west coast norway road trip

Norway Road Trip – Three Unmissable Routes

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

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

France Road Trip – 13 Amazing Itineraries

Scotland Road Trip: 8 Incredible Routes for an Epic Trip

Road Trip Portugal – Two Incredible Itineraries

Spain Road Trip: 8 Amazing Routes for an Epic Trip

Six Unmissable Germany Road Trip Routes

Love it pin it.

Epic Norway Road Trip Itinerary (West Norwegian Fjords)

This road trip itinerary along the west coast of Norway includes some of the most epic scenery you will find anywhere in the world. 

You will have plenty of unexpected experiences with some of the most beautiful places being outside of the main tourist attractions and just on the side of the road. 

So when planning your own road trip adventure be sure to include plenty of extra time so that you have the freedom to follow your instincts and explore.

You never know what you will discover around every turn. 

Quick Summary

Here is a high-level summary of the main destinations we covered in our 10 day trip through the West Norwegian Fjords so you can get a feel for the route we took.

There are a number of great activities that we just couldn’t squeeze in.

We have noted these on the appropriate days below so you know where you may want to spend more time and deviate from our itinerary. 

• Day 0 – Oslo
• Day 1 – Stavanger
• Day 2 – Kjeragbolten, Lysebotn, Hovden
• Day 3 – Langfossen, Latefossen, Odda, Steinsdalsfossen, Bergen
• Day 4 – Bergen, Tvindefossen, Laerdal
• Day 5 – Nigardbreen Glacier Hike, Olden
• Day 6 – Geiranger
• Day 7 – Geiranger, Trollstigen, Sjøholt
• Day 8 – Alesund
• Day 9 – Return to Oslo

Full Road Trip Video

If you prefer to watch rather than read then check out our epic road trip video here. Norway is such a beautiful country that the visuals will get you far more excited to visit than the written word ever could. 

You will also find more detailed videos on a number of Norway destinations we discovered along the way on our channel page. 

>>> Subscribe to Our Channel Here <<<

10 Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary

We started our trip in the capital of Oslo which is a very modern city with an interesting mix of medieval Viking history, cultural landmarks, and natural beauty. 

The Oslo Opera House, Viking Ship Museum, and Royal Palace are all highlights that you can explore in a day if you are keen to hit the road (like we were!). 

But to start our road trip we had to get to the town of Stavanger on the west coast of Norway where we would pickup our rental car . 

We took the overnight train and had a very restful night in a sleeper car while in transit. 

There are two sides to this city that are unique and worthwhile exploring on foot. 

The first is the old town on the west side of the harbor. The cobbled streets and wooden houses with beautiful gardens throughout make this a cute little area to explore on foot. 

It is right next to the waterfront where we caught our first sight of the signature colorful houses and Hanseatic architecture that we would find throughout Norway’s coastal towns. 

The colorful buildings stretched back from the waterfront to what looked like some incredible nightlife areas.

Unfortunately, the streets were very quiet due to our early arrival so we didn’t get to see them in full swing. 

Strangely known as the Oil Capital of Norway , Stavanger also features a petroleum museum. While this may be an interesting time we were about to drive into what is some of the most beautiful natural landscapes on the planet.

So we decided to skip this one. 

When heading out of town we made one more stop at the Sverd i fjell (Swords in Rock) which a monument to commemorate the Battle of Hafrsfjord nearly 1,200 years ago! 

It is certainly a more peaceful place in the present day. 

Stavanger to Tjørhom

The road to Tjørhom was just a taste of what was to come and we left the coast and headed into the mountains. The landscape was becoming more dramatic with every passing mile. 

The drive was only 100kms but we stopped so many times to take in the scenery that it took us most of the day to reach our accommodation for the night at Tjørhom. 

One thing to remember is that towns with restaurants and general services are few and far between. So stock up on supplies when in the major cities.

We didn’t figure this out until we reached our final destination and had to piece together some meals based on what was available at a gas station. 

We stayed at the Sirdal Hostel , which was more like a snow lodge than a hostel. We had a private room, but strangely rooms are not allocated at check-in.

You just walk around and pick one you like that isn’t occupied. 

Kjeragbolten Hike

For months we had been discussing whether we would stand on that rock and had decided that neither of us would do it. The risk vs reward just wasn’t justifiable. 

But… Over the course of the three-hour hike, we changed our minds. More on that shortly. 

The hike takes around six hours for a round trip from the car park to Kjeragbolten and back. It is fairly easy to navigate on your own but there are plenty of guided tours available if you want to hike with a group.

Some of the inclines are steep but there are chains to help when needed and you can complete the hike with only moderate levels of fitness. 

You are at the whims of the weather gods though and on our way up there was a thick fog and we were unable to enjoy much of the view.

This changed on the way down though and were treated to some amazing views of the fjords, mountain ranges, and over the town of Lysebotn way down below. 

We were very unprepared and did not have gloves or hiking shoes. The rain stayed away which was very fortunate as the rocks would get slippery quickly when wet.

Hiking shoes really are a must! It was fairly stupid of us to go up there without them. 

You don’t need gloves but they will make you much more comfortable as the chains can get cold up there.

Now, back to that rock that hangs between the two cliffs 1,000m above the ground… Yeah, we stood on it, but I am not thrilled with myself for doing so. 

It is not difficult to do, but the margin for error is low. One slip and there will be no second chances. The narrow walkway to get to the rock is narrow and more slippery than the rock itself so take care on the way out there. 

The chain has also been removed and there is only a metal ring drilled into the surrounding rock face to hang on to when navigating this narrow walkway. 

As much as the thought of it makes my stomach churn, we did observe elderly ladies getting on and off comfortably and one guy who was taking jump shot pictures.

I wouldn’t do it again but it is hard not to when you travel such a long way to be there! 

If you have the time to head further downhill after completing the hike then you can be in the small town of Lysebotn within ten minutes, and it is absolutely worthwhile! 

The waterfront view is incredible!

There are steep grey cliffs on either side of the fjord that rise up from the water and created a hauntingly beautiful scene with all the fog and cloud that was still hanging around. 

I would have loved to stay here overnight but your options are limited and you would have to book in advance.

So we hopped back in the car and made the long drive to the ski village of Hovden where we would spend the night. 

We stayed at the Hovden Fjellstoge , which looks like a prime place to stay in the snow season!

You could see the ski lifts all around the surrounding mountains making their way up the grassy summertime slopes. 

The accommodation was basic, but the on-site restaurant gave us the opportunity to have a more hearty meal than the day prior and have a few glasses of wine to celebrate surviving the day! 

This was to be a day packed with some of the most amazing waterfalls you will see anywhere in the world, and our first stop was my favorite one of them all! 

The scale of Langfossen is simply mind blowing!

When you stand near the base what you can see is epic, but it is only once you stand as far back as possible and look over the ridge you realize that you were only looking at the lower half of this incredible waterfall!

To see the top you have to hike… and I was dying to do so! But, due to time constraints and tired legs from the day prior we decided not to (but I will go back to Norway one day so I can!). 

Our next stop was in the Odda region which is best known as the starting point for the Trolltunga hike.

This is another that I would love to do one day but it is a full-day activity so we had to pass for the same reasons in the last point. 

While passing through we stopped at the Latefossen twin waterfalls. What they lack in height compared to Langfossen they certainly make up for in character. 

There are two grand waterfalls that flow side by side around this central rocky greenery to create a unique flow of roaring water. 

It is setback from the road and you cannot see it until you are right in front of the face of the waterfalls. So drive carefully through here because traffic slows right down and you can be caught unawares… Everyone takes their eyes off the road!! 

We stopped off in the village of Odda for lunch overlooking the fjord. But the highlight was just prior to arriving in the main part of town. The road in leads you around a large lake called Sandvinvatnet.

The views around this lake are tranquil and slightly different to the fjords you see everywhere else. The surrounding mountains covered in thick forest was more like something out of Jurassic Park.

Make sure you give yourself time to stop here as it is a real gem and not something we knew of, or expected to find!

Steinsdalsfossen

Our last waterfall for the day was Steinsdalsfossen. The water flow appears smaller and more peaceful compared to our two prior stops but when up close the volume of water is powerful and creates a mighty roar as it thunders over the edge. 

What makes Steinsdalsfossen unique is the picturesque surrounding area with long grass and flowers surrounding the muddy skirts around the base of the waterfall.

Secondly, there is a footpath that allows you to walk right underneath the waterfall to a small viewing platform that looks back towards the falls and over the surrounding region. 

It is a beautiful sight and a highly recommended stop.

From there we finished at Bergen where we would spend the night at the Citybox Hotel . We stayed in the Oslo equivalent and loved the quality of the communal facilities.

The rooms again are very basic but you have access to a modern kitchen and chill-out areas that are very useful as a home base after check-out time! 

This city experiences nearly 240 rainy days each year and it was as gloomy as you would expect.

But it was still a great place to explore on foot with the city area being fairly compact. Which is why the local walking tours are so popular. 

Highlights include the Festplassen which is a lake and park area, right next to a buzzing commercial area that leads you towards the waterfront. 

You will find great seafood all through Norway but Bergen seemed to highlight this better than most with waterfront restaurants and an open-air market catering to all tastes and budgets.

Something we didn’t expect to find was a vendor selling whale salami. I have been assured that it’s not from the endangered kind and it is actually a common food there. 

The waterfront area has more of these wooden houses painted in an array of colors. You can tell that apart from a new coat of paint these have stood in the same form for for a very long time!  

The highlight is taking the funicular to the top of the Fløyen where you get some amazing views back over the city and out over the fjords in one direction, and the whole region in the opposite direction.

Despite the gloomy conditions, it was still a cracking view and an activity we both loved!

After spending most of the day exploring the city we still had a few daylight hours to head to our next destination. 

Tvindefossen

There is always time for another waterfall stopover in Norway and Tvindefossen is one that you can’t miss.

It is a similar shape to the epic Langfossen but only a fraction of the size. 

The broad streams of water that flow down the tiered face of the rocks give this site a very majestic feel and it was one of my favorites. 

We managed to find accommodation in another small town that sits on a fjord nestled between the mountains.

Laerdal was similar to Lysebotn but a slightly larger town with a much larger holiday park right on the water. 

Despite its size, it felt almost deserted and we only saw a handful of other people there.

Our modest cabin was almost on the water and it was nice to be able to walk around the peaceful surrounding areas after another big day. 

Nigardsbreen Glacier Hike

There are a number of options to hike the glacier with most being between 3-6 hours. We chose the Short Blue Ice Hike which was around 4 hours from start to finish.

This was a good length of time to experience the glacier without stretching things out. 

There is an option to have a packed lunch included which we DO NOT recommend! It would have been easier to chew through a piece of the glacial ice than the sandwich provided! 

Your tour group moves up the ice fairly slowly and you are unlikely to be tested if unfit. It is more about the scenery and being careful, than any kind of physical challenge. 

The guides provide interesting insights into the glacier and how it takes shape, and they take you to at least one blue ice cave. The glacier is always changing so everyone’s experience will be different. 

We were unprepared (as usual) and were provided gloves but sunglasses were not. The cloud cover made this bearable but the guide did warn that if the sun comes out it can be quite blinding. 

Our next stop was hands down the best accommodation that we stayed in, and my favorite roadside motel of all time!

The small rooms at Nesset Fjordcamping include a balcony that sits right on the fjord and is so close that you may as well pack a fishing line. 

The price of the room was half what we would pay the following night in Geiranger, and the experience so much nicer! 

The water had that blue green color that glows in the daylight hours and the surrounding area was so quiet and peaceful, despite here being a large cruise ship on the opposite side of the fjord. 

It is an incredible place and somewhere I could happily spend a week disconnected from the world just enjoying that magical view. 

This was the lightest driving day of the trip, but we still managed to find a number of worthy stops. The first being on the way to the skywalk complex just outside of Geiranger. 

The road heads high into the mountains and we came across a large lake that was almost frozen over, despite it being the middle of summer and not that cold. 

A winding road climbs upwards from there towards the skywalk. There are multiple viewing platforms that overlooks the valley from a tremendous height! 

Geiranger, the huge cruise ships, and the winding roads that take you there, all appear tiny from this distance. 

While inside the village the town definitely lives up to its reputation as being a bit of a tourist mecca.

It can get busy during the day when the cruise ships roll in and offload hundreds of people into this small town, but we didn’t find it to be a huge imposition on our time there. 

On arrival we headed straight to the waterfall walk and started at the base, walking the 326 step stairs case all the way to the top.

The walking platform tracks a series of waterfalls that total 85 meters in height once you reach the top. 

It resembles more of a whitewater rafting course rather than the huge waterfalls we had seen on our trip so far.

Which is a very cool sight on its own and is the main discharge point for all of the water cascading down the valley all the way from the skywalk we visited earlier. 

We stayed at the waterfront Hotel Geiranger which was annoyingly expensive after the wonderful experience we had the day prior in Olden .

The decor throughout the hotel was old enough to be on the Titanic and the restaurants were about what you would expect from a touristy hotel. 

Kayaking Geirangerfjord

We underestimated the time it would take to paddle from the kayak center to the twin waterfalls that sit on opposite sides of the fjord; Seven Sisters Waterfall , and The Suitor . 

The round trip took us just over 2.5 hours but I would encourage you to hire your kayak for 3-4, and take some food with you so you can relax and take your time. 

I paddled hard most of the time but this didn’t stop me from enjoying the incredible scenery that was all around us and the relative tranquility in the water compared to being in town.

We felt alone on the water at times and only passed the occasional kayak, ferry, and one gigantic cruise ship! 

If you don’t want to paddle you can see the waterfalls on the ferry that leaves the main town regularly. But if you can manage the paddle then it is easy to just self-tour, but if you feel more comfortable there are group kayaking trips also.

Either option is simply amazing!

Before we left Geiranger we stopped in the village to go to the famous Geiranger Sjokolade for some chocolate tasting and their signature waffles on a stick. It was well-earned after all that paddling. 

Trollstigen

Onwards to what was the highlight of the trip. This iconic valley with its winding roads that are flanked by multiple waterfalls is one of my favorite places I have ever visited. 

The viewing platforms are very accessible from the visitor’s center with a level walkway taking you past the lip of the waterfalls, and perched up on the cliff tops with one of the most magnificent views you will ever see down this epic valley. 

When seeing these images, and footage of the drive down to the valley floor I still get goosebumps!

It is one of the most enjoyable drives of my life and the only tough part is keeping your eyes on the road when you swing past the water cascading right past the edge of the hairpin bends. 

When you reach the bottom you can pull onto the shoulder of the road for one last glimpse looking back up towards the platform we visited earlier. You can barely see it! 

For those who would like to go on to something more challenging, you can hike up to a number of the peaks throughout the valley. This would be for more serious hikers though. 

Our next stop was another small town on the fjords named Sjøholt. We visited the waterfront which was nice, but we were not there for any reason other than the convenience of the location. 

We stayed at the Sjøholt Sommerhotell which again had simple rooms, and water views. Again we were limited to frozen meals and the hotel staff were nice enough to give us access to the kitchen to be able to heat everything up. 

The best part was that we were here for two nights and did not have to drag suitcases back to the car early the next morning. 

This was our second last day of the road trip so we wanted to take a day trip to the coast and return to Sjøholt in the evening to shorten the long drive back to Oslo planned for the next day. 

Alesund has another one of those famous Norweigan coastal views that you have likely stumbled across before. The lookout when you first reach the town was the highlight for us. 

The town itself we found to be a little underwhelming. Which was a shame because it is a destination that many people love!

It is definitely a beautiful place with the canals running through the middle of town and right up to the rows of houses. 

Unless you are heading out onto the water we found the town a bit light on activities so we didn’t hang around too long. We made the drive out to the islands and as far as the lighthouse at Alnes. 

Again, this was a bit underwhelming. By then the weather was deteriorating and we felt we had reached the end point of our Norway adventure for now. 

Sjøholt to Oslo

On our last day we had to cover the 500km journey back to the capital before our flight that afternoon. So it was an early start and we were on a tight schedule! 

It was a very enjoyable drive, with the first half passing through some incredible mountain scenery.

This is something I will never get tired of and finishing on this note just makes me want to return to Norway as soon as I can! 

This epic road trip itinerary has only covered the West Norweigan fjords, and there were stops along the way where we could easily have spent more time. 

This trip is definitely in my top two road trips of all time and there is so much more of the country left to be explored. One day we will come back, and head further north!

• Driving tips for tourists in Norway

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

© theslowtraveler

• Hawaii Islands
• Philippines

Fjord Norway Itinerary | 2 Amazing Weeks at the West Coast

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

Fjord Norway Itinerary incl. Norwegian Landscape Routes

Our proposal for a two-week itinerary through Fjord Norway starts at the west coast in Bergen. You will visit all the highlights in Fjord Norway and drive on 7 of the 18 Norwegian Landscape Routes. The individual stops of this road trip through Fjord Norway are as follows

• B: Stavanger
• C: Kjeragbolten/Pulpit Rock
• D: Suldalsosen
• G: Sogndalsfjøra
• I: Geiranger
• K: Balestrand

Road trip Fjord Norway: How to get to Bergen

For the journey to Bergen you have 2 possibilities. You can arrive by plane or by ferry.

