norway road trip 10 days

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10 days in Norway: A Complete Norway Road Trip Itinerary

last Updated: April 16, 2024 alesund bergen flam geiranger Norway oslo road trip scandinavia stavanger

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

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

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

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

Norway Road Trip Itinerary: All the stops you'll want to make if you've got 10 days in Norway!

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

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

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

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

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

Norway Road Trip Itinerary Overview + Map

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

Day 10: Alesund

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

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

Pre-Travel Guide to Norway

Getting around norway.

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

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

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

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

Renting a Car

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Driving tips in Norway:

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

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

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

Other random tips for your Norway Road Trip:

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

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

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

What to bring:

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

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

Money and Exchange Rates

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

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

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

When to Visit Norway

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health and Safety

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

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

Visas and Passports

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

How to Get to Norway

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Norway

more info on each one throughout Norway itinerary below

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

And now what you’ve been waiting for:

The Ultimate 10 Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary

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

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

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

Day 0: Fly into Oslo!

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

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

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

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

Days 1-2: Explore Oslo

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

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

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

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

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

SALT : Located a few minutes from the Opera House, this cool harbor front spot boasts a nomadic art lounge with bars and coffee shops.
Oslo Fjord Sightseeing Cruise by Sailing Ship : Get out onto the water! There’s unique islands and colorful houses right on the Oslo Fjord, and of course stunning views. Definitely a highlight of Oslo, especially at sunset!
Sorenga outdoor beach deck (Sørenga Sjøbad): Found yourself a sunny day in Oslo? Head over to Sørenga Sjøbad and just chill out and relax in the warmth for a bit! Take along your bathing suit if you want to jump in for a swim!
Frogner Park : Super interesting park, with a collection of over 200 bizarre sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Definitely a unique attraction in Oslo!

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Oslo : Saga Poshtel Central Oslo

Day 3: Fly to Stavanger and Explore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay in Stavanger : Clarion Hotel Stavanger

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

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

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

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

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

We had originally planned to squeeze in a fjord cruise on the Lysefjord , but are so glad we didn’t because of the amount of time the hike took us. We also decided to spend a bit of time at the top admiring the views since we had no views on our way up because of the lousy early-morning weather. If you’re a faster hiker than us (we’re not experienced hikers by any means), you can easily fit in the cruise.

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

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

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

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

How to get to Pulpit Rock/Preikestolen from Stavanger:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5: Road Trip Time + LOTS of Waterfalls!

Driving Hours: 8

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended route and stops along the way:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where to Stay: Bergen Harbor Hotel

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

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

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

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

Day 6: Bergen!

Driving Hours: 0

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

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

Be sure to not miss:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 7: Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise and Flam Railway

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

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

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

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

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

Book the Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise here.

Book the Flam Railway here (called the Flamsbana)

You’re welcome. 😀

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

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

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

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

Fjord Cruise: 10am-12pm

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

Shuttle from Gudvangen to Flam one way (or reverse): Since you’ll be parking your car in Gudvangen (or Flam, depending on availability), you’ll need to take the shuttle back to Gudvangen (Flam to Gudvangen) to pick up the car. Note that the drive back to Flam is about 20 minutes.

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

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

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

You’ll want to sit on the right side of the car departing from Flam for better views. Feeling a bit extra? The windows open at the first and last seat of every car – which makes it much better for photos. Sit here! 🙂

From the train, you’ll see tons of waterfalls and mountain views all the way to Myrdal Station (the ending and where you’ll get back on to return to Flam). I enjoyed it, but didn’t think the scenery was any better than our own views we got while driving throughout other parts of the country. Just my honest opinion.

I’m glad we did it, but the round trip wasn’t necessary (we both fell asleep on the way back to Flåm). PS- you actually DO need a round trip ticket in order to get back to Flåm to pick up your car, just saying seeing the same monotonous scenery twice wasn’t necessary. 🙂

The train ride felt a tad overrated considering all the breathtaking scenery we had seen thus far on our Norway road trip, but I admit it was nice to just sit back, relax, and take in the views (and I’m sure the husband appreciated someone else doing the driving). The train cost $140 for both of us roundtrip, Flam → Myrdal → Flam, and took ~2 hours roundtrip.

Stalheimskleiva

Something else to squeeze in during the day – Stalheimskleiva, one of Northern Europe’s steepest roads (which of course offers beautiful views). It’s only a few minutes drive from either Flam or Gudvangen, and we chose to do this between the fjord cruise and train ride. Our time was a bit rushed so I’d say it’s possibly better to do this before the cruise (depending on the time of your ticket) or after both activities.

Stop at Stalheim Hotel viewing platform in order to see the spectacular views. Note that you don’t need to stay here to admire the scenery below; just walk right through the lobby to the back viewing platform.

However, be careful when using a GPS to get here – the twisty road is one way (driving down only), and our GPS didn’t pick this up! To say we got a nasty glare from a bus driver on his way down is an understatement. Our bad! You’ll see why it’s one way as you’re driving down the 13 sharp hairpin bends – be careful!

Where to Stay: Since we booked last minute, we opted to rent an AirBnB for the night. And to say our accommodation was a surprise was an understatement. Although the house was located in a beautiful spot overlooking Aurlandsfjord, we had to make our own beds and sleep in separate twin beds (not huge deals but not what we were expecting).

I’d say look for something a bit less “unique”, like Fretheim Hotel or Flåmsbrygga Hotel if you want to cuddle up. I recommend finding accommodation in Flam or one of the surrounding small villages (Aurland, Undredal, or Dyrdal).

Day 8: Drive the National Tourist Routes

Hours of Driving: 9

A verrrrry long driving day today, but well worth it! You’ll be rewarded with more spectacular mountainous scenery than you ever thought possible, with a whole slew of glacial lakes towards the end (OMFG I can’t contain my excitement).

Everyday on this Norway itinerary is undoubtedly scenic, with the views just getting better and better as the days go on. Today’s long drive encompasses 3 National Tourist Routes: Aurlandsfjellet, Sognefjellet, and Gamle Strynefjellsvegen (my absolute favorite). Here’s the itinerary we followed for the day:

1) Stegastein Lookout

Start the day off at Stegastein Lookout, only 15-20 minutes drive from the Aurland area (where our wacky AirBnB was located). Stegastein is a popular sightseeing spot from Flam, being 650 metres above Aurlandsfjord and all! I’d recommend going early in the morning as the road and viewpoint can get especially crowded. We ate breakfast at the viewpoint and only saw one other couple during our time there.

Time to get away from the fjords for the day (we’ll be back, don’tchu worry!) and head into the mountains!

2) Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route (Road 243)

Up next, Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route, which runs from Aurlandsvangen (near Stegastein) to Lærdalsøyri, covering a distance of 47km and taking roughly an hour and a half to drive without stops.

Be sure to NOT drive through the Lærdal Tunnel, the world’s longest road tunnel with a length of 24.5 km, as you won’t see any of the stops along the way on the actual scenic route itself. The tunnel can be used to bypass the National Tourist Route or if you’ll be traveling roundtrip, which we won’t be. Promise me you’ll take scenic road 243 instead of the tunnel!

Stop at Flotane (viewing spot and bathrooms)
Stop at Vedahaugane (infinity bench with great views)
Pit stop to see Borgund Stave Church (25 minutes from Laerdalsoyri) – really cool and you must see at least one Stave Church on your Norway road trip!!

3) Take the Mannheller-Fodnes/Rv5 ferry (28 minutes)

4) Sognefjellet National Tourist Route (Road 55)

Sognefjellet Scenic Road runs from Gaupne to Lom, covering a total distance of 108 km. It will take you about 30 minutes to get to the start of the route, and then another 2 hours+ to drive the entire thing.

Sognefjellet is the highest and most impressive mountain pass in Northern Europe, so it’s easy to see why this road made it as one of Norway’s 18 National Tourist Routes (scenic roads).

Feigefossen waterfall: look for it across the water from 55 (close to Guapne)
Turtagrø hotel: red-painted modernistic building, quick photo stop
Nedre Oscarshaug: provides one of the best vantage points along the road across the Sognefjellet mountains. A glass telescope with the names of the peaks gives an overview of the surrounding Hurrungane massif.
Mefjellet (rest area with cool stone structure/platform)
Sognefjellshytta (attractive training centre for national ski teams from all over the world) – cool wooden architecture
Vegaskjelet (viewing platform)
Lom Stave Church

To be completely honest, after about ½ – ¾ of the drive through Sognefjellet we had had enough of the mountains. Sure, they were beautiful and all that, but it seemed like many of the stops had views of the same thing. I think next time we’d only stop at 2-3 and get on with the show.

Plus, it was cold and windy that day so that’s proooobably why this drive seemed a bit monotonous and somewhat sad – we didn’t have the energy to hang out in the cold for too cold!

5) Gamle Strynefjellsvegen National Tourist Route (Road 258)

You’re allllllmost to your final destination of the day (Hjelle), I promise! But whatever you do, DO NOT SKIP THIS NEXT ROAD. Be sure to take Road 258 instead of 15. The drive is short, being only 27km, but it’s an absolute stunner.

Boy oh boy, this short stretch was one of my absolute favorite hours or so of our entire trip, for the views alone. It’s hard to put into words what seeing glistening glacial lakes, towering mountains, and remnants of snow from colder months will do to you. I’m not sure anything will beat those views I saw that day.

Where to Stay : Hjelle Hotel

Hjelle Hotel was a perfect place to rest our heads after the long day of driving – and I’d highly recommend it! Our “romantic room” was simple yet charming, with a clean, and spacious feeling with a four-poster king bed and chandelier.

Make sure to order the dinner (fixed-price 3 course) – it was absolutely delicious (and have the creme brûlée if you’re lucky enough to see it on the menu which changes nightly).

Hjelle Hotel is situated right on another beauty of a lake (Oppstrynsvatnet) with great views of the mountains, which we loved for a nightly walk after dinner! In addition, the hotel staff was extra accommodating and the breakfast spread was more than decent! Stay here, they’re doing something right having been run by the same family since 1896!

IMPORTANT NOTE: This wouldn’t be a very thorough Norway travel blog if I didn’t mention Hotel Utsikten .

Why? For one, it’s one of the most popular hotels in the Geiranger area, and for good reason. The hotel sits right on the base of Geirangerfjord – meaning, if you ask for a room that faces the road, you’ll have a panoramic view of the fjord right from your view!

Secondly, if you want to stay here (instead of Hjelle Hotel ), book Hotel Utsikten as soon as you know your dates. It was unfortunately completely booked once I finally got around to making hotel reservations, so we opted for Hotel Hjelle (which ended up being a pleasant, positive surprise).

Note that if you decide to stay at Hotel Utsikten you’ll need to back track about a half hour or so for Dalsnibba (more below) if you couldn’t squeeze it in the previous day.

Day 9: Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen

Get ready for your last day of driving in Norway! You’ll be going from Geirangerfjord → Trollstigen → Andalsnes → Alesund, which will prove to be yet another stunningly spectacular day full of epic scenery, fjords galore, and and curvy, bendy roads. Today’s a tiring day but one for the books, and you’ll be driving on another National Tourist Route!

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

*Note that the Norwegians pronounce it “Gai-raan-Gyer” (I was butchering the entire language our whole trip and it was awful).

1. Dalsnibba

In one hour from the Hjelle Hotel, you’ll reach Dalsnibba, which is a very popular mountain top viewing platform in Norway. It’s brand spankin’ new, opened just a few years ago in 2016, and it’s actually Europe’s highest fjord view by road at 1,500 meters! Whoa!

Be sure to go on the “skywalk” which has a steel and see-through floor which rails made of glass. It’s definitely a bit nerve-racking to look down at your feet and beyond and see just how high you are with only a piece of glass between you and 1500 meters!

In order to get to the Dalsnibba viewing platform, you’ll need to pay a toll. Prices are payable by vehicle and if you’re coming by car or motorbike you’ll have to pay 130 NOK via credit card (pretty sure the AutoPass Device didn’t work here).

2. Flydalsjuvet Lookout Point

Another lookout point worthy of your time, this one 45 minutes from Dalsnibba (and completely on the way to where we’re going, promise!) Flydalsjuvet is located higher above the town of Geiranger, providing phenomenal views of the Geirangerfjord, town below, and all the surrounding mountains. These impressive views sure make an excellent photo stop – be sure to have your cameras handy.

The area is well organized with informational signs, toilets, upper and lower viewing platforms, and railings and fences to protect everyone. Fingers crossed you get a clear day, as the fjord can be hidden by fog/mist. t’s right off of the main road so can get quite busy, with tour buses as well, but wait for them to clear and you’ll get absolutely perfect photos.

3. Geiranger

Time for yet another fjord cruise! You just saw the fjord from up above, now it’s time to see it from another angle – right on it! It’ll only take 10 minutes to reach the town of Geiranger from Flydalsjuvet, so go for a little wander and have a quick lunch.

We honestly couldn’t find too much food besides a bakery and some ice cream, but maybe we didn’t look hard enough. And plus, ice cream is a healthy, obvious meal in Geiranger when the weather is absurdly hot! ;p

We decided to take a 60 minute fjord cruise around noon, but note that 90 minute boat tours are available as well if you feel so inclined or that’s all that’s available. You’ll pass the famous “Seven Sisters” waterfall on either one. I highly recommend booking in advance as the boat was very crowded and it was completely sold out (in high season). Book here.

I feel like a broken record saying this, but yes, the fjord views were absolutely stunning right on the water!

4. Ørnesvingen and The Eagle Road

After gawking at all the views on the fjord cruise, drive the 10 minutes to yet another famous viewpoint, Ørnesvingen, the highest of the hairpin bends in Ørnevegen (also known as The Eagle Road). From here you’ll enjoy more magnificent panoramas of the town and fjord, although be aware that weather plays a key role in how visible your views will actually be (like at Flydalsjuvet).

Hope for a clear day! Look out for the cruise ships passing through the fjord below, as they can only add to the uniqueness of your photos! To uncomplicate things, Ørnesvingen is the name of the viewpoint, while Ørnevegen is name of the actual road. 🙂 Things can get tricky around here, haha.

5. FERRY time: Eidsdal-Linge/Fv63 ferry

This one’s a short one, only taking about 10 minutes and costing 79 NOK (~10) for a small sedan and 2 passengers. As all the other ferries on this Norway itinerary, don’t worry about booking in advance because you can just show up on the port and fall in line with the other cars. I’m pretty sure the ferries leave every 30 minutes or so, but I think it depends on the season and how busy they are.

6. Trollstigen, The Trolls Road

After the ferry and a short drive, you’ll arrive at Trollstigen (The Trolls Road), part of one of the most famous National Tourist Routes in all of Norway (Geiranger – Trollstigen)! And don’t worry, if you’ve followed this itinerary, you’ve already driven on the other part of the scenic road. 😉

Be sure to stop at The Trolls Path Viewpoint at the Visitor Centre, which will give you unparalleled views of the road snaking below amongst the skyrocketing mountains. Breathe in the the fresh mountain air!

Make sure you venture to both the near and far viewing platforms, as the closer one will provide you with a close-up look at the waterfall, while the latter the actual twists and bends of Trollstigen. Once you make your way to the farther one, you’ll be able to see all the way down the mountainside, being 200 meters above the snaking Trollstigen road.

Once you’re done gawking at the views (don’t be shy – I think I took over 50 photos here), drive down the 11 hairpin bends of Trollstigen. It’s important to note that each bend actually has its own name (usually named after the person who supervised the construction work on that particular section), but just follow it down and you’ll eventually reach the bottom.

The rest of the day will have you driving to your final destination, Alesund, which is about 2 hours from Trollstigen. You’ll first drive north to Åndalsnes, then cut west for Alesund!

Where to Stay in Alesund: Thon Hotel Ålesund

The hotel was in a great location, right on the water, which made looking out the window of our room super fun! We booked a “superior room” with large open windows with views of the water- I watched a huge cruise ship come into port around midnight one night (so cool and completely unexpected) and a pilot doing tricks in his private plane (also quite surprising but fun to watch).

Plus, the sound of the water is just oh so relaxing (keep your windows open). The breakfast was included and had all the breakfast staples and then some.

Where to Park in Alesund: mobile home parking (free from 4pm-8am, 20NOK per hour from 8am-4pm // 160NOK for full day). Ask the hotel and they’ll give you easy directions. It’s only about a 10 minute from the hotel and will save you boat loads of money. Street parking is pretty much non-existent over here. Note that you need to pre-pay for the number of hours you want.

Last full day on our Norway itinerary – Alesund! I admit that we were pretty tired at this point in our trip, and while we explored the small city a bit, we used this day to mostly relax and recoup from the crazy busy previous days.

Alesund is a port town, meaning it’s right on the water, so expect some great views and lots of seafood! The city center has a very unique Art Nouveau style, which you’ll soon notice once you get your bearings – so keep your camera handy! Keep your car parked in the lot, as Ålesund is an incredibly walkable small city with the the downtown being rather compact.

A few things to do below, which can all be easily done in less than a day:

You’ll find the stairs up to the viewpoint from the town park, Byparken, with no entrance fee. Note that you can also drive up or take the City Train to Fjellstua (small fee) to reach the peak. There’s a small cafe at the top for water and ice creams.

Walk through downtown Ålesund’s Art Nouveau district : Admire the colorful art-deco buildings, as this is what this part of Norway is famous for! After a fire destroyed the entire city in 1904, it was rebuilt in vibrant Art Nouveau fashion.

Stop in the Ålesund Church : Even if you’re not religious, the Ålesund Church is worth a quick peek inside. Stare at the beautiful stained glass windows and just appreciate that it only costs about 3NOK to visit. 🙂
Walk around the harbour and eat some fish! Have lunch at Jafs, and sit outside with some fresh fish and chips while enjoying the beautiful views out over the harbor. Crispy batter on thick fleshy cod fish, decently priced, and harbor views?! What could possibly be better on a warm, summer day?!

Sunnmore Museum: The Sunnmore museum is an open-air museum with a collection of 55 old picturesque houses and indoor exhibitions, giving you an insight into the cultural and architectural history of the area. A great spot for an afternoon stroll! *Take note of the opening and closing hours before heading over, as we completely missed the time slot.
Full disclosure: We decided to take a rest at the hotel instead of heading to the lighthouse because 1) we were pooped and 2) we didn’t feel like having to fight over a spot in the parking lot afterwards. Go if you’re up for a small adventure (at the lighthouse and parking lot). 😉

In retrospect, we should have gone last thing the night before, before heading to our hotel in Alesund. Also, note that the lighthouse is halfway between the main town of Alesund and the airport, so depending on your flight time, you can always go the next day before your flight.

Have a few more days in Norway? Consider heading to the Atlantic Road, another famous Scenic Route, which is about 2 and a half hours from Alesund. If we had more time I would have included this in the Norway itinerary.

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

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

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A Stunning South Norway Road Trip in 10 Days

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Let’s get this out of the way… Norway is one of the most naturally gorgeous places I’ve ever been to, and a South Norway road trip is the way to see it.

This is literally the home of insane fjords cutting through giant mountains, Vikings, salmon that you can eat sashimi style out of the ocean, and the Northern Lights. I was a bit nervous when I made my first trip here a couple of years back because Norway seems wild and huge – and it is. There are very few tourist things to lean on , and while I’m glad for this, it’s daunting to plan a culture & hiking trip, one where nothing is catered for you.

Here are my South Norway road trip priorities , and you’ll see my route below:

See Fantastic Fjord & Mountain Views : I wanted to do the iconic hikes like Prekeistolen (Pulpit Rock) and Romsdalseggen (locally recommended), and see the prettiest fjords like Lyse Fjord, Geiranger, Loen, and Sognefjorden.
Eat Local Norwegian Food: I wanted to eat super local and super well. Like fish right out of the fjords caught that morning, maybe some of the weirder Nordic stuff too!
Stay in Cute Lodging with Star-Gazing : I like Norwegian architecture because it’s a nice blend of modern meets cozy, and so I opted for spots with amazing views, places with indoor saunas (because that’s a thing to do here), and really cozy spots that don’t break the bank.

This post is meant to be the plan behind my road trip around southern Norway, “a la Mariana,” because there is nothing like doing it yourself to spark that little fire. So here is all the due diligence you need to get going!

Table of Contents

South Norway Road Trip 10-Day Itinerary

Here is my South Norway road trip route, with several restaurant recommendations and little gems of where to stay along the way!

Honestly, the views along this south norway road trip are enough to dish out the cash needed to get here!

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

Pick up your rental car and drive the 1 hour from the airport to the city center in Oslo. On my first day in the city, I loved winding down at the port, walking around, and listening to live music at night.

If you’re not renting a car for the first couple of days in Oslo, do NOT take a Taxi/Uber from the airport to the city center. It’s super expensive (~€300), and there’s a better way. The fastest way to get from the airport to Oslo is to take the train. Look for Vy or Flytoget trains . Trains get you to the city center in 20 minutes for pretty cheap.

My Favorite Restaurants in Oslo: 👉 Arakataka – Nordic food & a budget fine dining gem 👉 Happolati – Norwegian meets Asian fusion, quite nice inside too! 👉 Vippa local street food vendors in a giant warehouse with breweries on the pier 👉 SALT – Live music spot with beer and street food!

Where to Stay in Oslo

You’ll be staying in Oslo for 2 nights, and I recommend staying in the city center, so everything is walkable. Additionally, you’ll want to find a place that has a place to park your car.

📍 Luxury: Grand Hotel Oslo – if you’ve never stayed in a Grand Hotel, this is an excellent example of high-class European charm and is renowned in Oslo. 📍 Mid-Range: Hotel Bristol – super cozy, fantastic breakfast, the decor is my favorite part, and right in the city center.

Day 2: Be a Tourist in Oslo

Be a tourist and walk or scoot around the city! As luck would have it, I have a good friend in Oslo who was my guide around this amazing city. Here are the places we visited if you want to find your own way.

This is Oslo, on the South Norway Road Trip I took.

Opera House Oslo – Don’t miss out on scooting across the opera house rooftop – you’ll know what I mean when you look at its architectural design. Oh, and trust me, everyone will be doing it! 🙂
Munch Museum – I love a good art immersion, and if you’re into that as well, this is where you can see the famous The Scream painting!
Var Frelsers Graveyard – It’s a graveyard, but hear me out… while I don’t usually put cemeteries on my “must-see” list, Norwegians build their graveyards to have a feeling of peace and quiet, and this one is serene and gorgeous. Take your time to walk among the people of the past, imagining their life rather than mourning their graves.
The Royal Palace – I do recommend taking a tour if you have the time and inclination towards history like me!
Oslo Cathedral – I found myself on the beautiful cathedral lawn with a cup of hot tea – another wonderful spot to take a nap in the sun.
Vikingskipshuset – This is the Viking Ship Museum and a bit of a trek on the west side of Oslo. But holy smokes, you can see a real-life Viking ship. Enough said on this one.

➡️ I recommend this Customized Private Tour so you can really dive into the culture, history, and local hot spots. ⬅️

Day 3: Drive from Oslo to Stavanger

This is a big driving day, traversing most of southern Norway. Grab some snacks and enjoy the drive and views of the cutest wooden houses along the way. This will take you about 7-8 hours, and I took the most direct route.

PRO TIP: If your drive takes you along the southernmost tip of Norway, don’t miss taking a lunch break at the Lindesnes Lighthouse . This is Norway’s oldest lighthouse, dating back to 1656. Cute museum, a few quickie hiking trails around to stretch your legs. Not a must, but definitely a notable mention.

If I were to do it differently, I would opt to be carless in Oslo for a couple of days and fly from Oslo to Stavanger where I would start my road trip and rent a car. I reason that the drive from Oslo to Stavanger in the next few days is a huge 8-hour trek, and while it’s pretty depending on what route you take, it’s hellishly long.

All the town ports seem to have this quaint, colorful vibe on the south Norway road trip.

Where to Stay in Stavanger

You’ll also stay in Stavanger for 2 nights, and I recommend lodging near the town center.

📍 Luxury: Hotel Victoria – Right on the water, with a fantastic view of the pier, cozy and elegant decor, and a cute lounge & bar area. 📍 Mid Range: Sea Story by Frogner House – a more modern option; I love this spot for the stunning bathroom and the floor-to-ceiling windows for morning coffee peeking over Stavanger. A classic Nordic apartment.

Day 4: Preikestolen Hike & Lyse Fjord Cruise

Your morning will be dedicated to the Preikestolen Hike, one of the more iconic hiking trails on this southern Norway road trip itinerary for 10 days. Go early in the morning to avoid the rush of people, and make sure to pack a lunch, water, and your camera. I’m a moderately fit American, and I would say this hike was easy – it took me about 3 hours roundtrip and the views were breathtaking!

Me at Pulpit Rock, the first hike on the south Norway road trip. Incredible view from the top of Lyse Fjord!

Hike : Preikestolen Hike (Pulpit Rock) Distance : 5 miles, out & back Time Needed : 3-4 hrs Difficulty : Moderate Pro Tip: Be on the trail by 9 am. Perks : fantastic fjord views at the end, and iconic pictures from what looks like a drop cliff into the fjord.

Your afternoon is all about the Lyse Fjord. Around 3 pm, there’s a cruise that departs from Stavanger Harbor. Get on that cruise to see the Lyse Fjord and Preikestolen from the water. It’s so cute and is only a couple of hours. Get your tickets ahead of time at Rodne Fjord Cruise .

My Favorite Restaurants in Stavanger 👉 Fisketorget Stavanger – a fish market with a little restaurant inside, I recommend the fish soup for lunch 👉 Renaa Michelin Restaurant – first Michelin in Stavanger, excellent Norwegian classics. It’s a bit pricey (about $150 per person without the wine pairing), but OMG! Reservation is required, so book a few days ahead!

Day 5: Drive from Stavanger to Bergen

Another drive day along the coast of Norway with stunning views. This one will take about 6 hours.

This is Bergen, on our South Norway road trip

When you arrive in Bergen, grab a snack/beer to go and take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen here . You can enjoy a beautiful sunset and equally gorgeous views of Bergen with your adult beverage in hand.

Instead of taking the funicular down, walk the path to the bottom – it will only take you 30 min and the forest reminds me of something out of a Grimm’s fairytale. Norwegians love trolls, so you’ll see these naughty little imps everywhere, as they are part of the local culture.

