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5 Top Norway Road Trips: A Local Expert’s View

Embarking on a road trip around Norway is a great way to see what this breathtaking Scandinavian country has to offer. And making the most of your time away is all about getting your itinerary just right.

After all, you’ll want to catch sight of those incredible fjords and sweeping Arctic landscapes. But you’ll also need time to wind your way through UNESCO-listed Norwegian towns and cities such as Oslo and Bergen.

So what is the best way to do a driving tour of Norway ? Glad you asked! 

Expert-approved Norway road trip routes 

There are plenty of routes to choose from. That’s why we asked one of our Norway specialists, Sindre Matthíasson, if he could give us a breakdown of his favourite Norway driving routes. Whether you’re an intrepid road tripper, or are just starting out, let’s dive in. 

Sindre has recommended journeys ranging from 5-day express tours where you'll see some of Norway’s best attractions, to comprehensive 16-day itineraries that’ll take you across large parts of the country. Plus, there are lots of other options in between.

Top driving itineraries in Norway:

• 5-day tour around Lofoten Islands
• 7-day Norway round trip from Bergen
• 10-day tour from Oslo with fjords and waterfalls
• 10-day tour from Bergen with fjords and glaciers
• 16-day grand tour of Norway

1.  Express Lofoten – 5-day road trip in Northern Norway

A 5-day driving tour of Norway may seem ambitious, but it is wholly achievable, especially if you set your sights on the gorgeous and scenic Lofoten Islands . This itinerary is ideal for birdwatchers, hikers, and travellers wishing to see the untouched northern terrain of Norway.

Experience the rugged wilderness of the Lofoten Islands, and explore the Arctic fjords, marvel at the majestic mountains, spy seabird colonies, and step off into beautiful villages like Henningsvær.

What’s the drive like?

The driving for this itinerary is light, roughly 158-252 kilometres (98-157 miles). And, you can drive it in two major stretches, each of which takes around 2 hours. For more information, see our guide to  driving in Norway .

What itinerary is best for a 5-day Norway road trip?

Day 1 – Start in Svolvær, the hub of the Lofoten Islands, where you can spend the day investigating the delightful shops and cafes in the main town, and if you’re feeling adventurous, hike Svolværgeita, the mountain that overlooks the town.

Day 2 – On your second day in Svolvær, bring your camera and head to Trollfjord, known for its watersports, fishing villages, and incredible birdlife. Make time especially for Henningsvær, affectionately known as the “Venice of Lofoten” because of its pretty maritime looks.

Day 3 – Drive to Reine today, where you can take the national tourist road that runs through the islands. Prepare for some excellent stopovers at places like the Lofotr Viking Museum for a little Norse history, and to Gimsøya and Haukland beach for seaside views and fun.  

Day 4 – In Reine, make the most of the fjords, by enjoying watersports in Reinefjorden, and panoramic views with a hike to Reinebringen. You can also duck into the local Norwegian Fishing Village Museum to learn about the culture and heritage of these islands.

Day 5 – Hop in your car and head back to Svolvær, where you can extend your trip, or fly to Oslo and investigate the charms of Norway’s capital. 

Best Norway road trip for: A short break with incredible scenery.

• Have it organised for you: experience the Lofoten road trip tour
• Explore: Lofoten Islands tours & vacation packages
• Related: My Lofoten: charming villages & dramatic landscapes

2. The Norway Express Route – 7-day driving tour of Norway

If you’ve got a whole week to plan a Norway self-driving tour , then your best bet is to travel along the central part of the country’s coast, starting and ending in Bergen. This itinerary brings you face-to-face with some of the nation’s most glorious fjords, and gives you a chance to wind your way around some of Europe’s most exciting roadways.

The route is circular and perfect for coastal, lakeside and inland exploration, without making you feel like you’re racing from attraction to attraction. Plus, the extra days give you enough time to step away from the wheel and head out to sea on a spectacular overnight cruise.

This is a mid-level road trip, with drive times varying between 2-hour and 4-hour stints. Total driving for this trip is around 554 kilometres (344 miles).

What itinerary is best for a 7-day Norway road trip?

Day 1 – Kick off your trip in Bergen , the second-largest city in Norway, and home to the incredible UNESCO-listed Bryggen . This historic part of the city is an old wharf, filled with museums, markets, cafes, and shops. You could also pop up the funicular railway, the Fløibanen, to see Bergen from above.

Day 2 – On your second day, head to Voss and seek out the famed Tvindefossen waterfall nearby (see image). Driving on will take you past several gorgeous coastal towns, and panoramic views of Aurlandsfjord .

Stop off in Flåm , where you can ride the jaw-dropping Flåmsbana railway to Myrdal . Then take a short ferry ride to Sogndal which sits on Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord .

Day 3 – Today, make for Loen . This is a short drive, so you'll have more time to enjoy at each stop – see mainland Europe’s largest icecap, the Jostedal glacier , and pop into the Norwegian Glacier Museum. Once in Loen, take the skylift, so you can see both the town and the spectacular Nordfjord.

Day 4 – Next up, is Geiranger. To get there you'll board a ferry and sail through the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord . Here you will see celebrated waterfalls like the Bridal Veil and the Seven Sisters .

Day 5 – In the morning, drive up the winding slopes of  The Eagle Road , and hop on a short ferry to Linge before winding your way around the Trollstigen  – The Troll Ladder. In the afternoon, board a Havila or Hurtigruten cruise and head south towards Bergen.

Top tip : in the summer months, you could enjoy coastal views from the ship deck under the midnight sun before returning to your private cabin.

Day 6 – Today, you’ll reach the endpoint of the cruise and road trip in Bergen . Rounding off your trip here means you can either spend time hiking the seven (that’s right, seven!) mountains that surround the city, or see attractions like Håkon’s Hall in Bergenhus fortress.

Day 7 – It’s time to set your sat nav for the airport. If you still have some time, you can stroll down to the harbourside and grab breakfast or lunch at one of the delightful cafes in town, and grab some souvenirs. 

Best Norway road trip for: A whistlestop tour of the north

• Sound good? Ask us about Scenic Norway - Express
• Related: In brief: what to do in Bergen
• Related: Best Time to Go and Visit Norway

3. The Classic Norway Route – 10 day driving tour of Norway

This classic route is for any traveller who wants to tick off all the main attractions during their holiday across Norway . This scenic drive includes the cities of Oslo and Bergen, plus national tourist routes that go past stunning fjords such as Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord.

And let’s not forget world-famous waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil.

For a bucket list driving tour of Norway, this is your ticket. Beyond the charms of the attractions, 10 days here allows for a few days away from the wheel, so you can bask in the atmosphere of the country’s rugged landscape.

This is a circular route starting in Oslo, with a total driving distance of 1,344 kilometres (836 miles). Spread across the 10 days, you’ll find that you shouldn’t have to drive more than about 4 hours at a time.

What itinerary is best for a 10-day classic Norway road trip?

Day 1 – Oslo is your starting point, and you should head into the city centre before you rent a car, to enjoy this sophisticated capital. See the Royal Palace, the Norwegian Maritime Museum, and the incredible Akershus Fortress.

Day 2 – On your first driving day, go north to lovely Lillehammer , set inland, and the site of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Visit the Olympic Museum and arena, but don’t forget to pop your head into the Maihaugen open-air museum, which is made up of 200 buildings, some of which date back to the 1400s!

Day 3 – On your third day, you’ll swap cultural attractions for natural ones, as you sweep into the Gudbrandsdalen valley, which is flanked by several national parks. On your way to Geiranger, stop off at the Dalsnibba skywalk where you can gaze at magnificent views of Geirangerfjord and the Blåbreen glacier.

Day 4 – Indulge in a spot of kayaking or watersports along the Geirangerfjord in the morning, then take a ferry to Loen. Once you’re on the water you’ll be able to marvel at the Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil, vaunted waterfalls of the region. 

Day 5 – From Loen, you can drive south to the Jostedal glacier, the largest in mainland Europe. You can learn all about it in the Norwegian Glacier Museum in Fjærland. Learn how the fjords of the region are carved, before getting to Sogndal, situated in Sognefjord, the deepest and longest fjord in the country.

Day 6 – Today, take another ferry, this time from Sognefjord to the gorgeous Aurlandsfjord. Once you’re back on dry land, pull over in Flåm to ride the legendary rails. Lastly, don’t forget to make time for Voss  –  the adventure capital of Norway  –  on your way to Bergen.

Day 7 – Stay in Bergen, where you can wander the ancient streets of the UNESCO-listed Bryggen, tour the delightful museums, or enjoy the views from the top of Mount Fløyen by taking the Fløibanen Funicular.

Day 8 – On the eighth day be swept away by the scenic charms of Hardangerfjord and the impressive natural sites of the Hardangervidda National park. Whilst heading to your end-point Geilo, make time for Vøringfossen, the highest waterfall in Norway.

Day 9 – Before you make that drive to Oslo, mark your map for Gol. Here, you’ll find the renowned Gol Stave Church, a Viking village, and if you keep your eyes sharp, you may even see trolls in the Trollkirka Caves.

Day 10 – It’s never a bad idea to spend another night in Oslo. Go to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, and the Norse Folkemuseum, before relaxing with a well-deserved drink.

Best Norway road trip for: Classic attractions.

• Have it organised for you: book the Norway Road Trip - Classic
• Related: Top romantic getaways to have in Norway

4. The Complete Norway Route - 10-day driving tour of Norway

If you’re interested in seeing the epic waterways, glaciers and fjords of Norway, this is the tour for you. It's 10 days-long, and starts and ends in Bergen From here you'll wind your way through Geirangerfjord, the gorgeous Balestrand region and pretty Loen. 

This is an ideal summer itinerary, as you'll have access to the fjords. This means plenty of time to try your hand at kayaking, swimming and cruising across those glorious fjords. Nature lovers will adore this road trip!

This is an exciting route that takes you on Trollstigen on the way to Ålesund, as well as on the Eagle Road. In total, the distance you’ll cover is 1,234 kilometres (777 miles), with each driving stretch achievable in 3 to 4 hour stints.

What itinerary is best for a 10-day complete Norway road trip?

Day 1 – Begin in  Bergen , the colourful coastal city, which is home to the UNESCO-protected Bryggen, an old wharf made up of beautiful heritage buildings. Explore the city by ducking into shops and dining in the hip restaurants in town.

Day 2 – There is plenty more to see in the “capital of the fjords”. Take the Fløibanen Funicular up to Mount Fløyen to see Bergen from above. Then, you can either hike within the mountains that surround the city – there are seven! – or investigate the museums, such as the Edvard Grieg museum and the KODE art museum.

Day 3 – Kick off your fjord tour by driving towards Voss, where you can witness the might of the Tvindefossen waterfall. Then head towards Sogndal, where you will pass by Flåm and its famous railway – hop on board for stunning valley views.

Day 4 – Sogndal could be the poster child for Norway, especially as it is located on the Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the nation. Swim or kayak in the fjord, or bike along the coast. Then go to Urnes to see one of the oldest stave churches in Norway , or visit the dazzling Nigarsbreen glacier.

Day 5 – A trip to the fjords of Norway wouldn’t be complete without going to magical Geiranger, filled with snow-capped mountains, lush forests, and towering waterfalls. But first, you’ll drive north along the celebrated National Tourist Route “Sognefjellsvegen”, the highest mountain pass in northern Europe which passes through the glorious Jotunheimen national park.

Day 6 – Today is made for road trip enthusiasts – wind your way up Ørnevegen, known as “The Eagle Road” to Eidsdal. Then, after a short ferry ride to Linge, you’ll be able to tackle the twisting Trollstigen, or Troll Ladder – one of the best-known roads in Norway. End in Ålesund , celebrated for its fantastic Art Nouveau architecture.

Day 7 – Hop on a ferry to Loen, where you’ll sail past beautiful fjords like Vartdalsfjorden, Østrafjorden and Voldsfjorden. Once you get to this lovely town, stretch your legs on a hike up Mount Skåla, which promises gorgeous views from the top.

Day 8 – Scenic roads and hairpin turns are on today’s agenda. The drive to arty Balestrand will take you past the lakes of Jölstravanet and Hakedalsvatnet, right up to the mesmerising Gaularfjellet route. You’ll find yourself wanting to stop often to take photos – we recommend Utsikten for a perfect snapshot of the scenery.

Day 9 – Take your time exploring the picturesque village of Balestrand, and then pick the leisurely route back to Bergen. For instance, take the ferry from Balestrand to Vangsnes and visit Vik, where you can duck into the oldest stone building in the region, Hove Church. Then cruise in the car along Vik mountain before getting back to the city.

Day 10 – On your last day, pop into the Bergenhus Fortress Museum, a fascinating window into the city’s past, and wander down to the Old Bergen Open-Air Museum, which can show you what life was like in days gone by. And lastly, stock up on Norwegian treats like multekrem and krumkake before you depart!

Best Norway road trip for: Fjords and incredible roadways.

• Have it organised for you: Norway fjord route by car - complete
• Related: Bergen, Norway: Gateway to the Fjords 

5. The Norwegian Grand Tour – 16-day driving tour of Norway

The saying might be “you can’t see it all”, but on this trip you will come pretty close. This 16-day itinerary focuses on showcasing the best of Norway, but also takes you to some lesser-known national attractions.This is a trip that also allows you to hop on trains or boats so you can see those incredible mountain passes via the railways, or marvel at the fjords from the water.

Visit stunning Oslo and beautiful Bergen, explore sweeping alpine landscapes, tour pretty fishing villages, and swim in pristine fjords all on this fabulous self-driven tour of Norway.

Whilst this is itinerary may be the longest in days, it’s not the longest when it comes to driving. This is because we’ve factored in trips on public transportation, scenic train journeys, as well as cruises. The driving distance in total comes to about 905 kilometres (562 miles), and is sectioned off in manageable 2-4 hour chunks.

What itinerary is best for a 16-day comprehensive Norway road trip?

Day 1 – Your adventure starts in  Oslo , the capital of Norway, and a great place to kick off a cultural tour. Stroll to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Oslo City Hall, and the Kon-Tiki Museum on your first day.

Day 2 – On your second, go to the stunning Akershus Fortress , and the Royal Palace, and then spend time in the Aker Brygge area, where you’ll find a seaside boardwalk, upmarket and cute boutiques, patio bars, and plenty of excellent restaurants.

Day 3 – From Oslo, take a train that weaves its tracks through the mountains of Norway, all the way to  Bergen . This city is home to the charming UNESCO-listed Bryggen, an old wharf filled with colourful clapboard heritage buildings. A must-see.

Day 4 – Today you should pick up your rental car in Norway, because you’ll be driving towards Voss to chase its Tvindefossen waterfall, and then onto the remarkable Aurlandsfjord and the lovely town of Flåm. If you fancy it, we recommend going on a return train ride from Flåm to Myrdal for sweeping views of the landscape – bring your camera! Then drive on from Flåm to Sogndal.

Day 5 – Sogndal is set on the Sognefjord , so exploring fjords is on the itinerary today. Drive the Fjærlands road to the Jostedal Glacier, and after that chilly stop, slide by Nordfjord, where cascading waterfalls, rising mountains, and sapphire lakes will greet you. End in Loen for the night.

Day 6 – Explore a little of lovely Loen, then take the ferry through the UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord. This is where you’ll see the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil waterfalls , perhaps Norway’s most famous falls. At the end of the ferry ride, you’ll get to stay in the town of Geiranger, the stuff fairytales are made of. Think pristine fjords and sugar-topped mountains studded with emerald trees.

Day 7 – You couldn’t get all the way to Geiranger and not spend another night there. Soak in the magical atmosphere of this alpine haven, and kayak or take a boat safari across the fjord. You can also take your rental car up to the Dalsnibba skywalk for unparalleled views.

Day 8 – Why have a car if you can’t make the most of it? Climb the winding ways of Eagle Road , then cruise across, car and all, on a ferry to Linge. Once there, you can try your hand at the extremely fun, and gorgeous Trollstigen road, known for its 11 hairpin bends, before stopping for the night at Ålesund.

Day 9 – Keep to the coast today, as you’ll be heading to the harbourside Kristiansund down the Atlantic road. First, drive and ferry your way to beautiful Bud, a historic trading village, and then onto to the Atlantic Ocean Road, which is cradled by mountains that look out to the sea, a route which road trip dreams are made of.

Day 10 – Norway may be an adventure, but this country breeds adventurers too, and nowhere is this more true than in Trondheim , the capital of the Vikings. Explore this remarkable port city in northern Norway, and duck into its Trøndelag Folk Museum, the old wharf Bakklandet, and the Nidaros Cathedral.

Day 11 – Of course, why come to the Viking capital if you aren’t going to get to taste a little sea life?  Leave your rental car behind and go on an overnight cruise, where you can sail along the Trondheim fjord out to Hitra Island.

Day 12 – You’ll dock in Bergen, giving you a chance to see everything you might have missed first time around, such as the Old Bergen Open-Air Museum, and the Hanseatic Museum in Bryggen.

Day 13 – With so much to see, it’s worth another night in this city. We recommend going to the Bergenhus Fortress, where you can see King Håkon’s Hall, and the Rosenkrantz Tower.  And since you’re by the sea, why not try pickled herring? This ancient Viking favourite is still a local staple.

Day 14 – From Bergen you will board a coach that will take you down the rugged western coast of Norway, and on a couple of spectacular ferry rides, all the way down to Stavanger , a lively city known for its historical district Gamle.

Day 15 – Using Stavanger as a base, you can easily explore this majestic region of Norway, including Lysefjord and its surrounding terrain. You’ll also be able to see the iconic natural landmark known as Pulpit Rock .

Day 16 – On your last morning in Stavanger, spend time along the harbour, and investigate the restaurants and cute museums in the Gamle area. Relax, sit back, enjoy the atmosphere, you’re done!

Best Norway road trip for: Those who want to see it all.

• Have it organised for you: look into the Scenic Norway - grand tour
• Related: Hiking the Pulpit Rock in Norway

To set up your own Norway road trip with a little expert help from a Scandinavian travel specialist, contact us with your travel wish list.

Greg Perkins is from Edinburgh, Scotland, but he adopted Iceland as his second country when Scotland (typically) managed not to qualify for football's Euro 2016 tournament. His passions include travel, English literature, and board games. Among his top travel experiences are sailing along Geirangerfjord with classically trained singers providing the soundtrack, seeing Sólheimajökull glacier up close in South Iceland, and witnessing the unspoiled beauty of New Zealand's Doubtful Sound fjord.

Find Greg on LinkedIn .

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

NORWAY ROAD TRIP - CLASSIC

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Norway Road Trip – Three Unmissable Routes

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Norway Road Trips Planner

Norway is a wonderful country for a road trip. Starkly beautiful, with glistening deep blue fjords, rugged mountains, and waterfalls at every turn, this is a country to meander through as you gasp at each new landscape.

With dramatic landscapes, fantastic outdoor activities, Viking history, and pretty water-side towns, Norway has something for everyone.

We’ve spent months road tripping Norway and our top Norway road trip routes, itineraries and tips will help you hit the highlights as you go, making sure to visit all the iconic sights on these three diverse trips, taking in the best that Norway has to offer.

Getting There

Fly into Oslo, Berg en, Tromsø , Kristiansand or Stavanger airports to start your Norwegian road trip. All of these locations are great start points for the road trip itineraries we have curated. We recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Why not take your own car, motorbike, or camper to Norway from Europe by ferry? Use Ferryhopper to compare and book the best crossings to Norway from Germany , Denmark, and the Netherlands.

RELATED POST: Driving to Norway from UK – Routes & Tips

Are you planning to rent a car in Norway? As one of the largest car hire aggregator companies in the world, we recommend Rentalcars.com because they have massive purchasing power which enables them to secure the best rental car prices, which benefits you when you’re planning your Wild Atlantic Way drive.

For a real adventure, hire a motorhome or campervan in Norway. We recommend Motorhome Republic , an aggregate booking site who pull together all the best deals from a number of rental agencies, to offer you a wide choice of options alongside an excellent English speaking expert motorhome Concierge Team.

Use the Park4Night app to find overnight spots and campsites, and wild camp on the edge of a fjord or with incredible sea views. Find out all you need to know in our guide to campervanning in Norway .

Best Time for Road Trips in Norway

October – april.

Can you take a road trip in Norway during winter? Absolutely you can but it will be cold even in southern Norway, and there’s likely to be snow …possibly quite a lot of snow (although the Scandinavians are really good at managing it, so most Norwegian roads do stay open).

November, December, and January are dark months in northern Norway and the days are very short but if you’re traveling to Norway for winter sports, or to see the Northern Lights, then this is the perfect time – just make sure you and your vehicle are well prepared.

May – September

The weather starts to warm up, with July and August being the warmest months. A summer road trip is the best time for hiking, fjord swimming, and paddling, and you’ll be comfortable during the day in shorts and a t-shirt.

It can still be chilly in the evenings for Arctic circle road trippers, where the weather is also more unpredictable. Between (roughly) 14th May and 29th July, you’ll experience the midnight sun phenomenon in the far north of Norway.

Is this your first time visiting Norway? Get all the information you need in our Norway Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Drive the West Coast from Bottom to Top

• Get the Travel Guides
• Lonely Planet Norway
• The Rough Guide to Norway
• DK Eyewitness Norway
• Norway Road Trip Itinerary

Bergen – Loen – Geiranger – Trollstigen – Kristiansund – Trondheim – Jektvik – Bodo – Tromso

• Distance 2120km
• Duration 2-3 weeks
• Drive Time 30 hours

This Norway itinerary is for those that love the journey more than the destination – it’s  all  about the road.

Taking in iconic sights as you drive, this Norway west coast road trip will take you through some of the longest road tunnels in the world, over fjords, along the Atlantic Ocean Road, and up the snaking Trollstigen Mountain Road.

Start in Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city which is surrounded by seven fjords and seven hills. There is a lot to do and see here, including visiting the lively Vagen harbor in Bergen’s old quarter, Bryggen, which is one of Norway’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

From Bergen, take the E39 motorway north to Loen where you’ll find the amazing Loen Skylift which takes you to the top of Mount Hoven for spectacular views of the blue-white Jostedal glacier.

If you prefer to get to the top under your own steam, take the via Ferrata up and the zip-line down.

If sea-level activity is more your thing then head for the very Instagrammable, but glacial, Lake Lovatnet for swimming and kayaking in the summer months.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting Norway . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

At Hellesylt, take the ferry through the stunning Geirangerfjord to the town of Geiranger itself. Expect the town and ferry to be busy, this area is one of the top road trip destinations in Norway.

As you leave Geiranger for Eidsdal and wind your way up the steepest section of route 63, along its eleven switchbacks hanging 600m above the fjord below, you’ll understand why it’s called “the Eagle Road”.

At the highest bend is the most breathtaking view over the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, and the location of the (must watch before you go) movie, The Wave.

From here, pick up the RV63, the Trollstigen Mountain Road. Incredibly beautiful, this road was opened in 1936 and includes eleven hairpin bends and a 9% incline. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best roads in Norway.

Stop at the Ornesvingen viewing point for incredible vistas, and again at the top to admire the Stigfossen waterfall.

Once you reach Andalsnes, head west and then north on the E39 to Vevang, and the start of the Atlantic Ocean Road or Atlanterhavsvegen, which runs across eight bridges and follows the islands between them like a silver ribbon.

If you want to visit picture-perfect Alesund on the way, take a slight detour and head south on the E39 instead of north – if you have a few extra days, you won’t regret it!

Next up is Trondheim, Norway’s original capital city. Trondheim has become a real foodie destination and is known as the “home of Nordic flavors”. Spend a day wandering the cobbled streets in the Bakklandet area or rent a bike, the locals’ favorite way to get around.

Onwards to Jektvik, you can either take the E6 Arctic Highway all the way or around 80km north of Trondheim, just after Steinkjer, pick up the FV17 and take in the glorious landscape and coastal views from the magnificent Kystriksveien Coastal Route, one of Norway’s most scenic road trips and one of the official Norwegian scenic routes .

Taking this Atlantic road route will add quite a few kilometers, two days, and six fjord ferries to your journey, but the detour will be so worth it! You’ll cross into the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees, on the boat between Kilborghavn and Jektvik.

At Bodo, you can get a ferry out to the Lofoten Islands if you are making this a longer trip. Ideal for hikers and nature lovers, Lofoten has become Norway’s go-to place for adventure. You’ll also enjoy perfect lighting for moody shots of big skies and dramatic landscapes, and watching the Northern Lights from Lofoten is a real bucket list experience.

Otherwise, keep on driving to Tromso, one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful cities known for its love of a party! Tromso is another great place to catch the aurora borealis as it ripples across the northern sky. You can also go whale watching from Tromso , try your hand at reindeer and dog sledding, and explore the local mountains and fjords, which make a dramatic backdrop to the city.

From Tromso, you could take a ferry to Svalbard to see polar bears, catch the Hurtigruten ferry back to Bergen, take a longer northern Norway road trip, or catch a flight to pretty much anywhere in the world.

Or, if you have time, head north to Nordkapp where the sun doesn’t drop below the horizon from mid-May to the end of July. Hauntingly beautiful but surprisingly busy, you may prefer the true northernmost point of continental Europe at Knivskjelodden, an 18km hike away and inaccessible to vehicles.

• Driving the exciting and impressive Trollstigen Road from Geiranger to Andalasnes.
• Crossing the Arctic Circle into the land of the Northern Lights.
• Following the Kystriksveien Coastal Route to experience the real coastal Norway of fishing villages and subsistence agriculture.
• Standing at the northernmost point of Europe to watch the midnight sun.
• Having to slow down for reindeer crossing the road!

Where to Stay

Bergen >>   Det Hanseatiske Hotel  for its harbourside location, dining options, and cozy decor.

Loen >> Visnes Hotel Stryn for its waterside location, traditional Norwegian food, and fabulous reviews.

Alesund >> Hotel 1904 for its perfect position in the center of town and iconic Scandi decor.

Trondheim >> Britannia Hotel because by this point you deserve a spa!

Narvik >>   Narvik Mountain Lodge  for its truly spectacular location, traditional log cabin decor, and amazing coastal views.

Tromso >>   Scandic Ishavshotel  for its harbour location, fabulous breakfasts, and excellent customer service.

Camping in Norway

If you’re traveling Norway in a campervan, on a touring bike with a backpack, or you’re on a budget, there is a great network of campsites where you can stay in a campervan or car, or bike with a tent.

No tent? Most Norwegian campsites have huts and rooms for rent and often provide a communal kitchen area for people road tripping and backpacking around the country.

If you prefer to be in the wilds, the  allemannsrett  (all men’s rights) law means you can practice free or wild camping in Norway where the land is not owned or cultivated or where there is no signage forbidding it.  

Follow the usual free and  wild camping  good practice and don’t overstay your welcome. If you’re in a motorhome or campervan use  Park4Night  to find the best free overnight parking and wild camping spots.

However you wild camp, always follow the “leave no trace” principle, take your rubbish and waste with you and dispose of it in the proper place. 

Find Adventure in the Western Fjords

Stavanger – preikestolen – kjeragbolten – trolltunga – flam – bergen.

• Distance 687km
• Duration 7-10 days
• Drive Time 14 hours

This seven to ten day Norway itinerary is for adventure lovers and those who want to hike, swim and paddle in the Norwegian great outdoors.

If you’ve ever looked at those amazing images of people perched on tongues of rock, practicing yoga on sheer cliffs, or star-jumping off precipitously balanced boulders whilst gazing out over sparkling blue fjords, then this Norwegian fjord road trip is perfect for you.

Start in the pretty and typically Norwegian city of Stavanger. Stroll Gamle Stavanger, the oldest part of the city, and enjoy the galleries and local craft boutiques before admiring the colorful wharf houses at the harbor.

There’s also a handful of great museums, lots of cool street art, and fantastic fresh seafood on offer.

RELATED POST – Adventurous Road Trip – 26 of The World’s Most Exciting Routes

Once you’ve spent a day in Stavanger, you’ll be heading off to hike Pulpit Rock or Preikestolen. This is an easy 7.6km hike and can be done in half a day with an early start, or you can take a guided hike if you’re new to hiking and Norway.

Begin the hike at the trailhead in Preikestolenhytta, where you can park easily. There are zero facilities on the Pulpit Rock hike, so make sure to go prepared and take additional clothing as the weather in the fjords can be unpredictable.

With an elevation gain of 334 meters, you don’t need any special skills to get to the top of one of Norway’s most incredible bits of rock – and there are a few in the country!

The views of Lysefjorden are breathtaking, but in July and August it will be busy at the top and you may have to wait your turn to get out to the tip of the rock for that must-have photo.

From Preikestolen, you’ll take the Lysebotn-Forsand car ferry along the Lysefjorden to your next stop, the Kjeragbolten hike. Kjeragbolten is a giant boulder wedged in a crevasse at 1084m on Mount Kjerag, the highest peak in the Lysefjorden. You can also base jump and climb here.

The starting point is at the parking lot at Oygardstol – just getting there involves a pretty spectacular top Norway road with hairpin bends aplenty. 

The hike to Kjeragbolten is around 11km long with 800m of altitude gain, and the round trip takes about seven to ten hours depending on your fitness and experience. You need to be in good physical shape and have some hiking experience before attempting this route.

In some places, you have to pull yourself up and slide down with the help of wires, which can be demanding and daunting if you haven’t experienced it before. Make sure you’re well prepared and allow a full day with an early start.

Don’t forget your road trip essentials! Our free road trip checklists help you remember everything, including road trip snacks , podcasts , and road trip songs for the journey!

Everywhere you drive in Norway, you are surrounded by mountains, fjords, and waterfalls. The scenery in Norway is simply spectacular, with new thrills around each bend in the road.

Route 13 from Stavanger to Odda is known as the Ryfylke National Scenic Route, one of eighteen official national tourist routes in Norway designated for their stunning scenery and tourist-friendly infrastructure.

Pick up the RV13 just before Ardal as you head north (make sure to add Ardal to your sat nav or you’ll be routed east from Kjeragbolten).

On this road, you will drive through incredible tunnels and cross fjords on a car ferry. Allow several hours longer than Google Maps suggests – this is a full days drive and you should start early.

Your next stop is Odda, for the infamous Trolltunga in the glorious Folgefonna National Park. The most challenging of these three famous Norway hikes, the route is 20km across mostly flat terrain, but the path can be tricky underfoot and the weather changeable. 

Hiking Trolltunga  is not for the faint-hearted or unprepared but is an absolute must-do on your road trip of Norway. Read our post to find out everything you need to know, from where to stay, how to get there, and the hike itself.

RELATED POST – Trolltunga Hike – Plan it Like a Pro

Norway Travel Ideas

Atlantic Road Norway: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

Campervanning in Norway – Tips, Routes & Destinations 2024

Best One Day Oslo Itinerary + Map, Guide & Tips

Driving to Norway from UK – Routes & Tips

Driving in Norway – All You Need to Know

Trolltunga Hike – Plan it Like a Pro

Flåm Norway: Visitor Guide & Tips

Skirt north along the border of the Hardangervidda National Park and take a few days downtime in picturesque  Flam , a small village right at the top of the beautiful Aurlandsfjord.

Surrounded by towering mountains, waterfalls, fjords, and rushing rivers, this is a playground for hikers, water sports enthusiasts, and mountain bikers.

From Flam, you can drive to Bergen or take the spectacular Flamsbana railway there, considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world.

Or, if you have a little longer to spend in Norway, follow the magnificent Sognefjord east to the stunning Jotunheimen National Park.

A four hour drive from Flam will take you into the “Giant’s Home”, a fitting name for this vast and soaring place where there are over 250 mountains of almost 2000m high and some of Norway’s very best scenery.

RELATED POST – How to Visit Flåm in the Summer

• Taking the incredibly scenic Flam Railway to Myrdal and cycling back on the Rallar Road.
• Standing on the edge of the Troll’s Tongue with the world at your feet.
• Discovering the imposing western Norway fjord of  Lysefjorden on a fjord cruise.
• Paddling the Aurlandsfjord for unrivaled views of the surrounding landscape.
• Watching the sun come up from the edge of Pulpit Rock.

Stavanger >>  Sola Strand Hotel  for the breathtaking beachfront location and a modern spa.

Preikestolen & Kjeragbolten >> Preikestolen BaseCamp because it’s perfect for the nights before and after your hike.

Odda >>  Vikinghaug Apartments  for their amazing fjord views and the post-Trolltunga bath!

Flam >>  Flåmsbrygga Hotel   for its superb central position, cozy traditional decor, and microbrewery.

Want to plan your own road tri p? Get our step-by-step road trip planning guide to help you organize the perfect trip or check out our favourite Europe road trips for ideas and inspiration!

Slow Down in Southern Norway

Romsviga – lindesnes – lista – egersund – bore – stavanger.

• Distance 500km
• Duration one week
• Drive Time 9 hours

If fjords and drama aren’t your thing, head for the gentler landscape of southern Norway, known as Sorlandet in Norwegian. This seven day Norway road trip itinerary is also perfect if you’re arriving in Oslo and hiring a rental car for your road trip.

The beaches along the southwest coast are simply stunning, with clear waters lapping against fine sandy shores. You’ll also find fantastic lighthouses, World War Two history, and a slower pace of life as the agricultural business of the area supersedes tourist traffic.

If you get the ferry from Denmark to Kristiansand, you might be tempted to stop in the town for a day, although for most it’s a gateway to the rest of the coast.

Turn left and head west for Romsviga, a traditional coastal settlement that dates back to the 17th century. Now a protected area which is owned by the local community, it’s an interesting place to visit and there are marked trails between here and Helleviga, either along the shore or through the forest.

Lindesnes, the southernmost tip of the country’s long coastline, is home to the oldest lighthouse in Norway ( where you can actually stay !). The small hamlet is quintessentially Norwegian and there is good coastal walking from here.

RELATED POST – One Day Oslo Itinerary – Map, Guide & Tips

Looking for the best SIM card deals in Europe for your trip? Check out our guide to the best data SIMs in Europe and get the best deal for your trip to Norway.

Just under a few hours inland is one of the largest waterfalls in southern Norway, Kvasfossen, with a drop of 36m. When the Lynga river is low, numerous potholes appear which make fabulous hot tubs on a sunny day, so be sure to take your swimmers and a towel!

From here, head northwest for forty minutes to Rafossen waterfall. Take a picnic and sit on the flat granite slabs close to the drop and marvel at the thundering power of this feat of nature.

Lista is next up, with its 34m high lighthouse, Nordberg Fort, and a trio of sandy beaches backed by dunes.

Havikstrand beach is the best known and is popular with kite surfers. Kviljosanden beach is perfect for families, with a gradual shelf and shallow water and Haeustranda beach is on a small peninsula south of Farsund and makes a perfect stop for a day.

Don’t miss the fully restored Nordberg Fort and museum, a German bunker that was once part of Hitler’s Atlantic Wall and represents a dark period of Norwegian history.

Follow the 444 coast road to Egersund, which is within the fascinating Magma Geopark . To the east is the weird and wonderful rock formation of Trollpikken (troll’s penis), created by glacial influences thousands of years ago.

To the east is the Eigeroy lighthouse and the glorious beach of Skadbergsanden.

As you continue along the coast road to Bore, make sure to stop at Ogna for more fabulous beaches and the beautiful Kvassheim lighthouse.

Once you arrive in Bore, you’ll soon realize that the village is sandwiched between the river Figgjoelva, the lake Orrevatnet, and the seashore, and is surrounded by water!

Your final stop on this Norway road trip route is Stavanger, where you can continue on to another road trip, catch a flight home or get a ferry to northern Norway to continue your Scandinavian adventure.

• Spending a day soaking up the sun on one of the many magnificent beaches.
• Getting away from it all and experiencing off-the-beaten-path Norway.
• Climbing onto Trollpikken for that must-have image!
• Enjoying lunch in the midst of one of Norway’s most spectacular waterfalls.
• Getting lucky and enjoying a natural hot tub!

Lindesnes >>  Lindesnes Havhotel for its waterfront location, modern decor, and hot tub!

Lista >>  Rederiet Hotel  for their amazing views and welcoming staff.

Egersund >>  Grand Hotel Egersund  for its simple Scandi decor and a great restaurant.

Norway Road Trip Essentials

Here are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for traveling in Norway.

• Search for affordable flights to Norway with Skyscanner
• Search for availability and book hotels and accommodation in Norway with Booking.com
• Find and book the best campsites in Norway with Eurocampings
• Book the cheapest and most reliable hire cars in Norway with Rentalcars.com
• Find and book ferry crossings with Ferryhopper
• Find and hire your perfect motorhome or campervan with Motorhome Republic and Arctic Campers
• Get highly rated, reliable, and trustworthy travel insurance with True Traveller
• Check if you need a visa and arrange your documents with Visagov

Are you looking for more road trip inspiration? Check out these top posts…

Morocco Road Trip: An Epic Atlantic to Sahara Journey

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

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How to Plan an Epic Road Trip in Norway

May 22, 2023 by Silvia 126 Comments

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

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

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

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

Plus road trips are so much fun!

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

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

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

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

You can  purchase the Norway Travel Guides here .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Driving in Norway

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

Toll Roads in Norway

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

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

Car ferries in Norway

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

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

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

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

Plan for winding roads

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

Driving in the dark during polar night in winter

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

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

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

Driving in snow in Norway

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parking in Norway

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

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

Choose your starting point wisely

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

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

As a (very) general guide:

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

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

Use the National Scenic Routes in Norway as a guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Connect with people on Couchsurfing and Facebook

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

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

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

Keep an eye out for the northern lights

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

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

Northern Lights Guide!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pack rain gear and warm clothing

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alternate between grocery store meals and restaurants

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

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

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

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

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

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Kelsey says

October 24, 2016 at 8:15 pm

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

Silvia says

October 28, 2016 at 10:32 am

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

February 18, 2018 at 9:43 am

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

February 18, 2018 at 2:48 pm

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

November 26, 2018 at 5:57 pm

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

November 28, 2018 at 1:22 pm

I think you should be fine in March.

October 24, 2016 at 8:49 pm

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

October 28, 2016 at 10:33 am

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

October 24, 2016 at 10:27 pm

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

PS I love your new ‘about me’ pic!

October 28, 2016 at 10:34 am

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

Joella says

October 25, 2016 at 1:53 am

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

Thanks, Joella!

Marina says

October 25, 2016 at 2:33 pm

Beautiful country! <3

October 28, 2016 at 10:27 am

It really is!

Kate Newman says

October 25, 2016 at 10:22 pm

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

October 28, 2016 at 10:28 am

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

October 27, 2016 at 2:42 pm

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

November 4, 2016 at 6:55 pm

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

Brittany from Boston says

October 28, 2016 at 2:52 am

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

November 4, 2016 at 7:02 pm

Haha I am the biggest fan of road trips ever.

Natalie says

November 3, 2016 at 12:17 am

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

Thanks for sharing and your photos look amazing.