For about 200 Euro you can get from most German airports within a few hours to Bergen. The disadvantage of this option is that you can take less luggage than in your own car and you have to rent a car from Bergen. You can pick up a rental car directly at Bergen airport and pay about 250-300 Euro per week.

From Hirtshals in Denmark you can go via Stavanger to Bergen. Fjordline offers the crossing regularly. The journey takes about 16.5 hours. The price for a car and 2 people starts at about 125 Euro. The advantage here is that you can take much more luggage in the car, especially if you plan to camp in Norway. You can easily book the ferry for the crossing at Directferries* . Alternatively you can take the ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand within 3 hours. From there you take your car to Kjeragbolten to start your journey. The driving time from Kristiansand to Kjeragbolten is about 6-8 hours.

Day 1: Bergen – Haugesund – Stavanger

Your round trip through Fjord Norway starts in Bergen. Here you can see a few beautiful corners of the second largest city in Norway and get a first feeling for Norway.  There are a lot of things to do in Bergen . Worth seeing is especially  the district Bryggen directly at the harbor . The small colorful houses in Bryggen are really beautiful to look at and should be visited during a short trip. The district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a remnant from a time when Bergen was still the trading center between Norway and Central Europe.

In addition, the following sights are still worth visiting:

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 free of charge. 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.

You can find more information about Bergen here https://www.visitnorway.de/reiseziele/fjord-norwegen/bergen/

Onward Journey to Stavanger

From Bergen you drive south on the E39 and make a detour to the city of Haugesund on the way. On the way you take the  ferry between Halhjem and Våge . The ferry takes just under 35 minutes. In the region of Hausgesund you will find not only beautiful nature, but also many cultural monuments from the Viking Age and the Middle Ages.

Nearby in Avaldsnes there is a Viking farm worth seeing, which offers insights into the everyday life and clothing of the Vikings during the offered guided tours.  On the way from Haugesund to Stavanger the next ferry between Mortavika and Arsvågen is waiting for you. The journey takes about 25 minutes. Stavanger is your destination today and is a big city with chic restaurants, museums and a vibrant life. A visit to the old town is especially worthwhile here.

Journey distance (2 Ferries) : Bergen – Stavanger: approx. 200 km (approx. 5 h)

Accommodation | Relax with Lake View

Relax at Sjoberg Ferie og Hotell*

Day 2: Stavanger – Egersund – Oanes

From Stavanger, it’s only a short distance south until you reach the first scenic route on this itinerary. On the  Scenic Route Jæren you will drive over 34 kilometers partly along the coast through green landscapes and fertile farmland. You will also pass the Orre beach, which is perfect for a nice walk. From Egersund you drive inland and then via Byrkjedal and Lauvvik with the ferry across the fjord to Oanes. The journey time by ferry is only 8 minutes.

Journey distance (1 Ferry) : Stavanger – Oanes, approx. 155 km (approx. 3h)

Day 3: Kjeragbolten

Today its time for the first hike. The  Kjeragbolten hike is a very spectacular one. You have to take the ferry from Oanes to Lysebotn (1 h driving time, drives several times a day) and drive a few kilometers to the official parking lot (300 NOK). You should plan for the hike and the arrival and departure (back to Oanes) the whole day.

The Kjeragbolten hike is about 11 km long and takes 5-6 hours. Due to changeable weather, the hike is only recommended between May and October. The hike starts at the parking lot of Øygardstølen Inn and takes you over sticks and stones, small streams and valleys. The weather can change quickly, so you should dress accordingly and be equipped for rain.

Day 4: Pulpit Rock and drive to Suldalsosen

The Pulpit Rock is not far away and can be reached from Oanes within 20 minutes. The hike to the most famous rocky outcrop of Norway is a must on a trip to Norway and you need for the 8 kilometer long hike just under 4 hours for there and back.

If you still feel like it, you should drive on to Suldalsosen and spend the night there at the cozy Lindum campsite. Today you drive on the Landscape route Ryfylke . Here you will encounter bare high mountains, lush green hills and deep fjords.

Journey distance : Oanes – Suldalsosen, approx. 100 km (approx. 4 h)

Day 5: Suldalsosen – Odda

You drive a long way on the Norwegian Landscape Route Ryfylke until you arrive in Hara. From there it is about 40 kilometers to Odda. You will reach the spectacular twin waterfall Låtefossen  shortly before the town.

Odda is the gateway to the Hardanger region and is part of the Norwegian Landscape Route Hardanger . If you still have time in the afternoon, you can visit the Buarbreen Glacier, which is only a few minutes drive from Odda. The almost 6 km long hike to the Buarbreen Glacier is a bit of an adventure, as you have to climb up some sections on ropes again and again.

We loved the hike. The view into the valley, the climbing and a glacier within reach were just a wonderful experience for us.

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*

Cozy Apartments for Relaxation

Cozy apartments in Odda*

Driving distance : Suldalsosen – Odda, approx. 100 km (approx. 2 h)

Day 6: Trolltunga

One of the biggest highlights of Norway is on the program today: the Trolltunga . You should start very early, because the hike will take the whole day. At the latest at 8 o’clock you should be at the Trolltunga parking lot. The hike is very strenuous, but you will be rewarded with a spectacular photo of the unique troll tongue. In the evening you should stay overnight in Odda and continue the next day

Day 7: Odda – Vøringsfossen – Voss

The landscapes along the Hardangerfjord are dramatic and spectacular. There are scattered small farm settlements, fruit farms and thundering waterfalls. In Eidfjord the scenic route Hardangervidda  welcomes you with the impressive waterfall Vøringsfossen . You can do the hike in less than 2 hours and experience the thundering water at the foot of the waterfall. Alternatively, you can watch the spectacle from one of the upper viewing platforms.

Afterwards you drive back along the scenic route and cross the Hardangerfjord on the Hardanger Bridge (which opens imposingly into a tunnel) and then continue to Voss.

Journey distance : Odda – Voss, approx. 160 km (approx. 3 h)

Day 8: Voss – Nærøyfjord – Flåm – Sogndalsfjøra

The town of Voss is popular with people interested in Norwegian traditions. There is the beautiful open-air Folkemuseum with listed farmsteads, some of which are several hundred years old. On your way north, you’ll pass the Nærøyfjord, the narrowest fjord in the world and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you should stop and take a hike on the Rimstigen hiking trail .

The itinerary continues to Flam, where the Flam Railway *  awaits you. This is a 20 km long railroad line up to Myrdal, 866 meters above sea level. Not far from Flam is the Stegastein viewpoint with a great view of the Aurlandsfjord. The Stegastein is also the starting point for the Landscape route Aurlandsfjellet as well as for the ski trail, where you can still see snow in the summer.

For the last part of the route you will take the ferry in Manheller, which will bring you to Fodnes within 10 minutes. From here you continue to Sogndalsfjøra , where you can spend the night.

Journey distance (1 Ferry) : Voss – Sogndalsfjøra, approx. 150 km (approx. 3.5 h)

Day 9: Sogndalsfjøra – Lom

From Sogndal you drive to Solvorn and then cross the Lusterfjord with a very small ferry. On the other side, Urnes Stave Church , a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits you. A little further north, the Feigumsfossen waterfall  can be visited. Further north you will come to a mountain plateau and reach Lom, where another stave church awaits you. Nearby you should set up camp for the night.

Journey distance (1 Ferry) : Sogndalsfjøra – Lom, approx. 135 km (approx. 4 h)

Day 10: Lom – Geiranger

From Lom you start westwards to Grotli and there you turn onto the  scenic route Gamle Strynefjellsvegen , which was carved into the rock by hand in the 19th century. You can drive through the landscape route in less than an hour, but it is much better to stop in between to admire the landscape or to take a hike or two. There are no houses or other buildings left and right of the road. Only pure nature, wonderful landscape and a turquoise blue shining mountain lake.

At the end of the road, turn north again and head up to the Dalsnibba viewpoint first (spectacular view of the Geirangerfjord). The way up is with 15 € per car not quite cheap, but you have at almost 1500 meters height not only a great view of the Geirangerfjord, but also has 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.

After this spectacular view, we continue to the Geirangerfjord . Geirangerfjord is not only one of the most famous fjords in Norway, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for cruise ships. The 15 km long fjord is known for its snow-capped peaks and thundering waterfalls, which can be admired especially during a boat trip from the water.

Overnight Stay with a View of the Geirangerfjord

Cozy Cabin at Geirangerfjord | Check Prices*

Driving distance : Lom – Geiranger: approx. 130 km (approx. 2.5 h)

Day 11: Geirangerfjord – Hellesylt – Sandane

From Geirangerfjord you first drive to Lote, where again a ferry is waiting for you. In less than 10 minutes you cross over to Anda and then continue south via Hellesylt to Sandane. There is the Nordfjord Folk Museum, which is especially interesting for children. There the regional history is presented with old wooden huts from the 18th and 19th century.

Journey distance (1 Ferry) : Geirangerfjord – Sandane, approx. 130 km (approx. 4 h)

Day 12: Sandane – Gaularfjellet – Balestrand

Shortly behind Sandane at the elongated lake Jølstravatnet begins the scenic route Gaularfjellet . Passing impressive waterfalls you will reach the viewpoint Utsikten , which offers a great view of high mountains and deep valleys. Down to Balestrand you meander over numerous serpentines. The beautiful village on the fjord is known for its imposing villas and its long artistic history

Journey distance : Sandane – Balestrand, approx. 193 km (approx. 3.5 h)

Day 13: Balestrand – Vikafjell – Bergen

From Balestrand you cross the Sognefjord by ferry and can visit the stave church Hopperstad in Vangsnes. Then you drive over the pass road Vikafjellet , which does not belong to the Norwegian landscape routes, but is nevertheless very special in its course. Passing the low mountain resort of Vossevangen, you will then arrive in Bergen, the destination or start of the itinerary through southern Norway

Overnight stay on a Farm outside Bergen

Cozy Farm near Bergen*

Journey distance (1 Ferry) : Balestrand – Bergen, approx. 195 km (approx. 4 h)

Day 14: Bergen Sightseeing

Also worth seeing is the fish market, which has existed since 1276. With the Fløibanen  you can be transported in only 6 minutes to the 320 meter high mountain Fløyen and enjoy the view over the city from up there.

How did you like the trip through Fjord Norway? What tips do you have for the route? Feel free to leave us a comment.

2 thoughts on “ Fjord Norway Itinerary | 2 Amazing Weeks at the West Coast ”

Hi that sounds a really lovely route….. would it be suitable for a camper van? and would I find accessible camp sites? I am travelling on my own from the UK with 2 large dogs… I am not that young and do not want anything too challenging! I am hoping to be in Norway sometime in Sept… any help most welcome!

Hi Christine,

norway is PERFECT for campervan trips and also for travelling with dogs. We did that ourselves last year. There are a lot of camp sites everywhere and they are really cheap and easily accessible. Around 20-30€ per day. You will have a lovely trip!

best wishes andreas

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Travel Journal
• Travel Advice
• Travel Inspiration
• Photo Diary
• Photography Tips
• Photography Inspiration
• Destinations
• Home Inspiration
• Blogging Tips
• Work With Us

9 Day Itinerary To Explore Norway’s West Coast

Norway’s beautiful fjords are the things of legends. They, are the reason in themselves alone, to visit this amazing country yet this being said, Norway is about so much more than its stunning fjords.

There’s so much history, culture and a whole range of other idyllic natural sights worth seeing in Norway and one of the best ways to see truly experience all of this is by slowly visiting its West Coast.

The West Coast, of course, is home to the fjords so you can tick those off your list but it’s also home to some of the most scenic drives and train routes in the world.

To that end, after multiple trips back to Norway’s rugged West Coast, we’ve finally pulled together this 9-day itinerary for experiencing some of the best of Norway.

Also, you might be wondering – why 9 days? There’s a reason behind this.

If you plan your holidays from work very well, you can end up with not just the 5 days during the week off but the 4 days on either side of the week. This leaves you with 9 days for your holidays and more time to see Norway properly.

Here’s our 9-day itinerary for exploring Norway’s West Coast.

Fly into Stavanger.

Depending on time you fly and arrive into the city, take some time to explore Stavanger. It’s a fairly compact city and is easily walkable so you should be able to see this in very little time.

Stay: Scandic Stavanger City Hotel (which, as the name suggests, is right in the city centre). It’s very central, new and within easy reach of the ferry stops which you’ll need to explore the fjords.

SEE MORE ABOUT VISITING STAVANAGER IN OUR POST HERE.

Early Morning: Take a cruise or a RIB boat tour through the Lysefjord . There are benefits to both – the cruise is slower and more structures which allow for better photos. The Rib is faster and more of a maverick experience (even though there is generally a defined route).

This, of course, gives you the chance to explore bits that you’d otherwise miss on the cruise. Whichever one you choose, you’ll be fine though as they both offer fantastic views of the fjords.

Late Afternoon (or Early evening in summer time): Hike up to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). The hike isn’t too hard (I did it and I’m not much of a hiker so I’m pretty sure almost anyone can). The view of the Lysefjord from up here is spectacular and the rock itself is one Norwegian wonder that definitely needs to be seen.

Read more: Hiking up Pulpit Rock

Morning/Early Afternoon:

Pick up a rental car and drive to Bergen. This is your big driving day but fret not, there’s A LOT of beautiful sights to see on this drive.

The drive takes over 4 – 5 hours.

If you decide to start your journey in Bergen i.e. you skipped Stavanger, from the airport, take the airport bus to Festplassen.

Your hotel (see below) will be about 5 minutes walk from this bus stop. You won’t need a car here just yet (that comes tomorrow) though you could get one or even just take a taxi (if you don’t wanna wait around or have enough people in your travelling party).

Late Afternoon/Evening:

Once you arrive in Bergen, hit the town! Be sure to visit Bryggen – the amazing UNESCO World Heritage site in the middle of the city!

Also be sure to hike up (or take the funicular) right up to Floyen, especially on time for sunset – the view of the city from up here is amazing and at sunset, it’s nothing short of spectacular!

Stay: Basic Hotel Bergen . Recommended by the official folk at  Visit Norway as it has a fantastic location in the city (Bergen is also quite a walkable city) and the hotel is 2 minutes away from lots of restaurants, bars and shops.

Must do: Get yourself a Bergen Card ! It gives you free/discounted entrances to attraction, transportation and even discounts at some restaurants (which we used to go to Enhjørningen Fiskerestaurant, the historic fish restaurant in the UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen in Bergen.

Remember: At some point in the afternoon, buy your tickets at the train station for your journey to Flåm on the amazing Flamsbana  train journey.

Read more: What to see in Bergen

Get up bring and early for the train journey. Your train is the NSB train going on the Bergen – Oslo line.

Route: Go from Bergen to Myrdal. At Myrdal, change for the train to Flam. (* Be sure to have your camera out for this journey as it’s pretty special!)

Once you’re checked in, take the bus departure to Stegastein viewpoint . This is one of the best views of the amazing Aurlandsfjord and Sognefjord – not to mention the surrounding mountains and dramatic landscape.

Return to Flam and head for lunch in Flåm at Toget Cafe. It’s not a special meal or anything but has a great view, decent food and is a great spot for your next exciting activity!

Go on the Fjord safari. This is done with a rib boat and is the best way to spot the wildlife in the fjord. Of all the Norwegian fjords we’ve visited thus far – this is where we found the most wildlife – we’re talking seals, porpoises… etc.

The Fjord safari people are based at the harbour and should be relatively easy to spot. Note – you can go quite fast on these boats and so it will get cold which is why you will get thermal suits, gloves … etc provided with your fjord safari trip but it’s definitely recommended to wear warm clothes and shoes under the suit.

Stay: Check in at the Fretheim hotel … it’s the best in the area and one of the most convenient places to be based.

Dinner: Dine at Fretheim Hotel (partly out of laziness but mostly because the food here is actually really good!)

Head over to the  Aegir Brewery & Pub  – its a fun experience to have in the area and we recommend trying the beer tasting option here!

SEE MORE ABOUT VISITING FLAM AND ITS FJORDS HERE.

Spend a morning exploring Flam on foot – this will take you mere minutes – it’s fairly small!

Head back to Bergen. The route is Flam – Myrdal – Bergen. It’s pretty straightforward and the exact reverse of the journey on your way out. Also great for making up for those photos you didn’t get to take on your way out.

Fly to Ålesund. Transfer to the airport. Your Bergen Card gives you free travel on the airport shuttle bus (or you could take a taxi back – up to you).

Arrival Ålesund airport from Bergen. Pick up your rental car – you’ll need it for the next few days. Before going to Alesund town centre, head over to the Alnes Lighthouse. It’s a distraction stop but a much-welcome one as you get to explore pretty little Norwegian villages, with classic Nordic houses, which you’d otherwise have missed.

Dinner: You’ve got lots of choices here so I’ll let you figure this one out. 😉

Stay: Clarion Collection Hotel Bryggen is pretty good and very wallet friendly! You get breakfast, afternoon waffles (not quite lunch but enough to keep hunger at bay) and dinner, all included in your stay.

Scandic Hotels is also a pretty good option (we lucked out on a room with an amazing view) alas, this once does not come with meals automatically included.

Read more: What it’s like to visit Flam

Morning: 

Visit Fjellstua/Mount Aksla Viewpoint and walk the 418 steps to the top. You’ll be rewarded with the very best view in (and of) Alesund! (If you’re feeling really lazy though – take a taxi to the top and do the walk down instead).

