norway road trip 3 weeks

Norway Epic Road Trip: 3-Week Itinerary

Norway Travel Itinerary – Road Trip

Our dear fellow travelers and followers, please rise and shine. Another epic road trip is ahead of us between the mountains, fjords, and sky of beautiful and picturesque Norway .

Day 1 & 2: Visit Oslo

We have been living in Oslo for over a decade. So we will try to present highlights of our city and be as objective as we can.

There are many attractions worth visiting, and we will try to group them based on their geographical location.

Oslo Fjord In Bjørvika

Nearby the Oslo Railway station on the Oslo fjord coastline is the Opera House , New Oslo Public Library , New Munch Museum building, New residential area, and Barcode project. We can describe The Barcode as “ Oslo City” , where many big companies have offices.

In the photo below we can see the Opera House in the middle, the new Munch Museum building on the right, and part of the Deichman Public Library building on the left.

Karl Johan’s Street

From there you could walk Oslo’s main street, Karl Johans Gate , and pass by Norwegian Parlament (Stortinget) , Grand Hotel , National Theather , and all the way to the Royal Palace on the hill.

Lots of people in front of the Royal Palace during Constitution Day celebration on the 17th of May.

Oslo Fjord In Aker Brygge

From The National Theater , is a short stroll to Aker Brygge and another part of Oslo Fjord. There you can visit City Hall (Rådhuset) , Nobel Peace Center , Akershus Fortress & Castle (Akershus Festning & Slott) , and the Aker Brygge pedestrian area with many yachts parked there.

The sunny day attracts lots of people to the Aker Brygge pedestrian zone with City Hall’s square red building in the background.

Bygdøy Island

From Aker Brygge you can take a small boat to Bygdøy Island . On the island’s shore are many famous museums such as Fram (Polar Explorations) Museum , Kon-Tiki , and Maritime Museum . Further inland are Viking Ship Museum , Holocaust Center , and Norwegian Ethnographic Museum (Norsk Folkemuseum) .

Fram Museum on Bydgøy island has a Fram polar explorations ship inside. Fridtjof Nansen and Roald Amundsen used the ship for Arctic and South Pole expeditions.

Language Tip: Fram in Norwegian means forward .

From The National Theater , you can take a subway to Majorstuen , and from there is a short walk to Vigeland and Frogner Parks . In Vigeland Park, you can see the open exhibition of famous sculptures, a Monolith Statue, a fountain, and a small lake.

Oslo Mountains

On the west Oslo mountain’s top is Holmenkollen Ski Jumps & Museum and a fantastic view over the fjord and the city. From the city center, you can take a subway all the way to the top.

This is what Ski Jump looks like during wintertime.

Oslo night cityscape photo from Ekeberg viewing platform.

Discover: Find your accommodation in Oslo .

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Day 3-5: Explore Nærøyfjord & Aurlandsfjørd area

Early Jule morning, and we are, on our way, from Oslo to Lærdalsøyri . It is four and half hour’s drive and less than 300 km (around 180 miles). No worries, we will have plenty of time for stops, short sightseeing, and hiking during this day. We will get to know the Norwegian countryside and nature. It is just an introduction to what we will experience on this journey.

Tip: Scandinavian mile – it is a length measurement used in Norway and Sweeden. One mil is 10 kilometers (6.2 miles ). Do not be confused if you hear Norwegians talking about mils instead of kilometers.

Day 3 – Driving Through Oslo

As you drive through Oslo, you will notice driving through many tunnels since Norwegians like to drill holes. Vertically in the sea, they search for oil. Horizontally on the land, they dig tunnels.

As soon as we exit the Opera tunnel on our left-hand side, we can see the beautiful Oslo fjord illuminated by the morning sun. In this short part of the Oslo Fjord, we notice numerous marinas loaded with boats and yachts waiting for their owners to set sail on new voyages and sea adventures.

As we approached Sandvika , we left the E18 highway and took E16 in the Bergen direction. In Sandvika, there is the biggest shopping mall in the Oslo area, so if you forgot to do the shopping, this was a chance to resupply.

Shopping: Be aware that Norway is a highly-expensive country, so do not get a financial shock when you get your receipt!

Day 3 – Norwegian Countryside Driving

We left behind the buzz of the city and saw more and more nature-made beauties and fewer human constructions. As soon as we left the highway, we could expect to be in a convoy of cars heading to Bergen. So no more the highway, and welcome regular road traffic. However, we can enjoy the natural path of valleys, lakes, rivers, and streams along the road.

Driving: The E16 road to Bergen is marked as a motorway. However, it is not a highway. Only a short section around Oslo is a real highway with separate lanes for each way. The rest is an ordinary two-way road.

Day 3 – Fagernes – Our First Break

After about two and a half hours, we approached Fagernes , a small place on the lake. It was time for our first short break. We stopped at the shopping center to buy our refreshments. A pleasing way to enjoy the refreshment was by the lake. We could stretch our legs for a short walk on the shores and enjoy the first glimpse of mother nature.

Fagernes is also a conjunction to take road 51 to the well-known Besseggen hiking tour . This hike is very popular among Norwegians. It was my first hiking adventure in Norway after moving in 2008.

As we left Fagernes, the scenery changed again. We slowly climbed along the plateau surrounded by lakes, rivers, streams, and mountain cabins. Whenever we saw something appealing to our eyes, we stopped for a short break. However, as we drove to higher altitudes, Norwegian weather reminded us of where we were.

Outfit: Don’t forget to dress in layers in Norway, even during the summer, and be prepared for weather changes.

We want to emphasize the importance of weather in Norway and this is our latest crossing over mountains in late April while driving to Flåm .

There’s a wonderful Norwegian saying – “Det finnes ikke dårlig vær, bare dårlig klær!” which translates to…

“There is no bad weather, only bad clothes!” – Norwegian saying

Remember this whenever visiting Norway, and you will not be unpleasantly surprised.

Day 3 – Borgund Stave Church

After another one and half-hour drive, it was time for another break, but this time a longer one. We exited E16 road just in front of Borgund tunnel to visit our first sightseeing point.

Borgund Stave Church is a medieval black wooden church built with motives of Viking ships (turned upside down), roof tiles reminiscent of fish scales, and dragons’ heads at the tips of the roofs. Most of these statements are just myths, but more about them is in our detailed article with the link below. It has a unique smell since old wooden churches are covered with special materials to preserve them for generations to come to enjoy them as we do now.

Read more: Please read a more detailed article about Borgund, The Best Preserved Stave Church In Norway .

Outfit warning: Keep your clothes away from the black sticky tar material that covers the church’s wooden parts.

Besides the visitors center with exhibitions, ticket office, souvenir shop, and parking space, this is also starting point for hiking the Vindhellavegen . However, we decided to do something else, so please follow us.

Day 3 – Vindhella Road (Vindhellavegen)

After the visit to Borgund , we drove further on the road for about 5 minutes (4 km, 2.5 miles). The road is between the stream on the left and the mountain cliffs on the right.

We stopped at the small parking space on our right-hand side. It was our starting point for a short hiking tour to Vindhellavegen .

Vindhellavegen is the art of engineering blended with nature. It is 2.7km (1.68 miles) long, stretching from the parking lot on one side and to Borgund Stave Church on the other side. Its steepest part consists of four 180-degree bends supported by high stone walls blended with the surrounding terrain.

Vindhellavegen is probably, the most exciting part of the much longer trail called the King’s Road (Kongevegen) . We saw many King’s Road signs on road E16 while approaching Borgund.

Climbing up at our own pace, we filled our lungs with fresh mountain air, sunbathed on sunny stretches of the path, and cooled down in the shade parts. At the top, we got our reward in the form of a fantastic view of the winding stone path below us. It was a highlight of our first day in this area.

Read more: Find all your questions answered about Vindhellavegen .

Day 3 – Lærdalsøyri

Under the impression of the Vindhella Road visit, we drove down the local road to reenter the E16 motorway again. On the side of the road appeared something we would initially describe as a stream. Gradually, it turned into a beautiful mountain river (Lærdalselvi) .

The river and the road intertwined their sides to make the rest of our journey more exciting. At one point, the river was on the right. A few kilometers later, the river was on the left side of the road. This devious game of nature and engineering continued to our final destination of the day, Lærdalsøyri .

The Charm Of Lærdalsøyri

Lærdalsøyri is a small place tucked between steep knife-cut mountains. Læerdals river (Lærdalselvi) on one side of the valley slowly runs into the mirror-calm bay water. The bay is part of the much bigger fjord. Our hotel location is at the edges of the bay. It is popular among campers as overnighting place.

The sunsets are fantastic here. The setting sun hides behind the mountains on the left. Suddenly it appears and warms the bay for some time. Like a shy guy disappears behind the steep mountain edge on the right.

However, in the photo above you see that sunrises are fantastic as well.

The bay has very pronounced high and low tides, but only if you notice them. We walked along a long sandbar to get closer to the water. While I tried to take sunset photos, I didn’t even notice that the water had covered the sandbars.

The girl on the SUP paddle board effortlessly glided over the water’s surface. Half an hour ago, that section was sand and pebbles.

In our opinion, Lærdalsøyri is a fantastic location for exploring this area. It is cheaper than Flåm , less buzzy, has grocery shops, and provides good connections to all our sightseeing destinations in the next two days.

Discover: Find your accommodation in Lærdalsøyri .

Day 4 – Laerdal Tunnel

Our second day in Aurlandsfjørd region is a visit to the famous Flåm but first, we need to find the light at the end of the tunnel.

Do you remember the part of this article about Norwegians who like to drill holes? Well, this is one of the engineering examples that prove the point.

Laerdal Tunnel is a 24.5 km (around 15 miles) long tunnel. We believe it was, at one point, the longest tunnel in the world, but we are not quite sure. However, to make driving through the Laerdal tunnel less boring, in several places, caves with blue lights on the walls and yellow ones on the edges were built to give the impression of the rising sun. The blue color of the tunnel walls symbolizes the glacier.

Driving tip: There are cameras in the tunnel that measures average speed, so we advise speed control while driving.

Day 4 – Flam (Flåm)

Flåm is a small place where Flåm River (Flåmselvi) meets with the end of Aurlands fjord . Wherever you look around, you can see the mountains.

Although small, Flåm is very busy due to being a tourist hub. From the fjord side, come cruise and yacht passengers. Vehicles (campers, bikers, busses, cars, etc.) come from the Oslo-Bergen motorway . The majority of them have one thing in common. They want to wander, explore, and see what this area offers.

Oh boy, Flam lives up to its reputation and has so much to offer. Sometimes it will be beyond your expectations. We will describe it in the following sections of this travel diary.

Day 4 – Flam Railway (Flåmsbana)

Flåmsbana is very popular among tourists. The train ride provides fantastic views over beautiful landscapes, mountains, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, etc. It is very short, only 20.2 km (12.5 mi) long, but it starts from sea level at Flåm and ends at 866 meters (2841 ft.) at Myrdal station .

Just look at this beautiful photo by  © Sverre Hjørnevik. This extraordinary place will hook you to visit it.

One of the main attractions is the Kjos waterfall (Kjosfossen) , where a train stops for a few minutes to take photos, see and listen to Huldra’s singing and dancing .

Huldra: We have a more detailed article about Flåm, the meaning of Huldra , and more in “ Flåm, Best Things To Do (Epic Trip Guide)” .

Rjoand waterfall (Rjoandefossen) , the blue water of Flåm river (Flåmselvi) , the valley, and surrounding mounties are eye-catching landmarks too.

This time we took return tickets. Next time we would prefer to take one-way tickets and return on the bicycles we can rent at the top.

Day 4 – Flam Railway Museum (Flåmsbana Museet)

Flåm Railway Museum is a “ Wikipedia” for Flam Railway history. It is in the old railway station building next to the tracks.

Inside are many photos, artifacts, and even old trains out of service. They document the history, workers’ life, engineering challenges in solving high altitude difference problems, technology development, etc.

You can visit it to warm up before experiencing the real thing.

Entrance fee: Free. Voilà!

Day 4 – Aurlandsfjord Fjordsafari

Maybe trains are not your thing, and you want more adrenalin kick (no worries), then the Aurlandsfjord Fjordsafari is one of the options. The starting point is to throw a stone away from the railway station.

Jump into a safari suit, put on goggles and a cap, or let your hair flutter in the wind. Now you are ready. The waves ride waits for you on the fast-open RIB boats .

Thanks to the photo from  © Fred Jonny Hammerø / Møre og Romsdal fylke, we can see how big a ride thrill for the passengers is.

It will be a lasting memory for sure.

Day 4 – Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord (Optional)

Slowly glide the waters of beautiful Aurlands & Nærøy Fjords in hybrid or electrical cruise ships from Flåm to Gudvangen . Take the bus ride on the way back to round up the trip.

Tip: Please, don’t forget to notice the high-fall Kjel waterfall (Kjelfossen) when you are in Gudvangen.

The ships have large windows and walkways in the shape of the final parts of the winding trails of the Flåm railway, so you can find a spot to enjoy the view.

As you can see in the photo below, from Myrdal train station down to the valley is a zig-zag path and inspiration for the cruise ship design lines.

Other attractive spots in Norway have similar zig-zag patterns used as architectural design ideas. We will return to that when visiting Trollstigen mountain road and Ørnesvingen viewpoint near Geiranger .

Day 4 – Enjoy Flåm River – Flåmselvi

We pulled out the chairs and table from our car. Quickly we transformed the grass patch into our mini-picnic area. It was a nice break before continuing with our escapades.

We enjoyed the calm, emerald green, and sky blue mixture of colors with the refreshing air of the sunny day near the Flåm River (Flåmselvi) .

Discover: Find your accommodation in Flåm .

If you dare, you will jump into freezing water for ultimate refreshment, or maybe not.

Read more: Plan your next trip to Flåm with our detailed tourist guide.

Day 4 – Stegastein Viewpoint

It is time to pack and come back to base at Lærdalsøyri . However, we are not taking the same route since we pick Lærdalsøyri for a reason. It provides alternative roads to reach it, which is one of the reasons.

Road to Stegastein’s viewpoint is just one of them, but what a detour. We drove up the narrow, curvy road. So extra caution was not a bad idea.

Stegastain viewpoint provides a panoramic and magnificent view over Aurlands Fjord on the platform constructed in a challenging way.

As you can see in this beautiful photo from  © Sverre Hjørnevik,  wooden, metal, and glass materials were used to make this platform blend into the natural surroundings, but it vibrates a bit when someone walks on it. Nothing scary, but there is an additional thrill to the anticipation of watching over the glassy wall into the beautiful landscape.

The platform is 650m (2 130 ft) above sea level, and we think it is a marvelous achievement.

I’m getting more and more afraid of heights as I get older, but my wife and son think it’s funny to watch me shiver and get scared as I approach the edge. I will do anything to cheer up my loved ones. So if you see an XXL-size version of Roberto Benigni (or Louis de Funès if you prefer) doing goofy things, it might be me.

Driving Tip: Drive cautiously and have a good overview of traffic from the opposite direction. Use the roadside extensions wisely to pass traffic from the opposite direction.

Day 4 – Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route (The Snow Road)

Since we were at Stegastein’s viewpoint anyway, it would be very boring to drive the same road and the same tunnel back to Lærdalsøyri . Instead, we decided to continue our adventure. Why don’t we go back to “base” over the mountains? We just did that. We drove over mountainous terrain on the so-called “Snow Road” or the Aurlands Mountain Road (Aurlandsfjellet) .

Language Tip: Fjell in Norwegian means a mountain .

We expected this fantastic photo from Fjord Norge/Visit Norway to be the same image we will experience, but…

Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route (the snow road) is only open during the summer months. When this road season is open, the snow is usually very high, so cars drive between snow walls on the side of the road. We were not so lucky in July, and most of the snow melted. Only short sections were still with pockets of snow.

The road is 47 km (29 miles) long and goes just over 1 300 m (4 265 feet) above sea level at some points. It is probably one of the best locations if someone wants to get a sense of winter during the summer.

However, if you want to ski during summer in Norway, Stryn Summer Ski Resort is the best location. We passed by it a week later on this epic trip.

Day 5 – Norwegian Glacier Museum (Jostedalsbreen)

Again has proved that Lærdalsøyri is an excellent location for exploring this region. It is just 64 km (40 miles) from The Norwegian Glacier Museum in Fjærland . However, this time we drove to the north. However, this time we drove to the north, and this was our first ferry crossing (of many) on this epic road trip.

The museum holds an exhibition about the Jostedal glacier (Jostedalsbreen) and the national park. It is the largest glacier on the European Continent , with an area of 474 square km (183 sq. miles). It is possible to see the panoramic movie about the Jostedal glacier on the big screen.

Pay attention: We will mention Jostedal Glacier again when we visit Briksdal Glacier on the other side of the mountain a few days from now.

The surrounding nature is beautiful, and you can imagine what this walk on the glacier looks like.

Maybe the Glacier Museum building’s architecture is not attractive enough to make you stop by. Mammoths in front of the museum are, maybe, a better magnet for visitors. If the kids accompany you, the joy is at the apex. Our teenage son was “so so” excited.

Day 5 – Mundal (Fjærland) – The Norwegian Book Town

Just a 4-minute drive and 3 km (1.8 miles) further down the road from the Norwegian Glacier Museum is the small village of Mundal . It is also known as The Norwegian Book Town (Bokbyen i Fjærland) . Here you can find several picturesque second-hand book shops.

Alternatively, you can enjoy kayaking on the calm waters of the Fjærland fjord , which is another arm of the bigger Sognefjord . We have already mentioned the Aurlandfjord arm at Flåm and Nærøyfjord arm at Gudvangen village . Both are the arms of Sognefjord. Sognefjord is the largest and deepest fjord in Norway, nicknamed The King of the Fjords.

FYI: Sognefjord  is 206 km (128 mi) at the furthest arm,  Lustra Fjord .

Day 6: On The Road To Bergen

We were on our way to Bergen , but to make the trip exciting, we decided to make a few stops along the way. The escapades on today’s list were: short photo sessions, enjoying nature full of waterfalls, gorges, winding roads, and many more.

It is a 3-hour drive from Lærdalsøyri to Bergen and is only about 200 km (125 miles) away.

Day 6 – Kjel Falls – Waterfall (Kjelfossen)

As soon as we passed  Flåm , we entered only the 5 km (3.1 mi) long  Flenja tunnel . Next, we drove through the much longer 12 km (7.45 mi)  Gudvanga tunnel . Finally, on the tunnel’s exit is  Gudvangan village  on the right-hand side.

On the left-hand side of the tunnel is the world’s 18th tallest Kjel waterfall (Kjelfossen) , with a total fall height of around 705 meters (2 313 ft). There are six drops in the falls and the tallest single drop of 198 meters (650 ft).

Day 6 – Gudvangen Village – Viking Vallley

Gudvanga village is at the end of Nærøy fjord , and many tourists come on cruise tours here. Besides the waterfall drops, the beautiful  Nærøydalselvi River runs into the fjord.

In addition, it provides a taste of Viking life in the Viking Valley  that will bring you back to the Viking age.

Day 6 – Nærøyfjord

Nærøyfjord  ends up at Gudvangen village. From Gudvangen village is possible to take  Fjord Cruise Nærøyfjord  to Flåm and experience this beautiful fjord. One option is to take a bus from  Bergen  to Gudvangen, switch to cruise, experience the fjord, and finish in Flåm for further exploration.

In the opposite direction, you can take the same cruise from Flåm and end up at Gudvangen. You can take the bus back (to Flåm) to round up the trip.

However, the car is the most convenient transportation in our humble opinion.

The Nærøyfjord arm (part of the  Sognefjord ) is 19 Km (11.8 mi) long and only 250 meters (820 ft) wide in some places.

As you can see in the photo below, the surrounding mountains are steep, allowing many waterfalls to perform their crash dance into the fjord below. The green vegetation and blue sky reflect these colors into the fjord’s watercolor. Nature worked for millions of years to make this majestically beautiful landscape.

Day 6 – Stalheimskleiva Road

For two consecutive years, we tried to “slide down” this 13 hairpin bends only downhill driven road, but without any luck yet. It is currently closed due to maintenance work. So it is still on our wishing list for visits in the future.

To reach it, exit E16 at the  Stalheim  sign and drive up the narrow road to the  Stalheim Hotel . The hotel was the furthest we could drive to on our first attempt to experience the road. While you “slalom” drive, please do not forget the magnificent views of the beautiful waterfalls  Stalheimfossen  and  Sivlefossen .

Day 6 – Tvinde Waterfall (Tvindefossen)

There are so many waterfalls on the road from  Flåm  to  Bergen , and  Tvinde Waterfall  (Tvindefossen)  is one of them worth mentioning. The waterfall is only 13km (8 miles) from  Voss on the road’s right-hand side while driving in the Voss direction from Flåm. Near the waterfall are a souvenir shop, camping, and parking space. It is very easily reachable from the road and parking.

Compared to  Kjel Falls  – Waterfall  (Kjelfossen) , the Tvinde waterfall  drop is only 110 meters (360 ft). However, the  Tvinde waterfall  is broader. The water flows down natural staircases, cascade sprinkling around stair by stair.

We were lucky to visit this place several times. However, during the summer months (July especially), the waterfall is as beautiful as in the photo above.

On our first visit, it was raining. So weather conditions can be challenging to enjoy this beauty to the full extent.

Weather Forcast:  Use the  YR  website for the local weather forecast. Just click on the  Søk   button and type  Voss .

As you can see in the photo below, it is a lot less impressive in spring. The rocks are predominant, and the colors are too gray since there is less water and the vegetation is not green.

Day 6 – Voss

Voss  is considered the  adventure capital of Norway   and offers both adrenaline and adventurous activities but relaxing ones in the surrounding natural landscapes.

Voss offers many activities such as skydiving, tandem paragliding, the wind tunnel, rafting, kayaking, riverboarding, SUP paddle boarding, fishing tours, biking, hiking, gondola rides, etc.

For more relaxing-oriented visitors are swimming pools, spa centers, or golf courses.

Winter is no less exciting, with many slopes to ski, snowboard, or snowshoeing.

Read more:  Plan your trip to  Voss  with our travel guide.

If you are a food adventurer, you can taste “sheep’s head” (Smalahovetnunet) . It is the dish back to the Viking age. The sheep’s eye is a special treat and honor for the guest from the host.

After resupplying at the Voss Amfi shopping center, we continued our road trip to Bergen. We have a one-and-half-hour drive and another 106 km (63 mi) to Bergen.

Discover: Find your accommodation in Voss .

The previous year, we came to Voss from the south after visiting Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) , Bondhusvatne Lake , and Bondhusbreen Glacier .

Day 6 – Bordalsgjelet Gorge

We wanted to visit Bordalsgjelet Gorge on the outskirts of Voss . Unfortunately, the weather beat us this time. So we are putting this one on our wishlist again for the next visit.

Day 6 – Bergen

Finally, we arrived at Bergen , the second biggest city in Norway.

I (Dejan) have been to Bergen five or six times. Every single time rained. We hope for sunny days this time. However, we prepared our rainjackets just in case.

We hope that you all remember a very important rule in Norway.

Day 7: Bergen

We spent the whole day wandering around the city. Here is a short version of what we saw.

Read more: Plan your trip to Bergen with our detailed city guide.

Day 7 – Bryggen in Bergen

Bryggen in Bergen is in the heart of Bergen Center and is one of the most visited attractions in Norway and on UNESCO’s list of world heritage. It contains an array of wooden houses in different colors (white, red, and yellow shades). It was a trading center and housing in the period of the Hanseatic League .

Language Tip: Bryggen in Norwegian means the pier .

Day 7 – Inside Bryggen

There are many souvenir shops, galleries, artist studios, pubs, and cafes between the small passages. The wooden houses, seen from the front, tuck all of them.

Day 7 – Mount Floyen & Funicular (Fløibanen)

Fløibanen Funicular facilitates the journey from Bergen center up to Fløyen viewpoint at 320 meters (1050 ft.) above sea level. The journey takes 5-8 minutes.

The view from the top is magnificent providing that it is not raining which occurs often in Bergen.

Day 7 – Bergen Fish Market (Fisketorget i Bergen)

In the Bergen city center is Bergen Fish Market (Fisketorget i Bergen) . You can buy fresh fish, seafood, caviar, and much other good stuff there.

Day 7 – Sailor’s Monument (Sjøfartsmonumentet)

Sailor’s Monument consists of twelve male figures from different periods of history. The monument is in the pedestrian area not far away from Fish Market and Tourist Information .

Discover: Find your accommodation in Bergen .

Day 7 – Rosenkrantz Tower

Erik Rosenkrantz , the governor of Bergen, financed the building of the Rosenkrantz Tower in the year 1560. The tower had both military (fortification) and residence purposes.

It is not far away from the Bergen Bryggen and it is a part of Bergenhus Fortress .

Day 7 – Bergenhus Fortress

Besides Rosenkrantz Tower , there are many other interesting buildings, monuments, and spots within Bergen Fortress . Just to name a few: the Commandant’s and Captain’s residences, Håkon’s Hall , King’s Håkon VII statue, Koengen concert venue, etc.

Day 7 – Lake Lille Lungegårdsvannet

A small lake with springs in the middle at the city’s center.

Day 7 – Byparken Gazebo

Byparken is a beautiful gazebo near the lake surrounded by flowers in the park.

Day 7 – Ole Bull Fountain

Ole Bull Fountain is not far away from the Byparken . During the summer it is a nice place for cooling down on hot days. On our last visit to Bergen during Spring the fountain was empty.

Ole Bull was a Norwegian virtuoso violinist and composer from the 19th century, born in Bergen.

Day 7 – KODE Museums – The Museum of Decorative Art (Permanenten)

On the edges of the lake, Lille Lungegårdsvannet is the alley of  KODE museums . The building that caught our attention is the Museum of Decorative Art  (Permanenten)   built in the Neo-renaissance style.

Day 7- Saint John’s Church (Johanneskirken)

It is a beautiful Catholic cathedral built of red bricks with an alluring light blue patina on the roof.

Day 7 – Timber Houses On Cobblestone Lanes

We were on our way to  Bergen’s Aquarium . As an extra treat, we decided to zig-zag the small narrow cobblestone lanes on the peninsula and discovered beautiful architecture.

Timber houses in different colors tightly packed in narrow lanes are the main attractions. The house that got most of our attention is the blue one on  Strangehagen 14 Street. The worth mentioning is the house on  Strangebakken 16 , as well.

Day 7 (Optional) – Bergen Aquarium

Bergen Aquarium is not far away (only a 20-minute walk) from Bergen Fish Market at the peninsula’s cape. The Aquarium focuses on Norwegian marine fauna. We could see many different fish species, sharks, penguins, otters, sea lions, and many more.

Day 7 (Optional) – Vestkanten Experiences & Water Park (Vestkanten Opplevelser & Badeland)

During our summer road trip, we did not have enough time for this attraction. However, on our last visit to Bergen, we had time to visit Water Park and we had a really good time. It is fantastic entertainment, relaxation, and amusement with many swimming pools and water slides. Our son (teenager) loved the super bowl and bob slides.

Smaller kids can enjoy many children’s pools, sing, and dance with the water park dolphin mascot Duffe.

Day 8: On The Road To Stryn & Innvik

We drove the roads from Bergen to our destinations, Stryn & Innvik . It was a long six-hour drive, but we decided to make a few stops on the way and had an exciting day. The easiest way to reach Stryn from Bergen is by driving on road E39. Well, as you might notice, we like detours. We wanted to visit the Gaularfjellet viewpoint , so we took E16 and then national road 13.

The mountain pass on national road 13 between Vinje and Vik can be unpredictable, to say the least, due to the weather conditions. Although we drove in mid of July, it rained and was cloudy. The road is high up in the mountains. We passed the road at a high altitude surrounded by clouds.

Day 8 – Hopperstad Stave Church

Just 15 minutes ago, we were 1 000 meters (3280 ft) above sea level and felt like Alice in Wonderland due to clouds and rain. The Storehaugtunnelen tunnel exit is a viewpoint high on the mountains. From there is downhill to a small village and fjord bay. Suddenly, we were almost at sea level approaching Vikøyri , the home of Hopperstad Stave Church .

The original stave church is from the Middle Ages, but the current church was restored in 1880. It is much smaller than the Borgund but not less impressive and has similar design motives.

Day 8 – Balestrand

Two short ferryboat hops from Vangsnes were enough to be on the northern side of Sogn Fjord (Sognefjord) . It is the longest and the deepest of all the fjords, stretching 204km (126 miles) inland from the Atlantic Ocean north of Bergen. Somewhere in the middle of this vast fjord is located the charming village of Balestrand .

Discover: Find accommodation in Balestrand .

Day 8 – St. Olaf’s Church – The Anglican Church

Besides the beautiful nature surrounding Balestrand village, this church is one of the main attractions. The style reminds of the Norwegian stave churches, but it doesn’t have a long history back to the Middle Ages. It is a “young” church building from the year 1897.

Day 8 – Gaularfjellet Viewpoint

We were back in the mountains again. Just 40 minutes drive and 37 km (23 miles) from Balestrand , we reached the Gaular Mountain (Gaularfjellet) Viewpoint.

Gaularfjellet Viewpoint is 700 meters (2300 ft) above sea level. It is a modern concrete engineering achievement. The view over the surrounding mountains and winding road below us is magnificent at such a height.

The concrete platform reminds me of the spaceship with the nose pointing to the mountains and two wings at the back. On one wing are solar cell panels “to boost the spaceship engine” . On the other wing is a staircase for a better view of the area and “seats for spaceship passengers” .

Day 8 – Nystølvatnet Lake – Wooden Houses

3 km (1.86 miles) further up the road near the shores of Lake Nystølvatnet are some charming wooden houses with grass roofs. We took a short break for another photo session on the fly.

Day 8 – Likholefossen

Likhole Waterfall (Likholefossen) is 15 minutes drive and just 15.5 km (9.63 miles) from Gaularfjellet Viewpoint, on the left-hand side of the road.

We had a short walk over the narrow metal bridge and into nature. Cold mountain air refreshed our lungs.

Recharged, we were ready to practice the long exposure and silky waterfall photo lesson.

Day 8 – Haukedalsvatnet

Haukedal Lake (Haukedalsvatnet) is another hidden gem of this area but very well known to the trout fisherman. We have marked this location for our future exploration of this region.

See you soon, Haukedalsvatnet. We are looking forward to coming back to this charming lake.

Day 8 – Skei

I have had a former colleague who worked from the home office in Skei instead of Bergen. Now, when we have passed this area just for a glimpse of time, I understand why he did not want to leave this nature-rewarded area.

Day 8 – Stardal River (Stradalselva)

We have just passed Skei and followed the Stardal River (Stradalselva) . I couldn’t drive any longer without stopping and enjoying this place.

We found the perfect spot. It was in the valley carved by this river centuries ago. Mountains on both sides of the river, the grass perfectly green, and the river emerald green and turquoise blue.

At the same spot, two families with campervans established their picnic location. Music from their mobile app mingled with the murmur of a flowing river. Breeze air sound was interrupted by the drone noise in the distance.

It was almost the perfect spot for camping and true nature enjoyment. However, we had to leave and move on to our final destination for the day. Goodbye Skei. For now. We are coming back for sure.

Discover: Find accommodation around Stradalselva .

Day 8 – Stryn Panoramic Road ( Stryn Panoramavegen)

The initial intention was to drive over the mountains and come straight to Innvik . Innvik was our final location for the day and the location of our hotel. However, we detoured again and extended the day a little longer. We drove via Sandane to the Innvik Fjord and took the ferry between Anda and Lote .

As soon as we drove out from the ferry, we turned right on the local road fv698 .

It is better known as Stryn panorama road (Stryn Panoramavegen) . It is a 44-minute drive on the 44 km (27.3 miles) to Stryn . Panorama Road is on the northern side of Innvik Fjord. We could see our hotel on the other side in Innvik, but before that, we need to reach Stryn.

The day was long, and it took a toll. In addition, a few detours due to road construction slowed us down. So we didn’t embrace what the panorama road has to offer. Maybe we will give it a better chance next time.

Day 8 – Innvik

Finally, we arrived at our hotel and base for the next three days of our escapades. Innvik is a small village in the fjord with the same name Innvik fjord (Innvikfjorden) . We chose the hotel in Innvik since it was cheaper compared to Stryn and Loan . At the same time, all the sightseeing locations were not far away from Innvik.

Discover: Find your accommodation in Innvik .

Day 9-11: Innvik Fjord & Stryn

Oppstryn , Loan , and Olden valleys are the treasures of the most attractive natural beauties in the Innvik Fjord area. Each valley is a story on its own, and we will explore them in the next few days. We will try our best to describe every landmark as accurately as possible. So follow us along on this colorful trip into nature.

Day 9 – Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalsbreen)

The trip to Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalsbreen) was a beautiful half-day excursion. Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalsbreen) is a picturesque place with many natural treasures, from the surrounding mountains, wild rivers, and powerful waterfalls to the main prize glacier itself.

Briksdal Glacier is a small part of Jostedal Glacier (Jostedalsbreen) . When we visited the Norwegian Glacier Museum , we mentioned that we would meet again at Jostedal Glacier from the other side of the mountain. Now we are at that spot.

We’ve written a longer article about hiking Briksdal Glacier, where we go into detail and try to answer all your questions. Here we will show you some pictures. This way, you will get a glimpse of this incredible gem of nature.

Read our detailed  Briksdal Glacier Hiking  article.

Day 9 – Oldevatnet Lake

We were gathering our thoughts on our return from the Briksdal glacier hike. As soon as we thought that was the highlight of our day, Norwegian nature had other plans and a few additional surprises on its sleeves.

Oldevatnet Lake is another emerald-green lake in this region. It is the perfect spot for short relaxation, meditation, and just soaking in the beauty of this nature.

You cannot miss it when driving to the glacier from Stryn or Innvik. We stopped by the Olden Gytri camping  to take this fabulous and colorful photo.

Day 9 – Floen Lake

Floen Lake is a lot smaller compared to Oldevatnet Lake. However, it is almost as beautiful as Oldevatnet Lake. It is just 2.5 km (1.55 miles) from the Olden when turning in the direction of Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalsbreen). If you return from the Briksdals Glacier hike, Floen Lake is around 20 km (12.4 miles) just after Oldevatnet Lake.

Day 9 – Loen River & Lake (Loenelva & Loenvatnet)

We had plenty of time to discover the next valley with a river, lake, and small farmhouses at Loen .

Loen river and lake (Loenelva & Loenvatnet) are part of the Loendal Valley . The valley is around 23 km (14.3 mi) from Innvik and just 11 km (6.8 mi) from Stryn. The road follows the river first and later the lake. However, the road is narrow in some sections.

Driving tips: drive cautiously, use traffic anticipation, be in solidarity, and use the roadside extensions wisely to pass traffic from the opposite direction.

Photo from  © Sergey Bogomyako

Our main objectives were Breng wooden farmhouses that we would describe next.

Day 9 – Breng – Wooden Farm Houses (Breng Seter)

We had already seen the wooden farmhouses next to Nystølvatnet Lake when we drove to Stryn and Innvik from Bergen. Breng wooden farmhouses’ design is very similar, notice again the grass isolation layer on the roofs.

Breng is very popular for photographers, while campers stop by to bathe, kayak, paddle board, and more in the lake.

It was the correct transition to wrap up the day with the farmhouses visits and an introduction to start tomorrow’s adventure of hiking similar summer farms but high in the mountains.

Day 10 – Raksætra – Summer Pasture Farm

Today we continue discovering summer farms in fantastic natural surroundings. We drove up into the mountain to hike Raksætra and Oppheimssætra farms.

A mind-blowing view from Raksætra is worth the effort of hiking this summer pasture farm. We have seen it. It is your turn now.

More detailed article  “Experience Raksætra & Oppheimssætra Hiking – Summer Pasture Farms”  will help you to decide for yourself.

Day 10 – Oppheimssætra – Summer Pasture Farm

Oppheimssætra is a little bit further up from Raksætra. Oppheimssætra is a little bit further up from Raksætra. We stumbled upon it by wandering in the forest on our return down but no regrets, on the contrary.

Day 10 – Loen Skylift (Cable Car)

Taking the Loen cable car (Loen Skylift) is an easy and fast way to be in one of the best locations to have a panoramic view over the Innvik fjord , Briksdalen , and Lodal valleys . However, remember this is Norway, so attractions tickets are not very cheap.

Maybe, Raksætra and Oppheimssætra hikes are not your cups of tea. Maybe, you prefer a more relaxing, fast, and easy-to-climb approach. The cable car is a highly recommended option to approach these locations.

Photo from Loen Skylift shows the magnificent view from the top in its glory.

On the left-hand side, we can see Loen Lake, its valley, river, and place itself. The most dominant is Innvik Fjord which is part of the much bigger Nordfjord . The valley in the middle of the photo is Olden Valley, where Oldevatnet Lake, Floen Lake, and Briksdal Glacier are.

Taking the Loen cable car (Loen Skylift) is an easy and fast way to be in one of the best locations to have a panoramic view over the Innvik fjord, Briksdalen, and Lodal valleys . However, remember this is Norway, so attractions tickets are not very cheap.

Day 11 – Stryn

Stryn is a regional administrative center and one of the corners of Innvik Fjord , which is part of a much bigger Northern fjord (Norfjord) .

Stryn is lively during summer, with many restaurants on the main street (Tonningsgata) for a nice lunch or dinner. If you want to ski or snowboard even during the summer months, Stryn Summer Ski is the first choice. Although, the resort is 45 km (28 mi) east of the Stryn center and 45 minute’s drive.

Please, do not miss our detailed  Stryn  tourist guide.

Photo from  Thomas Sagvik / Visit Nordfjord shows us Stryn town, river, and a small part of the Nordfjord.

Day 11 – Hjelle

Hjelle is a charming village on the shores of Oppstryn Lake . It is 26 km (16 miles) from Stryn on the road to Geiranger, old Stryn road (Gamle Strynfjellsvegen), and one of the valley roads back to Oslo. We exited the main road before the Hjelle tunnel and followed a small road beside the lake right to the village.

Although mid-summer, snow covers the tops of the surrounding mountains. Most mountains are part of a vast plateau, Jostedals Glacier (Jostedalsbreen) , and a national park.

The day of our visit was cloudy and windy, so we could imagine how beautiful this scenery on sunny days was.