December 1, 2016 at 4:17 pm

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

December 14, 2016 at 2:50 pm

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

Aurélie says

June 20, 2017 at 8:36 pm

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

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

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

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

thanks in advance! warm regards, Aurélie

Tracy Cooper says

June 30, 2017 at 4:40 pm

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

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

kind regards Tracy (and Glenda)

Grayson says

July 23, 2017 at 2:07 am

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

July 27, 2017 at 9:08 am

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

August 23, 2017 at 9:41 pm

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

August 31, 2017 at 11:15 am

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

August 20, 2017 at 4:44 pm

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

October 21, 2017 at 10:26 am

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

Thank you in advance!

October 29, 2017 at 7:05 pm

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

Alexandra says

November 7, 2017 at 3:35 pm

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

November 17, 2017 at 6:33 pm

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

November 25, 2017 at 3:24 pm

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

November 27, 2017 at 1:22 pm

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

December 28, 2017 at 4:20 pm

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

December 31, 2017 at 1:21 pm

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

Puneet says

January 3, 2018 at 9:28 am

Very interesting article you created!

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

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

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

January 3, 2018 at 6:16 pm

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

Have a lovely trip!

January 4, 2018 at 2:42 am

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

Few more questions –

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

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

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

Thank you once again for your help!

Paul Bernthal says

January 23, 2018 at 7:31 pm

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

Pieter Cautreels says

January 24, 2018 at 12:17 pm

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

Najeeba says

February 11, 2018 at 10:19 am

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

Excuse my poor English.

Regards, Najeeba

Deanna says

February 17, 2018 at 8:21 am

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

Perscilla Bartley says

February 21, 2018 at 12:21 am

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

March 3, 2018 at 10:15 pm

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

mila holt says

March 13, 2018 at 11:26 pm

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

March 19, 2018 at 10:29 am

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

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

March 19, 2018 at 4:00 pm

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

March 22, 2018 at 1:30 am

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

March 20, 2018 at 1:04 am

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

Marloes says

March 25, 2018 at 1:27 pm

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

March 26, 2018 at 5:26 pm

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

Ryan VanCampenhout says

April 9, 2018 at 3:05 am

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

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

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

April 11, 2018 at 3:34 pm

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

April 30, 2018 at 11:08 pm

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

Hugh Burley says

May 13, 2018 at 9:31 am

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

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

My plan is ::

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

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

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

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

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

Tara vickery says

May 21, 2018 at 9:24 pm

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

Hayley says

June 25, 2018 at 11:15 pm

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

Thank you so much for any help! Hayley

Kushal says

July 4, 2018 at 8:56 pm

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

July 9, 2018 at 11:15 am

You should email the car rental company and ask.

Ram Raja says

July 23, 2018 at 7:07 pm

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

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

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

July 27, 2018 at 5:55 pm

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

August 1, 2018 at 8:14 pm

Hope you are doing great 🙂

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

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

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

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

August 7, 2018 at 6:14 pm

Hope you are enjoying lot in Scotland 🙂

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

Regards Anji

April 18, 2020 at 10:20 am

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

Lisa Kutschera says

August 8, 2018 at 12:54 pm

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

karthick says

August 22, 2018 at 3:09 am

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

August 22, 2018 at 7:09 pm

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

jacopo says

September 4, 2018 at 10:37 am

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

Thank you very much!

September 11, 2018 at 6:57 am

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

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

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

September 11, 2018 at 12:22 pm

Definitely Stavanger to Bergen. Have fun!

September 26, 2018 at 2:22 pm

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

Thank you for your answer!

October 1, 2018 at 4:28 pm

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

January 7, 2019 at 11:45 am

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

Lara Aurora says

January 7, 2019 at 12:37 pm

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

January 7, 2019 at 9:02 pm

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

Campervan Oslo says

January 19, 2019 at 11:42 am

Thanks for your reply and for recomodations

Nenu Singh says

January 10, 2019 at 6:27 am

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

Harshad Datar says

January 12, 2019 at 5:45 am

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

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

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

February 1, 2019 at 1:44 pm

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

Stacey says

February 18, 2019 at 4:38 pm

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

Alexia says

February 20, 2019 at 10:38 am

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

Thanks so much in advance!

February 20, 2019 at 5:07 pm

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

James Jayalath says

May 3, 2019 at 2:58 am

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

Please advise.

May 3, 2019 at 2:59 am

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

Abbie Mawhinney says

May 5, 2019 at 12:38 am

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

Ripley says

August 28, 2019 at 10:43 am

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

September 2, 2019 at 4:00 pm

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

December 12, 2019 at 1:53 am

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

Naomi Hagen says

January 14, 2020 at 9:50 pm

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

KatieM says

January 24, 2020 at 12:04 am

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

January 25, 2020 at 3:06 pm

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

Kathryn says

January 30, 2020 at 11:20 pm

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

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

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

January 31, 2020 at 12:51 pm

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

January 31, 2020 at 4:11 pm

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

February 1, 2020 at 1:08 pm

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

February 1, 2020 at 7:49 pm

Thank you so much!

Malerie says

February 10, 2020 at 10:13 pm

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

Autumn says

February 12, 2020 at 7:27 pm

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

Bruce Alpert says

March 5, 2020 at 8:46 pm

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

Sheila says

April 26, 2020 at 6:37 pm

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

April 26, 2020 at 6:42 pm

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

May 24, 2020 at 7:27 pm

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

Katie McDonald says

June 9, 2020 at 2:21 pm

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

July 19, 2020 at 4:25 pm

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

August 2, 2020 at 4:10 pm

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

Joseph Jones says

November 4, 2020 at 5:28 pm

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

Stefan Robert says

November 22, 2020 at 10:50 am

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

April 20, 2021 at 4:10 am

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

April 26, 2021 at 4:45 pm

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

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

May 26, 2021 at 10:30 pm

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

September 28, 2021 at 11:40 am

Tracy Shannon says

February 13, 2022 at 8:34 am

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

February 14, 2022 at 2:29 pm

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

2 Cups Of Travel says

March 6, 2022 at 5:23 am

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

Steve Wheller says

March 10, 2022 at 10:05 pm

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

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

March 17, 2022 at 3:05 am

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

March 26, 2022 at 7:32 pm

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

carl woodward says

August 20, 2022 at 6:05 pm

this would be my dream

October 16, 2022 at 9:23 am

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

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

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

greetings from Switzerland, Tina

October 17, 2022 at 5:48 pm

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

Tina Baumgartner says

October 19, 2022 at 6:42 pm

Thank you !

November 5, 2022 at 2:51 pm

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

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

November 15, 2023 at 10:51 am

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

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Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

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Norway Road Trip Itinerary: An Epic Self Drive Adventure

01 apr 2024 29 mar 2024 | john.

This incredible two-week Norway road trip itinerary includes some of the world’s most scenic driving as you wind your way past mountains, fjords, glaciers, charming villages, and spectacular coastal scenery.

From the snow-capped peaks of its mountain ranges to the iconic fjords that carve through the landscape, Norway is a strong contender for one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Add to that an evocative history of Viking sagas telling stories of northmen and women raiding, trading and exploring far and wide in their dragon-headed longships and it’s little wonder Norway is such a popular country to visit.

Fast forward to today, and Norway somehow manages to blend its ancient heritage with a modern, progressive society that’s welcoming to visitors and easy to travel around.

Whether you’re into chasing the Northern Lights, hiking iconic fjords, kayaking glacier lakes, tasting inventive local cuisine, or just appreciating the sheer beauty of mountains and coastal villages, you’ll find it in Norway.

So, buckle up for a road trip of a lifetime through one of the most spectacular countries on the planet.

Norway Road Trip Itinerary – Snapshot Start & Finish: Oslo, Norway Distance: appx. 2,800km (1,740 miles) How long do I need ? Norway is a large country, and while it has great road infrastructure, the fjords and mountains that drew us here also mean that sometimes, driving can be slow-going. As such, to cover all the key stops in southern Norway, you’ll need at least two weeks for this Norway road trip itinerary. Overnight stops: 3 nights in Oslo, 3 nights in Stavanger, 1 night in Bergen, 1 night in Gudvangen, 2 nights in Sogndal, 1 night in Geiranger, 1 night in Alesund, and 2 nights in Trondheim.

What’s in this post?

What’s the Route? Norway Road Trip Itinerary Day 1 – Getting to Know Oslo Day 2 – Oslo’s Nautical and Sculptural Highlights Day 3 – Oslo to Stavanger via the North Sea Road Day 4 – Hiking Pulpit Rock and Exploring Stavanger Day 5 – Hiking Kjerag Day 6 – Stavanger to Bergen Day 7 – Bergen to Gudvangen and a Nærøyfjord Kayak Trip Day 8 – Gudvangen to Sogndal via Flåm Day 9 – Austdalsbreen Glacier Day 10 – Sogndal to Geiranger Day 11 – Geiranger to Alesund Day 12 – Alesund to Trondheim via the Atlantic Road Day 13 – Trondheim Day 14 – Trondheim to Oslo Planning a Norway Road Trip Travel to Norway Best Time to Visit Norway Accommodation in Norway Driving in Norway Is Norway Expensive?

This post contains affiliate links. If you choose to buy through these links we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us to keep Two for the World running. Thanks for your support.

What’s the Route?

You could spend a lifetime exploring Norway. It’s the kind of vast, rugged, beautiful, untamed place that panorama functionality on cameras was designed for. Unless you have limitless time and funds however, it may take a lifetime to see everything you want to in this diverse and beautiful country.

If you’re contemplating a Norway roadtrip, you’re probably in the position we found ourselves in: with a certain amount of time, a finite budget, and a whole world of possibilities to consider.

After extensive research and exploration in our own car, we’ve whittled down this world of possibilities into an epic 2 week Norway itinerary. The journey starts with two days in Oslo, before heading south through Stavanger, and then up to Bergen, Gudvangen, Sogndal, Geiranger, Alesund and Trondheim, then looping back to Oslo.

On the road you’ll see some of Norway’s best mountain and fjord scenery, get better acquainted with Scandinavian history, visit quaint Nordic villages and vibrant cities, explore stunning glaciers, and hike a couple of Norway’s iconic trails to some of the best vistas on the planet.

The itinerary assumes you’ll be visiting outside of the winter months. If you are chasing the aurora, or decide to visit in winter for other reasons, you may need to check road conditions, road closures and the availability of weather dependent excursions ahead of time. Make adjustments to the itinerary where the weather necessitates.

If you have the luxury of more time, and can extend your Norway road trip to three or even four weeks, you could: Take your time driving southern Norway’s coastline between Oslo and Stavanger, exploring the beaches, cuisine, and colourful wooden architecture that’s typical of the region. Hike the 20km (return) trail to Norway’s most distinctive rock formation, Trolltunga, for incredible views from 700 metres above Ringedalsvatnet lake. Extend your Nærøyfjord kayak trip to two, or even three days, to really appreciate the wonder of this World Heritage listed fjord. Enjoy some of the many outdoor adventures on offer in Geiranger, including hiking, biking, kayaking, ziplining or cruising down Geirangerfjord. Drive the Norwegian Scenic Route between Geiranger and Trollstigen to experience one of Norway’s most iconic, and panoramic roads. Spend a couple of days getting outdoorsy around Alesund, choosing from hiking Molladalen, Mount Saksa, or Slogen, birding at Runde Island, or exploring dramatic Hjørundfjord. Get better acquainted with Trondheim by visiting the many interesting museums around the city, taking a boat trip to historic Munkholmen Island, kayaking along the Nidelva River, joining a musk ox safari, walking the beautiful Ladestien path, visiting Bymarka city forest, and eating your way around some of the city’s best restaurants. Explore some of Norway’s most pristine natural environments on a visit to the national parks of Dovrefjell, Rondane and Jotunheimen .

Norway Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – getting to know oslo.

Highlights: Royal Palace | Slottsparken | Oslo Cathedral | Oslo Opera House | Akershus Fortress | Oslo City Hall | National Museum | Aker Brygge Total driving distance: No driving today, you’ll pick up a hire car on day 3 of this itinerary. Overnight: Oslo

As we only have 2 days in Oslo, we’re going to pack a fair bit into day one of our Norway itinerary. If possible, try to get a flight that arrives as early as possible to make the most of your time here. But don’t worry if you arrive a bit later, you can always do more tomorrow with an earlier start, or later finish, especially if you are visiting in summer when the days are much longer.

Oslo is a compact, cosmopolitan city of lovely waterways, green spaces, and interesting museums that certainly warrant a couple of days’ exploration. Once you’ve arrived and hotel formalities are sorted, head out to get acquainted with Norway’s bustling capital city.

There are a wide range options to help you explore Oslo’s main attractions, including walking, e-Scooter, bicycle, and bus tours. Check out GetYourGuide and Viator for some inspiration, or to book a tour in advance.

It’s also easy enough to spend a day exploring all the main sites on your own self-guided walking tour. Be sure to include the Royal Palace, Oslo Cathedral, the iconic Opera House, the Akershus Fortress, City Hall, National Museum and Aker Brygge on your wander.

Detailed 2 Days in Oslo Itinerary For a little more detail on getting the most out of your time in Oslo check out our suggested itinerary for two days in the city, which includes more information on daily activities and where to stay.

Where to Stay in Oslo

Oslo has plenty of accommodation choice, ranging from luxurious waterfront hotels to boutique B&Bs and campsites. Prices vary, and it’s advisable to book in advance during peak periods, typically in the summer months when tourism is at its height.

You’ll find accommodation scattered across, and beyond the city. Gamle (the old town), Sentrum (central Oslo) and Aker Brygge are great options if you want to be close to all the action. Bohemian Grünerløkka is a little further out but more than makes up for it with its oh-so-cool vibe and variety of eating and drinking choices. Upmarket Frogner and Majorstuen offer a quieter, more local vibe, but are still well located for most sites around Oslo. 

We stayed just east of the centre at the Scandic Helsfyr , which had nice, comfortable rooms and puts on a pretty mean breakfast. There’s a metro less than ten minutes’ walk away that provides regular trips into the city centre. For road trippers, the big bonus is the hotel has free parking. Check out our 2 days in Oslo post for additional hotel suggestions.

Day 2 – Oslo’s Nautical and Sculptural Highlights

Highlights: Oslofjord Cruise | Bygdøy Peninsula | Kon-Tiki Museum | Vigeland Park Total driving distance: No driving today, you’ll pick up a hire car on day 3 of this itinerary. Overnight: Oslo

For our second day in Oslo we’re focusing more on Norway’s maritime heritage and taking the opportunity to get out and about on Oslo’s harbour, the fabulously photogenic Oslofjord.

Cruise Oslofjord There are a bunch of ways to explore Oslofjord, and we would recommend taking a harbour cruise , exploring independently using the Båtservice public ferries, or enjoying a dinner cruise .

Whatever you decide upon, schedule something in and then adjust the remainder of today’s Oslo itinerary to fit in around that.

Bygdøy Peninsula The Viking Ship Museum is normally the highlight of a visit to the Bygdøy peninsula, however it’s currenty closed for a major renovation, and will reopen in 2026/27 as the Viking Age Museum.

In the meantime, there are still plenty of reasons to visit the Bygdøy Peninsula. In addition to the famed Viking ships, the peninsula hosts three other excellent maritime-themed museums. The peninsula can be reached by a very scenic ride on the Båtservice.

The Kon-Tiki Museum provides a fascinating insight into Thor Heyerdahl’s daring expeditions, including the famous Kon-Tiki raft voyage across the Pacific. The Fram Museum shares harrowing tales of polar exploration and allows guests to step aboard the world’s strongest wooden ship. Or learn about Norway’s maritime heritage from ancient seafaring traditions to modern maritime innovations at the Norwegian Maritime Museum .

Whether you visit one or all three museums, or just take a stroll along the peninsula’s scenic trails or check out its lovely beaches, Bygdøy certainly warrants a few hours in today’s itinerary.

Vigeland Park The other significant stop we recommend today is a visit to Vigeland Park , probably our favourite green space in Oslo and the largest sculpture park in the world. The park can be reached on foot from the city if you don’t mind a half hour walk, or you can save your legs by getting tram 12 or the metro from central Oslo.

Home to more than 200 sculptures by artist Gustav Vigeland, the park is a testament to Vigeland’s life work and determination (or obsession). This incredible collection of bronze, iron and granite sculptures really seize the imagination. The works capture a range of human emotions, but be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the large central Monolith, the Angry Boy and the Wheel of Life, all of which are particularly striking.

Finish the day with a dinner cruise on Oslofjord or head to Aker Brygge, Sørenga, or Grünerløkka for a bite and a few drinks. Don’t overindulge though, it’s an early start tomorrow.

Day 3 – Oslo to Stavanger via the North Sea Road

Highlights: Risør | Lillesand | Kristiansand | Lindesnes Lighthouse | Flekkefjord | North Sea Road Total driving distance: appx. 620km (385 miles) Total driving time: appx. 8.5 hours Overnight: Stavanger

Our Norway road trip hits the highway today with a very long drive. We recommend getting to the airport as early as you can so you can pick up your hire car and hit the road before traffic around Oslo gets too busy.

The fastest route to Stavanger from Oslo is around 600km via the E18 and E39 which takes between 7 and 8 hours to drive, depending on traffic.

It’s all highway, and to be completely honest, it’s not the most thrilling drive in the world. However, as we only have 2 weeks in Norway we’re keen to get stuck into the adventures that await in Stavanger and beyond, so recommend doing this leg of the journey in a single day.

If you’re visiting in summer and don’t mind arriving in Stavanger a little later, there are a handful of picturesque coastal towns along the route where you can choose to break up the journey with a walk along the beach or lunch.

Around 3 hours from Oslo you’ll pass Risør , and an hour further along, Lillesand . Both are good spots to stretch your legs with a wander through pretty old towns that have distinctive, white-painted houses and bustling waterfronts.

Our halfway point today is Kristiansand where you can grab lunch, enjoy a rest at one of the local beaches or have a walk through the colourful historic district of Posebyen. There’s a lively fish market here (Fiskebrygga) where there’s no shortage of choice if you’re feeling peckish.

If you’re into lighthouses and coastal scenery, Lindesnes Lighthouse at the southernmost point of mainland Norway might be of interest. There’s also a fancy underwater restaurant here. Further west, Flekkefjord ‘s Gamlebyen district is another old town of cobblestone streets and wooden houses that’s definitely worth exploring.

From Flekkefjord you can be in Stavanger in around 2 hours by continuing along the E39. However, if you’re going to take one diversion today, we’d recommend getting off the highway at this point to take the North Sea Road (the Rv44) between Flekkefjord and Sandnes.

While this will add a little over an hour to the journey, it’s probably the most scenic part of today’s drive, winding through wooded mountain roads, past beautiful coastal scenery, lovely beaches, cute traditional villages and fjords. It really is a lovely drive, just be prepared for lots of twists, turns and switchbacks.

After checking into your accommodation in Stavanger, finish the day with a stroll down to the waterfront in search of dinner. We were lucky enough to arrive just in time for sunset in the middle of a food festival. The harbourside was alive with people and delicious smells, the perfect way to end a very long day.

If you have more time and want to avoid a very long drive, pretty Kristiansand or one of the other coastal towns along this route make a nice overnight stop. There’s also an inland route to Stavanger over the mountains via Telemark, Røldal and Ryfylke on the E134. It’s considered to be a more scenic drive that takes in mountains, lakes, waterfalls and stave churches. You’d need an additional day for this route though as the terrain means it takes a couple of hours longer to drive. Another time-saving option would be to fly from Oslo to Stavanger and then get a rental car on a one way hire back to Oslo. Not only will this save you a very long drive, but it means you save a day so can add in one of the additional stops or activities we’ve highlighted in this post. Perhaps an extra day to kayak down the Nærøyfjord or an epic hike, like the one to Trolltunga: the options are limitless.

Where to Stay in Stavanger

As a popular university town, tourist centre, and a hub for Norway’s oil industry, it’s not surprising that Norway’s third largest city has plenty of accommodation on offer.

Whether you’re looking for somewhere in the cobbled streets of the old town, an upmarket joint along the picturesque harbour, or a quiet B&B in the residential back streets, it’s easy enough to find somewhere to stay in Stavanger within walking distance of the centre.

We stayed at Frogner House – Sirkus Renaa , located an easy 10-15 minute walk from central Stavanger, with paid parking in a large facility adjacent to the hotel (organised in advance through the hotel). We had a studio room which was nice and clean, had a comfy bed, and was generally very well appointed. There are a range of apartments to choose from, including studios, 1 and 2 bedrooms. All have a fridge and small kitchenette.

The following mid-range options don’t have parking but also get consistently good reviews:

• Frogner House – Fiskepiren – close to old town | clean and cosy | parking garage opposite
• Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel – central location | gym and sauna facilities | clean, modern rooms

Parking in Stavanger Unfortunately, most hotels we looked at in Stavanger didn’t provide parking, so the choices are to use paid parking garages, or find street parking. Just beware some residential areas are for permit holders only, so if you’re unsure where to park, check Parkopedia , ask a local for advice, or check with your hotel before you arrive.

Day 4 – Hiking Pulpit Rock and Exploring Stavanger

Highlights: Hiking Pulpit Rock | Stavanger Cathedral | Gamle Stavanger | Øvre Holmegate Total driving distance: appx. 80km (50 miles) Total driving time: appx. 1.5 hours Overnight: Stavanger

Hit the road early today with a 45-minute drive to the Prekistolen (Pulpit Rock) car park via the longest subsea road tunnel in the world, the 14.4 kilometre Ryfylke tunnel.

Pulpit Rock Parking – It’s advisable to arrive at the car park as early as you can (6am or 7am), especially in the summer months, to ensure you get a car space. We made the mistake of a later arrival on our first attempt and had to postpone our hike due to lack of parking.

An early start will also let you enjoy the trail before it gets too hot and crowded, as well as allowing enough time to get back to Stavanger for an afternoon exploration of the city. Believe me, you’ll be grateful for the early start when you’re coming down and see the crowds making their way up.

The hike is just shy of 8km and is considered moderately difficult. There are certainly some lung-busting ascents, and it definitely challenges your knees and ankles in places. We took our time, had lots of breaks, and managed the hike in around 2 hours each way.

After getting to the top and being absolutely blown away by the scenery, we climbed a little further until we found a rocky outcrop with stunning views over Pulpit Rock and across Lysefjord. This turned out to be the perfect spot to recover from the hike up and enjoy a very well-earned breakfast.

For a little more detail on our experience of this hike, check out our Hiking to Pulpit Rock post .

After returning to Stavanger and freshening up, head out to the old town, Gamle Stavanger, and choose a spot for lunch before embarking on an afternoon wander.

The central part of the city is nice and compact, and easily walkable in an afternoon. Highlights of Gamle Stavanger include its cobbled streets and 18th century traditional wooden houses, an imposing medieval cathedral, and Stavanger’s most popular street, Øvre Holmegate with its busy vibe and jumble of colourful wooden houses, many of which are now cafes, bars or shops.

Grab some dinner and get an early night as it’s another energetic day tomorrow.

Day 5 – Hiking Kjerag

Highlights: Cruising the Lysefjord | Kjerag Hike | Scenic drive along the Fv500 and Fv450 Total travel distance: appx. 230km (143 miles) Total travel time: appx. 6 hours 15 mins Included ferry crossing: Lauvvik-Lysebotn Overnight: Stavanger

Today might just be the most thrilling day of our entire Norway road trip itinerary, so strap yourself in for the iconic Kjeragbolten (Kjerag Boulder) hike.

We’re at risk of becoming morning people with yet another early start today. It’s a 40-minute drive from Stavanger to Lauvvik to get a pre-booked 6:30am car ferry to Lysebotn.

Important information regarding the Lauvvik to Lysebotn car ferry The car ferry needs to be booked in advance. It doesn’t operate every day, and when it does there is only one morning crossing. Be sure to check the ferry timetable ahead of time as part of your itinerary planning. More information, including timetable and booking links can be found on the Visit Norway website .

Once on the ferry, settle in for a truly spectacular two-and-a-half-hour cruise along the length of Lysefjord, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway.

From the ferry it’s a fun, if slightly white-knuckle drive up the side of the mountain along the switchbacks of Lysevegen Road to get to the Kjerag carpark, where you’ll pay a jaw-dropping NOK300 to park for the day.

I won’t sugar coat it, we found the hike pretty tough. It’s steep and slippery in places, and sometimes you need to use chains to drag yourself up the slopes. But your reward for all that hard work is the incredible view across Lysefjord and, if you can keep your nerve, and stop your legs wobbling long enough, that iconic pic standing on Kjeragbolten 984 metres above the fjord.

All up the hike (around 10km return) took us about 6 hours, including taking a breather up top, and queuing to get onto the boulder. We’ve written more about the experience in our Hiking Kjerag post .

After the hike, loop back to Stavanger via the Fv500 and Fv450, an incredibly scenic 2.5 hour (140km) drive through the very heart of fjord country.

Weather Warning: Like many hikes in Norway, Kjerag should only be tackled between June and September. Outside of hiking season the trail is too dangerous and the road to Kjerag is closed.

Day 6 – Stavanger to Bergen

Highlights: Bergen Fish Market | Bryggen Wharf | Fløyen Funicular Total travel distance: appx. 210km (130 miles) Total travel time: appx. 5 hours Included ferry crossings: Mortavika-Arsvågen | Halhjem-Sandvikvåg Overnight: Bergen

The scenic drive between Stavanger and Bergen is a little over 200km but takes more than five hours. Around 30km of the journey is by car ferry, so you’ll need to factor in extra time for the two ferry crossings as you weave your way through spectacular fjord-and-mountain landscapes.

If you’re like us, stopping for photos every five minutes will also slow your progress, in the best possible way of course.

A couple of hours into the drive you’ll pass the town of Haugesund . If you need a break, you’ll find Norway’s national monument, Haraldshaugen, here. It’s said to be located on the site Harald Fairhair is buried. There’s also a thousand-year-old stone cross nearby and, if you want to stretch your legs, the Kyststien trail runs along the coastline here.

Bergen is an attractive, walkable city with a bustling waterfront area. After checking in to your hotel, head down to Bergen’s famous Fish Market and grab a late seafood lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the city and the atmospheric Bryggen Wharf area, a colourful World Heritage-listed nod to the city’s Hanseatic past.

For panoramic views of the city and surrounding fjords, take the funicular up to Mount Fløyen .

Surrounded by mountains, rain makes a regular appearance in Bergen and we weren’t spared on our visit. Just as we emerged from the funicular at the top of Fløyen, the clouds rolled in and drenched us with rain. Even so, the views of city and harbour that we were able to glimpse through the mists were truly spectacular. Bring wet weather gear just in case.

Where to Stay in Bergen

Bergen is Norway’s second largest city and has a busier feel about it. If you want to be near the main points of interest, look for accommodation around Sentrum and Bryggen. However, there are also plenty of accommodation options further out, including towards the airport located around 18km from the centre of town.

We stayed at the Quality Hotel Edvard Grieg near the airport as we managed to get a good deal on the room which included free parking (we understand they have since started charging). The hotel is comfortable and modern, has a decent car park, and is an easy 20 minute drive to the city.

If you want to be closer to the action, the following options get consistently good reviews:

• Good value: City Hostel Bergen – clean rooms | 5 minute walk to the harbour | good shared kitchen
• Mid-range: Citybox Bergen City – simple modern rooms | close to train station | 15 minute walk to the harbour
• Indulge: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel – lovely modern hotel | great location at Bryggen Wharf | parking garage (paid)

Day 7 – Bergen to Gudvangen and a Nærøyfjord Kayak Trip

Highlights: Nærøyfjord Kayak Trip Total driving distance: appx. 150km (93 miles) Total driving time: appx. 2.5 hours Overnight: Gudvangen (or nearby)

We’re now firmly in the heart of fjord country, and the outdoor adventures continue today with a journey to the fjord-side village of Gudvangen. From here we’re embarking on a memorable guided kayaking trip along the World Heritage-listed Nærøyfjord.

Our paddle started at 10am, so you’ll need to be on the road early from Bergen for the two-and-a-half hour drive past lakes, waterfalls, and increasingly beautiful mountain and fjord scenery.

It probably won’t come as much of a surprise that to earn its UNESCO recognition, Nærøyfjord is a bit of a stunner, and there’s nothing quite like seeing it from a sea kayak.

Imagine gently paddling along in almost perfect silence, surrounded by immense rocky mountain slopes that enclose you the deeper into the fjord you go, past raging waterfalls, lush green valleys, and tiny villages. There’s a tranquillity to it that’s hard to describe, and it’s an experience we’ll be talking about for many years to come.

Half-day and full-day kayak trips typically include a barbecue-style lunch and return to where you started from in Gudvangen, while multi-day trips finish further into the fjords (our two-day trip ended at Undredal on Aurlandsfjord). If you have more time available we’d highly recommended a longer paddle. Check out our kayaking the Nærøyfjord post for more details about what to expect.

We booked our tour directly with Nordic Ventures , but you can also book guided one-day kayak tours from Vossevangen and three-day kayak tours from Flåm through GetYourGuide. If you’re feeling less energetic, cruises operate from Gudvangen, Flåm, Aurland or Undredal. More details are available on the Visit Norway website .

Where to Stay in Gudvangen

While it’s a key gateway to Nærøyfjord, the village of Gudvangen is quite small, so accommodation choices are limited. Broadening your search to include the wider Aurland region, including Bakka, Flåm, Aurland and Undredal will give you more options.

The following options around Aurland get consistently good reviews:

• Good value: Winjum Hostel Stegastein – clean comfy rooms | well-appointed shared kitchen | fabulous view from terrace
• Mid-Range: Svingen Guesthouse – cosy rooms | spotless shared kitchen and bathrooms | fjord views
• Indulge: Gudvangen Fjordtell – perfect fjordside location | on-site seafood restaurant | comfortable Viking themed rooms

We opted to camp at picturesque Lunde Camping . It’s a friendly place set beside a river near to the small town of Aurland where you’ll find a few shops and a supermarket. The campsite has plenty of space for tents, but there are also simple, modern chalets for non-campers, which include bunks and a kitchenette.

Day 8 – Gudvangen to Sogndal via Flåm

Highlights: Stegastein Viewpoint | Flåm | Flåmsbana Railway | Borgund Stave Church | Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route | Kaupanger Stave Church Total travel distance: appx. 165km (103 miles) Total travel time: appx. 3 hours 15 mins Included ferry crossings: Mannheller-Fodnes Overnight: Sogndal

You’ve probably earned an extra hour in bed this morning, but when you’re ready, jump in the car and head towards the popular town of Flåm, an easy 20 minute drive from Gudvangen.

If the weather is good, bypass the town centre for now and head straight up the very steep and winding “Snow Road” to the Stegastein Viewpoint . Jutting out 30 metres from the mountainside, the platform provides a truly spectacular birds-eye viewpoint from its position 650 metres above Aurlandsfjord.

Get ready for the crowds Flåm gets inundated with visitors during peak season. Not only does it have the famous Flåmsbana railway, but it’s also a hub for day trips to Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, as well as berthing close to two hundred cruise ships a year. If you are visiting at peak time, it’s best to book any activities well ahead of time, and if you can, try to avoid being here on days when the biggest cruise ships are docked. The Flam Port website has information on cruise ship arrivals, including the number of passengers on each ship.

While we’re not fully convinced it lives up to the label of ‘best train ride in the world’, the Flåmsbana railway feels like one of those things you need to tick off the list while visiting the western fjords.

It’s a 20km, hour-long ride from Flåm to Myrdal station, 867 metres above the fjord. As you rise into the mountainside, past waterfalls and valleys, the gradient gets ever steeper and the views become more impressive. The journey includes brief stops at the raging Kjosfossen waterfall and Myrdal station before you head back down.

After the train ride, stretch your legs with a walk around Flåm while enjoying the views down the fjord. There are some lovely traditional wooden buildings, a free railway museum, a church dating back to 1670, and if you’re feeling active, bike riding or Scandinavia’s longest zipline. If you’re in need of a break and some refreshment, the brewpub and bakery are popular spots in town.

After Flåm, our journey heads past the town of Aurland before joining the Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route and taking a 24.5 kilometre journey through the inside of the mountain via Lærdalstunnelen, the world’s longest road tunnel.

If you have time and are interested in seeing one of Norway’s best preserved medieval stave churches, it’s only a 20 minute drive from the end of the tunnel to Borgund Stave Church .

From here it’s a little over an hour to Sogndal via the Rv5 and Mannheller-Fodnes car ferry. The road passes close to Kaupanger Stave Church around ten minutes before you get to Sogndal.

What’s a stave church? Stave churches are medieval timber churches that were built using a unique style of load bearing wooden frame with four corner posts, or staves. Constructed entirely from wood, the churches are distinctively designed with intricate multi-tiered high roofs and beautiful woodwork. There were once more than a thousand of these churches in Norway, but today, only 28 remain.

Where to Stay in Sogndal

There are a handful of villages and towns in the Sogndal area offering accommodation around the Sognefjord, including Sogndal, Hermansverk, Hafslo, and Kaupanger.

While these towns aren’t overflowing with accommodation, there’s enough choice to suit most needs, including hotels, bed and breakfasts, holiday homes, apartments, hostels, and camping. The following options get consistently good reviews:

• Good value: Nedre Amla Fjord Apartment – cosy apartment | fjord views | free parking
• Mid-range: Best Western Laegreid Hotell – large rooms | comfy beds | centre of Sogndal
• Indulge: Hofslund Fjord Hotel – fjord views | heated pool | comfy rooms | free parking

We stayed at Sogndal Bed & Breakfast , a summer hostel offering budget rooms close to Sogndal village. While certainly not luxurious, the B&B has large, clean, modern rooms with comfy beds, free parking, and breakfast included in the price. It’s also a really convenient base for visiting nearby Austdalsbreen Glacier.

Day 9 – Austdalsbreen Glacier

Highlights: Austdalsbreen Glacier Kayaking and Hiking Total driving distance: appx. 163km (100 miles) Total driving time: appx. 3 hours Overnight: Sogndal

Today encapsulates everything we love about road tripping, with a truly spectacular drive, followed by one of the most memorable adventures of this Norway itinerary.

The day starts with an hour-long drive to Breheimsenteret Glacier Centre to meet up with the team from IceTroll who will be taking us on a trip to Austdalsbreen glacier.

Arrive early if you can as the centre (open from May to early October) has incredible views of nearby Nigardsbreen glacier and provides an interesting introduction to the world of glaciers, and both Jostedalsbreen and Breheimen national parks.

There’s something surreal and truly awe-inspiring about paddling across the pristine waters of Styggevatnet glacier lake towards Austdalsbreen glacier. And getting to walk on the glacier itself remains one of our all-time favourite travel memories. This tour runs between July and September. You can find a more detailed write up of our experience in our post about exploring Austdalsbreen glacier .

If you’re anything like us you’ll be buzzing on the drive back to Sogndal, but remember to take in the beautiful scenery on the way, and maybe treat yourself to a beer (and perhaps dinner) overlooking the fjord at Dampskipskaien Café when you get back to town.

Day 10 – Sogndal to Geiranger

Highlights: Most Spectacular Drive in the World | Geirangerfjord | Ørnesvingen Viewpoint Total driving distance: appx. 220km (137 miles) Total driving time: appx. 4 hours Overnight: Geiranger

If yesterday’s glacier excitement wasn’t enough, you’re in for another real treat today, as you take on the most spectacular drive in the world. It’s a huge call I know, but it’s certainly among the most incredible stretches of tarmac we’ve ever driven and an absolute highlight of this 2 week Norway itinerary.

It’s another experience we’ve written about separately, so check out our Sogndal to Geiranger blog post for more details and lots of pics.

Please note some sections of this drive should be considered weather dependent. If you are thinking of attempting this route outside of the summer months, or in poor weather, check road conditions and closures before setting off.

The drive takes you out of Sogndal along the Rv5, E39, Rv15 and Rv63 all the way to Geiranger. While it’s only 220 kilometres, you should plan to make a day of it as it’s one of those drives that will have you pulling over every few minutes to marvel at the scenery.

The drive takes you past fjords, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, lush valleys, quaint Norwegian villages, tranquil lakes, and more waterfalls than you could poke a stick at. Labelling it as ‘jaw-dropping’ feels like a bit of an understatement.

You’ll probably have run out of superlatives by the time you get your first glimpse of Geiranger, but try to muster one last bit of energy for the 15 minute drive alongside Geirangerfjord and up what feels like endless switchbacks of ‘Eagle Road’ to reach Ørnesvingen Viewpoint .

Taking in the views across the World Heritage-listed Geirangerfjord from here is a fitting way to end the ‘most spectacular drive in the world’ before checking into your Geiranger accommodation and seeking out some well-deserved dinner.

Where to Stay in Geiranger

The fjord-side village of Geiranger gets top points for dramatic positioning, although as a popular destination for day-trippers, cruise ships and holidaymakers, it’s probably the busiest place we encountered outside of Norway’s cities.

Despite its popularity, Geiranger is very small, and there’s only a handful of accommodation options available. It’s advisable to book your stay well in advance, especially during peak periods when demand surges. The following options get consistently good reviews:

• Good value: Solhaug Fjordcamping – cosy caravan | fjord views | cabins also available
• Mid-range: Vinje Camping –  comfortable cottages |kitchenette | fjord views
• Indulge: Grande Fjord Hotel – fabulous views | comfy clean rooms | relaxing hot tubs | free parking

We pitched a tent at Grande Hytteutleige og Camping , set in a spectacular location right on the fjord a couple of kilometres from town. Shared cooking and bathroom facilities were decent, and staff were extremely friendly and helpful. Cabins with ensuite bathrooms and private cooking facilities are also available to rent.

Day 11 – Geiranger to Alesund

Highlights: Hellesylt | Alesund’s Art Nouveau Architecture Total travel distance: appx. 110km (68 miles) Total travel time: appx. 3.5 hours Included ferry crossings: Geiranger-Hellesylt | Magerholm-Ørsneset Overnight: Alesund

As one of most beautiful fjords in Norway, you won’t be surprised to learn Geiranger has plenty to keep you busy if you have time to stay a little longer. Tourist cruises loop the fjord several times each day, and for the more active, there are kayaking, biking, ziplining and hiking excursions to be enjoyed. Check out GetYourGuide’s things to do in Geiranger page for more inspiration.

As we only have 2 weeks in Norway on this itinerary, we’re combining travel and sightseeing by enjoying Geirangerfjord from the car ferry. It’s a spectacular journey, travelling the length of the fjord and then continuing on to the village of Hellesylt.

From here, it’s time to get back on the road and head north west towards the coastal town of Alesund. The road from Hellesylt skirts Geirangerfjord along the Fv60 offering up wonderful views along the way. If you want some pics keep your eyes peeled for the Geiranger Fjord Viewpoint , around 6km from Hellesylt, it’s one of the many spectacular viewpoints you’ll pass on today’s drive.

