso and coming back from Oslo. What could be reasonable roadtrip look like without missing the fjords, the pretty villages and the main sights. Please not we are not big fans of big cities so we can skip those if needs be!

Thank you in advance!

October 29, 2017 at 7:05 pm

If you’re up for a long time in the car, I’d try to stick to the coast and then drive from Bergen across to Oslo at the end. That would be a lot of driving though, so you could also take the highway inland straight down to Oslo. Also check out the national tourist routes and see if you can hit some of those!

Alexandra says

November 7, 2017 at 3:35 pm

Love your blog, and your love of Norway! We are visiting from the UK for the first time in December…and will be making a road trip!!! I’m a little nervous, my hubby more relaxed I just wondered whether you think it is necessary to book all Hotels in advance or it’s ok to make W wait as we may think we want to drive a little further on certain days etc, if that makes sense? Would appreciate your advice! Thank you Warm regards Alexandra

November 17, 2017 at 6:33 pm

Hmm it depends where you’ll be heading and if there’s much accommodation in the area, but when I travel around Norway I often just book things as I go (sometimes I end up in some pretty random places because of it though!). If you’re traveling around the holidays though I would definitely book in advance, but earlier in December you should be okay to book as you go.

November 25, 2017 at 3:24 pm

do you recommend to drop off the car rental at the different place. for example.. take the car at oslo and return at bodo and rent different car at moskenes lofoten.. return it at narvik

November 27, 2017 at 1:22 pm

That will often make the car rental much more expensive, but if that isn’t an issue for you then it could be more practical!

December 28, 2017 at 4:20 pm

Hello, Silvia. We are planning a trip to Sweden and Norway. We lived in Stockholm for two years many years ago and visited the Norwegian fjords via a cruise. This time, we are traveling with our daughter and would like to gain a different perspective of Norway and the fjords. In May, we will fly into Bergen from Stockholm on the 14th; we have a return flight to the USA reserved for the 19th from Oslo. Because of jetlag, I have had trouble staying awake when driving in Europe for long distances, so I am wondering whether you could suggest an itinerary for the length of our trip that will not include long driving distances – maybe a combination of driving around the Sognefjord and public transportation for the longer legs of the trip, such as our final leg to Oslo. We will be grateful if you share your firsthand insight. Thank you!

December 31, 2017 at 1:21 pm

It’s hard for me to suggest something without better knowing your interests, but if you’d like to get some local advice I’d encourage you to join my Facebook group dedicated to Scandinavia travel – I’m sure we can help you over there! https://www.facebook.com/groups/ScandinaviaTravel/

Puneet says

January 3, 2018 at 9:28 am

Very interesting article you created!

I alongwith my cousin am planning to do a road trip for 9 days. If I fly to oslo, then you think I can cover by car to tromso and back to Oslo in 9 days? Or its a challenging trip to plan.

I really need someone to assist since there is so much on the web to read and due to work pressure, im not able to give too much time to create an awesome plan.

My objective is to hire a car, go through the mountains and check out northern lights. Can you please advice what route we should take. Thank you so much!

January 3, 2018 at 6:16 pm

Oslo to Tromso is over 20 hours of driving, but I guess it would be doable in 9 days. Though if you’re just interested in the Northern Lights you could just drive up to Bodø, which is closer to Oslo but still above the Arctic Circle. If you want to drive through the mountains you should try to stay driving in Norway, even though maps might want you to go through Sweden as they have bigger roads (but the scenery isn’t as nice).

Have a lovely trip!

January 4, 2018 at 2:42 am

Thank you Silvia for your prompt reply! You are a star!

Few more questions –

1. Is round trip from Oslo to Tromso and back to Oslo possible in 9 days in March?

2. If above is no, then please give few name of the places where i can see mountains and nature sceneries (in Norway). This is help me to make my route plan and book the bed and breakfast accordingly.

3. Whether my starting point to start roadtrip should be Tromso to Oslo or Oslo to Tromso? Which way its got better sceneries and nature sightseeings.

Thank you once again for your help!

Paul Bernthal says

January 23, 2018 at 7:31 pm

This is very helpful. Thanks! I’m driving from Bergen to Oslo and would like to stay overnight in towns along the way. I’ve stayed in Flam before, which was nice. Any recommendations for small towns to stay in along the drive? Maybe one closer to Bergen and one closer to Oslo? It could be two nights in one town or two separate locations. I’m just trying to break up the drive and want to stay in beautiful locations with lots of views and nature, the towns themselves are less important.

Pieter Cautreels says

January 24, 2018 at 12:17 pm

Great tips&tricks! Do you have a,y experience with small campervans (2pers.) to disover Norway? 🙂

Najeeba says

February 11, 2018 at 10:19 am

Hi, Love your blog. It will help us a lot planning our trip. My Husband and I are planning to have a mid April 2018 Scandinavian road trip starting in Copenhagen and ending in Oslo. Our main concern is the roads, and if we will be able to enjoy the scenery. According to our current plan, we will reach Norway in beg May. How are the roads conditions at this time? And you think a road trip in mid April to mid May is a good idea? or its best to postpone to Summer?

Excuse my poor English.

Regards, Najeeba

Deanna says

February 17, 2018 at 8:21 am

Hi, I am loving your articles, so easy to read and lots of great tips and to especially get off the beaten track. We are looking forward to coming to Norway in August, we know it will be busy, but we are coming from Sydney and this is part of our european summer escape, and probably the only time we will get to visit. We are very lucky to be staying with friends in Trondheim and Alesund, but we are undecided about what to do when we first arrive in Norway. We fly into Amsterdam and then are debating whether to fly from Amsterdam to Oslo, spend one day, then pick up a hire car for three days, drive to Bergen via Telemark and then spend two days coming back to Oslo to drop off car, then fly to Alesund. Or do the train trip from Oslo to Bergen and pick up a hire car there for three days (maybe even follow your Norway in a Nutshell hack love it). Alternatively, we fly direct to Bergen from Amsterdam, have a hire car for four days from Bergen to explore area, but won’t visit Oslo or possibly Telemark…. Basically shall we miss Oslo to have more time with the hire car from Bergen? We will visit the Geiranger fjord from Alesund so I don’t think we need to do any ferry trips from Bergen. Any tips you can provide would be wonderful.

Perscilla Bartley says

February 21, 2018 at 12:21 am

Loved this article! Super helpful as it will be my first time in Norway. In relation to the “wild camping” is it also acceptable to sleep in cars? as long as we have lots of blankets and layers with us to stay warm? Also couch surfing as a young women is safe in Norway? I would love any advise 🙂

March 3, 2018 at 10:15 pm

I stumbled on your blog and it is so helpful. My husband and I are planning our first trip to Norway in early June for 10 days. We have never travelled internationally before and I’m soaking up all your advice. We are flying in to Oslo and want to spend 3 days or so in central Norway visiting the fjords before going to Bergen. Any tips on an itinerary are must sees/dos? Places to stay? After reading your blog, I’m leaning towards driving for budget reasons. Thanks for any advice!

mila holt says

March 13, 2018 at 11:26 pm

Hi, I’m feeling really overwhelmed trying to plan 13 days in Norway. There are too many choices and so many different opinions online! We are flying into Oslo in mid-May. We want to see beautiful sites at a fairly relaxed pace. And no, we don’t want to wait in line to hike up Troll’s Tongue. Is there a good itinerary you would recommend? What would be best for first-timers visiting during the second half of May for 13 days? THANK YOU for your help!

March 19, 2018 at 10:29 am

Your road trip guide is a big gem to me! A few quick questions after reading the guide…

Is Norway really cashless? Is it ok if I come with just a credit card? Do you think it’s a good idea to rent a car at one place and return it elsewhere (e.g. Stavanger and Oslo)?

March 19, 2018 at 4:00 pm

I can’t remember the last time I used cash in Norway, haha. Picking up and dropping off a rental in different places can be super expensive, but sometimes you’ll find a good deal, so I would just check out your options/budget and go by that.

March 22, 2018 at 1:30 am

Very busy planning my road : ) and come up with another question. Can I pay by credit card for taking ferries to cross the fjords? I’m wondering exactly how I do that when driving my car onto the ferry. Do I have to get off my car and pay at a counter? Thx a lot.

March 20, 2018 at 1:04 am

Thx to your road trip guide I managed to come up with 2 adventurous north and south road trips bridged with domestic flight. Your pics are gorgeous and I look forward to seeing all the beautiful scenery myself in 3 months’ time : ).

Marloes says

March 25, 2018 at 1:27 pm

Hi! Thanks for the great advice! We are planning to make a roadtrip to Norway this summer and to try out wildcamping, but we were still wondering about one thing. You say it’s nicer to camp awy from the side of the road, but where do you leave your car then? Just by the side of the road or is it allowed to drive a little off-raod so you have your car close to your tent? Thanks!!

March 26, 2018 at 5:26 pm

Yeah I always leave my car on the side of the road (I’ll pull off in a pull off space of course – I don’t just leave it in the road). But definitely don’t drive off the road closer to the tent, as you’ll damage the nature!

Ryan VanCampenhout says

April 9, 2018 at 3:05 am

In July my wife and I will be traveling to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. For the Norway portion of the trip we plan on renting a car in Stavanager then driving it to Alesund. I just wanted to get a sanity check to see if the driving portion of my trip will be too crazy combined with the activities we were thinking:

Saturday, June 30th – Arrive in Oslo at 12:10 PM, explore city and then sleep in Oslo Sunday, July 1st – Explore Oslo, 9:00 PM flight to Stavanager, Arrive at 9:50 PM, sleep – Stavanager Monday, July 2nd – Hike Pulpit Rock then drive to Odda. Sleep in Odda Tuesday, July 3rd – Hike TrollTunga, then drive to Bergen. Sleep in Bergen Wednesday, July 4th – Free Day in Bergen. Sleep in Bergen Thursday, July 5th – Drive from Bergen to Skei (Scenic Highway E16). Sleep in Skei Friday, July 6th – Drive from Skei to Geiranger. Do Kayak Tour of Geirangerfjord. Drive to Alesund. Saturday, July 7th – Free Day in Alesund Sunday, July 8th – Half Day in Alesund and then Fly to Stockholm. Sleep in Stockholm Monday, July 9th – Free Day Stockholm Tuesday, July 10th – Free Day Stockholm Wednesday, July 11th – Morning Train to Copenhagen. Half day in Copenhagen Thursday, July 12th – Free Day Copenhagen Friday, July 13th – Free Day Copenhagen Saturday – Afternoon flights back home

If we need to add an extra 0.5 or 1.0 days in Norway we would likely take it from Stockholm

April 11, 2018 at 3:34 pm

I think it’s doable, but your days will be packed – especially with two big back-to-back hikes! But if you’re up for it then it really does sound like an amazing trip! Just be aware that the Trolltunga hike is very difficult, so you will likely be exhausted after it.

April 30, 2018 at 11:08 pm

Hello! Traveling with my 75yr-old mom end of May (starting Huritugren cruise Tromso to Trondheim – then driving Trondheim to Bergen over 4-5 days to drive the scenic routes). Just wondering if you have suggestions besides our current plan of driving the scenic routes and stopping at pretty places – any must-see or must-do that does not require hiking for my mom that we should definitely see outside of the main towns like Bergen and Alesund? Thanks!!!

Hugh Burley says

May 13, 2018 at 9:31 am

Thanks very much for taking the time to make this blog!

Meanwhile I’m coming to Norway from Sydney for a short visit from May 28-June 2. I know it’s not long, but I’m in Europe for my friend’s wedding and I don’t have much leave from Work :]. I’d really love to pack in as much outdoors stuff as possible, and I’m thinking it would be best to just pick an area and focus on that.

My plan is ::

Fly into Bergen in the arvo. Two nights here, one day exploring the fjords – maybe a boat tour is the best way in a day?

Next day, rent a car and drive to Trolltunga, via a scenic route if possible. Two nights in Trolltunga, then one day doing the walk.

Then I need to decide whether I drive back to Bergen and see something else on the way back via a different route (i.e. flying back to Oslo), or drive all the way to Oslo. I prob don’t have the time to go to Oslo so it’s probably better to stay closer to Bergen and see more of that region.

It would be great to also visit a national park with forest, I understand Trolltunga is more of a geological wonder than an forested area? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Also if you’d like any travel tips for Australia just let me know – I’ve been all over the place down here :]

Tara vickery says

May 21, 2018 at 9:24 pm

Hi Really great reading. I am converting a van into a camper at the moment, with a view to traveling Europe alone., (I’m a 48 year old lady) is it safe for me to do this alone I norway? Many thanks

Hayley says

June 25, 2018 at 11:15 pm

Thanks for a great article. I’m wondering if you could help with a question I can’t seem to find an answer to anywhere! My husband and I are going to Norway for 2 weeks with our little girl early September. We’ve booked a campervan for 12 days to do a round trip from oslo back to Oslo (where we then fly up to Tromsø for the last 2 days) We’re a little stuck on how much we should bring with us for spending money for this time. Bearing in mind we will need money for fuel, food shopping from a grocery store for meals and snacks and other spends while we’re there (we have paid for excursions already). I don’t suppose you would know a rough figure that we’d be needing that would comfortably cover this? We’d hate to run short so we’d rather bring more than necessary!

Thank you so much for any help! Hayley

Kushal says

July 4, 2018 at 8:56 pm

Hi Silvia, thanks to your blog I have got a different perspective to Norway than what others usually talk about. I am keen on arriving Norway in August and planned to rent a car. Is it true that the driving license should be held since more than a year, in order to rent a car in Norway? I received my license 4 months ago so do I hold a chance to rent a car in Norway? Kushal (aged 30)

July 9, 2018 at 11:15 am

You should email the car rental company and ask.

Ram Raja says

July 23, 2018 at 7:07 pm

Finally we are doing our Scandinavian trip this August. We will be renting a car in Copenhagen then traveling to Stockholm prior to arrive in Oslo. The following is plan for our Norway trip and do you think it is doable.

8/11/2018 Travel to Oslo, Norway 8/12/2018 Discover Oslo 8/13/2018 Discover Oslo 8/14/2018 Eidsbygda 8/15/2018 Atlanterhavsveien 8/16/2018 Trollstigen/Geiranger/Tafjord 8/17/2018 Travel to Oslo 8/18/2018 Cruise to Copenhagen

I do understand travel to Eidsbygda is the longest trip and we are traveling with kids.

July 27, 2018 at 5:55 pm

Looks great! It will be a lot of driving, but all of the drives should be beautiful so you won’t get bored.

August 1, 2018 at 8:14 pm

Hope you are doing great 🙂

First I would like to say thank you so much for the valuable information and your time. All of your images just an awesome. Some how I visited ur blog and Norway became as my dream. I don’t have any idea about Norway but I like to be there any cost. I have done some research and I made one plan. Please have a look and advise me. Here my concern is about Cost and time. Please let me know how much cost and time required to visit below locations. Shall I skip few of them or is it possible to cover all of them?

I am from India (Hyderabad) and I like to fly to Stavanger. So my journey will start from Stavanger. I like to go by Car and we are two members.

Please advice me with Cost and days so that accordingly we will plan.

1. Preikestolen 2. Ana – sira 3. Kjerag 4. Langfossen falls 5. Trolltunga 6. Bergen 7. Geirangerfjord 8. Trollstigen 9. Atlantic Ocean Rd 10. Alesund 11. Lofoten (Bodo)

August 7, 2018 at 6:14 pm

Hope you are enjoying lot in Scotland 🙂

Once you done ur trip please have a look my message and let me know your view 🙂

Regards Anji

April 18, 2020 at 10:20 am

Hey! Jæren is actually really beautiful. Lots og pretty beaches and beautiful scenery. I would def. go there! I should try and highlight what’s beautiful about Jæren instead. Then you probably haven’t seen alot of it! 🙂

Lisa Kutschera says

August 8, 2018 at 12:54 pm

Hello, My husband and I are planning an 8 day trip the last week in August. We are flying into Bergen. My husband then wants to drive North up the coast. I was thinking we could drive to Alesund (making some stops along the way? Geiranger?) then go onto Molde and then over to Trollstigen. Then we want to make our way down to Sognefjorden (seeing Flam?). Then move on to Hardagerford and finally over to Odda to hike Trolltunga. Then we would make our way back to Bergen. Is this to ambitious? We are renting a car. Any and all information/recommendations would be most helpful! Also what road map to you recommend we buy? I wanted to try and purchase one before we leave. Thank you SO much for taking the time to read and respond to this! Lisa 🙂

karthick says

August 22, 2018 at 3:09 am

you are such a wonderful writer. Could you please tell me whether I can get a blabla car or something for a road trip? I need to travel in a car through Atlantic Road?

August 22, 2018 at 7:09 pm

You’ll need to rent a car from a rental agency – sixt.com and hertz.com usually have pretty good rates.

jacopo says

September 4, 2018 at 10:37 am

Good morning, is it feasible in 8-9 days to do the whole E39 route from Stavanger along the atlantic coast until Kristiansand? Then catch the flight in Oslo. Do you have an idea of the total cost for tolls and ferries or any other cost along this route?

Thank you very much!

September 11, 2018 at 6:57 am

Me and my partner are very keen hikers and having spent almost two years in Canada, we love the outdoors and what nature has to offer. And the sleeping spectacular mountains and lakes of course!

We are planning a trip to Norway next July and will be renting a vehicle and most probably paying a one way fee in the process. We would like your advice on which one of the two routes to take during our trip, which will be approx. 10-14 days. We have briefly looked into Stavanger to Bergen (RV13) or Stavanger to Oslo. Based on the fact we love to hike, really enjoy being outdoors and look in awe at amazing landscapes, which of the two would you recommend please. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks and really enjoyed looking through the site and the tips and advice you provide.

September 11, 2018 at 12:22 pm

Definitely Stavanger to Bergen. Have fun!

September 26, 2018 at 2:22 pm

Hey Silvia, Great article, really inspirational! I’m planning a roadtrip in Norway for next month! We’re thinking about renting a car in Karlstad, Sweden (we’re exchange students) and driving up to Bergen and back. We want to experience as much of the rough-fjord-nature. How is your experience with hostels on the road? Is it possible to make 200km a day and find some hostels?

Thank you for your answer!

October 1, 2018 at 4:28 pm

It should be possible, though it might be smart to try to book some places in advance. Have fun!

January 7, 2019 at 11:45 am

Iam planning Norway trip of 8 days with my family (2 adults and 3 kids) on March 22 flying to Oslo. 2 days in Oslo and then will take a train to Bergen. From there I would like to rent a car for the rest of my trip. Is it possible to do road trips and what places to visit. Iam clueless as I read the roads are closed and there will be snow (I dont have snow driving experience). Your suggestions will be greatly helpful.

Lara Aurora says

January 7, 2019 at 12:37 pm

Norway is one of the dream place to visit. Lots of places to explore may 1 month is not enough to explore. Thanks For sharing your views upon hiring a car to explore the Norway. May its a great experience. We are visiting to Norway. First to Oslo. So we thinking to explore with campervan rental. We thinking to book a campervan in oslo. Starting trip from Oslo. Own bed, and kitchen. Is it good idea to hire a camper van in Oslo and explore Norway by road. Is this cheapest or we will hire a car, What you suggest?

January 7, 2019 at 9:02 pm

Actually from my experience I wouldn’t recommend hiring a camper van. Petrol here is very expensive and with the cost of staying at campsites you won’t really save money. I would recommend hiring a smaller rental car and staying in self catering cottages and apartments instead. Have a great trip!

Campervan Oslo says

January 19, 2019 at 11:42 am

Thanks for your reply and for recomodations

Nenu Singh says

January 10, 2019 at 6:27 am

Hello Silvia, your Norway blogs are extremely helpful. I was super confused about our upcoming trip to Norway in late June. I was convinced to buy NIN and add days to that cruise. But now, I think we will drive down. We will be in Oslo after touring Sweden and Copenhagen. We plan to spend 6.5 days in Norway. I was debating if we should go to North(Lofoten) or around Bergen/ Ålesund. We have two kids 11/12 yrs. What do you suggest they will enjoy more? Although, I am leaning more towards Bergen/ Ålesund 🙂 Also, can we drive from Oslo to Bergen/ Ålesund and get back to Oslo in 5 days? Thanks Much and I look forward to reading more about your adventures.

Harshad Datar says

January 12, 2019 at 5:45 am

We are in the midst of planning a trip to Europe. Norway was actually not on my horizon. All that has changed after I chanced upon your blog and realised what I was missing. Now my focus has shifted to bringing in Norway into my tour. We would be making that trip around May – Jun 19 and at the moment it looks like we may visit Norway, Sweden, Finland and three of the Baltic States.

I also like your idea of connecting with couchsurfers. I have been on Couchsurfing but have never used any of their options.

Thanks for writing such a lovely blog and giving me motivation to think Norway for our visit pla.

February 1, 2019 at 1:44 pm

Yes! Driving in Norway is one of the best adventurous experience. There are lots of best scenic road trips in Norway. you can choose different locations Routes. In last Year were 3 friends visited Norway and hired a campervan from Oslo for 30 days. An Amazing experience riding on Norway roads. Amazing stay. Our mobile kitchen and bed with us every time. But Your guide really described very well. This summer we also think to tour of Norway to explore rest of places. Your guide help us more. Thanks

Stacey says

February 18, 2019 at 4:38 pm

Hi, Planning a trip April 17-26 ( have already purchased my ticket) I’m wondering how driving will be, from what i’ve read today, most of the scenic routes may still be closed. What are are my realistic options, should I switch to train travel? I was looking forward to driving but not sure it’s the right option now. Also, I am flying into Oslo was planning on going north/west with my main focus being Stave church’s, Fjords, small interesting towns. I will be traveling by myself, although I grew up in snow, driving just want a realistic expectation. Thank you!

Alexia says

February 20, 2019 at 10:38 am

Such helpful information. This will be my 2nd time to Norway. But I am planning on end of September for northern Norway. I know most of the will not be running at this time from what I’ve researched. But for closed roads, would it make a difference for the beginning of Sept vs the end of Sept into October?

Thanks so much in advance!

February 20, 2019 at 5:07 pm

Some roads do start to close at the end of September, so early September would be a safer bet!

James Jayalath says

May 3, 2019 at 2:58 am

We are planning to travel to Norway in July 2019. We are planning to stay there for 6 days. Then I am thinking to hire a car from the Airport and return to the Airport. Can you please let me know the best route from Oslo to cover train and ferry journey and return back to the Airport. My main concern is, can you find parking when you travel by train or ferry’s in certain areas and whether you have to pay for parking.

Please advise.

May 3, 2019 at 2:59 am

We are planning to travel to Norway in July 2019. We are planning to stay there for 6 days. Then I am thinking to hire a car from the Airport and return to the Airport. Can you please let me know the best route from Oslo to cover train and ferry journey and return back to the Airport. My main concern is, can you find parking when you travel by train or ferry’s in certain areas and whether you have to pay for parking?

Abbie Mawhinney says

May 5, 2019 at 12:38 am

Thx so much for answering everyone’s questions!! I plan to be in Oslo early Sept w a sml car and really want to explore Norway including some slow time and hikes. Do you think 2 weeks is a good amount of time and wld that allow me to make it to Loften & Senja? I’ll be looping back down to Oslo again.

Ripley says

August 28, 2019 at 10:43 am

I took a rental car with Autopass included from Oslo airport, used Avis/Budget badged subcontractor located there who assured me the Autopass etag was working, nothing more for me to do or pay, before I drove away – contrary to what the Avis rental contract states! The Autopass etag proved to be a dud; suspected when passing through road toll points, then proved when ferry onboarders tried their handheld scanners to no avail. When I was eventually overcharged I put the message through to Avis/Budget customer service, they went silent, then I went to Norway Innovation (Govt agent) they pointed me at the Ministry… no response. Cannot use Norwegian Consumer Council because you need to be a Norwegian resident with a national ID to do that. The Norwegian Govt behaves as though it cannot manage Norwegian businesses that behave fraudulently, so sad, too bad, won’t be back. Certainly would never recommend Avis/Budget at Oslo Airport as a rental car source.

September 2, 2019 at 4:00 pm

Yeah I’ve heard bad things about Budget in Norway as well. Personally I always rent through sixt.com, as they have a great reputation in Norway.

December 12, 2019 at 1:53 am

Love this guide, perfect for anyone planning a Norway road trip! As a Norway native I agree with everything, except the part about “the roads are all well-maintained”.. I wish it was true! hahaha. Thank you so much for sharing your tips!

Naomi Hagen says

January 14, 2020 at 9:50 pm

Thank you SO much for your travel tips. I’m working diligently on my plan for our upcoming July trip to Norway and am finding your blog to be so helpful! Can’t wait to visit this stunning country!

KatieM says

January 24, 2020 at 12:04 am

Hello Silvia, I love your blog! We are planning a road trip to Norway and all of your blog posts have been so helpful! We are flying in and out of Bergen. Our first night we haven’t decided where to stay, we land in Bergen around 3pm and then We’re driving to Flam the next day, any tips on where to stay either on the way or a bit out of the way as we’re game for adventure and driving 🙂 Thank you! Katie

January 25, 2020 at 3:06 pm

I’ve compiled a list of my favorite hotels in the region here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/best-sognefjord-accommodation/ Aurland is especially idyllic!

Kathryn says

January 30, 2020 at 11:20 pm

I love your blog 🙂 It’s been very helpful during the planning process for my upcoming trip to Norway (April 30 – May 9). I’ve been running into some trouble with my itinerary since there seem to be some road closures and was wondering if you had recommendations. Right now I have:

April 30: Arrive to Oslo May 1: Oslo May 2: Norway in a Nutshell train to Bergen May 3: Bergen May 4: Bergen

For May 5 – May 9 I was hoping to include Alesund, Geirangerfjord and back to Oslo (possibly stop somewhere else if there is time). Do you have any suggestions for how to do that during that time of year? The only thing booked right now is our Oslo flights, so if this isn’t possible, we are also considering Oslo to Lofoten instead. Thanks so much for any help you can offer!!

January 31, 2020 at 12:51 pm

Most roads should be open in May if the road closures you’re seeing now are due to weather, though Trollstigen doesn’t open until late May or early June. You’ll definitely be able to drive from Bergen to Alesund though.

January 31, 2020 at 4:11 pm

Thank you for your quick reply, Silvia! You rock 🙂 Do you know if it is possible to get from Alesund to Geirangerfjord easily since Trollstigen is closed?

February 1, 2020 at 1:08 pm

Of course! Trollstigen isn’t actually part of that route anyway, and the main road will definitely be open. Or you could take a boat trip from Alesund – I have more suggestions in my Alesund guide: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/alesund-travel-guide/

February 1, 2020 at 7:49 pm

Thank you so much!

Malerie says

February 10, 2020 at 10:13 pm

Hi, Silvia! Your blog is wonderful! I’m planning my first trip to Norway this summer. I’m spending four nights in Lofoten (already have a wonderful Air BnB booked), and then plan to spend four nights in the Mor Og Romsdal region. I want to explore Alesund, do the Atlantic Road, visit Geirangerfjord, and Trollstigen. Ahh! Where should I base myself? Do you recommend homesteading in Alesund and just planning to drive a lot, or doing two and two somewhere? Thank you!

Autumn says

February 12, 2020 at 7:27 pm

Hello Silvia 🙂 Thank you for your wonderful website and always being so prompt at responding to all of your social media. You helped me out late last year and I was able to change my plans to arrive after Easter. So thank you again for that. I’m hoping you might be able to help me out with some other information I’m really having problems finding answers to online. I will be flying into Oslo on the 24th of April and flying out on the 7th of May. My trip is going up through Norway and down through Sweden. I’m having trouble figuring out whether to look at Winter or Summer hours/fees? Most websites I’ve looked at completely leave out April and May when they show the dates that each is for. I also am planning on renting a car and driving but I am having trouble figuring out if I can cross boarders and whether there are fees for it? The rental websites are so unclear about it. Thanks for any help

Bruce Alpert says

March 5, 2020 at 8:46 pm

Thoughts on a roundtrip drive from Bergen to Geiranger in 4 nights, five days in June. Towns to overnight?

Sheila says

April 26, 2020 at 6:37 pm

Like what I read event hough I would not be driving. Keep the good info going.

April 26, 2020 at 6:42 pm

Am schedule to visitScandinavia in July 2020. I hope to reach Geiranger by ferry from Bergen and return to Oslo in 30 hours. I already paid for accommodation which maybe a problem.

May 24, 2020 at 7:27 pm

Norway is the country my heart fell in love with. First I had to come back year by year and now it´s time to move there and show this beautiful country to other adventurers. Lofoten is the most beautiful part that I love, but now it´s time to explore south as well.

Katie McDonald says

June 9, 2020 at 2:21 pm

Amazing blog to read! I am landing in Oslo and doing a full coastal road trip curving round and finishing just North of The Atlantic Road. Heading back South to Oslo for our returning flight, I was wondering if there is a mountainous route which is worth stopping for 1 or 2 nights before reaching Oslo. Thank you so much!

July 19, 2020 at 4:25 pm

Silvia, Thank you for the tip on Auto Europe. It turned out to be the cheapest rate for us. Looking for 9 days and manual transmission plus unlimited miles! Made a difference.

August 2, 2020 at 4:10 pm

Hei! I came across your website while looking for information about planning a road trip in September from Trondheim to Tromsø. Great and very useful article, thanks! I checked out the rain pants you recommended, but they are no longer available at the link you provided 🙁 since I’m looking for a good pair of rain pants, I wanted to ask you if those you recommended are made to wear over something (like if I’m already wearing jeans and I can have them over) or they are more to wear by themselves or maybe with woollen underpants if cold. I’m not even sure which would be more versatile, but I just want to understand more and make the right purchase! And if you update your link, just reply with it 😉 thanks in advance!

Joseph Jones says

November 4, 2020 at 5:28 pm

Appreciating the time and effort you put into your website and in depth information you offer. Awesome places to explore. I would like to suggest it to my friends so that we can plan a trip and take a time for ourselves in this busy schedule. Keep posting such wonderful places. Thanks!

Stefan Robert says

November 22, 2020 at 10:50 am

Here, one thing is very important. Like when you will go for visiting Norway in summer. You should need to bring a warm cloth to keep protect your cold environment. Your clothes should be waterproof.

April 20, 2021 at 4:10 am

Loved the information and I was planning to travel again after this pandemic. You know you’re in good shape when you become uninterested in thinking back. Keep it up!

April 26, 2021 at 4:45 pm

Thanks for all your blogs that I’ve read so far! My trip planning is still very early days, but I’m hoping (covid pending) to visit Norway next May-June. I’ll be doing a trip up to Svalbard and then would like to road-trip south through Norway, potentially starting at Alta, heading east and then back over to the west coast, unsure yet where I’d finish but let’s say Oslo.

Is it possible to do this in 2 weeks or would you recommend allowing longer or starting elsewhere?

May 26, 2021 at 10:30 pm

Hei Silvia – what a wonderful, absolute gem of blog for Norway travellers! Kudos to you! I moved to Norway last year (all the way from the warm Pacific) to start my new job here. Your blog is sooooo helpful, it’s such a blessing for new travellers. Really appreciate all this effort you’ve put into sharing your experiences!

September 28, 2021 at 11:40 am

Tracy Shannon says

February 13, 2022 at 8:34 am

Hi Silvia! Your website and information is awesome! I’m from the USA and I’m leaving for various Countries in the EU March 1st ( VERY soon!) for my latest female Solo travel adventure. I’m starting in Denmark (visiting friends)then headed to Norway 3/22 or 3/23 for 10 days before I head to Switzerland and then Italy. I wish I could stay longer but the rules are strict that I must only stay in the Schengen area for 90 days. I have been reading a lot of blogs on the Internet but they were all from Travelers so when I saw yours I was thrilled because you’re a local! I’ll be leaving Copenhagen and was thinking about heading north first in the hopes of still catching the northern lights. I would really love your opinion of the best trip I could hope for in my short 10 day stay. I will be renting a car and I am completely unaware of where I’ll be staying since I don’t even have my itinerary mapped out. I’m feeling a little stressed because it will be time to leave so soon now! Any help or suggestions that you can give me would be so very very much appreciated. If it turns out that you’re available while I’m in your beautiful country I would be happy to meet you for coffee and a pastry perhaps 😎 I love to hike and road tripping like you!

February 14, 2022 at 2:29 pm

If you want to see the northern lights I would fly up to Tromsø and rent a car from there. You’ll be right at the end of the northern lights season, but should still have a chance at the end of March. The distances here are really great so I don’t recommend trying to see too many places at once. I think my top pick would be Tromsø and Senja. You could also drive around Kvaløya, the island next to Tromsø, and Sommarøy during the day, and then Kvaløya is also a great place to watch northern lights at night. These posts should help: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/tromso-northern-lights-tour/ https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/things-to-do-in-tromso/ and https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/things-to-do-in-senja-norway/

2 Cups Of Travel says

March 6, 2022 at 5:23 am

Awesome shots! This looks stunning. We didn’t have Norway on the list for our 2022 trip but maybe need to add it in!

Steve Wheller says

March 10, 2022 at 10:05 pm

Just came across your fab and informative blog. I am looking at planning a trip to Norway with my son before he heads off to University. We are looking at coming for a week in the last week of august, first week of September.

I am a photographer so looking to capture the amazing landscapes. We are going to fly from Cardiff and then hire a car. What would be the best road trip for a week to capture the best of the norwegian landscapes.

March 17, 2022 at 3:05 am

Hello, Your info on Panama was a great help when I did that trip and now I found your info on Norway! Just one question. If we rent a car and plan to camp in the evening, is it legal and is there room to just pull off on the side of the road somewhere?

March 26, 2022 at 7:32 pm

Yes, totally legal as long as you’re 150 m away from buildings, houses, or cabins and not on farmland. You can usually find plenty of places to pull off.

carl woodward says

August 20, 2022 at 6:05 pm

this would be my dream

October 16, 2022 at 9:23 am

Thank you so much for all the tips, tricks and ideas on your Blog concerning Norway. Though it does makes planing a trip way more difficult, as there is so much to see 😉

One thing in was wondering in relation to cars is, if you have any experience with electric cars in Norway. From what I could find, Norways is well equipped with a Network for charging an all, but I was wondering, if you have by chance any experience in using an electric car for a road-trip with medium-long drivedays. I’m planing a trip for May 2023 an would like to do it as sutainable as possible. I’m already planing on traveling by train up from Switzerland where I live all the way to Bodø (with stops in between to explore obvisously) but I was thinking of probably renting a car in Bodø for ~1 Week to do the Lofoten, Tromsø and Lyngen Alps Area.

Would love to hear, if you have any experience with this.

greetings from Switzerland, Tina

October 17, 2022 at 5:48 pm

I’m afraid I don’t have any experience with this myself. But yes, there are lots of charging stations all over, so finding a place to charge shouldn’t be a problem.

Tina Baumgartner says

October 19, 2022 at 6:42 pm

Thank you !

November 5, 2022 at 2:51 pm

Silvia, well done on such a wonderful set of articles!

next June a friend and I will be riding motorcycles down the coast of Norway from Nordkapp to Bergen. You know motorcyclists sometimes it’s more the road and what it holds than stopping and walking long distances into the hills. A question if I may, what would you consider a reasonable daily distance, [some have suggested 300 km tops] bearing in mind our sort of “getting on with it” mindset?

November 15, 2023 at 10:51 am

Me and my friends rented a campervan in Norway and we couldn’t do better! Not only it was the best budget option for us, but the freedom we got in return was priceless. Travelling Norway by campervan should be mandatory haha! I can’t imagine seeing and exploring all the beautiful places in any other way. I recommend travelling in June – it’s still quite quiet on the roads, yet the weather is more than perfect and nature is in full of life. Oh, I loved it all. Want to come back asap…

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Home » Europe » Best Road Trips in Norway (Our Top Pick for 2024)

Best Road Trips in Norway (Our Top Pick for 2024)

Picturesque and magical landscapes awaiting Norway’s fjords are known throughout the world for their dramatic scenery and epic views. And your best way to see them? While a cruise could be nice, you won’t get much time to really explore; choose a road trip instead to find the coolest viewpoints and the best natural features!

At first glance, it’ll be tough to pack it all in. After all, the landscape means there aren’t many motorways and dual carriageways; twisty mountain passes and roads built into islands can add time onto your trip. We’re here to help you!

Leave us to plan your road trip to Norway so you can focus on packing. We’ve found the best routes so you can see the most gorgeous fjords and islands, stop off at the best places to eat and stay comfy and warm at night. Get ready to be swept off your feet!

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Why Roadtrip in Norway?

Norway road trip route 1: kystriksveien coastal route, norway road trip route 2: west norway scenic fjords and glaciers, norway road trip route 3: hardangerfjord scenic route, driving in norway, what to pack for a road trip in norway, final thoughts on the best road trips in norway.

If you’re not already seduced by Norway’s spectacular natural beauty, we might have to twist your arm a bit to plan your road trip. Let’s take a look at the top five reasons to drive in this Scandinavian gem.

• Fjords and Glaciers: Norway’s landscapes are almost completely unique in the Northern hemisphere. The coast is met by impossibly steep fjords, rubbing shoulders with some of the largest glaciers in Europe.
• Epic Roads: Assuming you’re not on a road trip just to see as much as you can and you really enjoy driving, you’ll love Norway. The Atlantic and Eagle Roads are some of the most challenging in Europe. And they’re pretty, too!
• Cool Design:  You might think the Scandinavian design is reserved for indoors, but the clean and crisp lines are blended with nature throughout Norway – you’ll see what we mean at rest stops, services, and viewpoints.
• Outdoor Activities: You’ll only be in your car for a few hours a day. Once you get out, take advantage of incredible hiking and cycling in summer or skiing and dog-sledging in winter.
• 24-hour Sunlight:  Summer travellers to Norway can drive safely at any time of day the further north they go. If only there was something to see during 24-hour darkness in the winter? Well, we suppose the Northern Lights will do! 😉

The only reason you won’t be convinced to embark on a road trip in Norway now is that you can’t drive… But before we get into these incredible trips, let’s get the boring stuff out of the way.

Now that we’ve got all the boring (but essential) stuff out of the way, let’s jump right into the three best Norway road trips!

Kystriksveien Coastal Route – 5 days

West norway scenic fjords and glaciers – 7 days, hardangerfjord scenic route  – 4 days.

• From: Steinkjer
• Total Distance: 922km
• Top Road Trips Stops: Leka Island, Torghatten, The Seven Sisters Range, Saltstraumen

While this road trip can be done in 650km, there are a few detours you won’t want to miss. Kystriksveien is the ultimate Norwegian coastal drive, and it’s also one of 18 National Scenic Routes in the country.

It could be a good idea to bring your bike along with you. The best way to travel along Kystriksveien is slowly, so that you can stop off at any of the 14,000 remote islands on the coast, as well as see some of Norway’s favourite backpacking spots.

Glacier walks and best Norway mountain hikes are all on the menu before stopping at a lovely village inn for the night. By the time you end your trip, you’ll be in the Arctic Circle!

Road Trip Highlights:

• Hiking on Leka Island
• Torghatten Mountain
• Syv Søstre (Seven Sisters) Mountain Range
• Svaristen National Park
• Saltstraumen Maelstrom
• 24-hour sun (summer)/Northern Lights (winter)

Day 1: Steinkjer to Leka (3 hours)

Before leaving Steinkjer, check out the Egge Museum – an open-air farm north of the town. Then, set your satnav for Leka Island. Assuming you leave early, you’ll have the whole afternoon to enjoy Leka’s hiking trails. There are more than fifty! Thanks to flat roads, it’s a lovely place for cycling. You will need to get a ferry over to Leka Island, and it won’t be the last ferry you take on this Norwegian road trip. Consider picking up a Nordland Pass that guarantees free travel on ferries and buses for NOK 995 (around $112USD/£85GBP).

• Best Stops:  Admire the island’s unique geology, cave paintings at Solsemhula, Herlaughsløypa Hiking Trail.
• Where to Eat:  Lekamøya Restaurant, Skolestua Kafé, Lofoten Bakeri
• Where to Stay:  Bakkalandet Hotel , Leka Cabin, Cabin in UNESCO listed Leka

Day 2: Leka to Brønnøysund (2.5 hours)

Leave Leka on the Gutvik Ferry. Admire the landscape of the Helgeland Coast (often regarded as the most beautiful coastline in Europe) as you head north to Holm.

It’s another ferry across the Vennesund before your final target of the day – Brønnøysund. Here, you’ll come across one of the most iconic landmarks in Norway – Torghatten Mountain. This is a mountain where people come for the middle, not the peak; that’s because there’s a hole in it!

• Best Stops: Hike to the hole in Torghatten Mountain, Walk on Brønnøysund’s pier
• Where to Eat:  Strandrestauranten, Svang, Norwegian Aquaculture Center Cafe
• Where to Stay: Norsk Havbrukssenter – Rorbuer , Stilla – Brønnøysund , Central Family Holiday House.

Day 3: Brønnøysund to Sandnessjøen (3 hours)

It’s north again on day three of your trip. You’ll be travelling mostly along the coast with a couple of ferry rides. Before the second ferry ride from Forvik to Tjøtta, be sure to stop off for a coffee.

The coffee roasting factory is right by the ferry – just lookout for a sign saying Kaffebrenneriet. The highlight of day three is just before you reach Sandnessjøen – the Seven Sisters Mountain Range.

The seven mountains are all between 900 and 1,100 metres tall. If you’re really fit and active, you can get to the peaks of all in one loooong day. The views are spectacular!

• Best Stops: Hike on the Seven Sisters, Tjøtta cafes and museums, Forvik coffee roastery, Kulturbadet Sandnessjøen
• Where to Eat: Restaurant Syv Sostre, Heroy Brygge, Onkel Oskar Sandnessjøen
• Where to Stay:   Scandic Syv Søstre, Bedroom close to Sandnessjøen , Fjord Brygge

Day 4: Sandnessjøen to Glomfjord (5 hours)

Today is the biggest driving day – five whole hours! But don’t worry, it’ll pass by quickly as you skirt along fjords on the smooth and well maintained FV17 road. And it won’t be all in the car: you’ll be taking three ferries!

You can skip one of the ferries, however, and take a journey along the coast to Mo i Rana – also known as the Arctic Circle Town. You’re now officially in the Arctic! If you’re travelling during the summer, that means 24-hour sunlight.

The standouts here are not places to stop at – rather, what you see from the ferries. The Svartisen National Park viewed from Ågskardet to Forøy will truly take your breath away.

• Best Stops:  Plura Caves (Mo i Rana), Svartisen National Park, Kayaking, sea eagle safaris.
• Where to Eat:  Til Elise, No3 (Mo i Rana), Rallarbrakka (Glomfjord)
• Where to Stay:   Reipå Camping , Helgelandskysten, Svartisen Apartments

Day 5: Glomfjord to Bodø (2 hours)

If you’ve arrived at Glomfjord late, you can afford to spend some more time at the Svartisen Glacier on the final day of your trip. With just two hours to drive, take it easy and enjoy.

Stop off at stunning Storvika, where there’s a sandy bay and blue waters. You’d be brave to swim in them, though! The last thing to check out before reaching Bodø is the Saltstraumen Maelstrom – the strongest whirlpool in the world – from afar, obviously.

If you have more time after reaching Bodø, we’d definitely suggest carrying on to the Lofoten Islands – it’ll be quicker if you take a ferry.

• Best Stops:  Chill out on Storvika Beach, See (don’t swim) the Saltstraumen Maelstrom.
• Where to Eat:  Fjörd Eat & Drink, Kom Heim, Hundholmen Brygghus
• Where to Stay:   Bodo Hostel and Motel , Skagen Hotel, Cosy and Spacious Loft, Per’s Place

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

• From: Bergen
• To: Kristiansund
• Total Distance: 679km
• Top Road Trips Stops:  Bergen, Sogndal, Geirangerfjord, Åndalsnes, Alesund, Atlantic Ocean Road, Kristiansund

If you want to drive on the most epic roads in Norway while seeing jaw-droppingly beautiful natural sights, then this winding route through western Norway is the perfect place for your road trip.

Pass through the Jostedalsbreen National Park and ride on two of the best-known roads in the country – The Eagle Road to Eidsdal, the Troll Ladder (Trollstigen) and the Atlantic Ocean Road – one of the most impressive feats of engineering in the country.

Fjords and driving are the two cornerstones of a Norway road trip – and this offers both in abundance!

• Bergen Wharf
• Flåm Railway
• Sogndal FjordLoen Skylift
• Geirangerfjord
• Eagle’s Road
• Atlantic Ocean Road

Day 1: Bergen to Flam (2.5 hours)

Begin your trip in one of Norway’s prettiest cities. Before getting in your car, be sure to have a coffee and breakfast at the brightly coloured what of Bergen – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Don’t spend too long here, though – it can get expensive. Then, head east to Voss and the Tvindefossen Waterfall. Make a stop at Flam and swap your car for the train to experience one of the most stunning railway rides in the world.

If you have more than a day to spend in Bergen, consider taking the funicular up Mount Fløyen or visiting the Grieg Museum.

• Best Stops:  Bergen Museums and Wharf, Tvindefossen Waterfall, Flåm Railway
• Where to Eat: Daily Pot, Bare (Bergen), Vossevangen Grill & Steakhouse (Voss), Flam Bakery (Flam)
• Where to Stay: Flåmsbrygga Hotel , Welcoming place in Flåm , Farmhouse in Flåm

Day 2: Flam to Sogndal (1.5 hours)

One of the shorter driving days, day two is all about enjoying your surroundings. If you’ve ever seen an advertisement for Norway, you’ve probably been looking at Sogndal – the longest and deepest fjord in the country.

If you don’t mind making the drive a little longer, head past Sogndal to the Gaularfjellet Utsikten. The mountain has a lookout point which incorporates Norwegian design into the gorgeous landscape.

If you’d prefer to stay closer to sea level, there are lots of opportunities around Sogndal for swimming and/or kayaking.

• Best Stops:  Gaularfjellet Utsikten, kayaking in Sogndal Fjord, Boeyabreen Glacier, Urnes Stave Church.
• Where to Eat: Dampskipskaien, Villmarka, BesteBakken
• Where to Stay:   Sogndal Lodge & Guiding , Private room with stunning view , Small and Cozy Room, Modern Ski In/Out Cabin

Day 3: Sogndal to Loen (2 hours)

Another short drive today; you’ll be driving along the edge of the Jostedalsbreen National Park to Loen. Stop off in Fjærland for the Norwegian Glacier Museum, where you can learn about the surrounding national park.

Another place to stop off in Fjærland is Bokbyen. Known as Norwegian Booktown, it’s quite possibly the most beautiful bookstore in the world. Pick up something to read when you’re a passenger, or for the evening.

On arriving in Loen, take a walk around the town. You can leave a bracing hike up Mount Skåla until tomorrow morning!

• Best Stops:  Norwegian Glacier Museum, Bokbyen (Norwegian Booktown), boat cruise from Loen, Mount Skåla hike, Loen Skylift
• Where to Eat:  Cafe Veitastrond (Fjærland), Restaurant Andrine, Stryn Kaffebar & Vertshus (Loen)
• Where to Stay:   Oldevatn Camping, Mindresunde Camping , Tiny House in Loen ,  Arnestova Cottage, Loen

Day 4: Loen to Geirangerfjord (1.75 hours)

Another short journey today – it’s not a good idea to just skip Geirangerfjord. This part of Norway is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beautiful fjord is known for its snow-capped mountains, green forests, and some of the most amazing waterfalls in the world . One you can’t miss is the Seven Sisters Waterfall (not to be confused with the mountains we wrote about in the first road trip).

Seven separate streams fall more than 250 metres into the fjord below. Other notable falls include the Suitor and Bridal Veil waterfalls.

• Best Stops: Seven Sisters Waterfall, Norwegian Fjord Centre, Hike to Vesterås Farm
• Where to Eat:  Westeras Gard, Brasserie Posten, Restaurant Utsikten
• Where to Stay:   Grand Hytteurleige og Camping,  Havila Hotel Geiranger, Ljosætra Tiny House, Nice and Quiet Geiranger Apartment

Day 5: Geirangerfjord to Åndalsnes (2 hours)

If you knew anything about road trips in Norway before you read this article, chances are you’ve already heard of (or seen) the ribbon that cuts its way from Geiranger to Åndalsnes. The Eagle’s Road to Eidsdal and the Trollstiga (troll’s ladder) are two of the most dramatic roads in the world.

Packed with hairpin bends, each opens onto a new completely spectacular view. While we’ve said the drive today is two hours, that’s not factoring in stops. Be sure to stop off at Ørnesvingen viewing platform, and those at Flydalsjuvet and Gudbransjuvet Gorges.

There are some waterfalls to look out for too!

• Best Stops: Ørnesvingen viewing platform, viewing platforms at Flydalsjuvet and Gudbransjuvet Gorges, Dei Sju Systre Waterfalls, Norwegian Mountaineering Centre (Åndalsnes), Bispevatnet Lake
• Where to Eat:  Sylteormenbakeri, Trollstigen Cafe, Sodahlhuset
• Where to Stay: Trollstigen Resort, Trollstigen Camping and Gjestegård, Treetop Tent in Romsdalen, Villa Åndalsnes

Day 6: Åndalsnes to Alesund (2 hours)

We’ve been keeping the driving to a minimum so you can make the most of your surroundings so far, and that’s no different as you come to the end of your trip.

Don’t be in too much of a hurry to leave Åndalsnes, because the hiking in Romsdalen is absolutely incredible. Spend the morning exploring the hiking trails or taking the Via Ferrata. Or perhaps, check out the Rampestreken viewpoint and look out over the town.

Before your legs give out, make your way to your car for a chilled out drive to Ålesund. The coastal city is famed for its Art Nouveau architecture.

• Best Stops:  Via Ferrata/Hiking in Romsdalen, Rampestreken Viewpoint, Aksla Mountain Ålesund, Alnes Lighthouse
• Where to Eat:  Lyst Cafe, Molo Brew AS, Evergreens, Draape Kaffehus
• Where to Stay:  Hotel 1904,  Private room with free parking, Beautiful Sea View Apartment

Day 7: Alesund to Kristiansund (3.5 hours)

We’ve saved the best for last. One the final day of your road trip in Norway, you’ll be travelling on one of the most incredible roads ever constructed. As you travel from Alesund, you’ll notice more pretty fjords, but once you get to Vevang, things change.

The road that connects Vevang and Kårvåg is said to be Norway Engineering’s feat of the century. Built in 1989, bridges connect a number of islets and islands for 8km. The bridges seem to hang in the air, and the roads really blend into the land.

The area looks truly spectacular from above, so it may be an idea to get out of the car and take photos with your drone, should you have one. If not, you can always admire the view from Askevågen Viewpoint.

The only downside? If there’s a storm, the road can seem dangerous and intimidating. A truly spectacular end to your Norwegian road trip before you end in Kristiansund.

• Best Stops:  Askevågen Viewpoint
• Where to Eat: Bar-e kaffe, Black Sheep (Kristiansund)
• Where to Stay:   Villa Edvin , Sveggvika Guesthouse, Atlantic Road Camping

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• Total Distance: 428km
• Top Road Trips Stops:

Our third and final road trip is a lot shorter, so it’ll suit travellers who don’t have as much time in Norway. It’s no less beautiful though – and it’ll be following the path of the Hardangerfjord Scenic Route. It encapsulates what Western Norway is all about – stunning fjords and scenery, but with the chance to hike, bike, and even enjoy a spot of white-water rafting.

You’ll conquer one of the most famous sites in the country, too, the Trolltunga Mountain. For those looking for something a little more chilled out, check out some of the local traditions. These include boat building and growing fruit. This beautiful part of Norway certainly won’t disappoint!

Day 1: Bergen to Vossevangen (1.5 hours)

Day one won’t see you reaching the Hardangerfjord just yet. Instead, start off in pretty Bergen; it is one of the biggest cities in Norway and an easy place to pick up a car.

Spend the morning exploring town, perhaps dropping into the shops and coffee houses on the colourful wharf. Hikers will be pleased to know that there are seven hills surrounding the city you can hike on! Once you’re ready to head off, point your vehicle towards Vossevangen.

No matter what time of year it is, there’s something to get involved with. In summer, you’ll be able to enjoy everything from birdwatching to white water rafting, while winter visitors can make the most of skiing and snowboarding.

• Best Stops: Bergen Wharf (Bryggen), Fløyen Funicular and hiking paths, Voss Gondola, Voss Folk Museum
• Where to Eat:  Horn of Africa, Løvetann Kaffebar (Bergen), Vossevangen Bodega, Ringheim Kafe
• Where to Stay:   Voss Lodge Rongastovo , Voss Apartment , Cosy Cabin in Voss

Day 2: Vossevangen to Jondal (2 hours)

Continue on from Vossevangen to Granvin at the northeast side of Hardangerfjord. However, before you reach Granvin, you’ll come across Skjervsfossen.

These twin waterfalls gush from a height of 150 metres, and there is a network of paths, stairs, and viewpoints from which you can enjoy the waterfalls. Carry on towards another waterfall, Steinsdalsfossen – but not before you stop off at Steinstøberget rest.

There are places to fish and BBQ, and you can enjoy views of both Hardangerfjord and the Folgefonna Glacier. Be sure to stop off at Steindalsfossen, which you can walk underneath without getting wet. Stop here for the evening or continue to Jondal by ferry.

• Best Stops: Sjkervsfossen and Steindalsfossen waterfalls, Steinstøberget Rest Stop
• Where to Eat:  Den Grøne Cafe, Jaunsen Gjestgjevarstad Restaurant, Meieriet Restaurant
• Where to Stay:  Cosy Cabin on Small Farm, Trolltunga/Folgefonna Camphouse,  Lovely Apartment at Organic Farm

Day 3: Jondal to Odda (1.5 hours)

You can get from Jondal to Odda in around half an hour if you take the mountain road. However, why not drive along the side of the Hardangerfjord past Utne.

The views are much more spectacular, though the road can get busy at times. If you can, try and get a late checkout at your accommodation from the night before – you’re going to need the energy for the evening’s activity – beginning your climb up one of the most famous sights in Norway, Trolltunga!

This is one of the most photographed sites in Norway; while the lip which juts out above Lake Ringedalsvatnet is not the peak of the mountain, it takes a brave person to sit on the end!

• Best Stops: Trolltunga Guided Hike, Furebergsfossen Waterfalls
• Where to Eat:  Glacier Restaurant, Iris Scene, Trolltunga Restaurant
• Where to Stay:   Odda Camping , Odda Tiny House with Views , Central Room for two in Odda

Day 4: Odda to Bergen

Your final day will start off early, but the nighttime hike to watch the sunrise from Trolltunga is something not to be missed! You can then choose between heading back down to Hardangerfjord if you have time, or just doing the journey all the way back to Bergen.

Of course, if you’ve stayed in Odda the night before, hike up during the day instead. It’s still utterly spectacular. Trolltunga is one of Norway’s most strenuous hikes, so don’t drive back if you’re feeling exhausted!

• Best Things to Do:  Climb Trolltunga, chill out after the climb in Odda’s cafes
• Where to Eat: Kafe Pause (Odda), Munken Bistro, Spisekronen (Bergen)
• Where to Stay:   Marken Gjestehus Hotel , Apartment in heart of Bergen , Citybox Bergen

Though Norway is full of mountain roads that would turn a rally driver’s stomach at first glance, you may be surprised that it’s the safest place in the world to drive. With only two road traffic deaths per 100,000 inhabitants, accidents are almost non-existent!

Norwegian drivers are generally quite chill, and most of the roads aren’t that busy anyway. It can be quite expensive though; the reason these roads look so good is that motorists pay tolls to maintain them. The biggest challenge of driving in Norway is the distances. It can take 30 hours to get from north to south!

Renting a Vehicle in Norway

You should be able to pick one up from most cities, towns, and airports. However, if you’re travelling at a busy time, you should book in advance to avoid disappointment. You should also have had your license for at least one year.

Here are some other things to take into consideration:

• Age Surcharge: Though you can drive a car at 18 in Norway, the minimum age for rental is 19. There is an extra charge if you’re under 25, starting from around 120NOK per day ($13USD)
• Bond/Deposit:  The deposit on hold is the amount of the excess to rent a car in Norway. That’s normally around 10,000 – 12,000NOK ($1,125USD – $1,350USD).
• Additional Driver Charge: Don’t want to be the designated driver? Consider adding another driver to your policy. It can cost as little as 40NOK ($5USD). Drivers under 25 will pay more.

Be sure to remember insurance, too. You must have at least third party insurance to drive in Norway, but it’s better to have fully comprehensive. Because it’s mandatory, rental companies often charge over the odds. Check out RentalCover.com, who can give you the best deal on car rental car insurance in Norway.

Don’t have a car? Well, we’re going to have to sort that out! Use  rentalcars.com  to find the best deals on the web and save heaps of cash!

Road Rules in Norway

You can drive in Norway if you have a driving license issued in an EU/EEA country for as long as it is valid. Licenses from outside the continent can be used for three months.

The first thing to remember is to switch on your lights. No matter what time of day it is, drivers must have them on. Right-hand drive cars must have black triangles fitted so as not to dazzle oncoming motorists. Cars must also be equipped with at least one high-visibility vest and a warning triangle in case of an accident.

Drinking and driving is a big no here. With severe penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol, it’s best not to take any risks. The legal limit is 0.02% blood alcohol. You should also refrain from using your mobile phone; the penalties for doing that while driving are pretty serious too!

Last of all, one of the unofficial Norwegian road rules. There are lots of long downhill stretches when you’re driving here. When appropriate, drive in a low gear rather than constantly using the brakes. You’ll have less risk of them overheating that way. Be sure to keep an eye on your temperature gauge whenever you’re driving – the engine can overheat going uphill!

Insurance in Norway

All drivers in Norway must be equipped with third party insurance. However, this only covers damage caused by fire and/or theft.

If you feel happy taking this, go for it. However, the more cautious driver out there may want to take out fully comprehensive insurance.

That way, you’ll be protected in any accidents or collisions (though hopefully, you won’t need it). RentalCover.com offers a range of insurance options, including super collision damage waivers and roadside assistance cover. It’s best to be prepared so you can save your NOK for a tasty pickled herring!

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

If you’re not careful, Norway wilderness will smack ya to next Monday. There are six road trip essentials I never go traveling without:

1. First Aid Kit : Even if you don’t plan on doing anything extreme on your trip, like hiking, climbing, or other extreme sports, you never know what could happen. You could cut yourself while cooking, smash a finger in a car door, or burn yourself on a hot radiator. A first aid kit will be able to handle most of these minor situations.

2. Aux Cord : One of the only things to do on a long car ride by yourself is to listen to music or a podcast. Since most people use their phones as an MP3 player these days, an auxillary cord is crucial to preserving your sanity. If there is no auxiliary port in your car, buy a radio transceiver or use a portable speaker.

3. Phone mount :  It’s very dangerous to be looking down at your phone while driving. If you need to have access to your phone, for maps and what-not, buy a mount for it. This way, you can keep your eyes on the road and your phone won’t be far from your field of view.

4. Headtorch : Every backpacker should have a head torch! A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must. Currently, I’m using the Petzl Actik Core rechargeable headlamp – an awesome piece of kit! Because it’s USB chargeable I never have to buy earth polluting batteries.

5. Roadside Emergency Kit : Just like you never know what could happen to yourself , one never knows what can happen to their car . A vehicle can mysteriously fail, break, run into a ditch; all that and then some. Most emergency kit include a pair of jumper cables, a tow rope, a set of essential tools, and ties.

6. Toiletry Bag : I always travel with a hanging toiletry bag as it’s a super-efficient way to organise your bathroom stuff. Well worth having, whether you are hanging it from a tree whilst camping, or a hook in a wall, it helps to have quick access to all your stuff.

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full road trip packing list.

Now that you know exactly how to plan your road trip in Norway, you’re probably already looking up rental cars or putting pins in your map. We don’t blame you!

Norway’s epic roads offer the opportunity not only to challenge yourself as a driver but also to see some of the most beautiful landscapes in Europe – if not the world. Sit on Trolltunga viewpoint, tackle the Great Atlantic Road, or just park up in Bergen’s pretty old town and enjoy a coffee.

With so much variety across this magnificent country, you can tailor your road trip completely to your travel style. Whether it’s Oslo, Tromso, or Geirangerfjord, there’s NORWAY you’ll forget your epic trip here.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Christina Grayt

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Are you planning a trip for 2 weeks in Norway? This Norway road trip itinerary is for those who want to experience Norway in the best way!

2 weeks in Norway: the ultimate road trip

A comprehensive guide.

Norway is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world, and it's not for nothing that it has inspired hundreds of stories, legends, and sagas.

It's a large and diverse country, full of endless hiking trails, points of interest, and stunning landscape.

It's impossible to see everything that Norway offers in one trip.

Even if you travel to Norway for several months, which is impossible for most people (fate wanted - Norway is also one of the most expensive countries in the world).

Therefore, the first thing to do when planning a road trip to Norway is to choose the area you want to focus on depending on the amount of time you have to spend.

This Norway itinerary offers a comprehensive two-week road trip .

The Itinerary focuses on western fjords with tastings from eastern and southern Norway.

The Norway road trip starts in Oslo , passes through the fjord area, and returns to Oslo.

On this Norway road trip, I chose to look for the less crowded places , for example, instead of choosing to stay in a tourist town like Flam I chose to sleep in Aurlandsvangen, a small town that is close to Flam and no less impressive.

Also, this route passes by the small towns outside the tourist route like Urke and Oye. It's hard for me to understand how people miss these towns.

I met very few tourists in these towns, and I was able to connect with the amazing Norwegian nature perfectly.

You can start the road trip in Norway from other points (in Bergen, for example) and follow the recommendations accordingly.

On a trip to Norway, it is very worthwhile to maintain a certain amount of spontaneity . Let yourself randomly discover cute spots on the road and off the beaten path.

The Norway itinerary I have given here gives only the gist of things about the proposed route, In each of the places there is always much more to see and do, and it's always advisable to go into visitor centers to get more information about each one and find what suits you.

Remember that no matter how hard you try - you will not be able to see everything even in 2 weeks in Norway.

But no matter what you will see in Norway - for sure, it will be amazing!

In this Norway itinerary you will find:

*Amazing landscape

*Scenic routes

*Great Hiking Trails

*Beautiful Camping Spot

*Stunning Fjords

*Fascinating cities

Plan your road trip to Norway:

When to visit norway.

For the first trip to Norway, I recommend visiting Norway in the summer season . From late June to September.

I find it less pleasant to travel when so many businesses are closed in the winter, and some of the museums are also closed.

Some people like the feeling of disconnection but pay attention to it.

In addition, at the end of June, early summer, and late spring, So many of the high peaks are covered in snow and a lot of green in the eyes which creates a spectacular spectacle.

I visited Norway in June.

During mid-June-mid-July, the sun does not set, and you can enjoy 24 hours of daylight because of the midnight sun phenomenon that occurs during this period in Norway.

The view is spectacular every season. Yet it is worth knowing that the combination of the benefits of summer and the remnants of snow from the past season takes place in June-July.

How is Norway during summer?

Norway is a perfect paradise for addicts for hiking, mountaineering, and rough terrain hiking.

Mostly hiking is not easy, for long distances without access to a car, and in changeable weather. And we are talking about hikes and trails only in the summer season.

In the peak season of tourism and hiking, you will find all of Norway's campsites, hostels, and hotels packed with travelers. Also Caravans driving on all roads in Norway.

Nature reserves, hiking trails, and attractions are bustling with activity, inviting tourists.

Cruise and cruise ships moor in each fjord. Tourists shop, chat and have fun, take pictures, eat, and continue their journey to the next fjord.

In summer in Norway, you will find the shuttles active.

The ferries are accessible and active, the glacier hikes active and bustling, and lots of colorful and wonderful blooms celebrating in the nature reserve trails, mountains, and northern tundra.

Pay attention! All summer tourism celebrations in Norway end gradually, from 22-Aug (the date students return to schools in Norway), until the end of the summer tourism season on 15-Sep, or earlier - depending on the snow conditions in Norway that year.

In conclusion, the best trekking and hiking season in Norway is from late June-September 15th .

Immediately after the short summer, which takes place in July and August only - autumn arrives, and with it comes and begins the snow in the high mountains, temperatures land, the ground freezes, daylight shortens, and conditions become extreme.

Weather and equipment

While the winter in Norway is cold and frozen. In the summer, the possible temperature range is very wide and it can vary drastically.

On a 2 weeks in Norway, you will experience cold and rain (and even snow!) And a few days after a temperature of 30 degrees.

You should remember that even when it is hot in Norway - at night it is always pleasant or cool.

On a trip over a week in Norway, it is almost impossible to avoid the rain . The rain will probably reach you for at least part of the trip.

The Norwegian Meteorological Service website is excellent and regularly updated. It is a must-have item for travelers in Norway.

Necessary clothes for a trip to Norway

A summer trip to Norway requires all types of clothing - warm and cold, long and short.

Fleece is a must-have item. As well as at least one thermal shirt and warm socks.

Rainwear (raincoat or soft shell) is also an essential item.

A good and comfortable solution is detachable pants that can be used for hot and cold days.

Good Shoes are an item that is well worth investing in.

Norway is a destination for hiking and climbing , even if you do not plan to go hiking.

Sneakers will also ruin your legs and ruin themselves, or at the very least get very dirty. Invest in good walking shoes.

How to get around Norway?

The best way to travel around Norway is by car.

As mentioned, the Norway road trip I did was with a rental car, and I think this is the best way to travel around Norway , to reach all the little places in Norway and get lost among the roads in Norway that are some of the most beautiful in the world.

Car rental in Norway

The shorter your trip, the option of renting a car in another country (Sweden for example) becomes a waste of unnecessary time.

I always find great deals on car hire in Norway through Rentalcars.com .

I have had a good experience with this company for some time and through them, I ordered the car I rented in Norway for the whole road trip.

Examine carefully all the options available to you and remember one important guiding rule - time is also money .

‍ driving in Norway

In general, driving in Norway is quite comfortable and straightforward.

Most roads are in good to excellent condition - even roads that have steep ascents or descents - driving them is easy, as long as you drive slowly and carefully.

A few points about the roads in Norway:

*A large part of the driving roads in Norway, especially when moving away from the cities - are single-lane or two-way roads with limited visibility of vehicles coming from the other side.

*Sometimes you will find yourself stuck for long minutes after a slow vehicle with no possibility of overtaking or even find yourself as part of a convoy, accept it with understanding and patience , do not try to make dangerous detours.

*Many roads are very narrow - and still full of trucks or the most common vehicle in Norway - camper vans.

*You will encounter many situations where you will have to stop or slow down to let the vehicle on the other side pass. The keyword is patience.

