Norway Road Trip: Four Unmissable Routes

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Ultimate Norway road trips planner

Ready to embark on the ultimate adventure? Norway is one of the world’s most breathtaking destinations for a road trip with deep sapphire fjords carving through rugged mountains, thundering waterfalls cascading around every bend, and roads that wind through some of Europe’s most dramatic and untouched landscapes.

But Norway isn’t just about jaw-dropping scenery. It’s a land rich with Viking heritage, charming waterside towns, and endless opportunities for outdoor adventure – from hiking and kayaking to chasing the Northern Lights. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or an avid explorer, Norway offers something unforgettable.

We’ve spent months exploring Norway’s wild beauty and curated the four best road trip routes. These itineraries are packed with expert tips, hidden gems, and must-see sights to help you make the most of your unforgettable adventure through Norway’s best landscapes.

Getting to Norway

Flying

Fly into Oslo, Bergen, 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 highly recommend booking through Skyscanner for live deals and the best prices.

Driving

Whether you’re taking a road trip to Norway in a car, motorcycle, campervan, or motorhome, self-driving is absolutely the best way to explore this spectacular Scandinavian country. Stopping whenever you want, trying new activities, visiting places you see along the route, and having the freedom to change plans at the last minute is priceless.

Norway is an easily accessible country from the UK and most of Europe. You can choose a ferry crossing from Germany or Denmark, or a series of bridges between Denmark with Sweden allowing you to drive into Norway.

Norway Road Trip Map

How to use this interactive Norway road trips map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Bergen to Nordkapp Road Trip

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

This Norway road trip itinerary is for those that love the journey more than the destination – it’s all about the road as you drive almost the entire west coast from bottom to top.

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

Highlights

Bergen

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.

Stay at Det Hanseatiske Hotel for its harbourside location, dining options, and cosy decor.

Loen

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.

Stay at Visnes Hotel Stryn for its waterside location, traditional Norwegian food, and fabulous reviews.

Geiranger

At Hellesylt, take the ferry through the stunning Geirangerfjord to the town of Geiranger itself – filming location of the must-watch-before-you-go movie The Wave. 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 Ornesvinger or the ‘Eagle Road.’ At the highest bend is the most breathtaking view over the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord.

Trollstigen Mountain Road

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.

Atlantic Ocean Road

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

Alesund

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!

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

Trondheim

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 favourite way to get around.

Stay at Britannia Hotel because by this point you deserve a spa!

Kystriksveien Coastal Route

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.

Bodo

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.

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

Tromso

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.

Stay at Scandic Ishavshotel for its harbour location, fabulous breakfasts, and excellent customer service.

Nordkapp

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. Nordkapp is hauntingly beautiful but surprisingly busy and you may prefer the true northernmost point of continental Europe at Knivskjelodden, an 18km hike away and inaccessible to vehicles.

Adventure in the Western Fjords

Stavanger – Preikestolen – Kjeragbolten – Trolltunga – Fläm – Bergen

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.

Highlights

Stavanger

This seven to ten day road trip starts 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.

Stay at Sola Strand Hotel for the breathtaking beachfront location and a modern spa.

Preikestolen

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 stunning 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.

Stay at Preikestolen BaseCamp because it’s perfect for the nights before and after your hike.

Kjeragbolten

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 scenic drive 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.

Ryfylke National Scenic Route

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.

Trolltunga

Your next stop is Odda, for the infamous Trolltunga in the glorious Folgefonna National Park in the stunning Hardangerfjord region. The most challenging of these three famous Norway hikes, the route is 20km across mostly flat terrain at 1,100 metres above sea level.

Trolltunga, meaning Troll Tongue, is the most spectacular rock formation, long and not very thick, that juts horizontally out from the mountain, resembling a sticking-out tongue. The tongue stretches out by around 15 meters and is 700m above the lake below.

Thousands of people visit Trolltunga every year, to grab their once in a lifetime experience on the famous jutting rock. But this is an arduous and challenging hike across the bleak and inhospitable terrain of the ice age Hardangervidda plateau, in a country known for its changeable weather conditions.