You could easily spend a couple of days enjoying Alesund and the surrounding areas so try to arrive in good time to allow at least half a day to enjoy this pretty port town.

Bypass Alesund for now though and drive straight to Godøy island . If you’re feeling energetic, there are a few hikes to enjoy here, the shortest of which would be the two-and-a-half hour (3.5km), out and back, moderately challenging trail to Storhornet. At the peak you can enjoy a well-earned rest while you appreciate the 360-degree panorama of the surrounding islands and Alesund. Seek out the 1876 Alnes lighthouse before heading back to Alesund and checking in to your hotel.

Considered by many to be Norway’s most beautiful town, Alesund’s pastel-coloured centre is the result of a near-total rebuild in the early years of the 20th century, after a great fire burnt down most of the city. It’s a great place to spend a couple of hours, strolling through the cobbled streets and around the waterfront to really appreciate the wonderful art nouveau architecture. If you’re interested in delving a little deeper, the Art Nouveau Centre provides a more in-depth understanding of Alesund’s architecture and history.

There are a variety of other things to do in and around Alesund depending on your interests and available time.

There’s a city sightseeing bus that takes in many of the major points of interest, a fisheries museum providing an introduction to the local fishing industry, and the Atlantic Sea Park (3km out of town), which has the largest saltwater aquarium in Northern Europe and a small penguin colony. If you have the time, and are feeling more energetic, you can also explore Alesund by sea kayak .

Whatever you decide, it’s worth ending the day by enjoying freshly caught local seafood at one of the many good restaurants around town.

Where to Stay in Alesund

There’s a decent variety of accommodation options in and around Alesund, from camping to apartments, guesthouses, homestays and hotels. The following options get consistently good reviews:

• Good value: Kirkgate 4 – comfy homestay | central location | shared bathroom | paid parking
• Mid-range: Quality Hotel Waterfront – clean and modern | central location | waterfront | on-site restaurant and bar
• Indulge: Hotel 1904 – stylish hotel | comfortable rooms | central location | great staff

We stayed at centrally located Thon Hotel , which was close to everything and has a small guest car park, as well as being near a larger public car park. Rooms were large, clean and very well appointed with all the facilities you’d expect. Rates include a decent breakfast with a good selection of hot and cold food.

Day 12 – Alesund to Trondheim via the Atlantic Road

Highlights: Aksla Viewpoint over Alesund | Atlantic Road Total travel distance: appx. 360km (224 miles) Total travel time: appx. 7 hours Included ferry crossings: Molde-Vestnes | Halsa-Kanestraum Overnight: Trondheim

It’s a big driving day today, so we’d recommend starting early with a quick drive up the mountain behind Alesund to the Aksla Viewpoint. From here the panoramas of Alesund, the Sunnmøre Alps, and surrounding area are absolutely fantastic (keen walkers can hike to the viewpoint).

Rather than take the most direct route to Trondheim, we’re taking a slight detour that includes a stint along the famous Atlantic Ocean Road .

This is a picturesque stretch of causeways, bridges and highway linking the many islands of the region’s archipelago. It makes for a longer day, but it’s well worth it.

While the whole drive to Trondheim is beautiful in itself, the Atlantic Ocean Road, one Norway’s eighteen recognised scenic routes , is really the highlight and the focal point of the day.

Funny enough, it’s a road that might never have come into being if the 1909 plans for a railway along this route had been realised. It took another 26 years for Parliament to approve a road project instead, and then a further 48 years before the six-year road construction project actually began in 1983.

The culmination of all this is one of the world’s great drives. It’s an engineering marvel that winds through the stunningly beautiful, rugged coastline with the vast ocean as a backdrop, and the relentless North Atlantic weather as a constant reminder of the powerful natural forces that shape the land here.

There are a few spots along the way to pull off the road and take in the views, most notably at the southern end of Eldhusøya island, just after the iconic Storseisundet bridge. You’ll find plenty of parking here, along with toilets and a café.

A little further north, Kristiansund marks the halfway point of today’s trip. It’s a good spot to stretch your legs and grab some lunch, especially since it’s a town famous for ‘fishan’ (fish and chips to you and me). It’s around three-and-a-half hours to Trondheim from here.

As it’s been a long day, we’ll leave the Trondheim sightseeing until tomorrow. Just drop off your bags and head into town for dinner.

Trondheim is a vibrant university town with a reputation for being a bit of a foodie destination, so there’s no shortage of places to eat and drink, from casual to Michelin star eateries.

Where to Stay in Trondheim

As one of Norway’s largest cities, it’s unsurprising that Trondheim has a decent range of accommodation in and around the city centre, Bakklandet and Solsiden that would meet most needs. If we had one gripe, it’s that generally parking was quite expensive.

We stayed at the Scandic Solsiden , located in a nice area with a laid-back vibe and lots of waterside dining and drinking options. It’s only around a ten minute walk into the centre of town, has on-site parking (paid), and is also close to a couple of parking garages. The room, service and varied breakfast were all great, and overall we felt it was a solid choice for Trondheim.

Other options that get consistently good reviews include:

• Good value: Pilegrimsgården Hotell og Gjestegård – clean and quiet | close to the cathedral | on-site parking (paid)
• Mid-range: Scandic Bakklandet – great central location | comfy rooms | yummy breakfast
• Indulge: Britannia Hotel – central location | stylish cosy rooms | attentive staff | spa and wellness centre | Michelin star restaurant

Day 13 – Trondheim

Highlights: Solsiden | Bakklandet | Gamle Bybro (Old Town Bridge) | Kristiansten Fortress | Nidaros Cathedral | Archbishop’s Palace | Stiftsgården Total driving distance: No driving today . Overnight: Trondheim

Once the capital of Norway during the Viking Era, Trondheim is a city with a long history. It’s rich cultural heritage stretches back more than a thousand years to when the city was founded by King Olav Tryggvason in the year 997.

It’s a city defined by its royal heritage, position as a trading outpost, proximity to Sweden, and also by the many fires that have quite literally shaped and reshaped it.

Today you’ll find a modern, trendy vibrant place where around a quarter of the population are students. Aside from being a city with a deep-rooted history, it’s also a centre of art, music, technology, culture and gastronomy.

Enjoy a rare car-free day today to explore this very walkable city. We highly recommend strapping on your sneakers and spending the day pounding the pavements.

There are guided walking tours and a self-guided audio tour of Trondheim available. Both options cover the major places of interest around the city and provide an overview of Trondheim’s history.  

Our Suggested Trondheim Self-Guided Walking Tour As we were staying in the area, we started our day with coffee and a wander around Solsiden , a former shipyard that has been regenerated into a lovely modern waterside precinct. It’s also a great spot for dinner or drinks later on.

If you’re interested in Norwegian music, the Rockheim Museum is only 15 minutes’ walk from here. Otherwise continue your stroll (again just 15 minutes) to Bakklandet , Trondheim’s colourful old town. It sits photogenically aside the Nidelva River, with distinctive colourful houses and cobbled streets.

Spend a bit of time wandering the streets of Bakklandet to really appreciate the architecture and viewpoints along the canal, being sure to check out Gamle Bybro , Trondheim’s iconic Old Town Bridge.

From here, it’s a steady 15-minute or so climb up to Kristiansten Fortress . Keep an eye out for the Trampe bicycle lift on your way, it’s quite a sight to watch people try, and sometimes fail, to use it (if you’re lucky and it’s in operation). The fortress and grounds are a popular spot for picnics in better weather and it’s the best place in town for spectacular views over the city towards the cathedral.

Head back down the hill and recharge your batteries with lunch somewhere in Bakklandet before crossing Gamle Bybro and heading to Nidaros Cathedral , an absolute highlight of visiting Trondheim.

Plan to spend some time here admiring this 11th century gothic masterpiece, with its ornate carving and statues, striking rose window and atmospheric crypt. During summer, the tower can be climbed for spectacular views over the city, and guided tours are also available.

Next door, the Archbishop’s Palace , with its archaeological museum and mint workshop are also worth seeing while you are here, and if you’re an art lover, Trondheim Art Museum is just around the corner.

It’s a 5 minute walk along the wide, tree-lined Munkegatax, past the town hall ( Rådhuset ) to reach Trondheim’s market square ( Torvet ), dominated by a column dedicated to Olav Tryggvasson. It’s a focal point for life in Trondheim and you’ll often find festivals and events taking place here.

We lucked out with our visit coinciding with Trøndelag Food Festival, and we spent several happy hours here sampling delicious food stalls and partaking in a craft ale or three in the beer tent. In 2024, the festival will be held between 1-3 August.

Continue a couple hundred metres further up the road to Stiftsgården , the King’s official 18th century royal residence and one of the largest wooden buildings in northern Europe. It’s open to the public during summer with visits by guided tour only. See the Visit Trondheim website for more details.

Trondheim Microbrewery and ØX Tap Room are just around the corner from Stiftsgården, so we’d highly recommend finishing today’s walk by sampling a few local brews while deciding where to go in Norway’s gastronomic capital for dinner.

Trondheim for Foodies With Michelin starred restaurants, a focus on local produce and gastronomic innovation, and more good restaurants than you can poke a stick at, Trondheim is very much an established foodie favourite. Add to that a thriving microbrewery scene and it’s no surprise we loved visiting Trondheim as much as we did.

Day 14 – Trondheim to Oslo

Highlights: Trondheim to Oslo Scenic Drive Total driving distance: appx. 500km (311 miles) Total driving time: appx. 6.5 to 9.5 hours depending on the route chosen Overnight: Oslo (if flying the next day)

If you want to save yourself a fairly long drive you could consider finishing your car rental in Trondheim, and either fly or get the train back to Oslo for your flight out.

If you plan to drive, the two most direct routes back to Oslo are: the 500km more easterly route along the E6 and Rv3 via Aldval and Rena which takes around 6.5 hours; and the more westerly route along the E6, Rv4 and E16 via Otta and Lillehammer, which adds around 20km and 45 minutes to the journey.

While neither drive will eclipse the more memorable journeys we’ve taken during this road trip in Norway, both are still pleasant enough and offer a handful of things to see and do along the way.

More Direct Eastern Route to Oslo (6.5 to 7.5 hours driving time) Both routes follow the E6 out of Trondheim. After around 45 minutes you’ll reach Støren, where you have the option to take a detour to Røros via the Fv30 or continue on the more direct E6 and Rv3.

World Heritage-listed Røros is renowned for its well-preserved wooden buildings and mining history, so if you don’t mind adding around 45 minutes onto today’s drive, then it may well be worth a visit.

If you want to bypass Røros, continue on the E6 and then Rv3 until you get to one of the largest canyons in northern Europe, Jutulhogget Canyon , around 3 hours from Trondheim. There are plenty of hiking options around here, including treks down into the canyon itself, but you can also get views of the canyon by walking a few minutes from the car park.

From here, the road follows the Rv3 for a couple of hours as it skirts the Glomma , Norway’s longest river, before cutting south west and joining up with the E6 for the final leg into Oslo.

Points of interest along the final stretch (which apply to both the east and west route options) include the ruined medieval cathedral and museum at Domkirkeodden near Hamar, Eidsvoll Manor House and museum where the Norwegian Constitution was signed in 1814, and the atmospheric (some say haunted) Nes Church Ruins , located at the picturesque junction of the Glomma and Vorma rivers.

Western Route to Oslo (7.5 to 9.5 hours driving time) The slightly slower western route takes you out of Trondheim, but instead of taking the Rv3 it continues on the E6 through the mountain ranges of Dovrefjell and Rondane national parks .

With more time there are an abundance of hiking options in this region to explore. After around three-and-a-half hours you’ll reach the town of Otta. It’s the main town of the Rondane and around halfway to Oslo, so may provide a useful stopping point for lunch.

From Otta, you have a couple of options. Either continue on the E6 all the way to the former winter Olympic town of Lillehammer , or take a two-hour diversion along the Fv51 and Fv33 to incorporate Norway’s Valdresflye scenic route via Jotunheimen National Park .

By all accounts, the 49km Valdresflye route, which can really only be attempted during the summer months, is a truly spectacular drive with incredible mountain views. So if you don’t mind a very long day, it might just be a very fitting way to end your Norway adventure.

Depending on your flight schedule, you can either depart from Oslo tonight or spend one more night in the city to explore any remaining attractions or indulge in the vibrant nightlife before concluding your memorable Norwegian road trip.

Planning a Norway Roadtrip

Travel to norway.

Norway is well serviced by rail and ferry routes from adjoining countries, as well as flights from more than 100 destinations from across Europe, as well as the USA and Middle East. Be sure to get a window seat to enjoy views of Norway’s fjords and sprawling mountain scenery if you plan to fly.

Within Norway there are more than 50 domestic airports, offering connections to major cities like Bergen, Stavanger, and Trondheim, as well as far flung spots like the Lofoten Islands, North Cape, and Svalbard.

Car and passenger ferry services to Norway operate from Denmark, Germany and Sweden, so if you have the time, this might be a more leisurely way to arrive.

As we travelled to Norway with our own car, we took the ferry from Frederikshavn in Denmark to Oslo, arriving late afternoon. It’s a long and uneventful journey (which can also be made overnight), but it’s saved by good free wifi and stunning views when you sail through the Oslofjord on the final leg.

Best Time to Visit Norway

Norway offers a variety of experiences that change with the season. The best time to explore this incredible country really just depends on your interests.

The Norwegian summer, between June and August, is a time of almost perpetual daylight and warmer weather. This is prime time for hiking, cruising the fjords, and enjoying Norway’s iconic scenery and outdoor pursuits.

We visited during this period, and while tourist numbers (and prices) are definitely higher, the lively atmosphere, extended daylight hours, and warmer weather meant we were able to make the best of our time and see and do more.

For those seeking a balance between weather and crowd levels, May and September might present an ideal compromise. Spring heralds the blossoming of flora before the heat of summer, while autumn’s colourful landscapes will have you filling the memory cards of your camera. During these shoulder seasons, you can still enjoy plenty of outdoor activities with fewer crowds, and accommodation prices may sting slightly less.

Winter, between December and March, transforms Norway into a snow-draped wonderland. The Northern Lights dance in the polar night, and the snow-laden landscapes offer opportunities for skiing, dog sledding, and other winter adventures. While the days are shorter, the lure of the auroras and the snowy landscapes create a magical atmosphere that draws plenty of visitors.

Winter Considerations Winter is undoubtedly a beautiful time of year to visit Norway, especially if you’re keen on seeing the northern lights or love your snow sports. However it’s also a time of year that requires extra caution, and a lot more planning. Some excursions referred to in this Norway road trip itinerary may not run during the winter months or in adverse weather conditions. Similarly, many roads through Norway’s mountains and rugged interior are closed during winter. If you plan to visit during the winter months it’s advisable to check the availability of excursions in advance, and to regularly check road conditions and closures on the Norwegian Public Roads Administration website .

Accommodation in Norway

Norway has a diverse range of accommodation from camping to cosy guesthouses and modern hotels. As with many places costs vary greatly, however like everything in Norway, it’s expensive by most standards.

When road tripping we always try to find places offering onsite or nearby parking and this is reflected in many of the suggestions we make in this post. On our Norway road trip, we managed to get hotels with parking around a third of the time. The rest of the time we had to find street parking or a nearby parking lot or garage.

To make the most of your journey, consider pre-booking your accommodation, especially during peak seasons when Norway attracts plenty of fellow travellers. You can book accommodation in Norway through all major booking engines. For this trip, we booked most of our accommodation through Booking.com.  

Driving in Norway

Driving in Norway is a breeze. The road infrastructure, car ferries and signage are all excellent, and drivers are safe and considerate. It’s worth noting though that like most things in Norway, petrol is very expensive, speed cameras are ubiquitous, road rules are strictly enforced, and roads are extensively tolled.

Renting a Car

Unless you’re bringing your own car, you’ll need to hire a car for this Norway travel itinerary.

There are plenty of rental car options from all the major towns and cities in Norway. We’ve found Rental Cars has a great range of cars and competitive prices, but we also suggest checking Discover Cars to find the best deal you can.

Car hire operators in Norway will accept most licences that are valid for a year and use the Roman alphabet. However, it’s always worth checking the booking terms and conditions in advance of your visit, as International Driving Permits are required from some nationalities.

It’s almost impossible to drive around Norway without encountering toll roads. Many, many toll roads. While this can add to your costs, we reluctantly accepted it as the price you pay for the incredibly well-maintained roads, tunnels and bridges that make road tripping through this spectacular landscape such a breeze. 

Rental cars will come equipped with an AutoPASS tag so you don’t really have to worry about tolls. You’ll need to budget for toll costs when you return the car, or in some cases a little after, once the toll charges have been finalised.

You have a couple of options to manage tolls if you are bringing your own car from another country: getting an AutoPASS tag; or registering your vehicle for number plate recognition through EPASS24. More information on both options is available on the autopass website but I’ll quickly summarise the main points below.

To get an AutoPASS tag you’ll need to register with a toll tag provider in advance, including entering into a user agreement to receive your tag (or applicable device) in the post. Payment options will depend on the tag provider, however with AutoPASS there are a number of benefits, including a 20% discount on toll rates, and also being able to use the AutoPASS tag on most ferries with a 10% discount.

With EPASS24 you just need to create an account and register your vehicle’s number plate to be able to pay toll, and other road user charges (e.g. congestion tax) by credit card or invoice. While EPASS24 is a quicker and simpler system than AutoPASS, it doesn’t include any toll discounts and can’t be used for ferry travel.

Car Ferries

With an extensive network of fjords carving through the country’s coastline, car ferries and tunnels are a critical link in much of the road network. The car ferry system is very well run and easy to use.

Ferry routes and timetables can be found on the Skyss website , while the Bompengekalkulator website has information about pricing using a handy map.

If you have one, your AutoPASS tag will be able to process most ferry charges in Norway. If you don’t have an AutoPASS tag, your next best option is to sign up to FerryPay . Your number plate will be read as you board the ferry and the credit or debit card registered on your account will be charged for the crossing.

For the most part, regular ferries operate on a first come, first served basis and can’t be booked in advance. In summer and other peak periods it’s advisable to plan ahead, arrive as early as you can, and be prepared for queues.

When parking in Norway, pay attention to local regulations. In urban areas, you’ll often find designated parking zones with meters. These meters may accept coins or electronic payment methods. Make sure to clearly display your parking ticket to avoid any unwanted fines.

Is Norway Expensive?

Everything you’ve heard is true: Norway is incredibly expensive. This naturally has implications for self-drive trips: petrol, parking, car ferries and road tolls all add up and need to be incorporated into your budget.

The benefit of a self-drive trip is that you do have options to economise if you wish. Camping, eating take-out, using supermarkets, and cooking your own meals will all save you money. As will not drinking alcohol or buying alcohol from supermarkets instead of drinking in pubs (an expensive experience we didn’t repeat very often).

Sound like your kind of adventure? If you’ve got any questions about our Norway road trip itinerary, or driving in Norway, ask us in the comments below.

If you’re looking for more great road tripping itineraries and adventures,  check out our Road Trips page , and our  bucket list of 100 ultimate road trips around the world .

2 thoughts on “Norway Road Trip Itinerary: An Epic Self Drive Adventure”

You didnt mention speeding. I hear the Nords are ruthless for speeders and its a % of your income, vs a flat fine.

Hi CP, thanks for your feedback. Road rules are indeed strictly enforced in Norway and speeding can attract hefty fines, loss of licence, even prison time. From what we’ve come across on various Norwegian websites, speeding fines are fixed rates based on the speed zone and the speed travelled over the limit in that zone. Personally, we found the scenery so amazing on these drives, we just wanted to take as much time as possible!

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10 days in Norway: A Complete Norway Road Trip Itinerary

last Updated: December 2, 2023 alesund bergen flam geiranger Norway oslo road trip scandinavia stavanger

FYI: Affiliate links may be sprinkled throughout the awesome, free content you see below. I’ll receive a small commission when you purchase from my links (at no extra cost to you), which I’ll totally blow on adult things like boba tea and avocado toast. As always, thanks for the support.

Planning a Norway road trip and looking for the best possible way to spend 10 days in Norway?! You’re in the right place! I’ve got loads of information for you in this personally handcrafted Norway itinerary – which I just experienced for myself a few months ago!

Norway is absolutely spectacular. With it’s turquoise fjords, misty mountains, midnight sun, and stunning Scandinavian architecture, Norway is arguably one of the most beautiful countries on earth! And I’ve definitely seen my fair share – at ~45 countries to date !

I’ve detailed our exact Norway itinerary below (which took tons of planning), but no matter where you end up going in the country, you’ll have the best time if you love nature and cool, chic cities! It definitely didn’t hurt that we were blessed with almost perfect weather on our Norway road trip, as the country is known to be super finicky when it comes to precipitation year round (more on that below).

Our 10 days in Norway and the fjords in general have got to be the most difficult trip I’ve planned to date. And I’m no stranger to complex itineraries (I’m looking at you Japan and Thailand ). When you’ve only got so much time (only 10 days or so to see alllll the beauty in Norway), you’ve got to make each and every day count. Hence, the difficulty of planning.

A few questions that crossed my mind 1000x each during the initial planning stages:

• Should we fly/train/bus/drive from place to place?
• Do a complex variation of the aforementioned transportation options?
• Should we take an organized multi-day fjord tour and which one do we pick?
• How do the ferries work in Norway?
• Isn’t everything crazzzy expensive?
• Is 10 days in Norway actually ENOUGH for all we want to do?!

Yea, planning this Norway itinerary was quite the doozy. Sure, there are some decent Norwegian fjord itineraries out there, but after researching quite a bit, none had all the major stops I wanted to make (and I wanted to see what I wanted to see, damn it!).

We ultimately decided to craft our own itinerary (ok, let’s face it, I did 98% of the planning), renting a car for most of the way, and getting in all my highlights.

Enjoy this Norway road trip itinerary, and let me know if you’re planning your own trip to the Norwegian fjords any time soon! It really is such a spectacular place and the country now holds a firm spot in my top 10 (alongside Japan , Iceland , Canada (yup!), Colombia , Italy , Croatia , and Thailand ).  🙂 

Norway Road Trip Itinerary Overview + Map

• Day 0: Arrive into Oslo!
• Day 1: Oslo
• Day 2 : Oslo
• Day 3: Fly to Stavanger, Explore
• Day 4: Pulpit Rock Hike
• Day 5: Drive to Bergen
• Day 6: Bergen
• Day 7: Flam
• Day 8: Drive to Hjelle
• Day 9: Geiranger and Trollstigen

Day 10: Alesund

* Note that you can opt to conquer Oslo at the beginning or tail end of your trip. We like to get the busy stuff and big cities outta the way because we tend to lose momentum as the trip goes on, but it’s totally up to you!

Lots more info below, but first, a pre-travel guide to Norway to learn a bit about the country and what to expect when you’re there.

Pre-Travel Guide to Norway

Getting around norway.

This was one of the most difficult parts when planning our Norway itinerary, as there are an abundance of public transportation options located all around the country, including trains, buses, flights, ferries, and more.

We opted to fly to Stavanger from Oslo, rent a car in Stavanger and drive it all the way to Ålesund, then fly back to Oslo from Alesund.

There are tons of other ways of getting around, but I found this to be the most time-efficient while letting us do our own thing at the same time. Note that if you’re following this Norway road trip, you can take a train/bus to Bergen if you’d rather have one less day of driving (but I reallllly loved those stops and wouldn’t recommend cutting that driving day out of your itinerary).  🙂 

IN A NUTSHELL: fly to Oslo → fly to Stavanger → drive around country, end in Alesund → fly to Oslo

Renting a Car

As noted previously, we rented our car (a compact VW Polo) from the Stavanger Airport and drove it all the way to Ålesund over the course of this Norway road trip.

Many cars in Norway are manual transmission, so if you’re not comfortable driving stick shift, you’ll need to make sure to reserve an automatic car (a few extra dollars a day, but worth it for your safety). 

Psst: I commonly use this booking site when searching for low-cost car rental options, and like Skyscanner  (which I use to find low-cost flights), I frequently find great deals on there!

As with other most places in the world, you’ll need to pay a one-way car rental fee if you in fact choose to copy this Norway road trip itinerary from start to finish. We booked a few months in advance and paid $813 for 8 days, excluding the optional GPS we decided to get. Pricey, but well-worth it!

One way fees are inevitable unless you want to drive all the way back to Stavanger or Oslo (not recommend if you only have 10 days in Norway like we did).

I like to search  via this site in order to compare rental companies to see who has the best price.

Get ready because you’ll be using the ferries quite often on this Norway itinerary! I was kinda nervous because I couldn’t find much information about them beforehand, but thankfully it all worked out!

Since there are tons (and tons) of bodies of water in the country, ferries are absolutely essential for getting around in Norway, and thankfully, the Norwegians have built a highly efficient ferry system. The ferries are super easy to use as well – you can get right on most ferries (walk or drive if you have a car) and buy your ticket directly before or once on board.

A reservation/buying a ticket in advance is not necessary for most ferry journeys, and if you follow this exact Norway itinerary, you won’t need to reserve any beforehand.

However, if you’re switching things around a bit and planning to do the Hellesylt – Geiranger tourist ferry (which we did not), plan to purchase a ticket beforehand. This specific ferry gets quite crowded and you don’t want to have to wait until space is available, which could potentially be hours in tourist season (therefore wasting your precious Norway time).

Ferries are comfortable with cafes, bathrooms, and cushioned seats. Be sure to get out of your car and head to the top deck as many have spectacular views!

There are numerous companies that operate the ferries so if you’d like to take a look at the schedules, just type in the starting and ending spots in Google and you’ll find it no problem!

*Note that not all ferries accommodate cars, so if you’re doing your own thing and veering off from the course of this pre-planned trip I organized, you’ll want to make sure the ferries you need will actually take your car as well.

Driving tips in Norway:

• First things first, you’ll be driving on the right hand side of the road in Norway (like in the USA, other parts of Europe, etc). It’s always a good idea to know this beforehand in case you’re coming from a left-handed driving part of the world!
• Traffic is safe, speed is modest (relatively slow compared to what I’m used to on California highways) and most roads have little traffic. Always allow yourself plenty of time for driving, since you’ll want to make sightseeing stops quite frequently (it’s all soooo gorgeous)!

• Gas is expensive. There’s really no way around it. Fun and semi-depressing fact – Norway has the highest gas prices in the world (yuuup). If I remember correctly, we found stations from 14.50- 16.50 NOK/liter (roughly equivalent to $6.60USD per gallon), with roughly 500 NOK (~60) filling up our tank. For this Norway road trip we filled up around 2.5 times, for an equivalent of ~1300 NOK (~$160). All in all, I expected the cost of gas to be higher and was pleasantly surprised to keep our gas costs under $200 (unless I somehow did the math wrong…).
• We opted to rent a GPS in order to get around easily as we weren’t sure how well our phone carrier with international coverage (T-Mobile) would pick up service in the more remote spots on our road trip. Cost was NOK 125 per day (~$15USD). We were very happy we chose to invest in the GPS as it worked almost perfectly and got us from place to place with ease even when our phones couldn’t find a signal.

• You’ll encounter a bunch of toll roads throughout your Norway road trip. If you rented a car, the car will be equipped with an AutoPass Device which will automatically track all the tolls you rack up while driving (a green plus sign will show on the road to indicate usage of device). You’ll then pay the total when you finally return the car (or be billed in a few weeks – sometimes it takes a bit to register them all). We spent about 500NOK during our 10 days in Norway, which really wasn’t as terrible as I expected. Note that a few tolls will be credit card only, including Dalsnibba and Sognefjellet, and you won’t be able to use the included AutoPass device for these.
• Sheep seem to roam freely around the streets of Norway, so always be extra alert and extra extra cautious for them (and other cars) while going around bends and curves. Plus, they’re just so cute!

Other random tips for your Norway Road Trip:

• We came across lots of free public bathrooms on our drive, so don’t worry about having to hold it in for too long! Drink all the fresh Norwegian water you want!
• Hotel and restaurant staff were very friendly and eager to help out; other workers (at tolls, airport, etc) were a bit direct and emotionless, but did their job well. Just something to take note of so you don’t take their candidness to heart.
• The days are long and the nights are short . If you’re planning your 10 days in Norway during June, July, or August, expect the sun to set around 10pm or later, and rise shortly after 4am. The last daylight will be around midnight and the first will be around 2am, meaning there’s only complete darkness for around 2 hours! This is fantastic for getting in lots of activities/driving in one day! It’s wise to bring among an eye mask on your trip should your hotel not have blackout shades (all of ours did thankfully).
• We took a bit of food (when we could) from hotel breakfasts to eat later in the day. Dinners cost us roughly $50-$60 for 2 entrees (no drinks, no appetizers, no salads, no anything extra).
• Tipping is not customary so whatever price is on the bill will be what you pay, which definitely helps by not adding an extra percentage!

• The water is delicious and super safe to drink in Norway, so bring along a reusable water bottle to fill up during the day!
• There are 18 Scenic Routes in Norway (previously called National Tourist Routes), which are known to be the countries most astonishing drives. You won’t be able to cover all 1,336 miles of them during these 10 days in Norway, but you’ll definitely be driving a whole bunch! Whatever you do, don’t miss Gamle Strynefjellsvegen towards the end of day 8; it was the most spectacular scenery I’ve ever seen IN MY LIFE (yup, more impressive than Iceland ).

So where exactly is Norway you ask? The country is located in North Western Europe, in the region deemed Scandinavia (along with Denmark and Sweden), or more broadly, the Nordic countries (which also include Finland and Iceland). Norway shares a long eastern border with Sweden, and has over 25,000 km of coastline.

What to bring:

You’ll want to bring all the essentials for your trip, but a few specific things to take along include:

• Snacks for road trip
• Rain jacket
• Water bottle
• Sweater/cardigan and scarf
• Car charger
• Waterproof shoes / rain boots
• Hiking boots (depending on hikes and time of year)

Money and Exchange Rates

Basically every place we went to took credit card (make sure to have Visa/MasterCard as not all accept American Express), but it’s wise to take along a bit of cash on your Norway road trip as well. We had to use cold hard cash when getting gas since the station was having a difficult time reading our credit card.

When it comes to exchange rates, it’s actually a pretty decent time to head to Norway right now (2018). At the time of this writing, 1 Norwegian Krone (NOK) = ~ $.12USD or 1 USD = ~8.4NOK. I found it easier to think in hundreds and kept these numbers in my head when figuring out the bill/shopping: 100NOK = ~$12USD.

I always suggest you take out cash at ATMS and never ever through an exchange desk. ATMs provide the best exchange rate.

When to Visit Norway

Norway experiences seriously different weather year round, and deciding which season to travel to Norway will greatly affect your experience there. Many say there’s no bad time to visit the country, but if you’re a big baby like me and get all pouty and upset when it’s raining and/or cold, visit during the summer. 🙂

My top pick: If you’re looking for the greatest chance of sunshine and decent weather, head over to the country in June, July, or August.

The temperatures will be between 20°C – 26°C+ (68°F – 80°F), and the midnight sun will be out and about (giving you extra long days for driving around and exploring all the chic seaside cities). Note that these warmer temps make this the most attractive time to visit Norway, so expect the most crowds during this time of year (it’s sooo worth the few extra people, I promise).

Looking to avoid the high tourist season? Opt to visit in shoulder season, May or September. Temperatures will be mild and hotel rates will be a bit less. And less crowds.

Visiting during the colder months: Norway can get coooold y’all, so if you’re not looking to whip out your cold-weather gear (think boots, scarves, wool hats, down jackets, etc), don’t book your Norway road trip before May or after September. Besides viewing the northern lights, activities will be greatly limited, and unless you’re a snow bird and enjoy freezing cold temps, you may not find much to do.

However, if you’re looking for the cheapest possible time to visit Norway, these are the months to do it, as flight prices and hotel rates will be significantly less (because not many want to visit then). It’s also important to note that you won’t find many daylight hours if you visit in December-February.

Health and Safety

Norway is known to be one of the safest countries in the world, with extremely minimal petty crime. As always, it’s best to be aware of your surroundings, but know that you’re in a super-safe area. The country is so safe that police don’t even carry guns! Robberies are extremely rare, but note that pickpockets in crowded places (like public transport in major cities) can and do occur at times. Just use common sense, stay alert, and you’ll be fine.

The water in Norway is top-notch, so drinking the tap is perfectly safe and encouraged! No need to buy bottled water over here! Food and water standards are similar to those in the USA, so you don’t need to worry about contamination nor food sickness. Note that only routine vaccinations are required to visit the country, and you probably had those all when you were younger (check with your doctor).

Visas and Passports

No visa is required for U.S. citizens traveling to Norway as long as a valid tourist passport is in possession (and valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay). Since Norway is part of the Schengen Agreement, U.S. citizens may visit for up to 90 days for either tourist or business purposes. 

How to Get to Norway

Most international flights arrive in Oslo, which is precisely why this Norway itinerary starts in the capital! I like using Skyscanner and Google Flights to check for prices, and almost alllways find the cheapest flights on one of those sites.

We chose to fly economy and paid around $750 per person round trip to/from Oslo from the West Coast USA during one of Norway’s busiest times of year- mid-summer (July).

If you have extra time and are able to check airfare into nearby cities (Copenhagen, for example), you may be able to find even cheaper flights on low-cost airlines. For reference, my friend flew to Copenhagen around the same time we flew to Oslo for only $500 round trip!

WHERE TO STAY IN NORWAY

more info on each one throughout Norway itinerary below

• Oslo (2 nights): Saga Poshtel Oslo Central // Comfort Hotel Runway (airport hotel)
• Stavanger (2 nights): Clarion Hotel Stavanger
• Bergen (2 nights): Bergen Harbor Hotel
• Flam (1 night): Fretheim Hotel / Flåmsbrygga Hotel
• Hjelle/Geiranger (1 night): Hjelle Hotel or Hotel Utsikten
• Alesund (2 nights): Thon Hotel Ålesund

WIFI AND STAYING CONNECTED

Although you will most likely have wifi at your accommodation, it’s a good idea to bring along a pocket-sized personal WiFi hotspot , to keep you connected during your time in Norway.

WiFi hotspots are a cost effective option to ensure you can use GPS apps like Google Maps, check your emails, and catch up with friends and family while away. With this portable device , you’ll have WiFi wherever you go (even if your phone doesn’t have service), unlimited internet (on up to five devices at a time!!!), and it’s fast and reliable. At less than $9 a day, this device can’t really be beat.

Note that some cell phone plans allow for international use, but many of these are costly. I once accidentally turned on my phone service for LESS THAN 2 MINUTES and got charged $150 by my phone carrier! I desperately wished I had a personal WiFi hotspot with me then!

Find more information and plan options here . HIGHLY RECOMMENDED especially when you don’t speak the native language of the country you’re visiting. A true lifesaver.

And now what you’ve been waiting for:

The Ultimate 10 Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary

This Norway itinerary will have you chasing trolls in Stavanger, trying reindeer meat in Bergen, hiking to glamorous fjord views, taking the most scenic train ride in the world, driving some spectacular Norwegian tourist routes, staring up at glacier, and oh so much more! Get ready for the ride, because this Norway road trip will have you begging to come back asap!

This itinerary starts in Oslo (which is where most international travelers arrive in the country), heads west to Stavanger, then makes its way up north to Alesund via Bergen, Flam, and Geiranger.

As noted earlier, we chose to fly from Oslo to Stavanger to save some driving time, drove all the way to Alesund, then flew back to Oslo. Since the country is quite large, you need to understand you won’t be able to see eeeeverything, but if you follow this Norway road trip itinerary I can promise you that you’ll see a good chunk of all things spectacular.  

Day 0: Fly into Oslo!

You’ll find most international flights to Norway will fly to Oslo, which is perfect as it’s the first stop on our 10 day Norway itinerary! The flight can be relatively long depending on where you’re coming from (~12 hours from West Coast USA, 7 hours from New York), but once you get there, I promise you that a trip to Norway is welllll worth it!

It’ll cost about 101NOK in order to get into the city center (~12USD) on the local trains (NSB). Note that there is an airport express shuttle which takes slightly shorter but is almost double the price.

Where to Stay: Comfort Hotel Runway or Saga Poshtel Oslo Central

If you’re just coming off a super long flight (say from the states), it’s totally acceptable to stay in an airport hotel really close to the Oslo airport your first night. Make sure to make your way into central Oslo early the next morning to get your exploring on!

Days 1-2: Explore Oslo

Welcome to Norway, home of the stunning turquoise fjords, towering mountains, and $8 hot dogs. Yes, it’s pricey and your wallet may never adjust, but trust me, the expense is worth it. Norway is one of the most remarkable countries I’ve been to.

Oslo is absolutely gorgeous – and you’ll find old colorful houses lining to streets with new, innovative buildings sprinkled throughout. And those fjord water views make any sunny day just that much better.

The city is rather large, but thankfully, getting around is super easy, as there are a myriad of buses and trams all throughout. Two days in Oslo is probably not enough, but you’ll be able to get in these city highlights with only 48 hours or so:

• Karl Johans Gate : Did someone say shopping? This main shopping street in Oslo is where you’ll find all the action happening. From hip cafes and chic hotels to funky discos and nightclubs, you’ll find it all on Karl Johans Gate. It’s usually pretty crowded, so go for a stroll early in the morning or later in the evening. You’ll probably be back a few times though.
• Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (with an impressive stave church)
• Fram Museum (so interesting to learn about the polar expeditions!)
• Kon-Tiki Museet (with loads of info about the voyage to Easter Island)
• Norwegian Folk Museum (one of the largest open-air museums in Europe),
• Viking Ship Museum (those boats are huuuuge)
• Norwegian Maritime Museum (learn more about the massive ship building industry)
• Astrup Fearnley Museet
• Munch Museum

• Opera House: By far the most impressive building in Oslo, modeled after flat iceberg shapes with inclines. I suggest you pass by during the day, but spend the majority of your time checking out the Opera House around dusk. It’s absolutely beautiful once the city gets a tad darker, and everyone hangs out on the roof (which you can walk up to). I spent both my nights sitting up here listening to music and meeting cool people!

• SALT : Located a few minutes from the Opera House, this cool harbor front spot boasts a nomadic art lounge with bars and coffee shops.
• Sorenga outdoor beach deck (Sørenga Sjøbad): Found yourself a sunny day in Oslo? Head over to Sørenga Sjøbad and just chill out and relax in the warmth for a bit! Take along your bathing suit if you want to jump in for a swim!
• Frogner Park : Super interesting park, with a collection of over 200 bizarre sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Definitely a unique attraction in Oslo!

• Aker Brygge : Upscale harbor front of Oslo with gorgeous views of Oslofjord. A great place to get your first famous Norwegian Pølse (hot dog)!