Where to Stay in Bergen

You’ll be in Bergen for 2 nights as well.

📍 Luxury: Det Hanseatiske Hotel – Historic hotel giving rustic luxury, right in the heart of Bergen. Fantastic breakfast. 📍 Mid-Range: Hotel Oleana – Another classic building refurbished with the Nordic modern design right in the city center. Fantastic bar area.

Day 6: Be a tourist in Bergen

I started the morning with breakfast and a cruise through the Bergen Fjords . My best recommendation here is to bundle up, because you’ll want to be on the outside deck admiring the little towns you pass by, and the nature that will be sure to impress.

In the afternoon, I joined a Walking Tour in Bergen: Past and Present – and it was the perfect blend of history, sights, and storytelling to have you falling in love with the town.

From there, it’s a “choose your own adventure” for the day. Rent a bike or find a hiking trail nearby, get day-wasted at the port, or just Netflix & chill.

My Favorite Restaurants in Bergen: 👉 Bryggeloftet & Steune Restaurant : Locally recommended & oldest traditional Norwegian restaurant in Bergen. Great for dinner, the steak is fantastic! 👉 Pergola Italian & Wine Bar : Another gem, located down a narrow alleyway. 👉 Bjerk : for lunch or dinner, really nice views of the pier. 👉 Olivia Italian – Italian comfort food for when you’re tired of Norwegian (which is a real thing)

➡️ My Best Thing To Do in Bergen is to take the Mostraumen Bergen Fjord Cruise ! ⬅️

Day 7: Drive from Bergen to Loen

This drive is quite long as well, about 6 hours, but you’ll be graced by the gorgeous coast of Norway again. I recommend an early start so you can get to Loen by 3 pm. I loved packing a lunch in Bergen to take with me – this way I could stop anywhere along the road where it was gorgeous (and there are plenty of spots) to enjoy my meal.

Loen, one of my favorite fjords on the south Norway road trip.

In Loen, take the sky lift up , and enjoy the views. There are a few short hiking trails around the top, and I highly encourage a couple of hours walking around, especially as you’ve just spent the better part of the day in a car… stretch those legs!

Where to Stay in Loen

This is only a one-night stay because it’s been a long ass drive and you’re in a pretty place to stop.

📍 Luxury: Hotel Alexandra Loen – A bit of a splurge, but for one night, the sauna and dinner with a view are worth it. 📍 Mid Range: Hotel Loenfjord – Right on the fjord, I loved the nice porch you can drink wine from.

Day 8: Geiranger Fjord & Skagefla Hike

The drive from Loen to Geiranger is 2.5 hours. You’ll be staying in this little town for 2 nights, so we’ll take it easy today.

Lunch Recommendation: Get a good early lunch (including their award-winning sour beer) at Brasserie Posten before your fjord boat tour.

The early afternoon boat tour of the Geiranger Fjord will be relaxing and pretty, so take it easy. On the way back to port, the boat will stop at a random-looking place along the edge – this is Skagehola.

If you’re up for it – this is where you get off for the Skagefla Hike . It’s about a 45-minute hike up some seriously steep stone steps, but worth the views of the “Seven Sisters” Waterfall from the top – hello, UNESCO World Heritage Site! From here, you go back down the steps and get back on the boat – the pick-up service is included as part of your ticket.

A cute picture of me taken by a bunch of bikers on their own south Norway road trip.

Once you’re off the boat, there is an amazing serpentine scenic drive, maybe about 30 minutes total, that takes you to this viewpoint – highly recommend it!

Where to Stay in Geiranger

This little Norwegian town is your home base for 2 nights before you head back down to Olso on the last day.

📍 Luxury: Hotel Union Geiranger – Get the Fjord view room, one of the prettiest hotels in town, I recommend enjoying the spa on the property, especially after the hikes. 📍 Mid Range: Hotel Utsikten – higher ground in town, a great option as well, fantastic porch with great views of the fjord.

Day 9: Åndalsnes, Trollstigen & Romsdalseggen Hike

This will be a big day, so make sure you have a hearty breakfast and pack some lunch snacks. Geiranger to Andalsnes takes 2.5 hours, and Romsdalseggen is a full-day hike, end to end. That said, this was the most beautiful hike of my life, and I will never forget it.

The Romsdalseggen Hike starts in the town of Andalsnes, at the main bus stop. Try to catch the 9 am or 10:30 am bus to the trailhead. It is a 20-minute bus ride, but try to buy bus tickets ahead of time as buses get packed for this trail.

The view from Trollstigen is an epic one on the road trip through southern Norway.

Hike : Venjesdalen to Åndalsnes via Romsdalseggen Distance : 6.6 miles, end to end Time Needed : 5-7 hrs Difficulty : Hard Pro Tip: When you get to the end and you’re at the hut having a beer, take the gondola down, it is NOT worth hiking the final 1 hour steep downhill. Perks : The most beautiful hike of my life, except maybe the Dolomites .

You’ll start with a steady uphill for 2 hours, but trust me, the views get better and better, especially after you scramble up the very top of the mountain and across its ridge. On the descent, when you get to the ski lift, have yourself a beer and enjoy the view – you earned it!

What the toughest part of the climb looked like in Romsdalseggen. This was the most rewarding hike on the south Norway road trip

From the top at the hut, there are 2 options:

Ride the ski lift down. If this is your choice, have a second beer and smile… you’ve done well!
Walk 40 min on a steep downhill trail to the bottom. This is what I did, and it destroyed me. If you choose this one, may the odds be in your favor… you will not feel your legs for the next 3 days!

TREAT YOURSELF: Dinner recommendation in Andalsnes at Sodahlhuset . You’ve earned it!

On the drive back to your home, you’ll go up through one of the most scenic roads on this Norway road trip itinerary… Trollstigen .

I know you’re tired, but stop at the lookout point at the top and take in the view. Make sure to take the walkway (5 min walk) to the very end where you can see the valley in all its majestic grandness. Today was a good day.

Day 10: Drive from Geiranger to Oslo

While the drive is not nearly as gorgeous as what you’ve done and seen on this southern Norway road trip, it’s still scenic and cute! It should take you all day to get to Oslo, about an 8-hour drive.

From here, it’s just about catching a flight back home.

South Norway Road Trip Map

This was my route, but if I were to do it again , I might fly directly from Oslo into Bergen or Stavanger and start my Norway road trip itinerary for 10 days there – simply to remove a chunk of driving and make more room for hiking days.

A map of the south Norway road trip tour, be mindful of road closures!

If you love mountains but want to be a bit more cost-conscious than Norway can offer, consider staying on the European mainland and check out my Switzerland to Italy Road Trip . Insane hikes and we only spent $3.5K total for 2 people in 14 days! 🥳

Renting a Car in Norway

Norway is geographically long, and there are many ways to get around – rent a car, take the train, fly from one city to another, etc. No wrong way to do it, really – just depends on the time you have, your budget, and your transportation preference.

I opted to rent a car for 10 days and enjoyed the hell out of the gorgeous scenery along the coast of southern Norway. Honestly, it was a treat driving in Norway! Here’s what I used to find a good option, it’s my go-to for pricing comparison.

Check and Compare Cars in Norway with: ➡️ DISCOVER CARS ⬅️

The wildest thing I encountered on the way were these sheep. If you can, go diesel when you rent a car, it’s cheaper in Norway.

The wildest animal you'll encounter on the south Norway road trip is sheep. Ha!

Is Driving in Norway Easy?

Yes! Especially in the July or August months. The roads are in excellent condition. There should be paid public parking lots everywhere.

While driving, tolls or ferry rides are automatically logged by the auto pass on your car, you’ll get the tab when you return the rental. Super seamless, you honestly don’t have to do anything except keep driving!

A few things to keep in mind: Driving as an American in Europe: Documentation & Rules of the Road .

How long does it take to drive from one end of Norway to the other?

So this depends on the weather, random sheep blocking a highway, and the pace you set. Check out the map above to see my route, but here are the drive times for the key points on my Norway road trip, keeping in mind I drove this in August when the skies were sunny with a touch of rain here and there.

Oslo to Stavanger (for Pulpit Rock & Lyse Fjord): 7 hours
Stavanger to Bergen : 5 hours
Bergen to Loen : 5 hours
Loen to Geiranger (for UNESCO Skagefla Hike): 1 hour
Geiranger to Andalsnes (for Romsdalseggen Hike): 2.5 hours
Geiranger to Oslo : 8 hours

The longer drives are a bit brutal, but here are 7 Unique Ways to Pass the Time , including games and deep-dive discussion questions.

South Norway Road Trip Tips

I had a lot of questions when I first started planning this trip, especially as I was traveling solo. Here are a few frequently asked questions and resources.

Is Norway good for a road trip?

Yes, and a fantastic option if you want to push yourself outside of your comfort zone when it comes to hiking – and be rewarded with some of the most fantastic views of fjords, idyllic wooden houses, and mountains in the world.

I’ve put together a few Pros and Cons of Roadtrips & Why I Love Them that ring true for this route through Southern Norway.

Do I need Travel Insurance for Norway?

While Norway is safe, this road trip involves a lot of driving, hiking, and overall hard-core adventuring. There are a few options out there, so take a couple of minutes to review the 5 Best Medical Insurance Policies for Europe . I use SafetyWing because it’s affordable and flexible (I can get it for a week or a month, etc.) See what fits for you, here is the link.

This is what I use ➡️ SAFETYWING: Travel Medical Insurance ⬅️

When is the best time to go on a road trip in Norway?

The best times to get the most sun and really see the beauty of southern Norway is in July & August.

Is Norway expensive?

The short answer is yes… but it doesn’t have to be. Here is the cost breakdown for my solo 10-day trip:

Car Rental : $600
Lodging : $1,500
Food & Drink : $1,000

If you’re hitting up restaurants every day, you can expect a meal without alcohol to range from $30-50. The best bet is to go grocery shopping (Billa, DM Supermarket) and cook at home or buy snacks for the road.

Alcohol is expensive. Beer is sold everywhere, and the local brews are delicious. However, wine and liquor are controlled by the government and ONLY sold in special Wine Monopoly stores (I’m serious!), which are open only at specific times. No wine/liquor is found in any supermarkets.

Lodging can average around $150 a night for hotels or AirB&B, but private rooms in hostels (which are super clean) or homes can be a more budget-friendly option.

Norway is also a country that lets you put a tent just about anywhere as long as you are not an inconvenience, which is what makes tent life a fun, cheap way to go if you’re into it!

What to Pack for a Norway Road Trip

While July and August are mostly sunny and bright, the weather in Norway can be unpredictable. I’ve put together some great tips on how to pack Cute and Comfy Road Trip Outfits in another article, but here’s the gist of what you need.

Rain Jacket – lightweight and waterproof, and ideally packs really small so you can carry it with you everywhere.
Layers – from warm leggings, jeans, to a few t-shirts and sweaters. But also pack a pair of shorts and a sundress for just that one perfect sunny day!
Hiking Boots & Socks
Hiking Backpack or Daypack – where else are you going to put that rain jacket and snacks?!
A Bathing Suit – for those opportune sauna moments or if you’re crazy enough to jump into one of the many lakes on this road trip.
Reusable Water Bottle – a must.

Views from the road on the south Norway road trip.

Wrap-Up: 11 Iconic Things You’ll See in Southern Norway

In a nutshell, this is one of my favorite road trips because of all the hikes and scenic views packed into a short 10-day road trip.

✔️ Oslo – The capital city, and if you do it right, you can see the famous Munch Museum (including the famous painting The Scream ), the Oslo Opera House, and even a Viking ship!

✔️ Lindesnes Lighthouse – Oldest lighthouse in Norway, think 1600’s. Located in the definition of Southern Norway on your route from Oslo to Stavanger.

✔️ Preikestolen – Aka “Pulpit Rock” and one of the more iconic hiking trails and photo opp along the trip. ✔️ Lysen Fjord – Gorgeous Fjord along with a spectacular view of “Pulpit Rock” from the water.

✔️ Bergen – Iconic colorful houses along the port and the cutest town ever.

✔️ Loen Skylift – One of the steepest cable cars in the world, with spectacular views of Loen in the heart of fjord country.

✔️ Romsdalseggen Hike – Best views on this trip and one of the more challenging/rewarding hiking trails I’ve done so far.

✔️ Trollstigen Road – The famous serpentine mountain road in southern Norway.

✔️ Geiranger Fjord – With beautiful views of the “Seven Sisters” Waterfall and Skagefla Mountain.

✔️ Skagefla Hike – A UNESCO World Heritage site and where a lot of those pictures on Instagram come from. An absolute gem of a hiking trail on this southern Norway road trip!

✔️ Atlantic Ocean Road – The rollercoaster road through an archipelago (ie, water and land) that will make you applaud the civil engineering in this country!

PRO TIP: If you only have 7 days, think about skipping Oslo and Stavanger in order to do justice to a Road Trip from Bergen to Alesund .

Mariana Barbuceanu is the owner and author of the Road Trip EuroGuide, a blog that inspires fellow travelers to explore Europe more authentically through slower travel and digging deeper into the culture of a place. When she isn't writing about her adventures, she is planning trips for her community and coaching people on how to take that next step towards a much-needed sabbatical.

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Europe , Itineraries , Norway · August 12, 2022

Norway Road Trip Itinerary: 10 Days through Norway

Flam Norway Fjord Cruise to Gudvangen with Norway Flag

We never could have imagined how much we would fall in love with Norway. Is it expensive, yes, but it is also totally worth it! The best way to explore Norway is hands-down road tripping the country. This will give you the flexibility to see all the little hidden gems in Norway. In this post I will show you the perfect Norway road trip itinerary in 10 days.

I’m going to show you the perfect 10-day road trip route in Norway!

No time to read now pin it for later.

Norway Roadtrip Itinerary 10 Days in Norwa

The Best Time to Visit Norway

How many days are enough to visit norway, airports in norway, tips for driving in norway, norway road trip itinerary in 10 days overview, day 1 – fly into oslo, day 2- oslo > mydral > flåm, day 3 – flåm > gudvangen> voss > bergen, day 4 – fly to lofoten islands, day 5 – 7 enjoy the lofoten islands, day 8 – drive from leknes to odda, day 9 – trolltunga hike, day 10 – drive to oslo and explore oslo.

If You Have More Time in Norway…

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Views Along the Road on the Lofoten Islands in Norway in Summer

The best time to visit Norway depends on what you want to do in Norway. The activities you do in the summer in Norway are going to look drastically different than what you do in the winter.

We visited in early August and knowing we weren’t going to see the Northern lights, I think it was the perfect time to visit Norway for your first time! While the Northern Lights are still on my bucket list, I am glad we go to see all the nature and beauty this country has to offer.

The Best Time to Visit Norway to see the Northern Lights

The best time to see the northern lights (Aurora Borealis) in Norway is from October through March when there are more hours of darkness in the polar night.

If you want to experience Norway in its finest frozen goodness, visit during winter months for the best chances to see the northern lights and near darkness all day.

The Best Time to Visit Norway to see the Midnight Sun

The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs near the Antarctic and Arctic Circles (close to Northern Norway) where it feels like the sun never sets. This is do the the tilt of the earth’s axis in relation to the sun.

If you want to experience the peak of the Midnight Sun, you will want to visit during June or July when you are guaranteed almost 24 hours of sunlight in the northern cities.

On the Northern Norway island of Svalbard , the sun doesn’t even set between 20 April and 22 August.

The Best Time to Visit Norway to see Avoid the Crowds

If you want less tourists AND good weather, try the shoulder seasons of April – May or August – September. In April and May you will still have some opportunities to see the Northern Lights. In August and September, you will still be able to get a feel for the midnight sun effect, but with way less crowds!

My honest opinion is that you need at least 10 days to 2 weeks in Norway.

From Oslo, to Bergen, to the North, to the islands, there is truly so much to see. You will also want to allow yourself enough time to travel in between these cities and have enough time to explore while you are there. Norway is just not the best weekend trip destination.

It is immensely easier to tack on the Lofoten Islands, or the Trolltunga Hike, when you are already visiting Oslo or Bergen, rather than trying to come back and doing them again.

10 days was just enough time for us, including a side trip to the Lofoten Islands. If you want to take your trip at a slower pace, I highly recommend a full 2 weeks in Norway.

Alright, I know this is a road trip blog through Norway, but if you want to also include the Lofoten Islands in your itinerary, I highly recommend getting there via a plane. Otherwise it will take you way longer, and you don’t want to waste your precious time in Norway.

Oslo Airport (OSL) is probably the airport that you will fly in and out of for your time in Norway.

If you want to get to the North of Norway or the Lofoten Islands, you can catch a flight from the Bergen Airport (BGO) to either Bodø Airport (BDO) or Tromsø Airport (TOS). Many people make Tromsø a destination in of its own in the winter to see the Northern lights. From either Tromsø or Bodø you can catch a connecting seaplane to the Leknes Airport.

The flight into and out of the Leknes airport is a once in a lifetime experience. Trust me when I say you will want a window-seat for this flight!

The flight is very short, but you will be rewarded with the most magical views over the fjords.

The Leknes Airport (LKN) is the only airport located on the Lofoten Islands. From here you will need to rent a car in order to explore the Islands, as the public transportation system is not extensive.

Mountain Views Along the Road on the Lofoten Islands in Norway

Driving in Norway is not difficult at all, but there are a few rules and precautions that you should be aware of ahead of time.

Here are my top 6 tips on driving in the Norway:

You will drive on the right side of the road, easy enough right?
Don’t drink and drive, the tolerance in Norway is 0.
You must always carry a safety vest and warning triangle in your car – it’s compulsory. Just check that these are in your rental car before driving off.
If you are driving during the winter, you must have winter tires on. Again your rental car should come equipped with these, but double check.
On roads without the “Yellow Diamond” sign, all traffic from your right hand side has the right of way. This is a strange concept to Americans (and even some Europeans), so be aware.
Be on the lookout for animals, we saw sheep many times using the roadways!
Day 1: Oslo
Day 2 : Flam
Day 3: Bergen
Day 4: Fly to Lofoten Islands
Day 5: Lofoten Islands
Day 6: Lofoten Islands
Day 7: Lofoten Islands
Day 8: Fly to Bergen, drive to Odda
Day 9: Trolltunga Hike
Day 10: Oslo

Now let’s get into the details of the perfect road trip in Norway itinerary. Below I laid out a suggested route for spending 10 days in Norway. However if you have more time and your schedule allows, I have also included below where I would have spent more time.

Getting from the Oslo Airport to Downtown Oslo

The easiest, and most cost efficient airport to fly into for your 10-day itinerary is the capital city of Oslo.

When you arrive, the fastest way to downtown Oslo is by Flytoget, the airport shuttle train. The Flytoget takes you to the city center in 20 minutes and trains run from 5.35 am to 12.35 am every 10 minutes.

A one-way ticket costs NOK 160 or ($20 USD), but you can typically get a discount if you purchase a round trip ticket.

What to Do with One Day in Oslo

We flew into Oslo late on Friday night, and had an early morning train booked the next day. We planned to spend one-day exploring Oslo at the end of our trip before flying home.

However, if you prefer, you can easily spend time exploring Oslo on the front end of your trip. Here is what I would do with one-day in Oslo, Norway.

Brunch in Oslo

Start off your day exploring Oslo with brunch downtown at either Leibling or Bonita Café & Flowers . You will need a lot of energy and good fuel for your day exploring Oslo largely by foot.

The brunch spots and cafes in Oslo are all so hygge (the Danish and Norwegian word for a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being) that you can’t go wrong with your pick for brunch.

Visit the Oslo Opera House

Located right on the harbor, you cannot miss the Oslo Opera House. Home to the Norwegian National Opera & Ballet, the Oslo Opera house is an architectural masterpiece.

My favorite part of the Opera house is that the architecture intentionally resembles an iceberg.

For a free activity in Oslo, you can access the rooftop of the Oslo Opera House for phenomenal views over the Oslofjord.

You can also book a guided tour to go backstage and see the set workshop or reserve a table at the cafe/restaurant for lunch or dinner.

Join a Walking Tour of Oslo

I always recommend joining a walking tour when you get to a new city on the first day to get your bearings of the city. Here are multiple companies offering free walking tours of Oslo, here are some of the best:

Free Tour Oslo
Strawberry Tours

The concept of a free walking tour is that there is no set price for the tour. At the end it is highly encouraged that you tip the guide based on your experience.

There are also a handful of paid walking tours that you can do that are more specific:

Street Food Culture Walking Tour
Private Oslo 2 hour City Tour

If you want to get off your feet, you can also try an Oslo Bike Tour which will allow you to cover more ground.

The concept of SALT is a cultural gathering spot combining art, music, shopping, food trucks, architecture, and saunas. You will also know you have reached SALT when you see the tree construction inspired by traditional Norwegian fish racks called “fiskehjeller” (see right photo above).

SALT is located right by Oslo’s famous Opera House On the edge of the jetty facing the Opera, you can both swim in the fjord and use the saunas at SALT.

There are six different saunas at SALT with the capacity of up to 80 people. You can rent your own private sauna, or participate in Sauna Sessions in the larger saunas Árdna or Skroget.

To cool down, you have your choice between cold water pools, outdoor showers, or a dip in the Oslo Fjord. You can book the saunas in advance here .

Grab some Lunch and Drinks at Vippa

About a 10 minute walk from SALT, you will find Vippa, a hip food court located at the edge of the Oslo Fjord.

The purpose of Vippa has always been to create an ethical and multicultural environment for both the locals operating the food stands and visitors. On a sunny day, enjoy the patio seating outside and make sure to take a long lunch!

Visit Akershus Fortress

Right by the harbor you’ll find Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle built to protect and provide a royal residence for the city of Oslo.

Today the fortress houses museums, restaurants, and concerts. The Akershus Fortress is completely free to enter and is open all year round from 6am until 9pm.

Guided tours of the fortress are available to the public in summer, and start at the Fortress Visitor Centre.

Mingle like a Local at Aker Brygge

Keep walking along the water from the Akerhus Fortress and you will dead end into the Aker Brygge neighborhood. The area was built upon the former ship yard of Akers Mekaniske Verksted, which ceased operations in 1982.

Today Aker Brygge is best known as a melting pot where people meet up in Oslo. Here you can find a strip of restaurants along the boardwalk with outdoor tables for al fresco dining. A popular summer boat bar is docked nearby, and ferries depart year-round for the scenic Oslo Fjord.

Take a Boat Trip down Oslofjord for some Oslo Sightseeing & Dinner

Ship Tours in the Oslofjord in Oslo, Norway

Take to the water to explore Oslo and the Oslofjord from a different perspective. The dramatic waterways are a photographer’s dream and give the city its lifeblood.

Here are a couple highly rated boat tours that I recommend:

I know traveling can be unpredictable – so all experiences recommended can be cancelled 24-hours beforehand for a full refund.

If you Have More Time in Oslo You Might Consider…

If you have more than one days in Oslo, I would suggest getting out of the city center and exploring the neighborhoods around Oslo. Here are my top suggestions!

Island hop around Oslofjord

Starting at Aker Brygge, you can catch a ferry to the different islands around Oslofjord with a regular public transport ticket or an Oslo Pass .

The islands worth visiting are: Nakholmen, Bleikøya, Hovedøya, Lindøya, Gressholmen or Langøyene. Activities on the islands will include shopping, eating at local restaurants, and taking a dip in the water.

Bygdøy Peninsula & the Museums

On the west side of Oslo, you’ll find the Bygdøy Peninsula. Bygdøy is the most fashionable residential areas in Norway, where the most expensive properties in the entire country are found.

By isgdøy a 20-minute journey from Oslo’s central station via bus 30. You can also reach he Bygdøy Peninsula via the boat from Pier 3 by the City Hall.

Here you will find the Bygdøy Royal Estate which was the official summer residence of the King of Norway. A visit to Bygdøy Royal Manor can be combined with a hike in Kongeskogen the “royal forest”. Bygdøy Royal Manor also offers guided tours for all kinds of groups upon request.

In addition to enjoying the parks, nature, and beaches, the peninsula has five national museums:

The Viking Ship Museum (currently closed until 2025 for renovations)
the Fram Museum
the Norwegian Folk Museum
the Kon-Tiki Museum
the Norwegian Maritime Museum

Grünerløkka

Grünerløkka is the exact opposite vibe from Bygdøy, and is known as Oslo’s hipster neighborhood. Here you will find small independent boutiques, vintage shopping, cafés, bars, graffiti, art, and music.

Damstredet & Telthusbakken

One of the most charming and picturesque parts of Oslo are the neighborhoods of Damstredet & Telthusbakken due to the well-preserved and wooden houses dating back to the late 1700s and the 1800s.

Damstredet is a cobbled street with wooden houses from the first half of the 19th century. The street runs between Akersveien and Fredensborgveien.

Telthusbakken is located between Maridalsveien and Akersveien, just below the medieval church Gamle Aker kirke. Along the gardens you can walk the romantic Kjærlighetsstien (“The Love Trail”).

Another neighborhood in Oslo worth checking out is Grønland. Make sure to explore here when you are hungry, because Grønland is home to the best Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants in all of Oslo.

Where to Stay in Oslo

For location right next to the Oslo central train station, book a room at Thon Hotel Opera . For a room with a view in the trendy Grünerløkka neighborhood, check out this apartment style room . If you are looking for a room on a budget, we can recommend the Comfort Karl Johan Hotel .

When planning our road trip through Norway we utilized Norway in a Nutshell to customize and coordinate different modes of transportation to get from Oslo to Bergen.

Norway in a Nutshell centralized the purchase of all the tickets for our trains, buses, and boats over the next 2 days. It does all the leg work of coordinating time tables between different modes of transportation and allows you to customize your road trip by electing to spend more time in certain cities.

You can definitely do it on your own and save some money, but it will take more time and research.

Morning Train from Oslo Central Station to Myrdal

In the morning we caught a 4.5-hour train from the Oslo Central Station to Myrdal. This train ride was absolutely stunning!

Try to get seats on the left side of the train for the best views of the picturesque towns along the way!

Catch the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) in Myrdal

Myrdal, Norway - a stop along the Flam Railway

Once we arrived in Myrdal, we got off the train and had about an hour to explore Myrdal before our next train. From Myrdal you take the famous Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) to Flåm.