Read More: How to Plan the ultimate Norway road trip

speed limit

The maximum driving speed in Norway is 110 kph , but on most roads in tourist areas, the speed limit is 60-80 kph .

Speed ​​cameras are mostly scattered on multi-lane roads near large cities (but not only).

Not sure how many are real and how many are fake cameras.

Many people go over the speed limit, and I have not seen a single police car on the whole trip, not even in Oslo.

Anyway, You need to act with discretion.

How to travel Norway on a budget?

Camping in norway:.

We bought a tent suitable for rain (with outer cover) a 3-4 seasons tent.

Sleeping bag - a sleeping bag suitable for 0 degrees in extreme cold and 5 degrees in the normal cold.

Sleeping pad - You can settle for a simple outdoor mattress if you travel to Norway in the summer.

It is recommended to bring mosquito repellent that has 20% or more of DEET because in Norway it's expensive.

Cook for yourself:

You don't need to eat outside in a restaurant every day in Norway, especially, because of the high prices. You can buy the groceries in the supermarket at reasonable prices and cook a meal for yourself .

It does not matter if you are cooking in a camping site or in the apartment where you staying.

For sure, this is a great way to travel in Norway on a budget.

For cooking, use a camping stove that is not located directly above the gas. I'm using the Kovea spider camping stove for 5 years, connects to the gas with a tube from the side, and stands on its legs like a spider. It's good for the wind.

We bought a small pot, a small frying pan, a set of sum, a good knife, a bowl, and spices.

Note that camping sites and Airbnb almost always have all the cooking equipment, so there is nothing to worry about and no need to bring too many dishes.

It's recommended to bring a thermos.

You can fill hot water in places like camping, Airbnb apartments, and even just a sink in the supermarket because the hot water there - is really hot.

The hot water can be used to cook easily, instead of trying to boil cold water.

The best apps for a trip to Norway:

YR app - Great for weather, especially within 24 hours ahead.

We used to know if it was worth sleeping outside or if it was worth doing hiking, etc.

Download: Appstore | Google play

UT.NO app - belongs to DNT (responsible for many trails and cabins).

Lists all the hiking trails and cabins of the organization in Norway.

Works with GPS and is very useful for navigating routes.

In addition, very useful for planning - you can see the length of the route, how much up / down there is in it, and the exact starting point.

Mattilbud app - shows specials that supermarkets have.

NorCamp app - Norway free camping map. mapping of camping sites in Norway, with photos and other characteristics of the place.

RuterBillett app - To travel by public transport in Oslo you need to use the app.

Download: Appstore | Google play ‍

How did I plan my trip to Norway?

This Norway road trip itinerary is based on the trip I made and the conclusions drawn during it.

I visited Norway in the summer in June, a circular Norway road trip from Oslo in a rented car.

This 2 week Norway itinerary also includes 3 of the most beautiful cities in Norway (Bergen, Stavanger, and Ålesund) and one-day hikes.

Most of the time I slept in my tent  in camping sites or in wild camping.

In the big cities like Bergen or Stavanger, I booked accommodations in advance.

My main guiding principle for building the Norway itinerary was to avoid driving too long in one day , partly because I am not interested in overloading in one day, and I always like to enjoy the road itself and make stops at beautiful spots along the way.

Travelers who share a car and have no problem driving over 3-4 hours a day - may consider faster progress.

Do not overload yourself! Leave plenty of space to enjoy the road itself, because every road in Norway is stunning and you will want to stop every 10 minutes to take pictures.

On my road trip to Norway, I chose to go to places that are not necessarily the most touristy. I wanted to experience the wild spots in Norway and the peaceful places.

You will find that the Norway road trip itinerary offered here is busy and far from allowing the extraction of everything - there may be places that you will have to give up due to shortness of time or weather conditions.

It's important to understand that the roads and driving in Norway are part of the trip , no less than the hiking trails or the various attractions because everything around is so beautiful. It's a shame not to enjoy the road.

Norway road trip itinerary: overview

Two weeks in Norway - the detailed itinerary

Day 0 - arrival in oslo.

Welcome to Norway - the land of the fjords!

Oslo has been the capital of Norway since 1814 and is home to the Norwegian Parliament and the Royal Family.

The city is located between the fjord of Oslo and thousands of dunams of forested mountains (Marka Forest). It's a green city in many ways.

The compact city center is accessible for walking or cycling and an efficient public transport system makes the city accessible even without a car.

The city center is small and can be exhausted in one day, which also means that if not everything is enough, it can be completed on the way back at the end of the trip.

Oslo highlights sites:

Oslo opera house - The building is located next to the harbor. Allows visitors to climb on the roof of the building and enjoy the view of Oslo and the fjord. The building itself has won design awards, hosts cultural performances in various fields, and offers guided tours .

Oslo Cathedral and Karl Johans Street - the main street in Oslo. Everything happens here. Shopping at luxury stores, festivals, and lots of vibrant nightlife.

The Royal Palace - The Royal Palace in Oslo is the official residence of the Norwegian royal family, and much ceremonial activity takes place here.

City Hall (Rådhuset) - is not an ordinary town hall. There are various art exhibitions here, a wall with beautiful paintings, and a spectacular view of the port of Oslo.

Akershus Fortress - The castle is located in the city center and was built in 1299 by King Håkon V. The fort stood under siege several times and served as the home of members of the royal family during the renaissance.

Akershus Castle is open all year round. In the summer, they have guided tours.

A little further from the city center but well worth a visit - the famous Vigelandsparken sculpture park - one of the most visited attractions in Norway with more than 200 bronze, granite, and iron sculptures.

Other attractions in Oslo: the Nobel Peace Center, the Munchmuseet, the Naturhistorisk museum, the Peanut Gardens, and the Viking Ship Museum.

Discover Oslo by guided tour

Rather than navigating by yourself, it can often be easier and more fun to join a tour.

You can join a walking tour or a bike tour that passes through the famous places in Oslo.

Where to stay in Oslo?

Oslo City Center Rooms - Located in Aker Brygge

I stayed there for one night, the perfect location, and the room was great.

After the flight and because it was my first day I preferred not to sleep in a tent so I booked this hotel in advance for one night and it was a good idea!

At to end of the day, we went to Angst bar .

A nice and cozy place to have a beer or a cocktail, a great atmosphere. Although the beer cost 10 euros! (Which is the average price of beer in Norway in bars) but it was worth it.

Day 1: Oslo - Suleskard

Distance: 320 km

Driving time: 5.5 hours

The first day of the road trip in Norway begins, and it is also perhaps the longest day in terms of driving.

This is a day whose main purpose is to divide the long road from Oslo to Stavanger.

I have been debating whether to drive it in one day all the way or partway.

I chose to drive to Stavanger in 2 days, and because of it, we got to see beautiful places along the way.

We knew we were planning to sleep and cook to ourselves along the road trip in Norway to save costs.

So we did some shopping before leaving Oslo at Rema 1000, the most affordable and cheap super.

It's better to do some shopping in the big cities like Oslo because both the prices are more favorable and there is a wider range of products.

We stocked up on everything we needed and started driving to Dalen.

Today highlights:

Heddal stave church - It's a 45-minute drive west of Oslo, near the town of Notodden. Heddal stave church considered the largest wooden church. Established in 1240.

Eidsborg Tjønn - A perfect place for a lunch break

We discovered this place on the way to Dalen, a pastoral and quiet place that is a must-stop or at least make a shortstop.

We were there all alone in infinite silence in the middle of the road, a perfect experience.

This is the beauty in Norway. There are so many beautiful places to stop .

I realized from the first day that you should enjoy the road itself and not necessarily the destination of that day.

Next stop: Dalen

Dalen is a small and beautiful village located in the heart of Telemark and surrounded by many mountains and nature.

To get an impression of the landscape and the village it's recommended to take a short walk to Rui Old farm .

To get to Rui, you have to climb up the steep valley side from the village Dalen.

The trail is challenging as you ascend over two hundred meters in one kilometer. However, your hard work is rewarded when you arrive at Rui and can enjoy the views and tranquility of the small, quaint farm.

After the walk, you will be impressed by the unique hotel in Dalen - A beautiful hotel that has made many Royal connections over its long history.

The historic hotel building is made of wood and painted mustard yellow and is somewhat reminiscent of a church of wooden boards.

The structure is one of the largest wooden structures in Norway.

Outside of the hotel, in the courtyard stand several vehicles that symbolize beautiful days in the history of the hotel, which was very popular among the upper class of Europe.

If you really want to upgrade your trip and have the money, you can book a night at the hotel and enjoy a special experience, if you are not staying at a hotel at least come and be impressed by it.

From Dalen, you will driving on a beautiful road to a tiny place in the middle of the road - Suleskard.

I spent the night at Suleskard Campground mountain center .

This is the only place there, a tiny place in the middle of nowhere and suitable for a night stop.

I like these hidden places along the way , places that are far from everything , with only a handful of tourists and people coming to these places. There's something special about that, in my opinion.

You can stay in one of the cabins or private rooms they offer.

We chose to do wild camping right next to the river.

We found a nice spot for camping and set up the tent for the night.

Day 2: Suleskard - kjerag Hike - Preikestolen Camping

distance: 37km

driving time: 1:10 hour + 1.5 hour ferry

Get up early in the morning because a wonderful day is waiting for you!

A spectacular drive during which you pass one of the most beautiful roads in Norway.

Lysefjord Norway road / Lysevegen road or fv500 is a Norway scenic road. The road is blocked in winter because of the huge amounts of snow that make it impossible to drive on it.

The road is only open during the summer and usually, the road is open for driving between May 20 and November 1 . The road reaches a height of 900 meters.

The mountain peaks on both sides of the road reach up to over 1000 meters, and you will almost always find them covered in snow.

This way, you get to one of the coolest attractions in Norway - Mount Kjerag .

Mount Kjerag rises to an altitude of 1084 meters above sea level and is the highest point in the Lysefjord in Norway. Here you can enjoy the spectacular view of the stuck rock Kjeragbolten and understand why the place is popular with mountain climbers and base jumpers.

Mount Kjerag is reached by a circular walk of 11 km for 5-7 hours (round trip).

The hike requires good physical fitness because the route includes a climb of 800 meters.

In some places, help with ropes is required, and climbing is considered demanding even among experienced climbers.

The hike starts in the parking lot at Øygardstøl. We recommend consulting a staff member there. For example, regarding the current weather conditions, the degree of the slipperiness of the trail, and more.

In any case, if you are unsure about the route or inexperienced, it is highly recommended to join a guided tour.

Once you have completed the hike you will drive towards the small town Lysebotn which is right on the edge of the fjord.

The drive to Lysebotn is a continuation of the winding and impressive road we came from (fv500). Which is a road that is in itself an amazing tourist attraction. 7.5 km containing 28 sharp turns .

You need to drive this road with special care, especially if it is raining and the road is wet.

The views on the way down are stunning until you reach the edge of the fjord and to Lysebotn.

It's very important to start this day early to make it to the ferry departing from Lysebotn at 15:30 towards the Preikestolen(Pulpit rock).

There are a few companies that make this cruise towards Lysebotn a few times a day.

Only 2-3 times a day the ferry leaves. So you should start the day early.

On this ferry, the number of vehicles is limited , and the ferry must be booked in advance .

Take into account the times you will have to get there by 15:30 of that day.

The ferry is a bit of an expensive if you are with a car but definitely an amazing experience .

When you get off the ferry, drive about 15 minutes to where you will stay today.

Where to stay near pulpit rock?

Preikestolen Camping - Camping close to the Pulpit rock to start the hike early in the morning.

This campsite is one of the most organized campsites I have ever been to.

They have A large area that is suitable for caravans and tents.

The Cost is 220 NOK for a car + tent or caravan.

As a rule for all the famous hikes in Norway - It's advisable to start early as possible.

Take the time to enjoy the way and the hike and avoid the congestion of tourists who start later, especially in a popular attraction like Pulpit Rock.

Day 3: Hiking Preikestolen & arrive to Stavanger

distance: 39km

driving time: 45 minutes

Get up early in the morning to see one of the most famous attractions in Norway .

The Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) is considered by many to be the highlight of the trip in Norway .

The hike is a 3-hour (an hour and a half in each direction) and at least an hour of staying on the cliff.

It's crowded with tourists , but not for nothing.

Pay attention : the hike is considered easy compared to Norway, but still is entirely an ascent that is sometimes steep.

The publications on the Norwegian sites may give a false impression that this is a super-light hike that suits everyone.

Anyone that has a problem with the leg or the back, takes this into account.

hiking pulpit rock

Preikestolen(Pulpit Rock) is one of the most spectacular cliffs in Norway and is considered one of the most popular tourist sites in the country. 

An amazing hike.

The hike itself starts from a dirt path that exits the road at the entrance of the resort village (there is a lot of signage in the place and there is no chance of getting confused).

The hike starts with a fairly steep and slippery ascent from the rain that falls quite often.

At the end of the ascent, you can see the amazing view of the fjord from which you ascend, we took advantage of the view for a coffee break.

The trail is very well marked. anyway, most of the time there are a lot of people walking on the trail so the chances of making a mistake are nil.

The trail continues to pass through lakes, forests, and surprises time and time again with the amazing view that unfolds from it.

Finally, after about 1.5-2 hours of hiking, you reach the Preikestolen cliff.

The way back is from the same trail/ascent up the mountain and down a trail that is connected after about 2 km to the trail.

Some tips for hiking the pulpit rock:

*The trip is one day hike, so there is no need to take a lot of equipment - water, some food, and coffee are enough.

*As mentioned, Start the hike early in the morning - fewer people, and the weather is usually better in the morning.

*The weather in Norway is changeable - you should check the forecast before arriving in the area. You can check in the yr app.

After the hike, drive to Stavanger.

The drive is about 35 minutes, so you can enjoy an almost full day in Stavanger.

What to do in Stavanger?

Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway.

The center of Stavanger is quite compact and from there you can access the variety of attractions quite easily.

Gamle Stavanger Gorway has a little less than 200 wooden houses, and they are considered to be the best preserved in Europe.

You can diversify your walk in the city at some of the city's many museums such as the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, the Stavanger Museum of Art, and the Norwegian Canning Museum.

The Old Stavanger is located on the western side of Vågen and has 173 18th-century wooden structures. Most of them are small, white cottages.

Stavanger has won several awards for its efforts to preserve the ancient part of the city, and the place is considered to be the most preserved in Europe.

Today Old Stavanger is a popular residential area with many galleries and boutique shops for handicrafts. This part of the city houses the Canning Museum and the Maritime Museum.

Guided tour walk in Stavanger

Stavanger has so much to see, and the most beautiful and best way is to discover the city on foot.

Join one of the offered guided tours (link to an organized tour) in the city center and enjoy the charm of the old town, the cobbled streets, and the small wooden houses.

The ups and downs in Stavanger will reveal to you the secrets of the city.

More than you can learn about the days of the herring canning industry and how the city developed over time and became the oil capital it is today.

On the tour, you will get to know some of the familiar symbols that have influenced the standard of living of today.

The tour passes through the Valberg Tower - which was formerly used as a guard tower, and the famous colorful street with cozy cafes and restaurants.

The walk continues to Market Square and the 12th-century Stavanger Cathedral.

Visit Solastranda beach

If you have sunny and clear weather, you could take advantage of the time in Stavanger after you have wandered around the city a bit, and visit one of the beaches that are near Stavanger - Solastranda beach.

Norway has so much to offer. Amazing roads and great hikes and also beautiful beaches, although the water temperature is very cold (It's still Norway) but in summer you can definitely enjoy the beautiful beaches of Norway.

Where to stay in Stavanger?

Stavanger Bed & Breakfast -  simple and cheap accommodation in a good location with a cozy living room and a balcony. 

The beautiful Verven 2A -  Beautiful apartment in a nice neighborhood just outside of the centrum.

Mosvangen Camping Stavanger -  Camping site next to a lake and near town (about 20 minutes walking).

Read More: 10 free things to do in Stavanger

Day 4:  Stavanger - Odda

Distance: 192 km

Travel time: 3:40 hours

Start the drive on e39 Road and then continue to e134 Road.

On the way to Odda, and in the town, there is plenty to see and do.

there are several beautiful waterfalls on the way, including -Låtefossen and Tjørnadalsfossen.

The recommended waterfall (a must-see) - is the huge Låtefossen.

For wooden church lovers - you can also pass by the Røldal stave church .

Both Odda itself and Tyssedal are beautiful villages where you can spend a few hours and have lunch.

You can find out about the visitor center in Odda and get several long or short routes in the area in the Folgefonna Nature Reserve.

Tip: Lilletopp - a beautiful viewpoint, the short hike starts from the lowest parking lot of Trolltunga (P1) in Tyssedal.

It's about an hour hike, but in fact, you can reach the starting point on foot from anywhere in the village.

Lilletopp is considered a light substitute for Trolltunga, is suitable for everyone, especially in the evening when the place is quiet and empty of tourists.

Highly recommended even if you plan to hike the Trolltunga.

From Odda, you can start one of the most beautiful hikes in Europe and perhaps among the most beautiful in the world - the Trolltunga hike .

I wanted to make the most of the hike to create the perfect experience. Therefore, I chose to hike the Trolltunga in a slightly different way.

Important information for the Trolltunga hike:

Usually, most people do the Trolltunga hike as a one-day hike.

Get up early in the morning and start the hike that takes 10-12 hours round trip.

I decided to split the hike into two days.

What does it mean?

Start hiking the Trolltunga at 2pm, set up a tent for the night, and camp near Trolltunga .

This way, we also spent more time in this beautiful place and also avoided the tourist load because once all the people finished the hike and came back, we had the Trolltunga to ourselves as much as we wanted.

It should be understood that when traveling in June and July , the big advantage is that there are light almost 24 hours a day!

So you can take advantage of this fact and go hiking even in the hours when we are not used to them like in the afternoon or evening.

In retrospect, it was the best decision I made, and I'm so happy about it.

For those who want to hike the Trolltunga in one day, stay overnight in Odda or Tyssedal, and the next morning start the hike as early as possible (6am).

Read more: The ultimate guide for hiking the Trolltunga ‍

Day 5: Hiking Trolltunga [one of the Norway best hikes]

For those who choose to do the hike in one day, try to start the hike as early as possible (not after 6 in the morning), so you can enjoy the way itself with less hustle, and bustle.

For those who prefer a guided tour, there are several options. There is also a guided tour to Trolltunga in two days, just like I did independently.

They take care of everything, food, tents, sleeping bags and you do not even have to carry anything.

It's highly recommended - for anyone who wants to experience the hike in the best way!

What is the Trolltunga hike?

"Trolltunga" is one of the most recognizable and iconic hikes Norway has to offer.

This is a long hike of a whole day - a very early departure in the morning, a challenging hike that is not suitable for everyone.

Most hikers start the route by parking at (P2 - Skjeggedal) - from there the hike is an 8-12 hours (round trip).

You can park there, but it is also better to take a bus because parking is very expensive.

For those who are interested, It's possible to shorten the time and save a significant part of the difficult ascent of the start by ordering another bus (more expensive).

From the lower parking lot (P2) to the upper parking lot (P3) at Mågelitopp.

Save you about an hour and a half to two hours from the hike.

All buses to Trolltunga are recommended to be booked in advance .

You will probably be tired and happy after you finish this beautiful hike, so come back to Odda for another night before continuing to one of the most beautiful cities in Europe - Bergen.

Day 6: Odda - Bergen

Distance: 193 km

Driving time: 3 hours

Drive from Odda to Husedalen Valley and Vøringfossen waterfall.

From there you can reach the waterfall trail in the Husedalen Valley.

This is an amazing one-way route in a valley along which are 4 waterfalls.

Most of the route is uphill (of course) but it is not too difficult and can be done back and forth at any stage if you feel tired or exhausted.

Some hikers settle for 2 waterfalls.

The second waterfall on the Nyastølfossen road is the most impressive to me, so you can be content with walking up to it, but it is definitely recommended to see them all.

The full hike takes 5-6 hours (round trip).

Before continuing to Bergen, it's recommended to make a stop in another spectacular waterfall - Vøringfossen.

From there you can drive to Bergen for 2 nights in the city.

Read more: The Complete Guide to Bergen

Day 7: Bergen

A full day in Bergen - the second-largest city in Norway.

Bergen City-center sites include Bryggen Pier and the Fish Market.

The most famous and popular viewpoint in Bergen is the Fløyen (arriving by bus or on foot).

From there you can also go hiking in the mountains that surround Bergen. The city has a number of interesting museums, good restaurants and is a major destination for attractions and sailing in the fjords.

Where to eat in Bergen?

Kafé Special - a place visited mainly by locals and students at the University of Bergen.

A wide variety of satisfying food and beers at relatively reasonable prices.

It is important to know that the weather in Bergen is expected to be gloomy and rainy (about 300 rainy days a year), although the sun's rays can sometimes be surprising.

Read more: How to Spend 2 Days in Bergen

Day 8: Bergen - Flåm - Aurlandsvangen

Distance: 175km

Driving time: 2:40 hrs

Drive in the morning from Bergen in the direction of Flåm.

On the way, you can stop at the shores of Lake Seimsvatnet - a beautiful spot for a coffee.

Everywhere in Norway, there is stunning scenery, and this is no exception! Beautiful lake - one of many! There's too much to see in this country that leaves you speechless. Perfect place to stop.

When you get to the area, there are options for sailing on the Nærøyfjorden from one of the villages (Gudvangen or Flåm).

One of the most popular attractions in the area is Norway in a nutshell (I didn't do it).

Tip: The village of Aurlandsvangen is the most beautiful in the area in my opinion.

There are far fewer tourists here than the busy Flåm. A quiet and stunning place located on the fjord.

You can also rent a kayak and paddle in the fjord.

You can go up to the Stegastein viewpoint (a road that goes up from Aurlandsvangen).

Close to Stegastein viewpoint hides a short and beautiful hike (Mt. Prest) that not many know about. I could not find much information about this hike.

The Mont Prest hike is a 1.5-2 hours.

The hike is not particularly difficult but has a stunning view overlooking Aurlandsvangen and the insane fjord.

a once in a lifetime view.

There is a great sense of accomplishment to reach the summit - a guest book will await you with the names of other hikers who have made the hike. You can write down your name and be a part of the people who made it.

Where to stay in Aurland?

As mentioned, I recommend not sleeping in the super touristy Flåm but whistling to stay in Aurlandsvangen, a small and charming village with a stunning and pastoral view.

Lunde Camping - I stayed to sleep in a super nice placeThere is a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and the flowing river.

The campsite offers accommodation cabins and places to camp with a tent or caravans.

Day 9: Aurland- Loen

distance: 206 km

driving time: 4:10 hrs

Drive from Aurland towards Lærdalsøyri via one of the most beautiful roads in Norway.

There are 2 ways to get from Aurland to Lærdalsøyri:

Lærdal Tunnel (e16 road)  - a road that is basically a long tunnel all the way, One of the biggest tunnels in Norway.

Admittedly it shortens the road but whoever chooses this road misses all the spectacular scenery in the area!

Aurlandsfjellet (The Snow Road) - It's a beautiful mountain pass with superb views. After seeing the fantastic Stegastein lookout, I recommend heading to this national tourist road if you drive to Loen, avoiding the Aurland tunnel.

The Aurlandsfjellet road, especially at the beginning of the road, is narrow and a bit winding.

If you start early, you have the advantage of not crossing by car or bus! with lovely views of distant lakes and glaciers. For sure, one of the most beautiful roads in Norway!

Read More: 8 most scenic routes in norway

After you have finished the scenic road and a little after Lærdalsøyri, take the ferry from Fodnes to Mannheller - and drive to Loen. Again, a beautiful Norway road.

Recommendation for a stop on the way: The village Fjærland - a beautiful and quiet village in a spectacular location.

The village has a section of books scattered throughout the village.

Arrive by yourself and understand (you have to continue inside to get to the village itself, aim for Mundal).

For those who are interested, at the entrance to the village, on the road - there is also the Glacier Museum. Also down the road, you can stop for a few minutes at the Bøyabreen Glacier.

The Loen area with the stunning Lake Lovatnet, the glaciers, and the triangle of settlements. Loen, Olden and Stryn are some of the most beautiful and possibilities-laden areas in Norway, so I spent two days in this area.

I have listed some of the recommended options for the next day - but they are relevant for two days and can be divided as needed.

Where to stay in Loen?

Helset Camping - A great campsite in a perfect location right on the shores of the beautiful Lovatnet Lake.

Day 10 - Loen area: Lodalen Valley & glaciers

Loen has several hiking trails.

One of the better-known hikes is Mount Skåla - the highest mountain next to a fjord in Norway.

The hike is suitable for those who are in good shape!

It's a one-way hike that takes around 8 hours (round trip) and provides the most impressive view of the area.

The hike starts from Tjugen in Loen.

Hiking Mount Skåla

We chose to hike Mount Skåla because of the challenging climb. The summit of Mount Skåla is at an altitude of 1800 meters.

This is the steepest and highest continuous climb in Norway. The highest peak in Norway rises to about 2500 meters.

However, The hike to it is not made with one continuous ascent.

While this is a modest peak in alpine terms. The prevailing conditions in Norway, the weather conditions like temperature, winds, snow - are equal to those found in much higher alpine peaks.

Very important: Check the weather in the yr app before hiking Mount Skåla. You want to hike on a clear day so you can enjoy the insane view at the top.

Several options for simple routes:

The most popular - is Mount Hoven . You can take the Loen Skylift .

There is a restaurant on the summit and several hikes that you can do from there. The cable car climbs 1,011 meters (3,317 ft) to the top of Mount Hoven.

Loen Skylift costs 450 NOK(roundtrip) for an adult.

Lake Lovatnet is one of the most beautiful lakes in Norway!

You can sail on it, fish in it, just relax on the beach or rent a bike.

There are also some trails around it. Some really easy and beautiful ones come out of a small parking lot just before the entrance to the toll road of the Kjenndalsbreen Glacier.

Even if you do not intend to do a particular route or attraction - a ride along the lake is spectacular.

It is also the central glacier area of ​​Jostedalsbreen National Park.

It is highly recommended to visit at least one of the glaciers - Briksdalsbre and Kjenndalsbreen.

Even if you do not want to climb a glacier, a visit is a must experience.

I was actually impressed by the slightly less touristy glacier - Kjenndalsbreen - (less of the glacier itself, more of its surroundings and location, surrounded by mountains and waterfalls from every direction).

The villages - Loen -Olden -Stryn - are all nice, beautiful, and good for rest and equipment.

Stryn - is the largest and has a selection of places to eat/drink/buy.

Day 11: Loen - Geiranger - Urke

distance: 140 km

driving time: 2.5 hrs + 1.5 hrs ferry

Start the morning by driving towards Geiranger - located on the most famous fjord in Norway and in the world!

The road itself is a very beautiful road. the main attraction is the Dalsnibba utsiktspunkt viewpoint - which overlooks the fjord from an altitude of 1500 meters. The drive involves a toll road.

On the way, there is the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint - which allows you to be photographed on a rock that is from a tongue against the background of the fjord (this is an alternative for the lazy people to the iconic image that can be photographed in Troltunga).

From there continue downhill to the village of Geiranger.

Before reaching the center of the village, you should aim for parking near the restaurant - Vesterås, from where there are several short and easy routes that provide views of the fjord.

Then continue to a clichéd tourist pastime that includes cafes, souvenir shops, and a tour up the waterfall trail (Fossevandring).

The village is also the starting point for a cruise in the fjord, which also allows viewing of the Seven Sisters Falls.

You can book cruises and attractions in the place, expect queues and a large crowd of visitors, this is a small village but not very quiet.

The best viewpoint on the fjord is the Ørnesvingen.

This point is naturally crowded with tourists, but can be avoided - there is a path above the lookout point that leads to an even better lookout and the Gjerdefossen waterfall.

Those looking for slightly longer walks in the fjord area can find a number of suggestions here.

I suggest not staying to sleep in Geiranger is crowded with tourists and especially groups who get there from the cruises, for me, it was too much.

In Norway no matter where you choose to be - everything is just amazing.

After the touristy Geiranger, it's recommended to get out of the worn area of ​​the tourists and visit the charming and non-touristy towns Urke and Oye.

To get there you can take a cruise on the famous fjord by ferry that will take you to Hellesylt.

The cruise lasts about an hour during which you will cross the most famous fjord in the world.

The cruise is expensive! But how many more times in your life have you sailed on a fjord in Norway in one of the most beautiful places in the world? think about it.

Even when I was traveling Norway on a budget I did not want to miss the sailing experience in this amazing fjord.

It is important to book tickets in advance for this ferries as it is very popular and intended for tourists.

When you get to Hellesylt there is a drive on an amazingly scenic road through the Sunnmøre Alps that will bring you to these towns.

As soon as you arrive you will feel how pristine and beautiful this area is, for some reason these places are not on the tourist route and for me that is a great fact.

Visiting the most beauitful towns in Sunnmørsalpene

Urke and Øye are two magical towns located in the Sunnmørsalpene (Sunnmøre Alps), and not far from the famous town Alesund.

These are places that are usually not on the tourist route and you will find more locals here than tourists.

Wherever you are in Norway, each place is more beautiful than the other and so are these towns.

Although these towns are tiny, there are lots of things to do.

They are located on the fjord that you can swim there, and there is even a jump into the fjord for the braves one. I jumped from there to the cold water of the fjord, and it was so cool and refreshing!

Urke is the larger of the two towns (relatively), and in Øye, you will find a well-kept and stunning luxury hotel for those who have the budget.

If you want to experience an area of ​​incredible beauty with far fewer tourists, you should spend a night in this magical place.

I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

The best hiking trail is a climb to Mt. Saksa - a steep and not easy climb to the top of the mountain - from which there is a spectacular view of the Alps and the fjords.

The route leaves the village of Urke and takes a total of (round trip) about 6 hours.

Where to stay?

Oye Hotel - If you are interested in a slightly more prestigious place and you have the right budget you can check out the hotel which is in Oye a particularly impressive hotel that is in the most pastoral place there is. Just an experience.

Urke camping - nice campsite in Urke with beutiful view over the fjord

Do a Wild camping!

I spent the night in wild camping at a very beautiful spot I found on the lakeshore .

There are so many beautiful places to wild camping in Norway.

Day 12: Urke - Alesund

distance: 57 km

driving time: 2.30 hrs

Drive from Urke to Stranda - A scenic road on the edge of the Alps (Sunnmørsalpene) that provides spectacular views and then take the ferry to Alesund via -Aure.

Those who are interested in a short walking trail - can aim for Brunstadsætra near the village of Velledalen.

This is a light and almost secret 45-minute hike to a nice viewpoint and lawns.

Visiting Alesund

Alesund - a place where spectacular architecture meets the views of the fjords.

Alesund has a turbulent Viking past, an abundance of juicy seafood, and breathtaking views.

Surrounded by turquoise fjords, the town of Alesund sits above a series of small islands with exceptional views of the archipelago and the Atlantic Ocean.

Behind the city rise steep mountains, highlighting the snow-capped mountain peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps.

Alesund could easily be the perfect backdrop for a Nordic fairy tale with a modern twist.

What to do in Alesund?

A walk around the beautiful city center is a must for anyone who comes to Alesund.

The best viewpoint over the city is Aksla. It can be reached on foot via the 418-step exit from the municipal park through other observation points (those interested can also drive to the observation point directly by car).

The most popular place for selfies is halfway to a glass-coated lookout point that looks like it is floating in the air.

The highest viewpoint offers panoramic views of the archipelago, and the alpine landscapes surrounding Sunnmørsalpene.

In addition, it's possible to reach the remote parts of the city along the coast, by visiting the neighboring islands (connected by tunnels and bridges) or by visiting the interesting museums of the city or the underwater observatory.

You will spend the night in the charming town - Alesund.

Where to stay in Alesund?

Aalesund City Apartment - Modern place in a perfect location. Great place to stay for a short or a long time.

Ålesund Downtown Loft - at the heart of the city. Rooms with shared bathroom.

Volsdalen Camping - quite camping site, 30 min walk from Alesund

Day 13: Alesund - Trollstigen - Åndalsnes

Distance: 138 km

Driving time: 2:45 hrs

Drive from Alesund towards Valldalen (do not go directly to the troll road because the navigation will lead you on the short road which is not the full troll road) - from there continue towards the Trollstigen Center.

You can walk a few minutes to the famous lookout point on the winding road up the mountain.

Those interested have a number of additional and longer routes that depart from the visitor center, including lakes in the area and higher vantage points.

For those who are really interested, you can also get off the trolls toad on foot.

For those who don't - continue down the road towards Åndalsnes (with a variety of stops along the way).

Åndalsnes is beautiful and surrounded by mountains. Stop at the visitor center (Norsk Tindesenter) to hear what is happening in the area and to get information about routes in the area and especially to get information and book a ticket for the bus for the next day's hike.

For those who do not intend to go on the hike and move on - you can see some of the alternatives offer that I will detail below.

Accommodation: Åndalsnes

Day 14: hiking Romsdalseggen Ridge

Romsdalseggen Ridge is without a doubt - one of the most beautiful hikes in Norway.

A bus must be booked in advance the day before, which will take you to the starting point.

The buses leave the visitor center - one at 8:30 and one at 9:30.

The hike is considered medium difficulty and takes around 8 hours.

Recommendation for a place to eat after the hike:

The Sødahlhuset café in Andalsens is one of the most successful and delicious places I have eaten in Norway.

Delicious and special dishes and very vegan friendly too.

The prices are not cheap at all, but after a grueling day of walking - you have honestly earned it.

The cafe is a 5-minute walk down the street from the endpoint of the hike.

Shortcuts: If you do not want to do the full hike, or if the weather does not allow you, you can climb from Åndalsnes to Rampestreken - A beautiful viewpoint point that is part of the hike

The one-way hike takes about an hour-and-a-half of a very steep ascent, but not a long one, and is very worthwhile.

Another trail that is considered a substitute is the Litlefjellet - A easy hike for everyone that lasts only an hour (round trip) and provides a beautiful view of the area through the trolls.

To get to the starting point of Litlefjellet, navigate at Google Maps to Vengedalen parking.

Day 15: Åndalsnes - Lillehammer - Redalen

distance: 290 km

Driving time: 4 hrs

On this day, we start the road back south towards Oslo.

Drive in the morning to Hjerkinn - a town located at the junction of 6 large nature reserves, the main one being - Dovrefjell - Sunndalsfjella.

The nature reserves cover a huge area and allow for many multi-day trips.

For shorter and easier trails it is worth getting to Kongsvoll (some of the routes leave from the car station and some leave on the other side of the road, near the hotel).

You can see a map of the routes here.

If you are lucky, you will meet musk ox that infest all reserves.

I was lucky and saw a number of musk ox, one lonely and big one that was really close to the entrance to the reserve and another whole family of musk ox, something like 5-6 of them in different sizes that were further away from me but still in a range that can be seen.

It was a tremendous experience to see these strange animals.

Beyond the musk ox, the reserve itself is stunning in its beauty and the feeling there as if you are in a different area, vast open spaces, and a different landscape than what I was used to seeing in the western fjords of ​​Norway.

Interesting fact: Musk ox became extinct in Norway and only in recent years were imported from Russia to reproduce there.

Another point for exiting the tracks is from the Snøhetta car park.

The ascent to the Snøhetta lookout point is moderate and very light and suitable for everyone.

From there you can also continue to other routes - including a route to the summit of Mount Snøhetta on a route that takes a total of around 7 hours (round trip) and is not particularly difficult.

The landscapes in the area are beautiful and special (very different from those in the fjords area).

In any case, do not miss at least one short route.

After visiting the Dovrefjell Nature Reserve and you may have seen the cool Musk ox, continue driving towards Lillehammer

Lillehammer has a large selection of places to eat and drink and is a good stop for a refreshing rest.

What else to see and do in Lillehammer?

The main attraction in Lillehammer is the Olympic Park and the ski jump of the Winter Olympics - Lysgårdsbakkene - can be reached by cable car for a fee or on foot for free.

The Lillehammer Kunstmuseum is very successful.

The main street - Storgata is a beautiful and pleasant street that is suitable to return to for a civic revision.

The Maihaugen Museum is the largest open-air museum outside Oslo and displays life in Norway at different times.

where to stay?

I didn't find anything special in Lillehammer.

For me, it was a bit boring so I did not stay to sleep there and chose to stay in Redalen about half an hour drive from Lillehammer, a lovely little place with a lakeside campsite.

Sveastranda Camping - Great campsite with a lot of space and beautiful view, right on the lakeside. one of the best camping sites I have stayed during my road trip in Norway.

Day 16: Redalen - Oslo

distance: 161 km

Driving time: 1:50 hrs

That's it, the last day of the Norway road trip has arrived.

A two-hour drive will take you to Oslo, returning the rental car and flying back home.

If you have time until your flight, you can walk around Oslo and see some of the things you did not get to see on the first day in Oslo.

Norway road trip itinerary: summary

Do you have more than two weeks in Norway? Excellent!

You can add the Jotunheimen national park and Besseggen ridge hike to your Norway itinerary.

Hiking Besseggen ridge

Besseggen ridge is one of the most popular hikes in Norway.

In good weather, this is not a very difficult hike compared to other routes in Norway (in my opinion).

The hike starts with an ascent that lasts 1.5-2 hrs and continues with a relatively straight and simple walk with 2 steep and difficult but short sections - and at the end of descent that if done carefully there is no reason to fear it.

However, in rainy weather, the hike becomes much more challenging due to the fact that it includes an ascent (and especially a descent) on smooth rocks near the abyss.

The hike starts from Gjendesheim cabin - from there take a ferry to Memurubu and walk all the way back (it is also possible to do a reverse route, but the ferries in the other direction are more limited, so it is not recommended).

The Besseggen ridge hike takes 6-8 hours.

Tip: Don't do the hike in the morning, go out at noon.

This way you will not have to book the boat in advance and you will enjoy fewer hikers.

Remember that the sun sets late and never darkens (during the summer)

Booking the boat in advance is recommended at the peak of the season on weekends and it is best to do it at the earliest the day before departure, after finding out that the weather is suitable.

Booking the boat is through the website only. The boat includes a transfer from the main parking lot to the Gjendesheim cabin.

The Jotunheimen national park has many options for additional and easier routes.

Planning to travel for 3 weeks in Norway? Even better!

You can use my Norway itinerary in the same way as it passes through the most beautiful places in Norway.  

With 3 weeks in Norway, you will be able to travel in a much more relaxed and fun way!

If you are traveling Norway on a budget and afraid that 3 weeks in Norway is a big expense, remember that if you do not pay for accommodation (wild camping in Norway is free) or pay a small amount (in tidy camping), buy groceries in the supermarket, cook your own food instead of eating out, you can save a lot of money!

The 3 week Norway itinerary will remain on the same skeleton and the same places but with much more freedom of action and will look like this:

Oslo (2 nights)

Dalen (1 night)

Stavanger (2 nights)

Odda (2 nights)

Bergen (2 nights)

Aurland (2 nights)

Loen (2 nights)

Urke & Oye: Sunnmøre Alps (2 nights)

Alesund (1 night)

Åndalsnes (1 night)

Dombås (1 night)

Jotunheimen National Park (1 night)

Lillehammer/Redalen (1 night)

14 important tips for Norway road trip

1/ Book flights as far in advance as possible! Saves a lot of money.

I booked my flights to Norway 6 months in advance and paid $40 for a flight instead of $250 if I had booked two weeks in advance.

2/ Cook for yourself! Restaurants in Norway are outrageously expensive! Bring from home a good frying pan, small pot, cooking utensils, and spices.

You can make amazing things from products at the supermarket!

3/ Norway has a law that says you can camp and set up a tent anywhere in the country as long as it is 150 meters away from a private area .

This fact therefore greatly reduces the cost of a trip to Norway .

I slept almost every night in a tent so I was able to afford to travel a month in Norway at a relatively cheap price in one of the most expensive countries in the world.

4/ REMA 1000. My home in Norway, has a strong WiFi source, relatively cheap toilets, and food.

5/ Must download a navigation app. I recommend the Maps Me app. There is also the OSMOND.

Both are free and do not require internet, You need to download the maps on wifi.

6/ Those who are interested in buying a SIM card in Norway in order to enable internet and calls, it can help with all sorts of dilemmas along the way and it is also relatively inexpensive.

You can do this in a lot of stores. Usually like kiosks.

Ask them about the details of the package you are looking for and they will be happy to help you.

Almost all Norwegians speak fluent English by the way so the matter of communication is very easy.

7/ If you choose to sleep in a tent, look for signs along the way that point to a viewpoint or painting of a tree and bench, where there is usually a good place to sleep and park the car and often also relatively clean chemical toilets.

8/ In Norway, there are tourist center branches in almost every city that always help and also provide WiFi and services.

Do not hesitate to use them. They are marked with the letter i.

9/ There are campsites and cabin sites that do not appear on the booking site and booking sites.

Find them on a Google map, on the "visit Norway" website, and contact us directly (possibly by email) so that they can reserve a place for you.

If you received an answer that the place is reserved for you, you can be sure that it can be trusted.

10/ Some supermarkets have a restaurant.

The menu is regular and includes a hamburger, fish & fries, or a bun with sausage.

Sometimes this is the only way to eat hot food without cooking and the price is reasonable.

11/ Hiking poles may help with walking routes. Come to Norway with good shoes that dry quickly, hold the footwell and absorb shocks.

Even if you are one of those who only walk on lite trails - there are sometimes muddy, slippery, or rocky trails.

12/ Norway's weather app - yr - is the best and you should download it to your phone.

I use yr on other trips as well.

And yet it happened that we were surprised by a heavier rain than expected or that I did not read the nuances in the specification of the forecast.

This domineering weather is part of the experience.

It happens that there are painful compromises because of him.

Every trip to Norway has an "important" day that the weather ruins.

According to traveler reports, this is happening to everyone.

Before trekking or before deciding to travel to another area, it is highly advisable to look at the weather and make sure it is reasonable, otherwise, a whole plan could be ruined.

13/ Although we traveled in a car and will probably travel that way if I will come back to Norway in the future (and will return for sure), it is worth considering the possibility of a trip in a campervan.

It is difficult to estimate the pace of the trip and the weather.

The advantage is a campervan allows flexibility and it gives you home even on rainy days when it is difficult to set up a tent or cook outside.

The difficulty is mainly in driving on narrow roads.

14/ During the winter, when some roads are closed to traffic , Google's maps are updated accordingly, making it difficult to estimate road distances and travel times.

For example, if you are taking advantage of winter to prepare for your summer trip, and want to check out the beautiful scenic routes, Google will only show you the highway , unless you fill in filters a date of summer , and then it will show you the roads that open in Norway during the summer.

Thanks for reading my Norway road trip itinerary!

It's been a long blog post, so if you've gotten this far, thank you so much for reading my Norway two week itinerary.

Hopefully, you enjoy this beautiful country, and this Norway travel guide will help you plan your trip in the best way!

My Travel Resources

Here are some websites I use whenever preparing for my next journey anywhere around the world.

• Book affordable flights on Skyscanner , a great website that show the best routes and flight deals to your destination.
• Find a budget-friendly deal on all sorts of accommodation types on Booking.com .
• Buy the most flexible and budget-friendly travel insurance at SafteyWing .
• Check the best tours in Norway to maximize your trip.

Read My Other Blogs:

How to plan the ultimate norway road trip

2 days in bergen norway

8 most scenic routes in norway

5 day barcelona itinerary: the perfect guide

3 Day Madrid Itinerary

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2 weeks in sicily: the perfect sicily road trip

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scotland road trip Itinerary for 14 days

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Home >  Destinations  >  Norway

Norway road trip: The ultimate 7-day itinerary

Planning a Norway road trip? Lucky you. There is probably no country with more natural wonders than Norway. Since most of them are located far from the bigger cities a road trip is definitely the best way to experience them. This ultimate 7 day Norway road trip itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors, as it takes you through some of the most scenic destinations in Norway – like Aurland, Bergen, Ålesund, Geiranger, Trollstigen and Lovatnet.

Table of content

Norway road trip preparation

Accommodation in norway, car rental in norway.

Best season for road trip

Norway road trip map

Road trip itinerary

No time to read now?

Save it to Pinterest to read it later.

Driving in Norway is an amazing experience. The dramatic landscape filled with misty mountains, cute valleys, and deep fjords leaves anyone jaw-dropping. But in a country with more than 2 million sheep, and probably as many mountains to drive up and down from, you won’t be able to drive faster than 70 km/h. Take your time, plan accordingly, and don’t forget to make time for stops to admire the views – you will need it.

➳ Read more: Things to know before visiting Norway

When doing a Norway road trip it’s essential to have your own car, as the public transport options will only take you between the bigger cities. There are several car rentals around Norway, most of them located near the airport in Oslo.

I recommend to rent a car in Norway through Discover Cars . They compare car rental prices, offer free cancellation and 24/7 support.

There are several ways you can spend the night while on a road trip in Norway. On this road trip, we stayed at hotels, bed and breakfasts, and cabins, but we have also tried camping in the car. If you want to stay at hotels or bed and breakfasts, make sure to book far in advance. Norway is popular during summer, and many accommodations get filled up quickly.

➳ Read more: See all hotel options in Norway

Best season for a road trip in Norway

Although Norway is beautiful all year round, I wouldn’t do a road trip in this country during the winter. The roads are small and you have to drive up and down steep roads. The best season for a road trip in Norway would be June to September. We did this one in the middle of July, and it was perfect timing. Just remember that the weather can be unpredictable during the summer too – it can switch from sunny to rainy in no time.

This Norway road trip takes you through some of the most scenic destinations in Norway. Note that this road trip is a bit hectic. You will spend approximately 4-8 hours in the car per day (lunch included). Add a few days to your road trip itinerary if you want to stay longer in some places, do a hike, or take a detour.

This Google map points out all the locations included in this road trip ⤵

Norwegian Scenic Routes

In Norway, they have something called the Norwegian scenic routes , or national tourist routes. These are 18 selected roads that run through landscapes with unique natural qualities. This 7-day road trip itinerary takes you to two of them: Atlantic Ocean Road and Trollstigen to Geiranger.

7-day Norway road trip itinerary

This Norwegian road trip route includes the following destinations:

• Day 1: Oslo
• Day 2: Oslo to Bergen
• Day 3: Bergen to Ålesund
• Day 4: Atlantic Ocean Road and Åndalsnes
• Day 5: Trollstigen and Geiranger
• Day 6: Oppstrynsvatnet, Loen, Lovatnet
• Day 7: Hemsedal and back to Oslo

Day 1: Arrival in Oslo

Depending on your arrival time, spend your first day exploring Oslo and picking up your car. Maybe even go grocery shopping so that you have everything you need for tomorrow’s drive. It’s not recommended to start driving on day one – you have a lot of driving to do the next day, so take this time to enjoy Oslo. I suggest you visit the popular Oslo Opera House, take a walk along Karl Johans gate, and end your day at one of the many restaurants at Aker Brygge while looking at the trendy buildings and enjoying the stunning view over the Oslofjord.

Don’t miss Aker brygge while in Oslo. Olivia’s at Aker Brygge has amazing pasta and pizza!

Get your tours & tickets

Day 2: from oslo to bergen via flåm and aurlandsfjord.

Today’s drive: 7,5-8 hours

Start your day early and set the GPS on Aurlandsfjord . While on your way out of Oslo I recommend you to drive to Holmenkollen , the ski recreation area 588 meters above sea level just west of Oslo. From here you have a fantastic view of Oslo.

Continue north-west to the Aurlandsfjord . Just before you reach Aurlandsfjord you will drive through the Lærdal Tunnel, Norway’s longest road tunnel at 24,51 kilometers. Maybe not a natural wonder, but still a really cool experience.

The incredible Aurlandsfjord.

Aurlandsfjord is the inner part of Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. The inner parts are known to be the most dramatic. Aurlandsfjord is deep and narrow, reaching a depth of about 962 meters below sea level. Most of the fjord is surrounded by up to 1800-meter tall, steep mountains. This fjord is an absolute must-see! To get the best view of the fjord, drive up to the Stegastein viewpoint . This is the first real challenge for your car – the road is steep but definitely worth it.

Don’t miss the UNESCO-protected Hansa harbor Bryggen while in Bergen.

Now it’s time to continue to Bergen , the second largest city in Norway. On your way, you will pass the cute little village Flåm , at the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord (just imagine living there – wow!) Make a quick stop to take in the view.

Spend your evening in Bergen, the charming city surrounded by seven mountains. If you’re lucky enough to miss the rain you can take the Fløibanen funicular up to Mount Fløyen to experience Bergen from above.

Another thing you shouldn’t miss while in Bergen is the UNESCO world heritage site Hansa harbor called Bryggen. This iconic harbor is well recognized for its colorful houses. On a calm day, you can see an almost identical reflection in the water.

The coastal town Ålesund is sometimes called Venice of the north.

Day 3: From Bergen to Ålesund

Today’s drive: 7–7,5 hours

Today you are going to drive along the coast of Norway, from Bergen to Ålesund . This unique road (E39) connects Stavanger with Trondheim and takes you past several fjords and islands. Some parts are connected by bridges and some by car ferries. Driving from Bergen to Ålesund takes 7-7,5 hours and is an experience in itself.

The view from Aksla mountain top in Ålesund.

Depending on when you started your drive this morning, you now have an afternoon and evening to explore Ålesund. Ålesund is a small but very beautiful town, famous for its skyline with cute houses combined with dramatic mountains and islands. The town is sometimes called Venice of the north, and I can see why.

A must-do in Ålesund is to take the short, but steep, hike up to the centrally located mountain peak Aksla. From Aksla you have an amazing view of Ålesund.

If you wish you extend your road trip, and spend some more time in Ålesund, you can explore the city’s special Art Nouveau architecture at the Art Nouveau Center or go on a Wildlife Sea Safari .

Tip: Don’t want to spend so much money on food? We rented an Airbnb in Ålesund and cooked our own dinner. Eating at restaurants can be ridiculously expensive in Norway!

Beautiful Åndalsnes and Romdalsfjorden. 

Day 4: From Ålesund to Atlantic Ocean Road and Åndalsnes

Today’s drive: 5 hours

Atlantic Ocean Road

Set your GPS to Atlantic Ocean Road , one of the most scenic roads in Norway. The road runs through an archipelago, with bridges connecting the islands. On a windy day, the waves can hit the islands with such force that the water reaches meters high into the air.

To get to Atlantic Ocean Road from Ålesund you need to take a car ferry. The drive should take around 2,5 hours, depending on whether you manage to time the ferry.

The spectacular Atlantic Ocean Road.

After reaching Atlantic Ocean Road it’s time to drive south again. Drive back on the same road as you came from until you reach Molde. In Molde, it’s time to turn east to road 64. After just over an hour, you reach Åndalsnes , your final destination of the day.

Åndalsnes , also known as the mountain capital, is a small town located next to Romdalsfjorden. The area is surrounded by high mountains and sharp peaks and offers hiking opportunities all year round.

The view from Rampestreken, a viewpoint in Åndalsnes.

A must-do in Åndalsnes, if you have the energy and ability for it, is to hike up to the Rampestreken viewpoint . The hike is steep and quite challenging, but you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the town, the fjord, and the surrounding mountains.

Do this hike in the evening or early the next morning, before driving to your next destination. If you’re into hiking I recommend you extend your road trip and stay longer in this area. 

Day 5: From Åndalsnes to Trollstigen and Geirangerfjord

Today’s drive: 3 hours

Trollstigen

Today you have an unforgettable road trip experience ahead of you! Set the GPS to Trollstigen viewpoint , and you will drive along a fjord, through a valley and eventually reach the iconic hairpin road. This steep road twists through 11 hairpin bends as it climbs up the characteristic mountain Stigrøra, 858 metres above sea level. An impressive bridge carries the road across Stigfossen waterfall. The road is carved into the mountain and supported by stone walls.

Trollstigen is one of the most spectacular roads in Norway.

Park your car at the big parking lot at the top and walk towards the viewpoint. If you are lucky enough to come here on a clear day you will have an astonishing view of the valley and surrounding mountains from the viewpoint at the top.

Geirangerfjord, the most beautiful fjord in Norway.

Geirangerfjord

From Trollstigen you have around 1,5 hours to Geirangerfjord . This fjord is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in the world, and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. I assure you it will take your breath away. If you drive from Trollstigen you will arrive directly to the viewpoint of Geirangerfjord called Ørnesvingen. From the viewpoint you can see the inner part of Geirangerfjord, with its dramatic peaks reaching 1700 meters and almost vertical edges. From this viewpoint, you can also see Geiranger village and the famous waterfall The Seven Sisters.

Boating on Geirangerfjord; the Seven Sisters Waterfall.

Take your time to explore this area. If you know how to drive a boat you can rent a small one at the camping located right when you get down from Ørnevegen. For 500 NOK (50€) you have the boat for 1 hour. Being in the middle of the fjord surrounded by the dramatic mountains was one of the most magical experience I’ve ever had!

Another great way to explore Geiranger is to hike to Skageflå farm. The full hike is quite challening and takes around 5 hours. If you want to make it a little easier, you can book a boat trip at Geiranger fjordservice . For 450 NOK (45€) per person you get an hour fjord sightseeing, and can get dropped off closer to Skageflå. That way the hike up only takes 45 minutes.

Get another astonishing view of Geirangerfjord from the hidden viewpoint southeast of Geiranger village.

Hidden viewpoint behind Geiranger

As you continue your road trip past Geiranger village you will soon reach another smaller viewpoint. Park your car, walk a couple of hundred meters back on the same road and you will find a cliff from where you have yet another amazing view of the Geiranger village with the fjord in the background.

➳ Get exact location on Google maps here.

Dalsnibba viewpoint on a very cloudy day.

Dalsnibba viewpoint

Continue further south and you will soon reach the hairpin road leading you up to Dalsnibba viewpoint. This viewpoint is located 1550 meters above sea level. It costs 140 NOK (14€) to drive up, but on a clear day it will definitely be worth a visit.

Note: The weather can change quickly in the Norwegian mountains. It can be sunny down in a valley, and rainstorm on a nearby mountain. Be prepared fo anything.

Stay the night at one of the hotels in Geiranger, or continue driving for antoher hour until you reach Folva. We stayed at Folven Adventure Camp in Folva, located 35 km from Dalsnibba viewpoint. A cheap but perfectly fine place to spend the night. Note that there are no restaurants nearby Folva. Eat in Geiranger or cook your own dinner.

Day 6: From Geiranger to Hemsedal via Loen

Today’s drive: 5-6 hours

Today you are going to drive past some of the most beautiful lakes in Norway. First up is Oppstrynsvatnet . Oppstrynsvatnet is located only 5 minutes from Folva. Set your GPS to Glomnes parking lot and you will arrive at a resting area with a jaw-dropping mountain view, where you can have a swim in the cold but beautifully clear blue water.

Beautiful Oppstrynsvatnet.

Continue towards Lovatnet, located 45 minutes from Oppstrynsvatnet. Lovatnet is probably the most famous lake in Norway. Set your GPS to Loen, the town closest to Lovatnet, and then follow the signs to Lovatnet.

Lovatnet has incredible turquoise ice-cold water. If you want to take a swim you can either ask the staff at the camping at the beginning of the lake or continue your drive until you reach a nice spot to jump in. The experience of swimming in the blue mountain water is really refreshing.

Tip: If you want to see Loen and Lovatnet from above you can take Loen Skylift up to the top of Mt. Hoven. This cable car opened up in 2017 and takes you to an impressive height of 1011 meters above sea level in 5–7 minutes. A round-trip ticket will cost you 555 NOK (55€).

Lovatnet offers turquoise ice-cold water.

Now it’s time to drive to Hemsedal , your last destination of the day. The drive to Hemsedal will take around 4,5 hours. You will be driving through the midlands of Norway, with plenty of misty mountains and cute valleys to lay your eyes on.

Accommodation in Hemsedal: We stayed at an Airbnb, and got a whole cottage for a fair price.

Before you drive back to Oslo, take a morning walk in the mountains of Hemsedal. Hemsedal is a popular ski resort but is just as beautiful in the summer.

Day 7: Drive back to Oslo

Drive back to Oslo at your own speed – and try to process all the amazing landscapes you have seen over the past 7 days.

The drive from Hemsedal to Oslo takes around 3 hours. Spend the rest of the day wandering around the streets of Oslo, until it’s time to head back home.

More Norway travel tips

Can’t get enough of Norway? Norway offers loads of scenic road trips. If you have more time on your vacation, here are a few stops to add to your Norway itinerary.

• Hike Pulpit Rock: Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen in Norwegian) is one of Norway’s most famous mountain hikes. This is an eight-kilometer moderately demanding hike that ends up at a mountain plateau 604 meters above sea level.
• Lofoten: Experience Norway above the arctic circle at one of the country’s most epic road trip routes. Lofoten is a series of islands in northern Norway that offer some of Norway’s most beautiful landscapes. I’d say summer is the best time to visit Lofoten, but if you want to see the northern lights then winter is your go-to season. Read my Complete Lofoten Islands Travel Guide to plan your trip.
• Hardangervidda National Park : Hike in the largest national park in Norway. Hardangervidda is located on a mountain plateau and offers a rugged Mars-like landscape.
• Jotunheimen National Park : Jotunheimen , meaning “The Giants home”, is home to many of Norway’s most impressive mountain peaks, including Galdhøpiggen – the highest mountain peak in Scandinavia. The most famous hike to do in Jotunheimen is Besseggen.

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Things to know before visiting Norway

Home > Destinations > NorwayThings to know before visiting Norway (road trip edition!)A road trip through Norway is an amazing experience. The dramatic landscape with majestic mountains, cute valleys and deep fjords leaves anyone jaw-dropping. The conditions...

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5 Top Norway Road Trips: A Local Expert’s View

Embarking on a road trip around Norway is a great way to see what this breathtaking Scandinavian country has to offer. And making the most of your time away is all about getting your itinerary just right.

After all, you’ll want to catch sight of those incredible fjords and sweeping Arctic landscapes. But you’ll also need time to wind your way through UNESCO-listed Norwegian towns and cities such as Oslo and Bergen.

So what is the best way to do a driving tour of Norway ? Glad you asked! 

Expert-approved Norway road trip routes 

There are plenty of routes to choose from. That’s why we asked one of our Norway specialists, Sindre Matthíasson, if he could give us a breakdown of his favourite Norway driving routes. Whether you’re an intrepid road tripper, or are just starting out, let’s dive in. 

Sindre has recommended journeys ranging from 5-day express tours where you'll see some of Norway’s best attractions, to comprehensive 16-day itineraries that’ll take you across large parts of the country. Plus, there are lots of other options in between.

Top driving itineraries in Norway:

• 5-day tour around Lofoten Islands
• 7-day Norway round trip from Bergen
• 10-day tour from Oslo with fjords and waterfalls
• 10-day tour from Bergen with fjords and glaciers
• 16-day grand tour of Norway

1.  Express Lofoten – 5-day road trip in Northern Norway

A 5-day driving tour of Norway may seem ambitious, but it is wholly achievable, especially if you set your sights on the gorgeous and scenic Lofoten Islands . This itinerary is ideal for birdwatchers, hikers, and travellers wishing to see the untouched northern terrain of Norway.

Experience the rugged wilderness of the Lofoten Islands, and explore the Arctic fjords, marvel at the majestic mountains, spy seabird colonies, and step off into beautiful villages like Henningsvær.

What’s the drive like?

The driving for this itinerary is light, roughly 158-252 kilometres (98-157 miles). And, you can drive it in two major stretches, each of which takes around 2 hours. For more information, see our guide to  driving in Norway .

What itinerary is best for a 5-day Norway road trip?

Day 1 – Start in Svolvær, the hub of the Lofoten Islands, where you can spend the day investigating the delightful shops and cafes in the main town, and if you’re feeling adventurous, hike Svolværgeita, the mountain that overlooks the town.

Day 2 – On your second day in Svolvær, bring your camera and head to Trollfjord, known for its watersports, fishing villages, and incredible birdlife. Make time especially for Henningsvær, affectionately known as the “Venice of Lofoten” because of its pretty maritime looks.

Day 3 – Drive to Reine today, where you can take the national tourist road that runs through the islands. Prepare for some excellent stopovers at places like the Lofotr Viking Museum for a little Norse history, and to Gimsøya and Haukland beach for seaside views and fun.  

Day 4 – In Reine, make the most of the fjords, by enjoying watersports in Reinefjorden, and panoramic views with a hike to Reinebringen. You can also duck into the local Norwegian Fishing Village Museum to learn about the culture and heritage of these islands.

Day 5 – Hop in your car and head back to Svolvær, where you can extend your trip, or fly to Oslo and investigate the charms of Norway’s capital. 

Best Norway road trip for: A short break with incredible scenery.

• Have it organised for you: experience the Lofoten road trip tour
• Explore: Lofoten Islands tours & vacation packages
• Related: My Lofoten: charming villages & dramatic landscapes

2. The Norway Express Route – 7-day driving tour of Norway

If you’ve got a whole week to plan a Norway self-driving tour , then your best bet is to travel along the central part of the country’s coast, starting and ending in Bergen. This itinerary brings you face-to-face with some of the nation’s most glorious fjords, and gives you a chance to wind your way around some of Europe’s most exciting roadways.

The route is circular and perfect for coastal, lakeside and inland exploration, without making you feel like you’re racing from attraction to attraction. Plus, the extra days give you enough time to step away from the wheel and head out to sea on a spectacular overnight cruise.

This is a mid-level road trip, with drive times varying between 2-hour and 4-hour stints. Total driving for this trip is around 554 kilometres (344 miles).

What itinerary is best for a 7-day Norway road trip?

Day 1 – Kick off your trip in Bergen , the second-largest city in Norway, and home to the incredible UNESCO-listed Bryggen . This historic part of the city is an old wharf, filled with museums, markets, cafes, and shops. You could also pop up the funicular railway, the Fløibanen, to see Bergen from above.

Day 2 – On your second day, head to Voss and seek out the famed Tvindefossen waterfall nearby (see image). Driving on will take you past several gorgeous coastal towns, and panoramic views of Aurlandsfjord .

Stop off in Flåm , where you can ride the jaw-dropping Flåmsbana railway to Myrdal . Then take a short ferry ride to Sogndal which sits on Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord .

Day 3 – Today, make for Loen . This is a short drive, so you'll have more time to enjoy at each stop – see mainland Europe’s largest icecap, the Jostedal glacier , and pop into the Norwegian Glacier Museum. Once in Loen, take the skylift, so you can see both the town and the spectacular Nordfjord.

Day 4 – Next up, is Geiranger. To get there you'll board a ferry and sail through the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord . Here you will see celebrated waterfalls like the Bridal Veil and the Seven Sisters .

Day 5 – In the morning, drive up the winding slopes of  The Eagle Road , and hop on a short ferry to Linge before winding your way around the Trollstigen  – The Troll Ladder. In the afternoon, board a Havila or Hurtigruten cruise and head south towards Bergen.

Top tip : in the summer months, you could enjoy coastal views from the ship deck under the midnight sun before returning to your private cabin.

Day 6 – Today, you’ll reach the endpoint of the cruise and road trip in Bergen . Rounding off your trip here means you can either spend time hiking the seven (that’s right, seven!) mountains that surround the city, or see attractions like Håkon’s Hall in Bergenhus fortress.

Day 7 – It’s time to set your sat nav for the airport. If you still have some time, you can stroll down to the harbourside and grab breakfast or lunch at one of the delightful cafes in town, and grab some souvenirs. 

Best Norway road trip for: A whistlestop tour of the north

• Sound good? Ask us about Scenic Norway - Express
• Related: In brief: what to do in Bergen
• Related: Best Time to Go and Visit Norway

3. The Classic Norway Route – 10 day driving tour of Norway

This classic route is for any traveller who wants to tick off all the main attractions during their holiday across Norway . This scenic drive includes the cities of Oslo and Bergen, plus national tourist routes that go past stunning fjords such as Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord.

And let’s not forget world-famous waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil.

For a bucket list driving tour of Norway, this is your ticket. Beyond the charms of the attractions, 10 days here allows for a few days away from the wheel, so you can bask in the atmosphere of the country’s rugged landscape.

This is a circular route starting in Oslo, with a total driving distance of 1,344 kilometres (836 miles). Spread across the 10 days, you’ll find that you shouldn’t have to drive more than about 4 hours at a time.

What itinerary is best for a 10-day classic Norway road trip?

Day 1 – Oslo is your starting point, and you should head into the city centre before you rent a car, to enjoy this sophisticated capital. See the Royal Palace, the Norwegian Maritime Museum, and the incredible Akershus Fortress.

Day 2 – On your first driving day, go north to lovely Lillehammer , set inland, and the site of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Visit the Olympic Museum and arena, but don’t forget to pop your head into the Maihaugen open-air museum, which is made up of 200 buildings, some of which date back to the 1400s!

Day 3 – On your third day, you’ll swap cultural attractions for natural ones, as you sweep into the Gudbrandsdalen valley, which is flanked by several national parks. On your way to Geiranger, stop off at the Dalsnibba skywalk where you can gaze at magnificent views of Geirangerfjord and the Blåbreen glacier.

Day 4 – Indulge in a spot of kayaking or watersports along the Geirangerfjord in the morning, then take a ferry to Loen. Once you’re on the water you’ll be able to marvel at the Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil, vaunted waterfalls of the region. 

Day 5 – From Loen, you can drive south to the Jostedal glacier, the largest in mainland Europe. You can learn all about it in the Norwegian Glacier Museum in Fjærland. Learn how the fjords of the region are carved, before getting to Sogndal, situated in Sognefjord, the deepest and longest fjord in the country.

Day 6 – Today, take another ferry, this time from Sognefjord to the gorgeous Aurlandsfjord. Once you’re back on dry land, pull over in Flåm to ride the legendary rails. Lastly, don’t forget to make time for Voss  –  the adventure capital of Norway  –  on your way to Bergen.

Day 7 – Stay in Bergen, where you can wander the ancient streets of the UNESCO-listed Bryggen, tour the delightful museums, or enjoy the views from the top of Mount Fløyen by taking the Fløibanen Funicular.

Day 8 – On the eighth day be swept away by the scenic charms of Hardangerfjord and the impressive natural sites of the Hardangervidda National park. Whilst heading to your end-point Geilo, make time for Vøringfossen, the highest waterfall in Norway.

Day 9 – Before you make that drive to Oslo, mark your map for Gol. Here, you’ll find the renowned Gol Stave Church, a Viking village, and if you keep your eyes sharp, you may even see trolls in the Trollkirka Caves.

Day 10 – It’s never a bad idea to spend another night in Oslo. Go to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, and the Norse Folkemuseum, before relaxing with a well-deserved drink.

Best Norway road trip for: Classic attractions.