• Akershus Fortress : Head up here for fantastic views of Oslo and watch massive cruise liners dock at the harbor front. A bit of a trek uphill, but worth it for the views and impressive old-school buildings
• Oslo Radhus : Oslo’s city counsel building, with super impressive murals on the walls. Note that you’ll need to join a free tour in order to view the inside of the building.

• The Thief Rooftop : Super swanky rooftop lounge  and a great place to catch a cocktail in one of the most prestigious hotels of Norway

Where to Stay in Oslo : Saga Poshtel Central Oslo

Day 3: Fly to Stavanger and Explore

Stavanger is the 4th largest city of Norway, although you probably wouldn’t have guessed that after arriving to this coastal town! It’s small town charm and beautiful harbor will have you absolutely swooning from the very beginning of your visit. It’s a fascinating mix of old and new, with some of the best-preserved (and beautiful) wooden buildings anywhere in Norway, dating back to the Middle Ages.

If you book an early morning flight to Stavanger (9 or 10am), you’ll arrive with enough time to explore this charming little city. Stavanger is quite compact and can be explored via foot, so there’s no need to pick up a rental car just yet (don’t – parking is annoying and costly, and there’s honestly no reason for your own wheels until a bit later in the trip).

Once you arrive in Stavanger, take the bus to the city center and check into your hotel.  Book in advance with Flybussen ( website ) in order to save a few pennies, but you can pay on the bus if need be.

Note that one person will need to head back to the airport to pick up the car rental, so it’s wise for one person to book a round trip ticket (it’s significantly cheaper than two one way tickets). Only one person needs to go back technically to pick up the car, so keep this in mind when buying tickets.

NOTE: If you’re taking my hotel suggestion and staying at Clarion Hotel Stavanger , you’ll need to book the shuttle to the Radisson Blu (a 2 minute walk away from the Clarion).

Don’t miss these top things to do in Stavanger:

• Gamle Stavanger , also known as Old Stavanger: This area is so super cute, with it’s historic beautiful wooden white houses with beautiful planters and bright colored doors. The cobblestone streets just added to the quaintness, and I couldn’t stop taking photos of the manicured grounds! It won’t talk long to walk through the narrow streets and admire the architecture, so be sure to take a walk around here!

• Ovre Holmegate : My absolute favorite street in all of Stavanger, mostly due to it’s vivid colors and wild street art. Here you’ll find lively cafes and bars, a bunch of popular pubs, and is definitely one of Stavangers more visited and photographed spots!

• Stavanger Cathedral : Also known as Domkirken, it’s the oldest Cathedral in Norway and not to be missed!
• Norwegian Petroleum Museum (Norsk Oljemuseum): Interesting in learning how oil and gas is created, discovered and produced in the North Sea? Head on over to the Petroleum Museum! I admit that we decided to skip touring the inside, but saw the building from the outside and the architecture was pretty cool !
• Take pictures with trolls and the street art around town!
• Have lunch at the harbor front and admire the sea : There are numerous restaurants all along this stretch, and you’ll easily find something to snack and sip on! The harbor really comes alive in the summertime, especially after working hours, as locals frequent this area to catch up with friends and grab a drink. A wonderful place to watch the sunset as well (if you’re still awake at 11pm!)

• Marvel at the street art : If you’re visiting in August/September, you’re in for a real treat. The city holds a 2-week festival with an international team of street artists working on new art all around the city. Be sure to sign up for the tour!

Where to Stay in Stavanger : Clarion Hotel Stavanger

We absolutely loved this hotel, with it’s spacious rooms, large breakfast spread with basically everything imaginable (including my favorites strawberry smoothies, Nutella and raspberry pancakes, brie and crackers, prosciutto and melon), super convenient location, and friendly and helpful staff! Highly recommended!

Day 4: Pulpit Rock/Preikestolen Hike (from Stavanger)

Ready for a full day of awesome, sweaty, hiking? Yes, I promise the views are worth it and then some! I mean, Tom Cruise actually visited Preikestolen while filming his new movie, “Mission Impossible” in October 2017. And besides the lovely Tom, the hike draws over 300,000 visitors each year – and for good reason! Just look at those views!

Pulpit Rock takes about 4-5 hours to hike round trip, so start your journey early. If I remember correctly, it took us about 2 hours to get to the starting point, and then another 5 hours of hiking (plus time spent getting back to Stavanger once we were all finished). Two and a half hours up, an hour+ or so at the top, and roughly an hour and a half down.

We had originally planned to squeeze in a fjord cruise on the Lysefjord, but are so glad we didn’t because of the amount of time the hike took us. We also decided to spend a bit of time at the top admiring the views since we had no views on our way up because of the lousy early-morning weather.

Although the hike is only about 8k long, there are numerous difficult patches of terrain, many with impressively tough elevations, so mentally prepare yourself beforehand!

Read More: Conquering Norway’s Pulpit Rock Hike: Everything You Need to Know

Be prepared for any and all types of weather during your hike. At the beginning of our hike we encountered lots of mist and light rain, which turned to heavy fog, which finally (and thankfully) burned off a bit after we reached the top.

You never know what you’ll get weather-wise in Norway, so it’s best to dress in layers and bring a backpack full of water, snacks, lunch, a rain jacket, and an extra sweater. Crossing my fingers that the weather gods are on your side for your hike – if not, all you might see are clouds and fog (which wouldn’t make the hike worth it in my opinion).

How to get to Pulpit Rock/Preikestolen from Stavanger:

• Take the ferry from Stavanger to Tau (60 NOK / ~6 EUR per adult one way, buy it directly on the ferry)
• Bus from Tau ferry station to Preikestolen Fjellstue (230 NOK / ~30 round trip per adult, buy it on the bus)

It’s all very easy to figure out and an incredibly smooth journey. It can sound a bit complicated, but I promise you getting to the start of the hike is rather quite simple and reliable. You can also rent a car and drive to the trailhead, which is roughly a 90 minute drive from Stavanger, but I don’t recommend this per say. The public transportation is all very reliable and there’ll be a bus waiting for you after the ferry arrives in Tau. More information on getting to Pulpit Rock here.

Be careful when taking pictures on the edge, as the platform rises about 2,000 feet (600 meters) above the fjord, with no guards or rails protecting you or your loved ones. At first I was extremely skeptical and needed my husbands hand when getting even the slightest bit towards the edge, but I quickly warmed up and was confident in my footing and abilities after a few minutes.

Note that there are no facilities (read: bathrooms) on the duration of the hike, so although you should keep yourself hydrated, limit your water levels if you don’t want to head off into the wilderness to pee. 🙂

Where to Stay: Clarion Hotel Stavanger (No need to switch rooms, as it’s highly recommended to hike Pulpit Rock as a day trip from Stavanger!)

Day 5: Road Trip Time + LOTS of Waterfalls!

Driving Hours: 8

Let’s get this Norway road trip under way! It’s finally time to pick up your rental car at Stavanger Airport (do this ASAP- we picked it up around 9am in order to start the long drive relatively early), and drive to Bergen!

Note that this will be a long day of driving (7+ hours), but I managed to find plenty of beautiful spots along the way to cure any boredom that was bound to arise!

If you’re tight on time you can also drive directly to Bergen in about 4 hours, but what’s the fun in that?! The Norwegian countryside is too beautiful to bypass. You’ll want to pull over every few minutes – you’ll see. A few of these stops were pre-planned for, while others we found while on the road!

You’ll be passing through the beautiful Norwegian countryside, over lots of bridges and through more tunnels you ever imagined. This is all part of the fun! Note that you’ll also be making your way onto two car ferries today – just follow your GPS and the road will basically turn into the car ferry. 🙂 Easy peasy. Those Norwegians know what they’re doing.

*NOTE: If you have your heart set on hiking Trolltunga/Trolls Tongue (that epic photo you’ve seen plastered all over instagram and pinterest), you’ll want to end your day near Odda (close to Folgefanna National Park). Get up nice and early the next morning to start the 22 km hike. Pulpit Rock was enough for us so we didn’t stop in Odda to attempt Trolltunga.

In addition, if you have an extra day and a super strenuous 22 km / 10-12 hour hike isn’t your idea of fun on vacation, consider going on a glacier walk. We didn’t have enough time to do so, but it looks insanely fun!

Recommended route and stops along the way:

1. Take the Mortavika-Arsvågen/E39 car ferry: You just drive right on and pay (240NOK for 2 adults and car). The ferry took approximately 25 minutes or so, and shaved off some  driving time obviously!

2. Langfossen: A pleasant surprise as we had not originally planned to stop here. Epically beautiful, and right on the side of the road so difficult to miss. 😉 The water falls down a towering mountain, before pouring out into the Åkrafjorden (another fjord!) There’s a small coffee shop in the parking lot if you need your caffeine fix!

3. Fjaera: Super quick photo stop, only a few minutes from Langfossen.

4. Glacier viewing on the side of the road: Be careful when pulling over and heading to the other side of the road for photos. Since we didn’t have time to actually see any glaciers up close, this was the best we were gonna get so wanted to take full advantage! I’m honestly not sure exaaaactly what glacier this was, but enjoy!

5. Latefossen waterfall: Be sure not to miss this twin waterfall, as it’s an internationally famous attraction (but really all the waterfalls in Norway are kinda spectacular). We chose to eat our homemade sandwiches here.

6. Folgefonna Bondhusvatnet: Time to stretch your legs on a short hike to an absolutely stunning lake located within Folgefonna National Park! The hike took us about ½ hour each way (gravel trail with very slight elevation gain), and was filled with beautiful scenery, tons and tons of wildflowers, and so many sheep with cow (sheep?) bells!

We spent 20-30 minutes at the lake exploring and taking photos of the ridiculously clear water and just taking a few moments to revel in Norway’s beauty..

Note that there’s a parking lot at the beginning of the trailhead, and no fee to enter to park (from this entrance at least). If you’re feeling a bit thirsty, you can fill up your water bottle with glacial water at the beginning or end of the walk from the nearby streams – do it, the water is delicious!

***If you have ample extra time (completing the drive on your second day after doing Trolltunga perhaps), you can keep going on the trail after the lake in order to see the glacier. We didn’t have enough time for this, so walked to the lake and back.

7. Second Car ferry of the day: Jondal to torvikbygd (120 NOK for car/driver and an additional person). You know the drill – get in line, wait your turn, pay, and get on!

8. Steinsdalsfossen: Last waterfall stop of the day! Even if you’re semi-waterfall-ed out by now, do me a favor and don’t miss this one! You can actually walk behind it!

Finish the drive to Bergen, which will take about an hour and a half.

Where to Stay: Bergen Harbor Hotel

Although the rooms were somewhat tiny (common in Bergen), the bed was super comfy, location was extremely convenient, small balcony (depending on room type I’m presuming), and the hot breakfast with some typical Norwegian specialties among your typical breakfast options more than made up for the tightness.

Despite the inconvenient parking situation (which was easily figured out after doing some research – more on that below), we thoroughly enjoyed our time at this hotel and recommend it.

Where to Park : We originally had a difficult time figuring out where to park our rental car, and after talking to a few hotel receptionists (at our hotel and others), we ultimately decided that the ByGaragen (the biggest indoor garage in Bergen) was the best choice.

The price varies from 12 NOK per hour on Sundays to 24 NOK per hour daytime during weekdays, with a maximum price of 150NOK for 24 hours. Including these costs so you can add them to your budget. 🙂 If I remember correctly, I think we paid roughly $30USD for parking in Bergen.

Day 6: Bergen!

Driving Hours: 0

No driving today, yes! Since Bergen is such a walkable city, you can leave your rental car in the garage and set out on foot! The city is absolutely beautiful, and the fact that it’s surrounded by mountains and fjords makes it even more appealing to visitors!

Although Bergen is Norway’s second largest city (yes, really!), one day is enough to see all it’s colorful highlights. It actually looks like a small coastal town, you’ll see! And PS – Bergen is said to be one of the rainiest cities in all of Norway, so bring along your umbrella and/or rain jacket if the skies look a bit dark. 😉

Be sure to not miss:

Bryggen and the Wharf : You know those colorful wooden houses I’m sure you’ve seen all over? They’re over here at Bryggen! A little interesting fact: since these houses are constructed entirely from wood, this means two things – 1) It’s quick and easy to build, but 2) it’s also quick and easy to burn down!

Bryggen has been burning down for centuries upon centuries (with a history of fires since the 14th century when it came into being), with its most recent fire in 1955. Make sure to wander the streets behind Bryggen as well (through the small alleyways between the buildings on the harbor) to see what the area would have been like during the Middle Ages.

This medieval wharf part of Bergen is actually a UNESCO Heritage Site! You can also check out the The Hanseatic Museum if you’re interested in doing so.

The Fish Market: Not in the mood for fish? Don’t fret – there’s way more than fish at the fish market! Whale sausage, anyone?! Those Norwegians sure do love their sausages! What about some seafood paella?! It actually looked really good! You’ll be able to sample lots of Norwegian delicacies before buying, don’t you worry! Psst – the whale and reindeer sausages were really good!

Funicular (or hike!) to Mt. Floyen: Nature fiend like I am? You’ll absolutely love taking the Fløibanen Funicular up Fløyen Mountain for panoramic views of the whole town and the old harbor. If you’re feeling a bit extra and want to work off that bacon-wrapped hot dog, you can hike up the mountain (but note that some parts are quite steep).

Try some reindeer meat: You can’t visit Bergen and not indulge in (or at least try!) some reindeer meat – it’s a specialty here (that and whale meat)! Go for lunch or an early dinner at Pingvinen, a cozy gastro bar cafe right near the center of Bergen with authentic Norwegian cuisine.  Be sure to order a Norwegian beer as well!

Hot Dogs and Reindeer Dogs at Trekroneren: Another top spot for the foodies, as dogs at Trekroneren just can’t be missed over here. And plus, hot dogs are the best cheap Norwegian food (at about ~$8), which we greatly appreciated after getting tired of paying $30 a meal per person.

While the options at Trekroneren are endless, we both opted for the reindeer dog with lingonberry sauce, crispy fried onions (sprøstekt løk), and mustard, and both agreed the odd flavor combinations were absolutely sensational. Note that there’s no seating, so head here when you want a quick bite during your wanders! Also, the stand is open quite late so if you find yourself especially hungry late at night, you know where to go.

To be honest, it was kinda nice that there wasn’t a whooole whole lot to do here in Bergen. There were enough activities to fill a leisurely day with extra random wanderings and relaxing at a cafe. We even headed back to the hotel for a midday snooze (which we never do!).

It doesn’t hurt that the sun sets super late here in the summer (11pm-ish), so we didn’t feel like we had to cram everything in ! Greatest feeling ever, especially for an overachiever like myself (I have FOMOOOO at its worst)!

Day 7: Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise and Flam Railway

Most definitely the most touristy day of the trip, but the views were pretty spectacular, so oh well!  Wake up early from Bergen, and make the 2 hour drive to Gudvangen. Note that you can start the Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise in either Gudvangen or Flam, it just depends on the availability when you book.

On the way to Gudvangen/Flam, be on the lookout for Tvindefossen, another waterfall located right on the side of highway. We saw sooooo many waterfalls already we didn’t feel the need to stop, but still worth looking out for on your drive to the Flåm area.

The next two stops/activities are probably the most touristy on this entire 10 day Norway itinerary (as noted above), but I wanted to see what all the fuss was about.

Note that this day on the Norway itinerary is basically a DIY Norway in a Nutshell (and if you’ve been researching things to do in Norway you’ve definitely come across this). You can either book the following as part of a tour package, or book the tickets yourself (which is what we did).

You save a decent amount of money booking everything yourself, and you get the same exact experience as those on the “tour”. FYI, the “tour” isn’t really a “tour” at all- all the Norway in a Nutshell company does is book your tickets, which is all public transportation anyways. Do yourself a favor, book everything yourself and save a few NOK (try some local beer or a reindeer burger instead).

Book the Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise here.

Book the Flam Railway here (called the Flamsbana)

 You’re welcome.  😀 

I suggest booking way in advance (a few months), especially if you’re visiting during Norway’s summer, June-August. We waited a bit and had limited availability, but thankfully I was able to figure it all out with tour timings and such.

Here was our itinerary for the day, and I suggest you book similar times for the fjord cruise and train ride (feel free to do the train ride first if that’s all that’s available). Just remember that you’ll need to drive approximately 2-2 ½ hours from Bergen to the area, so don’t book anything too early unless you want to wake up at the crack of dawn. 😉

11:30AM-1:30PM: 2 hour scenic boat cruise through Nærøyfjord.

FROM GUDVANGEN TO FLAM ONE WAY (or reverse). Since you’ll be parking your car in Gudvangen (or Flam, depending on availability), you’ll need to take the shuttle back to Gudvangen (Flam to Gudvangen) to pick up the car. Note that the drive back to Flam is about 20 minutes.

Tickets for roundtrip (fjord cruise + shuttle) are available, but we booked too late and had to buy seperate tickets (which was completely fine, just was a tad more confusing to us at first when figuring out the website).

The fjord cruise was super windy at times, so be sure to take a jacket! Thankfully, there’s inside seating if you wish to warm up for a bit (which we did throughout the ride).

4PM: Flam train ride in the afternoon  

Next up, the Flam Railway, which has been named one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world! Because of this, it’s rightfully so one of the leading tourist attractions in Norway, hence it can get crowded (aka get there a bit early!)

You’ll want to sit on the right side of the car departing from Flam for better views. Feeling a bit extra? The windows open at the first and last seat of every car –  which makes it much better for photos. Sit here! 🙂

From the train, you’ll see tons of waterfalls and mountain views all the way to Myrdal Station (the ending and where you’ll get back on to return to Flam). I enjoyed it, but didn’t think the scenery was any better than our own views we got while driving throughout other parts of the country. Just my honest opinion.

I’m glad we did it, but the round trip wasn’t necessary (we both fell asleep on the way back to Flåm). PS- you actually DO need a round trip ticket in order to get back to Flåm to pick up your car, just saying seeing the same monotonous scenery twice wasn’t necessary. 🙂

The train ride felt a tad overrated considering all the breathtaking scenery we had seen thus far on our Norway road trip, but I admit it was nice to just sit back, relax, and take in the views (and I’m sure the husband appreciated someone else doing the driving). The train cost $140 for both of us roundtrip, Flam → Myrdal → Flam, and took ~2 hours roundtrip.

Stalheimskleiva

Something else to squeeze in during the day – Stalheimskleiva, one of Northern Europe’s steepest roads (which of course offers beautiful views). It’s only a few minutes drive from either Flam or Gudvangen, and we chose to do this between the fjord cruise and train ride. Our time was a bit rushed so I’d say it’s possibly better to do this before the cruise (depending on the time of your ticket) or after both activities.

Stop at Stalheim Hotel viewing platform in order to see the spectacular views. Note that you don’t need to stay here to admire the scenery below; just walk right through the lobby to the back viewing platform.

However, be careful when using a GPS to get here – the twisty road is one way (driving down only), and our GPS didn’t pick this up! To say we got a nasty glare from a bus driver on his way down is an understatement. Our bad! You’ll see why it’s one way as you’re driving down the 13 sharp hairpin bends – be careful!

Where to Stay: Since we booked last minute, we opted to rent an AirBnB for the night. And to say our accommodation was a surprise was an understatement. Although the house was located in a beautiful spot overlooking Aurlandsfjord, we had to make our own beds and sleep in separate twin beds (not huge deals but not what we were expecting).

I’d say look for something a bit less “unique”, like Fretheim Hotel or Flåmsbrygga Hotel  if you want to cuddle up.  I recommend finding accommodation in Flam or one of the surrounding small villages (Aurland, Undredal, or Dyrdal).

Day 8: Drive the National Tourist Routes

Hours of Driving: 9

A verrrrry long driving day today, but well worth it! You’ll be rewarded with more spectacular mountainous scenery than you ever thought possible, with a whole slew of glacial lakes towards the end (OMFG I can’t contain my excitement).

Everyday on this Norway itinerary is undoubtedly scenic, with the views just getting better and better as the days go on. Today’s long drive encompasses 3 National Tourist Routes: Aurlandsfjellet, Sognefjellet, and Gamle Strynefjellsvegen (my absolute favorite). Here’s the itinerary we followed for the day:

1) Stegastein Lookout

Start the day off at Stegastein Lookout, only 15-20 minutes drive from the Aurland area (where our wacky AirBnB was located). Stegastein is a popular sightseeing spot from Flam, being 650 metres above Aurlandsfjord and all! I’d recommend going early in the morning as the road and viewpoint can get especially crowded. We ate breakfast at the viewpoint and only saw one other couple during our time there.

Time to get away from the fjords for the day (we’ll be back, don’tchu worry!) and head into the mountains!

2) Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route (Road 243)

Up next, Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route, which runs from Aurlandsvangen (near Stegastein) to Lærdalsøyri, covering a distance of 47km and taking roughly an hour and a half to drive without stops.

Be sure to NOT drive through the Lærdal Tunnel, the world’s longest road tunnel with a length of 24.5 km, as you won’t see any of the stops along the way on the actual scenic route itself. The tunnel can be used to bypass the National Tourist Route or if you’ll be traveling roundtrip, which we won’t be. Promise me you’ll take scenic road 243 instead of the tunnel!

• Stop at Flotane (viewing spot and bathrooms)
• Stop at Vedahaugane (infinity bench with great views)
• Pit stop to see Borgund Stave Church (25 minutes from Laerdalsoyri) – really cool and you must see at least one Stave Church on your Norway road trip!!

3) Take the Mannheller-Fodnes/Rv5 ferry (28 minutes)

4) Sognefjellet National Tourist Route (Road 55)

Sognefjellet Scenic Road runs from Gaupne to Lom, covering a total distance of 108 km. It will take you about 30 minutes to get to the start of the route, and then another 2 hours+ to drive the entire thing.

Sognefjellet is the highest and most impressive mountain pass in Northern Europe, so it’s easy to see why this road made it as one of Norway’s 18 National Tourist Routes (scenic roads).

• Feigefossen waterfall: look for it across the water from 55 (close to Guapne)
• Turtagrø hotel: red-painted modernistic building, quick photo stop
• Nedre Oscarshaug: provides one of the best vantage points along the road across the Sognefjellet mountains. A glass telescope with the names of the peaks gives an overview of the surrounding Hurrungane massif.
• Mefjellet (rest area with cool stone structure/platform)
• Sognefjellshytta (attractive training centre for national ski teams from all over the world) – cool wooden architecture
• Vegaskjelet (viewing platform)
• Lom Stave Church

To be completely honest, after about ½ – ¾ of the drive through Sognefjellet we had had enough of the mountains. Sure, they were beautiful and all that, but it seemed like many of the stops had views of the same thing. I think next time we’d only stop at 2-3 and get on with the show.

Plus, it was cold and windy that day so that’s proooobably why this drive seemed a bit monotonous and somewhat sad –  we didn’t have the energy to hang out in the cold for too cold!

5) Gamle Strynefjellsvegen National Tourist Route (Road 258)

You’re allllllmost to your final destination of the day (Hjelle), I promise! But whatever you do, DO NOT SKIP THIS NEXT ROAD. Be sure to take Road 258 instead of 15. The drive is short, being only 27km, but it’s an absolute stunner.

Boy oh boy, this short stretch was one of my absolute favorite hours or so of our entire trip, for the views alone. It’s hard to put into words what seeing glistening glacial lakes, towering mountains, and remnants of snow from colder months will do to you. I’m not sure anything will beat those views I saw that day.

Where to Stay : Hjelle Hotel

Hjelle Hotel was a perfect place to rest our heads after the long day of driving – and I’d highly recommend it! Our “romantic room” was simple yet charming, with a clean, and spacious feeling with a four-poster king bed and chandelier.

Make sure to order the dinner (fixed-price 3 course) – it was absolutely delicious (and have the creme brûlée if you’re lucky enough to see it on the menu which changes nightly).

Hjelle Hotel is situated right on another beauty of a lake (Oppstrynsvatnet) with great views of the mountains, which we loved for a nightly walk after dinner! In addition, the hotel staff was extra accommodating and the breakfast spread was more than decent! Stay here, they’re doing something right having been run by the same family since 1896!

IMPORTANT NOTE: This wouldn’t be a very thorough Norway travel blog if I didn’t mention Hotel Utsikten .

Why? For one, it’s one of the most popular hotels in the Geiranger area, and for good reason. The hotel sits right on the base of Geirangerfjord – meaning, if you ask for a room that faces the road, you’ll have a panoramic view of the fjord right from your view!

Secondly, if you want to stay here (instead of Hjelle Hotel ), book Hotel Utsikten as soon as you know your dates. It was unfortunately completely booked once I finally got around to making hotel reservations, so we opted for Hotel Hjelle (which ended up being a pleasant, positive surprise).

Note that if you decide to stay at Hotel Utsikten you’ll need to back track about a half hour or so for Dalsnibba (more below) if you couldn’t squeeze it in the previous day.

Day 9: Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen

Get ready for your last day of driving in Norway! You’ll be going from Geirangerfjord → Trollstigen → Andalsnes → Alesund, which will prove to be yet another stunningly spectacular day full of epic scenery, fjords galore, and and curvy, bendy roads. Today’s a tiring day but one for the books, and you’ll be driving on another National Tourist Route!

*Note that the Norwegians pronounce it “Gai-raan-Gyer” (I was butchering the entire language our whole trip and it was awful).

1. Dalsnibba

In one hour from the Hjelle Hotel, you’ll reach Dalsnibba, which is a very popular mountain top viewing platform in Norway. It’s brand spankin’ new, opened just a few years ago in 2016, and it’s actually Europe’s highest fjord view by road at 1,500 meters! Whoa!

Be sure to go on the “skywalk” which has a steel and see-through floor which rails made of glass. It’s definitely a bit nerve-racking to look down at your feet and beyond and see just how high you are with only a piece of glass between you and 1500 meters!

In order to get to the Dalsnibba viewing platform, you’ll need to pay a toll. Prices are payable by vehicle and if you’re coming by car or motorbike you’ll have to pay 130 NOK via credit card (pretty sure the AutoPass Device didn’t work here).

2. Flydalsjuvet Lookout Point

Another lookout point worthy of your time, this one 45 minutes from Dalsnibba (and completely on the way to where we’re going, promise!)  Flydalsjuvet is located higher above the town of Geiranger, providing phenomenal views of the Geirangerfjord, town below, and all the surrounding mountains. These impressive views sure make an excellent photo stop – be sure to have your cameras handy.

The area is well organized with informational signs, toilets, upper and lower viewing platforms, and railings and fences to protect everyone. Fingers crossed you get a clear day, as the fjord can be hidden by fog/mist.  t’s right off of the main road so can get quite busy, with tour buses as well, but wait for them to clear and you’ll get absolutely perfect photos.

3. Geiranger

Time for yet another fjord cruise! You just saw the fjord from up above, now it’s time to see it from another angle – right on it! It’ll only take 10 minutes to reach the town of Geiranger from Flydalsjuvet, so go for a little wander and have a quick lunch.

We honestly couldn’t find too much food besides a bakery and some ice cream, but maybe we didn’t look hard enough. And plus, ice cream is a healthy, obvious meal in Geiranger when the weather is absurdly hot! ;p

We decided to take a 60 minute fjord cruise around noon, but note that 90 minute boat tours are available as well if you feel so inclined or that’s all that’s available. You’ll pass the famous “Seven Sisters” waterfall on either one. I highly recommend booking in advance as the boat was very crowded and it was completely sold out (in high season). Book here.

I feel like a broken record saying this, but yes, the fjord views were absolutely stunning right on the water!

4. Ørnesvingen and The Eagle Road

After gawking at all the views on the fjord cruise, drive the 10 minutes to yet another famous viewpoint, Ørnesvingen, the highest of the hairpin bends in Ørnevegen (also known as The Eagle Road). From here you’ll enjoy more magnificent panoramas of the town and fjord, although be aware that weather plays a key role in how visible your views will actually be (like at Flydalsjuvet).

Hope for a clear day! Look out for the cruise ships passing through the fjord below, as they can only add to the uniqueness of your photos! To uncomplicate things, Ørnesvingen is the name of the viewpoint, while Ørnevegen is name of the actual road. 🙂 Things can get tricky around here, haha.

5. FERRY time: Eidsdal-Linge/Fv63 ferry

This one’s a short one, only taking about 10 minutes and costing 79 NOK (~10) for a small sedan and 2 passengers. As all the other ferries on this Norway itinerary, don’t worry about booking in advance because you can just show up on the port and fall in line with the other cars. I’m pretty sure the ferries leave every 30 minutes or so, but I think it depends on the season and how busy they are.

6. Trollstigen, The Trolls Road

After the ferry and a short drive, you’ll arrive at Trollstigen (The Trolls Road), part of one of the most famous National Tourist Routes in all of Norway (Geiranger – Trollstigen)! And don’t worry, if you’ve followed this itinerary, you’ve already driven on the other part of the scenic road. 😉  

Be sure to stop at The Trolls Path Viewpoint at the Visitor Centre, which will give you unparalleled views of the road snaking below amongst the skyrocketing mountains. Breathe in the the fresh mountain air!

Make sure you venture to both the near and far viewing platforms, as the closer one will provide you with a close-up look at the waterfall, while the latter the actual twists and bends of Trollstigen. Once you make your way to the farther one, you’ll be able to see all the way down the mountainside, being 200 meters above the snaking Trollstigen road.

Once you’re done gawking at the views (don’t be shy – I think I took over 50 photos here), drive down the 11 hairpin bends of Trollstigen. It’s important to note that each bend actually has its own name (usually named after the person who supervised the construction work on that particular section), but just follow it down and you’ll eventually reach the bottom.

The rest of the day will have you driving to your final destination, Alesund, which is about 2 hours from Trollstigen. You’ll first drive north to Åndalsnes, then cut west for Alesund!

Where to Stay in Alesund: Thon Hotel Ålesund

The hotel was in a great location, right on the water, which made looking out the window of our room super fun! We booked a “superior room” with large open windows with views of the water- I watched a huge cruise ship come into port around midnight one night (so cool and completely unexpected) and a pilot doing tricks in his private plane (also quite surprising but fun to watch).

Plus, the sound of the water is just oh so relaxing (keep your windows open). The breakfast was included and had all the breakfast staples and then some.

Where to Park in Alesund: mobile home parking (free from 4pm-8am, 20NOK per hour from 8am-4pm // 160NOK for full day). Ask the hotel and they’ll give you easy directions. It’s only about a 10 minute from the hotel and will save you boat loads of money. Street parking is pretty much non-existent over here. Note that you need to pre-pay for the number of hours you want.

Last full day on our Norway itinerary – Alesund! I admit that we were pretty tired at this point in our trip, and while we explored the small city a bit, we used this day to mostly relax and recoup from the crazy busy previous days.

Alesund is a port town, meaning it’s right on the water, so expect some great views and lots of seafood! The city center has a very unique Art Nouveau style, which you’ll soon notice once you get your bearings – so keep your camera handy! Keep your car parked in the lot, as Ålesund is an incredibly walkable small city with the the downtown being rather compact.

A few things to do below, which can all be easily done in less than a day:

• You’ll find the stairs up to the viewpoint from the town park, Byparken, with no entrance fee. Note that you can also drive up or take the City Train to Fjellstua (small fee) to reach the peak. There’s a small cafe at the top for water and ice creams.

• Walk through downtown Ålesund’s Art Nouveau district : Admire the colorful art-deco buildings, as this is what this part of Norway is famous for! After a fire destroyed the entire city in 1904, it was rebuilt in vibrant Art Nouveau fashion.

• Stop in the Ålesund Church : Even if you’re not religious, the Ålesund Church is worth a quick peek inside. Stare at the beautiful stained glass windows and just appreciate that it only costs about 3NOK to visit. 🙂
• Walk around the harbour and eat some fish! Have lunch at Jafs, and sit outside with some fresh fish and chips while enjoying the beautiful views out over the harbor. Crispy batter on thick fleshy cod fish, decently priced, and harbor views?! What could possibly be better on a warm, summer day?!

• Sunnmore Museum: The Sunnmore museum is an open-air museum with a collection of 55 old picturesque houses and indoor exhibitions, giving you an insight into the cultural and architectural history of the area. A great spot for an afternoon stroll! *Take note of the opening and closing hours before heading over, as we completely missed the time slot.
• Full disclosure: We decided to take a rest at the hotel instead of heading to the lighthouse because 1) we were pooped and 2) we didn’t feel like having to fight over a spot in the parking lot afterwards. Go if you’re up for a small adventure (at the lighthouse and parking lot). 😉

In retrospect, we should have gone last thing the night before, before heading to our hotel in Alesund. Also, note that the lighthouse is halfway between the main town of Alesund and the airport, so depending on your flight time, you can always go the next day before your flight.

Have a few more days in Norway? Consider heading to the Atlantic Road, another famous Scenic Route, which is about 2 and a half hours from Alesund. If we had more time I would have included this in the Norway itinerary.

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

IN THE PROCESS OF PLANNING YOUR OWN NORWAY ITINERARY RIGHT NOW?! WHAT THINGS ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT during your 10 days in Norway? HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

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July 20, 2020 at 11:07 pm

Excellent overview of the route. Thank you!

August 5, 2020 at 6:59 am

Dear Jessica, thank you so much for this itinerary! My husband and I just came back from our fantastic road trip in Norway. Oh my God I just fell in love with Norway. We live in the south of Sweden, so both our region and Norway were ok regarding corona, this is why we decided to do this trip. We adjusted the itinerary: coming from the south of Sweden, we drove in i Norway and stayed one night in Fredrikstad, then drove through all the south coast to Stavanger (beautiful scenery!) and from Stavanger we mainly followed your itinerary, excluding Preikestolen which we didn't do because neither my husband or I wanted to hike in our holidays, so we saw Preikestolen from Lysefjord, we took the boat trip. It was a good idea since it was raining and cloudy and I don't think Preikestolen was worth it with such weather.

We followed everything else and at the end we didn't drive to Ålesunds, we were too tired and decided to drive back to Oslo, where we spent 1 night (we've been in Oslo before) and then drove back to Sweden.

Because of corona, 95% of tourists we saw were Norwegians, some Germans and some French. Not crowdy at all in the Lookouts, this was such a blessing! 🙂 we even did an extra Lookout that wasn't included in the itinerary.

The weather was cloudy sometimes but the sun came out often so our photos have gorgeous sky in the background! I loved this!

An update is that everything (including all possible ferries) is paid with AutoPass now. We felt home since the Norwegian language is veeery similar to the Swedish so it was easy to communicate.

Finally, since I know you really loved Norway, I would like to suggest you take a road trip in summer time in Switzerland. We spent 10 days road trip in Switzerland and drove only in the country side, no highways at all. Oh my God, Switzerland is the most beautiful country I've ever seen, and now Norway in absolute 2nd place now 🙂 and we've travelled quite a lot too, though not as much as you 🙂 We got our itinerary in Switzerland from the website: thegrandtourofswitzerland…Amazing! But of course, it is maybe 4 times more expensive than Norway and the rest of Europe (something to be considered when planning).

Thanks a lot again! Your itinerary gave us some wonderful days in Norway! Keep travelling and posting!

August 6, 2020 at 10:23 am

Sounds like you had such an amazing trip! And thanks for the updates on the ferries! I can't wait to get back to Europe once it is safe again! I was actually hoping to spend some time in Switzerland this summer but the universe had other plans!

October 27, 2020 at 12:38 pm

Thank you for sharing those wonderful things to do in Norway. I would love to try the Norwegian food one day. Your information in driving and other tips will be really helpful for me when I plan my trip later:)

November 11, 2020 at 1:22 am

thank you! very clear and helpful

March 24, 2022 at 10:01 am

Hello! Love your detailed itinerary. Thank you for sharing it. We will be going there this June and plan to drive from Bergen to Gudvangen for the 2 hours Naeroyjford Fjord cruise. I was wondering if there is an alternative to driving all the way from here to get to Gamle Strynefjellsvegen. We want to try and skip the driving of the Aurlandsfjellet route and the Sognefjellet route as we will be with kids. But would love to do the scenic route of Gamle Strynefjellsvegen. Would you know How do we get on that route the fastest possible way? Thanks so much.

March 24, 2022 at 7:08 pm

Ack I really don’t know! Do you think it’d be too much driving with the kids? I always like to play around with Google Maps and see what I can come up with.

Have a great time — Norway is absolutely spectacular!

May 9, 2022 at 3:23 pm

Greetings, Beautiful Norway and splendid itinerary. Could we do this itinerary without a car in 10-12days? Any suggestions is greatly appreciated. Kind regards, Argie

May 10, 2022 at 11:42 am

I’m not entirely sure but I don’t think you’d be able to get to the more off the beaten path spots. I’d recommend checking out the trains and other public transport! Have a great trip!

July 18, 2022 at 11:14 am

Hi jessica, Imy family and I will be travelling to norway for an 11 day summer family holiday this coming August. Thank you for your itinerary..it is such a blessing especially the routes and stops . Can we go on a car ferry to see geirangerfjord instead of taking the boat? If not, where can we park our car if there is no car ferry for geirangerfjord cruise? Many thanks again.

July 20, 2022 at 7:00 pm

Hi Mo, I think there are car ferries that operate on the fjord. Check out “geirangerfjord car ferry” on google search and you’ll get loads of info! Have a great trip!

September 10, 2022 at 6:06 am

Amazing itinerary and details! Thank you!

We are going for 6 nights 7 days and want to see the fjords! What are the towns and must sees! ?

Thank you again!

September 14, 2022 at 2:31 pm

Hi Jennifer,

If your main priorities are the fjords, I’d honestly skip out on Oslo in the beginning. The fjords are much more difficult to get to and take a bit more planning, while you can tack on Oslo to another European trip if you really wanna explore the city. The views from Pulpit Rock hike, Flam, and the national tourist routes of Aurlandsfjellet, Sognefjellet, and Gamle Strynefjellsvegen were my favorite. Plus Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen. Have a great trip! Norway is amazing!

October 2, 2022 at 11:27 am

Hello! My friend and I just got back from a 10 day Norway trip and we followed much of your itinerary/advice. Thank you so much for all the information it was very helpful!

October 2, 2022 at 4:33 pm

AMAZING – hope you had the best time! So glad the post was helpful! I can’t wait to head back to Norway — it’s such a gorgeous country!

March 26, 2023 at 8:42 pm

Thanks for your itinerary and wonderful info. We are visiting Norway in June and besides a short stay in Oslo — we only have enough time to visit either Bergen with a drive to Flam and a Fjord tour there — or visit Aselund and a drive to Gereinger (with Fjord tour) and Hjelle. Any recommendations on which you think would be better?

April 2, 2023 at 1:17 am

Hey, there! Your article on a 10-day road trip itinerary in Norway is simply amazing! As an AI language model, I can’t physically travel, but reading through your blog post made me feel like I was right there on the journey with you. I particularly enjoyed how you managed to capture the essence of Norway’s breathtaking natural beauty and cultural heritage in your writing.