Weather permitting, hop aboard a Wildlife Sea Safari (RIB boat) to the bird island Runde and visit the seal colony. Runde is particularly great because this is home to puffins!

Early Afternoon: 

Head for lunch when you come back to Ålesund.  Invit Espressobar has some amazing fresh salad (they’re really good) and one knock-your-socks-off chocolate cake that you won’t forget in a hurry.

Visit Atlanterhavsparken – Ålesund Aquarium. If possible, try to make it for the diving show where these gigantic fish pretty much go crazy around the diver feeding them. The fish are actually from the fjords and the aquarium links right into the fjord.

Pop down to the Art Nouveau Centre. When you’re in the area, be sure to pop into  Trankokeriet Antikk – the local antique shop.

Even if you’re not into antiques or shopping on your holiday, this place is still gonna be worth your time as you’ll find pretty much everything and anything under the sun here and at very reasonable prices too.

That’s the best part really, there’s no fun in finding something you want, just to realise that it’s far too expensive! So trust me, this place will keep you very happy indeed.

Read more: Visiting Alesund

Late Afternoon/Early Evening:

Go on a walk around Alesund. In what seems to be emerging as a pattern here, Alesund is actually very walkable (even more so than Bergen or Stavanger) so go exploring this picturesque matchbox town and see what delights await you.

General rule of thumb for the next few days:

1. You drive your car onto ferries which act like bridges over fjords, which is a key part of why your road trip is possible across the West coast.

2. Always leave extra time on top of the recommended journey time. On any driving journey or ferry ride, you’ll definitely want to stop to take photos so make sure you have your camera handy too!

3. Don’t stay in your car when crossing, head up to the viewing platform – the view on these crossings are pretty fantastic!

4.) Get yourself a Sat-Nav. It’s fairly easy to navigate the drive but you don’t want to spend valuable sightseeing time on extra driving because you got lost on your way so spare yourself the hassle. You can also download the maps on your phone (sometimes for free) before you leave.

Check out of your hotel. Hop into your car and leave Alesund for Solavågen where you will be catching a ferry to cross the fjords (you can drive your car onto the ferry. The drive is approximately 30 mins but leave a little time extra just in case you want to stop to take photos.

Take the ferry from Solavågen to Festøy. The ferry runs every 30 minutes and you can buy tickets on board.

Once you cross on the ferry to Festoy, continue driving to Ørsta – it takes about 40 minutes). From Ørsta drive to Sæbø – this takes about 30 min). I know it sounds strange to say drive from ‘Point A’ to ‘Point B’ and then to ‘Point C’ instead of just saying drive from ‘Point A to Point C’ but when you get there, you’ll see why you need to head to Ørsta first and then to Sæbø.

Oh, and by the way, you’ll also want your camera out for this bit!

Stop for lunch somewhere along the way. The places you’ll be driving through aren’t major tourist hot spots so you can let your guard down as you’re bound to find delicious Norwegian food in most restaurants on your way.

From Sæbø take the ferry to Leknes across the beautiful Hjørundfjord surrounded by the Sunnmøre alps. The ferry runs at: 11.10, 12.45, 13.45, 14.45, 16.30. and you can buy a ticket on board the ferry.

Once you cross over to Leknes, finish off your drive with a short 10 minutes drive from Leknes to Øye.

Read more: Travelling this route

Early Evening:

In Øye we recommend hiking or cycling if you’re that way inclined (that’s what the locals recommend). There’s a nice hike to the little village Urke.

We had a car (and are fairly lazy city folk) so we decided to drive instead, which takes me to my next point…

Drive the stunning Norangsdalen valley. This place is absolutely spectacular and a sight worth the trip alone! Stop by the Lyngstøyvatnet lake to see the houses under water.

The valley was flooded ages ago and houses are now under water.

Stay:   At the historic Hotel Union Øye , home to Royalty and dignitaries for generations!

Dinner: Also at the  Hotel Union Øye  – you don’t have much choice here but don’t let that stop you – the food here is actually really REALLY good!

SEE MORE FROM HOTEL UNION OYE HERE

AND FROM THE AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL NORANGSDALEN VALLEY HERE.

Leave  Hotel Union Øye  and drive through the Norangsdalen valley to Hellesylt. It takes approximately 40 minutes non-stop driving to Hellesylt but if you didn’t get to explore the full length of the Norangsdalen valley, add on some extra time for photos. Also, try to leave the hotel early, the next bit of your day is an exciting one and you want to maximise it as much as possible!

Take the ferry from Hellesylt to Geiranger. This ferry is unlike many of the other ferry journeys you’ll have taken so far as it’s a ferry through the UNESCO World Heritage Geirangerfjord and as a result, travels slower so you can appreciate the sheer beauty of the fjords. You also get a guide explaining the different sites as you go through the fjords so sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Stay:   The hotel with the best view of the Fjord is without a doubt  Hotel Utsikten  (you have an amazing view even from your bed). It’s even got a view-point outside that’s perfect for photos. I

t is , however,a lot more retro inside, like stepping back in time into old Norway – which can be a good thing of course but if you’re into more mordern designs, the Grande Fjord hotel is probably right up your street.

After you’ve checked in, take a drive up to Dalsnibba, one of Europe’s highest viewpoints and one with an amazing view of not just the fjords but the surrounding dramatic landscape.

There will be lots of reasons to stop here (e.g. the view of Djupvatnet lake) so do leave a fair bit of time here.

Lunch time – we just popped down to the local hotdog stand to try this popular Nordic delight (I’d been craving one for a while) but there’s a lot of choice here so you won’t be stuck for choice here.

Explore the fjords some more after lunch either via kayaking through it with a tour guide (little side note though – it’s harder to do this when its windy) or via a Rib Boat tour. It was too windy when we visited to kayak and so we went for the rib boat option instead (which was absolutely fantastic)!

You take either tours from the Tourist Office down by the harbour. Like before, remember to wear clothes suitable for kayaking on the fjord or for the rib boat tour.

On your return, spend a little while in town exploring it and getting any souvenirs you might want.

Take a hike to Storseterfossen waterfall – a waterfall you can walk behind. To get here, you can drive to Westerås and hike from there. The drive takes around 4 minutes (barely any time whatsoever) or you can leave the car and start hiking from  Hotel Utsikten .

Once you’re done with the hike – head off for dinner anywhere you’d like! 🙂 This is also an opportunity to explore the town at night so feel free to make your evening plans as you go along…

SEE MORE ABOUT VISITING GEIRANGER IN OUR POSTS HERE (including all the major sights you need to see here).

Leave Geiranger for Eidsdal (it takes around 45 mins non-stop), via the Eagles Road (there are two roads here – this one and the one that you took yesterday to Dalsnibba).

Be sure to stop at the viewpoint with a view to the Geirangerfjord (you won’t miss it).

From Eisdal, take the ferry to Linge. It’s a frequent ferry and you can buy the ticket on board. There might be queues and hence a bit of waiting for the ferry so be there well ahead of departure time (we didn’t have to queue when we visited but seeing as you have a flight to catch, you don’t want to be late).

From Linge, carry on driving to Ålesund airport – this takes approximately 1.5 hours non-stop but do take time to stop off for lunch on your way to the airport.

Drop off your rental car at Ålesund airport and head off home with a camera full of travel memories and an appreciation for the sheer beauty that is Norway! Chances are that you’ll even already start plotting your return to Norway to explore even more amazing part of it… e.g. Trollstunga (which is reachable from Alesund or even the amazing Juvet hotel ).

Sidebar: The total drive (non-stop) from Geiranger to Ålesund is approximately around a 2.5 hours drive so be sure to leave enough time to enjoy it properly (and to catch your flight back home on-time).

SEE MORE ABOUT THIS DRIVE FROM GEIRANGER TO ALESUND IN OUR POSTS

15 Best Places In Norway You Have To Visit

Check Out The Very Best Of Great Britain!

Check out our YouTube channel for travel videos!

Dance Ninja. Cambridge Grad. Cookie Monster.

We interrupt regular programming to bring you this important message!

The Colourful Ancient City Of Tubingen, Germany

You may also like.

9 Very Best Things To Do In St. John’s – Canada

7 Brilliant Accessories You Should Have When You Travel!

The Complete Guide To Visiting Cancun In Mexico

Looking for something, fellow connected travellers.

• 556k Facebook
• 0 Pinterest
• 1,202,450 TikTok
• 340,142 Instagram
• 23,800 X (Twitter)
• 33,252 Email Subscribers

Adventure Awaits!

Have You Seen These Yet?

9 Best Things To Do In Charleston, South Carolina

10 Best Places In Bolivia To Visit

Sunny Days At The Velassaru Maldives

7 Tips For Cheap Train Tickets In The UK

Hannekes Boom: Cafe Recommendation In Amsterdam

• Privacy Policy

Email address:

Beyond Bergen: Where to travel along Norway's coast

On your first trip to Norway, your entry point will likely be Oslo . If you have a few days to spare, you might even take the train out to Bergen to see some of the country's famous fjords: It's one of the most scenic rail journeys in all of Europe.

But if you're ready to go beyond the charming port city — which is not only a common embarkation point for Viking cruises but also has a new nonstop United flight from Newark — there are dozens of destinations to be explored.

To help you plan your itinerary, we asked Norway travel experts to share with us their favorite places along Norway's coast (and just a bit inland), along with the best things to do and see there.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Møre og Romsdal

If there's one must-visit place in this area, it's Møre og Romsdal, a coastal county between Bergen and Trondheim — most of our travel experts recommended stops in this region.

"It is a classic Norwegian fjordland with almost endless opportunities to explore the abundant natural beauty of dramatic mountain peaks, lush green valleys, powerful waterfalls and ice-cold glacial lakes," said Jimmy Carroll, founder of travel company Pelorus , who recently visited on a scouting trip.

For a classic fjord, visit Geirangerfjorden.

"This is how you see Norway as it looks on TV: high mountains on both sides of the narrow fjord," said Bjørn Christer Lemcke, expedition leader at Hurtigruten Norway's Coastal Express , an iconic multiday ferry route that's been operating for more than 125 years. Both Lemcke and Carroll also recommend visiting the nearby Hjørundfjorden, which is not only a prime hiking destination but also has charming restaurants in its mountainside villages.

Hornindalsvatn Lake should be another stop on your itinerary here — at 1,686 feet deep, it's Europe's deepest lake.

"I love the beautiful drive along the entire south shore from Nordfjordeid to Grodås," said Jan Vatsaas Schubert, a destination specialist with Fifty Degrees North , a tour company that specializes in Nordic destinations.

As for where to stay in the region, Carolyn Addison, head of product at tour operator Black Tomato , recommends the luxurious boutique Storfjord Hotel , which she considers "one of the most special places in Norway."

If you can, she said, visit for New Year's.

"A local villager is in charge of the fireworks ," she said. "He's the best pyrotechnic in Norway, so it's an insane display, and the best views are from Storfjord's terrace."

In addition to its fjords, Norway is known for its archipelagos. Explore one via the 12.5-mile-long Blindleia waterway, just east of the city of Kristiansand.

"It's a beautiful intercoastal passage between the mainland and archipelago islands and skerries dotted with cottages," said Schubert.

Blindleia is sheltered by those islands, so the waters are perfectly calm and wonderful for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. You can also island-hop via the waterway's ferry system.

Trondheim is a popular tourist destination on Norway's central coast and the science capital of the country. For Lemcke, the city's top attraction is the Nidarosdomen, or Nidaros Cathedral.

"The Gothic cathedral was built starting roughly in 1200 and is the only one of its kind in Scandinavia," he said. "It's also where the kings of Norway are blessed when they take the throne."

On the way to the cathedral, Lemcke advises exploring the city center "with its colorful old wooden houses and narrow lanes."

Haugesund and Avaldsnes

If it's Viking history you seek, visit Haugesund; it's a charming city that Fifty Degrees North specialist Elaine Nelson Peik considers a mini version of Stavanger, a much larger, busier city that's a typical stop for cruise ships.

More specifically, you should visit the nearby village of Avaldsnes, once the royal seat of Viking kings. Today, it's both an archeological site as well as a history center where visitors can tour a recreation of a traditional Viking farm.

Kandal Valley

"Kandal Valley is breathtakingly beautiful and totally off the beaten track," said Schubert.

Its star attraction is the glacial lake Breimsvatn, along which you'll find one of Schubert's favorite attractions: the Kandal Ysteri & Gardsmat goat farm, which recently won a national award for its cheese.

"In the summer, visitors are welcome to come and enjoy coffee, food and the magnificent view," she said.

From the city of Måløy, you can take a day trip to the town of Selje, from which you can hop a boat to the island of Sleja. It sounds like a bit of a journey, but that's exactly the point — Selja was a religious pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages.

"Explore the ruins of the 11th-century monastery, followed by taking some easy, scenic hikes," Schubert said. "This is a fun and interesting stop for someone on a self-drive through Nordfjord."

There are only about 500 inhabitants on the island of Fedje, a short boat ride from Bergen, but Torunn Tronsvang, founder and CEO of travel company Up Norway believes it's the next big destination in the region. A key indicator? A new hotel is being built on the island, designed by architect Todd Saunders, who is responsible for Canada's iconic Fogo Island Inn.

Tronsvang's favorite spot on the island is the female-owned Feddie Ocean Distillery , known for its Nine Sisters gin, named after the personifications of the sea in Norse mythology.

Gaularfjellet National Tourist Road

Schubert calls this drive "the scenic road less traveled." It's rather akin to Route 66 in the U.S.

The road was an important one for visitors traveling between the cities of Moskog, Sande and Balestran when it opened in 1938, but as larger highways were built, fewer people traversed it. But the 71-mile journey offers breathtaking views as drivers travel up and down mountains, around glacial lakes and alongside waterfalls — making it one of the best drives in Norway.

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

Norway travel update

Suggested Results

• EUR (€)
• GBP (£)
• Fjord Cruise & Train i

Self-Drive i

• Guided Small Groups i
• Coastal Cruises i
• Northern Lights i
• Norway in a Nutshell® i
• Lofoten Islands i
• All Types & Themes
• All Norway Tours
• Best Sellers
• Special Offers
• Book With Confidence i
• Why book with us i
• Travel Update
• Booking Terms i
• Sustainability Policy i
• Norway at a Glance i
• Useful Information i
• Norway Attractions i
• Norway Blog i
• Scandinavia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Manage Booking
• Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

• Norway Fjord Route by Car - Classic

(7 days / 6 nights)

• Travel Style

Drive Along Norway's Dramatic Fjords

This 7-day self-drive tour takes you along some of Norway’s most impressive fjords including Aurlandsfjord, Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord. Starting and ending in Bergen, you will spend the night in charming villages, navigate the twisty Gaularfjellet road, and explore the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord where you see famous waterfalls like the Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil. Other attractions include the breathtaking viewpoints from Flåm, Balestrand, Loen and the Sognefjellet national tourist route. Would the structure of a guided tour suit you better?

7 days / 6 nights

Price p.p. from

The amount will be charged in EUR

Approx 1969 EUR

— why book with nordic visitor.

• Hassle-free & seamless self-drive experience
• Flexible & customisable tour options
• Quality & value for your money
• Specialists in Norway self-drive holidays
• Great customer reviews 
• Carbon offsetting included

— Cancellation Protection

• Rebook your tour on one occasion, or
• Cancel for any reason and receive a partial refund and travel credit

Terms and conditions apply

Tour Highlights

• Visit the dramatic fjord of Geiranger , and its surrounding beauty
• Roam the UNESCO Heritage site, Bryggen in the beautiful town of Bergen
• See Sognefjord , the largest and deepest fjord of Norway
• Drive & sail along the impressive Norwegian fjords
• Experience Flåm and stop at the breathtaking Stegastein viewpoint
• Explore the national Norwegian Scenic Routes through Gaularfjellet, Aurlandsfjellet and Sognefjellet
• Bask in the natural beauty of Balestrand
• Marvel at magnificent waterfalls like the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil
• Enjoy a road trip with peace of mind with your personal itinerary from a Norway travel expert

Travel style

Best seller i , classic i , family i , fjords i , honeymoon & romance i, driving distance, 920/572 km/mi, attractions.

Just a few of the majestic sights you’ll take in during your trip.

Geirangerfjord

Aurlandsfjord, seven sisters & bridal veil, sognefjellet national tourist route, stegastein viewing platform, gaularfjellet.

A day-by-day plan to guide your journey.

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN BERGEN

On arrival at Bergen Flesland Airport, you will pick up your rental car and drive to  Bergen ’s charming city centre, where your hotel for the night is located. For those arriving early, we recommend spending the afternoon strolling the city and discovering the lovely sights of scenic Bergen. City highlights include the old wharf of  Bryggen – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, centuries-old houses, a vibrant fish and flower market and an interesting range of museums. For a good overview of Bergen, we recommend taking the “ Fløibanen ” funicular up the mountainside, which reveals spectacular views.

Spend the night in Bergen.

Day 2: EXPERIENCE THE FJORDS BY CAR

Start the first leg of your self-drive trip by heading to Norway’s adventure capital,  Voss , which is home to the beautiful Tvindefossen waterfall. Your journey will then continue to Sogndal along the  Sognefjord – Norway’s longest and deepest fjord – taking in sights including the towns of  Stalheim , before reaching the beautiful  Aurlandsfjord  and the town of  Flåm .