The Flåm Railway has been described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. In my honest opinion, it was a bit touristy and just OK views.

So is the Flåm Railway worth it?

Yes, I would recommend the Flåm Railway train ride to others as a good way to get to Flåm, but cannot claim it is the most beautiful train journey in the world. I did not have a bad time, the views were good, and it’s a great way to get to the town of Flåm.

This train ride last about 1 hour and passes by waterfalls and endless green pastures.

The Flåm Railway train will make one stop at the Kjosfossen Falls and allow you to get off the train to view the falls from the platform. We stayed on the train and used it as an opportunity to grab a photo from inside the train with the falls (see below).

View out the Window of the Flam Railway in Norway Road trip Itinerary (2)

Spend the Day in Flåm – What To do with One Day in Flåm

We arrived in Flåm around 1pm and opted to spend the night here so we had more time to explore. I would highly recommend spending at least one night in Flåm in order to explore properly. If we had more time I would also consider staying 2 nights in Flåm.

Grab Lunch Along the Harbor

First things first, we got some lunch at the NIF Flåm Market set up along the water. There were multiple different vendors selling local seafood, beers, and other options for lunch.

We purchased some food and then sat along picnic tables outside. It was honestly just what we needed after a long morning of train travel.

There are not many options for food in Flåm, so for dinner you can check out the Ægir microbrewery for small bites, Flåmstova Restaurant right on top of the brewery, or stop by the only grocery store, Coop Marked Flåm, and pick up some ingredients to make dinner (if you have a kitchen of course).

Visit Stegastein for Fjord Views

Stegastein Lookout near Flam Norway with Fjords View

From the Flåm tourism center we booked tickets for a shuttle to the Stegastein viewpoint which offers the most stunning view over the Aurlansfjord. The drive up took about 30 minutes, and once we were at the viewpoint we had about 30 minutes to explore.

Stegastein Lookout near Flam Norway with Norway Flag

You can enjoy the viewpoint, and there are also some walking trails in the area where I caught this family of sheep enjoying a nice walk! On the way back to town, our driver pulled over along the side of the road for the below views over Flåm and the Fjords. I would definitely recommend booking a trip to Stegastein .

If you have a car with you at this point in your road trip, you can also self-drive to Stegastein both from Flåm and Aurland in the summer months.

Walk around Flåm

Red Cabins on the Lake front in Bergen Norway

Enjoy some time exploring by foot around town. My favorite was getting to see this cute baby calf near our hotel.

End with Sunset at Flåm Beach

Sunset View over the Aurlandsfjord from Flam, Norway

Not a traditional beach, the Flåm Beach area is more of a park with green grass and a pebble beach leading into the fjord.

We enjoyed relaxing here near sunset and enjoying the views of the Aurlansfjord.

Sunset View over the Aurlandsfjord from Flam, Norway with Girl

Where to Stay in Flåm

There are not many places to stay in Flam, so make sure you book your room early. If you can, try to get a room at the highly rated Flåm Ferdaminne . Other great options right in the center of Flam are Fretheim Hotel or Flåmsbrygga Hotel . If you are traveling with a group and need more space, this three bedroom private apartment in the valley would be perfect.

Day three on your road trip through Norway itinerary is a BIG travel day. You will take three different modes of transportation: a ferry, a bus, and a train before the end of the day! Don’t only focus on the destination today, because the views along your trip are going to be part of this spectacular journey!

Get Breakfast at Flåm Bakerei

Breakfast pastries from the Flam Bakery in Norway

Our morning after arriving in Flåm, we were scheduled to take a boat ride from Flam to Gudvangen.

When we arrived at the Flåm harbor we were hungry for some breakfast and found, what my husband still says is the best bakery on the planet, Flåm Bakerei.

We ordered the cinnamon pudding pastry, and the fruit pudding pastry, both of which were amazing! We cannot recommend this little bakery enough. For being one of the only places to get breakfast in Flåm, we were extremely impressed.

Ferry Through the Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen

Flam Norway Fjord Cruise to Gudvangen with Girl

We then boarded our ferry which took us on the most magical ride through the Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen. The ferry boat was huge, offering multiple outdoor viewing platforms, as well as tons of inside seating.

There were also some food options aboard the ferry. During the ferry ride we passed by the most quaint towns of Undredal (left photo below) and Dyrdal (right photo below).

Town of Undredal on the Flam Norway Fjord Cruise to Gudvangen

As we approached the town of Gudvangen, we saw a few more little towns as well as this picturesque white church along the water. I would definitely recommend a ferry through the Nærøyfjord to anyone visiting Norway!

Small town along the Nærøyfjord on the Flam Norway Cruise to Gudvangen

Gudvangen > Voss > Bergen

In Gudvangen, you can visit the Viking Village Njardarheimr and meet with real Vikings and experience how they live. The Viking Village is actually a permanent village where Vikings from all over can come and live together and share their lifestyle with visitors. You should plan at least an hour to explore the Viking Village and Gudvangen.

Next we boarded a bus to Voss where we boarded a train continuing on to Bergen. Again, all this transportation was booked and coordinated through Norway in a Nutshell , which saved us lots of stress and scheduling.

Spend the Evening in Bergen – What to do in Bergen

We arrived in Bergen in the late afternoon and had about half a day to explore. If we had more time, I would have spent an extra day in Bergen. There isn’t a ton to do here, however with how packed the rest of the itinerary is, some time to relax at a slower pace is nice. And Bergen is the perfect slow-pace city in Norway!

Overlooking the Bryggen in Bergen Norway (2)

Bergen Harbor (Bergen Havn)

Overlooking the Bryggen in Bergen Norway (4)

Once in Bergen, head straight to the Bergen Harbor or “Bergen Havn”. This is where you will feel Bergen come alive!

We loved this area for the picturesque colorful houses along the Harbor which provided plenty of cute photo opportunities.

Bergen Fish Market

The Fish Market in Bergen Norway in 10 Day Norway Itinerary

Right near the Bergen Harbor you will find the fish market! An absolute treat to walk around the market and see the local Norwegian fish and other products.

During the summer the Bergen Fish Market, which consists of a long string of fish and other produce stalls is open 7 days a week from 9AM-9PM. The fish market is closed in the winter except for some select Saturdays.

Grab Dinner along the Bergen Harbor

Seafood always tastes better when you are looking at the water, am I right? We enjoyed a delicious meal at one of the restaurants along the harbor. We just walked around looking at the menus in front of each of the restaurants to pick where we wanted to eat, so I don’t remember the specific restaurant we ate at.

We sat out on the patio and enjoyed some people watching at the harbor as well. This is definitely the place to be in Bergen for a lively atmosphere!

View from the Seaplane flying into Leknes Airport in Lofoten Islands Norway

Day 4 was largely a travel day as we made our way to the Lofoten Islands by dusk. From Bergen, we flew into the Leknes airport with a layover in Tromsø.

The Lofoten Islands was one of the stops on our Norway road trip that we were the most excited for!

The flight costs to northern Norway were extremely expensive by Europe standards. But believe me when I tell you, visiting the Lofoten Islands was one of the best decisions we’ve ever made. I have never looked back and regretted paying for those tickets.

Once you arrive at the Leknes airport, you will want to rent a car from the airport for your time exploring Lofoten. There is a public bus system on the island, but you could spend hours waiting at bus stops if you plan to see multiple villages.

On our way to our Airbnb in Sørvågen on day 4, we drove by small fishing cabins with rack upon racks of drying cod, through valleys of large mountains of snow-capped peaks, and through small beach towns with unforgettable views of the setting sun. It was one of the most picturesque drives of my life. We had to stop and pull over multiple times to admire the view!

If you want to see more, check out my 24 Epic Photography locations in the Lofoten Islands post.

Monutain Views off the Road in the Lofoten Islands Norway

We spent the next 3 days in the Lofoten islands , exploring every nook and cranny of the small fishing towns in the Lofoten Islands. You can drive along E10 from the northern most town of Svolvær to the end of the Lofoten Islands at the fishing village of Å (not a typo, it is a single letter town).

Our favorite activity in those few days was by far the Reinebringen hike to the top of a mountain/hill overlooking the city of Reine. This hike is about 510 meters ascent (1680 feet), and takes probably 2-3 hours round trip conservatively. The hike was a bit difficult as it’s basically a large staircase the entire way up, but the views are unrivaled.

A few other of our favorite spots was exploring the town of Henningsvær , as well as having a picnic on the beach in Ramberg.

There are not a ton of dining options, though there are enough, but a few places we enjoyed were Anita’s Seafood on Sakrisoy, as well as Maren Anna in Sørvågen.

Day 8 was largely a travel day again. Getting to and from the Lofoten Islands needs about a day on either end for travel. However, I have never regretted spending those magical 3 days in Lofoten!

We flew back to Bergen from Leknes, again with a layover in Tromsø. We then rented a car from the Bergen airport using Discover Cars as we always do and drove to the city of Odda. The next day we planned to hike the famous Trolltunga Hike near Odda, Norway!

Another fun mode of transportation we got to try for the first time was a car ferry . There will be an option to take a car ferry from the towns of Tørvikbygd to Jondal which cuts out a considerable amount of driving time, and was well worth it so we could get to our next stop faster.

The drive took us in total 2.5-3 hours which largely depends on how long you have to wait to catch the next car ferry. The next day we have a big hike ahead of us, so once we arrived to our Airbnb, we grabbed a pizza and headed to bed early.

Viewpoint at Trolltunga Rock on the Trolltunga Hike in Norway

Today is a big hiking day! We woke up around 5AM to get started on our drive from Odda to the parking area for the Trolltunga hike (only about 30 minutes).

The entire Trolltunga hike is about 28km round trip and can take 8-12 hours to hike there and back so make sure you start early enough to make it down by dark.

If you want to see Trolltunga at sunrise, you might consider one of these guided hiking tours:

It’s about a 5 hour drive from Odda to Oslo. An alternative to going back to Oslo would be to head to Bergen.

We chose to book our return flight from Oslo as it provided better options for outgoing flights and we didn’t get much time to explore Oslo when we arrived on Day 1.

On our last day in Norway we explored Oslo as detailed in the beginning of the post.

If You Have More Time in Norway …

If you have more than 10 days to explore Norway I would suggest looking into Alesund, Stavanger, Tromsø, the Kjeragbolten Hike, and the Pulpit Rock Hike.

Final Thoughts!

I hope that you now have all the tools you need to plan the most epic road trip in Norway. If you are currently planning a trip to Norway and have any questions, drop them in the comments below. For more travel inspiration and tips, follow me on Instagram for current updates.

Looking for more Norway inspiration? You may also enjoy these Norway related posts:

Unforgettable 4-Day Lofoten Islands Norway Itinerary
24 Epic Photography Spots in Lofoten in Summer
Hiking Trolltunga: Norway’s Most Epic Hike

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What camera gear do i use.

Camera Body: Canon EOS 6D Mark ii
Wide Angle Lens: Canon 16-35mm f/2.8
Zoom Lens: Canon 24-70mm f/2.8
Super Zoom Lens: Canon 70-200mm f/2.8
Portrait Lens: Tamron 35mm f/1.4
Drone: DJI Mavic Mini 3 Pro with RC Controller
Camera Bag: Vegan Leather Backpack
Tripod: Manfrotto Element Traveller
SD Card: SanDisk Extreme Pro 256 GB
External Travel SSD: SanDisk Extreme Pro 4 TB

About Rebecca

Rebecca is a photographer, travel blogger, and founder of That One Point of View -- a resource for the modern traveler dreamed up after a cross-cultural move abroad to Germany. She's now traveled to over 50+ countries with her husband (and sometimes golden retriever) and creates thoughtful itineraries for you to plan similar trips with ease. She's on a mission to take the intimidation out of traveling to new places and inspire you to finally book that dream trip!

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May 9, 2022 at 5:19 pm

Greetings, Beautiful Norway and splendid itinerary. Is there a way to do this itinerary without a car for 10-12days? I you could suggest better itinerary, I gladly appreciate it.

August 1, 2022 at 3:22 pm

If you are planning to explore Norway without a car, I would look into Norway in a Nutshell that I linked in the blog. This helps you to connect different modes of transportation on your desired route through Norway using buses, trains, ferrys, ect.

July 14, 2023 at 9:47 am

A lot places you visited! Did you reserved tickets transportation in Norway before trip and what about your luggage with big luggage is not probably easy? Thank you

July 14, 2023 at 10:12 am

Thanks for your question! We reserved our car (for Lofoten Island and Norway mainland) and booked flights a couple months ahead of time. All the train/ferry transportation noted in the blog we booked through Norway in the Nutshell months in advance as well. We traveled with a smaller carry-on size suitcase during this trip, so I would suggest something that would be manageable for you to lift up onto trains, but the ferries and cars are easier to manage larger suitcases. Hope this helps!

An Epic Norway 10-Day Itinerary With Everything You Need to See!

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A complete Norway 10-day Itinerary for a fantastic trip.

Get ready to embark on a thrilling 10-day journey through the heart of Norway, from the charming coastal city of Stavanger to the enchanting harbor of Bergen. This 10-day itinerary for Norway isn’t just about ticking off destinations; it’s a symphony of fjords, mountains, and authentic Nordic experiences that will leave you breathless.

With this Norway 10-day itinerary, you’ll see some of the greatest highlights AND hidden gems of Norway!

Make sure to read through to the end of this post, to get 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…

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 Norway road trip: 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
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

Now, without further ado… Here’s our 10-day itinerary for Norway!

Norway 10-day itinerary

This itinerary starts in Stavanger and ends in Bergen. Ideally, you will drive through the country of Norway yourself, for the most freedom on your trip.

Yes, in this itinerary we skip Oslo ( unlike this 14-day itinerary ), not because it’s not worth it, but because it’s an 8-hour drive from Stavanger, and away from the more important activities and places.

This is a quite busy 10-day itinerary, seeing that 10 days in Norway is not long. You’ll want to see as much as there is to see in these 10 days, without driving too much.

Day 1: Arrival – Stavanger

As I said earlier, you’ll start your trip in the coastal town of Stavanger. This city is a place you have to see when you’re in Norway! Stavanger is such a cozy town filled with colors and history.

Things you don’t want to miss in Stavanger:

Gamle Stavanger (old town). This historic area in Stavanger you definitely can’t miss! With picturesque little houses and cobbled streets, this place will fill your heart with joy!
Øvre Holmegate: a colorful street filled with cafes, boutiques, and galleries.
Stavanger’s Domkirke. One of the best-kept churches in Norway and the only one that has been continuously used since 1300!
The Wharf houses of Stavanger
Breiavatnet: a little lake with a wonderful fountain.
The Canning Museum.

As you see, there’s plenty to do within the city of Stavanger to fill a day or two. You should book a hostel or budget hotel in Stavanger.

Ps. Is a 10-day road trip too long for you? Then you should check out this awesome six-day Norway itinerary !

Where to stay in Stavanger?

Best budget accommodation: Stavanger Bed & Breakfast

Why stay here: Comfortable rooms, free parking, delicious breakfast included, cheap prices, free wifi and a great location.

Best luxury accommodation: The Villa by Frogner House

Why stay here: Beautifully furnished rooms, city views, amazing breakfast, free wifi and excellent location.

Day 2: Stavanger – Trollpikken

In the morning you should enjoy a cup of coffee in the city center of Stavanger, but make sure to hit the road before lunch. Because in a little more than an hour’s drive south, you’ll reach a point you simply can’t miss.

This untouristy place is one you have to visit. It’s called the Trollpikken, which translates to the troll’s dick. As you may know, the Trolltunga (troll tongue), is a popular touristy place in Norway. A place everyone wants to see. But when we visited Norway we weren’t looking into the touristy places, but into the alternatives.

And that’s how we found out about the Trollpikken.

From the Trollpikken parking, it’s about a 45-minute hike to reach this landmark in all its glory!

Sadly, in 2017 the Trollpikken was completely broken by vandalism. Luckily, the Norwegians managed to glue it back to the original state and it’s like nothing happened to it!

This 45-minute hike isn’t hard. Visiting the Trollpikken is definitely a fun activity for everyone, families, couples, solo travelers, everyone!

In the evening you should look for a place to go wild camping. But if you’re not one for wild camping, there are probably some hotels nearby Egersund.

Norway Itinerary for an Amazing 14-day Road Trip (with Lots of Hidden Gems)
Norway Road Trip Cost: A Full Guide to Traveling Norway on a Budget
Traveling Norway by Campervan: Everything You Need to Know!

A Full Guide to Wild Camping in Norway + Wild Camping Tips

Day 3: trollpikken – lysebotn.

After waking up and having some (Norwegian) breakfast, it’s time to hit the road! In a drive of less than 3 hours you’ll arrive in Lysebotn; the town at the end of the Lysefjord.

The Lyesfjord is pretty well known for popular places like Preikestolen (pulpit rock) and Kjeragbolten. But other than these places, there are many other things to do here. You can:

Climb the Florli Trappene: 4444 steps to the top!
Go kayaking in the fjord.
Book a regular tour through the fjord.
Hike the Preikestolen.
Go stand on the Kjeragbolten.
Explore Lysebotn.
Take one of the many other hikes.

The Lysefjord is filled with fun activities for everyone! Make sure to do your own research on things you want to do at the Lysefjord.

Day 4: Lysebotn

Seeing there are so many activities to do here, you can spend day 4 at Lysebotn as well. But tomorrow there’ll be a 7-hour drive planned, so you could choose to stay only half a day in Lysebotn today, and already drive the biggest part to Bondhusvatnet.

If you’re wild camping, you should be able to find several sleeping spots on the road. Otherwise, you should book accommodation in advance.

Where to stay in Lysebotn?

Best family accommodation: Bungalow in Sirdal

Why stay here: Perfect rustic bungalow for families up to 7, entire home, BBQ facilities and great views.

Best unique and budget accommodation: Environmental friendly Ecolodge

Why stay here: Unique capsule hotel room with a fireplace and beautiful surroundings.

Day 5: Lysebotn – Bondhusvatnet

Yep, here it is. The much dreaded 7-hour drive. Okay, it’s not that bad. But I recommend driving this in 2 parts, as I’ve said, yesterday the first part and today the second. This way you’ll also have more time to explore Bondhusvatnet!

Bonhusvatnet is a breathtaking blue glacial lake. It’s a 1-hour hike to the lake from the parking, and on this hike, you’ll already be blown away by all the beauty, because the hike to the lake leads past the most dreamy river I’ve ever seen. I love this river (and lake) so much, this website is filled with pictures of it.

On the way to the lake, you can pick some wild raspberries and blackberries, which are delicious. Then when you reach the lake, you’ll be out of words. There is simply no way to describe the beauty of this lake.

Bondhusvatnet is a true hidden gem, not many people know of it, so you won’t be walking there in crowds, which is a huge plus.

Day 6: Bondhusvatnet – Flam

From Bondhusvatnet it’s time for a 3-hour drive up to 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).

Things to do in Flam:

Book a tour to see the fjord from the water.
Go kayaking.
Visit the railway museum.
Buy a winter jacket at one of the outdoor stores.
Get your souvenirs in one of the souvenir shops.

Things to do near Flam:

Drive the longest tunnel in the world; the Laerdalstunnelen.
Visit Borgund stave church.
Take a ride with the Flamsbana.
Admire the view at Stegastein’s viewpoint.
Visit Viking Valley.

There is plenty to do in and outside Flam, make sure to do some of these activities. Don’t worry, you won’t stay here for just one day.

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 7: Mount Prest

Nearby Flam, you’ll find one of the most tremendous hikes: Mount Prest. On this hike, you will reach a point where you can admire a stunning panorama view. In around 2,5 hours (including breaks), you’ll reach this point and it will be worth all the effort!

And this place, again, isn’t crowded! You should plan to stay here for around 6 hours. Then just go back to flam and get some rest.

If you’re not one for hiking, you should do one of the activities I told you about before, in or near Flam.

Day 8: Flam – Vøringfossen

Enjoy your cup of coffee in Flam in the morning, and then hit the road. Today you’ll be driving and visiting a wondrous waterfall: Voringfossen!

From Flam, it’s a bit more than 2 hours to reach this waterfall.

You should see the Voringfossen from below and it’s possible to go up and get a lovely view of the huge canyon. Take your time, you’ll probably spend an hour or 2 in this place. Make sure to put on your hiking shoes.

Then you should drive to your accommodation or wild camping spot, ideally near Steindalsfossen, which is only another 2 hours away.

Driving this piece today will leave you more time to explore Bergen tomorrow!

Day 9: Steindalsfossen – Bergen

In the morning it’s time to visit the Steindalsfossen! This is a lovely waterfall right next to the road. You won’t have to walk for more than 5 minutes, and you can even get behind the waterfall!

Steindalsfossen is a great place to make some amazing Instagrammable photos. You’ll probably be here for half an hour before driving the last hour to 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 9 and maybe day 10 (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.

Golden tip: If you’re staying in town for a bit longer, you should go on one the these best day trips from Bergen!

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.

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 10: Bergen – Departure

If on day 10 you don’t know where to go in Bergen and which places to see, just walk. Walk around, explore the little streets no one knows about, find some hidden boutiques, and just enjoy!

It’s hard to explain what to see in Bergen, you should just see and explore for yourself.

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 is a self-drive itinerary through Norway.

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; before you know it, you’ve done an incredible job driving a mountain road!

Norwegians drive incredibly 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.

Wild camping

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.

Read my full guide on wild camping in Norway

Final thoughts on this Norway 10-day itinerary

This itinerary is much different from the 14-day itinerary I’ve written, because of distances, this one’s just more ideal for a shorter amount of time.

But all in all, these places are the ones you have to visit, to get the best taste of Norway!

Let me know what you think of this itinerary in the comments below!

Norway 10-day itinerary: everything you have to see in norway.

Norway 10 day itinerary

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10 Days in Norway: Itineraries + Guide from a local!

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Norway is an incredibly scenic country full of majestic gems, loaded with cultural experiences, and packed with outdoor adventures and activities for you. The country is big enough to spend an entire lifetime exploring ( it’s what I’ve been doing ). But what if you have only a week or 10 days to visit Norway? Born and raised in Norway and still exploring it bit by bit, I have crafted the perfect itinerary for 10 days in Norway to help maximise your travel experience while you visit!

This Norway travel itinerary is geared towards the fjord-explorers, the hikers, and even the city-walkers. In other words, it is focused towards all kinds of travellers. The months between May to September are considered the best time to visit Norway by most travellers. Hence, the first suggested ‘10 days in Norway’ itinerary in this post is centred on travelling during those months.

However , if you plan a visit to Norway in the winter to chase the Northern Lights, you will have to travel further north than what I have suggested in the first itinerary. Therefore, I have created a second 10-day itinerary for Norway further down in this guide, highlighting a 10-day itinerary for the Aurora-chasers visiting Norway.

As always, I recommend you head this way to browse all my Norway itineraries (ready for immediate download).

Table of Contents

10 Days in Norway: The Perfect Summer Itinerary

As mentioned, the first of the two Norway 10 day itineraries I have created covers travelling Norway in the warmer half of the year, and covers several Norwegian highlights that are likely to be on your bucket list for your trip.

Brief overview of the itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo
Day 2: Explore Oslo

Day 3: Fly to Stavanger and explore Stavanger

Day 4: Lysefjord cruise and Pulpit rock hike

Day 5: Fly to Bergen and explore Bergen

Day 6: train to flam, day 7: drive to odda and explore hardangerfjord, day 8: hike trolltunga.

Day 9: Drive to Oslo
Day 10: Depart Oslo

Detailed Norway 10-day Itinerary (Summer)

Most international flights to Norway land in Oslo – one of the rapidly growing capitals in the world. Hence, the Norway 10-day itinerary begins here. The environmentally friendly city of Oslo is also called the ‘Green Capital of Europe’.

Oslo is really easy to get around using public transport. However, the best way to see Oslo is to take a self-guided walking tour around the city after you make your way to the city centre. On the other hand, it’s totally acceptable to begin with a fair amount of rest in the hotel once you arrive.

Head this way to find a list of the best hotels in Oslo, Norway .

There are plenty of unique ways to explore Oslo, whether you are on a budget or looking for a luxurious holiday. Begin your 10 days in Norway tour with a visit to the waterfront areas along the Oslofjord. Aker Brygge is an upscale harbour-front of Oslo with gorgeous views of the fjord. You could enjoy savouring some great Norwegian food in this area.

Oslo is an architect’s dream, filled with creatively designed buildings and monuments. Spend your afternoon visiting the art museums like the Astrup Fearnley Museum, the Viking Ship Museum, and the Norwegian Folk Museum. In case you are not a museum-buff, visit the Royal Palace in Oslo and watch the Changing of Guards.

In the evening, take a walk either at the Vigeland Sculpture Park or along the Akerselva River . You could also opt to hire a local guide and get an exclusive tour around Oslo. Having lived in Oslo for 2 years, I’ve made a list of 30 fun things to do in Oslo that you can add to your itinerary for Norway if you have a few more days in this capital town.

After a comfortable night stay in Oslo, board a flight to Stavanger, a city on the southwestern tip of Norway. Stavanger is a coastal town and has a beautiful harbour. You will be swayed by its picturesque streets and the white wooden houses dating back to the Middle Ages.

Stavanger is a small city and can be explored on foot. Walk through the coloured street – Fargegata, a perfect Instagram worthy picture spot. Visit the Stavanger Cathedral and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum. For lunch, you could go exploring the quaint restaurants at Vågen, Stavanger’s popular dock area.

You could even catch the hop-on hop-off bus to get a proper tour of Stavanger city. Head this way to get a complete list of things to do in Stavanger .

Day 4: Lysefjord cruise and Pulpit Rock hike

Stavanger, the fourth largest city in Norway, is conveniently located very close to the beautiful Lysefjord. Due to its proximity to the fjord, it is an extremely popular tourist destination. On this day, board a ferry for cruising the Lysefjord. From Stavanger, you have to reach the ferry stop at Lauvvik, which is approximately 1 hour by bus or car, to catch the ferry.

Pulpit Rock is a famous peak surrounding the Lysefjord that most tourists are interested in climbing during their 10 days in Norway tour. Remember, if you intend to catch a ferry to Pulpit Rock to hike it, you should not catch the Lysefjord ferry.