Thomas Sagvik / Visit Nordfjord  was lucky enough to get this fantastic drone photo on a sunny and bright day when the lake water was very calm.

We stopped by another glacier museum and national park center (Justedalsbreen Nasjonalparksenter) on the lake shores on our way to Hjelle .

Discover: Find your accommodation in Stryn, Loan, and Innvik .

Day 11 – Old Stryn Road (Gamle Strynfjellsvegen)

36th kilometer (22nd mi) from Stryn is the junction to the old Stryn road (Gamle Strynfjellsvegen) . It is part of the road engineering history through this rough terrain over the mountains and is now a tourist attraction mostly.

The day was cloudy, and we anticipated that the fog and clouds had covered most of the road. We decided to skip it this time and put it on our wish list for some future visits and hopefully better weather conditions.

Preferably, we would continue our journey to beautiful Geiranger .

Photo from  Thomas Sagvik / Visit Nordfjord  shows us a glim of this piece of history.

Day 12-15: Geiranger Fjord

We were on our way to Geiranger from our Innvik hotel, and it was a short road trip of about 110 km (68 miles).

Although short, it was, by no means, less attractive since it provided opportunities for many sightseeing spots. We have already mentioned a few, such as Justedal Glacier Museum and national park center (Justedalsbreen Nasjonalparksenter), Hjelle Village, and Old Stryn Road (Gamle Strynfjellsvegen) .

In addition, there are many more sightseeing spots to visit. We are excited to see them soon. To tease your imagination, we start describing just two of them Dalsnibba Viewpoint and Flydal Gorge (Flydalsjuvet) .

This is a short version of a visit to Geiranger and written as a journey diary. For a more detailed description with more photos and to answer more of your questions about this region, please read Geiranger & Geiranger Fjord, Best Things To Do (Epic Trip Guide) .

If you approach Geiranger from Stryn or Oslo (via Otta) , the first visiting location is Dalsnibba Viewpoint . We were coming from Stryn, and the day was cloudy, so we decided to wait for a sunny day since we would be in Geiranger for three days. Weather lords granted our wishes a few days later…

Day 12 – Flydalsjuvet

We drove the winding road in the valley to our next point of interest. We felt like we were on a natural roller coaster combined with the engineering marvels of driving on a winding road.

When you see postcard photos of the fjord, cruise ships, and village, the photographer was, most likely, standing at the Flydalsjuvet viewpoint .

It is just 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) from Geiringer .

It consists of two plateaus. The top is more massive, with a concrete platform secured with a metal railing. The bottom plateau is more tucked in nature but has a unique installation popularly called Queen’s Seat (Fjordsetet) . Yes, you guessed correctly, the Norwegian Queen Sonja unveiled it in 2003.

Passages connect both plateaus, and the sightseeing area has parking, tourist info, and toilet facilities.

Day 12 – Geiranger Village

Geiranger is a small village, but it is an iconic symbol for fjords. Ask someone to portray or describe the fjords. The description will most likely resemble a photo of Geiranger Fjord and its village.

We had a fantastic cabin overlooking the Geiranger village. We had a dilemma about whether it was better to be there during the day or the night with the lights in the distance.

Read more: We have described all these fantastic sights in our detailed article about Geiranger .

Day 13 – Geiranger Fjordsafari

Geiranger Fjordsafari is an adventurous and adrenaline tourist attraction. It is a fun & fast ride on the open RIB boats through Geiranger Fjord and the best way to see the Seven Sisters Waterfalls . We loved the ride and described it in our more detailed article Geiranger & Geiranger Fjord, Best Things To Do (Epic Trip Guide) .

Ticket: It is worth every penny buying the ticket for this attraction.

Day 13 – Seven Sisters Waterfalls

These waterfalls are the main attraction in the Geiranger Fjord . The waterfalls begin as a single drop and spread out into seven. Seven Sisters waterfalls mix with the fjord seawater at the bottom.

However, it is important to emphasize the fact that the power of the waterfall largely depends on the amount of accumulated water. Therefore, do not be surprised that only two or three sisters are visible due to the lack of water. I would call it a shy version of the waterfalls.

Discover: Find your accommodation in Geiranger .

Day 14 – Dalsnibba Viewpoint (Geiranger Skywalk)

Finally, nice sunshine day (almost clear) in Geiranger and the surrounding mountains. We can clearly see the Dalsnibba peak from our fjord cabin, so we should visit the viewpoint.

Do you sometimes wish to be a bird and see everything through the eagles’ eyes? Welcome to 1500 meters (4 920 ft.) top of the mountain called Dalsnibba Viewpoint , which provides just that. We had a spectacular view of the winding road following the valley that led us into the surrounded by mountains, Geiranger village, and fjord.

Weather conditions: If it is cloudy at the foot of the mountain there is a high probability that clouds are at the top as well. So try to avoid such days for a visit.

Outfit: At the top can be at least windy even on a sunny day. So as always be prepared for Norwegian weather conditions.

The paid road up is new and modern even the busses can reach the top with ease, although I must admit the climb is steep. After all, we were on the way to visit “the eagles’ home”.

Entrance: It is worth every penny buying the ticket.

Day 15 – Ørnesvingen Viewpoint

The drive is a thrilling eleven turns ride to the top from Geiranger . At the top of Ørnesvingen Viewpoint is a magnificent view over the fjord. On the left-hand side is a Geiranger village. On the right-hand side are the Geiranger Fjord and Seven Sisters Waterfalls .

Driving Tip: Make sure you have excellent anticipation and an overview of the coming traffic at turns.

Day 15 – Storfossen Waterfall

From the center of Geiranger is an easy walk to the Storfossen waterfall , following the metal steps next to the stream. Further on is our next attraction.

Day 15 – Norwegian Fjord Centre – Geiranger

It is further up from Storfossen Waterfall and has a nice park for an outdoor picnic or break. Norwegian Fjord Center provides many exhibitions that showcase the exciting and unique fjord landscape.

Day 16: Trollstigen – The Mountain Road To Geiranger

Please, allow us to be a little bit fantasy-inspired. Trollstigen is eleven sharp turns for “rafting on the wheels”. So please, “raft” with us.

Trollstigen is only 87 km (54 miles) one way from Geiranger , so Geiranger is a fantastic location hub for daily excursions.

There are two highlights of Trollstigen (the panoramic view and driving the mountain road itself).

Day 16 – Trollsstigen Panoramic View

From the parking space are nicely built pathways to the viewpoints that present the panoramic view of the road, valley, and surrounding mountains at its best.

Day 16 – Trollstigen Mountain Road

The second highlight was even more attractive, and that is driving this road. The road is about 5 km (3.1 mi) long and has an elevation difference of about 850 meters (2,789 ft). In some sections, the slope is 10%.

Road Toll & Parking: Free for everyone. Voilà !

Trollstigen provides a magnificent view of this natural paradise. It is open only during the summer months Mid-May until October . So do not miss your chance to drive this winding mountain road and be thrilled with it for a lifetime.

Plan your  Trollstigen road trip   by reading our more detailed article.

Day 16 – Trollveggen

After visiting Trollstigen, we drove down the valley in Åndalsnes direction. We gathered our thoughts and wanted to call the day filled with joy and excitement. However, Norwegian nature has more to offer. At the crossroad, instead of turning left to Åndalsnes, we decided to turn right and drove in Dombås direction.

Trollveggen  (in free translation,  Troll’s Wall ) is another pearl on the Norwegian necklace of natural beauties. Blue sky (mixed with clouds) edged with mountain peaks shaped like sharp teeth carved the horizon.

Language Tips: Vegg in Norwegian means a wall . However, Veg in Norwegian means a road .

Mountain rocks blend with green conifers and birch trees vegetation melting into the emerald green but cold waters of the  Rauma River  at the bottom.

Discover: Find your accommodation in Trollveggen .

Day 16 – Gudbrandsjuvet – Gudbrans Ravine

We stopped at Gudbrans Ravine (Gudbrandsjuvet) on our way back from Trollstigen to Geiranger. We had an opportunity to look at how the peaceful mountain river Valldøla suddenly becomes wild and carves its course through this ravine.

Day 17 & 18: Ålesund

We changed our location once again. This time we were on our way from Geiranger to Ålesund . It was another short trip of only 110 km (68 miles) and two hours drive on local roads (including a ferry crossing).

Ålesund is an interestingly shaped city on many peninsulas. It is very lively and full of tourists buzzing during working hours. However, Ålesund settles down and becomes a calm and sleepy place later in the afternoon and evening. The majority of people are in restaurants, pubs, and cafe shops. The luxury ones enjoy drinking wine or champagne on their expensive yachts in the harbor.

The city’s architecture in the style of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) is a consequence of the great fire in 1904. Therefore we cannot see wooden houses in the city center as we saw in Bergen .

While walking Ålesund central streets, we noticed buildings decorated with towers, turrets, and artistic ornaments.

Day 17 – Ålesund Swimming Pool

When we arrived at Ålesund Center , we noticed on the other side of our parking place a newly built swimming pool at Park Street (Parkgata) .

Since the Atlantic Ocean is cold even during summer, we decided to find refreshments in the swimming pool. What a treat in many of the indoor pools inside the complex.

As in many modern spa facilities, even the showers have illumination, audio, and water splash features.

Day 17 – Ålesund Viewpoint (Aksla)

Ålesund is well-known for its panoramic view over the city and beautiful sunsets over the ocean.

We decided to drive to the Aksla instead to walk up the famous 418 steps. However, parking space is limited, and the road is narrow. So everyone who decides to drive there must be aware of these limitations.

Get all your questions answered when planning your next trip to  Ålesund  in our detailed city guide.

Day 17 – Atlantic Sea Park (Atlanterhavsparken Aquarium)

We decided to enjoy the ocean life (flora and fauna) on the edge of the Atlantic. Therefore we visited Atlantic Sea Park (Aquarium) in Ålesund .

Penguins and seals playing in the water were the most attractive among sea fish species, lobsters, starfishes, and king crabs.

Seals have a fantastic pool on the edge of the sea.

Day 18 – Alnes Lighthouse (Alnes Fyr)

Alnes Lighthouse (Alnes Fyr) is on Godøya island . It is 25 minutes driving and 22 km (13.7 miles) from the Ålesund city center.

Language Tip: Øya in Norwegian means an island .

We followed the airport signs and reached our destination in several hops over two islands, three tunnels, and one bridge.

The drive is unique since the tunnels go deep below the sea bed.

Driving Tips: So do not choke your engine while on a steep uphill toward the tunnel’s exit if you want to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The lighthouse is in the middle of the green grass meadow, following the gravel pathway. We visited a nearby cafe with a nice view of the ocean and a place for refreshment after the lighthouse visit.

Discover: Find your accommodation in Ålesund .

Day 18 – Gjerde Beach (Gjerdesanden)

While we drove to Alnes Lighthouse , we noticed beaches on the side when crossing the Giske bridge (Giskebrua) . Some kids were swimming and playing in the water while many people sunbathed. This picture was like a magnet for us to come back. So we decided to stop by and check the beaches on the way back.

Language Tips: Bro in Norwegian means a bridge .

The beach, sand, and the ocean, through the car window, look pleasing and warm. However, reality proves a different picture. The water was cold, and the wind blew, and we did not like it. To sunbathe on the beach covered with blankets was not our thing. So we stayed shorter than we initially wanted due to these factors.

Instead, we had more time for another evening stroll in Ålesund Center to wrap up this visit.

Day 19: The Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsveien/Atlanterhavsvegen)

Our road trip in Norway is almost coming to an end, and we are about to visit the northernmost point of our journey. Again this is just a summary and for more photos and a longer story answering more of your questions please read our detailed article The Atlantic Ocean Road .

Atlantic Ocean Road is a unique experience of blending nature and engineering cleverness. So we did not want to miss it. Several viaducts and bridges connect the mainland via several small islands. Due to the maritime transport requirements, some bridges and roads have unusual and attractive shapes. These eye-appealing shapes are the magnet for many to visit this unique place.

Outfit: We are at the edges of the Atlantic Ocean so here can be quite windy. Choose appropriate clothing for such weather.

The Atlantic Road – Practical Info

The Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsveien/Atlanterhavsvegen) is around 125 km (77.7 miles) far from Ålesund , and it takes two and half hours to reach it, including the ferry between Vestnes and Molde .

Discover: Find your accommodation near Atlantic Road .

As we drove through Molde, my son called his best classmate. What a coincidence his best friend was on the way to Molde airport flying back to Oslo after visiting his grandparents in Molde.

But back to the road, Atlantic Ocean Road is around 8 km (5 miles) long (at least the most popular section). Seven bridges hopping over the islands connect the mainland.

Weather Forcast:  Use the  YR  website for the local weather forecast. Just click on the  Søk   button and type  Atlanterhavsvegen.

The Best Spots

There are many spots to stop by, take photos, walk around, etc. The most interesting are Eldhusøya (Lyngholmen parking), a view over the Storseisund Bridge (Storseisundbrua) ,  and Myrbærholm Bridge .

Road Toll: Free for everyone. Voilà !

We drove it both ways since it was a short drive and we wanted to enjoy it as much as we could.

You can experience the Atlantic Ocean Road  as we did by reading our travel guide.

Day 19 – Kristiansund

We drove to Kristiansund for resupply in a big shopping center. However, we were not lucky to have a sunny day in Kristiansun as Per Kvalvik did in the photo below. The rest of the day we spent in Kvernesfjorden where we found our accommodation.

Discover: Find your accommodation near Kristiansund .

Day 20: Renndølsetra at Innerdalen – Farmhouses

Hiking Renndølsetra is more than just a walk to a summer pasture farm. Every nature lover should visit this fantastic landscape.

Beautiful mountains surround the environment. Streams and waterfalls flow from the mountain slopes, carve dense green forests and finally meet the beautiful lake as their final destination.

Follow our steps and experience  Renndølsetra Hiking  as we did.

The hike is 3.5 km (2.18 miles) long, and it has 196 meters (645 ft.) climb on the way to Renndølsetra and only 53 meters (174 ft.) climb on the way back. The day was nice and sunny. We had plenty of time, so we enjoyed the hike at our own pace. We are more than eager to return and stay longer in this region soon. So, we can further explore many hiking options, kayaking, landscape photography, etc.

Find accommodation nearby  Renndølsetra .

Renndølsetra were farmhouses used for livestock farming in the past predominantly. Nowadays, it has additional functions. It is used as a cafeteria and serves drinks, waffles, and simple meals. It sells fresh milk and some dairy products (yogurt, creams, butter, etc.). Waffles  with jam are a popular treat.

Tip:  Learn how to use Google Maps for hiking planning, height difference, distance, etc.

Day 21: On The Way Back To Oslo

We love the feeling of coming home. It’s nice seeing new places, meeting great people, and adventure new things, but sleeping in your bed and being at home in your own space is a cozy feeling that we like a lot. From our base, we can plan new trips soon, hopefully.

However, the Norwegian weather saved the “best” for the last day. It was foggy and rainy all day. We didn’t miss much because we had already visited some of the places on our other trips. Anyway, we only live a few hours away so we might come back another time soon.

Additionally, we have researched the area for our future travels and would like to share it with you.

Rafting Sjoa River

We found a few photos of rafting on the river Sjoa that are cool, in our opinion. There are many more activities offered on this wild river and around it. Just to name a few: kayaking, riverboarding, SUP paddle boarding, canyoning, ducking, fishing, bungee jumping (kind of), high rope parks, archery, axe throwing, blowgun, and more.

Read our Voss article to see photos of some of these sports.

Interestingly enough, the Sjoa River is the outlet from Gjende Lake in Gjendesheim and Jotunheim National Park . Gjendesheim is the region of the famous Besseggen trail , which was, by the way, my first hike when I arrived in Norway. The river flows northward at the beginning but turns eastward, and at Heidal village, it takes final course southeast until it flows into the Gudbrandsdalslågen River at the Sjoa village .

Sjoa is three and half-hour drive and some 280km (174 mi) from Oslo. So we look forward to returning and experiencing this area ourselves in the near future.

Sygard Grytting

Stygard Grytting is an old farm still in operation but also offers accommodation facilities with a long history. It looks very promising for future visits as a stay option. The grassy courtyard in the center surrounded by timber houses looks very nice in the photos.

Discover: Find accommodation in Gudbrandsdalen Valley .

However, the interior is even more attractive, charming, romantic, and intriguing.

The view of the Gudbrandsdalen Valley should also be attractive.

“What?! 1.21 gigawatts of historical power!?!” – “Wait a minute, Doc. Are you telling me you built a time machine…out of a Sygard Grytting farm?”

Ringebu Stavkirke

We visited several wooden churches on this trip and several on our other trips. The weather prevented us from visiting this one this time, but we will stop by on our next trip. We will look at this photo of Ringbu Church until we visit the real one.

Kvitfjell is the most renowned for ski sports during the winter season. However, during the summer season hiking and biking are the most popular activities.

Language Tip: Hvit in Norwegian means white  while Fjell means a mountain . Kvit is just a local dialect for white.

We visited Hafjell on daily trips from Oslo to Lillehammer on several occasions. During summer, Hafjell is very popular among mountain bike riders for its thrilling trails. Kids love it due to the two attractions described below. Teenagers find interesting something else described shortly after.

During winter, it is a ski resort and paradise for alpine, cross-country, snowboarding, and snow lovers in general. It has many slopes of different skill levels, kids and family areas, terrain parks, cross-country skiing tracks, night skiing sessions possibility, and more.

If you are a landscape photographer, you can snap mesmerizing winter idyllic photos with frozen wooden houses, trees, and untouched snow on a sunny day.

Lilleputthammer – Family Park

The grownups’ world is oversized for children. Why don’t we make a mini city where children will feel big? That’s the idea of Lilleputthammer Family Park .

The children feel at home surrounded by the facilities in a one-to-four ratio.

Hunderfossen Adventure Park

Five minutes drive from the above park and on the other side of the Gudbrandsdalslågen river is Hunderfossen Adventure Park . Two things strike you as you enter the park. The first is the big green Troll that guards entrances to the second one, and that is the Fairytale Castle .

There are rides for kids of different ages and sizes. Some are even for the parents so the whole family can enjoy the park.

Language Tip: Hunderfossen in Norwegian means Dogs Waterfall .

Wheel Bobsleigh

Just one minute’s drive down the road from the adventure park is the next attraction for teenagers and families too. Bob track built for Lillehammer 1994 Winter Olympic Games got a new adventure use as Wheel Bobsleigh (or Wheelbob as some call it) during summer.

Minimum two and maximum of three passengers with professional driver provided rush downhill at the 100 km/h (62 mph) speed.

“If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you’re gonna see some serious s***.” – Doc

Lillehammer

Many know that Lillehammer was the host of the 1994 Winter Olympic Games, but many don’t know what Lillehammer means…

Language Tip:   Lille Hammer in Norwegian means little hammer .

The pedestrian street with wooden houses in the center is the most charming, popular, and lively in Lillehammer.

Garmo stavkirke

Yet another stave church in Norway, speaking of which, Garmo church was demolished in 1880, and the materials were sold at auction. Later building materials were redeemed, collected, and transferred to Lillehammer for reconstruction.

23rd of June – Saint John’s Eve (Sankthansaften) in Lillehammer

We have already mentioned that Saint John’s Eve (Sankthansaften) celebration is usual in Norway. Lillehammer is no exception, and celebrate it with a bonfire.

Lysgårdsbakkene hoppanlegg – Ski Jump

On the slopes above Lillehammer is ski jumps visible even from the highway.

Even the moon is sometimes tempted to jump off the ski jump hill.

Telemarkstunet

Telemarkstunet wooden cabins are above the ski jumps. They are charming places to eat and drink while out on the town.

Discover: Find accommodation in Lillehammer .

The grass on the roofs, the colorful gardens, and the attractive carved wooden pieces on the exterior are the cover of the book.

The book’s content is each room’s beautifully decorated artifacts, colorful cabinets, and charming fire pit room.

Birkebeinerrennet (The Birkebeiner race)

I have many former colleagues who trained for months, if not years, before signing up for the Birkebeiner ski race . It’s a big deal for Norwegians. You may be wondering why there is so much fuss about it. Well, let me tell you a short story.

This race commemorates a ski trip made by Birkebeiner loyalists ( Torstein Skevla and Skjervald Skrukka ) to save the infant heir of the Norwegian throne, Håkon Håkonsson , in winter 1206. So the most important rule for all participants is to carry a backpack weighing at least 3.5 kg (7.7 pounds) since that is the estimated weight of a one-year-old baby king.

The race starts at Rena and finishes at Lillehammer , a distance of 54 km (34 mi). The number of participants is limited to 16 000. Each participant must register and pay a fee to race. The current race track record for men is 2:19:28, and for women is 2:41:46.

The skiing race was not enough of a challenge, so Norwegians have a summer version of the race and not one but two. Bicycling race is Birkebeinerrittet , and the cross-country running race is Birkebeinerløpet .

Lillehammer Mikrobryggeri – Brewery

We are looking forward to visiting this unique eating and drinking place in Lillehammer. As we can see from the photos the site looks very promising.

In addition, we might tour the brewery and that would be cool.

Remember:  Never ever drink alcohol and drive!

Skibladner Paddle Steamer Boat

When the weather is nice (important in Norway), and we are triggered by Mark Twain’s “Life on the Mississippi”, we will plan an adventurous lake trip.

Between late June and mid-August operates on Lake Mjøsa the world’s oldest paddle steamer Skibladner. We plan to take the northern route from Hammar via Gjøvik to Lillehammer, stay short in the Lillehammer center, and return to Hammar by a late train.

I hope that my Olive Oyl will scream at least once “Help! Popeye!” and I will be her knight and save the day.

Aulestad – Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson’s House

Norway has three laureates of the Nobel Prize for literature, and Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson is one of them. He lived in Aulestad village , 25 minutes drive north of Lillehammer. He wasn’t just a writer but involved in public life and cultural debates. He wrote the Norwegian national anthem “Ja, vi elsker dette landet” (“Yes, we love this country”) .

We found some amazing photos of Bjørn’s house, both exterior and interior, with eye-striking vintage artifacts. We can’t wait to visit this picturesque, historic site of such important Norwegian heritage.

Language Tip: Bjørn in Norwegian means a bear , Stjerne means a star , and Son means a son .

Hell’s Potholes (Helvete Naturpark – Jettegrytene i Espedalen)

Hell’s Potholes are 25 minute’s drive down the road from Aulestad village. As far as we see in the photos, a wooden path leads to the entrance to the potholes, and at the end, there are wooden ladders that lead to the bottom. We are aware that down there can be wet, muddy, and slippery, so it is wise to have nonslippery footwear.

As creepy as the pothole’s name is, we want to cheer it up as written in Asterix’s comic “Vis comica” (Have a sense of humor).

We could bring all the ingredients to prepare the magical potion of Gauls in this cauldron and become Asterix and Obelix with superhuman powers.

Wait! Where will we find strawberries?!

Peer Gynt Annual Festival on Gålå Lake

The main attraction is the open-air play on the stage near Lake Gålå. Peer Gynt wrote Henrik Ibsen, one of the most famous Norwegian playwriters, and is considered “the father of realism”. The play is accompanied by Edvard Greig’s music and within the ambiance of Norwegian nature as we mentioned near lake Gålå . The festival is held the first week in August.

We mentioned Edvard Greig composer and pianist in our Bergen city guide , his birthplace.

For the international audience, it is possible to rent an audio guide, attend introduction in German or English prior to plays and read booklets.

Lillehammer & Gudbrandsdalen Valley Region – All Seasons Landscapes

Norway’s landscapes are fantastic, so Gudbrandsdalen Valley and the Lillehammer region are no exception.

While researching the area, we found astonishing photos from all seasons. It is an opportunity to snap some amazing landscape photographs in the future. It is a blessing that we live just a couple of hours, so we can return whenever we expect the right weather and the season.

We hope you will like the photos as much as we like looking for them with expectation and excitement to see them in person in near future. Enjoy!

How To Get Around In Norway

Norway has a good network of airports, railways, buses, boats, ferries, roads, etc. It is up to each individual to make a transportation type choice. We have collected the list of websites and info about your potential travel to/from and within Norway.

By Car: Most of the roads on this trip are not highways but regular one-lane (two-way) motorways. You can expect the usual multiple lanes highways around major cities (Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, etc.).

Some mountain roads are steep and narrow, and those demand cautious driving, traffic anticipation, etc. We tried to give you driving tips for such roads and hope they will be helpful. Driving in snow conditions in Norway is a completely different animal and we will probably write a separate article in near future.

We live in Norway, so we use the AutoPass gadget in our car to pay for road tolls with discounts. If you are coming to Norway with a foreign vehicle, please check the AutoPASS website about registration for road tolls. We believe the toll camera will take a photo of your car’s license plate, and you will get an invoice to pay the toll (not the fine).

Road Tolls: Road tolls are charged after you pass an automated toll station.

During our trip, we used many ferries to cross the water barriers. We use the same AutoPASS gadget with a separate prepaid ferry account to pay for ferries. If you are coming with a foreign vehicle, please get more info at the AutoPASS Ferry website.

Intercity Transport

By Airplane: If you decide to travel inside Norway by plane, check the Avinor website for the usual info (departure, arrivals, transportation, baggage, etc.).

SAS and Norwegian operate both domestic and international flights in the big airports. Widerøe operates domestic flights at smaller airports.

By Train: In our more detailed articles (links throughout this journey diary post), we have described whether a place is on a railway network (or not). If you decide to travel inside Norway by train, please check VY (former NSB) website for all information.

By Bus: Please, check the VY Bus website for all information about bus transport within Norway.

Some cities in Norway have their own bus network and company. In our more detailed articles (links throughout this journey diary post), we marked the links to these companies websites.

By Ferry:  We have already mentioned that we had to cross several ferries during our trip. It is wise to check ferry payment methods if you come with a foreign vehicle by checking the AutoPASS Ferry website.

By Cruise: Hurtigruten is a popular option to travel alongside the Norwegian coastline. Please check the Hurtigruten website for more information about tour options.

Public Transport In The City

Most of the cities, towns, and places in Norway are pedestrian-friendly. So you can see a lot just on foot. Other options are rented bicycles or electric scooters.

Oslo has a public transportation network including metro (T-bane), buses, trams, boats, ferries, etc. Ruter Tourist Information (next to the Tiger statue) in front of Oslo Railway station, sells all sorts of tickets. You can use Ruter mobile App as well.

Bergen has a network of buses, light rails (trams), boats, ferries, etc. Bergen Tourist Information is next to Fisketorget in downtown Bergen and sells all sorts of tickets. You can use the Skyss Ticket app (Skyss Billet) or purchase tickets at kiosks, shops, and onboard (sometimes).

Ålesund has a network of buses.

Where to stay in Norway?

For this trip, we have booked various accommodation capacities such as hotels, motels, camping cabins, apartments, etc. We will briefly mention each of them, and you decide for yourself if they are interesting to you or if you want to look at another offer.

Prices: Remember that Norway is an expensive country so make your choice wisely.

We have been living in Oslo for over ten years. So we did not need to look for accommodation in Oslo . Please, do not worry since Oslo has a variety of accommodations from hostels as budget options to luxury hotels.

Discover: Find all the accommodations in Oslo .

Flåm – Lærdalsøyri – Lærdal Ferie- og Fritidspark

Lærdal Ferie- og Fritidspark is a small budget hotel in Lærdalsøyri on the shores of Sognefjord. It is near camping and has amazing sunsets. We bought food in the nearby grocery shops and prepared it in the hotel’s common kitchen facilities.

It was a cheaper option than booking accommodation in Flåm . The hotel location was great for exploring this area in all directions.

Discover: Find all the accommodations in Flåm or Lærdal region .

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Bergen – Bratland Camping

I (Dejan) visited Bergen on numerous business trips and always booked hotels in the city center or nearby to the event venue.

However, on our private trips, we came by car. Bergen is not the best or the cheapest option for finding accommodations with a parking spot in the city center.

Therefore we decided to find accommodation outside the city and Bratland Camping was a good choice. It has charming wooden cabins with a view of the lake. Tent, caravan, and motorhome tourists are the most often visitors here.

Please be aware that the local road nearby the camp is the shortest connection between the road E39 (coming from or going to the south: Haugesund & Stavanger) and road E16 (coming from or going to the east: Voss, Flåm, Oslo). So you can expect some traffic noise there, but use earplugs, and you are all set.

We saved for our accommodation expenses, drove 20 minutes to the city center, and parked in the centrally located garage (By Garasjen).

Discover: Find all the accommodations in Bergen .

Stryn – Innvik – Innvik Fjordhotell

Innvik Fjordhotell has a fantastic location on the shores of the fjord. The breakfast was tasteful and diverse. However, this hotel is not on the budget side of the price spectrum, although it was a cheaper option compared to the Loan and Stryn offers.

FYI: Alcohol is not served in this hotel.

Discover: Find all the accommodations in Stryn .

Gerianger – Fjorden Campinghytter

Fjorden Campinghytter (Fjord cabins) near Geiranger was the best accommodation on our road trip. It has a fantastic view over Geiranger village, fjord, Ørnesvingen viewpoint, etc. Price was higher, but we saved on our meals since we used the kitchen in the cabin.

We have tried our fishing luck as well.

Discover: Find all the accommodations in Geiranger .

Ålesund – Norhostel Apartment

Norhostel Apartment is specious and with kitchen facilities. I believe it is even bigger than our apartment in Oslo. The price was great, the location excellent, the only downside was no parking. However, we have managed to find paid parking space close by.

The walk to the town center was a breeze and a great way to stretch our legs.

Discover: Find all the accommodations in Ålesund .

The Atlantic Ocean Road – Kvernesfjorden Apartments

We have found Kvernesfjorden Apartments on the “fly” without pre-booking. Our hosts were a fantastic Lithuanian couple. The apartment is on the slope with a fantastic view over the fjord, a spacious bathroom, excellent kitchen, and we love it.

Discover: Find all the accommodations in Kristiansund .

Lillehammer & Gudbrandsdalen Valley

There was no need for us to book accommodation near Lillehammer since we live in Oslo which is just two hours drive. So we do not have any accommodation to recommend from personal experience. However, we are sure that you will find suitable accommodation for your needs and budget.

Discover: Find all the accommodations in Lillehammer or Gudbrandsdalen Valley region.

Best Time to Travel in Norway

Norway is an all-year-round visiting location. However, the best season to visit depends on your wants and needs. We will focus on the summer season.

We took this road trip in July since July is the common summer vacation month in Norway. You can count July as the summer high season month, and overcrowded in some places. However, we recommend planning a similar trip in the summer months of June , July , and August .

November to the middle of February is a “dark” season when the days are very short. However, at Christmas time is colorful (Christmas markets) to visit big cities in Norway.

Easter week in spring is travel busy in Norway. However, the weather can be unpredictable in those months (March, April, beginning of May).

Many places can have certain dates when festivals occur or some special occasions and events. Those days can be very lively and especially interesting to visit.

We recommend two events that might be especially interesting for some of you and worth visiting since they are really special in Norway.

17th of May – Constitution Day (Syttende Mai)

The 17th of May  is a national holiday in  Norway  (Constitution Day) . It is a day when Norwegians celebrate in national garments and wave the Norwegian flags.

The celebration is popular among children who march in bands. The music orchestras play the music in the parade. Marching children and/or music orchestra represents a school or local community.

23-24th of June – St. John the Baptist (Sankthans)

St. John the Baptist (Sankthans) is the 24th of June and the longest summer day in Norway .

On the 24th of June are grilling in the parks if the weather is nice.

On the 23rd of June in the evening celebrate with a bonfire in some places, for example, Ålesund, Oslo, Bergen, Lillehammer, etc .

Costs of Traveling in Norway

We have set a budget estimate that might be helpful while planning your own trip to Norway . In addition, we have a few tips for you that might save your wallet or cards from going in the red.

Remember: Norway is a very expensive country, so plan wisely to avoid financial shock.

USD ($) – Budget

• Hotel: $50 - $150 per night
• Hostel: $20 - $50 per night
• Price per meal: $9.6-$25
• Dish: (Pizza) $16.5
• Activities: $15 - $160 per day
• Transport: $6-10.8 per day
• Gas: $2 per litre
• Camper: $130 - $295 per day
• Coffee: $3.6 cup
• Wine: $7.5 per glass
• Beer: $9 0.5L

EUR (€) – Budget

• Hotel: € 60 - € 145 per night
• Hostel: € 20 - € 48 per night
• Price per meal: € 9 - € 23.7
• Dish: (Pizza) € 15.6
• Activities: € 14-5 - € 150 per day
• Transport: € 6-10.23 per day
• Gas: € 1.94 per litre
• Camper: € 120 - € 275 per day
• Coffee: € 3.4 cup
• Wine: € 7.3 per glass
• Beer: € 8.75 0.5L

GBP (£) – Budget

• Hotel: £51 - £123 per night
• Hostel: £23 - £40 per night
• Price per meal: £7.7-£20
• Dish: (Pizza) £13.15
• Activities: £12.3 - £128 per day
• Transport: £5-8-6 per day
• Gas: £1.64 per litre
• Camper: £105 - £235 per day
• Coffee: £2.8 cup
• Wine: £6.15 per glass
• Beer: £7.4 0.5L

Tips: How To Lower Travel Costs In Norway

Here are some helpful tips for you:

Accommodation: Camping is probably the cheapest option. We tried to find accommodation outside the most popular tourist locations and drive to them on our visits. Finally, another option is to have accommodation with kitchen facilities as we did and make your own meals so you can avoid spending too much at restaurants.

Meals: Grocery shops (Joker, Bunnpris, Meny, Spar) have salad bars, barbeque, and hot food sections which are a lot cheaper meal options compared with restaurants.

Drinks: Tap water in Norway is drinkable, of excellent quality, and free compared with highly-priced soft drinks, beer, or wine. Bring a bottle, refill it whenever you find the chance, and save lots of money for other activities.

Snacks:  We always have small packages of raisins that are very cheap. They are a good choice for quick energy boosts as needed.

That’s all folks. We wish you an epic trip!

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3-week tours in Norway

Enjoy the trip of a lifetime in Norway! With 3 weeks in Norway, you can explore the most famous attractions with adventures by car, train or cruise. Experience the breathtaking fjords, the charming cities, the rugged arctic region, or even neighbouring Scandinavian countries with a 3-week itinerary planned by Nordic Visitor.

Experience the best of Norway in 3 weeks

Norway is a must-see destination, and with a trip of 3 weeks you can experience much of the postcard-perfect scenery Norway is known for.

One of the best ways to explore Norway is by car. On a 3-week road trip in Norway you can drive from Oslo to the dramatic coastline of western Norway, crossing through stunning mountain ranges and forested valleys to the famous Norwegian fjords. Nordic Visitor's self-drive tours give you the flexibility to visit the attractions you want to see at your own pace, along with pre-arranged accommodations in charming cities like Bergen and Ålesund or even the Lofoten Islands.

Likewise, train and cruise journeys are great options for taking in Norway’s majestic scenery without driving, and many of Nordic Visitor’s longer self-drive itineraries combine travel on the mountainous Norway in a Nutshell rail journey with overnights on a Hurtigruten coastal cruise.

With 3 weeks of travel time, why not expand your Norway trip to include neighbouring cities in Scandinavia? Whether you travel on your own or in the company of a guided small group, Nordic Visitor makes it easy to combine visits to Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland all in one tailor-made 3-week itinerary.

Nordic Visitor offers a wide range of tours in Norway that can be customised to your liking, such as with extra nights and optional activities added to your itinerary.

— WHY US?

Why book with nordic visitor.

• Hassle-free & seamless travel experience
• Flexible & customisable tour options
• Value for your money
• Professional service from local experts

Explore at your own pace

If you have 3 weeks or more to spend in Norway, here are some Norwegian tour packages you might like.

Complete Road Trip of Norway, Sweden & Denmark

Grand road trip of norway, sweden & denmark, norway road trip - grand, best of scandinavia & norway cruise, train & cruise.

Countries Visited Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark

Best of Scandinavia - Norway Cruise & Iceland

Train, cruise & minibus, the nordic countries classic, train, cruise & self-drive.

Countries Visited Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia

The Nordic Countries Complete

Best of scandinavia - norway cruise & iceland - winter, experience norway on a custom tour.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind Scandinavian holiday with these tours that can be tailored with extra days, optional activities and more.

Best of Scandinavia & Iceland

Capitals of scandinavia & norwegian fjords, best of scandinavia at leisure.

Countries Visited Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia

Best of Scandinavia & Baltic Cruise

Train, cruise & ferry, norway travel experts.

As a travel agency founded in the Nordic region, Nordic Visitor knows how to make the most of your time in Norway. We offer a variety of tours – both independent and guided – that include must-see attractions as well as lesser-known highlights that are hand-picked by our own Norway travel experts. To ensure a stress-free trip, we handle all the local details for you – accommodation, activities, rental car, train tickets, cruise reservations and other specialist services.

Oh, and we can customise your itinerary! If you decide you want to add extra nights at a certain location, for example, your personal Nordic Visitor travel consultant will be happy to make suggestions and modify your itinerary.

Different ways you can experience Norway

We have tours for all varieties of travel styles and interests. See our options for exploring Norway below.

Fjord Cruise & Train

Self-drive tours, guided small group, northern lights, lofoten islands, hurtigruten cruises, what do our customers say.

The reviews speak for themselves. See what Nordic Visitor travellers said about their experience with us.

The tour was perfect and went smoothly the entire time. Communication from Nordic Visitor was timely and detailed. Would book with this tour company again.

Memories we'll cherish forever

We found Norway to be a fabulous country and enjoyed every minute of our trip. The scenery was fantastic, the places visited were brilliant and the people were incredibly friendly and helpful. The information pack provided by Nordic Visitor was invaluable, the route chosen for us was superb and the places we stayed in were great. Likewise, the excursions offered, especially the Rib Safari were fantastic and gave us memories we'll cherish forever. Lastly, but by no means least, Irja, our travel consultant, couldn't have been more helpful and I would like to extend a huge thank you to her for all that she did.

Unforgettable in so many ways

It was unforgettable in so many ways, highlights after highlights. We knew to expect a lot after our trip to Iceland a couple of years ago, also organised by Nordic Visitor. Our expectations were exceeded and more. We saw northern lights three times, the food everywhere was excellent, experienced dog sledding in the moonlight and sleeping in the SnowHotel, and we saw a white reindeer! How lucky we are to have experienced all that. We have now returned home, happy and full of awe.