• Have it organised for you: book the Norway Road Trip - Classic
• Related: Top romantic getaways to have in Norway

4. The Complete Norway Route - 10-day driving tour of Norway

If you’re interested in seeing the epic waterways, glaciers and fjords of Norway, this is the tour for you. It's 10 days-long, and starts and ends in Bergen From here you'll wind your way through Geirangerfjord, the gorgeous Balestrand region and pretty Loen. 

This is an ideal summer itinerary, as you'll have access to the fjords. This means plenty of time to try your hand at kayaking, swimming and cruising across those glorious fjords. Nature lovers will adore this road trip!

This is an exciting route that takes you on Trollstigen on the way to Ålesund, as well as on the Eagle Road. In total, the distance you’ll cover is 1,234 kilometres (777 miles), with each driving stretch achievable in 3 to 4 hour stints.

What itinerary is best for a 10-day complete Norway road trip?

Day 1 – Begin in  Bergen , the colourful coastal city, which is home to the UNESCO-protected Bryggen, an old wharf made up of beautiful heritage buildings. Explore the city by ducking into shops and dining in the hip restaurants in town.

Day 2 – There is plenty more to see in the “capital of the fjords”. Take the Fløibanen Funicular up to Mount Fløyen to see Bergen from above. Then, you can either hike within the mountains that surround the city – there are seven! – or investigate the museums, such as the Edvard Grieg museum and the KODE art museum.

Day 3 – Kick off your fjord tour by driving towards Voss, where you can witness the might of the Tvindefossen waterfall. Then head towards Sogndal, where you will pass by Flåm and its famous railway – hop on board for stunning valley views.

Day 4 – Sogndal could be the poster child for Norway, especially as it is located on the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the nation. Swim or kayak in the fjord, or bike along the coast. Then go to Urnes to see one of the oldest stave churches in Norway , or visit the dazzling Nigarsbreen glacier.

Day 5 – A trip to the fjords of Norway wouldn’t be complete without going to magical Geiranger, filled with snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and towering waterfalls. But first, you’ll drive north along the celebrated National Tourist Route “Sognefjellsvegen”, the highest mountain pass in northern Europe which passes through the glorious Jotunheimen national park.

Day 6 – Today is made for road trip enthusiasts – wind your way up Ørnevegen, known as “The Eagle Road” to Eidsdal. Then, after a short ferry ride to Linge, you’ll be able to tackle the twisting Trollstigen, or Troll Ladder – one of the best-known roads in Norway. End in Ålesund , celebrated for its fantastic Art Nouveau architecture.

Day 7 – Hop on a ferry to Loen, where you’ll sail past beautiful fjords like Vartdalsfjorden, Østrafjorden and Voldsfjorden. Once you get to this lovely town, stretch your legs on a hike up Mount Skåla, which promises gorgeous views from the top.

Day 8 – Scenic roads and hairpin turns are on today’s agenda. The drive to arty Balestrand will take you past the lakes of Jölstravanet and Hakedalsvatnet, right up to the mesmerising Gaularfjellet route. You’ll find yourself wanting to stop often to take photos – we recommend Utsikten for a perfect snapshot of the scenery.

Day 9 – Take your time exploring the picturesque village of Balestrand, and then pick the leisurely route back to Bergen. For instance, take the ferry from Balestrand to Vangsnes and visit Vik, where you can duck into the oldest stone building in the region, Hove Church. Then cruise in the car along Vik mountain before getting back to the city.

Day 10 – On your last day, pop into the Bergenhus Fortress Museum, a fascinating window into the city’s past, and wander down to the Old Bergen Open-Air Museum, which can show you what life was like in days gone by. And lastly, stock up on Norwegian treats like multekrem and krumkake before you depart!

Best Norway road trip for: Fjords and incredible roadways.

• Have it organised for you: Norway fjord route by car - complete
• Related: Bergen, Norway: Gateway to the Fjords 

5. The Norwegian Grand Tour – 16-day driving tour of Norway

The saying might be “you can’t see it all”, but on this trip you will come pretty close. This 16-day itinerary focuses on showcasing the best of Norway, but also takes you to some lesser-known national attractions.This is a trip that also allows you to hop on trains or boats so you can see those incredible mountain passes via the railways, or marvel at the fjords from the water.

Visit stunning Oslo and beautiful Bergen, explore sweeping alpine landscapes, tour pretty fishing villages, and swim in pristine fjords all on this fabulous self-driven tour of Norway.

Whilst this is itinerary may be the longest in days, it’s not the longest when it comes to driving. This is because we’ve factored in trips on public transportation, scenic train journeys, as well as cruises. The driving distance in total comes to about 905 kilometres (562 miles), and is sectioned off in manageable 2-4 hour chunks.

What itinerary is best for a 16-day comprehensive Norway road trip?

Day 1 – Your adventure starts in  Oslo , the capital of Norway, and a great place to kick off a cultural tour. Stroll to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Oslo City Hall, and the Kon-Tiki Museum on your first day.

Day 2 – On your second, go to the stunning Akershus Fortress , and the Royal Palace, and then spend time in the Aker Brygge area, where you’ll find a seaside boardwalk, upmarket and cute boutiques, patio bars, and plenty of excellent restaurants.

Day 3 – From Oslo, take a train that weaves its tracks through the mountains of Norway, all the way to  Bergen . This city is home to the charming UNESCO-listed Bryggen, an old wharf filled with colourful clapboard heritage buildings. A must-see.

Day 4 – Today you should pick up your rental car in Norway, because you’ll be driving towards Voss to chase its Tvindefossen waterfall, and then onto the remarkable Aurlandsfjord and the lovely town of Flåm. If you fancy it, we recommend going on a return train ride from Flåm to Myrdal for sweeping views of the landscape – bring your camera! Then drive on from Flåm to Sogndal.

Day 5 – Sogndal is set on the Sognefjord , so exploring fjords is on the itinerary today. Drive the Fjærlands road to the Jostedal Glacier, and after that chilly stop, slide by Nordfjord, where cascading waterfalls, rising mountains, and sapphire lakes will greet you. End in Loen for the night.

Day 6 – Explore a little of lovely Loen, then take the ferry through the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord. This is where you’ll see the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil waterfalls , perhaps Norway’s most famous falls. At the end of the ferry ride, you’ll get to stay in the town of Geiranger, the stuff fairytales are made of. Think pristine fjords and sugar-topped mountains studded with emerald trees.

Day 7 – You couldn’t get all the way to Geiranger and not spend another night there. Soak in the magical atmosphere of this alpine haven, and kayak or take a boat safari across the fjord. You can also take your rental car up to the Dalsnibba skywalk for unparalleled views.

Day 8 – Why have a car if you can’t make the most of it? Climb the winding ways of Eagle Road , then cruise across, car and all, on a ferry to Linge. Once there, you can try your hand at the extremely fun, and gorgeous Trollstigen road, known for its 11 hairpin bends, before stopping for the night at Ålesund.

Day 9 – Keep to the coast today, as you’ll be heading to the harbourside Kristiansund down the Atlantic road. First, drive and ferry your way to beautiful Bud, a historic trading village, and then onto to the Atlantic Ocean Road, which is cradled by mountains that look out to the sea, a route which road trip dreams are made of.

Day 10 – Norway may be an adventure, but this country breeds adventurers too, and nowhere is this more true than in Trondheim , the capital of the Vikings. Explore this remarkable port city in northern Norway, and duck into its Trøndelag Folk Museum, the old wharf Bakklandet, and the Nidaros Cathedral.

Day 11 – Of course, why come to the Viking capital if you aren’t going to get to taste a little sea life?  Leave your rental car behind and go on an overnight cruise, where you can sail along the Trondheim fjord out to Hitra Island.

Day 12 – You’ll dock in Bergen, giving you a chance to see everything you might have missed first time around, such as the Old Bergen Open-Air Museum, and the Hanseatic Museum in Bryggen.

Day 13 – With so much to see, it’s worth another night in this city. We recommend going to the Bergenhus Fortress, where you can see King Håkon’s Hall, and the Rosenkrantz Tower.  And since you’re by the sea, why not try pickled herring? This ancient Viking favourite is still a local staple.

Day 14 – From Bergen you will board a coach that will take you down the rugged western coast of Norway, and on a couple of spectacular ferry rides, all the way down to Stavanger , a lively city known for its historical district Gamle.

Day 15 – Using Stavanger as a base, you can easily explore this majestic region of Norway, including Lysefjord and its surrounding terrain. You’ll also be able to see the iconic natural landmark known as Pulpit Rock .

Day 16 – On your last morning in Stavanger, spend time along the harbour, and investigate the restaurants and cute museums in the Gamle area. Relax, sit back, enjoy the atmosphere, you’re done!

Best Norway road trip for: Those who want to see it all.

• Have it organised for you: look into the Scenic Norway - grand tour
• Related: Hiking the Pulpit Rock in Norway

To set up your own Norway road trip with a little expert help from a Scandinavian travel specialist, contact us with your travel wish list.

Greg Perkins is from Edinburgh, Scotland, but he adopted Iceland as his second country when Scotland (typically) managed not to qualify for football's Euro 2016 tournament. His passions include travel, English literature, and board games. Among his top travel experiences are sailing along Geirangerfjord with classically trained singers providing the soundtrack, seeing Sólheimajökull glacier up close in South Iceland, and witnessing the unspoiled beauty of New Zealand's Doubtful Sound fjord.

Find Greg on LinkedIn .

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

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10 days in Norway: A Complete Norway Road Trip Itinerary

last Updated: December 2, 2023 alesund bergen flam geiranger Norway oslo road trip scandinavia stavanger

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Planning a Norway road trip and looking for the best possible way to spend 10 days in Norway?! You’re in the right place! I’ve got loads of information for you in this personally handcrafted Norway itinerary – which I just experienced for myself a few months ago!

Norway is absolutely spectacular. With it’s turquoise fjords, misty mountains, midnight sun, and stunning Scandinavian architecture, Norway is arguably one of the most beautiful countries on earth! And I’ve definitely seen my fair share – at ~45 countries to date !

I’ve detailed our exact Norway itinerary below (which took tons of planning), but no matter where you end up going in the country, you’ll have the best time if you love nature and cool, chic cities! It definitely didn’t hurt that we were blessed with almost perfect weather on our Norway road trip, as the country is known to be super finicky when it comes to precipitation year round (more on that below).

Our 10 days in Norway and the fjords in general have got to be the most difficult trip I’ve planned to date. And I’m no stranger to complex itineraries (I’m looking at you Japan and Thailand ). When you’ve only got so much time (only 10 days or so to see alllll the beauty in Norway), you’ve got to make each and every day count. Hence, the difficulty of planning.

A few questions that crossed my mind 1000x each during the initial planning stages:

• Should we fly/train/bus/drive from place to place?
• Do a complex variation of the aforementioned transportation options?
• Should we take an organized multi-day fjord tour and which one do we pick?
• How do the ferries work in Norway?
• Isn’t everything crazzzy expensive?
• Is 10 days in Norway actually ENOUGH for all we want to do?!

Yea, planning this Norway itinerary was quite the doozy. Sure, there are some decent Norwegian fjord itineraries out there, but after researching quite a bit, none had all the major stops I wanted to make (and I wanted to see what I wanted to see, damn it!).

We ultimately decided to craft our own itinerary (ok, let’s face it, I did 98% of the planning), renting a car for most of the way, and getting in all my highlights.

Enjoy this Norway road trip itinerary, and let me know if you’re planning your own trip to the Norwegian fjords any time soon! It really is such a spectacular place and the country now holds a firm spot in my top 10 (alongside Japan , Iceland , Canada (yup!), Colombia , Italy , Croatia , and Thailand ).  🙂 

Norway Road Trip Itinerary Overview + Map

• Day 0: Arrive into Oslo!
• Day 1: Oslo
• Day 2 : Oslo
• Day 3: Fly to Stavanger, Explore
• Day 4: Pulpit Rock Hike
• Day 5: Drive to Bergen
• Day 6: Bergen
• Day 7: Flam
• Day 8: Drive to Hjelle
• Day 9: Geiranger and Trollstigen

Day 10: Alesund

* Note that you can opt to conquer Oslo at the beginning or tail end of your trip. We like to get the busy stuff and big cities outta the way because we tend to lose momentum as the trip goes on, but it’s totally up to you!

Lots more info below, but first, a pre-travel guide to Norway to learn a bit about the country and what to expect when you’re there.

Pre-Travel Guide to Norway

Getting around norway.

This was one of the most difficult parts when planning our Norway itinerary, as there are an abundance of public transportation options located all around the country, including trains, buses, flights, ferries, and more.

We opted to fly to Stavanger from Oslo, rent a car in Stavanger and drive it all the way to Ålesund, then fly back to Oslo from Alesund.

There are tons of other ways of getting around, but I found this to be the most time-efficient while letting us do our own thing at the same time. Note that if you’re following this Norway road trip, you can take a train/bus to Bergen if you’d rather have one less day of driving (but I reallllly loved those stops and wouldn’t recommend cutting that driving day out of your itinerary).  🙂 

IN A NUTSHELL: fly to Oslo → fly to Stavanger → drive around country, end in Alesund → fly to Oslo

Renting a Car

As noted previously, we rented our car (a compact VW Polo) from the Stavanger Airport and drove it all the way to Ålesund over the course of this Norway road trip.

Many cars in Norway are manual transmission, so if you’re not comfortable driving stick shift, you’ll need to make sure to reserve an automatic car (a few extra dollars a day, but worth it for your safety). 

Psst: I commonly use this booking site when searching for low-cost car rental options, and like Skyscanner  (which I use to find low-cost flights), I frequently find great deals on there!

As with other most places in the world, you’ll need to pay a one-way car rental fee if you in fact choose to copy this Norway road trip itinerary from start to finish. We booked a few months in advance and paid $813 for 8 days, excluding the optional GPS we decided to get. Pricey, but well-worth it!

One way fees are inevitable unless you want to drive all the way back to Stavanger or Oslo (not recommend if you only have 10 days in Norway like we did).

I like to search  via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price.

Get ready because you’ll be using the ferries quite often on this Norway itinerary! I was kinda nervous because I couldn’t find much information about them beforehand, but thankfully it all worked out!

Since there are tons (and tons) of bodies of water in the country, ferries are absolutely essential for getting around in Norway, and thankfully, the Norwegians have built a highly efficient ferry system. The ferries are super easy to use as well – you can get right on most ferries (walk or drive if you have a car) and buy your ticket directly before or once on board.

A reservation/buying a ticket in advance is not necessary for most ferry journeys, and if you follow this exact Norway itinerary, you won’t need to reserve any beforehand.

However, if you’re switching things around a bit and planning to do the Hellesylt – Geiranger tourist ferry (which we did not), plan to purchase a ticket beforehand. This specific ferry gets quite crowded and you don’t want to have to wait until space is available, which could potentially be hours in tourist season (therefore wasting your precious Norway time).

Ferries are comfortable with cafes, bathrooms, and cushioned seats. Be sure to get out of your car and head to the top deck as many have spectacular views!

There are numerous companies that operate the ferries so if you’d like to take a look at the schedules, just type in the starting and ending spots in Google and you’ll find it no problem!

*Note that not all ferries accommodate cars, so if you’re doing your own thing and veering off from the course of this pre-planned trip I organized, you’ll want to make sure the ferries you need will actually take your car as well.

Driving tips in Norway:

• First things first, you’ll be driving on the right hand side of the road in Norway (like in the USA, other parts of Europe, etc). It’s always a good idea to know this beforehand in case you’re coming from a left-handed driving part of the world!
• Traffic is safe, speed is modest (relatively slow compared to what I’m used to on California highways) and most roads have little traffic. Always allow yourself plenty of time for driving, since you’ll want to make sightseeing stops quite frequently (it’s all soooo gorgeous)!

• Gas is expensive. There’s really no way around it. Fun and semi-depressing fact – Norway has the highest gas prices in the world (yuuup). If I remember correctly, we found stations from 14.50- 16.50 NOK/liter (roughly equivalent to $6.60USD per gallon), with roughly 500 NOK (~60) filling up our tank. For this Norway road trip we filled up around 2.5 times, for an equivalent of ~1300 NOK (~$160). All in all, I expected the cost of gas to be higher and was pleasantly surprised to keep our gas costs under $200 (unless I somehow did the math wrong…).
• We opted to rent a GPS in order to get around easily as we weren’t sure how well our phone carrier with international coverage (T-Mobile) would pick up service in the more remote spots on our road trip. Cost was NOK 125 per day (~$15USD). We were very happy we chose to invest in the GPS as it worked almost perfectly and got us from place to place with ease even when our phones couldn’t find a signal.

• You’ll encounter a bunch of toll roads throughout your Norway road trip. If you rented a car, the car will be equipped with an AutoPass Device which will automatically track all the tolls you rack up while driving (a green plus sign will show on the road to indicate usage of device). You’ll then pay the total when you finally return the car (or be billed in a few weeks – sometimes it takes a bit to register them all). We spent about 500NOK during our 10 days in Norway, which really wasn’t as terrible as I expected. Note that a few tolls will be credit card only, including Dalsnibba and Sognefjellet, and you won’t be able to use the included AutoPass device for these.
• Sheep seem to roam freely around the streets of Norway, so always be extra alert and extra extra cautious for them (and other cars) while going around bends and curves. Plus, they’re just so cute!

Other random tips for your Norway Road Trip:

• We came across lots of free public bathrooms on our drive, so don’t worry about having to hold it in for too long! Drink all the fresh Norwegian water you want!
• Hotel and restaurant staff were very friendly and eager to help out; other workers (at tolls, airport, etc) were a bit direct and emotionless, but did their job well. Just something to take note of so you don’t take their candidness to heart.
• The days are long and the nights are short . If you’re planning your 10 days in Norway during June, July, or August, expect the sun to set around 10pm or later, and rise shortly after 4am. The last daylight will be around midnight and the first will be around 2am, meaning there’s only complete darkness for around 2 hours! This is fantastic for getting in lots of activities/driving in one day! It’s wise to bring among an eye mask on your trip should your hotel not have blackout shades (all of ours did thankfully).
• We took a bit of food (when we could) from hotel breakfasts to eat later in the day. Dinners cost us roughly $50-$60 for 2 entrees (no drinks, no appetizers, no salads, no anything extra).
• Tipping is not customary so whatever price is on the bill will be what you pay, which definitely helps by not adding an extra percentage!

• The water is delicious and super safe to drink in Norway, so bring along a reusable water bottle to fill up during the day!
• There are 18 Scenic Routes in Norway (previously called National Tourist Routes), which are known to be the countries most astonishing drives. You won’t be able to cover all 1,336 miles of them during these 10 days in Norway, but you’ll definitely be driving a whole bunch! Whatever you do, don’t miss Gamle Strynefjellsvegen towards the end of day 8; it was the most spectacular scenery I’ve ever seen IN MY LIFE (yup, more impressive than Iceland ).

So where exactly is Norway you ask? The country is located in North Western Europe, in the region deemed Scandinavia (along with Denmark and Sweden), or more broadly, the Nordic countries (which also include Finland and Iceland). Norway shares a long eastern border with Sweden, and has over 25,000 km of coastline.

What to bring:

You’ll want to bring all the essentials for your trip, but a few specific things to take along include:

• Snacks for road trip
• Rain jacket
• Water bottle
• Sweater/cardigan and scarf
• Car charger
• Waterproof shoes / rain boots
• Hiking boots (depending on hikes and time of year)

Money and Exchange Rates

Basically every place we went to took credit card (make sure to have Visa/MasterCard as not all accept American Express), but it’s wise to take along a bit of cash on your Norway road trip as well. We had to use cold hard cash when getting gas since the station was having a difficult time reading our credit card.

When it comes to exchange rates, it’s actually a pretty decent time to head to Norway right now (2018). At the time of this writing, 1 Norwegian Krone (NOK) = ~ $.12USD or 1 USD = ~8.4NOK. I found it easier to think in hundreds and kept these numbers in my head when figuring out the bill/shopping: 100NOK = ~$12USD.

I always suggest you take out cash at ATMS and never ever through an exchange desk. ATMs provide the best exchange rate.

When to Visit Norway

Norway experiences seriously different weather year round, and deciding which season to travel to Norway will greatly affect your experience there. Many say there’s no bad time to visit the country, but if you’re a big baby like me and get all pouty and upset when it’s raining and/or cold, visit during the summer. 🙂

My top pick: If you’re looking for the greatest chance of sunshine and decent weather, head over to the country in June, July, or August.

The temperatures will be between 20°C – 26°C+ (68°F – 80°F), and the midnight sun will be out and about (giving you extra long days for driving around and exploring all the chic seaside cities). Note that these warmer temps make this the most attractive time to visit Norway, so expect the most crowds during this time of year (it’s sooo worth the few extra people, I promise).

Looking to avoid the high tourist season? Opt to visit in shoulder season, May or September. Temperatures will be mild and hotel rates will be a bit less. And less crowds.

Visiting during the colder months: Norway can get coooold y’all, so if you’re not looking to whip out your cold-weather gear (think boots, scarves, wool hats, down jackets, etc), don’t book your Norway road trip before May or after September. Besides viewing the northern lights, activities will be greatly limited, and unless you’re a snow bird and enjoy freezing cold temps, you may not find much to do.

However, if you’re looking for the cheapest possible time to visit Norway, these are the months to do it, as flight prices and hotel rates will be significantly less (because not many want to visit then). It’s also important to note that you won’t find many daylight hours if you visit in December-February.

Health and Safety

Norway is known to be one of the safest countries in the world, with extremely minimal petty crime. As always, it’s best to be aware of your surroundings, but know that you’re in a super-safe area. The country is so safe that police don’t even carry guns! Robberies are extremely rare, but note that pickpockets in crowded places (like public transport in major cities) can and do occur at times. Just use common sense, stay alert, and you’ll be fine.

The water in Norway is top-notch, so drinking the tap is perfectly safe and encouraged! No need to buy bottled water over here! Food and water standards are similar to those in the USA, so you don’t need to worry about contamination nor food sickness. Note that only routine vaccinations are required to visit the country, and you probably had those all when you were younger (check with your doctor).

Visas and Passports

No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Norway as long as a valid tourist passport is in possession (and valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay). Since Norway is part of the Schengen Agreement, U.S. citizens may visit for up to 90 days for either tourist or business purposes. 

How to Get to Norway

Most international flights arrive in Oslo, which is precisely why this Norway itinerary starts in the capital! I like using Skyscanner and Google Flights to check for prices, and almost alllways find the cheapest flights on one of those sites.

We chose to fly economy and paid around $750 per person round trip to/from Oslo from the West Coast USA during one of Norway’s busiest times of year- mid-summer (July).

If you have extra time and are able to check airfare into nearby cities (Copenhagen, for example), you may be able to find even cheaper flights on low-cost airlines. For reference, my friend flew to Copenhagen around the same time we flew to Oslo for only $500 round trip!

WHERE TO STAY IN NORWAY

more info on each one throughout Norway itinerary below

• Oslo (2 nights): Saga Poshtel Oslo Central // Comfort Hotel Runway (airport hotel)
• Stavanger (2 nights): Clarion Hotel Stavanger
• Bergen (2 nights): Bergen Harbor Hotel
• Flam (1 night): Fretheim Hotel / Flåmsbrygga Hotel
• Hjelle/Geiranger (1 night): Hjelle Hotel or Hotel Utsikten
• Alesund (2 nights): Thon Hotel Ålesund

WIFI AND STAYING CONNECTED

Although you will most likely have wifi at your accommodation, it’s a good idea to bring along a pocket-sized personal WiFi hotspot , to keep you connected during your time in Norway.

WiFi hotspots are a cost effective option to ensure you can use GPS apps like Google Maps, check your emails, and catch up with friends and family while away. With this portable device , you’ll have WiFi wherever you go (even if your phone doesn’t have service), unlimited internet (on up to five devices at a time!!!), and it’s fast and reliable. At less than $9 a day, this device can’t really be beat.

Note that some cell phone plans allow for international use, but many of these are costly. I once accidentally turned on my phone service for LESS THAN 2 MINUTES and got charged $150 by my phone carrier! I desperately wished I had a personal WiFi hotspot with me then!

Find more information and plan options here . HIGHLY RECOMMENDED especially when you don’t speak the native language of the country you’re visiting. A true lifesaver.

And now what you’ve been waiting for:

The Ultimate 10 Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary

This Norway itinerary will have you chasing trolls in Stavanger, trying reindeer meat in Bergen, hiking to glamorous fjord views, taking the most scenic train ride in the world, driving some spectacular Norwegian tourist routes, staring up at glacier, and oh so much more! Get ready for the ride, because this Norway road trip will have you begging to come back asap!

This itinerary starts in Oslo (which is where most international travelers arrive in the country), heads west to Stavanger, then makes its way up north to Alesund via Bergen, Flam, and Geiranger.

As noted earlier, we chose to fly from Oslo to Stavanger to save some driving time, drove all the way to Alesund, then flew back to Oslo. Since the country is quite large, you need to understand you won’t be able to see eeeeverything, but if you follow this Norway road trip itinerary I can promise you that you’ll see a good chunk of all things spectacular.  

Day 0: Fly into Oslo!

You’ll find most international flights to Norway will fly to Oslo, which is perfect as it’s the first stop on our 10 day Norway itinerary! The flight can be relatively long depending on where you’re coming from (~12 hours from West Coast USA, 7 hours from New York), but once you get there, I promise you that a trip to Norway is welllll worth it!

It’ll cost about 101NOK in order to get into the city center (~12USD) on the local trains (NSB). Note that there is an airport express shuttle which takes slightly shorter but is almost double the price.

Where to Stay: Comfort Hotel Runway or Saga Poshtel Oslo Central

If you’re just coming off a super long flight (say from the states), it’s totally acceptable to stay in an airport hotel really close to the Oslo airport your first night. Make sure to make your way into central Oslo early the next morning to get your exploring on!

Days 1-2: Explore Oslo

Welcome to Norway, home of the stunning turquoise fjords, towering mountains, and $8 hot dogs. Yes, it’s pricey and your wallet may never adjust, but trust me, the expense is worth it. Norway is one of the most remarkable countries I’ve been to.

Oslo is absolutely gorgeous – and you’ll find old colorful houses lining to streets with new, innovative buildings sprinkled throughout. And those fjord water views make any sunny day just that much better.

The city is rather large, but thankfully, getting around is super easy, as there are a myriad of buses and trams all throughout. Two days in Oslo is probably not enough, but you’ll be able to get in these city highlights with only 48 hours or so:

• Karl Johans Gate : Did someone say shopping? This main shopping street in Oslo is where you’ll find all the action happening. From hip cafes and chic hotels to funky discos and nightclubs, you’ll find it all on Karl Johans Gate. It’s usually pretty crowded, so go for a stroll early in the morning or later in the evening. You’ll probably be back a few times though.
• Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (with an impressive stave church)
• Fram Museum (so interesting to learn about the polar expeditions!)
• Kon-Tiki Museet (with loads of info about the voyage to Easter Island)
• Norwegian Folk Museum (one of the largest open-air museums in Europe),
• Viking Ship Museum (those boats are huuuuge)
• Norwegian Maritime Museum (learn more about the massive ship building industry)
• Astrup Fearnley Museet
• Munch Museum

• Opera House: By far the most impressive building in Oslo, modeled after flat iceberg shapes with inclines. I suggest you pass by during the day, but spend the majority of your time checking out the Opera House around dusk. It’s absolutely beautiful once the city gets a tad darker, and everyone hangs out on the roof (which you can walk up to). I spent both my nights sitting up here listening to music and meeting cool people!

• SALT : Located a few minutes from the Opera House, this cool harbor front spot boasts a nomadic art lounge with bars and coffee shops.
• Sorenga outdoor beach deck (Sørenga Sjøbad): Found yourself a sunny day in Oslo? Head over to Sørenga Sjøbad and just chill out and relax in the warmth for a bit! Take along your bathing suit if you want to jump in for a swim!
• Frogner Park : Super interesting park, with a collection of over 200 bizarre sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Definitely a unique attraction in Oslo!

• Aker Brygge : Upscale harbor front of Oslo with gorgeous views of Oslofjord. A great place to get your first famous Norwegian Pølse (hot dog)!

• Akershus Fortress : Head up here for fantastic views of Oslo and watch massive cruise liners dock at the harbor front. A bit of a trek uphill, but worth it for the views and impressive old-school buildings
• Oslo Radhus : Oslo’s city counsel building, with super impressive murals on the walls. Note that you’ll need to join a free tour in order to view the inside of the building.

• The Thief Rooftop : Super swanky rooftop lounge  and a great place to catch a cocktail in one of the most prestigious hotels of Norway

Where to Stay in Oslo : Saga Poshtel Central Oslo

Day 3: Fly to Stavanger and Explore

Stavanger is the 4th largest city of Norway, although you probably wouldn’t have guessed that after arriving to this coastal town! It’s small town charm and beautiful harbor will have you absolutely swooning from the very beginning of your visit. It’s a fascinating mix of old and new, with some of the best-preserved (and beautiful) wooden buildings anywhere in Norway, dating back to the Middle Ages.

If you book an early morning flight to Stavanger (9 or 10am), you’ll arrive with enough time to explore this charming little city. Stavanger is quite compact and can be explored via foot, so there’s no need to pick up a rental car just yet (don’t – parking is annoying and costly, and there’s honestly no reason for your own wheels until a bit later in the trip).

Once you arrive in Stavanger, take the bus to the city center and check into your hotel.  Book in advance with Flybussen ( website ) in order to save a few pennies, but you can pay on the bus if need be.

Note that one person will need to head back to the airport to pick up the car rental, so it’s wise for one person to book a round trip ticket (it’s significantly cheaper than two one way tickets). Only one person needs to go back technically to pick up the car, so keep this in mind when buying tickets.

NOTE: If you’re taking my hotel suggestion and staying at Clarion Hotel Stavanger , you’ll need to book the shuttle to the Radisson Blu (a 2 minute walk away from the Clarion).

Don’t miss these top things to do in Stavanger:

• Gamle Stavanger , also known as Old Stavanger: This area is so super cute, with it’s historic beautiful wooden white houses with beautiful planters and bright colored doors. The cobblestone streets just added to the quaintness, and I couldn’t stop taking photos of the manicured grounds! It won’t talk long to walk through the narrow streets and admire the architecture, so be sure to take a walk around here!

• Ovre Holmegate : My absolute favorite street in all of Stavanger, mostly due to it’s vivid colors and wild street art. Here you’ll find lively cafes and bars, a bunch of popular pubs, and is definitely one of Stavangers more visited and photographed spots!

• Stavanger Cathedral : Also known as Domkirken, it’s the oldest Cathedral in Norway and not to be missed!
• Norwegian Petroleum Museum (Norsk Oljemuseum): Interesting in learning how oil and gas is created, discovered and produced in the North Sea? Head on over to the Petroleum Museum! I admit that we decided to skip touring the inside, but saw the building from the outside and the architecture was pretty cool !
• Take pictures with trolls and the street art around town!
• Have lunch at the harbor front and admire the sea : There are numerous restaurants all along this stretch, and you’ll easily find something to snack and sip on! The harbor really comes alive in the summertime, especially after working hours, as locals frequent this area to catch up with friends and grab a drink. A wonderful place to watch the sunset as well (if you’re still awake at 11pm!)

• Marvel at the street art : If you’re visiting in August/September, you’re in for a real treat. The city holds a 2-week festival with an international team of street artists working on new art all around the city. Be sure to sign up for the tour!

Where to Stay in Stavanger : Clarion Hotel Stavanger

We absolutely loved this hotel, with it’s spacious rooms, large breakfast spread with basically everything imaginable (including my favorites strawberry smoothies, Nutella and raspberry pancakes, brie and crackers, prosciutto and melon), super convenient location, and friendly and helpful staff! Highly recommended!

Day 4: Pulpit Rock/Preikestolen Hike (from Stavanger)

Ready for a full day of awesome, sweaty, hiking? Yes, I promise the views are worth it and then some! I mean, Tom Cruise actually visited Preikestolen while filming his new movie, “Mission Impossible” in October 2017. And besides the lovely Tom, the hike draws over 300,000 visitors each year – and for good reason! Just look at those views!

Pulpit Rock takes about 4-5 hours to hike round trip, so start your journey early. If I remember correctly, it took us about 2 hours to get to the starting point, and then another 5 hours of hiking (plus time spent getting back to Stavanger once we were all finished). Two and a half hours up, an hour+ or so at the top, and roughly an hour and a half down.

We had originally planned to squeeze in a fjord cruise on the Lysefjord, but are so glad we didn’t because of the amount of time the hike took us. We also decided to spend a bit of time at the top admiring the views since we had no views on our way up because of the lousy early-morning weather.

Although the hike is only about 8k long, there are numerous difficult patches of terrain, many with impressively tough elevations, so mentally prepare yourself beforehand!

Read More: Conquering Norway’s Pulpit Rock Hike: Everything You Need to Know

Be prepared for any and all types of weather during your hike. At the beginning of our hike we encountered lots of mist and light rain, which turned to heavy fog, which finally (and thankfully) burned off a bit after we reached the top.

You never know what you’ll get weather-wise in Norway, so it’s best to dress in layers and bring a backpack full of water, snacks, lunch, a rain jacket, and an extra sweater. Crossing my fingers that the weather gods are on your side for your hike – if not, all you might see are clouds and fog (which wouldn’t make the hike worth it in my opinion).

How to get to Pulpit Rock/Preikestolen from Stavanger:

• Take the ferry from Stavanger to Tau (60 NOK / ~6 EUR per adult one way, buy it directly on the ferry)
• Bus from Tau ferry station to Preikestolen Fjellstue (230 NOK / ~30 round trip per adult, buy it on the bus)

It’s all very easy to figure out and an incredibly smooth journey. It can sound a bit complicated, but I promise you getting to the start of the hike is rather quite simple and reliable. You can also rent a car and drive to the trailhead, which is roughly a 90 minute drive from Stavanger, but I don’t recommend this per say. The public transportation is all very reliable and there’ll be a bus waiting for you after the ferry arrives in Tau. More information on getting to Pulpit Rock here.

Be careful when taking pictures on the edge, as the platform rises about 2,000 feet (600 meters) above the fjord, with no guards or rails protecting you or your loved ones. At first I was extremely skeptical and needed my husbands hand when getting even the slightest bit towards the edge, but I quickly warmed up and was confident in my footing and abilities after a few minutes.

Note that there are no facilities (read: bathrooms) on the duration of the hike, so although you should keep yourself hydrated, limit your water levels if you don’t want to head off into the wilderness to pee. 🙂

Where to Stay: Clarion Hotel Stavanger (No need to switch rooms, as it’s highly recommended to hike Pulpit Rock as a day trip from Stavanger!)

Day 5: Road Trip Time + LOTS of Waterfalls!

Driving Hours: 8

Let’s get this Norway road trip under way! It’s finally time to pick up your rental car at Stavanger Airport (do this ASAP- we picked it up around 9am in order to start the long drive relatively early), and drive to Bergen!

Note that this will be a long day of driving (7+ hours), but I managed to find plenty of beautiful spots along the way to cure any boredom that was bound to arise!

If you’re tight on time you can also drive directly to Bergen in about 4 hours, but what’s the fun in that?! The Norwegian countryside is too beautiful to bypass. You’ll want to pull over every few minutes – you’ll see. A few of these stops were pre-planned for, while others we found while on the road!

You’ll be passing through the beautiful Norwegian countryside, over lots of bridges and through more tunnels you ever imagined. This is all part of the fun! Note that you’ll also be making your way onto two car ferries today – just follow your GPS and the road will basically turn into the car ferry. 🙂 Easy peasy. Those Norwegians know what they’re doing.

*NOTE: If you have your heart set on hiking Trolltunga/Trolls Tongue (that epic photo you’ve seen plastered all over instagram and pinterest), you’ll want to end your day near Odda (close to Folgefanna National Park). Get up nice and early the next morning to start the 22 km hike. Pulpit Rock was enough for us so we didn’t stop in Odda to attempt Trolltunga.

In addition, if you have an extra day and a super strenuous 22 km / 10-12 hour hike isn’t your idea of fun on vacation, consider going on a glacier walk. We didn’t have enough time to do so, but it looks insanely fun!

Recommended route and stops along the way:

1. Take the Mortavika-Arsvågen/E39 car ferry: You just drive right on and pay (240NOK for 2 adults and car). The ferry took approximately 25 minutes or so, and shaved off some  driving time obviously!

2. Langfossen: A pleasant surprise as we had not originally planned to stop here. Epically beautiful, and right on the side of the road so difficult to miss. 😉 The water falls down a towering mountain, before pouring out into the Åkrafjorden (another fjord!) There’s a small coffee shop in the parking lot if you need your caffeine fix!

3. Fjaera: Super quick photo stop, only a few minutes from Langfossen.

4. Glacier viewing on the side of the road: Be careful when pulling over and heading to the other side of the road for photos. Since we didn’t have time to actually see any glaciers up close, this was the best we were gonna get so wanted to take full advantage! I’m honestly not sure exaaaactly what glacier this was, but enjoy!

5. Latefossen waterfall: Be sure not to miss this twin waterfall, as it’s an internationally famous attraction (but really all the waterfalls in Norway are kinda spectacular). We chose to eat our homemade sandwiches here.

6. Folgefonna Bondhusvatnet: Time to stretch your legs on a short hike to an absolutely stunning lake located within Folgefonna National Park! The hike took us about ½ hour each way (gravel trail with very slight elevation gain), and was filled with beautiful scenery, tons and tons of wildflowers, and so many sheep with cow (sheep?) bells!

We spent 20-30 minutes at the lake exploring and taking photos of the ridiculously clear water and just taking a few moments to revel in Norway’s beauty..

Note that there’s a parking lot at the beginning of the trailhead, and no fee to enter to park (from this entrance at least). If you’re feeling a bit thirsty, you can fill up your water bottle with glacial water at the beginning or end of the walk from the nearby streams – do it, the water is delicious!

***If you have ample extra time (completing the drive on your second day after doing Trolltunga perhaps), you can keep going on the trail after the lake in order to see the glacier. We didn’t have enough time for this, so walked to the lake and back.

7. Second Car ferry of the day: Jondal to torvikbygd (120 NOK for car/driver and an additional person). You know the drill – get in line, wait your turn, pay, and get on!

8. Steinsdalsfossen: Last waterfall stop of the day! Even if you’re semi-waterfall-ed out by now, do me a favor and don’t miss this one! You can actually walk behind it!

Finish the drive to Bergen, which will take about an hour and a half.

Where to Stay: Bergen Harbor Hotel

Although the rooms were somewhat tiny (common in Bergen), the bed was super comfy, location was extremely convenient, small balcony (depending on room type I’m presuming), and the hot breakfast with some typical Norwegian specialties among your typical breakfast options more than made up for the tightness.

Despite the inconvenient parking situation (which was easily figured out after doing some research – more on that below), we thoroughly enjoyed our time at this hotel and recommend it.

Where to Park : We originally had a difficult time figuring out where to park our rental car, and after talking to a few hotel receptionists (at our hotel and others), we ultimately decided that the ByGaragen (the biggest indoor garage in Bergen) was the best choice.

The price varies from 12 NOK per hour on Sundays to 24 NOK per hour daytime during weekdays, with a maximum price of 150NOK for 24 hours. Including these costs so you can add them to your budget. 🙂 If I remember correctly, I think we paid roughly $30USD for parking in Bergen.

Day 6: Bergen!

Driving Hours: 0

No driving today, yes! Since Bergen is such a walkable city, you can leave your rental car in the garage and set out on foot! The city is absolutely beautiful, and the fact that it’s surrounded by mountains and fjords makes it even more appealing to visitors!

Although Bergen is Norway’s second largest city (yes, really!), one day is enough to see all it’s colorful highlights. It actually looks like a small coastal town, you’ll see! And PS – Bergen is said to be one of the rainiest cities in all of Norway, so bring along your umbrella and/or rain jacket if the skies look a bit dark. 😉

Be sure to not miss:

Bryggen and the Wharf : You know those colorful wooden houses I’m sure you’ve seen all over? They’re over here at Bryggen! A little interesting fact: since these houses are constructed entirely from wood, this means two things – 1) It’s quick and easy to build, but 2) it’s also quick and easy to burn down!

Bryggen has been burning down for centuries upon centuries (with a history of fires since the 14th century when it came into being), with its most recent fire in 1955. Make sure to wander the streets behind Bryggen as well (through the small alleyways between the buildings on the harbor) to see what the area would have been like during the Middle Ages.

This medieval wharf part of Bergen is actually a UNESCO Heritage Site! You can also check out the The Hanseatic Museum if you’re interested in doing so.

The Fish Market: Not in the mood for fish? Don’t fret – there’s way more than fish at the fish market! Whale sausage, anyone?! Those Norwegians sure do love their sausages! What about some seafood paella?! It actually looked really good! You’ll be able to sample lots of Norwegian delicacies before buying, don’t you worry! Psst – the whale and reindeer sausages were really good!

Funicular (or hike!) to Mt. Floyen: Nature fiend like I am? You’ll absolutely love taking the Fløibanen Funicular up Fløyen Mountain for panoramic views of the whole town and the old harbor. If you’re feeling a bit extra and want to work off that bacon-wrapped hot dog, you can hike up the mountain (but note that some parts are quite steep).

Try some reindeer meat: You can’t visit Bergen and not indulge in (or at least try!) some reindeer meat – it’s a specialty here (that and whale meat)! Go for lunch or an early dinner at Pingvinen, a cozy gastro bar cafe right near the center of Bergen with authentic Norwegian cuisine.  Be sure to order a Norwegian beer as well!

Hot Dogs and Reindeer Dogs at Trekroneren: Another top spot for the foodies, as dogs at Trekroneren just can’t be missed over here. And plus, hot dogs are the best cheap Norwegian food (at about ~$8), which we greatly appreciated after getting tired of paying $30 a meal per person.

While the options at Trekroneren are endless, we both opted for the reindeer dog with lingonberry sauce, crispy fried onions (sprøstekt løk), and mustard, and both agreed the odd flavor combinations were absolutely sensational. Note that there’s no seating, so head here when you want a quick bite during your wanders! Also, the stand is open quite late so if you find yourself especially hungry late at night, you know where to go.

To be honest, it was kinda nice that there wasn’t a whooole whole lot to do here in Bergen. There were enough activities to fill a leisurely day with extra random wanderings and relaxing at a cafe. We even headed back to the hotel for a midday snooze (which we never do!).

It doesn’t hurt that the sun sets super late here in the summer (11pm-ish), so we didn’t feel like we had to cram everything in ! Greatest feeling ever, especially for an overachiever like myself (I have FOMOOOO at its worst)!

Day 7: Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise and Flam Railway

Most definitely the most touristy day of the trip, but the views were pretty spectacular, so oh well!  Wake up early from Bergen, and make the 2 hour drive to Gudvangen. Note that you can start the Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise in either Gudvangen or Flam, it just depends on the availability when you book.

On the way to Gudvangen/Flam, be on the lookout for Tvindefossen, another waterfall located right on the side of highway. We saw sooooo many waterfalls already we didn’t feel the need to stop, but still worth looking out for on your drive to the Flåm area.

The next two stops/activities are probably the most touristy on this entire 10 day Norway itinerary (as noted above), but I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

Note that this day on the Norway itinerary is basically a DIY Norway in a Nutshell (and if you’ve been researching things to do in Norway you’ve definitely come across this). You can either book the following as part of a tour package, or book the tickets yourself (which is what we did).

You save a decent amount of money booking everything yourself, and you get the same exact experience as those on the “tour”. FYI, the “tour” isn’t really a “tour” at all- all the Norway in a Nutshell company does is book your tickets, which is all public transportation anyways. Do yourself a favor, book everything yourself and save a few NOK (try some local beer or a reindeer burger instead).

Book the Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise here.

Book the Flam Railway here (called the Flamsbana)

 You’re welcome.  😀 

I suggest booking way in advance (a few months), especially if you’re visiting during Norway’s summer, June-August. We waited a bit and had limited availability, but thankfully I was able to figure it all out with tour timings and such.

Here was our itinerary for the day, and I suggest you book similar times for the fjord cruise and train ride (feel free to do the train ride first if that’s all that’s available). Just remember that you’ll need to drive approximately 2-2 ½ hours from Bergen to the area, so don’t book anything too early unless you want to wake up at the crack of dawn. 😉

11:30AM-1:30PM: 2 hour scenic boat cruise through Nærøyfjord.

FROM GUDVANGEN TO FLAM ONE WAY (or reverse). Since you’ll be parking your car in Gudvangen (or Flam, depending on availability), you’ll need to take the shuttle back to Gudvangen (Flam to Gudvangen) to pick up the car. Note that the drive back to Flam is about 20 minutes.

Tickets for roundtrip (fjord cruise + shuttle) are available, but we booked too late and had to buy seperate tickets (which was completely fine, just was a tad more confusing to us at first when figuring out the website).

The fjord cruise was super windy at times, so be sure to take a jacket! Thankfully, there’s inside seating if you wish to warm up for a bit (which we did throughout the ride).

4PM: Flam train ride in the afternoon  

Next up, the Flam Railway, which has been named one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world! Because of this, it’s rightfully so one of the leading tourist attractions in Norway, hence it can get crowded (aka get there a bit early!)

You’ll want to sit on the right side of the car departing from Flam for better views. Feeling a bit extra? The windows open at the first and last seat of every car –  which makes it much better for photos. Sit here! 🙂

From the train, you’ll see tons of waterfalls and mountain views all the way to Myrdal Station (the ending and where you’ll get back on to return to Flam). I enjoyed it, but didn’t think the scenery was any better than our own views we got while driving throughout other parts of the country. Just my honest opinion.

I’m glad we did it, but the round trip wasn’t necessary (we both fell asleep on the way back to Flåm). PS- you actually DO need a round trip ticket in order to get back to Flåm to pick up your car, just saying seeing the same monotonous scenery twice wasn’t necessary. 🙂

The train ride felt a tad overrated considering all the breathtaking scenery we had seen thus far on our Norway road trip, but I admit it was nice to just sit back, relax, and take in the views (and I’m sure the husband appreciated someone else doing the driving). The train cost $140 for both of us roundtrip, Flam → Myrdal → Flam, and took ~2 hours roundtrip.

Stalheimskleiva

Something else to squeeze in during the day – Stalheimskleiva, one of Northern Europe’s steepest roads (which of course offers beautiful views). It’s only a few minutes drive from either Flam or Gudvangen, and we chose to do this between the fjord cruise and train ride. Our time was a bit rushed so I’d say it’s possibly better to do this before the cruise (depending on the time of your ticket) or after both activities.

Stop at Stalheim Hotel viewing platform in order to see the spectacular views. Note that you don’t need to stay here to admire the scenery below; just walk right through the lobby to the back viewing platform.

However, be careful when using a GPS to get here – the twisty road is one way (driving down only), and our GPS didn’t pick this up! To say we got a nasty glare from a bus driver on his way down is an understatement. Our bad! You’ll see why it’s one way as you’re driving down the 13 sharp hairpin bends – be careful!

Where to Stay: Since we booked last minute, we opted to rent an AirBnB for the night. And to say our accommodation was a surprise was an understatement. Although the house was located in a beautiful spot overlooking Aurlandsfjord, we had to make our own beds and sleep in separate twin beds (not huge deals but not what we were expecting).

I’d say look for something a bit less “unique”, like Fretheim Hotel or Flåmsbrygga Hotel  if you want to cuddle up.  I recommend finding accommodation in Flam or one of the surrounding small villages (Aurland, Undredal, or Dyrdal).

Day 8: Drive the National Tourist Routes

Hours of Driving: 9

A verrrrry long driving day today, but well worth it! You’ll be rewarded with more spectacular mountainous scenery than you ever thought possible, with a whole slew of glacial lakes towards the end (OMFG I can’t contain my excitement).

Everyday on this Norway itinerary is undoubtedly scenic, with the views just getting better and better as the days go on. Today’s long drive encompasses 3 National Tourist Routes: Aurlandsfjellet, Sognefjellet, and Gamle Strynefjellsvegen (my absolute favorite). Here’s the itinerary we followed for the day:

1) Stegastein Lookout

Start the day off at Stegastein Lookout, only 15-20 minutes drive from the Aurland area (where our wacky AirBnB was located). Stegastein is a popular sightseeing spot from Flam, being 650 metres above Aurlandsfjord and all! I’d recommend going early in the morning as the road and viewpoint can get especially crowded. We ate breakfast at the viewpoint and only saw one other couple during our time there.

Time to get away from the fjords for the day (we’ll be back, don’tchu worry!) and head into the mountains!

2) Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route (Road 243)

Up next, Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route, which runs from Aurlandsvangen (near Stegastein) to Lærdalsøyri, covering a distance of 47km and taking roughly an hour and a half to drive without stops.

Be sure to NOT drive through the Lærdal Tunnel, the world’s longest road tunnel with a length of 24.5 km, as you won’t see any of the stops along the way on the actual scenic route itself. The tunnel can be used to bypass the National Tourist Route or if you’ll be traveling roundtrip, which we won’t be. Promise me you’ll take scenic road 243 instead of the tunnel!

• Stop at Flotane (viewing spot and bathrooms)
• Stop at Vedahaugane (infinity bench with great views)
• Pit stop to see Borgund Stave Church (25 minutes from Laerdalsoyri) – really cool and you must see at least one Stave Church on your Norway road trip!!

3) Take the Mannheller-Fodnes/Rv5 ferry (28 minutes)

4) Sognefjellet National Tourist Route (Road 55)

Sognefjellet Scenic Road runs from Gaupne to Lom, covering a total distance of 108 km. It will take you about 30 minutes to get to the start of the route, and then another 2 hours+ to drive the entire thing.

Sognefjellet is the highest and most impressive mountain pass in Northern Europe, so it’s easy to see why this road made it as one of Norway’s 18 National Tourist Routes (scenic roads).

• Feigefossen waterfall: look for it across the water from 55 (close to Guapne)
• Turtagrø hotel: red-painted modernistic building, quick photo stop
• Nedre Oscarshaug: provides one of the best vantage points along the road across the Sognefjellet mountains. A glass telescope with the names of the peaks gives an overview of the surrounding Hurrungane massif.
• Mefjellet (rest area with cool stone structure/platform)
• Sognefjellshytta (attractive training centre for national ski teams from all over the world) – cool wooden architecture
• Vegaskjelet (viewing platform)
• Lom Stave Church

To be completely honest, after about ½ – ¾ of the drive through Sognefjellet we had had enough of the mountains. Sure, they were beautiful and all that, but it seemed like many of the stops had views of the same thing. I think next time we’d only stop at 2-3 and get on with the show.

Plus, it was cold and windy that day so that’s proooobably why this drive seemed a bit monotonous and somewhat sad –  we didn’t have the energy to hang out in the cold for too cold!

5) Gamle Strynefjellsvegen National Tourist Route (Road 258)

You’re allllllmost to your final destination of the day (Hjelle), I promise! But whatever you do, DO NOT SKIP THIS NEXT ROAD. Be sure to take Road 258 instead of 15. The drive is short, being only 27km, but it’s an absolute stunner.

Boy oh boy, this short stretch was one of my absolute favorite hours or so of our entire trip, for the views alone. It’s hard to put into words what seeing glistening glacial lakes, towering mountains, and remnants of snow from colder months will do to you. I’m not sure anything will beat those views I saw that day.

Where to Stay : Hjelle Hotel

Hjelle Hotel was a perfect place to rest our heads after the long day of driving – and I’d highly recommend it! Our “romantic room” was simple yet charming, with a clean, and spacious feeling with a four-poster king bed and chandelier.

Make sure to order the dinner (fixed-price 3 course) – it was absolutely delicious (and have the creme brûlée if you’re lucky enough to see it on the menu which changes nightly).

Hjelle Hotel is situated right on another beauty of a lake (Oppstrynsvatnet) with great views of the mountains, which we loved for a nightly walk after dinner! In addition, the hotel staff was extra accommodating and the breakfast spread was more than decent! Stay here, they’re doing something right having been run by the same family since 1896!

IMPORTANT NOTE: This wouldn’t be a very thorough Norway travel blog if I didn’t mention Hotel Utsikten .

Why? For one, it’s one of the most popular hotels in the Geiranger area, and for good reason. The hotel sits right on the base of Geirangerfjord – meaning, if you ask for a room that faces the road, you’ll have a panoramic view of the fjord right from your view!

Secondly, if you want to stay here (instead of Hjelle Hotel ), book Hotel Utsikten as soon as you know your dates. It was unfortunately completely booked once I finally got around to making hotel reservations, so we opted for Hotel Hjelle (which ended up being a pleasant, positive surprise).

Note that if you decide to stay at Hotel Utsikten you’ll need to back track about a half hour or so for Dalsnibba (more below) if you couldn’t squeeze it in the previous day.

Day 9: Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen

Get ready for your last day of driving in Norway! You’ll be going from Geirangerfjord → Trollstigen → Andalsnes → Alesund, which will prove to be yet another stunningly spectacular day full of epic scenery, fjords galore, and and curvy, bendy roads. Today’s a tiring day but one for the books, and you’ll be driving on another National Tourist Route!

*Note that the Norwegians pronounce it “Gai-raan-Gyer” (I was butchering the entire language our whole trip and it was awful).

1. Dalsnibba

In one hour from the Hjelle Hotel, you’ll reach Dalsnibba, which is a very popular mountain top viewing platform in Norway. It’s brand spankin’ new, opened just a few years ago in 2016, and it’s actually Europe’s highest fjord view by road at 1,500 meters! Whoa!

Be sure to go on the “skywalk” which has a steel and see-through floor which rails made of glass. It’s definitely a bit nerve-racking to look down at your feet and beyond and see just how high you are with only a piece of glass between you and 1500 meters!

In order to get to the Dalsnibba viewing platform, you’ll need to pay a toll. Prices are payable by vehicle and if you’re coming by car or motorbike you’ll have to pay 130 NOK via credit card (pretty sure the AutoPass Device didn’t work here).

2. Flydalsjuvet Lookout Point

Another lookout point worthy of your time, this one 45 minutes from Dalsnibba (and completely on the way to where we’re going, promise!)  Flydalsjuvet is located higher above the town of Geiranger, providing phenomenal views of the Geirangerfjord, town below, and all the surrounding mountains. These impressive views sure make an excellent photo stop – be sure to have your cameras handy.

The area is well organized with informational signs, toilets, upper and lower viewing platforms, and railings and fences to protect everyone. Fingers crossed you get a clear day, as the fjord can be hidden by fog/mist.  t’s right off of the main road so can get quite busy, with tour buses as well, but wait for them to clear and you’ll get absolutely perfect photos.

3. Geiranger

Time for yet another fjord cruise! You just saw the fjord from up above, now it’s time to see it from another angle – right on it! It’ll only take 10 minutes to reach the town of Geiranger from Flydalsjuvet, so go for a little wander and have a quick lunch.

We honestly couldn’t find too much food besides a bakery and some ice cream, but maybe we didn’t look hard enough. And plus, ice cream is a healthy, obvious meal in Geiranger when the weather is absurdly hot! ;p

We decided to take a 60 minute fjord cruise around noon, but note that 90 minute boat tours are available as well if you feel so inclined or that’s all that’s available. You’ll pass the famous “Seven Sisters” waterfall on either one. I highly recommend booking in advance as the boat was very crowded and it was completely sold out (in high season). Book here.

I feel like a broken record saying this, but yes, the fjord views were absolutely stunning right on the water!

4. Ørnesvingen and The Eagle Road

After gawking at all the views on the fjord cruise, drive the 10 minutes to yet another famous viewpoint, Ørnesvingen, the highest of the hairpin bends in Ørnevegen (also known as The Eagle Road). From here you’ll enjoy more magnificent panoramas of the town and fjord, although be aware that weather plays a key role in how visible your views will actually be (like at Flydalsjuvet).

Hope for a clear day! Look out for the cruise ships passing through the fjord below, as they can only add to the uniqueness of your photos! To uncomplicate things, Ørnesvingen is the name of the viewpoint, while Ørnevegen is name of the actual road. 🙂 Things can get tricky around here, haha.

5. FERRY time: Eidsdal-Linge/Fv63 ferry

This one’s a short one, only taking about 10 minutes and costing 79 NOK (~10) for a small sedan and 2 passengers. As all the other ferries on this Norway itinerary, don’t worry about booking in advance because you can just show up on the port and fall in line with the other cars. I’m pretty sure the ferries leave every 30 minutes or so, but I think it depends on the season and how busy they are.

6. Trollstigen, The Trolls Road

After the ferry and a short drive, you’ll arrive at Trollstigen (The Trolls Road), part of one of the most famous National Tourist Routes in all of Norway (Geiranger – Trollstigen)! And don’t worry, if you’ve followed this itinerary, you’ve already driven on the other part of the scenic road. 😉  

Be sure to stop at The Trolls Path Viewpoint at the Visitor Centre, which will give you unparalleled views of the road snaking below amongst the skyrocketing mountains. Breathe in the the fresh mountain air!

Make sure you venture to both the near and far viewing platforms, as the closer one will provide you with a close-up look at the waterfall, while the latter the actual twists and bends of Trollstigen. Once you make your way to the farther one, you’ll be able to see all the way down the mountainside, being 200 meters above the snaking Trollstigen road.

Once you’re done gawking at the views (don’t be shy – I think I took over 50 photos here), drive down the 11 hairpin bends of Trollstigen. It’s important to note that each bend actually has its own name (usually named after the person who supervised the construction work on that particular section), but just follow it down and you’ll eventually reach the bottom.

The rest of the day will have you driving to your final destination, Alesund, which is about 2 hours from Trollstigen. You’ll first drive north to Åndalsnes, then cut west for Alesund!

Where to Stay in Alesund: Thon Hotel Ålesund

The hotel was in a great location, right on the water, which made looking out the window of our room super fun! We booked a “superior room” with large open windows with views of the water- I watched a huge cruise ship come into port around midnight one night (so cool and completely unexpected) and a pilot doing tricks in his private plane (also quite surprising but fun to watch).

Plus, the sound of the water is just oh so relaxing (keep your windows open). The breakfast was included and had all the breakfast staples and then some.

Where to Park in Alesund: mobile home parking (free from 4pm-8am, 20NOK per hour from 8am-4pm // 160NOK for full day). Ask the hotel and they’ll give you easy directions. It’s only about a 10 minute from the hotel and will save you boat loads of money. Street parking is pretty much non-existent over here. Note that you need to pre-pay for the number of hours you want.

Last full day on our Norway itinerary – Alesund! I admit that we were pretty tired at this point in our trip, and while we explored the small city a bit, we used this day to mostly relax and recoup from the crazy busy previous days.

Alesund is a port town, meaning it’s right on the water, so expect some great views and lots of seafood! The city center has a very unique Art Nouveau style, which you’ll soon notice once you get your bearings – so keep your camera handy! Keep your car parked in the lot, as Ålesund is an incredibly walkable small city with the the downtown being rather compact.

A few things to do below, which can all be easily done in less than a day:

• You’ll find the stairs up to the viewpoint from the town park, Byparken, with no entrance fee. Note that you can also drive up or take the City Train to Fjellstua (small fee) to reach the peak. There’s a small cafe at the top for water and ice creams.

• Walk through downtown Ålesund’s Art Nouveau district : Admire the colorful art-deco buildings, as this is what this part of Norway is famous for! After a fire destroyed the entire city in 1904, it was rebuilt in vibrant Art Nouveau fashion.

• Stop in the Ålesund Church : Even if you’re not religious, the Ålesund Church is worth a quick peek inside. Stare at the beautiful stained glass windows and just appreciate that it only costs about 3NOK to visit. 🙂
• Walk around the harbour and eat some fish! Have lunch at Jafs, and sit outside with some fresh fish and chips while enjoying the beautiful views out over the harbor. Crispy batter on thick fleshy cod fish, decently priced, and harbor views?! What could possibly be better on a warm, summer day?!

• Sunnmore Museum: The Sunnmore museum is an open-air museum with a collection of 55 old picturesque houses and indoor exhibitions, giving you an insight into the cultural and architectural history of the area. A great spot for an afternoon stroll! *Take note of the opening and closing hours before heading over, as we completely missed the time slot.
• Full disclosure: We decided to take a rest at the hotel instead of heading to the lighthouse because 1) we were pooped and 2) we didn’t feel like having to fight over a spot in the parking lot afterwards. Go if you’re up for a small adventure (at the lighthouse and parking lot). 😉

In retrospect, we should have gone last thing the night before, before heading to our hotel in Alesund. Also, note that the lighthouse is halfway between the main town of Alesund and the airport, so depending on your flight time, you can always go the next day before your flight.

Have a few more days in Norway? Consider heading to the Atlantic Road, another famous Scenic Route, which is about 2 and a half hours from Alesund. If we had more time I would have included this in the Norway itinerary.

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Feel free to share this 10 day Norway itinerary with a friend, and get started planning your trip!

IN THE PROCESS OF PLANNING YOUR OWN NORWAY ITINERARY RIGHT NOW?! WHAT THINGS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT during your 10 days in Norway? HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

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July 20, 2020 at 11:07 pm

Excellent overview of the route. Thank you!

August 5, 2020 at 6:59 am

Dear Jessica, thank you so much for this itinerary! My husband and I just came back from our fantastic road trip in Norway. Oh my God I just fell in love with Norway. We live in the south of Sweden, so both our region and Norway were ok regarding corona, this is why we decided to do this trip. We adjusted the itinerary: coming from the south of Sweden, we drove in i Norway and stayed one night in Fredrikstad, then drove through all the south coast to Stavanger (beautiful scenery!) and from Stavanger we mainly followed your itinerary, excluding Preikestolen which we didn't do because neither my husband or I wanted to hike in our holidays, so we saw Preikestolen from Lysefjord, we took the boat trip. It was a good idea since it was raining and cloudy and I don't think Preikestolen was worth it with such weather.

We followed everything else and at the end we didn't drive to Ålesunds, we were too tired and decided to drive back to Oslo, where we spent 1 night (we've been in Oslo before) and then drove back to Sweden.

Because of corona, 95% of tourists we saw were Norwegians, some Germans and some French. Not crowdy at all in the Lookouts, this was such a blessing! 🙂 we even did an extra Lookout that wasn't included in the itinerary.

The weather was cloudy sometimes but the sun came out often so our photos have gorgeous sky in the background! I loved this!

An update is that everything (including all possible ferries) is paid with AutoPass now. We felt home since the Norwegian language is veeery similar to the Swedish so it was easy to communicate.

Finally, since I know you really loved Norway, I would like to suggest you take a road trip in summer time in Switzerland. We spent 10 days road trip in Switzerland and drove only in the country side, no highways at all. Oh my God, Switzerland is the most beautiful country I've ever seen, and now Norway in absolute 2nd place now 🙂 and we've travelled quite a lot too, though not as much as you 🙂 We got our itinerary in Switzerland from the website: thegrandtourofswitzerland…Amazing! But of course, it is maybe 4 times more expensive than Norway and the rest of Europe (something to be considered when planning).

Thanks a lot again! Your itinerary gave us some wonderful days in Norway! Keep travelling and posting!

August 6, 2020 at 10:23 am

Sounds like you had such an amazing trip! And thanks for the updates on the ferries! I can't wait to get back to Europe once it is safe again! I was actually hoping to spend some time in Switzerland this summer but the universe had other plans!

October 27, 2020 at 12:38 pm

Thank you for sharing those wonderful things to do in Norway. I would love to try the Norwegian food one day. Your information in driving and other tips will be really helpful for me when I plan my trip later:)

November 11, 2020 at 1:22 am

thank you! very clear and helpful

March 24, 2022 at 10:01 am

Hello! Love your detailed itinerary. Thank you for sharing it. We will be going there this June and plan to drive from Bergen to Gudvangen for the 2 hours Naeroyjford Fjord cruise. I was wondering if there is an alternative to driving all the way from here to get to Gamle Strynefjellsvegen. We want to try and skip the driving of the Aurlandsfjellet route and the Sognefjellet route as we will be with kids. But would love to do the scenic route of Gamle Strynefjellsvegen. Would you know How do we get on that route the fastest possible way? Thanks so much.

March 24, 2022 at 7:08 pm

Ack I really don’t know! Do you think it’d be too much driving with the kids? I always like to play around with Google Maps and see what I can come up with.

Have a great time — Norway is absolutely spectacular!

May 9, 2022 at 3:23 pm

Greetings, Beautiful Norway and splendid itinerary. Could we do this itinerary without a car in 10-12days? Any suggestions is greatly appreciated. Kind regards, Argie

May 10, 2022 at 11:42 am

I’m not entirely sure but I don’t think you’d be able to get to the more off the beaten path spots. I’d recommend checking out the trains and other public transport! Have a great trip!

July 18, 2022 at 11:14 am

Hi jessica, Imy family and I will be travelling to norway for an 11 day summer family holiday this coming August. Thank you for your itinerary..it is such a blessing especially the routes and stops . Can we go on a car ferry to see geirangerfjord instead of taking the boat? If not, where can we park our car if there is no car ferry for geirangerfjord cruise? Many thanks again.

July 20, 2022 at 7:00 pm

Hi Mo, I think there are car ferries that operate on the fjord. Check out “geirangerfjord car ferry” on google search and you’ll get loads of info! Have a great trip!

September 10, 2022 at 6:06 am

Amazing itinerary and details! Thank you!

We are going for 6 nights 7 days and want to see the fjords! What are the towns and must sees! ?

Thank you again!

September 14, 2022 at 2:31 pm

Hi Jennifer,

If your main priorities are the fjords, I’d honestly skip out on Oslo in the beginning. The fjords are much more difficult to get to and take a bit more planning, while you can tack on Oslo to another European trip if you really wanna explore the city. The views from Pulpit Rock hike, Flam, and the national tourist routes of Aurlandsfjellet, Sognefjellet, and Gamle Strynefjellsvegen were my favorite. Plus Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen. Have a great trip! Norway is amazing!

October 2, 2022 at 11:27 am

Hello! My friend and I just got back from a 10 day Norway trip and we followed much of your itinerary/advice. Thank you so much for all the information it was very helpful!

October 2, 2022 at 4:33 pm

AMAZING – hope you had the best time! So glad the post was helpful! I can’t wait to head back to Norway — it’s such a gorgeous country!

March 26, 2023 at 8:42 pm

Thanks for your itinerary and wonderful info. We are visiting Norway in June and besides a short stay in Oslo — we only have enough time to visit either Bergen with a drive to Flam and a Fjord tour there — or visit Aselund and a drive to Gereinger (with Fjord tour) and Hjelle. Any recommendations on which you think would be better?

April 2, 2023 at 1:17 am

Hey, there! Your article on a 10-day road trip itinerary in Norway is simply amazing! As an AI language model, I can’t physically travel, but reading through your blog post made me feel like I was right there on the journey with you. I particularly enjoyed how you managed to capture the essence of Norway’s breathtaking natural beauty and cultural heritage in your writing.