To reach the Pulpit Rock base point, you need to drive to Lauvvik, catch a car ferry to Oanes and then drive to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge parking area from where the hike starts. Pulpit Rock towers above the Lysefjord and offers breath-taking views of the fjord below. The hike takes about 4-5 hours both ways in total.

Head this way for my complete Pulpit Rock hiking guide .

Take a morning flight from Stavanger to Bergen today. You could even opt to drive to Bergen or hop on a ferry, but that will eat up half of your day, and you need that time to tour Bergen.

Bergen is a coastal town that is known as the ‘city between the 7 mountains’. All these 7 mountains are popular hiking destinations amongst tourists visiting Norway. Mount Ulriken is the highest of Bergen’s 7 mountains and takes about 4-5 hours of hike round trip. If you feel adventurous after a morning flight, you could hike up Mount Ulriken for the gorgeous 360-degree views, or if you do not quite feel like hiking, you could take the cable car (10 minutes) up the mountain.

After a visit to Mount Ulriken, visit the Bryggen area to view the UNESCO World Heritage site listed waterfront wooden houses and tiny alleys that date back to the 1700s. You can also choose one amongst these Bergen tours that I have either tried or are recommended by people who have tried them.

Read next: the best things to do in Bergen

This day, you will travel from Bergen to Flam on the famous Flam Railway. Catch a train to Myrdal, the mountain station from where the Flam Railway departs. From Myrdal, you will travel on the Flam rail line to Flam. Trust me, this will be one of the best days in your 10 days in Norway tour.

After you check-in a hotel in Flam, catch a ferry to Gudvangen, and experience cruising both, the Aurlandsfjord and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Nærøyfjord. If you book a round trip, a bus will take you back to Flam from Gudvangen. In Gudvangen, do not miss to take a walk in the Viking Merchant town.

This entire day’s itinerary also comes as a travel package named ‘Norway in a Nutshell’ offered by Fjord Tours. You can book the complete tour package with them or to save dollars, you could also book Norway in a Nutshell tour entirely on your own – Here’s my guide on how to do it!

Head this way to find my complete list of things to do in Flåm !

After breakfast, you depart for Odda. On the way, you could stop at Voss and indulge in some fun adventure activity in the town. You could even ride the Voss Gondola, the largest and most modern mountain gondola in Northern-Europe.

Once in Odda, take a fjord cruise north through the Hardangerfjord. You will witness the surrounding landscape full of historic villages and idyllic waterfalls while sailing the fjord. Moving towards Eidfjord, the sidearm of Hardangerfjord, you’ll be able to sight the majestic Vøringsfossen waterfall flowing right into the fjord.

Today is another day of your 10 days in Norway where you have an epic hiking chance to Trolltunga peak, a very popular hike amongst the tourists. Trolltunga is a cliff shaped like a troll’s tongue with the crystal blue fjord right below. The estimated hiking time is about 10 hours in total, but it is worth it once you get to see the view from the top and the thrill of standing on the edge of the cliff.

You will have to drive down to Tyssedal from where the hike to Trolltunga starts. The surrounding views that the Trolltunga hike offers gets better and better as you keep ascending. After the climb, step out onto the Trolltunga cliff for a perfect photo opportunity.

Day 9: Drive back to Oslo

Odda to Oslo is a long 5-hour drive. You can either have a lazy morning and then start for Oslo, detouring a bit to get an incredible view of the Låtefossen waterfall from the bridge at Skare. Or, you could leave Odda early in the morning and reach Oslo before the afternoon to explore the capital town a bit more.

Get up early in the morning, take a leisurely walk around your hotel, and buy souvenirs for your loved ones. Enjoy the last day of your 10 days in Norway trip before you head to the Oslo International airport for your return flight back home.

GoPro night settings for shooting the northern lights

10 Days in Norway for Northern Lights Chasers (Winter itinerary)

If you are visiting Norway in winter, which is the best time to see the Northern Lights , you could modify the above Norway travel itinerary from Day 3 to head northwards. Instead of flying to Stavanger on Day 3, fly to Tromsø and follow the below-mentioned Norway travel itinerary.

Read and bookmark my packing list for winter in Norway before you go to ensure you have everything you need!

Day 3: Fly to Tromsø and explore Tromsø
Day 4: Tromsø – Hurtigruten
Day 5: Cruise along Vesterålen Islands and reach Svolvær
Day 6: Explore Lofoten Islands
Day 7: Explore Lofoten Islands
Day 8: Drive to Bodo and fly to Oslo
Day 9: Norway in a Nutshell from Oslo

Arrive in Oslo, immerse yourself in the beauty that Norway is. Dive into Oslo’s culture by visiting the museums, the harbour, and the fortresses. On day three, take a flight to Tromsø , where you will sled with reindeer, sleep in a Sami tent and watch the dancing Northern Lights . Visit the Arctic Cathedral, the Polar Museum, and take a gondola ride to Mount Storsteinen. At midnight, embark on a cruise with Hurtigruten, the world’s best and most beautiful sea voyage. While on a cruise on day five, explore the beautiful Vesterålen Islands and disembark at Svolvær, the capital of Lofoten Islands, in the evening.

You will spend a relaxed time in the Lofoten Islands on days six and seven. Visit Henningsvær, Borg, Moskenes region, Tind, Nusfjord, Vikten, Sakrisøya, Harstad, Reine, and Å. Cruise the Reinefjord and Vestfjord, visit the fishermen villages, chase the Auroras each night, and book a stay in Rorbu, the traditional Norwegian houses used by fishermen. I personally got to see the Northern Lights at Lofoten Islands in winter . Go, read about my experience!

On day eight, take a flight to Oslo via Bodo. On the ninth day, head on to the famous Flam Railway, ferry through UNESCO World Heritage Site listed and Norway’s narrowest fjord – Nærøyfjord, and visit the Viking village in Gudvangen before returning to Oslo.

Here’s how to photograph the Northern Lights with a GoPro (like I did)!

Honestly, you will never be satisfied by spending 10 days in Norway, as every day spent here seems to get better from the one before it. However, this itinerary for Norway will get you familiar with the region for planning a second-time visit.

If you visit Norway anytime soon, I recommend you read my Norway Travel Guide before you get to planning. Do write back to me if you need any assistance with regards to spending 10 days in Norway.

The 5 Best Fjords in Norway: Complete Guide

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Norway Road Trip: 10 Days Itinerary for Norway

If you’re planning a Norway road trip, then let me suggest in this 10-day itinerary for Norway, that will get your money’s worth.

What to know about your Norwegian road trip

What do you need to know about your road trip in Norway? Norway is not CHEAP!

That’s probably why you’ll not find a lot of recommendations when you search for “Norway road trip on a budget” – because you simply can’t go to Norway on a budget. At least, not in 2024.

This is an important aspect of your road trip in Norway, as this is a big country and everything you’ll want to visit is as at least a 5-hour drive away from any other point on your road trip.

What will be your biggest costs during your road trip in Norway?

Car rental
Accommodation

Needless to say, a road trip in Norway implies driving to Norway (this is what I did) or renting a car . As with everything you will lay your hand on in this beautiful country, renting will no be cheap, but it will be your only option if you’re coming from outside Europe.

And even if you want to drive to Norway, it will take you a few days to get there – which might be an issue if you have a limited holiday.

In most cases, renting a car in Norway will still be one of the best options to see as much as possible during your stay.

Accommodation in Norway

Considering you’ve sorted out the transportation, you need now to start thinking about accommodation. There are three ways to do this – hotels, camping, and hybrid.

Check out on Booking.com some of the best accommodations in Norway .

Camping in Norway

You might already know that Norway has embraced camping as part of its culture, and you’ll find plenty of camping places everywhere you go.

Moreover, Norwegian law allows you to wild camp as long as you are 150 meters away from any other building, away from agricultural fields, or interfering in any way with others or disturbing them. In a nutshell, you may wild camp in Norway as long as you don’t bother anyone or leave any traces behind you.

When in Norway, you’ll notice a lot of campers and trailers everywhere, and most are from Norway, the Netherlands, and Germany – the only sane people who can afford to spend a holiday in Norway. However, if you don’t have a camper, then you can simply pitch your tent.

Nature is beautiful, and if you’ve slept in a tent before, you know what to expect. Yes, this means you need to take all your trash with you, including the used toilet paper, and throw it in a proper trash bin. Luckily, most places suited for camping (even wild camping sites) might have toilets.

But if you choose a place that has no toilet or anything like that, you will need a shovel. You understand what to do – hopefully.

Hotels in Norway

The other option is to stay at hotels and hostels. Trust me, even hostels in Norway are expensive, but some will feel like a three-star hotel. Most of them offer great breakfast (which you should take advantage of, considering the prices of food). However, there is an issue with accommodation in Norway.

There are not that many hotels, and if you want to book your stay last minute (like I always do), then you might be surprised when the cheapest option you’ll find starts at $250.

You see, not a lot of things happen in Norway, and during those two months of summer (July and August), they try to cramp in every possible concert, festival, and tradition.

And that’s when literally everyone is on holiday. So if you want to stay in a specific place, and one of these events is going on (there’s always something happening in Bergen), then you should book your accommodation well in advance. It’s not that you’ll get a better price, but at least you get a hotel room.

TIP: When booking a hotel, I find that the cheapest option is to use the Booking.com app on your mobile. It may offer better prices on mobile. Also, some hotels offer a last-minute discount if you’re booking for the same day. However, this is not necessarily true for Norway.

And of course, the third option is to go hybrid and occasionally stay in campings and pitch your tent for a moderate cost (around 30 Euros) and then stay in hotels when the weather turns bad (which will happen more than you think, but more on that later).

Norway itinerary 10 days

There are many cities and places that deserve a visit in Norway. But as you will soon find out, you’ll have to decide on an itinerary and stick to it because there’s no chance that you’ll see it all during a 10-day itinerary in Norway.

I will give you what I believe to be an achievable itinerary suitable for anyone.

Day 1 – Oslo

I arrived in Olso and explored the capital of Norway on foot. Oslo is not a vast place, and you can easily explore it on foot, even if you only have one day to visit it.

oslo Norway Road Trip: 10 Days Itinerary for Norway

What’s not to miss in Oslo?

Oslo Cathedral
The Opera house
Deichman Bjørvika (public library – interesting interior)
Munch Museum (if you’re interested in expressionism)
Viking Ship Museum (unfortunately closed until 2026, but still worth mentioning, in case you plan to visit after 2026)
Fram Museum (Houses the ship Fram, which was used by Nansen and later by Amundsen for their polar expeditions. This boat has made it both to the North and South Pole.)
Royal Palace (only open in summer)

If you plan to stay in the centre, that’s where the most expensive accommodations are, and the parking fees are gigantic.

That’s why I recommend staying either a bit outside of the centre, in the North. I stayed at this hostel called Oslo Hostel Rønningen (which felt more like a 4-star hotel), and it was amazing, with free parking. Another option I find suitable would be to stay on the museum island, such as the Radisson Blu Scandinavia Hotel or Hotel Filip .

Day 2 – Pulpit rock hike

Norway is all about hikes and beautiful trails. You’ve probably heard about the famous cliff hanging over a stunning fjord. Well, the good news is that there are multiple such hikes you may want to try, and some are more accessible than the Trolltunga, which takes a minimum of 8 hours and a medium level of fitness.

pulpit rock Norway Road Trip: 10 Days Itinerary for Norway

I recommend the Pulpit Rock hike , which is only 4-5 hours (round trip) and is accessible to anyone. The trail will take you to a rock that is 604 m above the Lysefjord and offers stunning views.

But there’s a catch – you need to go there early, as this is a really popular hike, and the parking space is limited at the start of the trail. If you get there too late, you’ll not be able to park, and you will have to come back later or on a different day.

If you are super into hiking, then check out my road trip itinerary to reach the most famous hiking trails in Norway in a week .

For the Pulpit Rock hike, I recommend staying at Preikestolen BaseCamp , which is right at the start of the trail. Wake up early to start the hike without having to hassle about parking. If there is no room there, you can try to stay at the Preikestolen camping AS , but that’s only for campers and tents.

After the hike, you’ll have time to drive to your next stop, Stavanger city.

Day 3 – Stavanger

Stavanger is a lovely port city, and the old town will fascinate you. If you are lucky to be there on a sunny day, make sure to wander around the streets of the old town, where all the white wooden houses are. What not to miss in Stavanger:

stavanger Norway Road Trip: 10 Days Itinerary for Norway

Old town (Gamle Stavanger)
Fargegaten (the colourful street)
Valberget Utsiktspunkt (the old watchtower)

I recommend staying at Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel , and you can park in the St Olav underground parking, which is right behind the hotel.

Day 4 – Bergen

Bergan is the home of black metal, and this is where Norway will feel truly touristic. However, the city is charming, and it’s worth a stop, if only for a few hours.

Sure, everything will be more expensive (is that even possible? – yes), but a walk about the 10-century-old harbour and its charming wooden houses.

Please don’t be disappointed when you see huge crowds of people, which will leave you wondering where the lovely wooden houses are. But you might want to steer off the famous Bryggen (port area) to find narrow streets with lesser crowds. Parking is available only in parking garages, and they are not cheap.

I recommend staying at Magic Hotel Korskirken .

bergen Norway Road Trip: 10 Days Itinerary for Norway

Day 5 – Naeroyfjord

Out of its thousands of fjords, Norway has only two fjords on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and this is one of them. The Naeroyfjord is the most beautiful and wildest arm of the Sognefjord.

Here, you can go on a 2-hour cruise from Flam to Gudvangen (or the other way around). You can see the schedule and book it here: https://www.norwaysbest.com/things-to-do/fjords/fjord-cruise-naeroyfjord/

naeroyfjord Norway Road Trip: 10 Days Itinerary for Norway

Don’t worry. Parking is free in each of these places.

However, note that after you get from one place to the other, you can either book the scheduled bus to take you back to the starting point (which I do recommend because it will be fully booked once you get there).

If you miss the electric boat, there’s a traditional boat that will take you on the same cruise, which is cheaper and operates in between those hours (no need to book in advance).

If you don’t have a prebooked ticket to get on the shuttle bus to get back to your starting point, don’t worry. Just walk to the main road (E16), and there is a bus stop.

There are a few buses per day that stop there.

While these are long-distance buses and some people pre-booked their tickets, I paid on the bus by card, and there was plenty of room, although we were 30 people waiting for that 450 bus.

I did the cruise from Flam to Gudvangen and took the 10-euro bus back to Flam , which dropped me off right in front of the parking lot from the harbor, where I parked the car for free.

Where to stay in Flam?

During this cruise, I recommend staying the night before somewhere close to it, such as Aurland fjord view . This is in Aurland, the closest town to Flam. Book this in advance, as the Flam area is expensive and is one of the most touristic places in Norway. Of course, you can stay in Flam at Flåm Marina , if you have a bigger budget for this trip.

Day 6 – Jostedalsbreen National Park

Are you ready to see with your own eyes the largest glacier in continental Europe? Here it is, and it’s completely free to go and see it – but of course, parking is not free.

briksdalbree glaciar Norway Road Trip: 10 Days Itinerary for Norway

Even this valley to get there is absolutely stunning, and I am so glad a local told me about it. I would not recommend missing this, as this was one of the highlights of my Norway road trip.

Please book your accommodation at Briksdalsbre Mountain Lodge in advance. There is also parking right next to it, where you can leave your car during the hike (it’s around 8 euros for the entire day). This is the start of the hike, too, for the Briksdalsbre glacier, part of the Jostedalsbreen glacier.

As you drive in this valley, you will see different parts of the glacier, and each has a different name.

Since we didn’t book in advance, we were lucky to find a free house nearby. Check out Airbnbs , but also look out for signs on the road toward free rooms.

There are more places to stay than you find on Google, and we found our place by simply asking at one of the hotels (the owners know each other). We stayed here (can’t find this place listed anywhere now), and followed the road where it says Free rooms. The nicest house is where the owner lives, and yes, you may pay by card. Don’t worry if you arrive late. It was already 9 pm by the time we found this place.

We got there at around 9 pm, and the host was very nice. Norwegians are friendly and welcoming.

The next morning, wake up early and dress up for the hike to Briksdalbre glacier. It’s a 30-45 minute easy trail but bring rain protection.

Day 7 – Geirangerfjord

This is the second fjord of Norway that is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list of natural monuments. It was also one of my personal favourite fjords.

Geirangerfjord Norway Road Trip: 10 Days Itinerary for Norway

I recommend driving to Hellesylt (on the way there, you’ll also see a 19th-century stone bridge – Hornindal Bridge ).

From Hellesylt, take the ferry to Geiranger (this takes around 1 hour, it’s a cruise ferry and it’s the most expensive ferry I took in Norway. It was around 110 euros for a car and two adults). But it’s a must-see!! Please don’t miss it.

There is a ferry going every 1.5 hours.

After you reach Geiranger, you can go around the town, but don’t waste too much time and start driving up the mountain and stop at the Ørnesvingen Viewpoin t. There’s some parking, but be careful as accidents happen all the time, given the narrow road and the many busses that drive by.

If you have more days, you can add Alesund to your itinerary. If not, continue to Molde, where you can stay for the night at Scandic Seilet to enjoy those views.

Day 8 – Atlantic road

This is another highlight of this Norway 10-day itinerary, as you will drive on the ocean.

atlantic road Norway Road Trip: 10 Days Itinerary for Norway

There are many stops along the way of this road, and you can plan your stops according to your schedule. But you should definitely stop at Eldhusøya and take some time to enjoy the views from the walkway. There’s even a cafe in the parking lot.

Norwegians have everything figured out, even parking lots and viewpoints. Trust me. You’ll love it.

The most impressive part of this drive is between Vevang and Grisen , but some recommend you drive all the way to Askevågen, Viewpoint, which is a little before reaching Vevang. Considering you’ll make plenty of stops on this road, I recommend staying at Valsøya Camping (they also have private rooms). Go on the rocks at the end of the tiny harbour to admire the sunset.

Day 10 – Trondheim

The next day, you have plenty of time to drive to Trondheim and walk around this beautiful city. This is the third largest city in Norway and one that I loved the most.

trondheim Norway Road Trip: 10 Days Itinerary for Norway

What not to miss in Trondheim?

Nidaros Cathedral (go up to the tower)
Bryggen (the bridge towards the old town)
Bakklandet street in the old town
Kristiansten Fortress (the views are not to be missed)
Trøndelag Folk Museum (open-air museum)
Rockheim (a must-see for music fans and black metal fans)

I recommend staying at Radisson Blu Royal Garden Hotel . There’s parking in front of the hotel (paid) and street parking (also paid, but free Saturday afternoon and Sunday).

From Trondheim, you can drive back to Oslo, which is only 500 km away and can be done in half a day, if there are no other stops on the way.

Tips for your Norway road trip

There’s a lot to say about this beautiful country, but I’ll try to focus on some of the things I wish I had known before visiting Norway. Here are my top 10 tips for your Norway road trip:

Bring a raincoat! Nobody tells you this, but trust me when I say that most of the time spent in Norway will be in the rain.
Pack smart! Even if you have huge stuff that you want to carry with you all across the country, back a smaller bag with all the essentials that you can easily take out of the car and bring into your hotel room. You’ll only want to have a shower and sleep.
Bring rain shoes. You can survive without them, but at least two different pairs of daily sneakers to wear in turns when one pair gets wet.
Driving in Norway is easy , but remember to have the ePASS24 app all set up before going to Norway.
You’ll take plenty of ferries in Norway , and they offer the best views, so make sure to get on the top platform and get some pics.
Have a credit or debit card dedicated to this trip in Norway . You’ll use it a lot, and you’ll want to make sure you have enough funds for it. For instance, before filling your tank at the gas stop, you’ll have to put in your card, and they will take around 150 euros as a guarantee before even putting a drop of gasoline in your tank. After you finish filling the gas, the right amount will be charged to your card. I recommend using Revolut .
Norwegians are friendly and eager to help you . Don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.
Driving an electric car is the best way to go on a road trip in Norway. Electric cars enjoy certain benefits such as free refuelling and parking and reduced.
Most foods are imported in Norway , especially fruits and veggies. But if you like to eat fish, then you’ll be in heaven.
There’s a lot to see in Norway, and you can’t possibly see it all in only 10 days. Most places are natural places, such as fjords, valleys, and scenic roads. Don’t stop randomly in the middle of the street because there are plenty of small stops for viewpoints everywhere you go.

Norway Road Trip: 10 Days Itinerary for Norway

For a more complete overview of what to know about Norway before your trip, check out my Norway travel guide.

Norway in a nutshell itinerary

This 10-day itinerary for a Norway road trip is my personal recommendation, and it includes my best tips to make your trip go as smoothly as possible. I also want to point out that parking in cities is a hassle and oftentimes really expensive.

I would avoid cities as much as possible, or at least not spend that much time in bigger cities such as Oslo and Bergen. If you want to visit the city and explore all the streets, history and museums, I would definitely recommend going there by plane, for a weekend or so.

Then you wouldn’t need to worry about parking and can stay in a hotel in the centre (which never offers a parking space).

Although you will probably plan your trip for the summer, be prepared for 10-15 degrees Celcius and pack a raincoat. If you need more tips about planning this Norwegian adventure, check out my complete Norway travel guide .

Shopping in Norway will not be cheap, and I do recommend bringing everything you need with you. I did my shopping in an outlet in Sweden, and I have to say that was the best thing I did preparing for this Norway road trip.

If you’re looking for similar itineraries but on a budget side, I recommend checking out this Baltic countries road trip itinerary I did in 2019.

Iulia Vasile

Iulia is a travel expert, blogger, engineer, freelance copywriter, and a curiosity-driven personality. She sees travel as the ultimate tool for self-improvement and personal growth, and that's the main topic of her blog, Juliasomething.com.

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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.

Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil Waterfalls

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 .

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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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Norway 10 Day Itinerary: What to Do and See on an Epic Norway Road Trip

by Crazy Travelista | Jan 19, 2019 | Itinerary , Norway | 14 comments

Ahhh Norway, one of my favorite places on earth! This was my 4th visit to Norway , and my second in 6 months. I think it’s safe to safe I am absolutely obsessed with Norway . The natural beauty and outdoor activities on offer are hard to beat. The reason I’ve been back so many times is because everything I wanted to see and do is very spread out as Norway is a long and skinny country. So I decided to rent a car and do an epic road trip, and as a result, came up with this glorious Norway 10 day itinerary!

The one place that didn’t really make sense itinerary-wise was Trolltunga. But hell, it was at the top of my Norway bucket list and I was gonna do it in even if it required a ton of driving!

During my 10 day road trip, there were 2 days that required about 8-9 hours of driving. However, the scenery on the way was half the fun. Renting a car is the best way to explore this beautiful country and saves a lot of time and stress trying to use public transportation.

Driving in Norway

Driving in Norway was so much fun because I could stop anywhere I wanted and take in the view. I didn’t notice any aggressive driving there so it was pretty stress free overall. The only thing you need to keep an eye out is the one-way tunnels . There were only a few of them on my trip and they weren’t too bad (probably because I was used to them after all the one way tunnels in Lofoten islands and Faroe islands).

I rented a car from Sixt in Bergen and returned it to Trondheim. When booking your car, make sure you check the one-way fees because I saw some companies that charged $800 for the one way fee! Sixt charged $250 which was the cheapest I found.

I had also used Sixt before a few times and absolutely loved them. Their customer service is great and I never have to wait in any line when picking up the car. This was a godsend at LAX airport!

Also, I’ve gotten upgrades for free 3 out of the 5 times I’ve rented with them. They really are no hassle and the cars are always shiny and new. And no this is NOT sponsored and I’m not getting paid to say this! I just really like the company.

TIP : Get the smallest car possible for those single-lane roads and narrow driveways. You won’t be able to pass some places with a big car

VERY IMPORTANT TIP : A lot of the drives in Norway require a ferry crossing at some point. For this reason, you can’t plan to drive in the middle of the night because you might get stranded and never make it to your final destination until the next day. All the ferry times are different depending on the route, but when I was looking at the schedules it appeared that the last one was usually around 10pm or 10:30pm. You definitely need to keep this in mind when driving in Norway.

If you use Google Maps and put the address is, you will see if there is a ferry crossing or not on the route. Just look for the little ship symbol (below).

Extra Transport Costs

There are a bunch of automatic tolls (mostly when you go into a tunnel) that you will pass while driving in Norway. Check with your car company because I was told not to stop and pay and that they would be automatically added to my bill in the end (way easier). Otherwise, there is a pay station before or right after the tunnel.

I ended up paying $108 in tolls for my long 10 day journey (ouch). The good news is I got upgraded to a Hybrid car and the total for gas was just $105 for 10 days. And that’s with 2 days of 8+ hours of driving.

I also paid a total of $50 i n ferry crossings as well (4 ferries total).

National Scenic Routes in Norway

There are 18 national scenic routes in Norway offering stunning scenery with several viewpoints to stop at and have photo shoot or a picnic. You will see glaciers, fjords, coastlines, stunning architecture, waterfalls, and more. These are some of the most gorgeous drives in all of Norway, so make sure to drive at least a few of them on your Norway road trip!

I drove on a few of them throughout my 10 day Norway road trip including Atlanterhavsvegan (the Atlantic Ocean Road), Sognefjellet (on the way to Geiranger), and Geiranger-Trollstigen.

The Sognefjellet passes through Jotunheimen National Park , with towering mountains and some glaciers as well, it was spectacular.

Norway 10 Day Itinerary

Day 1-2: bergen, day 3-4: odda + trolltunga hike, day 5-6: geiranger, day 7-8: trollstigen + ålesund , day 9-10 : atlantic ocean road + trondheim.

For all the best things to do in Bergen , I will redirect you to an article I wrote for Eurail HERE .

Where to stay in Bergen

More affordable: I stayed in an Airbnb that was a 15 minute walk to town. It was on top of a hill so the walk had beautiful views most of the way. It was a 2 bedroom apartment on the bottom of the host’s house. It doesn’t have a kitchen or stove but it does have a fridge so you can make sandwiches and such. It was super cute and the host was super warm and welcoming. She even leaves a mug of hot coffee outside your door in the morning. It was only $48/night and for the price, it can’t be beat in Norway! It can sleep 3 people. You can check the listing HERE .