The details of your itinerary were spot-on, and your tips for travelers, such as visiting iconic landmarks like the Geiranger Fjord and the Jotunheimen National Park, were truly insightful. I also appreciated how you included information on budgeting and finding affordable accommodation options, which is a crucial aspect of travel planning for many people. Overall, your blog post is an excellent resource for anyone looking to embark on a road trip adventure in Norway.

Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights with us. I look forward to reading more of your travel stories and gaining more inspiration for my virtual travels. Keep up the good work!

April 13, 2023 at 6:26 am

Thank you for a wonderful blog. I am planning to tour Norway in August 2023. The tour plan is still being finalized basis research that I am doing. Tentatively it looks like this. Day 1: Fly in to Stavagner and do local site seeing on foot. (August 15 or thereabout) Day 2: Hike up the Pulpit Rock Day 3: Lysefjord Day 4: Hike Kjerag using public transport Day 5: Pick up rental car and drive to Tyssedal Day 6: Hike Trolltunga Day 7: Drive to Jotunheimen National Park Day 8: Hike Bessegen Ridge Day 9: Drive to Geirangerfjord Day 10 and 11: Local site seeing Day 12: Drive to Alesund, surrender car Day 13: Alesund local site seeing Day 14: Fly Alesund to Bergen. Local site seeing in Bergen Day 15, 16 and 17: Fjords, Flam railway, and train ride to reach Oslo Day 18: Oslo site seeing Day 19: Fly back home I could add a couple of days more to any leg of the tour if required. Can you please suggest if this route is optimal or any changes that you think I should make? Also, given the choice I could use public transport rather than self-drive, but I could not find convenient public transport options that would cover Trolltunga, Jotuneimen N P and Geiranger.

July 20, 2023 at 10:14 am

Dear Jessica Thanks a ton for this blog. My husband and I just returned from Norway and we took a part of your itinerary Bergen to Alesund and followed it. You made our trip planning very easy with your wonderful tips. Cheers Bharathi

August 11, 2023 at 2:48 am

Hi! I just got back from my trip to Norway with my family. I would like to thank you for the incredible trip you planned and shared with all of us! We tried to follow almost everything with some variations, but your suggestions and tips were very useful. Please keep doing that!

August 13, 2023 at 11:49 am

Hello. We are planning a trip for next summer. Did you find it best to book your airfare round trip to and from Oslo, then add the one way to Stavange?

Also, did you book each hotel seperate or was it all part of a package? I was jusing Skyscanner and it looks like it used Priceline, not sure if it always does that.

Thank you so much. Great itinerary!

August 13, 2023 at 12:10 pm

Hi Catherine,

We typically always book to the closest major international city, so in this case, it was Oslo! We then flew to Stavanger like you noted.

In terms of hotels, we booked everything ourselves separately. Have a great time in Norway — it’s an amazing country!

September 10, 2023 at 10:59 pm

Thank you so much for this. And for all of the granular travel tips. As someone who spent months planning a detailed itinerary for 2 weeks in Iceland, this is so incredibly akin to how I plan for travel. Currently booking Norway for summer 2024, and I can’t thank you enough for the most amazing Norway travel template for inspiration. Thank you again for sharing your experience.

September 12, 2023 at 5:07 pm

Norway is absolutely spectacular and you will LOVE the country! So glad the itinerary helped! 🙂

December 28, 2023 at 9:25 pm

Jessica, thank you so much for your blog. I admire your devotion to every detail and tons of useful advice. Good luck in you future trips.

December 28, 2023 at 9:24 pm

Scotty, Can you share your iterinary please? I am planing next summer trip too. Obviously Jessika’s blg is a masterpiece and so much appreciated as well. Thank you so much

January 20, 2024 at 9:50 pm

This itinerary looks great. We are going to Norway in end September/early October. A friend has offered her place at Skeikampen. Do you have any idea how long it would take to drive from Alesund to Oslo. We could then deviate to Skeikampen for a couple of nights. Thank you

January 20, 2024 at 10:55 pm

Hi Stuart! Sounds like a great trip! I quickly took a look at Google Maps and it says the drive takes about 7-8 hours depending on the route you take. I always use Google Maps for driving distances, highly recommend it!

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Home >  Destinations  >  Norway

Norway road trip: The ultimate 7-day itinerary

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

Table of content

Norway road trip preparation

Accommodation in norway, car rental in norway.

Best season for road trip

Norway road trip map

Road trip itinerary

No time to read now?

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

➳ Read more: Things to know before visiting Norway

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

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

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

➳ Read more: See all hotel options in Norway

Best season for a road trip in Norway

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

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

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

Norwegian Scenic Routes

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

7-day Norway road trip itinerary

This Norwegian road trip route includes the following destinations:

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

Day 1: Arrival in Oslo

Depending on your arrival time, spend your first day exploring Oslo and picking up your car. Maybe even go grocery shopping so that you have everything you need for tomorrow’s drive. It’s not recommended to start driving on day one – you have a lot of driving to do the next day, so take this time to enjoy Oslo. I suggest you visit the popular Oslo Opera House, take a walk along Karl Johans gate, and end your day at one of the many restaurants at Aker Brygge while looking at the trendy buildings and enjoying the stunning view over the Oslofjord.

Don’t miss Aker brygge while in Oslo. Olivia’s at Aker Brygge has amazing pasta and pizza!

Get your tours & tickets

Day 2: from oslo to bergen via flåm and aurlandsfjord.

Today’s drive: 7,5-8 hours

Start your day early and set the GPS on Aurlandsfjord . While on your way out of Oslo I recommend you to drive to Holmenkollen , the ski recreation area 588 meters above sea level just west of Oslo. From here you have a fantastic view of Oslo.

Continue north-west to the Aurlandsfjord . Just before you reach Aurlandsfjord you will drive through the Lærdal Tunnel, Norway’s longest road tunnel at 24,51 kilometers. Maybe not a natural wonder, but still a really cool experience.

The incredible Aurlandsfjord.

Aurlandsfjord is the inner part of Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. The inner parts are known to be the most dramatic. Aurlandsfjord is deep and narrow, reaching a depth of about 962 meters below sea level. Most of the fjord is surrounded by up to 1800-meter tall, steep mountains. This fjord is an absolute must-see! To get the best view of the fjord, drive up to the Stegastein viewpoint . This is the first real challenge for your car – the road is steep but definitely worth it.

Don’t miss the UNESCO-protected Hansa harbor Bryggen while in Bergen.

Now it’s time to continue to Bergen , the second largest city in Norway. On your way, you will pass the cute little village Flåm , at the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord (just imagine living there – wow!) Make a quick stop to take in the view.

Spend your evening in Bergen, the charming city surrounded by seven mountains. If you’re lucky enough to miss the rain you can take the Fløibanen funicular up to Mount Fløyen to experience Bergen from above.

Another thing you shouldn’t miss while in Bergen is the UNESCO world heritage site Hansa harbor called Bryggen. This iconic harbor is well recognized for its colorful houses. On a calm day, you can see an almost identical reflection in the water.

The coastal town Ålesund is sometimes called Venice of the north.

Day 3: From Bergen to Ålesund

Today’s drive: 7–7,5 hours

Today you are going to drive along the coast of Norway, from Bergen to Ålesund . This unique road (E39) connects Stavanger with Trondheim and takes you past several fjords and islands. Some parts are connected by bridges and some by car ferries. Driving from Bergen to Ålesund takes 7-7,5 hours and is an experience in itself.

The view from Aksla mountain top in Ålesund.

Depending on when you started your drive this morning, you now have an afternoon and evening to explore Ålesund. Ålesund is a small but very beautiful town, famous for its skyline with cute houses combined with dramatic mountains and islands. The town is sometimes called Venice of the north, and I can see why.

A must-do in Ålesund is to take the short, but steep, hike up to the centrally located mountain peak Aksla. From Aksla you have an amazing view of Ålesund.

If you wish you extend your road trip, and spend some more time in Ålesund, you can explore the city’s special Art Nouveau architecture at the Art Nouveau Center or go on a Wildlife Sea Safari .

Tip: Don’t want to spend so much money on food? We rented an Airbnb in Ålesund and cooked our own dinner. Eating at restaurants can be ridiculously expensive in Norway!

Beautiful Åndalsnes and Romdalsfjorden. 

Day 4: From Ålesund to Atlantic Ocean Road and Åndalsnes

Today’s drive: 5 hours

Atlantic Ocean Road

Set your GPS to Atlantic Ocean Road , one of the most scenic roads in Norway. The road runs through an archipelago, with bridges connecting the islands. On a windy day, the waves can hit the islands with such force that the water reaches meters high into the air.

To get to Atlantic Ocean Road from Ålesund you need to take a car ferry. The drive should take around 2,5 hours, depending on whether you manage to time the ferry.

The spectacular Atlantic Ocean Road.

After reaching Atlantic Ocean Road it’s time to drive south again. Drive back on the same road as you came from until you reach Molde. In Molde, it’s time to turn east to road 64. After just over an hour, you reach Åndalsnes , your final destination of the day.

Åndalsnes , also known as the mountain capital, is a small town located next to Romdalsfjorden. The area is surrounded by high mountains and sharp peaks and offers hiking opportunities all year round.

The view from Rampestreken, a viewpoint in Åndalsnes.

A must-do in Åndalsnes, if you have the energy and ability for it, is to hike up to the Rampestreken viewpoint . The hike is steep and quite challenging, but you will be rewarded with a magnificent view of the town, the fjord, and the surrounding mountains.

Do this hike in the evening or early the next morning, before driving to your next destination. If you’re into hiking I recommend you extend your road trip and stay longer in this area. 

Day 5: From Åndalsnes to Trollstigen and Geirangerfjord

Today’s drive: 3 hours

Trollstigen

Today you have an unforgettable road trip experience ahead of you! Set the GPS to Trollstigen viewpoint , and you will drive along a fjord, through a valley and eventually reach the iconic hairpin road. This steep road twists through 11 hairpin bends as it climbs up the characteristic mountain Stigrøra, 858 metres above sea level. An impressive bridge carries the road across Stigfossen waterfall. The road is carved into the mountain and supported by stone walls.

Trollstigen is one of the most spectacular roads in Norway.

Park your car at the big parking lot at the top and walk towards the viewpoint. If you are lucky enough to come here on a clear day you will have an astonishing view of the valley and surrounding mountains from the viewpoint at the top.

Geirangerfjord, the most beautiful fjord in Norway.

Geirangerfjord

From Trollstigen you have around 1,5 hours to Geirangerfjord . This fjord is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in the world, and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. I assure you it will take your breath away. If you drive from Trollstigen you will arrive directly to the viewpoint of Geirangerfjord called Ørnesvingen. From the viewpoint you can see the inner part of Geirangerfjord, with its dramatic peaks reaching 1700 meters and almost vertical edges. From this viewpoint, you can also see Geiranger village and the famous waterfall The Seven Sisters.

Boating on Geirangerfjord; the Seven Sisters Waterfall.

Take your time to explore this area. If you know how to drive a boat you can rent a small one at the camping located right when you get down from Ørnevegen. For 500 NOK (50€) you have the boat for 1 hour. Being in the middle of the fjord surrounded by the dramatic mountains was one of the most magical experience I’ve ever had!

Another great way to explore Geiranger is to hike to Skageflå farm. The full hike is quite challening and takes around 5 hours. If you want to make it a little easier, you can book a boat trip at Geiranger fjordservice . For 450 NOK (45€) per person you get an hour fjord sightseeing, and can get dropped off closer to Skageflå. That way the hike up only takes 45 minutes.

Get another astonishing view of Geirangerfjord from the hidden viewpoint southeast of Geiranger village.

Hidden viewpoint behind Geiranger

As you continue your road trip past Geiranger village you will soon reach another smaller viewpoint. Park your car, walk a couple of hundred meters back on the same road and you will find a cliff from where you have yet another amazing view of the Geiranger village with the fjord in the background.

➳ Get exact location on Google maps here.

Dalsnibba viewpoint on a very cloudy day.

Dalsnibba viewpoint

Continue further south and you will soon reach the hairpin road leading you up to Dalsnibba viewpoint. This viewpoint is located 1550 meters above sea level. It costs 140 NOK (14€) to drive up, but on a clear day it will definitely be worth a visit.

Note: The weather can change quickly in the Norwegian mountains. It can be sunny down in a valley, and rainstorm on a nearby mountain. Be prepared fo anything.

Stay the night at one of the hotels in Geiranger, or continue driving for antoher hour until you reach Folva. We stayed at Folven Adventure Camp in Folva, located 35 km from Dalsnibba viewpoint. A cheap but perfectly fine place to spend the night. Note that there are no restaurants nearby Folva. Eat in Geiranger or cook your own dinner.

Day 6: From Geiranger to Hemsedal via Loen

Today’s drive: 5-6 hours

Today you are going to drive past some of the most beautiful lakes in Norway. First up is Oppstrynsvatnet . Oppstrynsvatnet is located only 5 minutes from Folva. Set your GPS to Glomnes parking lot and you will arrive at a resting area with a jaw-dropping mountain view, where you can have a swim in the cold but beautifully clear blue water.

Beautiful Oppstrynsvatnet.

Continue towards Lovatnet, located 45 minutes from Oppstrynsvatnet. Lovatnet is probably the most famous lake in Norway. Set your GPS to Loen, the town closest to Lovatnet, and then follow the signs to Lovatnet.

Lovatnet has incredible turquoise ice-cold water. If you want to take a swim you can either ask the staff at the camping at the beginning of the lake or continue your drive until you reach a nice spot to jump in. The experience of swimming in the blue mountain water is really refreshing.

Tip: If you want to see Loen and Lovatnet from above you can take Loen Skylift up to the top of Mt. Hoven. This cable car opened up in 2017 and takes you to an impressive height of 1011 meters above sea level in 5–7 minutes. A round-trip ticket will cost you 555 NOK (55€).

Lovatnet offers turquoise ice-cold water.

Now it’s time to drive to Hemsedal , your last destination of the day. The drive to Hemsedal will take around 4,5 hours. You will be driving through the midlands of Norway, with plenty of misty mountains and cute valleys to lay your eyes on.

Accommodation in Hemsedal: We stayed at an Airbnb, and got a whole cottage for a fair price.

Before you drive back to Oslo, take a morning walk in the mountains of Hemsedal. Hemsedal is a popular ski resort but is just as beautiful in the summer.

Day 7: Drive back to Oslo

Drive back to Oslo at your own speed – and try to process all the amazing landscapes you have seen over the past 7 days.

The drive from Hemsedal to Oslo takes around 3 hours. Spend the rest of the day wandering around the streets of Oslo, until it’s time to head back home.

More Norway travel tips

Can’t get enough of Norway? Norway offers loads of scenic road trips. If you have more time on your vacation, here are a few stops to add to your Norway itinerary.

• Hike Pulpit Rock: Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen in Norwegian) is one of Norway’s most famous mountain hikes. This is an eight-kilometer moderately demanding hike that ends up at a mountain plateau 604 meters above sea level.
• Lofoten: Experience Norway above the arctic circle at one of the country’s most epic road trip routes. Lofoten is a series of islands in northern Norway that offer some of Norway’s most beautiful landscapes. I’d say summer is the best time to visit Lofoten, but if you want to see the northern lights then winter is your go-to season. Read my Complete Lofoten Islands Travel Guide to plan your trip.
• Hardangervidda National Park : Hike in the largest national park in Norway. Hardangervidda is located on a mountain plateau and offers a rugged Mars-like landscape.
• Jotunheimen National Park : Jotunheimen , meaning “The Giants home”, is home to many of Norway’s most impressive mountain peaks, including Galdhøpiggen – the highest mountain peak in Scandinavia. The most famous hike to do in Jotunheimen is Besseggen.

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Home > Destinations > NorwayVisit Lofoten Islands: Complete Travel Guide For First-Time VisitorsTo visit Lofoten islands is on many people's bucket list – and rightfully so. Lofoten is a series of islands that offer some of Norway’s most beautiful landscape,...

Things to know before visiting Norway

Home > Destinations > NorwayThings to know before visiting Norway (road trip edition!)A road trip through Norway is an amazing experience. The dramatic landscape with majestic mountains, cute valleys and deep fjords leaves anyone jaw-dropping. The conditions...

These 5 road trips let you take in Norway’s epic scenery

Mar 19, 2024 • 9 min read

Scenic drives let you experience Norway’s epic landscapes – like Trollstigen pass – up close © Franz Aberham / Getty Images

In Norway , mountains spring straight from the sea and mossy greens sit starkly against grey, craggy, snow-capped peaks. The  best way to take it all in ? Behind the wheel of a car. 

A drive around the scenery of country is, quite simply, an otherworldly experience. From island-hopping, bridge-crossing coastal drives to hair-raising mountain passes, take your time to explore Norway at its very best with these top road-trip routes.

1. The Lofoten Road 

Best road trip for heading off the beaten track Svolvær airport to Å; 133km (83 miles)

For those looking for something adventurous, remote and, well, arctic, try the road that connects the islands of  Lofoten , a wild archipelago that clings to the coast and sits inside the Arctic Circle. Far from the beaten track of tourist sites within striking distance of Oslo , Bergen and Trondheim , the Lofoten lies in the far north of the country, which makes it the ideal place to see birdlife and the northern lights in the wintertime. This trip takes you along the E10 all the way to its end in the tiny fishing village of Å, on the far west of the archipelago.

With just one road to follow as it snakes its way across the islands, there’s very little chance of getting lost. But don’t rush: the whole drive can be done in under three hours, or you could take a few days to soak in all there is to see. As the road hugs the coast, you’ll be treated to stunning views of mountains rising steeply from the sea, turquoise waters and – depending on the time of year – plenty of snow in winter or lush greenery and blonde beaches in summer. Despite lying within the Arctic Circle, the climate is surprisingly mild thanks to the Gulf Stream. 

Along the way lie a few essential sights. First on the route from Svolvær airport is the viewpoint at Torvdalshlsen, with its modern benches providing shelter as you look over Vestvågøy. From there, keen twitchers should head over to the west side of the area to the lakes of Gårdsvatnet, Skjærpvatnet and Storeidvatnet to see the best winged wildlife the region has to offer. 

Staying within Vestvågøy, it’s on to Eggum and its amphitheater-shaped rest area that offers views down the rugged coastline on one side and towering, jagged mountains on the other. An hour further west toward the end of the road is Rambergstranda, which features an idyllic beach in Jusnesvika bay. The site is an unusual blend of peaks, sand and azure seas, with a walkway made of railway sleepers enticing you down to the water’s edge. 

From Rambergstranda, it’s a 40-minute drive to the village of Å, where the road quite literally ends. This tiny village was dependent on fishing until the 1990s, when tourism started to take over. As one of the most westerly points in the country, the village is a beautifully isolated outpost, whose red wooden fishing huts hark back to a time when tourists would seldom venture this far.

Planning tip:  Fly directly to Svolvær airport on the island closest to the mainland, which serves as the gateway for the Lofoten road. Luckily, you’ll find a rental-car company at the airport, which saves a lengthy drive through Norway to get to the starting point.

2. The Atlantic Road

Best road trip for bridges Molde to the Gjemnessundbrua suspension bridge; 111km (69 miles)

A frequent feature of Norway’s road network, bridges and tunnels keep many of the country's 50,000 islands connected. For those looking to sample some of Norway’s most beautiful bridges, look no further than the Atlantic Road. Beginning not far from the city of Molde, the route has connected the island of Averøy with the mainland since 1989.

Best known as one of the filming locations for a driving scene in the 2021 Bond film No Time to Die , the route has a total of eight bridges that stretch over 8274m (27,146ft) along the route, giving way to some spectacular views across the Atlantic.

Start by driving north from Molde on the E39 before taking the exit for Rte 64 – and get ready for coastal scenery, culture and history. From here, there’s no need to take any turns as the route guides you up to the coastline. The breeze from the Atlantic and the bridges signify the start of the drive. 

Once you’ve crossed the Storseisundbrua – the road’s longest and best-known bridge – hopping from one inlet and island to the next can be quite the experience on a blustery day. With the ocean foam peppering the road as you drive along, the initial stretch is magically moody when a northwest storm rolls in. On a still summer’s day , it’s equally impressive – not to mention easier to stop and snap some spectacular photos.  

After the main stretch of bridges, Rte 64 weaves its way across the island of Averøy before dropping down into the Atlantic Ocean Tunnel and resurfacing to join Rte 70. Once across the beautiful but sparsely populated island of Frei, the road drops down into another impossibly long tunnel that reconnects with the island of Bergsøya briefly before heading across the mighty Gjemnessundbrua suspension bridge. First opened in 1992, the bridge reconnects to the mainland, where the route continues on Rte 39 back to the city of Molde.

3. Sognefjellet

Best road trip for an inland adventure Lom to Gaupne; 108km (67 miles)

Moving away from the coastline, the Sognefjellet is a road that cuts through the heart of the Bøverdalen valley. Expect constantly changing scenery as this route climbs up to a high point of 1432m (4705ft), making it northern Europe’s highest mountain pass. Given this, part of the route – from Rustasætre/Vegaskjelet to Turtagrø – is usually open from spring until autumn, closing for the winter months. Those traveling shortly after it reopens in the spring will be treated to 3m (10ft) banks of snow lining the road on both sides, illustrating the full force of a Norwegian winter.

Once an important transport artery linking the coast and inland areas, the Sognefjellet was used to carry salt and fish eastward, while butter, pitch and leather were transported west. Now a popular tourist trail, the route has many viewing platforms and spectacular natural features that tempt you off the beaten track.

Start in Lom, a small village that has built up a reputation as a culinary capital (make sure you sample the local delicacies before heading off). Halfway along the route, a rugged stone sculpture at Mefjellet by Knut Wold is a firm favorite with photographers, as it frames the jagged mountain landscape surrounding it. 

Closer to Gaupne, the route continues along the shores of Sognefjord from Skjolden toward its end. The largest and deepest fjord in the country, Sognefjord is called “King of the Fjords,” and cuts a 205km (127-mile) course through the heart of Norway. Once around the glimmering green and blue waters of Sognefjord, the route ends up in the small village of Gaupne, where a traditional wooden church overlooks the water.

Planning tip:  Gaupne is the perfect place to stop off before doubling back to drive the route in reverse, or continue southwest along the shores of Sognefjord.

4. Scenic Route Jæren

Best road trip to discover Norway’s spectacular south coast  Ogna to Bore; 41km (25 miles) 

While the Jæren road between Ogna and Bore itself is not particularly inspiring, it offers the best way to take in the most beautiful parts of Norway’s southern coastline.

Starting out in the small village of Ogna, pick up Rte 44 as it heads northwest, hugging the coastline all the way. Less than 10km (6 miles) from Ogna lies the Kvassheim lighthouse, well worth a visit. On a coastline littered with shipwrecks, lighthouses are a frequent sight; Kvassheim is one of the best examples. First built in 1912, the lighthouse was still in operation until 1990, when a smaller, automated beacon replaced it. Today, the wooden building houses a museum and visitor center.

From Kvassheim, the route continues northwest on Rte 44 before breaking off to pick up Rte 507, which runs parallel to the white sands of Orrestranda, one of the best beaches in Norway . Here you can walk for miles along the sand, while taking in the rich flora and fauna that surround the beach and populate the sand dunes. Finishing up, it’s a short drive to the village of Bore, where the route comes to an end.

Planning tip:  Take your time on this journey: there are plenty of stunning hidden spots and detours to take in along the way.

5. Trollstigen pass 

Best road trip for thrill seekers and photographers Åndalsnes to the Trollstigen visitor center; 40km (25 miles)

The Trollstigen pass (the Troll Path) is one of the world’s most celebrated roads – with good reason. (You might recognize the drive from the final season of Succession .) Made up of 11 bracing hairpin bends that carry the road up more than 850m (2790ft) up the mountainside, the route links Åndalsnes with the Valldal valley and Geiranger. Replacing a challenging hiking trail, the pass scales a sheer face dominated by the Stigfossen waterfall – a vigorous body of water that cascades off the mountain and plunges more than 350m (1000ft) in a thundering torrent.

Starting in the small town of Åndalsnes, take Rte 64 south out of the town for a short distance before making a left turn to join route E136. Head along here until the turn for Rte 63 comes up on the right, then head off south. After roughly 20 minutes of driving, the imposing sheer face of the Trollstigen will come into view, which is where the route starts to twist its way skywards. There’s a small rest area at the bottom, which makes for an ideal, low-down shot of the pass before the climb begins. 

Once on the pass, your eyes might want to wander to the views down the valley out of the side window – but resist the temptation to look away from the tarmac, as it snakes its way up the mountainside with the rugged edge of the cliff face on one side and a hefty drop down on the other side. (Luckily, there’s a sturdy concrete barrier that lines the road for most of the way.)

As if the views weren’t enough, there's another surprise at the Trollstigen’s summit. With its modern steel-and-concrete aesthetic, the Trollstigen visitor center and cafe is an ideal stopping point to catch your breath and take it all in. 

Best of all is a zig-zagging pathway that starts from the summit and leads to viewing platforms perched high above the pass. The structure is an impressive architectural feat – and also the key to securing the final piece in the photographic puzzle for those documenting the drive. From up here, the views on a clear day are simply sublime.

Planning tip:  Harsh weather and snow make the route impassable to traffic between October and May. The road reopens after the annual spring rockfall, which legend has it results from trolls fighting on the nearby Trollveggen mountain. For those looking for that epic shot of a steep-sided Norwegian fjord, Trollstigen is the one. 

This article was first published November 2021 and updated March 2024

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• Destinations

Wild Junket

Norway Road Trip: My 7-Day Norway Itinerary

Last Updated on December 7, 2023

Planning an epic Norway road trip? Here’s my 7-day Norway itinerary that packs in the best of Norway.

Spectacular fjords, dramatic waterfalls, imposing mountains and pristine glaciers — Norway is a country brimming with natural landscapes of epic proportions. We have traveled Norway several times, mostly in winter, and we’re convinced a road trip is the best way to see this beautiful country.

Norway is a HUGE country with plenty to see, but it’s also one 0f the most expensive countries we’ve visited and so most people can’t afford to spend too much time here. With 7 days in Norway, you’ll barely scratch the surface but you’ll still get to see some highlights of the country. If budget allows, you should definitely plan for 2 weeks in Norway instead. 

From the postcard-perfect beauty of the Geirangerfjord to the cultural riches of Trondheim, here’s my recommendation for a 7-day Norway road trip itinerary. Join me as we explore Norway’s varied landscapes and rich culture, a journey that promises to be as enriching as it is thrilling. 

Table of Contents

By Train and Bus

Best time to visit norway, 7 days in norway itinerary, norway itinerary map, where to stay in oslo, stop for a fjord cruise in flåm, continue onto bergen, where to stay in bergen, take the fløibanen funicular , do the geiranger skywalk, see the viewpoints of geiranger, where to stay in geiranger, take a fjord cruise in geiranger, drive to ålesund, where to stay in ålesund, drive the atlantic ocean road, traverse the hairpin bends of the trollstigen, arriving in trondheim, where to stay in trondheim, norway itinerary day 7: time to head back, packing for this norway road trip, want to read more about norway, the ultimate norway itinerary , how to get around norway.

For this Norway road trip itinerary, we recommend hiring a car . Since most of Norway’s most beautiful sights are located far from the big cities, a road trip is definitely the best way to experience them. Norway has remarkable infrastructure and public amenities. 

Car rental in Norway is surprisingly affordable and it’s cheaper than taking the train or bus. A 1-week car rental in Norway costs around US$200 to $250, not including insurance. Mind you though, Norway is an expensive country so try to factor in the cost of gas and tolls. All vehicles driving in Norway need to pay road toll charges. The current gas prices are around US$1.5 to $2 per litre.

Book Your Car Rental!

If you don’t drive, Norway has a fantastic public transportation system, and it’s absolutely possible to follow this Norway itinerary by taking trains and buses. Trains in Norway are excellent – they’re comfortable, punctual and even offer WiFi on board. No other train ride between two cities in Europe goes at higher altitude than the Bergen Railway.

One of the best journeys to experience Norway is the ‘Norway in A Nutshell’ trip, which takes you from Oslo to Bergen in one day via a train, bus and boat. It was voted one of the 20 best railway experiences in the world in 1999.  

It really depends on what sort of experience you’re seeking in Norway. Summer is the most popular time to visit : it has the best weather, long hours of daylight, prices are generally cheaper and everything is open. Everything turns green and it’s an excellent time to go on boat trips through the fjord, swim in the lake and hike the mountains.

Winter (October to February) is our favorite time to explore Norway’s snow-covered mountains, stunning fjords and charming alpine villages. This is a magical time to visit to see the Northern Lights , go ice fishing and snowmobiling especially in Lapland.  However, expect sub-zero temperatures and make sure you are comfortable driving steep slopes in snowy conditions. 

If you’re looking to travel off-season in a Norway free of tourists, spring and autumn may be for you.

My recommended Norway road trip itinerary packs the best of the country: from the quintessential Scandinavian cities to the most spectacular dramatic fjords and mountains in Norway.  

I’ve designed this Norway itinerary to make the most out of your time. Expect to drive around 5-6 hours each day. If you feel like you need a slower pace, feel free to remove the last spot (Trondheim) from the itinerary and space out your time.

• Day 1: Oslo
• Day 2: Bergen
• Day 3: Bergen
• Day 4: Geiranger Fjord
• Day 5: Ålesund
• Day 6: Trondheim
• Day 7: Home

Here’s a map of my Norway itinerary. Click to see it on Google Maps . 

Norway Itinerary Day 1: Explore Oslo

The capital city of Oslo is a great starting point as it’s within a short driving distance to the best parts of Norway. The city gives you a great overview of Norwegian history; it’s also one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. 

The heart of Oslo’s city center lies at Main Quare (Stortorvet), the main square in front of Oslo Cathedral. The square is bordered on the east by Kirkegata,on the south by a row of houses, on the west by the roadway linking Kongens gate and Møllergata and on the north by the eastern extension of Grensen. 

After getting your bearings, head to the Akershus Fortress . From the castle, take in the stunning views of the Oslofjord, capturing images that bring history to life. Afterward, visiting the National Gallery to see Edvard Munch’s iconic ‘The Scream’ is a must.  For a taste of local life, head to Grønland for lunch. This district buzzes with multicultural energy and offers a variety of cuisines. The vibrant streets here are perfect for photography, with their lively colors and diverse scenes. 

See the Modern Side of Oslo

Next, the Oslo Opera House awaits in the Bjørvika district. Its unusual, iceberg-like architecture against the Oslo skyline makes for stunning photographs. Walking on its roof provides a unique perspective, capturing the blend of the city’s historical and modern elements. Book tickets in advance here . For photographers, its stark white colors make it a perfect place to experiment with photo saturation , enhancing the already stunning scenes you’ll encounter.

Nearby, the Barcode Project’s modern architecture offers a contrast to the morning’s historical sites. Its sleek, futuristic design is a testament to Oslo’s architectural evolution and another great subject for your camera. 

As evening sets in, Aker Brygge’s bustling waterfront is ideal for a leisurely dinner. The area’s lively atmosphere and harbor views are quintessentially Oslo, offering more photo opportunities. 

Budget: Anker Hotel

Anker Hotel is known for providing affordable accommodation without compromising on quality. It’s located in the city center, making it convenient for exploring Oslo’s attractions. The hotel offers basic amenities, clean rooms, and is a good choice for budget-conscious travelers. Check rates here.

Mid-Range: Thon Hotel Slottsparken

We stayed at Thon Hotel Slottsparken located in a quiet corner right next to the Royal Palace. It’s just a five-minute walk from the heart of the city. The aparthotel has 253 rooms, most of which are apartments with their own kitchenette.  Check the latest prices here.

Luxury: The Thief

This contemporary hotel is located on Tjuvholmen, a peninsula in Oslo known for its contemporary art galleries. The Thief offers luxurious rooms with unique designs, stunning views of the Oslo Fjord, and top-notch amenities, including an on-site spa, a fine dining restaurant, and an impressive art collection throughout the hotel. Check rates here.

Norway Itinerary Day 2: Drive to Bergen

Duration of drive: 7 hours 

The next day, rise bright and early as it’s time to set off on your Norway road trip! Our destination for the day is Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway, but we’ll make plenty of stops along the way. While on your way out of Oslo, make a stop at Holmenkollen , the ski recreation area 588 meters above sea level just west of Oslo. If you’re here in winter, this spot gets crowded with locals sledding and frolicking in the snow. From here you get the best view of Oslo. 

Your next stop is a 5-hour drive away. The picturesque village of Flåm, nestled at the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, has a spectacular setting surrounded by steep mountains and waterfalls. Flåm is a popular stop for tourists traveling on the Flåm Railway, one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world.

If you have some time, visit the Flam Railway Museum and hop on a  scenic fjord cruise ,  passing through narrow waterways surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

It’s another 2.5-hour drive to Bergen, a photogenic city surrounded by seven majestic mountains. You’ll probably be arriving late, so spend the evening just wandering around the iconic harbor. Don’t worry, you’re staying here for two nights so you’ll have the whole of next day to explore this pretty city.

After a long day of driving, treat yourself to some fresh seafood; t he city’s location along the coast means the seafood is fresh and of high quality. Restaurante Cornelius is one of Bergen’s best seafood restaurants. It is situated right by the sea on a small island with spectacular views of the fjord, mountains, skerries and passing boats and ships.

Budget: City Hostel Bergen

City Hostel Bergen is a budget-friendly option located in the city center of Bergen. It offers a variety of room options, including dormitory-style rooms and private rooms. Check rates here.

Mid-Range: Zander K Hotel

Zander K Hotel is a stylish mid-range hotel situated near Bergen’s central train station. The hotel features modern and comfortable rooms, and its central location makes it easy to access popular attractions.  Check rates here.

Luxury: Hotel Norge by Scandic

On our last trip, we stayed at the Hotel Norge by Scandic (pictured), a luxury hotel located in the heart of Bergen. The hotel features a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant. It’s within walking distance of Bryggen and other major attractions. Check rates here.

Norway Itinerary Day 3: Explore Bergen

Start your day in Bergen’s historic center, known as Bryggen , a UNESCO World Heritage site and a prominent symbol of the city’s rich history. It’s made up of a series of colorful, iconic wooden buildings lining the eastern side of the Vågen harbor in Bergen. Several buildings along Bryggen now house museums and galleries, providing insights into Bergen’s maritime history and the life of the Hanseatic merchants. The Hanseatic Museum is a good spot to check out.

Another highlight is the Bergenhus Fortress, one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fortifications. The fortress area is not only historically significant but also offers beautiful views of the harbor and the surrounding areas. 

To take the Fløibanen funicular, head to the lower station near the Fish Market. Ticket machines and a ticket office are available for your convenience. You can also book your tickets online here . The funicular takes you up to Mount Fløyen, providing a stunning overview of the city, the surrounding mountains, and the sea. This is a perfect spot for capturing memorable photographs of Bergen’s scenic beauty. 

Norway Itinerary Day 4: Head to Geiranger  

Duration: 7 hours 

The fourth day of your Norway road trip takes you into the breathtaking realm of Norway’s famous fjords, with Geiranger as your destination.  As you leave Bergen, a coastal city embraced by mountains and fjords, the E39 route guides you northeast.  This leg of your journey is a hypnotic dive into some of Norway’s most stunning natural landscapes. Continuing along the E39 and later transitioning to the E136, the road winds through imposing mountains, lakes, and verdant landscapes.

As you approach Geiranger, make a stop at Dalsnibba, where the Geiranger Skywalk presents panoramic views of the majestic Geirangerfjord. With a clear drop of approx. 500 m beneath your feet, you can enjoy magnificent views of Geiranger and the fjord below, as well as across to the mountains and Blåbreen glacier. This viewpoint is located 1550 meters above sea level. It costs 140 NOK (US$18) to drive up, but on a clear day it will definitely be worth a visit.

Upon reaching Geiranger, you are greeted by the sheer beauty of the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This fjord is among Norway’s most famous, and for good reason. Its deep blue waters, surrounded by steep mountains and lush greenery, create unparalleled natural beauty. The Eagle Road , with its hairpin bends, leads to the Ørnesvingen Viewpoint that presents an eagle’s-eye view of the fjord (pictured). Another must-visit spot is the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint, providing a broad perspective of the fjord and its surroundings. 

Budget: Vinje Camping

Vinje Camping provides affordable accommodation in the form of log cabin. It’s a distance from the village center, but the area surrounding the property is popular for hiking. It offers dormitory-style rooms and cookingamenities, making it a suitable option for budget-conscious travelers. Check rates here.

Mid-Range: Hotel Union Geiranger

We stayed at the Hotel Union Geiranger and absolutely loved it. The mid-range option is known for its scenic location and comfortable amenities. The hotel overlooks the Geirangerfjord and features well-appointed rooms, a spa, and a restaurant.  Check rates here.

Luxury: Grand Fjord Hotel

For a luxurious stay, check out Grand Fjord Hotel (pictured) located on the shores of the fjord. This upscale hotel provides elegant rooms, a spa with an indoor and outdoor pool, multiple dining options, and stunning views. Check rates here.

Norway Itinerary Day 5: Continue to Ålesund

Duration of drive: 3.5 hours

With just a day to spend in Geiranger, you’ll want to make the most of this picturesque village nestled at the end of the stunning Geirangerfjord. Begin your day by soaking in the serene atmosphere of the village, surrounded by steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, savoring the breathtaking views of the fjord.

Make a stop at the Norsk Fjordsenter , where interactive exhibits and multimedia displays showcase the geological formation and cultural significance of the fjords. Gain insights into the UNESCO-listed status of the area and its unique natural features.

The best way to see the fjord in its full glory is on a fjord cruise is an excellent option. These boat tours often pass by waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters and the Suitor, providing a close-up encounter with the majestic surroundings. They usually make a stop at Hellesylt, an idyllic village sitting at the head of the Sunnylvsfjorden (a branch of the Geirangerfjord). 

If time allows, have lunch at Brasserie Posten , one of the village’s restaurants offering fresh seafood with a fjord view. Geiranger offers a selection of eateries serving fresh seafood and traditional Norwegian dishes.

Today is a short driving day. As you leave Geiranger, you’ll traverse winding roads that offer stunning views of the fjords, mountains, and picturesque villages. Ålesund is a charming coastal town renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture. The town was rebuilt in this style after a devastating fire in 1904, resulting in a visually striking and harmonious cityscape. Stroll through the streets lined with colorful buildings adorned with intricate details, showcasing the town’s artistic and architectural heritage.

Art enthusiasts can visit the Jugendstilsenteret , the Art Nouveau Centre, located in a former pharmacy building. This museum offers exhibitions and guided tours that delve into the history and significance of Ålesund’s unique architectural style.

Budget: Alesund New Guesthouse

This is a budget-friendly option located on the hilltops surrounding Ålesund. It provides affordable dormitory-style accommodation and basic amenities. Be prepared to climb steps to get to this hostel. Check rates here.