We recommend stopping in Flåm and riding the renowned Flåmsbana railway, a steep train ride between Flåm and Myrdal – a treat for photographers or train enthusiasts alike! A stop at  Stegastein viewpoint  is recommended, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Aurlandsfjord .  You will then take a short ferry ride before driving towards Sogndal, where you will spend the night. 

Spend the night in Sogndal.

Driving distance: 237 km / 148 miles Estimated driving duration: 4 hours (without stops)

Day 3: SOGNEFJELLET NATIONAL TOURIST ROUTE & THE SKYWALK

Today you make your way north along Lustrafjorden to the famous National Tourist Route “ Sognefjellsvegen ”. This route is the highest and most impressive mountain pass in Northern Europe with a landscape that reveals vast, towering mountains as it passes through the  Jotunheimen national park to Lom.

From Lom, you will continue your journey to Geiranger and pass Dalsnibba , which is Europe’s highest fjord viewpoint by road. There you can enjoy sweeping views of Geiranger, as well as across to the mountains and the mighty Blåbreen glacier. Final destination of the day is Geiranger where you spend the night.  

Spend the night in Geiranger.

Driving distance: 233 km / 145 miles Estimated driving duration: 4 hours (without stops)

Day 4: EXPLORE THE MAJESTIC GEIRANGER FJORD

After breakfast you can spend the morning on your own, exploring Geiranger until noon. With its fairytale landscape, Geiranger has a lot to offer for nature lovers like snow-covered mountain tops, lush green vegetation and the deep blue fjord. You can hike one of the many trails in the region, go kayaking, take a rib boat safari, relax at the nearby spa or visit the chocolate factory in town.

In the afternoon we recommend that you take a 65-minute ferry ride, with your car, through the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord where you see famous waterfalls like the  Seven Sisters, the Suitor, and the Bridal Veil , along with abandoned fjord farms in the mountains. The sightseeing ferry ends in the small village of Hellesylt where you drive south to Loen .

Spend the night in Loen.

Driving distance: 61 km / 38 mi Estimated driving duration: 2 hours and 30 (without stops)

Day 5: LOEN SKYLIFT & TWISTY ROADS

Get ready for an especially exciting drive today! This morning, we recommend boarding the magnificent Loen Skylift , a cable car that will transport you to an altitude of 1011 meters with amazing views of the fjord. Next, travel the scenic route of  Gaularfjellet  where the road twists and turns through nine hairpin bends, revealing jaw-dropping scenery, we recommend a stop at Utsikten where you can admire the panoramic views of towering mountains and lush valleys. 

The final destination of the day is Balestrand , a village known as an art colony that inspired artists from all over the world for its wonderful light and breathtaking nature. In Balestrand we recommend a visit to the Cider house, a family-run organic orchard and cider producer. After, you can do some hiking, relax by the fjord or join an optional rib boat safari.

Spend the night in Balestrand.

Driving distance:   190 km / 118 mi. Estimated driving duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes (without stops)

Day 6: JOURNEY BACK TO BERGEN

Enjoy a relaxed morning in the idyllic village of Balestrand by Sognefjord. Balestrand is a hiking paradise with numerous trails to explore to take in the beautiful natural surroundings. You will board a ferry for a short crossing from Balestrand to Vagnes, passing the village of Vik where you can find Hove Church , the oldest stone building in the Sogn region.

After the ferry docks, drive along Vik mountain to Myrkdalen, the centre of agriculture for the region, and an area of great beauty. Next, return to Voss and continue to Bergen, where you will spend the evening.

Driving distance: 195 km / 121 mi. Estimated driving duration: 3 hours and 40 minutes (without stops)

Day 7: DEPARTURE FROM BERGEN

When it‘s time for your Norwegian adventure to come to an end, drive to the airport and return your vehicle at the rental car office. If your flight is in the afternoon, you can choose to enjoy some last-minute shopping, visit one of Bergen’s many museums or relax at a café, enjoying the last few moments of this amazing journey.

Optional extras

Customise your adventure with these Optional Extras.

We recommend adding your extra activities to the tour now for the best booking experience and to secure your spot, as activities are likely to sell out.

Fjord Sightseeing Cruise

Guided food & culture walk of bergen, fjord safari by rib boat, flåmsbana railway journey, glacier hike – blue ice, rib boat safari - sognefjord, kayak - seven sisters waterfall, loen skylift, rib boat safari - geirangerfjord, train - bergen to oslo.

Here’s a map of your travel route, to help put things in perspective.

What's included

Don’t worry, we’ve got this covered.

• Accommodation (Comfort Plus/Superior) for 6 nights
• Daily Breakfast
• Rental car of your choice with unlimited mileage, CDW and VAT for 7 days (for two authorized drivers)
• Pick up/drop off rental car at Bergen Airport
• Carbon offsetting the package
• Nordic Visitor's Norway Travel Guide
• Maps & Detailed Personal Itinerary
• 24/7 helpline
• Taxes & service fees

Not included

• Flights to/from Norway
• Transfers to/from train stations, cruise terminals & hotels
• Meals, drinks & entrance fees, unless otherwise stated
• Fees for GPS, ferries, tunnels, toll roads, parking and any other driving expenses
• Personal travel insurance

Optional Extras

• Cancellation Protection

Essential information

We recommend that you read carefully through the following information before booking this self-drive tour in Norway. We’ve answered the most frequently asked questions here so you know what to expect. You’ll also find more practical advice and attraction recommendations in our online Norway Travel Guide .

We recommend you wait to book flights to Scandinavia, and other parts of your travels, until we can confirm your desired travel dates for this tour. This is due to varying availability for this package. Contact us for more details.

On a self-drive tour, Nordic Visitor supplies you with a quality rental car and a detailed personal itinerary. You act as your own tour guide and driver, and you get to pick the road trip music!

All your services will be pre-booked by your personal travel consultant at Nordic Visitor. This includes your rental car and accommodation in Norway, along with any other services specified in your itinerary, such as cruises and planned activities.

During your tour, we’re with you every step of the way. On arrival, you’ll receive personalised information, including an itinerary, map and detailed Norway Travel Guide. Plus, you’ll have access to our 24/7 helpline during your trip should you need to contact us.

Driving in Norway might be slightly different than what you’re used to. For this reason, you’ll want to make yourself aware of local driving laws and potential road hazards, such as:

• We drive on the right-hand side of the road
• Low-beam headlights should be on at all times
• Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour (km/h)
• Speed and traffic violations have steep fines
• There are over 900 tunnels in Norway, especially in the western fjords
• Mountain passes can be narrow and winding
• Tolls are automatically registered to your AutoPass, for roads and ferries

And finally, with all the beautiful scenery, you’ll want to take it slow and enjoy the drive!

For more information, we strongly recommend taking a few minutes to read through our guide to driving in Norway . You’ll also receive more guidance ahead of your arrival in the Norway Travel Guide.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will pick up your vehicle from the car rental office here. At the end of your rental period, you will return the car back to the airport.

We recommend using Google Maps or a search engine to find car parks near your accommodation. You can also ask your hotel for assistance. You might find you have a short walk between the car park and your hotel.

A GPS service is available for an additional fee. You can book this directly with the rental agent.

Alternatively, you may want to ensure you have adequate mobile roaming that you can use during your travels in Norway. This way you can use Google Maps or another navigation service on your phone.

It’s also good to note that Google Maps offers more up-to-date information as well as traffic navigation, compared to traditional GPS devices. You’re also able to pre-download maps of areas you will be visiting, so you can use them offline.

Please wait to book flights to Scandinavia until we can confirm your desired travel dates for this tour. This is due to varying availabilities on services included in this package. 

After making a booking with Nordic Visitor, it might take a few weeks to confirm your travel arrangements. We recommend booking your flights once your personal travel consultant gets in touch to confirm your itinerary.

If you have any questions about your flights and itinerary, please contact us for more details.

Yes, you can customise this tour online. During the booking process, you can add extra nights to your itinerary as well as optional day trips, excursions and upgrades. 

If you have something specific in mind, get in touch with your travel consultant and they’ll create your dream trip.

Yes, you can do so by booking an optional service during the booking steps or by contacting your travel consultant as soon as you can. If you plan on arriving and departing from Oslo, we can book you a direct train or domestic flight.

Another option is to add a Norway in a Nutshell® tour so you can travel in style between Bergen and Oslo. This is one of Norway’s most iconic journeys. You’ll travel by train, bus and ferry, seeing beautiful landscapes of steep mountains, cascading waterfalls, shimmering fjords, charming villages and scenic coastline.

You can also request to add extra nights in the capital to rest on either side of your trip.

On your Norway tour, you’ll stay in accommodation that’s been hand-picked by our travel experts. We’ve partnered with local businesses and selected hotels and guesthouses based on excellent ratings, comfort and our personal experience. 

During the booking process, you can select whether you want Comfort Plus or Superior accommodation. Comfort Plus usually consists of standard rooms in good quality and comfortable 3-star hotels. Superior is standard rooms in 4-star hotels combined with Superior rooms in premium 3-star hotels.

You will also be able to choose between single, double or triple rooms. Please note that in Norway room types are based on European standard sizes, which means they are smaller than in North America. 

For example, a double bed often consists of 2 single beds pushed together. Twin rooms are 2 separate single beds. Triple rooms include a double bed along with an extra single bed, rollaway or sofa bed. And single rooms are often smaller than the standard double.

If you have anything specific in mind, please contact us to discuss customising your accommodation options.

By booking with Nordic Visitor, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that there’s always someone there for you throughout your trip.

For support and advice during the day, you can call our office. And if anything unexpected happens outside working hours, you can reach us on our 24/7 helpline. 

During your tour, there will always be a travel expert on call to handle any unforeseen situations, such as unusual weather or events.

If you have a passport from Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia or New Zealand, you won’t need a visa to visit Norway. This visa-free entry is valid for up to 90 days.

Visiting from another country? You can find out whether you require a visa to enter Norway on the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. Select your home country to view details. If you do require a visa, you will be directed to your local embassy website to learn about the visa requirements.

Your passport must also be valid for at least 3 months from your departure from Norway. It’s good to check your passport expiry date early in case you need to renew it.

Travelling with your kids? No problem! You'll be able to enter your children's ages during the booking process. This lets us know whether to arrange either a baby cot or roll-away bed for your trip.

If you'd like us to arrange for a car seat to be provided for your trip, please let us know ahead of time. It's also possible to book this directly with the car rental agency. This will incur a small, extra cost.

Only you can pick the best time to visit Norway for your trip. It’ll depend on how much time you have to explore and what you want to see and do in Norway.

During the summer months, June to August , you’ll have the warmest temperatures and longest daylight hours of the year. This is ideal for outdoor excursions and taking full advantage of your days for sightseeing.

If you’d like to experience the top attractions with fewer visitors around then you could book your summer trip in May or September . These shoulder season months generally have more tour and attraction availability.

Our self-drive tours are only available from May until September when driving conditions are ideal. That means that if you want to travel at other times of the year, you can pick from train and cruise tours or partially guided adventures .

The winter months are also popular, but generally quieter. Travel to Norway at this time of year to see snowy mountains, sail along frosty fjords and try to spot the magnificent northern lights. If you head north in December and January , you could experience the polar night.

At this time of year, the conditions are also ideal for winter activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling and more.

Read more about the best time to visit Norway on our blog.

From Oslo in the south, Norway stretches hundreds of kilometres into the Arctic Circle. The country is so long that it spans the latitudes of 58°N to 81°N. For that reason, daylight hours vary greatly depending on where you’ll be visiting. That said, summer in Norway brings long days with plenty of daylight. 

In the south, around Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger, you’ll experience 15–20 hours of daylight. If you visit the north, including locations such as Tromsø and Kirkenes, you can expect 20–24 hours of daylight. 

In fact, within the Arctic Circle, from mid-May to late July, you’ll experience the midnight sun. This is when the sun never fully sets. 

Norway’s long summer days give you plenty of time to explore. That said, you may want to pack a sleeping mask if you are a light sleeper or tend to wake up at dawn. 

Find out what the daylight hours will be during the month of your visit in this guide to time and daylight in Norway .

During the summer months, you can expect fairly stable weather in Norway. That said, because the country spans such a large distance from north to south, temperatures are likely to vary depending on your location.

For example, the west coast is usually warmer thanks to the Gulf Stream, while the far north is usually cooler.

The months of June, July and August boast the warmest weather of the year. In Oslo, you can expect average temperatures around 16°C (61°F), with potential highs of 20–25°C (68–77°F). In Bergen, it is closer to 13°C (55°F) and in the north, around Tromsø, you can expect temperatures around 10°C (41-50°F) 

It’s also good to know that weather conditions are often changeable in Northern Europe, so you should come ready for sun, rain and wind. For more information on the local climate, read the page Norway weather conditions . 

Please note that sightseeing is dependent on weather and road conditions. This means that your itinerary might need to be altered if these conditions are not favourable during your visit. 

Summertime is the most stable time of year in Norway. That said, you should still be ready to experience all seasons in one day. Especially if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors, you’ll want to pack for a combination of weather conditions.

Bring lighter clothes for the warmer, sunny days, and extra layers for chilly nights in the mountains or for taking in the view from cruise ship decks.

Here is an essential summer packing list for your trip to Norway:

• Shorts and trousers
• Short and long sleeve tops
• At least one warm jumper or fleece
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Light gloves, hat and scarf
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen
• Eye mask to sleep despite the long daylight hours
• Electronic gear such as smartphone, external powerpack, and travel adapters
• A backpack for easy access to daily essentials
• and don’t forget your camera!

An umbrella can also come in handy. If you are a wildlife watcher, you may wish to bring binoculars. 

For more information, check out this Norway packing list .

When you travel with Nordic Visitor, breakfast at your Norway accommodation is always included.  For the rest of your meals, the amount of spending money you need will depend on the standard of restaurants you decide to go to. 

That said, we recommend budgeting between 100–400 NOK for lunch per person, each day. Dinners at casual restaurants might cost between 500–1,000 NOK. Meanwhile, at upscale restaurants, you can expect to pay 1,500 NOK or more. This does not include the cost of alcoholic beverages. 

It’s best to book as soon as you can to secure your preferred travel dates. Once you have picked your tour, check the availability calendar to see which months are open for booking. Then, select the date you want and complete your booking. 

We recommend waiting for a confirmation from your travel consultant to ensure your travel dates are available. You’ll then be able to purchase your flights with confidence.

If you like to plan well ahead, you’ll find that it’s possible to book many tours for the following year. And if you have any questions or need advice, you can always contact us . 

After booking your tour package online, you will be contacted within 2 business days by your own dedicated travel consultant. They will be your point of contact for all your travel needs before, during and even after your trip. 

We aim to complete bookings within a few weeks. During this time we take care of booking your accommodation, activities, and transport, confirming all parts of your journey. Once this is done, your travel consultant will provide you with all the details of your trip. 

When we get back to you might depend slightly on how far ahead you’ve booked your travels and other tours running at the time. 

No need! Nordic Visitor is already working on offsetting the estimated carbon footprint of your package. We’ve partnered with an environmental fund in Iceland to carbon offset all our tours.

Carbon offsetting your international flights is not included, but we highly recommend you look into possibilities with your airline or directly through a local environment fund. 

If you have any questions before your trip, you can get in touch with our Norway travel experts. The live chat option is useful for getting a quick reply as someone answers live every day during office opening hours.

Once you’ve booked, we’ll provide you with a travel guide packed full of local tips and top attractions for your visit. You can also check out our online Norway Travel Guide where we’ve compiled useful information about topics, including:

• Which currency is used in Norway and which credit cards are widely accepted
• What kind of electric adapters or converters you’ll need
• Which languages do Norwegian speak (yes, English is one of them!)
• How to get a refund on tax-free shopping
• As well as tipping, buying snacks, and other useful information

After you have booked your tour, we will begin the booking process for your trip. We aim to complete the preparation within a few weeks. This includes reserving your accommodation and confirming all your services in Norway.

Once your trip details are finalised, we will prepare your personal itinerary and booking overview, and send all of this to you via email. When you arrive in Norway, you’ll receive a welcome bag with hard copies of your itinerary, attraction and tour vouchers, the Nordic Visitor Norway Travel Guide and more.

So when do you check in? And what can you expect upon landing in Norway?

After picking up your luggage, you’ll collect your rental vehicle or head directly to your accommodation. Your personalised itinerary will be clear on your car rental details, pick up and drop off.

Check-in times vary between hotels and guesthouses, but it normally starts between 2–4 PM.

You are welcome to request an early check-in for an additional fee. Although this isn’t always available, you’ll be able to store your luggage at the hotel if you have to wait. Please contact your travel consultant well in advance of your arrival if you’d like an early check-in.

When you depart may depend on the time of your return flight. Check out early if you’re heading to the airport for a morning flight. On the other hand, if you’re flying home later in the day, you might like to enjoy a leisurely day or visit one more attraction.

You will usually need to check out from your room around 10–11 AM. If you’re staying in town longer, you will be able to store your luggage at the hotel reception. Simply return later to collect your bags before making your way to the airport.

All bookings are billed in Euro (EUR). Prices displayed in other currencies are indicative only and based on the daily exchange rate. This means conversions from EUR to other currencies will fluctuate from day to day.

These pictures may be small, but Norway’s mountains & fjords are massive.