The details of your itinerary were spot-on, and your tips for travelers, such as visiting iconic landmarks like the Geiranger Fjord and the Jotunheimen National Park, were truly insightful. I also appreciated how you included information on budgeting and finding affordable accommodation options, which is a crucial aspect of travel planning for many people. Overall, your blog post is an excellent resource for anyone looking to embark on a road trip adventure in Norway.

Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights with us. I look forward to reading more of your travel stories and gaining more inspiration for my virtual travels. Keep up the good work!

April 13, 2023 at 6:26 am

Thank you for a wonderful blog. I am planning to tour Norway in August 2023. The tour plan is still being finalized basis research that I am doing. Tentatively it looks like this. Day 1: Fly in to Stavagner and do local site seeing on foot. (August 15 or thereabout) Day 2: Hike up the Pulpit Rock Day 3: Lysefjord Day 4: Hike Kjerag using public transport Day 5: Pick up rental car and drive to Tyssedal Day 6: Hike Trolltunga Day 7: Drive to Jotunheimen National Park Day 8: Hike Bessegen Ridge Day 9: Drive to Geirangerfjord Day 10 and 11: Local site seeing Day 12: Drive to Alesund, surrender car Day 13: Alesund local site seeing Day 14: Fly Alesund to Bergen. Local site seeing in Bergen Day 15, 16 and 17: Fjords, Flam railway, and train ride to reach Oslo Day 18: Oslo site seeing Day 19: Fly back home I could add a couple of days more to any leg of the tour if required. Can you please suggest if this route is optimal or any changes that you think I should make? Also, given the choice I could use public transport rather than self-drive, but I could not find convenient public transport options that would cover Trolltunga, Jotuneimen N P and Geiranger.

July 20, 2023 at 10:14 am

Dear Jessica Thanks a ton for this blog. My husband and I just returned from Norway and we took a part of your itinerary Bergen to Alesund and followed it. You made our trip planning very easy with your wonderful tips. Cheers Bharathi

August 11, 2023 at 2:48 am

Hi! I just got back from my trip to Norway with my family. I would like to thank you for the incredible trip you planned and shared with all of us! We tried to follow almost everything with some variations, but your suggestions and tips were very useful. Please keep doing that!

August 13, 2023 at 11:49 am

Hello. We are planning a trip for next summer. Did you find it best to book your airfare round trip to and from Oslo, then add the one way to Stavange?

Also, did you book each hotel seperate or was it all part of a package? I was jusing Skyscanner and it looks like it used Priceline, not sure if it always does that.

Thank you so much. Great itinerary!

August 13, 2023 at 12:10 pm

Hi Catherine,

We typically always book to the closest major international city, so in this case, it was Oslo! We then flew to Stavanger like you noted.

In terms of hotels, we booked everything ourselves separately. Have a great time in Norway — it’s an amazing country!

September 10, 2023 at 10:59 pm

Thank you so much for this. And for all of the granular travel tips. As someone who spent months planning a detailed itinerary for 2 weeks in Iceland, this is so incredibly akin to how I plan for travel. Currently booking Norway for summer 2024, and I can’t thank you enough for the most amazing Norway travel template for inspiration. Thank you again for sharing your experience.

September 12, 2023 at 5:07 pm

Norway is absolutely spectacular and you will LOVE the country! So glad the itinerary helped! 🙂

December 28, 2023 at 9:25 pm

Jessica, thank you so much for your blog. I admire your devotion to every detail and tons of useful advice. Good luck in you future trips.

December 28, 2023 at 9:24 pm

Scotty, Can you share your iterinary please? I am planing next summer trip too. Obviously Jessika’s blg is a masterpiece and so much appreciated as well. Thank you so much

January 20, 2024 at 9:50 pm

This itinerary looks great. We are going to Norway in end September/early October. A friend has offered her place at Skeikampen. Do you have any idea how long it would take to drive from Alesund to Oslo. We could then deviate to Skeikampen for a couple of nights. Thank you

January 20, 2024 at 10:55 pm

Hi Stuart! Sounds like a great trip! I quickly took a look at Google Maps and it says the drive takes about 7-8 hours depending on the route you take. I always use Google Maps for driving distances, highly recommend it!

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These 5 road trips let you take in Norway’s epic scenery

Mar 19, 2024 • 9 min read

Scenic drives let you experience Norway’s epic landscapes – like Trollstigen pass – up close © Franz Aberham / Getty Images

In Norway , mountains spring straight from the sea and mossy greens sit starkly against grey, craggy, snow-capped peaks. The  best way to take it all in ? Behind the wheel of a car. 

A drive around the scenery of country is, quite simply, an otherworldly experience. From island-hopping, bridge-crossing coastal drives to hair-raising mountain passes, take your time to explore Norway at its very best with these top road-trip routes.

1. The Lofoten Road 

Best road trip for heading off the beaten track Svolvær airport to Å; 133km (83 miles)

For those looking for something adventurous, remote and, well, arctic, try the road that connects the islands of  Lofoten , a wild archipelago that clings to the coast and sits inside the Arctic Circle. Far from the beaten track of tourist sites within striking distance of Oslo , Bergen and Trondheim , the Lofoten lies in the far north of the country, which makes it the ideal place to see birdlife and the northern lights in the wintertime. This trip takes you along the E10 all the way to its end in the tiny fishing village of Å, on the far west of the archipelago.

With just one road to follow as it snakes its way across the islands, there’s very little chance of getting lost. But don’t rush: the whole drive can be done in under three hours, or you could take a few days to soak in all there is to see. As the road hugs the coast, you’ll be treated to stunning views of mountains rising steeply from the sea, turquoise waters and – depending on the time of year – plenty of snow in winter or lush greenery and blonde beaches in summer. Despite lying within the Arctic Circle, the climate is surprisingly mild thanks to the Gulf Stream. 

Along the way lie a few essential sights. First on the route from Svolvær airport is the viewpoint at Torvdalshlsen, with its modern benches providing shelter as you look over Vestvågøy. From there, keen twitchers should head over to the west side of the area to the lakes of Gårdsvatnet, Skjærpvatnet and Storeidvatnet to see the best winged wildlife the region has to offer. 

Staying within Vestvågøy, it’s on to Eggum and its amphitheater-shaped rest area that offers views down the rugged coastline on one side and towering, jagged mountains on the other. An hour further west toward the end of the road is Rambergstranda, which features an idyllic beach in Jusnesvika bay. The site is an unusual blend of peaks, sand and azure seas, with a walkway made of railway sleepers enticing you down to the water’s edge. 

From Rambergstranda, it’s a 40-minute drive to the village of Å, where the road quite literally ends. This tiny village was dependent on fishing until the 1990s, when tourism started to take over. As one of the most westerly points in the country, the village is a beautifully isolated outpost, whose red wooden fishing huts hark back to a time when tourists would seldom venture this far.

Planning tip:  Fly directly to Svolvær airport on the island closest to the mainland, which serves as the gateway for the Lofoten road. Luckily, you’ll find a rental-car company at the airport, which saves a lengthy drive through Norway to get to the starting point.

2. The Atlantic Road

Best road trip for bridges Molde to the Gjemnessundbrua suspension bridge; 111km (69 miles)

A frequent feature of Norway’s road network, bridges and tunnels keep many of the country's 50,000 islands connected. For those looking to sample some of Norway’s most beautiful bridges, look no further than the Atlantic Road. Beginning not far from the city of Molde, the route has connected the island of Averøy with the mainland since 1989.

Best known as one of the filming locations for a driving scene in the 2021 Bond film No Time to Die , the route has a total of eight bridges that stretch over 8274m (27,146ft) along the route, giving way to some spectacular views across the Atlantic.

Start by driving north from Molde on the E39 before taking the exit for Rte 64 – and get ready for coastal scenery, culture and history. From here, there’s no need to take any turns as the route guides you up to the coastline. The breeze from the Atlantic and the bridges signify the start of the drive. 

Once you’ve crossed the Storseisundbrua – the road’s longest and best-known bridge – hopping from one inlet and island to the next can be quite the experience on a blustery day. With the ocean foam peppering the road as you drive along, the initial stretch is magically moody when a northwest storm rolls in. On a still summer’s day , it’s equally impressive – not to mention easier to stop and snap some spectacular photos.  

After the main stretch of bridges, Rte 64 weaves its way across the island of Averøy before dropping down into the Atlantic Ocean Tunnel and resurfacing to join Rte 70. Once across the beautiful but sparsely populated island of Frei, the road drops down into another impossibly long tunnel that reconnects with the island of Bergsøya briefly before heading across the mighty Gjemnessundbrua suspension bridge. First opened in 1992, the bridge reconnects to the mainland, where the route continues on Rte 39 back to the city of Molde.

3. Sognefjellet

Best road trip for an inland adventure Lom to Gaupne; 108km (67 miles)

Moving away from the coastline, the Sognefjellet is a road that cuts through the heart of the Bøverdalen valley. Expect constantly changing scenery as this route climbs up to a high point of 1432m (4705ft), making it northern Europe’s highest mountain pass. Given this, part of the route – from Rustasætre/Vegaskjelet to Turtagrø – is usually open from spring until autumn, closing for the winter months. Those traveling shortly after it reopens in the spring will be treated to 3m (10ft) banks of snow lining the road on both sides, illustrating the full force of a Norwegian winter.

Once an important transport artery linking the coast and inland areas, the Sognefjellet was used to carry salt and fish eastward, while butter, pitch and leather were transported west. Now a popular tourist trail, the route has many viewing platforms and spectacular natural features that tempt you off the beaten track.

Start in Lom, a small village that has built up a reputation as a culinary capital (make sure you sample the local delicacies before heading off). Halfway along the route, a rugged stone sculpture at Mefjellet by Knut Wold is a firm favorite with photographers, as it frames the jagged mountain landscape surrounding it. 

Closer to Gaupne, the route continues along the shores of Sognefjord from Skjolden toward its end. The largest and deepest fjord in the country, Sognefjord is called “King of the Fjords,” and cuts a 205km (127-mile) course through the heart of Norway. Once around the glimmering green and blue waters of Sognefjord, the route ends up in the small village of Gaupne, where a traditional wooden church overlooks the water.

Planning tip:  Gaupne is the perfect place to stop off before doubling back to drive the route in reverse, or continue southwest along the shores of Sognefjord.

4. Scenic Route Jæren

Best road trip to discover Norway’s spectacular south coast  Ogna to Bore; 41km (25 miles) 

While the Jæren road between Ogna and Bore itself is not particularly inspiring, it offers the best way to take in the most beautiful parts of Norway’s southern coastline.

Starting out in the small village of Ogna, pick up Rte 44 as it heads northwest, hugging the coastline all the way. Less than 10km (6 miles) from Ogna lies the Kvassheim lighthouse, well worth a visit. On a coastline littered with shipwrecks, lighthouses are a frequent sight; Kvassheim is one of the best examples. First built in 1912, the lighthouse was still in operation until 1990, when a smaller, automated beacon replaced it. Today, the wooden building houses a museum and visitor center.

From Kvassheim, the route continues northwest on Rte 44 before breaking off to pick up Rte 507, which runs parallel to the white sands of Orrestranda, one of the best beaches in Norway . Here you can walk for miles along the sand, while taking in the rich flora and fauna that surround the beach and populate the sand dunes. Finishing up, it’s a short drive to the village of Bore, where the route comes to an end.

Planning tip:  Take your time on this journey: there are plenty of stunning hidden spots and detours to take in along the way.

5. Trollstigen pass 

Best road trip for thrill seekers and photographers Åndalsnes to the Trollstigen visitor center; 40km (25 miles)

The Trollstigen pass (the Troll Path) is one of the world’s most celebrated roads – with good reason. (You might recognize the drive from the final season of Succession .) Made up of 11 bracing hairpin bends that carry the road up more than 850m (2790ft) up the mountainside, the route links Åndalsnes with the Valldal valley and Geiranger. Replacing a challenging hiking trail, the pass scales a sheer face dominated by the Stigfossen waterfall – a vigorous body of water that cascades off the mountain and plunges more than 350m (1000ft) in a thundering torrent.

Starting in the small town of Åndalsnes, take Rte 64 south out of the town for a short distance before making a left turn to join route E136. Head along here until the turn for Rte 63 comes up on the right, then head off south. After roughly 20 minutes of driving, the imposing sheer face of the Trollstigen will come into view, which is where the route starts to twist its way skywards. There’s a small rest area at the bottom, which makes for an ideal, low-down shot of the pass before the climb begins. 

Once on the pass, your eyes might want to wander to the views down the valley out of the side window – but resist the temptation to look away from the tarmac, as it snakes its way up the mountainside with the rugged edge of the cliff face on one side and a hefty drop down on the other side. (Luckily, there’s a sturdy concrete barrier that lines the road for most of the way.)

As if the views weren’t enough, there's another surprise at the Trollstigen’s summit. With its modern steel-and-concrete aesthetic, the Trollstigen visitor center and cafe is an ideal stopping point to catch your breath and take it all in. 

Best of all is a zig-zagging pathway that starts from the summit and leads to viewing platforms perched high above the pass. The structure is an impressive architectural feat – and also the key to securing the final piece in the photographic puzzle for those documenting the drive. From up here, the views on a clear day are simply sublime.

Planning tip:  Harsh weather and snow make the route impassable to traffic between October and May. The road reopens after the annual spring rockfall, which legend has it results from trolls fighting on the nearby Trollveggen mountain. For those looking for that epic shot of a steep-sided Norwegian fjord, Trollstigen is the one. 

This article was first published November 2021 and updated March 2024

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Norway Road Trip Itinerary: An Epic Self Drive Adventure

01 apr 2024 29 mar 2024 | john.

This incredible two-week Norway road trip itinerary includes some of the world’s most scenic driving as you wind your way past mountains, fjords, glaciers, charming villages, and spectacular coastal scenery.

From the snow-capped peaks of its mountain ranges to the iconic fjords that carve through the landscape, Norway is a strong contender for one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Add to that an evocative history of Viking sagas telling stories of northmen and women raiding, trading and exploring far and wide in their dragon-headed longships and it’s little wonder Norway is such a popular country to visit.

Fast forward to today, and Norway somehow manages to blend its ancient heritage with a modern, progressive society that’s welcoming to visitors and easy to travel around.

Whether you’re into chasing the Northern Lights, hiking iconic fjords, kayaking glacier lakes, tasting inventive local cuisine, or just appreciating the sheer beauty of mountains and coastal villages, you’ll find it in Norway.

So, buckle up for a road trip of a lifetime through one of the most spectacular countries on the planet.

Norway Road Trip Itinerary – Snapshot Start & Finish: Oslo, Norway Distance: appx. 2,800km (1,740 miles) How long do I need ? Norway is a large country, and while it has great road infrastructure, the fjords and mountains that drew us here also mean that sometimes, driving can be slow-going. As such, to cover all the key stops in southern Norway, you’ll need at least two weeks for this Norway road trip itinerary. Overnight stops: 3 nights in Oslo, 3 nights in Stavanger, 1 night in Bergen, 1 night in Gudvangen, 2 nights in Sogndal, 1 night in Geiranger, 1 night in Alesund, and 2 nights in Trondheim.

What’s in this post?

What’s the Route? Norway Road Trip Itinerary Day 1 – Getting to Know Oslo Day 2 – Oslo’s Nautical and Sculptural Highlights Day 3 – Oslo to Stavanger via the North Sea Road Day 4 – Hiking Pulpit Rock and Exploring Stavanger Day 5 – Hiking Kjerag Day 6 – Stavanger to Bergen Day 7 – Bergen to Gudvangen and a Nærøyfjord Kayak Trip Day 8 – Gudvangen to Sogndal via Flåm Day 9 – Austdalsbreen Glacier Day 10 – Sogndal to Geiranger Day 11 – Geiranger to Alesund Day 12 – Alesund to Trondheim via the Atlantic Road Day 13 – Trondheim Day 14 – Trondheim to Oslo Planning a Norway Road Trip Travel to Norway Best Time to Visit Norway Accommodation in Norway Driving in Norway Is Norway Expensive?

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What’s the Route?

You could spend a lifetime exploring Norway. It’s the kind of vast, rugged, beautiful, untamed place that panorama functionality on cameras was designed for. Unless you have limitless time and funds however, it may take a lifetime to see everything you want to in this diverse and beautiful country.

If you’re contemplating a Norway roadtrip, you’re probably in the position we found ourselves in: with a certain amount of time, a finite budget, and a whole world of possibilities to consider.

After extensive research and exploration in our own car, we’ve whittled down this world of possibilities into an epic 2 week Norway itinerary. The journey starts with two days in Oslo, before heading south through Stavanger, and then up to Bergen, Gudvangen, Sogndal, Geiranger, Alesund and Trondheim, then looping back to Oslo.

On the road you’ll see some of Norway’s best mountain and fjord scenery, get better acquainted with Scandinavian history, visit quaint Nordic villages and vibrant cities, explore stunning glaciers, and hike a couple of Norway’s iconic trails to some of the best vistas on the planet.

The itinerary assumes you’ll be visiting outside of the winter months. If you are chasing the aurora, or decide to visit in winter for other reasons, you may need to check road conditions, road closures and the availability of weather dependent excursions ahead of time. Make adjustments to the itinerary where the weather necessitates.

If you have the luxury of more time, and can extend your Norway road trip to three or even four weeks, you could: Take your time driving southern Norway’s coastline between Oslo and Stavanger, exploring the beaches, cuisine, and colourful wooden architecture that’s typical of the region. Hike the 20km (return) trail to Norway’s most distinctive rock formation, Trolltunga, for incredible views from 700 metres above Ringedalsvatnet lake. Extend your Nærøyfjord kayak trip to two, or even three days, to really appreciate the wonder of this World Heritage listed fjord. Enjoy some of the many outdoor adventures on offer in Geiranger, including hiking, biking, kayaking, ziplining or cruising down Geirangerfjord. Drive the Norwegian Scenic Route between Geiranger and Trollstigen to experience one of Norway’s most iconic, and panoramic roads. Spend a couple of days getting outdoorsy around Alesund, choosing from hiking Molladalen, Mount Saksa, or Slogen, birding at Runde Island, or exploring dramatic Hjørundfjord. Get better acquainted with Trondheim by visiting the many interesting museums around the city, taking a boat trip to historic Munkholmen Island, kayaking along the Nidelva River, joining a musk ox safari, walking the beautiful Ladestien path, visiting Bymarka city forest, and eating your way around some of the city’s best restaurants. Explore some of Norway’s most pristine natural environments on a visit to the national parks of Dovrefjell, Rondane and Jotunheimen .

Norway Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – getting to know oslo.

Highlights: Royal Palace | Slottsparken | Oslo Cathedral | Oslo Opera House | Akershus Fortress | Oslo City Hall | National Museum | Aker Brygge Total driving distance: No driving today, you’ll pick up a hire car on day 3 of this itinerary. Overnight: Oslo

As we only have 2 days in Oslo, we’re going to pack a fair bit into day one of our Norway itinerary. If possible, try to get a flight that arrives as early as possible to make the most of your time here. But don’t worry if you arrive a bit later, you can always do more tomorrow with an earlier start, or later finish, especially if you are visiting in summer when the days are much longer.

Oslo is a compact, cosmopolitan city of lovely waterways, green spaces, and interesting museums that certainly warrant a couple of days’ exploration. Once you’ve arrived and hotel formalities are sorted, head out to get acquainted with Norway’s bustling capital city.

There are a wide range options to help you explore Oslo’s main attractions, including walking, e-Scooter, bicycle, and bus tours. Check out GetYourGuide and Viator for some inspiration, or to book a tour in advance.

It’s also easy enough to spend a day exploring all the main sites on your own self-guided walking tour. Be sure to include the Royal Palace, Oslo Cathedral, the iconic Opera House, the Akershus Fortress, City Hall, National Museum and Aker Brygge on your wander.

Detailed 2 Days in Oslo Itinerary For a little more detail on getting the most out of your time in Oslo check out our suggested itinerary for two days in the city, which includes more information on daily activities and where to stay.

Where to Stay in Oslo

Oslo has plenty of accommodation choice, ranging from luxurious waterfront hotels to boutique B&Bs and campsites. Prices vary, and it’s advisable to book in advance during peak periods, typically in the summer months when tourism is at its height.

You’ll find accommodation scattered across, and beyond the city. Gamle (the old town), Sentrum (central Oslo) and Aker Brygge are great options if you want to be close to all the action. Bohemian Grünerløkka is a little further out but more than makes up for it with its oh-so-cool vibe and variety of eating and drinking choices. Upmarket Frogner and Majorstuen offer a quieter, more local vibe, but are still well located for most sites around Oslo. 

We stayed just east of the centre at the Scandic Helsfyr , which had nice, comfortable rooms and puts on a pretty mean breakfast. There’s a metro less than ten minutes’ walk away that provides regular trips into the city centre. For road trippers, the big bonus is the hotel has free parking. Check out our 2 days in Oslo post for additional hotel suggestions.

Day 2 – Oslo’s Nautical and Sculptural Highlights

Highlights: Oslofjord Cruise | Bygdøy Peninsula | Kon-Tiki Museum | Vigeland Park Total driving distance: No driving today, you’ll pick up a hire car on day 3 of this itinerary. Overnight: Oslo

For our second day in Oslo we’re focusing more on Norway’s maritime heritage and taking the opportunity to get out and about on Oslo’s harbour, the fabulously photogenic Oslofjord.

Cruise Oslofjord There are a bunch of ways to explore Oslofjord, and we would recommend taking a harbour cruise , exploring independently using the Båtservice public ferries, or enjoying a dinner cruise .

Whatever you decide upon, schedule something in and then adjust the remainder of today’s Oslo itinerary to fit in around that.

Bygdøy Peninsula The Viking Ship Museum is normally the highlight of a visit to the Bygdøy peninsula, however it’s currenty closed for a major renovation, and will reopen in 2026/27 as the Viking Age Museum.

In the meantime, there are still plenty of reasons to visit the Bygdøy Peninsula. In addition to the famed Viking ships, the peninsula hosts three other excellent maritime-themed museums. The peninsula can be reached by a very scenic ride on the Båtservice.

The Kon-Tiki Museum provides a fascinating insight into Thor Heyerdahl’s daring expeditions, including the famous Kon-Tiki raft voyage across the Pacific. The Fram Museum shares harrowing tales of polar exploration and allows guests to step aboard the world’s strongest wooden ship. Or learn about Norway’s maritime heritage from ancient seafaring traditions to modern maritime innovations at the Norwegian Maritime Museum .

Whether you visit one or all three museums, or just take a stroll along the peninsula’s scenic trails or check out its lovely beaches, Bygdøy certainly warrants a few hours in today’s itinerary.

Vigeland Park The other significant stop we recommend today is a visit to Vigeland Park , probably our favourite green space in Oslo and the largest sculpture park in the world. The park can be reached on foot from the city if you don’t mind a half hour walk, or you can save your legs by getting tram 12 or the metro from central Oslo.

Home to more than 200 sculptures by artist Gustav Vigeland, the park is a testament to Vigeland’s life work and determination (or obsession). This incredible collection of bronze, iron and granite sculptures really seize the imagination. The works capture a range of human emotions, but be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the large central Monolith, the Angry Boy and the Wheel of Life, all of which are particularly striking.

Finish the day with a dinner cruise on Oslofjord or head to Aker Brygge, Sørenga, or Grünerløkka for a bite and a few drinks. Don’t overindulge though, it’s an early start tomorrow.

Day 3 – Oslo to Stavanger via the North Sea Road

Highlights: Risør | Lillesand | Kristiansand | Lindesnes Lighthouse | Flekkefjord | North Sea Road Total driving distance: appx. 620km (385 miles) Total driving time: appx. 8.5 hours Overnight: Stavanger

Our Norway road trip hits the highway today with a very long drive. We recommend getting to the airport as early as you can so you can pick up your hire car and hit the road before traffic around Oslo gets too busy.

The fastest route to Stavanger from Oslo is around 600km via the E18 and E39 which takes between 7 and 8 hours to drive, depending on traffic.

It’s all highway, and to be completely honest, it’s not the most thrilling drive in the world. However, as we only have 2 weeks in Norway we’re keen to get stuck into the adventures that await in Stavanger and beyond, so recommend doing this leg of the journey in a single day.

If you’re visiting in summer and don’t mind arriving in Stavanger a little later, there are a handful of picturesque coastal towns along the route where you can choose to break up the journey with a walk along the beach or lunch.

Around 3 hours from Oslo you’ll pass Risør , and an hour further along, Lillesand . Both are good spots to stretch your legs with a wander through pretty old towns that have distinctive, white-painted houses and bustling waterfronts.

Our halfway point today is Kristiansand where you can grab lunch, enjoy a rest at one of the local beaches or have a walk through the colourful historic district of Posebyen. There’s a lively fish market here (Fiskebrygga) where there’s no shortage of choice if you’re feeling peckish.

If you’re into lighthouses and coastal scenery, Lindesnes Lighthouse at the southernmost point of mainland Norway might be of interest. There’s also a fancy underwater restaurant here. Further west, Flekkefjord ‘s Gamlebyen district is another old town of cobblestone streets and wooden houses that’s definitely worth exploring.

From Flekkefjord you can be in Stavanger in around 2 hours by continuing along the E39. However, if you’re going to take one diversion today, we’d recommend getting off the highway at this point to take the North Sea Road (the Rv44) between Flekkefjord and Sandnes.

While this will add a little over an hour to the journey, it’s probably the most scenic part of today’s drive, winding through wooded mountain roads, past beautiful coastal scenery, lovely beaches, cute traditional villages and fjords. It really is a lovely drive, just be prepared for lots of twists, turns and switchbacks.

After checking into your accommodation in Stavanger, finish the day with a stroll down to the waterfront in search of dinner. We were lucky enough to arrive just in time for sunset in the middle of a food festival. The harbourside was alive with people and delicious smells, the perfect way to end a very long day.

If you have more time and want to avoid a very long drive, pretty Kristiansand or one of the other coastal towns along this route make a nice overnight stop. There’s also an inland route to Stavanger over the mountains via Telemark, Røldal and Ryfylke on the E134. It’s considered to be a more scenic drive that takes in mountains, lakes, waterfalls and stave churches. You’d need an additional day for this route though as the terrain means it takes a couple of hours longer to drive. Another time-saving option would be to fly from Oslo to Stavanger and then get a rental car on a one way hire back to Oslo. Not only will this save you a very long drive, but it means you save a day so can add in one of the additional stops or activities we’ve highlighted in this post. Perhaps an extra day to kayak down the Nærøyfjord or an epic hike, like the one to Trolltunga: the options are limitless.

Where to Stay in Stavanger

As a popular university town, tourist centre, and a hub for Norway’s oil industry, it’s not surprising that Norway’s third largest city has plenty of accommodation on offer.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere in the cobbled streets of the old town, an upmarket joint along the picturesque harbour, or a quiet B&B in the residential back streets, it’s easy enough to find somewhere to stay in Stavanger within walking distance of the centre.

We stayed at Frogner House – Sirkus Renaa , located an easy 10-15 minute walk from central Stavanger, with paid parking in a large facility adjacent to the hotel (organised in advance through the hotel). We had a studio room which was nice and clean, had a comfy bed, and was generally very well appointed. There are a range of apartments to choose from, including studios, 1 and 2 bedrooms. All have a fridge and small kitchenette.

The following mid-range options don’t have parking but also get consistently good reviews:

• Frogner House – Fiskepiren – close to old town | clean and cosy | parking garage opposite
• Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel – central location | gym and sauna facilities | clean, modern rooms

Parking in Stavanger Unfortunately, most hotels we looked at in Stavanger didn’t provide parking, so the choices are to use paid parking garages, or find street parking. Just beware some residential areas are for permit holders only, so if you’re unsure where to park, check Parkopedia , ask a local for advice, or check with your hotel before you arrive.

Day 4 – Hiking Pulpit Rock and Exploring Stavanger

Highlights: Hiking Pulpit Rock | Stavanger Cathedral | Gamle Stavanger | Øvre Holmegate Total driving distance: appx. 80km (50 miles) Total driving time: appx. 1.5 hours Overnight: Stavanger

Hit the road early today with a 45-minute drive to the Prekistolen (Pulpit Rock) car park via the longest subsea road tunnel in the world, the 14.4 kilometre Ryfylke tunnel.

Pulpit Rock Parking – It’s advisable to arrive at the car park as early as you can (6am or 7am), especially in the summer months, to ensure you get a car space. We made the mistake of a later arrival on our first attempt and had to postpone our hike due to lack of parking.

An early start will also let you enjoy the trail before it gets too hot and crowded, as well as allowing enough time to get back to Stavanger for an afternoon exploration of the city. Believe me, you’ll be grateful for the early start when you’re coming down and see the crowds making their way up.

The hike is just shy of 8km and is considered moderately difficult. There are certainly some lung-busting ascents, and it definitely challenges your knees and ankles in places. We took our time, had lots of breaks, and managed the hike in around 2 hours each way.

After getting to the top and being absolutely blown away by the scenery, we climbed a little further until we found a rocky outcrop with stunning views over Pulpit Rock and across Lysefjord. This turned out to be the perfect spot to recover from the hike up and enjoy a very well-earned breakfast.

For a little more detail on our experience of this hike, check out our Hiking to Pulpit Rock post .

After returning to Stavanger and freshening up, head out to the old town, Gamle Stavanger, and choose a spot for lunch before embarking on an afternoon wander.

The central part of the city is nice and compact, and easily walkable in an afternoon. Highlights of Gamle Stavanger include its cobbled streets and 18th century traditional wooden houses, an imposing medieval cathedral, and Stavanger’s most popular street, Øvre Holmegate with its busy vibe and jumble of colourful wooden houses, many of which are now cafes, bars or shops.

Grab some dinner and get an early night as it’s another energetic day tomorrow.

Day 5 – Hiking Kjerag

Highlights: Cruising the Lysefjord | Kjerag Hike | Scenic drive along the Fv500 and Fv450 Total travel distance: appx. 230km (143 miles) Total travel time: appx. 6 hours 15 mins Included ferry crossing: Lauvvik-Lysebotn Overnight: Stavanger

Today might just be the most thrilling day of our entire Norway road trip itinerary, so strap yourself in for the iconic Kjeragbolten (Kjerag Boulder) hike.

We’re at risk of becoming morning people with yet another early start today. It’s a 40-minute drive from Stavanger to Lauvvik to get a pre-booked 6:30am car ferry to Lysebotn.

Important information regarding the Lauvvik to Lysebotn car ferry The car ferry needs to be booked in advance. It doesn’t operate every day, and when it does there is only one morning crossing. Be sure to check the ferry timetable ahead of time as part of your itinerary planning. More information, including timetable and booking links can be found on the Visit Norway website .

Once on the ferry, settle in for a truly spectacular two-and-a-half-hour cruise along the length of Lysefjord, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway.

From the ferry it’s a fun, if slightly white-knuckle drive up the side of the mountain along the switchbacks of Lysevegen Road to get to the Kjerag carpark, where you’ll pay a jaw-dropping NOK300 to park for the day.

I won’t sugar coat it, we found the hike pretty tough. It’s steep and slippery in places, and sometimes you need to use chains to drag yourself up the slopes. But your reward for all that hard work is the incredible view across Lysefjord and, if you can keep your nerve, and stop your legs wobbling long enough, that iconic pic standing on Kjeragbolten 984 metres above the fjord.

All up the hike (around 10km return) took us about 6 hours, including taking a breather up top, and queuing to get onto the boulder. We’ve written more about the experience in our Hiking Kjerag post .

After the hike, loop back to Stavanger via the Fv500 and Fv450, an incredibly scenic 2.5 hour (140km) drive through the very heart of fjord country.

Weather Warning: Like many hikes in Norway, Kjerag should only be tackled between June and September. Outside of hiking season the trail is too dangerous and the road to Kjerag is closed.

Day 6 – Stavanger to Bergen

Highlights: Bergen Fish Market | Bryggen Wharf | Fløyen Funicular Total travel distance: appx. 210km (130 miles) Total travel time: appx. 5 hours Included ferry crossings: Mortavika-Arsvågen | Halhjem-Sandvikvåg Overnight: Bergen

The scenic drive between Stavanger and Bergen is a little over 200km but takes more than five hours. Around 30km of the journey is by car ferry, so you’ll need to factor in extra time for the two ferry crossings as you weave your way through spectacular fjord-and-mountain landscapes.

If you’re like us, stopping for photos every five minutes will also slow your progress, in the best possible way of course.

A couple of hours into the drive you’ll pass the town of Haugesund . If you need a break, you’ll find Norway’s national monument, Haraldshaugen, here. It’s said to be located on the site Harald Fairhair is buried. There’s also a thousand-year-old stone cross nearby and, if you want to stretch your legs, the Kyststien trail runs along the coastline here.

Bergen is an attractive, walkable city with a bustling waterfront area. After checking in to your hotel, head down to Bergen’s famous Fish Market and grab a late seafood lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the city and the atmospheric Bryggen Wharf area, a colourful World Heritage-listed nod to the city’s Hanseatic past.

For panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords, take the funicular up to Mount Fløyen .

Surrounded by mountains, rain makes a regular appearance in Bergen and we weren’t spared on our visit. Just as we emerged from the funicular at the top of Fløyen, the clouds rolled in and drenched us with rain. Even so, the views of city and harbour that we were able to glimpse through the mists were truly spectacular. Bring wet weather gear just in case.

Where to Stay in Bergen

Bergen is Norway’s second largest city and has a busier feel about it. If you want to be near the main points of interest, look for accommodation around Sentrum and Bryggen. However, there are also plenty of accommodation options further out, including towards the airport located around 18km from the centre of town.

We stayed at the Quality Hotel Edvard Grieg near the airport as we managed to get a good deal on the room which included free parking (we understand they have since started charging). The hotel is comfortable and modern, has a decent car park, and is an easy 20 minute drive to the city.

If you want to be closer to the action, the following options get consistently good reviews:

• Good value: City Hostel Bergen – clean rooms | 5 minute walk to the harbour | good shared kitchen
• Mid-range: Citybox Bergen City – simple modern rooms | close to train station | 15 minute walk to the harbour
• Indulge: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel – lovely modern hotel | great location at Bryggen Wharf | parking garage (paid)

Day 7 – Bergen to Gudvangen and a Nærøyfjord Kayak Trip

Highlights: Nærøyfjord Kayak Trip Total driving distance: appx. 150km (93 miles) Total driving time: appx. 2.5 hours Overnight: Gudvangen (or nearby)

We’re now firmly in the heart of fjord country, and the outdoor adventures continue today with a journey to the fjord-side village of Gudvangen. From here we’re embarking on a memorable guided kayaking trip along the World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord.

Our paddle started at 10am, so you’ll need to be on the road early from Bergen for the two-and-a-half hour drive past lakes, waterfalls, and increasingly beautiful mountain and fjord scenery.

It probably won’t come as much of a surprise that to earn its UNESCO recognition, Nærøyfjord is a bit of a stunner, and there’s nothing quite like seeing it from a sea kayak.

Imagine gently paddling along in almost perfect silence, surrounded by immense rocky mountain slopes that enclose you the deeper into the fjord you go, past raging waterfalls, lush green valleys, and tiny villages. There’s a tranquillity to it that’s hard to describe, and it’s an experience we’ll be talking about for many years to come.

Half-day and full-day kayak trips typically include a barbecue-style lunch and return to where you started from in Gudvangen, while multi-day trips finish further into the fjords (our two-day trip ended at Undredal on Aurlandsfjord). If you have more time available we’d highly recommended a longer paddle. Check out our kayaking the Nærøyfjord post for more details about what to expect.

We booked our tour directly with Nordic Ventures , but you can also book guided one-day kayak tours from Vossevangen and three-day kayak tours from Flåm through GetYourGuide. If you’re feeling less energetic, cruises operate from Gudvangen, Flåm, Aurland or Undredal. More details are available on the Visit Norway website .

Where to Stay in Gudvangen

While it’s a key gateway to Nærøyfjord, the village of Gudvangen is quite small, so accommodation choices are limited. Broadening your search to include the wider Aurland region, including Bakka, Flåm, Aurland and Undredal will give you more options.

The following options around Aurland get consistently good reviews:

• Good value: Winjum Hostel Stegastein – clean comfy rooms | well-appointed shared kitchen | fabulous view from terrace
• Mid-Range: Svingen Guesthouse – cosy rooms | spotless shared kitchen and bathrooms | fjord views
• Indulge: Gudvangen Fjordtell – perfect fjordside location | on-site seafood restaurant | comfortable Viking themed rooms

We opted to camp at picturesque Lunde Camping . It’s a friendly place set beside a river near to the small town of Aurland where you’ll find a few shops and a supermarket. The campsite has plenty of space for tents, but there are also simple, modern chalets for non-campers, which include bunks and a kitchenette.

Day 8 – Gudvangen to Sogndal via Flåm

Highlights: Stegastein Viewpoint | Flåm | Flåmsbana Railway | Borgund Stave Church | Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route | Kaupanger Stave Church Total travel distance: appx. 165km (103 miles) Total travel time: appx. 3 hours 15 mins Included ferry crossings: Mannheller-Fodnes Overnight: Sogndal

You’ve probably earned an extra hour in bed this morning, but when you’re ready, jump in the car and head towards the popular town of Flåm, an easy 20 minute drive from Gudvangen.

If the weather is good, bypass the town centre for now and head straight up the very steep and winding “Snow Road” to the Stegastein Viewpoint . Jutting out 30 metres from the mountainside, the platform provides a truly spectacular birds-eye viewpoint from its position 650 metres above Aurlandsfjord.

Get ready for the crowds Flåm gets inundated with visitors during peak season. Not only does it have the famous Flåmsbana railway, but it’s also a hub for day trips to Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, as well as berthing close to two hundred cruise ships a year. If you are visiting at peak time, it’s best to book any activities well ahead of time, and if you can, try to avoid being here on days when the biggest cruise ships are docked. The Flam Port website has information on cruise ship arrivals, including the number of passengers on each ship.

While we’re not fully convinced it lives up to the label of ‘best train ride in the world’, the Flåmsbana railway feels like one of those things you need to tick off the list while visiting the western fjords.

It’s a 20km, hour-long ride from Flåm to Myrdal station, 867 metres above the fjord. As you rise into the mountainside, past waterfalls and valleys, the gradient gets ever steeper and the views become more impressive. The journey includes brief stops at the raging Kjosfossen waterfall and Myrdal station before you head back down.

After the train ride, stretch your legs with a walk around Flåm while enjoying the views down the fjord. There are some lovely traditional wooden buildings, a free railway museum, a church dating back to 1670, and if you’re feeling active, bike riding or Scandinavia’s longest zipline. If you’re in need of a break and some refreshment, the brewpub and bakery are popular spots in town.

After Flåm, our journey heads past the town of Aurland before joining the Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route and taking a 24.5 kilometre journey through the inside of the mountain via Lærdalstunnelen, the world’s longest road tunnel.

If you have time and are interested in seeing one of Norway’s best preserved medieval stave churches, it’s only a 20 minute drive from the end of the tunnel to Borgund Stave Church .

From here it’s a little over an hour to Sogndal via the Rv5 and Mannheller-Fodnes car ferry. The road passes close to Kaupanger Stave Church around ten minutes before you get to Sogndal.

What’s a stave church? Stave churches are medieval timber churches that were built using a unique style of load bearing wooden frame with four corner posts, or staves. Constructed entirely from wood, the churches are distinctively designed with intricate multi-tiered high roofs and beautiful woodwork. There were once more than a thousand of these churches in Norway, but today, only 28 remain.

Where to Stay in Sogndal

There are a handful of villages and towns in the Sogndal area offering accommodation around the Sognefjord, including Sogndal, Hermansverk, Hafslo, and Kaupanger.

While these towns aren’t overflowing with accommodation, there’s enough choice to suit most needs, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, holiday homes, apartments, hostels, and camping. The following options get consistently good reviews:

• Good value: Nedre Amla Fjord Apartment – cosy apartment | fjord views | free parking
• Mid-range: Best Western Laegreid Hotell – large rooms | comfy beds | centre of Sogndal
• Indulge: Hofslund Fjord Hotel – fjord views | heated pool | comfy rooms | free parking

We stayed at Sogndal Bed & Breakfast , a summer hostel offering budget rooms close to Sogndal village. While certainly not luxurious, the B&B has large, clean, modern rooms with comfy beds, free parking, and breakfast included in the price. It’s also a really convenient base for visiting nearby Austdalsbreen Glacier.

Day 9 – Austdalsbreen Glacier

Highlights: Austdalsbreen Glacier Kayaking and Hiking Total driving distance: appx. 163km (100 miles) Total driving time: appx. 3 hours Overnight: Sogndal

Today encapsulates everything we love about road tripping, with a truly spectacular drive, followed by one of the most memorable adventures of this Norway itinerary.

The day starts with an hour-long drive to Breheimsenteret Glacier Centre to meet up with the team from IceTroll who will be taking us on a trip to Austdalsbreen glacier.

Arrive early if you can as the centre (open from May to early October) has incredible views of nearby Nigardsbreen glacier and provides an interesting introduction to the world of glaciers, and both Jostedalsbreen and Breheimen national parks.

There’s something surreal and truly awe-inspiring about paddling across the pristine waters of Styggevatnet glacier lake towards Austdalsbreen glacier. And getting to walk on the glacier itself remains one of our all-time favourite travel memories. This tour runs between July and September. You can find a more detailed write up of our experience in our post about exploring Austdalsbreen glacier .

If you’re anything like us you’ll be buzzing on the drive back to Sogndal, but remember to take in the beautiful scenery on the way, and maybe treat yourself to a beer (and perhaps dinner) overlooking the fjord at Dampskipskaien Café when you get back to town.

Day 10 – Sogndal to Geiranger

Highlights: Most Spectacular Drive in the World | Geirangerfjord | Ørnesvingen Viewpoint Total driving distance: appx. 220km (137 miles) Total driving time: appx. 4 hours Overnight: Geiranger

If yesterday’s glacier excitement wasn’t enough, you’re in for another real treat today, as you take on the most spectacular drive in the world. It’s a huge call I know, but it’s certainly among the most incredible stretches of tarmac we’ve ever driven and an absolute highlight of this 2 week Norway itinerary.

It’s another experience we’ve written about separately, so check out our Sogndal to Geiranger blog post for more details and lots of pics.

Please note some sections of this drive should be considered weather dependent. If you are thinking of attempting this route outside of the summer months, or in poor weather, check road conditions and closures before setting off.

The drive takes you out of Sogndal along the Rv5, E39, Rv15 and Rv63 all the way to Geiranger. While it’s only 220 kilometres, you should plan to make a day of it as it’s one of those drives that will have you pulling over every few minutes to marvel at the scenery.

The drive takes you past fjords, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lush valleys, quaint Norwegian villages, tranquil lakes, and more waterfalls than you could poke a stick at. Labelling it as ‘jaw-dropping’ feels like a bit of an understatement.

You’ll probably have run out of superlatives by the time you get your first glimpse of Geiranger, but try to muster one last bit of energy for the 15 minute drive alongside Geirangerfjord and up what feels like endless switchbacks of ‘Eagle Road’ to reach Ørnesvingen Viewpoint .

Taking in the views across the World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord from here is a fitting way to end the ‘most spectacular drive in the world’ before checking into your Geiranger accommodation and seeking out some well-deserved dinner.

Where to Stay in Geiranger

The fjord-side village of Geiranger gets top points for dramatic positioning, although as a popular destination for day-trippers, cruise ships and holidaymakers, it’s probably the busiest place we encountered outside of Norway’s cities.

Despite its popularity, Geiranger is very small, and there’s only a handful of accommodation options available. It’s advisable to book your stay well in advance, especially during peak periods when demand surges. The following options get consistently good reviews:

• Good value: Solhaug Fjordcamping – cosy caravan | fjord views | cabins also available
• Mid-range: Vinje Camping –  comfortable cottages |kitchenette | fjord views
• Indulge: Grande Fjord Hotel – fabulous views | comfy clean rooms | relaxing hot tubs | free parking

We pitched a tent at Grande Hytteutleige og Camping , set in a spectacular location right on the fjord a couple of kilometres from town. Shared cooking and bathroom facilities were decent, and staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Cabins with ensuite bathrooms and private cooking facilities are also available to rent.

Day 11 – Geiranger to Alesund

Highlights: Hellesylt | Alesund’s Art Nouveau Architecture Total travel distance: appx. 110km (68 miles) Total travel time: appx. 3.5 hours Included ferry crossings: Geiranger-Hellesylt | Magerholm-Ørsneset Overnight: Alesund

As one of most beautiful fjords in Norway, you won’t be surprised to learn Geiranger has plenty to keep you busy if you have time to stay a little longer. Tourist cruises loop the fjord several times each day, and for the more active, there are kayaking, biking, ziplining and hiking excursions to be enjoyed. Check out GetYourGuide’s things to do in Geiranger page for more inspiration.

As we only have 2 weeks in Norway on this itinerary, we’re combining travel and sightseeing by enjoying Geirangerfjord from the car ferry. It’s a spectacular journey, travelling the length of the fjord and then continuing on to the village of Hellesylt.

From here, it’s time to get back on the road and head north west towards the coastal town of Alesund. The road from Hellesylt skirts Geirangerfjord along the Fv60 offering up wonderful views along the way. If you want some pics keep your eyes peeled for the Geiranger Fjord Viewpoint , around 6km from Hellesylt, it’s one of the many spectacular viewpoints you’ll pass on today’s drive.

You could easily spend a couple of days enjoying Alesund and the surrounding areas so try to arrive in good time to allow at least half a day to enjoy this pretty port town.

Bypass Alesund for now though and drive straight to Godøy island . If you’re feeling energetic, there are a few hikes to enjoy here, the shortest of which would be the two-and-a-half hour (3.5km), out and back, moderately challenging trail to Storhornet. At the peak you can enjoy a well-earned rest while you appreciate the 360-degree panorama of the surrounding islands and Alesund. Seek out the 1876 Alnes lighthouse before heading back to Alesund and checking in to your hotel.

Considered by many to be Norway’s most beautiful town, Alesund’s pastel-coloured centre is the result of a near-total rebuild in the early years of the 20th century, after a great fire burnt down most of the city. It’s a great place to spend a couple of hours, strolling through the cobbled streets and around the waterfront to really appreciate the wonderful art nouveau architecture. If you’re interested in delving a little deeper, the Art Nouveau Centre provides a more in-depth understanding of Alesund’s architecture and history.

There are a variety of other things to do in and around Alesund depending on your interests and available time.

There’s a city sightseeing bus that takes in many of the major points of interest, a fisheries museum providing an introduction to the local fishing industry, and the Atlantic Sea Park (3km out of town), which has the largest saltwater aquarium in Northern Europe and a small penguin colony. If you have the time, and are feeling more energetic, you can also explore Alesund by sea kayak .

Whatever you decide, it’s worth ending the day by enjoying freshly caught local seafood at one of the many good restaurants around town.

Where to Stay in Alesund

There’s a decent variety of accommodation options in and around Alesund, from camping to apartments, guesthouses, homestays and hotels. The following options get consistently good reviews:

• Good value: Kirkgate 4 – comfy homestay | central location | shared bathroom | paid parking
• Mid-range: Quality Hotel Waterfront – clean and modern | central location | waterfront | on-site restaurant and bar
• Indulge: Hotel 1904 – stylish hotel | comfortable rooms | central location | great staff

We stayed at centrally located Thon Hotel , which was close to everything and has a small guest car park, as well as being near a larger public car park. Rooms were large, clean and very well appointed with all the facilities you’d expect. Rates include a decent breakfast with a good selection of hot and cold food.

Day 12 – Alesund to Trondheim via the Atlantic Road

Highlights: Aksla Viewpoint over Alesund | Atlantic Road Total travel distance: appx. 360km (224 miles) Total travel time: appx. 7 hours Included ferry crossings: Molde-Vestnes | Halsa-Kanestraum Overnight: Trondheim

It’s a big driving day today, so we’d recommend starting early with a quick drive up the mountain behind Alesund to the Aksla Viewpoint. From here the panoramas of Alesund, the Sunnmøre Alps, and surrounding area are absolutely fantastic (keen walkers can hike to the viewpoint).

Rather than take the most direct route to Trondheim, we’re taking a slight detour that includes a stint along the famous Atlantic Ocean Road .

This is a picturesque stretch of causeways, bridges and highway linking the many islands of the region’s archipelago. It makes for a longer day, but it’s well worth it.

While the whole drive to Trondheim is beautiful in itself, the Atlantic Ocean Road, one Norway’s eighteen recognised scenic routes , is really the highlight and the focal point of the day.

Funny enough, it’s a road that might never have come into being if the 1909 plans for a railway along this route had been realised. It took another 26 years for Parliament to approve a road project instead, and then a further 48 years before the six-year road construction project actually began in 1983.

The culmination of all this is one of the world’s great drives. It’s an engineering marvel that winds through the stunningly beautiful, rugged coastline with the vast ocean as a backdrop, and the relentless North Atlantic weather as a constant reminder of the powerful natural forces that shape the land here.

There are a few spots along the way to pull off the road and take in the views, most notably at the southern end of Eldhusøya island, just after the iconic Storseisundet bridge. You’ll find plenty of parking here, along with toilets and a café.

A little further north, Kristiansund marks the halfway point of today’s trip. It’s a good spot to stretch your legs and grab some lunch, especially since it’s a town famous for ‘fishan’ (fish and chips to you and me). It’s around three-and-a-half hours to Trondheim from here.

As it’s been a long day, we’ll leave the Trondheim sightseeing until tomorrow. Just drop off your bags and head into town for dinner.

Trondheim is a vibrant university town with a reputation for being a bit of a foodie destination, so there’s no shortage of places to eat and drink, from casual to Michelin star eateries.

Where to Stay in Trondheim

As one of Norway’s largest cities, it’s unsurprising that Trondheim has a decent range of accommodation in and around the city centre, Bakklandet and Solsiden that would meet most needs. If we had one gripe, it’s that generally parking was quite expensive.

We stayed at the Scandic Solsiden , located in a nice area with a laid-back vibe and lots of waterside dining and drinking options. It’s only around a ten minute walk into the centre of town, has on-site parking (paid), and is also close to a couple of parking garages. The room, service and varied breakfast were all great, and overall we felt it was a solid choice for Trondheim.

Other options that get consistently good reviews include:

• Good value: Pilegrimsgården Hotell og Gjestegård – clean and quiet | close to the cathedral | on-site parking (paid)
• Mid-range: Scandic Bakklandet – great central location | comfy rooms | yummy breakfast
• Indulge: Britannia Hotel – central location | stylish cosy rooms | attentive staff | spa and wellness centre | Michelin star restaurant

Day 13 – Trondheim

Highlights: Solsiden | Bakklandet | Gamle Bybro (Old Town Bridge) | Kristiansten Fortress | Nidaros Cathedral | Archbishop’s Palace | Stiftsgården Total driving distance: No driving today . Overnight: Trondheim

Once the capital of Norway during the Viking Era, Trondheim is a city with a long history. It’s rich cultural heritage stretches back more than a thousand years to when the city was founded by King Olav Tryggvason in the year 997.

It’s a city defined by its royal heritage, position as a trading outpost, proximity to Sweden, and also by the many fires that have quite literally shaped and reshaped it.

Today you’ll find a modern, trendy vibrant place where around a quarter of the population are students. Aside from being a city with a deep-rooted history, it’s also a centre of art, music, technology, culture and gastronomy.

Enjoy a rare car-free day today to explore this very walkable city. We highly recommend strapping on your sneakers and spending the day pounding the pavements.

There are guided walking tours and a self-guided audio tour of Trondheim available. Both options cover the major places of interest around the city and provide an overview of Trondheim’s history.  

Our Suggested Trondheim Self-Guided Walking Tour As we were staying in the area, we started our day with coffee and a wander around Solsiden , a former shipyard that has been regenerated into a lovely modern waterside precinct. It’s also a great spot for dinner or drinks later on.

If you’re interested in Norwegian music, the Rockheim Museum is only 15 minutes’ walk from here. Otherwise continue your stroll (again just 15 minutes) to Bakklandet , Trondheim’s colourful old town. It sits photogenically aside the Nidelva River, with distinctive colourful houses and cobbled streets.

Spend a bit of time wandering the streets of Bakklandet to really appreciate the architecture and viewpoints along the canal, being sure to check out Gamle Bybro , Trondheim’s iconic Old Town Bridge.

From here, it’s a steady 15-minute or so climb up to Kristiansten Fortress . Keep an eye out for the Trampe bicycle lift on your way, it’s quite a sight to watch people try, and sometimes fail, to use it (if you’re lucky and it’s in operation). The fortress and grounds are a popular spot for picnics in better weather and it’s the best place in town for spectacular views over the city towards the cathedral.

Head back down the hill and recharge your batteries with lunch somewhere in Bakklandet before crossing Gamle Bybro and heading to Nidaros Cathedral , an absolute highlight of visiting Trondheim.

Plan to spend some time here admiring this 11th century gothic masterpiece, with its ornate carving and statues, striking rose window and atmospheric crypt. During summer, the tower can be climbed for spectacular views over the city, and guided tours are also available.

Next door, the Archbishop’s Palace , with its archaeological museum and mint workshop are also worth seeing while you are here, and if you’re an art lover, Trondheim Art Museum is just around the corner.

It’s a 5 minute walk along the wide, tree-lined Munkegatax, past the town hall ( Rådhuset ) to reach Trondheim’s market square ( Torvet ), dominated by a column dedicated to Olav Tryggvasson. It’s a focal point for life in Trondheim and you’ll often find festivals and events taking place here.

We lucked out with our visit coinciding with Trøndelag Food Festival, and we spent several happy hours here sampling delicious food stalls and partaking in a craft ale or three in the beer tent. In 2024, the festival will be held between 1-3 August.

Continue a couple hundred metres further up the road to Stiftsgården , the King’s official 18th century royal residence and one of the largest wooden buildings in northern Europe. It’s open to the public during summer with visits by guided tour only. See the Visit Trondheim website for more details.

Trondheim Microbrewery and ØX Tap Room are just around the corner from Stiftsgården, so we’d highly recommend finishing today’s walk by sampling a few local brews while deciding where to go in Norway’s gastronomic capital for dinner.

Trondheim for Foodies With Michelin starred restaurants, a focus on local produce and gastronomic innovation, and more good restaurants than you can poke a stick at, Trondheim is very much an established foodie favourite. Add to that a thriving microbrewery scene and it’s no surprise we loved visiting Trondheim as much as we did.

Day 14 – Trondheim to Oslo

Highlights: Trondheim to Oslo Scenic Drive Total driving distance: appx. 500km (311 miles) Total driving time: appx. 6.5 to 9.5 hours depending on the route chosen Overnight: Oslo (if flying the next day)

If you want to save yourself a fairly long drive you could consider finishing your car rental in Trondheim, and either fly or get the train back to Oslo for your flight out.

If you plan to drive, the two most direct routes back to Oslo are: the 500km more easterly route along the E6 and Rv3 via Aldval and Rena which takes around 6.5 hours; and the more westerly route along the E6, Rv4 and E16 via Otta and Lillehammer, which adds around 20km and 45 minutes to the journey.

While neither drive will eclipse the more memorable journeys we’ve taken during this road trip in Norway, both are still pleasant enough and offer a handful of things to see and do along the way.

More Direct Eastern Route to Oslo (6.5 to 7.5 hours driving time) Both routes follow the E6 out of Trondheim. After around 45 minutes you’ll reach Støren, where you have the option to take a detour to Røros via the Fv30 or continue on the more direct E6 and Rv3.

World Heritage-listed Røros is renowned for its well-preserved wooden buildings and mining history, so if you don’t mind adding around 45 minutes onto today’s drive, then it may well be worth a visit.

If you want to bypass Røros, continue on the E6 and then Rv3 until you get to one of the largest canyons in northern Europe, Jutulhogget Canyon , around 3 hours from Trondheim. There are plenty of hiking options around here, including treks down into the canyon itself, but you can also get views of the canyon by walking a few minutes from the car park.

From here, the road follows the Rv3 for a couple of hours as it skirts the Glomma , Norway’s longest river, before cutting south west and joining up with the E6 for the final leg into Oslo.

Points of interest along the final stretch (which apply to both the east and west route options) include the ruined medieval cathedral and museum at Domkirkeodden near Hamar, Eidsvoll Manor House and museum where the Norwegian Constitution was signed in 1814, and the atmospheric (some say haunted) Nes Church Ruins , located at the picturesque junction of the Glomma and Vorma rivers.

Western Route to Oslo (7.5 to 9.5 hours driving time) The slightly slower western route takes you out of Trondheim, but instead of taking the Rv3 it continues on the E6 through the mountain ranges of Dovrefjell and Rondane national parks .

With more time there are an abundance of hiking options in this region to explore. After around three-and-a-half hours you’ll reach the town of Otta. It’s the main town of the Rondane and around halfway to Oslo, so may provide a useful stopping point for lunch.

From Otta, you have a couple of options. Either continue on the E6 all the way to the former winter Olympic town of Lillehammer , or take a two-hour diversion along the Fv51 and Fv33 to incorporate Norway’s Valdresflye scenic route via Jotunheimen National Park .

By all accounts, the 49km Valdresflye route, which can really only be attempted during the summer months, is a truly spectacular drive with incredible mountain views. So if you don’t mind a very long day, it might just be a very fitting way to end your Norway adventure.

Depending on your flight schedule, you can either depart from Oslo tonight or spend one more night in the city to explore any remaining attractions or indulge in the vibrant nightlife before concluding your memorable Norwegian road trip.

Planning a Norway Roadtrip

Travel to norway.

Norway is well serviced by rail and ferry routes from adjoining countries, as well as flights from more than 100 destinations from across Europe, as well as the USA and Middle East. Be sure to get a window seat to enjoy views of Norway’s fjords and sprawling mountain scenery if you plan to fly.

Within Norway there are more than 50 domestic airports, offering connections to major cities like Bergen, Stavanger, and Trondheim, as well as far flung spots like the Lofoten Islands, North Cape, and Svalbard.

Car and passenger ferry services to Norway operate from Denmark, Germany and Sweden, so if you have the time, this might be a more leisurely way to arrive.

As we travelled to Norway with our own car, we took the ferry from Frederikshavn in Denmark to Oslo, arriving late afternoon. It’s a long and uneventful journey (which can also be made overnight), but it’s saved by good free wifi and stunning views when you sail through the Oslofjord on the final leg.

Best Time to Visit Norway

Norway offers a variety of experiences that change with the season. The best time to explore this incredible country really just depends on your interests.

The Norwegian summer, between June and August, is a time of almost perpetual daylight and warmer weather. This is prime time for hiking, cruising the fjords, and enjoying Norway’s iconic scenery and outdoor pursuits.

We visited during this period, and while tourist numbers (and prices) are definitely higher, the lively atmosphere, extended daylight hours, and warmer weather meant we were able to make the best of our time and see and do more.

For those seeking a balance between weather and crowd levels, May and September might present an ideal compromise. Spring heralds the blossoming of flora before the heat of summer, while autumn’s colourful landscapes will have you filling the memory cards of your camera. During these shoulder seasons, you can still enjoy plenty of outdoor activities with fewer crowds, and accommodation prices may sting slightly less.

Winter, between December and March, transforms Norway into a snow-draped wonderland. The Northern Lights dance in the polar night, and the snow-laden landscapes offer opportunities for skiing, dog sledding, and other winter adventures. While the days are shorter, the lure of the auroras and the snowy landscapes create a magical atmosphere that draws plenty of visitors.

Winter Considerations Winter is undoubtedly a beautiful time of year to visit Norway, especially if you’re keen on seeing the northern lights or love your snow sports. However it’s also a time of year that requires extra caution, and a lot more planning. Some excursions referred to in this Norway road trip itinerary may not run during the winter months or in adverse weather conditions. Similarly, many roads through Norway’s mountains and rugged interior are closed during winter. If you plan to visit during the winter months it’s advisable to check the availability of excursions in advance, and to regularly check road conditions and closures on the Norwegian Public Roads Administration website .

Accommodation in Norway

Norway has a diverse range of accommodation from camping to cosy guesthouses and modern hotels. As with many places costs vary greatly, however like everything in Norway, it’s expensive by most standards.

When road tripping we always try to find places offering onsite or nearby parking and this is reflected in many of the suggestions we make in this post. On our Norway road trip, we managed to get hotels with parking around a third of the time. The rest of the time we had to find street parking or a nearby parking lot or garage.

To make the most of your journey, consider pre-booking your accommodation, especially during peak seasons when Norway attracts plenty of fellow travellers. You can book accommodation in Norway through all major booking engines. For this trip, we booked most of our accommodation through Booking.com.  

Driving in Norway

Driving in Norway is a breeze. The road infrastructure, car ferries and signage are all excellent, and drivers are safe and considerate. It’s worth noting though that like most things in Norway, petrol is very expensive, speed cameras are ubiquitous, road rules are strictly enforced, and roads are extensively tolled.

Renting a Car

Unless you’re bringing your own car, you’ll need to hire a car for this Norway travel itinerary.

There are plenty of rental car options from all the major towns and cities in Norway. We’ve found Rental Cars has a great range of cars and competitive prices, but we also suggest checking Discover Cars to find the best deal you can.

Car hire operators in Norway will accept most licences that are valid for a year and use the Roman alphabet. However, it’s always worth checking the booking terms and conditions in advance of your visit, as International Driving Permits are required from some nationalities.

It’s almost impossible to drive around Norway without encountering toll roads. Many, many toll roads. While this can add to your costs, we reluctantly accepted it as the price you pay for the incredibly well-maintained roads, tunnels and bridges that make road tripping through this spectacular landscape such a breeze. 

Rental cars will come equipped with an AutoPASS tag so you don’t really have to worry about tolls. You’ll need to budget for toll costs when you return the car, or in some cases a little after, once the toll charges have been finalised.

You have a couple of options to manage tolls if you are bringing your own car from another country: getting an AutoPASS tag; or registering your vehicle for number plate recognition through EPASS24. More information on both options is available on the autopass website but I’ll quickly summarise the main points below.

To get an AutoPASS tag you’ll need to register with a toll tag provider in advance, including entering into a user agreement to receive your tag (or applicable device) in the post. Payment options will depend on the tag provider, however with AutoPASS there are a number of benefits, including a 20% discount on toll rates, and also being able to use the AutoPASS tag on most ferries with a 10% discount.

With EPASS24 you just need to create an account and register your vehicle’s number plate to be able to pay toll, and other road user charges (e.g. congestion tax) by credit card or invoice. While EPASS24 is a quicker and simpler system than AutoPASS, it doesn’t include any toll discounts and can’t be used for ferry travel.

Car Ferries

With an extensive network of fjords carving through the country’s coastline, car ferries and tunnels are a critical link in much of the road network. The car ferry system is very well run and easy to use.

Ferry routes and timetables can be found on the Skyss website , while the Bompengekalkulator website has information about pricing using a handy map.

If you have one, your AutoPASS tag will be able to process most ferry charges in Norway. If you don’t have an AutoPASS tag, your next best option is to sign up to FerryPay . Your number plate will be read as you board the ferry and the credit or debit card registered on your account will be charged for the crossing.

For the most part, regular ferries operate on a first come, first served basis and can’t be booked in advance. In summer and other peak periods it’s advisable to plan ahead, arrive as early as you can, and be prepared for queues.

When parking in Norway, pay attention to local regulations. In urban areas, you’ll often find designated parking zones with meters. These meters may accept coins or electronic payment methods. Make sure to clearly display your parking ticket to avoid any unwanted fines.

Is Norway Expensive?

Everything you’ve heard is true: Norway is incredibly expensive. This naturally has implications for self-drive trips: petrol, parking, car ferries and road tolls all add up and need to be incorporated into your budget.

The benefit of a self-drive trip is that you do have options to economise if you wish. Camping, eating take-out, using supermarkets, and cooking your own meals will all save you money. As will not drinking alcohol or buying alcohol from supermarkets instead of drinking in pubs (an expensive experience we didn’t repeat very often).

Sound like your kind of adventure? If you’ve got any questions about our Norway road trip itinerary, or driving in Norway, ask us in the comments below.

If you’re looking for more great road tripping itineraries and adventures,  check out our Road Trips page , and our  bucket list of 100 ultimate road trips around the world .

2 thoughts on “Norway Road Trip Itinerary: An Epic Self Drive Adventure”

You didnt mention speeding. I hear the Nords are ruthless for speeders and its a % of your income, vs a flat fine.

Hi CP, thanks for your feedback. Road rules are indeed strictly enforced in Norway and speeding can attract hefty fines, loss of licence, even prison time. From what we’ve come across on various Norwegian websites, speeding fines are fixed rates based on the speed zone and the speed travelled over the limit in that zone. Personally, we found the scenery so amazing on these drives, we just wanted to take as much time as possible!

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14 Day Norway Road Trip | The Ultimate Guide On What To Do In Norway

Unfortunately, we only had 14 days for our Norway road trip and since we went on the round trip with our own car, the Lofoten Islands , which we had longed for so much, were too far away to fit them on our Norway itinerary. So we had to limit our road trip by car to the south of Norway. But with highlights like Trolltunga, Kjeragbolten and the Geirangerfjord , the south has more than enough destinations to offer to spend a varied and exciting round trip there.

To give you a few clues, if you are also planning such a trip by car through Norway, we have collected in our travel report, a few tips and our 2 weeks itinerary . Maybe it will help you with your vacation planning. The 2 week route through southern Norway presented by us, by the way, can also be driven super with the caravan or camper. There are plenty of campsites everywhere.

We are Sabrina and Andreas, two adventurous travelers who never miss an opportunity to discover the world. Whether by plane to distant countries or with our campervan Bruno, we just love to travel. We hope to give you helpful tips for your next trip on our blog.

Sabrina & Andreas Globetrotters, Travelers, Adventurers

2 Week Norway Itinerary

We started in the south in Kristiansand . Our northernmost point was Molde south of Kristiansund (don’t confuse!). We drove several hours every day, but since even on the easiest roads in Norway the landscape is simply stunning, we never found it stressful or too much driving.

The individual stops on our Norway road trip are as follows:

• Kristiansand
• Flekkefjord
• Kjeragbolten
• Geirangerfjord
• Molde region (a.o. Trollkirka)
• Vågå (a.o. Bitihorn)
• Lillehammer

On a Google Maps map I have entered the individual route points. On this map you can see our exact route through southern Norway:

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Our individual stops are then described in detail in the following chapters.

Things to know about travelling in Norway

How much is a norway road trip.

Per person we spent about 1000 € for two weeks in Norway with our own car including the following items:

• Travel by car (fuel costs for 2000 km to and from and 2500 km within Norway)
• Ferry (approx. 200€ there and back for 2 persons + car)
• Overnight stays on the camping site (average 60€ / night for a wooden hut)
• Food on site (this was fortunately not so much because we took most of it with us)
• Parking costs (parking is unfortunately extremely expensive in Norway!)