Mid-Range: Scandic Parken

We stayed at Scandic Parken , a comfortable, mid-range hotel situated in a central location, offering comfortable rooms and modern amenities. The hotel is within walking distance of Ålesund’s main attractions, making it a convenient choice for those seeking a balance between comfort and affordability. Check rates here.

Luxury: Hotel Brosundet

Featuring sea views, this stylish hotel (pictured) is set in a renovated Art Nouveau-style warehouse by the Ålesund Strait. The hotel combines modern luxury with historic charm, offering elegantly designed rooms, upscale amenities, and scenic views of the harbor. Check rates here.

Norway Itinerary Day 6: Drive to Trondheim

Duration of drive: 5.5 hours

Rise early and start your day with some exercise! Climb the 418 steps to the top of Aksla MountainFor panoramic views of Ålesund and its surrounding islands. The vantage point at Fjellstua offers breathtaking views of the town, the archipelago, and the Sunnmøre Alps.

The drive from Ålesund to Trondheim offers a journey through diverse landscapes, showcasing Norway’s coastal and inland beauty. You’ll be driving on parts of the well-known Atlantic Ocean Road , one of the most scenic roads in Norway. The road runs through an archipelago, with bridges connecting the islands. 

Further along the drive, the terrain becomes more varied, featuring hills and forests. Consider making a stop at the Trollstigen Visitor Centre if you’re interested in dramatic landscapes and panoramic viewpoints. Then traverse the nerve-wrecking Trollstigen, or the Troll’s Path , a famous mountain road with hairpin turns and breathtaking scenery. It’s not quite as scary as it looks in the picture!

The last stop on this Norway road trip, Trondheim, is one of Norway’s most beautiful cities rich in history and cultural landmarks. Start your exploration at Nidaros Cathedral, a magnificent Gothic masterpiece and Norway’s national sanctuary. Wander through the charming streets of Bakklandet, known for its colorful wooden houses and riverside ambiance. The Old Town Bridge offers panoramic views of the city and is a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

Budget: Trondheim Vandrerhjem 

Trondheim Vandrerhjem is a budget-friendly option, centrally located near attractions like Nidaros Cathedral. This hostel offers affordable dormitory and private rooms, making it suitable for budget-conscious travelers. Check rates here.

Mid-Range: Scandic Bakklandet

Scandic Bakklandet is a mid-range hotel situated in the charming Bakklandet district, known for its historic wooden buildings. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, modern amenities, and a central location. It’s within walking distance of popular sites like the Old Town Bridge and Nidaros Cathedral. Check rates here.

Luxury: Britannia Hotel

We loved our stay at the Britannia Hotel, an opulent historic hotel in the heart of Trondheim. The hotel provides luxurious rooms, fine dining options, a spa, and personalized service. It’s located near attractions like the Archbishop’s Palace and is a prestigious choice for those seeking a high-end stay in Trondheim. Check rates here.

Duration of drive: 6.5 hours

On the final day of your Norway road trip, I suggest leaving early to make sure you get back to Oslo in time for your flight home. 

If you do have plenty of time, one noteworthy stop is Lillehammer, known for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics. Here, you can visit the Olympic Museum and explore the charming town with its wooden architecture and lakeside setting.

The drive also passes through picturesque landscapes, including parts of the scenic Gudbrandsdalen valley and Lake Mjøsa , Norway’s largest lake. The nature reserves and viewpoints along the way provide opportunities for short breaks to appreciate the natural beauty of the Norwegian countryside.

What you pack depends on when you’re planning to do your Norway road trip. If you are traveling Norway in winter, be sure to bring warm clothes including a high quality ski jacket, hat, thermals, gloves, and thick pants. It’s important to invest in a good pair of winter boots or sturdy hiking shoes for snow conditions.

In addition, remember to get snow chains for your car/rental if you’re planning to drive in winter. They are not required by law, but they can keep you safe in the snow mountains. We didn’t have winter tires and found the snow chains to be very useful. It’s also useful to bring a thermos and pouch warmer to keep yourself warm.

That’s a wrap! Thank you for reading all the way to the end. We’ve definitely packed a lot into this 7-day Norway road trip. This itinerary will give you a taste of the country and show you the best parts of the country, whether you’re visiting in winter or summer. If you have any question, feel free to leave me a comment below!

Read my articles on Norway below:

• Norway in a Nutshell
• 11 Fun Things to Do in Lapland in Winter
• Arctic Circle Train: Traveling Lapland by Train
• Svalbard Landscapes: Icebergs and Glaciers
• Riding the Glacier Express
• 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe
• Best Winter Destinations in Europe

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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 140 countries across 7 continents. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Her work has appeared in many major publications including BBC Travel, CNN and LonelyPlanet.com. Read more about her here and get more life updates from her on her Facebook and Instagram .

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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 .

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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.

A Stunning South Norway Road Trip in 10 Days

Please note that some of the links may be affiliate links , and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products & companies I love and use, and the income goes back into making this little blog successful!

Let’s get this out of the way… Norway is one of the most naturally gorgeous places I’ve ever been to, and a South Norway road trip is the way to see it.

This is literally the home of insane fjords cutting through giant mountains, Vikings, salmon that you can eat sashimi style out of the ocean, and the Northern Lights. I was a bit nervous when I made my first trip here a couple of years back because Norway seems wild and huge – and it is. There are very few tourist things to lean on , and while I’m glad for this, it’s daunting to plan a culture & hiking trip, one where nothing is catered for you.

Here are my South Norway road trip priorities , and you’ll see my route below:

• See Fantastic Fjord & Mountain Views : I wanted to do the iconic hikes like Prekeistolen (Pulpit Rock) and Romsdalseggen (locally recommended), and see the prettiest fjords like Lyse Fjord, Geiranger, Loen, and Sognefjorden.
• Eat Local Norwegian Food: I wanted to eat super local and super well. Like fish right out of the fjords caught that morning, maybe some of the weirder Nordic stuff too!
• Stay in Cute Lodging with Star-Gazing : I like Norwegian architecture because it’s a nice blend of modern meets cozy, and so I opted for spots with amazing views, places with indoor saunas (because that’s a thing to do here), and really cozy spots that don’t break the bank.

This post is meant to be the plan behind my road trip around southern Norway, “a la Mariana,” because there is nothing like doing it yourself to spark that little fire. So here is all the due diligence you need to get going!

Table of Contents

South Norway Road Trip 10-Day Itinerary

Here is my South Norway road trip route, with several restaurant recommendations and little gems of where to stay along the way!

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

Pick up your rental car and drive the 1 hour from the airport to the city center in Oslo. On my first day in the city, I loved winding down at the port, walking around, and listening to live music at night.

If you’re not renting a car for the first couple of days in Oslo, do NOT take a Taxi/Uber from the airport to the city center. It’s super expensive (~€300), and there’s a better way. The fastest way to get from the airport to Oslo is to take the train. Look for Vy or Flytoget trains . Trains get you to the city center in 20 minutes for pretty cheap.

My Favorite Restaurants in Oslo: 👉 Arakataka – Nordic food & a budget fine dining gem 👉 Happolati – Norwegian meets Asian fusion, quite nice inside too! 👉 Vippa local street food vendors in a giant warehouse with breweries on the pier 👉 SALT – Live music spot with beer and street food!

Where to Stay in Oslo

You’ll be staying in Oslo for 2 nights, and I recommend staying in the city center, so everything is walkable. Additionally, you’ll want to find a place that has a place to park your car.

📍 Luxury: Grand Hotel Oslo – if you’ve never stayed in a Grand Hotel, this is an excellent example of high-class European charm and is renowned in Oslo. 📍 Mid-Range: Hotel Bristol – super cozy, fantastic breakfast, the decor is my favorite part, and right in the city center.

Day 2: Be a Tourist in Oslo

Be a tourist and walk or scoot around the city! As luck would have it, I have a good friend in Oslo who was my guide around this amazing city. Here are the places we visited if you want to find your own way.

• Opera House Oslo – Don’t miss out on scooting across the opera house rooftop – you’ll know what I mean when you look at its architectural design. Oh, and trust me, everyone will be doing it! 🙂
• Munch Museum – I love a good art immersion, and if you’re into that as well, this is where you can see the famous The Scream painting!
• Var Frelsers Graveyard – It’s a graveyard, but hear me out… while I don’t usually put cemeteries on my “must-see” list, Norwegians build their graveyards to have a feeling of peace and quiet, and this one is serene and gorgeous. Take your time to walk among the people of the past, imagining their life rather than mourning their graves.
• The Royal Palace – I do recommend taking a tour if you have the time and inclination towards history like me!
• Oslo Cathedral – I found myself on the beautiful cathedral lawn with a cup of hot tea – another wonderful spot to take a nap in the sun.
• Vikingskipshuset – This is the Viking Ship Museum and a bit of a trek on the west side of Oslo. But holy smokes, you can see a real-life Viking ship. Enough said on this one.

➡️ I recommend this Customized Private Tour so you can really dive into the culture, history, and local hot spots. ⬅️

Day 3: Drive from Oslo to Stavanger

This is a big driving day, traversing most of southern Norway. Grab some snacks and enjoy the drive and views of the cutest wooden houses along the way. This will take you about 7-8 hours, and I took the most direct route.

PRO TIP: If your drive takes you along the southernmost tip of Norway, don’t miss taking a lunch break at the Lindesnes Lighthouse . This is Norway’s oldest lighthouse, dating back to 1656. Cute museum, a few quickie hiking trails around to stretch your legs. Not a must, but definitely a notable mention.

If I were to do it differently, I would opt to be carless in Oslo for a couple of days and fly from Oslo to Stavanger where I would start my road trip and rent a car. I reason that the drive from Oslo to Stavanger in the next few days is a huge 8-hour trek, and while it’s pretty depending on what route you take, it’s hellishly long.

Where to Stay in Stavanger

You’ll also stay in Stavanger for 2 nights, and I recommend lodging near the town center.

📍 Luxury: Hotel Victoria – Right on the water, with a fantastic view of the pier, cozy and elegant decor, and a cute lounge & bar area. 📍 Mid Range: Sea Story by Frogner House – a more modern option; I love this spot for the stunning bathroom and the floor-to-ceiling windows for morning coffee peeking over Stavanger. A classic Nordic apartment.

Day 4: Preikestolen Hike & Lyse Fjord Cruise

Your morning will be dedicated to the Preikestolen Hike, one of the more iconic hiking trails on this southern Norway road trip itinerary for 10 days. Go early in the morning to avoid the rush of people, and make sure to pack a lunch, water, and your camera. I’m a moderately fit American, and I would say this hike was easy – it took me about 3 hours roundtrip and the views were breathtaking!

Hike : Preikestolen Hike (Pulpit Rock) Distance : 5 miles, out & back Time Needed : 3-4 hrs Difficulty : Moderate Pro Tip: Be on the trail by 9 am. Perks : fantastic fjord views at the end, and iconic pictures from what looks like a drop cliff into the fjord.

Your afternoon is all about the Lyse Fjord. Around 3 pm, there’s a cruise that departs from Stavanger Harbor. Get on that cruise to see the Lyse Fjord and Preikestolen from the water. It’s so cute and is only a couple of hours. Get your tickets ahead of time at Rodne Fjord Cruise .

My Favorite Restaurants in Stavanger 👉 Fisketorget Stavanger – a fish market with a little restaurant inside, I recommend the fish soup for lunch 👉 Renaa Michelin Restaurant – first Michelin in Stavanger, excellent Norwegian classics. It’s a bit pricey (about $150 per person without the wine pairing), but OMG! Reservation is required, so book a few days ahead!

Day 5: Drive from Stavanger to Bergen

Another drive day along the coast of Norway with stunning views. This one will take about 6 hours.

When you arrive in Bergen, grab a snack/beer to go and take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen here . You can enjoy a beautiful sunset and equally gorgeous views of Bergen with your adult beverage in hand.

Instead of taking the funicular down, walk the path to the bottom – it will only take you 30 min and the forest reminds me of something out of a Grimm’s fairytale. Norwegians love trolls, so you’ll see these naughty little imps everywhere, as they are part of the local culture.

Where to Stay in Bergen

You’ll be in Bergen for 2 nights as well.

📍 Luxury: Det Hanseatiske Hotel – Historic hotel giving rustic luxury, right in the heart of Bergen. Fantastic breakfast. 📍 Mid-Range: Hotel Oleana – Another classic building refurbished with the Nordic modern design right in the city center. Fantastic bar area.

Day 6: Be a tourist in Bergen

I started the morning with breakfast and a cruise through the Bergen Fjords . My best recommendation here is to bundle up, because you’ll want to be on the outside deck admiring the little towns you pass by, and the nature that will be sure to impress.

In the afternoon, I joined a Walking Tour in Bergen: Past and Present – and it was the perfect blend of history, sights, and storytelling to have you falling in love with the town.

From there, it’s a “choose your own adventure” for the day. Rent a bike or find a hiking trail nearby, get day-wasted at the port, or just Netflix & chill.

My Favorite Restaurants in Bergen: 👉 Bryggeloftet & Steune Restaurant : Locally recommended & oldest traditional Norwegian restaurant in Bergen. Great for dinner, the steak is fantastic! 👉 Pergola Italian & Wine Bar : Another gem, located down a narrow alleyway. 👉 Bjerk : for lunch or dinner, really nice views of the pier. 👉 Olivia Italian  – Italian comfort food for when you’re tired of Norwegian (which is a real thing)

➡️ My Best Thing To Do in Bergen is to take the Mostraumen Bergen Fjord Cruise ! ⬅️

Day 7: Drive from Bergen to Loen

This drive is quite long as well, about 6 hours, but you’ll be graced by the gorgeous coast of Norway again. I recommend an early start so you can get to Loen by 3 pm. I loved packing a lunch in Bergen to take with me – this way I could stop anywhere along the road where it was gorgeous (and there are plenty of spots) to enjoy my meal.

In Loen, take the sky lift up , and enjoy the views. There are a few short hiking trails around the top, and I highly encourage a couple of hours walking around, especially as you’ve just spent the better part of the day in a car… stretch those legs!

Where to Stay in Loen

This is only a one-night stay because it’s been a long ass drive and you’re in a pretty place to stop.

📍 Luxury: Hotel Alexandra Loen – A bit of a splurge, but for one night, the sauna and dinner with a view are worth it. 📍 Mid Range: Hotel Loenfjord – Right on the fjord, I loved the nice porch you can drink wine from.

Day 8: Geiranger Fjord & Skagefla Hike

The drive from Loen to Geiranger is 2.5 hours. You’ll be staying in this little town for 2 nights, so we’ll take it easy today.

Lunch Recommendation: Get a good early lunch (including their award-winning sour beer) at Brasserie Posten before your fjord boat tour.

The early afternoon boat tour of the Geiranger Fjord will be relaxing and pretty, so take it easy. On the way back to port, the boat will stop at a random-looking place along the edge – this is Skagehola.

If you’re up for it – this is where you get off for the Skagefla Hike . It’s about a 45-minute hike up some seriously steep stone steps, but worth the views of the “Seven Sisters” Waterfall from the top – hello, UNESCO World Heritage Site! From here, you go back down the steps and get back on the boat – the pick-up service is included as part of your ticket.

Once you’re off the boat, there is an amazing serpentine scenic drive, maybe about 30 minutes total, that takes you to this viewpoint – highly recommend it!

Where to Stay in Geiranger

This little Norwegian town is your home base for 2 nights before you head back down to Olso on the last day.

📍 Luxury: Hotel Union Geiranger – Get the Fjord view room, one of the prettiest hotels in town, I recommend enjoying the spa on the property, especially after the hikes. 📍 Mid Range: Hotel Utsikten – higher ground in town, a great option as well, fantastic porch with great views of the fjord.

Day 9: Åndalsnes, Trollstigen & Romsdalseggen Hike

This will be a big day, so make sure you have a hearty breakfast and pack some lunch snacks. Geiranger to Andalsnes takes 2.5 hours, and Romsdalseggen is a full-day hike, end to end. That said, this was the most beautiful hike of my life, and I will never forget it.

The Romsdalseggen Hike starts in the town of Andalsnes, at the main bus stop. Try to catch the 9 am or 10:30 am bus to the trailhead. It is a 20-minute bus ride, but try to buy bus tickets ahead of time as buses get packed for this trail.

Hike : Venjesdalen to Åndalsnes via Romsdalseggen Distance : 6.6 miles, end to end Time Needed : 5-7 hrs Difficulty : Hard Pro Tip: When you get to the end and you’re at the hut having a beer, take the gondola down, it is NOT worth hiking the final 1 hour steep downhill. Perks : The most beautiful hike of my life, except maybe the Dolomites .

You’ll start with a steady uphill for 2 hours, but trust me, the views get better and better, especially after you scramble up the very top of the mountain and across its ridge. On the descent, when you get to the ski lift, have yourself a beer and enjoy the view – you earned it!

From the top at the hut, there are 2 options:

• Ride the ski lift down. If this is your choice, have a second beer and smile… you’ve done well!
• Walk 40 min on a steep downhill trail to the bottom. This is what I did, and it destroyed me. If you choose this one, may the odds be in your favor… you will not feel your legs for the next 3 days!

TREAT YOURSELF: Dinner recommendation in Andalsnes at Sodahlhuset . You’ve earned it!

On the drive back to your home, you’ll go up through one of the most scenic roads on this Norway road trip itinerary… Trollstigen .

I know you’re tired, but stop at the lookout point at the top and take in the view. Make sure to take the walkway (5 min walk) to the very end where you can see the valley in all its majestic grandness. Today was a good day.

Day 10: Drive from Geiranger to Oslo

While the drive is not nearly as gorgeous as what you’ve done and seen on this southern Norway road trip, it’s still scenic and cute! It should take you all day to get to Oslo, about an 8-hour drive.

From here, it’s just about catching a flight back home.

South Norway Road Trip Map

This was my route, but if I were to do it again , I might fly directly from Oslo into Bergen or Stavanger and start my Norway road trip itinerary for 10 days there – simply to remove a chunk of driving and make more room for hiking days.

If you love mountains but want to be a bit more cost-conscious than Norway can offer, consider staying on the European mainland and check out my Switzerland to Italy Road Trip . Insane hikes and we only spent $3.5K total for 2 people in 14 days! 🥳

Renting a Car in Norway

Norway is geographically long, and there are many ways to get around – rent a car, take the train, fly from one city to another, etc. No wrong way to do it, really – just depends on the time you have, your budget, and your transportation preference.

I opted to rent a car for 10 days and enjoyed the hell out of the gorgeous scenery along the coast of southern Norway. Honestly, it was a treat driving in Norway! Here’s what I used to find a good option, it’s my go-to for pricing comparison.

Check and Compare Cars in Norway with: ➡️ DISCOVER CARS ⬅️

The wildest thing I encountered on the way were these sheep. If you can, go diesel when you rent a car, it’s cheaper in Norway.

Is Driving in Norway Easy?

Yes! Especially in the July or August months. The roads are in excellent condition. There should be paid public parking lots everywhere.

While driving, tolls or ferry rides are automatically logged by the auto pass on your car, you’ll get the tab when you return the rental. Super seamless, you honestly don’t have to do anything except keep driving!

A few things to keep in mind: Driving as an American in Europe: Documentation & Rules of the Road .

How long does it take to drive from one end of Norway to the other?

So this depends on the weather, random sheep blocking a highway, and the pace you set. Check out the map above to see my route, but here are the drive times for the key points on my Norway road trip, keeping in mind I drove this in August when the skies were sunny with a touch of rain here and there.

• Oslo to Stavanger (for Pulpit Rock & Lyse Fjord): 7 hours
• Stavanger to Bergen : 5 hours
• Bergen to Loen : 5 hours
• Loen to Geiranger (for UNESCO Skagefla Hike): 1 hour
• Geiranger to Andalsnes (for Romsdalseggen Hike): 2.5 hours
• Geiranger to Oslo : 8 hours

The longer drives are a bit brutal, but here are 7 Unique Ways to Pass the Time , including games and deep-dive discussion questions.

South Norway Road Trip Tips

I had a lot of questions when I first started planning this trip, especially as I was traveling solo. Here are a few frequently asked questions and resources.

Is Norway good for a road trip?

Yes, and a fantastic option if you want to push yourself outside of your comfort zone when it comes to hiking – and be rewarded with some of the most fantastic views of fjords, idyllic wooden houses, and mountains in the world.

I’ve put together a few Pros and Cons of Roadtrips & Why I Love Them that ring true for this route through Southern Norway.

Do I need Travel Insurance for Norway?

While Norway is safe, this road trip involves a lot of driving, hiking, and overall hard-core adventuring. There are a few options out there, so take a couple of minutes to review the 5 Best Medical Insurance Policies for Europe . I use SafetyWing because it’s affordable and flexible (I can get it for a week or a month, etc.) See what fits for you, here is the link.

This is what I use ➡️ SAFETYWING: Travel Medical Insurance ⬅️

When is the best time to go on a road trip in Norway?

The best times to get the most sun and really see the beauty of southern Norway is in July & August.

Is Norway expensive?

The short answer is yes… but it doesn’t have to be. Here is the cost breakdown for my solo 10-day trip:

• Car Rental : $600
• Lodging : $1,500
• Food   & Drink : $1,000

If you’re hitting up restaurants every day, you can expect a meal without alcohol to range from $30-50. The best bet is to go grocery shopping (Billa, DM Supermarket) and cook at home or buy snacks for the road.

Alcohol is expensive. Beer is sold everywhere, and the local brews are delicious. However, wine and liquor are controlled by the government and ONLY sold in special Wine Monopoly stores (I’m serious!), which are open only at specific times. No wine/liquor is found in any supermarkets.

Lodging can average around $150 a night for hotels or AirB&B, but private rooms in hostels (which are super clean) or homes can be a more budget-friendly option.

Norway is also a country that lets you put a tent just about anywhere as long as you are not an inconvenience, which is what makes tent life a fun, cheap way to go if you’re into it!

What to Pack for a Norway Road Trip

While July and August are mostly sunny and bright, the weather in Norway can be unpredictable. I’ve put together some great tips on how to pack Cute and Comfy Road Trip Outfits in another article, but here’s the gist of what you need.

• Rain Jacket – lightweight and waterproof, and ideally packs really small so you can carry it with you everywhere.
• Layers – from warm leggings, jeans, to a few t-shirts and sweaters. But also pack a pair of shorts and a sundress for just that one perfect sunny day!
• Hiking Boots & Socks
• Hiking Backpack or Daypack – where else are you going to put that rain jacket and snacks?!
• A Bathing Suit – for those opportune sauna moments or if you’re crazy enough to jump into one of the many lakes on this road trip.
• Reusable Water Bottle – a must.

Wrap-Up: 11 Iconic Things You’ll See in Southern Norway

In a nutshell, this is one of my favorite road trips because of all the hikes and scenic views packed into a short 10-day road trip.

✔️ Oslo – The capital city, and if you do it right, you can see the famous Munch Museum (including the famous painting The Scream ), the Oslo Opera House, and even a Viking ship!

✔️ Lindesnes Lighthouse – Oldest lighthouse in Norway, think 1600’s. Located in the definition of Southern Norway on your route from Oslo to Stavanger.

✔️ Preikestolen – Aka “Pulpit Rock” and one of the more iconic hiking trails and photo opp along the trip. ✔️ Lysen Fjord – Gorgeous Fjord along with a spectacular view of “Pulpit Rock” from the water.

✔️ Bergen – Iconic colorful houses along the port and the cutest town ever.

✔️ Loen Skylift – One of the steepest cable cars in the world, with spectacular views of Loen in the heart of fjord country.

✔️ Romsdalseggen Hike – Best views on this trip and one of the more challenging/rewarding hiking trails I’ve done so far.

✔️ Trollstigen Road – The famous serpentine mountain road in southern Norway.

✔️ Geiranger Fjord – With beautiful views of the “Seven Sisters” Waterfall and Skagefla Mountain.

✔️ Skagefla Hike – A UNESCO World Heritage site and where a lot of those pictures on Instagram come from. An absolute gem of a hiking trail on this southern Norway road trip!

✔️ Atlantic Ocean Road – The rollercoaster road through an archipelago (ie, water and land) that will make you applaud the civil engineering in this country!

PRO TIP: If you only have 7 days, think about skipping Oslo and Stavanger in order to do justice to a Road Trip from Bergen to Alesund .

Mariana Barbuceanu is the owner and author of the Road Trip EuroGuide, a blog that inspires fellow travelers to explore Europe more authentically through slower travel and digging deeper into the culture of a place. When she isn't writing about her adventures, she is planning trips for her community and coaching people on how to take that next step towards a much-needed sabbatical.

6 Days in Norway: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide (with map)

While on our 6-day road trip in Norway, we wild camped in one of the scenic routes, traveled on a single-lane winding steep road, saw reindeer and moose in the wild, slept next to a stunning lake, hiked to a majestic waterfall, took a scenic train ride, drove through multiple tunnels, had a sauna near a lake, and explored fairytale towns by the fjords.

We visited Norway in August when summer was still in full swing and the days were long. However, it rained a lot in the southwestern part of the country where we were. As a result, one of our routes became inaccessible because of a landslide. Our unfortunate event turned out to be a blessing since it allowed us to take a scenic route that we hadn't planned.

Table of Contents

Day 1: oslo and flå.

Day 2: Lærdal and Aurland

Day 3: Aurland and Vøringsfoss

Day 4: vøringsfoss, and odda, day 5: røldal, edland, and dalen, day 6: oslo.

Getting our motorhome was the first step in our trip. The company we rented our motorhome from was MyCamper . Having driven a motorhome is a new experience for us. We really love it because it makes traveling convenient. We can camp anywhere without worrying about the rain. We can also cook, and use the toilet whenever and wherever we want. However, something was troubling us. We wondered if we would be able to drive with it along scenic routes, including up mountains and on narrow roads. It's a good thing we can. While traveling, we actually saw a lot of motorhomes.

When renting a vehicle in Norway, make sure to ask the owner if the car already has a registered toll tag that automatically deducts toll fees. There are discounts on toll fees for this kind of arrangement. You can read more about it on Autopass website .

Before we started our long journey, we decided to shop at Rema1000 Nannestad, a budget grocery store along the way to our destination, while in Oslo.

On the first night of our trip, we camped at Gulsvikvegen 155, 3539 Flå. Although it's in a lovely location right beside a beautiful lake, the downside is that it's also right beside the road, so it's not very quiet during the night.

Day 2: Lærdal, and Aurland

Starting in Lærdal, we drove along the Aurlandsfjellet scenic route. You can reach Aurland faster by traveling through the longest tunnel connecting the town to Lærdal, but then you will not be able to enjoy the breathtaking sights of snow-capped mountains, rivers, and waterfalls.

Near Hemsedalsfjell fylkesgrensa, we were surprised to see a herd of reindeer grazing by the field next to the road.

We stopped at the parking area at 61.103465, 7.431748 . You will be able to enjoy breathtaking views of Sognefjord from the parking area.

There are multiple viewpoints along Aurlandsfjellet scenic route. The first viewpoint is Vedahaugane.

Vedahaugane

On Fv243, the road narrowed as we drove up the mountain. On our way to Vedahaugane, we passed rivers and waterfalls. You can see an art installation of a sleeping bear inside a cave at Vedahaugane, and the viewpoint offers a stunning view of the mountains surrounding it.

It was our first time driving on single-lane roads, so we were extra careful, especially on bends where you don't see the oncoming cars. After days of driving in Norway, we gradually became accustomed to driving on this kind of road.

Whenever driving on single-lane roads, you should be very patient, and give way to oncoming cars if you are close to passing spaces. There are passing spaces on either side of the road every few meters. Occasionally, motorcycles may appear behind you, so keep an eye out for them.

After driving 2.8 km, we arrived at our next stop, Flotane (Bjørgavegen, 5745 Aurland).

There is a waterfall and lake nearby the parking area in Flotane, which is only a short walk away. Because it was windy, raining, and cold during our visit, we did not have much time to explore. It is still possible to see patches of snow on the road here even in the summer.

In our descent from Flotane, we stopped at Stegastein's viewpoint. The descent involves driving along a winding road, which offers breathtaking views.

Stegastein’s Viewpoint

From Stegastein’s viewpoint, you can see Aurlandsvangen and the fjords in all their glory. It's no wonder that this viewpoint is popular. When we arrived, it was crowded and there were almost no parking spaces available.

One thing that amused me was the stunning view from the window of the nearby public restroom.

As soon as we left Stegastein's viewpoint, we drove to our campsite, Lunde Camping.

Lunde Camping

This is one of my favorite campsites! The camp is surrounded by mountains and situated by a river. There are some cabins for rent, clean toilets, and a shower room with many cubicles. Several services for motorhomes are available here, such as a dumping station, a refilling station, and a charging station.

As soon as we secured our campsite, we decided to explore Aurlandsvangen.

Aurlandsvangen

It takes only 1.3km to reach Aurlandsvangen from the campsite. It is a charming little village. This is my favorite village on our Norway road trip. Grocery stores, gift shops, restaurants, and hotels are all available here. Views of Aurlandsfjorden can be enjoyed at the harbor nearby. The most appealing thing about this place is that it was relatively quiet when we were there.

Originally, we planned to walk around Flåm, but heavy rain forced us to take the Flåmsbana instead. You have to travel 8.1 km to reach Flåmsbana from Lunde Camping.

Popular tourist activity in Flåm is riding the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana). Flåmsbana is known for being the world's most beautiful train journey. I couldn't agree more. The train ride starts in Flåm and ends in Myrdal, a town located high up in the mountains.

On our journey, we were treated to breathtaking views of numerous waterfalls, colorful villages, rivers, and cloud-covered mountains. Videos and images cannot begin to convey how stunning the views from the train are. On both sides of the train, breathtaking landscapes can be seen, so there was never a dull moment.

After Flåm, we had planned to get to Undredal, but landslides prevented us from going. So we took a different route, which was scenic.

The Fv50 route

We drove from Flåm to Øyestølsvatnet, Aurland, Norway via Fv50. We stopped along the way at this google map location 60.875707, 7.265135.

We then drove up the mountain passing through multiple tunnels until we reached this location 60.85533007878768, 7.306515562442637, with a small parking space that offers a breathtaking view of lake Vassbygdevatnet. As we approached the parking space, it was full so we drove on.

Still driving along road FV50 we made another quick stop at this location 60.80770665841871, 7.5592654179996535 in Øyestølsvatnet. The location is beautiful and the perfect place to rest.

The whole drive along Fv50 is one of my favorite drives. Most of the time we drove next to the lake. The landscape is stunning.

The Rv7 route

We decided to refill our supplies in Geilo, which meant leaving Fv50 and taking Rv7. After leaving the city, we again enjoyed the scenic journey along Rv7.

Kjeldobu Parking

There are many places to park along the scenic RV7 road that are suitable for wild camping. We selected Kjeldobu Parking because it's a little bit off the main road. It's a quiet location but a popular camping spot. The road leading to it is close to Krossdalen. There are some rough spots on it, but it's safe to drive there in a motorhome.

The next morning, we left the campsite early to visit the nearby Vøringfossen waterfall.

Vøringfossen

First, we visited the Mount observation point to see the waterfall from above.

Then we drove to Vøringfossen bottom hike to begin our hike. We hiked for 1.7km, however, the rough terrain made it difficult for us. We walked along muddy, slippery paths, giant boulders, and pointed rocks. The hike was challenging, but we enjoyed the beautiful scenery along the way.

If you hike here, be sure to keep an eye out for the red arrows and signs. We missed the sign on the way back, so instead of turning, we continued walking straight and ended up lost for a short time. Also, make sure you arrive early in the morning to find a parking space.

As soon as we finished the hike, we drove to Odda.

The drive to Odda is scenic. We drove beside lakes with unobstructed views. There were many lovely sights of farms beside the road on the slopes of the mountains. Just before we reached Odda, we passed through a roundabout lighted beautifully with blue lights inside the tunnel.

The campsite we stayed at is Camp Lothepus in Odda, which is not one of my favorites. The only thing I like about it is the unobstructed view of the fjord. However, it is very crowded. The campground has a toilet and only a few cubicles. It is just a short walk from the campsite to the town's grocery stores, souvenir shops, and restaurants. There is a lovely souvenir shop called Tut & Kjør that sells vintage car figures along with other goods.

A breathtaking view of the entire city is offered from the Opo River Viewpoint, which we visited before sunset. You're going uphill, so it's not an easy hike. To get there, simply follow the walking path next to the beautiful river. The viewpoint can, however, be reached quicker and easier by car. A parking space is available at the viewpoint.

After Odda, we made our way to Dalen, our camping destination for the day. Although we hadn't planned any stops along the way, the drive along RV13 and E134 was so breathtaking that we couldn't resist stopping multiple times.

While driving out of Odda, we stopped along Rv13 to observe the beauty of Sandvinvatnet lake and the mountains behind it.

After 14.7 kilometers, we reached Låtefossen Waterfall. You will not be able to miss this beautiful waterfall because it is right next to the bridge that you will be passing, and as you cross the bridge, the water will get you wet. Our disappointment was that when we arrived there was already a lot of traffic and no parking space was available.

Our next stop was at location 59.844277, 6.972895, where we could see Votna lake and surrounding mountains.

After this, we traveled along the scenic route of Dyrskar.

Turistveg: Dyrskar (Scenic road)

The drive along this road was my favorite during our whole trip, making it seem like it was straight from the Game of Thrones. It is shown at the beginning and end of our Roadtrip in Norway video .

As we continued to drive along Road E134, we found a really nice spot to rest. I explored the nearby area where I saw the cute cotton grasses. It was sunny and chilly, and the fresh air made it perfect as we set up our camping tables and chairs. It was so peaceful there. The place is called Rasteplass ved Haukeli. It is a lovely place for lunch.

Following our break, we continued driving to Dalen, where we would camp.

In Dalen, we booked a sauna at Soria Moria Sauna. A beautifully designed sauna located in Lake Bandak with an unobstructed view. We had the sauna to ourselves for 2 hours as we enjoyed the breathtaking scenery. The experience was so soothing and relaxing after days on the road.

We finished our sauna at 12 midnight, so we just slept in a parking space near the sauna. We woke up early in the morning and continued driving to Oslo.

While driving out of Dalen on our way to 3891 Hydalsmo, Norway, we were pleasantly surprised by 3 moose. They were also surprised to see us. It was a delightful experience especially since it was my first time seeing this animal.

After driving in the southwestern part of the country, the drive to Oslo was not as interesting. Since our flight will leave from Oslo airport, we had to return to Oslo. Finding a parking space for our motorhome is a challenge when we arrived in Oslo. We found a parking area at DFDS in Vippetangkaia, 0150 Oslo. The area is within walking distance of the city center.

We drove to Ekeberg Camping after exploring the city. It is a huge camping ground. It is crowded, but there are enough toilets and shower rooms.

Wonderful road trip experience

Driving through Norway is filled with surprises. As you drive, you can see changing scenery. It is manageable to drive from one small town to another. The roads are well-paved, and the scenery is stunning. This trip was one of my favorites because we camped in the wilderness and ate our meals in beautiful surroundings. We felt safe where we camped.

Below is a map showing our stopovers in Norway.

During our Norway road trip, the following short film documents our adventures.

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

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

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

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

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

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Why Roadtrip in Norway?

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

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

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

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

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

Kystriksveien Coastal Route – 5 days

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

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

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

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

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

Road Trip Highlights:

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

Day 1: Steinkjer to Leka (3 hours)

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

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

Day 2: Leka to Brønnøysund (2.5 hours)

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

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

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

Day 3: Brønnøysund to Sandnessjøen (3 hours)

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

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

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

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

Day 4: Sandnessjøen to Glomfjord (5 hours)

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

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

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

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

Day 5: Glomfjord to Bodø (2 hours)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1: Bergen to Flam (2.5 hours)

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

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

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

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

Day 2: Flam to Sogndal (1.5 hours)

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

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

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

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

Day 3: Sogndal to Loen (2 hours)

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

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

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

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

Day 4: Loen to Geirangerfjord (1.75 hours)

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

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

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

Day 5: Geirangerfjord to Åndalsnes (2 hours)

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

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

There are some waterfalls to look out for too!

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

Day 6: Åndalsnes to Alesund (2 hours)

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

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

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

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

Day 7: Alesund to Kristiansund (3.5 hours)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1: Bergen to Vossevangen (1.5 hours)

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

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

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

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

Day 2: Vossevangen to Jondal (2 hours)

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

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

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

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

Day 3: Jondal to Odda (1.5 hours)

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

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

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

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

Day 4: Odda to Bergen

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

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

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

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

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

Renting a Vehicle in Norway

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

Here are some other things to take into consideration:

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

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

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

Road Rules in Norway

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

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

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

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

Insurance in Norway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christina Grayt

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Europe , Itineraries , Norway · August 12, 2022

Norway Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Days through Norway

We never could have imagined how much we would fall in love with Norway. Is it expensive, yes, but it is also totally worth it! The best way to explore Norway is hands-down road tripping the country. This will give you the flexibility to see all the little hidden gems in Norway. In this post I will show you the perfect Norway road trip itinerary in 10 days.

I’m going to show you the perfect 10-day road trip route in Norway!

No time to read now pin it for later.

The Best Time to Visit Norway

How many days are enough to visit norway, airports in norway, tips for driving in norway, norway road trip itinerary in 10 days overview, day 1 – fly into oslo, day 2- oslo > mydral > flåm, day 3 – flåm > gudvangen> voss > bergen, day 4 – fly to lofoten islands, day 5 – 7 enjoy the lofoten islands, day 8 – drive from leknes to odda, day 9 – trolltunga hike, day 10 – drive to oslo and explore oslo.

• If You Have More Time in Norway…

This post may include affiliate links . I may receive a small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you make a purchase through my affiliate link. Please read my full  disclosure & privacy policy  for more information.

The best time to visit Norway depends on what you want to do in Norway. The activities you do in the summer in Norway are going to look drastically different than what you do in the winter.

We visited in early August and knowing we weren’t going to see the Northern lights, I think it was the perfect time to visit Norway for your first time! While the Northern Lights are still on my bucket list, I am glad we go to see all the nature and beauty this country has to offer.

The Best Time to Visit Norway to see the Northern Lights

The best time to see the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) in Norway is from October through March when there are more hours of darkness in the polar night.

If you want to experience Norway in its finest frozen goodness, visit during winter months for the best chances to see the northern lights and near darkness all day.

The Best Time to Visit Norway to see the Midnight Sun

The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs near the Antarctic and Arctic Circles (close to Northern Norway) where it feels like the sun never sets. This is do the the tilt of the earth’s axis in relation to the sun.

If you want to experience the peak of the Midnight Sun, you will want to visit during June or July when you are guaranteed almost 24 hours of sunlight in the northern cities.