Sognefjellet road

Seven Sisters Waterfall in Geirangerfjord

Geiranger in Norway

Viewing platform over Trollstigen

Sognefjord in Norway

Bergen in Norway

+8 more from this tour

Floibanen Funicular at Mount Floyen in Norway

Gaularfjellet in Norway

Dalsnibba mountain viewpoint

Aurlandsfjorden in Norway

Voss in Norway

Loen River in Norway

Road in Norway ©visitnorway

We don’t like to brag, so we’ll let our happy customers do it for us.

Very attentive

Every time we sent an email we were quickly replied to. One of my travel mates had an accident and was not able to travel with us at the last minute. Your team worked with us quickly on this issue and were very attentive to our issue.

Nancy, United States

Norway fjord route by car - classic, september 2023, fantastic trip.

An absolutely fantastic trip to a beautiful country.

Michael, Australia

Norway fjord route by car - classic, july 2023, nordic visitor were amazing.

Great tour - there was one day though where it was almost impossible to do the optional hike and drive and I don't think this was really considered. We needed to change one hotel towards the end (our choice) and Nordic Visitor were amazing at helping with this.

Louise, United Kingdom

A wonderful tour overall.

All communication with Nordic Visitor has been very prompt and professional. On holiday, communication re: ferry problems was also very helpful. Overall a wonderful tour, hotels were very good.

Timothy, United Kingdom

I enjoyed every minute.

Queries were answered quickly with clear and detailed responses. Tour was excellent with high standard of accommodation and a reliable vehicle. The itinerary was very good, although the days were long but I enjoyed every minute exploring this beautiful region.

Paul, Australia

Very convenient.

Very convenient and easy to use. Our representative was very prompt and responsive to questions. All of the hotels were very nice, and we only booked the standard hotels, not premium. Very conveniently located for our itinerary.

Catherine, United States

Norway fjord route by car - classic, june 2023, accommodation.

Sleep soundly, in the accommodation type of your choice, and wake up ready to enjoy another day of exploration.

Comfort Plus

Standard rooms in good quality and comfortable three-star hotels in combination with charming country hotels.

Standard rooms in four-star hotels in combination with Superior rooms in premium three-star hotels.

Enjoy the journey, in the rental car of your choice.

VW Polo (Automatic) or similar

• Description: Economy
• Passengers: 5
• Suitcases: 2
• Operation: Automatic

Suzuki Vitara (Automatic) or similar

• Description: Compact

Toyota Corolla station wagon (Automatic) or similar

• Description: Intermediate Wagon
• Suitcases: 4

VW Passat station wagon (Automatic) or similar

• Description: Standard Wagon
• Suitcases: 3

Toyota RAV4 (Automatic) or similar

• Description: Intermediate SUV

Price per person from

OTHER SUGGESTED TOURS

Scenic norway - classic, road trip & hurtigruten cruise, norway road trip - complete, scenic norway - grand, norway fjord route by car - classic / attractions.

Norway Fjord Route by Car - Classic / Included

Norway fjord route by car - classic / guided small groups, send request, send to inbox.

Would you like to refer to this tour at another time or on another device? Send the tour details directly to your email inbox for future references.

Share this tour with a friend. If you think they may be interested, send the tour details directly to your friend's email inbox for future references.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Email has been successfully sent!

Whether you have a single question or a special request, we're here for you.

Thanks for visiting nordicvisitor.com! For the very best browsing experience on our website, we urge you to upgrade to the most recent version of your browser . Some of our site features may not function properly on older versions.

• Travel Update
• Search Suggested Results View All Results
• EUR (€)
• GBP (£)
• Self-Drive i
• Privately Guided i
• Guided Small Groups i
• Northern Lights i
• Honeymoon & Romance i
• Ice & Snow Hotels i
• All Travel Styles
• Show all tours
• Best Sellers
• Special Offers
• Scandinavia
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• Book With Confidence i
• Why book with us i
• Booking Terms i
• Sustainability Policy i
• Manage Booking
• Privacy policy

Iceland Bíldshöfði 20 110 Reykjavík +354 578 20 80 View Map

Sweden Scotland View Details

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.

NORWAY ROAD TRIP - CLASSIC

• USD ($)
• CAD ($)
• AUD ($)

NORWAY FJORD ROUTE BY CAR - COMPLETE

Scenic norway - grand, related posts, 7-day scotland road trips: itinerary ideas from local experts.

Blogs , Scandinavia , Norway , Road Trips , Guides

2 Week Road Trips Through Scandinavia: Your Guide

8 best road trips in europe to add to your wish list, 5 best road trips in scotland : a local expert's view.

Epic Norway Itinerary: 2 Weeks Road Trip Along the Best Fjords

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 9, 2024

Are you thinking of traveling to Norway, but are not sure where to start and how to plan your trip? In this article, we share our 2-week Norway itinerary that brings you to the most beautiful places along Norway’s fjords and the Atlantic coast.

Our Norway trip itinerary is based on lots of research and personal experience with a self-drive road trip visiting the most beautiful towns and fjords in the south-west of the country.

In this article, we feature our detailed Norway road trip itinerary, practical advice, driving times, a map, and many tips to help you plan your own dream trip to Norway and make the best of it. Take a look!

Planning Norway Road Trip – Where to Start

Norway is a big country with charming little towns, stunning landscapes, and many highlights, so it might be difficult to choose where to go. And when you look at the map with countless fjords, islands, and roads ending in the water, you will probably find it overwhelming to even start planning a road trip in Norway…

I felt the same way too! We have done countless road trips all over the world , but somehow planning our Norway trip itinerary seemed like an impossible task at first. We even considered booking a cruise in Norway instead…

It’s important to understand that Norway is huge and it’s impossible to properly see the whole country or even just the main highlights in a week or two. So you have to decide which area you want to visit the most and focus on that.

When planning our summer trip for two weeks in Norway we decided to focus on the most beautiful areas in the Southwest of the country. We wanted to see the famous fjords, do at least some hiking, drive the most scenic routes, and visit the most picturesque towns of Norway.

As I am writing this post on the last day of our trip, I can tell you that we are really happy with this Norway itinerary. There are only a few minor things that we would change if we were to plan this same trip again. Find out!

Update: A few years later, we also visited Northern Norway in summer and spent two weeks traveling around Lofoten Islands , Vesteralen, Senja, and Tromso . You can find all the details of that trip in our Northern Norway Itinerary .

Two weeks in Norway – our road trip itinerary and map – OVERVIEW

• Day 1: Arrival in Stavanger (sleep in Stavanger for 3 nights)
• Day 2: Stavanger: Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock
• Day 3: Stavanger: Florli 4444
• Day 4: Stavanger to Bergen (sleep in Bergen for 2 nights)
• Day 5: Bergen and possibility to extend to Trolltunga
• Day 6: Bergen to Flam area (sleep in Flam area for 2 nights)
• Day 7: Gudvangen – Flam area – Nærøyfjord
• Day 8: Gudvangen to Sogndal (sleep in Sogndal for 1 night)
• Day 9: Sogndal to Geiranger (sleep in Geiranger for 2 nights)
• Day 10: Geirangerfjord – Briksdalsbreen glacier
• Day 11: Geiranger to Alesund (sleep in Alesund for 1 night)
• Day 12: Alesund to Kristiansund (sleep in Kristiansund for 1 night)
• Day 13: Kristiansund to Trondheim (sleep in Trondheim for 2 nights)

Day 14: Trondheim

• Day 15: Departure or extend your trip to Lofoten, Tromso, or Svalbard in the North

Please note that this is a summer road trip itinerary. Some of the roads mentioned here are only accessible from May to October, some even as short as from mid June to mid September.

I also did my best to put all of this info on a map too, so check it out. It’s definitely easier to prepare your Norway itinerary when you can see where all these places are.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Ultimate Norway Itinerary – How to See The Best of Norway in Two Weeks

Day 1: arrival in norway – stavanger.

We started our Norway trip in Stavanger , in the Southwest of Norway. Stavanger is a charming little town and it’s a great base for exploring the region and doing some hiking. But the town itself has quite a lot to offer as well. It’s the only place from our 2 weeks in Norway where we wished we had planned to stay longer.

We arrived in Stavanger around noon and decided to take it easy on our first day. We visited the town center and two of the best museums in town: the Norwegian Canning Museum and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum .

Usually, we don’t visit museums when traveling with kids, unless it’s something really special. However, these two museums are extremely well done and are great for adults and kids alike.

Actually, we loved Norwegian museums so much that we visited quite a few more later during this trip. They are great for kids too!

Practical information. You don’t necessarily need a car to explore Stavanger. Car rental, parking, toll, and car ferries are quite expensive in Norway, so it’s better not to rent a car unless you really need it. Since Stavanger, Bergen, and the most beautiful areas around Stavanger don’t require a car, we only rented one after we left Bergen.

TIP: Stavanger airport is located a bit outside the city center. The best option to get to town is by bus – book on the Flybussen website in advance. And – if traveling with kids – look for a family ticket. The bus is fast and convenient, it stops at several places in Stavanger, and costs a fraction of what a taxi would cost.

Accommodation in Stavanger. We stayed in Stavanger for 3 nights and booked a family room at a recently built hotel Scandic Stavanger City . It was by far the most family-friendly and the best price/quality hotel of our whole Norway trip. It was also the cheapest. Go figure…

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in Stavanger – Best Hotels & Accommodation

Day 2: Stavanger: Lysefjord Cruise and Hike to the Pulpit Rock

When researching our trip to Stavanger, I read that you need two days to see the main natural highlights of the area. One day for the Lysefjord cruise , and one for the hike to Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) .

However, this is not necessarily the case! You can see both – the Lysefjord and the Pulpit Rock – in one (full) day.

Practical information. You can read more about this day trip from Stavanger here: how to visit Lysefjord cruise and do the Preikestolen hike in one day .

LEARN MORE: Hiking to Pulpit Rock

Day 3: Stavanger: Lysefjord and Florli 4444 Hike

There are several iconic hikes you can do in the Stavanger region. In addition to Pulpit Rock, we wanted to do one more hike. We were hesitating between Kjerag or Florli 4444 , and chose the latter.

Florli 4444 is the most memorable and special hike we ever made! Climbing 4444 stairs was tough, but the views were stunning and it’s an experience we will never forget.

TIP: If you have one more day in Stavanger region and you think you can handle three challenging hikes three days in a row, then you may want to hike to Kjerag as well. Note that these are all challenging hikes, but I am sure you can find other alternatives too.

Practical information. If you are planning to hike to Kjerag or Florli 4444, you will either need to rent a car or book a guided tour. We went to Florli 4444 with Geir from Lysefjorden Adventure and had a wonderful time with nothing to plan or worry about. Here you can read all about our day climbing the world’s longest wooden staircase Florli 4444 .

READ ALSO: Best Things to See and Do in Stavanger

Day 4: Stavanger to Bergen by Bus and Exploring Bergen

There are several ways to get from Stavanger to Bergen . You can drive, fly, take a ferry, or a bus. The easiest and cheapest way to travel from Stavanger to Bergen is by taking a coastal bus. It’s also a very scenic ride!

Driving time. The bus trip takes 4,5-5 hours. There are two ferry crossings along the way, so you can get out of the bus to stretch your legs, grab a bite, use the bathroom, etc.

TIP: Book your bus tickets online in advance – it’s cheaper than buying them directly from a driver. If traveling with kids, click on ‘show more ticket types’ and choose a family ticket.

Exploring Bergen. We were extremely lucky with the weather on our first day in Bergen, so we decided to visit the Floyen mountain and do some more hiking. In the evening we came back down to town and explored Bryggen . It’s a magical place when there are no other tourists around!

Accommodation in Bergen. We stayed two nights at Scandic Torget This hotel has the best location in town, next to the harbor. When planning your Norway itinerary, remember to book your hotels well in advance, also in Bergen. Despite it being a big town with plenty of hotels, Bergen was one of the most challenging places to find a family room when we were planning this trip 9 months in advance.

Day 5: Bergen and Suggestions for Trolltunga

Bergen is known as the city where it always rains. On our second day in Bergen, it poured the whole day. Luckily, there is plenty to see and do in this city even when it rains.

We chose to visit three museums – the Norwegian Fisheries Museum, the Hanseatic Museum, and Schotstuene . We bought a combo ticket that included all three museums and the shuttle bus between them.

ALTERNATIVE TIP: If you like hiking and don’t mind a 23km (10-12 hours) strenuous hike, then you may want to consider the epic Trolltunga hike . It’s about 2.5 – 3hrs drive from Bergen. Trolltunga requires a full day and it’s best to stay 2 nights in the area close to it. Here you can find accommodation near the Trolltunga hike trailhead .

We didn’t do this hike because our kids are too young for it. But if you hike, then definitely try to add Trolltunga to your Norway trip itinerary. It’s one of the most spectacular hikes in Norway.

Day 6: Bergen to Gudvangen/Flam

The rest of this Norway trip itinerary requires a car. Check here for the best deals for car rental and book early for the lowest price. We picked up our rental car in Bergen and drove in the direction of Gudvangen/Flam where we would spend two nights.

On the way from Bergen to Gudvangen , we stopped by two waterfalls: Skjervsfossen and Tvindefossen . Skjervsfossen requires a small detour and there were hardly any tourists at all. While Tvindefossen was just next to the road, and there were several tour busses with hundreds of cruise ship passengers.

Upon arrival in Gudvangen , we visited the Viking Valley . This Viking village is not to be missed! Count at least 2 hours for a visit. Here you can read more about this authentic Viking Village in Norway .

Afterwards, we headed to Flam where we had a 5.25 PM reservation for Flamsbana – one of the most scenic train journeys in the world.

Driving time from Bergen to Flam is approximately 2,5 hours. Count 3-4 hours if you are planning to visit the two waterfalls.

Accommodation in Gudvangen/Flam is very scarce and expensive, so make sure to book it as soon as you start planning your trip. Click here for availability and prices for accommodation in Flam or Gudvangen .

Day 7: Gudvangen – Flam area – The Nærøyfjord

We started our day with the cruise on Naeroyfjord from Gudvangen to Flam . After arrival in Flam, my husband took a shuttle bus back to Gudvangen to pick up our car. He then returned to Flam to pick us up (20min driving time each way).

After that, we had lunch and explored Flam a bit more, walked to a waterfall, and visited the small village of Undredal .

Practical information: If you are planning to do the scenic train ride and the fjord cruise, make sure to book your tickets in advance (check prices and availability on the Visit Flam website ). Flam is a very popular destination!

LEARN MORE: Best things to see and do in Flam in one day

Day 8: Gudvangen to Sogndal

We started our day with the drive up the Stegastein viewpoint . We then continued on the old scenic road (Fv.243) to Laerdal . This road is only open from mid June to Mid September. An alternative is to take the Laerdal tunnel, the longest car tunnel in the world.

Our next stop was Borgund stave church . It’s a small detour to get there, but worth the trip. After that, we continued to Sogndal (ferry crossing from Fodnes to Mannheller).

After checking in at our hotel we headed to nearby Norwegian Glacier Museum and visited two glacier tongues nearby. We also made a short stop in Mundal – the book village in Fjaerland . The picturesque village looks like a beautiful place to hang around for a while if the weather is nice, but it was raining when we visited, so we headed back to Sogndal for an early dinner.

Driving distance/time . The actual driving distance is not that big, but scenic roads, ferry crossings, and lots of photo stops quickly add up. The total driving distance for this itinerary is 215km.

Accommodation . Sogndal town and area has several really nice hotels. We stayed one night at the beautiful Hofslund Fjord Hotel in Sogndal town itself.

Day 9: Sogndal to Geiranger

The long drive from Sogndal to Geiranger passes some of the most beautiful roads in Norway. Our first stop was at Drivandefossen waterfall. After a short walk, we then continued on the scenic road Fv.55 to Lom and afterward Fv.63 to Geiranger.

Must-do is the scenic road (toll road) to Dalsnibba viewpoint over Geiranger fjord and the area.

Driving time. There are several roads leading from Sogndal to Geiranger. Count a minimum of 4-5 hours for the route described above (235km). Add a few hours for the stops along the way.

Note that Geiranger is only accessible by car in the summer months. From mid October to May you can only reach Geiranger by boat or train.

Accommodation. Finding accommodation in Geiranger was another challenge when creating our Norway trip itinerary. To keep the long story short, in the end, we were lucky to secure two nights at Hotel Geiranger with the best location in the village and fantastic views over the fjord.

Day 10: Geirangerfjord – Briksdalsbreen – Geiranger

We started our day with the scenic fjord cruise on Geiranger fjord. The car ferry crossing from Geiranger to Hellesylt is a great way to see the fjord and to explore more of the area afterwards.

After a short stop at Hellesylt waterfall , we headed to the scenic little towns of Stryn , Loen , and Olden . The main highlight in this area is the Briksdalsbreen glacier . The drive there was really scenic and also the hike was well worth it. It’s a popular area visited by tour busses as well, so you won’t be alone.

The nearby Kjendalsbreen glacier is much less known, but according to all the reviews and guidebooks, is also worth a visit. We ran out of time and the weather wasn’t great either, so we skipped it. But if you can, make sure to visit this glacier tongue as well.

Driving distance. Total driving distance excluding the ferry is about 200km. Count the whole day.