We have compiled all details of our travel costs here:

Norway Prices – How much is a vacation in Norway?

How many kilometers did we drive in total on the Norway Road Trip?

In total, we drove just under 4500 kilometers by car on our 2 week Norway itinerary! But only about 2500 km in Norway. The remaining 2000 kilometers we spent on the outward and return journey. We arrived from the western part of germany and therefore already had a decent distance to drive to the ferry to Denmark.

The pleasant Norwegian Roads

However, since the roads in Norway are very relaxed to drive, also thanks to the speed limit, we never found it stressful. Driving in Norway is really very relaxed. We never experienced traffic jams or even a tense traffic situation. Except of course in the area around Oslo, there we felt almost like in Germany.

Apart from that, we found the landscape in Norway simply unbelievably beautiful. And not only in the area with the many fjords – which roughly speaking begins north of Stavanger – but also already in the deep south of Norway. Right after leaving the ferry in Kristiansand we were really blown away by the great nature. Driving in Norway is really fun!

Staying Overnight on the Norway Road Trip | Hotel vs. Camping

We had already informed ourselves in advance about the rather high hotel prices in Norway * and had therefore considered to stay a lot on campsites.

Thank god we didn’t buy a new tent. We had planned to stay in the tent every other day, but we did this only… once . But we are also not the born campers. Nevertheless, we have always spent the night on campsites in wooden cabins except for 2 days.

Overnight Tip: Wooden Cabins on Campsites

This is something that we did not researched before the trip. We thought that our tent would have to compete with the expensive hotels in Norway. Only therefore we had taken the tent at all.

When we realized that there are more or less comfortable wooden huts for little money on every campsite, we didn’t want to unpack the tent anymore.

Read more about overnight stays in Norway in our Norway Travel Guide

Alternatively, you can of course travel directly with the camper to Norway and thanks to the Right to Roam stand freely in the beautiful nature .

Day 0: Arrival by ferry and relax in nature

We drove from the western part of germany almost 1000 kilometers to Hirtshals in Denmark. We left early in the morning, so that we are (despite traffic jams) in the afternoon already in the north of Denmark.

In Hirtshals is a large ferry port (Google Maps Link ) from which various ferry companies to various destinations in Norway start. We had chosen the shortest and fastest route with Fjordline from Hirtshals to Kristiansand, which in retrospect has not been a good idea .

Why exactly, you can also read in our Norway Travel Guide . The ferry cost about 100 € for 2 people and 1 car for one way and was booked by us on directferries.com *. There you can compare the prices of different ferry companies and book the cheapest.

From the arrival at the ferry port, we were already extremely impressed by the incredible nature. We would never have thought that the fjords and rocky landscapes already start in the deep south. Right from the start, Norway’s landscape contrasted strongly with that of Denmark and, in any case, northern Germany. We would not have expected that and that was just the beginning!

Driving Distance : Kristiansand -> Flekkefjord : approx. 110 km (ca. 1:50 h)

Accommodation Flekkefjord | Relaxing with a Lake View

After the first strenuous day of travel, it is time for a little relaxation. In Flekkefjord there is a brilliant accommodation* that couldn’t be nicer. The rooms are modern and beautifully furnished and there is a sauna with a brilliant view of a stunning lake .

Here you get a first impression of what to expect in Norway. It is simply beautiful there and if you want to start your Norway vacation relaxed it is best to stay directly 2 nights.

Relaxing in Flekkefjord*

Day 1: Kjeragbolten

For the first day of our Norway trip we chose Kjeragbolten, a supposedly easy hike. But unfortunately we  (and with we I mean Sabrina  :-p) have somewhat confused the mileage.

It is unfortunately not always directly apparent whether the mileage for a hike is there and back or only for one route. In addition, we had extremely heavy rain, fog and wind and that already in the parking lot. Nevertheless, we have made ourselves on the way and the really very beautiful hike on the Kjeragbolten tackled.

At the beginning the rain has subsided and we could enjoy the great view. Once we reached the top of the ridge, however, it quickly became foggy and we also had problems finding the right path. When we finally arrived at the destination of the hike, the famous rock, we could unfortunately hardly see anything and have not even dared to shoot the obligatory photo due to the slippery conditions on the rock. It was fun, of course, but it was already super exhausting. We didn’t expect that for our first hike in Norway

But you can read more about that in the corresponding travel report :

• Kjeragbolten Hike – Fight through Fog and Rain

Unfortunately, we had to skip the Pulpit Rock Hike for our trip to southern Norway, although the gigantic rock cliff is one of the top sights in southern Norway. If you have a few days more time you should include the hike. If you are very sporty, you can even hike from the Pulpit Rock to Kjeragbolten in several days.

After the hike we drove to the Flateland campsite to spend the night there.

Driving Distance : Flekkefjord --> Kjeragbolten -> Flateland: approx. 210 km (approx. 4 h) Overnight Tip : Flateland Camping Site

Day 2: Flateland Camping

After this first, extremely strenuous hike, we had considered a stopover on our journey to Trolltunga , because otherwise we would not have made the distance in one go. We happened to choose Flateland Camping, and it really turned out to be the most beautiful and idyllic campsite on our whole trip .

It is very suitable for families and (which is rather unusual for Norway) relatively off the road . We rented a cabin there, which was pretty well equipped. In front of the cabins there was still a large meadow, which was not completely occupied by tents, so that you could also spread out his blanket there.

We felt so comfortable there that we stayed for 2 nights. For a vacation where you don’t want to be somewhere else every day anyway, but want to have a “home base”, this place is perfect.

The campground also offers some (family) entertainment. There is a small rabbit enclosure and a large circus tent in which on certain days performances for the youngest are performed. At the reception you can get fresh bread in the morning and everyone is  very friendly and super helpful .

Namely, we had called ahead to reserve a wooden cabin, but could not be there before the reception closed. The nice employee on the phone said only “no problem”, he would simply deposit the key in a small box outside the reception. We should just take it and come to the front desk the next day to pay. Wow! What a customer service!

• You can find it here on Google Maps Flateland Camping

Honnevje Bathing Place

In the immediate vicinity of the campsite there are beautiful landscapes and also a lot to see. Among other things, the Honnevje bathing place (Google Maps link ). This is a small water landscape with attached rest area and toilets, where you can also swim or just walk around.

Route : Today none, because you will stay near the campsite Overnight : Flateland campground again

Day 3: Buarbreen Glacier

On the third day of our road trip through Norway we actually wanted to climb the Trolltunga and wanted to take 2 days for it and therefore also spend the night on the Trolltunga. But for various reasons this just did not fit and so we decided to postpone the Trolltunga hike and instead look for another activity nearby.

Tripadvisor quickly spit out the Buarbreen Glacier. This is only about 10 minutes away from our campsite in Odda ( Odda Camping* ). So we spontaneously set off for our first glacier .

Both the way up and the glacier itself were really spectacular and beautiful to look at. In parts, the path is so steep that you have to pull yourself up on pre-installed ropes. At the top, you’re standing just a few meters from the base of the glacier tongue and a waterfall whistles loudly next to you.

What exactly we experienced you can read in our travelogue:

Buarbreen | On Ropes up to the Glacier

Driving Distance : Flateland-> Odda: approx. 180 km (approx. 3 h)

Overnight Stay in Odda

We recommend you to spend 1-2 nights in Odda, depending on what you want to do there. In Odda you have two options. On the one hand you can stay at the campground, on the other hand in a hotel. We have selected the two best options for you.

Camping in Odda

We spent the night in Odda at the local campground (Trolltunga Camping* ), which is also not far from the city center. The place is usually very crowded by numerous Trolltunga tourists, but is therefore very picturesque directly on the lake Sandvinvatnet.

But you should be here early to get a free place. We were able to get one of the last tent sites with lake view. The campground also rents cabins and small rooms.

Camping in Odda | Trolltunga Camping*

Comfortable Apartments for Relaxation

If you want to relax after the strenuous hikes we can recommend you The Blue House * recommend. The apartments are located in a 100 year old and elaborately restored house.

Here you come in and just feel at home . The small apartments are equipped with everything you need, so you can take care of yourself there.

Cozy Apartments in Odda*

Day 4: Trolltunga

On the 4th day of our Norway road trip we finally went to the Devils Tongue. This should be the longest hike (22 km) of our trip. The route itself was not the most scenic compared to the rest, but at least the photo what came out at the end is probably one of the most spectacular that you can get in Norway .

We left super early from the Odda campsite to be in time at the 50€ parking lot. Nevertheless, at this early hour many, many other hikers also started their tour to the Troll Tongue. Therefore, we felt this hike also rather exhausting, not (only) because of the long distance, but because we could never really enjoy the nature around us due to the sheer “crowds” .

If you are interested, you can read more in the following travelogue , what we have experienced and where exactly the Trolltunga parking lot is located and how you can best get to the Trolltunga:

Trolltunga Hike – All You Need To Know

Driving Distance : none, because you should stay overnight in Odda again Overnight stay : You should stay again at the Odda campsite or at the Hotel Blue House* , because the day was very exhausting.

Day 5: Voringsfossen

Today you will head north along the scenic Hardangerfjord and eventually reach one of Norway’s most beautiful waterfalls, Voringsfossen. We really looked forward to the visit of the Voringsfossen . The hike is relatively short and if you have found the right parking lot you are also pretty quickly on site.

The right place to park your car is coming from the east directly behind the tunnel  (see Streetview link below ). Either go directly across the street and follow the small path in front of you, or take the larger path on the right side of the street. This is a bit longer, because it leads under the road, but you do not have to cross the road.

Here at Google Streetview you can see the exact location of the parking lot.

The rest of the way is well marked and there are no alternatives. So you can not get lost. The highlight of the trail is certainly the small suspension bridge that you have to cross to get to the other side. After a few meters – the waterfall always in view – you are finally in front of this impressive natural spectacle.

At the end of the path you can go up a stony hill to get even closer to the waterfall. However, this climb is quite slippery due to the wetness and you should be very careful here. At the top you can really feel the spray, which whips wet in your face.

You will not meet many People

The whole way we met only a handful of other hikers . So you usually have enough time to take pictures (and selfies on the suspension bridge).

If you still want to see the Fossen  (waterfall ) from the very top, you can (after the way back) drive a little further along the road to the signposted viewpoint or a little further to a large hotel, where there is another viewing platform with a slightly different angle.

All details about the hike can be found here Voringfossen Norway | Hike to the famous waterfall

You should drive a little further west today, because the next day we are supposed to go to the beautiful city of Bergen.

Overnight Stay on the Farm outside Bergen

Today you’ll have the opportunity to stay a little outside of Bergen on a cute farm overlooking a charming lake . Solneset Farm* is located about half an hour from Bergen.

Here you will find lots of animals, modern bathrooms, a sauna and a hammock on the lakeside .

Cozy Farm near Bergen*

Driving Distance : Odda -> Voringfossen -> Bergen: approx. 240 km (approx. 3:45 h)

Day 6: Bergen

We had just under half a day to explore Berge on our road trip through Norway. Since we are anyway rather nature than city people, this time was definitely enough for us. Worth seeing is of course the district Bryggen directly at the harbor . Even though there were a lot of other tourists, we really liked the city, and if you are culturally interested then you can certainly spend 1-2 days here. But you can also see the best sights in half a day.

Sights in Bergen

The pier lying on the sea with its colorful houses is known from many photos and is the highlight of the district Bryggen. The district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a remnant of a time when Bergen was the trading center between Norway and Central Europe. There are souvenir stores, museums, galleries and many restaurants. It is a wonderful place to stroll along.

Fish market

Right next door is Bergen’s lively fish market. Here the inhabitants have been supplied with freshly caught fish since 1276. Today it is one of the most popular markets in Norway and you can buy not only fish but also fruits, vegetables and handicrafts.

Fløyen and Fløibanen

The 415 meter high Fløyfjellet is not the highest mountain in the city, but it is the most famous one. On its top there is the observation platform called “Fløyen” from which you have a magnificent view of the city and the sea. From the city you can walk up very easily and for free

You can also take the Fløibanen cog railroad up the mountain. You can buy tickets online or on site for about 15 Euro (round trip). Once at the viewing platform, you can walk along numerous hiking trails and also visit the Skomakerdiket lake.

To make some distance, you should drive a little further in the direction of Naeroyfjord today. There we have also chosen a nice hotel for you

Hotel Recommendation at Naeroyfjord

Stalheim Hotel | Mountain Hotel with Panoramic View

Stalheim Hotel is situated on a mountain and offers a wonderful view into the Nærøy valley. Right next to the hotel runs the famous serpentine road Stalheimskleiva and the nature around the hotel is just beautiful.

Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast is also included. Unfortunately, it’s not cheap, but the view definitely makes up for it.

Stalheim Hotel | Check Prices*

Driving Distance : Bergen -> Naeroyfjord : approx. 150 km (approx. 2.5 h)

Day 7: Naeroyfjord

The next stop on our trip through Norway was the Naeroyfjord. As the narrowest fjord in the world , it is probably an integral part of every trip to Norway. The more it surprised us that there is actually no place or no real viewpoint directly at the fjord.

Since we did not want to make a boat trip through the fjord, we chose a small hiking trail to see the fjord from other perspectives. Namely the Rimstigen ( Link to Google Maps )!

Rimstigen Hike

To get there, just drive past the pier on the left and then straight ahead, even if it looks like you’re not allowed to drive along there. You will probably pass some highland cattle, which are running around without any fences. We even fed one of them with a carrot through the open car window. A somewhat intimidating, but totally cool experience.

After a few kilometers – just before the road ends at a small farm – you have to park as best you can on the side of the road.

From there, it goes more or less steeply up the mountain with extremely beautiful views of the fjord . The entire Rimstigen trail is only about 3.5km long, but will cost you 5-6 hours of time . You have to overcome 720 meters of altitude and is really exhausting.

After about 1.5h another (much more sporty) couple overtook us with the words, we had just made half (!) of the way up, we took a short breather and then turned back. That was probably the right decision, because first, according to the local couple, the most beautiful views of the fjord arise anyway on the route already run by us. And secondly, we still had a long way to go and wanted to arrive before sunset at the Geirangerfjord .

Overnight Stay with view to the Geirangerfjord

Who could imagine anything better than just enjoying the view of the Geirangerfjord for hours on end? You sleep here in a cozy little cabin with a well-equipped kitchen.

You can spend the evening on the terrace and just enjoy this amazing view.

Cozy cabin at Geirangerfjord at Booking*

Driving Distance : Naeroyfjord -> Geirangerfjord: approx. 300km (approx. 6h)

Day 8 of the Norway Road Trip: Geirangerfjord

The Geirangerfjord is certainly one of the highlights on a road trip in the south of Norway. But our route to the fjord started with a little detour. We did not take the direct way to the fjord, but turned before on the road 258. Why you should include this detour you will find out soon.

Gamle Strynefjellsveg

We drove over the small pass road Gamle Strynefjellsveg . The 27 km long and in winter closed national tourist road leads through beautiful and varied mountain landscapes and should be driven in any case . The route is simply awesome. We got off several times along the way to explore the area on foot and take photos.

The play of colors between the lush green nature, the turquoise-blue glacier water and the white peaks of the surrounding mountains form a perfect backdrop. So perfect, in fact, that it must have taken us three times as long to cover the distance as it actually does. We couldn’t get out of our amazement.

You can find more information about this dream road here:

Gamle Strynefjellsvegen | Norwegian Scenic Route at the Geirangerfjord

Tip: We have seen some tents on the side of this road. So it seems possible and also allowed to camp here near the Geirangerfjord , which is otherwise rather difficult due to the landscape around the fjord.

When you have successfully crossed the pass road and are now on the fastest way to the fjord again, you will inevitably pass another road that leads to the top of the Dalsnibba mountain. The way up is 15 € per car and not quite cheap, but at an altitude of almost 1500 meters you not only have a great view of the Geirangerfjord, but also have the feeling to have arrived at the true top of the world.

Because you are at the same height with almost all surrounding mountains and have a 360 ° view of countless covered with powdered sugar mountain peaks.

And of course the drive up the mountain and back down again is a lot of fun, if you like driving cars fast like I do. Sabrina has unfortunately suffered a bit on the way down, but there she just has to go through sometimes 😉

Tip: Best Photo Spot at Geirangerfjord

To get a photo like this one you just have to go left at this viewpoint past the toilets and then keep left again until you get to the precipice. There the photographer has to stand. The person you want to photograph must then simply walk along the precipice  (be careful !) until just before the boundary fence. Done!

The small place at the Geirangerfjord didn’t seem to be really interesting to us. However, in the surrounding area you can still discover different hikes and viewpoints . Unfortunately, the only special view you had there was the huge stinking cruise ship that incessantly blew a dark brown cloud of smoke into the sky.

Driving Distance: N one, as you will stay at Geirangerfjord Overnight  S tay : You should stay at Geirangerfjord today and spend the night again at the lodge Hole Hytter* .

Day 9: Trollkirka + Atlantic Road

On the ninth day of our Norway trip, we made the long drive to Molde to visit the Trollkyrkja . We had to take the ferry in Vestnes. However, since this probably did not drive on the two days before because of maintenance work, we had to wait for  over one hour in the traffic jam .

After an overnight stay in a simple hut on a camping site not far from the ferry, we then made our way to the Troll Church. The large asphalt parking lot is located directly on the main road (see here on Google Maps ) and can not be missed.

Trollkyrkja

The cave is definitely worth the short and somewhat steep hike. In the first cave, after a short walk through complete darkness (a flashlight is very helpful here ), there is a small but charming waterfall. We have never seen anything like it: A waterfall… in a cave!

To get to the second cave you can leave the first cave through a narrow gap and then descend again via a ladder. There you can visit another waterfall.

When you have left the cave, you can climb a little bit higher, where is supposed to be another cave. Unfortunately we did not find it. Supposedly it is accessible through a hole in the ground. On the plateau above the first two caves, a small wooden sign also points to this 3rd cave. With a little luck (and time) you should hopefully find it.

Read more about the hike in our detailed trip report:

Trollkyrkja | Adventurous Hike to the Caves of the Troll Church

Atlantic Road

We looked at the Atlantic Road because it is not far from Trollkyrkja and looks really spectacular on the photos circulating on the internet.

The Atlantic Road is more than 8 kilometers long and belongs to the Norwegian Landscape Routes. The special thing about this road is that it leads very curvy over several bridge sections over various smaller islands. From certain angles, this road looks really great as it winds from island to island.

But when you drive over it, it doesn’t seem so special, because you don’t notice so much of the up and down and the many turns.

If you are in the area anyway, we can recommend a very special hotel. It is located on one of these small islands near the Atlantic Road.

Staying on a small Island next to the Atlantic Road

Near the Atlantic Road, you can enjoy a spectacular view at the Håholmen Havstuer* .

The hotel is located on a small island that can only be reached by private boat. You have to park your car on the mainland. The rooms are historically rustic and offer an ambience like in Norway 100 years ago, but in luxury.

Håholmen Havstuer | check prices*

Driving Distance: Geirangerfjord -> Trollkirka --> Atlantic Road: approx. 160 km (approx. 4h) including ferries

Day 10: Trollstigen + Bitihorn

Today of the 2 weeks Norway itinerary we are heading back south. The actual destination is the area around Vagamo, but before that you should make a stop at the famous serpentine road Trollstigen.

Trollstigen

Trollstigen is one of the most popular tourist routes on a road trip through Norway. The special thing about this road are the 11 hairpin curves along which you will climb more than 400 up to the top of the pass. In between you will even pass a waterfall. At the top there is a viewing platform from which you have a great view of the serpentines and the valley in front of you. By the way, the Trollstigen is also one of the Norwegian scenic routes.

Every year hundreds of thousands of tourists drive through the hairpin bends of Trollstigen and you should do the same. Besides driving over this road and looking down on it from above, there is not much to do here, but you should not miss this opportunity.

You don’t have to spend more than 1-2 hours here, but you can continue directly towards Vagamo.

For the next three days we rented a cozy room in Vågåmo* and took this as a starting point for further hikes and tours. For the first day we had chosen the Bitihorn. This is a hike to a mountain peak from which you have a wonderful 360° view of the Jotunheimen National Park .

To start the hike, park at the parking lot marked below, which is directly across from the Sami tent with the souvenirs. You can also see the exact location here on Google Streetview .

There is a sign in the parking lot that says something about a 5€ fee in Norwegian. Since we could not imagine how this fee was to be paid – since there was no parking attendant running around – we just parked our car and started walking. The way leads first on the back of the mountain, in order to run from there quite steeply on the top.

The view to the back is usually the more beautiful, because you look most of the time on a beautiful lake landscape while looking forward you always have the steeply rising peak in front of your eyes.

We didn’t make it all the way to the top, because halfway up the wind is blowing pretty hard, but we still enjoyed the great view (from almost the top). We had a very wide overview of a part of the Jotunheimen National Park and we could see from above even almost our car on the parking lot. Really an amazing panorama!

All details about the hike on the Bitihorn you can find here:

Bitihorn Norway | Hiking in Jotunheimen National Park

Stay in a Traditional Norwegian Wooden House

In Vågåmo, you can really enjoy yourself at the SOV Lodge* . From the outside, the accommodation is rather inconspicuous, like a normal Norwegian wooden cabin.

But the interior is just a beautiful mix of modern and traditional . In addition, there is a super delicious breakfast. Feel free to plan your next 2-3 nights here.

Modern and traditional Overnight in Vågåmo*

Driving Distance: Atlantic road --> Trollstigen --> Vagamo: approx. 240km (4h)

Day 11: Hulderstigen

On day 11 of our road trip through Norway, we wanted to take it a little easier and therefore only went for a short hike at Hulderstigen (Google Maps Link ) and otherwise chilled a lot in our cozy accommodation.

Hulderstigen is a completely flat circular hiking trail in Jotunheimen National Park. We chose it because we needed something not so strenuous for a change and this trail was just right for that. In our opinion, it would also be suitable to walk it, for example, with small children. You run among other things past an idyllic lake and through deep coniferous forests .

In between, you also meet the one or other sheep and can (Norway-typical) sign a guest book.

If you expect a spectacular hike over hill and dale, you are surely wrong here. But if you are looking for a relaxing walk through a very beautiful forest landscape, the Hulderstigen is highly recommended. Especially for families with small children or even if you are traveling with your dog, this hike is a great idea!

Driving Distance: N one, because we stayed in the same area. Overnight Stay: You will spend the night again in the SOV Lodge* in Vagamo

Day 12 of the Norway Trip: Knutshoe

The next day of our Norway road trip we hiked our personal highlight : Knutshoe! This was for us the most beautiful and breathtaking hike of our entire vacation . We hardly met other people and had perfect weather most of the time and once we reached the top we had this incredible view that looked like it was painted. Awesome!

We purposely chose to hike Knutshoe, rather than the directly adjacent, and much more famous, Besseggen! Since our Trolltunga experience, we didn’t want to share nature with so many other people.

The Besseggen is a very famous highlight of Norway, but it is accordingly crowded there. Also, at Besseggen, the organization of the hike was too complicated for us. You have to pay for the parking and then go by boat to the start of the hike. If you come here too late, then you have to accept long waiting times.

Since we selected the rather unknown hike, we were alone in nature and could just enjoy the beautiful landscape.

Read all about our hike in our Knutshoe Hiking Guide

Driving Distance: None, because you will stay in the area Overnight: You will spend the night again at SOV Lodge* in Vagamo

Day 13: Lillehammer & Journey towards Oslo

On day 13, our Norway itinerary took us to Oslo  (we were already on our way back towards the ferry to Germany ) and also to  Lillehammer . Or at least the Olympic ski jumping area. That’s also the only reason why I knew the city. And we are honest, we have not really given the city a chance.

But we didn’t have time for that. We were just passing through. To have a look at the Olympic area you can make a stop, but you don’t have to of course. We found it quite nice and it meant only a small detour for us.

But on the way to Lillehammer we already noticed that we left Fjord Norway , because the fjords, mountains and lakes became gradually less. In the area around Lillehammer and Oslo you don’t really feel like in Norway (at least from the landscape), but rather like in flat Denmark.

Onward Journey towards Oslo

It goes now still scarcely 2 hours further in the direction of Oslo. So that you don’t have to drive so much on your Norway road trip today, you should look for an accommodation near Oslo. Just outside of Oslo, we can recommend a great place to stay that is just far enough away to be in the quiet countryside, but also close enough to Oslo for sightseeing the next day.

Accommodation Tip: Historic Mansion near Oslo

This stately mansion near Oslo offers really great luxury and is super for winding down your Norway road trip.

The large rooms are comfortably furnished and the whole ambience of the hotel is designed for luxury and enjoyment. By the way, a rich breakfast is also included here. The hotel is located in a park-like setting and is generally very quiet.

Losby Gods Manor | check rates*

Driving Distance: Vagamo --> Oslo: approx. 315km (4h)

Day 14: Sightseeing Oslo

Today you can drive into Oslo in just about 20 minutes to see the city. Oslo is the capital of Norway and gave us a little culture shock, because of the huge contrast to the nature of Fjord Norway.

In Oslo itself, we got the shock in terms of crowds . And we stood for the first time on our Norway road trip again in the traffic jam (!!). In this respect, this day was also a good preparation for the everyday life at home. Apart from that, we didn’t like Oslo that much. But we are not really city people, but feel more at home in nature. But if you want to buy souvenirs, the city center is naturally predestined for this. If you like to stroll around city you should check the best things to do in Oslo .

If you want to buy souvenirs and experience some culture, Oslo is of course predestined for that. There is a really long shopping street and many opportunities to store and also cultural highlights do not come up short here.

In our opinion, you can skip Oslo on a Norway road trip without a guilty conscience. But if you want to pay a (short) visit to the city, you can check out the following highlights:

Oslo Sights

The harbor district aker brygge.

In summer, the harbor district is a real hotspot in Oslo. Here you can find (similar to Bergen) many restaurants, stores and souvenir stores. You can stroll around and enjoy an ice cream while watching the people

Museum Peninsula Bygdoy

The museum peninsula Bygdov can be reached by ferry (line B9) and offers a selection of more than 10 museums. Here you can find among others the Kon-Tiki Museum & the Fram Museum. There you can see old replica Viking ships or information about the polar expedition of Roald Amundsen.

More information about the museums can be found at visitoslo.com .

The Royal Castle

The Royal Castle is actually still used as the King’s residence and is also used as a very distinguished guest house for foreign state guests. It is surrounded by a large palace park, laid out in the manner of an English landscape park, which is freely accessible. The castle itself can be visited from late June to mid-August. An organized tour costs about 13 Euro and can be booked at VisitOslo .

If you want to explore the most beautiful sights in a short time on foot, take a look here: Oslo sights – On shore excursion 4 hours on foot through Oslo

Drive to the Ferry Harbour to Denmark

After your visit to Oslo, you should drive a bit towards the coast so that you can take the ferry back to Denmark early the next morning. We would recommend you to drive from Oslo to Larvik and either stay in the very nice Gon Camping or in a comfortable hotel.

If you prefer a hotel for your last night, we can recommend the following:

Accommodation Tip: Antique Hotel near the Ferry Port

The Lysko Gjestegård offers antique rustic rooms with an ambience like a hundred years ago. Nevertheless, the comfort does not come too short. The roomsare really very lovingly decorated and you feel here like in a Viking museum. What a perfect end to a Norway road trip.

From the hotel you drive the next morning not 800 meters to the ferry port. If you don’t have tickets for the ferry to Hirtshals yet, you should book them at directferries.com .

Lysko Gjestegård | Check Prices*

Driving Distance: Oslo -> Larvik: approx. 135 km (approx. 1:45 h)

Day 15: Ferry & Drive back to Germany

On the last day of our 2 week Norway road trip, we took the ferry in Larvik (booked with directferries *) with a heavy heart to get back to Hirtshals in Denmark. The Colorline ferry was also a lot bigger than the Fjordline ferry we had taken on the way there.

Inside the ship there was also plenty of seating, some restaurants and other stores with the possibility to buy souvenirs. A really pleasant end to the vacation. After another 1000 kilometers through flat Denmark and northern Germany , we were finally sadly back home and could only think back longingly to the wonderful time of our Norway road trip. We will definitely be back!

Do   you want to visit the Lofoten Islands ?

The Lofoten Islands offer paradisiacal beaches, wonderful hikes and a landscape that is unique in Norway.

The Lofoten are an absolute longing destination. We tell you everything important for your travel planning.

• Our Lofoten travel reports
• Lofoten Road Trip Itinerary
• The most beautiful beaches in Lofoten

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Europe , Itineraries , Norway · August 12, 2022

Norway Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Days through Norway

We never could have imagined how much we would fall in love with Norway. Is it expensive, yes, but it is also totally worth it! The best way to explore Norway is hands-down road tripping the country. This will give you the flexibility to see all the little hidden gems in Norway. In this post I will show you the perfect Norway road trip itinerary in 10 days.

I’m going to show you the perfect 10-day road trip route in Norway!

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The Best Time to Visit Norway

How many days are enough to visit norway, airports in norway, tips for driving in norway, norway road trip itinerary in 10 days overview, day 1 – fly into oslo, day 2- oslo > mydral > flåm, day 3 – flåm > gudvangen> voss > bergen, day 4 – fly to lofoten islands, day 5 – 7 enjoy the lofoten islands, day 8 – drive from leknes to odda, day 9 – trolltunga hike, day 10 – drive to oslo and explore oslo.

• If You Have More Time in Norway…

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The best time to visit Norway depends on what you want to do in Norway. The activities you do in the summer in Norway are going to look drastically different than what you do in the winter.

We visited in early August and knowing we weren’t going to see the Northern lights, I think it was the perfect time to visit Norway for your first time! While the Northern Lights are still on my bucket list, I am glad we go to see all the nature and beauty this country has to offer.

The Best Time to Visit Norway to see the Northern Lights

The best time to see the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) in Norway is from October through March when there are more hours of darkness in the polar night.

If you want to experience Norway in its finest frozen goodness, visit during winter months for the best chances to see the northern lights and near darkness all day.

The Best Time to Visit Norway to see the Midnight Sun

The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs near the Antarctic and Arctic Circles (close to Northern Norway) where it feels like the sun never sets. This is do the the tilt of the earth’s axis in relation to the sun.

If you want to experience the peak of the Midnight Sun, you will want to visit during June or July when you are guaranteed almost 24 hours of sunlight in the northern cities.

On the Northern Norway island of Svalbard , the sun doesn’t even set between 20 April and 22 August.

The Best Time to Visit Norway to see Avoid the Crowds

If you want less tourists AND good weather, try the shoulder seasons of April – May or August – September. In April and May you will still have some opportunities to see the Northern Lights. In August and September, you will still be able to get a feel for the midnight sun effect, but with way less crowds!

My honest opinion is that you need at least 10 days to 2 weeks in Norway.

From Oslo, to Bergen, to the North, to the islands, there is truly so much to see. You will also want to allow yourself enough time to travel in between these cities and have enough time to explore while you are there. Norway is just not the best weekend trip destination.

It is immensely easier to tack on the Lofoten Islands, or the Trolltunga Hike, when you are already visiting Oslo or Bergen, rather than trying to come back and doing them again.

10 days was just enough time for us, including a side trip to the Lofoten Islands. If you want to take your trip at a slower pace, I highly recommend a full 2 weeks in Norway.

Alright, I know this is a road trip blog through Norway, but if you want to also include the Lofoten Islands in your itinerary, I highly recommend getting there via a plane. Otherwise it will take you way longer, and you don’t want to waste your precious time in Norway.

Oslo Airport (OSL) is probably the airport that you will fly in and out of for your time in Norway.

If you want to get to the North of Norway or the Lofoten Islands, you can catch a flight from the Bergen Airport (BGO) to either Bodø Airport (BDO) or Tromsø Airport (TOS). Many people make Tromsø a destination in of its own in the winter to see the Northern lights. From either Tromsø or Bodø you can catch a connecting seaplane to the Leknes Airport.

The flight into and out of the Leknes airport is a once in a lifetime experience. Trust me when I say you will want a window-seat for this flight!

The flight is very short, but you will be rewarded with the most magical views over the fjords.

The Leknes Airport (LKN) is the only airport located on the Lofoten Islands. From here you will need to rent a car in order to explore the Islands, as the public transportation system is not extensive.

Driving in Norway is not difficult at all, but there are a few rules and precautions that you should be aware of ahead of time.

Here are my top 6 tips on driving in the Norway:

• You will drive on the right side of the road, easy enough right?
• Don’t drink and drive, the tolerance in Norway is 0.
• You must always carry a safety vest and warning triangle in your car – it’s compulsory. Just check that these are in your rental car before driving off.
• If you are driving during the winter, you must have winter tires on. Again your rental car should come equipped with these, but double check.
•  On roads without the “Yellow Diamond” sign, all traffic from your right hand side has the right of way. This is a strange concept to Americans (and even some Europeans), so be aware.
• Be on the lookout for animals, we saw sheep many times using the roadways!
• Day 1:  Oslo
• Day 2 : Flam
• Day 3:  Bergen
• Day 4:  Fly to Lofoten Islands
• Day 5:  Lofoten Islands
• Day 6:  Lofoten Islands
• Day 7:  Lofoten Islands
• Day 8:  Fly to Bergen, drive to Odda
• Day 9:  Trolltunga Hike
• Day 10:  Oslo

Now let’s get into the details of the perfect road trip in Norway itinerary. Below I laid out a suggested route for spending 10 days in Norway. However if you have more time and your schedule allows, I have also included below where I would have spent more time.

Getting from the Oslo Airport to Downtown Oslo

The easiest, and most cost efficient airport to fly into for your 10-day itinerary is the capital city of Oslo.

When you arrive, the fastest way to downtown Oslo is by Flytoget, the airport shuttle train. The Flytoget takes you to the city center in 20 minutes and trains run from 5.35 am to 12.35 am every 10 minutes.

A one-way ticket costs NOK 160 or ($20 USD), but you can typically get a discount if you purchase a round trip ticket.

What to Do with One Day in Oslo

We flew into Oslo late on Friday night, and had an early morning train booked the next day. We planned to spend one-day exploring Oslo at the end of our trip before flying home.

However, if you prefer, you can easily spend time exploring Oslo on the front end of your trip. Here is what I would do with one-day in Oslo, Norway.

Brunch in Oslo

Start off your day exploring Oslo with brunch downtown at either Leibling or Bonita Café & Flowers . You will need a lot of energy and good fuel for your day exploring Oslo largely by foot.

The brunch spots and cafes in Oslo are all so hygge (the Danish and Norwegian word for a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being) that you can’t go wrong with your pick for brunch.

Visit the Oslo Opera House

Located right on the harbor, you cannot miss the Oslo Opera House. Home to the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, the Oslo Opera house is an architectural masterpiece.

My favorite part of the Opera house is that the architecture intentionally resembles an iceberg.

For a free activity in Oslo, you can access the rooftop of the Oslo Opera House for phenomenal views over the Oslofjord.

You can also book a guided tour to go backstage and see the set workshop or reserve a table at the cafe/restaurant for lunch or dinner.

Join a Walking Tour of Oslo

I always recommend joining a walking tour when you get to a new city on the first day to get your bearings of the city. Here are multiple companies offering free walking tours of Oslo, here are some of the best:

• Free Tour Oslo
• Strawberry Tours

The concept of a free walking tour is that there is no set price for the tour. At the end it is highly encouraged that you tip the guide based on your experience.

There are also a handful of paid walking tours that you can do that are more specific:

• Street Food Culture Walking Tour
• Private Oslo 2 hour City Tour

If you want to get off your feet, you can also try an Oslo Bike Tour which will allow you to cover more ground.

The concept of SALT is a cultural gathering spot combining art, music, shopping, food trucks, architecture, and saunas. You will also know you have reached SALT when you see the tree construction inspired by traditional Norwegian fish racks called “fiskehjeller” (see right photo above).

SALT is located right by Oslo’s famous Opera House On the edge of the jetty facing the Opera, you can both swim in the fjord and use the saunas at SALT.

There are six different saunas at SALT with the capacity of up to 80 people. You can rent your own private sauna, or participate in Sauna Sessions in the larger saunas Árdna or Skroget.

To cool down, you have your choice between cold water pools, outdoor showers, or a dip in the Oslo Fjord. You can book the saunas in advance here .

Grab some Lunch and Drinks at Vippa

About a 10 minute walk from SALT, you will find Vippa, a hip food court located at the edge of the Oslo Fjord.

The purpose of Vippa has always been to create an ethical and multicultural environment for both the locals operating the food stands and visitors. On a sunny day, enjoy the patio seating outside and make sure to take a long lunch!

Visit Akershus Fortress

Right by the harbor you’ll find Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle built to protect and provide a royal residence for the city of Oslo.

Today the fortress houses museums, restaurants, and concerts. The Akershus Fortress is completely free to enter and is open all year round from 6am until 9pm.

Guided tours of the fortress are available to the public in summer, and start at the Fortress Visitor Centre.

Mingle like a Local at Aker Brygge

Keep walking along the water from the Akerhus Fortress and you will dead end into the Aker Brygge neighborhood. The area was built upon the former ship yard of Akers Mekaniske Verksted, which ceased operations in 1982.

Today Aker Brygge is best known as a melting pot where people meet up in Oslo. Here you can find a strip of restaurants along the boardwalk with outdoor tables for al fresco dining. A popular summer boat bar is docked nearby, and ferries depart year-round for the scenic Oslo Fjord.

Take a Boat Trip down Oslofjord for some Oslo Sightseeing & Dinner

Take to the water to explore Oslo and the Oslofjord from a different perspective. The dramatic waterways are a photographer’s dream and give the city its lifeblood.

Here are a couple highly rated boat tours that I recommend:

I know traveling can be unpredictable – so all experiences recommended can be cancelled 24-hours beforehand for a full refund.

If you Have More Time in Oslo You Might Consider…

If you have more than one days in Oslo, I would suggest getting out of the city center and exploring the neighborhoods around Oslo. Here are my top suggestions!

Island hop around Oslofjord

Starting at Aker Brygge, you can catch a ferry to the different islands around Oslofjord with a regular public transport ticket or an Oslo Pass .

The islands worth visiting are: Nakholmen, Bleikøya, Hovedøya, Lindøya, Gressholmen or Langøyene. Activities on the islands will include shopping, eating at local restaurants, and taking a dip in the water.

Bygdøy Peninsula & the Museums

On the west side of Oslo, you’ll find the Bygdøy Peninsula. Bygdøy is the most fashionable residential areas in Norway, where the most expensive properties in the entire country are found.

By isgdøy a 20-minute journey from Oslo’s central station via bus 30. You can also reach he Bygdøy Peninsula via the boat from Pier 3 by the City Hall.

Here you will find the Bygdøy Royal Estate which was the official summer residence of the King of Norway. A visit to Bygdøy Royal Manor can be combined with a hike in  Kongeskogen the “royal forest”. Bygdøy Royal Manor also offers guided tours for all kinds of groups upon request.

In addition to enjoying the parks, nature, and beaches, the peninsula has five national museums:

• The Viking Ship Museum (currently closed until 2025 for renovations)
• the Fram Museum
• the Norwegian Folk Museum
• the Kon-Tiki Museum
• the Norwegian Maritime Museum

Grünerløkka

Grünerløkka is the exact opposite vibe from Bygdøy, and is known as Oslo’s hipster neighborhood. Here you will find small independent boutiques, vintage shopping, cafés, bars, graffiti, art, and music.

Damstredet & Telthusbakken

One of the most charming and picturesque parts of Oslo are the neighborhoods of Damstredet & Telthusbakken due to the well-preserved and wooden houses dating back to the late 1700s and the 1800s.

Damstredet  is a cobbled street with wooden houses from the first half of the 19th century. The street runs between Akersveien and Fredensborgveien.

Telthusbakken  is located between Maridalsveien and Akersveien, just below the medieval church Gamle Aker kirke. Along the gardens you can walk the romantic  Kjærlighetsstien  (“The Love Trail”).

Another neighborhood in Oslo worth checking out is Grønland. Make sure to explore here when you are hungry, because Grønland is home to the best Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants in all of Oslo.

Where to Stay in Oslo

For location right next to the Oslo central train station, book a room at Thon Hotel Opera . For a room with a view in the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood, check out this apartment style room . If you are looking for a room on a budget, we can recommend the Comfort Karl Johan Hotel .

When planning our road trip through Norway we utilized Norway in a Nutshell to customize and coordinate different modes of transportation to get from Oslo to Bergen.

Norway in a Nutshell centralized the purchase of all the tickets for our trains, buses, and boats over the next 2 days. It does all the leg work of coordinating time tables between different modes of transportation and allows you to customize your road trip by electing to spend more time in certain cities.

You can definitely do it on your own and save some money, but it will take more time and research.

Morning Train from Oslo Central Station to Myrdal

In the morning we caught a 4.5-hour train from the Oslo Central Station to Myrdal. This train ride was absolutely stunning!

Try to get seats on the left side of the train for the best views of the picturesque towns along the way!

Catch the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) in Myrdal

Once we arrived in Myrdal, we got off the train and had about an hour to explore Myrdal before our next train. From Myrdal you take the famous Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) to Flåm.

The Flåm Railway has been described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. In my honest opinion, it was a bit touristy and just OK views.

So is the Flåm Railway worth it?

Yes, I would recommend the Flåm Railway train ride to others as a good way to get to Flåm, but cannot claim it is the most beautiful train journey in the world. I did not have a bad time, the views were good, and it’s a great way to get to the town of Flåm.

This train ride last about 1 hour and passes by waterfalls and endless green pastures.

The Flåm Railway train will make one stop at the Kjosfossen Falls and allow you to get off the train to view the falls from the platform. We stayed on the train and used it as an opportunity to grab a photo from inside the train with the falls (see below).

Spend the Day in Flåm – What To do with One Day in Flåm

We arrived in Flåm around 1pm and opted to spend the night here so we had more time to explore. I would highly recommend spending at least one night in Flåm in order to explore properly. If we had more time I would also consider staying 2 nights in Flåm.

Grab Lunch Along the Harbor

First things first, we got some lunch at the NIF Flåm Market set up along the water. There were multiple different vendors selling local seafood, beers, and other options for lunch.

We purchased some food and then sat along picnic tables outside. It was honestly just what we needed after a long morning of train travel.

There are not many options for food in Flåm, so for dinner you can check out the Ægir microbrewery for small bites, Flåmstova Restaurant right on top of the brewery, or stop by the only grocery store, Coop Marked Flåm, and pick up some ingredients to make dinner (if you have a kitchen of course).

Visit Stegastein for Fjord Views

From the Flåm tourism center we booked tickets for a shuttle to the Stegastein viewpoint which offers the most stunning view over the Aurlansfjord. The drive up took about 30 minutes, and once we were at the viewpoint we had about 30 minutes to explore.

You can enjoy the viewpoint, and there are also some walking trails in the area where I caught this family of sheep enjoying a nice walk! On the way back to town, our driver pulled over along the side of the road for the below views over Flåm and the Fjords. I would definitely recommend booking a trip to Stegastein .

If you have a car with you at this point in your road trip, you can also self-drive to Stegastein both from Flåm and Aurland in the summer months.

Walk around Flåm

Enjoy some time exploring by foot around town. My favorite was getting to see this cute baby calf near our hotel.

End with Sunset at Flåm Beach

Not a traditional beach, the Flåm Beach area is more of a park with green grass and a pebble beach leading into the fjord.

We enjoyed relaxing here near sunset and enjoying the views of the Aurlansfjord.

Where to Stay in Flåm

There are not many places to stay in Flam, so make sure you book your room early. If you can, try to get a room at the highly rated Flåm Ferdaminne . Other great options right in the center of Flam are Fretheim Hotel or Flåmsbrygga Hotel . If you are traveling with a group and need more space, this three bedroom private apartment in the valley would be perfect.

Day three on your road trip through Norway itinerary is a BIG travel day. You will take three different modes of transportation: a ferry, a bus, and a train before the end of the day! Don’t only focus on the destination today, because the views along your trip are going to be part of this spectacular journey!

Get Breakfast at Flåm Bakerei

Our morning after arriving in Flåm, we were scheduled to take a boat ride from Flam to Gudvangen.

When we arrived at the Flåm harbor we were hungry for some breakfast and found, what my husband still says is the best bakery on the planet, Flåm Bakerei.

We ordered the cinnamon pudding pastry, and the fruit pudding pastry, both of which were amazing! We cannot recommend this little bakery enough. For being one of the only places to get breakfast in Flåm, we were extremely impressed.

Ferry Through the Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen

We then boarded our ferry which took us on the most magical ride through the Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen. The ferry boat was huge, offering multiple outdoor viewing platforms, as well as tons of inside seating.

There were also some food options aboard the ferry. During the ferry ride we passed by the most quaint towns of Undredal (left photo below) and Dyrdal (right photo below).

As we approached the town of Gudvangen, we saw a few more little towns as well as this picturesque white church along the water. I would definitely recommend a ferry through the Nærøyfjord to anyone visiting Norway!

Gudvangen > Voss > Bergen

In Gudvangen, you can visit the Viking Village Njardarheimr and meet with real Vikings and experience how they live. The Viking Village is actually a permanent village where Vikings from all over can come and live together and share their lifestyle with visitors. You should plan at least an hour to explore the Viking Village and Gudvangen.

Next we boarded a bus to Voss where we boarded a train continuing on to Bergen. Again, all this transportation was booked and coordinated through Norway in a Nutshell , which saved us lots of stress and scheduling.

Spend the Evening in Bergen – What to do in Bergen

We arrived in Bergen in the late afternoon and had about half a day to explore. If we had more time, I would have spent an extra day in Bergen. There isn’t a ton to do here, however with how packed the rest of the itinerary is, some time to relax at a slower pace is nice. And Bergen is the perfect slow-pace city in Norway!

Bergen Harbor (Bergen Havn)

Once in Bergen, head straight to the Bergen Harbor or “Bergen Havn”. This is where you will feel Bergen come alive!

We loved this area for the picturesque colorful houses along the Harbor which provided plenty of cute photo opportunities.

Bergen Fish Market

Right near the Bergen Harbor you will find the fish market! An absolute treat to walk around the market and see the local Norwegian fish and other products.

During the summer the Bergen Fish Market, which consists of a long string of fish and other produce stalls is open 7 days a week from 9AM-9PM. The fish market is closed in the winter except for some select Saturdays.

Grab Dinner along the Bergen Harbor

Seafood always tastes better when you are looking at the water, am I right? We enjoyed a delicious meal at one of the restaurants along the harbor. We just walked around looking at the menus in front of each of the restaurants to pick where we wanted to eat, so I don’t remember the specific restaurant we ate at.

We sat out on the patio and enjoyed some people watching at the harbor as well. This is definitely the place to be in Bergen for a lively atmosphere!

Day 4 was largely a travel day as we made our way to the Lofoten Islands by dusk. From Bergen, we flew into the Leknes airport with a layover in Tromsø.

The Lofoten Islands was one of the stops on our Norway road trip that we were the most excited for!

The flight costs to northern Norway were extremely expensive by Europe standards. But believe me when I tell you, visiting the Lofoten Islands was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. I have never looked back and regretted paying for those tickets.

Once you arrive at the Leknes airport, you will want to rent a car from the airport for your time exploring Lofoten. There is a public bus system on the island, but you could spend hours waiting at bus stops if you plan to see multiple villages.

On our way to our Airbnb in Sørvågen on day 4, we drove by small fishing cabins with rack upon racks of drying cod, through valleys of large mountains of snow-capped peaks, and through small beach towns with unforgettable views of the setting sun. It was one of the most picturesque drives of my life. We had to stop and pull over multiple times to admire the view!

If you want to see more, check out my 24 Epic Photography locations in the Lofoten Islands post.

We spent the next 3 days in the Lofoten islands , exploring every nook and cranny of the small fishing towns in the Lofoten Islands. You can drive along E10 from the northern most town of Svolvær to the end of the Lofoten Islands at the fishing village of Å (not a typo, it is a single letter town).

Our favorite activity in those few days was by far the Reinebringen hike to the top of a mountain/hill overlooking the city of Reine. This hike is about 510 meters ascent (1680 feet), and takes probably 2-3 hours round trip conservatively. The hike was a bit difficult as it’s basically a large staircase the entire way up, but the views are unrivaled.

A few other of our favorite spots was exploring the town of Henningsvær , as well as having a picnic on the beach in Ramberg.

There are not a ton of dining options, though there are enough, but a few places we enjoyed were Anita’s Seafood on Sakrisoy, as well as Maren Anna in Sørvågen.

Day 8 was largely a travel day again. Getting to and from the Lofoten Islands needs about a day on either end for travel. However, I have never regretted spending those magical 3 days in Lofoten!

We flew back to Bergen from Leknes, again with a layover in Tromsø. We then rented a car from the Bergen airport using Discover Cars as we always do and drove to the city of Odda. The next day we planned to hike the famous Trolltunga Hike near Odda, Norway!

Another fun mode of transportation we got to try for the first time was a car ferry . There will be an option to take a car ferry from the towns of Tørvikbygd to Jondal which cuts out a considerable amount of driving time, and was well worth it so we could get to our next stop faster.

The drive took us in total 2.5-3 hours which largely depends on how long you have to wait to catch the next car ferry. The next day we have a big hike ahead of us, so once we arrived to our Airbnb, we grabbed a pizza and headed to bed early.

Today is a big hiking day! We woke up around 5AM to get started on our drive from Odda to the parking area for the Trolltunga hike (only about 30 minutes).

The entire Trolltunga hike is about 28km round trip and can take 8-12 hours to hike there and back so make sure you start early enough to make it down by dark.

If you want to see Trolltunga at sunrise, you might consider one of these guided hiking tours:

It’s about a 5 hour drive from Odda to Oslo. An alternative to going back to Oslo would be to head to Bergen.

We chose to book our return flight from Oslo as it provided better options for outgoing flights and we didn’t get much time to explore Oslo when we arrived on Day 1.

On our last day in Norway we explored Oslo as detailed in the beginning of the post.

If You Have More Time in Norway …

If you have more than 10 days to explore Norway I would suggest looking into Alesund, Stavanger, Tromsø, the Kjeragbolten Hike, and the Pulpit Rock Hike.

Final Thoughts!

I hope that you now have all the tools you need to plan the most epic road trip in Norway. If you are currently planning a trip to Norway and have any questions, drop them in the comments below. For more travel inspiration and tips, follow me on Instagram for current updates.

Looking for more Norway inspiration? You may also enjoy these Norway related posts:

• Unforgettable 4-Day Lofoten Islands Norway Itinerary
• 24 Epic Photography Spots in Lofoten in Summer
• Hiking Trolltunga: Norway’s Most Epic Hike

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• Camera Body: Canon EOS 6D Mark ii
• Wide Angle Lens: Canon 16-35mm f/2.8
• Zoom Lens: Canon 24-70mm f/2.8
• Super Zoom Lens: Canon 70-200mm f/2.8
• Portrait Lens: Tamron 35mm f/1.4
• Drone: DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro with RC Controller
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• Tripod: Manfrotto Element Traveller
• SD Card: SanDisk Extreme Pro 256 GB
• External Travel SSD: SanDisk Extreme Pro 4 TB

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About Rebecca

Rebecca is a photographer, travel blogger, and founder of That One Point of View -- a resource for the modern traveler dreamed up after a cross-cultural move abroad to Germany. She's now traveled to over 50+ countries with her husband (and sometimes golden retriever) and creates thoughtful itineraries for you to plan similar trips with ease. She's on a mission to take the intimidation out of traveling to new places and inspire you to finally book that dream trip!

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May 9, 2022 at 5:19 pm

Greetings, Beautiful Norway and splendid itinerary. Is there a way to do this itinerary without a car for 10-12days? I you could suggest better itinerary, I gladly appreciate it.

August 1, 2022 at 3:22 pm

If you are planning to explore Norway without a car, I would look into Norway in a Nutshell that I linked in the blog. This helps you to connect different modes of transportation on your desired route through Norway using buses, trains, ferrys, ect.

July 14, 2023 at 9:47 am

A lot places you visited! Did you reserved tickets transportation in Norway before trip and what about your luggage with big luggage is not probably easy? Thank you

July 14, 2023 at 10:12 am

Thanks for your question! We reserved our car (for Lofoten Island and Norway mainland) and booked flights a couple months ahead of time. All the train/ferry transportation noted in the blog we booked through Norway in the Nutshell months in advance as well. We traveled with a smaller carry-on size suitcase during this trip, so I would suggest something that would be manageable for you to lift up onto trains, but the ferries and cars are easier to manage larger suitcases. Hope this helps!

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Norway Road Trip Bucket List: 40 Must See Norway Sights and Experiences!

This post may contain compensated links. Find more info in our disclosure policy

An epic 4,500km road trip through Norway saw us fall in love with its stunning scenery and incredible natural beauty. Each day was filled with spectacular must see sights and we experienced many incredible once in a lifetime moments. From waking up to stunning Fjordland views to standing on 5,000 year old glaciers to the 24 hour sunlight in the Arctic Circle, Norway quickly stole our hearts. We’ve narrowed 4,500km of amazing Norway moments into 40 of our top sights and experiences which should be at the top of any Norway road trip itinerary!

• If you are planning a trip to Norway check out our Norway itinerary for more inspiration!

1 | Drive t he Snow Road:  Aurlandsfjellet

The famous Aurlandsfjellet snow road is a 46km stretch of mountain road which is only open during the summer months due to heavy snow in the winter making the route impassable. It owes its name to the snow walls lining the road even in mid-summer.

2 | Wake up in Lysefjord

One of the most beautiful fjords in Norway, Lysefjord is home to both the stunning Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten hikes. It also has one of the most beautiful camping spots we’ve ever seen: this was the view from our tent as we awoke to a fresh Norweigan morning. No words can really describe how stunning it was!

Photography Gear

My main camera is currently a  Nikon D7200 with the Sigma 17-50mm f2.8 and the Sigma 70-200 f2.8 . Elaine uses the compact  Fuji XT-10 for all her shots. We use  Adobe Lightroom  for editing all our photos and highly recommend (we pay €12.29 a month for a combination of Lightroom and Photoshop which is a fantastic deal).

Click here for the best Adobe Lightroom prices

Check out our photography gear page to see what else is in our bag

3 | hike to kjeragbolten.

It was a picture of the infamous Kjeragbolten, a free hanging rock impossibly wedged in a mountain crevice overlooking the beautiful Lysefjord, that sealed the deal on our Norway trip. A 9km hike with a 600metre climb is a daunting prospect but Kjerag is a beautiful hike and entirely worth the effort! Step out onto the Kjerag rock if you are brave enough!

Norway sightseeing tip:  If you’re planning to climb Kjerag check out our how to guide here !

Norway sightseeing tip : Be sure to check out the Oygardstol viewpoint beside Kjerag hike car park, the views into the fjord below are incredible.

Norway Travel Guidebooks

We used a number of guidebooks when planning our Norway road trip. Our favourite was the DK guide as it had good general information but the LonelyPlanet edition was good for more details.

Buy now on Amazon

4 | Walk among the sculptures at Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo

Angry babies, the circle of life, monoliths and nakedness: not exactly what we were expecting when, after two weeks of Norwegian road trip wilderness, we arrived in Oslo and visited the incredibly weird and wonderful Vigeland Sculpture Park! Vigeland is the life work of Gustav Vigeland and the sculptures represent the Human Condition illustrating the complexities of relationships and the journey from the cradle to the grave. PS. In case there was any doubt, the angry babies and nakedness form part of the 212 bronze sculptures scattered throughout the park!

Norway sightseeing tip:  Check out more pics of our visit to Vigeland here !

5 | Enjoy an epic sunset!

The land of the midnight sun is famous for itsnever-endingg daylight but, as we headed south towards Oslo, we captured many beautiful sunsets as the days drew to a close.

6 | Hike to Pulpit Rock

The iconic Pulpit Rock, jutting out into the Lysefjord, is one of the most recognisable places in Norway. A relatively straightforward hike took us to the summit of Pulpit rock where, like a preacher on a pulpit, we gazed down the sheer cliff face into the Fjord below!

Check out our tips and tricks for hiking to Pulpit Rock here

7 | Chase waterfalls at Steindalfossen

Waterfalls are aplenty in Norway but the viewing platform behind Stenindalfossen makes it one of our favourites! Follow the walkways alongside the waterfall to experience the force of the cascading water and feel the spray of the water. As a bonus, it is located in the heart of the idyllic Norwegian countryside in the midst of beautiful farmland and scenery.

8 | Visit Bryggen, Bergen

Located in the scenic city of Bergen, the old quarter of Bryggen is a cluster of stacked wooden buildings originating from the 12th Century which line the city’s waterfront. The wooden alleyways are quaint and inviting and house a mix of boutiques, restaurants, bars and museums. The old wharf is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated due to its importance to trade and the 62 preserved buildings which remain.

Where to Stay in Bergen

• Bergen Budget Hotel: A great value hotel option and perfectly located right beside the UNESCO Bryggen waterfront. There are lots of restaurant and bar options on your doorstep – Check prices now!
• Scandic Neptun: Located close to the Bryggen waterfront, this modern Norwegian hotel is perfect for exploring Bergen for a few days. The UNESCO seafront area only a 5 minute walk away – Check prices now!
• First Hotel Marin:  Located beside the historic fish market the First Hotel Marin overlooks the historic pier of Bryggen. The rustic styled rooms and views overlooking the port make this a top pick in Bergen – Check prices now!

Click here for the best Bergen hotel prices

9 | Appreciate the views at Geirangerfjord 

Part of the West Norweigan fjords, Geirangerfjord is one of the most iconic Norway sights. This massive fjord has some truly stunning viewpoints, the best of which is the Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint: from here the size and scale of the majestic fjord can truly be seen, with the massive cruise ships seeming almost toy like in comparison!

10 | Sail to the Urnes Stave Church

Tucked away on the shores of the Lustra Fjord and only accessible by car ferry is one of the most beautiful Stave churches in Norway. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage, the medieval wooden Church is very special both inside and out and the serene setting overlooking the fjord will take your breath away.

11 | Feel tiny at Nærøyfjord

Surrounded by steep mountains and cascading waterfalls, Naeroyfjord is one of the most scenic places in Norway. We stayed in the heart of the valley in a log cabin tucked beneath the cavernous walls of the fjord. With the snowcapped mountains towering high around our cabin if felt like we were the smallest people on the planet!

12 | Drive through the world’s longest road tunnel: Laerdal Tunnel

Only the Norwegians can make a tunnel look this good! At 24.5km the Laerdal tunnel is the longest road tunnel in the world and takes around 20 minutes to drive through. There are beautifully lit rest areas where conditions mimic daylight and are definitely worth a stop along the way!

13 | Pitch a tent in the wilderness!

As long as the Norwegian right of access rules are followed free camping is permissible in Norway. It’s an amazing opportunity to get away from it all and wake up to some incredible views. Given the wide variety of wildlife that wanders around the countryside, it’s one for the knowledgeable or very brave!

14 | Be healed at the Roldal Stave Church

We sought refuge in the Roldal Stave Church during an impending rainstorm where legend has it that the church crucifix has healing properties. Once a year the crucifix overhanging the altar sweats and the sweat is believed to have healing properties.

15 | Feel the raw power of a glacier at Nigardsbreen

Who doesn’t want to come face to face with the ancient blue ice of a glacier? The Nigardsbreen glacier is the most easily accessible part of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier, the largest in mainland Europe. We reached the base of Nigardsbreen after a short hike and stood in awe at the incredible force of nature. The creaks and groans of the icefall both terrified and excited us in equal measure and the deep blue wall of ancient ice is a sight we’ll never forget!

16 | Make footprints in the snow!

Nothing beats running through a fresh fall of untouched snow and, in a country which spends most of its winter covered in snow, Norway offers the perfect opportunity to experience   real, knee high, perfect snow!

Norway sightseeing tip:  There are 18 tourist routes in Norway which cut through some of the country’s most spectacular scenery. Their opening is weather dependent and, given snow is not unheard of even as late as May, make sure to check they are open when planning your route!

17 | Experience the stunning scenery and dark history of Lovatnet, Lake Loen

One of the most beautiful lakes in the world, the crystal clear water of Lovatnet is unlike anything you’ll see anywhere in the world. The green waters are a result of the clay particles and rock dust swept along the river from the Kjenndal Glacier at the end of the valley. A solemn lakeside memorial stands in memory of the 135 lives lost when the hamlets of Nesdal and Bødal were destroyed by a tidal wave caused by huge rocks falling from Mount Ramnefjell into the lake below.

Where to Stay at Lake Loen

• Sande Camping: We stayed in a cosy cabin at Sande Camping overlooking Lake Loen and it was one of our favourite nights in Norway. Waking up to the beautiful Lake Loen scenery in the morning was simply out of this world. This are the only cabins overlooking Lake Loen so make sure to book ahead – Check prices now!
• Nesset Fjordcamping: A great alternative is the nearby fjord town of Olden, around a 10minute drive from Lake Loen. Nesset offers beautiful cabins overlooking the fjords for most group sizes – Check prices now!
• Oldevatn Camping: A 20minute drive from Lake Loen, Oldevatn offers cottages overlooking the nearby fjord surrounded by mountains and glaciers. Definitely consider here if the other two are full– Check prices now!

Click here for the best places to stay at Lake Loen

18 | Heddal Stave Church

The largest of the Stave Churches in Norway, Heddal is also one of its prettiest. Dating back to the 13th Century the fairytale Church is serene and well preserved. We visited during a practice for an organ concert and the atmosphere was incredible as the musical notes filled the Church.

19 | Step back in time at the Vega Islands

The Vega Islands are an archipelago of 6,500 islands tucked away off the western coast of Norway. It’s one of the most remote and ruggedly beautiful places we’ve visited and is really worth a days detour to visit. We loved the quiet isolation the UNESCO World Heritage islands offered.

20 | Sail the Norwegian fjords

Cutting through the icy fjord waters a journey on the Norwegian ferries provides some of the most spectacular views of a Norway road trip! We took over 20 ferry rides on our road trip and they were definitely a highlight of our trip!

21 | Travel the troll road at Trollstigen (The Trolls Ladder)

The Troll Road, or Trollstigen, is an adrenaline inducing stretch of road in Fjordland Norway with a phenomenal viewing platform at the very top. Reaching the viewing area was a little scary due a fresh fall of snow when we visited but the incredible views were worth the effort!

22 | Take a scenic bathroom break!

With incredible scenery around every corner, the views are uniformly spectacular throughout Norway but this one took us by surprise. Stopping for a rest as we approached Oslo we needed a bathroom break and we were in luck: with scenic views of the train tracks and the fjord below, we enjoyed the most beautiful bathroom views of our travels!

23 | Drive one of the world’s greatest road trips: Atlantic Road

Widely known as one of the most beautiful roads in the world and voted Norway’s engineering feat of the century, the Atlantic road is an 8.3km stretch of immaculately designed road that weaves across the rugged Atlantic coast. It’s difficult to describe how ruggedly stunning this road is. Not only is it really fun to drive as it snakes up and down across the archipelago but the viewing points along the road make you feel like the power of the Atlantic is right beneath your feet.

24 | Stand on the Arctic Circle

Driving to the Arctic circle in Norway. It sounded crazy, the distances were crazy and the timings were crazy but then, we’re crazy when it comes to our travel bucket list! 24hour brightness and the chance to stand in the Arctic were too great a temptation and, before we knew it, a visit to the Arctic Circle was pencilled into our Norway route. A line of rock pillars stretched into the horizon on either side marking the invisible Arctic Circle line of latitude and the only noise was the occasional passing car and the chirping of birds as they played in the eternal sunset. Bliss!

Norway sightseeing tip:  Read more about our Arctic Circle adventures here!

25 | Embrace the traditional way of life

The further North we travelled the more we noticed the strong remnants of a more traditional Norweigan way of life. Small fishing towns with little in the way of modern amenities reflect the Arctic surroundings and we embraced the step back in time and total escape from reality.

26 | Gudbransjuvet Waterfall

Rushing streams and plunging canyons thunder under the beautifully designed walkway at the Gudbranjuvet waterfall. It’s the perfect pit stop after heavy rains when the waters are frothy and angry!

27  | Experience the midnight sun or the northern lights

40% of Norway sits above the Arctic Circle: in summer this area experiences the midnight sun and in winter the northern lights twinkle across the night sky. We were there during the summer and experienced the weird phenomenon of the 24hour brightness of the midnight sun. Imagine the birds singing the trees, joggers on the streets in the middle of the night and enjoying a beer in the sunlight despite it being 3am in the morning. It was both confusing and enjoyable!!

28 |  Walk in the footsteps of giants at the Gloppedalsura Boulder Field 

The Gloppedalsura boulder field was formed over 10,000 years ago when the ice sheet engulfing the area melted and giant boulders and rocks were sent tumbling down the mountainside. We felt like tiny specs in a giant world scrambling over the boulders!

29 | Borgund Stave Church

Another of Norway’s Stave Church offerings, Borgund was built in 1180 and is dedicated to Andrew, one of the 12 Apostles. The well preserved Stave Church has beautiful carvings which have served the test of time.

30 | Explore the quaint Roros Mining Town

Time seems frozen in the secluded mining town of Roros. It was founded in the 17th Century when copper ore was discovered in the area and the colourful narrow streets and wooden buildings are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

31 | Take an iconic Norway hike

Trolltunga, the Romsdalseggen Ridge, Pulpit Rock , Kjerag … Norway has a list of iconic hikes to rival anywhere in the world with views that are beyond belief.

32 | Discover the history of the fierce Viking warriors

Vikings travelled far and wide throughout Europe over one thousand years ago conquering vasts amount of territory and they even ruled Norway at one point. There are many glimpses into the Viking past throughout the country.

33 | Indulge in local market life

From Farmers Markets to Fish Markets Norway has a blossoming market scene and they offer the perfect opportunity to meet the locals and indulge in the best of fresh Norweigan food.

34 | Feel lost in the vastness of Sonjefjorden

Sonjefjforden is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway and extends from coast to mountains. Endless water views and dramatic scenery make this a Norway must see along with its most famous arm, the UNESCO World Heritage Nærøyfjorden.

35 | Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site

There are 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Norway, 6 cultural and 1 natural and they’re some of the highlights of Norway and this list! Take a detour to Bryggen, the Urnes Stave Church, the Vega Islands , Roros Mining Town, Struve Geodetic Arc, the Rock Art of Alta or the Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Site and tick a UNESCO of your list!

36 | Enjoy a spectacular coffee break

Norway’s rest stops are legendary with scenic viewpoints around every bend! We ate breakfast overlooking fjords, had lunch among giant boulder fields and ate dinner under the midnight sun!