A great experience

Very well-organised tour and a great experience. Nordic Visitor were very professional and their experience was evident in choosing the well-located and comfortable accommodation they selected for us. Best of all we got to see the northern lights!

Incredibly happy!

Our travel agent, Małgorzata, was amazing to work with! She was able to add a few extra days in Oslo and arranged transportation via train to Bergen. Overall, I thought booking this vacation online and making payments was seamless. All the hotels we stayed in were nice, clean and safe! We loved the breakfast buffets, they were top notch! Also, collecting our rental car and navigating in a foreign country was seamless. We are incredibly happy that our tour package that we received at our first hotel included a physical map that had our tour highlighted.

I'll be recommending Nordic Visitor to my friends

The trip was really amazing. We had an absolutely superb time in Tromsø; hotel and excursions were spot on. The guide and whole the staff was really professional. Professional photos taken by the guide were really fantastic. They gave us excellent care, more than what we have experienced on any trip. Our favourite experience was the snowmobile, but catamaran trip was great too. Certainly I will be recommending it to my friends. I was very pleased that those who delivered the services showed a lot of professionalism.

Very satisfied customer

This was my second experience using Nordic Visitor. I am a very satisfied customer. A few years ago we did a self-drive tour of Iceland that was just amazing. This time we did a train/cruise combo tour of Norway. Once again, I can only say you will have a fantastic experience and you will appreciate the labuor of organising and planning being handled by experts who know what they are doing. The cruises through the fjords were beautiful as were the train trips. We loved the combination of train and boat travel as each offered distinct beauty from a different perspective. The country is truly lovely and we look forward to booking future travel with Nordic Visitor!

Extraordinary!

Extraordinary! Everything went off as planned without a hitch. Our travel guide, Juliana, was exceptional, very responsive in answering our questions and providing updates.

Very satisfied with Nordic Visitor

We were very satisfied with the tour and overall experience with Nordic Visitor. The hotels were strategically chosen and the quality of hotels was satisfactory. The optional tours were also highly recommended. Timings of the schedules throughout the tour were ideal and not rushed.

Best vacation we ever had!

Our family of 5 (3 adult children) loved our Norway fjord tour. We saw the most beautiful scenery and loved each hotel. The food was delicious. Something for everyone. Our guide Al and driver Chris kept things running smoothly. We will have memories to last a lifetime. Thank you Nordic Visitor. Best vacation we ever had!

An excellent decision to book with Nordic Visitor

Following research, we decided to book with Nordic Visitor. This was an excellent decision. The booking process was easy and informative and Hanna was always available for guidance. The accommodation provided was top class and, importantly, convenient to the train stations from which we travelled. Our tour was amazing throughout with stunning scenery and sights.

The tour gives you a fabulous overview of Norway!

The tour gives you a fabulous overview of Norway. We did a lot of travel in between sights but this enabled us to have a real breadth of experience, from fjords to mountain passes, railway adventures and small boats. Our tour guide was excellent and the sights and experiences outlined for us were top-notch. The materials provided about our tour were excellent and well thought out.

Travel Guide

Be prepared for just about anything on your Norway adventure.

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Our Services

Whether you travel by train, cruise ship or car in your Nordic Visitor package, all customers receive personalised service with a designated travel consultant , tailor-made quality travel documents, and our self-drive clients receive a hand-marked map that outlines their route, overnight stays and highlights along the way. Furthermore, Nordic Visitor has long-standing professional relationships with local tour operators , which are carefully selected by our staff and are recognized for consistent, quality service.

Book With Confidence

• Protect your money & plans with our  flexible booking terms    .
• 97% of customers say they’d recommend us to friends.
• We work closely with trusted, high-quality suppliers.
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3 Weeks in Scandinavia Itinerary

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When we hear Scandinavia, our minds will go to the words “expensive” or “high-cost”. Which is not far from the truth. Scandinavia is expensive to live in and expensive to travel to. However, this part of the world is always among the top places to see for many people for a reason. Scandinavia has to be on your bucket list, and you must visit this region at least once n your lifetime.

Scandinavia has very unique dishes, beautiful mountains, stunning architecture, rich culture, and of course, this part of the world is one of the oldest countries in the world. Not to mention how easy it is to get around since many locals speak excellent English regardless of age.

The most fantastic cities can also be found in Scandinavia; Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm are the popular capital cities for their charm and uniqueness.

In this article, I will help you write your 3 weeks in Scandinavia itinerary. From the best time to go, places to see, food to definitely try, where to stay, must-not-miss, and other travel trips to ensure you have an incredible holiday in Scandinavia.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT TRAVELLING TO SCANDINAVIA

Before we start talking about places that you must visit during your time in Scandinavia, there are some basic things you should know and remember. These will help you create your itinerary and prepare for your trip. We also have a general packing list for a 3-week trip, we have a packing list for summer and for winter .

Which countries are in Scandinavia

There are only three countries in Scandinavia which are Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. Many people mixed up Scandinavian countries with Nordic countries. In Nordic countries, you have Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland.

ANOTHER READ: Tips for travelling to Iceland and 3 weeks in Iceland itinerary

Best time to go to Scandinavia

Personally, I love Scandinavia during summer. Not only is the weather great, but it’s also not super rainy or super hot. People are often in the best mood and in a festive vibe. One thing that you should keep in mind is the summer sun.

During the peak of the summer, the sun goes down around nine in the evening. If you go to a much northern area, like Svalbard, the sun almost doesn’t go down.

But of course, during winter, places like Fjords have an ambience like nowhere else in the world and winter activities are much more enjoyable. The best time to go to Scandinavia depends on which activities you are planning to do. For winter, visit between November to February. For summer comes travel from June until August.

Are 3 weeks enough for Scandinavia

Yes. Luckily, there are nice direct flights between Scandinavian major cities. At the same time, you can take a train between Denmark and Scandinavia. There are also ferry routes you can check out. All these countries have an amazing transportation system. Meaning getting from one place to another shouldn’t be time consuming.

Average cost of 20 days in Scandinavia

Plan to spend around $150 a day covering accommodation, tours, transportation, and food. Accommodation can cost you up to $80 a night for a basic room. You won’t be doing tours every day, but when you do, it’s usually no cheaper than $90.

So, around $3,000 for 3 weeks in Scandinavia is a good budget . This excludes your flight to and from there and travel insurance. You can probably get by $2,000 if you couch surf or stay in hostels , which suits a backpacker’s budget.

If you want luxury, prepare at least $5,000 so you book luxury hotels and travel around smoothly and more convinient.

Scandinavian currencies

The money currencies across Scandinavian countries are not much different from each other. They are all in form of crown or krone(NOK)/kroner(DKK)/krona(SEK). Paying with international credit/debit cards will not be a problem at all, and you should be able to find ATMs nearly everywhere. Money exchange kiosks can only be found in big cities next to train or bus stations.

Restaurants, hotels, bars, grocery stores, boutique shops, cafes, and even barber shops accept payments with a bank card or card.

TIP: NOK and SEK are at US$1= 8.5 nok/sek, while DKK is at US$1= 6.5 dkk.

Scandinavian languages

Just like money currency, languages across Scandinavian countries are also very much alike. The spelling and pronunciations are clearly different but still have lots of similarities.

You should not have a problem travelling in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden if you don’t speak the local language. Around 90% of Norwegians speak English, 86% of Danes, and 80% of Swedes. While this is a high number, you might still come across locals who cannot communicate in English but don’t worry, simply ask the next person, and you should not have a problem asking for directions or help.

Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are all part of the Schengen State, which means they implement the same visa policies as other countries that are a member. If you hold a passport from any Americas (except Cuba, Bolivia, Ecuador, Suriname, and Guyana), any EU country, East Europe, Malaysia, Singapore, and some Oceania – you don’t need a visa to enter and travel around Scandinavia for 90 days within a 180-day period.

Visitors with passports that are not on the list must apply for a visa through the embassy or consulate near them in advance.

Other travel tips

For booking sites, here is a list of platforms I always use when planning my trip. These travel tools help me ensure that my trip will be fun and less hassle. From hotel bookings, arranging flights, getting ob awesome tours, and renting a car.

PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE PLACES IN SCANDINAVIA

We marked each attraction and place that you shouldn’t miss during your visit. We only added the places we will cover in this travel itinerary. There are so many spots that are worth visiting that we might not mention here.

You can click the top right corner to enlarge the map. Credit: Map data: Google

3 WEEKS IN SCANDINAVIA ITINERARY

TOP TIP: Plan to rent a car in all countries as this is the best way to go around. If that’s not an option, local transportation in Scandinavia is impeccable; from buses , trains , to airports.

Week 1 – Norway

1 week in Norway: Oslo and the North

Whether you are coming from South or North America, you can find plenty of flights to Norway. You might have to connect in the UK, France, the Netherlands, or Iceland and then land in Oslo. Norway is a massive country. Therefore, I highly recommend you choose between exploring the Southern part or the Northern part but not both.

In your 3 weeks in Scandinavia, you can easily enjoy Norway in a week. Don’t worry, I will show you the list of places you can visit in both areas, so you can make a more suitable itinerary for yourself.

If you plan to visit Svalbard, you should plan your trip during the summer. For people who prefer to visit lesser-known places, check out these villages and small towns in Norway that are worth seeing. We also have 3 weeks in Norway itinerary.

Oslo>Tromsø>Svalbard or Oslo>Bergen/Fjords>Tromso/Svalbard

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo and plan to explore the Bygdøy peninsula, where you can visit multiple museums like Viking Museum, Fram, Norweigian Folk, Kon-Tiki, and Maritime Museum. You can also enjoy the beach during summer.

This place is only 20 minutes away from the city centre. You can either take bus #30 or take the boat to Pier 3 next to the City Hall. After a day of exploring, come down to Karl Johans, which is the high street of Oslo, and it’s packed with awesome restaurants and various kinds of bars. You can also do an Oslo Fjord tour .

Day 2 : Explore the city . There are more places to see in Oslo, for example, Frogner Park, Vigeland Museum, The Royal Palace (Det Kongelige Slott), Akershus Fortress, Oslo Cathedral, and Munch’s Museum.

Head to Sorengkaia for a nice dinner by the water. Get yourself an Oslo public transportation pass to make travelling more convenient. Take a flight from Oslo to Tromsø, which should take under 2 hours for a direct flight.

Day 3 : The first thing we suggest you check out is Fløya mountain which can be reached by cable car. The cable car is open from 10 am until midnight, so don’t worry if you arrive around the afternoon in Tromsø. Just make sure to bring warm clothes because it gets really chilly on top of the mountain.

The cable car will only take you to Storsteinen (420 m above sea level), you need to hike up to Fløya Mountain (671 m above sea level), but it’s an easy walk. During the right season, this is a great spot to see Norway’s famous Nothern Lights. You can even enjoy dinner here. There are cafes and restaurants to enjoy meals and drinks.

If you feel like it, you can hike up to Fløya Mountain, which takes about 1 hour for one way (roughly 3kms/1.8mi), then take the cable car down or hike down again. The cable car operating hours changes every season, so make sure to double-check before heading out.

Day 4: After a long day on top of Fløya Mountain, it’s time to wander around downtown Tromsø. Visit the Arctic Cathedral and Polaria. The thing is, Tromsø have lots of Cathedral. If that’s not your thing, I suggest you explore the really magnificent beauty of this city.

Pack your camera and head to Pretvannet and Telegrafbukta. Regardless of what month you plan to spend here, the scenic view will never disappoint. This part of the city also hosts music festivals.

Day 5-7: Well, we didn’t go to the Northern part of Norway for nothing; today , we are visiting Svalbard, the archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole. The flight from Tromsø to Svalbard is under 2 hours direct. You can also join a cruise called Hurtigruten, which is expensive but worth every penny.

The thing is, Svalbard is almost an isolated region. Hence we recommend you go here on a guided tour. The safety of locals and tourists and preserving the raw nature of Svalbard is the top priority. You should also know that visiting Svalbard can be very costly.

In this region, Longyearbyen is the most popular destination and where the airport is located. You can visit Svalbard Museum as well. Away from Longyearbyen, head to Pyramiden, which is up in the north or Barentsburg, which is south of Longyearbyen.

But of course, visiting the northern point of Norway is incomplete without trying out dogsledding and viewing the Northern Lights .

1 week in Norway: Southern Part

I’m not going to lie, just reading the northern part itinerary of Norway sent chills to my bones, and I feel cold! If you want to get away from that and prefer a warmer feel on your skin, here’s the southern part of Norway itinerary.

Oslo>Bergen/Fjords>Stavanger>Kristiansand >> take a flight to Copenhagen airport

Day 1 : Arrive in Oslo and plan to do an Oslo discovery trip by exploring the Bygdøy peninsula, where you can visit multiple museums like Viking Museum, Fram, Norweigian Folk, Kon-Tiki, and Maritime Museum. You can also enjoy the beach during summer.

This place is only 20 minutes away from the city centre; you can either take bus #30 or take the boat to Pier 3 next to the City Hall. After a day of exploring, come down to Karl Johans, which is the high street of Oslo; it’s packed with awesome restaurants and various kinds of bars.

Day 2 : Explore the city on foot or on a bike . You can make the most of your day by combining a grand city tour with an Oslo Fjord cruise . Apart from that, there are more places to see in Oslo, for example, Frogner Park, Vigeland Museum, The Royal Palace (Det Kongelige Slott), Akershus Fortress, Oslo Cathedral, and Munch’s Museum.

Head to Sorengkaia for a nice dinner by the water. You can also book a 2-hour Fjord sightseeing cruise . It’s time to take a flight from Oslo to Bergen, which should be under an hour direct flight.

Day 3: Bergen is the city you must land if you are eager to explore the Fjords. This city is filled with hiking areas and traditional wooden houses to adore. Head to the Bryggen area to enjoy a line of beautiful and colourful old Hanseatic wharf houses.

There is also Hanseatic Museum for you to learn more about these houses and the local culture. Join a Bergen city tour to maximise your time or this day trip out of Bergen . Make sure to find time to head to Troltunga, undeniably one of the most popular spots to take incredible photos in Norway.

There are many things to do in Bergen but don’t forget to visit Bergenhus Fortress, Bergen Art Museum, and the scenic Nordnes Park. You may also spend this day exploring Fjords. I recommend you book a guided tour to make the most out of your trip.

Day 4 : Explore the Fjords . Fjords are long, narrow inlet with steep sides or cliffs which was built through glaciers. There are many areas to choose from, guided tours will list exactly which places you will see. Regardless of the season, Fjord will be spectacular and worth a visit.

The most popular spots are Geirangerfjord, Sognefjord, and Lysefjord. If you want to see some unique animals, visit Atlantic Sea Park for marine animals and see the famous puffin birds of Runde Island .

Day 5 : Head to Stavanger, which is 210 km (130 mi). The best way is to take a 40-minute flight. I recommend you to visit Gamle Stavanger, which is lined with preserved 18th-19th-century wooden cottages and is a very historic area.

From here, wander around the city and check out Norsk Olhemuseum (Petroleum Museum). It might sound a bit off. Still, the Norwegian economy relies massively on oil and fishing, which will lead you to the Canning Museum (Norsk hermetikkmuseum). You must visit Pulpit Rock, which is only a 45-minute drive from Stavanger.

You can also explore Lysefjord from Stavanger . And of course, last but not least, explore downtown Stavanger, where you can visit the Town Centre, Domkirke, and Breiavatnet. Enjoy your dinner at Øvre Holmegate, the high street of Stavanger.

Day 6: Before we head back to Oslo, make a stop at Kristiansand. A town in the south that is popular during the summer season. Here, you can admire traditional wooden houses in the old town, Posebyen.

If it’s warm enough, go take a dip at the lake in the middle of the city called Stampe Badeplass. While Kristiansand is really charming, you can skip this area to add more time either in Bergen, Stavanger or even in Oslo.

Day 7: Head back to Oslo, where you can catch a flight to Copenhagen .

What to eat in Norway

During your 3 weeks in Scandinavia vacation, especially in Norway, make sure to enjoy some local Norwegian dishes. You can even sign up for a cooking class with a local and knowledgeable chef.

• Kjøttkaker – it’s the Norwegian answer to Swedish meatball, it’s a staple to Norwegian’s dining table, especially for dinner
• Rakfisk – this is a fermented fish fillet from freshwater such as trout. It is enjoyed during lunch with onion, butter, and sour cream on the side
• Bergensk fiskesuppe – if you are heading to Bergen, definitely take a bite of this dish. It’s a fish soup best enjoyed during lunch, it has a thick texture with egg yolk, sour cream, and a dash of vinegar. Enjoy this with Kjøttkaker.
• Lefse – for dessert, make sure to try this rolled flatbread, it is blended with butter, sugar, and cinnamon. This snack can easily be found in grocery stores, ferry harbours, and even airports.
• Book this food and culture walking tour in Bergen

Where to stay in Oslo

• Affordable:
• Mid-range: Kollen Slottet or HI Oslo Haraldsheim or Voksenasen Hotell
• Luxury: Radisson RED Oslo Økern or Hotel Bristol or Amerikalinjen

Where to stay in Bergen and Floyen

• Mid-range: Scandic Kokstad or City Hostel Bergen
• Luxury: Hotel Park Bergen or Opus 16 or Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen

Where to stay in Stavanger

• Affordable: Solborg Folkehøgskole Hostel
• Mid-range: Central Economic Stavanger
• Luxury: Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel or Hotel Victoria or Frogner House – Pedersgata

Week 2 – Denmark

Denmark is the smallest country in Scandinavia (if you don’t count Greenland and Faroe Island). But don’t get fooled by its size. This place has so much to offer. Personally, I think Denmark has the best pastries and beers among the three. Because of its size, I can definitely assure you that a week spent here will be well spent.

However, it’s a flat country, so don’t expect any big hiking or trekking in this part of the 3 weeks in Scandinavia itinerary, but still, lots of massive parks and forests to explore.

TOP TIP : This is definitely the country where renting a car is the best idea. Due to its size, you can save both time and money if you drive yourself around versus taking buses, trains, and even flying. There’s this joke about travelling Denmark and all its corners, “you can do it in just a week!”. You can drive from Copenhagen to Skagen in less than 6 hours, covering a little over 500 km (300 mi)

1 week in Denmark Itinerary

Copenhagen > Odense > Aarhus >> Skagen >> fly to Stockholm

Day 1: Arrive in Copenhagen. Depending on the time, you can easily stroll around Amalienborg, Ofelia Plads, Amalie Garden and the famous Freetown of Christiania to get a feel of the city. Copenhagen has lots of hidden gems , so don’t be afraid to explore.

It’s best to end your walk at Christiania, where you can enjoy various international cuisine for a bite. You should get a city card which lets you into many attractions and get free use of public transportation. If you like riding a bicycle, there is a city tour that you can join on a bike .

Day 2 : Head to Nyhavn (near Ofelia Plads), where you can get on a boat tour. You will be able to see the famous Little Mermaid. While you cannot get off the boat until the tour ends, it is accessible by land.

Make sure you visit Tivoli Gardens as well, especially if you are travelling with young children. You can also plan to book a grand city tour that covers all the must-sees in Copenhagen.

You can take the blue metro line from Kongens Nytorv to Østerport. From here, you can walk to the Little Mermaid Statue and enjoy Kastellet, Gefion Fountain, and Medical Museion. Head to Store Kongensgade or Bredgade, both the most popular and busiest streets of Copenhagen.

Day 3 : Take the train, bus , or drive to Odense, located in the Fyn region. It should take about a 2-hour drive (170km/105 mi). If you leave early, you will have enough time to visit Hans Christian Andersen’s House and his childhood home, which both can be found downtown and just 750m away from each other. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring bars and restaurants.

Day 4 : Start your day by packing the car and head to Egeskov, a living castle just a 30-minute drive south of Odense. This castle was built in the 16th century and is actually privately owned but open to tourist.

It’s called the living castle because people actually live here. You can pack your own food and enjoy a picnic after exploring the mazes and the castle itself. From here, you can drive straight to Aarhus, which would take about 2 hours of driving.

Day 6 : Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark and is known as the home of Aarhus University. This city is also popular for its unique Scandinavian architecture. Hence, I recommend you check out ARoS Museum and Dokk1 for really cool buildings. Den Gamle By is where you can learn more about Danish culture.

Enjoy your evening and check out places like Aarhus Street Food and Flammen for authentic Danish food. You can get yourself a self-guided audio tour that covers both ARoS and Den Gamle By .

Day 7 : We are not leaving Denmark without visiting Skagen, the coastal town where Skagerrak and Kattegat sea meet. You should also check out Den Tilsandede Kirke, a gothic-style church tower that where parts of it are now submerged under the sand dune.

This part of Denmark is so up the north that you can get TV and radio channels from Norway and Sweden. It is also the place I highly advise you to try a local salmon dish. From here, you have to head back to Aarhus or Aalborg to take a flight to Copenhagen or simply drive to bring back the car, then take an hour’s train to Malmø, Sweden.

TIP : You can take a ferry from Frederikshavn (DK) to Gothenburg (SE)

EXTRA TIP: If you have the time or decide to skip a place, we recommend you take a look at Esbjerg. Esbjerg is a popular summer destination not because of its harbour but because of the stunning island of Fano. While the beach itself is not the most beautiful in the world due to low tide, there are much wind sport-base you can enjoy, like kiting. You can even bring your car through the ferry service to this island. If you have time, visit to Vadehavet National Park, it’s a bit over an hour’s drive .

What to eat in Denmark

With your 3 weeks in Scandinavia itinerary, we can’t leave out food, and I love Danish food! Surely, it took me a while to get used to its alien taste for me, but after learning what goes with what, I’m a big fan. I highly recommend you book a food tour and culinary experience or a food and drinks tour to understand Danish cuisine more. Here is a list of food to try during your visit to Denmark:

• Rugbrød and leverpostej (rye bread and liver pate)- rugbrød is a dark bitter-ish bread that you will normally find during lunchtime. It can be enjoyed by spreading leverpostej, adding meat, fish, or boiled egg on top, then perhaps tomatoes or cucumber, finish off with salt and pepper or remoulade. I like adding a squeeze of lime/lemon juice too.
• Frikadeller – another favourite of mine; this is a fried meatball. It consists of fish, pork or beef. This can be eaten with potatoes, remoulade, and fried onions, but you can also add this on top of rugbrød.
• Koldskål – a breakfast or snack dish that is enjoyable during summer. It’s a thick and sweetened dairy product (similar to yoghurt) with added crushed biscuits or fruit on top.
• Hotdog and sausage s – this reminds me of Germany, Danes love and are proud of their local and organic hotdogs and sausages. This dish can be found in many food street stalls annually.
• Kanelsnegle/Cinnamon roll – this is my all-time favourite Danish/Swedish pastry; if I am to spend my last Danish krone at the airport, it’s definitely something I’d buy.

Where to stay in Copenhagen:

• Affordable: CityHub Copenhagen or Bak Guesthouse or Steel House Copenhagen
• Mid-range: Next House Copenhagen or Comwell Copenhagen Portside Dolce by Wyndham
• Luxury: Zoku Copenhagen or 25hours Hotel Indre By or NH Collection Copenhagen

Where to stay in Odense:

• Affordable: Odense City B&B or Billesgade Rooms
• Mid-range: Cichy Zakątek or Cichy Zakątek 2
• Luxury: Hotel Odeon or Amalie Bed and Breakfast & Apartments or First Hotel Grand

Where to stay in Aarhus:

• Affordable: BOOK1 by Brøchner Hotels
• Mid-range: Hotel Oasia Aarhus City or ApartHotel Faber
• Luxury: Hotel GUESTapart or Villa Provence or Hotel Royal or Radisson RED Aarhus

Week 3 – Sweden

Sweden is the biggest country in Scandinavia, which can both be annoying and enjoyable. Here, you probably don’t want to rent a car .

You can cover all the places you want to see by taking domestic flights, trains, and buses. Plan ahead the flights and trains if you are planning to take them. Since you have a week here, perhaps you want to check out these amazing long-distance hikes in Sweden .

1 week in Sweden Itinerary

Stockholm > Uppsala > Malmø > Gothenburg > Kosterhavet National Park

Day 1 : Malmø is just an hour away from Copenhagen. Malmø is where the old Sweden meets the new Sweden. It’s filled with old medieval, historic museums. and castles while also full of buildings that are inspired by modern Scandinavian architecture.

Go visit Mamohus Slott, Turning Torso, and Södergatan, one of the high streets of Malmø, where you can enjoy restaurants and bars. Nearby is the town of Lund. You can explore both Malmø and Lund in one day .

Day 2 : Head to Gothenburg, 3 hours away north of Malmø; you can either take a train or drive a rental car . The city will remind you of Dutch-style canals and is known for having great parks at almost every corner. It is also most popular for holding music festivals and film festivals all year round.

Before you head to your 3 weeks in Scandinavia trip, make sure you check out which festivals are happening and book your ticket.

Day 3 : From Gothenburg, go to Kosterhavets Nationalpark, the best place to observe marine life in the North Sea. This is a 2-hour drive north of Gotenburg, you then have to drive back to catch the flight to Stockholm; I honestly still believe it’s worth the trip. You can join a land & water tour – a great way to save time.

Day 4 : Take a flight from Gothenburg to Stockholm. Once you arrive in Stockholm, go explore museums or sign up for a grand tour of Stockholm’s top attractions. The thing is, Stockholm is such a big city and also filled with the most fantastic museums; including art, history, and culture. There are too many, to be honest.

Hence, I recommend you choose and plan which ones you are interested in. Looking at the map of Stockholm, you will see that dozens of islands form the city. So, make sure you plan on getting on a boat trip around the city. To understand more about Swedish history, culture, and life, visit these best museums in Stockholm .

While wandering around, don’t forget to enjoy Swedish food and drinks on the streets of Drottninggatan and Klarabergsgatan. Make sure to get a Stockholm pass to save money.

Day 5 : One of the most famous areas of Stockholm is called Uppsala, which is an hour away. The largest cathedral in Scandinavia is located here, called Uppsala Cathedral. It’s also the home of Uppsala University, which was founded in 1477, and the popular Carolina Rediviva Library. While in Stockholm, check out ABBA Museum and visit Open-Air Museum .

Day 6 and 7 : If you have time and curiosity, check out Lapland on the Swedish side. Lapland region is shared by Sweden and Finland. It’s a fantastic destination, especially in winter, for some fun winter sports. There are two airports to fly to from Stockholm, one is called Kruna, and the other is Gallivare, but Kiruna is a more popular route.

TIP : 3 weeks in Scandinavia might sound like a lot of time, but travelling between countries will eat quite some of it. I recommend you only choose 2 cities/locations for Sweden. For example, Malmø and Gothenburg or Malmø and Stockholm or Stockholm and Lapland.

What to eat in Sweden

Of course, a 3 weeks Scandinavia itinerary must have a list of food to try in Sweden. While personally, I’d say the food in the Scandinavia region is quite similar to one another. There are still dishes that are only must-try in a specific country. Don’t forget to consider joining the Nordic food walk to try different dishes in one fantastic tour. Here is a list of food to try in Sweden during your visit:

• Swedish meatballs – and we are not talking about the IKEA version (although I did and liked it too), enjoy it with mashed potatoes or rice
• Smörgåstårta – a sandwich cake, yeah, you read that right. It’s a layer of bread filled with eggs or prawns and mayonnaise. The outer layer is covered in cream cheese and other things you enjoy, like tomatoes, herbs, and olives.
• Filmjölk – this is similar to Dane’s koldskål, you can add muesli and fruit on top

Where to stay in Malmo:

• Affordable: UNITY Malmö or Grand Circus Hotel
• Mid-range: Mayfair Hotel Tunneln or The More Hotel Mazetti or The More Hotel Västra Hamnen
• Luxury: MJ’s or Clarion Hotel Malmö Live or Story Hotel Studio Malmo

Where to stay in Stockholm:

• Affordable: STF af Chapman & Skeppsholmen or STF Långholmen Hostel Beds or The Studio Hotel
• Mid-range: ProfilHotels Nacka or Biz Apartment Bromma or Clarion Collection Hotel Tapetfabriken
• Luxury: Hotel Rival or Blique by Nobis or Hôtel Reisen in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt or Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel

Where to stay in Gothenburg:

• Affordable: Linnéplatsens Hotell & Vandrarhem or Hostel Snoozemore or Lisebergsbyns Stugor
• Mid-range: Le Mat B&B Göteborg City or Clarion Hotel The Pier or Hotel Vanilla
• Luxury: Liseberg Grand Curiosa Hotel or Hotel Royal or Hotel Eggers

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN SCANDINAVIA

Scandinavia might be known as an expensive region to spend a vacation in, but if you plan and do your research, you can still save money while ensuring your holiday will be great and memorable. This is one single region in the world that I won’t get tired of visiting and would even love to call home, maybe in the future.

I really hope that you found this 3 weeks in Scandinavia itinerary inspiring and that I was able to help you write an ideal itinerary fitting your needs and wants. Please have a great time during your trip, and make sure to enjoy the Viking culture.

SAVE THIS TRAVEL TIP AND ITINERARY ON YOUR PINTEREST:

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!

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Driving to Norway from UK – Routes & Tips

Driving in Norway – All You Need to Know

Trolltunga Hike: Absolutely Everything You Need to Know!

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

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The Ultimate Norway Itinerary (2023)

This post may contain compensated links. Find more info in our disclosure policy

After months of planning our Norway itinerary, we finally settled on a route that took us through some of Norway’s highlights from the capital Oslo through the Fjordlands and as far north as the Arctic Circle. From the magnificent fjords to the breathtaking hikes we were blown away by the variety of sights and scenery on our journey. For anyone planning a trip to Norway, we’ve put together our epic Norway itinerary. This itinerary covers all the best things to do in Norway including the best hikes, our suggested route and where to stay along the way.  

Table of Contents

Norway Itinerary and Route Map

With our flights arriving in Oslo, we picked up our rental car and began our journey to the fjord lands before heading North to explore some of what northern Norway has to offer.

Norway itinerary tip: We spent over 3 weeks in Norway and drove in a loop beginning and ending in Oslo. You can shorten the itinerary by skipping some of the destinations on the route or by shortening the distance you travel from Oslo.

Norway Itinerary Route:  arrive by air to Oslo (1) – Dalen/Morgedal (2) – Lysebotn/Kjerag (3) – Pulpit Rock (4) – Sauda (5) – Odda (Låtefossen/Trolltunga) (6) –  Bergen (7)  – Flam (8) – Jostedalsbreen National Park  (9) – Lake Loen (10) – Andalsnes (11) – Kristiansund (12) – Trondheim (13) – Roros (14) – Oslo (15)

Click here for the detailed Google Map

How to Use This Google Map:  Click on the grey star at the top of the map and this map will be added to your Google Maps account. You can then view it on your phone or computer in Google Maps by clicking on the menu button, going to “Your Places” and selecting this map. We use these maps all the time as you can set out your itinerary ahead of time and quickly reference the saved maps.

Renting a Car in Norway

Renting a car in Norway is the best way to explore the country. Driving conditions are really good with extremely good quality roads throughout the entire country. Having your own car gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace through the Fjord lands and see places that are simply not possible on group tours or public transport.

We’re huge fans of road trips and have driven rental cars in almost 50 countries so we have a lot of experience renting cars in foreign countries. Book your car now with RentalCars.com , where you will find the best rental car prices

Click here for the best rental car prices

Ferries, hikes and winter roads in Norway

Norway travel inevitably involves ferries, winter roads and breathtaking hikes.

• Ferries:  many ferries are frequent and it’s just a matter of turning up and waiting for the next departure. However, there are some which only run during peak season or have limited car spaces. You can check for ferry information here
• Winter roads:  some of Norway’s most scenic roads pass through mountains and weather conditions mean they will close for winter. Always checks for winter road closures before you travel especially if you are travelling on the edge of the winter season
• Hikes:  some of Norway’s hikes are challenging and it’s important to be prepared for all weather conditions and terrain. We’d advise that you research any planned hikes and make sure that you have all the gear you need.  

Norway Guidebooks

Check out some of our favourite Norway Guidebooks for more trip inspiration. We personally used the Insight Guides and found it really good.

Buy your Norway Guidebook now!

Daily Norway Itinerary

Day 1: arrive in oslo .

We decided to explore Oslo at the end of our Norway trip and so, after a short early morning flight into Oslo we opted to begin our journey towards Lysebotn, home to the famous Kjerag hike. It’s an 8 hour drive from Oslo to Lysebotn so we spent the night halfway between the two after picking up supplies and doing some sightseeing along the way.

Day 1 Route: Oslo – Norwegian Mining Museum – Silver – Heddal Stave Church – Dalen/Morgedal

Norway itinerary tip: Norway is relatively expensive so we picked up some fresh food in the local supermarket and a gas cannister in G-Max, a sports store with camping supplies. For more ideas on budgeting during a Norway trip check out our article on how to save money travelling in Norway.

Where to stay in Dalen

We spent our nights in Norway in a mix of hotels, campsite cabins and pitching our own tent at campsites. Our accommodation options will work for all budgets and we loved the variety.

• Dalen Hotel AS :  just over halfway between Oslo and Lysebotn. It’s a fantastic hotel on the shores of Lake Bandak – check prices here!
• Telemark Camping : Again, just over halfway between Oslo and Lysebotn. Telemark is a scenic campsite in the woods by the lake, perfect for both camping or renting a cabin – check prices here!
• Morgedal Hotel : located in the proclaimed birthplace of modern skiing, Morgedal is a relaxed hotel with good facilities including a swimming pool. It’s 3hours 30minutes leaving just under 5 hours to Lysebotn – check prices here!

Click here for the best Dalen Hotel prices

What to See

Our first stop was the Norwegian Mining Museum  in Kongsberg which documents the history of the Kongsberg Silver Mines over 335 years. The museum is home to the world’s largest collection of native silver. From there we took the train deep into the Silver Mines for a tour of the mines.  We finished the day with a visit to the Heddal Stave Church , the largest of Norway’s Stave Churches Dating back to the 13 th Century the fairytale Church is serene and well preserved.

Days 2 to 4: Lysebotn 

Day 2 is a scenic drive via Suleskarvegen, one of the highest roads in southern Norway. The drive winds through the mountains and past waterfalls and lakes before arriving in Lysebotn, home to the famous Kjerag and Flori 4444 hikes. We allowed 2 full days in Lysebotn to hike both Kjerag and Flori 4444 and enjoy the incredible scenery . Depending on the time of year you are travelling you might come across ‘snow roads’ which owe their name to the towering snow walls lining the roadsides.

Norway itinerary tip: many of the scenic roads, including Suleskarvegen , are closed during winter (approximate period is 1 November to late May but this is weather dependent)

Where to stay in Lysebotn

• Flørli 4444 Hostel : beautiful hostel and apartments located right on the shores of Lysefjord with incredible views across one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords. The hostel is only accessible by ferry: there are 4 departures daily so you need to take ferry times into account when making travel plans– check prices here!
• Lysebotn Camping: basic campsite just 5 minutes drive to the Kjerag car park boasting breathtaking views of Lysefjord

Click here for the best Lysefjord Hotel prices

What to see

Budget one day each for the Kjerag hike and the Flori 4444 hike.    Kjerag is a 9km hike with a 600metre climb which leads to Kjeragbolten, a free hanging rock impossibly wedged in a mountain crevice overlooking the beautiful Lysefjord . It’s a challenging hike but the incredible views are sufficient reward. We’re of average fitness and it took us about 6 hours of actual hiking there and back plus stops for food and pictures along the way. For a more extensive guide to hiking Kjerag check out our detailed article on how to hike  Kjerag . 4444 wooden steps lead to the mountaintop on the Flori 4444 hike . It’s the world’s largest wooden suitcase and was once used to service the pipes of the old Florii power station. Flori 4444 is another challenging hike and probably not for those with a fear of heights! The climb via the stairs takes around 3 hours and the descent, via Store Runden or Rallarstien, is around 3 or 4 hours depending on which you choose.  

Day 5: Pulpit Rock

Another iconic Norway hike, Pulpit Rock is less challenging than Kjerag and Flori 4444. If you leave Lyseboytn early in the morning it’s possible to do the Pulpit Rock hike on the same day or, if you’re tired after the previous two days of hiking then allow an extra night to rest up.

Day 5 Route: Until 2019 a ferry was essential for this part of the trip to get from Stavanager/Lysebotn to Tau. The Ryfylke Tunnel opened in December 2019 and links Stavanger to Tau, which removed the need to take a car ferry to Tau to access Pulpit Rock.

You can always still use the following ferrys, but the tunnel is the quickest way across to Pulpit Rock. The tunnel costs 140 NOK (around $15) and is well worth it for the time saving.

There are a few ways to get there depending on timing, if you are hiking Pulpit Rock on the same day and where you are staying!

• Take the ferry from Lysebotn or Florli to Songesand and from there drive to Pulpit Rock. The Lysebotn ferry has limited car spaces so make sure to book ahead. This is a really beautiful route to sail through the Lysefjord, so if you have time we highly recommend taking this ferry.
• Drive to Lauvvik and take the Lauvvika-Oanes ferry before continuing to Pulpit Rock
• Drive to Stavanger and take a ferry to Tau or takke the new Ryfylke Tunnel. The ferry is more frequent than the other options and the tunnel is the quickest option.

Where to stay at Pulpit Rock

• Preikestolen fjellstue : the closest accommodation to Pulpit Rock Preikestolenfjellstue is located at the entrance to the hike. There’s a variety of accommodation options from mountain lodge to a hostel to a hammock by the lake! – check prices here!
• Wathne Camping: we stayed in a cosy cabin in Lysefjord between our hikes. The cabins are spacious and very comfortable with everything you’ll need to relax and unwind after hiking. It’s a 30minute drive to the Pulpit Rock car park – check prices here!
• Lilland Hostel Vaulali: private rooms with great communal facilities just 20 minutes drive from Pulpit Rock – check prices here!