TIP: Book your tickets for the Geiranger car ferry in advance to make sure that you can start your day early and don’t have to wait for the next ferry on busy days.

Day 11: Geiranger – Ornevegen – Trollstigen – Alesund

The drive described here is not the fastest way to get from Geiranger to Alesund . However, it’s the most scenic one.

After leaving Geiranger we drove up the steep and winding Ørnevegen – The Eagle Road , to Eidsdal, where we took another scenic ferry ride to Linge.

Then we drove up Trollstigen – The Troll Ladder , one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the world . It’s also one of the most popular places to see in Norway.

We reached the town of Alesund in the late afternoon. That gave us plenty of time to walk around the small town center, climb the 418 steps to Mount Aksla viewpoint , and have a nice dinner.

Driving distance. 192km, count at least 4-5 hours. Add another hour for the scenic walk on top of Trollstigen.

Accommodation. We spent one night in Alesund and stayed at First Hotel Atlantica right in the town center. You can find more Alesund accommodation options here .

Day 12: Alesund – Atlantic Ocean Road – Kristiansund

The main highlight today is the Atlantic Ocean Road . However, the part that most tourists visit is just over 8km long, and you don’t need the whole day for it.

We took the longer version of this road, took many detours and took the time to walk around and travel slower. It was one of our favorite days in Norway! With beautiful landscapes and hardly any other people around.

Leave Alesund and drive to Vestnes from where you take the ferry to Molde. In Molde, make sure to turn left on road 664 in the direction of Bud.

Kristiansund itself is a beautiful, but a very quiet town with very little to do for tourists in the evening. If you arrive early, you can take the ferry connecting the five islands, visit the Klipfish museum, or walk in the park or to the coast.

Driving distance/time. 185km – minimum 4 hours without stops.

Accommodation. We spent one night in Kristiansund. Check prices and availability for Kristiansund accommodation here.

Day 13: Kristiansund to Trondheim

There are several roads to get from Kristiansund to Trondheim . We chose the scenic route Fv. 680 along the coast and the views were well worth the detour.

Since we had plenty of time, we made a stop at the Sverresborg folk museum just outside the city center of Trondheim .

After that, we returned our rental car and we still had plenty of time to walk around the old town of Trondheim.

TIP: If you want to make your trip a day shorter, you could continue straight to Trondheim, explore the city center, and leave Norway the next morning.

Driving distance/time. Scenic road 207km 4-5 hours. Quickest: 200km 3,5 hrs.

Accommodation. We stayed in Trondheim for two nights. Here you can check availability for Trondheim accommodation .

We spent the last day of our trip exploring Trondheim , the third-largest town of Norway. Unfortunately for us, the weather was really bad, so we couldn’t do many things we had planned to.

We had a nice relaxing day, walked around the town a bit. It was very lively as there were several events in town that weekend, so it was really nice to experience the city as locals do. And it was a good way to end our trip.

TIP: If you want to save some time when planning your Norway trip, you could skip this day altogether. Trondheim town can be visited in just a few hours, so you could easily do it in the evening of the day when you arrive here.

Day 15: Departure from Norway or Continue to Lofoten/Tromso in the North

Trondheim Airport is located quite far from the city. We took a bus to the airport – the bus station is centrally located, busses run every 10-15 minutes, and it drops you off right at the terminal after a ride of about 40 minutes.

TIP: There is no reason to keep your rental car until the airport in Trondheim. Parking is difficult to find and expensive in Trondheim. On top of that; there are toll roads on the way to the airport, not to mention the rental price for an extra day or two.

ALTERNATIVE SUGGESTION: If you have another few days to spend in Norway, you can fly to the north and explore more of this amazing country. One of the most popular regions many people visit is Lofoten archipelago . Another great place to be is Tromso .

If you are feeling even more adventurous, fly all the way up to Svalbard – a Norwegian archipelago just 1000 km from the North Pole. No matter which destination you choose, they are all worth a visit!

LEARN MORE: 2-Week Northern Norway Travel Itinerary

So this was our self-drive road trip itinerary for two weeks in Norway . If you have any questions about this Norway itinerary or want to share your experience with road-tripping in Norway, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below.

TIP: Planning a trip to Norway and wondering about the budget? Make sure to read this: How expensive is Norway .

Thinking of visiting Norway in winter? Check this out for some serious winter travel wanderlust: Best things to do in Tromso in winter & Best things to do in Svalbard in winter .

If you found this post helpful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Elizabeth L

Wednesday 17th of January 2024

Hi, thank you for sharing your trip. Did you use old school maps, your phone or rent a gps for navigating the roads? How frequent are rest stops with washrooms? How expensive are the road tolls? From what I’ve gathered tolls seem to only apply near the larger cities, like Bergen. We are planning on going in June but are concerned that we will get rain or fog most days. Did you find driving treacherous? We are planning a loop beginning and ending in Bergen. The first few days follow your route but we loop back through Olden and Balestrand after Geiranger. Any tips on food? We plan to book accommodations that offer free breakfast, but am wondering about the cost of dinners? What would a regular home style meal cost for an adult?

Wow, that's a lot of questions :). You are overthinking it. First, the weather - you can't predict. It can always be rainy or foggy in Norway, no matter the season, so don't let that stop you from going or you'll never visit. The roads are ok and a bit of a mix of everything. Just don't expect wide highways. Most roads are one lane in each direction and yes, some mountain passes can be a bit fun to negotiate, but it's not any different in other mountainous places. Maps - you can use paper maps or a GPS - the latter is much easier, definitely in the cities. We usually simply use Google Maps and I also always download an offline copy of the region we'll be visiting in advance, just in case there's no mobile coverage. Just beware that any GPS will sometimes send you on the fastest route and not the most scenic one, so it pays to do some research in advance and adjust it if needed. I would definitely not rent one - Google Maps or Waze will do just fine and are much easier to use. The washrooms - it depends, but it's normally not an issue. But it's also not like you'll have tons of big petrol stations with restaurants and washrooms along the way. Toll roads can be quite pricey, but again, depends on where exactly you go. In most areas there are no toll roads at all. Compared to the total price of the trip, it's a minor expense. Food is also not something you have to worry about. But if you are visiting nature destinations/hiking, it's always good to pack a picnic for lunch. It saves you time and worries. As for the costs, take a look at this article for more info. Hope this helps. Have a great trip!

Victoria Blyke

Tuesday 1st of August 2023

Jurga, Thank you for your reply. One more question. I read on another blog that the train ride from Oslo to Bergen via Voss was more spectacular than the one in Flam. Wanted to hear your opinion on it.

Hi Victoria, as far as I know, there is just one train line between Oslo and Bergen and it goes through Myrdal and Voss among others. What many people do is disembark in Myrdal and then do the Myrdal - Flam railway which is considered the most scenic railway trip. I think that the majority of travelers that do it this way also take a boat on Naeroyfjord to Gudvangen, followed by a bus to Voss, and then again a train from there to Bergen. This is the so-called original 'Norway in a Nutshell' tour. So it skips the railway journey between Myrdal and Voss and adds a railway to Flam, a boat trip on the fjord, and a bus to Voss. If you are not interested in this interruption, then it's indeed much simpler to just take a train from Oslo to Bergen and not disembark along the way. Unfortunately, since I haven't done this second option, I cannot tell you how the scenery compares between the two and whether the Myrdal-Flam piece is worth it so much more than Myrdal-Voss. Once again, for decades everyone has been saying that Flam - Myrdal railway is one of the most scenic in the world, so I guess that says it all. But everyone probably will have their own opinion and some people may not find the extra cost worth it. You may also want to check our guide to Flam for more information on what to see and do in that area. It might help you decide whether it looks like it's worth it for you. Hope this helps.

Wednesday 26th of July 2023

Jurga, Great Blog! We are following your iten for Norway. We are at the hotel you suggested in Stavenger, and booked everything through the links in your blog. Quick question, what is the bus stop from the Frogner House for the scenic bus ride to Bergen? There are a lot of stops listed, hoping to get a stop near the hotel. See another person had cc issues, we haven't gotten that far. Leaving Stavenger Aug 9th. Thanks, Shawn & Kathy

Friday 28th of July 2023

Hi Shawn, I'm not sure what your question is. If you need a bus from your hotel to Stavanger bus station, why not just ask at the reception. It's probably much easier and quicker than leaving a comment here. :) From what I see, if you are staying at Frogner House Apartments, it's literally just 10-12 minutes walk to the station or 3 minutes by bus. You'd need to cross the road, take a bus from Statens Hus bus stop and disembark two stops further near the main bus station. See Google Maps for the route - you can choose the public transport icon or on foot. Hope this helps.

Wednesday 5th of April 2023

Hi there, my cousins and I are planning a trip with almost the exact same stops and your post has been an amazing resource for us! Just curious, did you have any trouble booking the bus tickets from Stavanger to Bergen? We are American and having issues getting the transaction to go through with our credit cards. If you have any helpful tips I would be forever grateful! Thank you in advance!

Thursday 6th of April 2023

Hi Ellen, no I can't remember having any trouble buying tickets online; it was very straightforward. If you have trouble with your credit cards, you should check with your bank. Maybe they have to change some settings so that you can use them abroad. Good luck!

Wednesday 15th of March 2023

It's been so helpful your itinerary thank you. I just wanted to ask a quick question following on from your last reply re car hirer. Did you drop your car off at Trondheim airport? the only option seems to be the airport on the car rental site you suggested but you mentioned that the airport is 40 minutes from the city. Many thanks, Clare

Hi Clare, no, we dropped off the car in Trondheim city the day we arrived and then took the bus to the airport at the end of the trip. There are special shuttle buses between the city and the airport (see their website - or just ask at the hotel when you get there). When we traveled, that was the only option. I don't think there was a possibility to drop off the car at the airport. Hope this helps.

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

Explore related stories

Apr 3, 2017 • 4 min read

Forget long layovers and cramped overnight buses, make your journey the adventure itself with these epic excuses to hit the open road… or ocean!

Mar 30, 2024 • 4 min read

Mar 22, 2024 • 4 min read

Mar 21, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 20, 2024 • 5 min read

Mar 20, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 18, 2024 • 5 min read

Mar 18, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 14, 2024 • 16 min read

NORWAY – WESTERN NORWEGIAN FJORDS

A local's guide to the fjords in Western Norway.

GO WEST – A ROAD TRIP IN THE HEART OF OUR BEAUTIFUL FJORDLAND

If you want to see norway, you should spend a few days on a tour of western norway. this is a road trip in the heart of our beautiful fjordland, where you will see and experience the best of the fjords, mountains, rivers and glaciers..

In Western Norway you have the possibility to get an active holiday and you have the continuously beautiful Norwegian landscape as a wonderful bonus.

Go west – a road trip in western norway.

Season – Summer.  This also depends on whether the winter-closed roads are open.

This Road Trip starts and ends in Oslo . D rive from Oslo via Hamar and Lillehammer. At Hamar we recommend you to visit Domkirkeodden which is a cathedral from the middle age. Here you can join a Musical Tour in the cathedral, which is also a museum. This is said to leave the visitors both speechless and overwhelmed.

At Hamar you can stay the night in the worlds tallest wooden hotel, Wood Hotel . Video by Anno – Museene i Hedmark .

Romsdalen and the Romsdalsfjord

Then continue via Dombås, down Romsdalen valley to the Romsdal Alps and the Åndalsnes area (Norway’s Tirol). There you have the well known mountains the Troll Wall (Trollveggen) , Romsdalshorn and Vengetind, and also Rauma river and the Trollstigen National Tourist Route . Mountaineering and fishing in spectacular surroundings in this area .

Some highlights from Åndalsnes and Romsdal

The Rauma Railway between Dombås and Åndalsnes is voted as Europe´s most scenic Rail Journey by Lonely Planet.

At Åndalsnes, you can hike the Romsdalstrappa Trail up to Mt Nesaksla (715 masl) and experience the Rampestreken Viewpoint where you have a great view over the Romsdalsfjord, the Rauma River and the Isterdalen valley. If you have a day extra, you can hike the Romsdalseggen Mountain Ridge , one of Norway´s great hikes with view towards the Romsdalen Valley and it´s surrounding mountains, the Romsdalsfjord and far out to the Atlantic Coast. Note, this is a challenging hike, not suitable for children!

Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata is also a possibility when you are in the area. From the center of Åndalsnes you can take the Romsdal Gondola to the top of the city-mountain of Nesaksla, from fjord to mountain in four and a half minutes. From the restaurant at the top of Mt Nesaksla you have a fantastic view down to Åndalsnes and the Romsdalsfjord.

Another nice and much easier walk can be done in Isfjorden . Drive to the Vengedalen Valley (toll road). Drive almost to the end of the valley, at the right side of the road you have a small ridge called Litlefjellet , a 30 minute walk. From there you have a great view down to the Romsdalen valley and to Trollveggen on the other side of the valley.

Another short hike in Isfjorden is the Kavliheian Mountain Pasture . Drive the mountain road (toll road) from Øvre Kavli in Isfjorden and then walk for 20 minutes in flat and easy terrain. You will see the inner part of the Romsdalsfjord and the Romsdal mountains from the road and from the Kavliheian mountain pasture.

A Detour to the Atlantic Coast and the Atlantic Road

You can also take a detour to Molde and the Atlantic Road . It is a short distance from the steep and dramatic snowcapped mountains with cascading waterfalls in Romsdalen to the weather-beaten ocean landscape on the Atlantic Coast.

On your way to the Atlantic Road, you can take the short detour to Klungnes , which is a hidden gem between Åndalsnes and Molde. The road to Klungnes is a short detour that is really worth the time.

At the far end of the Romsdal coast you can also visit the old fishing village Ona and Ona Lighthouse . Or you can hike Midsundtrappene to Mt Rørsethornet (659 masl) at the Otrøya island in the outer part of the Romsdalsfjord.

On this hike, you walk on the longest stairway in Norway, 3292 steps in stone made by Sherpas from Nepal. From the trail and from the viewpoints you have a fantastic view of the Atlantic coast and the Atlantic Ocean.

From Åndalsnes via Trollstigen to Geiranger

From Åndalsnes you drive towards Trollstigen and Valldal. Here there is beautiful scenery with mountains, wild rivers and waterfalls.

If you want some adrenaline kick, you can try rafting in Valldøla River . At Valldal, you should also taste the strawberries from the local farms .

Then take the ferry across the fjord to Eidsdal and continue via Lake Eidsvatnet to Geiranger, a tourist’s “Mecca” with narrow dark green fjord and steep mountains. The route between Trollstigen and Geiranger is called “The Golden Route”, and is one of Norway´s 18 National Tourist Routes .

Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord

The Geirangerfjord is like a fairytale. It is unique and exceptionally beautiful. And the fjord is included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. From Geiranger, you drive up the steep Ørnevegen (the Eagles Road). On the upper part of the steep hillside there is a viewpoint where you can stop and see Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord from a birds-eye perspective. From here you can also see the famous waterfall “The Seven Sisters” cascading into the fjord.

The view from Grande Camping towards Geiranger and the Geirangerfjord is beautiful.

Hike to Skageflå Mountain Farm above the Geirangerfjord. This is a great adventure, combined fjordcruise and steep hike up to the abandoned moutainfarm Skageflå (250 meters above the fjord). Start with fjordcruise from Geiranger to Skagehola, the starting point of the trail up to Skageflå. This is an exposed and challenging hike!

From Geiranger to Stryn Summer Ski Centre

Via Grotli, you arrive at Stryn Summer Ski Centre in Strynsdalen Valley in Nordfjord. Ski, snowboard and equipment are available for rental. Normally there are excellent ski conditions, especially early summer.

The summer ski season usually begins late in May, depending on the amount of snow on the winter closed road.

If you have a tent and want to feel the fresh mountain air, you can stay in the valley close to the ski area. Alternatively you can stay at Folven Adventure Camp down in Hjelledalen or at Hjelle close to Lake Oppstrynsvatnet . This is THE Ski-Camp! Order a hut a few days (weeks) before arrival, just to be sure to get one.

The Stryn Festival is arranged early June with focus on Summer Skiing, Ski-Touring, Mountain Biking, and Kayaking. From Hjelle, a small idyllic village down by Lake Oppstrynsvatnet, you can hike to Segestad Mountain Farm .

Nordfjord – From Stryn to Loen and Olden

Continue, via Stryn, to Loen and Olden . At Loen you should combine a visit to Loen Skylift and Via Ferrata and a stay at the Spa Hotel Alexandra .

From Loen Skylift you have a fantastic view down to the Lodalen Valley, the Oldedalen Valley and Nordfjord. A great but short hike is the hike to Rakssetra Mountain Pasture .

Two detours you should do when you are in the area are the drive up the Lodalen Valley by Lake Lodalsvatnet to Kjenndalsstova and the Oldedalen Valley by Lake Oldedalsvatnet in Olden.

Pass the Lake Oldevatnet to Briksdalbre Mountain Lodge, from where you can walk or be transported up to the Briksdalsbreen Glacier . Beautiful scenery!

From Nordfjord to Fjærland in Sogn

The trip continues to Utvik, over the mountain to Byrkjelo and Skei in Jølster. From here you should drive for approx 15 minutes to Astruptunet Museum where the famous painter Nikolai Astrup lived and worked. This is now a museum where they also have a gallery with paintings by Astrup and is really worth a visit.

