What is the first thing that pops into your head when you think about Norway?
Majestic Mountains
Stunning Waterfalls
Breathtaking Fjords
Indeed, Norway possesses all of these things and much, much more!
Simply put, experiencing the 50,000-island nation from the comfortable confines of a car is an unforgettable one. Take your time to discover the top road trip destinations in Norway, which range from island-hopping, and bridge-crossing coastal adventures to nerve-racking mountain hikes.
Dramatic fjords are so deep that they appear to vanish into the Earth’s core. Mountains covered in snow and grit. The Aurora Borealis’s mutable lights. Overall, road trip destinations in Norway may not be found in any other country in the entire world. This country doesn’t take things by side, from the arid Arctic to the lively towns and cities. If you’re planning to spend time here, you’re making a fantastic move.
The good news is that Norway’s cities are hospitable, smart, and great dining when you’re looking to keep up your outdoor adventures with shopping, fine dining, and urban culture. You’ll find a wonderful blend of traditional charm and cutting-edge contemporary design throughout the stylish capital Oslo, as well as in gorgeous Alesund, Trondheim, and Bergen.
So hopefully these will be helpful if you’re planning your own Norway road trip itinerary.
But first, here are some additional details to help in the preparation of your road trip to Norway.
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Norwegian Driving Tips
To begin with, always drive on the correct side of the road and always keep your dipped headlights on. Keep your speed to 30 km/h in residential areas, 50 km/h in urban regions, and 80–90 km/h on highways.
Road signs with a yellow diamond should be avoided. They indicate that all traffic coming from your right side has the right of way, regardless of the type of road you are on.
Let’s now get moving toward your top road trip destinations in Norway. You must be eager to start your engines!
Best Time to Visit Norway
The summer months (June to August) appear to be the most popular for travel to Norway, which is not surprising given that these times tend to fall during vacation periods for both schools and employers.
Having said that, I would without a doubt advise traveling in October and November, which are the less busy months. Particularly in northern Norway, there aren’t many cars on the road during these months.
You also benefit from the fact that Norway is even more attractive due to the widespread snowfall!
To that end, the summer months may be preferable if you are concerned about driving in Norway during the winter in the face of heavy snow and slippery conditions.
Now let’s talk about the top 5 road trip destinations in Norway.
P.S.: check out our most recent guide on Romantic Getaway to Visit Top 5 Viewpoints & Hikes in Lofoten Islands
Lofoten Islands Road
Try the route connecting the Lofoten, a rugged archipelago that clings to the shore and is located inside the Arctic Circle, for those seeking something a little more remote, frigid, and daring. The Lofoten, which is located in the far north of the country and is away from the popular tourist destinations within driving distance of Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, is the ideal location to view wildlife and the northern lights in the winter.
There is just one road trip destination in Norway, and it twists its way across the islands with minimal margin for error. It’s best to take your time on this trip; you may finish it in under three hours or you can take a few days to thoroughly enjoy all the stunning locations along the way. You’ll be treated to breath-taking views of majestic mountains that dramatically meet the sea, the sight of deep blue waters, and, according to the season, either a blanket of snow in the winter or lush green landscapes and golden beaches in the summer as this route travels along the coastline.
The first stop after leaving the Svolaer airport is the Torvdalshlsen viewpoint, where you can rest on one of the trendy benches while taking in the view of Vestvågøy. To see the best avian wildlife the area has to offer, keen birders should travel to the west side of the region to the lakes of Gårdsvatnet, Skjaerpvatnet, and Storeidvatnet.
The road actually finishes in the settlement after a 40-minute trip from Rambergstranda. Fishing was the main source of income for this small community until the 1990s when tourism began to take over. The town, one of the country’s westernmost outposts, is a charmingly remote outpost, its red wooden fishing houses evoking a time when visitors to this area were uncommon.
Trollstigen Pass
One of the most famous highways in the world is the Trollstigen Pass (also known as the Troll Path). The route connects Andalsnes with the Valldal Valley and Geiranger, ascending more than 850m (2790ft) up the hillside with the help of 11 dangerous sharp turns. The Stigfossen waterfall, a powerful body of water that cascades from the mountain and plunges more than 350m (1000ft) in a roaring torrent, dominates the vertical cliff the route climbs in place of a difficult hiking trail.
Once you’re on the pass, it may be tempting to look out the side window at the landscapes of the valley below but resist your desire to look away because the route snakes up the slope, with a steep drop-off on one side and a rocky cliff face on the other.