Click here for the best Pulpit Rock Hotel prices

What to see at Pulpit Rock

It’s no surprise that the aptly named Pulpit Rock resembles a pulpit. The rectangular rock juts out 600 metres above Lysefjorden and the sheer drop is enough to make anyone nervous! Pulpit Rock is a 3.8km hike with a 330metre elevation gain. We’re relatively fit and we found Pulpit Rock a moderate two-hour hike each way. If you’re planning to hike Pulpit Rock check out our guide to hiking Pulpit Rock for a more detailed overview . If you opt to go via Stavanger check out the giant boulder field of Gloppedalsura Scree on the way to Stavanger.

Day 6: Sauda

From Pulpit Rock we made our way to Sauda via the designated Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke , one of Norway’s 18 scenic drives also known as National Tourist Routes. There are some beautiful scenic stops along the way with Steindalsfossen Falls being the highlight for us.

Day 6 Route : Pulpit Rock accommodation – ferry from Hjelmeland to Nesvik – Lovra viewpoint – Hose Bridge – ferry Sand to Ropeid – Steindalsfossen Falls – Allmannajuvet – Sauda

Where to Stay in Sauda

• Sauda Fjordhotell – classic hotel with nice rooms in the main building (some with great fjord views) and a good restaurant – check prices now!
• Sauda Fjord Camping – located by the sea in Saudasjøen. Sauda Fjord Camping has a range of options including cabins and apartments, shared dorms and pitches for tents and campervans – check prices now!
• Grand Hotel Sauda – small family run hotel with simple rooms –  check prices now!

Click here for the best Sauda Hotel prices

The first stop is the Lovra viewpoint which has stunning views over Lorvafjorden and the little red cabin on the island in the middle of the fjord. Hose Bridge , a quaint footbridge crossing over the Suldalslågen River, is a quick photo stop. Steindalsfossen  Falls is the highlight of the drive and the 180metre waterfall has stairs leading to an upper viewpoint which takes visitors almost within touching distance of the thundering water. The last stop of the day is the Allmannajuvet Museum located in a disused zinc mining works in Sauda with amazing architecture from Peter Zumthor.

Days 7 and 8: Odda/Tyssedal

If Trolltunga , another of Norway’s iconic hikes, is on your itinerary then spend the night in Odda or Tyssedal stopping at the beautiful Roldal Stave Church  and the twin waterfalls of  Låtefossen  along the way. Enjoy the scenic route through the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke.  Odda is the closest town to the start of the Trolltunga hike and Tyssedal is a village close by.

Day 7 route: Sauda – Roldal – Låtefossen Falls – Odda

Norway itinerary tip : if the road between Hellandsbygd and Røldal is closed then you may want to skip Låtefossen Falls and Sauda during Day 6 to avoid having to drive back.

Where to stay in Odda

• Trolltunga Guesthouse: offers both serviced apartments and dormitory style rooms in Tyssedal – check prices here!
• Odda Camping: beautiful location between two national parks, Odda Camping has rooms, cabins, apartments and camping facilities – check prices here!
• Tyssedal Hotel: basic hotel by Hardangerfjorden in close proximity to the start of the Trolltunga hike – check prices here!

Click here for the best Odda Hotel prices

Make sure to stop at the Roldal Stave Church en route to Odda. Legend has it that the church crucifix has healing properties when the crucifix overhanging the altar sweats once a year. The twin waterfalls of  Låtefossen  are another lovely stop along the way.

After resting up in Odda for a night it’s time to conquer Trolltunga, the home of the iconic tongue shaped rock jutting over the fjord below. Trolltunga is challenging so make sure you are in good shape and have suitable equipment and supplies before you attempt it. The hike takes around 9 to 12 hours depending on fitness, is 28km return and reaches 1,100 metres above sea level. The reward is incredible views over Lake Ringedalsvatnet and some Instagram worthy photos posing on the Trolls Tongue!

Norway itinerary tip: the recommended hiking season for Trolltunga is mid June to mid September depending on weather conditions that year. Hiking is not recommended in the winter (November to mid February) and a guide is recommended outside of these periods.

Days 9 and 10:  Bergen

Bergen , Norway’s second largest city, is a lovely mix of history, culture and nature and the one of the many UNESCO sites in Norway . The city is worthy of two nights to explore and enjoy. En route, admire the beauty of Hardangerfjord, be awestruck by the Folgefonna glacier and make a stop at Steinsdalsfossen with its unique opportunity to walk behind the waterfall.

Day 9 route: Odda – Sundal – ferry between Jondal and Tørvikbygd – Bergen

Where to Stay in Bergen

• Zander K Hotel: located close to the harbour and beside the train station, modern rooms and a great breakfast – check prices now!
• Bergen Budget Hotel : great value hotel option and perfectly located right beside the UNESCO Bryggen waterfront with lots of food and drinks options nearby – check prices now!
• Marken Guesthouse : a mix of dorms and private rooms, basic and good value option in Bergen – check prices now!

Click here for the best Bergen Hotel prices

Hardangerfjord and the Folgefonna glacier are notable sights en route to Bergen from Trolltunga. Stop en route at Sundal for a leisurely hike to view the Bondhus Glacier , an offshoot of the  Folgefonna glacier.  It’s a 2hour round trip to Lake Bondhusvatnet, 3hr if you go to the far end of the Lake and 4 hours if you hike up the Vetledalen Valley for a closer glimpse of the glacier. Starting in the Atlantic Ocean, the mesmerising Hardangerfjord is the second largest fjord in the world and the second biggest in Norway and the ferry between Jondal and Tørvikbygd will take you across it.

Afterwards, make a pit stop at Steinsdalsfossen where the walkway behind the waterfall means visitors can get up close to the falls. From there spend two nights in Bergen , an international city with a charming small town feel. Take a funicular to the top of Fløyen, one of the 7 mountains surrounding Bergen, or meander through the fish market. Bergen’s old quarter, with its stacked wooden buildings lining the waterfront, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a step back in time.

Days 11 and 12: Nærøyfjord and Flam

It’s a short drive from Bergen to Flam and the adventurous Vloss is a nice stop half for an easy hike to the spectacular Bordalsgjelet gorge . From Vloss, it’s another quick jaunt to picturesque Flam, the base for the next few days .

Day 11 Route : Bergen – Vloss – Flam

Where to stay in Flam

• Flåmsbrygga Hotel – quaint hotel with beautiful fjord views and a great restaurant with its own brewery  – check prices here!
• Gjørven Hytter Cottages:  traditionally styled cottages with beautiful valley views  – check prices here!
• Flam Hostel – choice of dorms and private rooms the Flam Hostel is located by the Aurland Fjord –  check prices here!

Click here for the best Flam Hotel prices

The Bordalsgjelet gorge is a 30minute hike from the centre of Vloss and the clear waters of the steep gorge are spectacular. 2 nights are ideal in Flam to allow a full day for sightseeing. The picturesque Flam Railway is billed as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world and ascends almost 1,000 metres through scenic valleys and waterfalls making a special stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall . Surrounded by steep mountains and cascading waterfalls,  Naeroyfjord is one of the most scenic places in Norway and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list together with Geirangerfjord. Science cruises leave from Flam Harbour and it’s incredible to sail through one of the narrowest fjords in Europe feeling tiny among the steep mountains.

Norway itinerary tip:  If you have an extra day the Prest Hike in Aurland rivals Trolltunga, Kjerag and Pulpit Rock with stunning views over Aurlandsfjord and over to Flåm. Make sure to check out the Stegastein Viewpoint close to the start of the hike.

Day 13: Jostedal

There’s a choice of two Stave Churches on today’s route: both Borgund and Urnes Stave Churches are detours off the route. Borgund Stave Chruch is the first option on the way from Flam. After taking the ferry between Fodnes and Kaupanger, you can make your way to Solvarn to catch a ferry to Ornes and the UNESCO World Heritage Urnes Stave Church. Spend the night close to the Jostedalsbreen Glacier , the largest in mainland Europe.

Day 13 route: Flam – Stegastein Viewpoint – Laerdal tunnel – Borgund (if you choose to visit Borgund Stave Chruch) – Ferry between Fodnes and Kaupanger – return ferry between Sovarn and Ornes (if you choose to visit Urnes Stave Church) – Jostedal  

Where to stay in Jostedal

• Jostedal Hotel –  basic, clean and comfortable hotel with good food close to Nigardsbreen –  check prices here!
• Nigardsbreen Lodge – traditional lodge with private rooms and shared bathrooms with great views of the glacier from the grounds  –  check prices here!
• Jostedal Camping –  great cabins, good shared spaces and beautiful scenery –   check prices here!

Click here for the best Jostedal Hotel prices

After leaving Flam check out the Stegastein viewpoint over Aurland Fjord then take the Laerdral Tunnel,  the world’s longest road tunnel at 24.5km. There are beautifully lit rest areas where conditions mimic daylight and are definitely worth a stop along the way!

Borgund Stave Chruch is an optional detour and was built in 1180. The church is dedicated to Andrew, one of the 12 Apostles. Tucked away on the shores of the Lustra Fjord and only accessible by car ferry, Urnes Stave Church is another optional detour and is one of the most beautiful Stave churches in Norway. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage, the medieval wooden Church is very special both inside and out.

Norway itinerary tip: we opted to visit the Nigardsbreen arm of the glacier due to easier accessibilty and the provision of tours but Briksdal is another great alternative and is the most visited arm. Troll cars transport visitors close to the entrance of the Jostedal Glacier National Park about 700metres from the foot of the glacier and a round trip takes about 1.5hours in the car. If you prefer to visit Birksdal just switch the night in Jostedal with a night in Birksdal.

Day 14: Jostedal and Lake Loen

Jostedalsbreen Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe, divides the Sognefjord and the Nordfjord. The glacier has 50 arms and Nigardsbreen is the most easily accessible. The crystal clear water of Lake Loen, or Lovatnet , is unlike anything you’ll see anywhere in the world and it’s worth stopping over for a night to appreciate the incredible surroundings.

Where to Stay at Lake Loen

• Sande Camping: –  idyllic location on the shores of Lake Loen, we rented a beautiful cabin with a terrace overlooking the lake –   check prices here!
• Innvik Fjordhotell: –  basic hotel overlooks Innvikfjord and located just a minute from the beach –   check prices here!
• Olden Camping Gytri –  stunning views and nice cabins with free bike and boat rental –   check prices here!

Click here for the best Lake Loen Hotel prices

Nigardsbreen Glacier is the most easily accessible part of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier and the base is a short hike from the carpark. The deep blue wall of ancient ice is an incredible force of nature and the creaks and groans of the icefall are a reminder of its power. The glacier tours leaving from nearby Jostedal include kayaking through the icy blue glacier lakes and hiking on the ancient glacier ice.

The green waters of Lake Loen are a result of the clay particles and rock dust swept along the river from the Kjenndal Glacier at the end of the valley. A solemn lakeside memorial stands in memory of the 135 lives lost when the hamlets of Nesdal and Bødal were destroyed by a tidal wave caused by huge rocks falling from Mount Ramnefjell into the lake below. Cycling and canoeing are popular activities in the area.

Norway itinerary tip:  glaciers are dangerous and unstable so adhere to warning signs and access restrictions. Getting hit by a piece of calving glacier can have fatal consequences.

Day 15: Andalsnes

The first stop of the day is Geirangerfjord , about a 90minute drive from Lake Loen depending on where you stayed the previous night. After admiring Geirangerfjord make your way to Andalsnes driving along the hairpin bends of the twisting Trollstigen trolls toad en route.

Day 15 route:  Lake Loen – Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint (Gerirangerfjord) – Gudbranjuvet Waterfall – Trollstigen – Andalsnes

Where to Stay in Andalsnes

• Hotel Aak:  cosy family run hotel with fresh and local food on offer rooms have a mix of private and shared bathrooms  – check prices now!
• Gjerdset Turistsenter Cottages and Apartments: scenic campsite, be careful if renting a cabin as linens and cleaning are an additional fee – check prices now!
• Trollstigen Resort Campsite:  good campsite in a scenic location with basic cabins close to Trollstigen – check prices now!

Click here for the best Andalsnes Hotel prices

The Troll Road, or Trollstigen , is an adrenaline inducing stretch of road in Fjordland Norway with a phenomenal viewing platform at the very top. Part of the West Norweigan fjords, Geirangerfjord is one of the most iconic Norway sights. This massive fjord has some truly stunning viewpoints, the best of which is the Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint : from here the size and scale of the majestic fjord can truly be seen, with the massive cruise ships seeming almost toy like in comparison! The  Ørnevegen viewpoint on the Ørnevegen to Eagle road provides another picture perfect panorama.

In Andalsnes check out the  Rampestreken Viewpoint for breathtaking views.  

Norway Itinerary tip: if you want to enjoy another spectacular hike budget and an extra day in Andalsnes and hike the Romsdalseggen ridge . It’s long, challenging and not for those with a fear of heights but the reward is one of the most beautiful hikes and views in Norway.

Day 16: Kristiansund

Kristiansund is a great stopover city between Andalsnes and Trondheim (Day 17) and the route passes through Norway’s famous Atlantic Road.

Day 16 Route : Andalsnes – ferry between Åfarnes and Sølsnes – Bud – Atlantic Road – Kristiansund

Where to stay in Kristiansund

• Quality Hotel Grand Kristiansund:  central hotel close to the beach. Comfortable and clean rooms with good breakfast – check prices here!
• Atlanten Motell: –  cheap and basic option with a choice of guest rooms, apartment or cottage accommodation –   check prices here!

Click here for the best Kristiansund Hotel prices

Widely known as one of the most beautiful roads in the world, the Atlantic Road is an 8.3km stretch of immaculately designed road that weaves across the rugged Atlantic coast. Kristiansund, a city on the edge of the ocean, is a great stopover. If you have time for some sightseeing take a harbour ferry trip on Sundbåten , the world’s oldest public transport in continuous use.

Day 16: Trondheim

We continued on to the picturesque city of Trondheim before starting our return journey to Oslo.

Where to stay in Trondheim

• Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel Trondheim: great location, great staff and great Nordic style rooms less than 10 minutes from the historic district –   check prices here!
• Comfort Hotel Trondheim: –  reasonably priced and central location with clean rooms –   check prices here!
• Scandic Nidelven: –  on the Nidelva River, nice rooms and breakfast but make sure to order a riverside room to avoid road noise –  check prices here!

Click here for the best Trondheim Hotel prices

The picturesque city of Trondheim is home to colourful wooden houses, the beautiful Nidarosdomen Cathedral and the lush green of Bymarka and has a thriving local food scene.

Day 17: Roros

As we made our way back Oslo we made a detour to Roros , a mining town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site .

Day 17 route:  Trondheim – Roros

Where to stay in Roros

• Røros Hotell – Bad & Velvære:  nice hotel with good spa ten minutes from Roros- check prices here!
• Solheim Pensjonat: –  retro gem 5 minutes from the town centre. rooms have shared bathrooms. Amazing staff and breakfast –   check prices here!

Click here for the best Roros Hotel prices

Time seems frozen in the secluded mining town of Roros . It was founded in the 17th Century when copper ore was discovered in the area and the colourful narrow streets and wooden buildings are a designated UNESCO World Heritage site .

Day 18 to 21: Oslo

After a long drive from Roros (5 hours without stops), it’s time to explore Oslo!

Where to stay in Oslo

• The Thief Hotel:  beautiul boutique hotel with super modern decor. One of the best hotels in Oslo – check prices here! 
• Lysebu Hotel: –  quaint farmhouse on the outskirts of Norway, an excellent less expensive option –   check prices here!
• Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Oslo: –  excellent hotel with modern, clean rooms and a fantastic breakfast – check prices here!

Click here for the best Oslo Hotel prices

The beautiful city of Oslo is a lovely mix of outdoor spaces, vibrant museums and art galleries and quirky sights. Our favourite was Vigeland Park , a weird and wonderful mix of reaction provoking sculptures and the iconic  Edvard Munch Scream painting at the National Gallery and Munch Museum .

Norway itinerary tip:  Norway is expensive and Oslo is one of its most expensive cities. We limited our time in Oslo, preferring to spend our budget exploring the rest of the country.

Extending the itinerary

We drove further north to the Arctic Circle and the Vega Islands , a trip that would take an additional few days from Trondheim. From there you can drive further north and take the ferry to the Lofoten Islands if you have the time although many visitors fly rather than drive there.

• Trondheim – Vega Islands – Mo i Rana – Arctic Circle (Saltfjellet) – Bodo – Lofoten

12 thoughts on “The Ultimate Norway Itinerary (2023)”

Hey guys – this looks amazing! We’re off to Norway next week (last minute flight – booked to fly into Oslo Wednesday morning and fly out of Oslo late Sunday evening) so not a lot of time! Is there an itinerary you could recommend? We’re keen to do some walking / hiking – not really too fussed about staying in the city too much, but not sure how far we’ll get with such little time!? Any advice you could offer would be great! Thank you XX

If you’re after the big Norway hikes I’d stick to the first few days of our itinerary and do the Kjerag, Pulpit Rock and Trolltunga hikes. They’re an amazing trio of hikes with the most amazing views. I’m assuming you have a car though, the buses between the hikes only operate during summer so it might be a little trickier with public transport.

Have a great trip!

Massive thanks for the info, we are pretty much following it to a tee and it’s been amazing! Quick question, we are looking at day 14, and just wondering how you guys got from Nigardsbreen Glacier to Loen. Google is telling us to go back the way we came and around (almost 3 hours). Just wondering if you guys found a quicker way, as they are so close as the crow flies!

Your help would be much appreciated!

Nathan and Veronica

Delighted to hear you like the route. There’s no quicker way to Loen unfortunately. The most direct route is over the glacier so by car it’s the long way round!

It’s a beautiful drive though and Loen is definitely worth the time. One of our favourite places in Norway. Have fun and do let us know how you get on!

Hi guys! Awesome itinerary.

Quick question: Was this itinerary planned for the winter months?

Hi Stefanie

Some of the roads are likely to be closed in winter and the hikes as well so would definitely recommend amending the itinerary in winter.

Hi Guys We are planning to visit Norway next September. Just wondering what time of year you were there. Do you know what the weather should be like in September? Really like your itinerary and photos. Scott

We went at the end of May/beginning of June. As far as we know, the roads start to close in October for snow so September would probably be similar to what we experienced.

Hi Elaine, Thanks for your detailed information about your 21 days tour. Would you mind letting me know what was the total cost person for your 21 day holiday including your car hire, accommodation, food & activity.

Hi Tushar, I’m not sure of the total cost. Our campsites varied from 20 euro for pitching a tent to 70 or 80 euro for a cabin. We bought all our food in the supermarket so probably spent another four or five hundred on groceries. Most of the sightseeing was free so we didn’t spend much on activities. Ferries were our other big cost – you’d need to price those up individually for your route as well as the car rental for your dates.

Hi guys, just looking at your itinerary for my upcoming trip to Norway. Day 6 mentions a trip to Steindalfossen which Google Map tells me is near Bergen and not Sauda. However I can see Svandalsfossen near Sauda, is this maybe the waterfall you were talking about? Will definitely use a lot of your destinations for my trip, so thank you. Sofie

You’re right, it was Svandalsfossen!

Have a fab trip

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Round trip Norway (2 or 3 weeks) mapped route + itinerary

Would you like to travel around norway use our mapped out roundtrip and don't miss out on anything, map of norway round trip, day 1: oslo and surroundings, day 2: from oslo to lillehammer, distance: 188 kilometers, day 3: from lillehammer to lom, distance: 165 kilometers, day 4: national park jotunheimen, distance: 508 kilometers, day 5: geiranger and trollstigen, distance: 256 kilometers, day 6: from trollstigen to trondheim, distance: 437 kilometers, day 7: from trondheim to ålesund, distance: 353 kilometers, day 8: from ålesund to lovatnet, distance: 139 kilometers, day 9: national park jostedalsbreen, distance: 254 kilometers, day 10: from lovatnet to flåm, distance: 263 kilometers, day 11: from flåm to bergen, distance: 162 kilometers, day 12: bergen and surroundings, day 13: from bergen to odda, distance: 150 kilometers, day 14: trolltunga, distance: 28 kilometers, day 15: national park hardangervidda, distance: 176 kilometers, day 16: from odda to stavanger, distance: 305 kilometers, day 17: stavanger and surroundings, distance: 74 kilometers, day 18: lysefjord and kjeragbolten, distance: 300 kilometers, day 19: from stavanger to kristiansand, distance: 313 kilometers, day 20: from kristiansand to kragerø, distance: 177 kilometers, day 21: from kragerø to oslo, distance: 235 kilometers, which car to rent, you don't want to miss out on anything during your trip in norway.

Like most of us, you don't want to miss out on anything during your vacation in Norway. Well, we have some good news, because we already did the research for you and described all the best places to visit! Buy our travel guide Norway with more than 78 highlights (+ GPS coordinates). Prefer to try it out first? Download your free travel guide preview Norway here.

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Routes around here

Wil je elke week leuke reistips en voordelen ontvangen.

Explore Norway with a Camper: The Ultimate 3-Week Itinerary

Norway is a breathtakingly beautiful country, with an array of natural wonders and outdoor adventures that are waiting to be explored. And what better way to experience all of this than by renting a camper and setting off on a road trip? With a camper rental, you have the freedom to travel at your own pace, stopping wherever and whenever you like, making it the perfect way to experience Norway.

Whether you're an experienced camper or a first-time adventurer, this 2-week itinerary will help you make the most of your trip to Norway. So, let's get started!

Day 1-2: Oslo

Start your adventure in Norway's capital, Oslo. This modern city has a lot to offer, from museums and art galleries to parks and gardens. Take a stroll through the city center to see the famous Royal Palace and visit the Munch Museum to see works by the famous Norwegian painter, Edvard Munch.

If you have time, head to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, a park filled with more than 200 bronze, granite, and cast iron sculptures. Spend the night in one of the camper parks in the city.

Day 3-4: Drammen

Drive to Drammen, a city located about 40 kilometers from Oslo. This city is known for its picturesque waterfalls and parks. Take a stroll along the river and explore the city's cultural heritage.

Spend the night in a camper park in the city, and in the morning, visit the beautiful Marienlyst Park, one of the city's most popular attractions.

Day 5-6: Geilo

Drive to Geilo, a beautiful mountain resort in the heart of Norway. This area is known for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Take a hike in the mountains, go fishing, or simply relax and enjoy the view.

Spend the night in a camper park in the area, and in the morning, visit the Geilo Cultural Heritage Museum to learn about the history of the area.

Day 7-8: Bergen

Drive to Bergen, a charming coastal city located in western Norway. This city is known for its vibrant cultural scene and rich history. Take a stroll through the city center to see the famous Bergenhus Fortress, the oldest of Bergen's many historic buildings.

Spend the night in a camper park in the city, and in the morning, visit the famous Fish Market, one of the city's most popular attractions.

  Day 9-10: Ålesund

Drive to Ålesund, a picturesque coastal town located in western Norway. This town is known for its beautiful architecture, stunning scenery, and outdoor activities. Take a hike in the mountains, go fishing, or simply relax and enjoy the view.

Spend the night in a camper park in the area, and in the morning, visit the Ålesund Aquarium, one of the town's most popular attractions.

Day 11-12: Trondheim 

Drive to Trondheim, a charming city located in central Norway. This city is known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture. Take a stroll through the city center to see the famous Nidaros Cathedral, the largest medieval cathedral in Norway.

Spend the night in a camper park in the city, and in the morning, visit the Trondheim Science Museum to learn about the history and culture of the area.

 Day 13-14: Tromsø

Drive to Tromsø, a city located in northern Norway  , known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures. This city is located above the Arctic Circle, making it an ideal location for viewing the Northern Lights. Take a hike in the mountains, go fishing, or simply relax and enjoy the view.

Spend the night in a camper park in the city, and in the morning, visit the Tromsø Museum to learn about the history and culture of the area.

Day 15-16: Lofoten Islands

Drive to the Lofoten Islands, a group of stunningly beautiful islands located in northern Norway. This area is known for its stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and cultural heritage. Take a hike in the mountains, go fishing, or simply relax and enjoy the view.

Spend the night in a camper park in the area, and in the morning, visit the Lofoten War Museum to learn about the history of the area. xt here ...

Day 17-18: Bodø

Drive to Bodø, a city located in northern Norway. This city is known for its stunning natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Take a hike in the mountains, go fishing, or simply relax and enjoy the view.

Spend the night in a camper park in the city, and in the morning, visit the Bodø War Museum to learn about the history of the area.

Day 19-20: Return to Oslo 

Drive back to Oslo, the starting point of your journey. Take one last stroll through the city, visit any museums or attractions you missed, and reflect on the amazing experiences you had during your 2-week road trip in Norway.

Conclusion: The best road trip with a camper

At Nordic Campers, we believe that a 3-week road trip is the perfect amount of time to experience the best of what Norway has to offer. It allows you to see a variety of landscapes, from the vibrant city of Oslo to the stunning Lofoten Islands and the Northern Lights in Tromsø. You'll also have the opportunity to partake in a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, and exploring the cultural heritage of the area. With a camper rental, you have the freedom to travel at your own pace, and we're confident that you'll fall in love with Norway's natural beauty and charm. So, book your camper rental today, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

About the author

• Places to go
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Embracing the new #vanlife trend, the founders of Nordic Campers realized that Norway needed an affordable camper rental company that people could use on their adventures around the country. Our vision is to provide travelers with a completely unique travel experience as well as the most convenient and affordable campers in Norway.

Company Profile

Nordic Campers is a small family company that takes its pride in delivering good service to their customers. It was founded in 2012 and was the first mini-camper rental in Norway. Through the years is has kept developed and is now the most know campervan rental in Norway. Nordic Campers is recommended by www.visitnorway.com

Blonde on the Road

One backpack at a time, the perfect three week itinerary for exploring southern norway.

Norway had been on Ismail's and my bucket list for years. I remember being captivated by the endless photos showcasing its stunning fjords and natural beauty. However, we were also aware that it was an expensive destination and might be challenging to visit. Then, a friend of ours spontaneously asked if we'd be interested in joining him on a road trip to Norway, and we immediately said yes! Join me on a journey through the breathtaking landscapes and cultural wonders of this enchanting region. If you're considering travelling to Norway on a budget, you may also want to read my article: Planning a 3-week Budget-Friendly Itinerary Around South Norway .

Three things to consider before we dive in :

1. Distances : Despite Norway's well-maintained roads, its vast landscapes often translate to lengthy travel times. Take, for instance, the journey from Stavanger to Bergen, spanning approximately 8 hours. When planning your itinerary, consider whether to tackle this journey in one go or split it to prevent fatigue. Incorporating ferry rides can impact the overall length of the journey (they usually reduce the travel time), adding to the adventure but potentially increasing costs. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences and travel priorities ! If you don't want to take the ferry on your journey, remember to activate the "avoid ferries" button on maps.

2. Weather : Norway's weather can be unpredictable, affecting travel plans. We often extended stays in Airbnbs due to inclement weather, which made camping, driving, or hiking impractical. Flexibility is key; be prepared to adapt your schedule and prioritise safety above all else.

3. Roadworks : A common occurrence in Norway and can significantly impact travel plans. Throughout our journey, we encountered numerous roadworks that caused substantial delays. Maintenance on roads and tunnels sometimes led to waits of up to an hour, prolonging an already lengthy trip. It's crucial to remain aware of potential roadworks along your route and plan accordingly to minimise disruptions to your travel schedule.

Step 1 : Lysefjord and its iconic hikes (4/5 days)

Our adventure begins as we arrive in Kristiansand, greeted by endless grey clouds and the gentle lapping of waves. After a restful night in a simple Airbnb, we set our sights on Lysefjord. Kristiansand serves as one of the main ports for ferries from Denmark. However, there isn't much to see in the city as it's primarily industrial, which is why we opted for just a brief overnight stay due to our late arrival, and I recommend you do the same.

If Lysefjord is on your bucket list, then it's likely for its renowned hikes. Preikestolen, Fl ø rli 4444, and Kjeragbolten are absolute musts. Each trail offers a unique perspective of the rugged Norwegian landscape, featuring sheer cliffs and panoramic vistas that steal the breath away. Our base at Songesand camp provided a rustic yet practical retreat, and I would highly recommend visiting the nearby Rickasand waterfall. The surrounding nature truly made us feel like we were stepping into the world of "The Lord of the Rings"

I recommend staying 4 to 5 days in the area to give youself time to rest in between hikes and to explore the surroundings a little.

For a deeper dive into our Lysefjord adventures, check out my detailed guide: Three Iconic Hikes of Lysefjord

Step 2 : Stavanger (2/3 days)

Stavanger, nestled along Norway's southwestern coast, exudes a rich tapestry of maritime history with its cobbled streets and charming white houses. Here 's a curated list of must-see attractions in Stavanger:

1. Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger) : Lose yourself in the maze of narrow cobbled streets and admire the quaint white wooden houses dating back to the 18th century. This well-preserved historic district offers a glimpse into Stavanger's maritime past.

2. Stavanger Cathedral (Stavanger Domkirke) : Explore Norway's oldest cathedral, dating back to the 12th century with its impressive Gothic architecture, intricate stained glass windows, and serene interior.

3. Sverd i Fjell (Swords in Rock) : Pay homage to Norway's Viking heritage at the iconic Sverd i Fjell monument. Located by the shores of Hafrsfjord, this striking sculpture commemorates the historic Battle of Hafrsfjord.

4. Månafossen waterfall : Cascading gracefully from a height of 92 meters, it is one of Norway's tallest waterfalls, offering a mesmerising sight amidst the lush greenery of the surrounding landscape. Located approximately 90 kilometers east of Stavanger (about 1 hour's drive), Månafossen is accessible by car, making it a popular day trip destination for travellers exploring the region!

5. Norwegian Petroleum Museum : Delve into the fascinating and controversial world of offshore oil and gas exploration at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. Interactive exhibits, models, and artifacts offer insight into Norway's oil industry and its impact on the region.

6. Valberg Tower (Valbergtårnet) : Climb the historic Valberg Tower for panoramic views of Stavanger and its picturesque surroundings. This medieval watchtower offers a unique perspective of the city's skyline.

7. Breiavatnet Lake : Take a leisurely stroll around Breiavatnet Lake, located in the heart of Stavanger. I liked the ducks.

Step 3 : Odda and the Trolltunga Trail (1/2 days)

Odda stands out as a pivotal destination to include in your three week itinerary for exploring Southern Norway as it's primarily sought after for its gateway to the iconic Trolltunga hike. The main draw for many visitors, including ourselves, was embarking on the epic Trolltunga hike—a 27-kilometer trek renowned for its breathtaking views. Unfortunately, due to illness, I had to forgo the hike while the others took on the challenge. Nonetheless, I highly recommend allocating two nights in Odda, allowing ample recovery time post-hike before continuing the journey towards Bergen. This brief stay not only optimises your Trolltunga experience but also ensures you're ready for the road ahead.

Step 4 : Bergen (2/3 days)

During our three-night stay in Bergen, we encountered unfavourable weather conditions that limited our outdoor activities. Nevertheless, we made the most of our time by exploring indoor attractions, notably indulging in the city's indoor pool facilities. For those planning their itinerary in Bergen, here's a list of activities to consider:

1. Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf : Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and stroll along the historic wharf lined with colourful wooden buildings, shops, and cafes.

2. Mount Fløyen : Take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of Bergen and its surrounding fjords. Enjoy hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and a cosy cafe at the summit.

3. Fish Market (Fisketorget) : Immerse yourself in Bergen's bustling Fish Market, where local vendors sell fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and souvenirs.

Step 5 : Svelgabreen Glacier (1 day)

If you're driving from Bergen to Oslo, don't miss a stop at the stunning Svelgabreen Glacier. It's an incredible sight. The ice wall is massive and the colours of the glacier against the blue water are beautiful. You can walk around, but be careful not to step on the glacier unless you're a pro or well-prepared. Remember, we're not penguins!

Oslo (2/3 days)

Our final stop takes us to Oslo, the capital of Norway. It felt strange transitioning from the vast Norwegian wilderness to a bustling city. We only spent one night in Oslo, as we preferred to linger longer in our previous destinations. However, if you enjoy city life, 2 to 3 days in Oslo should suffice. For a quick visit, I highly recommend exploring the castle and the Opera House, both offering fantastic views and a true sense of the city.

We rented an Airbnb near the airport for convenience, with an early flight the next day. And as for the rented car from Italy? Well, three of us flew home, while one brave friend tackled the entire drive back solo...

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Norway road trip - make memories for a lifetime

Stunning Norway has an abundance of sensational landscapes and beautiful roads. The combination of well-built modern roads and sharp mountain peaks, gigantic fjords, mighty glaciers, and wild coasts is hard to beat. A Norway road trip is best done in summer when the days are longer and you have more hours to drive.

But where do you go? I am sharing a two-week road trip which really fits the description “best of Norway”.

In this post

How do you get to Norway?

Best time for a road trip in norway, the best car for your road trip in norway, calculate your road trip budget, norway road trip itinerary: from cities to islands.

You will find direct flights from the U.S. to Norway with a few different airlines. Flights usually land at Oslo Airport in Gardermoen. Expect to pay on average $790 for a round trip flight NYC-Oslo and $1000 on average for LAX-Oslo.

At the airport you can pick up the rental car for your road trip and begin your vacation. Once you finish your Norway road trip in Lofoten you will need to catch a domestic flight back to Oslo before heading home.

Summer is the best time for a Norway road trip. The period from June to August sees the warmest temperatures and the most hours of daylight. The visibility on the roads during the day is also better in summer. In addition, several of the best roads in Norway are closed during the winter, especially those that go over mountains.

But of course, the best time for a Norwegian road trip is determined by what you want to experience. If it's skiing or the northern lights that attract you, you should go in February or March. Spring and fall have certain clear advantages: with half as many visitors on the roads, there is less traffic, especially around the tourist attractions and these periods often beckon with less expensive hotel prices.

By using Weatherbase and Numbeo I have obtained data on weather, gas prices, and other local conditions which can help you plan the best possible trip.

It’s a good idea to have some extra space in the car if you are driving longer stretches over several days. Get a car rental type that is large enough and preferably has an extra empty seat depending on how many passengers are traveling. Being cramped in the car, possibly with luggage on your lap, is no fun! And renting a good car that won’t give you any trouble is pretty easy in Norway.

Here you can find some tips when driving in Europe as well as road trip tips for your vacation in Norway.

Thinking about costs is the least pleasant part when planning a Norway road trip. As you know, Norway is a rather expensive country to vacation in. Through a planned budget, you can keep track of the costs and avoid bad surprises at the end.

The average price per day for a rental car in Oslo is NOK 1,055 (about $100). If you plan on following our first itinerary, you’ll need a car for 13 days, which brings the cost to NOK 13,715 (about $1,300) though you can find cheaper prices from time to time.

The average daily price for a rental car comes from KAYAK comparison data.

Accommodation

13 hotel nights

• Average price for a mid-range hotel, double room: NOK 1,605 ($150) per night x 13 nights = NOK 20,865 ($1,950)
• Other alternatives, like hostels, can be cheaper if you’re traveling alone: NOK 883 ($83) per night x 13 nights = NOK 11,749 ($1,079).

The average prices for hotel rooms and hostels are coming from KAYAK comparison data.

A Norway road trip itinerary that covers about 870 miles would require approximately 41 gal of gas for a medium-sized car.

Based on the price of the gallon of gas in Norway (NOK 84.2 or $7.67 in April 2024 according to numbeo.com ), the total gas cost will be approximately $315 .

The total cost for accommodation, car rental and gas , for a 13-day road trip in Norway (based on two people traveling together and sharing the cost) would be approximately: NOK 18,400 ($1,700) per person with mid-range hotel accommodation.

Day 1: Oslo (1 night)

Norway's capital has seen a huge development in the last 15 years and is home to over 700,000 people. Today, Oslo is an exciting city, with a wide range of restaurants and entertainment. It is a perfect place to charge your batteries before you embark on your Norway road trip.

The Opera House , Vigeland Park , Akershus fortress , Holmenkollen, and the Viking ships in the Viking Shipyard (currently closed, but said to reopen in 2026) are major attractions.

There are also world-class museums such as the Munch Museum and the Norsk Folkemuseum , home to many historic buildings.

If you have time, you can ski both downhill and cross-country regardless of the season in the SNØ indoor stadium. A boat trip in the Oslo Fjord offers the opportunity to see the city from the water.

Where to stay in Oslo: Hotel Verdandi is a very central and also affordable hotel in Oslo.

Day 2 & 3: Bergen (2 nights)

Driving distance from Oslo : 298 miles, approx. 8 hours drive

You begin by driving the E134 over Hardangervidda National Park, the largest high mountain plateau in Europe whose endless expanses lie above the tree line. That Valtatie 7 highway shows you more of Hardangervidda, but the E134 passes by Heddal Stavkyrka . This is Norway’s largest and most well-preserved stave church, a fascinating medieval cathedral made entirely of wood with many Old Norse-inspired decorations.

On the way to Bergen, magnificent fjord landscapes await. The Hardangerfjord is perhaps the most famous fjord in Norway and home to the country’s most beautiful orchards. The area is known for its special cider. If you go on the left side of the Sørfjord after the town of Odda, you will come to the manufacturer Aga Sider, which is located next to the very ancient farm Agatunet with 13th-century wooden houses.

After you take the ferry across the fjord at Jondal. You don’t want to miss the Steindalsfossen waterfall, where you can walk on a path behind the roaring, falling water curtain itself.

Today's destination is Bergen, a cultural city with a lot of history, gastronomy, and impressive surroundings. The Bryggen neighborhood is known for its colorful facades by the sea. Its strong connection to the Hanseatic period makes the area a World Heritage site and one of Norway's most visited tourist attractions. Håkonshallen is a majestic royal banquet hall from the 13th-century. The Fløyenbanan cable car takes you up to the town's nearest mountain in five minutes and offers wonderful views over the whole town.

Where to stay in Bergen: Radisson Blue Royal is located in the World Heritage Bryggen, surrounded by historical sights. It offers comfortable rooms and a lovely breakfast buffet.

Who doesn't want to brighten up their Instagram by standing on the iconic protruding rock tip Trolltunga on the Hardangerfjord? However, keep in mind that you’ll first have to brave a 7 mile steep hike uphill to get there.

Day 4: Sogndal (1 night)

Driving distance from Bergen: 173 miles, approx. 4 hours drive

Start by driving road E16 north from Bergen. You pass the Voss ski resort and soon come to the Nærøyfjord. This is perhaps the most spectacular of all Norwegian fjords because several smaller and narrow fjords converge here. The entire area is classified as a World Heritage site due to its unique character.

