As I follow the fjord first east and then north before turning inland again to Voss, the rugged, often vertical countryside begins to work on me, raising thoughts of Vikings, moody gods and other things quintessentially Norwegian. When the Lynga river is low, numerous pot holes appear which make fabulous hot tubs on a sunny day, so be sure to take your swimmers and a towel! Alesund >> Hotel 1904 for its perfect position in the centre of town and iconic Scandi decor. Find out everything you need to know and our top tips for driving in Norway here. Once youre on the water youll be able to marvel at the Seven Sisters and the Bridal Veil, vaunted waterfalls of the region. or investigate the museums, such as the Edvard Grieg museum and the KODE art museum. Standing on the edge of the Trolls Tongue with the world at your feet. End in Loen for the night. Iceland Thats why we asked one of our Norway specialists, Sindre Matthasson, if he could give us a breakdown of his favourite Norway driving routes that will suit any intrepid road tripper.
For more stories from some of the worlds most exciting destinations click here. Egersund >>Grand Hotel Egersundfor its simple Scandi decor and great restaurant. Its an intoxicating run north and east from here. Stavanger >>Sola Strand Hotelfor the breathtaking beachfront location and modern spa. It's always wise to plan your driving routes ahead in Norway. Allow several hours longer than Google Maps suggests this is a full days drive and you should start early.
Youll also enjoy perfect lighting for moody shots of big skies and dramatic landscapes, and watching the Northern Lights from Lofoton is a real bucket list experience. Day 4 Today you should pick up your rental car in Norway, because youll be driving towards Voss to chase its Tvindefossen waterfall, and then onto the remarkable Aurlandsfjordand the lovely town ofFlm. If you get the ferry from Denmark to Kristiansand, you might be tempted to stop in the town for a day, although for most its a gateway to the rest of the coast.
Begin the hike at the trailhead in Preikestolenhytta, where you can park easily.
He loves nerding out over writing, SEO, board games and sci-fi. Start in the pretty and typically Norwegian city of Stavanger. Take the Flibanen Funicularup to Mount Flyen to see Bergen from above. Climbing onto Trollpikken for that must have image! Day 7 You couldnt get all the way to Geiranger and not spend another night there. 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. Embarking on a road trip around Norway is a great way to see all the glories this Scandinavian country has to offer. 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 2 On your second day in Svolvr, bring your camera and head to Trollfjord, known for its watersports, fishing villages, and incredible birdlife. Having to slow down for reindeer crossing the road! And lastly, stock up on Norwegian treats like multekrem and krumkake before you depart! Then, after a short ferry ride to Linge, youll be able to tackle the twisting Trollstigen, or Troll Ladder one of the best-known roads in Norway. Tromso is another great place to catch the aurora borealis as it ripples across the northern sky. Day 5 Hop in your car and head back to Svolvr, where you can extend your trip, or fly to Oslo and investigate the charms of Norways capital. Follow the usual free andwild campinggood practice and dont overstay your welcome. On this road you will drive through incredible tunnels and cross fjords on a car ferry. A country so eclectic and beguiling, it is the most visited nation on the planet. Day 6 Today, take another ferry, this time from Sognefjord to the gorgeous Aurlandsfjord. Visit the Olympic Museum and arena, but dont 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! We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog!
Or, if you have time, head north toNordkappwhere the sun doesnt drop below the horizon from mid-May to the end of July. Day 6 Explore a little of lovely Loen, then take the ferry through the UNESCO-protectedGeirangerfjord.
Route 13 from Stavanger to Odda is known as theRyfylke National Scenic Route, one of eighteen official national tourist routes in Norway designated for their stunning scenery and tourist-friendly infrastructure. Spread across the 10 days, youll find that you shouldnt have to drive more than about 4 hours at a time. Eventually, I cross it on a ferry and turn west along its shore, ahead of another boat that takes me across to Dragsvik and on to the E39 main road. Havikstrand beach is the best known and is popular with kite-surfers. Oslo Harbour and Akershus Fortress Nancy Bundt - Visit Norway, Pulpit Rock, Stavanger Terjerakke Nordic Life - Visit Norway, 10-day tour from Oslo with fjords and waterfalls, 10-day tour from Bergen with fjords and glaciers, Lofoten Islands tours & vacation packages, My Lofoten: charming villages & dramatic landscapes.
Day 8 Why have a car if you cant make the most of it? From mountains where wild reindeer roam to rock formations with giddying fjord views, read on for the top 9 hikes in Norway. Here, youll 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. Start in Bergen, Norways second largest city which is surrounded by seven fjords and seven hills. Without doubt its one of the best roads in Norway. Norways main roads are excellent, but not all back roads survive the brutal winters unscathed. For more information, see our guide todriving in Norway. Pick up the RV13 just before Ardal as you head north (make sure to add Ardal to your sat nav or youll be routed east from Kjeragbolten).