With a zigzagging trail leading from the peak to elevated viewing platforms with a view of the mountain pass, the road trip destinations in Norway provide something absolutely remarkable. The structure itself is not only a remarkable work of architecture, but it is also a need for anyone hoping to capture the final and most compelling aspect of their journey through photography. On a clear day, the views from this vantage point are nothing short of magnificent.
Atlantic Road
Norway’s road system frequently includes bridges and tunnels because they keep the nation’s numerous tiny islands connected. There is no better place to see some of Norway’s most magnificent bridges than the Atlantic Road. The road, which links the island of Averøy with the mainland not far from the city of Molde, was initially constructed in 1989.
Start your journey from Molde by taking the E39 north and then the exit for Route 64. This area is rich in cultural diversity and historical significance. The road will lead you up to the coast from here without requiring you to make any turns, where the Atlantic breeze and the bridges mark the beginning of the drive.
Following the road trip destinations in Norway’s primary series of bridges, before entering the Atlantic Ocean Tunnel, Route 64 continues its way around Averøy Island. It then emerges to join with Route 70. The road drops once more into what seems to be a never-ending tunnel after traveling the magnificent but little-populated Frei Island, momentarily reuniting with Bergsøya Island, and continuing across the massive Gjemnessundbrua suspension bridge.
The Jaeren Road
Take route 44 as it travels northwest, following the shoreline the entire way, beginning in the small settlement of Ogna. The Kvassheim lighthouse is located less than 10 kilometers (6 miles) south of Ogna and is worth stopping to explore. The lighthouse, which was initially constructed in 1912, continued to function until 1990 when a smaller, automated beacon took its place. Currently, a museum and visitor center is housed in the wooden structure.
Route 507, which runs alongside the white sands of Orrestranda, one of the nicest beaches in Norway, is taken after route 44, which continues northwest from Kvassheim. You can stroll for hours along the sand here while admiring the lush vegetation and diverse animal and plant life that beautify the dunes that surround the beach. The road ends in the village of Bore after a little drive, which brings us to its end.
Sognefjellet
The Sognefjellet is a road that goes through the Bøverdalen Valley as it moves inland from the shore. This route ascends to a height of 1432m (4705ft), making it northern Europe’s highest mountain pass, so be prepared for a frequently changing landscape. Because of this, a portion of the path – from Rustasaetre/Vegaskjelet to Turtagrø – is often open from spring through autumn and closed during the winter.
Make sure you try some of the regional specialties before leaving Lom, which is where the journey begins. The small community has developed a reputation as a culinary hub along the way. Photographers love the Knut Wold sculpture at Mefjellet, which is halfway down the journey and frames the rocky mountain scenery all around it.
From Skjolden to the end of the journey, the path follows the Sognefjord coastline as it gets closer to Gaupne. Sognefjord, which runs through the center of Norway for 205 kilometers (127 miles), is the longest and deepest fjord in the nation. It is also known as the King of the Fjords. The path concludes in the little village of Gaupne, where a classic wooden church overlooks the Sognefjord’s sparkling green and turquoise seas.
The journey begins at Skjolden, the final stop on the road trip destinations in Norway, and proceeds along the Sognefjord coastline as it progressively approaches Gaupne. The longest and deepest fjord in the country, Sognefjord stretches 205 kilometers (127 miles) through the center of Norway, earning it the title “King of the Fjords.” In the sleepy village of Gaupne, where a distinctive wooden church provides a vantage point overlooking the Sognefjord’s dazzling green and turquoise waters, the voyage comes to an end.
Final Thoughts on the Best Road Trip Destinations in Norway
You may already be looking up rental cars or placing pins on your map now that you are fully informed about how to organize your road trip destinations in Norway.
While testing your driving skills on Norway‘s legendary roads, you may also enjoy some of the most breathtaking scenery in all of Europe, if not the entire world. Take a seat above Trolltunga Lookout, travel the Great Atlantic Road, or simply park your car in Bergen’s charming old town and sip your coffee.
FAQs
How much does fuel cost in Norway?
Diesel was slightly more affordable, often costing between 13 and 15 Norwegian Kroner (NOK) per liter, while the price of gasoline ranged from 15 to 17 NOK on average. For the most recent information, it is advised to check the current rates at gas stations or online as fuel costs can change at any time.
What daily budget do I require for my travels in Norway?
Budget tourists may spend up to 800 to 1,200 NOK per day, while mid-range travelers are capable of spending 1,500 to 3,000 NOK. Before your journey, check the current prices because prices can vary.
How to find accommodation in Norway?
My advice visiting Booking.com if you need to make hotel reservations in Norway.
It’s worth considering Airbnb if you’re seeking the cheapest lodging options available because you might be able to find somewhere considerably more affordable by staying with locals.