You continue through the Laerdal tunnel, the world's longest car tunnel with over 15 miles which is usually seen as a tourist attraction in its own right. After Laerdal, you take the ferry and then pass the Kaupanger stave church. You spend the night in Sogndal in the middle of the fjord landscape.

Where to stay in Sognal: Hofslund Fjordhotell has a spacious garden with a pool next to the Sognefjord.

The Nærøyfjord is so special that it's time to park the car for a couple of hours and take a boat tour with one of the electric, state-of-the-art boats. You can also take what might be the train journey of a lifetime on the famous Flåm line from Flåm.

Day 5: Molde (1 night)

Driving distance from Sogndal: 264 miles, approx. 8 hours drive

The road over Sognefjellet is one of Norway's highest roads and stunningly scenic when the weather is good. You pass right near Galdöpiggen, Norway's highest mountain (8,100 feet). Even after Sognefjället, the road meanders through breathtaking sceneries with deep valleys and wild mountains. It honestly resembles a fictional movie world! The adventure continues on the Ørnevegen, a serpentine road that goes straight up and is almost a mile long with all its turns.

Between Sylte and Åndalsnes begins another famous stretch through idyllic Valldal, famous for its strawberries. After it is time to descend the legendary Trollstigen - another extreme serpentine road that climbs down into the beautiful mountain valley Isterdalen.

Trollstigen is not dangerous to drive as long as you take it easy. If you have time, you can drive a bit on the E136 into Romsdalen. Here you find Europe's highest vertical rock wall. The day ends with you taking the ferry from Vestnes to the attractive town of Molde.

Where to stay in Molde: Molde Fjordhotell sits on the quay in central Molde and has lovely bright rooms facing the Romdalsfjord.

Day 6 to 8: Trondheim (3 nights)

Driving distance from Molde: 157 miles, approx. 3.5 hours drive

It is an absolute must on your Norway road trip to go north from Molde to the small coastal community of Bud. From there, you follow the coast up to Kårvåg by driving the famous Atlanthavsvägen - a stretch that The Guardian called "the world's most beautiful road". This road, which runs over eight bridges and a series of treeless islands, has been used in many commercials, especially car commercials. It probably feels familiar immediately even if you are driving it for the first time!

The day ends in Trondheim, which was founded by Vikings in the 9th-century. The city has an abundance of historical sites such as Nidarosdomen Cathedral , Kristianssten fortress , Norway's best-preserved historical fort, and Munkholmen, a small island with a medieval monastery that was converted into a prison. There is also Bakklandet district, a historic neighborhood that is popular for its colorful wooden houses and cozy cafes.

Where to stay in Trondheim: Clarion Hotel Trondheim is an architectural delight paired with great views over the fjord and the city.

Day 9: Helgeland coast towards Brønnøysund (1 night)

Driving distance from Trondheim: 232 miles, approx. 6 hours drive

It only gets better. North of Trondheim awaits the Helgeland coast, one of those areas in Norway that you may not have heard of but which you will remember as one of the absolute highlights. This coast offers driving at its best.

The coastal road on National Highway 17 is a sometimes dreamlike road that starts in Steinkjer and ends, 40 miles later, in Bodö above the Arctic Circle. With continuous mountain massifs inland, you pass small fishing villages and white sandy beaches on the road as it snakes its way through an ever-changing landscape. This leg takes you to the coastal community of Brønnøysund, which is suitable for an overnight stay.

Don’t miss the island of Leka as it is something very special. Its bright red-yellow color has nothing to do with its surroundings. The island is actually a small piece of North America left in Europe!

Where to stay in Brønnøysund: Corner Hotell is a nice family-owned hotel that is affordable and centrally located in Brønnøysund.

Norway has 18 dedicated tourist roads with Kustriksveien being one of them. These roads have been designated as Norway’s most beautiful and the country has invested in their design, viewing platforms, rest areas, and bridges.

Day 10 & 11: Helgeland coast towards Bodö (2 nights)

Driving distance from Brønnøysund: 331 miles, approx. 8 hours drive

The northern half of the Helgeland coast in particular offers much to experience and I would recommend staying at least an extra day. For example, you can take a boat out to the 6,500 Vega islands for hiking and paddling in incomparable nature, surrounded by thousands of Puffins. The boats out here depart from Horn just north of Brønnøysund, where you spent the night.

Worth mentioning is the huge mountain Torghatten near Brønnøysund. It has a hole in the middle through which you can see the sun setting. Also, don't miss Svartisen National Park with its rare beautiful glacier.

Where to stay in Bodö: Scandic Havet is a modern and comfortable hotel with panoramic views that can arrange various day trips.

The views from Rødøyløva mountain on the island of Rødøy beat almost anything I've seen.

Day 12 & 13: Lofoten (2 nights)

Driving distance from Moskenes to Svolvear on Lofoten: 77 miles, approx. 2 hours drive

From Bodö you can save yourself a lot of driving if you take the ferry directly to Moskenes on Lofoten. Lofoten is something of a world in itself and should not be missed. They can be described as an extremely dramatic mountain range. The countless pointed mountains stretch out into the North Atlantic and become a row of islands at the far end.

But not only the spectacular landscapes draw visitors. On Lofoten, there are many activities to try and a lot of traditional culture remains in the small, interesting fishing villages. For drivers who are doing a Norway road trip, it is a pleasure to drive on these roads that wind between mountains and the sea.

Where to stay on Lofoten: Thon Hotel Lofoten in Svolvear offers you nice views of the harbor and the city.

Kaviar Factory is an unexpectedly good museum of modern art in Henningsvaer, a fishing village built on the islands and a major tourist attraction in itself.

Driving through Norway's ever-dramatic landscapes is one of a kind. A road trip in Norway is something far beyond the ordinary and offers a journey that passes fjords, mountains, history, culture, and wonderful people. The only disadvantage might be the fact that Norway is a bit pricey, but if you set your budget before it is not too bad. And even though this guide contains a lot, there is much more in Norway to discover - you may have to book another flight immediately!

The hotel recommendations included in this article are based on customer ratings and the author's personal choices, so please feel free to use our hotel search tool to find the accommodation best suited to your needs.

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3-Week Norway Itinerary: Best of Southern Norway + Lofoten

Minimum Time:  2 weeks Recommended Time: 3 weeks Stops:  Oslo, Bergen, Jostedalsbreen, Jotunheimen , Geirangerfjord , Ålesund, Dovrefjell , Rondane, Hardangervidda , Henningsvær, Reine Summary:  You can’t see the entire country of Norway in three weeks, but you can take it many of its most beautiful places. The Best of Southern Norway itinerary is a powerhouse and the Lofoten Islands are as beautiful as anywhere in the country. Together, this is a lifetime trip for those who love adventure and the outdoors.

For the Best of Southern Norway loop, rental cars in Bergen or Oslo can be found for around $350 per week—the roads in Norway are excellent so a smaller fuel-efficient car is fine.

To get to the Lofoten Islands, domestic flights are a rare bargain in Norway and direct flights from Oslo can be found for $100 USD or less. The city of Svolvær on the Lofoten Islands has an airport, but Harstad/Narvik, Airport Evenes (EVE) on the edge of the mainland is the closest direct flight from Oslo and air travel and rental cars there are considerably cheaper.

For the best places to stay on the Lofoten Islands, we recommend Henningsvær and Reine . Henningsvær is nicknamed the “Venice of the North,” a bit of a stretch, but it's the liveliest Lofoten village and home to the most well-preserved architecture. Reine is small and quiet but there is no better place to rent a rorbuer and enjoy the Lofoten scenery.

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

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

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

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

Expert-approved Norway road trip routes 

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

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

Top driving itineraries in Norway:

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

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

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

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

What’s the drive like?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Norway road trip for: Classic attractions.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Norway road trip for: Fjords and incredible roadways.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Find Greg on LinkedIn .

Getting there

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

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

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2 Week Road Trips Through Scandinavia: Your Guide

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

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 Itinerary: An Epic Self Drive Adventure

01 apr 2024 29 mar 2024 | john.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s in this post?

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

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What’s the Route?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Norway Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1 – getting to know oslo.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Oslo

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

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

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

Day 2 – Oslo’s Nautical and Sculptural Highlights

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 3 – Oslo to Stavanger via the North Sea Road

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Stavanger

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 4 – Hiking Pulpit Rock and Exploring Stavanger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5 – Hiking Kjerag

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6 – Stavanger to Bergen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Bergen

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

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

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

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

Day 7 – Bergen to Gudvangen and a Nærøyfjord Kayak Trip

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Gudvangen

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

The following options around Aurland get consistently good reviews:

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

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

Day 8 – Gudvangen to Sogndal via Flåm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Sogndal

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

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

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

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

Day 9 – Austdalsbreen Glacier

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 10 – Sogndal to Geiranger

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Geiranger

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

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

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

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

Day 11 – Geiranger to Alesund

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Alesund

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

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

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

Day 12 – Alesund to Trondheim via the Atlantic Road

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Trondheim

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

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

Other options that get consistently good reviews include:

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

Day 13 – Trondheim

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 14 – Trondheim to Oslo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Planning a Norway Roadtrip

Travel to norway.

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

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

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

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

Best Time to Visit Norway

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

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

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

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

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

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

Accommodation in Norway

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

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

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

Driving in Norway

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

Renting a Car

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Car Ferries

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

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

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

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

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

Is Norway Expensive?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Best of Nordic Countries in 3 Weeks – Scandinavia Itinerary

Disclaimer: This article includes affiliate links to the products we earnestly love and recommend, meaning at no extra cost to you, we might make a teeny-weeny commission if you click on the link and decide to buy something. The money will be used to sustain this little cozy blog we call our virtual home.

Planning a trip to Nordic countries? We’d be happy to help you craft a perfect Nordic itinerary or, Scandinavia itinerary (as some may call it), or Northern Europe itinerary.

Itinerary for Scandinavian Countries: An Introduction

First off, let me tell you that a trip to Scandinavia is going to be the best trip of your life. Why? Well, Nordic countries are consistently being listed as the top happiest countries, consistently. Plus, they are stunningly gorgeous!

Nordic Countries or Nordics or Norden consists of five beautiful Northern European countries of Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland along with their associated territories of Svalbard, Greenland, Faroe Islands, and Åland Islands .

Why am I telling you this?

Because…

The terms Scandinavia (Scandia) and Nordics are used interchangeably by foreigners (I’ve been a culprit too before I explored the Nordic region) but they aren’t.

Finns and Icelanders are always quick to correct travelers who call them Scandinavians .

What’s the Difference between Scandinavian Countries and Nordic Countries?

The term ‘Scandinavia’ is commonly used ONLY for Denmark, Sweden, and Norway while the term ‘Nordic countries’ is used for Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Greenland, Faroe Islands, and Åland Islands .

However, the associated territories of Svalbard (Norwegian archipelago) and Greenland are technically neither Scandinavia nor Nordics.

The Scandinavian Peninsula (not to be confused with the Scandinavian Region ) geographically comprises Norway and Sweden only.

To sum up, Northern Europe consists of the Nordics (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland) and the Baltics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania). Some definitions of Northern Europe also include the United Kingdom and Ireland .

I guess, this topic makes for another blog post. Let’s now move to Nordics itinerary, the sole reason you’re here 🙂

I’ll be using Scandinavia and Nordics, both terms in my post for the ease of getting found by people randomly searching the terms Scandinavia and Nordic Countries.

The Nordic region is one of the most beautiful and family-friendly regions in Europe. Also, it’s one of the most expensive regions in Europe. Believe you me, exploring the region is worth every penny.

Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway are part of Europe’s Schengen Region. Read everything you need to know to score a Schengen visa for your Nordics trip.

Scandinavia Itinerary: Summer in Scandinavia

We spent 3 weeks in Scandinavia during the summer. The summer is magical here. It’s the time of the year when the sun refuses to go down and shines through the entire day and night. Seriously.

Summer and winter are, in fact, two extremes in Nordic countries.

If winter in Nordics brings sub-zero temperatures, dark days, snow-covered landscapes, and Northern Lights ; summer brings endless days, nightless nights, vibrant landscapes, and Midnight Sun.

The desire to witness the Aurora Borealis dancing in the night sky is such a mad rush among travelers all around the world that they overlook the region’s beauty during summer.

Witnessing the Midnight Sun in summer is as magical as the Northern Lights in winter.

Having said that, the Nordics region deserves two essential trips – one in summer and one in winter and some more to drink in its ethereal beauty.

It’s time to plan your Scandinavia travel !

Scandinavia Itinerary 21 Days: An Overview

Our itinerary lets you explore four epic Nordic countries in 3 weeks.

♥ Denmark ♥ Sweden ♥ Finland ♥ Norway

This is what a brief Scandinavia itinerary 3 weeks looks like –

C openhagen (6 nights) – Ystad ( 2 nights) – Molle ( 1 night) – Helsinki ( 3 nights) – Rovaniemi ( 2 nights) – Oslo (2 nights) – Bergen ( 2 nights) – Hardanger (1 night) – Flam ( 1 night) – Oslo ( 1 night)

Day 1: Fly into Copenhagen Day 2: Explore Copenhagen Day 3: Explore Copenhagen Day 4: Explore more of Copenhagen Day 5: Day Trip to Dragor Day 6: Day Trip to Helsingor Day 7: Road Trip to Malmo (Sweden) via Orseund Bridge Day 8: Explore Ystad Day 9: Explore Skane County. Drive to Kullaberg (Molle) Day 10: Kullaberg to Kastrup, Copenhagen. Fly to Helsinki. Day 11: Explore Helsinki Day 12: Day Trip to Porvoo Day 13: Fly to Rovaniemi Day 14: Explore Rovaniemi Day 15: Fly to Oslo Day 16: Explore Oslo Day 17: Oslo to Bergen train Day 18: Explore Bergen Day 19: Hardangerfjord Day 20: Flam Day 21: Flam to Oslo Day 22: Fly back home

Before we elaborate on our Scandinavia itinerary let’s first discuss the basics of a trip to Scandinavia.

Scandinavia Trip Itinerary: Things to Know Before You Go

Best time to visit scandinavia.

It all depends upon your choices. If you’d love to witness the white nights and want to soak in the Midnight Sun, plan during the months of June , July , and August .

If you dream of sleeping under the Northern Lights , September to March is the best time to go.

The months of May and September see fewer crowds and thus, are less expensive in terms of accommodations.

How much does a Trip to Scandinavia cost?

Scandinavia is infamous for being the most expensive region in the world. To some extent, it’s true. Scandinavia can be exorbitant if you’re not watchful about how you spend your money.

There are ways to cut your costs in Scandinavia –

• A little planning goes a long way. You save money when you plan and book well in advance.
• Prefer apartments over hotels.
• Shop at local grocery stores and cook your own food. If cooking isn’t your thing, you can go for pre-made meals from supermarkets. Aldi, Lidl, Kiwi, Rema 1000, Netto, and ICA are some of the budget-friendly supermarkets in Scandinavia. K-Market in Finland and Coop Prix in Norway are good discount stores.
• Food Market Halls like Kauppahallit in Helsinki or Torvehallerne in Copenhagen are another great option to cut costs on food. They are way cheaper than restaurants yet a great local food experience.
• Take Self-guided city tours and look for free attractions. Almost, all major cities in Scandinavia have tons of free and budget things to do and see.
• Buy City Tourist Cards like Copenhagen Card or Oslo Card that save money on attractions and transport. They work wonders when it comes to saving time, money, and hassle. You can buy them online and collect them at the airport.
• Bring an eco-friendly reusable water bottle. It saves money plus the environment. A water bottle in Scandinavia costs about $5.
• The Everyman’s Right (Right to Roam) in Nordic countries except Denmark makes it easy to camp in the wild. You can save a lot of money on accommodation if you’re traveling to Nordic countries during the summer.
• We found Norway the costlier of all other Nordic countries. You can maybe cut your time in Norway and spend more time in other Nordic countries to save some money.

We roughly spent about $2500 per person for 22 days in Scandinavia.

Getting to and from Scandinavia

From Asia , the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Africa, and the UK, the most convenient way of getting to and from Scandinavia is to fly. If you’re in Europe, you have the option to travel by train, bus, car, or ferry.

From India, only two airlines fly directly to the Scandinavian capitals. Air India flies into Copenhagen directly from New Delhi while Finnair flies into Helsinki directly from New Delhi. There are no direct flights to Oslo and Stockholm from New Delhi.

There are a few airlines that fly directly to the Nordic capitals from North America . Norwegian Air flies into Oslo, Finnair flies into Helsinki, and SAS flies into Stockholm, and Copenhagen, direct from New York.

We use and recommend Skyscanner for the best flight deals.

Getting Around Scandinavia

With a flexible range of transport options, Scandinavia is easy to navigate.

We used a rental car for most of our time in Scandinavia though we tried other modes of transportation like flights, trains, buses, and ferries to make our trip more varied and interesting.

Renting a car in Europe has its own set of rules. You can read our detailed guide to renting a car in Europe which will help you get started .

We always use and recommend Discover Cars for our car rental needs wherever we travel in the world.

We traveled by train from Oslo to Bergen which is considered one of the world’s most scenic train journeys (you gotta experience it), took a ferry from Stockholm to Helsinki, and boarded flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and Rovaniemi to Oslo.

I’d recommend taking a night train ( Santa Claus Express ) from Helsinki to Rovaniemi if you’ve more time on hand. Also, Norway in a Nutshell package is a great way to explore the dramatic fjords of Norway .

Make sure to book all your intercountry transportation tickets in advance.

It’s recommended to buy a Scandinavia Pass to get around Scandinavia on a budget .

A Detailed Scandinavia Itinerary: Explore Nordic Countries in 3 weeks

As always, our itinerary is packed with activities and leaves less time to just sit and do nothing. We love to explore and mini-me too loves to be on the move. She’s that restless.

This itinerary is made in a way that’ll fit all kinds of travelers, be they family travelers, or solo travelers, or couple travelers.

You can make slight changes and modify the itinerary as per your needs like it misses the famous hiking attractions in Norway (Trolltunga and Preikestolen) that can be added if hiking is what appeals to you.

First Destination: Denmark

Days to spend: 6 days.

You’ll start your Scandinavia exploration with the world’s most bike-friendly city and capital of Denmark, Copenhagen.

How to Get to Denmark

There are regular airline connections from the rest of the world to Copenhagen, Denmark. If you have got a direct flight, that’s awesome else book a flight with the least layover time.

You’ll fly into Kastrup International Airport in Copenhagen which is just about 15 minutes away from the city center.

You can rent a car at the airport or else you can take a train or bus to Kobenhavn H (Central Train Station) from where you can take a subway, bus, or taxi to reach your hotel or apartment in Copenhagen.

If you’re not renting a car, it’s best to book a hotel in and around the city center for ease of access.

Discover the Best Places to Stay in and around Copenhagen City Center, Denmark

Where to Stay in Denmark

Travelers usually keep Copenhagen as the base and prime destination in Denmark. Other cities worth visiting and spending a night or two in Denmark include Aarhus, Aalborg, Skagen, Ribe, and Odense. Dragor, Helsingor, and Roskilde can be visited on a day trip from Copenhagen .

Here are our recommendations for the best places to stay in Danish cities:

• Hotel in Copenhagen: citizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen
• Hotel in Aarhus: Villa Provence
• Hotel in Aalborg: Aalborg Hotel Apartments
• Hotel in Skagen: Skagenhus ved Kirken
• Hotel in Ribe: Den Gamle Købmandsgaard Bed & Breakfast
• Hotel in Odense: Hotel Odeon
• Hotel in Dragor: Dragør Hotel & Apartments
• Hotel in Helsingor: Charming and cozy annex
• Hotel in Roskilde: Ann’s cottage

Related Read: 10 Days in Denmark Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrive in Copenhagen

Today, you’ll arrive at the Danish capital, Copenhagen. The day is at leisure.

You can explore the streets of Copenhagen and get familiar with the city depending upon the time you get here or can head to your hotel to relax after a tiring flight journey.

Where to dine in Copenhagen on day 1?

Laundromat Cafe is quite a nice place to have a quick bite. Kids will love it.

Where to Stay in Copenhagen : We recommend CopenhagenApartment and citizenM Copenhagen Radhuspladsen .

Read our detailed guide to the best hotels in Copenhagen .

Day 2 – Explore Copenhagen

Start early to beat the crowds and make the most of your day.

The attractions you’ll be visiting today include:

• Frederik’s Church
• Amalienborg Palace
• Rosenborg Castle
• Statens Naturhistoriske Museum
• Round Tower
• Christiansborg Palace

Where to dine and drink in Copenhagen on day 2?

• Breakfast: Bowl Market Copenhagen
• Lunch: Torvehallerne or Restaurant Amalie
• Coffee and Snacks: Original Coffee ILLUM Rooftop
• Taste the traditional Danish pastry at Conditori La Glace, one of the historic cafes in Europe .
• Dinner: Riz Raz

Special Recommendation: A scoop or two of organic ice cream at Hansens Is .

You can visit all the Day 2 attractions on foot. The day-wise itinerary is crafted in a way that needs minimal walking.

Transportation and many attractions are free with the  Copenhagen Card . It’s such a time and money saver!

Day 3 – Explore Copenhagen

This day is reserved for kid-friendly attractions. I mean, today you’ll explore the best things to do with kids and kids-at-heart 🙂

• Copenhagen Zoo
• Frederiksberg Palace
• Assistens Cemetery
• Jægersborggade
• Superkilen Park
• Experimentium

Recommended dining in Copenhagen for day 3:

• Coffee and Cakes: Hart Bageri
• Lunch: The Sixteen Twelve
• Dinner: The South Indian Frederiksberg

Day 4 – Explore more of Copenhagen or Take a Day-Trip to Roskilde

If you’re done with Copenhagen (which I doubt), you can take a trip to Roskilde .

Or you can explore:

• Freetown Christiana
• Gefion Fountain
• The Worker’s Museum
• The Copenhagen Lakes
• Tivoli Gardens

Food recommendations in Copenhagen for the 3rd day:

• Breakfast at Reffen
• Lunch: Restaurant Kastellet
• Coffee and Snacks: Mad & Kaffe
• Dinner: Tivoli Food Hall

Read our detailed 3 days in Copenhagen itinerary

Day 5: Day Trip to Dragør from Copenhagen

Head to Dragor , a cute little fishing town on Amager Island in Denmark.

The visit to this beautiful historic village gives you enough time to relax and take a break from the helter-skelter of sightseeing.

Make sure to take your kids to Den Blå Planet (National Aquarium Denmark), the largest aquarium in northern Europe. It’s on the way to Dragor.

If you plan to spend a night in this quaint village, we suggest booking the classic and beautiful Dragør Fort Hotel .

Where to eat in Dragor? Harborfront Dragør Strandhotel , and Restaurant Beghuset . Don’t forget to taste ice cream at Nam Nam Is .

Read our complete guide to Dragør, Denmark

Day 6 – Day Trip to Helsingor from Copenhagen

How can you visit Denmark and not visit Helsingor aka Elsinore , the home of Shakespeare’s Hamlet?

Encircled by Orseund, the Sound, and the expanse of water between Sweden and Denmark, Helsingor is a colorful town with cobbled streets and a rich history.

Kronborg Castle , a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Helsingor has been a perfect setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. The castle hosts Shakespeare’s Festival every summer where international stars portray Prince Hamlet.

You can also visit the Maritime Museum of Denmark, the Culture Yard by AART , and the Danish Museum of Science and Technology .

Where to eat in Helsingør? Værftets Madmarked and Elsinore Street Food .

Note: You can add Aarhus to your Denmark Itinerary if you have an extra day or two. You’d love its Aros Aarhus Art Museum and Infinite Bridge.

How to Get Around Copenhagen? For the most part, Copenhagen is very well accessible by foot and public transportation. A rental car is good for day trips but not suggested for city excursions of course for obvious reasons. Guided tours are also a pretty good option to explore the city without any tension.

We love and recommend Discover Cars to rent a car wherever you go.

Second Destination: Sweden

Days to spend: 3 days.

On the sixth day of your Scandinavia adventure, you’ll say goodbye to Denmark as Sweden welcomes you with a friendly and warm smile.

How to Get to Sweden

Our itinerary needs you to have a rental car as you’ll be exploring the Swedish countryside which is otherwise inaccessible by public transportation.

It’s quite easy to get from Denmark to Sweden by air, bus, or train. There are buses and trains from Copenhagen to Gothenburg, Malmo, and Stockholm.

If you are planning to explore the far north of Swedish Lapland like Kiruna and Abisko, there are regular flights by Norwegian Air and SAS from Copenhagen.

Where to Stay in Sweden

There are umpteen good stay options all across Sweden. Stockholm, being the capital and major city of Sweden offers a variety of hotels, apartments, and hostels for all budgets. Gothenburg, Gotland(Visby), Kiruna, and Skane (Ystad, Malmo, Molle, and Helsingborg) are other popular destinations in Sweden.

Malmo can be easily visited on a day trip from Copenhagen.

Here are the hotel recommendations for popular cities in Sweden:

• Hotel in Stockholm: NOFO Hotel; BW Premier Collection
• Hotel in Gothenburg: Hotel Vanilla
• Hotel in Visby: Hotel Villa Borgen
• Hotel in Kiruna: True Nature
• Hotel in Ystad: Charming Townhouse
• Hotel in Mölle: Pensionat Strandgården
• Hotel in Helsingborg: The Vault Hotel

Day 7 – Drive from Copenhagen to Malmo | Explore Malmo | Drive from Malmo to Ystad.

Take a beautiful drive to Malmo from Copenhagen via Öresund Bridge .

Check with your car hire company if your rental agreement allows you to cross international borders. Our car hire company gave us a paper that we showed at the border check.

If you don’t have a rental car , you can take a train (ACP Rail) or a bus (Flixbus, Netbuss, or Gråhundbus) from København H (Copenhagen Central Station).

Whichever mode of transport you choose, it usually takes about 40 minutes to reach Malmo from Copenhagen.

Great coffee with cakes and croissants at Noir Kaffekultur , that’ll be all you need for a great head start.

You’d love to check Turning Torso, Malmo Castle, and St. Peter’s Church before you have lunch at Sajvva , a great place in Malmo for vegans and vegetarians like me.

Once done with lunch, fasten your seat belt for another beautiful drive from Malmo to Ystad.

It’s a real delight to drive the awe-inspiring Sweden countryside.

We stayed at a lovely holiday cottage in Löderups Strandbad.

That’s all we needed – I mean a secluded cottage in the middle of the lush forest with a beach nearby, a perfect summer holiday.

Spend the day taking long walks through the forest and soaking in the warmth of the Midnight Sun while sitting at the beach with a glass of wine while kids cycle, run around, and play with the sand.

It’s always good to add such destinations to your otherwise action-packed itinerary. Isn’t it?

Here, you need to visit the nearest supermarket as you’ll have to cook your own dinner at your cottage.

If the idea of cooking on a vacation scares you, check out the best hotels to stay in Ystad, Sweden.

Day 8 – Explore Ystad

Ystad, a gorgeous town located in Skane county on the southern coast of Sweden with its cobbled streets lined with medieval, pastel-colored half-timbered houses, white-sand beaches, centuries-old historical sights, and ravishing rolling countryside all around is well worth a visit.

I instantly fell in love with its beauty.

Kurt Wallander’s crime series by Henning Mankell was set in Ystad. If you’re a Scandi-noir and Wallander fan, you can take one of the Wallander guided tours to see all the locations where the scenes were shot.

Don’t forget to visit the largest film studio in Scandinavia, Ystad Studios .

Where to eat in Ystad? Villa Strandvagen , Maltes Mackor , and Glassmakeriet .

Where to stay in Ystad? We recommend Hotell Bäckagården and Charming Townhouse .

Day 9 – Explore More of Skane County | Drive to Kullaberg

There are a whole lot of things to do in and around Skåne County (Scania) but we chose a few of those as we only had a day to explore Skåne.

We started our day with Ales Staner , a ship-shaped henge. It’s located in the tiny and beautiful village of Kåseberga . Legend has it that the ancient stone ship stands on the grave of a mythic king, King Ale.

Forget about history, the site where the stones are erected in the shape of a ship is utterly impressive. As soon as you hike the hill, you can’t help but admire the views overlooking the Baltic Ocean.

Our next stop was Skånes Djurpark in Höör Municipality, Skåne – a must-visit with kids. The zoo has more than a thousand wild as well as tame Nordic animals – elks, foxes, wolves, lynxes, bears, seals, and many more.

Kids had unlimited fun getting up close with animals, trying horse riding, enjoying the Shaun the Sheep theme park, and climbing the wooden bridges in the trees. Definitely, the best family fun in Skåne.

It was time for us to head to Kullaberg in Mölle, Sweden. It took us a little over an hour to reach Kullaberg Nature Reserve , a haven for outdoor lovers.

You can take scenic hikes, experience Porpoise Safari , check out the mysterious caves and coves, go fishing, admire the views from vantage points, paddle, swim, and so much more.

We enjoyed the Porpoise Safari in a RIB boat. The tour lasts for about an hour and costs Kr 450 per adult and Kr 300 per child.

We stayed at Pensionat Strandgården in Mölle. Wowzers it is! Highly recommended.

Where to eat near Kullaberg Nature Reserve? There aren’t many places to eat near the nature reserve. We tried Molle Krukmakeri and Ransvik Havsveranda and found them decent.

PS: And you can’t leave Sweden before you experience fika, one of the most beautiful coffee traditions around the world .

We wanted to extend the time in Sweden and explore Gothenburg and Stockholm and then take a ferry to Turku, Finland, or a flight from Stockholm to Helsinki, Finland but we came back to Copenhagen to catch our flight to Helsinki because car rental companies charge exorbitantly high if you pick your rental from one country and drop it in another. Check out 10 unusual things to do in Stockholm if you’re planning to add Stockholm to your Scandinavian itinerary.

Our car rental charges for 8 days (pick up and drop at Copenhagen Airport) were 8,000 INR ($ 100) and if we returned the car in Gothenburg, we’d had to pay 65,000 ($ 900).

Third Destination: Finland

Days to spend: 5 days.

You’d fall for this little country wrapped cozily into the far up north. Day 9 of the Scandinavia itinerary takes you to Finland.

How to Get to Finland

There are quite a good number of regular flights (Sichuan Airlines, Norwegian, SAS, and Finnair) from Copenhagen, Denmark to Helsinki, Finland. The journey takes a little less than 2 hours.

Where to Stay in Finland

Finland has awesome and unique stay options. For travelers, Helsinki remains the prime or first location in Finland. Summer or winter, you gotta plan a stay in Finnish Lapland to experience the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights.

Here are our recommendations for Hotels in Finnish cities:

• Hotel in Helsinki: Hotel F6
• Hotel in Turku: Solo Sokos Hotel Turun Seurahuone
• Hotel in Porvoo: Small historic wooden house in Porvoo old town
• Hotels in Rovaniemi: Santa Claus Holiday Village ; Glass Resor t
• Hotel in Saariselka: Villa Karhunpesä ; Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – Igloos and Chalets

Day 10 – Fly from Copenhagen to Helsinki | Explore Helsinki

Today, you have to drive back to Kastrup Airport (a 2-hour drive) and leave your car at the car rental drop to catch a flight to Helsinki .

Take a taxi, train, or bus to your hotel in Helsinki to drop off your bags and spend your day exploring the Finnish capital, Helsinki.

Take a self-guided or guided walking tour starting from Helsinki Central Station to explore the beautiful churches, charming streets, and markets of Helsinki.

Where to dine and drink in Helsinki on day 1?

• Lunch at Zucchini
• Coffee and Snacks at Karl Fazer Cafe
• Dinner at Kauppatori Market Square

Day 11 – Explore Helsinki

On your second day in Helsinki, you can go on island-hopping. Take a ferry from Market Square that takes you to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, Vallisaari, and Lonna .

Once you’re done with the island-hopping, have a cup of coffee and snacks at Cafe Regatta .

If you’re traveling with kids, take them to the Linnanmaki Amusement Park, or else you can try the famous Finnish Sauna at Löyly , one of the most popular activities in Helsinki .

Where to eat in Helsinki on day 2?

• Lunch at Juuri  
• Coffee and Snacks at Cafe Regatta
• Dinner at Restaurant Savotta

Recommended Reading: Best things to do in Helsinki, Finland A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting Helsinki, Finland

Day 12 – Day Trip to Porvoo from Helsinki

Want a break from city sightseeing? Hop on a bus and head to the little fairytale town of Porvoo. Less than an hour away from Helsinki, Porvoo makes for a perfect day trip.

What’s so special about it? Well, you’ll know once you’re there 🙂

It’s so pretty that you’d want to just pack it in your bag and take it back home 😉

Stroll the cobbled streets adorned with pretty rows of pastel houses, museums, and cafes, and make sure to taste Runeberg’s Torte and Brunberg’s truffle .

If you’ve time, you can take a bus from Porvoo to visit Klovharun , fondly known as Moomin Island.

Where to eat in Porvoo? Ani’s Cafe , Zum Beispiel ,  Sinne , and SicaPelle are some of the best places to dine and drink in Porvoo.

If you plan to stay in Porvoo, please, please book this Small historic wooden house in Porvoo’s old town .

Here’s the ultimate guide to the charming town of Porvoo in Finland

Day 13 – Fly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi | Explore Rovaniemi

This day is solely for kids – the most awaited experience for kids. You are off to Rovaniemi – the official hometown of the kid’s beloved Santa Claus.

Norwegian Air and Finnair have regular flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Helsinki to Rovaniemi by air.

Santa Express Train is another good option provided you’ve enough time on your hands.

Pick up your rental car from Rovaniemi Airport and spend your day exploring Santa Claus Village – Cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa Claus himself, feed the reindeer, and visit Husky Park.

Take that mandatory pic with the jolly man in the red!

Relax at your hotel and apartment before you start your hike to Ounsvara to witness the most unique and iconic natural phenomenon, the Midnight Sun .

Rovaniemi is one of the best places in northernmost Finland where you can experience full Midnight Sun when the sun stays above the horizon for about 70 days.

You can spot the magical phenomenon from May to August with June and July being the best months.

Where to eat in Rovaniemi on day 1?

• Lunch at Kotahovi Lapland Restaurant
• Coffee and Snacks at Coffee House
• Dinner at Restaurant Valdemari’s

Where to stay in Rovaniemi? Ukonloma Cottages , Kyyhkynen , Arctic Light Hotel , and Hostel Cafe Koti .

Day 14 – Explore Rovaniemi

Today, you’ll take a day trip to Ranua Wildlife Park , home to about 200 Arctic animals like polar bears, foxes, and lynxes.

Where to eat near Ranua Wildlife Park? We found the Wild Arctic restaurant good.

Try Rosso for Dinner and don’t forget to try Nordic’s pure ice cream by Arctic Ice Cream Factory . There are many outlets in Rovaniemi.

Read to know how a trip to Finnish Lapland in summer looks and feels like

Fourth Destination: Norway

Days to spend: 7 days.

Think Norway, think fjords. Majestic Norwegian fjords – there’s no match to them. There are 1000s of them dotting Norway’s coastline. It’s time to explore the sheer and unmatched natural beauty of Norway .

How to Get to Norway

Rovaniemi, Finland to Oslo, Norway is about 4 hours away by flight with a stopover in Helsinki. There’s no direct flight from Rovaniemi. You can come back to Helsinki and spend a day maybe before catching a flight to Oslo.

Where to Stay in Norway

Norway’s capital, Oslo has amazing accommodation options. Other cities of interest in Norway include Bergen, Flåm, Stavanger, Tromsø, Trondheim, the Lofoten Islands, Kristiansund, and Ålesund.

Here are the hotel recommendations for major Norwegian cities:

• Hotels in Olso: Thon Hotel Storo ; Camillas Hus
• Hotel in Bergen: Scandic Flesland Airport
• Hotel in Flåm: Flåm Ferdaminne
• Hotel in Stavanger: Historical apartments in the heart of the old town
• Hotel in Tromsø: Water-View Home
• Hotel in Trondheim: Affordable three-bedroom apartment
• Hotel in Lofoten: Sennesvik Apartments
• Hotel in Kristiansund: Blåbærdalen 20 Luksusvilla
• Hotel in Lyngstad: Ola Bua Near The Atlantic Road
• Hotel in Ålesund: Hotel Brosundet

Day 15 – Fly from Rovaniemi to Oslo | Explore Oslo

Your Norway itinerary starts in the capital city of Oslo.

From Rovaniemi, it’s about a 4-hour flight to Oslo including a short stopover at Helsinki. Take a shuttle train (Flytoget) to the city center and maybe a taxi from there to your hotel, drop off your luggage and freshen up before you start the sightseeing.

It’s always a good idea to book a hotel in the city center to save time and money on transportation.

On your first day in Oslo, you’ll explore:

• Oslo Opera House
• Frogner Park
• Slottsplassen
• Karl Johans Gate
• Nobel Peace Center
• Oslo City Hall

Where to eat in Oslo on day 1?

• Lunch at Tunco
• Coffee and snacks at Funky Fresh Foods – DogA
• Dinner at Freddy Fuego Burrito Bar Tjuvholmen

There are many awesome places to dine in Oslo but are expensive. I’ve suggested the ones we found cheap yet best – the absolute value of money.

Where to stay in Oslo? Mad Architect’s Shared Apt – Sørenga – Homestay, Thon Hotel Storo , and Camillas Hus .

Day 16 – Explore Oslo, Norway

The second day in Oslo starts with an Oslofjord cruise and then a ferry to the Bygdøy peninsula . The peninsula is brimming with famous Norwegian museums like the Kon-Tiki Museum, Fram Museum, Viking Ship Museum, and the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History .

You can’t visit Oslo with kids and not visit one of its amazing museums.

Make sure to grab an Oslo Pass to save money on museums and other major attractions in Oslo.

We recommend visiting the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History (Norwegian Folk Museum), Fram Museum, and Kon-Tiki Museum.

Dining recommendations for your 2nd day in Oslo: Mamma Pizza Osteria , Haralds Vaffel , Habits Coffee , and Oslo Street Food .

Try Statholdergaarden if you want to splurge on food.