37 | Chase the Trolls

Legend has it that trolls roam the Norway roads at night and turn to stone when they are hit by the morning light, creating the mass of cliffs around the Trollstigen area. Trolls are a huge part of Norway culture and live deep in the forests and mountains of the country.

38 | See double at the Latefossen Waterfalls

Norway has many beautiful waterfalls but the twin waterfalls of Latefossen are among the most stunning. The waterfalls lie close to the road and a series of bridges provide a stunning view.

39 | Escape to a secluded cabin

Despite our good intentions to camp every night of our road trip on some occasions we couldn’t resist the quaint little campsite cabins which dotted our route. Hot chocolates, warm showers and heating were too tempting and they’re incredibly cute into the bargain!

And finally…

40 | travel as far as you can.

Norway is an incredible country with so much to see and do. We used every second of our trip to extend our road trip to as much of the country as we could. We managed to make it as far as the Arctic Circle but we have big plans… the Lofoten Islands and the Northern Lights we have our eye on you!!

So there you have, 40 incredible Norway sights and experiences to add to your road trip bucket list! Let us know if we missed any of your favourites!

For more on norway.

• Read up on our Norway money saving tips
• Get ready to go with our Norway packing list

34 thoughts on “Norway Road Trip Bucket List: 40 Must See Norway Sights and Experiences!”

Wow! Love all the images! You went to a lot of places. How long were you in Norway? It’s climbing higher and higher on my list! Thanks for this…it’s quite inspiring!!

Hi Lynne, we spent two weeks in Norway, but you could easily spend a month there and only see the Fjordlands!!

Excellent! Norway is my “crush” country and this post gave me so much to get excited about. I’ll be in Tromsø in February – I can’t wait!

Enjoy Tromso, it’s going to be cold!

I’ve visited Norway before but would love to go back as there so much to explore. I loved reading your post and will definitely be referring to it in the future when I (hopefully) visit Norway again.

OMG, I just want to take a flight to Norway right now! The photos looked so alive and captivating – can’t imagine how much more in person.

It was really beautiful Sarah, really recommend visiting..in Summer though, it was really cold when we visited

These are such great ideas of things to do! Makes me want to go to Norway right now! 🙂 I love all of the camping ideas too since thats what I plan to do!

Fantastic post. So many places in Norway I still have yet to visit. As expensive as Norway car rentals were not that expensive so I am keen to see a lot of the places you have mentioned above next year.

I spent all last week looking up Norway destinations, as I just learned about the free stopover to Iceland on your way to Europe. So I thought why not go to both for the northern lights! Im excited to look into more of these!

Yaaaaaas. As a Norwegian, I’m glad you made such a great list 🙂 Definitely backing up wild camping. It’s a must-have experience and since we’ve got what’s called “allemannsretten” (the right to roam) we have to make use of it!

Hi Caroline, we totally love the “allemannsretten” idea. The freedom to roam everywhere is fantastic!

Bucketlist, bucketlist!! Whoa, these photos are just amazing! Norway is still my number one destination on my list and with this article I want to go even more. Thank you for sharing! 🙂

Hello. We are planning our trip for next month and you gave us very good tips. Could you please confirm the name of the best Geirangerfjord viewpoint? I haven’t found information about “Sunmore Viewpoint”.

Hi Christiano, glad you liked the article and hope you have fun. Apologies – I named the viewpoint incorrectly. The best viewpoint of Geirangerfjord is from a viewpoint called “Flydalsjuvet”. That’s where we took the photo from. I’ve updated the article for this – thanks for pointing it out and let us know how you get on!

Thank you very much. We will be there and try to come back home with a similar photo.

No worries, you’ll have a great time. Norway is spectacular!

Amazing post. I can’t get over those churches. So unique and beautiful. I hope we get to see one on our upcoming trip to Norway. Loved all your pictures. Thanks for sharing.

What time of year did you go to Norway? Also, do you have an itinerary you would be willing to share?

Hi Rachel – we visited Norway at the beginning of May. Its a shoulder season for visting. While there were very few tourists around we had to deal with road closures due to the snow which was unpredictable. We’re working on an itinerary at the moment. If you sign up to the newsletter above you’ll get a notification when we post it!

Amazing list! We’re heading on a road trip to Norway and Sweden soon and this was exactly what we needed! Thanks!

Glad you like it Anna – let us know how you get on – have fun!

How did you find the cabins that you rented? Did you find them as you went or book them ahead of time? Were they reasonably priced?

We found as we went – it really just depended where we ended up as it got late! We went in June so it was quiet, it might be necessary to book at peak season. They were around 40 bucks to 70 a night I think but it depends on size/bathroom situation!

Hi, what a great collection!!! We are going next week for a weeks drive round South and central Norway. I’ve got most of the route planned(working round all the snow closures). We sleep in our own converted land rover camper but looking for cabins for a couple of nights and love the look of the ones in Nærøyfjord you stayed in. Do you happen to have the name of them?

Hi Trine, the cabins are Vang Camping. Hope you have a great trip!

You made a beautiful bucket list, but I was so disappointet that your list stoped at the arctic circle.

We need to go back Cecile, Lofoten has eluded us so far!

I greatly enjoyed all you shared with us. My wife and I are visiting Norway in late May – early June this year. Do you recommend a site/s that identifies lookout points near the roadway for someone that is renting a car and may not be able to hike very much. Thanks

I’m not sure of any sites that cater to that but the Norway tourist board sites were very good and had a lot of information on the viewpoints.

Have a great trip! Elaine

Great list! We are planning a trip to Norway and plan to spend much of our trip camping. We’d love a tent view like #2 on your list (Wake up in Lysefjord). Is that view from a campground or just a spot you found along the way? If a campground, could you provide the name of it? Thank you!

That’s the campground in Lysefjord – I think it was the Kjerag Lysebotn Camping Resort.

Thank you for the great list, we are finalising our plans for a two week trip in August, can’t wait… sooo excited

Have an awesome trip Dave, it’s one of our favourite countries!

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BLOG , Destinations , Europe , norway , Road Trips , Travel Guides · January 13, 2022

The Ultimate 2 Week Norway Road Trip Itinerary Perfect For The Outdoor Lover

Are you currently trying to plan the perfect Norway road trip itinerary? No need to look any further! Cause if you love spending time outdoors then this is the perfect Norway road trip for you!

From discovering the Norwegian fjords, exploring the most beautiful National Parks, searching for wildlife and getting soaked next to waterfalls. This Norway road trip itinerary is for those who love to explore the more of the beaten path places.

In my opinion, t’s the perfect combination of the more popular touristic places and some true hidden gems that took a lot of planning and searching to find.

Get ready to discover some of the most beautiful places in Norway and some insane Norway hiking adventures .

To be completely honest, this trip to Norway was one of the hardest trips I ever had to plan. I didn’t have a clue about the logistics and what traveling through Norway would be like.

I knew we would have to take a couple of ferries at one point and I was so nervous about getting everything organized and planned as efficiently as possible.

I didn’t have a clue about their timetables and what a self-drive trip through Norway would actually look like.

Plus, it wasn’t easy to find all of the details in a single post. That’s why I tried to create an article that includes all of the details that you need to know to plan the perfect Norway road trip itinerary.

🚗 Why you should go on a road trip through Norway

Embarking on a self-drive trip through Norway is a fantastic way to see all of the glorious places this Scandinavian country has to offer . And no, public transportation really isn’t an option for this itinerary. That way of travel is only ideal if you want to stick to visiting the cities in Norway. But if you want to venture off into the countryside you’ll need to either hire a car or a camper to explore the country.

Luckily driving in Norway is an amazing experience ! And it’s also the most budget friendly way to discover the country. Not just because public transportation in Norway is expensive but also because you won’t be able to get to the more remote places where you can usually find cheaper accommodations.

So by renting a car or a camper you actually save on both transportation and accommodation .

Road trips are all about the flexibility and allow you to stop anywhere that you want . And I promise you that you’ll want to do that in Norway!

Another big plus? You can chase the good weather! Halfway our trip we turned our itinerary a little upside down cause there would be 4 days of sun so it would be perfect for hiking! This is something you can’t do if for instance all of your hotels are booked up front. During trips like these I don’t really care about the accommodation. If there’s a hot shower I am already happy.

Plus since we were traveling with a camper we were even more flexible! We would just pick out a camp site at the last minute and drive there.

We did our road trip through Norway with a camper van and I would do so again in a heartbeat. We chose a camper van from  WeCamp  and absolutely loved it! It was very spacious and comfortable and it truly felt like our home away from home during these 2 weeks. Not to forget, I had some of my best nights’ sleep on that bed!

Some strange and interesting facts about Norway

• The world’s longest road tunnel is in Norway and measures 24.5 km!
• Norway has a land border with Russia. The Storskog crossing on the E105 highway is the northernmost road border crossing in Europe.
• Norway introduced salmon sushi to Japan.
• There are two versions of the Norwegian language.
• Europe’s biggest herd of wild reindeer lives here.
• Norway supplies London with a Christmas tree every year.

🛣Getting into Norway

The easiest and fastest way to get into Norway is to go by plane. Traveling to Norway has never been easier. There are a lot of direct flights from many cities around the world.

There are direct flights to Norway from both coasts of the  continental US and many destinations in Europe . When traveling from Australia or New Zealand, you’ll need to transit through Asia, the Middle East, or Europe.

Oslo Airport is Norway’s main hub, with scheduled  flights to and from more than 100 international destinations . Oslo is also the main domestic hub from which it is easy to fly to your final destination in Norway.

There are also many other international and domestic connections to Bergen, Kristiansand, Sandefjord, Stavanger, Tromsø and Trondheim.

We chose to fly to and from Oslo since we only had 2 weeks to travel and we wanted the be thorough and not just rush from one place to the other.

If you have more than 2 weeks you could easily include a part of Northern Norway in your itinerary as well. Otherwise I would stick to Central Norway, just like we did.

From Oslo Airport you can reach Oslo city centre  in 20 minutes with the Flytoget Airport Express train . Express buses and local trains are also available.

We picked up our camper from WeCamp in Oslo and from there we started our self-drive journey through the spectacular landscapes of Norway.

🚘 How to get around Norway with a camper

If there’s one country that’s perfect for exploring with a camper it’s Norway! There’s a ton of campsites to choose from and at times wild camping is even allowed.

The rules for wild camping?

• You’re not allowed to go off-roading.
• You can’t park on private property.
• There will be clear signs visible if you’re not allowed to camp at public parking spaces

During our 2 week road trip through Norway with WeCamp we chose for a variety of options. We camped at beautiful camp sites, or on an open space right next to a beautiful lake. But sometimes we also went for a roadside parking lot with a public toilet.

Norway offers a large number of scenic drives and 18 of them have been named  Norwegian Scenic Routes . Common for all these routes is  their picturesque scenery , award-winning architecture, and tourist-friendly infrastructures such as rest stops and viewpoints.

Are there road tolls in Norway?

Yes there are! There are many toll stations in Norway, and almost all of them are automatic. All drivers, regardless of nationality, have to pay Norwegian road tolls .

If you want to avoid road tolls you can do so by checking out the different route options on Google Maps. You won’t always be able to avoid it but sometimes you can choose to take a different route to get to your end destination.

If you rent a car or a camper in Norway it will be registered with the NPRA. It’s like your rental has a unique code that gets scanned and the amount of toll due will get added to your end bill when you turn in your rental.

A good tip is to keep track on how much toll you will have to pay at the end of your trip so you won’t have to face any unpleasant surprises.

If you’re self-driving into Norway with your own vehicle you also have to register it from beforehand and you can do so here .

What if I have to take a ferry?

Norway is a coastal nation, and ferries and boats are among their most important modes of transportation. In Fjord Norway travelers often have to rely on ferries and express boats for transportation. Choosing a ferry can often dramatically shorten the length of your trip. 

Paying for your ferry ride happens in the same way as paying for a toll road . They’ll scan the NPRA code and the price of the ferry gets added to your end bill.

The easiest way to find out which ferry you have to take is to check your route on Google Maps and check under details which ferry you have to take. You can check the timetable on the fjord1 website . With most fjords there will be a ferry every half hour, especially during high season. But still, if you’re visiting in July or August, chances are very high that there will be a line to board the ferry. Make sure to get there in time to avoid long queues.

The Ultimate 2 Week Norway Road Trip Itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrive in Oslo & pick up camper

TOTAL DRIVING TIME – As much as possible

After landing in Oslo it’s time to pick up your camper! From Oslo Airport you can reach Oslo city centre  in 20 minutes with the Flytoget Airport Express train . Express buses and local trains are also available.

We went with WeCamp and absolutely loved it! It was very spacious and comfortable and it truly felt like our home away from home during these 2 weeks. Not to forget, I had some of my best nights’ sleep on that bed!

After picking up some groceries nearby we decided to start driving as far as we could that evening. Otherwise the total driving time for the next day would be 8,5 hours and that’s just a little too much for my taste.

After 6 hours we decided to park and crawled into bed, ready to tackle the next day!

WHERE TO STAY

If you’re traveling with a camper you can simply camp at one of the parking lots next to the highway. You won’t find a shower here but in most cases there will be a public toilet.

• Thon Hotel Norge   – A modern hotel in the heart of Kristiansand. The perfect place to relax after arriving in Norway
• Villa Villekulla – Nordic fairytale vibes in a cute villa in Kristiansand.

DAY 2 – Preikestolen

TOTAL DRIVING TIME – 2.5 HOURS

STOP 1 – MÅNAFOSSEN

Månafossen is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Southern Norway and with its 90 meters in free fall the tallest waterfall in the county of Rogaland.

This is a great 1km hike if you’re feeling a little adventurous but you don’t want to do a lot of hiking! The trail starts at Eikeskog where you start by climbing up a stone stairway. After that the climb becomes very steep but for most parts there are chains so you can pull yourself up.

In the Summer months you can also go for a swim here.

STOP 2 – PREIKESTOLEN

Preikestolen is one of the most popular hikes in entire Norway and honestly rightfully so. The hike itself goes up through a forest and over boulders but the views that you get in return are out of this world.

The hike up and down to Preikestolen is  7.8km  in total and starts at the main parking lot. First you’ll walk up through a forest but after the first kilometer you’ll encounter a more boulder like landscape. The hike up can be strenuous at times so if you have trekking poles with you I highly recommend bringing them.

Now, if you are prone to vertigo or have a fear of heights this hike might not be the best idea for you. Not because of the hiking trail itself but because of its end destination. The Preikestolen is a 600 meter high cliff rock with a full on vertical drop on all sides .

Once you’re up there it’s important to be very careful and mindful of where you’re going.

The closest camping site to Preikestolen is Preikestolen camping AS where it’s not possible to make a reservation in advance. For night of camping you’ll pay 220 NOK.

• Lilland Brewery Hotel – A cute boutique hotel with the option to go glamping
• Sjøberg Ferie og Hotell – For a truly unique stay at the island of Rennesøy with a view over the fjords.

DAY 3 – Waterfalls Galore

TOTAL DRIVING TIME – 7.5 HOURS

STOP 1 – LATEFOSSEN

The twin waterfall Låtefossen is a truly unique place to see in Norway . Located within the Odda valley you can spot this beautiful waterfall right next to the road .

There’s a parking lot (and even a toilet) located right behind the waterfall and you can even walk down to see it more closely.

STOP 2 – BONDHUSDALEN

Bondhusdalen is one of the most beautiful lakes in central Norway and not too far from Odda. So if you’re hiking the Trolltunga trail it would be a shame to not hop over and through the glacier to Bondhusdalen.

You’ll need to calculate around 2 to 3 hours for your visit but all of this depends on the weather. During our visit the weather was pretty gloomy but even then the water was looking bright turquoise. You can only image that when the glistens on it and you can see the mountains in the background that this place is absolutely fantastic!

STOP 3 – FUREBERGFOSSEN

Furebergfossen is one of the more unique places to visit in Norway. This multi tier waterfall is not too far from Bondhusdalen and can be found right next to the road.

There’s a small parking lot right in front of it but it can only hold a couple of cars.

But even if you don’t make a stop here it’s a spectacular place in Norway to drive by .

The  Trolltunga Camping  is only 10 minutes driving from P1 Tyssedal and the most logical place to stay before starting your hike to Trolltunga tomorrow morning.

• Vikinghaug – Wake up with a view over a lake, a waterfall, a glacier and a fjord!
• Trolltunga Hotel – Spend the night as close as possible to the start of the Trolltunga hike.

DAY 4 – Trolltunga Hike

TOTAL DRIVING TIME – 1 HOUR

Trolltunga is one of Norway’s most popular hikes and with good reason! On this spectacular hiking trail you’ll walk above the Hardangerfjord and your end destination is the world famous troll’s tongue, otherwise known as Trolltunga.

The total hiking time is either 20km or 28km depending on where you start.

If the Trolltunga hike is on your bucket list I highly recommend ready my full guide below cause the logistics aren’t that easy.

📖 YOU CAN FIND MY FULL GUIDE ON HIKING TO THE TROLLTUNGA ROCK HERE, INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS & PHOTOS

If you’re traveling with a camper or an RV there’s a beautiful campsite 45 minutes driving from P1 in Tyssedal. It’s called  Ringøy Gard Camping  and you’ll park right next to the water of the Hardangerfjord.

This is the ideal camping spot especially after coming back from your hike. There are pick nick tables right by the waterfront where you can enjoy a well deserved beer and cook some food.

• Hotel Ullensvang – Situated along Hardanger Fjord, this waterfront hotel offers views of Folgefonna Glacier.
• Eidfjord Fjell & Fjord Hotel – Wake up with a view over the stunning Hardanger Fjord.

DAY 5 – More Waterfalls

TOTAL DRIVING TIME – 7 HOURS 50 MINUTES

STOP 1 – VORINGFOSSEN

There are hundreds of waterfalls in Norway but not many of them can compete with the power of Vøringfossen. In my personal opinion, I thought this was one of the most beautiful places in Norway and it’s pretty easy to reach as well!

There’s a big parking lot not too far from the entrance and from there it’s only a short walk to the waterfall. They’ve build steel staircases and bridges that go over the waterfall. The view from up here is absolutely magnificent and I highly recommend walking the entire trail around for the best experience and the best views.

STOP 2 – RJUKANDEFOSS

Rjukandefoss is one of the best places to visit in central Norway and the perfect place to stop if you’re making your way up to Jotunheimen National Park!

There’s a small car park on the side of the road and the short trail through the woods will lead you to the waterfall in no time. There’s also a suspension bridge which makes it possible to view the waterfall from both sides of the river.

If you’re traveling with a camper van you can either spend the night at the  Besseggen Fjellpark AS , the  Bessheim Fjellstue og Hytter  or go wild camping at one of the rest stops close by.

Their facilities are clean and the camp site itself is beautifully located and only 2 minutes driving from the ferry.

• Bessheim Fjellstue – Stay at a beautiful cottages with a view over the lake and only 5.5km from the Gjendesheim ferry!
• Radisson Blu Resort – Your best choice if you’re looking for a more luxurious stay after all of that hiking.

DAY 6 – Besseggen Ridge Hike

TOTAL DRIVING TIME – 15 MINUTES

The Besseggen Hike is considered one of the must-complete hikes by Norwegians and it is said that once you conquer this ridge you can call yourself a ‘serious hiker’. An estimated 60.000 people walk the Besseggen ridge every year.

The Besseggen Hiking Trail is  a point to point hike  which starts in Memurubu and ends in Gjendesheim. But to get to Memurubu you’ll first need to take a ferry from Gjendesheim.

📖  MAKE SURE TO READ MY FULL GUIDE ON THE BESSEGGEN RIDGE HIKE WHICH INCLUDES A LOT MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOS.

DAY 7 – Knøtshoe Hike

The Knutshøe Hiking Trail is also located in Jotunheimen National Park but is often overshadowed by the immensely popular  Besseggen Ridge Hike . But  if you have more than one day at the Jotunheimen National Park you should definitely hike this beautiful trail !

I consider the Knutshøe Hiking Trail as  one of the most beautiful hikes in Norway  and to top it of it’s also a fun and rather adventurous one!

📖  MAKE SURE TO READ MY FULL GUIDE ON COMPLETING THE KNUTSHØE HIKING TRAIL, INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS & PHOTOS.

The closest campsite to the musk ox trail head is the  Magalaupe Camping  in Oppdal. From here it’s only 5 minutes driving to the parking lot and you’re good to go and spot some musk oxen!

• Oppdal Turisthotell – One of the best hotels to stay at when visiting Dovrefjell National Park
• Quality Hotel Skifer – Wake up with a view over the beautiful Dovrefjell mountains!

DAY 8 – Spotting wildlife & Innerdalen

TOTAL DRIVING TIME – 3 HOURS

STOP 1 – DOVREFJELL NATIONAL PARK

One of the absolute highlights from our road trip in Norway  was seeing a musk ox with our very own eyes at  Dovrefjell National Park !

Dovrefjell National Park  is the only place in Norway, and one of few places in the world, where you can experience the majestic musk ox. The musk ox is a truly historic mammal and is one of the oldest mammals to walk our planet. Dating back to about 187,000 to 129,000 years ago, muskoxen are known as  the shaggy survivors of the Ice Age .

📖  MAKE SURE TO READ MY DETAILED GUIDE TO KNOW EXACTLY HOW AND WHERE TO SPOT A MUSK OX IN DOVREFJELL NATIONAL PARK.

STOP 2 – INNERDALEN

I have honestly no idea if out of all of the valleys in Norway, Innerdalen is actually the most beautiful one. That would require me to visit all of them and there simply isn’t enough time. But every other travel website claimed that it’s the most beautiful one so let’s just leave it at that.

It’s a short but steep hike to this valley and from there you can choose to go on even more adventurous hikes. If that’s not your cup of tea you can also enjoy some waffles and a hot drink at the cosy hut in the heart of the valley.

The area around Åndalsnes is filled with stunning camp sites and we had the pleasure to stay at two of them! We stayed at the  Åndalsnes Camping & Motell  and the  Trollveggen Camping . Out of these two the Trollveggen Camping is definitely the most scenic one! Here you’ll set camp right next to the impressive Troll Wall. And yes, we did see our camp site all the way down in the valley when we reached the Stabbeskaret viewpoint!

Another camping option is the  Trollstigen Camping and Gjestegård , it’s located only 15 minutes driving from the bus station in Åndalsnes and has been named one of the best and most beautiful camp sites in entire Norway. Unfortunately I only found out about it after our visit to the area. Otherwise you can bet that I would have spent a night here as well!

• Grand Hotel – by Classic Norway Hotels – A stunning hotel in the heart of Romsdalseggen and offers a panoramic view over the Romsdalfjord.
• Garasjeleilighet – A wonderful appartement that comes with a private sauna.

DAY 9 – Romsdalseggen Ridge Hike

TOTAL DRIVING TIME – 20 MINUTES

The Romsdalseggen Ridge Hike in Åndalsnes is one of the most impressive hiking trails in entire Norway! But out of all of the hikes that I did in Norway it was also the most difficult one. There’s a steep ascend over boulders, an exposed part where you have to hold onto chains to cross over and one of the hardest descends.

But I promise you, it’s all worth it once you reach the top! The next kilometers you’ll spend hiking along the ridge line which means you’ll have impressive mountain views on both sides.

The Romsdalseggen Ridge Hiking Trail is  a point to point hike , just like that other wonderful hike in Norway the  Besseggen Ridge Trail . But in contrary to that one there’s only one way to complete this hike and that’s from Venjesdalsetra, a car park in Vengedalen, to Åndalsnes.

There’s  a dedicated Romsdalseggen bus  that will take you to the car park in Vengedalen. This bus leaves from the  bus station in Åndalsnes  and will drop you off at Venjesdalsetra. It costs  200NOK  per person and you can park your car or camper van at the  long term parking lot  in Åndalsnes.

📖 MAKE SURE TO READ MY FULL GUIDE ON HIKING THE ROMSDALSEGGEN RIDGE INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOS!

DAY 10 – Troll Wall

TOTAL DRIVING TIME – 4 HOURS

Today we’ll need to take a ferry from Liabygda to Stranda . There’s usually a new ferry every 30 minutes and the ride itself takes about 13 minutes.

STOP 1 – STABBESKARET

Hiking up to the Troll Wall viewpoint was one of my favorite things to do in Norway. The hike itself is rather adventurous with a lot of climbing over boulders but the view, THE VIEW!

The final viewpoint is located at the vertical cliff of the Trollveggen wall. So once you’re up there it’s  a steep drop down into the Romsdalen valley . Make sure to be very careful around the edges and take care if you have a fear of heights. The view is however absolutely amazing and totally worth the trouble of the hike.

📖 MAKES SURE TO READ MY FULL GUIDE ON THE TROLL WALL HIKE INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOS!

STOP 2 – TROLLSTIGEN

The best part of visiting this beautiful place in Norway? The winding road leading up to it! Especially if you’re coming from Åndalsnes!

The Trollstigen road is world famous serpentine road due to the fact that it creeps up the mountain in incredible loops and to top it off there’s a giant waterfall at each side.

At the top of the road you’ll find the Trollstigen visitor centre where you can park your car. In true Norwegian fashion you’ll also find a fabulous viewing platform here. The wind up there can be absolute mayhem but you’ll get a spectacular birds eye view over the serpentine road.

STOP 3 – LITLEFJELLET

Litlefjellet is one of those places in Norway that seems to keep on flying under the radar. But doesn’t this sound perfect? A short (but steep) hike up followed by one of the most stunning views in the entire  area of Romsdal .

From Litlefjellet you’ll have a direct view over the impressive Trollveggen mountain range and if you’re up for it this is one of the most beautiful places in Norway to go wild camping!

Since we were traveling with a camper van we chose to stay at the nearest camp site. And as luck would have it it was literally around the corner of the starting point of the Mount Saksa hike . The camp site is called  Urke Camping  and comes with free hot water when showering. And I tell you, that’s not that common in Norway. A lot of times you’ll have to pay extra if you want to take a hot shower instead of an ice cold one!

If camping is not your jam you can take a look at these hotels in  Øye . All of them are within short driving distance of the Mount Saksa hike.

Another option is to stay in the town of  Sæbo , but do know that you’ll then have to take a ferry to Urke to start your hike.

DAY 11 – Sunmøre Alps

Stop 1 – mount saksa.

If there’s one place that you can’t miss if you absolutely love hiking it’s the Sunmøre Alps in Western Norway. And you want to know the best part? This area in Norway is still relatively unknown!

I think if I had to choose my favorite place in Norway out of all of the ones I’ve seen on this road trip it would be this one!

You can find these views by hiking up mount Saksa. It’s a steep and strenuous 6km hike up but the views are so damn worth it!

After a very hard climb up you’ll be greeted by 360° views over the Sunmøre Alps.

📖 MAKE SURE TO READ MY COMPLETE GUIDE ON HIKING MOUNT SAKSA FOR MORE DETAILS!

OTHER POSSIBLE HIKES INSTEAD OF MOUNT SAKSA

• Slogen – 6km
• Dalegubben – 7.1km

STOP 2-CHRISTIAN GARD

This has to be one of the most beautiful swings in Norway! But in all honesty it’s not the easiest to get to! Trandal is a small village in the Sunmøre Alps and can only be reached by ferry or on foot. And I honestly wouldn’t recommend going on foot cause you need to hike across several mountains to get there.

The ferry to Trandal leaves from Sæbo and it’s important that you have a look at their schedule from beforehand. During high season there will be plenty of ferries but for instance in September the last ferry back was already at 7pm. Since we were with a camper we were allowed to park overnight on their parking lot and even use their bathroom facilities.

This swing is located in front of the restaurant Christian Gaard. And while you don’t need to eat here to take a photo at their famous swing. It is however a lovely place to enjoy a meal but do know that the prices are steep. For reference both of us had 1 meal and 3 beers in total and had a bill of €128.

DAY 12 – Sunmøre Alps

TOTAL DRIVING TIME – 2 HOURS

STOP 1 – GUNNAR RASA

Good news! There’s not just one beautiful swing in Norway! There are actually three! And two of them can be found on your way up to Gunnar Råsa.

As like with every other hike in Norway it’s a steep climb up and it took us about 1,5 hour to reach the swings!

The trail leading up to Gunnar Råsa starts in Sæbo. Once you get off the ferry turn to the right and drive alongside the water. After a few hundred meters you’ll see a couple of parking spaces and the hiking trail starts right next to these.

STOP 2 – LOEN

Loen is a beautiful town in the commune of Stryn with crystal clear water to admire as far as the eye can see. Here you’ll find old wooden farmhouses, calm waters and majestic mountains. Especially on a clear and sunny day this small town simply had to be part of your Norway road trip itinerary!

THINGS TO DO IN LOEN

• Go for a ride on the brand new Loen cable car.
• Get adventurous and reach the top of Mt. Hoven through a spectacular via ferrata.
• Explore Lodalen Valley
• Go kayaking on Lovatnet lake
• Hike up to the Kjenndalen Glacier

Typical about Norway are its wooden houses where the roof is covered in moss. In central Norway you’re bound to bump into a lot of these so there’s no need to visit these specific ones.

But I did love the spectacular backdrop that they came with! The weather was gloomy and rain was falling but the clouds rising up from the lake added a sense of mystery that!

DAY 13 – Geiranger

TOTAL DRIVING TIME – 7 HOURS

For this last day of our Norway road trip itinerary you can pretty much choose how far you drive back to Oslo after your visit to Geiranger. It all pretty much depends on what time your flight out is.

Geiranger is probably one of the most visited fjords in Norway and maybe it was the gloomy weather we had during most of the day but I was a little underwhelmed by this place. There are some nice viewpoints to be found but for most activities you have to book a fjord cruise.

The entire place honestly feels very touristic and way less authentic but the viewpoint below definitely made up for that!

THINGS TO DO IN GEIRANGER

• Go to the Geiranger Skywalk
• Take a cruise to the Seven Sisters Waterfall
• Take photos at Flydalsjuvet
• Hike to Skageflå
• Follow the Waterfall Walk

DAY 14 – Return Camper & Fly Home

Depending on how far you drove yesterday you’ll have a couple of hours left before reaching Oslo. Our flight only left in the evening so we took our time and even slept in a little!

We simply dropped off our camper at the WeCamp headquarters and took a short taxi ride to the central train station in Oslo.

And again you can take the Flytoget Airport Express train which will take you to the international airport in Oslo in just 20 short minutes.

I hope that you’ll find this Norway road trip itinerary useful and if you have any questions simply drop them in the comment section below!

Charlotte Lint is the founder of Charlies Wanderings. Charlotte has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing efficient travel guides and finding unique places to stay. Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

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Norway Road Trip – Three Unmissable Routes

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Norway Road Trips Planner

Norway is a wonderful country for a road trip. Starkly beautiful, with glistening deep blue fjords, rugged mountains, and waterfalls at every turn, this is a country to meander through as you gasp at each new landscape.

With dramatic landscapes, fantastic outdoor activities, Viking history, and pretty water-side towns, Norway has something for everyone.

We’ve spent months road tripping Norway and our top Norway road trip routes, itineraries and tips will help you hit the highlights as you go, making sure to visit all the iconic sights on these three diverse trips, taking in the best that Norway has to offer.

Getting There

Fly into Oslo, Berg en, Tromsø , Kristiansand or Stavanger airports to start your Norwegian road trip. All of these locations are great start points for the road trip itineraries we have curated. We recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Why not take your own car, motorbike, or camper to Norway from Europe by ferry? Use Ferryhopper to compare and book the best crossings to Norway from Germany , Denmark, and the Netherlands.

RELATED POST: Driving to Norway from UK – Routes & Tips

Are you planning to rent a car in Norway? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best rental car prices, which benefits you when you’re planning your Wild Atlantic Way drive.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in Norway. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Use the Park4Night app to find overnight spots and campsites, and wild camp on the edge of a fjord or with incredible sea views. Find out all you need to know in our guide to campervanning in Norway .

Best Time for Road Trips in Norway

October – april.

Can you take a road trip in Norway during winter? Absolutely you can but it will be cold even in southern Norway, and there’s likely to be snow …possibly quite a lot of snow (although the Scandinavians are really good at managing it, so most Norwegian roads do stay open).

November, December, and January are dark months in northern Norway and the days are very short but if you’re traveling to Norway for winter sports, or to see the Northern Lights, then this is the perfect time – just make sure you and your vehicle are well prepared.

May – September

The weather starts to warm up, with July and August being the warmest months. A summer road trip is the best time for hiking, fjord swimming, and paddling, and you’ll be comfortable during the day in shorts and a t-shirt.

It can still be chilly in the evenings for Arctic circle road trippers, where the weather is also more unpredictable. Between (roughly) 14th May and 29th July, you’ll experience the midnight sun phenomenon in the far north of Norway.

Is this your first time visiting Norway? Get all the information you need in our Norway Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Drive the West Coast from Bottom to Top

• Get the Travel Guides
• Lonely Planet Norway
• The Rough Guide to Norway
• DK Eyewitness Norway
• Norway Road Trip Itinerary

Bergen – Loen – Geiranger – Trollstigen – Kristiansund – Trondheim – Jektvik – Bodo – Tromso

• Distance 2120km
• Duration 2-3 weeks
• Drive Time 30 hours

This Norway itinerary is for those that love the journey more than the destination – it’s  all  about the road.

Taking in iconic sights as you drive, this Norway west coast road trip will take you through some of the longest road tunnels in the world, over fjords, along the Atlantic Ocean Road, and up the snaking Trollstigen Mountain Road.

Start in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city which is surrounded by seven fjords and seven hills. There is a lot to do and see here, including visiting the lively Vagen harbor in Bergen’s old quarter, Bryggen, which is one of Norway’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

From Bergen, take the E39 motorway north to Loen where you’ll find the amazing Loen Skylift which takes you to the top of Mount Hoven for spectacular views of the blue-white Jostedal glacier.

If you prefer to get to the top under your own steam, take the via Ferrata up and the zip-line down.

If sea-level activity is more your thing then head for the very Instagrammable, but glacial, Lake Lovatnet for swimming and kayaking in the summer months.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Norway . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

At Hellesylt, take the ferry through the stunning Geirangerfjord to the town of Geiranger itself. Expect the town and ferry to be busy, this area is one of the top road trip destinations in Norway.

As you leave Geiranger for Eidsdal and wind your way up the steepest section of route 63, along its eleven switchbacks hanging 600m above the fjord below, you’ll understand why it’s called “the Eagle Road”.

At the highest bend is the most breathtaking view over the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, and the location of the (must watch before you go) movie, The Wave.

From here, pick up the RV63, the Trollstigen Mountain Road. Incredibly beautiful, this road was opened in 1936 and includes eleven hairpin bends and a 9% incline. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best roads in Norway.

Stop at the Ornesvingen viewing point for incredible vistas, and again at the top to admire the Stigfossen waterfall.

Once you reach Andalsnes, head west and then north on the E39 to Vevang, and the start of the Atlantic Ocean Road or Atlanterhavsvegen, which runs across eight bridges and follows the islands between them like a silver ribbon.

If you want to visit picture-perfect Alesund on the way, take a slight detour and head south on the E39 instead of north – if you have a few extra days, you won’t regret it!

Next up is Trondheim, Norway’s original capital city. Trondheim has become a real foodie destination and is known as the “home of Nordic flavors”. Spend a day wandering the cobbled streets in the Bakklandet area or rent a bike, the locals’ favorite way to get around.

Onwards to Jektvik, you can either take the E6 Arctic Highway all the way or around 80km north of Trondheim, just after Steinkjer, pick up the FV17 and take in the glorious landscape and coastal views from the magnificent Kystriksveien Coastal Route, one of Norway’s most scenic road trips and one of the official Norwegian scenic routes .

Taking this Atlantic road route will add quite a few kilometers, two days, and six fjord ferries to your journey, but the detour will be so worth it! You’ll cross into the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees, on the boat between Kilborghavn and Jektvik.

At Bodo, you can get a ferry out to the Lofoten Islands if you are making this a longer trip. Ideal for hikers and nature lovers, Lofoten has become Norway’s go-to place for adventure. You’ll also enjoy perfect lighting for moody shots of big skies and dramatic landscapes, and watching the Northern Lights from Lofoten is a real bucket list experience.

Otherwise, keep on driving to Tromso, one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful cities known for its love of a party! Tromso is another great place to catch the aurora borealis as it ripples across the northern sky. You can also go whale watching from Tromso , try your hand at reindeer and dog sledding, and explore the local mountains and fjords, which make a dramatic backdrop to the city.

From Tromso, you could take a ferry to Svalbard to see polar bears, catch the Hurtigruten ferry back to Bergen, take a longer northern Norway road trip, or catch a flight to pretty much anywhere in the world.

Or, if you have time, head north to Nordkapp where the sun doesn’t drop below the horizon from mid-May to the end of July. Hauntingly beautiful but surprisingly busy, you may prefer the true northernmost point of continental Europe at Knivskjelodden, an 18km hike away and inaccessible to vehicles.

• Driving the exciting and impressive Trollstigen Road from Geiranger to Andalasnes.
• Crossing the Arctic Circle into the land of the Northern Lights.
• Following the Kystriksveien Coastal Route to experience the real coastal Norway of fishing villages and subsistence agriculture.
• Standing at the northernmost point of Europe to watch the midnight sun.
• Having to slow down for reindeer crossing the road!

Where to Stay

Bergen >>   Det Hanseatiske Hotel  for its harbourside location, dining options, and cozy decor.

Loen >> Visnes Hotel Stryn for its waterside location, traditional Norwegian food, and fabulous reviews.

Alesund >> Hotel 1904 for its perfect position in the center of town and iconic Scandi decor.

Trondheim >> Britannia Hotel because by this point you deserve a spa!

Narvik >>   Narvik Mountain Lodge  for its truly spectacular location, traditional log cabin decor, and amazing coastal views.

Tromso >>   Scandic Ishavshotel  for its harbour location, fabulous breakfasts, and excellent customer service.

Camping in Norway

If you’re traveling Norway in a campervan, on a touring bike with a backpack, or you’re on a budget, there is a great network of campsites where you can stay in a campervan or car, or bike with a tent.

No tent? Most Norwegian campsites have huts and rooms for rent and often provide a communal kitchen area for people road tripping and backpacking around the country.

If you prefer to be in the wilds, the  allemannsrett  (all men’s rights) law means you can practice free or wild camping in Norway where the land is not owned or cultivated or where there is no signage forbidding it.  

Follow the usual free and  wild camping  good practice and don’t overstay your welcome. If you’re in a motorhome or campervan use  Park4Night  to find the best free overnight parking and wild camping spots.

However you wild camp, always follow the “leave no trace” principle, take your rubbish and waste with you and dispose of it in the proper place. 

Find Adventure in the Western Fjords

Stavanger – preikestolen – kjeragbolten – trolltunga – flam – bergen.

• Distance 687km
• Duration 7-10 days
• Drive Time 14 hours

This seven to ten day Norway itinerary is for adventure lovers and those who want to hike, swim and paddle in the Norwegian great outdoors.

If you’ve ever looked at those amazing images of people perched on tongues of rock, practicing yoga on sheer cliffs, or star-jumping off precipitously balanced boulders whilst gazing out over sparkling blue fjords, then this Norwegian fjord road trip is perfect for you.

Start in the pretty and typically Norwegian city of Stavanger. Stroll Gamle Stavanger, the oldest part of the city, and enjoy the galleries and local craft boutiques before admiring the colorful wharf houses at the harbor.

There’s also a handful of great museums, lots of cool street art, and fantastic fresh seafood on offer.

RELATED POST – Adventurous Road Trip – 26 of The World’s Most Exciting Routes

Once you’ve spent a day in Stavanger, you’ll be heading off to hike Pulpit Rock or Preikestolen. This is an easy 7.6km hike and can be done in half a day with an early start, or you can take a guided hike if you’re new to hiking and Norway.

Begin the hike at the trailhead in Preikestolenhytta, where you can park easily. There are zero facilities on the Pulpit Rock hike, so make sure to go prepared and take additional clothing as the weather in the fjords can be unpredictable.

With an elevation gain of 334 meters, you don’t need any special skills to get to the top of one of Norway’s most incredible bits of rock – and there are a few in the country!

The views of Lysefjorden are breathtaking, but in July and August it will be busy at the top and you may have to wait your turn to get out to the tip of the rock for that must-have photo.

From Preikestolen, you’ll take the Lysebotn-Forsand car ferry along the Lysefjorden to your next stop, the Kjeragbolten hike. Kjeragbolten is a giant boulder wedged in a crevasse at 1084m on Mount Kjerag, the highest peak in the Lysefjorden. You can also base jump and climb here.

The starting point is at the parking lot at Oygardstol – just getting there involves a pretty spectacular top Norway road with hairpin bends aplenty. 

The hike to Kjeragbolten is around 11km long with 800m of altitude gain, and the round trip takes about seven to ten hours depending on your fitness and experience. You need to be in good physical shape and have some hiking experience before attempting this route.

In some places, you have to pull yourself up and slide down with the help of wires, which can be demanding and daunting if you haven’t experienced it before. Make sure you’re well prepared and allow a full day with an early start.

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Everywhere you drive in Norway, you are surrounded by mountains, fjords, and waterfalls. The scenery in Norway is simply spectacular, with new thrills around each bend in the road.

Route 13 from Stavanger to Odda is known as the Ryfylke National Scenic Route, one of eighteen official national tourist routes in Norway designated for their stunning scenery and tourist-friendly infrastructure.

Pick up the RV13 just before Ardal as you head north (make sure to add Ardal to your sat nav or you’ll be routed east from Kjeragbolten).

On this road, you will drive through incredible tunnels and cross fjords on a car ferry. Allow several hours longer than Google Maps suggests – this is a full days drive and you should start early.

Your next stop is Odda, for the infamous Trolltunga in the glorious Folgefonna National Park. The most challenging of these three famous Norway hikes, the route is 20km across mostly flat terrain, but the path can be tricky underfoot and the weather changeable. 

Hiking Trolltunga  is not for the faint-hearted or unprepared but is an absolute must-do on your road trip of Norway. Read our post to find out everything you need to know, from where to stay, how to get there, and the hike itself.

RELATED POST – Trolltunga Hike – Plan it Like a Pro

Norway Travel Ideas

Atlantic Road Norway: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

Campervanning in Norway – Tips, Routes & Destinations 2024

Best One Day Oslo Itinerary + Map, Guide & Tips

Driving to Norway from UK – Routes & Tips

Driving in Norway – All You Need to Know

Trolltunga Hike – Plan it Like a Pro

Flåm Norway: Visitor Guide & Tips

Skirt north along the border of the Hardangervidda National Park and take a few days downtime in picturesque  Flam , a small village right at the top of the beautiful Aurlandsfjord.

Surrounded by towering mountains, waterfalls, fjords, and rushing rivers, this is a playground for hikers, water sports enthusiasts, and mountain bikers.

From Flam, you can drive to Bergen or take the spectacular Flamsbana railway there, considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world.

Or, if you have a little longer to spend in Norway, follow the magnificent Sognefjord east to the stunning Jotunheimen National Park.

A four hour drive from Flam will take you into the “Giant’s Home”, a fitting name for this vast and soaring place where there are over 250 mountains of almost 2000m high and some of Norway’s very best scenery.

RELATED POST – How to Visit Flåm in the Summer

• Taking the incredibly scenic Flam Railway to Myrdal and cycling back on the Rallar Road.
• Standing on the edge of the Troll’s Tongue with the world at your feet.
• Discovering the imposing western Norway fjord of  Lysefjorden on a fjord cruise.
• Paddling the Aurlandsfjord for unrivaled views of the surrounding landscape.
• Watching the sun come up from the edge of Pulpit Rock.

Stavanger >>  Sola Strand Hotel  for the breathtaking beachfront location and a modern spa.

Preikestolen & Kjeragbolten >> Preikestolen BaseCamp because it’s perfect for the nights before and after your hike.

Odda >>  Vikinghaug Apartments  for their amazing fjord views and the post-Trolltunga bath!

Flam >>  Flåmsbrygga Hotel   for its superb central position, cozy traditional decor, and microbrewery.

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip or check out our favourite Europe road trips for ideas and inspiration!

Slow Down in Southern Norway

Romsviga – lindesnes – lista – egersund – bore – stavanger.

• Distance 500km
• Duration one week
• Drive Time 9 hours

If fjords and drama aren’t your thing, head for the gentler landscape of southern Norway, known as Sorlandet in Norwegian. This seven day Norway road trip itinerary is also perfect if you’re arriving in Oslo and hiring a rental car for your road trip.

The beaches along the southwest coast are simply stunning, with clear waters lapping against fine sandy shores. You’ll also find fantastic lighthouses, World War Two history, and a slower pace of life as the agricultural business of the area supersedes tourist traffic.

If you get the ferry from Denmark to Kristiansand, you might be tempted to stop in the town for a day, although for most it’s a gateway to the rest of the coast.

Turn left and head west for Romsviga, a traditional coastal settlement that dates back to the 17th century. Now a protected area which is owned by the local community, it’s an interesting place to visit and there are marked trails between here and Helleviga, either along the shore or through the forest.

Lindesnes, the southernmost tip of the country’s long coastline, is home to the oldest lighthouse in Norway ( where you can actually stay !). The small hamlet is quintessentially Norwegian and there is good coastal walking from here.

RELATED POST – One Day Oslo Itinerary – Map, Guide & Tips

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to Norway.

Just under a few hours inland is one of the largest waterfalls in southern Norway, Kvasfossen, with a drop of 36m. When the Lynga river is low, numerous potholes appear which make fabulous hot tubs on a sunny day, so be sure to take your swimmers and a towel!

From here, head northwest for forty minutes to Rafossen waterfall. Take a picnic and sit on the flat granite slabs close to the drop and marvel at the thundering power of this feat of nature.

Lista is next up, with its 34m high lighthouse, Nordberg Fort, and a trio of sandy beaches backed by dunes.

Havikstrand beach is the best known and is popular with kite surfers. Kviljosanden beach is perfect for families, with a gradual shelf and shallow water and Haeustranda beach is on a small peninsula south of Farsund and makes a perfect stop for a day.

Don’t miss the fully restored Nordberg Fort and museum, a German bunker that was once part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall and represents a dark period of Norwegian history.

Follow the 444 coast road to Egersund, which is within the fascinating Magma Geopark . To the east is the weird and wonderful rock formation of Trollpikken (troll’s penis), created by glacial influences thousands of years ago.

To the east is the Eigeroy lighthouse and the glorious beach of Skadbergsanden.

As you continue along the coast road to Bore, make sure to stop at Ogna for more fabulous beaches and the beautiful Kvassheim lighthouse.

Once you arrive in Bore, you’ll soon realize that the village is sandwiched between the river Figgjoelva, the lake Orrevatnet, and the seashore, and is surrounded by water!

Your final stop on this Norway road trip route is Stavanger, where you can continue on to another road trip, catch a flight home or get a ferry to northern Norway to continue your Scandinavian adventure.

• Spending a day soaking up the sun on one of the many magnificent beaches.
• Getting away from it all and experiencing off-the-beaten-path Norway.
• Climbing onto Trollpikken for that must-have image!
• Enjoying lunch in the midst of one of Norway’s most spectacular waterfalls.
• Getting lucky and enjoying a natural hot tub!

Lindesnes >>  Lindesnes Havhotel for its waterfront location, modern decor, and hot tub!

Lista >>  Rederiet Hotel  for their amazing views and welcoming staff.

Egersund >>  Grand Hotel Egersund  for its simple Scandi decor and a great restaurant.

Norway Road Trip Essentials

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in Norway.

• Search for affordable flights to Norway with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Norway with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Norway with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in Norway with Rentalcars.com
• Find and book ferry crossings with Ferryhopper
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic and Arctic Campers
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Are you looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out these top posts…

Morocco Road Trip: An Epic Atlantic to Sahara Journey

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A Stunning South Norway Road Trip in 10 Days

Please note that some of the links may be affiliate links , and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products & companies I love and use, and the income goes back into making this little blog successful!

Let’s get this out of the way… Norway is one of the most naturally gorgeous places I’ve ever been to, and a South Norway road trip is the way to see it.

This is literally the home of insane fjords cutting through giant mountains, Vikings, salmon that you can eat sashimi style out of the ocean, and the Northern Lights. I was a bit nervous when I made my first trip here a couple of years back because Norway seems wild and huge – and it is. There are very few tourist things to lean on , and while I’m glad for this, it’s daunting to plan a culture & hiking trip, one where nothing is catered for you.

Here are my South Norway road trip priorities , and you’ll see my route below:

• See Fantastic Fjord & Mountain Views : I wanted to do the iconic hikes like Prekeistolen (Pulpit Rock) and Romsdalseggen (locally recommended), and see the prettiest fjords like Lyse Fjord, Geiranger, Loen, and Sognefjorden.
• Eat Local Norwegian Food: I wanted to eat super local and super well. Like fish right out of the fjords caught that morning, maybe some of the weirder Nordic stuff too!
• Stay in Cute Lodging with Star-Gazing : I like Norwegian architecture because it’s a nice blend of modern meets cozy, and so I opted for spots with amazing views, places with indoor saunas (because that’s a thing to do here), and really cozy spots that don’t break the bank.

This post is meant to be the plan behind my road trip around southern Norway, “a la Mariana,” because there is nothing like doing it yourself to spark that little fire. So here is all the due diligence you need to get going!

Table of Contents

South Norway Road Trip 10-Day Itinerary

Here is my South Norway road trip route, with several restaurant recommendations and little gems of where to stay along the way!

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

Pick up your rental car and drive the 1 hour from the airport to the city center in Oslo. On my first day in the city, I loved winding down at the port, walking around, and listening to live music at night.

If you’re not renting a car for the first couple of days in Oslo, do NOT take a Taxi/Uber from the airport to the city center. It’s super expensive (~€300), and there’s a better way. The fastest way to get from the airport to Oslo is to take the train. Look for Vy or Flytoget trains . Trains get you to the city center in 20 minutes for pretty cheap.

My Favorite Restaurants in Oslo: 👉 Arakataka – Nordic food & a budget fine dining gem 👉 Happolati – Norwegian meets Asian fusion, quite nice inside too! 👉 Vippa local street food vendors in a giant warehouse with breweries on the pier 👉 SALT – Live music spot with beer and street food!

Where to Stay in Oslo

You’ll be staying in Oslo for 2 nights, and I recommend staying in the city center, so everything is walkable. Additionally, you’ll want to find a place that has a place to park your car.

📍 Luxury: Grand Hotel Oslo – if you’ve never stayed in a Grand Hotel, this is an excellent example of high-class European charm and is renowned in Oslo. 📍 Mid-Range: Hotel Bristol – super cozy, fantastic breakfast, the decor is my favorite part, and right in the city center.

Day 2: Be a Tourist in Oslo

Be a tourist and walk or scoot around the city! As luck would have it, I have a good friend in Oslo who was my guide around this amazing city. Here are the places we visited if you want to find your own way.

• Opera House Oslo – Don’t miss out on scooting across the opera house rooftop – you’ll know what I mean when you look at its architectural design. Oh, and trust me, everyone will be doing it! 🙂
• Munch Museum – I love a good art immersion, and if you’re into that as well, this is where you can see the famous The Scream painting!
• Var Frelsers Graveyard – It’s a graveyard, but hear me out… while I don’t usually put cemeteries on my “must-see” list, Norwegians build their graveyards to have a feeling of peace and quiet, and this one is serene and gorgeous. Take your time to walk among the people of the past, imagining their life rather than mourning their graves.
• The Royal Palace – I do recommend taking a tour if you have the time and inclination towards history like me!
• Oslo Cathedral – I found myself on the beautiful cathedral lawn with a cup of hot tea – another wonderful spot to take a nap in the sun.
• Vikingskipshuset – This is the Viking Ship Museum and a bit of a trek on the west side of Oslo. But holy smokes, you can see a real-life Viking ship. Enough said on this one.

➡️ I recommend this Customized Private Tour so you can really dive into the culture, history, and local hot spots. ⬅️

Day 3: Drive from Oslo to Stavanger

This is a big driving day, traversing most of southern Norway. Grab some snacks and enjoy the drive and views of the cutest wooden houses along the way. This will take you about 7-8 hours, and I took the most direct route.

PRO TIP: If your drive takes you along the southernmost tip of Norway, don’t miss taking a lunch break at the Lindesnes Lighthouse . This is Norway’s oldest lighthouse, dating back to 1656. Cute museum, a few quickie hiking trails around to stretch your legs. Not a must, but definitely a notable mention.

If I were to do it differently, I would opt to be carless in Oslo for a couple of days and fly from Oslo to Stavanger where I would start my road trip and rent a car. I reason that the drive from Oslo to Stavanger in the next few days is a huge 8-hour trek, and while it’s pretty depending on what route you take, it’s hellishly long.

Where to Stay in Stavanger

You’ll also stay in Stavanger for 2 nights, and I recommend lodging near the town center.

📍 Luxury: Hotel Victoria – Right on the water, with a fantastic view of the pier, cozy and elegant decor, and a cute lounge & bar area. 📍 Mid Range: Sea Story by Frogner House – a more modern option; I love this spot for the stunning bathroom and the floor-to-ceiling windows for morning coffee peeking over Stavanger. A classic Nordic apartment.

Day 4: Preikestolen Hike & Lyse Fjord Cruise

Your morning will be dedicated to the Preikestolen Hike, one of the more iconic hiking trails on this southern Norway road trip itinerary for 10 days. Go early in the morning to avoid the rush of people, and make sure to pack a lunch, water, and your camera. I’m a moderately fit American, and I would say this hike was easy – it took me about 3 hours roundtrip and the views were breathtaking!

Hike : Preikestolen Hike (Pulpit Rock) Distance : 5 miles, out & back Time Needed : 3-4 hrs Difficulty : Moderate Pro Tip: Be on the trail by 9 am. Perks : fantastic fjord views at the end, and iconic pictures from what looks like a drop cliff into the fjord.

Your afternoon is all about the Lyse Fjord. Around 3 pm, there’s a cruise that departs from Stavanger Harbor. Get on that cruise to see the Lyse Fjord and Preikestolen from the water. It’s so cute and is only a couple of hours. Get your tickets ahead of time at Rodne Fjord Cruise .

My Favorite Restaurants in Stavanger 👉 Fisketorget Stavanger – a fish market with a little restaurant inside, I recommend the fish soup for lunch 👉 Renaa Michelin Restaurant – first Michelin in Stavanger, excellent Norwegian classics. It’s a bit pricey (about $150 per person without the wine pairing), but OMG! Reservation is required, so book a few days ahead!

Day 5: Drive from Stavanger to Bergen

Another drive day along the coast of Norway with stunning views. This one will take about 6 hours.

When you arrive in Bergen, grab a snack/beer to go and take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen here . You can enjoy a beautiful sunset and equally gorgeous views of Bergen with your adult beverage in hand.

Instead of taking the funicular down, walk the path to the bottom – it will only take you 30 min and the forest reminds me of something out of a Grimm’s fairytale. Norwegians love trolls, so you’ll see these naughty little imps everywhere, as they are part of the local culture.

Where to Stay in Bergen

You’ll be in Bergen for 2 nights as well.

📍 Luxury: Det Hanseatiske Hotel – Historic hotel giving rustic luxury, right in the heart of Bergen. Fantastic breakfast. 📍 Mid-Range: Hotel Oleana – Another classic building refurbished with the Nordic modern design right in the city center. Fantastic bar area.

Day 6: Be a tourist in Bergen

I started the morning with breakfast and a cruise through the Bergen Fjords . My best recommendation here is to bundle up, because you’ll want to be on the outside deck admiring the little towns you pass by, and the nature that will be sure to impress.

In the afternoon, I joined a Walking Tour in Bergen: Past and Present – and it was the perfect blend of history, sights, and storytelling to have you falling in love with the town.

From there, it’s a “choose your own adventure” for the day. Rent a bike or find a hiking trail nearby, get day-wasted at the port, or just Netflix & chill.

My Favorite Restaurants in Bergen: 👉 Bryggeloftet & Steune Restaurant : Locally recommended & oldest traditional Norwegian restaurant in Bergen. Great for dinner, the steak is fantastic! 👉 Pergola Italian & Wine Bar : Another gem, located down a narrow alleyway. 👉 Bjerk : for lunch or dinner, really nice views of the pier. 👉 Olivia Italian  – Italian comfort food for when you’re tired of Norwegian (which is a real thing)

➡️ My Best Thing To Do in Bergen is to take the Mostraumen Bergen Fjord Cruise ! ⬅️

Day 7: Drive from Bergen to Loen

This drive is quite long as well, about 6 hours, but you’ll be graced by the gorgeous coast of Norway again. I recommend an early start so you can get to Loen by 3 pm. I loved packing a lunch in Bergen to take with me – this way I could stop anywhere along the road where it was gorgeous (and there are plenty of spots) to enjoy my meal.

In Loen, take the sky lift up , and enjoy the views. There are a few short hiking trails around the top, and I highly encourage a couple of hours walking around, especially as you’ve just spent the better part of the day in a car… stretch those legs!

Where to Stay in Loen

This is only a one-night stay because it’s been a long ass drive and you’re in a pretty place to stop.

📍 Luxury: Hotel Alexandra Loen – A bit of a splurge, but for one night, the sauna and dinner with a view are worth it. 📍 Mid Range: Hotel Loenfjord – Right on the fjord, I loved the nice porch you can drink wine from.

Day 8: Geiranger Fjord & Skagefla Hike

The drive from Loen to Geiranger is 2.5 hours. You’ll be staying in this little town for 2 nights, so we’ll take it easy today.

Lunch Recommendation: Get a good early lunch (including their award-winning sour beer) at Brasserie Posten before your fjord boat tour.

The early afternoon boat tour of the Geiranger Fjord will be relaxing and pretty, so take it easy. On the way back to port, the boat will stop at a random-looking place along the edge – this is Skagehola.

If you’re up for it – this is where you get off for the Skagefla Hike . It’s about a 45-minute hike up some seriously steep stone steps, but worth the views of the “Seven Sisters” Waterfall from the top – hello, UNESCO World Heritage Site! From here, you go back down the steps and get back on the boat – the pick-up service is included as part of your ticket.

Once you’re off the boat, there is an amazing serpentine scenic drive, maybe about 30 minutes total, that takes you to this viewpoint – highly recommend it!

Where to Stay in Geiranger

This little Norwegian town is your home base for 2 nights before you head back down to Olso on the last day.

📍 Luxury: Hotel Union Geiranger – Get the Fjord view room, one of the prettiest hotels in town, I recommend enjoying the spa on the property, especially after the hikes. 📍 Mid Range: Hotel Utsikten – higher ground in town, a great option as well, fantastic porch with great views of the fjord.

Day 9: Åndalsnes, Trollstigen & Romsdalseggen Hike

This will be a big day, so make sure you have a hearty breakfast and pack some lunch snacks. Geiranger to Andalsnes takes 2.5 hours, and Romsdalseggen is a full-day hike, end to end. That said, this was the most beautiful hike of my life, and I will never forget it.

The Romsdalseggen Hike starts in the town of Andalsnes, at the main bus stop. Try to catch the 9 am or 10:30 am bus to the trailhead. It is a 20-minute bus ride, but try to buy bus tickets ahead of time as buses get packed for this trail.

Hike : Venjesdalen to Åndalsnes via Romsdalseggen Distance : 6.6 miles, end to end Time Needed : 5-7 hrs Difficulty : Hard Pro Tip: When you get to the end and you’re at the hut having a beer, take the gondola down, it is NOT worth hiking the final 1 hour steep downhill. Perks : The most beautiful hike of my life, except maybe the Dolomites .

You’ll start with a steady uphill for 2 hours, but trust me, the views get better and better, especially after you scramble up the very top of the mountain and across its ridge. On the descent, when you get to the ski lift, have yourself a beer and enjoy the view – you earned it!

From the top at the hut, there are 2 options:

• Ride the ski lift down. If this is your choice, have a second beer and smile… you’ve done well!
• Walk 40 min on a steep downhill trail to the bottom. This is what I did, and it destroyed me. If you choose this one, may the odds be in your favor… you will not feel your legs for the next 3 days!

TREAT YOURSELF: Dinner recommendation in Andalsnes at Sodahlhuset . You’ve earned it!

On the drive back to your home, you’ll go up through one of the most scenic roads on this Norway road trip itinerary… Trollstigen .

I know you’re tired, but stop at the lookout point at the top and take in the view. Make sure to take the walkway (5 min walk) to the very end where you can see the valley in all its majestic grandness. Today was a good day.

Day 10: Drive from Geiranger to Oslo

While the drive is not nearly as gorgeous as what you’ve done and seen on this southern Norway road trip, it’s still scenic and cute! It should take you all day to get to Oslo, about an 8-hour drive.

From here, it’s just about catching a flight back home.

South Norway Road Trip Map

This was my route, but if I were to do it again , I might fly directly from Oslo into Bergen or Stavanger and start my Norway road trip itinerary for 10 days there – simply to remove a chunk of driving and make more room for hiking days.

If you love mountains but want to be a bit more cost-conscious than Norway can offer, consider staying on the European mainland and check out my Switzerland to Italy Road Trip . Insane hikes and we only spent $3.5K total for 2 people in 14 days! 🥳

Renting a Car in Norway

Norway is geographically long, and there are many ways to get around – rent a car, take the train, fly from one city to another, etc. No wrong way to do it, really – just depends on the time you have, your budget, and your transportation preference.

I opted to rent a car for 10 days and enjoyed the hell out of the gorgeous scenery along the coast of southern Norway. Honestly, it was a treat driving in Norway! Here’s what I used to find a good option, it’s my go-to for pricing comparison.

Check and Compare Cars in Norway with: ➡️ DISCOVER CARS ⬅️

The wildest thing I encountered on the way were these sheep. If you can, go diesel when you rent a car, it’s cheaper in Norway.

Is Driving in Norway Easy?

Yes! Especially in the July or August months. The roads are in excellent condition. There should be paid public parking lots everywhere.

While driving, tolls or ferry rides are automatically logged by the auto pass on your car, you’ll get the tab when you return the rental. Super seamless, you honestly don’t have to do anything except keep driving!

A few things to keep in mind: Driving as an American in Europe: Documentation & Rules of the Road .

How long does it take to drive from one end of Norway to the other?

So this depends on the weather, random sheep blocking a highway, and the pace you set. Check out the map above to see my route, but here are the drive times for the key points on my Norway road trip, keeping in mind I drove this in August when the skies were sunny with a touch of rain here and there.

• Oslo to Stavanger (for Pulpit Rock & Lyse Fjord): 7 hours
• Stavanger to Bergen : 5 hours
• Bergen to Loen : 5 hours
• Loen to Geiranger (for UNESCO Skagefla Hike): 1 hour
• Geiranger to Andalsnes (for Romsdalseggen Hike): 2.5 hours
• Geiranger to Oslo : 8 hours

The longer drives are a bit brutal, but here are 7 Unique Ways to Pass the Time , including games and deep-dive discussion questions.

South Norway Road Trip Tips

I had a lot of questions when I first started planning this trip, especially as I was traveling solo. Here are a few frequently asked questions and resources.

Is Norway good for a road trip?

Yes, and a fantastic option if you want to push yourself outside of your comfort zone when it comes to hiking – and be rewarded with some of the most fantastic views of fjords, idyllic wooden houses, and mountains in the world.

I’ve put together a few Pros and Cons of Roadtrips & Why I Love Them that ring true for this route through Southern Norway.

Do I need Travel Insurance for Norway?

While Norway is safe, this road trip involves a lot of driving, hiking, and overall hard-core adventuring. There are a few options out there, so take a couple of minutes to review the 5 Best Medical Insurance Policies for Europe . I use SafetyWing because it’s affordable and flexible (I can get it for a week or a month, etc.) See what fits for you, here is the link.

This is what I use ➡️ SAFETYWING: Travel Medical Insurance ⬅️

When is the best time to go on a road trip in Norway?

The best times to get the most sun and really see the beauty of southern Norway is in July & August.

Is Norway expensive?

The short answer is yes… but it doesn’t have to be. Here is the cost breakdown for my solo 10-day trip:

• Car Rental : $600
• Lodging : $1,500
• Food   & Drink : $1,000

If you’re hitting up restaurants every day, you can expect a meal without alcohol to range from $30-50. The best bet is to go grocery shopping (Billa, DM Supermarket) and cook at home or buy snacks for the road.

Alcohol is expensive. Beer is sold everywhere, and the local brews are delicious. However, wine and liquor are controlled by the government and ONLY sold in special Wine Monopoly stores (I’m serious!), which are open only at specific times. No wine/liquor is found in any supermarkets.

Lodging can average around $150 a night for hotels or AirB&B, but private rooms in hostels (which are super clean) or homes can be a more budget-friendly option.

Norway is also a country that lets you put a tent just about anywhere as long as you are not an inconvenience, which is what makes tent life a fun, cheap way to go if you’re into it!

What to Pack for a Norway Road Trip

While July and August are mostly sunny and bright, the weather in Norway can be unpredictable. I’ve put together some great tips on how to pack Cute and Comfy Road Trip Outfits in another article, but here’s the gist of what you need.

• Rain Jacket – lightweight and waterproof, and ideally packs really small so you can carry it with you everywhere.
• Layers – from warm leggings, jeans, to a few t-shirts and sweaters. But also pack a pair of shorts and a sundress for just that one perfect sunny day!
• Hiking Boots & Socks
• Hiking Backpack or Daypack – where else are you going to put that rain jacket and snacks?!
• A Bathing Suit – for those opportune sauna moments or if you’re crazy enough to jump into one of the many lakes on this road trip.
• Reusable Water Bottle – a must.

Wrap-Up: 11 Iconic Things You’ll See in Southern Norway

In a nutshell, this is one of my favorite road trips because of all the hikes and scenic views packed into a short 10-day road trip.

✔️ Oslo – The capital city, and if you do it right, you can see the famous Munch Museum (including the famous painting The Scream ), the Oslo Opera House, and even a Viking ship!

✔️ Lindesnes Lighthouse – Oldest lighthouse in Norway, think 1600’s. Located in the definition of Southern Norway on your route from Oslo to Stavanger.

✔️ Preikestolen – Aka “Pulpit Rock” and one of the more iconic hiking trails and photo opp along the trip. ✔️ Lysen Fjord – Gorgeous Fjord along with a spectacular view of “Pulpit Rock” from the water.

✔️ Bergen – Iconic colorful houses along the port and the cutest town ever.

✔️ Loen Skylift – One of the steepest cable cars in the world, with spectacular views of Loen in the heart of fjord country.

✔️ Romsdalseggen Hike – Best views on this trip and one of the more challenging/rewarding hiking trails I’ve done so far.

✔️ Trollstigen Road – The famous serpentine mountain road in southern Norway.

✔️ Geiranger Fjord – With beautiful views of the “Seven Sisters” Waterfall and Skagefla Mountain.