Preparation is critical for this day hike through high-mountain terrain. Having the correct equipment and taking the right provisions, understanding the terrain and weather, and the logistics of where to stay, how to park, and getting to the start point of the hike are all key to completing the trek safely in daylight hours.

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

Stay at Vikinghaug Apartments for their amazing fjord views and the post-Trolltunga bath!

Fläm

Skirt north along the border of the Hardangervidda National Park and take a few days downtime in picturesque Fläm (pronounced Flom) 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. You can hire kayaks and paddle boards, swim in the fjord or take a fjord safari to see the local wildlife and the odd sunken ship!

Drive or take the electric minibus 17km north on the snow road from Fläm to the spectacular Stegastein viewpoint 650 metres above Aurlandsfjord. Jutting 30 meters out from the road, the viewpoint is all sharp angles of steel, concrete, glass and designed to give the illusion of floating over the fjord below.

From Fläm, you can drive to Bergen or take the spectacular Flämsbana railway there, considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world. If you don’t want to go all the way to Bergen, get off at Myrdel and take a hired bike down the Rallervegan.

Along the easy-to-cycle road you can experience the Fläm zipline, thundering Kårdalsfossen Waterfall and stop at Rallarrosa Stølsysteri café, home to a goat farm and where you can sample pancakes slathered in brown goats cheese with cloudberries – sounds suspect, but I promise you, they’re amazing!

Stay in Flåmsbrygga Hotel for its superb central position, cosy traditional decor, and microbrewery.

Jotunheimen National Park

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 Fläm 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.

Norway Travel Ideas

Slow Down in Southern Norway

Romsviga – Lindesnes – Lista – Egersund – Bore – Stavanger

If fjords and drama aren’t your thing, head for the gentler landscape of southern Norway, known as Sorlandet in Norwegian. This seven day south 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.

Highlights

Romsviga

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

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.

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

Kvasfossen & Rafossen

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

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.

Stay at Rederiet Hotel for their amazing views and welcoming staff.

Egersund

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.

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

Bore

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!

Stavanger

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.

Stay at Sola Strand Hotel for the breathtaking beachfront location and a modern spa.

A Road Trip from Oslo to the Fjords

Oslo – Geilo – Borgund – Flåm – Eidfjord – Bergen

Embarking on a Norway road trip from Oslo is one of the best ways to experience the country’s stunning diversity. From the modern vibrancy of the capital to the serene beauty of its fjords and mountains, this journey offers a perfect snapshot of Norway’s natural wonders and rich cultural heritage.

Whether you have a few days or a week, this scenic route promises unforgettable experiences at every turn.

Highlights

Oslo

Begin your journey in Oslo, Norway’s capital, known for its cutting-edge architecture, deep-rooted Viking history, and lush green spaces. Spend a morning exploring landmarks like the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Akershus Fortress, and the innovative Oslo Opera House, where you can walk on the roof for panoramic city views. Don’t miss the Viking Ship Museum to get a sense of Norway’s seafaring past.

For food lovers, grab lunch at the trendy Mathallen Food Hall, offering local specialties like cured meats and fresh seafood. Then, hit the road, heading west towards the heart of Norway’s fjord region.

Stay at Clarion Hotel The Hub for its superb location, stylish decor and excellent Scandinavian inspired breakfast, just what we needed before a day of sightseeing!

Geilo

The drive from Oslo to Geilo is about four hours and is filled with stunning landscapes. Geilo is a mountain village known for its outdoor adventures and is a great stopover to break up the journey. In summer, it’s perfect for hiking, biking, or even trying out a zip line. In winter, it transforms into one of Norway’s premier ski resorts.

Take a scenic walk along Ustedalsfjorden, or if you’re feeling adventurous, join a husky sledding tour for a true taste of Nordic wilderness. In the evening, cozy up with a traditional Norwegian meal like rakfisk (fermented fish) or elk stew at a local lodge.

Borgund

Deep in the heart of Norway’s fjord country, Borgund is a must-visit destination known for the iconic Borgund Stave Church – one of the best-preserved and most-visited stave churches in Norway, dating back to the 12th century.