Read our guide to the best things to do in Oslo, Norway

Day 17 – Oslo to Bergen on Bergen Railway | Explore Bergen

Day 16 of your Nordic Countries tour is beautiful. Today, you’ll ride one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the Bergen Railway (Bergensbanen) from Oslo to Bergen .

This train journey is a part of the famous Norway in a Nutshell tour but that needs you to get down at Myrdal to board the Flåm Railway ( Flåmsbana ), another popular scenic train ride from Myrdal to Flam.

We didn’t take the package so traveled to Bergen.

The journey is exhilarating and the best introduction you can have to the Norwegian landscape.

Read all about the scenic train journey from Oslo to Bergen

If you book Norway in a Nutshell Tour , your transportation is managed by them but if you’re exploring Bergen (Gateway to the fjords) and Norwegian fjords on your own like us, the best way is to rent a car.

The car rental services aren’t available at the Bergen Railway Station which means you’ll have to catch a bus (Flybussen) to reach the Bergen Airport and rent a car.

Once you’ve rented a car, check in your hotel, relax, and spend the evening strolling the colorful lanes and pretty harbor of Bryggen and check out the Bergen fish market.

Where to dine in Bergen?

• Coffee and snacks at Lovetann Kaffebar
• Dinner at Trekroneren

Where to stay in Bergen? Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz Bergen , YM40 , Bjørnestrand Fjordside View , Scandic Flesland Airport

Day 18 – Explore Bergen

The entire day is dedicated to exploring Bergen . Ride the Fløibanen funicular and/or the Ulriken cable car to get 360-degree panoramic views over the city.

Visit the KODE Art Museums , especially KODE 4 which has Kunstlab where kids can learn the art while playing.

Next, you can visit Bergen Science Center Vilvite (kid-friendly) or Bergenhus Fortress depending upon the time and interest.

You can take the cruise along the Osterfjord if you’ve time and energy. The cruise leaves from the fish market pier. The last cruise leaves at 6 pm during the summer season and 2 pm otherwise.

Dining suggestions for 2nd day in Bergen:

• Lunch at Bare Restaurant
• Coffee and snacks at Godt Brod
• Dinner at the Horn of Africa

With more time, you can take one of many beautiful day trips from Bergen .

PS: We loved Bergen so much that the plan for the second visit is already on my mind. We explored Bergen in the summer and now are keen to witness the magic of Bergen in winter.

Day 19 – Drive to Hardangerfjord from Bergen | Explore Hardanger

The day finally is here when you’ll witness the majestic Norwegian fjord up close. A beautiful drive from Bergen to Hardangerfjord takes less than 2 hours.

The third-longest fjord in the world and second-longest in Norway, Hardangerfjord is wild and stunning.

There are many ways you can revel in the beauty of the fjord – hiking, walking, cruising, kayaking, and many more.

Where to eat in Hardanger? Hardangerviddahallen Restaurant & Cafe, Restaurant Fjell & Fjord, and Mabodalen Camping and Hyttesenter.

Where to stay in Hardanger? Hardangerfjord Hotel , Mo Gardsferie , Apartment in Herand , Vik Pensjonat Og Hytter , and Jaunsen Gjestegjevarstad .

Day 20 – Drive to Flam | Explore Flam

Today, drive the beautiful stretch from Eidfjord to Flam. There are many beautiful stops on the way to Flam like Voss, Gudvangen, and Stalheimskleiva .

Don’t rush but try to soak in the experiences.

You can opt for a Norled express boat from Bergen to Flam along the Sognefjord if you’ve enough time. The round-trip takes the entire day and the single journey takes over 5.5 hours. The boat leaves at 8:00 and makes brief stops at fjord villages on the way before it reaches Flam. The return trip starts at around 15:00 in the afternoon.

Once you reach Flam, take a fjord cruise or fjord safari through UNESCO Nærøyfjord , the most dramatic and wildest arm of the Sognefjord.

The three-hour tour passes through endless waterfalls, mountainside farms, little fjord villages, and colossal mountains.

One of the tours ( Heritage Taste Fjord Safari ) lets you get down to the beautiful village of Undredal , famous for its authentic goat cheese.

You can taste different varieties of cheese and jams at Eldhuset.

Once you’re done with the fjord cruise, board the Flamsbana for the most enchanting train journey from Flam to Myrdal and back.

Where to eat in Flam? Fretheim Hotel Restaurant, Flam Marina and Appartement Cafe, Green Norway Flam, and Bakkastova .

Where to stay in Flam? Flåm Marina , Flåm Ferdaminne , and Visit Undredal .

Related Read: 7 Days in Norway Itinerary 2 Weeks in Norway Itinerary

Day 21 – Road Trip from Flam to Oslo

Day 21. Sigh! We are almost done with our Nordic Countries exploration. Wait! The best is yet to come 🙂

Today, you’ll drive one of the loveliest road trips you’ve ever driven in your life. Believe you me.

The road trip from Bergen via Flam to Oslo passes through exciting tunnels, medieval churches, cute towns, mountain passes, national parks, dramatic fjords, and whatnot.

The entire road journey (300+ km) takes around 5 to 6 hours including the time spent at stopovers.

Here’s a detailed post about the road trip from Bergen to Oslo

You can retire to your hotel or check out the Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower in the evening. Climb the observation deck on top of the jump tower to enjoy the panoramic views over Oslo. The evenings are special as they bring beautiful sunsets over Oslofjord .

Day 22 – Fly Back Home

Finally, it’s time to say goodbye to the Nordics. I don’t like the endings especially when it comes to beautiful trips but as they say, “All good things must come to an end.”

You’ll fly out from Oslo to head home, wherever in the world it is. If you have a flight late afternoon or evening, you can spend some time exploring more of Oslo or maybe shopping for souvenirs. We recommend Way Nor for souvenirs.

Phew! This is an exhaustive guide to Scandinavia and we hope it helps travelers across the world to travel to this beautiful region in Northern Europe.

So, it’s basically a Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland itinerary! You can add Iceland to this itinerary to explore the entire Nordic region. I purposely left Iceland as we have planned to visit it sometime soon during the Northern Lights season 🙂

Suggested Scandinavia Itineraries

For all those who don’t have 3 weeks to devote to the trip but still want to explore Scandinavia. Don’t worry, we have got you covered!

Here are suggested itineraries for Scandinavia for 15 days, 14 days, 12 days, 10 days, and 7 days:

Scandinavia Itinerary 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Copenhagen, Denmark | Explore Copenhagen

Day 2: Explore Copenhagen

Day 3: Take a Day trip to Kronborg Castle from Copenhagen

Day 4: Fly from Copenhagen to Stavanger, Norway | Explore Stavanger

Day 5: Hike Pulpit Rock

Day 6: Fly from Stavanger to Bergen | Explore Bergen

Day 7: Hike Trolltunga

Day 8: Take a Day Trip to Flåm to experience Norwegian Fjord Cruise (Nærøyfjord) and Flåm Railway

Day 9: A Scenic Train Journey or a Road Trip from Bergen to Oslo

Day 10: Explore Oslo

Day 11: Fly from Oslo to Stockholm, Sweden | Explore Stockholm

Day 12: Explore Stockholm

Day 13: Fly from Stockholm to Helsinki, Finland | Explore Helsinki

Day 14: Explore Helsinki

Day 15: Fly Back Home

Scandinavia Itinerary 14 Days (Bonus: Vibrant Estonian Capital of Tallinn)

Day 1: Arrive in Helsinki, Finland | Explore Helsinki

Day 2: Explore Helsinki

Day 3: Take a Ferry to Tallinn, Estonia | Explore Tallinn

Day 4: Explore Tallinn | Overnight Cruise from Tallinn to Stockholm, Sweden

Day 5: Explore Stockholm

Day 6: Fly from Stockholm to Copenhagen | Explore Copenhagen

Day 7: Explore Copenhagen

Day 8: Fly from Copenhagen to Oslo, Norway | Explore Oslo

Day 9: Explore Oslo

Day 10: A Scenic Train Journey or a Road Trip from Oslo to Bergen

Day 11: Explore Bergen

Day 12: Explore Flåm and the Norwegian Fjords

Day 13: Drive or Fly from Bergen to Stavanger | Explore Stavanger

Day 14: Fly Back Home

PS: Alternatively, you can join Norway in a Nutshell Tour on Day 10 that starts in Oslo and covers the beautiful Flåmsbana train ride and fjord cruise, and ends in Bergen. In that case, you can trade the day dedicated to Flam for the Trolltunga hike.

Scandinavia Itinerary for 12 Days: An Exciting Scandinavia Road Trip Itinerary

Day 3: Drive to Gothenburg, Sweden | Explore Gothenburg

Day 4: Drive from Gothenburg to Stockholm | Explore Stockholm

Day 6: Drive from Stockholm to Oslo

Day 7: Explore Oslo

Day 8: Drive from Oslo to Bergen

Day 9: Explore Bergen

Day 10: Explore Flam and Norwegian Fjords

Day 11: Drive from Bergen to Stavanger | Explore Stavanger

Day 12: Fly Back Home

Scandinavia Itinerary 10 Days

Day 3: Fly from Copenhagen to Stockholm, Sweden | Explore Stockholm

Day 4: Explore Stockholm

Day 5: Fly from Stockholm to Oslo, Norway | Explore Oslo

Day 6: Fly from Oslo to Bergen | Explore Bergen

Day 7: Take a Day trip from Bergen to Flåm | Cruise Nærøyfjord | Ride Flåmsbana

Day 8: Fly from Bergen to Helsinki, Finland | Explore Helsinki

Day 9: Explore Helsinki

Day 10: Fly Back Home

Scandinavia Itinerary 7 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Stockholm, Sweden | Explore Stockholm

Day 2: Fly or Board a Train from Stockholm to Copenhagen, Denmark | Explore Copenhagen

Day 3: Explore Copenhagen | Overnight Cruise from Copenhagen to Oslo, Norway

Day 4: Explore Oslo

Day 5: Fly or Board a Train from Oslo to Stockholm | Explore Stockholm

Day 6: Explore Stockholm

Day 7: Fly Back Home

Scandinavia Trip Itinerary: FAQs

What are the Scandinavian countries?

Denmark, Norway, and Sweden are Scandinavian countries, geographically. However, Finland, and Iceland, along with the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland are also considered Scandinavian countries, traditionally. Ideally, they all together are called – Nordic countries.

How many days do you need to visit Scandinavia?

You need at least 10 days to explore the best of Scandinavia. 10 days in Scandinavia allows you to tick off the highlights of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, however, it’d be a bit rushed trip. 2 weeks in Scandinavia are perfect to discover Scandinavia in a relaxed manner while 3 weeks in the region lets you discover the hidden gems or add some of the lesser known places.

What are the best months to travel in Scandinavia?

If you go by book, the summer months of June, July, and August are the best months to visit Scandinavia. It’s when the weather is just perfect, the days are endless, and the magic of the midnight sun adds to the experience. However, I feel winter in Scandinavia is extra special too because it brings the otherworldly northern lights and hygge , mysa , and koselig !

Is it expensive in Scandinavia?

Yes, Scandinavia is costly! Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland rank on the top among the most expensive countries to travel to and live in the world. Yet, there are many ways you can visit Scandinavia on a budget if you choose rental vacation homes over hotels, cook your own food over eating out, visit free attractions, use discount passes, and plan well in advance. Also, planning to go during the low season also helps.

Which Scandinavian country to visit first?

It doesn’t matter which Scandinavian country you visit first. You can start in Sweden or Denmark or Norway or Finland depending on where there are a good number of direct as well as cheap flights to and from your home country available. Your Scandinavian itinerary mostly starts and ends in different countries.

Which country is better in Scandinavia?

Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland; each Scandinavian country is different and more beautiful than the next. Denmark has world-class design and architecture, Norway has unearthly fjords and wilderness, Sweden has lush woodlands, pristine lakes, and islands, and Finland has stunning lakes, and traditional sauna culture, and it is home to the Santa Clause.

Is it easy to travel between Scandinavian countries?

Yes, traveling between Scandinavian countries is quite easy and comfortable. With extensive road, rail, air, and sea networks, getting around Scandinavia is a breeze. Express trains, overnight cruises, short ferry rides, long-distance coaches, low-cost flights – options abound. And, not to mention, a road trip around Scandinavia is the way to go if you have time.

What’s Scandinavia known for?

Scandinavia is famous for its Viking heritage, stunning landscape, endless forest cover, pristine lakes, magical fjords, gushing waterfalls, beautiful beaches, remarkable design, and architecture, royal palaces, pretty churches, unique culture, mouth-watering cuisine, charming towns, northern lights, midnight sun, and happy vibe. It’s one hell of a region!

So, when are you planning your trip to Scandinavia? If you need any further assistance as you plan to travel to Scandinavia, let us know in the comments section below. We’ll be more than happy to help!

Recommended Reading:

• Renting a Car in Europe
• Schengen Visa for Europe
• How to Plan a Trip to Europe
• Cheap and Free Things to do in Copenhagen
• 3 Days in Copenhagen Itinerary
• 13+ Incredible Day Trips from Copenhagen
• Best Hotels in Copenhagen for Families
• Dragør in Denmark
• Best Places to Visit in Denmark
• Cool Danish Words
• Trip to Finnish Lapland in Summer
• Best Things to do in Helsinki
• A First-Timer’s Guide to Visiting Helsinki
• Porvoo in Finland
• Where to Stay in Rovaniemi
• Best Places to Visit in Norway with Kids
• Oslo with Kids
• Where to Stay in Oslo
• Undredal in Norway
• The Train from Oslo to Bergen
• A Road Trip from Bergen to Oslo
• 7 Days in Norway Itinerary
• 2 Weeks in Norway Itinerary
• Beautiful Norwegian Words
• Cool Swedish Words

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Anjali Chawla

7 thoughts on “Best of Nordic Countries in 3 Weeks – Scandinavia Itinerary”

Hello Anjali! What a nice web travel spot you ve created. I am heading to Denmark, Sweden and Finland for 10 days with 3 kids ( 13 to 20 yrs.), mid january. I am from Argentina and that´s our summer holidays. Do you think it still would be an acceptable idea ( short days, cold cold cold ).

Hey Fernando!

I and Neha love it when our readers find our content helpful because that’s our ultimate goal 🙂 Thank you so much for your kind words.

Fernando, the plus points of visiting the Nordic countries in winter are – fewer crowds, lower costs, loads of winter activities, and a chance to witness Aurora Borealis while the downsides include chilly and windy weather, shorter days (translates to less exploration time), and closed roads (matters if road tripping is on your list). Also, many sights and activities remain closed or open on a limited schedule during winter.

Having said that, I’d say winter is a good time to go if your travel goal is to catch the northern lights and indulge in winter sports.

If you can postpone your plan then I’d recommend visiting from late May to early June when the weather is just perfect, days are long, crowds are limited, and all the sights and activities are open.

If you can’t put off your plan then make sure to pack well for your winter adventure as you’ve kids traveling with you. As they say, “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.” You gotta exercise caution while packing for your trip so you and your kids can feel comfortable during wintertime and enjoy snowy activities.

Be ready to layer up or bundle up. You must pack insulated, well-ventilated, and weather resistant jackets, waterproof lower, fleece leggings, long-sleeved tops, thermal underwear, warm sweaters to layer on tops, waterproof boots with a good grip, warm cap, war, and waterproof gloves, warm scarves, and thick socks. Make sure that the material of clothes is lightweight and quick dry.

Hope that helps. If you’ve any further questions or concerns, please let me know. I’m here to help!

Happy Travels!

Glad you liked the article and found it helpful. Hope it helps you plan your Scandinavia trip

The best information I read and don’t know even what is Nordic. It’s nice to know and learn other countries and one day we can visit this places.

So beautiful even looking only on the photos. Just saving money for the next holiday. Bon Voyage!

This sounds amazing! Thank your for your hard work in putting it together. I I’m not sure when we’ll be able to go, but it sounds like a dream vacation.

Excellent info – thank you! If I have 4 weeks to travel around these gorgeous countries, is there anywhere you’d add to the above itinerary?

If you have 4 weeks in Scandinavia, I’d suggest you to add 2 or 3 more days in Denmark to explore the charming cities of Aarhus and Odense and 2 to 3 days in Norway for Stavanger, Pulpit Rock Hike, or maybe a visit to Jostedalsbreen National Park. You can also refer to the itineraries for Denmark and Norway on my blog for more ideas.

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Nova on the Road

The Best Norway Itinerary for an Unbelievable 14-day Road Trip (with Many Hidden Gems)

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Must-see places to visit in + itinerary for 14 days in Norway.

Buckle up for an epic 14-day adventure through the wild and wonderful landscapes of Norway. This practical Norway itinerary for 14 days isn’t just like any other; it’s about real experiences in one of the most stunning countries on the planet!

From the iconic Geirangerfjord, to the spectacular city of Bergen, to the charming town of Flam, we’ve got it all covered.

And as if the beauty’s not enough, Norway has the best food! From delicious hot dogs, to the best waffles in the world, and pancakes… Man, those pancakes… they earned a special place in my heart.

So you’re planning to visit Norway, but have no idea where to start? Then you’ve come to the right place! Do make sure to read this post through to the end, for all the essential information you need!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of the product links, we’ll receive a small commission at no cost to you. We only promote products and services we 100% believe in. Thank you so much for supporting us! Read more about it in our  disclosure policy .

Table of Contents

About Norway

The Kingdom of Norway is a Nordic country in Europe. It’s actually the northernmost country. The spoken language in Norway is Norwegian, and most people speak English very well… Seriously… It’s almost creepy how good their English is…

There’s actually quite interesting history behind the Norwegian language. Read about it here .

The used currency in Norway is the Norwegian Krone, NOK.

    $1 USD = 10,58 NOK (approx.)

    €1 Euro = 10,44 NOK (approx.)

Fun facts about Norway:

• Norway has a population of just over 5 million and nearly half of the Norwegian lives in the far south, around Oslo.
• Norway counts about 50000 tiny islands , carved by deep glacial fjords.
• Norway has repeatedly been ranked as the best country to live in.
• The longest tunnel in the world is located in Norway.
• Norway introduced salmon sushi to the Japanese in the eighties.
• Norway knighted a king penguin in 2008. His name’s Nils Olav.

Planning your 14-day Norway itinerary: Things to keep in mind

When planning a road trip through Norway, I made a big mistake. I stuffed it. I put too many activities in the planning and didn’t consider driving times and other things.  

So some things to keep in mind are:

• Driving times and distances are longer than you expect
• The weather’s not always good
• Take time for grocery shopping and cooking
• There are gonna be some bumps in your trip. Make sure you’re prepared to deal with them

Read through to the end of this post for more essential information about traveling through Norway!

Are 14 days too long for you? Then check out this epic 7-day itinerary for Norway !

Here’s a map with the places from this itinerary and some lovely wild camping places we found. I hope it can help you!

Norway itinerary for 14 days

Now it’s finally time for the 14-day Norway road trip itinerary!

This 14-day itinerary begins in Oslo and ends in Bergen . Both cities have an airport and I’m sure there are renting companies where you can pick up a car or motorhome in one city and return it in the other. If this is not possible, it’s not that hard to drive back to Oslo to return the vehicle and get a flight home.

Day 1: Arrival – Oslo  

This itinerary starts in the wonderful capital of Norway, Oslo! When in Norway you just can’t miss this diverse city.

Bonus tip: Maybe an Oslo pass is something for you. Read about the top things to do in Oslo with an Oslo pass !

Oslo has a lot of typical Norwegian places to visit, like:

• Bygdøy Peninsula, where you’ll find 5 Norwegian museums
• The Norwegian Folk Museum
• Akershus Fortress
• The Freia Store: home of Norwegian chocolates
• The Oslo fjord

And other than that, Oslo’s an amazing city to walk through.

My friends and I arrived in Oslo around lunchtime. In my opinion, we’ve seen enough of this city in one day, to move on the next day. But of course, you need to decide how long you want to stay in Oslo. I do recommend sleeping in the city, to be well-rested for the next day.

Psst: Check out this beginner’s guide to Oslo !

Where to stay in Oslo?

Best budget hotel in Oslo: Citybox Oslo

Why stay here: Close to Oslo central station, comfortable rooms, cheap prices and free wifi.

Best luxury hotel in Oslo: Hotel Bristol

Why stay here: Exceptional breakfast, private parking, 2 cozy restaurants, free wifi and luxurious rooms.

Day 2: Oslo – Flam

From Oslo, you will take a long drive to the beautiful town of Flam! It’s about a 5-hour drive through many diverse landscapes. In the last hour, you’ll even be driving the world’s longest tunnel ! At the end of this Laerdalstunnel, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of the Naeroyfjorden!

You’ll get the best view of this fjord from the town of Flam. In this town, there are many activities to do. There are many souvenir shops and options to go out on the water.

Although Flam could be crowded, it kinda gave me a cozy feeling. It almost felt like I was at a German Christmas market (even though it was in August).

So when you’re in Flam, make sure to drink some hot chocolate and eat a delicious Norwegian hot dog.

One day is enough to take a good look at Flam. At the end of the afternoon, you can already drive a bit to the next location, or just stay in Flam.

Where to stay in Flam?

Best accommodation for families: Two-bedroom apartment in beautiful Flåm Valley

Why stay here : Entire apartment with private parking, free wifi and beautifully furnished rooms. Perfect for a family of 4.

Best budget accommodation: Winjum Apartments Aurland Stegastein

Why stay here : Entire apartment with free wifi, private parking and stunning views of the Aurlandsfjord.

Best luxury hotel: Fretheim Hotel

Why stay here: Amazing breakfast, free parking, a restaurant and bar, free wifi and comfortable rooms.

Day 3: Time to relax

Seeing that the driving distances are exhausting, let’s squeeze in a day to relax. Of course, you don’t have to do nothing, you could always stay in Flam and book a tour or find another activity nearby. You could already drive to the next destination, which gives you more time for sightseeing there.

There are loads of options, but if you’re tired, just relax. You’ll see more of Norway in the next few days.

Check out this super cool drone shot that represents Norway’s mysterious landscape quite well.

Day 4: Geirangerfjord

On day 4, it’s time to drive to Geiranger. This world UNESCO site heritage may be one of the most beautiful fjords I’ve seen in Norway. It’s kinda like Flam, but even better. Plus, there’s a chocolate shop.

See, I’m a bit of a sucker for chocolates, especially ones with fruit filling. And the chocolates of Geiranger Sjokolade were the most amazing choccies I’ve ever had!

In Geiranger, you can book a boat tour , rent a kayak, or take a hike up the fjord.

There are many places near Geiranger where you can park your vehicle to go wild camping. Most places we wild camped at, you can find on the map at the beginning of this itinerary.

Where to stay in Geiranger?

The best accommodation in Geiranger is Hotel Union Geiranger Bad & Spa . With super comfortable rooms, a rooftop garden, and pools in and outside, this hotel is a great option! You’ll be able to completely relax in the spa & wellness centre, the 3 pools and 3 restaurants.

I highly recommend staying at the Hotel Union Geiranger !

Related posts:

• A Full Guide to Wild Camping in Norway + Wild Camping Tips
• Norway 10-Day Itinerary: Everything You Have to See in Norway!
• Norway Road Trip Cost: A Full Guide to Traveling Norway on a Budget
• Traveling Norway by Campervan: Everything You Need to Know!

Day 5: Trollstigen – Mardalsfossen – Sunndalsora

On day 5, it’s time to finally drive the famous troll’s ladder, aka Trollstigen! This road is such a wonderful road to drive, with a gorgeous waterfall. It’s only 2 hours from Geiranger . Make sure to make some photos of this wonderful road.

After driving the Trollstigen, it’s time for a little hike to the most epic waterfall in Norway. And this place isn’t touristy at all, which is so great!

From the Trollstigen, it’s about 2 hours to the waterfall .

This fall is called Mardalsfossen. With a free fall of 297 meters and a total of 655 meters , this is Northern Europe’s highest waterfall .

This hike is only around 45 minutes (single way). However, these 45 minutes are only to a certain point that’s easy to reach. After that, you can take a slippery rocky road to get closer to the waterfall.

I took this road and got so close to the waterfall, it felt unreal. You just need to be careful. But seriously, if you can, try to get as close to the waterfall as possible. It’s a place where you’ll feel so alive, plus you’ll get a proper shower.

From Mardalsfossen it’s only an hour and a half to get to the sleeping spot at Sunndalsora. On the map, you’ll find the exact spot.

Day 6: Time to relax

You must be tired after these full days. Good news, today you’ll be doing nothing at all! The spot where you’ve stayed is also a wonderful place for relaxing, taking a swim, and maybe having a little BBQ.

Day 7: Trollkyrkja – Atlantic Ocean Road

Now that you’re well rested and all, it’s time to get up early for a gorgeous, but a bit challenging hike! Trollkyrkja (troll’s church), is another epic place we visited in Norway. It’s called the troll’s church because, at the end of the hike, there’s a cave with a stunning waterfall inside !

This hike will take you around 4 hours to complete (up and back). Don’t forget to bring a flashlight or headlight, you’re gonna need it for the cave.

After hiking Trollkyrkja, it’s time to drive another cool road.

Have you ever heard of the Atlantic Ocean Road?

If not, it’s a road located on the coast of Norway. This road is 8,27 kilometers long and has 8 bridges . This road is quite cool to drive and from the rest stops it looks amazing!

Some people will say this road is only worth visiting if you have a drone to make awesome shots, but in my opinion, the Atlantic Ocean Road is something you just need to see (and drive) at least once in your life.

Day 8: Alesund

After these few days in nature, you’re probably up for visiting a charming old town. Alesund is the place to be. This coastal town is one of the coziest towns we visited in Norway. With its colorful houses, old streets, and surrounding hills, this place is a must-see town.

Alesund is only a 2-and-a-half-hour drive from the Atlantic ocean road . So I’d say, find a sleeping spot somewhere between the ocean road and Alesund.

Also, don’t be scared of taking ferries. For me it felt kinda weird, going on a ferry, but it wasn’t weird at all. Just hop on there, eat some typical ferry food (they sell delish hotdogs and sveler: Norwegian pancakes), have a bathroom break, and get on the road again!

When arriving in Alesund, it’s easy finding a parking spot, even for large vans. Then it’s time to just wander through this town, take in its beauty, visit some shops, and have a bite. Make sure to take some photos.

One day is enough to visit Alesund.

Where to stay in Alesund?

Best Budget accommodation in Alesund: City View Studio Apartment

Why stay here: Entire apartment with private parking, free wifi, a patio, and beautiful sea and city views.

Best luxury accommodation: Hotel 1904

Why stay here : Delicious breakfast, free wifi, comfortable rooms, and an amazing restaurant.

Day 9 & 10 : Olden – Loen

On days 9 and 10 you’ll visit what probably the most beautiful place is in all of Norway. The towns of Olden and Loen are kinda like glacial towns (if that’s a thing). At the foot of Jostedalsbreen national park are these towns. Surrounded by blue and ice-cold lakes, these towns have a certain charm.

Jostedalsbreen national park is Europe’s biggest glacier. There are tours you can book, to hike these glaciers. But don’t do it on your own, you need special equipment.

But seeing that Olden and Loen are at the foot of this glacier, makes the lakes outstandingly beautiful. Glacier water is so blue, it feels like you’ve stepped inside a fairytale! With green grass and mysterious mountains, it may just be the most breathtaking place I’ve ever visited.

If you choose not to hike the glacier (I didn’t because it’s expensive), there are lots of other activities in this area. You can hike among some mighty rivers, visit waterfalls, kayak the mirror-like lakes, or even take a swim (at around 4°C/32°F).

Where to stay in Olden/Loen?

Best budget accommodation: Nesset Fjordcamping

Why stay here: Beautiful balcony overlooking the fjord, free wifi, family rooms, free parking and great location.

Best luxury accommodation: Hotel Alexandra Loen

Why stay here: Comfortable rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, wellness centre, 4 restaurants and great breakfast.

Best unique stay: Olden Glamping

Why stay here: Luxurious dome-like tent, fjord and mountain views, private beach area, free wifi and free parking.

There are endless ways to enjoy yourself in Olden and Loen, and you won’t be disappointed by the views you’ll get. Just take it slow and stay here for a day or two.

Day 11: Bondhusvatnet

On your way to the last destination, you’ll be visiting some more magic places. I recommend getting up early because you’re up for a long drive of 6 hours . I’d say hit the road around 9 am so you have some time for hiking the Bondhusvatnet trail.

This is the last long driving time, so make sure you enjoy it.

Bondhusvatnet is one of the hidden gems near Bergen. This hike is only about 2 hours in total and you’ll see some cool rivers and another glacial lake.

How’s this one different from the ones you’ve already seen, you may ask? Well, I can’t answer that. It’s just different and even more beautiful. Both the trail and the lake will take your breath away.

After this hike, you should probably just find a sleeping place nearby.

Day 12 : Fjellhaugvatn – Steindalsfossen – Bergen

If you aren’t tired of blue glacial lakes yet, you can visit another one: Fjellhaugvatn. This lake is said to be another hidden gem, and it’s close to the one you visited yesterday. I personally skipped this one, but if you can visit it, you probably should.

Then it’s time to drive an hour and a half in the direction of Bergen. On the road to Bergen, there’s a cool waterfall you should see. Steindalsfossen is a waterfall located near the road. No hike is required.

You can stand behind the waterfall and get a cool view from a bit higher point. This waterfall is also great for some Instagrammable photos, as you can get really close.

After spending a little time at this waterfall it’s time to go to your last destination in this itinerary; Bergen!

Make sure to book accommodation in this city, for the last 2 nights before leaving. And look into some parking opportunities, but it was quite hard, to find a parking spot for a 2,5-meter high van. There are no parking garages for this height and there’s a difficult system for parking at the side of the street. Make sure to do your research.

Where to stay in bergen?

Best budget hotel: Citybox Bergen City

Why stay here: Comfortable rooms, free wifi, cheap prices and great location.

Best overall hotel: Det Hanseatiske Hotel

Why stay here: Rustic-style rooms, very good breakfast, 2 restaurants, free wifi, affordable prices and located in the 16th century UNESCO World Heritage Bryggen District.

Day 13 & 14 : Bergen

This second-largest city in Norway is one of those places where you simply don’t want to have only a couple of hours. That’s why you need at least day 13 and maybe day 14 (depending on the time of your flight), to see all there is to see in Bergen , like:

• Floibanen and Floyen
• Bergen’s fish market
• Fantoft stave church
• Ulriken viewpoint

And simply the rest of the city is just fun to see. There are also shopping opportunities.

All in all, Bergen is a city you just can’t skip. It may even be more important to visit than Oslo (I’m sorry to those who disagree). There’s just too much to do and see, for everyone.

Travel through Norway

There are a few ways of traveling through Norway. You could travel Norway by train, cruise, car, or motorhome. Traveling through Norway by train or cruise, are some great options to choose from. However, they limit your options of things to see and do, as they only go so far.

Norway is one of the most popular countries for motorhome travel . As wild camping is allowed, you can easily park somewhere and just go to sleep. So when you’re visiting Norway, be prepared for all the campers you’ll come across.

And as the Norwegian roads sometimes go (literally) up the mountains, you can visit so many more places than when you’re taking a train. So traveling by car or motorhome is my favorite way of traveling through Norway .

And because of that, this 14-day itinerary is for traveling with a car or campervan.

Driving through Norway

One thing you really need to keep in mind is that driving in Norway is a whole new world. At least for me, it was, but that’s because I’m from flat country; the Netherlands.

Driving through Norway will not be hard, but you need to know some of the basics:

When driving the mountainous roads of Norway it’s important to make way for other people. There are a lot of opportunities to make some room for oncoming traffic, and you need to make use of them. They will do the same for you.

And not only oncoming traffic will need this, but if you’re a bit of a slow driver, you may also need to make way for people to pass you.

Put your lights on

In Norway, it is the law to drive with your lights on. So don’t forget to put them on every time you’re going out on the road!

But only when driving a van or motorhome. Some curves may be unclear, so if you’re driving on a narrow road, and a bend is coming, honk. Then people will know something big’s coming and it may give you peace of mind.

The roads aren’t as scary as they seem

You’ve probably heard of the Trollstigen, which means trolls ladder. This is a Norwegian road that’s famous for all its twists and turns. Although this is the most famous one, it’s not the only one… There are many roads like this, you probably won’t be able to avoid these.

But no worries! These roads are less scary than they seem.

Everyone who’s driving these roads is alert. If you are alert and calm as well, there’s nothing to worry about. Just drive slowly and before you know it, you’ve done an incredible job of driving a mountain road!

Norwegians drive really well

Yup. Norwegians may be the best drivers of Europe. I don’t know what else to say. Almost every Norwegian is just a good driver, I thought that may be nice to know.

Is Norway expensive?

There’s no easy way to say this…

Norway’s expensive.

Can’t go around that. But as we’re budget travelers, we have found a way for you to enjoy Norway on a low budget. Traveling Norway on a budget is possible.

And as in every other country, it really depends on how you spend your money and what you spend it on. Some things or products are really cheap and others are expensive. You just need to figure out what the local products are and live off of those. Because they will be cheapest.

Our post about budget travel in Norway also listed which products are the cheapest. So check out this post about Norway road trip cost !

Wild camping on your 14-day Norway itinerary

At least one thing you could save a ton on is accommodation. In Norway, it is allowed to go wild camping , under certain rules . But this means that you don’t have to pay for your accommodation, which makes your trip soooo much cheaper.

You can go wild camping in your car, or motorhome, or just take some tents with you. Please do consider this option, it’ll save you tons.

Final thoughts on the Norway itinerary for 14 days

And now we’ve come to the end of this 14-day itinerary through Norway. I hope you’re now informed enough on what to keep in mind, places to visit and what the country’s like.

Let me know why you want to visit Norway in the comments below!

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Norway itinerary for a 14-day road trip (with lots of hidden gems).

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

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 25, 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 this website 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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Monday 13th of May 2024

Hi Jurga, This is a super-comprehensive and helpful itinerary, which I definitely plan to use as a skeleton for my plan in June :) so thanks a lot for that!! I have a couple of questions: 1. I plan to start in Stavanger (Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock) and then proceed to Bergen. Could you recommend how many days to spend in Bergen and do we need to rent a car for sights in and around Bergen (total time in Norway would be 8-10 days)? For instance, I'm considering doing the Naerfjord cruise from Bergen on my own till Flam, then the Flam-Myrdal railway, and back by bus from Myrdal to Bergen (please correct me in case of any error). This would be one day when I won't need the car and can use public transport to and from Bergen. But I do wish to do the Trolltunga, so would that need a car or the public transport from Bergen would work?

2. Following Bergen, which place could I move to? Would it be worth going to Alesund just for the Geirangerfjord if I have already done 2-3 fjords before that? Also, any opinion on the Hardangerfjord around Bergen?

3. Is Tromso worth visiting in summer?

Thanks once again for such a helpful itinerary! Please do keep writing about your amazing travels!

Tuesday 14th of May 2024

@Jurga, oh yes that makes sense! Tha ks for responding! Also, do you recommend splitting time between Bergen and Flam or would that be redundant?

Hi Mithila, to answer your questions: 1. In Bergen, I would plan at least one full day for the city, but depending on your interests, you could also spend two. For excursions outside the city, it's possible to do them by public transport, with tours, or by car. So it's really your preference. Trolltunga requires a whole day in itself and it's a very, very long and tiring hike. 2. Geirangerfjord is one of the most beautiful ones and also Eagle Road is very impressive. Alesund is nice, but not a must. 3. Tromso is always worth it, but if you only have 8-10 days in Norway in total and take the trouble to go all the way up north, then the Lofoten Islands are worth it much more for a summer visit. I would plan at least 3 days for that area. If you decide to go to Lofoten, you could fly to that area after visiting Bergen (see our Lofoten travel tips for more information). In that case, I would skip Geirangerfjord and Alesund to have more time in the north. But if you rather stay in the south and explore deeper, then Geirangerfjord is absolutely not to be missed. Good luck with the planning and have a great trip!

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!

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A 2-week Norway road trip itinerary

Updated On 10th May, 2024

Norway , a country of outstanding natural beauty and raw sublime power, with dramatic waterfalls, crystal clear fjords, majestic mountains, and spectacular glaciers. If that hasn’t convinced you to pack your bags and plan a Norway road trip, hopefully, this blog post can offer up some inspiration on what you can expect from one of the most beautiful countries in the world and one of the best places to visit in Europe . 

If you’re planning a Norway road trip and are wondering how you can possibly experience all of the best adventures this beautiful country has to offer, all within 2 weeks, you’re in the right place.

In this blog post, I’m going to share a 2-week Norway road trip itinerary with you, featuring my top places to visit in Norway, top things to do in Norway and tips from my very own trip. 

Other blog posts you might find useful…

• A 2-week Cornwall road trip itinerary
• My 2-week Scotland road trip itinerary
• Christmas markets in Europe road trip itinerary
• 10 top tips for responsible van life
• The best things to do in Europe
• A bucket list via ferrata in Norway
• How to plan your UK road trip
• Van life in Europe: a bucket list of Europe road trips

Norway is all about experiencing nature, with respect for animals and plants coming first. So this trip will probably suit those adventurers who are active and don’t mind sleeping under the stars.

Fortunately, the right to roam or “allemannsretten” makes this very easy, it ensures that everybody can experience nature, even in larger privately owned areas. So, you won’t be aimlessly driving around in the dark looking for somewhere discrete to camp (If you know, you know). Just be sure to be considerate and thoughtful, making sure you pick up rubbish and show respect for nature and locals – leave the landscape as you would want to find it.

Find out more about responsible van life here. 

Of course, this itinerary can be adapted for the less adventurous type, with 26 affordable hostels spread around the country, along with Airbnb always saving you if the weather takes a turn.

A 2-week road trip itinerary for Norway…

This Norway road trip begins in Oslo , the capital of Norway, and finishes in the western city of Stavanger covering some 2050 miles (3300km) along the way. Optionally you could fly to Lofoten if you have fewer days, but I wanted to actually see the country, rather than fly over it, and you know…  flying isn’t exactly great for the planet. 

Get more sustainable travel tips here.