Then continue to Fjærland . Here you have the Norwegian Glacier Museum where you can have a look at the 3-dimensional movie. Subjects are the Jostedalsbreen Glacier, glaciers in general, and glacier climbing.

Fjærland is named The Norwegian Book Town due to all the bookstores in the town. It has a total of 2.5 miles with shelves filled with books, new and used. The smallest bookstore is a book stand by the road. Based on trust, you can pick a book and leave some money in a box.

Fjærland Guiding offers guided tours in Fjærland and on the Fjærlandsfjord. The guided tours starts from the head office of Fjærland Guiding in Mundal in the center of Fjærland. Fjærland Guiding also offers you to experience the Floating Sauna “Dampen” which is situated on the Fjærlandsfjord just outside the center of Fjærland.

SEASON: Summer. Check with Fjærland Guiding when they offer guiding. Sauna Season is all year round.

A great place to stay in Fjærland is Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel .

From Fjærland to Sogndal in the heart of the Sognefjord

Between Fjærland and Sogndal , you can explore the Sogndalsdalen Valley and the Anestølen Mountain Pasture where you can buy homemade goat´s cheese during summer. Below you can see a video from Vatnasete in the Sogndalsdalen Valley between Fjærland and Sogndal.

Sogndal is the very heart of the Sognefjord, and is a great area for activities and experiences in beautiful and wild nature. Sogndal is located in the middle of all the side fjords of the Sognefjord . From Sogndal there is a short way to all the fjords in addition to being a great area for hiking along the fjord, kayaking, fjord cruises, mountain biking, climbing and bouldering, mountain hikes and skiing.

Enjoy the heat in a sauna and jump into the fresh water of the Sogndalsfjord. HEIT SOGNDAL is a sauna that stands on a parked tractor by the fjord. The sauna is located at Loftesnes by Sogndal, at the end of the fjord trail .

A detour from Sogndal to Balestrand

A great detour when you are in Sogndal is to drive out along the Sognefjord to Hella. Then take the ferry across the fjord to Dragsvik and continue driving to Balestrand and the Historic Kviknes Hotel .

Due to the beautiful nature, the wild mountains and the location down by the fjord, Balestrand became a favorite place to visit among artists and the Norwegian and foreign society from the end of the 19th century until the beginning of World War I.

Germany´s Emperor Wilhelm II visited Balestrand several times, and it was an impressive sight when he entered the Sognefjord with his warships to spend his holidays there.

Well-known Norwegian painters such as Hans Dahl , Eilert Adelsteen Normann and Anders Askevold lived for long periods at Balestrand, and many of their most famous paintings have motifs from the Sognefjord and Balestrand area.

From Sogndal to the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord area

From Sogndal, drive to Kaupanger and take the ferry across the Sognefjord from Mannheller to Fodnes. Recommended detour: Drive to Indre Ofredal by the Årdalsfjord. Drive to Årdalstangen, Seim and to Indre Ofredal.

Continue to Lærdal and drive through the Lærdal tunnel between Lærdal and Aurland . In the Aurland and Flåm area you have lots of possibilities in the nearby surroundings.

The Nærøyfjordand Aurlandsfjord are two of the worlds most beautiful and dramatic fjords. The name Nærøyfjord origin from the norse god ‘Njord’, the God of the Seafarer and the sea. The Nærøyfjord is a 17 kilometer long branch of the Aurlandsfjord, which again is a branch of the 204 kilometer long Sognefjord . It is only 250 meters at the narrowest, and more than one kilometer at the widest. The depth varies between 10 and 500 meters. The surrounding mountains are up to more than 1400 meters high.

The Nærøyfjord start at Mt Beitelen, which devides the Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, and ends at Gudvangen. By the Nærøyfjord, we have the small villages Gudvangen, Bakka, Styvi and Dyrdal. Dyrdal and Styvi are the only places without permanent inhabitants during the winter, and is without road connection.

If you want to have a day or two hiking in the Aurland and Flåm area, you should hike the Aurlandsdalen Valley . Wild scenery, wild rivers, narrow valleys, much history from old Norway and how they lived at that time. Many people consider this as the most beautiful and wildest valley in Norway.

Cycling Rallarvegen (the Navvies Road) from Finse to Flåm. This is a must. You take the first train in the morning from Flåm to Finse. (Order tickets a few days before, this to ensure they have bikes for rental at Finse. You need to ask for a ticket including both train and bike). Get your bikes at Hotel Finse 1222 . This is the highest point of the Bergen Railway, 1222 meters above sea level. You now start the ride along Rallarvegen. This road was constructed while building the Bergen Railway in early 1900. You cycle mostly dowhill beside lakes, rivers and waterfalls down to the Flåm Valley which takes 6-8 hours or more. You can also bring a tent and stay the night camping somewhere along the road (wild camping is allowed in Norway). When arriving in Flåm, you can leave the bike at Flåm Railway Station before you enjoy something to eat and drink at Ægir Brewery by the harbour.

You can go by rib boat or a fjord cruise from Flåm out the Aurlandsfjord into the Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen.

From Flåm , you can drive through a long tunnel towards Gudvangen . When you are through the first of two tunnels, you turn right and drive to  Undredal   down by the Aurlandsfjord. Here you will find Undredal Stave Church , Norway´s smallest church. It is actually a stave church and had its 850 years celebration in 1997.

From Aurland over the mountain to Lærdal

The trip continue back towards Sogndal. It is recommended to drive over the Aurlandsfjellet Mountain Road to Lærdal. This road is one of Norway´s National Tourist Routes. It is closed during winter and open late May or early June, depending on the amount of snow. Just above Aurland at the start of the road, you will find the Stegastein view point. Here you have an amazing view down to Aurland and the Aurlandsfjord . A stop here is a must; remember to bring your camera. In Lærdal, you can visit Norwegian Salmon Centre . Here you can see the salmon in the river, exhibitions etc.

If you want to see Borgund Stave Church , drive 26 kilometers east to Borgund. This is one of the most beautiful Stave Churches in Norway. Near by Borgund Stave Church you´ll also find the old Vindhellavegen road. The 1.7 kilometer long road was completed in 1793 and is now part of a 100 kilometer long hiking trail, the old King´s Road , between Vang in Valdres and Lærdal by the Sognefjord.

Back in Lærdal continue through the tunnel towards Fodnes and take the ferry over to Mannheller in the direction Sogndal.

The Lustrafjord area and the Jostedalsbreen Glacier

From Sogndal you drive towards Hafslo, just before Hafslo turn right to Solvorn. Solvorn is a beautiful village down by the Lustrafjord. Here you can stay at the historical hotel Walaker Hotel or at the cheaper and charming Eplet Bed & Apple . At Solvorn you can also take the small ferry across the Lustrafjord to Ornes and visit Urnes Stave Church and the Feigefossen Waterfall . From Solvorn continue back to to Hafslo where you can hike to Mt Molden . This is a two hour hike (one way), and the reward is a beautiful view towards the Lustrafjord.

Continue to Gaupne, then take to the left towards Jostedalen and Nigardsbreen Glacier . There you have Breheimsenteret Glacier Centre with its exhibition, multimedia glacier slideshow, information about the glacier, guiding and equipment-rental.

Back at Gaupne, you continue through Luster to Skjolden and Fortun. Stay at Skjolden Hotel , a beautiful hotel with local food down by the Lustrafjord.

The Sognefjell Mountain Road and back to Oslo

Safe back at Skjolden you continue in the direction of Sognefjellet Mountain Road (National Tourist Route) and Lom. There you have Turtagrø Hotel , a new and modern mountain hotel, where you can get information and guiding to the Hurrungane Mountains, one of Norway´s wildest mountain areas. A little further and you have the Sognefjellshytta Mountain Lodge on the top of Sognefjellet. Guided hikes can be done from there. Just a few kilometers from Sognefjellshytta you arrive at the Krossbu Mountain Lodge .

Then the trip continues towards Lom. In the centre of Lom, you can visit Lom Stave Church ,   Fossheim Steinsenter (Geological centre) and Norsk Fjellmuseum (Mountain Museum). And of course, you should visit the Bakery in Lom , probably the best bakery in the world.

Your adventure is almost over. Drive in the direction Vågåmo and you have two choices if you wish to go back to Oslo. You can drive to Otta and down Gudbrandsdalen or you can turn to the right a few kilometers before Vågåmo and drive over the Valdresflye Mountain Pass (National Tourist Route). I recommend the latter option, as then you will drive through the east end of the Jotunheimen National Park.

Useful Information

The weather is important during such a round-trip such as this in western Norway, the best time is probably June to August, but also May is a beautiful month – where spring meets summer, with green valleys and snowy mountains. You can easily do sunbathing on the snow, more than 2000 meters above sea level. Remember suncream with high skin protection! Summer Ski Centres and guiding usually starts in June. If you want to walk in the mountains in Jotunheimen the best time is between July and September due to the likelihood of there still being lots of snow in early summer.

Many roads in Western Norway are closed in winter! The roads that are closed in winter usually opens late May or early June, depending on how much snow that needs to be cleared before the roads can be opened.

You can get information about Glacier guiding at The Norwegian Trekking Association or Jostedalen Breførarlag . The Norwegian Trekking Association have more than 550 huts spread over the whole country. If you are a member you can have a standard key which fits nearly all huts. In most of the huts there is food, gas and wood you can buy (self service).

HOTELS - LINKS - FAQ

Go west – map overview.

Map information: The map below contains information and links to the area on and near the “Go West” tour. Links to fjords.com’s articles are marked in red. Links to the main fjords are marked in blue.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Read More

• Preferences Preferences Preference cookies enable a website to remember information that changes the way the website behaves or looks, like your preferred language or the region that you are in.

• Work with Me
• Start a Blog
• Yearly Roundups
• 101 in 1001 Goals
• how to start a travel blog
• tips for new bloggers
• write me a guest post!
• Work With Me

A Passion and A Passport

Proving Travel is Possible with a Full-Time 9-5

10 days in Norway: A Complete Norway Road Trip Itinerary

last Updated: April 16, 2024 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

Norway uses the Norwegian Krone (NOK), typically called the Kroner (not the Euro like elsewhere in Europe). At the time of this writing (2024), 1 Norwegian Krone (NOK) = ~ $.09USD or 1 USD = ~10.99NOK. I found it easier to think in hundreds and kept these numbers in my head when figuring out the bill/shopping: 100NOK = ~$10USD. It’s not 100% precise, but a pretty good estimation.

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.

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

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.
• Oslo Fjord Sightseeing Cruise by Sailing Ship : Get out onto the water! There’s unique islands and colorful houses right on the Oslo Fjord, and of course stunning views. Definitely a highlight of Oslo, especially at sunset!
• 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.

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!

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. If you’re a faster hiker than us (we’re not experienced hikers by any means), you can easily fit in the cruise.

Psst – If you prefer an action-packed trip through the fjords, book yourself on a RIB tour instead (way more adrenaline-inducing, haha).

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.

A few companies are now offering guided hikes up to Preikestolen , which are perfect if you’re not comfortable hiking without a guide or don’t wanna worry about transportation to/from Stavanger. Since we’re not big hikers, I think we would’ve felt more comfortable going with someone who knows the area.

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.

Still don’t feel like figuring out all the logistics yourself? I totally get it – it was honestly kinda a pain to put together myself, especially since I waited a bit too long to book everything and times got filled up.

Thankfully there’s now companies offering complete self-guided packages , like this one which includes all the tickets you need for the day (albeit more expensive since they’re doing all the work for you). But worth it if you don’t wanna miss anything (it can get pretty tricky with all the different bookings).

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. 😉

Fjord Cruise: 10am-12pm

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).

Shuttle 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).

Flam Railway: 1:30pm-3:30pm roundtrip

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!

If you’d rather someone else do the driving (or you’re basing yourself out of Geiranger and not actually doing a road trip in Norway), this tour to Dalsnibba and its surroundings hits almost the same spots! You’ll just need to make the drive to Alesund afterwards, which is actually less than 2 1/2 hours direct (including a car ferry).

*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.

TRAVELING TO NORWAY SOON? Don’t forget travel insurance! I’m a big fan of SafetyWing when traveling abroad. Be sure to protect yourself from possible injury and theft before it happens. Learn more and Sign up here.

Feel free to share this 10 day Norway itinerary with a friend, and get started planning your trip !

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

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!

You may also love...

Subscribe To The Newsletter

FOR TRAVEL INSPO   and   FUN

No spam, only fun!

Favorite Destinations

• About Jessica
• How to Plan a Trip
• Fave Travel Companies
• Shop My Faves

Destinations

• World Travel
• San Francisco
• Northern California
• Southern California
• Central Coast

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

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!

Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??

Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.

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

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

• 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

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Norway's most awesome road trips

It’s possible to experience some of Norway's most awesome stretches of road in just a couple of days: Aursjøveien, the Atlantic Road, Trollstigen, Geiranger and Ørneveien, Norangsdalen and Runde. Are you ready to experience some of Norway's most awesome road trips?

In just one county, you can experience some of most beautiful stretches of road Norway has to offer. These amazing driving experiences are just a short drive from each other. You can easily complete the road trip in two or three days, but if you set aside a little more time, you can discover hidden gems and even more adventures.

The Aursjøvegen road

The Aursjøveien road is the least well-known yet wildest mountain road. The 65-km-long road runs between Eikesdalen and Sunndalen The landscape has plenty of mountains, waterfalls, giant's cauldronspotholes, and fast, sharp bends - while asphalt and crash barriers are a little more scarce. The narrow gravel road takes you from fjord to fjord over wild, precipitous alpine mountains. The stretch of road was built in connection with the Aura Hydroelectric Power Station in the early 20th century and it hasn’t changed much since.

The Aursjøvegen road opens for traffic on 1 June each year.

From around 20 June to 20 August, you can experience one of Norway's most powerful waterfalls – the spectacular Mardalsfossen in Eikesdalen. It was here in 1970 that the philosopher Arne Næss and about 300 others chained themselves to protest the building of a power station.

Experiences

Aursjøvegen mountain road, walk up to the mardalsfossen waterfall, dnt aursjøhytta mountain lodge, norwegian scenic route the atlantic road.

The famous Atlantic Road , where Northwest meets the ocean, is one of Norway's most popular tourist destinations. The stretch of road was voted Norway’s Norway's 'Engineering Feat of the Century' and, according to the British newspaper The Guardian , is the world's best road trip. Perhaps less well known is that, according to Lonely Planet 's travel guide ( Blue List 2007), this stretch of road can cure a broken heart.

The Atlantic Road is one of eighteen Norwegian scenic routes. What’s so special about these roads is that they run through unique natural landscapes, by the coast and fjords, mountains or waterfalls. The Norwegian scenic routes are a superb alternative to main roads, where the drive is a unique experience in itself. Car manufacturers from all over the world travel here to make their advertisements. Several major Hollywood blockbusters have filmed on this stretch of road across the sea – including James Bond and Black Widow.

When visiting the Atlantic Road, ensure you have time for the many bracing experiences nearby, such as the special walking path around Eldhusøya island, visiting the idyllic Håholmen island, seeing the 90-metre long meandering marble artwork Columna Transantlantica , taking in the spectacular view from Stemhesten mountain , fishing like a true local and windsurfing at Farstadsanden beach .

Atlanterhavsveien Sjøstuer - the Atlantic Road Cabins

Guided fishingtour at the atlantic road - strømsholmen seasport center, the atlantic road - walking path, trollstigen – hairpin bends that take your breath away.

The Trollstigen road has been a major attraction since opening in 1936. Each year, around one million people visit the road and its eleven hairpin bends. The Trollstigen road, nestling snugly between steep mountainsides, runs over the mountain between Åndalsnes and Valldal . If you’ve time and fancy a refreshing walk, check out the spectacular Kløvstien path or the more exposed route over the Romsdalseggen ridge.

There’s an eldorado of (nature) experiences in Åndalsnes. Take the Romsdal gondola to the top of Nesaksla mountain, try stand-up paddling (SUP) down the turquoise river Istra, feel the butterflies in your stomach as you climb the Romsdalsstigen Via Ferrata , and feel as free as a bird as you wander in the mountains. Sample delicious local food at places such as Sødahlhuset , Eggen Restaurant and Hotel Aaak - before spending the night in local beds from Wonderland beds.

Note that the Trollstigen road is closed during winter. Check vegvesen.no for opening times.

Møre og Romsdal county has two national scenic routes. In addition to the Norwegian Scenic Route Atlantic Road by the coast, the Norwegian Scenic Route Geiranger-Trollstigen runs through the mountain and fjord landscape between Åndalsnes and Geiranger.

On this road trip, stopping at the Gudbrandsjuvet gorge and the adventure village Valldal is highly recommended. This idyllic fruit and berry village is the gateway to the Tafjord, which, like the far more famous Geirangerfjord , is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In Valldal village and the Tafjord, you can kayak between steep mountains that rise from the fjord, visit the village's climbing park, raft, go canyoning, or relax in the yoga, spa and retreat centre Meretes Garden .

Romsdalseggen & El-bike to Trollstigen with Hotel Aak

Trollstigen gjestegård café, roundtrip by bus from åndalsnes to trollstigen and geiranger, ørnevegen road.