*PS: I was supposed to be on this trip with 2 other friends but they cancelled last minute so I had 2 bedroom places the whole trip because of this…not because I’m ballin’ or anything haha.

More luxurious : on my first trip to Bergen I stayed at Hotel Oleana and LOVED it. You can read my review of the hotel HERE .

Drive from Bergen to Odda

Driving time : about 3 hours

Ferry crossing : there is a ferry crossing from Tørvikbygd to Jondal to get to Odda . It costs 53 NOK ($6) and takes about 20 minutes. (The ferry leaves about every hour). You can pay by credit card. They will come to your car with a card machine while you’re in line and it’s a super easy process. FYI: I didn’t need cash at all on this entire trip!

Odda is a gorgeous little town set in a fjord and is sort of like the gateway to Trolltunga. This is where you will want to look for accommodations if you plan on doing the Trolltunga hike.

Where to Stay in Odda

Airbnb : I stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment on the top of my host’s house that had the BEST views of the whole city in my opinion! The stairs to get up there were brutal and extra steep, but that’s the small price to pay for incredible views like that. There were sweet views from the main bedroom, the living room, and the kitchen.

The host was just incredible and like your mother greeting you with a big hug like you know each other. She even came and helped me with all my bags up those evil steps. She also brings up a basket of hiking gear that you can borrow like wool sweaters, hats, gloves and gives great tips about the hike and where to park/when to go, etc.

It was also one of the most affordable place to stay in all of Norway at $78/night for an entire 2 bedroom apartment. You can check out the listing HERE .

Trolltunga Hike

Trolltunga is definitely one of the best hikes in Norway and the longest hike I have ever completed. My body was sore for days afterwards and I could barely even walk, but it was definitely worth it!

Tips for Hiking Trolltunga

Parking costs are RIDICULOUS so the more people in your car the cheaper it will be
Trolltunga upper parking only holds 30 cars and opens at 6am. Get there by 5:30am. I arrived at 5:33am on September 4th (end of peak season) and was number 14 in line. It cost is 600 NOK ($72 ). The cost to park at the bottom lot is 500NOK ($58) so not much difference.
Parking at the upper lot will takes off 3 KM each way of your hike so it’s totally worth it. It turns a 28km hike into a 22km hike.
The entire hike is on uneven rocks the whole time. There are no bathrooms or trash cans. There are also no bushes or trees to hide behind so if your bladder is weak, you’re going to have to get creative for your privacy. (I held mine for 12 hours like a champ).
The hike will take you 8-12 hours round trip, including a break for lunch and waiting in line for pictures. (I heard some people who completed it in 6 hours total, but they must be VERY fast hikers…it took me 11 hours, but I am on the slower side as I had a partially torn ACL on the hike!).
Start the hike as early as possible so you won’t have to wait in the LONG line for pictures on the Troll’s Tongue (Trolltunga). You also don’t want to be hiking back in the dark.
If you get in line for the picture before noon you won’t have to wait long for your picture. I heard that in the peak summer months it can take up to 3 hours to wait for your picture (Sucky!)
Just below Trolltunga on the left is a mini Trolltunga with a spectacular view. You won’t have to wait long for your picture there. You do have to climb down on some slippery rocks so just go slow.
The hike is super safe and can be done solo with no problem. There are many people on the trail so you’re never alone. There is no dangerous wildlife either.

Sunrise on the start of the Trolltunga hike.

Drive from Odda to Geiranger

Drive through Jotunheimen National Park via Sognefjellet, home to Norway’s highest mountains (see National Tourist Routes above) to get to Geiranger. This road was absolutely breathtaking and the time passed so quickly driving through here. Although, in reality it took me forever since I kept stopping every 2 feet for photos.

There was a small fee for driving this road but it was SO worth it. It cost 80 NOK($10) .

Just a glacier in the background, NBD

Stop at Lom Stave Church on the way to admire the beautiful traditional Norwegian architecture (and also to stretch your legs).

Geiranger is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and I think it’s one of the most beautiful places in all of Norway .

What to Do in Geiranger

Flydalsjuvet viewpoint and rock- to get to the rock you have to step over a 1 foot mini fence behind the men’s bathroom. Then walk straight down the path that curves to the right. It takes 1 minute from the bathroom. It’s roped off because it’s dangerous so please don’t bring your children or dogs out there. Also, make sure you’re not wearing sandals or unsturdy shoes. There are no rails or anything and the drop is several hundred feet. BE CAREFUL!

View this post on Instagram Norway leaving me speechless again 🇳🇴. I might like this view more than Trolltunga and it only requires a one minute hike 😋. It’s hard to find though and the tourism board doesn’t tell you where it is because apparently there have been some accidents here. So they built a little one foot fence to “block” off the area 😂. So yeah, that didn’t stop me from seeing it for myself. But in all seriousness, there are no barriers to this few hundred foot drop so please be careful and wear sturdy shoes. Your life is not worth a photo ✌🏼#flydalsjuvet #geiranger #geirangerfjord #visitnorway #adventuregirls #choosemountains #natureonly #norwaynature A post shared by 🌍World Traveler/Blogger✈️ (@crazytravelista) on Sep 10, 2018 at 9:45am PDT

Fjordsetet (the Fjord Seat) -be the queen of the fjord and admire the vast beauty of Norway from this epic seat at the top of the lookout point.

Hike -there are many hikes around Geiranger ranging from 30 minutes to multiple hours. I didn’t attempt any hiking as it was raining most the time, and also because I could barely move from Trolltunga.

There are fjord cruises on offer that will take you around the fjords for 90 minutes. The cost is 350NOK ($41) and it leaves 3 times a day.

Fjordnaer Geiranger Sjokolade -this place is heaven for chocolate lovers. This cozy little cafe does chocolate tastings with unique flavors such as blue cheese chocolate and fresh berry chocolates (It sounds weird, but it’s so good).

They also offer a famous hot chocolate with white, dark, milk, or chili chocolate flavors. Oh, and maybe my favorite, coffee chocolate! My mouth is watering just reminiscing about this place.

Ørnesvingen Eagle road -on your way out of Geiranger, take the Eagle Road up the mountain to a gorgeous viewpoint over the fjord and valley. It’s on the 63 road on the way to Trollstigen.

Where to Stay in Geiranger

I stayed in a cute little 2 bedroom cabin apartment at the top of the hill with a magnificent view of the valley below. The views form the restaurant were mind blowing (pictured below).

A lot of the hikes start right from the accommodation so it’s an excellent place to base yourself. It’s so peaceful and quiet up there and I would definitely recommend it.

Drive from Geiranger to Trollstigen

It takes 2 hours to get from Geiranger to Trollstigen on Road 63. The drive from Geiranger to Trollstigen is a national tourist route , as mentioned above.

Ferry Crossing : there is a ferry crossing from Geirangervegen to Trollstigen at Eidsal . It takes 10 minutes and costs 98 NOK ($12) .

Trollstigen

Trollstigen is known as “ The Trolls Road ” and is probably the most famous National Tourist Route that you can drive in Norway.

Trollstigen is a famous windy road carved into the mountain that consists of 11 hairpin turns going steeply up the mountain with the gorgeous Romsdal Valley below.

The turns are so sharp at some points that I had to honk because I couldn’t see around the corner. It sounds scary, but if you drive slow, it’s more fun than anything. You’ll also pass some beautiful cascading waterfalls on your way down as well.

NOTE : Trollstigen is usually closed from October/November to mid May due to snow so make sure you plan accordingly (the dates may vary, but you can check the status here on the official page of the Norwegian Scenic Routes.

Drive from Trollstigen to Å lesund

It takes 2 hours to drive from Trollstigen to Ålesund.

A fire in the early 1900s basically burned Ålesund to the ground and they rebuilt it in the art nouveau style . That’s why it looks different than any other city in Norway . It looks like the old town of a Central European city.

What to Do in Ålesund

Hike up to Aksla viewpoint (Aka Fjellstua) , a mere 418 steps to the top. There is a cafe with an awesome view at the top where I sipped cappuccino and had a lovely GF pastry.

The Ålesund harbor is a nice place to grab a drink and people watch.

Kayak -there are kayaks available to rent to take around the harbor if it’s a nice sunny day.

Ålesund can easily be done in one day (or even a day trip from somewhere else), but it was a nice place to relax and unwind after all the driving I had been doing.

Where to Stay in Ålesund

I stayed in a 2 bedroom penthouse apartment with the most amazing views of the city throughout the whole penthouse. It was right in the center of town so it was nice to just walk outside and be around all the restaurants, attractions, and shops. It was also only a few minutes from the walk up to the viewpoint.

Where to book: My 2 bedroom Airbnb was $200/night and could fit 4 people. This was in September so it might be a little more during peak season. You can check the listing HERE .

Drive from Ålesund to Atlantic Ocean Road

It takes a little less than 3 hours to get from Ålesund to the Atlantic Ocean Road.

Ferry Crossing : You must take a ferry from Vestnes to Molde . It costs 152 NOK ($18) and takes about 40 minutes. (The ferry runs about every 45 minutes).

Atlantic Ocean Road

The Atlantic Ocean Road is an epic windy road connected by peninsulas in northern Norway . The road goes over the powerful ocean and on stormy days the waves come crashing onto the road. Google pictures of it, it’s quite scary looking!

The Atlantic Ocean Toad takes less than 10 minutes to drive and has many stop-off places to park and take pictures. There is a little visitor center with a cafe and toilets. They also built a 360 degree walkway that you can walk full around and see both sides of the road.

Ferry Crossing : from the Atlantic Ocean road to Trondheim takes about 3.5-4 hours and requires a ferry crossing from Halsa to Kanestraum. It costs 106 NOK ($12.50) and takes about 20 minutes. (The ferry runs about every 20 minutes).

Trondheim was founded by the Vikings in 997 and used to be the Viking capital of Norway until 1217. Trondheim is a super colorful town that has lots of things to do so don’t overlook this awesome city. It really surprised me!

What to Do in Trondheim

Go to the old town bridge for the best views of the colorful buildings against the water. The old wooden buildings used to be housing for the working class. They have been beautifully preserved and now house cute cafes, shops, and restaurants.

Walk through Bakklandet area for the cutest little neighborhood and cafes. This was my favorite area of the city and I could have gone cafe hopping all day.

Walk up to the Kristiansten Fortress for great views over the city. There were many picnic tables and people jogging and working out up there.

Go to the famous Bakklandet Skydsstation for fish soup (and GF bread). This is a traditional little restaurant with a homey feel inside.

Where to Stay in Trondheim

I stayed in a 2-bedroom apartment that was about a 15 minute walk to the main part of town. The tram was also right outside so it was very convenient to get around. It was super spacious and cost $120/night and fit 4 people. You can check the listing HERE .

Travel Insurance for Your Norway Road Trip

My go to travel insurance is World Nomads . I’ve been using them for 4.5 years now and I love them. I have had to file 3 claims so far and I got fully reimbursed for all of them with no hassle. It’s not the cheapest on the market, but they have some of the highest coverage of any travel insurance. For this reason, I will continue to use them!

How to Get World Nomads for Your Next Trip

If you want an idea of how much travel insurance is going to cost, you can get a quick quote below:

If you’ve enjoyed this article, please PIN it for later. ♥

14 Comments

So where would you suggest flying into? Sounds like the most common place to fly into is Oslo but is far from the itinerary..what would you suggest? We’re flying in from Seattle so not sure what’s Good spot…

I flew into Bergen and then out of Trondheim. I have been to Norway 4 times now and have skipped Oslo every time. It’s not close to anything else and I heard its just ok. There are way prettier places in Norway and you go there for the nature. Norway is a long and skinny country and most places are really far away from the other…so you’re most likely going to fly into one airport and out of another. Try the multi-destination option on Skyscanner. That’s how i usually find my flights at a good price!

Thank you for all the info:). It has helped a lot in my planning. Yes looking at hiking options and thinking of going to Svalbard for 2 days too.

Svalbard looks awesome! Have fun on your trip and I’m glad I could help! 🙂

Hi , This seems like an amazing itienary . I am planning to visit norway in september end for 10 to 15 days . Was one day in each town enough ? , Should i drop iceland and do norway itself for 20 days ? . Or 10 to 12 days is sufficient . Thank you , Rahul .

The 10 days I did was perfect. I suggest you follow my itinerary! One day in each place wouldn’t be enough simply because of the long driving days. It would be way too exhausting and not as enjoyable. What i did worked out great!

Thanks , I shall be following your itienary itself . I ll be landing in oslo , now neither Trondheim or bergen are clost to oslo ( both seeem to be around 7 hours away ) . Would you recommend the train to bergen from oslo and probably a flight from Trondheim back to oslo ? . And also mid september is a good time for the plan ? . Thanks again .

Yes, mid September is perfect! I went in early September and the weather was great! Some days i needed a light jacket and some days i was in a t-shirt. If you don’t want to rent a car the whole time, then I guess the train would be best to get to Bergen. But I would just fly back to Oslo from Trondheim because its very far from Trondheim!

Hi, we are doing this itienary in September, thanks for all the info. Now we are doing a 19 day trip. And we are thinking of travelling north for around 8 days. I cannot find a lot of things to do in the North in September. Can you help us here. How do we go about planning. We are thinking of flying to tromso. What are the cities and things we can do there? . We have not driven in snow, so not thinking of renting a car up north. Thank you.

Hi! I have only been to Tromso to see the northern lights so i don’t really have any more personal recommendations of what to do there other than that. You could look up some hikes maybe, but like I said, I cant be much of any help since i was only there very briefly. It might be the VERY beginning of northern lights season so you may have a chance of spotting them.

OMG!! This is one of my dream trips! Norway has been high on my list for years now – thanks to hearing about the EPIC Trolltunga hike. But also for all of the charming small towns. And to be honest, I never considered travelling Norway by car. So many good tips and ideas here. Thanks!

It was SO awesome to be able to have a car and stop anywhere I liked. The driving was my favorite part! Everything is just so pretty!

Loved this guide! Norway is such a stunning country! Bergen and Ålesund have always been on my list, but Trondheim looks so charming too! What was your favorite thing you ate there?? I love the salmon in Norway!

I actually cooked most my meals to save money haha. I hardly eat out in Norway because it’s SO expensive. I do love the salmon there! When i do eat out it’s usually gluten free pizza!! 🙂

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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.

Spectacular mountain views on the road to Geiranger on our 2 week Norway itinerary.

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.

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.

The statue of King Karl Johan guards the entrance to Oslo’s Royal Palace, one of the highlights of our two days in Oslo.

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.

View of Akershus Fortress from Oslofjord during our 2 days in Oslo.

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.

Granite sculptures at the central Monolith at Vigeland Park, a highlight of any Oslo itinerary.

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

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.

Sandy beach near Kristiansand on the drive from Oslo to Stavanger.

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.

Ships moored in Stavanger harbour at sunset, a must-see on any Norway travel itinerary.

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 .

Enjoying panoramic views over Pulpit Rock and across Lysefjord during our 2 weeks in Norway.

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.

Views across the harbour towards Gamle Stavanger near dusk as the light fades.

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.

Views of a waterfall on Lysefjord seen from the car ferry on a sunny day from Lauvvik to Lysebotn on our Norway road trip.

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.

Standing on top of Kjeragbolten 984 metres above Lysefjord is a highlight of our Norway road trip itinerary.

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.

Views across the rain swept harbour to the old wooden factory buildings of historic Bryggen Wharf.

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.

A lone kayaker paddles Nærøyfjord, one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway.

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.

Getting on the iconic Flåmsbana train on day 8 of our road trip in Norway.

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 .

A red kayak paddles Styggevatnet glacier lake towards Austdalsbreen glacier on day 9 of our Norway road trip itinerary.

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.

A spectacular glacier splits the mountainside on the road from Sogndal to Geiranger, a highlight of our 2 weeks in Norway.

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.

The sun breaks through the mist and clouds across Geirangerfjord with mountains in the background.

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.

Fabulous fjord views along the Fv60 as we road trip Norway.

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.

Harbour views across sailing boats towards colourful Alesund on Day 11 of our norwegian road trip.

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).

Spectacular views over colourful Alesund on a sunny day from Aksla Viewpoint as part of our Norway 14 day itinerary.

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.

Storseisundet Bridge on the Atlantic Ocean Road - driving in Norway doesn’t get better than this.

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

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.

The colourful houses of Trondheim’s Bakklandet district along the Nidelva River on day 13 of our Scandinavian road trip.

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.

Trondheim’s Nidaros Cathedral looks majestic, even on a stormy overcast day.

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.

You’ll love the freedom of Driving in Norway.

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.

Cars queue at Lauvvik as the Lysefjord ferry approaches the shore of one of the best fjords in Norway to see on a car ferry.

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!

10-day Norway Road Trip Itinerary For Adventure Seekers (Starting And Ending in Ålesund)

February 29, 2024

Are you dreaming of waking up every day in a beautiful destination, surrounded by epic views of the fjords and mountains? Do you love adventure and are you not scared of putting some effort to experience the best sights?

If you answered yes to the above, then this Norway road trip starting and ending in Ålesund will be perfect for you.

Norway road trip the logistics

Before you book your flights to Norway, there are a few things you should plan beforehand. Mainly how will you get around here, what route will you follow and what time of the year is best for the road trip to happen.

How to get to Ålesund?

Ålesund is the largest town in the Møre og Romsdal county known as the home of the Sunmøre Alps. They are in my opinion the most beautiful mountain range in Norway.

Ålesund is a fantastic place to start and end your Norway road trip because it is very close to many of the top attractions in the country. I also find Ålesund way more interesting and beautiful than Bergen or Oslo.

The town has a small airport and car rental places. You can get here by catching an internal flight between Oslo and Ålesund. Norwegian Air and SAS, both local airlines operate along this route.

Best time of the year to do this road trip?

Since a lot of activities, which I have included in this plan, are outdoor activities, it means that the best time to follow this Norway road trip itinerary is between July and September . Why? Because this is the time when most of the trails are clear of snow and safe to follow.

Anytime before or after this timeframe and you might still run into lots of snow when hiking at higher elevations. It’s possible to go earlier, but just bear in mind, that you might not be able to complete all the activities I’ve enlisted in this itinerary.

Road trip outline and map

Above you can view the map of the road trip, where I marked the driving directions, viewpoints, hikes, and campsites.

How to use the map?

Click on the button in the top left corner to open the layers. To make the map easier to read you can switch the layers on and off by clicking on the red check box. Click on different hikes and you will be shown links to my other blog posts with detailed descriptions of each trail.

The best way to travel around Norway

Since this is a road trip you will need to have a vehicle to follow it. I brought my own campervan into Norway and spend a few months traveling around the country. If you are coming from abroad for a limited time then the best option is to rent one.

Rent a Campervan with Motorhome Republic

If you want to be independent with your time and the locations that you visit I recommend that you rent a campervan.

Campsites in Norway are very easy to come by. Norwegians love to camp and I have never seen so many campervans before. The whole infrastructure for motorhome travel in Norway is amazing, from campsites, and water filling-up stations to grey and black water dump stations, which are set up everywhere.

For the best price comparison and campervan reservations visit the Motorhome Republic.

Rent a Compact Car with Discover Cars

Are you not into the whole van life thing? I get it, it’s certainly not for everyone. Personally, I can only do it for a few weeks at a time, before I start craving a normal bed and a daily shower.

Another great reason to go for a compact car is its fuel efficiency. Whilst motorhomes are great, they are definitely not fuel-economical.

I highly recommend looking for your car rental with Discover Cars .

Suggested 10-day Ålesund to Ålesund itinerary: day-by-day breakdown

This is an action-packed itinerary. I realize you might not be able to tick off everything I propose, mainly due to the rainy weather in Norway, but if you are an absolute adventure freak, you will! During the next 10 days, you will visit the following destinations:

Day 1 & 2: Sunmøre Alps and Hjørundfjord
Day 3-6: Jostedalsbreen & Jotunheimen National Parks
Day 7: Geiranger UNESCO Fjord
Day 8-10: Trollstigen and Åndalsnes

Let’s hit the road!

Day 1: Ålesund to Urke in the heart of the Sunmøre Alps

Distance from Ålesund to Urke: 64 km / 40 mi
Travel time: 2 h 15 min (including ferry)

We are kicking this road trip with a bang by visiting one of my favorite fjords in Norway – Hjørundfjord.

If you are staying in one of the hotels that I recommend below then you should type in either Sæbo or Øye into your GPS, when leaving Ålesund. If you are traveling in a campervan then go directly to Urke and stay at a campsite there.

Sæbo, Urke & Øye are all only a few kilometres apart, but the first two lie on opposite sides of the Hjørundfjord. Don’t fret though. Ferries travel between the two towns every 30 minutes. You will quickly learn how important the ferries are for the transportation system in Norway. On this road trip, you will be taking quite a few of them.

Spend the rest of the day checking out the area. If you are staying in Urke or Øye then I recommend driving to the local beach (marked on the map) and taking a swim. You can even jump from the jetty into the refreshing fjord. If you are staying in Sæbo you can take an evening walk along the fjord.

Best accommodation options around Urke: night 1

Hotel Union Øye (not on booking.com)

A historic hotel located at the entry of the Norangsdal Valley and circa 1 kilometer from the shore of the Hjørundfjord and a 6-minute drive from Urke.

Top Location

Sagafjord Hotel (Sæbo)

A beautiful waterfront hotel with a fantastic view over Hjørundfjord and the Sunnmore Alps. Mount Saksa is visible from the deck.

Day 2 (morning): Hike in the Sunmøre Alps

This is an adventure road trip, so get ready to undertake some hikes, via ferratas, kayaking & biking on this holiday in Norway.

Option 1: Summit of Mount Saksa

The summit of Mount Saksa was the very first hike I did in Norway. 40 different trails later and Saksa still remains one of my favorites.

I very quickly learned that trails in Norway tend to be steep and instead of using zigzags they often go straight up. This is the case with the hike to Saksa . You start at sea level and gain 1300 meters (over 4000 feet) of elevation in just over 3 kilometers (less than 2 miles). Whilst it’s not too bad when going up, going back down is a real knee-buster.

At least you will be rewarded with extraordinary views from the top. Your effort will not go in vain.

Option 2: The Urkeegga Circuit

If you want an easier trail for your first hike on your Norway road trip go for the Urkeegga Circuit instead. Whilst the way up is still relatively steep, going back down will be a lot easier on your knees.

Don’t worry, you won’t be missing out in the views department, you will just see them from a slightly different angle. The Urkeegga Circuit follows a ridgeline with 3 separate peaks and each of them has awesome vistas over the Hjørundfjord.

TIP! Check out from your accommodation before doing either of the hikes. You will be driving to your next destination after completing the hike.

Day 2 (afternoon): drive the scenic route to Loen

Distance from Urke to Loen: 80 km / 50 mi
Driving time: 75 min

After the hike, go for a quick and refreshing dip in the fjord and continue with your journey to your next destination Loen.

It’s only 80 kilometers (50 miles) to Loen but be prepared to collect your jaw off the floor for the first 30 minutes of the journey. You will be following the road no. 655 along the Norangdal Valley. It’s a very narrow green valley surrounded by sheer cliffs.

TIP! Obey the signs in Norangdal. It is prohibited to stop in some places due to rock fall danger. There are plenty of designated stops, where you can park and leave your car to take a photo.

Once you make it to the end of road no. 655 turn right onto road no. 60 towards Grodås. It’s a little town built on the shoreline of Lake Hornindalsvatnet, where you can stop for a quickl photo. It’s not only the deepest lake in Norway but also in the whole of Europe and the World’s 12th deepest! Source: Wikipedia

TIP! If you have an extra day in Norway consider staying at the Horndøla camping en route to Loen. Hike to Lake Blåvatnet or the summit of Hornindalsrokken the next day. It’s a very beautiful and off-the-beaten-path hike, where you will only meet locals.

Once you make it to Loen check into your accommodation and relax. Another adventure-filled day is waiting for you tomorrow.

Day 3: Hike in Jostedalsbreen National Park

Today I’ve got two exciting hikes for you to choose from. The decision certainly won’t be an easy one. Both trails deliver spectacular views.

Option 1: Klovane

The west side of Norway’s famous Jostedalsbreen National Park, where you will be spending the next couple of days is home to some amazing lakes. The three most notable are Oldenvatnet, Lovatnet, and Oppstrynvatnet.

All three are glacier-fed which means the tiny particles called the rock flour, created by the movement of the glacier grinding down against the rock, travel down the rivers and empty into the lakes. The particles then reflect in the sun giving the lakes intense colors. Depending on how sunny or cloudy it is, the colors of the lake change between blue, turquoise, and emerald.

One of the best places to observe this phenomenon is the summit of Klovane high above Lake Oldenvatnet. This is one of the hikes I propose you do on day 3.

Option 2: Kattanakken

Jostedalsbreen National Park is the home of Norway’s largest glacier field and the park takes its name from it. Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier on mainland Europe and has many arms which reach down to the valleys. One of them is the Briksdalsbreen Glacier Arm.

Briksdalsbreen is no secret. It’s one of the most visited places in Norway, but there is an easy way to escape the crowds and get an even better view of it. I am talking about the hike to Kattanakken.

This challenging hike veers off the official path which leads to the Briksdalsbreen glacier viewpoint. Once on it, you start climbing up. The higher you go the better the views get.

TIP! If you are too tired to hike again, then consider renting a kayak or a stand-up paddleboard and see the area from a different perspective.

Day 4 (morning): Lovatnet

After an intensive day 3 of your Norway road trip, it’s time to take it a bit easy on day 4. At least in the first half of the day.

You can spend the morning driving around the west side of the Jostedalsbreen National Park and check out some roadside viewpoints which I marked on the map.

I particularly recommend driving along Lake Lovatnet all the way to its end, where you can park your car and go for a stroll to see the Kjenndal glacier tongue. It’s not as spectacular as Briksdalbreen, but it’s still a lovely sight.

TIP! A great way to explore Lake Lovatnet and Lodalen (the valley where the lake is located) is by bike. There are bike rental places in Loen.