On the Northern Norway island of Svalbard , the sun doesn’t even set between 20 April and 22 August.

The Best Time to Visit Norway to see Avoid the Crowds

If you want less tourists AND good weather, try the shoulder seasons of April – May or August – September. In April and May you will still have some opportunities to see the Northern Lights. In August and September, you will still be able to get a feel for the midnight sun effect, but with way less crowds!

My honest opinion is that you need at least 10 days to 2 weeks in Norway.

From Oslo, to Bergen, to the North, to the islands, there is truly so much to see. You will also want to allow yourself enough time to travel in between these cities and have enough time to explore while you are there. Norway is just not the best weekend trip destination.

It is immensely easier to tack on the Lofoten Islands, or the Trolltunga Hike, when you are already visiting Oslo or Bergen, rather than trying to come back and doing them again.

10 days was just enough time for us, including a side trip to the Lofoten Islands. If you want to take your trip at a slower pace, I highly recommend a full 2 weeks in Norway.

Alright, I know this is a road trip blog through Norway, but if you want to also include the Lofoten Islands in your itinerary, I highly recommend getting there via a plane. Otherwise it will take you way longer, and you don’t want to waste your precious time in Norway.

Oslo Airport (OSL) is probably the airport that you will fly in and out of for your time in Norway.

If you want to get to the North of Norway or the Lofoten Islands, you can catch a flight from the Bergen Airport (BGO) to either Bodø Airport (BDO) or Tromsø Airport (TOS). Many people make Tromsø a destination in of its own in the winter to see the Northern lights. From either Tromsø or Bodø you can catch a connecting seaplane to the Leknes Airport.

The flight into and out of the Leknes airport is a once in a lifetime experience. Trust me when I say you will want a window-seat for this flight!

The flight is very short, but you will be rewarded with the most magical views over the fjords.

The Leknes Airport (LKN) is the only airport located on the Lofoten Islands. From here you will need to rent a car in order to explore the Islands, as the public transportation system is not extensive.

Driving in Norway is not difficult at all, but there are a few rules and precautions that you should be aware of ahead of time.

Here are my top 6 tips on driving in the Norway:

• You will drive on the right side of the road, easy enough right?
• Don’t drink and drive, the tolerance in Norway is 0.
• You must always carry a safety vest and warning triangle in your car – it’s compulsory. Just check that these are in your rental car before driving off.
• If you are driving during the winter, you must have winter tires on. Again your rental car should come equipped with these, but double check.
•  On roads without the “Yellow Diamond” sign, all traffic from your right hand side has the right of way. This is a strange concept to Americans (and even some Europeans), so be aware.
• Be on the lookout for animals, we saw sheep many times using the roadways!
• Day 1:  Oslo
• Day 2 : Flam
• Day 3:  Bergen
• Day 4:  Fly to Lofoten Islands
• Day 5:  Lofoten Islands
• Day 6:  Lofoten Islands
• Day 7:  Lofoten Islands
• Day 8:  Fly to Bergen, drive to Odda
• Day 9:  Trolltunga Hike
• Day 10:  Oslo

Now let’s get into the details of the perfect road trip in Norway itinerary. Below I laid out a suggested route for spending 10 days in Norway. However if you have more time and your schedule allows, I have also included below where I would have spent more time.

Getting from the Oslo Airport to Downtown Oslo

The easiest, and most cost efficient airport to fly into for your 10-day itinerary is the capital city of Oslo.

When you arrive, the fastest way to downtown Oslo is by Flytoget, the airport shuttle train. The Flytoget takes you to the city center in 20 minutes and trains run from 5.35 am to 12.35 am every 10 minutes.

A one-way ticket costs NOK 160 or ($20 USD), but you can typically get a discount if you purchase a round trip ticket.

What to Do with One Day in Oslo

We flew into Oslo late on Friday night, and had an early morning train booked the next day. We planned to spend one-day exploring Oslo at the end of our trip before flying home.

However, if you prefer, you can easily spend time exploring Oslo on the front end of your trip. Here is what I would do with one-day in Oslo, Norway.

Brunch in Oslo

Start off your day exploring Oslo with brunch downtown at either Leibling or Bonita Café & Flowers . You will need a lot of energy and good fuel for your day exploring Oslo largely by foot.

The brunch spots and cafes in Oslo are all so hygge (the Danish and Norwegian word for a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being) that you can’t go wrong with your pick for brunch.

Visit the Oslo Opera House

Located right on the harbor, you cannot miss the Oslo Opera House. Home to the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, the Oslo Opera house is an architectural masterpiece.

My favorite part of the Opera house is that the architecture intentionally resembles an iceberg.

For a free activity in Oslo, you can access the rooftop of the Oslo Opera House for phenomenal views over the Oslofjord.

You can also book a guided tour to go backstage and see the set workshop or reserve a table at the cafe/restaurant for lunch or dinner.

Join a Walking Tour of Oslo

I always recommend joining a walking tour when you get to a new city on the first day to get your bearings of the city. Here are multiple companies offering free walking tours of Oslo, here are some of the best:

• Free Tour Oslo
• Strawberry Tours

The concept of a free walking tour is that there is no set price for the tour. At the end it is highly encouraged that you tip the guide based on your experience.

There are also a handful of paid walking tours that you can do that are more specific:

• Street Food Culture Walking Tour
• Private Oslo 2 hour City Tour

If you want to get off your feet, you can also try an Oslo Bike Tour which will allow you to cover more ground.

The concept of SALT is a cultural gathering spot combining art, music, shopping, food trucks, architecture, and saunas. You will also know you have reached SALT when you see the tree construction inspired by traditional Norwegian fish racks called “fiskehjeller” (see right photo above).

SALT is located right by Oslo’s famous Opera House On the edge of the jetty facing the Opera, you can both swim in the fjord and use the saunas at SALT.

There are six different saunas at SALT with the capacity of up to 80 people. You can rent your own private sauna, or participate in Sauna Sessions in the larger saunas Árdna or Skroget.

To cool down, you have your choice between cold water pools, outdoor showers, or a dip in the Oslo Fjord. You can book the saunas in advance here .

Grab some Lunch and Drinks at Vippa

About a 10 minute walk from SALT, you will find Vippa, a hip food court located at the edge of the Oslo Fjord.

The purpose of Vippa has always been to create an ethical and multicultural environment for both the locals operating the food stands and visitors. On a sunny day, enjoy the patio seating outside and make sure to take a long lunch!

Visit Akershus Fortress

Right by the harbor you’ll find Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle built to protect and provide a royal residence for the city of Oslo.

Today the fortress houses museums, restaurants, and concerts. The Akershus Fortress is completely free to enter and is open all year round from 6am until 9pm.

Guided tours of the fortress are available to the public in summer, and start at the Fortress Visitor Centre.

Mingle like a Local at Aker Brygge

Keep walking along the water from the Akerhus Fortress and you will dead end into the Aker Brygge neighborhood. The area was built upon the former ship yard of Akers Mekaniske Verksted, which ceased operations in 1982.

Today Aker Brygge is best known as a melting pot where people meet up in Oslo. Here you can find a strip of restaurants along the boardwalk with outdoor tables for al fresco dining. A popular summer boat bar is docked nearby, and ferries depart year-round for the scenic Oslo Fjord.

Take a Boat Trip down Oslofjord for some Oslo Sightseeing & Dinner

Take to the water to explore Oslo and the Oslofjord from a different perspective. The dramatic waterways are a photographer’s dream and give the city its lifeblood.

Here are a couple highly rated boat tours that I recommend:

I know traveling can be unpredictable – so all experiences recommended can be cancelled 24-hours beforehand for a full refund.

If you Have More Time in Oslo You Might Consider…

If you have more than one days in Oslo, I would suggest getting out of the city center and exploring the neighborhoods around Oslo. Here are my top suggestions!

Island hop around Oslofjord

Starting at Aker Brygge, you can catch a ferry to the different islands around Oslofjord with a regular public transport ticket or an Oslo Pass .

The islands worth visiting are: Nakholmen, Bleikøya, Hovedøya, Lindøya, Gressholmen or Langøyene. Activities on the islands will include shopping, eating at local restaurants, and taking a dip in the water.

Bygdøy Peninsula & the Museums

On the west side of Oslo, you’ll find the Bygdøy Peninsula. Bygdøy is the most fashionable residential areas in Norway, where the most expensive properties in the entire country are found.

By isgdøy a 20-minute journey from Oslo’s central station via bus 30. You can also reach he Bygdøy Peninsula via the boat from Pier 3 by the City Hall.

Here you will find the Bygdøy Royal Estate which was the official summer residence of the King of Norway. A visit to Bygdøy Royal Manor can be combined with a hike in  Kongeskogen the “royal forest”. Bygdøy Royal Manor also offers guided tours for all kinds of groups upon request.

In addition to enjoying the parks, nature, and beaches, the peninsula has five national museums:

• The Viking Ship Museum (currently closed until 2025 for renovations)
• the Fram Museum
• the Norwegian Folk Museum
• the Kon-Tiki Museum
• the Norwegian Maritime Museum

Grünerløkka

Grünerløkka is the exact opposite vibe from Bygdøy, and is known as Oslo’s hipster neighborhood. Here you will find small independent boutiques, vintage shopping, cafés, bars, graffiti, art, and music.

Damstredet & Telthusbakken

One of the most charming and picturesque parts of Oslo are the neighborhoods of Damstredet & Telthusbakken due to the well-preserved and wooden houses dating back to the late 1700s and the 1800s.

Damstredet  is a cobbled street with wooden houses from the first half of the 19th century. The street runs between Akersveien and Fredensborgveien.

Telthusbakken  is located between Maridalsveien and Akersveien, just below the medieval church Gamle Aker kirke. Along the gardens you can walk the romantic  Kjærlighetsstien  (“The Love Trail”).

Another neighborhood in Oslo worth checking out is Grønland. Make sure to explore here when you are hungry, because Grønland is home to the best Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants in all of Oslo.

Where to Stay in Oslo

For location right next to the Oslo central train station, book a room at Thon Hotel Opera . For a room with a view in the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood, check out this apartment style room . If you are looking for a room on a budget, we can recommend the Comfort Karl Johan Hotel .

When planning our road trip through Norway we utilized Norway in a Nutshell to customize and coordinate different modes of transportation to get from Oslo to Bergen.

Norway in a Nutshell centralized the purchase of all the tickets for our trains, buses, and boats over the next 2 days. It does all the leg work of coordinating time tables between different modes of transportation and allows you to customize your road trip by electing to spend more time in certain cities.

You can definitely do it on your own and save some money, but it will take more time and research.

Morning Train from Oslo Central Station to Myrdal

In the morning we caught a 4.5-hour train from the Oslo Central Station to Myrdal. This train ride was absolutely stunning!

Try to get seats on the left side of the train for the best views of the picturesque towns along the way!

Catch the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) in Myrdal

Once we arrived in Myrdal, we got off the train and had about an hour to explore Myrdal before our next train. From Myrdal you take the famous Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) to Flåm.

The Flåm Railway has been described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. In my honest opinion, it was a bit touristy and just OK views.

So is the Flåm Railway worth it?

Yes, I would recommend the Flåm Railway train ride to others as a good way to get to Flåm, but cannot claim it is the most beautiful train journey in the world. I did not have a bad time, the views were good, and it’s a great way to get to the town of Flåm.

This train ride last about 1 hour and passes by waterfalls and endless green pastures.

The Flåm Railway train will make one stop at the Kjosfossen Falls and allow you to get off the train to view the falls from the platform. We stayed on the train and used it as an opportunity to grab a photo from inside the train with the falls (see below).

Spend the Day in Flåm – What To do with One Day in Flåm

We arrived in Flåm around 1pm and opted to spend the night here so we had more time to explore. I would highly recommend spending at least one night in Flåm in order to explore properly. If we had more time I would also consider staying 2 nights in Flåm.

Grab Lunch Along the Harbor

First things first, we got some lunch at the NIF Flåm Market set up along the water. There were multiple different vendors selling local seafood, beers, and other options for lunch.

We purchased some food and then sat along picnic tables outside. It was honestly just what we needed after a long morning of train travel.

There are not many options for food in Flåm, so for dinner you can check out the Ægir microbrewery for small bites, Flåmstova Restaurant right on top of the brewery, or stop by the only grocery store, Coop Marked Flåm, and pick up some ingredients to make dinner (if you have a kitchen of course).

Visit Stegastein for Fjord Views

From the Flåm tourism center we booked tickets for a shuttle to the Stegastein viewpoint which offers the most stunning view over the Aurlansfjord. The drive up took about 30 minutes, and once we were at the viewpoint we had about 30 minutes to explore.

You can enjoy the viewpoint, and there are also some walking trails in the area where I caught this family of sheep enjoying a nice walk! On the way back to town, our driver pulled over along the side of the road for the below views over Flåm and the Fjords. I would definitely recommend booking a trip to Stegastein .

If you have a car with you at this point in your road trip, you can also self-drive to Stegastein both from Flåm and Aurland in the summer months.

Walk around Flåm

Enjoy some time exploring by foot around town. My favorite was getting to see this cute baby calf near our hotel.

End with Sunset at Flåm Beach

Not a traditional beach, the Flåm Beach area is more of a park with green grass and a pebble beach leading into the fjord.

We enjoyed relaxing here near sunset and enjoying the views of the Aurlansfjord.

Where to Stay in Flåm

There are not many places to stay in Flam, so make sure you book your room early. If you can, try to get a room at the highly rated Flåm Ferdaminne . Other great options right in the center of Flam are Fretheim Hotel or Flåmsbrygga Hotel . If you are traveling with a group and need more space, this three bedroom private apartment in the valley would be perfect.

Day three on your road trip through Norway itinerary is a BIG travel day. You will take three different modes of transportation: a ferry, a bus, and a train before the end of the day! Don’t only focus on the destination today, because the views along your trip are going to be part of this spectacular journey!

Get Breakfast at Flåm Bakerei

Our morning after arriving in Flåm, we were scheduled to take a boat ride from Flam to Gudvangen.

When we arrived at the Flåm harbor we were hungry for some breakfast and found, what my husband still says is the best bakery on the planet, Flåm Bakerei.

We ordered the cinnamon pudding pastry, and the fruit pudding pastry, both of which were amazing! We cannot recommend this little bakery enough. For being one of the only places to get breakfast in Flåm, we were extremely impressed.

Ferry Through the Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen

We then boarded our ferry which took us on the most magical ride through the Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen. The ferry boat was huge, offering multiple outdoor viewing platforms, as well as tons of inside seating.

There were also some food options aboard the ferry. During the ferry ride we passed by the most quaint towns of Undredal (left photo below) and Dyrdal (right photo below).

As we approached the town of Gudvangen, we saw a few more little towns as well as this picturesque white church along the water. I would definitely recommend a ferry through the Nærøyfjord to anyone visiting Norway!

Gudvangen > Voss > Bergen

In Gudvangen, you can visit the Viking Village Njardarheimr and meet with real Vikings and experience how they live. The Viking Village is actually a permanent village where Vikings from all over can come and live together and share their lifestyle with visitors. You should plan at least an hour to explore the Viking Village and Gudvangen.

Next we boarded a bus to Voss where we boarded a train continuing on to Bergen. Again, all this transportation was booked and coordinated through Norway in a Nutshell , which saved us lots of stress and scheduling.

Spend the Evening in Bergen – What to do in Bergen

We arrived in Bergen in the late afternoon and had about half a day to explore. If we had more time, I would have spent an extra day in Bergen. There isn’t a ton to do here, however with how packed the rest of the itinerary is, some time to relax at a slower pace is nice. And Bergen is the perfect slow-pace city in Norway!

Bergen Harbor (Bergen Havn)

Once in Bergen, head straight to the Bergen Harbor or “Bergen Havn”. This is where you will feel Bergen come alive!

We loved this area for the picturesque colorful houses along the Harbor which provided plenty of cute photo opportunities.

Bergen Fish Market

Right near the Bergen Harbor you will find the fish market! An absolute treat to walk around the market and see the local Norwegian fish and other products.

During the summer the Bergen Fish Market, which consists of a long string of fish and other produce stalls is open 7 days a week from 9AM-9PM. The fish market is closed in the winter except for some select Saturdays.

Grab Dinner along the Bergen Harbor

Seafood always tastes better when you are looking at the water, am I right? We enjoyed a delicious meal at one of the restaurants along the harbor. We just walked around looking at the menus in front of each of the restaurants to pick where we wanted to eat, so I don’t remember the specific restaurant we ate at.

We sat out on the patio and enjoyed some people watching at the harbor as well. This is definitely the place to be in Bergen for a lively atmosphere!

Day 4 was largely a travel day as we made our way to the Lofoten Islands by dusk. From Bergen, we flew into the Leknes airport with a layover in Tromsø.

The Lofoten Islands was one of the stops on our Norway road trip that we were the most excited for!

The flight costs to northern Norway were extremely expensive by Europe standards. But believe me when I tell you, visiting the Lofoten Islands was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. I have never looked back and regretted paying for those tickets.

Once you arrive at the Leknes airport, you will want to rent a car from the airport for your time exploring Lofoten. There is a public bus system on the island, but you could spend hours waiting at bus stops if you plan to see multiple villages.

On our way to our Airbnb in Sørvågen on day 4, we drove by small fishing cabins with rack upon racks of drying cod, through valleys of large mountains of snow-capped peaks, and through small beach towns with unforgettable views of the setting sun. It was one of the most picturesque drives of my life. We had to stop and pull over multiple times to admire the view!

If you want to see more, check out my 24 Epic Photography locations in the Lofoten Islands post.

We spent the next 3 days in the Lofoten islands , exploring every nook and cranny of the small fishing towns in the Lofoten Islands. You can drive along E10 from the northern most town of Svolvær to the end of the Lofoten Islands at the fishing village of Å (not a typo, it is a single letter town).

Our favorite activity in those few days was by far the Reinebringen hike to the top of a mountain/hill overlooking the city of Reine. This hike is about 510 meters ascent (1680 feet), and takes probably 2-3 hours round trip conservatively. The hike was a bit difficult as it’s basically a large staircase the entire way up, but the views are unrivaled.

A few other of our favorite spots was exploring the town of Henningsvær , as well as having a picnic on the beach in Ramberg.

There are not a ton of dining options, though there are enough, but a few places we enjoyed were Anita’s Seafood on Sakrisoy, as well as Maren Anna in Sørvågen.

Day 8 was largely a travel day again. Getting to and from the Lofoten Islands needs about a day on either end for travel. However, I have never regretted spending those magical 3 days in Lofoten!

We flew back to Bergen from Leknes, again with a layover in Tromsø. We then rented a car from the Bergen airport using Discover Cars as we always do and drove to the city of Odda. The next day we planned to hike the famous Trolltunga Hike near Odda, Norway!

Another fun mode of transportation we got to try for the first time was a car ferry . There will be an option to take a car ferry from the towns of Tørvikbygd to Jondal which cuts out a considerable amount of driving time, and was well worth it so we could get to our next stop faster.

The drive took us in total 2.5-3 hours which largely depends on how long you have to wait to catch the next car ferry. The next day we have a big hike ahead of us, so once we arrived to our Airbnb, we grabbed a pizza and headed to bed early.

Today is a big hiking day! We woke up around 5AM to get started on our drive from Odda to the parking area for the Trolltunga hike (only about 30 minutes).

The entire Trolltunga hike is about 28km round trip and can take 8-12 hours to hike there and back so make sure you start early enough to make it down by dark.

If you want to see Trolltunga at sunrise, you might consider one of these guided hiking tours:

It’s about a 5 hour drive from Odda to Oslo. An alternative to going back to Oslo would be to head to Bergen.

We chose to book our return flight from Oslo as it provided better options for outgoing flights and we didn’t get much time to explore Oslo when we arrived on Day 1.

On our last day in Norway we explored Oslo as detailed in the beginning of the post.

If You Have More Time in Norway …

If you have more than 10 days to explore Norway I would suggest looking into Alesund, Stavanger, Tromsø, the Kjeragbolten Hike, and the Pulpit Rock Hike.

Final Thoughts!

I hope that you now have all the tools you need to plan the most epic road trip in Norway. If you are currently planning a trip to Norway and have any questions, drop them in the comments below. For more travel inspiration and tips, follow me on Instagram for current updates.

Looking for more Norway inspiration? You may also enjoy these Norway related posts:

• Unforgettable 4-Day Lofoten Islands Norway Itinerary
• 24 Epic Photography Spots in Lofoten in Summer
• Hiking Trolltunga: Norway’s Most Epic Hike

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What camera gear do i use.

• Camera Body: Canon EOS 6D Mark ii
• Wide Angle Lens: Canon 16-35mm f/2.8
• Zoom Lens: Canon 24-70mm f/2.8
• Super Zoom Lens: Canon 70-200mm f/2.8
• Portrait Lens: Tamron 35mm f/1.4
• Drone: DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro with RC Controller
• Camera Bag: Vegan Leather Backpack
• Tripod: Manfrotto Element Traveller
• SD Card: SanDisk Extreme Pro 256 GB
• External Travel SSD: SanDisk Extreme Pro 4 TB

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About Rebecca

Rebecca is a photographer, travel blogger, and founder of That One Point of View -- a resource for the modern traveler dreamed up after a cross-cultural move abroad to Germany. She's now traveled to over 50+ countries with her husband (and sometimes golden retriever) and creates thoughtful itineraries for you to plan similar trips with ease. She's on a mission to take the intimidation out of traveling to new places and inspire you to finally book that dream trip!

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May 9, 2022 at 5:19 pm

Greetings, Beautiful Norway and splendid itinerary. Is there a way to do this itinerary without a car for 10-12days? I you could suggest better itinerary, I gladly appreciate it.

August 1, 2022 at 3:22 pm

If you are planning to explore Norway without a car, I would look into Norway in a Nutshell that I linked in the blog. This helps you to connect different modes of transportation on your desired route through Norway using buses, trains, ferrys, ect.

July 14, 2023 at 9:47 am

A lot places you visited! Did you reserved tickets transportation in Norway before trip and what about your luggage with big luggage is not probably easy? Thank you

July 14, 2023 at 10:12 am

Thanks for your question! We reserved our car (for Lofoten Island and Norway mainland) and booked flights a couple months ahead of time. All the train/ferry transportation noted in the blog we booked through Norway in the Nutshell months in advance as well. We traveled with a smaller carry-on size suitcase during this trip, so I would suggest something that would be manageable for you to lift up onto trains, but the ferries and cars are easier to manage larger suitcases. Hope this helps!

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12 days in Norway: A Perfect Norway Road Trip Itinerary

05/22/2023 By Traveling Canucks 6 Comments Categories: Adventures Europe Norway Sightseeing Top Lists Travel Stories Trip Ideas World Attractions World Heritage Site

Norway road trip itinerary

Planning a Norway road trip can be overwhelming. There are endless possibilities and so many incredible things to see in Norway . Where does one even begin?

Of course, you want to visit as many places as you can. However, you also need to balance the amount of time spent in the car. You don’t want to move so fast that you feel like you’ve spent the entire trip sitting in the car. That’s not fun. Or the point of the road trip adventure.

On this Norway road trip, we traveled with our two boys, aged 10 and 8 years old at the time. Because of this, purchasing flights and/or train tickets starts to add up. Unfortunately, this eliminates the northern regions, like the Lofoten Islands , from this particular Norway travel itinerary.  

Although we had 12 days for this road trip around Norway, you can easily skip a few of these places to reduce it a 7 day Norway road trip. That’s the thing we love most about road trips – you can make adjustments as you go! 

Things to consider when planning a Norway road trip

Before we dive into each destination on this Norway road trip itinerary, we feel it’s important to share a few of the factors that influence our decisions. 

• Short drive days . We do not want to drive more than 3 hours per day. Our boys are great travelers, but they don’t like long car rides. Windy roads and multiple stops can easily turn a 3 hour drive into 6 hours. 
• Oslo departure and arrival . It’s cheaper to pick-up and return your vehicle at the same location. We depart Norway from Oslo and take an overnight ferry to Copenhagen. This means backtracking to Oslo, which adds extra drive time. You can avoid this by finishing your road trip in a different city, like Bergen, Stavanger, Alesund or Trondheim.
• Family travel . We are travelling with our two boys. If we did not have kids with us, we would choose a slightly different route. For example, we would do the popular Pulpit Rock hike , which would mean visiting Stavanger. And, we might have taken a flight from Alesund back to Oslo. 
• Visit the popular Norway attractions . For this road trip, we want to include stops in Bergen, Jostedalsbreen National Park , Aurlandsfjord, Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord and Lillehammer. We also want to see a few of Norway’s iconic stave churches.
• Accommodations . Visiting Norway in the summer is expensive. Hotels fill up quickly. There are limited “family rooms” that fit a family of four. This lack of viable accommodations impacts the route and places we stay. In Oslo. we stayed in a two bedroom with breakfast included at the Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion . 

Looking to rent a vehicle in Europe?

Check out Auto Europe to search for rates and availability from the top car rental companies in Europe. Another option that has great rates is Discover Car Hire . 

We got a hybrid Ford SUV from Hertz and did the pick-up/drop-off in Oslo city center. 

Above is the 12 day Norway road trip map 

The route goes as follows: Oslo > Hemsedal > Borgund > Aurland > Flam > Gudvangen > Bergen > Forde > Jostedalsbreen National Park > Geiranger > Lom > Hafjell > Lillehammer > Oslo. 

If you’ve been researching ideas for the best Norway road trip itinerary, you might be surprised by the above route. It’s missing a few popular tourist destinations, like Stavanger and Alesund. We had to make some tough decisions. We will explain why in each section below. 

To see the countryside of Norway, it’s best to rent a car . Public transportation is expensive and limited.

There are options for organized tours and day trips. However, we find organized tours to be challenging with kids. We find them to be too restrictive and cater to wider audience, which is not our preference. 

In this post, we break down each location with drive times, attractions and where to stay. 

No matter what Norway road trip route you decide, you will be impressed by Norway’s stunning landscapes and majestic fjords. You will also look back at the places you could have visited with slight FOMO. As I write this post, I’ve had a few “Doh, we should have gone there!” moments.

Unfortunately, this is unavoidable. Unless you dedicate a month (or more) to travel Norway.

Day 1 & 2 – Oslo 

We spent 2 nights in Oslo before starting our Norway road trip. We spent 1 more night in Oslo (total of 3 nights) after dropping off the car rental at the end of the road trip. Obviously, if you have more time, you can add (or subtract) days at the beginning or end of this Norway road trip from Oslo. 

There are so many things to do Oslo.

Visit the Oslo Opera House and Rådhuset (City Hall), walk along Karl Johans Gate to The Royal Palace, wander the modern Aker Brygge promenade, visit the Nobel Peace Center and/or The National Museum, explore the historic Akershus Fortress, visit the Munch museum and/or Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. That should keep you busy for a few days!

Note – The Viking Ship Museum is closed until 2026. 

For a unique experience, visit a floating sauna in the Oslo fjord. You will find these located beside the Oslo Opera House (see photo below), near the Munch museum (see the second photo below – we think this is the best location), and there are a few floating saunas at Aker Brygge promenade.

Where to stay in Oslo 

There are plenty of hotels in downtown Oslo. We stayed at Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion .

We chose this hotel because it has two separate rooms, breakfast AND dinner included , and it’s located within walking distance to Oslo Central Station.

The breakfasts in Norway are very good. Eating at restaurants is very expensive in Norway, so having breakfast included with your hotel will save you money. 

We researched Oslo apartment rentals on VRBO but did not find anything suitable for our family in our price range. When you factor in breakfasts, coffee and light dinners, it’s actually more economical to stay at hotels. This, of course, depends on how many people you are traveling with.

Related post – Things to do in Stockholm this summer

Day 3 – Oslo to Hemsedal

We picked up our rental car at 9:30 AM. Before we left Oslo, we visited Norsk Folkemuseum at Bygdøy. This is an interesting outdoor museum and good introduction into Norway’s history. The Gol Stave Church ( Gol stavkirke ) is remarkable. Watch a short video of the church here .

We spent 2 hours at the Norsk Folkemuseum . It was 1:30 by the time we left Oslo. 

We chose Hemsedal for a few reasons:

• Affordable and available accommodations with a family room.
• It’s a 3 hour drive from Oslo (we arrived at 4:30 PM).
• We want to visit the black Borgund Stave Church .
• It’s a ski resort in the the Scandinavian Alps. We plan to hike in the morning.
• It’s an easy 2 hour drive from Hemsedal to Aurland (our next stop)

We stayed at  Skogstad Hotell . It’s located on the main road (Highway 52), making it an easy and convenient road trip stop.

The family room has an upstairs loft . We like the privacy and extra space with the loft, which is needed after spending the day in the car together.

Day 4 – Hemsedal to Aurland (via Borgund)

The drive from Hemsedal to Borgund is about an hour. The original plan for a morning hike in Hemsedal was spoiled by rain. After a quick visit to the ski hill, we made our way to Borgund to visit the impressive Borgund stave church , built around 1180.

We spent an hour at the church and visitor center. It’s one of the most distinctive stave churches in all of Norway. We think it’s worth visiting.

The road trip continues with a drive through Lærdalstunnelen , the longest road tunnel in the world at 24.5 km. It’s a remarkable engineering accomplishment. It has multiple caverns that are illuminated with bright blue lights so that drivers can pull over if they need a break. 

We chose Aurland for a few reasons:

• We could not find accommodations in Flam, which is where we originally wanted to stay. It’s only 15 minutes drive from Aurland to Flam.
• There are only a few hotels in this area. Because of this, hotel rooms are very expensive ($500+ per night) and availability is limited in peak travel season. 
• It was challenging to find a hotel room that accommodates a family of four. 
• Aurland to Bergen is only 3 hours drive.

We stayed at Winjum Cabin Aurland Stegastein .

The property has several basic cottages with bunk beds. We thought it would be fun to mix things up and stay in one of these rustic wooden cottages. Upon arrival, the owner informed us that he had overbooked the cottages. To compensate, he offered us a large 2-bedroom cottage with a full kitchen, bathroom with laundry. It was a nice upgrade!

Stegastein viewing platform

One of the main attractions in Aurland is the Stegastein viewpoint . It offers panoramic views of Aurlandsfjord at 650 metres above sea level. 

Unfortunately, our excitement to visit this attraction was spoiled by the rain. We were told by many people that this particular summer in Norway was exceptionally rainy and cold.

We decided to visit the Stegastein viewing platform the following morning, before leaving Aurland. The good news is that the rain stopped. The bad news is that thick fog rolled into the fjord, making it difficult to see anything from the viewing platform. Watch this video to see what happened. 

It was disappointing, but we did get a few open views half-way down the mountain. 

Walking on the Stegastein viewpoint overlooking Aurlandsfjord. Or, in this case, a view of the thick morning fog that engulfed the fjord. 

Aurlandsfjord is a 17 km arm of Sognefjord, the world’s second longest fjord. Together, along with the Nærøyfjord, the Aurlandsfjord is one of the most picturesque fjords in the world. These West Norwegian Fjords are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . 

In the above photo, if you look in the distance, you can see a white cruise ship. That’s the town of Flam. It’s a popular port of call on Norway fjord cruises. 

Day 4 – Aurland to Bergen (via Flam and Gudvangen)

We left the Stegastein viewpoint and drove to Flam. We spent about an hour in Flam.

The famous Flam Railway, or Flamsbana , is ranked as one of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys. It’s a key feature in the hugely popular Norway in a Nutshell tour . 

We considered riding the Flam Railway to Myrdal.

It’s an hour each way, so it takes a few hours to complete. It was a tough decision. However, we decided to skip the Flam train. The weather was not cooperating that day. It was rainy and foggy, with limited visibility in the mountains. We felt like the views would be disappointing, like our earlier visit to Stegastein lookout. 

We are disappointed that we did not get to experience the Flam train, but it didn’t feel like the right move at the time. I’m not sure if we made the right decision. It’s such an iconic Norway tourist attraction.

We left Flam and drove through the Gudvanga Tunnel . It is Norway’s third longest road tunnel at 11.4 km. 

We stopped at the village of  Gudvangen , a popular tourist destination located at the end of the Nærøyfjord . It’s a key stop on the hugely popular Norway in a Nutshell tour. 

This fjord village is surrounded by waterfalls and lush mountains in every direction. There’s a fun Viking tourist attraction here, along with a cafe, restaurant and hotel. Many kayak and paddleboard excursions start from Gudvangen. 

The Flam Railway train station is surrounded by mountains and waterfalls.

Tvindefossen

One of the best parts of a road trip is the surprising things you’ll discover on the journey. Tvindefossen is located just off the E16 highway, making it easily accessible. It’s worth pulling over and spending a few minutes admiring it’s cascading waterfalls .

Voss Gondola

We continued driving to the city of Voss. It has a gondola that takes guests up to the ski area. The Voss Gondola is said to be the largest and most modern mountain gondola in Northern-Europe.

Unfortunately, we did not know about this gondola. We probably would have planned our day differently had we known. It looks like a fun place to spend a few hours. 

Day 5 – Full day in Bergen

We arrived in Bergen at 4:00 PM on Day 4. Given that we decided to skip the Flam Railway, this was earlier than originally expected.

After checking into  our Bergen hotel room , we made our way to the Fløibanen funicular , one of Bergen’s most visited tourist attractions. Rain was expected the following day, so we decided to do this activity at the end of day 4, instead of on Day 5. It was the right call. The weather was somewhat cooperative that evening. 

The next day is a full day in Bergen. After changing hotels three nights in a row, it’s nice to have multiple nights in the same place. It’s important to balance our desire to see everything with moving too fast. 

Unfortunately, the rain was still hanging around. Because of this, we decided to visit Bergen Aquarium, Akvariet , said to be Norway’s largest aquarium. Visiting the aquarium was a nice change of pace. Our boys enjoyed the visit. You only need a couple hours, at most, to see the exhibits. 

Where to stay in Bergen

There are plenty of hotels in central Bergen. We stayed in the Bryggen area, which is more expensive but centrally located within walking distance to most attractions. Bryggen, the old wharf of Bergen, is arguably Bergen’s most popular tourist attractions and is listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site .

We stayed at  Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret . It’s located close to Bryggen on the waterfront.

We enjoyed this property and would recommend it. Similar to the Clarion in Oslo, it offers an afternoon tea and light dinner buffet, along with the breakfast buffet, included in the hotel price. This is a nice feature that made our stay more enjoyable and cost effective. 

View from the lookout tower at our hotel. The Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret offers stunning views of Bryggen’s wooden rooftops and Bergen’s Old Town.

Day 6 – Bergen to Forde

The Norway road trip continues north, from Bergen to Førde. 

We hit the road after a late breakfast and made our way to Ytre Oppedal. This is where the highway turns into a ferry crossing. We arrive just as the ferry departs from Ytre Oppedal to Lavik, so we wait about 20 minutes for the next ferry to arrive.

We were a little confused about how the ferry crossing works. There is not place to purchase tickets. You drive your vehicle into a lane and wait to board the ferry. Vehicles are automatically charged the ferry toll. Most rental vehicles will have the autopass set-up, so you don’t need to do anything.

Why did we choose to stay in Forde?

We struggled to find accommodations in the area. Initially, we considered staying in Skei, at the Thon Partner Hotel Jolster . However, there were no family rooms available at the time. We found this to be a common theme when booking hotels at peak summer travel season.

Instead, we chose to stay in the town Forde because it’s a 3 hour drive from Bergen. Remember, that’s one of our goals for this Norway road trip.

We stayed at Forde Gjestehus og Camping . This campground has several options, from private cottages to RV campsites to apartments.

We chose the two bedroom apartment. It’s a spacious apartment with full kitchen and laundry, which is just what we needed. There’s a grocery store close to the campground, so that evening was spent shopping, cooking and doing laundry. The less glamourous side of road tripping. 

We enjoyed our stay at this property and would recommend it.

However, if we could do it over again, we would skip Forde and drive straight to Olden or Leon.

This will add 2 hours to the drive, making it a long 5 hour drive from Bergen. BUT, after visiting Briksdalsbreen in Jostedalsbreen National Park , we’d recommend the longer drive to spend more time in this area. It’s stunning here.

There are several campgrounds with small cottages along the road from Olden to Briksdalsbreen. The rooms are basic, so don’t expect a fancy breakfast buffet. But if you’re open to a rustic cabin experience, we’d recommend this area instead of Forde.

The vibrant colour of Oldevatnet Lake is spectacular. Seriously, watch this video to see for yourself. You want to spend time at this lake if you can.

Day 7 –  Jostedalsbreen National Park

Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier in continental Europe. Jostedal Glacier has a total area of 487 square kilometres (188 square miles). As you can imagine, there are several places to view the glacier, so you’ll need to make a decision on what route is best for you.

If you want to do a Jostedalsbreen glacier walk, you might want to enter on the south side of the glacier. Here’s more info about Jostedal Glacier hiking. If you choose this route, you’d want to drive from Bergen to Guapne or Sogndalsfjøra. Keep in mind, this will add a few extra hours of drive time. 

We chose to view the glacier from Briksdalsbreen , an arm of the Jostedalsbreen.

It’s a 5 km hike round trip (2.4 km each way), from the parking lot to the Briksdalsbreen (Briksdal Glacier in English) viewing location. It’s a moderate hike with stairs and approx. 200 metre elevation.

If you’re not up for the hike, you can jump on the glacier shuttle that takes you most of the way to the glacial lake. You catch the troll car beside the souvenir shop in Briksdal. The Troll car takes about 1.5 hours roundtrip.

Read more: Hike to Briksdalsbreen in Jostedalsbreen National Park

Drive from Forde to Briksdalsbreen to Geiranger

We left Forde at 10:00 AM. The drive from Forde to Briksdalsbreen takes about 2 hours. It’s a beautiful drive, especially the road from Olden to Oldevatnet Lake. 

We arrived at the Briksdalsbreen parking lot around 12:00 PM. We spent 3 hours inside the park. 

After visiting Briksdalsbreen, we drove to Olden and stopped for a late lunch. Then we pushed on to Geiranger, our final destination for the day.  

It was a long day of driving. About 5 hours in total. As mentioned above, we’d rather have done the extra 2 hours the day before, instead of staying in Forde. That way, we’d only have about 2.5 hours drive from Briksdalbreen to Geiranger. 

You have two options to get from Stryn to Geiranger.

There is a car ferry from Hellesylt to Geiranger (more info and pricing here ). Or you drive to up the mountain pass to  Djupvatnet Lake (picture below) and down the famous switchbacks of  Geirangervegen .

It was raining heavily as we drove down this windy road, which adds to the excitement.

Read next: Hike to Briksdalsbreen in Jostedalsbreen National Park

Day 8 –  Geirangerfjord

We spent two nights in the village of Geiranger. This gives one full day to explore, without any driving. After days of driving, it’s nice to have a day off.

Geirangerfjord is one of Norway’s greatest treasures. Surrounded by steep cliffs and towering mountains, Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that must be included on your Norway road trip itinerary. 