The charming buildings that surround the harbor are a reminder that Bergen was a successful business centre for many centuries, going back to its days as a Hanseatic port. Getting lucky and enjoying a natural hot tub! And, you can drive it in two major stretches, each of which takes around 2 hours. A must-see. You can find this drive and over 200 more two- and four-wheeled adventures in our Epic Drives of the Worldbook. 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. 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. Here you will see celebrated waterfalls like the Bridal Veil and the Seven Sisters. Top tip: in the summer months, you could enjoy coastal views from the ship deck under themidnight sunbefore returning to your private cabin. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.
It's 10 days-long, and starts and ends in Bergen From here you'll wind your way throughGeirangerfjord, the gorgeous Balestrand region and pretty Loen. Driving the exciting and impressive Trollstigen Road from Geiranger to Andalasnes. Then cruise in the car along Vik mountain before getting back to the city. The saying might be you cant see it all, but on this trip you will come pretty close. Sticking to E39 is recommended as it always runs alongside a fjord or crossing a rocky range, populated by hairpins, smooth, long curves and regular blinks of tunnels. 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. At the end of the ferry ride, youll get to stay in the town of Geiranger, the stuff fairytales are made of. 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. See the Royal Palace, the Norwegian Maritime Museum, and the incredible Akershus Fortress. The most challenging of the these three famous Norway hikes, the route is 20km across mostly flat terrain, but the path can be tricky underfoot and the weather changeable. It can still be chilly in the evenings for Arctic circle road trippers, where the weather is also more unpredictable. Plus, the extra days give you enough time to step away from the wheel and head out to sea on a spectacular overnight cruise. Click here for our complete step-by-step road trip planning guide to help organise your perfect trip. If fjords and drama arent your thing, head for the gentler landscape of southern Norway, known as Sorlandet in Norwegian. Rounding off your trip here means you can either spend time hiking the seven (thats right, seven!) A road trip in the stunning country of Morocco will take you from the sparking turquoise waters of the coast, through the dramatic snow-capped Atlas mountains. 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. You can learn all about it in the Norwegian Glacier Museum inFjrland. Do I carry on straight ahead through the 16-mile-long (28km) Lrdal tunnel - the world's longest road tunnel and a marvel of modern engineering - or take the old road across the top? And since youre by the sea, why not try pickled herring?
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. At the top, the view towardsGudvangen from the hotel is spectacular, with near-vertical cliffs boxing in the narrow but lush, green valley bottom. Use our detailed guide and travel tips to find French road trip ideas in every region, and to plan your ultimate France road trip. That may be true in the strictest sense, but it feels like a lot more, as my bike takes me over bridges spanning white water tumbling the 762 meters to the valley floor, and along short straits with steep drops on one side and more sheer rock on the other. Day 15 Using Stavanger as a base, you can easily explore this majestic region of Norway, including Lysefjord and its surrounding terrain. istance 650km (404 miles), depending on which side roads you take. A French road trip is the best way to explore the wonderful diversity and beautiful landscapes of this country. Whilst this is itinerary may be the longest in days, its not the longest when it comes to driving.
Then drive on from Flm to Sogndal. Youll cross into the Arctic Circle at 66 degrees, on the boat between Kilborghavn and Jektvik. Among his top travel experiences are sailing along Geirangerfjord with classically trained singers providing the soundtrack, seeing the northern lights twice in one Reykjavk weekend, and enjoying 9:00am honey mojitos at a tobacco farm in Viales, Cuba. Stroll to the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Oslo City Hall, and the Kon-Tiki Museum on your first day. This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income. Spain is a fantastic country for road tripping. Ive ridden through the tunnel before, so the choice is easy. Climbing up the old Bjrgavegen road, there are deep snowbanks alongside the 30 mile (48km) stretch of narrow, steep and twisting road but its surface is clear and tempts my inner boy racer. If you love a road trip or like touring in your motorhome, from time to time you may end up tackling a long distance drive. Spending a day soaking up the sun on one of the many magnificent beaches. If youre interested in seeing the epic waterways, glaciers and fjords of Norway, this is the tour for you.