Day 4 (afternoon): Tackle Via Ferrata Loen (or take a rest)

It’s time for a serious adventure. If you want to walk across a 120-meter-long suspension bridge perched 800 meters above the fjord then you need to tackle Norway’s famous Via Ferrata Loen .

The route leads to the summit of Mount Hoven, which is connected with the town of Loen by the Loen Skylift cable car. The afternoon is the only time you can do Via Ferrata Loen if you plan on doing it unguided.

TIP: If you prefer to tackle Via Ferrata Loen with a guide, then book your tour for the morning and then spend the rest of the day either resting or exploring the Jostedalsbreen National Park.

Best accommodation options in Loen: nights 2, 3 & 4

Best location.

Hotel Alexandra

Located right in the center of the town the hotel offers great access to the nearby attraction. Soak in the indoor or outdoor pool to relax your muscles after hiking in the mountains the whole day.

Oldevatn Camping Cabins

Take advantage of the free kayaks and go paddling on the turquoise lake Oldenvatnet or take a hike to see the beautiful panoramic views of the lake from above.

Day 5 (morning): Scenic drive to Sogndalsfjøra

Distance from Loen to Sogndalsfjøra: 127 km (79 mi)
Driving time: 2 hours

Even though Sogndalsfjøra, your next destination for the night is only a 2-hour drive away from Loen, prepare to spend at least half a day along this stunning route. Today you will be driving around the Jostedalsbreen National Park, from its west side to the east side.

There are plenty of beautiful viewpoints along the way. My favorites are the Stardalselva Valley, Jølstravatnet Lake, Bøyabreen Glacier, and the Fjærland village. All of them are roadside viewpoints and won’t require much effort to get to (for once).

I still recommend leaving Loen as early as possible to make it to Sogndalsfjøra around lunchtime. After checking into your hotel or campsite you can head out into the mountains again.

Day 5 (afternoon): Hike to Molden

Distance from Sogndalsfjøra to the trailhead of Molden: 20 km / 12.5 mi
Driving time: 20 min

If the weather is good you can take advantage of the long Scandinavian summer days and hike to the summit of Molden . The trailhead is only located a 20-minute drive from Sogndalsfjøra.

The hike takes 3-4 hours to complete and has expansive views of the turquoise Lustrafjord and the surrounding mountains.

Best accommodation options in Sogndalsfjøra: night 5

Hofslund Fjord Hotel

What guests loved about it:

Cozy rooms with balconies and fjord views
Lovely hotel grounds and pool

Top Rated & Unique Stay

Sogndal Fjordpanorama – The Atmosphere

Fjord views from the outdoor hot tub
Very functionally designed cabins

Day 6 (morning): Explore the glaciers of Jostedalsbreen National Park

Option 1: hike to austerdalsbreen.

Distance from Sogndalsfjøra to the trailhead of Austerdalsbreen: 55 km / 34 mi
Driving time: 1h 15 min

Austerdalsbreen is hands down the most beautiful arm of the Jostedalsbreen glacier field. The hike to is viewpoint is pleasantly easy and most of it leads through a flat wide valley before a gentle climb up.

The drive from Sogndalsjøra to the Austerdalsbreen trailhead is an experience in itself as the route follows the shoreline of the Vaitastrondavatnet. Another glacier-fed and beautifully colored lake.

Another highlight of this hike is the possibility of having lunch at the Tungestølen hut, but before I reveal too much head over to my guide to the Austerdalsbreen hike.

Option 2: Hike to (or on) the Nigardsbreen Glacier

Distance from Sogndalsfjøra to the trailhead of Nigardsbreen: 66 km / 41 mi
Driving time: 1 h 15 min

Nigardsbreen is the most famous arm of the Jostedalsbreen glacier field. Guided glacier hikes are a popular activity in this area. You can spend half a day walking on the ice exploring its crevasses and listening to the history of the glacier accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

For a more budget-friendly option, you can hike to the glacier viewpoint yourself. I cover all the details in my guide to hiking to Nigardsbreen Glacier .

Day 6 (afternoon): Sognefjellet Scenic Route & Geiranger Scenic Route

Distance from Austerdal to Geiranger : 260 km / 22 mi
Driving time: 5 hours
Distance from Nigardsbreen to Geiranger: 250 km / 150 mi
Driving time: 4 h 30 min

No matter what activity you choose to do on the morning of day 6 of your Norway road trip, you have a bit of a drive to do in the afternoon to get to your next destination. But what an exciting drive it will be.

Once getting out of the valleys you will enter the Sognefjellet Scenic route which stretches for 108 kilometers (67 miles) between the towns of Gaupne and Lom.

You will first drive along the shoreline of Luster Fjord before climbing up along a serpentine road toward the high mountain plateau. The route is the gateway to Jotunheimen National Park and it leads through the highest mountain pass of Northern Europe. There are plenty of beautiful roadside stops along this route.

Sognefjellet Scenic Route opens in late spring (usually at the start of May) and remains open for the summer and early autumn before it closes again once the snow falls and makes it impassable.

Once you make it to Lom, the end of the Sognefjellet route, turn left onto road No. 15. After another 1 hour of driving you will enter the Geiranger Scenic Road. Once again you will be driving through stunning mountain scenery all the way to Norway’s most famous Fjord – Geiranger.

Similarly to Sognefjellet, the Geiranger Scenic Route opens usually at the start of May and closes by November.

TIP! If you have an extra day then break up the journey and stay an extra night on the Sognefjellet Scenic Route. The next day you can join a guided hike to Norway’s highest summit – Mount Galdhøpiggen before you continue to Geiranger.

Day 7: Explore the UNESCO Geiranger Fjord

Option 1: hike to skageflå.

Day 7 of your Norway road trip is another day filled with beautiful views. Today I recommend the most popular hike in the Geiranger Fjord area – Skageflå.

Skageflå used to be a small farm built on top of a cliff high above the Fjord. It operated until the start of the last century before turning into a tourist attraction. From the farm, you get to see beautiful panoramic views of the seven sisters waterfall, which the Geiranger Fjord is known for.

This is a one-way hike. You will need to pre-book a boat transfer to get back to the village after completing it. I cover all the details in my guide to the Skågefla hike.

Option 2: Activity in Geiranger Fjord

If you want to take a break from hiking, there are plenty of fantastic outdoor activities in Geiranger that don’t require walking. Below are a few that I recommend.

Guided Kayaking Tour

Embark on an unforgettable kayak expedition in the majestic Geiranger Fjord Accompanied by an experienced instructor, gracefully paddle through crystal-clear blue waters, leading you to the iconic Seven Sisters Waterfall.

Self-Guided Bike Tour

Embrace the breathtaking beauty of Geiranger Fjord during a self-guided downhill biking adventure. Meander along winding mountain roads, catching glimpses of cascading waterfalls and enchanting lakes as you ride at your own pace.

Best accommodation options in Geiranger: nights 6 & 7

Grande Hytteutleige

Lovely cottage-type accommodation in a beautiful and quiet setting with great new facilities

Grande Fjord Hotel

Soak in the hot tub while looking directly at the Geiranger Fjord or enjoy dinner with a view in the restaurant located on the 6th floor.

Day 8 (morning): Geiranger Scenic Drive via Trollstigen

Distance from Geiranger to Åndalsnes: 87 km / 54 mi
Driving time: 2 h 10 min

The morning of day 8 of my proposed Norway road trip is a continuation of the National Scenic Drive which you started on day 6.

The Geiranger-Trollstigen Scenic Route stretches across 104 kilometers (67 miles). There is also a ferry crossing involved. Today’s must-see roadside stops are:

The Ørnesvingen viewpoint above the Geiranger Fjord
Eidvatnet lake
The village of Valldal
Gudbrandsjuvet
Trollstigen viewpoint

TIP : Stay an extra night in Valldal and book a rafting adventure or fit in another hike to Mefjellet. The Juvet Landscape Hotel in Valldal was a place where the sci-fi movie “Ex Machina” by Alex Garland was shot.

Day 8 (afternoon): Hike to Litlefjellet

Once you make it to Åndalsnes, have lunch, check into your accommodation and head out on a little hike to the aptly named Litlefjellet.

Litlefjellet is a 1-hour round-trip hike that offers jaw-dropping views of the infamous Troll Wall, known as the birthplace of base jumping. My favorite view however (pictured above) is the triangle-shaped Romsdalshornet reflecting in the ponds located on the saddle.

Day 9: Adventure around Åndalsnes

Today is your last full day following this epic Norway road trip. It is only fitting that you finish it with an exciting activity. Åndalsnes is a Mekka for adventure lovers and here are a couple of options to make your day memorable.

Option 1: Via Ferrata Romsdalsstigen

You won’t forget Norway quickly after testing your nerves on the Via Ferrata Romsdalsstigen Vestveggen . This is a really challenging route for absolute adventure freaks.

You can either join a guided tour or, provided you have a previous via ferrata experience, just rent the gear and do it yourself. Whatever you decide you are guaranteed an exhilarating experience with some dramatic views.

Option 2: Romsdalseggen hike

If dangling off a cliff a few hundred meters above a fjord might indeed be a bit too much then consider finishing your Norway road trip with one last hike and cross the Romsdalseggen ridgeline.

Romsdalseggen connects Åndalsnes with Venjedalen Valley. En route, you can expect some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Norway. The hike takes ca. 6 hours to complete and requires pre-booking a shuttle bus. You can learn all the details in my guide to the Romsdalseggen hike. This will be an epic ending to your Norway road trip.

Best accommodation options in Åndalsnes: nights 8 & 9

Trollstigen Resort

Cabin-type accommodation in a beautiful setting with surrounding mountain views.

Grand Bellevue Hotel

Directly in the town center with great access to the gondola terminal. Very relaxed atmosphere.

Day 10: Return to Ålesund

Distance from Åndalsnes to Ålesund airport: 122 km / 76 mi
Driving time: 1 h 40 min

After I poured countless hours into designing this itinerary I truly hope you will have a holiday of a lifetime. The last thing on the schedule is the return drive to Ålesund where you started this Norway road trip.

If you leave Åndalsnes early and your return flight isn’t until late evening you can still spend the day exploring Ålesund. There are a few hop-on hop-off tour bus options that will take you to all the highlight spots in Ålesund.

Best accommodation options in Ålesund (optional)

If you have an early flight to catch you can leave Åndalsnes on the afternoon of day 9 and stay in Ålesund for the night instead. This choice will put you in close proximity to the airport.

Quality Hotel Ålesund

Centrally situated in the popular Skansekaia Harbour area. The Airport bus stop is right outside of the hotel.

A boutique hotel in the center of Ålesund with great access to the trails of Aksla mountain where you can see the famous view of the town.

How to shorten this Norway road trip to 7 or 8 days?

In the article, I gave you a few ideas on how to extend this Norway road trip. However, what if you don’t have 10 full days but would still like to follow the itinerary I proposed? Here are a few options that will allow you to shorten this plan to 7 or 8 days.

Option 1: Skip the east side of Jostedalsbreen National Park and Sognefjellet Scenic Route. On day 5, after leaving Loen, go straight to Geiranger Fjord, driving past Oppstrynvatnet. This will save you 2 days.
Option 2: Skip Åndalsnes. Go back to Ålesund after visiting Geiranger Fjord. You can still drive to Ålesund via Åndalsnes, without staying overnight. That way you won’t miss out on seeing Trollstigen.
Urke or Sæbo: 1 night
Loen: 2 nights,
Sogndalsfjøra: 1 night,
Geiranger: 1 night,
Åndalsnes: 1 or 2 nights.

That will amount to a total of 6 or 7 nights and 7 or 8 days on the road.

Other road trip itineraries around Norway

Bergen to Bergen in 7-10 days for hiking enthusiasts
14-day Oslo to Oslo Road Trip for Photographers
Stavanger to Bergen through the tourist hotspots of Norway
Lofoten Islands 5-day hiking road trip

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Hi! I am the photographer and creator of www.inafarawayland.com. I come from Poland, but I've been living, travelling and working around the globe since I turned 18. A few years ago, during one of my trips to Scotland, I bought my first DSLR and my adventure with photography began. When I am not stuck to my computer editing photos, you can find me hiking somewhere in the mountains.

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10 Comments

Hello Marta,

We would like to visit Norway and Lofoten Islands. However, I am not about to make any plans until your Lofoten guide is published! Seriously, the amount of information you share, guidance you provide, hotels, road trip ideas, etc. is priceless!!! A world of thank you for all that you do to provide this information to us.

Do you have an estimated time on when your Lofoten guide would be published, please? No rush, just enquiring so that we can plan accordingly.

Best, Debbie

Hey Debbie. Thanks so much for your fantastic feedback. I am so glad you find my Norway guides very useful. Please do consider using the affiliate links when you book something. As for the Lofoten Guide, it will definitely be out by the end of the year which should give you enough time to book everything. In the meantime do let me know if you have any more questions!

Thank you very much for the estimated release timeframe for the Lofoten guide. It is much appreciated. And yes, your guide will be out with sufficient time for us to plan our trip since we are planning to visit in 2025 and will look to use the affiliated links, where I can.

Thank you Debbie. Keep your eyes peeled by the end of the year 🙂

Hello Marta

My girlfriend (Kristi) and me are from the U.S. (Tampa, FL). We recently completed the Tour du Mont Blanc 10-day trekking adventure this past July. After discussing, we have decided to make Norway our next destination adventure experience. We plan on visiting sometime in August or early September 2024. I’ve been reading and researching Norway a lot these past several weeks. I have found several travel template itineraries. After much research, we are highly leaning towards your Alesund to Alesund travel plan. We are planning about 8 to 9 days. We are going to modify the itinerary a little as we wish to do an activity day in Valldah and spend a few days in Alesund. However, we love the hikes you mentioned and plan to spend a night in Urke, Loen and Geiranger (two nights here). We are still refining the details of our trip. I just wanted to say your webpage has been EXTREMELY helpful. THANK YOU!!

Hi Alex. Wow thanks so much for your great feedback. The Alesund to Alesund itinerary I designed is my favorite because I am a big hiking enthusiasts. I hope you have lots of fun in Norway and the weather plays along as well (it can be very rainy). If you could support my site by using the links that would be amazing! Happy travels.

The Perfect 7 to 10 Days in Norway Itinerary

Last Updated on February 22, 2024

by Emily Marty

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Mapping out the ideal 7 to 10 days in Norway itinerary is a bit overwhelming when you consider just how much there is to see in this incredible country. From the hustle and bustle of Oslo to the fjords outside of Bergen to the incredible scenery in the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway, there is no way you can see it all in such a short amount of time.

However, if you’re in the process of planning your first trip to this Nordic nation and want a good mix of cities and nature, then you’re in for a treat. While you’re not going to be able to visit every corner of the country in a week to 10 days, there is a lot to see of Norway in this period of time.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Norway?

Norway may be a historic, unique, and jaw-droppingly beautiful country, but it’s also relatively compact.

Its cities are on the smaller side and are generally fairly walkable, so if you’re primarily planning on exploring Norway’s metropolitan areas during your stay there, you can easily get a great feel for the place spending no more than 7 days in Norway.

This amount of time allows you to spend a couple of days each in a few of Norway’s larger cities, including its capital, Oslo, and Bergen , which is easily one of the most distinct and charming destinations in perhaps all of Scandinavia.

Because, as mentioned above, these cities aren’t huge, a 7-day trip will give you ample time to explore them without feeling rushed.

With that being said, if you can, staying for 10 days or even longer is advisable if you want to explore some of the country’s wilder, more remote areas, or its national parks.

It’s common for these areas to be located at least a few hours’ drive from the nearest city; the nature of the Norwegian landscape, being crisscrossed by mighty fjords, waterfalls, mountains, and bodies of water, also means it often takes far longer to reach your destination than it would to travel there as the crow flies.

Getting To & Around Norway

The easiest point of entry is generally in the capital city of Oslo.

Oslo is serviced by a number of airports, with the two most accessible being Gardermoen and Torp. Gardermoen is also the larger of the two and offers access to a larger number of international flight routes and providers, while Torp, which is closer to the coastal city of Sandefjord and about an hour away from downtown Oslo, is a popular destination for budget airlines in particular. You can also book airport transfers here .

Alternatively, if you’re travelling to Norway from the south of Sweden , then you may want to consider taking the bus to Oslo, instead; a number of providers offer very affordable coach transfers from Gothenburg to Oslo, with a standard journey time of around 3-4 hours.

You can also arrive into Oslo via ferry from Copenhagen if you prefer to travel this way. You can browse schedules here .

As far as travelling from Oslo to Bergen, flying is one option, taking a little over an hour – Bergen’s Flesland Airport is also a quick transfer away from the city’s downtown area via public transit or taxi.

However, if you don’t mind a longer journey, we highly recommend taking the Bergensbanen train, known as the Bergen Line in English, from Oslo to Bergen, instead. Regarded as one of the most scenic train routes in the world, the Bergen Line takes you right up into the mountains, through over 180 tunnels, and along a number of lakes, plateaus, and fjords.

Trains in Norway (and public transportation in general) are remarkably comfortable, clean, and well-maintained, and the carriages generally have ample room for luggage storage in the form of overhead racks.

Reaching Stavanger from Bergen is fairly straightforward, too; travellers have the option of either flying or taking the NW400 Kytsbussen bus service. The direct service takes around 5 and a half hours and travels along a generous stretch of Norway’s beautiful western coast – so, you’ll more than likely find yourself glued to the window for the entire journey.

While it’s not necessary, renting a car in Norway for part of your trip will absolutely give you more freedom in terms of travelling around and exploring the countryside, though it won’t be of much use getting from city to city.

Having a rental car can be convenient to get off the beaten path or to some more far-flung natural areas that aren’t as quick or easy to access.

A true Norway road trip itinerary should give you more time to get from point A to point B to account for the long drives between the different cities. If you’ve decided that a car rental is the right option for you, then you can browse options on Rentalcars.com

7 to 10-Day Norway Itinerary

Below is our sample itinerary for a trip that will allow you to see some of the highlights of Norway, including Oslo, Bergen, and some of the highlights of western’s Norway’s natural landscapes. We’ve also outlined some ideas for a trip to Stavanger and Southern Norway, if you’re planning on staying in the country for 10 days, instead.

Day 1 – Oslo

We recommend that you start your trip off in Oslo , the Norwegian capital.

Once you’ve arrived and settled in, you might want to head out for a walk to explore Oslo Sentrum. If you want to learn more about the history of the city, you can consider booking a walking tour or going on a bike tour .

Visit the Oslo Domkirke, stroll along the harbour at Bjørvika, visit the striking Opera House, and enjoy the view of the Oslofjord from the fortress of Akershus Festning.

If the weather is good, you may want to check out the sculptures at Frogner Park and Norway’s Royal Palace at Slottsparken, too.

If you can, finding accommodation to spend the night in Oslo’s downtown will help you see the most of the city. Those planning on staying in an Airbnb will likely have better luck in the neighbourhoods of Grünerløkka, Gamle Oslo, or the outskirts of the city.

Where to Stay in Oslo

Hotell Bondeheimen – This hotel located in the centre of Oslo is perfect for mid-range visitors to the city. They have a number of clean and comfortable rooms to choose from along with a great location for exploring all the city has to offer.

Clarion Hotel Oslo – This luxury hotel is perfect for those who want a bit of the high life while in the Norwegian capital. They have a number of hip and modern rooms to choose from along with plenty of plush amenities for guests to use.

Frogner House Apartments – These apartments are perfect for those after a private, self-catering option while visiting Oslo. They have a number of different flats to choose from and all come equipped with everything you may need.

K7 Hotel Oslo – Budget and solo travellers will love this cool, centrally-located hotel in Oslo. Offering both dorm beds and private rooms, they have good common areas perfect for meeting other travellers.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Oslo hotels!

Day 2 – Oslo

Your first full day in Oslo is the perfect time to really explore and sink your teeth into some of the city’s museums and galleries. You can visit the National Museum and National Gallery, or, if you’re a Munch fan, pay the Munch Museum – which is dedicated to his work – a visit.

Another option would be to head out to the island of Bygdøy for a day of museum hopping. It’s easily accessed via public transit and is home to the Norsk Folkemuseum, Fram Museum, Kon-Tiki Museum, and Viking Ship Museum, which are all incredible and well worth visiting in their own right.

The Norsk Folkemuseum is also home to the Gol Stavechurch, which is a real highlight of Norwegian church architecture.

Day 3 – Oslo

For your second full day in Oslo, we recommend exploring some of the fantastic nature spots just outside of the city.

The collective name for these areas is Oslomarka, and Oslomarka offers access to a number of lovely hikes and walks, many of which are easily reached from downtown Oslo via public transport.

You might like to head out to the lake of Sognsvann, which also makes for a fantastic place for a picnic in the warmer months. Alternatively, you can walk up to the viewpoint at Vettakollen for a fantastic view of the city of Oslo, as well as the Oslofjord and surrounding forest.

Note that most of the walks you’ll find in the Oslomarka are fairly leisurely, featuring minimal elevation gain or rough terrain.

Day 4 – Oslo to Bergen

Today, you’ll be travelling from Oslo to Bergen, the second-largest city in Norway and a fantastic hub for exploring the country’s spectacular west coast. Flying from Oslo to Bergen is one option, taking a little over an hour – Bergen’s Flesland Airport is also a quick transfer away from the city’s downtown area.

Otherwise, you can take the Bergen Line train from Oslo Central Station, a stunning journey which usually lasts between 5-6 hours.

If you’ve flown into Bergen, depending on what time you left Oslo, you’ll likely have at least half a day to explore the city. You might want to check out some of the art galleries in the city centre; the Kode complex is home to four separate, but equally interesting, museums with some fantastic works spanning a range of styles and periods.

On the other hand, if you’re planning on taking the train from Oslo to Bergen, then you may want to spend the rest of the day relaxing once you’ve arrived.

One option for a low-key, relaxed thing to do on your first day in the city is taking a stroll through Bergen’s Sentrum area and along the iconic Bryggen wharves – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can do this independently or take a guided walking tour .

Staying in Bergen Sentrum is also advised if possible, though the city is fairly small and the downtown can easily be reached from other neighbourhoods via public transport.

Where to Stay in Bergen

Hotel Park Bergen – This cosy, 3-star hotel is perfect for those visiting Norway on a mid-range budget, Located in the centre of Bergen, they have a number of bright rooms to choose from along with a great breakfast on offer in the mornings.

Opus 16 – This hotel is perfect for those with a bit more cash to play around with or who are looking for luxury in Bergen. Located conveniently for exploring the city, they have a range of great rooms long with an on-site restaurant and other amenities.

Fosswinckel Apartments – These apartments are perfect for those who’d like to have their own flat while visiting Bergen. They have a range of fully-furnished flats to choose from and a fantastic location for exploring all this lovely little city has to offer.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Bergen hotels!

Day 5 – Bergen

The fifth day of your Norway itinerary will be your first full day in Bergen . You can use day 5 to get your feet wet and explore the city’s historic Bryggen district if you haven’t already, as well as the medieval fortress of Bergenshus Festning.

If you’re interested, you can also take the tram out to the neighbourhood of Fana, where you’ll find Fantoft Stavkirke. This is a replica of an ancient stave church, that was tragically burnt down by an arsonist in the 1990s; unfortunately, the culprit was never found.

Alternatively, you can head out to the Grieg Museum, which is also a short trip away from downtown Bergen on public transport.

There, you can explore the renowned Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg’s former home, as well as its beautiful grounds. There is also a museum dedicated to his life and work onsite.

Day 6 – Hardangervidda National Park or Flåm

On day 6, you have a couple of options for day trips from the city. Hiking enthusiasts will likely want to use this day to visit the legendary Hardangervidda National Park, which is Norway’s largest.

We recommend taking the train from Bergen to Finse – the journey is about 2 hours and 30 minutes one way, and the township of Finse is actually located on the Northern edge of the Hardangervidda plateau. South of Finse is the glacier Hardangerjøkulen, and to the northwest is the boundary of another national park called Hallingskarvet.

If you’ve decided to rent a car for this part of your journey, then the drive from Bergen to Hardangervidda will, naturally, give you far more freedom in terms of what you can see on this day of the itinerary. The park is a fantastic place for hiking, cycling, climbing, fishing, and more, so go nuts!

On the other hand, if you’d prefer to explore more of western Norway’s system of fjords, then you can use this day to make a day trip out to the village of Flåm, which lies on the banks of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the Sognefjord.

This incredibly picturesque village takes just under 3 hours to reach via train from Bergen and is home to a charming railway museum, as well as some fantastic hiking and walking trails in its vicinity. You can take an organised day trip .

Day 7 – Bergen

For day 7, we highly recommend exploring some of the nature spots within Bergen itself – namely, its two most famous mountains, Ulriken and Fløyen. If you have time, one thing that’s especially worth doing is the Vidden hike, which will take you from Fløyen’s viewpoint and across a number of plateaus before arriving at Ulriken.

If you won’t be spending more than a week in Norway, however, then you’ll be transferring back to Oslo today before flying out of the country. in this case, we recommend that you stick to hiking on and around Fløyen, rather than venturing further afield to Ulriken.

Accessing Fløyen from downtown Bergen is actually very straightforward; you can simply take the funicular from its station in Bergen Sentrum to the viewpoint near the mountain’s summit, which generally takes somewhere between 5-8 minutes.

While there is a cable car that can take you to and from the top of Ulriken, it’s not quite as accessible and, therefore, probably not the best choice if you’re going to be strapped for time.

Frankly, ticking at least one of these mountains off your list is a must if you’ll be seeing Norway in 7 days and is one of the best things to do in Norway. So, just heading up to the viewpoint on Fløyen is worth it to take in the vista it offers of Bergen, as well as the surrounding landscape.

If this isn’t the end of your journey, though, then we’ll see you in Stavanger!

Day 8 – Bergen to Stavanger

Are you planning on staying longer than a week in Norway? If so, then we recommend travelling from Bergen to Stavanger on this day of your Norway trip. Adding another city to your itinerary will allow you to see much more of Norway in 10 days.

As mentioned previously, the NW400 Kystbussen service will take you from one city to another, departing from Bergen’s bus terminal and arriving in Stavanger roughly 5 to 6 hours later.

Once you’ve arrived in Stavanger, you’ll likely be a little tired from your journey. We recommend taking a relaxed stroll along the waterfront or through downtown Stavanger to get yourself acquainted with the city.