The village is touristy and some might say you only need a few hours here. We spent a full day in Geiranger so that we could join a fjord safari on a RIB Boat . It’s a fun way to experience the majestic Geirangerfjord from a different viewpoint.

Here’s a short video of the Seven Sisters Waterfall .

We enjoyed our two nights in Geiranger . The powerful waterfall that splits through the city is a sight to behold. And we did the Geiranger zipline and nature park . It’s a small but fun course.  

We stayed at Havila Hotel Geiranger , pictured above. It’s perfectly located on the waterfront with easy access to the village restaurants and tourist shops. The rooms are small but clean and comfortable. It’s a good property to spend a night or two.

Day 9 – Lom and Hafjell

The Norway road tip continues. We left Geiranger at 10:00 AM and backtracked up the dizzying  Geirangervegen . There are multiple lookout points along this impressive highway, including the Geiranger Skysslag (Skywalk) .

Unfortunately, the rain and fog followed us to Geiranger and, like Stegastein a few days earlier, the impressive views were nothing more than thick fog. 

As we approached the town of Lom, we decided to take a break. And we’re glad we did! Lom is famous for Lom Stave Church , one of the few remaining  stave churches in Norway, and Lom National Park Village . 

Our boys were feeling restless that day, so we made a visit to Lom Aktivitetspark . We spent about 1.5 hours at this adventure park before driving to Hafjell, where we would spend the next two nights. 

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Geiranger to Alesund / 10 day Norway road trip

Another option is to drive from Geiranger to Alesund, which is about 2.5 hours drive with a ferry crossing. You would finish the road trip here and catch a flight from Alesund to Oslo or Bergen. This would give you a perfect 10 day Norway road trip itinerary.  

We considered this option. And, we’re disappointed that we missed Alesund on this road trip. It looks like a really cool city.

However, the cost of four flights plus the additional expense for not returning the rental car to the original location, was too expensive for us.

Therefore, we chose to drive back to Oslo and spend a couple nights in Lillehammer on the way. 

Day 10 – Hafjell and Hunderfossen Familiepark

We chose to stay in Hafjell because we wanted to take our boys to Hunderfossen Familiepark , also known as Hunderfossen Fairytale Park.

There’s only so many stave churches and fjords that our boys can handle. We feel it’s important to breakup the sightseeing and long drives with some kid friendly activities, too.

It was the right decision. We had a blast spending the day at Hunderfossen. It’s a smaller amusement park, when compared to some of the parks in North America. It’s the perfect size park for the age of our boys. A nice mix of easy roller coasters, mini-golf, river rafting, go karts and, naturally, lots of Norwegian trolls!

We will write a separate blog post about Hunderfossen soon. 

Fun fact – Hafjell hosted the alpine skiing technical events (giant slalom and slalom) at the  1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer.

Where to stay in Hafjell

We rented a private alpine apartment near the Hafjell gondola – Hafjell Resort Alpin Apartments Solsiden . Pictured above.

We stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment with full kitchen and private sauna. It’s a nice property and location, especially if you visit during the ski season. Having separate rooms is a nice change of pace. We picked up groceries from the nearby grocery store and used the kitchen instead of eating at restaurants. 

Hafjell Gondola

Before leaving Hafjell , we planned to ride the gondola to the top of the mountain. The gondola is open in the summer for mountain biking and hiking. It’s only 9 minutes to the top and the gondola is located right beside our apartment rental , so we thought it would be a fun activity before our final drive back to Oslo.

Unfortunately, it was closed that day. Apparently that Monday was the start of the shoulder season (it was mid-August), so the gondola was closed during the week. Summer hours of operation ended the day before, when we were at Hunderfossen Familiepark. 

Can you see the running man holding a torch in the above photo? It’s easier to see in the winter when the mountain is covered with snow. 

It’s called Fakkelmannen (or The Torchbearer in English). This mountainside mural was created for the 1994 Winter Olympics in Norway. It’s an iconic symbol of those winter games. 

Day 11 – Lillehammer to Oslo

The Norway road trip continues. We left Hafjell around 10:00 AM and drove 15 minutes south to Lillehammer, host city of the 1994 Winter Olympics in Norway. 

We spent a couple hours in Lillehammer. It’s a nice city. We visited the iconic Lysgårdsbakkene Hoppanlegg, home of the Lillehammer Olympic ski jumping events. We are a skiing and snowboarding family, so it’s fun to see the Lillehammer Olympiapark . 

After lunch, we completed the final leg of the road trip. It’s about 2 hours from Lillehammer to Oslo. 

Day 12 – Depart Oslo

We arrived in Oslo late afternoon. After spending close to an hour trying to find a gas station in rush hour traffic, we dropped off the rental car. 

We booked a hotel that’s within walking distance to the car rental location. That way, we avoided finding transportation to get to our hotel. 

For our final night in Norway, we stayed at the Clarion Collection Hotel Savoy . If you’ve been paying attention, this was our third stay at a Clarion Collection hotel. We like this hotel chain and would recommend it.

The following day, we boarded the DFDS Ferry from Oslo to Copenhagen. And just like that, our great Norway adventure was over. 

Congratulations. You made it this far! Well done.

When I started writing this post, my goal was to keep it less than 2,000 words. I failed miserably. 

Hopefully you found this 12 day Norway road trip itinerary helpful. You can shrink this itinerary to become a shorter road trip, but I would recommend spending at least 7 days for a proper Norway road trip. 

Are you planning a Norway road trip? 

If you have questions, leave us a comment below. We’ll do our best to answer in a timely manner. 

Related posts:

02/08/2023 at 7:55 am

Thank you for this detailed but succinct description of your family Norway road trip, balancing experiences with road time – it’s precisely what I was looking for. Planning this trip for our twin 9 yo’s is proving very challenging for me. We recently decided to remove Stockholm from our 16-day Scandinavia itinerary, just to slow it down. I want the flexibility of a rental car, but that adds constraints too, and we’d like to take some trains. It’d be great to be able to make a one-way car rental from the Flam area (I see there is a Hertz at the airport in Sogndal but then you have to take a bus there). As it is, it seems renting from Oslo or Bergen is your best option, but that adds significant windshield time. Sounds like you got unlucky with the weather too – nothing you can do about that. Anyway, thanks again.

02/08/2023 at 10:37 am

Thank you for the kind words – I’m glad you found this post helpful. We had originally planned to take the train from Stockholm to Oslo but the train cancelled the trip a few weeks prior to our arrival, which was unexpected and annoying. We ended up taking a fairly inexpensive flight on Norwegian Air (I think around $400 total for 4 people?). That is another option that would allow for shorter travel days – depending on how far you want to travel.

03/01/2023 at 12:36 pm

Hi! Your blog has been so helpful! What month were you in Norway? I saw that it was a very rainy season. I am planning a similar road trip this July and was just curious about the weather. What were the average high and low temps?

03/01/2023 at 5:32 pm

Hi Alex, we were in Norway in August but we did hear from locals that July is more popular and the weather tends to be better.

We didn’t have great weather. On average it was 10 degrees Celsius. We needed sweaters, coats and long pants. Locals told us though that it was unusually cold.

05/23/2023 at 12:21 am

Great blog. Very useful for planning our own trip for next year.

Just to confirm though, it sounds like you didn’t drive the Trollstigen road? Trollstigen is just south of Andalsnes. The road that descends into Geiranger from the east is called Geirangervegen

05/23/2023 at 8:18 am

We appear to have conflicting information. I did another search, to confirm, and I can see results for both, so I’m not entirely sure.

The section we visited is the ascent/descent into Geiranger. It’s a steep windy road with lots of switchbacks and waterfalls. (so Geirangervegen might be the correct name)

I’ll make some edits in the post. Both passes look identical, so if you’re looking for insane switchbacks surrounded by green mountains and waterfalls, you’ll be good visiting either one.

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

2 weeks in Norway: the ultimate road trip

A comprehensive guide.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this Norway itinerary you will find:

*Amazing landscape

*Scenic routes

*Great Hiking Trails

*Beautiful Camping Spot

*Stunning Fjords

*Fascinating cities

Plan your road trip to Norway:

When to visit norway.

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

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

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

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

I visited Norway in June.

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

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

How is Norway during summer?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Weather and equipment

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

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

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

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

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

Necessary clothes for a trip to Norway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to get around Norway?

The best way to travel around Norway is by car.

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

Car rental in Norway

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

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

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

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

‍ driving in Norway

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

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

A few points about the roads in Norway:

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

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

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

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

Read More: How to Plan the ultimate Norway road trip

speed limit

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

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

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

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

Anyway, You need to act with discretion.

How to travel Norway on a budget?

Camping in norway:.

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

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

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

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

Cook for yourself:

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

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

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

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

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

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

It's recommended to bring a thermos.

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

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

The best apps for a trip to Norway:

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

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

Download: Appstore | Google play

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

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

Works with GPS and is very useful for navigating routes.

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

Mattilbud app - shows specials that supermarkets have.

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

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

Download: Appstore | Google play ‍

How did I plan my trip to Norway?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Norway road trip itinerary: overview

Two weeks in Norway - the detailed itinerary

Day 0 - arrival in oslo.

Welcome to Norway - the land of the fjords!

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

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

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

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

Oslo highlights sites:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Discover Oslo by guided tour

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

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

Where to stay in Oslo?

Oslo City Center Rooms - Located in Aker Brygge

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

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

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

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

Day 1: Oslo - Suleskard

Distance: 320 km

Driving time: 5.5 hours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Today highlights:

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

Eidsborg Tjønn - A perfect place for a lunch break

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

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

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

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

Next stop: Dalen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I spent the night at Suleskard Campground mountain center .

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2: Suleskard - kjerag Hike - Preikestolen Camping

distance: 37km

driving time: 1:10 hour + 1.5 hour ferry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay near pulpit rock?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3: Hiking Preikestolen & arrive to Stavanger

distance: 39km

driving time: 45 minutes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

hiking pulpit rock

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

An amazing hike.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some tips for hiking the pulpit rock:

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

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

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

After the hike, drive to Stavanger.

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

What to do in Stavanger?

Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Guided tour walk in Stavanger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit Solastranda beach

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

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

Where to stay in Stavanger?

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

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

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

Read More: 10 free things to do in Stavanger

Day 4:  Stavanger - Odda

Distance: 192 km

Travel time: 3:40 hours

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highly recommended even if you plan to hike the Trolltunga.

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

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

Important information for the Trolltunga hike:

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

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

I decided to split the hike into two days.

What does it mean?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Read more: The ultimate guide for hiking the Trolltunga ‍

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

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

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

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

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

What is the Trolltunga hike?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6: Odda - Bergen

Distance: 193 km

Driving time: 3 hours

Drive from Odda to Husedalen Valley and Vøringfossen waterfall.

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

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

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

Some hikers settle for 2 waterfalls.

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

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

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

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

Read more: The Complete Guide to Bergen

Day 7: Bergen

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

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

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

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

Where to eat in Bergen?

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

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

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

Read more: How to Spend 2 Days in Bergen

Day 8: Bergen - Flåm - Aurlandsvangen

Distance: 175km

Driving time: 2:40 hrs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Mont Prest hike is a 1.5-2 hours.

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

a once in a lifetime view.

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

Where to stay in Aurland?

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

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

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

Day 9: Aurland- Loen

distance: 206 km

driving time: 4:10 hrs

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

There are 2 ways to get from Aurland to Lærdalsøyri:

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

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

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

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

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

Read More: 8 most scenic routes in norway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Loen?

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

Day 10 - Loen area: Lodalen Valley & glaciers

Loen has several hiking trails.

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

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

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

The hike starts from Tjugen in Loen.

Hiking Mount Skåla

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

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

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

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

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

Several options for simple routes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 11: Loen - Geiranger - Urke

distance: 140 km

driving time: 2.5 hrs + 1.5 hrs ferry

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

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

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

From there continue downhill to the village of Geiranger.

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

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

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

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

The best viewpoint on the fjord is the Ørnesvingen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visiting the most beauitful towns in Sunnmørsalpene

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

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

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

Where to stay?

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

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

Do a Wild camping!

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

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

Day 12: Urke - Alesund

distance: 57 km

driving time: 2.30 hrs

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

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

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

Visiting Alesund

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

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

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

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

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

What to do in Alesund?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to stay in Alesund?

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

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

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

Day 13: Alesund - Trollstigen - Åndalsnes

Distance: 138 km

Driving time: 2:45 hrs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accommodation: Åndalsnes

Day 14: hiking Romsdalseggen Ridge

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

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

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

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

Recommendation for a place to eat after the hike:

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

Delicious and special dishes and very vegan friendly too.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 15: Åndalsnes - Lillehammer - Redalen

distance: 290 km

Driving time: 4 hrs

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

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

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

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

You can see a map of the routes here.

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

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

It was a tremendous experience to see these strange animals.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What else to see and do in Lillehammer?

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

The Lillehammer Kunstmuseum is very successful.

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

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

where to stay?

I didn't find anything special in Lillehammer.

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

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

Day 16: Redalen - Oslo

distance: 161 km

Driving time: 1:50 hrs

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

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

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

Norway road trip itinerary: summary

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

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

Hiking Besseggen ridge

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

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

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

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

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

The Besseggen ridge hike takes 6-8 hours.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Oslo (2 nights)

Dalen (1 night)

Stavanger (2 nights)

Odda (2 nights)

Bergen (2 nights)

Aurland (2 nights)

Loen (2 nights)

Urke & Oye: Sunnmøre Alps (2 nights)

Alesund (1 night)

Åndalsnes (1 night)

Dombås (1 night)

Jotunheimen National Park (1 night)

Lillehammer/Redalen (1 night)

14 important tips for Norway road trip

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

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

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

You can make amazing things from products at the supermarket!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10/ Some supermarkets have a restaurant.

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

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

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

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

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

I use yr on other trips as well.

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

This domineering weather is part of the experience.

It happens that there are painful compromises because of him.

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

According to traveler reports, this is happening to everyone.

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

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

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

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

The difficulty is mainly in driving on narrow roads.

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

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

Thanks for reading my Norway road trip itinerary!

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

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

My Travel Resources

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

• Book affordable flights on Skyscanner , a great website that show the best routes and flight deals to your destination.
• Find a budget-friendly deal on all sorts of accommodation types on Booking.com .
• Buy the most flexible and budget-friendly travel insurance at SafteyWing .
• Check the best tours in Norway to maximize your trip.

Read My Other Blogs:

How to plan the ultimate norway road trip

2 days in bergen norway

8 most scenic routes in norway

5 day barcelona itinerary: the perfect guide

3 Day Madrid Itinerary

how to spend weekend in Amsterdam

2 weeks in sicily: the perfect sicily road trip

how to spend 3 days in prague

scotland road trip Itinerary for 14 days

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• Norway Road Trip Itineraries

10-day Norway Road Trip Itinerary For Adventure Seekers (Starting And Ending in Ålesund)

• February 29, 2024

Are you dreaming of waking up every day in a beautiful destination, surrounded by epic views of the fjords and mountains? Do you love adventure and are you not scared of putting some effort to experience the best sights?

If you answered yes to the above, then this Norway road trip starting and ending in Ålesund will be perfect for you.

Norway road trip the logistics

Before you book your flights to Norway, there are a few things you should plan beforehand. Mainly how will you get around here, what route will you follow and what time of the year is best for the road trip to happen.

How to get to Ålesund?

Ålesund is the largest town in the Møre og Romsdal county known as the home of the Sunmøre Alps. They are in my opinion the most beautiful mountain range in Norway.

Ålesund is a fantastic place to start and end your Norway road trip because it is very close to many of the top attractions in the country. I also find Ålesund way more interesting and beautiful than Bergen or Oslo.

The town has a small airport and car rental places. You can get here by catching an internal flight between Oslo and Ålesund. Norwegian Air and SAS, both local airlines operate along this route.

Best time of the year to do this road trip?

Since a lot of activities, which I have included in this plan, are outdoor activities, it means that the best time to follow this Norway road trip itinerary is between July and September . Why? Because this is the time when most of the trails are clear of snow and safe to follow.

Anytime before or after this timeframe and you might still run into lots of snow when hiking at higher elevations. It’s possible to go earlier, but just bear in mind, that you might not be able to complete all the activities I’ve enlisted in this itinerary.

Road trip outline and map

Above you can view the map of the road trip, where I marked the driving directions, viewpoints, hikes, and campsites.

How to use the map?

Click on the button in the top left corner to open the layers. To make the map easier to read you can switch the layers on and off by clicking on the red check box. Click on different hikes and you will be shown links to my other blog posts with detailed descriptions of each trail.

The best way to travel around Norway

Since this is a road trip you will need to have a vehicle to follow it. I brought my own campervan into Norway and spend a few months traveling around the country. If you are coming from abroad for a limited time then the best option is to rent one.

Rent a Campervan with Motorhome Republic

If you want to be independent with your time and the locations that you visit I recommend that you rent a campervan.

Campsites in Norway are very easy to come by. Norwegians love to camp and I have never seen so many campervans before. The whole infrastructure for motorhome travel in Norway is amazing, from campsites, and water filling-up stations to grey and black water dump stations, which are set up everywhere.

For the best price comparison and campervan reservations visit the Motorhome Republic.

Rent a Compact Car with Discover Cars

Are you not into the whole van life thing? I get it, it’s certainly not for everyone. Personally, I can only do it for a few weeks at a time, before I start craving a normal bed and a daily shower.

Another great reason to go for a compact car is its fuel efficiency. Whilst motorhomes are great, they are definitely not fuel-economical.

I highly recommend looking for your car rental with Discover Cars .

Suggested 10-day Ålesund to Ålesund itinerary: day-by-day breakdown

This is an action-packed itinerary. I realize you might not be able to tick off everything I propose, mainly due to the rainy weather in Norway, but if you are an absolute adventure freak, you will! During the next 10 days, you will visit the following destinations:

• Day 1 & 2: Sunmøre Alps and Hjørundfjord
• Day 3-6: Jostedalsbreen & Jotunheimen National Parks
• Day 7: Geiranger UNESCO Fjord
• Day 8-10: Trollstigen and Åndalsnes

Let’s hit the road!

Day 1: Ålesund to Urke in the heart of the Sunmøre Alps

• Distance from Ålesund to Urke: 64 km / 40 mi
• Travel time: 2 h 15 min (including ferry)

We are kicking this road trip with a bang by visiting one of my favorite fjords in Norway – Hjørundfjord.

If you are staying in one of the hotels that I recommend below then you should type in either Sæbo or Øye into your GPS, when leaving Ålesund. If you are traveling in a campervan then go directly to Urke and stay at a campsite there.

Sæbo, Urke & Øye are all only a few kilometres apart, but the first two lie on opposite sides of the Hjørundfjord. Don’t fret though. Ferries travel between the two towns every 30 minutes. You will quickly learn how important the ferries are for the transportation system in Norway. On this road trip, you will be taking quite a few of them.

Spend the rest of the day checking out the area. If you are staying in Urke or Øye then I recommend driving to the local beach (marked on the map) and taking a swim. You can even jump from the jetty into the refreshing fjord. If you are staying in Sæbo you can take an evening walk along the fjord.

Best accommodation options around Urke: night 1

Hotel Union Øye (not on booking.com)

A historic hotel located at the entry of the Norangsdal Valley and circa 1 kilometer from the shore of the Hjørundfjord and a 6-minute drive from Urke.

Top Location

Sagafjord Hotel (Sæbo)

A beautiful waterfront hotel with a fantastic view over Hjørundfjord and the Sunnmore Alps. Mount Saksa is visible from the deck.

Day 2 (morning): Hike in the Sunmøre Alps

This is an adventure road trip, so get ready to undertake some hikes, via ferratas, kayaking & biking on this holiday in Norway.

Option 1: Summit of Mount Saksa

The summit of Mount Saksa was the very first hike I did in Norway. 40 different trails later and Saksa still remains one of my favorites.

I very quickly learned that trails in Norway tend to be steep and instead of using zigzags they often go straight up. This is the case with the hike to Saksa . You start at sea level and gain 1300 meters (over 4000 feet) of elevation in just over 3 kilometers (less than 2 miles). Whilst it’s not too bad when going up, going back down is a real knee-buster.

At least you will be rewarded with extraordinary views from the top. Your effort will not go in vain.

Option 2: The Urkeegga Circuit

If you want an easier trail for your first hike on your Norway road trip go for the Urkeegga Circuit instead. Whilst the way up is still relatively steep, going back down will be a lot easier on your knees.

Don’t worry, you won’t be missing out in the views department, you will just see them from a slightly different angle. The Urkeegga Circuit follows a ridgeline with 3 separate peaks and each of them has awesome vistas over the Hjørundfjord.

TIP! Check out from your accommodation before doing either of the hikes. You will be driving to your next destination after completing the hike.

Day 2 (afternoon): drive the scenic route to Loen

• Distance from Urke to Loen: 80 km / 50 mi
• Driving time: 75 min

After the hike, go for a quick and refreshing dip in the fjord and continue with your journey to your next destination Loen.

It’s only 80 kilometers (50 miles) to Loen but be prepared to collect your jaw off the floor for the first 30 minutes of the journey. You will be following the road no. 655 along the Norangdal Valley. It’s a very narrow green valley surrounded by sheer cliffs.

TIP! Obey the signs in Norangdal. It is prohibited to stop in some places due to rock fall danger. There are plenty of designated stops, where you can park and leave your car to take a photo.

Once you make it to the end of road no. 655 turn right onto road no. 60 towards Grodås. It’s a little town built on the shoreline of Lake Hornindalsvatnet, where you can stop for a quickl photo. It’s not only the deepest lake in Norway but also in the whole of Europe and the World’s 12th deepest! Source: Wikipedia

TIP! If you have an extra day in Norway consider staying at the Horndøla camping en route to Loen. Hike to Lake Blåvatnet or the summit of Hornindalsrokken the next day. It’s a very beautiful and off-the-beaten-path hike, where you will only meet locals.

Once you make it to Loen check into your accommodation and relax. Another adventure-filled day is waiting for you tomorrow.

Day 3: Hike in Jostedalsbreen National Park

Today I’ve got two exciting hikes for you to choose from. The decision certainly won’t be an easy one. Both trails deliver spectacular views.

Option 1: Klovane

The west side of Norway’s famous Jostedalsbreen National Park, where you will be spending the next couple of days is home to some amazing lakes. The three most notable are Oldenvatnet, Lovatnet, and Oppstrynvatnet.

All three are glacier-fed which means the tiny particles called the rock flour, created by the movement of the glacier grinding down against the rock, travel down the rivers and empty into the lakes. The particles then reflect in the sun giving the lakes intense colors. Depending on how sunny or cloudy it is, the colors of the lake change between blue, turquoise, and emerald.

One of the best places to observe this phenomenon is the summit of Klovane high above Lake Oldenvatnet. This is one of the hikes I propose you do on day 3.

Option 2: Kattanakken

Jostedalsbreen National Park is the home of Norway’s largest glacier field and the park takes its name from it. Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier on mainland Europe and has many arms which reach down to the valleys. One of them is the Briksdalsbreen Glacier Arm.

Briksdalsbreen is no secret. It’s one of the most visited places in Norway, but there is an easy way to escape the crowds and get an even better view of it. I am talking about the hike to Kattanakken.

This challenging hike veers off the official path which leads to the Briksdalsbreen glacier viewpoint. Once on it, you start climbing up. The higher you go the better the views get.

TIP! If you are too tired to hike again, then consider renting a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard and see the area from a different perspective.

Day 4 (morning): Lovatnet

After an intensive day 3 of your Norway road trip, it’s time to take it a bit easy on day 4. At least in the first half of the day.

You can spend the morning driving around the west side of the Jostedalsbreen National Park and check out some roadside viewpoints which I marked on the map.

I particularly recommend driving along Lake Lovatnet all the way to its end, where you can park your car and go for a stroll to see the Kjenndal glacier tongue. It’s not as spectacular as Briksdalbreen, but it’s still a lovely sight.

TIP! A great way to explore Lake Lovatnet and Lodalen (the valley where the lake is located) is by bike. There are bike rental places in Loen.

Day 4 (afternoon): Tackle Via Ferrata Loen (or take a rest)

It’s time for a serious adventure. If you want to walk across a 120-meter-long suspension bridge perched 800 meters above the fjord then you need to tackle Norway’s famous  Via Ferrata Loen .

The route leads to the summit of Mount Hoven, which is connected with the town of Loen by the Loen Skylift cable car. The afternoon is the only time you can do Via Ferrata Loen if you plan on doing it unguided.

TIP: If you prefer to tackle Via Ferrata Loen with a guide, then book your tour for the morning and then spend the rest of the day either resting or exploring the Jostedalsbreen National Park.

Best accommodation options in Loen: nights 2, 3 & 4

Best location.

Hotel Alexandra

Located right in the center of the town the hotel offers great access to the nearby attraction. Soak in the indoor or outdoor pool to relax your muscles after hiking in the mountains the whole day.

Oldevatn Camping Cabins

Take advantage of the free kayaks and go paddling on the turquoise lake Oldenvatnet or take a hike to see the beautiful panoramic views of the lake from above.

Day 5 (morning): Scenic drive to Sogndalsfjøra

• Distance from Loen to Sogndalsfjøra: 127 km (79 mi)
• Driving time: 2 hours

Even though Sogndalsfjøra, your next destination for the night is only a 2-hour drive away from Loen, prepare to spend at least half a day along this stunning route. Today you will be driving around the Jostedalsbreen National Park, from its west side to the east side.

There are plenty of beautiful viewpoints along the way. My favorites are the Stardalselva Valley, Jølstravatnet Lake, Bøyabreen Glacier, and the Fjærland village. All of them are roadside viewpoints and won’t require much effort to get to (for once).

I still recommend leaving Loen as early as possible to make it to Sogndalsfjøra around lunchtime. After checking into your hotel or campsite you can head out into the mountains again.

Day 5 (afternoon): Hike to Molden

• Distance from Sogndalsfjøra to the trailhead of Molden: 20 km / 12.5 mi
• Driving time: 20 min

If the weather is good you can take advantage of the long Scandinavian summer days and hike to the summit of Molden . The trailhead is only located a 20-minute drive from Sogndalsfjøra.

The hike takes 3-4 hours to complete and has expansive views of the turquoise Lustrafjord and the surrounding mountains.

Best accommodation options in Sogndalsfjøra: night 5

Hofslund Fjord Hotel

What guests loved about it:

• Cozy rooms with balconies and fjord views
• Lovely hotel grounds and pool

Top Rated & Unique Stay

Sogndal Fjordpanorama – The Atmosphere

• Fjord views from the outdoor hot tub
• Very functionally designed cabins

Day 6 (morning): Explore the glaciers of Jostedalsbreen National Park

Option 1: hike to austerdalsbreen.

• Distance from Sogndalsfjøra to the trailhead of Austerdalsbreen: 55 km / 34 mi
• Driving time: 1h 15 min

Austerdalsbreen is hands down the most beautiful arm of the Jostedalsbreen glacier field. The hike to is viewpoint is pleasantly easy and most of it leads through a flat wide valley before a gentle climb up.

The drive from Sogndalsjøra to the Austerdalsbreen trailhead is an experience in itself as the route follows the shoreline of the Vaitastrondavatnet. Another glacier-fed and beautifully colored lake.

Another highlight of this hike is the possibility of having lunch at the Tungestølen hut, but before I reveal too much head over to my guide to the Austerdalsbreen hike.

Option 2: Hike to (or on) the Nigardsbreen Glacier

• Distance from Sogndalsfjøra to the trailhead of Nigardsbreen: 66 km / 41 mi
• Driving time: 1 h 15 min

Nigardsbreen is the most famous arm of the Jostedalsbreen glacier field. Guided glacier hikes are a popular activity in this area. You can spend half a day walking on the ice exploring its crevasses and listening to the history of the glacier accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

For a more budget-friendly option, you can hike to the glacier viewpoint yourself. I cover all the details in my guide to hiking to Nigardsbreen Glacier .

Day 6 (afternoon): Sognefjellet Scenic Route & Geiranger Scenic Route

• Distance from Austerdal to Geiranger : 260 km / 22 mi
• Driving time: 5 hours
• Distance from Nigardsbreen to Geiranger: 250 km / 150 mi
• Driving time: 4 h 30 min

No matter what activity you choose to do on the morning of day 6 of your Norway road trip, you have a bit of a drive to do in the afternoon to get to your next destination. But what an exciting drive it will be.

Once getting out of the valleys you will enter the Sognefjellet Scenic route which stretches for 108 kilometers (67 miles) between the towns of Gaupne and Lom.

You will first drive along the shoreline of Luster Fjord before climbing up along a serpentine road toward the high mountain plateau. The route is the gateway to Jotunheimen National Park and it leads through the highest mountain pass of Northern Europe. There are plenty of beautiful roadside stops along this route.

Sognefjellet Scenic Route opens in late spring (usually at the start of May) and remains open for the summer and early autumn before it closes again once the snow falls and makes it impassable.

Once you make it to Lom, the end of the Sognefjellet route, turn left onto road No. 15. After another 1 hour of driving you will enter the Geiranger Scenic Road. Once again you will be driving through stunning mountain scenery all the way to Norway’s most famous Fjord – Geiranger.

Similarly to Sognefjellet, the Geiranger Scenic Route opens usually at the start of May and closes by November.

TIP! If you have an extra day then break up the journey and stay an extra night on the Sognefjellet Scenic Route. The next day you can join a guided hike to Norway’s highest summit – Mount Galdhøpiggen before you continue to Geiranger.

Day 7: Explore the UNESCO Geiranger Fjord

Option 1: hike to skageflå.

Day 7 of your Norway road trip is another day filled with beautiful views. Today I recommend the most popular hike in the Geiranger Fjord area – Skageflå.

Skageflå used to be a small farm built on top of a cliff high above the Fjord. It operated until the start of the last century before turning into a tourist attraction. From the farm, you get to see beautiful panoramic views of the seven sisters waterfall, which the Geiranger Fjord is known for.

This is a one-way hike. You will need to pre-book a boat transfer to get back to the village after completing it. I cover all the details in my guide to the Skågefla hike.

Option 2: Activity in Geiranger Fjord

If you want to take a break from hiking, there are plenty of fantastic outdoor activities in Geiranger that don’t require walking. Below are a few that I recommend.

Guided Kayaking Tour

Embark on an unforgettable kayak expedition in the majestic Geiranger Fjord Accompanied by an experienced instructor, gracefully paddle through crystal-clear blue waters, leading you to the iconic Seven Sisters Waterfall.

Self-Guided Bike Tour

Embrace the breathtaking beauty of Geiranger Fjord during a self-guided downhill biking adventure. Meander along winding mountain roads, catching glimpses of cascading waterfalls and enchanting lakes as you ride at your own pace.

Best accommodation options in Geiranger: nights 6 & 7

Grande Hytteutleige

Lovely cottage-type accommodation in a beautiful and quiet setting with great new facilities

Grande Fjord Hotel

Soak in the hot tub while looking directly at the Geiranger Fjord or enjoy dinner with a view in the restaurant located on the 6th floor.

Day 8 (morning): Geiranger Scenic Drive via Trollstigen

• Distance from Geiranger to Åndalsnes: 87 km / 54 mi
• Driving time: 2 h 10 min

The morning of day 8 of my proposed Norway road trip is a continuation of the National Scenic Drive which you started on day 6.

The Geiranger-Trollstigen Scenic Route stretches across 104 kilometers (67 miles). There is also a ferry crossing involved. Today’s must-see roadside stops are:

• The Ørnesvingen viewpoint above the Geiranger Fjord
• Eidvatnet lake
• The village of Valldal
• Gudbrandsjuvet
• Trollstigen viewpoint

TIP : Stay an extra night in Valldal and book a rafting adventure or fit in another hike to Mefjellet. The Juvet Landscape Hotel in Valldal was a place where the sci-fi movie “Ex Machina” by Alex Garland was shot.

Day 8 (afternoon): Hike to Litlefjellet

Once you make it to Åndalsnes, have lunch, check into your accommodation and head out on a little hike to the aptly named Litlefjellet.

Litlefjellet is a 1-hour round-trip hike that offers jaw-dropping views of the infamous Troll Wall, known as the birthplace of base jumping. My favorite view however (pictured above) is the triangle-shaped Romsdalshornet reflecting in the ponds located on the saddle.

Day 9: Adventure around Åndalsnes

Today is your last full day following this epic Norway road trip. It is only fitting that you finish it with an exciting activity. Åndalsnes is a Mekka for adventure lovers and here are a couple of options to make your day memorable.

Option 1: Via Ferrata Romsdalsstigen

You won’t forget Norway quickly after testing your nerves on the Via Ferrata Romsdalsstigen Vestveggen . This is a really challenging route for absolute adventure freaks.

You can either join a guided tour or, provided you have a previous via ferrata experience, just rent the gear and do it yourself. Whatever you decide you are guaranteed an exhilarating experience with some dramatic views.

Option 2: Romsdalseggen hike

If dangling off a cliff a few hundred meters above a fjord might indeed be a bit too much then consider finishing your Norway road trip with one last hike and cross the Romsdalseggen ridgeline.

Romsdalseggen connects Åndalsnes with Venjedalen Valley. En route, you can expect some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Norway. The hike takes ca. 6 hours to complete and requires pre-booking a shuttle bus. You can learn all the details in my  guide to the Romsdalseggen hike. This will be an epic ending to your Norway road trip.

Best accommodation options in Åndalsnes: nights 8 & 9

Trollstigen Resort

Cabin-type accommodation in a beautiful setting with surrounding mountain views.

Grand Bellevue Hotel

Directly in the town center with great access to the gondola terminal. Very relaxed atmosphere.

Day 10: Return to Ålesund

• Distance from Åndalsnes to Ålesund airport: 122 km / 76 mi
• Driving time: 1 h 40 min

After I poured countless hours into designing this itinerary I truly hope you will have a holiday of a lifetime. The last thing on the schedule is the return drive to Ålesund where you started this Norway road trip.

If you leave Åndalsnes early and your return flight isn’t until late evening you can still spend the day exploring Ålesund. There are a few hop-on hop-off tour bus options that will take you to all the highlight spots in Ålesund.

Best accommodation options in Ålesund (optional)

If you have an early flight to catch you can leave Åndalsnes on the afternoon of day 9 and stay in Ålesund for the night instead. This choice will put you in close proximity to the airport.

Quality Hotel Ålesund

Centrally situated in the popular Skansekaia Harbour area. The Airport bus stop is right outside of the hotel.

A boutique hotel in the center of Ålesund with great access to the trails of Aksla mountain where you can see the famous view of the town.

How to shorten this Norway road trip to 7 or 8 days?

In the article, I gave you a few ideas on how to extend this Norway road trip. However, what if you don’t have 10 full days but would still like to follow the itinerary I proposed? Here are a few options that will allow you to shorten this plan to 7 or 8 days.

• Option 1: Skip the east side of Jostedalsbreen National Park and Sognefjellet Scenic Route. On day 5, after leaving Loen, go straight to Geiranger Fjord, driving past Oppstrynvatnet. This will save you 2 days.
• Option 2: Skip Åndalsnes. Go back to Ålesund after visiting Geiranger Fjord. You can still drive to Ålesund via Åndalsnes, without staying overnight. That way you won’t miss out on seeing Trollstigen.
• Urke or Sæbo: 1 night
• Loen: 2 nights,
• Sogndalsfjøra: 1 night,
• Geiranger: 1 night,
• Åndalsnes: 1 or 2 nights.

That will amount to a total of 6 or 7 nights and 7 or 8 days on the road.

Other road trip itineraries around Norway

• Bergen to Bergen in 7-10 days for hiking enthusiasts
• 14-day Oslo to Oslo Road Trip for Photographers
• Stavanger to Bergen through the tourist hotspots of Norway
• Lofoten Islands 5-day hiking road trip

Support my website!

Hi Reader! If you found any of my articles about Norway useful please consider using the affiliate links in the article or below (at no extra cost to you) when booking your holiday. Thank you.

• Reserve your hotel with Booking.com
• Book your rental car with Discover Cars
• Find your perfect campervan with Motorhome Republic
• Book your tours with Get Your Guide
• Buy your outdoor gear with Backcountry.com (US readers)

Hi! I am the photographer and creator of www.inafarawayland.com. I come from Poland, but I've been living, travelling and working around the globe since I turned 18. A few years ago, during one of my trips to Scotland, I bought my first DSLR and my adventure with photography began. When I am not stuck to my computer editing photos, you can find me hiking somewhere in the mountains.

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Hello Marta,

We would like to visit Norway and Lofoten Islands. However, I am not about to make any plans until your Lofoten guide is published! Seriously, the amount of information you share, guidance you provide, hotels, road trip ideas, etc. is priceless!!! A world of thank you for all that you do to provide this information to us.

Do you have an estimated time on when your Lofoten guide would be published, please? No rush, just enquiring so that we can plan accordingly.

Best, Debbie

Hey Debbie. Thanks so much for your fantastic feedback. I am so glad you find my Norway guides very useful. Please do consider using the affiliate links when you book something. As for the Lofoten Guide, it will definitely be out by the end of the year which should give you enough time to book everything. In the meantime do let me know if you have any more questions!

Thank you very much for the estimated release timeframe for the Lofoten guide. It is much appreciated. And yes, your guide will be out with sufficient time for us to plan our trip since we are planning to visit in 2025 and will look to use the affiliated links, where I can.

Thank you Debbie. Keep your eyes peeled by the end of the year 🙂

Hello Marta

My girlfriend (Kristi) and me are from the U.S. (Tampa, FL). We recently completed the Tour du Mont Blanc 10-day trekking adventure this past July. After discussing, we have decided to make Norway our next destination adventure experience. We plan on visiting sometime in August or early September 2024. I’ve been reading and researching Norway a lot these past several weeks. I have found several travel template itineraries. After much research, we are highly leaning towards your Alesund to Alesund travel plan. We are planning about 8 to 9 days. We are going to modify the itinerary a little as we wish to do an activity day in Valldah and spend a few days in Alesund. However, we love the hikes you mentioned and plan to spend a night in Urke, Loen and Geiranger (two nights here). We are still refining the details of our trip. I just wanted to say your webpage has been EXTREMELY helpful. THANK YOU!!

Hi Alex. Wow thanks so much for your great feedback. The Alesund to Alesund itinerary I designed is my favorite because I am a big hiking enthusiasts. I hope you have lots of fun in Norway and the weather plays along as well (it can be very rainy). If you could support my site by using the links that would be amazing! Happy travels.

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Norway Railway Map

Norway trains map.

Types of trains in Norway

Regular trains.

Most popular train in Norway - regional VY (NSB) train, operated by Norwegian State Railways.

Scenic Trains

Destination doesn't matter as much as the journey itself when you board the scenic Flamsbana or Arctic Circle trains.

High-Speed Trains