To the east is the weird and wonderful rock formation of Trollpikken (trolls penis), created by glacial influences thousands of years ago. Day 10 On your last day, pop into the Bergenhus Fortress Museum, a fascinating window into the citys past, and wander down to the Old Bergen Open-Air Museum, which can show you what life was like in days gone by. From the drama of Bavaria to the soft beauty of the Mosel Valley and the fairytale castles and towns in between, explore this often overlooked country on the road trip of a lifetime. You need to be in good physical shape and have some hiking experience before attempting this route. If youve 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. Then, you can either hike within the mountains that surround the city there are seven! Theres one outside the futuristic information center, with its odd looks combining humor and veiled threat. Paddling the Aurlandsfjord for unrivalled views of the surrounding landscape. RELATED POST How to Visit Flm in the Summer. Safety recommendations and restrictions during a pandemic can change rapidly. Where to experience Smi art and culture in Norway. This is where youll see the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veilwaterfalls, perhaps Norways most famous falls. 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. To assist, here's our guide to Norway's visa requirements. Can you take a road trip in Norway during winter? November, December and January are dark months in northern Norway and the days are very short but if youre travelling 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.
The scenery in Norway is simply spectacular, with new thrills around each bend in the road. Ideal for hikers and nature lovers, Lofoten has become Norways go to place for adventure. Once you get to this lovely town, stretch your legs on a hike up Mount Skla, which promises gorgeous views from the top.
When you click on an affiliate link in a page or post, at no cost to you, we earn fees by advertising and linking to our affiliate partners. Day 3 On your third day, youll swap cultural attractions for natural ones, as you sweep into the Gudbrandsdalenvalley, which is flanked by several national parks. Whilst heading to your end-point Geilo, make time for Vringfossen, the highest waterfall in Norway. They dont. RELATED POST Trolltunga Hike Plan it Like a Pro. 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. At Grotli I turn west again, and after following the waterside for a while along Route 15,I break off onto Route 63 andclimb back up to the high, icy country that interrupts the fjords. Day 10 Its never a bad idea to spend another night in Oslo. View Map. You could easily be forgiven for not knowing which of the many different routesto choose from. Odda >>Vikinghaug Apartmentsfor their amazing fjord views and the post-Trolltunga bath! Norwegian roads are made for driving. Not enough attention on the road and a long frost break is trying to turn my front wheel into oncoming traffic. So what is the best way to do a driving tour of Norway? This city is home to the charming UNESCO-listed Bryggen, an old wharf filled with colourful clapboard heritage buildings. To get there you'll board a ferry and sail through the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. We are Phil and Izzy. This Norway itinerary is for those that love the journey more than the destination itsallabout the road. Day 7 Its time to set your sat nav for the airport. Best Norway road trip for: A whistlestop tour of the north. It's always wise to plan your driving routes ahead in Norway as many of the mountain passes close during the winter months, which could result in a long detour! You can also duck into the local Norwegian Fishing Village Museum to learn about the culture and heritage of these islands. Are you planning an adventure or road trip in Norway but dont want to fly?
Following theKystriksveien Coastal Route to experience the real coastal Norway of fishing villages and subsistence agriculture. Your next stop is Odda, for the infamous Trolltunga in the glorious Folgefonna National Park. Directly to the west of Stalheimskleiva, continuing along E16, lies the village ofFlmwhereI face a decision. 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. Forget what you think you know about beaches. 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 youre new to hiking and Norway. 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. At the highest bend is the most breathtaking view over the UNESCO listedGeirangerfjord, and location of the (must watch before you go) movie, The Wave. I dont regret it. Hi there! This classic route is for any traveller who wants to tick off all the main attractions during their holiday across Norway. Day 2 On your first driving day, go north to lovely Lillehammer, set inland, and the site of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Admittedly theres not much thats spellbinding as I roll north out of Bergen. Day 2 On your second day, head to Voss and seek out the famed Tvindefossen waterfall nearby (see image). Trondheim >> Britannia Hotel because by this point you deserve a spa! If you want to visit picture-perfectAlesundon the way, take a slight detour and head south on the E39 instead of north if you have a few extra days, you wont regret it! At Hellesylt, take the ferry through the stunning Geirangerfjord to the town of Geiranger itself. Standing at the northern most point of Europe to watch the midnight sun. Sweeping roads wind their way through dramatic and moody landscapes, past historic castles, gentle lochs and wild seas.
The driving for this itinerary is light, roughly 158-252 kilometres (98-157 miles).
Driving Norway's Atlantic Road with the famous Storseisundet Bridge in the background Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images, Driving Norways west coast through wild fjords and engineering marvels. 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 Flyen by taking the Flibanen Funicular. With an elevation gain of 334m you dont need any special skills to get to the top of one of Norways most incredible bits of rock and there are a few in the country!
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. Lindesnes >>Lindesnes Havhotel for its waterfront location, modern decor and hot tub! The starting point is at the parking lot at Oygardstol just getting there involves a pretty spectacular top Norway road with hairpin bends aplenty. Im riding out in the wonderful, slightly watery, sunshine typical of Norway. But first, youll drive north along the celebrated National Tourist Route Sognefjellsvegen, the highest mountain pass in northern Europe which passes through the glorious Jotunheimennational park.