Staying somewhere central in Stavanger is ideal, if possible, but the city is fairly compact and easily traversed using public transport.

Where to Stay in Stavanger

Hotel Victoria – If you’re looking for a cosy, central and comfortable place to rest your head in Stavanger, then this hotel is a great choice. They have a number of lovely rooms available along with an on-site restaurant/bar and breakfast available in the mornings.

Sea Story by Frogner House – These apartments are an excellent option for those looking for a self-catering place to stay in Stavanger. Centrally located and equipped with everything you may need, they have one, two and three-bedroom flats to choose from.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Stavanger hotels!

Day 9 – Stavanger

For your first full day in Stavanger , we recommend checking out some of the city’s museums. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum and Norwegian Canning Museum might sound a bit, well, boring, but both actually feature pretty fascinating displays and collections of artefacts, in addition to offering visitors into two key areas of Norwegian industry.

Make sure to visit Gamle Stavanger, too, the city’s old town – with charming, cobbled streets and architecture typical of this part of Norway, it pretty much feels like a window straight into another era entirely.

Day 10 – Stavanger

For the last of your 10 days in Norway, we suggest that you head out to Sverd i fjell – easily Stavanger’s most famous landmark, the monument consists of three freestanding bronze swords, which commemorate the historic Battle of Hafrsfjord of 872.

Also highly recommended is one of the fjord cruises that depart from downtown Stavanger. These cruises such as this 2-hour boat ride will allow you to take in the mighty Lysefjord, as guides will typically be onboard to explain some of the local folklore, history, and culture along the way.

Have More Time?

If you’re looking to spend more time in Norway, then there’s plenty more to do and see! Why not head further north and explore the cities of Trondheim or Tromsø ?

The Lofoten islands , in the country’s extreme north, are also very much worth visiting for their starkly beautiful arctic scenery — especially during the winter if you want to see the Northern Lights.

And, if you’ve rented or otherwise have access to a car, you can check out the famous hikes to Preikestolen — or Pulpit Rock — (which is near Stavanger) and Trolltunga (near Odda in the Vestland region), which are easily two of the country’s most striking, unique landmarks.

Planning a trip to Norway can be challenging; after all, the country has so much to offer visitors, that many people find it difficult to know where to go and what to see when we only have a finite amount of time to spend there.

Nevertheless, we hope that this sample itinerary is helpful for your travel planning and that you have an amazing trip to Norway!

Are you planning to visit Norway? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Emily Marty

Emily is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Melbourne, Australia, she is currently based in the UK. She enjoys exploring Northern & Western Europe and Southeast Asia and has a bit of a thing for islands in particular.

we are traveling to Norway in late September. we are flying into Bergen – want to spend a day in Bergen – then take a day trip to Flam stopping at Sognefjory . Do the Flam Railway to Myrdal and see the Kjostosseum waterfalls and then back to Bergen on the third day we wanted to head north to Alesund (don’t want to spend the whole day driving so wanted to see what options we had) we were looking at taking the overnight ferry but it doesn’t run the day that we wanted to take it. We wanted to spend time in Alesund and then head north to Kristiansund to drive the Atlantic Coast or skip going north and from Alesund take the car ferry from Geiranger to Heillesylt – spend the day there and then fly out of either Molde or Orsta to Oslo and spend one day in Oslo – is this too much to do? how do we navigate from Bergen up to Alesund to make sense?

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Suggested detailed 10-day itinerary (South & West Norway)

March 9, 2017
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Day 1: Oslo

As most flights land at the capital city, it was the obvious choice to start from. However, we are not very city people and wanted to explore more of the rugged nature, so we decided to limit our time in Oslo to just 2 days.

The city centre is about 40 kms from the airport; if you plan to stay in the city for a couple of days, it may not be ideal to rent the car from the airport itself as the city centre has parking issues. Take the airport express train from the airport to city centre (best and most convenient way to travel from airport to city, takes 20 min only).

You can read about the best hotels in Oslo here.

Recommended to visit:

Karl Johans Gate (city centre) for street cafes, nightlife. Café Cathedral has a really good ambience and seating, open air, stone building, and corner of the road.

Frogner Park: Buy a full day travel pass at the 7 Eleven store which entitles you to unlimited travel within the day by bus, tram and metro rail within the city. Frogner park is a tranquil park away from the city and is the world’s largest sculpture park. Nice for a walk around.

Bogstad Gard: Not one of the popular places to visit, we saw some pictures and decided to have a look anyway. A beautiful manor by the lake, with amazing gardens, streams, bridges and sheep.

Akershus Fortress : Very close to the city centre. The fortress is old and a pleasure to visit for architecture lovers.

Suggested budget hotel stay in Oslo city centre: Citybox Oslo

Day 2: Train/drive to Flåm

From Oslo , we both decided to take our own journeys. Mohit wanted to do the Trolltunga Hike however I wasn't confident of myself so I took the train from Oslo – Myrdal – Flåm and we decided to meet in Flåm eventually. The train journey from Oslo – Myrdal was absolutely stunning (the latter half). It took approx. 4.5 hours for the journey (I decided to change trains and head to Flam from Myrdal, most people would take this journey all the way to Bergen).

Flåm city centre is very small with hardly 3-4 cafes, restaurants and a few shops. I would not suggest you spend a day here. The only reason for our detour was to take Norway in a Nutshell Tour from here (which can alternatively also be taken from Bergen). The tour included a trip on the Flam Railway from Flåm to Myrdal, a trip on the Bergen Railway from Myrdal to Voss, a bus trip from Voss to Gudvangen and a fjord cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm.

I would NOT suggest Norway in a Nutshell Tour to people who have rented cars ; only take the Fjord Cruise from Flåm – Gudvangen (or vice versa). However, if you are not driving around in Norway and have taken the train from Oslo to Bergen, this tour is a good idea.

You can book your Norway in a Nutshell Tour here .

Fjord Cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen: This 2-hour cruise on a ferry is a good way to experience the fjords. Amidst tall mountains, small villages and green-blue waters, you must take this tour irrespective of the weather.

Fjord Cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen

Stegastein View Point: If time allows, take a return bus trip to this viewpoint which is in Aurland, about 40 min drive from Flåm city centre.

Brekkefosen Waterfall: A medium difficulty trek to a waterfall, which takes about 3 – 4 hours return trip, depending on your fitness and ability. We had decided to do it as per initial plan, but didn't find the time so skipped it.

Click here to book your hotel stay in Flåm.

Day 3 & 4: Bergen

Although a bit overrated, it is one of the few crowded cities we went to; and the last one before heading into absolute remoteness. The seafood street market (fish market) was great for seafood lovers, right in the city centre: a good place to try sea delicacies such as whale meat, monkfish, halibut. The city is lively with a great nightlife.

City centre and its vibrantly coloured wooden houses, next to the wharf
Fish market in the city centre, particularly for seafood lovers
Fantoft stave church
Ulriken cable car for fantastic views of the city from the top and some interesting hikes
Fløyen funicular
For hiking enthusiasts, it is considered a very ‘local’ experience to try the 15-km (red level) Vidden hike from Ulriken to Fløyen. In good weather, a lot of people would take the cable car to Ulriken, hike to Fløyen and then take the funicular down. Although we started the hike from Ulriken, the weather began to deteriorate after 2-3 kms so we planned to return rather than continue the hike

Vidden Trail between Floyen and Ulriken

Suggested budget hotel in city centre: Bergen Budget Hotel

Day 5: Balestrand

We stopped at Balestrand for one night only because the drive from Bergen to Jotunheim would have been too long for one day. A very small town but extremely picturesque, on the most popular Norwegian fjord (Sognefjord), Balestrand is about 4-5 hours drive from Bergen. We stayed in a little village called Dragsvik which is about 10 kms away from Balestrand- very remote but extremely beautiful and peaceful. This was also a convenient option as our drive towards Jotunheim was to start from the ferry point in Dragsvik itself.

Suggested budget hotel stay in Balestrand / Dragsvik: Dragsvik Fjordhotel

Our recommendations are for places onward from Balestrand as there aren’t many places to visit in the town itself.

Sognefjellet road: a very scenic road, this is the name given to Rv 55 that runs from Balestrand to Lom (about 200 kms). Although the entire drive is beautiful, the road begins to get extremely gorgeous passing through snow and blue lakes after Skjolden. Keep enough time during the day to take this pretty drive as you will be stopping every few miles to take pictures!
Solvorn: about 1.5 hours away from Balestrand and a short (downhill) detour from the Rv 55 road, Solvorn is a very small picturesque and photo-friendly village on emerald green waters

Sognefjellet Road

Nigardsbreen Glacier: 2.5 hours drive from Balestrand, the impressive glacier comes down the valley into a sparkling blue lake and many companies organize glacier walks on the blue ice, a superb experience we highly recommend

Nigardsbreen Glacier

Glacier Hiking on Nigardsbreen Glacier

Skjolden: another little village on the Rv 55 road located at the end of a beautiful green water lake; stopover at the Skolden Hotel Lustre’s terrace for a meal/drinks to enjoy the gorgeous views
Lom stave church: at the end of the Sognefjellet road, this stave church is not much of a detour from the Rv 55

On RV55, between Balestrand and Jotunheim National Park

Day 6 & 7: Jotunheim National Park

Although there is a lot to do and see in this national park, our main reason for visiting was the iconic Bessegen Hike.

Besseggen Hike

Besseggen Hike views

For those not looking to attempt the extremely tough hike, you may try the simpler one around the Gjende Lake. Be warned: although this one is not as tough as the Bessegen hike, you need to be in a reasonably good shape to attempt it! It’s a medium toughness hike that starts from Gjendesheim and goes around the beautiful long green lake towards Memrubu (about 8 – 10 kms). For people who are reasonably fit, it takes about 3.5-4 hours but has some pretty amazing views to offer!

Lake Gjende

Hiking around Lake Gjende

Be sure to make it to Memrubu before the last boat leaves at 4.30 pm (in the summer) or else you might have to hike the entire way back or worse, stay at Memrubu for the night. A better idea would be to take a boat to Memrubu first and then do the hike back from Memrubu to Gjendesheim so that you can do the hike in leisure and have enough time to stop for pictures.

Suggested stay in Jotunheim: Jotunheimen Feriesenter

Day 8: Olden

We decided to break our journey from Jotunheim National Park to Geiranger with a stopover at Olden. It is no doubt one of the prettiest villages we saw in Norway. The Oldevatnet Lake was arguably one of the most beautiful lakes we have ever seen, despite the heavy cloud cover that refused to leave until we were there. Although the town itself doesn’t have much to offer in terms of things to do, cafes and restaurants, you must visit this little village for some amazing natural beauty and the Oldevatnet and Lovatnet lakes.

Lake Oldevatnet

Lake Oldevatnet Camping

Oldevatn camping site : absolute bliss! Situated right on the strikingly green and crystal clear Oldevatnet Lake, this campsite is purely delightful to stay in.
Lovatnet lake: hardly 20-25 min drive from the Oldevatn Lake is this another beautiful and peaceful lake; get ready for some breathtaking pictures

Lake Lovatnet

Day 9: Geiranger

We had heard a lot about this UNESCO protected area so we planned to visit it and spend a night amongst these humongous mountains and waterfalls. Although we were unlucky with the weather, the clouds laying low and not a speck of sunshine to be seen, the beauty of this place was in no way diminished by this. A very small town with hardly a few shops and eating joints, Geiranger is crowded because of the cruises that stop here.

Recommended to do:

A drive to the zig-zag Trollstigen mountain road, which is only 30 minutes ahead of Geiranger Fjord area
Hiking up to the famous Seven Sisters Waterfall
Camping on the lakeside, in the valley amidst the towering fjords
Kayaking on the calm waters of the lake

Geiranger Fjord

Book your stay in Geiranger here .

Day 10: Drive back from Geiranger - Oslo

As this is a long 7-hour drive, it takes almost the full day.

Here are a few places we would have loved to visit if we had more time. Given a choice, I urge you to include them in your itinerary.

The Atlantic Ocean Road drive
Lofoten Islands
The Nordkapp

Some Tips for Driving in Norway

Expect a lot of narrow and winding roads, which barely allow two cars to pass by at the same time
Long tunnels are common
Speed limits differ so keep an eye out for when they change while driving
Cameras are usually marked with a warning before you approach, keep an eye out
Exceeding speed limit by more than 30% can lead to your license being seized by police
Fuel is expensive. Petrol costs USD 1.78 / L and diesel USD 1.53 / L (usually fuel is cheaper within the city than in the outskirts)
A lot of towns are not connected by road. In these cases, you will have to ferry yourself and your vehicle across. As this is a common practice, ferries on the common routes or the National Highways are quite frequent through the day

Suggested read: What you need to know BEFORE your trip to Norway

I absolutely loved this 10 day itinerary you guys have created and will actually be using this as my own 14 days travel itinerary for a rail-backpacking trip in the summer. You’ve really hit the nail on the head with sightseeing, activities, city life and countryside settings.

Travelling Norway by car seems to be the best way to experience the trip, one can only imagine how incredible it is. I am considering doing so however I fear the costs would be more significant than those by public transport, If only there were more resources out there to differentiate the costs. Would you be so kind as to give a rough indication of the costs that incurred over your trip? – I’m sure this will paint a full picture of how we can achieve the same experience as yourselves!

God bless and look forward to hearing your thoughts

Medha Verma

Hi Johnny, thanks for your message. I did the trip almost 5 years ago so it’s nearly impossible for me to give you an indication of the costs. I imagine public transportation would be a lot cheaper but also would not give you the flexibility that renting a car would.

Pingback: 7 things that made us go WOW on our trip to Norway | Hopping Feet

Alexander Popkov

A good one. you have covered most of the main sights of Norway. All around Oslo and Bergen. I would suggest another way… to get from the North to the South, touching Trondheim and small coastal towns.

Yeah that’s a good idea too! I also want to make it to Lofoten sometime 🙂

I’m dying to get to Norway and this post makes me want to go even more! Bergen and Geiranger both look absolutely magical. I’ve gotta ask, is Norway as expensive as everyone says it is? 9 days seems like a good amount of time for this region. Maybe I’ll be able to sneak over there after I visit Sweden this year!

Unfortunately yes, Norway is as expensive as they say it is. But it’s worth it 🙂

Love this post, I have no expectations about Norway, and I tend to see just posts about the cities – but I love the 9 day itinerary, national parks, Oslo, lakes, small towns. Its so picturesque and looks like the drive is half the adventure!

Oh yes, truly said, the drive is half the adventure 🙂

Sandy N Vyjay

This 10 day itinerary of Norway sounds like a really epic trip. The region and places covered are indeed the stuff that dreams are made of. Though the entire itinerary looks exhilarating. The one thing that attracts me the most is Jotunheim National Park, would love to lose myself in the natural splendours of the Park.

Jotunheim National Park has some of the most amazing hikes so if you’re a hiking enthusiast, or even if you’re not but you love the nature, it’s a place I would recommend you to visit for sure.

This is a perfect detailed itinerary for Norway. Driving through tunnels and narrow winding roads will be super fun. Reaching through ferries to unconnected place will be adventurous. This is a perfect destination for us. Great pictures. Thanks for sharing.

Norway has such amazing scenery, you must make it there and try to do it as a road trip 🙂

Solid Itinerary .. I feel like a lot of people just go to see the Fjords or Northern Lights when there is so much more to Norway. I love your line-up

Thanks, cheers x

Divyakshi Gupta

The crystal green Oldevatnet Lake looks stunning and camping beside it would be quite an experience! 🙂 Your post gives major travel goals and Norway is one country I so want to visit! The zigzag Trollstigen road looks quite an adventure! There is a seven sisters waterfall in Sikkim as well! Great guide. Very comprehensive and precise!

Renata Green

Norway is certainly a beautiful destination, but man, is it expensive! But as also your post shows, it’s one of the best destinations in Europe for an undisturbed nature experience with the kayaking, fishing and hiking. What’s the park with the statues in Oslo called? I’ve been there and liked it a lot, but cannot remember the name.

It is called Frogner Park 🙂

I love Norway and currently in Svalbard in the Arctic right now as I write this comment. In the south I have only done Oslo and need to explore more around there. I prefer the north as its truly amazing but Bergen and Flam are on my lists to do 🙂 Great itinerary for first timers to this region.

I agree, North must be amazing and I plan to go back to explore it. I’ve seen pictures of Lofoten Islands and they’re out of this world!

Natasha Hecher

Wow you covered a lot in those 10 days! I like how you said the petrol was expensive: I lived in Norway for 6 months and found everything to be expensive!

I would also like to commend you on your sensibility to not do the Trolltunga hike when you felt you did not have the right level of fitness. Many people do it without the correct level and find themselves in trouble. It is a greulling hike.

I also agree that Bergen is somewhat overrated.

I wish I could’ve done Trolltunga, my husband did it and I saw his pictures and they were incredible. But he also said it was a grueling hike and it was right of me to not have done it with an injured foot.

Ghia Lorenzo

Thanks for sharing this post! Such a great itinerary I really love all of the photos, they really looked inviting for they are all stunning and gorgeous! For sure everybody will enjoy these beautiful places in Norway. Again, thanks for these tips!

wanderlustvlog

What a great itinerary! I have visited Norway a few times, but only the Southern part of it. It’s an amazing country, with a breathtaking nature! And such lovely people!

In my opinion it gets prettier as you go north! I’ve seen pictures of this beautiful island called Lofoten and it’s in my list for the next time I visit 🙂

what gorgeous scenery and photos in this post. the countryside def looks like it’s worth spending most of your trip in. I love how there are easy hikes to do too!

The ‘easy’ hikes aren’t as easy as they sound Bee. They’re easy in the definition of the locals. I had a hard time completing one of the ‘easy walks around the lake’ because I was literally on my knees, crawling on the rocks to avoid slipping and falling off the steep and narrow path!

Wow thanks for all the tips … m keeping this bookmarked. Godwilling will plan Norway soon. Love ur pics

I have a few friends from Norway and it’s a place like with all Scandinavian countries I would love to visit (I did promise them I would go this year) but they told me about Jotunheim National Park too, looks like such an incredible place. I know it’s a country I will fall in love with 😀

It sure is a country anyone would fall in love with instantly Amit. It’s the only Scandinavian country I’ve been to, would love to explore the others too.

Norway is a country me and the other half are constantly talking about taking a road trip around one day. This itinerary is great for our planning. Will be bookmarking. Thanks!

That’s great Claire, hope you get to go soon!

Great itenerary and pictures! I have only been to Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger (and loved it!) and now see it’s time to book a return trip!

Thanks Shaun. I really want to go again as well, this time to visit the North part.

What time of year did you travel. Any Aurora action while you were there?

Unfortunately no Northern Lights in the summer Melissa, we went in July. I really want to see the lights and plan to visit Iceland next year for that. But Norway was beautiful anyway even during the summer.

I’m going to take a trip across Norway next summer so this article is definitely great for me! Thanks for all the suggestions! How is the train system there? Would it be more affordable to take a train than to drive?

The train system is quite okay (the Bergen Railway is said to cover one of the most scenic routes in Europe). However, there are many amazing places which are not accessible by train. If you’re absolutely unwilling to rent a car (in my opinion, that is the best way to explore Norway), then you will have to rely on a combination of ferries, trains, and buses.

Niti Gupta Verma

This blog has given me some serious #travelgoals

Haha, glad it inspires you to travel more!

Karyna @ Kosan Travel

I’m hoping to go to Norway soon, and have bookmarked this itinerary for when I do! So many great tips, thanks for sharing.

This is a great list and itinerary! Norway is gorgeous! I love the view based on the photos you have here. Thanks for sharing!

Your photos are awesome! I really want to visit Norway. It looks like such a gorgeous country. I know it’s so expensive though!

Thanks! It really is a gorgeous country. Especially if you like hiking 🙂

Becca Talbot

I went to Oslo back in January 2015 as part of my first solo travel adventure – while I didn’t venture out of the city, I did see a few of the things on your list above, including Frogner Park. Such an interesting place! x

Norway is def one of those countries I want to explore more of. So far I’ve been to Oslo and Kirkenes so still have a lot more to see! Hoping to do a road trip one summer so will keep these places in mind

Even after all the cities I have seen, there are so many more I feel I missed on our trip. Will have to go back to visit the Northern part, especially places like Lofoten 🙂

Very interesting. This is a detailed post. Adding it to the bucket list ???

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Norway Road Trip – Three Unmissable Routes

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Norway Road Trips Planner

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

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

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

Getting There

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Time for Road Trips in Norway

October – april.

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

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

May – September

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

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

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

Drive the West Coast from Bottom to Top

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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.

Preikestolen - a must do on any Norway roadtrip

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

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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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10-day tours in Norway

With so much to see and do, it’s good to spend at least 10 days in Norway. Whether you travel on your own or with a guide, you can experience the famous fjords, mountains and cities by train, car or cruise ship. An adventure awaits you with a 10-day Norway itinerary planned by the Norwegian travel experts at Nordic Visitor.

Experience the best of Norway in 10 days

Norway is a must-see destination, and with a 10-day itinerary 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 10-day 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 10-day 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, historic cities like Bergen and Ålesund.

Likewise, 10-day train and cruise holidays are great options for taking in Norway’s majestic scenery without driving. Many of Nordic Visitor’s tailor-made itineraries combine travel on the mountainous Norway in a Nutshell® rail journey with overnights on a Havila or Hurtigruten coastal cruise.

Want to make new friends on your trip? Get the most out of your 10 days in Norway on a Nordic Visitor guided small group tour. Experience many of Norway’s top highlights, including Norwegian cultural sites, while enjoying the company of like-minded travellers and a professional local tour leader.

Want to include the neighbouring Scandinavian countries in your itinerary? We recommend spending about 2 weeks or longer to add Sweden, Denmark, Finland or other Nordic destinations to your tour of Norway.

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 Norway in 10 days

For an incredible travel experience in Norway suited to your length of stay, we recommend these customisable tours below.

Northern Lights by Train and Cruise

Tromsø, flåm & the fjords, highlights of norway, hurtigruten cruise, norwegian fjords & expert tour guide.

Highlights of Scandinavia

Sweden, denmark & norway, classic norway, fjord cruise & scenic train journey, scenic norway - classic, road trip & hurtigruten cruise, norway in a nutshell® & best of northern norway classic, fjord cruise, snowhotel & northern lights, best of scandinavia classic, train & cruise, scandinavian road trip, best of scandinavia classic - winter.

Countries Visited Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark

Capitals of Scandinavia & Finland Cruise - Winter

Capitals of scandinavia & finland cruise, norway fjord route by car - complete, norway road trip - classic, classic norway & pulpit rock, best of the norwegian fjords, geiranger & fjord cruise, wonders of the norwegian fjords & oslo.

Lofoten & the Fjords

Coastal cruise & flåm railway, stay a little longer in norway.

Why not take more time to explore? If you have more than 10 days to spend in Norway, here are our top picks.

Complete Norway

Coastal cruise & scenic train journey, norway road trip - complete, capitals of scandinavia & norwegian fjords.

Countries Visited Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark

Best of Scandinavia & Iceland

Train, cruise & minibus, expand your nordic adventure.

Why not visit more than one Nordic country in one trip? Check out these popular combination tours below.

Complete Road Trip of Norway, Sweden & Denmark

Countries Visited Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Estonia

Highlights of Scandinavia & Baltic Cruise

Finland, estonia, sweden, denmark & norway, 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.

Christin, United States

Best of northern norway classic - 71° north cape, december 2023.

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.

Ian, United Kingdom

Norway road trip - complete, july 2023, 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.

Anne-Mari, Finland

Best of northern norway classic - 71° north cape, february 2023, 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.

James, Australia

Northern lights by train and cruise, october 2023, 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!

Jonathan, United States

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

Costel, Romania

Northern lights norway classic, february 2023, 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.

Violetta, United States

Best of the norwegian fjords – express, august 2023, 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!

Dian, United States

Classic norway, may 2023, 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.

Oi, Singapore

Norway in a nutshell® - classic, september 2022, 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.

Julie, United States

Wonders of the norwegian fjords, august 2023, 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!

Alan, United Kingdom

Norway in a nutshell® express - winter, march 2023, 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.

Gailmarie, United States

Highlights of norway, july 2022, 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.

The first sight that greets most visitors to Norway is Oslo, Norway’s capital city and home to...

Pulpit Rock

Rising an impressive 604 metres (1982 ft) above the Lysefjord, Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock, is...

Geirangerfjord

Considered among the most beautiful fjord in the world, the Geirangerfjord will take your...

What to bring

Layers, layers, layers! Come prepared for all type..

What’s the weather like in Norway? You just might ..

Norwegian Language

You will get by fine with English, but here are a ..

Time & Daylight

When to expect sunrises, sunsets, northern lights ..

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.
Enjoy personal service from Norway travel experts.
Get peace of mind with a 24/7 helpline during your stay.
We’re here for you in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Do you have a question about our Norway tours? Or maybe you want to customise a travel package. Whatever you need, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our Scandinavian phone number is +46 8 666 23 30

How about a live chat with one of our local travel experts?

Blog posts you might like

7 best cruise journeys in norway, 10 things to do in norway in winter, in focus: 10 must-sees in norway, first hurtigruten cruise tips for your maiden voyage.

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

Traveling Canucks

Canada Family Travel Blog

12 days in Norway: A Perfect Norway Road Trip Itinerary

05/22/2023 By Traveling Canucks 6 Comments Categories: Adventures Europe Norway Sightseeing Top Lists Travel Stories Trip Ideas World Attractions World Heritage Site

Norway road trip 10 day itinerary, things to do in Norway

Norway road trip itinerary

Planning a Norway road trip can be overwhelming. There are endless possibilities and so many incredible things to see in Norway . Where does one even begin?

Of course, you want to visit as many places as you can. However, you also need to balance the amount of time spent in the car. You don’t want to move so fast that you feel like you’ve spent the entire trip sitting in the car. That’s not fun. Or the point of the road trip adventure.

On this Norway road trip, we traveled with our two boys, aged 10 and 8 years old at the time. Because of this, purchasing flights and/or train tickets starts to add up. Unfortunately, this eliminates the northern regions, like the Lofoten Islands , from this particular Norway travel itinerary.