Its intricate wooden carvings and dragon-headed roof make it a fascinating stop for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts. Beyond its cultural charm, Borgund is also a key point on the journey towards the fjords, offering two distinct and scenic routes to Flåm: the Lærdal Tunnel and the Aurlandsfjellet Snow Road.

Lærdal Tunnel Route

The Lærdal Tunnel is the world’s longest road tunnel, stretching an impressive 24.5 kilometers (15.2 miles) beneath the mountains. It offers a quick and efficient route to Flåm, taking just about 20 minutes to drive through. The tunnel is well-lit and features uniquely illuminated caverns every 6 kilometers, designed to break the monotony and help keep drivers alert.

Aurlandsfjellet Snow Road

For those seeking adventure and breathtaking views, the Aurlandsfjellet Snow Road is an unforgettable experience. This route is part of Norway’s National Scenic Routes and climbs high over the mountains, offering incredible panoramic views of fjords, valleys, and snow-capped peaks. The road is typically open from June to October, depending on snow conditions.

Flåm

From Geilo, continue west towards Flåm, one of Norway’s most iconic fjord villages. The route takes you through Hardangervidda National Park, home to one of Europe’s largest mountain plateaus.

Arriving in Flåm, prepare to be awed by the towering cliffs and mirror-like waters of the Aurlandsfjord. Here, take the famous Flåm Railway, one of the steepest train rides in the world, for breathtaking views of waterfalls and mountain peaks. If you’re up for more adventure, consider a fjord safari by RIB boat to get up close to seals and eagles.

Stay in Flåmsbrygga Hotel for its superb central position, cosy traditional decor, and microbrewery.

Eidfjord

Tucked away at the end of the Hardangerfjord, Eidfjord is a charming village that feels like stepping into a postcard. It’s a gateway to some of Norway’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, including the Vøringsfossen Waterfall – one of the country’s most famous cascades, plunging 182 metres from the Hardangervidda plateau. The waterfall is easily accessible and offers several viewing platforms for breathtaking photo opportunities.

Eidfjord is also an entry point to the Hardangervidda National Park, Europe’s largest mountain plateau, offering hiking, wildlife spotting, and immersive nature experiences. Visit the Hardangervidda Nature Centre for insights into the region’s geology and wildlife.

The village itself is peaceful and scenic, with colorful wooden houses set against towering cliffs and calm fjord waters. Whether you’re kayaking, hiking, or simply soaking in the views, Eidfjord offers both adventure and tranquil relaxation.

Bergen

The final stretch leads to Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and the gateway to the fjords. This drive is among Norway’s most scenic, featuring tunnels carved through mountains and bridges arching over deep fjords.

Once in Bergen, explore the historic Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site with colorful wooden buildings that date back to the Hanseatic League. Visit the Mount Fløyen Funicular for panoramic views, or wander the lively Fish Market for fresh seafood delicacies.

Stay at Det Hanseatiske Hotel for its harbourside location, dining options, and cosy decor.

Planning Your Norwegian Road Trip

Norway Road Trip Resources

These are the websites and services we personally use and recommend for your Norway driving holiday:

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.

Driving in Norway

General Tips

Do not underestimate how difficult and time consuming it is to travel around Norway by car, especially if you want to go north enough to see the Northern Lights or enter the Arctic Circle. It takes a whopping 30 hours of solid driving from Oslo in southern Norway to the Lofoten Islands for example.  

Norwegian drivers are usually disciplined and calm, happy to give way and wait where necessary. The road system is well maintained, even on smaller ‘B’ type roads, and you can often drive long distances without seeing other vehicles.

Norway’s mountain passes are beautiful to drive but often have very long and winding downhill stretches, which can cause brakes to overheat. To avoid this, drive in a low gear so you do not have to brake too hard, or too often. On the uphill sections, keep an eye on the car’s temperature gauge as the engine can quickly overheat when driving up steep gradients.

Some mountain roads and roads around fjords that have not been replaced with tunnels are narrow and larger vehicles may only be able to pass by pulling in at passing places. This can lead to traffic jams in popular areas like Gerainger in summer – patience is key!

Norway Driving Rules

These are the main rules of driving in Norway that you need to be aware of:

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