Now, this wouldn’t be much of a road trip without a car, however, I decided to get two trains to cover the 700 miles from Oslo to Bodø rather than drive. But, if you have more time and do have your own vehicle or want to hire from Oslo, that’s fine, the route is fairly similar. However, the one thing you will learn about Norway pretty quickly is how expensive it is (the second most expensive country in the world). So I only hired a car in Trondheim for the second week, for the drive down the west coast to Stavanger. Taking a car up to Lofoten can add some serious costs with tolls, ferries and fuel, and I don’t think you necessarily need one to experience the Islands. So, I guess this is a backpacking road trip hybrid!

Day 1: Oslo-Bodø

Into the arctic circle.

• Train time: 16-17 hours (two trains; one is overnight)

I arrived in Oslo the night before my Norway road trip started and spent the night in the Anker Hostel, which is a good place to meet fellow travellers from around the world. It is also a cheap option (£20 per night). See my top tips for travelling on a budget here. 

I was itching to head north, and as I’m not much of a city person, I didn’t spend too much time in Oslo, but there is plenty to do here should you want to stay and explore.

I jumped on my first train from Oslo to Trondheim. This takes about 6 hours and costs roughly 619 NOK (£50). This is an amazing journey, with plenty of time to sit back and relax, take in the mountain views as the train weaves its way through valleys and tunnels.

Once in Trondheim, I had enough time to grab some food and then I mentally prepared myself for the overnight train from Trondheim to Bodø which takes 10-11 hours and costs approximately 1269 NOK (£102) return (You can pay more for a cabin). This turned out to be the best train I’ve ever taken (despite it being an overnight one), and takes you through some truly remote wilderness and into the Arctic Circle. You probably won’t get much sleep, and if the midnight sun doesn’t keep you awake, the view out the window will certainly keep you going.

Day 2: Bodø – Moskenes, Lofoten

Keep going north….

• Train time: whatever is left from yesterday’s overnight train
• Ferry time: 3 hours
• Driving time: 10 minutes

If you did get some sleep, then you will wake up on day 2 of this Norway road trip travelling alongside the mighty Skjerstad Fiord, which boasts some great views of the mountains of Svartisen and Rago National Park. The train ends in Bodø, and is opposite the ferry terminal where you can pick up foot passenger tickets for the ferry to Moskenes, Lofoten. The 3-hour ferry offers another great opportunity to sit back and take in the views of the mountains and abundance of sea life. 

Once I arrived in Moskenes, I hitched (buses also available) a lift to the Lofoten Hostel Å, located in the cozy small fishing village of Å, right at the end of the Lofoten Islands. The hostel is amazing and sits on the waterfront with several room types, some being 100-year old fisherman cabins. I opted for this as my base for the next few days as it is one of the best places to visit in Norway, a perfect starting point for hikes, and only costs £20-30 per night for a shared room (although I ended up with one to myself).

Fun Fact: The old fishing towns in this area largely exist due to Stockfish exports from Lofoten, which is dried and matured Arctic cod. You will see (and smell) a mass of drying racks scattered around the islands.

Days 3-5: Å, Reinebringen, Munken, Bunes and Kvalvika Beaches

Sunsets & cinnamon rolls…, å .

My morning routine in Å without fail involved a visit to the bakery (Gammelgården – the Old House) which was built in 1844 and bakes fresh bread and cinnamon rolls everyday. It’s a stone’s throw away from the hostel and I can tell you now, the cinnamon rolls will change your life and you will find yourself with some serious withdrawal symptoms upon leaving, so make the most of it.

I spent the next few days exploring and climbing many of the surrounding peaks, which are some of the best places to visit in Norway. You can catch a bus easily with contactless or hitchhike to many of the fishing villages along the islands. It’s up to you how far you explore here. I wanted to save some exploring for my Long Crossing Hike of Lofoten on my Norway road trip, so didn’t venture too far off Moskenesøya.

A few spots to add to your Norway bucket list for the surrounding area are:

• Reine and Hamnøy

Reinebringen 

• Bunes Beach 
• Kvalvika Beach
• Arctic Surfing or Kayaking

One of the main reasons to visit the Arctic Circle in the summer is to experience the midnight sun, so make sure at least one (if not all) of your evenings is spent up high watching the phenomenon. It’s a photographer’s dream, with 6-8 hours of golden hour, so snap away. This is one of the best things to do in Norway, so make sure you don’t miss it! 

At a modest 448 meters high, Reinebringen has one of the most iconic views of Lofoten and the midnight sun from the summit. It’s quite a steep path and I would aim to walk this around 9pm to avoid many of the crowds. Once at the top, if you are comfortable with exposed ridgelines, I highly recommend carrying on to the summit, almost everyone takes photos part way up and I had the summit entirely to myself all evening.

This was one of my favourite hikes on the islands and at 797m, it offers 360° views of surrounding peaks and the many lakes and fjords scattered around it. Check out 68north for good trail maps and guides for this area. The main trail to Munken is located in the village of Sørvågen on Moskenesøy, a walkable distance from Å. You can also book to stay in the bothy near the summit, or camp anywhere along the trail should you be feeling extra adventurous. 

Bunes and Kvalvika Beaches

You can take day trips to either of these stunning beaches, both require either a short boat ride or bus from Reine, followed by an approximately 1 hour hike. The sand is beautifully white and the turquoise sea is very inviting on a sunny day. Just brace yourself for that Arctic water; let’s just say I was in and out decidedly quick. 

Day 6: Moskenes to Trondheim

I’m not crying, you’re crying….

• Train time: 10-11 hours

After one emotional visit to the bakery, and a last hike up a small 490m peak called Tindstind in the morning, it was back onto the ferry from Moskenes to Bodø in the afternoon. A bit of time to grab some food and explore Bodø before heading onto the overnight train back to Trondheim. This time I was treated to a particularly good sunset and even saw a moose*.

*Sunsets and moose not guaranteed.

Day 7: Trondheim

An englishman, an american and a german walked into a bar….

Upon arrival from Bodø, I decided to spend the rest of this day in my Norway road trip itinerary in Trondheim to recharge my batteries (literally) and booked into the hostel, which turned out to be a dorm where I met some great people from all over the world. One particularly nice old man had even walked all the way from Spain on pilgrimage.

Considering I’m not much of a city person, Trondheim is actually a beautiful place, with cobbled streets, a beautiful old town and a great Cathedral. 

Things to see in Trondheim:

• Visit the beautiful Nidaros Cathedral
• Check out the Beautiful “Old Bridge” and take pictures
• Wander around the Old Town
• Visit the Kristiansten Fortress for amazing views (it’s free)

The day ended with some food and drinks with some hostel friends, then to bed, ready to pick up the car first thing in the morning. It’s time to switch from backpacking to a road trip in Norway!

Day 8: Trondheim to Trollstigen via The Atlantic Road

The road in the ocean.

• Driving time: 6 hours

After navigating out of Trondheim, I headed west on the E39 to The Atlantic Road, also known as “Atlanterhavsvegen” or ”The Road in the Ocean”. This is a part of a 36km National Tourist Route between the towns of Kristiansund and Molde and is considered one of the best road trips in the world by many. With seven bridges that allow the road to follow the islands and sea like a snake, here you can experience both nature and architecture in great interaction.

Some of the best places to visit in Norway are on this stretch of our Norway road trip. Be sure to stop along the way and check out:

• Storseisundbrua : The longest bridge on the Atlantic Road and the symbol of the road. 
• Eldhusøya : Hiking path and nice, easy round trip with a Café (open during the summer season). 
• Kjeksa: Magnificent view point near the fishing village Bud. 
• Geitøya : Short walks to hilltops and down to the water. 
• Askevågen : View point.

One of the best ways to take photos of this area is with a drone. See more of my travel photography top tips here. 

Travel tip:

In Norway, the roads are great, however a lot of ferry’s, roads and tunnels are unavoidable and you will be automatically charged when you drive on them or you can pay using contactless. The Atlantic Road is a toll, so you will have to pay a small fee.

Trollstigen

Coming off The Atlantic Road, I continued on the Fv64 aiming for Trollstigen, one of the best roads on this Norway road trip. Trollstigen, or “The Trolls Road”, snakes its way up the Romsdalen valley beneath Europe’s tallest vertical mountain wall, The Troll Wall and the Trolltindene massif. This road is only open from June to November and is a must do, although if you don’t have a good head for heights perhaps you should let someone else drive!

There is plenty to do in Trollstigen, with a nice visitor centre and viewpoint at the top and many hikes should you want a little leg stretcher. I chose to camp up here so came up the road late in the afternoon when most of the tourists had gone. After some food I hiked up to a lake called Bispevatnet, then went to the main viewpoint where me and a few other hardcore campers took in the view for the rest of the evening.

Check out more bucket list road trips in Europe in this blog post. 

Day 9: Trollstigen to Geiranger

Destination geirangerfjord.

• Driving + ferry time: 1 hour 45 minutes

As it turns out, the fun driving is only just beginning and in the morning I continued along the Fv63, which takes you along some truly stunning mountain passes to a nice short ferry across Storfjorden.

Once off the ferry, it’s over another mountain pass before descending down the winding road into Geirangerfjord. Be sure to stop at the Ørnesvingen viewpoint and take a walk along the mountainside to get some EPIC views of the fiord and numerous waterfalls cascading off the steep cliffs. This has got to be one of the prettiest drives on this Norway road trip. 

The deep blue UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord is surrounded by huge mountain peaks, waterfalls and lush, green vegetation. The famous falls De syv søstrene (“The Seven Sisters”), Friaren (“The Suitor”) and Brudesløret (“The Bridal Veil”) are the main waterfalls that tease the cliffs, producing a mist whose mission is to create a never‐ending display of changing rainbows to fill you with delight and wonder. 

You can experience the fjords and the waterfalls a few different ways once in Geiranger. Either from one of the many available sightseeing boating trips, the abundance of hikes, or from a kayak. I highly recommend taking out a kayak here, which is one of the best things to do in Norway, and not too expensive if you go solo rather than a guided tour. Group tours and double kayaks were also available if it’s something you’ve never done before. It’s probably about a 3-hour round trip to the waterfalls.

Should you prefer to hike, the best viewpoint of the Seven Sisters is from Skageflå. You can hike here from Geiranger and it takes 2-4 hours depending on fitness, but the views are definitely worth it.

Day 10: Geiranger to Flåm via Jostedalsbreen National Park

Hitchhikers and hot coffee.

• Driving & ferry time: 5 hours 10 minutes

The ultimate goal of day 10 on this Norway road trip itinerary is to end up in Flåm , taking the route that passes through Byrkjelo and navigates through Jostedalsbreen National Park . It takes roughly 5 hours and has at least one short ferry, not including all the stops along the way for the views.

It’s up to you what you do along the way. I managed to get a few quick hikes in and picked up a hitchhiker who joined me for a few hours which made the drive even more enjoyable… always good to hear a fellow traveller’s stories.

Jostedalsbreen National Park is one of the best places to visit in Norway and not to be missed. It covers 1315 square kilometres, nestled between two of the world’s longest fjords, Sognefjorden and Nordfjord. The Jostedal Glacier in the National Park has a total area of 487 square kilometres and is the largest glacier on the European mainland. You can see glimpses of this throughout this whole drive. 

Things to see along the way:

• Take the Loen Skylift to get some amazing views of the area.  See my via ferrata experience in Loen here. 
• The village of Olden.
• Hike in the beautiful Bødalsbreen area. 
• Nigardsbreen – Glacier arm of the large Jostedalsbreen glacier.
• Stegastein viewpoint

I rocked into Flåm in the evening and headed up a small mountain road to a small lake called Bjønnøyane where I spent the night watching a mass of water topple over the surrounding cliffside. 

Day 11: Flåm, Gudvangen & Trolltunga)

Norway in a nutshell.

• Driving time: 3.5 hours

In Western Norway, at the innermost point of the Aurlandsfjord, you’ll find the small village of Flåm. This little town is a popular spot with the cruise ships in peak season and one of the best places to visit in Norway, so it can get pretty busy, but for good reason… it’s absolutely beautiful. I spent a good few hours here in the morning, but didn’t opt in for the main tourist attractions as it was too busy. 

Things to do in Flåm:

• Take the famous Flåm railway (Flåmsbana) up to the Myrdal station at 867m and bike back down the valley back into Flåm.
• See Kjosfossen Falls at the Myrdal station.
• Get an adrenaline rush from the longest zipline in the Nordic countries, at 1381m!

If you have time on your road trip in Norway, it’s probably worth spending an extra day in this area if you have one. 

After Flåm it’s a quick drive through a tunnel before reemerging in Gudvangen, which lies at the bottom of the UNESCO World Heritage Naeroyfjord, the most beautiful and wildest arm of the Sognefjord. This place was truly breathtaking, and I just had to stop and take it all in. Look around and you will see the most insane set of waterfalls cascading down the mountainside. I had some food here, soaked up the sun and admired the view by the fjord before getting on the road again. If you have extra time in your Norway road trip itinerary, spend it here! It’s easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Norway. 

Things to do in Gudvangen:

• See the Viking village, Njardarheimr.
• Take a relaxing fjord cruise onboard the award-winning, electric catamaran Legacy of The Fjords in Nærøyfjord. You can also take this from Flåm.
• Take a Kayak onto Nærøyfjord.

I was aiming to sleep at Trolltunga that night, so it was back in the car and a quick 2-hour drive from Gudvangen down to Tyssedal in the afternoon.

Trolltunga is one of the most scenic and spectacular cliffs in Norway, sitting some 700 metres above Ringedalsvatnet lake. It had been on my Norway bucket list for years, so I wanted to savour this one, avoiding the crowds if possible, so I decided to spend the night up there. 

From the main trailhead at P2 in Skjeggedal, the round-trip hike is 27km with an ascent of almost 800 metres. The estimated hiking time is 4-6 hours each way, however you can boss this in 3 if you are a keen hiker. Trolltunga has become insanely popular due to social media and I couldn’t believe the amount of people I passed coming back from here at 6pm. If you want to day trip this, expect a huge queue of people waiting to take photos when you get there – it’s one of the most popular places to visit in Norway.

However, if you camp, expect only a few other campers and a much better vibe. We all took photos of one another on the “Troll Tongue”, sat back to watch the sun setting over the distant glacier and then joined in with celebrations after watching a Trolltunga proposal! 

Dreamy…

Tips for Trolltunga:

• It’s £64 for one night’s parking in Skjeggedal, where the trail begins (a daylight robbery). I would recommend either hiking the additional 7km from Tyssedal, catching a bus, or hitching up the valley.
• I don’t think it’s worth going here for one day, avoid the crowds and camp.
• You will need to be properly equipped and in good shape.
• Best trail conditions are between June 1st and September 30th.
• Weather can change fast in the mountains, always be prepared.

Day 12: Vidfossen, Låtefossen and Langfoss Waterfalls & Preikestolen

Norway’s worst kept secret.

• Driving time: 5 hours

I woke up with the sun rising over the distant peaks, and had a few chilled hours taking it all in, appreciating where I was. After a few hours of passing a steady stream of people heading up for the day, it was back down to Tyssedal to reunite with my car (and food). 

From Tyssedal it’s roughly a 4 hour drive to the next destination on this road trip in Norway, Preikestolen. Again, I was aiming to sleep above Preikestolen to avoid the crowds, so there was no rush and plenty of time to explore along the way.

Vidfossen, Låtefossen and Langfoss Waterfalls

The drive from Tyssedal is very scenic and you will travel through some beautiful canyons and over some inspiring mountain passes. Firstly, from the Rv13 you will see both Vidfossen and Låtefossen falls. Låtefossen is particularly spectacular as you get a perfect view right from the car as it passes under the bridge. 

A slight detour along the E134 takes you to Åkrafjorden, where you will find Langfoss waterfall. It is impossible to miss this, and you will probably hear the almighty roar of water running down the steep mountain next to you before laying eyes on it. With a total drop of 612 metres, Langfoss is the fifth highest waterfall in Norway and has been voted the world’s most beautiful waterfall multiple times. There is parking here and you can hike up to the top if you want. This is one of the best things to do in Norway! 

Preikestolen 

After an awesome drive, I arrived at the Preikestolen Mountain Lodge car park late in the afternoon. Preikestolen, which was formed more than 10000 years ago, is the most iconic natural landmark in Norway. From the top of the 604m cliff, you will find the most dramatic views of the outstanding Lysefjord and surrounding area. As Preikestolen is fairly close to Stavanger, it is an extremely popular place to visit in Norway for tourists from cruise ships or day trippers from Stavanger. In my opinion, go in the evening to avoid some of the crowds!

It’s a moderate 4km hike each way with a 500m ascent, but well worth the effort and was one of my favourite things to do in Norway. When I arrived at roughly 7pm, there were still a few people around, but they slowly disappeared to leave the few of us to enjoy a peaceful evening. After some photos, I slept at the summit of Neverdalsfjell, which has an amazing panorama of Stavanger and surrounding fjords.

Day 13: One decidedly sketchy rock (Kjerag)

• Driving time: 2.5 hours

After watching a pleasant sunrise from my bed, I hiked back down the 4km trail to the car park. Next up on my road trip in Norway,  I was aiming for Kjerag, which was a 2-3 hour drive and a quick ferry away. Once again, this is the next camp spot to avoid any potential crowds, so there is no need to rush this drive. The hike starts from the parking (reasonable overnight fee) at Øygardstøl south of the Lysefjord by Lysevegen above Lysebotn. Located here is a service facility with toilets, cafe and tourist information. 

Rising 1,084m above the Lysefjord, Kjerag is the tallest peak of them all and is home to Kjeragbolten, a round rock wedged in a mountain crevice. Kjerag has also become a popular attraction for mountain climbers and base jumpers, so if you are lucky, you will get to witness a few adrenaline junkies happily throwing themselves off the huge cliffs. The hike takes around 5-6 hours return trip and is around 10km long. The demanding trail will take you up and down hilly mountaintops, with roughly 570m elevation gain. 

Once at Kjeragbolten, you can step out and try your hardest not to fall off the decidedly sketchy rock wedged above a 984m deep abyss. It definitely gets the heart going, just make sure you are sure footed before committing to this, it’s a long way down!

Things you should know before hiking Kjerag:

• The trail is not obvious the whole way, so make sure you check a trail map.
• I wouldn’t recommend this hike in poor weather as rock slabs will become slick. 
• A general good physical fitness and proper equipment is necessary. 

Day 14: Stavanger

All good things come to an end.

• Driving time: 1 hour

If you’ve made it this far, the final day of this road trip in Norway is upon us and it’s time to head to Stavanger where we will end this epic journey.

Once you have made the return hike from Kjeragbolten, the cafe at Øygardstøl is a good place to grab some breakfast and get some epic views of Lysefjord.

It doesn’t really matter which road you take to Stavanger, but I would recommend taking the Fv503 which will take you past Gloppedalsura. Here, thousands of years ago, there was a huge landslide from the high cliffs on the south side of the valley at Gloppedal. Blocks as large as houses fell off the steep cliff and made a huge pile of scree which filled the valley. The road weaves its way through this and has some great views of the lakes and mountains.

I returned the car in Stavanger (you can pay a little extra when hiring a car to drop it off somewhere else). Stavanger is worth a look and is a nice place to eat some decent food and relax after a few weeks roughing it on the road.

Things to do in Stavanger:

• Visit Old Stavanger to walk the streets of the 18th century old town.
• Take in the fresh air in the harbour by the historic wharf houses of Stavanger (Sjøhusrekken).
• The colourful Øvre Holmegate is lined with lovely cafés and galleries.
• Explore some of the amazing street art around the city.
• Visit the Swords in Rock at Hafrsfjord.
• Take a dip in the ocean at some of the beautiful beaches.

And that’s it, a 2-week Norway road trip itinerary. Thanks for reading and I hope this post has inspired you to plan your very own Norway road trip!

Have you been on a Norway road trip?

Where are your favourite things to do in Norway? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring Arthur Cottingham

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How To Spend One Week In Norway: My 3 Top Norway Itineraries

August 7, 2022 by Silvia 65 Comments

These itineraries are all for one week in southern Norway, but you can find a comprehensive list of all 23 of my Norway itineraries for both the south and north here .

It seems like just about every day I get the same email from visitors to Norway, telling me that they only have one week in Norway and asking what the perfect Norway itinerary for that amount of time would be.

Usually, I say something annoyingly vague about how it really depends on how they want to spend their time, as the country is enormous and there are so many different things you could see in Norway in a week. And it’s true! I can think of so many different ways to spend a week in Norway that would make for the best vacation ever.

But I also get that all the options can be sort of overwhelming, and sometimes you just want someone in the know to tell you what to do. So that’s what I’m going to do.

I’ve been living in Norway for over six years, plus I’m a Norwegian citizen and spent every summer and Christmas in Norway while I was growing up. Why am I telling you this? Because I’ve seen so many Norway guides written by people who only ever visited for a week. And while that’s really great, this a an enormous country with loads of hidden gems that only locals know about.

And lucky for you I’m spilling my Norway secrets!

So I’ve come up with three different Norway itineraries for seeing as much as possible in one week. All of them can be adjusted, so you could probably make a five-day itinerary or 10-day itinerary from these as well – or you could combine them for a two-week itinerary. Lots of options here!

And if you need even more inspiration for your Norway trip, I’ve also compiled a huge list of over fifty things to do in Norway here (which I continue to add to with local recommendations).

I also have a two guidebooks covering everything you need to know to plan an epic Norway trip, which you can purchase here . 

And if you’re coming to Norway for the northern lights, I’ve written an in depth ebook covering all aspects of planning your northern lights trip, including the best places in Norway (and the Nordics) to see the northern lights, the best time to see the northern lights, my top northern lights 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. You  you can purchase the ebook here .   

The first itinerary really does require a car, the second is best as a road trip but can also (sort of) be done by public transport with some modifications, and the third solely uses public transport (though you could totally do it by car as well and see a lot more). When it comes to renting a car in Norway, I always recommend using Sixt .

Now, these itineraries are packed and include a lot of driving – they’re designed for people who want to see as much as they possibly can in their short time in Norway. So depending on how much time you want on the road you might need to cut out a day or two and do less each day instead. But I will say that driving in Norway is an experience in itself – you won’t be on any boring highways here, and I’ve made sure to take you along the most scenic routes.

Also, I’ve included the most scenic routes here, which often are mountain roads that unfortunately can be closed in the winter. If Google Maps doesn’t want to route you through one of these roads it usually means that the road is closed (but if you’re planning your trip in the winter and want to see the road, just change your departure time to a summer date and it should pop up).

Table of Contents

Norway itinerary #1: Cultural Heritage

I’m calling this one the cultural heritage itinerary because it takes you through several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, historic cities, and there’s even a stop at an old stave church! I feel like this would also be the best itinerary if you’re traveling with a family, as all the places and activities are super family friendly.

Day 1: Oslo – Notodden – Rjukan

The drive from Oslo to Notodden takes about an hour and 45 minutes, and ideally, you’ll want to leave in the morning so you can fit in more time in Rjukan later in the day.

Notodden is an Industrial Heritage Site, where you can see some of the industrial buildings from the early 20th century, including where the workers used to live. Notodden is also home to the Notodden Blues Festival , the largest blues festival in Scandinavia – hence the enormous microphone statue in the center of the city.

Though to be honest, there’s not a whole lot to see in Notodden. Like, it’s really interesting to see the town, but you don’t need to spend much time here – once you’ve seen it, you’ve seen it.

The main reason you’re here is to see the Heddal Stave Church right outside of town. Built at the start of the 13th century, the Heddal Stave Church is Norway’s largest stave church, and it’s definitely worth a stop for some photos.

And then you’re going to turn off onto Fv651 for one of my favorite drives in all of Norway.  If the road is closed take Fv361 to Fv37 instead – also a beautiful route!

Gaustatoppen is probably my favorite mountain in Norway, and if it’s not too foggy you should be in for some gorgeous views. The drive up here does include some sharp hairpins, but I promise it’s not scary. And it’s one of my favorite drives in all of Norway – the views are  so gorgeous.

And Rjukan is also an Industrial Heritage Site, as well as simply a really interesting town in a very dramatic landscape.

Rjukan has an important WWII history, and while the town is in such a deep valley that it doesn’t get direct sunlight for six months of the year, recently they set up mirrors to reflect sunlight down into the town square – you should definitely check it out!

There are also lots of fun activities and sites to visit in Rjukan. I’ve written a complete guide to  things to do in Rjukan here .

ACCOMMODATION

If it fits in your budget, I would definitely recommend staying at Gaustablikk Høyfjellshotell. You can read more about it in my post about Rjukan, but basically it’s beautifully decorated, has amazing views of Gaustatoppen, and is very Norwegian. Wins all around. Check current rates and availability here

Mid-range/budget

Kvitåvatn Fjellstue also has great views over Gaustatoppen and it’s much easier on your budget! Check current rates and availability here

Apartments/cabins

There are also quite a few holiday home options in Rjukan , such as this idyllic cabin , this charming apartment , and this beautiful chalet .

Day 2: Rjukan – Haukeli – Odda

The drive today is SO beautiful – like, I’m feeling a little jealous just writing about it because I want to do this drive again and again.

Driving from Rjukan to Odda takes just a little over three hours, so if you didn’t have time yesterday you could take a couple of hours in the morning to explore Rjukan a bit more.

Then you’re going to start the hair pinned climb up towards Rauland, passing the Vemork Heavy Water Museum on your left as you’re driving out of town.

You’ll then drive through Rauland (where I lived for three years!), and over Haukeli pass before descending towards Odda. Haukeli pass is stunning – if you’re new to Norway you’re really going to be blown away as this sort of landscape is so unique to Norway. You can read more about this drive in this post about driving from Rauland to Hardangerfjord .

When you get to Odda I’d recommend driving farther down Hardangerfjord, as it really is so beautiful.

ACCOMMODATION NEAR ODDA

To be honest, Odda doesn’t have great accommodation options (plus hotels in town book up really quickly because Trolltunga is such a popular hike), so I’d recommend staying somewhere along Hardangerfjord instead. Hardangerfjord looks like something straight out of a fairytale – in fact you could happily spend a week just on Hardangerfjord if you wanted to extend your stay here and have a more relaxing vacation.

Utne Hotel dates back to 1722 and is perfect for anyone who enjoys unique, historical accommodation. Check current rates and availability here

Ullensvang is my favorite spot along Hardangerfjord, and Ullensvang Gjesteheim is a lovely little farm offering simple, budget-friendly accommodation. Check current rates and availability here

Hardanger Rom & Harmonium is in a lovely quiet town and run by the nicest owners. It’s not super budget, but it is an incredible value for how nice it is. Check current rates and availability here

If you’re on a tighter budget, Odda Camping is your best bet, with basic rooms and little cabins. Check current rates and availability here

Day 3: Odda – Bergen

The drive to Bergen is long but beautiful. You will have to take a ferry but don’t worry, they run often and you can pay for your ticket as you drive onto the boat – super easy (and yes, they accept card). I’ve done this journey a lot by bus, and it’s always so exciting when you start getting closer to Bergen!

ACCOMMODATION IN BERGEN

You can find a list of the best accommodation in Bergen for different budgets here , and the best hostels in Bergen here .

Day 4: Bergen

No driving today! Instead, take the day to explore Bergen. And you are going to  love Bergen. It’s easily Norway’s most beautiful city and it’s so loved for a reason. 

I’ve visited many times in the past few years, and my family loved making trips here when I was growing up as well. I have so many amazing memories from my trips to Bergen and I’m sure you’ll make some too. I’ve written a complete guide to things to do in Bergen here . 

If you’d like, you can also do some tours around Bergen, like this 2-hour Segway tour , this 3-hour self-guided tour , or this private tour with a local . Or if you want a truly unique experience,  check these adventure activity options  (like zip-lining and helicopter tours!).

Day 5: Bergen – Flåm – Gaupne – Lom

Okay, this drive is crazy long and you don’t have to do it all in one day as Day 6 is a much shorter day. However, I’d recommend trying to get as far as possible today because then you’ll have more time to explore the fjords tomorrow. Plus, this will be one of the most spectacular drives of the trip, I promise.

In fact, you’ll be driving along two of Norway’s National Tourist Routes, first over Aurlandsfjellet and then over Sognefjellet from Gaupne to Lom. You can read about this drive here: The Prettiest Road Trip from Bergen .

You could also break up this day by overnighting somewhere along Sognefjord. See accommodation options near Sognefjord here.

ACCOMMODATION   NEAR LOM

Fossheim Hotel is a historic hotel from 1897 in Lom, with a restaurant featuring gourmet dishes with local produce. Check availability and current rates here

The Elveseter Hotel is a family-run mountain lodge in Boverdalen full of traditional Norwegian art, wood carvings, and cozy fireplaces in the lobby area.  Check here for availability and prices

Døsen Gård is an excellent option if you can’t make it all the way to Lom by the end of the day – plus you’ll get views of the fjord! Check availability and current rates here

And if you’re up for driving farther, Sjåk Turistheim is the perfect option just past Lom. You can either book a room here or if you’re traveling with several people the cabins are excellent value. Check availability and current rates here

If you drive just past Lom you’ll find Furuly Camping, where you can get a cozy little cabin for surprisingly cheap – it’s an especially great deal if there are several of you traveling together! The cabins are basic and you do have to pay to use the shower, but your wallet will thank you. Check availability and current rates here

Day 6: Lom – Geirangerfjord (optional: Trollstigen)

Today you have a much shorter drive to Geirangerfjord, and then you can choose yourself where you want to explore.

But on your way, there be sure to take a small detour down Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, another National Tourist Route. I haven’t been able to mark it on the map because the road is still closed for the winter, but you just need to take a left onto route 258 for Strynefjellet. You can read why this road is so amazing here: The One Norwegian Road Trip You HAVE To Take .

Then you might want to head to Trollstigen, which is famous for its many hairpin turns and incredible views (you can read about the drive to Trollstigen here ), or you can head straight to your accommodation for the night to relax on the fjord.

You can take a look through this list of Geirangerfjord accommodation and find something that suits your interest and budget.

Optional extra detour: Ålesund & The Atlantic Road

At this point you’ll need to head back to Oslo if you only have time for a seven-day road trip, but if you have extra time you could go on to Ålesund, and then even up to Norway’s famous Atlantic Road (the one where the road goes over the water in beautiful bends). Read my guide to the Atlantic Ocean Road here

Ålesund is stunning and many Norwegians consider it the most beautiful city in Norway. It’s definitely worth a visit – in fact often when people ask me where to go in Norway if they can only visit one place, I tell them to visit Ålesund. You can read about things to do in Ålesund and the surrounding area here. 

Day 7: Hjelle – Oslo

This is a long last drive and the end bit is quite boring, but it would be a lot more expensive to drop off your rental car in a different location than you got it, so if you don’t want to pay the extra fee you’ll need to get back to Oslo! Otherwise, you can try to drop off your car in Ålesund and fly back to Oslo.

If you’re driving in the summer try to take the route through Beitostølen, as it’s the most scenic. Beitostølen is a famous ski destination and while the town itself is just a ski town, the surround nature and drive are stunning. It’s not showing up on the map now because the road is still closed for the winter, but it’s 431 kilometers and takes about 6 hours and 40 minutes.

ACCOMMODATION IN OSLO

You can see more of my recommendations for the best hotels and hostels in Oslo here .

Norway Itinerary #2: Southwestern Coast

While incredibly popular amongst Norwegians, foreign tourists often aren’t too interested in Norway’s southern coast. In fact, I remember being so excited to take my English boyfriend and his friend to Grimstad and Arendal, but they were totally unimpressed.

I think the reason is that the south has really nice weather to Norwegians, but for most foreigners, it’s still fairly cold and they’d much rather see Norway’s famous mountains and fjords than cottages and sailing boats.

But there was one area of southern Norway that impressed my English friends – in fact, I’d say it’s one of the nicest parts of all of Norway. And that’s where you’ll be heading this week! If you’re into hiking and amazing landscapes, this itinerary is for you.

Day 1: Kristiansand – Mandal – Flekkefjord – Brufjell

Mandal is one of my favorite towns in Norway – again, especially in the summer. It’s just so picturesque! Here you’ll find a town center with cobblestone streets, cafés where you can eat outdoors, and colorful wooden houses perched at the edge of the water. It’s so lovely.

And then the driving from Flekkefjord to Brufjell in Åna-Sira is  amazing . You can read more about Åna-Sira and climbing Brufjell here .

ACCOMMODATION NEAR BRUFJELL

If you want to be in Åna-Sira, stay at Logbua. Check current rates and availability here

If you want to be in a cute, quiet town, stay at the lovely Sogndalstrand Kulturhotell.  Check current rates and availability here

If you’d rather be in a bigger town, stay at the very elegant Grand Hotel Flekkefjord. Check current rates and availability here

The Maritime Fjordhotel is right by the Grand Hotel and a bit cheaper (but still very nice!).  Check current rates and availability here

Egenes Camping is right on the beach and especially good value if you’re traveling with several people. Check current rates and availability

You could also stay at this holiday cottage with four beds and a half bath. Check current rates and availability

Day 2: Brufjell – Stavanger

The start of this drive has possibly the most epic scenery I’ve seen in all of Norway. Seriously, the mountains here are so unique and simply incredible.

Then the road from Ogna to Bore is a National Tourist Road , and it’s worth stopping at the Kvassheim lighthouse and the beautiful Orrestranda beach.

I find the last bit into Stavanger sort of depressing as it’s basically the oil suburbs, but then Stavanger itself is a really lovely city worth wandering around – especially in the old town.

You could even spend an extra day exploring the old town in Stavanger, and even go sea kayaking around the archipelago .

ACCOMMODATION IN STAVANGER

If you like modern design hotels, you’ll love the newly renovated Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, right by the central station. Check current rates and availability here

Thon Hotel Stavanger is another beautiful modern choice, again right by the central station. Check current rates and availability here

Myhregaarden Hotel is on the higher end of mid-range, but I think this lovely boutique hotel is worth a bit of a splurge. Check current rates and availability here

Hotel Centrum Box offers basic rooms for amazing value considering how close it is to the city center. Check current rates and availability here

Stavanger St Svithun Vandrerhjem is a bit outside of the city center and not quite as good value as Hotel Centrum Box, but here you can have a private bathroom. It’s in a hospital, which makes for an interesting experience as well. Check current rates and availability here

There are also quite a few Vrbo options in Stavanger , like this dreamy seaside apartment , this modern studio downtown , and this beautifully renovated home .

Day 3: Stavanger – Ryfylke – Odda

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, which happens to be near one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords, Hardangerfjord.

See below if you want to add an extra day to hike Preikestolen or Kjeragbolten.

Odda doesn’t have great accommodation options (plus hotels in town book up really quickly because Trolltunga is such a popular hike), so I’d recommend staying somewhere along Hardangerfjord instead.

Hardanger Rom & Harmonium is in a lovely quiet town and run by the nicest owners. It’s not super budget, but it is incredible value for how nice it is. Check current rates and availability here

There are a few Vrbo options around Odda , like this ground floor apartment with stunning views , this apartment near Trolltunga , or this apartment near Trolltunga

Optional extra day: hiking Preikestolen, Kjeragbolten, etc.

Instead of heading straight to Odda on Day 3, you could instead stay somewhere along the Ryfylke route and do some hiking.

The two most famous hikes in the area (and in all of Norway) are Preikestolen , or Pulpit Rock, and Kjeragbolten – the giant boulder wedged between two mountains.  Check here for all hiking options to Preikestolen  (you can even go on a guided snowshoe hike in the winter!) and check here for all hiking options to Kjeragbolten .

ACCOMMODATION NEAR LYSEFJORD

If you want to stay near the hikes, I’d choose Wathne Camping for budget accommodation, Verkshotellet Jørpeland for mid-range accommodation, or Preikestolen fjellstue , right by Pulpit Rock, for luxury accommodation.

Day 4: Odda – Bergen

Day 5: bergen.

Leave the car in the car park and take the day to explore Bergen! You can find some things to do in Bergen in here .

And there are so many tours and activities offered in Bergen – in fact when you see how much you can do here you might just decide to add an extra day to your Norway trip. Check here for tours and activities in Bergen, and check here for adventure activity options  (like zip-lining and helicopter tours!).

Day 6: Bergen – Hardangervidda – Rjukan

Okay, so the fastest way back to Kristiansand would be to get the highway back down the coast, overnighting in Haugesund or Stavanger. But if you really want to cram as much as you possibly can into your week in Norway, consider taking this longer, but oh so stunning route back to Kristiansand.

Today you’ll drive from Bergen over Hardangervidda, the largest plateau of its kind in Europe, which also happens to be home to one of the largest wild reindeer herds in the world. Part of this route is also a National Tourist Route in Norway.  If you want to split this day into two, you could camp up on Hardangervidda.

And then you’ll finish the day in Rjukan, one of my favorite towns in Norway. You can read about Rjukan here .

Day 7: Rjukan – Kristiansand

This is another beautiful drive.

You’re going to start the hair pinned climb up towards Rauland, passing the Vemork Heavy Water Museum on your left as you’re driving out of town. And then you’ll then drive through Rauland (where I live!) and up the dramatic valley of Dalen down towards Kristiansand.

Norway Itinerary #3: Public Transport Route

And with this itinerary, you can explore Norway solely by public transport! Of course, if you want more flexibility you could do this route by car instead, with some modifications.

The most popular public transport itinerary for people spending a week in Norway is by far getting the train from Oslo to Bergen, then doing Norway in a Nutshell , and returning to Oslo again by train. Norway in a Nutshell is a fine route, but personally I don’t think it shows off Norway’s best sights, but instead just its most convenient ones.

This route covers more ground, and personally, I think it would give you a much better introduction to Norway.

Day 1: Oslo – Røros

Today you’ll get the train from Oslo to Røros.

Founded in 1644, Røros is one of the oldest towns of wooden buildings in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This old mining town is definitely on the tourist path, but it’s far enough inland that it still doesn’t get as many visitors as the stops along the fjord cruise route.

Røros also happens to be my mother’s favorite place in Norway! If you’re into history and cute towns, you’ll love it. I’ve written more about things to do in Røros here .

In Røros I’d recommend staying at  Ålbyggården , which is housed in a beautifully renovated old barn and is conveniently just a 5-minute walk from the train station. This is actually one of my favorite places I’ve stayed in Norway, and is the perfect miss of culture and luxury.  Check current rates and availability here

If you want a cheaper option,  Solheim Pensjonat  is also right downtown, looks really lovely inside, and has excellent reviews.  Check current rates and availability here

Day 2: Røros – Trondheim

Get the train in the morning so you can have pretty much a full day to explore Trondheim – the first place I lived in Norway! To get started, try booking a  customized tour  with a local guide. You can  check prices and availability here .