Although we had 12 days for this road trip around Norway, you can easily skip a few of these places to reduce it a 7 day Norway road trip. That’s the thing we love most about road trips – you can make adjustments as you go!

Fascinating architecture on the waterfront in downtown Oslo, Norway

Things to consider when planning a Norway road trip

Before we dive into each destination on this Norway road trip itinerary, we feel it’s important to share a few of the factors that influence our decisions.

Short drive days . We do not want to drive more than 3 hours per day. Our boys are great travelers, but they don’t like long car rides. Windy roads and multiple stops can easily turn a 3 hour drive into 6 hours.
Oslo departure and arrival . It’s cheaper to pick-up and return your vehicle at the same location. We depart Norway from Oslo and take an overnight ferry to Copenhagen. This means backtracking to Oslo, which adds extra drive time. You can avoid this by finishing your road trip in a different city, like Bergen, Stavanger, Alesund or Trondheim.
Family travel . We are travelling with our two boys. If we did not have kids with us, we would choose a slightly different route. For example, we would do the popular Pulpit Rock hike , which would mean visiting Stavanger. And, we might have taken a flight from Alesund back to Oslo.
Visit the popular Norway attractions . For this road trip, we want to include stops in Bergen, Jostedalsbreen National Park , Aurlandsfjord, Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord and Lillehammer. We also want to see a few of Norway’s iconic stave churches.
Accommodations . Visiting Norway in the summer is expensive. Hotels fill up quickly. There are limited “family rooms” that fit a family of four. This lack of viable accommodations impacts the route and places we stay. In Oslo. we stayed in a two bedroom with breakfast included at the Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion .

Looking to rent a vehicle in Europe?

Check out Auto Europe to search for rates and availability from the top car rental companies in Europe. Another option that has great rates is Discover Car Hire .

We got a hybrid Ford SUV from Hertz and did the pick-up/drop-off in Oslo city center.

Above is the 12 day Norway road trip map

The route goes as follows: Oslo > Hemsedal > Borgund > Aurland > Flam > Gudvangen > Bergen > Forde > Jostedalsbreen National Park > Geiranger > Lom > Hafjell > Lillehammer > Oslo.

If you’ve been researching ideas for the best Norway road trip itinerary, you might be surprised by the above route. It’s missing a few popular tourist destinations, like Stavanger and Alesund. We had to make some tough decisions. We will explain why in each section below.

To see the countryside of Norway, it’s best to rent a car . Public transportation is expensive and limited.

There are options for organized tours and day trips. However, we find organized tours to be challenging with kids. We find them to be too restrictive and cater to wider audience, which is not our preference.

Jostedalsbreen glacier at Briksdalsbreen, Norway road trip attractions to visit

In this post, we break down each location with drive times, attractions and where to stay.

No matter what Norway road trip route you decide, you will be impressed by Norway’s stunning landscapes and majestic fjords. You will also look back at the places you could have visited with slight FOMO. As I write this post, I’ve had a few “Doh, we should have gone there!” moments.

Unfortunately, this is unavoidable. Unless you dedicate a month (or more) to travel Norway.

Oslo Opera House in downtown Olso, Norway

Day 1 & 2 – Oslo

We spent 2 nights in Oslo before starting our Norway road trip. We spent 1 more night in Oslo (total of 3 nights) after dropping off the car rental at the end of the road trip. Obviously, if you have more time, you can add (or subtract) days at the beginning or end of this Norway road trip from Oslo.

There are so many things to do Oslo.

Visit the Oslo Opera House and Rådhuset (City Hall), walk along Karl Johans Gate to The Royal Palace, wander the modern Aker Brygge promenade, visit the Nobel Peace Center and/or The National Museum, explore the historic Akershus Fortress, visit the Munch museum and/or Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. That should keep you busy for a few days!

Note – The Viking Ship Museum is closed until 2026.

For a unique experience, visit a floating sauna in the Oslo fjord. You will find these located beside the Oslo Opera House (see photo below), near the Munch museum (see the second photo below – we think this is the best location), and there are a few floating saunas at Aker Brygge promenade.

Floating saunas in front of the iconic Oslo Opera House.

Where to stay in Oslo

There are plenty of hotels in downtown Oslo. We stayed at Clarion Collection Hotel Bastion .

We chose this hotel because it has two separate rooms, breakfast AND dinner included , and it’s located within walking distance to Oslo Central Station.

The breakfasts in Norway are very good. Eating at restaurants is very expensive in Norway, so having breakfast included with your hotel will save you money.

We researched Oslo apartment rentals on VRBO but did not find anything suitable for our family in our price range. When you factor in breakfasts, coffee and light dinners, it’s actually more economical to stay at hotels. This, of course, depends on how many people you are traveling with.

Day 3 – Oslo to Hemsedal

We picked up our rental car at 9:30 AM. Before we left Oslo, we visited Norsk Folkemuseum at Bygdøy. This is an interesting outdoor museum and good introduction into Norway’s history. The Gol Stave Church ( Gol stavkirke ) is remarkable. Watch a short video of the church here .

We spent 2 hours at the Norsk Folkemuseum . It was 1:30 by the time we left Oslo.

We chose Hemsedal for a few reasons:

Affordable and available accommodations with a family room.
It’s a 3 hour drive from Oslo (we arrived at 4:30 PM).
We want to visit the black Borgund Stave Church .
It’s a ski resort in the the Scandinavian Alps. We plan to hike in the morning.
It’s an easy 2 hour drive from Hemsedal to Aurland (our next stop)

We stayed at Skogstad Hotell . It’s located on the main road (Highway 52), making it an easy and convenient road trip stop.

The family room has an upstairs loft . We like the privacy and extra space with the loft, which is needed after spending the day in the car together.

Day 4 – Hemsedal to Aurland (via Borgund)

The drive from Hemsedal to Borgund is about an hour. The original plan for a morning hike in Hemsedal was spoiled by rain. After a quick visit to the ski hill, we made our way to Borgund to visit the impressive Borgund stave church , built around 1180.

We spent an hour at the church and visitor center. It’s one of the most distinctive stave churches in all of Norway. We think it’s worth visiting.

The road trip continues with a drive through Lærdalstunnelen , the longest road tunnel in the world at 24.5 km. It’s a remarkable engineering accomplishment. It has multiple caverns that are illuminated with bright blue lights so that drivers can pull over if they need a break.

Lærdalstunnelen tunnel in Norway, blue lights in the cavern. longest road tunnel in the world at 24.5 km.

We chose Aurland for a few reasons:

We could not find accommodations in Flam, which is where we originally wanted to stay. It’s only 15 minutes drive from Aurland to Flam.
There are only a few hotels in this area. Because of this, hotel rooms are very expensive ($500+ per night) and availability is limited in peak travel season.
It was challenging to find a hotel room that accommodates a family of four.
Aurland to Bergen is only 3 hours drive.

We stayed at Winjum Cabin Aurland Stegastein .

The property has several basic cottages with bunk beds. We thought it would be fun to mix things up and stay in one of these rustic wooden cottages. Upon arrival, the owner informed us that he had overbooked the cottages. To compensate, he offered us a large 2-bedroom cottage with a full kitchen, bathroom with laundry. It was a nice upgrade!

Stegastein viewing platform

One of the main attractions in Aurland is the Stegastein viewpoint . It offers panoramic views of Aurlandsfjord at 650 metres above sea level.

Unfortunately, our excitement to visit this attraction was spoiled by the rain. We were told by many people that this particular summer in Norway was exceptionally rainy and cold.

We decided to visit the Stegastein viewing platform the following morning, before leaving Aurland. The good news is that the rain stopped. The bad news is that thick fog rolled into the fjord, making it difficult to see anything from the viewing platform. Watch this video to see what happened.

It was disappointing, but we did get a few open views half-way down the mountain.

Walking on the Stegastein viewpoint overlooking Aurlandsfjord, Norway

Walking on the Stegastein viewpoint overlooking Aurlandsfjord. Or, in this case, a view of the thick morning fog that engulfed the fjord.

sign that says Aurland, located in Aurlandsfjord, Norway road trip

Aurlandsfjord is a 17 km arm of Sognefjord, the world’s second longest fjord. Together, along with the Nærøyfjord, the Aurlandsfjord is one of the most picturesque fjords in the world. These West Norwegian Fjords are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

In the above photo, if you look in the distance, you can see a white cruise ship. That’s the town of Flam. It’s a popular port of call on Norway fjord cruises.

Flam village in Aurlandfjord, popular Norway road trip stop, Norway in a nutshell tour

Day 4 – Aurland to Bergen (via Flam and Gudvangen)

We left the Stegastein viewpoint and drove to Flam. We spent about an hour in Flam.

The famous Flam Railway, or Flamsbana , is ranked as one of Europe’s most spectacular rail journeys. It’s a key feature in the hugely popular Norway in a Nutshell tour .

We considered riding the Flam Railway to Myrdal.

It’s an hour each way, so it takes a few hours to complete. It was a tough decision. However, we decided to skip the Flam train. The weather was not cooperating that day. It was rainy and foggy, with limited visibility in the mountains. We felt like the views would be disappointing, like our earlier visit to Stegastein lookout.

We are disappointed that we did not get to experience the Flam train, but it didn’t feel like the right move at the time. I’m not sure if we made the right decision. It’s such an iconic Norway tourist attraction.

We left Flam and drove through the Gudvanga Tunnel . It is Norway’s third longest road tunnel at 11.4 km.

We stopped at the village of Gudvangen , a popular tourist destination located at the end of the Nærøyfjord . It’s a key stop on the hugely popular Norway in a Nutshell tour.

This fjord village is surrounded by waterfalls and lush mountains in every direction. There’s a fun Viking tourist attraction here, along with a cafe, restaurant and hotel. Many kayak and paddleboard excursions start from Gudvangen.

The Flam Railway train station is surrounded by mountains and waterfalls.

Views of Nærøyfjord from the village of Gudvangen, Norway road trip itinerary

Tvindefossen

One of the best parts of a road trip is the surprising things you’ll discover on the journey. Tvindefossen is located just off the E16 highway, making it easily accessible. It’s worth pulling over and spending a few minutes admiring it’s cascading waterfalls .

Voss Gondola

We continued driving to the city of Voss. It has a gondola that takes guests up to the ski area. The Voss Gondola is said to be the largest and most modern mountain gondola in Northern-Europe.

Unfortunately, we did not know about this gondola. We probably would have planned our day differently had we known. It looks like a fun place to spend a few hours.

The historic buildings of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bergen Norway

Day 5 – Full day in Bergen

We arrived in Bergen at 4:00 PM on Day 4. Given that we decided to skip the Flam Railway, this was earlier than originally expected.

After checking into our Bergen hotel room , we made our way to the Fløibanen funicular , one of Bergen’s most visited tourist attractions. Rain was expected the following day, so we decided to do this activity at the end of day 4, instead of on Day 5. It was the right call. The weather was somewhat cooperative that evening.

The next day is a full day in Bergen. After changing hotels three nights in a row, it’s nice to have multiple nights in the same place. It’s important to balance our desire to see everything with moving too fast.

Unfortunately, the rain was still hanging around. Because of this, we decided to visit Bergen Aquarium, Akvariet , said to be Norway’s largest aquarium. Visiting the aquarium was a nice change of pace. Our boys enjoyed the visit. You only need a couple hours, at most, to see the exhibits.

View of Bergen Harbor from Fløibanen upper station viewing platform.

Where to stay in Bergen

There are plenty of hotels in central Bergen. We stayed in the Bryggen area, which is more expensive but centrally located within walking distance to most attractions. Bryggen, the old wharf of Bergen, is arguably Bergen’s most popular tourist attractions and is listed as a UNESCO’s World Heritage Site .

We stayed at Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret . It’s located close to Bryggen on the waterfront.

We enjoyed this property and would recommend it. Similar to the Clarion in Oslo, it offers an afternoon tea and light dinner buffet, along with the breakfast buffet, included in the hotel price. This is a nice feature that made our stay more enjoyable and cost effective.

view of Bergen harbour from Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret lookout tower

View from the lookout tower at our hotel. The Clarion Collection Hotel Havnekontoret offers stunning views of Bryggen’s wooden rooftops and Bergen’s Old Town.

Day 6 – Bergen to Forde

The Norway road trip continues north, from Bergen to Førde.

We hit the road after a late breakfast and made our way to Ytre Oppedal. This is where the highway turns into a ferry crossing. We arrive just as the ferry departs from Ytre Oppedal to Lavik, so we wait about 20 minutes for the next ferry to arrive.

We were a little confused about how the ferry crossing works. There is not place to purchase tickets. You drive your vehicle into a lane and wait to board the ferry. Vehicles are automatically charged the ferry toll. Most rental vehicles will have the autopass set-up, so you don’t need to do anything.

waiting at Norway ferry crossing on road trip

Why did we choose to stay in Forde?

We struggled to find accommodations in the area. Initially, we considered staying in Skei, at the Thon Partner Hotel Jolster . However, there were no family rooms available at the time. We found this to be a common theme when booking hotels at peak summer travel season.

Instead, we chose to stay in the town Forde because it’s a 3 hour drive from Bergen. Remember, that’s one of our goals for this Norway road trip.

We stayed at Forde Gjestehus og Camping . This campground has several options, from private cottages to RV campsites to apartments.

We chose the two bedroom apartment. It’s a spacious apartment with full kitchen and laundry, which is just what we needed. There’s a grocery store close to the campground, so that evening was spent shopping, cooking and doing laundry. The less glamourous side of road tripping.

We enjoyed our stay at this property and would recommend it.

However, if we could do it over again, we would skip Forde and drive straight to Olden or Leon.

This will add 2 hours to the drive, making it a long 5 hour drive from Bergen. BUT, after visiting Briksdalsbreen in Jostedalsbreen National Park , we’d recommend the longer drive to spend more time in this area. It’s stunning here.

There are several campgrounds with small cottages along the road from Olden to Briksdalsbreen. The rooms are basic, so don’t expect a fancy breakfast buffet. But if you’re open to a rustic cabin experience, we’d recommend this area instead of Forde.

The vibrant colour of Oldevatnet Lake is spectacular. Seriously, watch this video to see for yourself. You want to spend time at this lake if you can.

Briksdal Glacier in Jostedalsbreen National Park, Norway road trip attractions

Day 7 – Jostedalsbreen National Park

Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier in continental Europe. Jostedal Glacier has a total area of 487 square kilometres (188 square miles). As you can imagine, there are several places to view the glacier, so you’ll need to make a decision on what route is best for you.

If you want to do a Jostedalsbreen glacier walk, you might want to enter on the south side of the glacier. Here’s more info about Jostedal Glacier hiking. If you choose this route, you’d want to drive from Bergen to Guapne or Sogndalsfjøra. Keep in mind, this will add a few extra hours of drive time.

We chose to view the glacier from Briksdalsbreen , an arm of the Jostedalsbreen.

It’s a 5 km hike round trip (2.4 km each way), from the parking lot to the Briksdalsbreen (Briksdal Glacier in English) viewing location. It’s a moderate hike with stairs and approx. 200 metre elevation.

If you’re not up for the hike, you can jump on the glacier shuttle that takes you most of the way to the glacial lake. You catch the troll car beside the souvenir shop in Briksdal. The Troll car takes about 1.5 hours roundtrip.

Drive from Forde to Briksdalsbreen to Geiranger

We left Forde at 10:00 AM. The drive from Forde to Briksdalsbreen takes about 2 hours. It’s a beautiful drive, especially the road from Olden to Oldevatnet Lake.

We arrived at the Briksdalsbreen parking lot around 12:00 PM. We spent 3 hours inside the park.

After visiting Briksdalsbreen, we drove to Olden and stopped for a late lunch. Then we pushed on to Geiranger, our final destination for the day.

It was a long day of driving. About 5 hours in total. As mentioned above, we’d rather have done the extra 2 hours the day before, instead of staying in Forde. That way, we’d only have about 2.5 hours drive from Briksdalbreen to Geiranger.

You have two options to get from Stryn to Geiranger.

There is a car ferry from Hellesylt to Geiranger (more info and pricing here ). Or you drive to up the mountain pass to Djupvatnet Lake (picture below) and down the famous switchbacks of Geirangervegen .

It was raining heavily as we drove down this windy road, which adds to the excitement.

Djupvatnet Lake at the mountain pass near Trollstigen, Norway road trip stops

Day 8 – Geirangerfjord

We spent two nights in the village of Geiranger. This gives one full day to explore, without any driving. After days of driving, it’s nice to have a day off.

Geirangerfjord is one of Norway’s greatest treasures. Surrounded by steep cliffs and towering mountains, Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that must be included on your Norway road trip itinerary.

The village is touristy and some might say you only need a few hours here. We spent a full day in Geiranger so that we could join a fjord safari on a RIB Boat . It’s a fun way to experience the majestic Geirangerfjord from a different viewpoint.

Here’s a short video of the Seven Sisters Waterfall .

We enjoyed our two nights in Geiranger . The powerful waterfall that splits through the city is a sight to behold. And we did the Geiranger zipline and nature park . It’s a small but fun course.

We stayed at Havila Hotel Geiranger , pictured above. It’s perfectly located on the waterfront with easy access to the village restaurants and tourist shops. The rooms are small but clean and comfortable. It’s a good property to spend a night or two.

Day 9 – Lom and Hafjell

The Norway road tip continues. We left Geiranger at 10:00 AM and backtracked up the dizzying Geirangervegen . There are multiple lookout points along this impressive highway, including the Geiranger Skysslag (Skywalk) .

Unfortunately, the rain and fog followed us to Geiranger and, like Stegastein a few days earlier, the impressive views were nothing more than thick fog.

As we approached the town of Lom, we decided to take a break. And we’re glad we did! Lom is famous for Lom Stave Church , one of the few remaining stave churches in Norway, and Lom National Park Village .

Our boys were feeling restless that day, so we made a visit to Lom Aktivitetspark . We spent about 1.5 hours at this adventure park before driving to Hafjell, where we would spend the next two nights.

Outdoor rock climbing course at Lom Aktivitetspark, Norway road trip with kids

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Geiranger to Alesund / 10 day Norway road trip

Another option is to drive from Geiranger to Alesund, which is about 2.5 hours drive with a ferry crossing. You would finish the road trip here and catch a flight from Alesund to Oslo or Bergen. This would give you a perfect 10 day Norway road trip itinerary.

We considered this option. And, we’re disappointed that we missed Alesund on this road trip. It looks like a really cool city.

However, the cost of four flights plus the additional expense for not returning the rental car to the original location, was too expensive for us.

Therefore, we chose to drive back to Oslo and spend a couple nights in Lillehammer on the way.

Hunderfossen Familiepark in Hafjell, Lillehammer amusement park, Norway road trip wit kids

Day 10 – Hafjell and Hunderfossen Familiepark

We chose to stay in Hafjell because we wanted to take our boys to Hunderfossen Familiepark , also known as Hunderfossen Fairytale Park.

There’s only so many stave churches and fjords that our boys can handle. We feel it’s important to breakup the sightseeing and long drives with some kid friendly activities, too.

It was the right decision. We had a blast spending the day at Hunderfossen. It’s a smaller amusement park, when compared to some of the parks in North America. It’s the perfect size park for the age of our boys. A nice mix of easy roller coasters, mini-golf, river rafting, go karts and, naturally, lots of Norwegian trolls!

We will write a separate blog post about Hunderfossen soon.

Fun fact – Hafjell hosted the alpine skiing technical events (giant slalom and slalom) at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer.

Where to stay in Hafjell

We rented a private alpine apartment near the Hafjell gondola – Hafjell Resort Alpin Apartments Solsiden . Pictured above.

We stayed in a 2 bedroom apartment with full kitchen and private sauna. It’s a nice property and location, especially if you visit during the ski season. Having separate rooms is a nice change of pace. We picked up groceries from the nearby grocery store and used the kitchen instead of eating at restaurants.

Hafjell Gondola

Before leaving Hafjell , we planned to ride the gondola to the top of the mountain. The gondola is open in the summer for mountain biking and hiking. It’s only 9 minutes to the top and the gondola is located right beside our apartment rental , so we thought it would be a fun activity before our final drive back to Oslo.

Unfortunately, it was closed that day. Apparently that Monday was the start of the shoulder season (it was mid-August), so the gondola was closed during the week. Summer hours of operation ended the day before, when we were at Hunderfossen Familiepark.

Can you see the running man holding a torch in the above photo? It’s easier to see in the winter when the mountain is covered with snow.

It’s called Fakkelmannen (or The Torchbearer in English). This mountainside mural was created for the 1994 Winter Olympics in Norway. It’s an iconic symbol of those winter games.

Day 11 – Lillehammer to Oslo

The Norway road trip continues. We left Hafjell around 10:00 AM and drove 15 minutes south to Lillehammer, host city of the 1994 Winter Olympics in Norway.

We spent a couple hours in Lillehammer. It’s a nice city. We visited the iconic Lysgårdsbakkene Hoppanlegg, home of the Lillehammer Olympic ski jumping events. We are a skiing and snowboarding family, so it’s fun to see the Lillehammer Olympiapark .

After lunch, we completed the final leg of the road trip. It’s about 2 hours from Lillehammer to Oslo.

The 1994 Winter Olympics Cauldron at Lysgårdsbakken Stadium in Lillehammer, Norway

Day 12 – Depart Oslo

We arrived in Oslo late afternoon. After spending close to an hour trying to find a gas station in rush hour traffic, we dropped off the rental car.

We booked a hotel that’s within walking distance to the car rental location. That way, we avoided finding transportation to get to our hotel.

For our final night in Norway, we stayed at the Clarion Collection Hotel Savoy . If you’ve been paying attention, this was our third stay at a Clarion Collection hotel. We like this hotel chain and would recommend it.

The following day, we boarded the DFDS Ferry from Oslo to Copenhagen. And just like that, our great Norway adventure was over.

Congratulations. You made it this far! Well done.

When I started writing this post, my goal was to keep it less than 2,000 words. I failed miserably.

Hopefully you found this 12 day Norway road trip itinerary helpful. You can shrink this itinerary to become a shorter road trip, but I would recommend spending at least 7 days for a proper Norway road trip.

Are you planning a Norway road trip?

If you have questions, leave us a comment below. We’ll do our best to answer in a timely manner.

02/08/2023 at 7:55 am

Thank you for this detailed but succinct description of your family Norway road trip, balancing experiences with road time – it’s precisely what I was looking for. Planning this trip for our twin 9 yo’s is proving very challenging for me. We recently decided to remove Stockholm from our 16-day Scandinavia itinerary, just to slow it down. I want the flexibility of a rental car, but that adds constraints too, and we’d like to take some trains. It’d be great to be able to make a one-way car rental from the Flam area (I see there is a Hertz at the airport in Sogndal but then you have to take a bus there). As it is, it seems renting from Oslo or Bergen is your best option, but that adds significant windshield time. Sounds like you got unlucky with the weather too – nothing you can do about that. Anyway, thanks again.

02/08/2023 at 10:37 am

Thank you for the kind words – I’m glad you found this post helpful. We had originally planned to take the train from Stockholm to Oslo but the train cancelled the trip a few weeks prior to our arrival, which was unexpected and annoying. We ended up taking a fairly inexpensive flight on Norwegian Air (I think around $400 total for 4 people?). That is another option that would allow for shorter travel days – depending on how far you want to travel.

03/01/2023 at 12:36 pm

Hi! Your blog has been so helpful! What month were you in Norway? I saw that it was a very rainy season. I am planning a similar road trip this July and was just curious about the weather. What were the average high and low temps?

03/01/2023 at 5:32 pm

Hi Alex, we were in Norway in August but we did hear from locals that July is more popular and the weather tends to be better.

We didn’t have great weather. On average it was 10 degrees Celsius. We needed sweaters, coats and long pants. Locals told us though that it was unusually cold.

05/23/2023 at 12:21 am

Great blog. Very useful for planning our own trip for next year.

Just to confirm though, it sounds like you didn’t drive the Trollstigen road? Trollstigen is just south of Andalsnes. The road that descends into Geiranger from the east is called Geirangervegen

05/23/2023 at 8:18 am

We appear to have conflicting information. I did another search, to confirm, and I can see results for both, so I’m not entirely sure.

The section we visited is the ascent/descent into Geiranger. It’s a steep windy road with lots of switchbacks and waterfalls. (so Geirangervegen might be the correct name)

I’ll make some edits in the post. Both passes look identical, so if you’re looking for insane switchbacks surrounded by green mountains and waterfalls, you’ll be good visiting either one.

norway road trip 10 days

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10 days in Norway: A Complete Norway Road Trip Itinerary

Norway Road Trip Itinerary Overview + Map

Day 10: Alesund

Pre-Travel Guide to Norway

Renting a Car

Driving tips in Norway:

Other random tips for your Norway Road Trip:

What to bring:

Money and Exchange Rates

When to Visit Norway

Health and Safety

Visas and Passports

How to Get to Norway

Where to Stay in Norway

The Ultimate 10 Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary

Day 0: Fly into Oslo!

Days 1-2: Explore Oslo

Day 3: Fly to Stavanger and Explore

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

Day 5: Road Trip Time + LOTS of Waterfalls!

Day 6: Bergen!

Day 7: Nærøyfjord Fjord Cruise and Flam Railway

Day 8: Drive the National Tourist Routes

Day 9: Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen

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South Norway Road Trip 10-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

Where to Stay in Oslo

Day 2: Be a Tourist in Oslo

Day 3: Drive from Oslo to Stavanger

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Day 4: Preikestolen Hike & Lyse Fjord Cruise

Day 5: Drive from Stavanger to Bergen

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Day 6: Be a tourist in Bergen

Day 7: Drive from Bergen to Loen

Where to Stay in Loen

Day 8: Geiranger Fjord & Skagefla Hike

Where to Stay in Geiranger

Day 9: Åndalsnes, Trollstigen & Romsdalseggen Hike

Day 10: Drive from Geiranger to Oslo

South Norway Road Trip Map

Renting a Car in Norway

Is Driving in Norway Easy?

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South Norway Road Trip Tips

Is Norway good for a road trip?

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When is the best time to go on a road trip in Norway?

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Visit the Oslo Opera House

Join a Walking Tour of Oslo

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Visit Akershus Fortress

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