Ørnevegen (Eagle’s Road) is the name of the steepest stretch of road down to the Geirangerfjord when you drive from Valldal. The road winds its way to the fjord through nine hairpin bends. This stretch of road provided Geiranger a year-round road connection when it opened in 1955. The upper section of Ørneveien road passes through an area that traditionally has many eagles, and we recommend keeping a watchful eye out for this majestic bird of prey when you look out over the fjord from the viewing platform in Ørnesvingene .

Things to do in Geiranger

In Geiranger, it's well worth setting aside time for lazy (or active) days. Fancy trying some award-winning, homemade chocolate with, among other things, the world's best blue cheese from Tingvoll? Then we recommend visiting Geiranger Sjokolade in Swede Bengt Dahlgren's chocolate shop in the centre of the village.

Geiranger is also home to Fosseråsa , Norway's first national hiking trail. The trail starts at the fjord and runs past Hotel Union , the Norwegian Fjord Centre and Westerås Gård and ends at Storseterfossen waterfall. If you want a mountain walk that’s a bit out of the ordinary, visit the fjord farms Skageflå or Knivsflå, with intimate views of the Geirangerfjord – nature's very own masterpiece. If you want a really airy experience, we recommend driving 1,476 meters above sea level up to Dalsnibba mountain and the Geiranger Skywalk – Europe's highest point with a fjord view.

• Please note that the road to Dalsnibba mountain and Geiranger Skywalk is closed during winter. Check opening times here .

Citysightseeing Geiranger

Norwegian fjord centre - world heritage visitor centre geirangerfjorden, the national hiking trail – fosseråsa, norangsdalen valley.

The magical Norangsdalen valley is just a couple of hours' drive from Geiranger. In the 19th century, Norangsdalen valley and the surrounding area was a playground for royalty, emperors, the cultural elite and other fine folk. With only a couple of hundred meters between the high valley sides, making your way through this landscape is an extraordinary experience. Stop to take some photos or go kayaking on Lyngstøylvatnet lake, also known as ‘Sunnmøre's Atlantis’. This lake was formed by a rockslide from Keipen mountain in 1908, and the remains of the old road, farm walls and houses are still visible under the water.

Island hopping on the coast of Sunnmøre

Drive the new Nordøyvegen and explore Nordøyane (the Northern islands), which lie outside Ålesund and Brattvåg. The inhabitants here have always used the sea route to get around, but with the newly opened Nordøyvegen, many of the islands are now connected to the mainland with bridges and tunnels, here you get close to the sea and can explore a rich coastal history on the trip.

Runde – gold, caves and puffins

If you take the time to experience more, there are stretches of road that are less known than ‘Norway's most awesome’, but which many believe are just as exciting and rich in experiences. One of these is the road trip out to the island of Runde in Herøy municipality. Get a close-up encounter with nature on a road that runs along the coastline and over Rundebroen bridge, which has been used as a backdrop in several advertisements. Read more about what you can experience on the famous bird island.

Runde Lighthouse

Puffin safari - guided mountain hike at runde, runde environmental centre - visitor center and activities, veiholmen fishing village.

Veiholmen is a vibrant fishing village located far north of the island Smøla and is connected to the main island by a road with bridges, embankments and protective breakwaters where the drive itself is a fantastic experience. The narrow road that winds past islets and reefs is said to be as beautiful as the Atlantic Road.

Read more about idyllic Veiholmen, the largest fishing village south of Lofoten >>

Experience Veiholmen

Fishing village veiholmen, kayaking from veiholmen - smøla kayak, 2-hour white tailed eagle safari- smøla naturopplevelser, related articles, the atlantic town with four lands.

You may have heard of its excellent salted cod and opera, but the town of Kristiansund, situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, has far more to offer than salty fish and classical vocals.

Taste of the coast

‘Come to Ålesund and eat local, world-class seafood,’ well-known gourmet chef Ronny Kolvik says, issuing an invitation.

Cycle from Åndalsnes to Valldal via Trollstigen on an electric bike.

Set off on an adventure where you get to experience the best views and local gems that Romsdal and Valldal have to offer. A great culinary and scenic experience, using an electric bike as your means of transport.

• Vacation Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Things to Do
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

France west coast family road trip - Family Travel Forum

• Tripadvisor Forums    
• Family Travel Forums

France west coast family road trip

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Family Travel forum

6 replies to this topic

For context, we will be travelling with two children, aged 12 and 10.

This post has been removed at the author's request.

Hello Katie

For the location specific information you want, a suitable rough itinerary, " must see" stop offs" etc, Id recommend reposting to the France " Destination" Forum directly

You'll get more knowledgeable responses by posting to Tripadvisors actual dedicated France Forum itself...

Thats where other members who live there, or France Destination Experts give the sort of details youre looking for....

Occasionally we have one member whos done this type of holiday post here, but shes an infrequent poster, so not sure when, or even if she'll see your post tbh...

Heres a link to Tripadvisors France Destination Forum

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowForum-g187070-i12-France.html

Another idea is to use the " Search" function on the Forum , type " France drive holiday" , or similar to find past discussions of the topic

Good luck with your planning

Many thanks - I appreciate your advice. I've just posted into the forum you suggested.

Youre welcome

Some Information about European FERRY Routes/Timetables etc- see link below

http://Seat61.com

• 3 Weeks Destination? 10:13 pm
• Jet2 Free Child Place - What Age? 6:52 pm
• Holiday to Albuferia with children near old town today
• Italy family trip today
• Ryanair - Hiking Pack/ Baby Carrier today
• Looking for Cheap or Sharing Stay in Singapore for 7 Days yesterday
• Where to go in December yesterday
• European City Break recommendations (with kids) Apr 16, 2024
• France west coast family road trip Apr 14, 2024
• Best countries to travel in the month of May Apr 13, 2024
• Dual stroller in airplane Apr 11, 2024
• Family holiday inspiration needed!! Apr 09, 2024
• Germany -Sweden-Kopenhagen?? Apr 08, 2024
• family-friendly hotels in Amsterdam in June? Apr 08, 2024
• Welcome To The Family Travel Forum/How To Use This Forum - Family Travel Forum

10 beautiful West Coast road trips

Posted: August 10, 2023 | Last updated: August 10, 2023

A West Coast road trip is one of those quintessential trips everyone needs to take at least once. From alpine mountains to the Pacific coast and numerous deserts, forests, and wonderful cities in between, here are 10 of the best road trips on the West Coast.

Cascade Loop, Washington

The Cascade Mountain Range is home to some of the most iconic peaks in North America. Begin in Seattle, head north to Deception Pass (optional add-on: drive across the bridge to idyllic Whidbey Island), and marvel at the ocean views. Then head east on Highway 20 until you hit the North Cascades Highway. Then follow 20 through cute towns like Winthrop and Twisp before heading south to check out Lake Chelan and Washington’s own German village: Leavenworth. Note that the North Cascades Highways closes seasonally from November through April or May, so check before you depart! Allow for around a week to complete.

You may also like: 10 places to visit in mainland Greece

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Start in San Francisco or Los Angeles and then head south or north, following the famous Highway 1 along the coast. Take in classic Californian sites like the Golden State Bridge, Big Sur, and central coast beaches. Make sure to stop in Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Santa Barbara on the way. Allow for at least three-to-five days to enjoy breaks and scenery!

Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.

Olympic Peninsula Loop, Washington

One of my favorite parts of the world is right in my home state, with Highway 101 circling the peninsula for 300 miles. Start by taking the ferry from Seattle to Bainbridge Island, where you can go wine tasting, browse the cute town, and enjoy views across the sound. Then continue on the 104 to adorable Port Townsend before spending a few days camping, surfing, hiking, or skiing in the winter at Olympic National Park. Highlights in the park include Hurricane Ridge, Forks, the coast, and the Hoh Rainforest. Plan between six and nine days for this route.

You may also like: The 12 best day trips from European cities

Volcanic Scenic Byway, Oregon

Start at Crater Lake in Oregon, the state’s most breathtaking site. Head south on Route 97 and stop at Klamath Falls before crossing the state line into California. Enjoy Mount Shasta and its refreshing lake before heading for the Lassen Volcanic Park. Allow for at least five days to ensure enough time at each destination.

Santa Barbara to San Diego, California

Southern California is a bucket-list destination for many — and for a good reason. Full of white sandy beaches, palm trees, and endless sunshine, the area is truly the stuff of dreams. And nowhere sums that up better than the section between beautiful Santa Barbara and San Diego. Take in the best SoCal coastline from Mussel Shoals to Ventura and the famous Orange Country Beaches. This can easily be done in a day, but allow a few extra to enjoy each place.

You may also like: 12 West Coast small towns you should visit

San Fransisco to Central Coast, California

A shorter portion of the Pacific Highway route that traverses the state, this option begins in San Fransisco. From there, head to Santa Cruz, followed by Monterey and the Carmel Highlands. Then, continue further south to amazing Big Sur and the Bixby Bridge, spend a few days hiking and camping, and don’t forget the hot springs! Further south, stop at Morro Bay and Los Osos State Park for a completely different California. End in San Luis Obispo and allow at least a week.

Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, Oregon

From Bend, enter Deschutes National Forest and meander into the Central Cascades for jaw-dropping views. The just-under 70 miles route takes you through sweeping mountain vistas and epic lakes. Allow for at least a long weekend, and remember the route is typically closed for the winter from November until May.

You may also like: 18 eco-friendly tips for staying cool

California’s National Parks

California’s coast usually receives all the attention, but the lovely inland parks should not be missed! Everyone knows iconic Yosemite, its world-famous waterfalls, and El Capitan. Begin here before continuing to Sequoia, where you can marvel at a different kind of tree than the typical palms out west. Finally, head to the most extreme place in the country — Death Valley. Allow for at least five-to-seven days.

California Wine Country

Start in world-renowned Napa and hit up major wineries like Beringer (California’s oldest) and Trefethen. Bonus: hop on the Napa Wine Train during your tasting days for the safest experience. Then head west to lesser-visited Sonoma County, where award-winning vines are also located. This trip can be made in a long weekend or so.

You may also like: The 14 most beautiful Canadian parks to visit

Alaskan Highway

This starts in Seattle and goes through British Columbia before ending in a state not typically considered the West Coast. From the Emerald City, head north and cross into Canada (don’t forget passports) before stopping in Vancouver and Prince George. Continue north until you reach the Yukon territory before finally arriving in Anchorage. Allow at least a week, and bring plenty of supplies and knowledge of changing a tire!

Did you enjoy this slideshow? Follow us on MSN to see more of our exclusive lifestyle content.

More for You

Police open investigation into American Idol star Mandisa’s death aged 47

Donald Trump Trial 'Much More Serious' Than Expected: Legal Analyst

19 Workplace Norms That Millennials and Gen Z Are Refusing to Accept

The 26 Most Dangerous Cities in the U.S. Ranked

I did a single-leg wall sit every day for a week — here's what happened to my legs

Ukrainian soldiers destroy Russian Tu-22M3 bomber: Weaponry used revealed

These Are 10 Smells That Cats Absolutely Hate

I quit teaching to work at Costco and I'm much happier. I never thought I'd leave my dream job, but these 5 things drove me out.

The Last of Us Dethroned as Max's Most-Watched Series Ever

Owner of Jeep and Dodge Coldly Lays Off 400 Employees by Completely Locking Them Out of Their Systems and Emails

I Lost 100lbs by Following 4 Rules

The Coolest Car From the Year You Were Born (1945-1995)

10 Countries To Live Outside the US That Are So Cheap You Could Quit Your Job

12 Rude Things You Probably Shouldn’t Be Doing at the Grocery Store

Video appears to show aftermath of explosions at Iran-backed base in Iraq

Pushups are an efficient, full-body exercise — but don't make this 1 mistake

NFL Draft News: Jayden Daniels' Representation Reportedly Upset After Commanders Meeting

Is It Safe To Grill Frozen Hamburger Patties Straight From The Freezer?

The Most Visited Attraction in Every US State

How often should you walk your dog? Best practices for keeping your pup healthy.

All your favorite teams and sources in one place

Your Teams. All Sources.

© 2024 BVM Sports. Best Version Media, LLC.

Orioles Start West Coast Road Trip with Series Wins Against Royals and Angels

The Orioles start their second road trip, venturing out of the eastern time zone to face the Royals and Angels , teams they've already defeated this season. Both opponents have shown unexpected strength, with the Angels posting a winning record since their heavy defeat against the Orioles. Despite projected as non-contenders, the Royals boast an impressive 12-7 record, posing a challenge for Baltimore in the upcoming games.

• Orioles went 4-2 in their first road trip and in their second homestand.
• The Royals are 12-7, making waves in the AL Central.
• The Orioles projected to go 4-2 in the upcoming series.

Despite being projected as non-contenders, both the Royals and Angels have shown strength and could pose challenges for the Orioles in their upcoming games.

• The Orioles are performing consistently, maintaining a 4-2 record in various stretches of the season.
• Facing unfamiliar challenges from the unexpectedly competitive Royals and Angels in the next six games.

Upcoming games against the Royals and Angels will test the Orioles' ability to maintain their winning streak and navigate through competitive opponents.

The Orioles face a challenging road trip against unexpectedly competitive teams, testing their consistency and adaptability in maintaining their positive momentum.

The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI

Camden Chat • Paul Folkemer

Friday Bird Droppings: The O’s take their first trip out of the eastern time zone

Think your team or athlete is better show us, submit your story, photo or video.

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.

OK Privacy policy

My Two Cents: Home Run Streak Ends For Cubs' Michael Busch, But Optimism Remains

New Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch had his five-game home run streak snapped on Tuesday night, but he's still been a breath of fresh air early for the 10-7 Cubs.

• Author: Tom Brew

In this story:

When the Chicago Cubs hit the road for a West Coast road trip last week, they weren't expecting to make history. But they did, thanks to new first baseman Michael Busch.

The 26-year-old who came over from the Los Angeles Dodgers in a trade during the offseason hit a home run in five straight games, starting on April 10 in San Diego. He went deep off of Dylan Cease — who's not exactly chopped liver — with a two-run homer in the fourth inning.

The Cubs went to Seattle from there, and he homered in all three weekend games in the Pacific Northwest. Then in his first at-bat at Arizona on Monday night, he ripped a Merrill Kelly cutter into the seats.

Five games, five homers.

The streak finally ended on Tuesday, when Busch went 0-for-4 with a walk in the Cubs' 12-11 loss to the Diamondbacks, so he has to settle for just tying the Cubs' record for consecutive homers.

But at least he's in great company. Only four Cubs ever have gone yard in five straight games. Teammate Christopher Morel did it last year, and prior to that, only Sammy Sosa (1998), Ryne Sandberg (1989) and Hack Wilson (1928) accomplished the feat.

Those three are Cubs legends. And Busch is now sitting right there with him.

"You hit a home run in five straight games, you take notice of it," new Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. "He's off to a fabulous start as a Cub. We're grateful to have him for sure."

They sure are, because they've been looking for an every-day first baseman ever since Anthony Rizzo left. Busch was never going to play in Los Angeles with Freddie Freeman holding down first base, so this is a perfect for him, too,.

He needs to play every day, and now he's getting that chance. After a slow start to the season — he was just 2-for-13 in the first four games — he's been on a tear now. He's 15-for-43 since, with six home runs and 12 RBIs.

“It’s been an incredible hot streak, but it comes from a very even-keeled, super consistent person,” Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner said, “which is why I believe in him so much.”

Busch has helped the Cubs get off to a 10-7 start, and they're right in the thick of things in the National League Central. All five teams are .500 or better through Tuesday night's games — which is a big early-season surprise — and it's a race that's certainly wide open. All five teams are separated by only two games, with the Brewers leading the way at 10-6.

The Cubs have 20 homers already, good for fourth in the NL. The pitching needs to be better — their 4.39 ERA is 10th in the NL mostly because Kyle Hendricks (12.11 ERA) and Jordan Wicks (5.68 ERA) are getting knocked around in seven combined starts.

Several other pitchers have been great. Japanese newcomer Shota Imanaga has been terrific, still not giving up a run in three starts, and Mark Leiter Jr. has pitched 10 scoreless innings out of the bullpen.

That's one of the joys of watching an NL Central race like this one. There is no dominant team in this division, not even close. The Pirates are probably overachievingh out of the gate, but they've got some nice, young players. So do the Reds. The Brewers are in a bit of transition mode but they still have a lot of solid veterans.

And the Cardinals, they're hard to figure for me. I didn't like how they rebuilt their starting rotation over the winter, but. they're hanging right in there, too.

As for Michael Busch, it's nice to see him make a statement so early. His teammates really seem to like him, and it's nice to have a guy who can pencil in the lineup every day. He's not going to have hot streaks like this very often — Morel went 11 games without a homer after his five straight last year — but he's making it entertaining.

The late show on the West Coast was fun. He's made a name for himself now. Let's see where he takes in from here.

Tom Brew is the publisher and national baseball columnist for Fastball, our baseball channel on the Sports Illustrated/FanNation network. You can follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @tombrewsports

Latest News

Former Seattle Mariners' Ace on Wrong Side of Spring Training History in Loss to New York Yankees

Chicago White Sox Lose Out on Free Agent Target as He Signs with Texas Rangers

Toronto Blue Jays Trade Former All-Star INF to Cincinnati Reds

San Diego Padres Pounce on LA Dodgers’ Yoshinobu Yamamoto in MLB Debut

Dodgers vs. Padres Best Bets, Seoul Series Picks & Lines for Today, 3/21