✔️ Skagefla Hike – A UNESCO World Heritage site and where a lot of those pictures on Instagram come from. An absolute gem of a hiking trail on this southern Norway road trip!

✔️ Atlantic Ocean Road – The rollercoaster road through an archipelago (ie, water and land) that will make you applaud the civil engineering in this country!

PRO TIP: If you only have 7 days, think about skipping Oslo and Stavanger in order to do justice to a Road Trip from Bergen to Alesund .

Mariana Barbuceanu is the owner and author of the Road Trip EuroGuide, a blog that inspires fellow travelers to explore Europe more authentically through slower travel and digging deeper into the culture of a place. When she isn't writing about her adventures, she is planning trips for her community and coaching people on how to take that next step towards a much-needed sabbatical.

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Road Trip Norway Itinerary – Your No.1 Norwegian Road Trip Guide [2023 Edition]

Table of Contents

The world today seems much less happy than it did many years ago. With each passing generation, there is more responsibility and demands on time leading people to be generally less happy than they used to be.

There is however one place that boasts the happiest people on the planet. With this Road Trip Norway Itinerary – Your No.1 Norwegian Road Trip Guide [2023 Edition]  you are ready to go and experience a wonderfull one of the best driving holidays in Norway!

Norway is consistently ranked as the number one country with the happiest people and if you need a bit of happiness put back into your routine, a holiday with a campervan through Norway might be just the ticket. And guess what, it is ranked number 9 in the top 10 most environmental friendly countries of the world. Perfect if you decide to do this road trip with an electric vehicle.

There is a lot to see and do, but here is your complete road trip guide for this jovial country.

Camper and Car Rental & Routes in Norway – Where to go?

If you look online you will see dozens of companies promoting campervan, motorhome or caravan rentals. I will describe for you the best rental companies, traffic rules, toll roads and other useful tips and tricks!

Hiring a car in Norway is pretty easy. All the international car rental companies are present at the international airports. Therefore, you can easily visit the Oslo airport website and select a suitable car.

Click on the city you wish to start your road trip from and get the best car rental deals and prices: 

Oslo ,  Bergen ,  Trondheim  or  Stavanger

Please keep in mind that the gas prices are very high in Norway. Make sure you choose a car that is very efficient and drives a lot of miles to the gallon. Trust me, it will make your holiday a lot more pleasant!

Rental Prices in Norway

Rental prices per day are on average 900 NOK (Low season) to 1300 NOK (High Season) for campers and 1500 NOK (Low season) to 2000 NOK (High Season) for motorhomes.

This does not include insurance or other extra options.

Car Insurance for Norway

You are always covered with a basic insurance, but if you plan to go into the mountains an additional insurance for your tires and emergency response are recommended. Paying for a new tyre won’t break the bank, but an evacuation with a helicopter will.

Therefore, double-check your travel insurance as these events happen a lot in Norway due to the unpredictable weather conditions.

GPS Navigation – A Real Adventure!

A must-have! Bring an updating GPS Navigator from home or else rent one from your rental company. Norway is famous for having regions where no internet connection is available. A good GPS navigator can save your life!

Routes in Norway – What Are The Best Roads?

Driving in Norway is a wonderful experience, but what route offer the best road trip in Norway? Time to find out!

Atlantic Road in Norway

The “ Atlantic Ocean Road Norway ” (route 64) might be one of the most popular roads in Scandinavia. This road takes you over the Atlantic ocean with a huge bridge connecting the island of Averøy with the mainland.

The road is toll free and is 8,2 Km. long. The road offers several viewing points where you can take amazing pictures for your Instagram account and has even been featured in several National Geographic magazines and Hollywood movies.

I’m sure you are interested to know how to take the best photos whilst driving this fantastic road? Check out this blog post on driving and photographing the Atlantic Road in Norway! It offers great value for beginner- and experienced photographers who want to score that perfect picture.

Oslo to Bergen

Taking the E16 from Oslo to Bergen is one of the most beautiful routes I have ever seen. It is a 525 Km. drive and it will take you about 12 hours. Along the way you will see some of the most amazing landmarks of Norway, including the Tyrifjorden, Aurlandsfjorden & Stave Churches. For maps and more information, please click the link below.

(Related: Driving from Oslo to Bergen – A Complete Guide )

After spending a few lovely days in Bergen ,  you can travel north towards the Atlantic ocean road. On you way there I recommend you make a stop at Runde Island to see Puffins in the wild!

Toll roads, parking, traffic rules & gas prices in Norway

Driving in Norway – Traffic rules

Driving in Norway is an interesting experience. First of all, the roads are not the best quality and second you can only go 80 km/h in most of the country.

Of course, you are not interested in speeding through such a beautiful sight anyway, but it does take a significant longer time to travel from A to B with this speed restriction. Trying to read the road signs in Norway is also a very intersting experience!

Toll Road Norway

Norway is a country that is full of toll roads. Toll prices range from 18 NOK to 26 NOK, which is around $2 to $4.

The beauty of the toll road system however is that, although all who pass through must pay, you can register your motorhome before embarking on the road trip to save some time.

(Related: Register here – Toll Road Norway)

By registering, you connect your credit card with the toll and pay the money as you drive through a special registered only lane.

For those who do not pay the toll and choose to attempt to get through without registration, the many cameras will tag your license plate and ticket you accordingly through the mail along with a picture of your offense. Therefore, it is best to always pay the tolls.

Rental cars with a Norwegian license plate are already covered, therefore you do not have to register your RV. You will receive your bill when you return the vehicle.

Car Parking in Norway

When taking a road trip through Norway, you will want to abide by all rules. Strict speed limits of around 50mph is enforced by police on every road. Violating the limits can and will result in high fines, but where you will most want to watch your vehicle is where it is parked.

Most attractions have plenty of parking, but there will be occasions where you will have to park in parking decks in the larger cities. The costs for parking in the decks range from 12NOK ($1.50) per hour all the way to 200NOK ($25).

Norwegian Gas Prices

The cost of fuel is forever rising and in Norway, you can expect to pay over $6 per gallon of gasoline. That might sting a bit when filling up a very large vehicle, but with the help of technology, you can better manage your fuel budget. Click here for an excellent tool to help you along the way.

(Related: Driving in Norway )

Finding the right accommodations

Paid & Wild Camping in Norway

The true road tripper understands that there is nothing more satisfying than a night out under the stars. Camping is available throughout Norway and guests can expect to pay between 242NOK ($35) and 436NOK ($60) at most campsites.

Norway is also one of the most liberal countries when it comes to wild camping. They allow for camping throughout the year on uncultivated land. The only limit is that the land cannot be cultivated and used in any other way.

The user is also only limited to 2 nights at any campsite, but the time restrictions are taken away when you venture into the mountains of the country.

When choosing to camp, always take into account to elevation as well as the temperatures as it does get quite cold in Norway and higher elevations can make it difficult to breathe for even a healthy person.

(Related: Finding Cheap Accommodations )

Hotel & Hostels in Norway

The beauty of Norway however is that the accommodation choices come available for any budget. Those that choose to travel on the cheap can trust in the many hostels and dorm style accommodations.

On average a bed will cost you 340NOK ($41) per night. Cabins and B&Bs will run between 535NOK ($65) and 775NOK ($95). For those with a midrange budget a hotel room will range in price from 775NOK ($80) – 1,500NOK ($170) on weekends and during the high season of travel which is the end of June through middle of August.

Other hotels in the country that cater to the wealthier traveler sect, will cost over €150. Airbnb is another good resource for the road tripper as there are a number of different styles of accommodations for Norway on the site ranging from 340NOK to well over 2,000NOK.

Click Here To Find The Best Hotel & Hostel Deals in Norway!

Where to Eat

A road trip is not complete without food along the way. One of your largest expenses while traveling through Norway will be food. It is a remarkably expensive city and therefore it might be to your benefit to seek out the free wild camping sites along the way.

The average hostel and hotel in Norway will offer you a breakfast, but the rest of the meals for the day will be on you. The breakfast costs that you can expect per person on your road trip is between $5 and $9, lunch will run you between $6 and $13 and dinner is on average $13 – $25.

That is certainly the lower end prices, as Norway is home to some amazing fine dining options that are famous throughout the world. Some of the best fish and game is found within the country and many local eateries have these traditional items on the menu.

Money Saving Tips

In a country that is as famously expensive as Norway, you might wonder how is it possible to save money. The truth is that most people taking a trip to the country can afford the finer things in life, but there are a range of ways to allow your budget to stretch a bit further.

One way that many people blow their budget is by over tipping. Where it is a good idea to tip people for performing their job optimally in the case of servers and housekeepers, Norwegians tend to put the tip into the original price. It is not always necessary to tip everyone and even the tipping rate is much lower than other countries.

For very good service, a 5% tip is fine and if you receive excellent service, 10% is perfect, so do not feel as though you have to break the bank in order to show your appreciation as the case is with some countries.

Finding Cheap Meals

The best way to save money while out on the road is to opt for snacks that will fill you up for long periods of time. Gas stations are perfect for these types of snacks, but if you want to maximize your budget, try purchasing them in a supermarket. Coop Mega is one of those supermarkets.

The choices tend to be more available and the products are not priced quite so high. Other alternatives are to stick with ordering food from local restaurants to share with the rest of your crew.

Avoid Drinking

I know.. I know, but please hear me out! There are many countries throughout the world that offer exceptional alcoholic options, but keep in mind that the expense of Norway also seeps into drinking within the country.

The average drink will cost around $8 each, so if you do not have the budget to hang with the high taste of native Norwegians, stay out of drinking establishments altogether.

Tourism Card – Oslo Pass

Your road trip will take you to many places throughout Norway and you will be tempted by a myriad of attractions, but it is always best to look into the possibility of tourism cards. These are available in Norway, but tend to only be useful in the high traffic tourist areas.

It never hurts to ask because these cards can save you a lot of money on entrance fees and get you discounts at a number of different places within the country.

Overview of cards: Oslo – Bergen – Fjord Pass

Things to do in Norway

The sovereign nation of Norway is home to some beautiful scenery as well as some amazing museums. All may not be on your road trip list, but there are a few that you should definitely make time to see.

Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands are the most well-known tourist destination in Northern Norway. This beautiful group of mystical islands has stunning nature, beautiful hikes and a lot of traditional Norwegian restaurants that serve amazing local dishes. From here you can drive straight to the North Cape, relax in Tromsø and enjoy same whale watching in Tromsø along the way. Another great activity is dog sledding. At Dog Sledding in Tromsø you can be in charge of a pack of huskies as you explore the beautiful region of Northern Norway.

Visiting during the winter? You might want to book a great tour watching the Northern Lights in Tromsø . It is an adventure you will never forget! You can even stay at a real igloo hotel during night!

(Related: Ultimate XL Lofoten Travel Guide )

Geiranger Fjord

You cannot make a trip to Norway without visiting one of the fjords the country is famous for. The most beautiful and famous of them all is Geiranger Fjord .

The location has been featured in films such as the Lord of the Rings and attracts people from all countries for its sheer beauty. Viewing the area is free, but will require some hiking.

It is always crowded most of the time, so it is recommended that you arrive early in the morning for the best opportunity to see all you want to see.

Kon-Tiki Museum

If you want to learn some Norwegian history, the Kon-Tiki Museum is the place to do it.

This museum contains relics of the past including artifacts from Norwegian travelers visiting Easter Island and the Galapagos. The most legendary explorers are all on exhibit and the cost for a ticket is only $11.33 per person, so it is a budget friendly option as well.

Tours are the perfect way to get to know a country and Oslo offers plenty of them. The typical tour will take on average 2 to 3 hours. You pay on average only $6 per person. It is a great way to meet other tourists and learn important points about the country you are visiting.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BVMHWcnlw2c/?taken-by=theroadtripguy

Final Words

Norway is a growing country and full of excellent road trips for any type of budget. Just always remember to be respectful to other motorists and obey all traffic laws. If you enjoyed this  Road Trip Norway Itinerary – 2022 Edition please leave a comment below and sign up to our newsletter.

Happy Driving!

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14 thoughts on “ Road Trip Norway Itinerary – Your No.1 Norwegian Road Trip Guide [2023 Edition] ”

The cost of driving in Norway is certainly steep! But what an amazing way to see a country. I can’t think of any better way to experience a country beyond it’s cities (which don’t give you a true perspective of the life for every day people in a country) than to drive through-stopping in small towns, exploring nature and figuring things out along the way

I always knew Norway is expensive but the figures you mention through the post puts it in perspective. Why is fuel so costly there? Are the cities and small towns equally expensive or are small town better off? BTW, lovely virtual tour of road tripping in Norway.

This post would’ve come really in handy if I had come across it 2 years ago, before our trip to Norway. We did a road trip as well and we wanted to rent a camper van but the prices were really high so we ended up renting a small car instead. Picking up a snack from the gas station is definitely a good idea for saving money on meals, considering how expensive Norway is for sit down meals. We visited Geiranger and it was gorgeous!

You have me craving an amazing Norwegian road trip now. We don’t usually drink much when we travel because it truly does eat up your budget. Great tip about tipping. I think people from the US definitely tend to overtip because we’re used to our crazy tipping culture.

Wow, I didn’t know that Norway is ranked as the number one country with the happiest people. Maybe I should pack my bags and move to Norway forever! 🙂 Kidding. But, moving there or not, I need to visit it first and your lovely post gave me many reasons to do it. Great post!

I dont mind spending more if it was Norway! Such a beautiful country!!! I heard they have the happiest people too! Cant wait to visit this country!

This is a really comprehensive guide. Well done! It certainly covers all the salient points. I would love to go to Norway, but I am always in that part f the world in December, so a road trip doesn’t appeal to me too much 🙂 The price of the OSLO tours sounds very reasonable compared to many other city tours in Europe. City tours are always a useful way of getting the see the highlights.

Norwegian road trip is awesome! Beautiful country and lots of amazing views. Lofoten Islands’ stunning nature, beautiful hiking spot, and a lot of traditional Norwegian restaurants that serves amazing local dishes. That’s very very interesting! I hope someday I could go there and experience all those wonderful places and tasty local dishes in Norway.

Gosh , its expensive. We do have a little plan of going on a road trip to Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Don’t know when but your post is sort of helpful. Since we will probably driving a small car , we may be able to reduce some costs there. Let’s see! In the meanwhile Ctrl D. 🙂 🙂

Although the price of Norway is on the very expensive side, it sounds like a great place to visit. I especially like the idea of touring around in a caravan. Your tips for saving money are great. I will definitely pass on drinks at $8 a drink.

A road trip sounds like an amazing way to take in Norway! I’m a huge fan of LOTR and the Hobbit, so I would love to check out Geiranger Fjord. Even though the drinks are expensive, the area looks well worth the cost!

Though going to Norway is pricey, I guess I should really try it someday thanks for the money saving tips! Thanks for sharing this post! I would really love to try the food and go to Lofoten Island and enjoy every breathtaking view there.

Thank you for sharing such great content with us, It will surely be of great help to me as even I am planning a road trip to Norway, and the tips that you have shared will surely create an impact on my planning as well, would also love to share this with my friends and family as well for their reference.

Thank you! 🙂

Comments are closed.

Norway Epic Road Trip: 3-Week Itinerary

Norway Travel Itinerary – Road Trip

Our dear fellow travelers and followers, please rise and shine. Another epic road trip is ahead of us between the mountains, fjords, and sky of beautiful and picturesque Norway .

Day 1 & 2: Visit Oslo

We have been living in Oslo for over a decade. So we will try to present highlights of our city and be as objective as we can.

There are many attractions worth visiting, and we will try to group them based on their geographical location.

Oslo Fjord In Bjørvika

Nearby the Oslo Railway station on the Oslo fjord coastline is the Opera House , New Oslo Public Library , New Munch Museum building, New residential area, and Barcode project. We can describe The Barcode as “ Oslo City” , where many big companies have offices.

In the photo below we can see the Opera House in the middle, the new Munch Museum building on the right, and part of the Deichman Public Library building on the left.

Karl Johan’s Street

From there you could walk Oslo’s main street, Karl Johans Gate , and pass by Norwegian Parlament (Stortinget) , Grand Hotel , National Theather , and all the way to the Royal Palace on the hill.

Lots of people in front of the Royal Palace during Constitution Day celebration on the 17th of May.

Oslo Fjord In Aker Brygge

From The National Theater , is a short stroll to Aker Brygge and another part of Oslo Fjord. There you can visit City Hall (Rådhuset) , Nobel Peace Center , Akershus Fortress & Castle (Akershus Festning & Slott) , and the Aker Brygge pedestrian area with many yachts parked there.

The sunny day attracts lots of people to the Aker Brygge pedestrian zone with City Hall’s square red building in the background.

Bygdøy Island

From Aker Brygge you can take a small boat to Bygdøy Island . On the island’s shore are many famous museums such as Fram (Polar Explorations) Museum , Kon-Tiki , and Maritime Museum . Further inland are Viking Ship Museum , Holocaust Center , and Norwegian Ethnographic Museum (Norsk Folkemuseum) .

Fram Museum on Bydgøy island has a Fram polar explorations ship inside. Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen used the ship for Arctic and South Pole expeditions.

Language Tip: Fram in Norwegian means forward .

From The National Theater , you can take a subway to Majorstuen , and from there is a short walk to Vigeland and Frogner Parks . In Vigeland Park, you can see the open exhibition of famous sculptures, a Monolith Statue, a fountain, and a small lake.

Oslo Mountains

On the west Oslo mountain’s top is Holmenkollen Ski Jumps & Museum and a fantastic view over the fjord and the city. From the city center, you can take a subway all the way to the top.

This is what Ski Jump looks like during wintertime.

Oslo night cityscape photo from Ekeberg viewing platform.

Discover: Find your accommodation in Oslo .

If you click this link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Day 3-5: Explore Nærøyfjord & Aurlandsfjørd area

Early Jule morning, and we are, on our way, from Oslo to Lærdalsøyri . It is four and half hour’s drive and less than 300 km (around 180 miles). No worries, we will have plenty of time for stops, short sightseeing, and hiking during this day. We will get to know the Norwegian countryside and nature. It is just an introduction to what we will experience on this journey.

Tip: Scandinavian mile – it is a length measurement used in Norway and Sweeden. One mil is 10 kilometers (6.2 miles ). Do not be confused if you hear Norwegians talking about mils instead of kilometers.

Day 3 – Driving Through Oslo

As you drive through Oslo, you will notice driving through many tunnels since Norwegians like to drill holes. Vertically in the sea, they search for oil. Horizontally on the land, they dig tunnels.

As soon as we exit the Opera tunnel on our left-hand side, we can see the beautiful Oslo fjord illuminated by the morning sun. In this short part of the Oslo Fjord, we notice numerous marinas loaded with boats and yachts waiting for their owners to set sail on new voyages and sea adventures.

As we approached Sandvika , we left the E18 highway and took E16 in the Bergen direction. In Sandvika, there is the biggest shopping mall in the Oslo area, so if you forgot to do the shopping, this was a chance to resupply.

Shopping: Be aware that Norway is a highly-expensive country, so do not get a financial shock when you get your receipt!

Day 3 – Norwegian Countryside Driving

We left behind the buzz of the city and saw more and more nature-made beauties and fewer human constructions. As soon as we left the highway, we could expect to be in a convoy of cars heading to Bergen. So no more the highway, and welcome regular road traffic. However, we can enjoy the natural path of valleys, lakes, rivers, and streams along the road.

Driving: The E16 road to Bergen is marked as a motorway. However, it is not a highway. Only a short section around Oslo is a real highway with separate lanes for each way. The rest is an ordinary two-way road.

Day 3 – Fagernes – Our First Break

After about two and a half hours, we approached Fagernes , a small place on the lake. It was time for our first short break. We stopped at the shopping center to buy our refreshments. A pleasing way to enjoy the refreshment was by the lake. We could stretch our legs for a short walk on the shores and enjoy the first glimpse of mother nature.

Fagernes is also a conjunction to take road 51 to the well-known Besseggen hiking tour . This hike is very popular among Norwegians. It was my first hiking adventure in Norway after moving in 2008.

As we left Fagernes, the scenery changed again. We slowly climbed along the plateau surrounded by lakes, rivers, streams, and mountain cabins. Whenever we saw something appealing to our eyes, we stopped for a short break. However, as we drove to higher altitudes, Norwegian weather reminded us of where we were.

Outfit: Don’t forget to dress in layers in Norway, even during the summer, and be prepared for weather changes.

We want to emphasize the importance of weather in Norway and this is our latest crossing over mountains in late April while driving to Flåm .

There’s a wonderful Norwegian saying – “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” which translates to…

“There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!” – Norwegian saying

Remember this whenever visiting Norway, and you will not be unpleasantly surprised.

Day 3 – Borgund Stave Church

After another one and half-hour drive, it was time for another break, but this time a longer one. We exited E16 road just in front of Borgund tunnel to visit our first sightseeing point.

Borgund Stave Church is a medieval black wooden church built with motives of Viking ships (turned upside down), roof tiles reminiscent of fish scales, and dragons’ heads at the tips of the roofs. Most of these statements are just myths, but more about them is in our detailed article with the link below. It has a unique smell since old wooden churches are covered with special materials to preserve them for generations to come to enjoy them as we do now.

Read more: Please read a more detailed article about Borgund, The Best Preserved Stave Church In Norway .

Outfit warning: Keep your clothes away from the black sticky tar material that covers the church’s wooden parts.

Besides the visitors center with exhibitions, ticket office, souvenir shop, and parking space, this is also starting point for hiking the Vindhellavegen . However, we decided to do something else, so please follow us.

Day 3 – Vindhella Road (Vindhellavegen)

After the visit to Borgund , we drove further on the road for about 5 minutes (4 km, 2.5 miles). The road is between the stream on the left and the mountain cliffs on the right.

We stopped at the small parking space on our right-hand side. It was our starting point for a short hiking tour to Vindhellavegen .

Vindhellavegen is the art of engineering blended with nature. It is 2.7km (1.68 miles) long, stretching from the parking lot on one side and to Borgund Stave Church on the other side. Its steepest part consists of four 180-degree bends supported by high stone walls blended with the surrounding terrain.

Vindhellavegen is probably, the most exciting part of the much longer trail called the King’s Road (Kongevegen) . We saw many King’s Road signs on road E16 while approaching Borgund.

Climbing up at our own pace, we filled our lungs with fresh mountain air, sunbathed on sunny stretches of the path, and cooled down in the shade parts. At the top, we got our reward in the form of a fantastic view of the winding stone path below us. It was a highlight of our first day in this area.

Read more: Find all your questions answered about Vindhellavegen .

Day 3 – Lærdalsøyri

Under the impression of the Vindhella Road visit, we drove down the local road to reenter the E16 motorway again. On the side of the road appeared something we would initially describe as a stream. Gradually, it turned into a beautiful mountain river (Lærdalselvi) .

The river and the road intertwined their sides to make the rest of our journey more exciting. At one point, the river was on the right. A few kilometers later, the river was on the left side of the road. This devious game of nature and engineering continued to our final destination of the day, Lærdalsøyri .

The Charm Of Lærdalsøyri

Lærdalsøyri is a small place tucked between steep knife-cut mountains. Læerdals river (Lærdalselvi) on one side of the valley slowly runs into the mirror-calm bay water. The bay is part of the much bigger fjord. Our hotel location is at the edges of the bay. It is popular among campers as overnighting place.

The sunsets are fantastic here. The setting sun hides behind the mountains on the left. Suddenly it appears and warms the bay for some time. Like a shy guy disappears behind the steep mountain edge on the right.

However, in the photo above you see that sunrises are fantastic as well.

The bay has very pronounced high and low tides, but only if you notice them. We walked along a long sandbar to get closer to the water. While I tried to take sunset photos, I didn’t even notice that the water had covered the sandbars.

The girl on the SUP paddle board effortlessly glided over the water’s surface. Half an hour ago, that section was sand and pebbles.

In our opinion, Lærdalsøyri is a fantastic location for exploring this area. It is cheaper than Flåm , less buzzy, has grocery shops, and provides good connections to all our sightseeing destinations in the next two days.

Discover: Find your accommodation in Lærdalsøyri .

Day 4 – Laerdal Tunnel

Our second day in Aurlandsfjørd region is a visit to the famous Flåm but first, we need to find the light at the end of the tunnel.

Do you remember the part of this article about Norwegians who like to drill holes? Well, this is one of the engineering examples that prove the point.

Laerdal Tunnel is a 24.5 km (around 15 miles) long tunnel. We believe it was, at one point, the longest tunnel in the world, but we are not quite sure. However, to make driving through the Laerdal tunnel less boring, in several places, caves with blue lights on the walls and yellow ones on the edges were built to give the impression of the rising sun. The blue color of the tunnel walls symbolizes the glacier.

Driving tip: There are cameras in the tunnel that measures average speed, so we advise speed control while driving.

Day 4 – Flam (Flåm)

Flåm is a small place where Flåm River (Flåmselvi) meets with the end of Aurlands fjord . Wherever you look around, you can see the mountains.

Although small, Flåm is very busy due to being a tourist hub. From the fjord side, come cruise and yacht passengers. Vehicles (campers, bikers, busses, cars, etc.) come from the Oslo-Bergen motorway . The majority of them have one thing in common. They want to wander, explore, and see what this area offers.

Oh boy, Flam lives up to its reputation and has so much to offer. Sometimes it will be beyond your expectations. We will describe it in the following sections of this travel diary.

Day 4 – Flam Railway (Flåmsbana)

Flåmsbana is very popular among tourists. The train ride provides fantastic views over beautiful landscapes, mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, etc. It is very short, only 20.2 km (12.5 mi) long, but it starts from sea level at Flåm and ends at 866 meters (2841 ft.) at Myrdal station .

Just look at this beautiful photo by  © Sverre Hjørnevik. This extraordinary place will hook you to visit it.

One of the main attractions is the Kjos waterfall (Kjosfossen) , where a train stops for a few minutes to take photos, see and listen to Huldra’s singing and dancing .

Huldra: We have a more detailed article about Flåm, the meaning of Huldra , and more in “ Flåm, Best Things To Do (Epic Trip Guide)” .

Rjoand waterfall (Rjoandefossen) , the blue water of Flåm river (Flåmselvi) , the valley, and surrounding mounties are eye-catching landmarks too.

This time we took return tickets. Next time we would prefer to take one-way tickets and return on the bicycles we can rent at the top.

Day 4 – Flam Railway Museum (Flåmsbana Museet)

Flåm Railway Museum is a “ Wikipedia” for Flam Railway history. It is in the old railway station building next to the tracks.

Inside are many photos, artifacts, and even old trains out of service. They document the history, workers’ life, engineering challenges in solving high altitude difference problems, technology development, etc.

You can visit it to warm up before experiencing the real thing.

Entrance fee: Free. Voilà!

Day 4 – Aurlandsfjord Fjordsafari

Maybe trains are not your thing, and you want more adrenalin kick (no worries), then the Aurlandsfjord Fjordsafari is one of the options. The starting point is to throw a stone away from the railway station.

Jump into a safari suit, put on goggles and a cap, or let your hair flutter in the wind. Now you are ready. The waves ride waits for you on the fast-open RIB boats .

Thanks to the photo from  © Fred Jonny Hammerø / Møre og Romsdal fylke, we can see how big a ride thrill for the passengers is.

It will be a lasting memory for sure.

Day 4 – Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord (Optional)

Slowly glide the waters of beautiful Aurlands & Nærøy Fjords in hybrid or electrical cruise ships from Flåm to Gudvangen . Take the bus ride on the way back to round up the trip.

Tip: Please, don’t forget to notice the high-fall Kjel waterfall (Kjelfossen) when you are in Gudvangen.

The ships have large windows and walkways in the shape of the final parts of the winding trails of the Flåm railway, so you can find a spot to enjoy the view.

As you can see in the photo below, from Myrdal train station down to the valley is a zig-zag path and inspiration for the cruise ship design lines.

Other attractive spots in Norway have similar zig-zag patterns used as architectural design ideas. We will return to that when visiting Trollstigen mountain road and Ørnesvingen viewpoint near Geiranger .

Day 4 – Enjoy Flåm River – Flåmselvi

We pulled out the chairs and table from our car. Quickly we transformed the grass patch into our mini-picnic area. It was a nice break before continuing with our escapades.

We enjoyed the calm, emerald green, and sky blue mixture of colors with the refreshing air of the sunny day near the Flåm River (Flåmselvi) .

Discover: Find your accommodation in Flåm .

If you dare, you will jump into freezing water for ultimate refreshment, or maybe not.

Read more: Plan your next trip to Flåm with our detailed tourist guide.

Day 4 – Stegastein Viewpoint

It is time to pack and come back to base at Lærdalsøyri . However, we are not taking the same route since we pick Lærdalsøyri for a reason. It provides alternative roads to reach it, which is one of the reasons.

Road to Stegastein’s viewpoint is just one of them, but what a detour. We drove up the narrow, curvy road. So extra caution was not a bad idea.

Stegastain viewpoint provides a panoramic and magnificent view over Aurlands Fjord on the platform constructed in a challenging way.

As you can see in this beautiful photo from  © Sverre Hjørnevik,  wooden, metal, and glass materials were used to make this platform blend into the natural surroundings, but it vibrates a bit when someone walks on it. Nothing scary, but there is an additional thrill to the anticipation of watching over the glassy wall into the beautiful landscape.

The platform is 650m (2 130 ft) above sea level, and we think it is a marvelous achievement.

I’m getting more and more afraid of heights as I get older, but my wife and son think it’s funny to watch me shiver and get scared as I approach the edge. I will do anything to cheer up my loved ones. So if you see an XXL-size version of Roberto Benigni (or Louis de Funès if you prefer) doing goofy things, it might be me.

Driving Tip: Drive cautiously and have a good overview of traffic from the opposite direction. Use the roadside extensions wisely to pass traffic from the opposite direction.

Day 4 – Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route (The Snow Road)

Since we were at Stegastein’s viewpoint anyway, it would be very boring to drive the same road and the same tunnel back to Lærdalsøyri . Instead, we decided to continue our adventure. Why don’t we go back to “base” over the mountains? We just did that. We drove over mountainous terrain on the so-called “Snow Road” or the Aurlands Mountain Road (Aurlandsfjellet) .

Language Tip: Fjell in Norwegian means a mountain .

We expected this fantastic photo from Fjord Norge/Visit Norway to be the same image we will experience, but…

Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route (the snow road) is only open during the summer months. When this road season is open, the snow is usually very high, so cars drive between snow walls on the side of the road. We were not so lucky in July, and most of the snow melted. Only short sections were still with pockets of snow.

The road is 47 km (29 miles) long and goes just over 1 300 m (4 265 feet) above sea level at some points. It is probably one of the best locations if someone wants to get a sense of winter during the summer.

However, if you want to ski during summer in Norway, Stryn Summer Ski Resort is the best location. We passed by it a week later on this epic trip.

Day 5 – Norwegian Glacier Museum (Jostedalsbreen)

Again has proved that Lærdalsøyri is an excellent location for exploring this region. It is just 64 km (40 miles) from The Norwegian Glacier Museum in Fjærland . However, this time we drove to the north. However, this time we drove to the north, and this was our first ferry crossing (of many) on this epic road trip.

The museum holds an exhibition about the Jostedal glacier (Jostedalsbreen) and the national park. It is the largest glacier on the European Continent , with an area of 474 square km (183 sq. miles). It is possible to see the panoramic movie about the Jostedal glacier on the big screen.

Pay attention: We will mention Jostedal Glacier again when we visit Briksdal Glacier on the other side of the mountain a few days from now.

The surrounding nature is beautiful, and you can imagine what this walk on the glacier looks like.

Maybe the Glacier Museum building’s architecture is not attractive enough to make you stop by. Mammoths in front of the museum are, maybe, a better magnet for visitors. If the kids accompany you, the joy is at the apex. Our teenage son was “so so” excited.

Day 5 – Mundal (Fjærland) – The Norwegian Book Town

Just a 4-minute drive and 3 km (1.8 miles) further down the road from the Norwegian Glacier Museum is the small village of Mundal . It is also known as The Norwegian Book Town (Bokbyen i Fjærland) . Here you can find several picturesque second-hand book shops.

Alternatively, you can enjoy kayaking on the calm waters of the Fjærland fjord , which is another arm of the bigger Sognefjord . We have already mentioned the Aurlandfjord arm at Flåm and Nærøyfjord arm at Gudvangen village . Both are the arms of Sognefjord. Sognefjord is the largest and deepest fjord in Norway, nicknamed The King of the Fjords.

FYI: Sognefjord  is 206 km (128 mi) at the furthest arm,  Lustra Fjord .

Day 6: On The Road To Bergen

We were on our way to Bergen , but to make the trip exciting, we decided to make a few stops along the way. The escapades on today’s list were: short photo sessions, enjoying nature full of waterfalls, gorges, winding roads, and many more.

It is a 3-hour drive from Lærdalsøyri to Bergen and is only about 200 km (125 miles) away.

Day 6 – Kjel Falls – Waterfall (Kjelfossen)

As soon as we passed  Flåm , we entered only the 5 km (3.1 mi) long  Flenja tunnel . Next, we drove through the much longer 12 km (7.45 mi)  Gudvanga tunnel . Finally, on the tunnel’s exit is  Gudvangan village  on the right-hand side.

On the left-hand side of the tunnel is the world’s 18th tallest Kjel waterfall (Kjelfossen) , with a total fall height of around 705 meters (2 313 ft). There are six drops in the falls and the tallest single drop of 198 meters (650 ft).

Day 6 – Gudvangen Village – Viking Vallley

Gudvanga village is at the end of Nærøy fjord , and many tourists come on cruise tours here. Besides the waterfall drops, the beautiful  Nærøydalselvi River runs into the fjord.

In addition, it provides a taste of Viking life in the Viking Valley  that will bring you back to the Viking age.

Day 6 – Nærøyfjord

Nærøyfjord  ends up at Gudvangen village. From Gudvangen village is possible to take  Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord  to Flåm and experience this beautiful fjord. One option is to take a bus from  Bergen  to Gudvangen, switch to cruise, experience the fjord, and finish in Flåm for further exploration.

In the opposite direction, you can take the same cruise from Flåm and end up at Gudvangen. You can take the bus back (to Flåm) to round up the trip.

However, the car is the most convenient transportation in our humble opinion.

The Nærøyfjord arm (part of the  Sognefjord ) is 19 Km (11.8 mi) long and only 250 meters (820 ft) wide in some places.

As you can see in the photo below, the surrounding mountains are steep, allowing many waterfalls to perform their crash dance into the fjord below. The green vegetation and blue sky reflect these colors into the fjord’s watercolor. Nature worked for millions of years to make this majestically beautiful landscape.

Day 6 – Stalheimskleiva Road

For two consecutive years, we tried to “slide down” this 13 hairpin bends only downhill driven road, but without any luck yet. It is currently closed due to maintenance work. So it is still on our wishing list for visits in the future.

To reach it, exit E16 at the  Stalheim  sign and drive up the narrow road to the  Stalheim Hotel . The hotel was the furthest we could drive to on our first attempt to experience the road. While you “slalom” drive, please do not forget the magnificent views of the beautiful waterfalls  Stalheimfossen  and  Sivlefossen .

Day 6 – Tvinde Waterfall (Tvindefossen)

There are so many waterfalls on the road from  Flåm  to  Bergen , and  Tvinde Waterfall  (Tvindefossen)  is one of them worth mentioning. The waterfall is only 13km (8 miles) from  Voss on the road’s right-hand side while driving in the Voss direction from Flåm. Near the waterfall are a souvenir shop, camping, and parking space. It is very easily reachable from the road and parking.

Compared to  Kjel Falls  – Waterfall  (Kjelfossen) , the Tvinde waterfall  drop is only 110 meters (360 ft). However, the  Tvinde waterfall  is broader. The water flows down natural staircases, cascade sprinkling around stair by stair.

We were lucky to visit this place several times. However, during the summer months (July especially), the waterfall is as beautiful as in the photo above.

On our first visit, it was raining. So weather conditions can be challenging to enjoy this beauty to the full extent.

Weather Forcast:  Use the  YR  website for the local weather forecast. Just click on the  Søk   button and type  Voss .

As you can see in the photo below, it is a lot less impressive in spring. The rocks are predominant, and the colors are too gray since there is less water and the vegetation is not green.

Day 6 – Voss

Voss  is considered the  adventure capital of Norway   and offers both adrenaline and adventurous activities but relaxing ones in the surrounding natural landscapes.

Voss offers many activities such as skydiving, tandem paragliding, the wind tunnel, rafting, kayaking, riverboarding, SUP paddle boarding, fishing tours, biking, hiking, gondola rides, etc.

For more relaxing-oriented visitors are swimming pools, spa centers, or golf courses.

Winter is no less exciting, with many slopes to ski, snowboard, or snowshoeing.

Read more:  Plan your trip to  Voss  with our travel guide.

If you are a food adventurer, you can taste “sheep’s head” (Smalahovetnunet) . It is the dish back to the Viking age. The sheep’s eye is a special treat and honor for the guest from the host.

After resupplying at the Voss Amfi shopping center, we continued our road trip to Bergen. We have a one-and-half-hour drive and another 106 km (63 mi) to Bergen.

Discover: Find your accommodation in Voss .

The previous year, we came to Voss from the south after visiting Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) , Bondhusvatne Lake , and Bondhusbreen Glacier .

Day 6 – Bordalsgjelet Gorge

We wanted to visit Bordalsgjelet Gorge on the outskirts of Voss . Unfortunately, the weather beat us this time. So we are putting this one on our wishlist again for the next visit.

Day 6 – Bergen

Finally, we arrived at Bergen , the second biggest city in Norway.

I (Dejan) have been to Bergen five or six times. Every single time rained. We hope for sunny days this time. However, we prepared our rainjackets just in case.

We hope that you all remember a very important rule in Norway.

Day 7: Bergen

We spent the whole day wandering around the city. Here is a short version of what we saw.

Read more: Plan your trip to Bergen with our detailed city guide.

Day 7 – Bryggen in Bergen

Bryggen in Bergen is in the heart of Bergen Center and is one of the most visited attractions in Norway and on UNESCO’s list of world heritage. It contains an array of wooden houses in different colors (white, red, and yellow shades). It was a trading center and housing in the period of the Hanseatic League .

Language Tip: Bryggen in Norwegian means the pier .

Day 7 – Inside Bryggen

There are many souvenir shops, galleries, artist studios, pubs, and cafes between the small passages. The wooden houses, seen from the front, tuck all of them.

Day 7 – Mount Floyen & Funicular (Fløibanen)

Fløibanen Funicular facilitates the journey from Bergen center up to Fløyen viewpoint at 320 meters (1050 ft.) above sea level. The journey takes 5-8 minutes.

The view from the top is magnificent providing that it is not raining which occurs often in Bergen.

Day 7 – Bergen Fish Market (Fisketorget i Bergen)

In the Bergen city center is Bergen Fish Market (Fisketorget i Bergen) . You can buy fresh fish, seafood, caviar, and much other good stuff there.

Day 7 – Sailor’s Monument (Sjøfartsmonumentet)

Sailor’s Monument consists of twelve male figures from different periods of history. The monument is in the pedestrian area not far away from Fish Market and Tourist Information .

Discover: Find your accommodation in Bergen .

Day 7 – Rosenkrantz Tower

Erik Rosenkrantz , the governor of Bergen, financed the building of the Rosenkrantz Tower in the year 1560. The tower had both military (fortification) and residence purposes.

It is not far away from the Bergen Bryggen and it is a part of Bergenhus Fortress .

Day 7 – Bergenhus Fortress

Besides Rosenkrantz Tower , there are many other interesting buildings, monuments, and spots within Bergen Fortress . Just to name a few: the Commandant’s and Captain’s residences, Håkon’s Hall , King’s Håkon VII statue, Koengen concert venue, etc.

Day 7 – Lake Lille Lungegårdsvannet

A small lake with springs in the middle at the city’s center.

Day 7 – Byparken Gazebo

Byparken is a beautiful gazebo near the lake surrounded by flowers in the park.

Day 7 – Ole Bull Fountain

Ole Bull Fountain is not far away from the Byparken . During the summer it is a nice place for cooling down on hot days. On our last visit to Bergen during Spring the fountain was empty.

Ole Bull was a Norwegian virtuoso violinist and composer from the 19th century, born in Bergen.

Day 7 – KODE Museums – The Museum of Decorative Art (Permanenten)

On the edges of the lake, Lille Lungegårdsvannet is the alley of  KODE museums . The building that caught our attention is the Museum of Decorative Art  (Permanenten)   built in the Neo-renaissance style.

Day 7- Saint John’s Church (Johanneskirken)

It is a beautiful Catholic cathedral built of red bricks with an alluring light blue patina on the roof.

Day 7 – Timber Houses On Cobblestone Lanes

We were on our way to  Bergen’s Aquarium . As an extra treat, we decided to zig-zag the small narrow cobblestone lanes on the peninsula and discovered beautiful architecture.

Timber houses in different colors tightly packed in narrow lanes are the main attractions. The house that got most of our attention is the blue one on  Strangehagen 14 Street. The worth mentioning is the house on  Strangebakken 16 , as well.

Day 7 (Optional) – Bergen Aquarium

Bergen Aquarium is not far away (only a 20-minute walk) from Bergen Fish Market at the peninsula’s cape. The Aquarium focuses on Norwegian marine fauna. We could see many different fish species, sharks, penguins, otters, sea lions, and many more.

Day 7 (Optional) – Vestkanten Experiences & Water Park (Vestkanten Opplevelser & Badeland)

During our summer road trip, we did not have enough time for this attraction. However, on our last visit to Bergen, we had time to visit Water Park and we had a really good time. It is fantastic entertainment, relaxation, and amusement with many swimming pools and water slides. Our son (teenager) loved the super bowl and bob slides.

Smaller kids can enjoy many children’s pools, sing, and dance with the water park dolphin mascot Duffe.

Day 8: On The Road To Stryn & Innvik

We drove the roads from Bergen to our destinations, Stryn & Innvik . It was a long six-hour drive, but we decided to make a few stops on the way and had an exciting day. The easiest way to reach Stryn from Bergen is by driving on road E39. Well, as you might notice, we like detours. We wanted to visit the Gaularfjellet viewpoint , so we took E16 and then national road 13.

The mountain pass on national road 13 between Vinje and Vik can be unpredictable, to say the least, due to the weather conditions. Although we drove in mid of July, it rained and was cloudy. The road is high up in the mountains. We passed the road at a high altitude surrounded by clouds.

Day 8 – Hopperstad Stave Church

Just 15 minutes ago, we were 1 000 meters (3280 ft) above sea level and felt like Alice in Wonderland due to clouds and rain. The Storehaugtunnelen tunnel exit is a viewpoint high on the mountains. From there is downhill to a small village and fjord bay. Suddenly, we were almost at sea level approaching Vikøyri , the home of Hopperstad Stave Church .

The original stave church is from the Middle Ages, but the current church was restored in 1880. It is much smaller than the Borgund but not less impressive and has similar design motives.

Day 8 – Balestrand

Two short ferryboat hops from Vangsnes were enough to be on the northern side of Sogn Fjord (Sognefjord) . It is the longest and the deepest of all the fjords, stretching 204km (126 miles) inland from the Atlantic Ocean north of Bergen. Somewhere in the middle of this vast fjord is located the charming village of Balestrand .

Discover: Find accommodation in Balestrand .

Day 8 – St. Olaf’s Church – The Anglican Church

Besides the beautiful nature surrounding Balestrand village, this church is one of the main attractions. The style reminds of the Norwegian stave churches, but it doesn’t have a long history back to the Middle Ages. It is a “young” church building from the year 1897.

Day 8 – Gaularfjellet Viewpoint

We were back in the mountains again. Just 40 minutes drive and 37 km (23 miles) from Balestrand , we reached the Gaular Mountain (Gaularfjellet) Viewpoint.

Gaularfjellet Viewpoint is 700 meters (2300 ft) above sea level. It is a modern concrete engineering achievement. The view over the surrounding mountains and winding road below us is magnificent at such a height.

The concrete platform reminds me of the spaceship with the nose pointing to the mountains and two wings at the back. On one wing are solar cell panels “to boost the spaceship engine” . On the other wing is a staircase for a better view of the area and “seats for spaceship passengers” .

Day 8 – Nystølvatnet Lake – Wooden Houses

3 km (1.86 miles) further up the road near the shores of Lake Nystølvatnet are some charming wooden houses with grass roofs. We took a short break for another photo session on the fly.

Day 8 – Likholefossen

Likhole Waterfall (Likholefossen) is 15 minutes drive and just 15.5 km (9.63 miles) from Gaularfjellet Viewpoint, on the left-hand side of the road.

We had a short walk over the narrow metal bridge and into nature. Cold mountain air refreshed our lungs.

Recharged, we were ready to practice the long exposure and silky waterfall photo lesson.

Day 8 – Haukedalsvatnet

Haukedal Lake (Haukedalsvatnet) is another hidden gem of this area but very well known to the trout fisherman. We have marked this location for our future exploration of this region.

See you soon, Haukedalsvatnet. We are looking forward to coming back to this charming lake.

Day 8 – Skei

I have had a former colleague who worked from the home office in Skei instead of Bergen. Now, when we have passed this area just for a glimpse of time, I understand why he did not want to leave this nature-rewarded area.

Day 8 – Stardal River (Stradalselva)

We have just passed Skei and followed the Stardal River (Stradalselva) . I couldn’t drive any longer without stopping and enjoying this place.

We found the perfect spot. It was in the valley carved by this river centuries ago. Mountains on both sides of the river, the grass perfectly green, and the river emerald green and turquoise blue.

At the same spot, two families with campervans established their picnic location. Music from their mobile app mingled with the murmur of a flowing river. Breeze air sound was interrupted by the drone noise in the distance.

It was almost the perfect spot for camping and true nature enjoyment. However, we had to leave and move on to our final destination for the day. Goodbye Skei. For now. We are coming back for sure.

Discover: Find accommodation around Stradalselva .

Day 8 – Stryn Panoramic Road ( Stryn Panoramavegen)

The initial intention was to drive over the mountains and come straight to Innvik . Innvik was our final location for the day and the location of our hotel. However, we detoured again and extended the day a little longer. We drove via Sandane to the Innvik Fjord and took the ferry between Anda and Lote .

As soon as we drove out from the ferry, we turned right on the local road fv698 .

It is better known as Stryn panorama road (Stryn Panoramavegen) . It is a 44-minute drive on the 44 km (27.3 miles) to Stryn . Panorama Road is on the northern side of Innvik Fjord. We could see our hotel on the other side in Innvik, but before that, we need to reach Stryn.

The day was long, and it took a toll. In addition, a few detours due to road construction slowed us down. So we didn’t embrace what the panorama road has to offer. Maybe we will give it a better chance next time.

Day 8 – Innvik

Finally, we arrived at our hotel and base for the next three days of our escapades. Innvik is a small village in the fjord with the same name Innvik fjord (Innvikfjorden) . We chose the hotel in Innvik since it was cheaper compared to Stryn and Loan . At the same time, all the sightseeing locations were not far away from Innvik.

Discover: Find your accommodation in Innvik .

Day 9-11: Innvik Fjord & Stryn

Oppstryn , Loan , and Olden valleys are the treasures of the most attractive natural beauties in the Innvik Fjord area. Each valley is a story on its own, and we will explore them in the next few days. We will try our best to describe every landmark as accurately as possible. So follow us along on this colorful trip into nature.

Day 9 – Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalsbreen)

The trip to Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalsbreen) was a beautiful half-day excursion. Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalsbreen) is a picturesque place with many natural treasures, from the surrounding mountains, wild rivers, and powerful waterfalls to the main prize glacier itself.

Briksdal Glacier is a small part of Jostedal Glacier (Jostedalsbreen) . When we visited the Norwegian Glacier Museum , we mentioned that we would meet again at Jostedal Glacier from the other side of the mountain. Now we are at that spot.

We’ve written a longer article about hiking Briksdal Glacier, where we go into detail and try to answer all your questions. Here we will show you some pictures. This way, you will get a glimpse of this incredible gem of nature.

Read our detailed  Briksdal Glacier Hiking  article.

Day 9 – Oldevatnet Lake

We were gathering our thoughts on our return from the Briksdal glacier hike. As soon as we thought that was the highlight of our day, Norwegian nature had other plans and a few additional surprises on its sleeves.

Oldevatnet Lake is another emerald-green lake in this region. It is the perfect spot for short relaxation, meditation, and just soaking in the beauty of this nature.

You cannot miss it when driving to the glacier from Stryn or Innvik. We stopped by the Olden Gytri camping  to take this fabulous and colorful photo.

Day 9 – Floen Lake

Floen Lake is a lot smaller compared to Oldevatnet Lake. However, it is almost as beautiful as Oldevatnet Lake. It is just 2.5 km (1.55 miles) from the Olden when turning in the direction of Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalsbreen). If you return from the Briksdals Glacier hike, Floen Lake is around 20 km (12.4 miles) just after Oldevatnet Lake.

Day 9 – Loen River & Lake (Loenelva & Loenvatnet)

We had plenty of time to discover the next valley with a river, lake, and small farmhouses at Loen .

Loen river and lake (Loenelva & Loenvatnet) are part of the Loendal Valley . The valley is around 23 km (14.3 mi) from Innvik and just 11 km (6.8 mi) from Stryn. The road follows the river first and later the lake. However, the road is narrow in some sections.

Driving tips: drive cautiously, use traffic anticipation, be in solidarity, and use the roadside extensions wisely to pass traffic from the opposite direction.

Photo from  © Sergey Bogomyako

Our main objectives were Breng wooden farmhouses that we would describe next.

Day 9 – Breng – Wooden Farm Houses (Breng Seter)

We had already seen the wooden farmhouses next to Nystølvatnet Lake when we drove to Stryn and Innvik from Bergen. Breng wooden farmhouses’ design is very similar, notice again the grass isolation layer on the roofs.

Breng is very popular for photographers, while campers stop by to bathe, kayak, paddle board, and more in the lake.

It was the correct transition to wrap up the day with the farmhouses visits and an introduction to start tomorrow’s adventure of hiking similar summer farms but high in the mountains.

Day 10 – Raksætra – Summer Pasture Farm

Today we continue discovering summer farms in fantastic natural surroundings. We drove up into the mountain to hike Raksætra and Oppheimssætra farms.

A mind-blowing view from Raksætra is worth the effort of hiking this summer pasture farm. We have seen it. It is your turn now.

More detailed article  “Experience Raksætra & Oppheimssætra Hiking – Summer Pasture Farms”  will help you to decide for yourself.

Day 10 – Oppheimssætra – Summer Pasture Farm

Oppheimssætra is a little bit further up from Raksætra. Oppheimssætra is a little bit further up from Raksætra. We stumbled upon it by wandering in the forest on our return down but no regrets, on the contrary.

Day 10 – Loen Skylift (Cable Car)

Taking the Loen cable car (Loen Skylift) is an easy and fast way to be in one of the best locations to have a panoramic view over the Innvik fjord , Briksdalen , and Lodal valleys . However, remember this is Norway, so attractions tickets are not very cheap.

Maybe, Raksætra and Oppheimssætra hikes are not your cups of tea. Maybe, you prefer a more relaxing, fast, and easy-to-climb approach. The cable car is a highly recommended option to approach these locations.

Photo from Loen Skylift shows the magnificent view from the top in its glory.

On the left-hand side, we can see Loen Lake, its valley, river, and place itself. The most dominant is Innvik Fjord which is part of the much bigger Nordfjord . The valley in the middle of the photo is Olden Valley, where Oldevatnet Lake, Floen Lake, and Briksdal Glacier are.

Taking the Loen cable car (Loen Skylift) is an easy and fast way to be in one of the best locations to have a panoramic view over the Innvik fjord, Briksdalen, and Lodal valleys . However, remember this is Norway, so attractions tickets are not very cheap.

Day 11 – Stryn

Stryn is a regional administrative center and one of the corners of Innvik Fjord , which is part of a much bigger Northern fjord (Norfjord) .

Stryn is lively during summer, with many restaurants on the main street (Tonningsgata) for a nice lunch or dinner. If you want to ski or snowboard even during the summer months, Stryn Summer Ski is the first choice. Although, the resort is 45 km (28 mi) east of the Stryn center and 45 minute’s drive.

Please, do not miss our detailed  Stryn  tourist guide.

Photo from  Thomas Sagvik / Visit Nordfjord shows us Stryn town, river, and a small part of the Nordfjord.

Day 11 – Hjelle

Hjelle is a charming village on the shores of Oppstryn Lake . It is 26 km (16 miles) from Stryn on the road to Geiranger, old Stryn road (Gamle Strynfjellsvegen), and one of the valley roads back to Oslo. We exited the main road before the Hjelle tunnel and followed a small road beside the lake right to the village.

Although mid-summer, snow covers the tops of the surrounding mountains. Most mountains are part of a vast plateau, Jostedals Glacier (Jostedalsbreen) , and a national park.

The day of our visit was cloudy and windy, so we could imagine how beautiful this scenery on sunny days was.

Thomas Sagvik / Visit Nordfjord  was lucky enough to get this fantastic drone photo on a sunny and bright day when the lake water was very calm.

We stopped by another glacier museum and national park center (Justedalsbreen Nasjonalparksenter) on the lake shores on our way to Hjelle .

Discover: Find your accommodation in Stryn, Loan, and Innvik .

Day 11 – Old Stryn Road (Gamle Strynfjellsvegen)

36th kilometer (22nd mi) from Stryn is the junction to the old Stryn road (Gamle Strynfjellsvegen) . It is part of the road engineering history through this rough terrain over the mountains and is now a tourist attraction mostly.

The day was cloudy, and we anticipated that the fog and clouds had covered most of the road. We decided to skip it this time and put it on our wish list for some future visits and hopefully better weather conditions.

Preferably, we would continue our journey to beautiful Geiranger .

Photo from  Thomas Sagvik / Visit Nordfjord  shows us a glim of this piece of history.

Day 12-15: Geiranger Fjord

We were on our way to Geiranger from our Innvik hotel, and it was a short road trip of about 110 km (68 miles).

Although short, it was, by no means, less attractive since it provided opportunities for many sightseeing spots. We have already mentioned a few, such as Justedal Glacier Museum and national park center (Justedalsbreen Nasjonalparksenter), Hjelle Village, and Old Stryn Road (Gamle Strynfjellsvegen) .

In addition, there are many more sightseeing spots to visit. We are excited to see them soon. To tease your imagination, we start describing just two of them Dalsnibba Viewpoint and Flydal Gorge (Flydalsjuvet) .

This is a short version of a visit to Geiranger and written as a journey diary. For a more detailed description with more photos and to answer more of your questions about this region, please read Geiranger & Geiranger Fjord, Best Things To Do (Epic Trip Guide) .

If you approach Geiranger from Stryn or Oslo (via Otta) , the first visiting location is Dalsnibba Viewpoint . We were coming from Stryn, and the day was cloudy, so we decided to wait for a sunny day since we would be in Geiranger for three days. Weather lords granted our wishes a few days later…

Day 12 – Flydalsjuvet

We drove the winding road in the valley to our next point of interest. We felt like we were on a natural roller coaster combined with the engineering marvels of driving on a winding road.

When you see postcard photos of the fjord, cruise ships, and village, the photographer was, most likely, standing at the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint .

It is just 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from Geiringer .

It consists of two plateaus. The top is more massive, with a concrete platform secured with a metal railing. The bottom plateau is more tucked in nature but has a unique installation popularly called Queen’s Seat (Fjordsetet) . Yes, you guessed correctly, the Norwegian Queen Sonja unveiled it in 2003.

Passages connect both plateaus, and the sightseeing area has parking, tourist info, and toilet facilities.

Day 12 – Geiranger Village

Geiranger is a small village, but it is an iconic symbol for fjords. Ask someone to portray or describe the fjords. The description will most likely resemble a photo of Geiranger Fjord and its village.

We had a fantastic cabin overlooking the Geiranger village. We had a dilemma about whether it was better to be there during the day or the night with the lights in the distance.

Read more: We have described all these fantastic sights in our detailed article about Geiranger .

Day 13 – Geiranger Fjordsafari

Geiranger Fjordsafari is an adventurous and adrenaline tourist attraction. It is a fun & fast ride on the open RIB boats through Geiranger Fjord and the best way to see the Seven Sisters Waterfalls . We loved the ride and described it in our more detailed article Geiranger & Geiranger Fjord, Best Things To Do (Epic Trip Guide) .

Ticket: It is worth every penny buying the ticket for this attraction.

Day 13 – Seven Sisters Waterfalls

These waterfalls are the main attraction in the Geiranger Fjord . The waterfalls begin as a single drop and spread out into seven. Seven Sisters waterfalls mix with the fjord seawater at the bottom.

However, it is important to emphasize the fact that the power of the waterfall largely depends on the amount of accumulated water. Therefore, do not be surprised that only two or three sisters are visible due to the lack of water. I would call it a shy version of the waterfalls.

Discover: Find your accommodation in Geiranger .

Day 14 – Dalsnibba Viewpoint (Geiranger Skywalk)

Finally, nice sunshine day (almost clear) in Geiranger and the surrounding mountains. We can clearly see the Dalsnibba peak from our fjord cabin, so we should visit the viewpoint.

Do you sometimes wish to be a bird and see everything through the eagles’ eyes? Welcome to 1500 meters (4 920 ft.) top of the mountain called Dalsnibba Viewpoint , which provides just that. We had a spectacular view of the winding road following the valley that led us into the surrounded by mountains, Geiranger village, and fjord.

Weather conditions: If it is cloudy at the foot of the mountain there is a high probability that clouds are at the top as well. So try to avoid such days for a visit.

Outfit: At the top can be at least windy even on a sunny day. So as always be prepared for Norwegian weather conditions.

The paid road up is new and modern even the busses can reach the top with ease, although I must admit the climb is steep. After all, we were on the way to visit “the eagles’ home”.

Entrance: It is worth every penny buying the ticket.

Day 15 – Ørnesvingen Viewpoint

The drive is a thrilling eleven turns ride to the top from Geiranger . At the top of Ørnesvingen Viewpoint is a magnificent view over the fjord. On the left-hand side is a Geiranger village. On the right-hand side are the Geiranger Fjord and Seven Sisters Waterfalls .

Driving Tip: Make sure you have excellent anticipation and an overview of the coming traffic at turns.

Day 15 – Storfossen Waterfall

From the center of Geiranger is an easy walk to the Storfossen waterfall , following the metal steps next to the stream. Further on is our next attraction.

Day 15 – Norwegian Fjord Centre – Geiranger

It is further up from Storfossen Waterfall and has a nice park for an outdoor picnic or break. Norwegian Fjord Center provides many exhibitions that showcase the exciting and unique fjord landscape.

Day 16: Trollstigen – The Mountain Road To Geiranger

Please, allow us to be a little bit fantasy-inspired. Trollstigen is eleven sharp turns for “rafting on the wheels”. So please, “raft” with us.

Trollstigen is only 87 km (54 miles) one way from Geiranger , so Geiranger is a fantastic location hub for daily excursions.

There are two highlights of Trollstigen (the panoramic view and driving the mountain road itself).

Day 16 – Trollsstigen Panoramic View

From the parking space are nicely built pathways to the viewpoints that present the panoramic view of the road, valley, and surrounding mountains at its best.

Day 16 – Trollstigen Mountain Road

The second highlight was even more attractive, and that is driving this road. The road is about 5 km (3.1 mi) long and has an elevation difference of about 850 meters (2,789 ft). In some sections, the slope is 10%.

Road Toll & Parking: Free for everyone. Voilà !

Trollstigen provides a magnificent view of this natural paradise. It is open only during the summer months Mid-May until October . So do not miss your chance to drive this winding mountain road and be thrilled with it for a lifetime.

Plan your  Trollstigen road trip   by reading our more detailed article.

Day 16 – Trollveggen

After visiting Trollstigen, we drove down the valley in Åndalsnes direction. We gathered our thoughts and wanted to call the day filled with joy and excitement. However, Norwegian nature has more to offer. At the crossroad, instead of turning left to Åndalsnes, we decided to turn right and drove in Dombås direction.

Trollveggen  (in free translation,  Troll’s Wall ) is another pearl on the Norwegian necklace of natural beauties. Blue sky (mixed with clouds) edged with mountain peaks shaped like sharp teeth carved the horizon.

Language Tips: Vegg in Norwegian means a wall . However, Veg in Norwegian means a road .

Mountain rocks blend with green conifers and birch trees vegetation melting into the emerald green but cold waters of the  Rauma River  at the bottom.

Discover: Find your accommodation in Trollveggen .

Day 16 – Gudbrandsjuvet – Gudbrans Ravine

We stopped at Gudbrans Ravine (Gudbrandsjuvet) on our way back from Trollstigen to Geiranger. We had an opportunity to look at how the peaceful mountain river Valldøla suddenly becomes wild and carves its course through this ravine.

Day 17 & 18: Ålesund

We changed our location once again. This time we were on our way from Geiranger to Ålesund . It was another short trip of only 110 km (68 miles) and two hours drive on local roads (including a ferry crossing).

Ålesund is an interestingly shaped city on many peninsulas. It is very lively and full of tourists buzzing during working hours. However, Ålesund settles down and becomes a calm and sleepy place later in the afternoon and evening. The majority of people are in restaurants, pubs, and cafe shops. The luxury ones enjoy drinking wine or champagne on their expensive yachts in the harbor.

The city’s architecture in the style of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) is a consequence of the great fire in 1904. Therefore we cannot see wooden houses in the city center as we saw in Bergen .

While walking Ålesund central streets, we noticed buildings decorated with towers, turrets, and artistic ornaments.

Day 17 – Ålesund Swimming Pool

When we arrived at Ålesund Center , we noticed on the other side of our parking place a newly built swimming pool at Park Street (Parkgata) .

Since the Atlantic Ocean is cold even during summer, we decided to find refreshments in the swimming pool. What a treat in many of the indoor pools inside the complex.

As in many modern spa facilities, even the showers have illumination, audio, and water splash features.

Day 17 – Ålesund Viewpoint (Aksla)

Ålesund is well-known for its panoramic view over the city and beautiful sunsets over the ocean.

We decided to drive to the Aksla instead to walk up the famous 418 steps. However, parking space is limited, and the road is narrow. So everyone who decides to drive there must be aware of these limitations.

Get all your questions answered when planning your next trip to  Ålesund  in our detailed city guide.

Day 17 – Atlantic Sea Park (Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium)

We decided to enjoy the ocean life (flora and fauna) on the edge of the Atlantic. Therefore we visited Atlantic Sea Park (Aquarium) in Ålesund .

Penguins and seals playing in the water were the most attractive among sea fish species, lobsters, starfishes, and king crabs.

Seals have a fantastic pool on the edge of the sea.

Day 18 – Alnes Lighthouse (Alnes Fyr)

Alnes Lighthouse (Alnes Fyr) is on Godøya island . It is 25 minutes driving and 22 km (13.7 miles) from the Ålesund city center.

Language Tip: Øya in Norwegian means an island .

We followed the airport signs and reached our destination in several hops over two islands, three tunnels, and one bridge.

The drive is unique since the tunnels go deep below the sea bed.

Driving Tips: So do not choke your engine while on a steep uphill toward the tunnel’s exit if you want to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The lighthouse is in the middle of the green grass meadow, following the gravel pathway. We visited a nearby cafe with a nice view of the ocean and a place for refreshment after the lighthouse visit.

Discover: Find your accommodation in Ålesund .

Day 18 – Gjerde Beach (Gjerdesanden)

While we drove to Alnes Lighthouse , we noticed beaches on the side when crossing the Giske bridge (Giskebrua) . Some kids were swimming and playing in the water while many people sunbathed. This picture was like a magnet for us to come back. So we decided to stop by and check the beaches on the way back.

Language Tips: Bro in Norwegian means a bridge .

The beach, sand, and the ocean, through the car window, look pleasing and warm. However, reality proves a different picture. The water was cold, and the wind blew, and we did not like it. To sunbathe on the beach covered with blankets was not our thing. So we stayed shorter than we initially wanted due to these factors.

Instead, we had more time for another evening stroll in Ålesund Center to wrap up this visit.

Day 19: The Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsveien/Atlanterhavsvegen)

Our road trip in Norway is almost coming to an end, and we are about to visit the northernmost point of our journey. Again this is just a summary and for more photos and a longer story answering more of your questions please read our detailed article The Atlantic Ocean Road .

Atlantic Ocean Road is a unique experience of blending nature and engineering cleverness. So we did not want to miss it. Several viaducts and bridges connect the mainland via several small islands. Due to the maritime transport requirements, some bridges and roads have unusual and attractive shapes. These eye-appealing shapes are the magnet for many to visit this unique place.

Outfit: We are at the edges of the Atlantic Ocean so here can be quite windy. Choose appropriate clothing for such weather.

The Atlantic Road – Practical Info

The Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsveien/Atlanterhavsvegen) is around 125 km (77.7 miles) far from Ålesund , and it takes two and half hours to reach it, including the ferry between Vestnes and Molde .

Discover: Find your accommodation near Atlantic Road .

As we drove through Molde, my son called his best classmate. What a coincidence his best friend was on the way to Molde airport flying back to Oslo after visiting his grandparents in Molde.

But back to the road, Atlantic Ocean Road is around 8 km (5 miles) long (at least the most popular section). Seven bridges hopping over the islands connect the mainland.

Weather Forcast:  Use the  YR  website for the local weather forecast. Just click on the  Søk   button and type  Atlanterhavsvegen.

The Best Spots

There are many spots to stop by, take photos, walk around, etc. The most interesting are Eldhusøya (Lyngholmen parking), a view over the Storseisund Bridge (Storseisundbrua) ,  and Myrbærholm Bridge .

Road Toll: Free for everyone. Voilà !

We drove it both ways since it was a short drive and we wanted to enjoy it as much as we could.

You can experience the Atlantic Ocean Road  as we did by reading our travel guide.

Day 19 – Kristiansund

We drove to Kristiansund for resupply in a big shopping center. However, we were not lucky to have a sunny day in Kristiansun as Per Kvalvik did in the photo below. The rest of the day we spent in Kvernesfjorden where we found our accommodation.

Discover: Find your accommodation near Kristiansund .

Day 20: Renndølsetra at Innerdalen – Farmhouses

Hiking Renndølsetra is more than just a walk to a summer pasture farm. Every nature lover should visit this fantastic landscape.

Beautiful mountains surround the environment. Streams and waterfalls flow from the mountain slopes, carve dense green forests and finally meet the beautiful lake as their final destination.

Follow our steps and experience  Renndølsetra Hiking  as we did.

The hike is 3.5 km (2.18 miles) long, and it has 196 meters (645 ft.) climb on the way to Renndølsetra and only 53 meters (174 ft.) climb on the way back. The day was nice and sunny. We had plenty of time, so we enjoyed the hike at our own pace. We are more than eager to return and stay longer in this region soon. So, we can further explore many hiking options, kayaking, landscape photography, etc.