For more, you can check out  my favorite things to do in Trondheim here .

I’ve written a list of the best hotels and hostels in Trondheim here .

Day 3: Trondheim – Kristiansund

Today you’ll either get the coastal express ferry from Trondheim to Kristiansund, which takes about 3.5 hours, or the Hurtigruten, which takes 6.5 hours. Coastal express tickets cost 680 NOK for adults and the Hurtigruten costs 700. And you don’t need to book the tickets in advance – you can just buy them on board with either cash or card.

Personally, I’d prefer to save time and take the express ferry, especially as while the Hurtigruten will be full of tourists, the coastal express is primarily used as a commuter service, so you’re unlikely to see any other tourists on board. But the schedule is a bit strange depending on what day you’re leaving, so you might have to get the Hurtigruten instead. You can find the coastal express schedule here  and the Hurtigruten here (you’ll need to translate it with Google).

Then take the afternoon/evening to explore Kristiansund! I’ve written more about things to do in Kristiansund here .

My personal favorite stay in Kristiansund is the Thon Hotel Kristiansund . I stayed in their standard double room and it was right on the water with views of the ocean out all of the windows. It felt like being in a boat! And the breakfast was superb (even post corona).

Day 4: Kristiansund – Ålesund

Today you’ll get Bus 100 from Kristiansund to Ålesund ( Kristiansund trafikkterminal platform 2 to Rådhuset i Ålesund ). The journey takes just under four hours and goes through some beautiful landscapes.

ACCOMMODATION IN ÅLESUND

Luxury 

Hotel Brosundet   is in a beautifully restored Art Nouveau warehouse, with views out over the water. This would be my #1 recommendation for a luxury hotel in Ålesund!  Check here for current room rates and more details

Scandic Ålesund   is also directly on the waterfront and has huge, spacious, modern rooms, many with sea views.   Check here for more details and current rates

Heart of Ålesund   is a 3-bedroom luxury apartment right in – you guessed it – the heart of Ålesund. I personally love staying at apartments and pretending to be a local, but this place also offers all the luxury aspects of a hotel. It even has a jacuzzi!  Check here for more details and current rates

First Hotel Atlantica is a four-star hotel in right on the canal in downtown Ålesund, but it offers surprisingly affordable mid-range hotel rates.  Check current rates here

Scandic Scandinavie is located in an old Art Nouveau building from 1905, but its rooms are spacious and modern.  Check current rates here

Budget 

Ålesund Hostel offers dorm accommodation downtown. Click here to see current rates and availability

Day 5: Ålesund (Geirangerfjord)

Take the day to explore Ålesund and the surrounding area. You can find a guide to things to do in Ålesund here .

You could also take a fjord cruise/bus into Geirangerfjord, one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords, or even go kayaking through the fjord !

Day 6: Ålesund – Åndalsnes

Today you’ll take bus 681 to Åndalsnes – you can simply buy tickets on board the bus.

And then from Åndalsnes you can get the bus to Trollstigen or, if possible, I would actually recommend renting a car for the day to drive to Trollstigen and the surrounding area, as there are some great places to explore here. You could also book a tour, check rates and availability here .

The Grand Hotel Bellevue is right in the town center with beautiful mountain views. Check current rates and availability here

Åndalsnes Hostel is about a 30 minute walk from the station (where the bus drops you off) but it’s the closest budget friendly accommodation. Check current rates and availability here

Day 7: Åndalsnes – Oslo

Today you can just relax on the train back to Oslo. Be sure to book your train tickets as far in advance as possible (up to 3 months), as the tickets will be much cheaper, starting at just 249 kroner.

You can see my recommendations for the best hotels and hostels in Oslo here .

Getting to Norway

Lots of airlines fly into Oslo, so you shouldn’t have a problem finding good flights.

And if you’re on a budget you’re in luck – Norwegian is a budget airline with some of the cheapest connections between the US and Europe. I fly them all the time, just remember that it is a budget airline so you’ll have to pay extra for checked luggage, meals on board, and even water during your flight. I always bring several sandwiches and lots of snacks and a big water bottle that I refill at the airport (after security of course!) to tide me over.

Just be sure not to exceed the carry on luggage limit if you don’t pay for checked luggage with Norwegian, because they are super strict. My friend recently flew Norwegian to visit me in Norway and she had to pay $200 to check her bag at the airport. Not so budget!

I do love Norwegian, but sometimes you can find even better deals with other airlines, and if you do it’s definitely nicer to fly a non-budget airline. Luggage fees add up and it’s so much nicer to fly an airline with meals and drinks included.

My go-to for finding flights are Skyscanner and Kiwi.com. Kiwi.com especially is a sneaky travel hack tool that can find great connections that other search engines don’t include – I’ve written more about Kiwi.com and how to use it here .

You’ll probably be flying into and out of Oslo Gardermoen Airport which seriously is one of the nicest airports in the world. And guys, I travel for a living so I spend a lot of time in airports.

Pro tip #1: if you want to look like a local, head straight to the Tax Free shop once you land. It’s always funny getting off flights in Oslo because every Norwegian will go straight to Tax Free to buy alcohol, and it’s only the tourists that skip it, haha. But seriously, if you do want to drink in Norway and are on a budget, you’ll save a lot of money by picking up something here.

Pro tip #2:  Don’t get the Flytoget, or Airport Express Train, into Oslo from the Airport. It’s only three minutes faster than the regional train and costs twice as much! Again, it’s only ever tourists who get the express (“express”) train while all Norwegians get the Vy (formerly NSB) train. You’ll see the Vy ticket machines on your right once you exit customs and you can buy your tickets there. You can also check the train schedule at vy.no .

What to Pack for Norway

The most important thing about packing for Norway is to bring lots of layers. The weather here is really unpredictable so it’s important to be ready for lots of different temperatures throughout the day.

I’ve written a complete guide for what to pack for winter in Norway here, and a guide to what to pack for summer in Norway here.

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Jemy Massie says

May 19, 2018 at 6:23 am

Thank you, Silvia! This is the most helpful itinerary I’ve read so far.

Silvia says

May 19, 2018 at 1:31 pm

Happy you found it helpful!

Zoie @ Whisked Away By Words says

May 20, 2018 at 8:48 pm

I’ve discovered your blog about a week ago, when I was looking up tidbits about the Norwegian culture (since I’ve just started learning Norwegian 😊)… and I am absolute IN LOVE with your blog. It’s amazing that you’ve been to over 80 countries, but even more amazing that you’ve documented so many of your travels around the world. I lost myself in your posts about backpacking in Asia and Central Asia, which is what I want to do in my future — perhaps during my gap year after high school?

Anyways, it’s so inspiring to read about your travels and experiences wandering through this globe! I love the mix of storytelling and practical advice you have on this blog, and I can’t wait to read more about your adventures!

May 21, 2018 at 4:46 pm

Ah that makes me so happy! And a gap year in Asia sounds like an amazing idea – I’m actually always saying that I wish I had taken a little time off between high school and university.

The Stylish Traveler says

May 21, 2018 at 4:30 pm

Norway looks like such an incredible place to travel! Thanks so much for sharing your routes! I feel so inspired to plan a trip!

May 21, 2018 at 4:44 pm

It really is a dream – I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

May 22, 2018 at 12:17 pm

Love your blog! Thanks! We are doing the exact same route by rented car of Itenary 1, day 3 early Sept, but in the opposite direction: Bergen to Odda. Google maps is giving me 135km and 2hr47min for that stretch on the exact route ( Bergen, Asane, Trengereid, Norbygda, Tysse, Eikedalen, Northeimsund, Torvikbygd, Jondal, gjetingsdalen, eitrheim, Odda). This is freaking me out now, as according to your google map it is 269km and takes 5hr39mins. I still need to travel up to Voss on the same day for our booked hotel accommodation. Can you please shed some light on what could be the difference in time and distance😱. I’m travelling with a two year old so I really need to plan well. Appreciate any help!

May 22, 2018 at 12:25 pm

That’s SO weird – I’ve reloaded the map and now it’s displaying correctly – 135 km is correct, and it shouldn’t take longer than 3 hours tops. Have fun!

May 23, 2018 at 1:24 pm

Fantastic!😅Soooo looking forward to our Norway trip early Sept travelling all the way from very sunny South Africa! I am basically following all your advice on the most scenic routes to take! Congrats with such an amazing blog! And thank you!

May 23, 2018 at 11:16 pm

Oh wow that is exciting! And I’m so happy you’ve been enjoying the blog, it’s always great to hear.

Deepak says

May 28, 2018 at 7:41 pm

Your blog is awesome … It’s so much of information and no one can miss anything .. thanks for the details intenerary .

I am planning to visit Norway in September last week . But I have 5 days . Can you please suggest me the best I can cover in 5 days if I start and end my trip in Oslo?

Previously I had plans to go via tourist operator for Norway in nutshell.. now after reading your blog I have made up my mind that I will be renting a car and driving on my own.

I will expect a reply from you or details in my mail so that I can plan accordingly .

Thanks in advance.

Regards, Deepak

May 30, 2018 at 5:53 pm

I would do the first itinerary and either return to Oslo on Day 5, or skip Day 4 in Bergen and return to Oslo on Day 6.

Patti D. says

May 31, 2018 at 3:56 pm

Does the buses and trains allow luggage? I am wanting to book my own Norway in a Nutshell and stay over in bergen, but wasn’t sure what if we can bring suitcases.

June 5, 2018 at 11:09 pm

Yes! I’m not sure if the public bus has a separate luggage compartment, but at least the trains have loads of room for luggage. A lot of people do the route with their suitcases, so you should be fine.

June 10, 2018 at 5:27 pm

hello there! thank you for all your insights! i’m planning to follow the first itinerary and wonders if there are any downsides to do this in the reverse direction? reason being ill depart from Oslo airport straight away and passing through Oslo on the first day doesn’t seem necessary. and do you think camping along this route is possible? could you write about camping in norway please? thank you again!

June 11, 2018 at 9:42 pm

I don’t see why you couldn’t do this in reverse. Camping along the route should be possible – you’ll just need to stay a bit outside of towns, or pay to stay at campsites. I’ve written a bit about camping here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/plan-road-trip-norway/ and here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/blog/cheap-accommodation-norway-budget/

June 30, 2018 at 6:11 am

Hi Silvia.. Will be planning my trip next year to see Aurora borealis.. Any idea the best Month and location that can see this beautiful things. And road trip is more affordable than public transportation?? Is the food really so expensive?? Can Share more insight on yr trip and cost??

July 2, 2018 at 1:14 pm

You can find more information about seeing the aurora here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/tips-northern-lights-norway/ and here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/blog/best-northern-lights-europe-abisko/ and information about transport here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/budget-travel-transportation/ and food here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/budget-eating-food/

July 4, 2018 at 3:53 am

Hi Silvia, Thanks for putting together amazing itineraries . I really like the itinerary #3. Can this be done completely by car and if so what modifications do you recommend?

July 4, 2018 at 10:59 am

Definitely! Then you can drive from Trondheim to Kristiansund instead of taking the ferry.

Andrew says

August 1, 2018 at 6:44 pm

Hi Silvia, first of all thanks for such a great blog. So much helpful information, especially on this page 🙂 we’re coming to Norway during the last week of August and basically will be roughly following your itinerary 1. However we have some doubts on day 5 & 6…as it seems that from Bergen you go to Lom, followed by Lom to Hjelle the next day. Is it possible to go from Bergen straight to Hjelle (via another route?) and then from Hjelle to Lom? We have to go back to Oslo on day 7 in any case, so it seems like this could save us some driving time. Any thoughts? Thanks again!

August 8, 2018 at 6:14 pm

This is just amazing Silvia , Great blog ! I really hope I have enough time to book and plan the trip accordoing To your itinerary at least for public transport route. Currently I have already booked the usual tour and visiting the tourist crowded hike and towns in this August . Hopefully I could revisit The beautiful Norway another time !

Jennifer Krier says

October 4, 2018 at 8:16 pm

We are a family of five (two parents and three young adult “kids”) and interested in visiting Norway, especially since my paternal grandfather, Richard Grimsrud, was Norwegian. Here’s the thing; we really prefer to stay in one place if possible, and to minimize our car time. We prefer to stay in a very small town or village where we can walk and swim (assuming it gets warm enough to swim in Norway!) and shop and eat at cute cafes and restaurants and get places mostly on foot. Is there any picturesque place that comes to mind that might be good for us? We hope to come from Boston in the summer. We also are really interested in culture and history. So appreciate hearing your thoughts!

October 6, 2018 at 12:30 pm

Check out this post: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/where-to-go-in-norway/

October 13, 2018 at 2:20 am

Thank you for the really good tips and details. We are planning to visit Oslo in 2nd week of November for 3 nights.Initially we wanted to plan the train trip to Bergen and go for cruise explore nature but given its going to be winters maybe its better to decide once there. Can you suggest if its okay at least for the city break in November if not nature trip? And do you have any suggestions to make the best out of our visit in such weather? Appreciate all your help on this.

Elaine Mayer says

December 26, 2018 at 3:51 am

This is very helpful. We plan to take summer trip next year and believe we use one of the route. Thank you so much for put together these useful information.

January 31, 2019 at 8:40 am

Thanks for the great post. My family of four will have a one week stopover this June in Norway en route from Doha to Seattle. My ancestors come from around Bergen and it’s always been a dream to visit the Stolen family. My kids will be 3 and 5 at the time. They do not do too great on long road trips, but we definitely want to see the country and get to Bergen. We love the outdoors and are an adventurous family (traveled Albania, 30 days on camino del norte, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Turkey…). What would you recommend for a 6 day journey, getting to Bergen and getting outdoors? Are there perhaps two good spots where we can spend 3 nights in each? Thanks! Joe

February 2, 2019 at 3:20 pm

I don’t really know anything about traveling with kids, but maybe you can fly straight into Bergen and then rent a car and spend a few days somewhere along the fjord, like one of these places: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/best-sognefjord-accommodation/

March 20, 2019 at 12:46 am

My family and I have about a week to travel from Oslo to Bergen. This will be in mid April. Our goal is to take our time and stay in a couple small towns and see natural beauty (and Norwegian culture!).

My research (and your blog) indicates that this whole area is great and it’s hard to go wrong. What would be your suggestion on the best route this time of year? Thanks so much!

March 27, 2019 at 12:15 am

I really want to take you up on your suggestions and skip most the cities. Most your itineraries include Oslo. Any recommendations on a 7 day trip flying into Bergen or Aselund. My wife and I, always happy skipping some of the more crowded hikes and dense tourist areas. We could only do a late May trip. You wrote a great post on Hardangerfjord, but it made us worried we should postpone Norway until a September trip was better for us.

Thank you! Rick

Hannah Thompson says

April 10, 2019 at 6:42 pm

Great page! We have a really short trip flying into Oslo on the 15th of May and flying back out from Oslo on the 20th. We have rented a car and want to get to Bergen and then back to Oslo on the evening of the 19th. Read many different suggestions but want to cram in as much as possible in only a 4 day car trip there and back. What do you suggest on the trip from Oslo to Bergen and then the route back from Bergen to Oslo? Want to see the nature, waterfalls, small towns, fjords, borgund church and then have enough time to explore Bergen. Thanks so much

Shyla Myrick says

May 10, 2019 at 7:30 pm

My husband and I are flying into Bergen in June and have about 5-7 days before heading to Stockholm. We like to have a home base and day trip out. We do like to avoid crowds when possible. From other travel sites I was considering Balestrand, but wanted to see if you had any other thoughts or better suggestions.

Thanks for your time!

May 17, 2019 at 8:27 am

Thanks for your amazing blogs. Just a quick question on travelling by public transport in Norway. Is it necessary to pre book train/cruises/ buses in the fjords or could it be done on the day of travel at the ticket counters?

May 17, 2019 at 6:41 pm

Yes, you should prebook everything (except some buses).

Padmapriya Sridharan says

June 21, 2019 at 1:32 pm

Hi Silvia, I’m traveling from India and I have a young 2 year old child. Is there a longer itinerary that I can perhaps refer to which can be done using public transport alone?

July 9, 2019 at 11:08 pm

Curious, do you have recommendations for what to do in Flam, and have you been to Hammerfest? Or Kristiansund? Those three are on my itinerary so welcome any feedback/ideas for things to check out!

August 25, 2019 at 9:36 pm

Thank you for all the info! I’m looking at itinerary #1 on here and was just trying to look up rental cars – how are the roads in Norway? Can I get a smaller, cheaper car or do you think I’ll need a 4×4? Thanks!

September 2, 2019 at 4:10 pm

A smaller, cheaper car will be fine.

Leelee says

September 23, 2019 at 3:41 am

Hi Silvia! Would you recommend adding Lofoten Islands to your 1st itinerary if we had 10 days? Instead of driving back towards Oslo, fly from Alesund into Harstad-Narvik airport (if that’s even a possibility)? We want to try and get as much in but I’m thinking we may not have enough time on this trip (1st part of September). Thanks for the advice!

September 23, 2019 at 11:43 am

You will have to pay a high fee for a one-way car rental, but if you don’t mind the added cost then I think you could manage to fit Lofoten in!

November 18, 2019 at 1:39 pm

Hi Silvia, thank you for the detailed article, it is very useful. Which option do you recommend doing in December (around Christmas time), we are thinking of renting a car.

December 9, 2019 at 10:47 pm

Hi Silvia, I have been looking up Norway itineraries for a while now and yours just seem perfect… And there is 3 to choose from now so thank you so much for writing about these. Just a quick question – Would we be about to do most of itinerary #1 in the first week of April? Or will roads be closed?

December 10, 2019 at 3:14 pm

They should all be open by April, unless there’s a crazy storm or something.

December 12, 2019 at 11:31 pm

Thanks so much Silvia.

February 6, 2020 at 9:38 pm

I’m planning a surprise trip with my fiance and trying to figure out the best and reasonably priced way to see Norway in 6 nights. It looks like a rental car would be crazy expensive. Based on your posts, it looks like Bergen, Geiranger, and Alesund would be stops we could probably make. Is it possible to have a good trip with this plan? Would I be able to take the rail system from Bergen to Geiranger, Geiranger to Alesund? I’m thinking we’d fly from Alesund back to Bergen. I’m trying to make the most of the 6 nights on this trip so if you have any suggestions or edits, that would be great and appreciated! I’m also open to traveling from Oslo as opposed to Bergen, but let me know what would be easier.

Thanks! Jerry

February 9, 2020 at 1:13 pm

Were you looking to pick up and drop off the car in different places? It’s much cheaper if you pick up and drop off in the same place. The train line doesn’t go between Bergen and Geiranger (you can check the train map here: https://www.vy.no/globalassets/vy.no/filer-no/linjekart/nye-linjekart/linjekart-vy-norge.pdf ) so you would need to take a bus instead. I don’t like the village of Geiranger that much, but the area around that fjord is beautiful. I have some recommended places to stay here: https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/best-geirangerfjord-hotels/ Have a great trip!

Suzy Zid says

February 11, 2020 at 2:24 am

Loving this post and your blog generally! I am planning to do a week of road trip in Southwestern Norway this September.

I would like to ask regarding the 1st itinerary for the route back from Hjelle to Oslo, you said to take route through Beitostølen. I tried doing that on Google Map, setting to depart in September so the road should be open. Apparently, the road is one-way, that is, from Beitostølen to Hindsæter only and not possible for the other way around. Could you please advise on this or any other scenic route for from Hjelle to Oslo? Thank you so much!

Sarute L. says

February 17, 2020 at 7:14 am

Thank you for taking the time to put all these tips down in writing.

A quick question on cruises through Geirangerfjord (or any other fjords, if you have been on them). 1. Are they worth taking, or are views throughout the drive equally as spectacular? 2. Do you recommend taking the cruise through Geirangerfjord from Alesund or Geiranger? (I know you’re not a big fan of the Geiranger town).

Much appreciated once again.

February 17, 2020 at 10:59 am

Personally I prefer the views from the road, but I also get seasick very easily, haha. I would do whichever works better in your schedule as you’ll get similar experiences, but if I had to choose I would take the cruise from Alesund.

Santosh says

June 21, 2020 at 4:01 pm

First of all, great piece of information. Already feels like I know so much about the place. What places would you suggest if one has 10 days to explore Norway, flying in & out of Oslo, will be using public transport & have to have Lofoten in itinerary.

Also, do you have any ideas about renting motorcycles in/around Lofoten islands.

Bigg thanks for the advice in advance.

June 23, 2020 at 5:05 pm

If you only have 10 days I would head from Oslo up to Lofoten – you can get the train to Bodø and rent a vehicle there and get the ferry across to Lofoten. On the train up you could stop in Røros and Trondheim and maybe Mosjøen – I have guides to all of them on my blog, so check them out and see what looks interesting!

Chelsea Kalyn says

September 28, 2021 at 3:56 am

WOW I have spent at least 3 hours clicking through a TON of these Norway posts. Any recommendation for a 2 week itinerary. Ideally start and end in Oslo. I’m thinking renting a car will be the best bet. I for sure want to hit all of the “typical” tourist sports such as trolltunga hike but want off the beaten path places to visit as well (a good mix of both). I won’t have camping equipment so will need cities to stay in overnight.

Any must see hikes in your opinion?

I’m thinking June for a time frame would there be a good place to spend midsummer’s festival and when is it in Norway?

Laetitia says

April 26, 2022 at 5:52 pm

Thanks for this excellent blog.Huge information very interesting.

We plan our Norway road trip for 20 days (19 nights) in July. Below our program. My question is about time to drive to all these destinations and if we should skip some of them to stay more time in the main “must-see sites”.

Any thoughts?

Really appreciate all your help on this and thanks for your time

1 Hirtshals Larvik (Ferry) – Oslo 2 oslo oslo 3 oslo Lillehammer – otta 4 otta Trondheim 5 Trondheim kristiansund 6 kristiansund Alesund 7 Alesund Geiranger 8 Geiranger Geiranger 9 Geiranger hellesylt – loen 10 loen sogndal 11 sogndal flam 12 flam bergen 13 bergen bergen 14 bergen odda 15 odda odda (Trolltunga hike) 16 odda stavanger 17 stavanger stavanger 18 ??? ??? (to program, no decided yet) 19 stavanger Kristiansand 20 Kristiansand Hirtshals (Ferry)

June 21, 2022 at 9:25 am

Just got back from a week in Norway and followed your itinerary from Oslo to Bergen and back. Great recommendations with some hidden gems that we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. The highlight was our stay in Aurland/Flam and the fjord cruise. Thanks for the info and inspiring a memorable family vacation.

July 27, 2022 at 6:21 am

Hi! I found you from tiktok and thought this blog was very helpful! Is there a route you’d recommend for our trip? We are flying into Oslo and flying out of Bergen for a 7 day trip next month. We are a young active couple looking forward to hiking 🙂

July 28, 2022 at 9:09 am

I would do the first itinerary!

August 9, 2022 at 1:55 pm

I’m planning a roadtrip in Norway based on your itinerarys #1 and #2, but I don’t have more than 4-5 days. Living in Stockholm I’m thinking I could fly to Bergen, rent a car, follow your day 1 for itinerary #1 to Sogndal, but instead of continuing to Lom go straight north to Loen (or thereabouts). After that Geirangerfjord (via Gamle Strynefjellsvegen) – Åndalsnes (Trollstigen) – Ålesund. Return the car in Ålesund (if possible) and fly home to Stockholm. Does it sound like a feasible/sensible (first time) trip to Norway in max 5 days?

August 9, 2022 at 2:33 pm

Yeah that sounds like a great plan, however returning the car in Ålesund is going to be really expensive. If you need to cut it shorter, I would skip Ålesund and just do Sognefjord and Geirangerfjord from Bergen and then return to Bergen.

August 9, 2022 at 4:04 pm

Thanks for the reply! I checked Sixt and you’re right, it’s seems to be really expensive. I guess I’ll have to rethink and decide whether I want to use Bergen or Ålesund as my starting point.

Bekah Knudson says

September 13, 2022 at 11:36 pm

My husband and I (from Texas) just returned from Norway and I pretty much used your blog as my Bible while planning. We used your recommended itinerary (the first one) and we had AN AMAZING TIME. I wanted to come on here and thank you, because I think the only reason we were able to get so much from our trip was by following your suggestions.

We flew in to Oslo and ended in Ålesund. We are obsessed with how beautiful Norway is, and how each day had something totally different to offer. We were super prepared for rain, but we lucked out and it was sunny skies the whole time we were there and beautiful temperature. The only time we strayed from your itinerary was in Lom. We took route 55 and it was closed due to an avalanche! So we ended up staying in Bøverdalen since there’s not an easy way around that. We just got to enjoy the mountains an extra way as we drove back down and around.

We met so many wonderful people. The culture in Norway is so different from America – very kind, friendly and selfless. My husband’s great grandparents were Norwegian and immigrated to North Dakota from Stavanger (which we didn’t make it to) but it was fun getting to see his heritage and a lot of people noticed our last name was Norwegian. That was probably the first time since I’ve been married that I’ve heard anyone pronounce it correctly! 🙂

All of the hotels we stayed in were INCREDIBLE. We mostly booked your suggestions, unless they didn’t have availability. The whole time we were there I was constantly saying “Ohhh, I remember Silvia saying this or that..” haha

So, THANK YOU SO MUCH for helping us have the experience of a lifetime. It was my first time leaving the USA, so your blog helped everything go incredibly smooth and helped us prepare greatly.

September 14, 2022 at 12:01 pm

Oh wow, I’m so happy that you had such an incredible trip! And that you found my suggestions useful. Thanks so much for telling me!

Laura S. - Western MA says

January 17, 2023 at 6:36 pm

Hi Silvia, These itineraries are terrific, thank you for sharing. We’re interested in spending 3-4 days taking day hikes from a home base small city or small town. So we can hike during the day and come back to someplace for meals, with maybe coffee shops, bakery, etc. Do you have a suggestion for a great home base?

January 17, 2023 at 8:47 pm

Ålesund/Sæbø or Sakrisøy in Lofoten! https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/alesund-travel-guide/ https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/hjorundfjord-norway-beautiful-fjord/ https://www.heartmybackpack.com/norway/lofoten-road-trip/

Alisha says

April 9, 2024 at 11:19 am

Do you think instead of doing Bergen – Flåm – Gaupne – Lom I can do Bergen – Flåm – Hjelledalen? I am short on time!

April 9, 2024 at 11:24 am

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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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Europe , norway , Road Trips · May 25, 2024

Norway Road Trip – The Ultimate 2 Week Travel Itinerary

This post is also available in: Nederlands

Are you currently trying to plan the perfect Norway road trip itinerary? No need to look any further! Cause if you love spending time outdoors then this is the perfect Norway road trip for you!

From discovering the Norwegian fjords, exploring the most beautiful National Parks, searching for wildlife and getting soaked next to waterfalls. This Norway road trip itinerary is for those who love to explore the more of the beaten path places.

In my opinion, t’s the perfect combination of the more popular touristic places and some true hidden gems that took a lot of planning and searching to find.

Get ready to discover some of the most beautiful places in Norway and the most beautiful hiking trails in Norway .

Transportation for this Norway itinerary

We made our road trip through Norway with a camper and I would do it again. We chose a camper from  WeCamp  and really loved it! It was very spacious and comfortable and it really felt like our home away from home for these 2 weeks.

A self-drive trip through Norway is   the best way to see all the beautiful places this Scandinavian country has to offer   . And no, public transport is really not an option for this itinerary. Then you really have to limit yourself to visiting the cities in Norway.

Do you want to explore Norwegian nature? Then you should rent a car or camper!

Fortunately, driving in Norway is   a great experience  ! And it is also the most budget-friendly way to discover the country. Not only because public transport in Norway is expensive, but also because you can reach the more remote places where you can normally find cheaper accommodation.

By renting a car or camper,   you actually save on transportation AND accommodation   .

Another big plus? You can literally look for good weather! Halfway through our trip we turned our route a bit upside down as there would be 4 days of sunshine so it would be perfect for walking! This is something you cannot do if you book all your hotels in advance. During these types of trips I don’t think accommodation is that important. If there is a hot shower, I am happy.

💡  TIP  – In Norway there are toll roads or you sometimes have to take a ferry. Your  WeCamp  camper is equipped with a barcode and these additional costs will be settled after returning your camper at the end of the trip.

The start and end point of your trip through Norway

Norway is a really big country and it is practically impossible to explore both the south and the north in 2 weeks.

For our first tour through this beautiful country, we chose to focus mainly on the West Fjords and the most beautiful places in the lower half of the country.

So we started in Oslo, where after a smooth direct flight from Brussels we immediately traveled to  WeCamp  to pick up our camper.

If you want to dive into the city first, you can do so very easily because from Oslo Airport you can reach Oslo city center    in 20 minutes with the Flytoget Airport Express train  .

Our tour through Norway is a big loop that also ends in Oslo.

How many days do you need for this Norway itinerary?

Do you want to follow this itinerary completely? Then you should allow at least 14 days for this and a few extra days certainly can’t hurt. Do you have less time to explore this region of Norway? No problem! Then you will simply have to skip some places such as the Sunmøre Alps and Dovrefjell National Park.

Below you can find our exact itinerary with a lot of explanation about each region we visited, the most beautiful places you can visit and the average travel time from region to region. Oh and to top it all off, I have also added some tips for beautiful places you can encounter along the way!

LYSEFJORD (2 DAYS)

Depending on what time you arrive in Oslo, you can already pick up your camper at  WeCamp  , do some shopping and start your drive towards the Lysefjord. This is suddenly also the longest travel time of this route with no less than 603km on the counter! We therefore decided to just drive as far as our fatigue would allow us on the first evening. After about 6 hours of driving we decided to use one of the parking lots next to the highway. You won’t find a shower here, but you will find a public toilet!

The next day we first visited the beautiful  Månafossen  waterfall , before driving to the beautiful Lysefjord. The hike to  Preikestolen  is one of the most popular hikes in all of Norway. The walk is about 7.8 km in total and takes you to the 600 meter high cliff where a breathtaking view over the Lysefjord awaits you. You can camp at  Preikestolen camping AS  .

💡  TIP  – If you want to spend the night here, it is best to try to get your place as early in the day as possible. Checkout is from 11 am and from then on it is always possible to reserve your place.

Travel time  – 8.5 hours including a short stop at the waterfall.

HARDANGERVIDDA (2 DAYS)

The region around the Hardangervidda National Park is one of the most beautiful in southern Norway. Best known of course for the spectacular walk to the Trolltunga  . You walk above the   Hardangerfjord  and the total walking time is 20km or 28km, depending on your starting point.

But there are also some beautiful stops nearby that you should definitely not miss! How about the  Låtefossen  and  Furebergfossen  , two waterfalls that you can admire in all their glory just next to the road. Don’t forget to visit the beautiful  Bondhusdalen  Lake . For the latter you should allow approximately 2 hours for your visit, unless the weather is beautiful and you can also swim. So be sure to wear your swimsuit under your clothes on a sunny day!

The evening before you walk to Trolltunga it is best to stay at the  Trolltunga Camping    , which is just a 10-minute drive from P1 Tyssedal. Another option is the  Ringøy Gard Camping  , a 45-minute drive from the P1 Tyssedal, but here you camp next to the water with a view of the Hardangerfjord.

Travel time  – It is about a 7.5 hour drive from the Lysefjord to the Hardangervidda National Park

JOTUNHEIMEN (3 DAYS)

Jotunheimen National Park was one of the biggest surprises of our trip! This beautiful region in the south of Norway is absolutely unique and the road there is absolutely fantastic. Along the way you will pass the impressive  Vøringfossen  , one of the highest waterfalls in Norway with a free fall of about 182 meters. The water literally crashes into the deep and you can safely admire this spectacle from the steel stairs and viewpoints. Along the way you will also pass Rjukandefoss, an idyllic waterfall that you can easily admire via a short forest path.

In Jotunheimen there is the  Besseggen Ridge Hike  . This 14.5km walk starts in Memurubu and ends in Gjendesheim. But to reach Memurubu you first have to take a ferry from Gjendesheim. This walk is described by the Norwegians themselves as one of the must-do hikes in Norway.

If you do not have 14 days to explore Norway, it is best to continue towards Åndalsnes, but otherwise you have an extra day here to also  explore the  Knutshøe  . This 13.2km walk takes you over the ridge of the Knutshøe and I thought it was certainly just as spectacular as the Besseggen.

You can stay at the    Besseggen Fjellpark AS  , which is located near the start of both walks.

Travel time  – 7 hours including all stops until you arrive at Jotunheimen National Park.

DOVREFJELL NATIONAL PARK (1 DAY)

Dovrefjell national park  was one of the absolute highlights of our tour through Norway and actually a last minute decision. The weather gods had predicted rain again, so we decided to postpone our slightly more difficult walks for a day and look for the mystical musk ox! This is the only place in Norway, and one of the few places in the world, where you can see the majestic musk ox. The musk ox is one of the oldest mammals on our planet. Dating back to 187,000 to 129,000 years ago, musk oxen are known as    the rugged survivors of the Ice Age  .

💡  TIP  – When photographing wild animals, be careful to keep a safe distance and not to disturb them in their wild habitat. So it is best to use a camera with a good zoom lens for this.

After your visit to Dovrefjell you drive towards Åndalsnes, but before you arrive here you drive past the beautiful valley of  Innerdalen  . Also praised as one of the most beautiful valleys in Norway and very easy to reach, don’t miss a short but steep walk of 7km in total.

Travel time  – 2.5 hours to get from Jotunheimen to Dovrefjell  and then another 1 hour drive to Innerdalen.  We chose to drive to Åndalsnes that same evening so that we could start our walk early the next day. Doing this will add another 2.5 hours of driving.

ANDALSNES (3 DAYS)

The   Romsdalseggen Ridge Hike  in Åndalsnes is one of the most impressive hiking trails in all of Norway! For this walk you will definitely need a whole day and you will have to take the  Romsdalseggen bus  that takes you to Vengedalen. Then you climb up and walk over the Romsdalseggen ridge back to Åndalsnes.

The   Trollstigenweg  is one of the most famous mountain roads in Norway and takes you to the beautiful  Trollstigen  viewpoint. The walk to  Stabbeskaret  also starts here, where you can literally sit on top of the troll wall.

💡  TIP  – One of the most spectacular scenes from Mission Impossible with Tom Cruise was also filmed here. Yes, that scene where he rides his motorcycle off a cliff.

End the day with a walk of less than a kilometer to  Litlefjellet  , one of the best places to admire the sunset over the Romsdal valley.

The area around Åndalsnes is filled with beautiful campsites and we had the pleasure of staying at two of them! We stayed at the    Åndalsnes Camping & Motell    and the    Trollveggen Camping   . Of these two, Trollveggen Camping is definitely the most beautiful! Here you camp right next to the impressive Troll Wall. And yes, we saw our campsite all the way down in the valley when we reached the Stabbeskaret viewpoint!

Another camping option is    Trollstigen Camping en Gjestegård   , which is just a 15-minute drive from the bus station in Åndalsnes and has been voted one of the best and most beautiful campsites in all of Norway. Unfortunately, I only found out about it after our visit to the area.

Travel time  – 2 hours to visit all the different places in Åndalsnes during these days .

SUNMØRE ALPS (1 DAY)

The Sunmøre Alps are still relatively unknown to the general public and one of the most beautiful views of this region is from the top of Saksa Mountain . This 6km walk is short but very challenging because it climbs very steeply. I literally huffed and puffed my way to the top, but the 360° view you get in return is completely worth it! Be sure to visit the  Christian Gaard  restaurant on this day . After all that camping, going out for a nice meal is even more fun and you will also find one of the most idyllic swings in Norway here.

You can camp at the  Urke Camping  , near the start of the walk to Saksa.

Travel time  – 4 hours to get from Åndalsnes to Urke

GEIRANGER (1 DAY)

Geiranger  is undoubtedly one of the most visited fjords in Norway. However, we were a little less impressed, mainly because it felt very touristy. Where in other places you can easily venture into the wide nature, this is not the case here and you are practically obliged to book a cruise. We therefore decided not to stay here very long and drove on to  Loen  . Loen is a beautiful town in the municipality of Stryn with crystal clear water as far as the eye can see. When the weather is nice you can go kayaking on Lake Lovatnet or take the cable car up in Loen for a fantastic view.

Travel time  – 2.5 hours drive to get from Urke first to Geiranger and then to Loen. From Loen it is about a 6-hour drive to Oslo. Depending on your timing, you can choose to drive back a bit today so that you can take it easy on the last day.

Unique accommodation during your road trip through Norway

Are you not a fan of camping and would you rather just rent a car and follow this itinerary? That is perfectly possible! I have selected some great hotels below to make your trip even more memorable.

• Lilland Brewery Hotel    – A cute and small-scale hotel where you also have a glamping option.
• Sjøberg Ferie og Hotell   – For a truly unique stay on the island of Rennesøy with views over the fjords.

HARDANGER VIDDA

• Vikinghaug   – Wake up to a view of a lake, a waterfall, a glacier and a fjord!
• Trolltunga Hotel   – Stay overnight as close as possible to the start of the Trolltunga walk.

JOTUNHEIMEN

• Bessheim Fjellstue   – Stay in beautiful cottages with lake views and just 5.5 km from the Gjendesheim ferry!
• Radisson Blu Resort   – Your best choice if you’re looking for a luxurious stay after all that walking.

DOVREFJELL NATIONAL PARK

• Oppdal Turisthotell   – One of the best hotels to stay in when visiting Dovrefjell National Park
• Quality Hotel Skifer   – Wake up with a view over the beautiful Dovrefjell mountains!
• Grand Hotel – by Classic Norwegian Hotels   – A beautiful hotel in the heart of Romsdalseggen and with panoramic views over the Romsdalfjord.
• Garasjeleilighet   – A beautiful apartment with private sauna.

SUNMØRE ALPS

• If camping isn’t your thing, check out  these hotels in Øye   . All are a short drive from the Mount Saksa hike.

Charlotte Lint is the founder, main photographer and writer of Charlies Wanderings . She has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing insightful hiking guides and creating unique and efficient travel itineraries . Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

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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.

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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.

Christina Grayt

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