Find accommodation nearby  Renndølsetra .

Renndølsetra were farmhouses used for livestock farming in the past predominantly. Nowadays, it has additional functions. It is used as a cafeteria and serves drinks, waffles, and simple meals. It sells fresh milk and some dairy products (yogurt, creams, butter, etc.). Waffles  with jam are a popular treat.

Tip:  Learn how to use Google Maps for hiking planning, height difference, distance, etc.

Day 21: On The Way Back To Oslo

We love the feeling of coming home. It’s nice seeing new places, meeting great people, and adventure new things, but sleeping in your bed and being at home in your own space is a cozy feeling that we like a lot. From our base, we can plan new trips soon, hopefully.

However, the Norwegian weather saved the “best” for the last day. It was foggy and rainy all day. We didn’t miss much because we had already visited some of the places on our other trips. Anyway, we only live a few hours away so we might come back another time soon.

Additionally, we have researched the area for our future travels and would like to share it with you.

Rafting Sjoa River

We found a few photos of rafting on the river Sjoa that are cool, in our opinion. There are many more activities offered on this wild river and around it. Just to name a few: kayaking, riverboarding, SUP paddle boarding, canyoning, ducking, fishing, bungee jumping (kind of), high rope parks, archery, axe throwing, blowgun, and more.

Read our Voss article to see photos of some of these sports.

Interestingly enough, the Sjoa River is the outlet from Gjende Lake in Gjendesheim and Jotunheim National Park . Gjendesheim is the region of the famous Besseggen trail , which was, by the way, my first hike when I arrived in Norway. The river flows northward at the beginning but turns eastward, and at Heidal village, it takes final course southeast until it flows into the Gudbrandsdalslågen River at the Sjoa village .

Sjoa is three and half-hour drive and some 280km (174 mi) from Oslo. So we look forward to returning and experiencing this area ourselves in the near future.

Sygard Grytting

Stygard Grytting is an old farm still in operation but also offers accommodation facilities with a long history. It looks very promising for future visits as a stay option. The grassy courtyard in the center surrounded by timber houses looks very nice in the photos.

Discover: Find accommodation in Gudbrandsdalen Valley .

However, the interior is even more attractive, charming, romantic, and intriguing.

The view of the Gudbrandsdalen Valley should also be attractive.

“What?! 1.21 gigawatts of historical power!?!” – “Wait a minute, Doc. Are you telling me you built a time machine…out of a Sygard Grytting farm?”

Ringebu Stavkirke

We visited several wooden churches on this trip and several on our other trips. The weather prevented us from visiting this one this time, but we will stop by on our next trip. We will look at this photo of Ringbu Church until we visit the real one.

Kvitfjell is the most renowned for ski sports during the winter season. However, during the summer season hiking and biking are the most popular activities.

Language Tip: Hvit in Norwegian means white  while Fjell means a mountain . Kvit is just a local dialect for white.

We visited Hafjell on daily trips from Oslo to Lillehammer on several occasions. During summer, Hafjell is very popular among mountain bike riders for its thrilling trails. Kids love it due to the two attractions described below. Teenagers find interesting something else described shortly after.

During winter, it is a ski resort and paradise for alpine, cross-country, snowboarding, and snow lovers in general. It has many slopes of different skill levels, kids and family areas, terrain parks, cross-country skiing tracks, night skiing sessions possibility, and more.

If you are a landscape photographer, you can snap mesmerizing winter idyllic photos with frozen wooden houses, trees, and untouched snow on a sunny day.

Lilleputthammer – Family Park

The grownups’ world is oversized for children. Why don’t we make a mini city where children will feel big? That’s the idea of Lilleputthammer Family Park .

The children feel at home surrounded by the facilities in a one-to-four ratio.

Hunderfossen Adventure Park

Five minutes drive from the above park and on the other side of the Gudbrandsdalslågen river is Hunderfossen Adventure Park . Two things strike you as you enter the park. The first is the big green Troll that guards entrances to the second one, and that is the Fairytale Castle .

There are rides for kids of different ages and sizes. Some are even for the parents so the whole family can enjoy the park.

Language Tip: Hunderfossen in Norwegian means Dogs Waterfall .

Wheel Bobsleigh

Just one minute’s drive down the road from the adventure park is the next attraction for teenagers and families too. Bob track built for Lillehammer 1994 Winter Olympic Games got a new adventure use as Wheel Bobsleigh (or Wheelbob as some call it) during summer.

Minimum two and maximum of three passengers with professional driver provided rush downhill at the 100 km/h (62 mph) speed.

“If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you’re gonna see some serious s***.” – Doc

Lillehammer

Many know that Lillehammer was the host of the 1994 Winter Olympic Games, but many don’t know what Lillehammer means…

Language Tip:   Lille Hammer in Norwegian means little hammer .

The pedestrian street with wooden houses in the center is the most charming, popular, and lively in Lillehammer.

Garmo stavkirke

Yet another stave church in Norway, speaking of which, Garmo church was demolished in 1880, and the materials were sold at auction. Later building materials were redeemed, collected, and transferred to Lillehammer for reconstruction.

23rd of June – Saint John’s Eve (Sankthansaften) in Lillehammer

We have already mentioned that Saint John’s Eve (Sankthansaften) celebration is usual in Norway. Lillehammer is no exception, and celebrate it with a bonfire.

Lysgårdsbakkene hoppanlegg – Ski Jump

On the slopes above Lillehammer is ski jumps visible even from the highway.

Even the moon is sometimes tempted to jump off the ski jump hill.

Telemarkstunet

Telemarkstunet wooden cabins are above the ski jumps. They are charming places to eat and drink while out on the town.

Discover: Find accommodation in Lillehammer .

The grass on the roofs, the colorful gardens, and the attractive carved wooden pieces on the exterior are the cover of the book.

The book’s content is each room’s beautifully decorated artifacts, colorful cabinets, and charming fire pit room.

Birkebeinerrennet (The Birkebeiner race)

I have many former colleagues who trained for months, if not years, before signing up for the Birkebeiner ski race . It’s a big deal for Norwegians. You may be wondering why there is so much fuss about it. Well, let me tell you a short story.

This race commemorates a ski trip made by Birkebeiner loyalists ( Torstein Skevla and Skjervald Skrukka ) to save the infant heir of the Norwegian throne, Håkon Håkonsson , in winter 1206. So the most important rule for all participants is to carry a backpack weighing at least 3.5 kg (7.7 pounds) since that is the estimated weight of a one-year-old baby king.

The race starts at Rena and finishes at Lillehammer , a distance of 54 km (34 mi). The number of participants is limited to 16 000. Each participant must register and pay a fee to race. The current race track record for men is 2:19:28, and for women is 2:41:46.

The skiing race was not enough of a challenge, so Norwegians have a summer version of the race and not one but two. Bicycling race is Birkebeinerrittet , and the cross-country running race is Birkebeinerløpet .

Lillehammer Mikrobryggeri – Brewery

We are looking forward to visiting this unique eating and drinking place in Lillehammer. As we can see from the photos the site looks very promising.

In addition, we might tour the brewery and that would be cool.

Remember:  Never ever drink alcohol and drive!

Skibladner Paddle Steamer Boat

When the weather is nice (important in Norway), and we are triggered by Mark Twain’s “Life on the Mississippi”, we will plan an adventurous lake trip.

Between late June and mid-August operates on Lake Mjøsa the world’s oldest paddle steamer Skibladner. We plan to take the northern route from Hammar via Gjøvik to Lillehammer, stay short in the Lillehammer center, and return to Hammar by a late train.

I hope that my Olive Oyl will scream at least once “Help! Popeye!” and I will be her knight and save the day.

Aulestad – Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson’s House

Norway has three laureates of the Nobel Prize for literature, and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson is one of them. He lived in Aulestad village , 25 minutes drive north of Lillehammer. He wasn’t just a writer but involved in public life and cultural debates. He wrote the Norwegian national anthem “Ja, vi elsker dette landet” (“Yes, we love this country”) .

We found some amazing photos of Bjørn’s house, both exterior and interior, with eye-striking vintage artifacts. We can’t wait to visit this picturesque, historic site of such important Norwegian heritage.

Language Tip: Bjørn in Norwegian means a bear , Stjerne means a star , and Son means a son .

Hell’s Potholes (Helvete Naturpark – Jettegrytene i Espedalen)

Hell’s Potholes are 25 minute’s drive down the road from Aulestad village. As far as we see in the photos, a wooden path leads to the entrance to the potholes, and at the end, there are wooden ladders that lead to the bottom. We are aware that down there can be wet, muddy, and slippery, so it is wise to have nonslippery footwear.

As creepy as the pothole’s name is, we want to cheer it up as written in Asterix’s comic “Vis comica” (Have a sense of humor).

We could bring all the ingredients to prepare the magical potion of Gauls in this cauldron and become Asterix and Obelix with superhuman powers.

Wait! Where will we find strawberries?!

Peer Gynt Annual Festival on Gålå Lake

The main attraction is the open-air play on the stage near Lake Gålå. Peer Gynt wrote Henrik Ibsen, one of the most famous Norwegian playwriters, and is considered “the father of realism”. The play is accompanied by Edvard Greig’s music and within the ambiance of Norwegian nature as we mentioned near lake Gålå . The festival is held the first week in August.

We mentioned Edvard Greig composer and pianist in our Bergen city guide , his birthplace.

For the international audience, it is possible to rent an audio guide, attend introduction in German or English prior to plays and read booklets.

Lillehammer & Gudbrandsdalen Valley Region – All Seasons Landscapes

Norway’s landscapes are fantastic, so Gudbrandsdalen Valley and the Lillehammer region are no exception.

While researching the area, we found astonishing photos from all seasons. It is an opportunity to snap some amazing landscape photographs in the future. It is a blessing that we live just a couple of hours, so we can return whenever we expect the right weather and the season.

We hope you will like the photos as much as we like looking for them with expectation and excitement to see them in person in near future. Enjoy!

How To Get Around In Norway

Norway has a good network of airports, railways, buses, boats, ferries, roads, etc. It is up to each individual to make a transportation type choice. We have collected the list of websites and info about your potential travel to/from and within Norway.

By Car: Most of the roads on this trip are not highways but regular one-lane (two-way) motorways. You can expect the usual multiple lanes highways around major cities (Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, etc.).

Some mountain roads are steep and narrow, and those demand cautious driving, traffic anticipation, etc. We tried to give you driving tips for such roads and hope they will be helpful. Driving in snow conditions in Norway is a completely different animal and we will probably write a separate article in near future.

We live in Norway, so we use the AutoPass gadget in our car to pay for road tolls with discounts. If you are coming to Norway with a foreign vehicle, please check the AutoPASS website about registration for road tolls. We believe the toll camera will take a photo of your car’s license plate, and you will get an invoice to pay the toll (not the fine).

Road Tolls: Road tolls are charged after you pass an automated toll station.

During our trip, we used many ferries to cross the water barriers. We use the same AutoPASS gadget with a separate prepaid ferry account to pay for ferries. If you are coming with a foreign vehicle, please get more info at the AutoPASS Ferry website.

Intercity Transport

By Airplane: If you decide to travel inside Norway by plane, check the Avinor website for the usual info (departure, arrivals, transportation, baggage, etc.).

SAS and Norwegian operate both domestic and international flights in the big airports. Widerøe operates domestic flights at smaller airports.

By Train: In our more detailed articles (links throughout this journey diary post), we have described whether a place is on a railway network (or not). If you decide to travel inside Norway by train, please check VY (former NSB) website for all information.

By Bus: Please, check the VY Bus website for all information about bus transport within Norway.

Some cities in Norway have their own bus network and company. In our more detailed articles (links throughout this journey diary post), we marked the links to these companies websites.

By Ferry:  We have already mentioned that we had to cross several ferries during our trip. It is wise to check ferry payment methods if you come with a foreign vehicle by checking the AutoPASS Ferry website.

By Cruise: Hurtigruten is a popular option to travel alongside the Norwegian coastline. Please check the Hurtigruten website for more information about tour options.

Public Transport In The City

Most of the cities, towns, and places in Norway are pedestrian-friendly. So you can see a lot just on foot. Other options are rented bicycles or electric scooters.

Oslo has a public transportation network including metro (T-bane), buses, trams, boats, ferries, etc. Ruter Tourist Information (next to the Tiger statue) in front of Oslo Railway station, sells all sorts of tickets. You can use Ruter mobile App as well.

Bergen has a network of buses, light rails (trams), boats, ferries, etc. Bergen Tourist Information is next to Fisketorget in downtown Bergen and sells all sorts of tickets. You can use the Skyss Ticket app (Skyss Billet) or purchase tickets at kiosks, shops, and onboard (sometimes).

Ålesund has a network of buses.

Where to stay in Norway?

For this trip, we have booked various accommodation capacities such as hotels, motels, camping cabins, apartments, etc. We will briefly mention each of them, and you decide for yourself if they are interesting to you or if you want to look at another offer.

Prices: Remember that Norway is an expensive country so make your choice wisely.

We have been living in Oslo for over ten years. So we did not need to look for accommodation in Oslo . Please, do not worry since Oslo has a variety of accommodations from hostels as budget options to luxury hotels.

Discover: Find all the accommodations in Oslo .

Flåm – Lærdalsøyri – Lærdal Ferie- og Fritidspark

Lærdal Ferie- og Fritidspark is a small budget hotel in Lærdalsøyri on the shores of Sognefjord. It is near camping and has amazing sunsets. We bought food in the nearby grocery shops and prepared it in the hotel’s common kitchen facilities.

It was a cheaper option than booking accommodation in Flåm . The hotel location was great for exploring this area in all directions.

Discover: Find all the accommodations in Flåm or Lærdal region .

If you click these links and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Bergen – Bratland Camping

I (Dejan) visited Bergen on numerous business trips and always booked hotels in the city center or nearby to the event venue.

However, on our private trips, we came by car. Bergen is not the best or the cheapest option for finding accommodations with a parking spot in the city center.

Therefore we decided to find accommodation outside the city and Bratland Camping was a good choice. It has charming wooden cabins with a view of the lake. Tent, caravan, and motorhome tourists are the most often visitors here.

Please be aware that the local road nearby the camp is the shortest connection between the road E39 (coming from or going to the south: Haugesund & Stavanger) and road E16 (coming from or going to the east: Voss, Flåm, Oslo). So you can expect some traffic noise there, but use earplugs, and you are all set.

We saved for our accommodation expenses, drove 20 minutes to the city center, and parked in the centrally located garage (By Garasjen).

Discover: Find all the accommodations in Bergen .

Stryn – Innvik – Innvik Fjordhotell

Innvik Fjordhotell has a fantastic location on the shores of the fjord. The breakfast was tasteful and diverse. However, this hotel is not on the budget side of the price spectrum, although it was a cheaper option compared to the Loan and Stryn offers.

FYI: Alcohol is not served in this hotel.

Discover: Find all the accommodations in Stryn .

Gerianger – Fjorden Campinghytter

Fjorden Campinghytter (Fjord cabins) near Geiranger was the best accommodation on our road trip. It has a fantastic view over Geiranger village, fjord, Ørnesvingen viewpoint, etc. Price was higher, but we saved on our meals since we used the kitchen in the cabin.

We have tried our fishing luck as well.

Discover: Find all the accommodations in Geiranger .

Ålesund – Norhostel Apartment

Norhostel Apartment is specious and with kitchen facilities. I believe it is even bigger than our apartment in Oslo. The price was great, the location excellent, the only downside was no parking. However, we have managed to find paid parking space close by.

The walk to the town center was a breeze and a great way to stretch our legs.

Discover: Find all the accommodations in Ålesund .

The Atlantic Ocean Road – Kvernesfjorden Apartments

We have found Kvernesfjorden Apartments on the “fly” without pre-booking. Our hosts were a fantastic Lithuanian couple. The apartment is on the slope with a fantastic view over the fjord, a spacious bathroom, excellent kitchen, and we love it.

Discover: Find all the accommodations in Kristiansund .

Lillehammer & Gudbrandsdalen Valley

There was no need for us to book accommodation near Lillehammer since we live in Oslo which is just two hours drive. So we do not have any accommodation to recommend from personal experience. However, we are sure that you will find suitable accommodation for your needs and budget.

Discover: Find all the accommodations in Lillehammer or Gudbrandsdalen Valley region.

Best Time to Travel in Norway

Norway is an all-year-round visiting location. However, the best season to visit depends on your wants and needs. We will focus on the summer season.

We took this road trip in July since July is the common summer vacation month in Norway. You can count July as the summer high season month, and overcrowded in some places. However, we recommend planning a similar trip in the summer months of June , July , and August .

November to the middle of February is a “dark” season when the days are very short. However, at Christmas time is colorful (Christmas markets) to visit big cities in Norway.

Easter week in spring is travel busy in Norway. However, the weather can be unpredictable in those months (March, April, beginning of May).

Many places can have certain dates when festivals occur or some special occasions and events. Those days can be very lively and especially interesting to visit.

We recommend two events that might be especially interesting for some of you and worth visiting since they are really special in Norway.

17th of May – Constitution Day (Syttende Mai)

The 17th of May  is a national holiday in  Norway  (Constitution Day) . It is a day when Norwegians celebrate in national garments and wave the Norwegian flags.

The celebration is popular among children who march in bands. The music orchestras play the music in the parade. Marching children and/or music orchestra represents a school or local community.

23-24th of June – St. John the Baptist (Sankthans)

St. John the Baptist (Sankthans) is the 24th of June and the longest summer day in Norway .

On the 24th of June are grilling in the parks if the weather is nice.

On the 23rd of June in the evening celebrate with a bonfire in some places, for example, Ålesund, Oslo, Bergen, Lillehammer, etc .

Costs of Traveling in Norway

We have set a budget estimate that might be helpful while planning your own trip to Norway . In addition, we have a few tips for you that might save your wallet or cards from going in the red.

Remember: Norway is a very expensive country, so plan wisely to avoid financial shock.

USD ($) – Budget

• Hotel: $50 - $150 per night
• Hostel: $20 - $50 per night
• Price per meal: $9.6-$25
• Dish: (Pizza) $16.5
• Activities: $15 - $160 per day
• Transport: $6-10.8 per day
• Gas: $2 per litre
• Camper: $130 - $295 per day
• Coffee: $3.6 cup
• Wine: $7.5 per glass
• Beer: $9 0.5L

EUR (€) – Budget

• Hotel: € 60 - € 145 per night
• Hostel: € 20 - € 48 per night
• Price per meal: € 9 - € 23.7
• Dish: (Pizza) € 15.6
• Activities: € 14-5 - € 150 per day
• Transport: € 6-10.23 per day
• Gas: € 1.94 per litre
• Camper: € 120 - € 275 per day
• Coffee: € 3.4 cup
• Wine: € 7.3 per glass
• Beer: € 8.75 0.5L

GBP (£) – Budget

• Hotel: £51 - £123 per night
• Hostel: £23 - £40 per night
• Price per meal: £7.7-£20
• Dish: (Pizza) £13.15
• Activities: £12.3 - £128 per day
• Transport: £5-8-6 per day
• Gas: £1.64 per litre
• Camper: £105 - £235 per day
• Coffee: £2.8 cup
• Wine: £6.15 per glass
• Beer: £7.4 0.5L

Tips: How To Lower Travel Costs In Norway

Here are some helpful tips for you:

Accommodation: Camping is probably the cheapest option. We tried to find accommodation outside the most popular tourist locations and drive to them on our visits. Finally, another option is to have accommodation with kitchen facilities as we did and make your own meals so you can avoid spending too much at restaurants.

Meals: Grocery shops (Joker, Bunnpris, Meny, Spar) have salad bars, barbeque, and hot food sections which are a lot cheaper meal options compared with restaurants.

Drinks: Tap water in Norway is drinkable, of excellent quality, and free compared with highly-priced soft drinks, beer, or wine. Bring a bottle, refill it whenever you find the chance, and save lots of money for other activities.

Snacks:  We always have small packages of raisins that are very cheap. They are a good choice for quick energy boosts as needed.

That’s all folks. We wish you an epic trip!

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12 days in Norway: A Perfect Norway Road Trip Itinerary

05/22/2023 By Traveling Canucks 6 Comments Categories: Adventures Europe Norway Sightseeing Top Lists Travel Stories Trip Ideas World Attractions World Heritage Site

Norway road trip itinerary

Planning a Norway road trip can be overwhelming. There are endless possibilities and so many incredible things to see in Norway . Where does one even begin?

Of course, you want to visit as many places as you can. However, you also need to balance the amount of time spent in the car. You don’t want to move so fast that you feel like you’ve spent the entire trip sitting in the car. That’s not fun. Or the point of the road trip adventure.

On this Norway road trip, we traveled with our two boys, aged 10 and 8 years old at the time. Because of this, purchasing flights and/or train tickets starts to add up. Unfortunately, this eliminates the northern regions, like the Lofoten Islands , from this particular Norway travel itinerary.  

Although we had 12 days for this road trip around Norway, you can easily skip a few of these places to reduce it a 7 day Norway road trip. That’s the thing we love most about road trips – you can make adjustments as you go! 

Things to consider when planning a Norway road trip

Before we dive into each destination on this Norway road trip itinerary, we feel it’s important to share a few of the factors that influence our decisions. 

• Short drive days . We do not want to drive more than 3 hours per day. Our boys are great travelers, but they don’t like long car rides. Windy roads and multiple stops can easily turn a 3 hour drive into 6 hours. 
• Oslo departure and arrival . It’s cheaper to pick-up and return your vehicle at the same location. We depart Norway from Oslo and take an overnight ferry to Copenhagen. This means backtracking to Oslo, which adds extra drive time. You can avoid this by finishing your road trip in a different city, like Bergen, Stavanger, Alesund or Trondheim.
• Family travel . We are travelling with our two boys. If we did not have kids with us, we would choose a slightly different route. For example, we would do the popular Pulpit Rock hike , which would mean visiting Stavanger. And, we might have taken a flight from Alesund back to Oslo. 
• Visit the popular Norway attractions . For this road trip, we want to include stops in Bergen, Jostedalsbreen National Park , Aurlandsfjord, Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord and Lillehammer. We also want to see a few of Norway’s iconic stave churches.
• Accommodations . Visiting Norway in the summer is expensive. Hotels fill up quickly. There are limited “family rooms” that fit a family of four. This lack of viable accommodations impacts the route and places we stay. In Oslo. we stayed in a two bedroom with breakfast included at the Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion . 

Looking to rent a vehicle in Europe?

Check out Auto Europe to search for rates and availability from the top car rental companies in Europe. Another option that has great rates is Discover Car Hire . 

We got a hybrid Ford SUV from Hertz and did the pick-up/drop-off in Oslo city center. 

Above is the 12 day Norway road trip map 

The route goes as follows: Oslo > Hemsedal > Borgund > Aurland > Flam > Gudvangen > Bergen > Forde > Jostedalsbreen National Park > Geiranger > Lom > Hafjell > Lillehammer > Oslo. 

If you’ve been researching ideas for the best Norway road trip itinerary, you might be surprised by the above route. It’s missing a few popular tourist destinations, like Stavanger and Alesund. We had to make some tough decisions. We will explain why in each section below. 

To see the countryside of Norway, it’s best to rent a car . Public transportation is expensive and limited.

There are options for organized tours and day trips. However, we find organized tours to be challenging with kids. We find them to be too restrictive and cater to wider audience, which is not our preference. 

In this post, we break down each location with drive times, attractions and where to stay. 

No matter what Norway road trip route you decide, you will be impressed by Norway’s stunning landscapes and majestic fjords. You will also look back at the places you could have visited with slight FOMO. As I write this post, I’ve had a few “Doh, we should have gone there!” moments.

Unfortunately, this is unavoidable. Unless you dedicate a month (or more) to travel Norway.

Day 1 & 2 – Oslo 

We spent 2 nights in Oslo before starting our Norway road trip. We spent 1 more night in Oslo (total of 3 nights) after dropping off the car rental at the end of the road trip. Obviously, if you have more time, you can add (or subtract) days at the beginning or end of this Norway road trip from Oslo. 

There are so many things to do Oslo.

Visit the Oslo Opera House and Rådhuset (City Hall), walk along Karl Johans Gate to The Royal Palace, wander the modern Aker Brygge promenade, visit the Nobel Peace Center and/or The National Museum, explore the historic Akershus Fortress, visit the Munch museum and/or Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. That should keep you busy for a few days!

Note – The Viking Ship Museum is closed until 2026. 

For a unique experience, visit a floating sauna in the Oslo fjord. You will find these located beside the Oslo Opera House (see photo below), near the Munch museum (see the second photo below – we think this is the best location), and there are a few floating saunas at Aker Brygge promenade.

Where to stay in Oslo 

There are plenty of hotels in downtown Oslo. We stayed at Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion .

We chose this hotel because it has two separate rooms, breakfast AND dinner included , and it’s located within walking distance to Oslo Central Station.

The breakfasts in Norway are very good. Eating at restaurants is very expensive in Norway, so having breakfast included with your hotel will save you money. 

We researched Oslo apartment rentals on VRBO but did not find anything suitable for our family in our price range. When you factor in breakfasts, coffee and light dinners, it’s actually more economical to stay at hotels. This, of course, depends on how many people you are traveling with.

Related post – Things to do in Stockholm this summer

Day 3 – Oslo to Hemsedal

We picked up our rental car at 9:30 AM. Before we left Oslo, we visited Norsk Folkemuseum at Bygdøy. This is an interesting outdoor museum and good introduction into Norway’s history. The Gol Stave Church ( Gol stavkirke ) is remarkable. Watch a short video of the church here .

We spent 2 hours at the Norsk Folkemuseum . It was 1:30 by the time we left Oslo. 

We chose Hemsedal for a few reasons:

• Affordable and available accommodations with a family room.
• It’s a 3 hour drive from Oslo (we arrived at 4:30 PM).
• We want to visit the black Borgund Stave Church .
• It’s a ski resort in the the Scandinavian Alps. We plan to hike in the morning.
• It’s an easy 2 hour drive from Hemsedal to Aurland (our next stop)

We stayed at  Skogstad Hotell . It’s located on the main road (Highway 52), making it an easy and convenient road trip stop.

The family room has an upstairs loft . We like the privacy and extra space with the loft, which is needed after spending the day in the car together.

Day 4 – Hemsedal to Aurland (via Borgund)

The drive from Hemsedal to Borgund is about an hour. The original plan for a morning hike in Hemsedal was spoiled by rain. After a quick visit to the ski hill, we made our way to Borgund to visit the impressive Borgund stave church , built around 1180.

We spent an hour at the church and visitor center. It’s one of the most distinctive stave churches in all of Norway. We think it’s worth visiting.

The road trip continues with a drive through Lærdalstunnelen , the longest road tunnel in the world at 24.5 km. It’s a remarkable engineering accomplishment. It has multiple caverns that are illuminated with bright blue lights so that drivers can pull over if they need a break. 

We chose Aurland for a few reasons:

• We could not find accommodations in Flam, which is where we originally wanted to stay. It’s only 15 minutes drive from Aurland to Flam.
• There are only a few hotels in this area. Because of this, hotel rooms are very expensive ($500+ per night) and availability is limited in peak travel season. 
• It was challenging to find a hotel room that accommodates a family of four. 
• Aurland to Bergen is only 3 hours drive.

We stayed at Winjum Cabin Aurland Stegastein .

The property has several basic cottages with bunk beds. We thought it would be fun to mix things up and stay in one of these rustic wooden cottages. Upon arrival, the owner informed us that he had overbooked the cottages. To compensate, he offered us a large 2-bedroom cottage with a full kitchen, bathroom with laundry. It was a nice upgrade!

Stegastein viewing platform

One of the main attractions in Aurland is the Stegastein viewpoint . It offers panoramic views of Aurlandsfjord at 650 metres above sea level. 

Unfortunately, our excitement to visit this attraction was spoiled by the rain. We were told by many people that this particular summer in Norway was exceptionally rainy and cold.

We decided to visit the Stegastein viewing platform the following morning, before leaving Aurland. The good news is that the rain stopped. The bad news is that thick fog rolled into the fjord, making it difficult to see anything from the viewing platform. Watch this video to see what happened. 

It was disappointing, but we did get a few open views half-way down the mountain. 

Walking on the Stegastein viewpoint overlooking Aurlandsfjord. Or, in this case, a view of the thick morning fog that engulfed the fjord. 

Aurlandsfjord is a 17 km arm of Sognefjord, the world’s second longest fjord. Together, along with the Nærøyfjord, the Aurlandsfjord is one of the most picturesque fjords in the world. These West Norwegian Fjords are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . 

In the above photo, if you look in the distance, you can see a white cruise ship. That’s the town of Flam. It’s a popular port of call on Norway fjord cruises. 

Day 4 – Aurland to Bergen (via Flam and Gudvangen)

We left the Stegastein viewpoint and drove to Flam. We spent about an hour in Flam.

The famous Flam Railway, or Flamsbana , is ranked as one of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys. It’s a key feature in the hugely popular Norway in a Nutshell tour . 

We considered riding the Flam Railway to Myrdal.

It’s an hour each way, so it takes a few hours to complete. It was a tough decision. However, we decided to skip the Flam train. The weather was not cooperating that day. It was rainy and foggy, with limited visibility in the mountains. We felt like the views would be disappointing, like our earlier visit to Stegastein lookout. 

We are disappointed that we did not get to experience the Flam train, but it didn’t feel like the right move at the time. I’m not sure if we made the right decision. It’s such an iconic Norway tourist attraction.

We left Flam and drove through the Gudvanga Tunnel . It is Norway’s third longest road tunnel at 11.4 km. 

We stopped at the village of  Gudvangen , a popular tourist destination located at the end of the Nærøyfjord . It’s a key stop on the hugely popular Norway in a Nutshell tour. 

This fjord village is surrounded by waterfalls and lush mountains in every direction. There’s a fun Viking tourist attraction here, along with a cafe, restaurant and hotel. Many kayak and paddleboard excursions start from Gudvangen. 

The Flam Railway train station is surrounded by mountains and waterfalls.

Tvindefossen

One of the best parts of a road trip is the surprising things you’ll discover on the journey. Tvindefossen is located just off the E16 highway, making it easily accessible. It’s worth pulling over and spending a few minutes admiring it’s cascading waterfalls .

Voss Gondola

We continued driving to the city of Voss. It has a gondola that takes guests up to the ski area. The Voss Gondola is said to be the largest and most modern mountain gondola in Northern-Europe.

Unfortunately, we did not know about this gondola. We probably would have planned our day differently had we known. It looks like a fun place to spend a few hours. 

Day 5 – Full day in Bergen

We arrived in Bergen at 4:00 PM on Day 4. Given that we decided to skip the Flam Railway, this was earlier than originally expected.

After checking into  our Bergen hotel room , we made our way to the Fløibanen funicular , one of Bergen’s most visited tourist attractions. Rain was expected the following day, so we decided to do this activity at the end of day 4, instead of on Day 5. It was the right call. The weather was somewhat cooperative that evening. 

The next day is a full day in Bergen. After changing hotels three nights in a row, it’s nice to have multiple nights in the same place. It’s important to balance our desire to see everything with moving too fast. 

Unfortunately, the rain was still hanging around. Because of this, we decided to visit Bergen Aquarium, Akvariet , said to be Norway’s largest aquarium. Visiting the aquarium was a nice change of pace. Our boys enjoyed the visit. You only need a couple hours, at most, to see the exhibits. 

Where to stay in Bergen

There are plenty of hotels in central Bergen. We stayed in the Bryggen area, which is more expensive but centrally located within walking distance to most attractions. Bryggen, the old wharf of Bergen, is arguably Bergen’s most popular tourist attractions and is listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site .

We stayed at  Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret . It’s located close to Bryggen on the waterfront.

We enjoyed this property and would recommend it. Similar to the Clarion in Oslo, it offers an afternoon tea and light dinner buffet, along with the breakfast buffet, included in the hotel price. This is a nice feature that made our stay more enjoyable and cost effective. 

View from the lookout tower at our hotel. The Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret offers stunning views of Bryggen’s wooden rooftops and Bergen’s Old Town.

Day 6 – Bergen to Forde

The Norway road trip continues north, from Bergen to Førde. 

We hit the road after a late breakfast and made our way to Ytre Oppedal. This is where the highway turns into a ferry crossing. We arrive just as the ferry departs from Ytre Oppedal to Lavik, so we wait about 20 minutes for the next ferry to arrive.

We were a little confused about how the ferry crossing works. There is not place to purchase tickets. You drive your vehicle into a lane and wait to board the ferry. Vehicles are automatically charged the ferry toll. Most rental vehicles will have the autopass set-up, so you don’t need to do anything.

Why did we choose to stay in Forde?

We struggled to find accommodations in the area. Initially, we considered staying in Skei, at the Thon Partner Hotel Jolster . However, there were no family rooms available at the time. We found this to be a common theme when booking hotels at peak summer travel season.

Instead, we chose to stay in the town Forde because it’s a 3 hour drive from Bergen. Remember, that’s one of our goals for this Norway road trip.

We stayed at Forde Gjestehus og Camping . This campground has several options, from private cottages to RV campsites to apartments.

We chose the two bedroom apartment. It’s a spacious apartment with full kitchen and laundry, which is just what we needed. There’s a grocery store close to the campground, so that evening was spent shopping, cooking and doing laundry. The less glamourous side of road tripping. 

We enjoyed our stay at this property and would recommend it.

However, if we could do it over again, we would skip Forde and drive straight to Olden or Leon.

This will add 2 hours to the drive, making it a long 5 hour drive from Bergen. BUT, after visiting Briksdalsbreen in Jostedalsbreen National Park , we’d recommend the longer drive to spend more time in this area. It’s stunning here.

There are several campgrounds with small cottages along the road from Olden to Briksdalsbreen. The rooms are basic, so don’t expect a fancy breakfast buffet. But if you’re open to a rustic cabin experience, we’d recommend this area instead of Forde.

The vibrant colour of Oldevatnet Lake is spectacular. Seriously, watch this video to see for yourself. You want to spend time at this lake if you can.

Day 7 –  Jostedalsbreen National Park

Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier in continental Europe. Jostedal Glacier has a total area of 487 square kilometres (188 square miles). As you can imagine, there are several places to view the glacier, so you’ll need to make a decision on what route is best for you.

If you want to do a Jostedalsbreen glacier walk, you might want to enter on the south side of the glacier. Here’s more info about Jostedal Glacier hiking. If you choose this route, you’d want to drive from Bergen to Guapne or Sogndalsfjøra. Keep in mind, this will add a few extra hours of drive time. 

We chose to view the glacier from Briksdalsbreen , an arm of the Jostedalsbreen.

It’s a 5 km hike round trip (2.4 km each way), from the parking lot to the Briksdalsbreen (Briksdal Glacier in English) viewing location. It’s a moderate hike with stairs and approx. 200 metre elevation.

If you’re not up for the hike, you can jump on the glacier shuttle that takes you most of the way to the glacial lake. You catch the troll car beside the souvenir shop in Briksdal. The Troll car takes about 1.5 hours roundtrip.

Read more: Hike to Briksdalsbreen in Jostedalsbreen National Park

Drive from Forde to Briksdalsbreen to Geiranger

We left Forde at 10:00 AM. The drive from Forde to Briksdalsbreen takes about 2 hours. It’s a beautiful drive, especially the road from Olden to Oldevatnet Lake. 

We arrived at the Briksdalsbreen parking lot around 12:00 PM. We spent 3 hours inside the park. 

After visiting Briksdalsbreen, we drove to Olden and stopped for a late lunch. Then we pushed on to Geiranger, our final destination for the day.  

It was a long day of driving. About 5 hours in total. As mentioned above, we’d rather have done the extra 2 hours the day before, instead of staying in Forde. That way, we’d only have about 2.5 hours drive from Briksdalbreen to Geiranger. 

You have two options to get from Stryn to Geiranger.

There is a car ferry from Hellesylt to Geiranger (more info and pricing here ). Or you drive to up the mountain pass to  Djupvatnet Lake (picture below) and down the famous switchbacks of  Geirangervegen .

It was raining heavily as we drove down this windy road, which adds to the excitement.

Read next: Hike to Briksdalsbreen in Jostedalsbreen National Park

Day 8 –  Geirangerfjord

We spent two nights in the village of Geiranger. This gives one full day to explore, without any driving. After days of driving, it’s nice to have a day off.

Geirangerfjord is one of Norway’s greatest treasures. Surrounded by steep cliffs and towering mountains, Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that must be included on your Norway road trip itinerary. 

The village is touristy and some might say you only need a few hours here. We spent a full day in Geiranger so that we could join a fjord safari on a RIB Boat . It’s a fun way to experience the majestic Geirangerfjord from a different viewpoint.

Here’s a short video of the Seven Sisters Waterfall .

We enjoyed our two nights in Geiranger . The powerful waterfall that splits through the city is a sight to behold. And we did the Geiranger zipline and nature park . It’s a small but fun course.  

We stayed at Havila Hotel Geiranger , pictured above. It’s perfectly located on the waterfront with easy access to the village restaurants and tourist shops. The rooms are small but clean and comfortable. It’s a good property to spend a night or two.

Day 9 – Lom and Hafjell

The Norway road tip continues. We left Geiranger at 10:00 AM and backtracked up the dizzying  Geirangervegen . There are multiple lookout points along this impressive highway, including the Geiranger Skysslag (Skywalk) .

Unfortunately, the rain and fog followed us to Geiranger and, like Stegastein a few days earlier, the impressive views were nothing more than thick fog. 

As we approached the town of Lom, we decided to take a break. And we’re glad we did! Lom is famous for Lom Stave Church , one of the few remaining  stave churches in Norway, and Lom National Park Village . 

Our boys were feeling restless that day, so we made a visit to Lom Aktivitetspark . We spent about 1.5 hours at this adventure park before driving to Hafjell, where we would spend the next two nights. 

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Geiranger to Alesund / 10 day Norway road trip

Another option is to drive from Geiranger to Alesund, which is about 2.5 hours drive with a ferry crossing. You would finish the road trip here and catch a flight from Alesund to Oslo or Bergen. This would give you a perfect 10 day Norway road trip itinerary.  

We considered this option. And, we’re disappointed that we missed Alesund on this road trip. It looks like a really cool city.

However, the cost of four flights plus the additional expense for not returning the rental car to the original location, was too expensive for us.

Therefore, we chose to drive back to Oslo and spend a couple nights in Lillehammer on the way. 

Day 10 – Hafjell and Hunderfossen Familiepark

We chose to stay in Hafjell because we wanted to take our boys to Hunderfossen Familiepark , also known as Hunderfossen Fairytale Park.

There’s only so many stave churches and fjords that our boys can handle. We feel it’s important to breakup the sightseeing and long drives with some kid friendly activities, too.

It was the right decision. We had a blast spending the day at Hunderfossen. It’s a smaller amusement park, when compared to some of the parks in North America. It’s the perfect size park for the age of our boys. A nice mix of easy roller coasters, mini-golf, river rafting, go karts and, naturally, lots of Norwegian trolls!

We will write a separate blog post about Hunderfossen soon. 

Fun fact – Hafjell hosted the alpine skiing technical events (giant slalom and slalom) at the  1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer.

Where to stay in Hafjell

We rented a private alpine apartment near the Hafjell gondola – Hafjell Resort Alpin Apartments Solsiden . Pictured above.

We stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment with full kitchen and private sauna. It’s a nice property and location, especially if you visit during the ski season. Having separate rooms is a nice change of pace. We picked up groceries from the nearby grocery store and used the kitchen instead of eating at restaurants. 

Hafjell Gondola

Before leaving Hafjell , we planned to ride the gondola to the top of the mountain. The gondola is open in the summer for mountain biking and hiking. It’s only 9 minutes to the top and the gondola is located right beside our apartment rental , so we thought it would be a fun activity before our final drive back to Oslo.

Unfortunately, it was closed that day. Apparently that Monday was the start of the shoulder season (it was mid-August), so the gondola was closed during the week. Summer hours of operation ended the day before, when we were at Hunderfossen Familiepark. 

Can you see the running man holding a torch in the above photo? It’s easier to see in the winter when the mountain is covered with snow. 

It’s called Fakkelmannen (or The Torchbearer in English). This mountainside mural was created for the 1994 Winter Olympics in Norway. It’s an iconic symbol of those winter games. 

Day 11 – Lillehammer to Oslo

The Norway road trip continues. We left Hafjell around 10:00 AM and drove 15 minutes south to Lillehammer, host city of the 1994 Winter Olympics in Norway. 

We spent a couple hours in Lillehammer. It’s a nice city. We visited the iconic Lysgårdsbakkene Hoppanlegg, home of the Lillehammer Olympic ski jumping events. We are a skiing and snowboarding family, so it’s fun to see the Lillehammer Olympiapark . 

After lunch, we completed the final leg of the road trip. It’s about 2 hours from Lillehammer to Oslo. 

Day 12 – Depart Oslo

We arrived in Oslo late afternoon. After spending close to an hour trying to find a gas station in rush hour traffic, we dropped off the rental car. 

We booked a hotel that’s within walking distance to the car rental location. That way, we avoided finding transportation to get to our hotel. 

For our final night in Norway, we stayed at the Clarion Collection Hotel Savoy . If you’ve been paying attention, this was our third stay at a Clarion Collection hotel. We like this hotel chain and would recommend it.

The following day, we boarded the DFDS Ferry from Oslo to Copenhagen. And just like that, our great Norway adventure was over. 

Congratulations. You made it this far! Well done.

When I started writing this post, my goal was to keep it less than 2,000 words. I failed miserably. 

Hopefully you found this 12 day Norway road trip itinerary helpful. You can shrink this itinerary to become a shorter road trip, but I would recommend spending at least 7 days for a proper Norway road trip. 

Are you planning a Norway road trip? 

If you have questions, leave us a comment below. We’ll do our best to answer in a timely manner. 

Related posts:

02/08/2023 at 7:55 am

Thank you for this detailed but succinct description of your family Norway road trip, balancing experiences with road time – it’s precisely what I was looking for. Planning this trip for our twin 9 yo’s is proving very challenging for me. We recently decided to remove Stockholm from our 16-day Scandinavia itinerary, just to slow it down. I want the flexibility of a rental car, but that adds constraints too, and we’d like to take some trains. It’d be great to be able to make a one-way car rental from the Flam area (I see there is a Hertz at the airport in Sogndal but then you have to take a bus there). As it is, it seems renting from Oslo or Bergen is your best option, but that adds significant windshield time. Sounds like you got unlucky with the weather too – nothing you can do about that. Anyway, thanks again.

02/08/2023 at 10:37 am

Thank you for the kind words – I’m glad you found this post helpful. We had originally planned to take the train from Stockholm to Oslo but the train cancelled the trip a few weeks prior to our arrival, which was unexpected and annoying. We ended up taking a fairly inexpensive flight on Norwegian Air (I think around $400 total for 4 people?). That is another option that would allow for shorter travel days – depending on how far you want to travel.

03/01/2023 at 12:36 pm

Hi! Your blog has been so helpful! What month were you in Norway? I saw that it was a very rainy season. I am planning a similar road trip this July and was just curious about the weather. What were the average high and low temps?

03/01/2023 at 5:32 pm

Hi Alex, we were in Norway in August but we did hear from locals that July is more popular and the weather tends to be better.

We didn’t have great weather. On average it was 10 degrees Celsius. We needed sweaters, coats and long pants. Locals told us though that it was unusually cold.

05/23/2023 at 12:21 am

Great blog. Very useful for planning our own trip for next year.

Just to confirm though, it sounds like you didn’t drive the Trollstigen road? Trollstigen is just south of Andalsnes. The road that descends into Geiranger from the east is called Geirangervegen

05/23/2023 at 8:18 am

We appear to have conflicting information. I did another search, to confirm, and I can see results for both, so I’m not entirely sure.

The section we visited is the ascent/descent into Geiranger. It’s a steep windy road with lots of switchbacks and waterfalls. (so Geirangervegen might be the correct name)

I’ll make some edits in the post. Both passes look identical, so if you’re looking for insane switchbacks surrounded by green mountains and waterfalls, you’ll be good visiting either one.

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The Smooth Escape

Nature & adventure travel blog

Exploring Norway by campervan: Everything you need to know

Driving through awe-inspiring landscapes, watching the Midnight Sun, falling asleep next to magnificent fjords and going for invigorating morning dips in the cold sea – this is what you can expect when exploring Norway by campervan.

There’s no doubt that one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Norway is to take a road trip through the country. With its jaw-dropping scenery, good roads and plentiful camping opportunities, Norway is a dream destination for motorhome and campervan travel.

What I love most about traveling with a campervan in Norway is the freedom it gives you. You can move at your own pace and have the flexibility to sleep wherever you want – whether it’s next to a beautiful sandy beach, a tranquil lake or a mountain. 

I took a 12-day campervan road trip through Northern Norway, discovering the natural wonders of Senja and the Lofoten Islands, and it was even more amazing than I ever imagined. These are the kind of places that make you wonder ‘How is this even real!?’.

In this guide, I’m sharing with you my best advice and tips for touring Norway by campervan, including driving tips, costs, where to go, where to stay overnight, the best time to visit, which campervan to rent and more.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links from which I may make a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase.

Renting a campervan in Norway

Some important factors to consider when renting a campervan in Norway are the size of the van, the number of seats you need and which amenities you want to have.

Norway has many narrow roads, especially in the areas around the fjords and mountains. It’s much easier to drive a smaller campervan on these roads rather than a large bulky motorhome or a caravan. 

With that said, we did see lots of motorhomes on our Norway road trip, so it’s certainly possible to get around with one if that’s what you prefer. You just need to be extra careful on those narrow roads and you might have a bit harder time finding parking.

Tip: If you’re planning to travel to Norway in the summer, which is the peak tourism season, book your campervan well in advance.

Our Wecamp van

We rented our campervan from a small local company called Wecamp and couldn’t have been happier with our experience. Our van was a converted Volkswagen Crafter with an automatic transmission. It was the perfect size for us and very comfortable to drive.

The main reason we decided to rent a campervan from Wecamp though was the beautiful interior of their vans. All Wecamp vans have bright wooden paneling which gives them such a cozy look. It feels like you’re inside a little cabin!

On top of that, their vans come with everything you need for your Norway road trip: a large comfortable bed, kitchen equipment, a tap, a heater, a fridge, camping furniture, power outlets and even a portable toilet. Another great thing about renting from Wecamp is that they offer unlimited kilometers so you won’t have to worry about any extra charges for driving long distances.

Take a look at Wecamp to see the prices and availability of their vans and remember to mention that you heard about them from me (The Smooth Escape) when making a booking!

Norway campervan rental cost

The cost of campervan rental in Norway depends on the time of the year, the type of van or motorhome you want to rent and what’s included.

In general, the prices range from 150 EUR/night for a very basic camper in the low season to 300 EUR/night for a bigger camper in the high season. The van we rented was about 200 EUR/night.

With some companies, you have to pay extra for things like pillows, duvets and sheets, camping furniture, cleaning and extra kilometers.

Documents for campervan hire in Norway

You must have a valid passport and a driving license to rent a van in Norway. You can use your valid driving license from any country for up to three months in Norway.

However, in some cases , an international driving permit is required as a supplement to your driving license – for example, if your driving license doesn’t have a photo or if the information on your license is written in an alphabet other than the Latin alphabet.

Campervan itinerary

One of the most exciting parts about planning your campervan road trip in Norway is deciding on the route you will take!

It might seem like an obvious choice to fly to Oslo (Norway’s capital) and start your campervan itinerary there. However, that’s not where you’ll find the spectacular nature of Norway.

If you want to cut down on some of the driving time, it’s worth taking a look at flights to Bergen, Ålesund or one of the airports near the Lofoten Islands (Tromsø, Bodø, Narvik) and renting a campervan there. These places are much closer to the stunning fjords and mountains of Norway. 

For instance, the drive from Oslo in the south to the Lofoten Islands in the north can easily take more than 20 hours. Unless you have ample time to spend in Norway, it would be a better idea to fly up there instead.

In our case, we flew to Tromsø in Northern Norway and rented our campervan there. We drove first to Senja Island and then to the Lofoten Islands and were absolutely astonished by the beauty of the landscapes in both of these places.

Be sure to check out my Lofoten Islands itinerary to get an idea of what to do and see in this amazing corner of Norway.

Tip: For more inspiration for planning your Norway itinerary, check out the Norwegian Scenic Routes . These are 18 selected roads which take you through some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.

Here’s a little video of our campervan trip in Norway:

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marjut | travel, adventure, nature (@thesmoothescape)

Driving in Norway

Driving in Norway is a wonderful experience in itself. The roads are well-maintained, surrounded by striking views and the local drivers are calm and polite.

However, you shouldn’t underestimate how long it takes to drive around Norway with a campervan. It is the longest country in Europe and because of the numerous fjords, mountainous terrain and low speed limits, it can take a long time to reach your destination. When planning your Norway road trip, be sure to add some buffer to the driving times.

Roads in Norway

In general, roads are in great condition but some of them can be very narrow and curvy. Thankfully, these roads often have small roadside pull-outs or ‘pockets’, which you can use to let the oncoming cars pass.

You should also expect to see many tunnels and bridges when driving in Norway. Some of them have height and weight limits so remember to pay attention to the road signs.

On the larger motorways, the speed limits are usually between 90-110 km/h and on the single-lane roads outside the cities, they are 60-80 km/h.

There are also a lot of toll roads in Norway, especially between the bigger cities. If you are bringing your own van, you’ll have to register with AutoPass , which is the automated system for collecting toll payments. But if you are renting a campervan in Norway, it is most likely already registered with AutoPass.

We spent most of our time on the Lofoten Islands where there are thankfully no tolls.

Car ferries are an important part of Norway’s transportation system. You might want to take your camper van on a ferry to cross a fjord as it can significantly shorten the driving distance. Or you might want to visit some islands that are not connected to the mainland with a bridge. 

Be aware that in the summer months, there might be long queues for the ferries and they often reach full capacity. For the more popular ferry routes, it is recommended to arrive at the terminal hours before to make sure you get a spot.

Check the ferry routes and schedules here .

Camping in Norway

When it comes to camping in Norway, the main decision you have to make is whether you want to wild camp or stay at organized campsites. I recommend doing a mix of both.

While campsites give you access to all kinds of facilities, such as showers, laundry, wastewater disposal etc., the advantage of wild camping is that you can have a more private and quiet stay close to nature.

I recommend using the  Park4Night  app where you can find campsites and free parking spots and read other travelers’ reviews.

Campsites in Norway

There are many campsites all over the country and they are often situated in scenic areas, next to beaches, fjords or mountains. They usually offer facilities like hot showers, picnic tables, Wi-Fi, washing machines, kitchen areas, electricity hook-ups and small kiosks to buy groceries.

The cost of staying at a campsite in Norway is around 350-500 NOK (30-45 euros) per night for a camper van and a little more for a motorhome or caravan. Showers cost about 20 NOK (1-2 euros) and laundry about 80 NOK (7 euros).

If you’re traveling in the peak season, which is June, July and August, it would be a good idea to give the campsite a call before you arrive and check if they have free spots.

During our Northern Norway campervan trip we had a really great time staying at Lofoten Beach Camp . It’s an awesome campsite with modern facilities, an amazing beachfront location, Arctic surfing lessons, kayak rentals, a beautiful cafe and a sauna with ocean views.

Wild camping

One of the great things about touring Norway by campervan is that you’re allowed to wild camp in a lot of places.

Norway’s Allemannsretten , or the right to roam, dates back to ancient times and gives everyone the right to experience nature, even in privately owned areas. This means that wild camping – also known as free camping – is perfectly legal in Norway as long as you follow a few rules.  

Rules for wild camping in Norway:

• The right to roam only applies to ‘open country’, i.e. land that is unfenced and uncultivated. Don’t camp on plowed fields, meadows or in gardens.
• You have to stay at least 150m away from the nearest inhabited house or cabin.
• You can camp for up to two nights in the same place without asking the landowner’s permission, except in very remote areas or mountains.
• Be considerate. Do not disturb the wildlife, damage nature or leave any waste behind.

Note: Don’t expect to find wild camping opportunities in larger cities. There are often signs indicating that overnight parking is prohibited or limited to a few hours for motorhomes and campervans.

Tips for traveling Norway by campervan

Food & water.

As eating out is very expensive in Norway, buying groceries and cooking your own meals will save you a lot of money. The cheapest grocery stores are KIWI, Rema 1000 and Extra. They can be found all over Norway.

Be aware that most grocery stores are closed on Sundays, so time your shopping accordingly.

While you can buy beer in supermarkets, the stronger alcohol is only sold in Vinmonopolet, a government-owned alcohol retailer. Bear in mind that you can’t buy any alcohol in the shops after 8pm on weekdays, 6pm on Saturdays and all day on Sundays.

Tap water in Norway is perfectly safe to drink. In general, you can also drink the water from mountain streams and rivers, just make sure there are no grazing animals around. You can fill up the water tank of your campervan at gas stations, campsites and service points for motorhomes, which are often free to use.

Shower & toilets

There are many public toilets in Norway, they are often free or cost just a few cents and in most cases, they are very clean. You can also find free toilets in gas stations. The campervan that we rented from Wecamp came with a portable toilet, which was great to have when there was no proper toilet around.

In case your campervan doesn’t have a shower or you just prefer a normal shower, you can find them at campsites. You might be allowed to use one even if you’re not staying at the campsite and you usually have to pay around 20 NOK for 5 minutes. Just ask the campsite reception.

An alternative to taking a shower is going for a dip in the sea or in a lake. The water is usually clean and very cold (especially in the regions above the Arctic Circle) and will definitely leave you feeling refreshed!

Waste disposal

Your grey water tank and toilet cassette (if your campervan has one) should only be emptied at motorhome service stations or campsites that have proper facilities for that. The service stations are often free but in some cases, you might need a few coins to empty the toilet cassette. 

Look for blue road signs with a motorhome and an arrow pointing down from it to find service points and dump stations or use the Park4Night app. 

You should NEVER dump your waste into nature or rivers. Emptying the toilet cassette of your campervan into public toilets is also prohibited.

What to pack for your Norway campervan trip

If you’re renting a campervan in Norway, you probably don’t need to bring much on your trip as the vans are usually equipped with almost everything you need. Nevertheless, here are some handy things to have:

• Towels – These are usually not provided by the van rentals or you might have to pay extra for them.
• Sleep mask – If you’re visiting Norway during the Midnight Sun period when it’s bright outside 24 hours a day, it’s a good idea to bring a sleep mask to get a better night’s rest.
• Earplugs – At some campsites or overnight parking spots, there might be loud birds, noisy neighbors or traffic sounds. Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
• Bug spray – If you’re doing your Norway campervan trip in the summer, a bug spray is a must. While we didn’t see many mosquitoes during our Norway road trip, we did encounter some aggressive horse flies that would have ruined some of our hikes if we hadn’t had a repellent!
• Head torch – Not necessary during the Midnight Sun period but throughout the rest of the year it would be useful to have for the evenings.
• Reusable water bottle – Be kind to the environment and avoid creating unnecessary plastic waste.

Best time to go campervanning in Norway

May to september.

This period is excellent for campervanning in Norway. As the temperatures are warmer and the snow has melted, it’s the perfect time for hiking and enjoying the beautiful nature of Norway.

July and August are the warmest months but they are also the busiest. Expect to see lots of tourists and other campervan enthusiasts.

In the summer, the days are very long so you’ll have many hours each day to explore the country. In Northern Norway, during the Midnight Sun period, the sun won’t set at all so you can just go hiking in the middle of the night if you want! It’s truly a unique experience.

October to April

Winter in Norway can be tough. You should expect lots of snow and freezing temperatures. Therefore, it’s essential that you have a heater in your van. In some parts of Norway, you might also need snow chains for your tires.

As long as you and your van are properly prepared for the weather, winter can offer some wonderful experiences, such as dog sledding, seeing the Northern Lights , snowmobiling, whale watching and skiing. Take a look at my Tromso winter itinerary post to get an idea of what your winter trip in Norway could look like.

Note that some campsites and waste disposal stations are closed in the winter season. Also, be aware that the days are very short in the winter and that during the Polar Night period in Northern Norway, you’ll only get a few hours of twilight during the day (the sun won’t rise above the horizon).

Norway by campervan: Final thoughts

If you enjoy campervanning or motorhoming, then Norway should definitely be on your bucket list! Our campervan trip there exceeded all my expectations and I cannot wait to go back to explore more of this stunningly beautiful country.

If you have any questions about exploring Norway by campervan, leave them in the comments below.

For more tips to help you plan your trip, take a look at my other Norway travel guides:

• 5-day itinerary for a Lofoten Islands road trip
• Things to know before your trip to Senja Island
• Hiking on the Lofoten Islands – 10 best trails
• Visiting Trollfjord on the Lofoten Islands
• 4-day Tromso itinerary for winter
• 10 beaches you need to visit in Lofoten
• How to hike Reinebringen, Lofoten’s most iconic hike

Enjoyed reading about campervan travel in Norway? Pin it!

Why you should take a Trollfjord cruise in Lofoten

Visiting Senja Island in Norway: A complete travel guide

Tromso itinerary for 4 days: The perfect Tromso winter trip

The perfect Lofoten itinerary: 5 days on the Lofoten Islands

Reinebringen hike: The most famous view in Lofoten, Norway

Hiking in Lofoten: 10 epic hikes on Lofoten Islands

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Privacy Overview

Forget rest stops. Plan your road trip around playgrounds.

When toddler meltdowns strike, google maps is your friend.

Welcome to The Upgrade, By The Way’s series on travel hacks and hot takes. See how to submit here.

I don’t know where my 3-year-old picked up the phrase. Maybe it’s innate to all kids who’ve been stuck in the car for more than 10 minutes: “Are we there yet?”

Unfortunately for all of us, the answer is almost always “No.” We won’t be there for many, many hours. That’s when a playground pit stop can save the day.

Over the past few years, my husband and I have driven round-trip between Washington, D.C., and Florida nine times to visit family, see friends, take vacation, work remotely and thaw out in the winter. Since we break the trips into manageable chunks for young kids and elderly dogs, that equals more than a month on the road.

We started building playground stops into the schedule once our daughter was almost a year and a half old and needed more mental and physical stimulation than exploring the front seat during rest stops. It’s become an essential part of long drives now, giving us — and most importantly, our energetic passenger — a light in the middle of the road trip tunnel. We can answer her “Are we there yet?” question by saying we’re 30 minutes from a playground, even if the final stop is a day and a half away.

In the early days, we just wanted convenient spots for diaper changes and toddling around, with maybe a baby swing as a bonus. Now that we have a new baby and a preschooler, we’re thrilled to find tall slides, big-kid swings, bridges and bathrooms — or at least space to set up a tiny portable toilet.

There have been deserted, tucked-away neighborhood parks where we ran into fellow travelers. And some have been bustling with locals, giving us a unique view into a city’s culture. The unicorn of stops would be near the highway with good takeout food nearby, a playground, a restroom and a dog park.

We’ve come to appreciate the train-themed Jefferson Park , perched on a hill in Richmond with a majestic view of the city and proximity to a great local coffee shop . James F. Holland Memorial Park in Palm Coast, Fla., clicked every box we had and then some. Our daughter’s playground adventures have included testing the little-kid swings in Savannah’s Forsyth Park, playing an oversized xylophone in Palm Coast, braving a mini rock-climbing wall in Richmond, rocking in a giant ladybug near Brunswick, Ga., and taking her scooter for a spin in Port St. John, Fla.

On a shorter trip — or in a playground-less wasteland — we’ve found that a rest stop lawn might substitute. If there are dandelions to be picked and scattered, it might even be preferred. On a recent gas-food-bathroom break between New York City and D.C., an empty Starbucks patio served a greater purpose. My husband and 3-year-old used it as an obstacle course so she could run around while I fed the baby in the car.

There are plenty of resources to help pick a playground: Tripadvisor recommendations , Reddit threads , parenting blogs and an app called Playground Buddy . When we set off in the mornings, I try to figure out how far we’ll get in three hours and scout a good spot there. But because children require more of a go-with-the-flow approach, I mostly operate in the moment.

So I fumble around Google Maps to find the nearest playground as the baby wakes up from a nap crying, and then the 3-year-old needs a bathroom break pronto. If I have time, I check reviews for reports of broken swings or dirty restrooms. Sometimes I manage to search for a Starbucks and gas station nearby so we can maximize the stop.

I’m sure there will be a day when we can power through the long drive as models of efficiency, stopping only for fuel and relief. But I’ll miss the playground detours and those little snapshots of my kids’ joy. We may not be “there” yet, but at least it’s somewhere fun.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

These tips will keep all your devices charged when traveling

QUESTION : Is there a way to test an external battery pack before I go on a long road trip?

ANSWER : With all the portable electronics we tend to bring on our trips these days, having a portable power source has become an essential travel accessory.

If you’ve had your battery pack for a few years, its ability to recharge your devices may also have diminished, even if you haven’t used it that much.

Start with an inventory

I suggest that you start by evaluating how many devices you plan on taking (smartphones, tablets, action cameras, etc.) and find the battery capacity (milliampere-hours or mAh) of each device along with the rated capacity of your battery bank.

If you aren’t sure of the capacity of your devices or battery pack, you can look them up online by searching for the device name/model followed by "battery capacity".

Understanding the "math"

Unfortunately, the math is not as straightforward as it may seem. If you have a smartphone with a 3,000 mAh battery and your battery bank is rated at 12,000 mAh, you might logically think that you’d get 4 charges.

That’s not quite how it works, as there are a host of complicated technical variables that will impact the actual number of charges.

The more realistic math for calculating the number of charges is: (Battery Pack Capacity x 3.7 / 5) x 0.85 / battery capacity of your device = Total number of recharges (Learn more at: https://bit.ly/3TSHP1t ).

In the above scenario, this would equate to: (12,000 x 3.7/5) x .85 / 3000 = 2.5 likely charges.

Determine your needs

By adding up each device’s capacity and how often you might need to recharge them, you can determine if your battery bank’s capacity is adequate for your trip.

For instance, recharging a single smartphone on a long flight requires much less capacity than recharging multiple devices over a flight and a long car ride.

It’s also important to think about how often you will be able to recharge your battery bank as that restarts the meter.

Basic tests

Unless you’re willing to purchase a special USB power metering device ( https://amzn.to/4ctS1F3 ), you’ll want to do some real-world testing as if you were already on the road.

Charge up your battery pack and use it to recharge your smartphone, etc. to see how many devices it can handle before it’s drained.

Shopping for a new battery pack

If you determine that you need to replace or buy an additional battery pack for your trip, there are some key specifications to consider.

While the higher the mAh battery specification the better, it should be taken with a grain of salt.

If it’s the cheapest available from a brand you’ve never heard of, I’d be very skeptical as they can claim whatever they want.

You’ll also want to look at the number and types of ports (USB-A, USB-C, micro) to know how many of your devices can be charged simultaneously.

Pass-through charging (simultaneous charging of the battery and your devices) along with fast charging are signs of a more sophisticated battery pack.

Finally, as you narrow down your choices, be sure to search for online reviews of each unit you’re considering before making the purchase.

Ken Colburn is founder and CEO of Data Doctors Computer Services,  datadoctors.com . Ask any tech question at  facebook.com/DataDoctors  or on Twitter  @TheDataDoc .

Essential Tips for a Safe Road Trip

A s the winter chill begins to fade away and the blooms of spring start to emerge, it's the perfect time to take a road trip! Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a longer adventure, safety should always be a top priority. In this article, we will provide you with essential tips to ensure an enjoyable and safe road trip . So buckle up, prepare your vehicle, and get ready for an unforgettable journey!

Exploring the Beauty of Spring: Essential Tips for a Safe Road Trip

1. Plan Your Route and Itinerary

Before hitting the road, spend some time planning your route and itinerary. Consider the distance you'll be traveling each day, the places you want to visit, and the estimated time of arrival. Use reliable navigation tools or GPS devices to stay on track and avoid getting lost. Additionally, check for any road closures, construction zones, or detours along your route to avoid unnecessary delays.

2. Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection

Ensuring your vehicle is in optimal condition is crucial for a safe road trip. Take your car to a trusted mechanic for a thorough inspection, including checking the brakes, tires, fluid levels, lights, and windshield wipers. Replace any worn-out components and make sure your spare tire is in good condition. Regular maintenance will reduce the risk of breakdowns and keep you safe on the road.

3. Pack an Emergency Kit

Prepare an emergency kit that includes essential items such as a flashlight, first aid supplies, jumper cables, a tire repair kit, a basic toolkit, and extra blankets. It's also advisable to carry extra food, water, and necessary medications in case of unexpected delays or emergencies. Having these items readily available can make a significant difference in handling unexpected situations.

4. Follow Safe Driving Practices

Observe safe driving practices throughout your journey. Adhere to speed limits, maintain a safe following distance, and avoid distractions such as texting or using your phone while driving. Take regular breaks to combat fatigue and stay alert behind the wheel. It's also important to use seat belts and ensure all passengers are properly restrained, including children in appropriate car seats or booster seats.

5. Be Mindful of Weather Conditions

Spring weather can be unpredictable, so stay informed about weather conditions along your route. Check the forecast before you start your trip and be prepared for sudden changes. If encountering heavy rain, fog, or strong winds, reduce your speed and drive cautiously. In case of severe weather warnings, find a safe place to pull over until conditions improve.

6. Stay Hydrated and Energized

During long drives, it's essential to stay hydrated and energized. Bring an ample supply of water and healthy snacks to keep you nourished throughout the journey. Avoid excessive caffeine or sugary drinks, as they can lead to energy crashes. Take regular breaks to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and rejuvenate yourself before continuing the drive.

7. Secure Your Belongings

Ensure all your belongings are properly secured in the vehicle to prevent them from becoming hazards in case of sudden stops or accidents. Use luggage straps or cargo nets to secure larger items, and stow smaller items in the glove compartment or storage compartments. Keeping your vehicle organized and clutter-free will also enhance your driving experience.

8. Take Advantage of Technology and Apps

Utilize technology and travel apps to enhance your road trip experience. Use navigation apps for real-time traffic updates, find nearby gas stations, restaurants, and accommodations. Additionally, consider downloading weather apps to stay updated on weather conditions along your route. These tools can make your journey more convenient and help you make informed decisions.

A safe and enjoyable spring road trip requires careful planning, vehicle maintenance, and adherence to safe driving practices. By following these essential tips, you can minimize risks and ensure a smooth and memorable journey. Remember to plan your route, maintain your vehicle, pack an emergency kit, and practice safe driving habits. Embrace the beauty of spring as you explore new destinations and create lasting memories. So, start your engines, hit the road, and may your spring road trip be filled with adventure and safety!

The post Tips for a Safe Road Trip appeared first on The Rebel Chick .