If you’re someone who thrives on outdoor adventure, loves camping in stunning remote locations, and seeks the thrill of hiking dramatic landscapes, this 10-day road trip through Western Norway is going to blow your mind. Bold claim I know, but seriously. I’ve done many a road trip in my life so far but this one has gone right up there to one of the best i’ve ever done.
‘Why?’ I hear you ask.
The views, the drives, the dramatic landscape shifts in a seemingly short distance, the hikes, the spacious and abundant camping options. The well maintained public facilities, the humbling backdrops behind every corner you turn. Norway is a destination built for road trips AND the locals welcomed us with a smile (not normal, IYKYK).
With places to park up in abundance, you can actually road trip spontaneously (as opposed to planning and booking all campsites) which just leave so much room in your trip for magic to simply unfold along the way.
Western Norway itself is known for its fjord-carved landscapes and for iconic spots like Trolltunga and Geirangerfjord. There is honestly though, wild, raw beauty around every corner you turn. Whether you’re dreaming of hiking cliff edges, kayaking through crystal-clear fjords, or relaxing in a lakeside sauna, Western Norway delivers it all time and time again. This is where outdoor adventure meets wellness at it’s absolute finest.
If you’re here and considering a Norway road trip, get your note pad and pen at the ready. In this Norway road trip itinerary blog post I am going to share the 10 day fjord safari that I just got back from and convince you that it has a deserving spot at the top of your bucket list.
Ready?
Getting To Western Norway
The best way to reach Western Norway to start your Norway road trip itinerary is by flying into Bergen Airport (BGO), which is known as the “Gateway to the Fjords”.
International flights connect through major hubs such as Oslo, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam but if you’re flying from London you can fly direct to Bergen just like we did (1hr 55 flight time). Bergen is the best place for you to then spend a day or two before picking up a car or a motorhome for some off the beaten track adventure!
Renting a campervan for your Norway road trip
We hired our campervan from Roadsurfer, a well renowned company that have 75 pick up locations across 17 countries!! In Norway, you have the option to pick up in Oslo or Bergen. We knew we wanted to be deep in the fjords for our Norway road trip and so we went with the least driving time and picked up from Bergen (a 5 minute Uber from the airport itself).
Driving through Norway’s wilderness with a campervan allows so much freedom. You can take your time to explore remote areas, stay closer to hiking trails, and wake up to views of waterfalls and fjord views. Some of our park up views are ones that i’ll remember for a lifetime. Whilst a car and hotel combination could also be beautiful, a campervan gives you an unrivalled and much deeper connection to Norway’s wild side. I personally think doing Norway with a campervan is the best way to see it!
Travelling with a campervan also means fewer time constraints, as you can adjust your plans on the go without worrying about check-in times or availability. You can stay as long as you like and really customise the trip to your hearts desires!
Roadsurfer offers well-equipped campervans with all the essentials you need for an epic time on the road. I loved their attention to detail in the van we had (Roadhouse model) and honestly cannot fault the experience. They know their audience and provided all the extra to make it comfy, practical and ease-filled.
Take a look at the Roadsurfer locations and vans available here.
Also, until 28/10/24 you can use MOLLIE24 at checkout for £75 off your booking!
Let’s tuck into the Norway road trip itinerary, shall we?
When to Visit Western Norway
If your focus for outdoor activity is hiking and camping, the summer months from June to August are going to be ideal. These months have mild temperatures and long daylight hours. The further north you go – the more daylight you have in the summer!
Spring and early fall are also great for fewer crowds, emptier park up spots and perhaps a more spontaneous itinerary. You can also get cheaper rates on hotels, activities and campervan rentals!
However, as you can imagine, the weather is a little more unpredictable in the shoulder months of April / May / Sept / Oct. We visited for the first 2 weeks of September and we had 2/3 days of rain, 3/4 cloudy days and then 2/3 full sun days. It didn’t affect the enjoyment of our trip at all as the temperature was so mild and enjoyable even with cloud but of course, there are some hikes and viewpoints you’ll naturally want to time with the clearer, high visibility days. That was the only way the weather affected our trip. So if you do opt for shoulder months, keep your itinerary flexible! We pushed back our Trolltunga hike 2 days to wait for the sunshine!
On the rainy days we took to fishing, saunas on the fjord front and card games in the van with tea and biscuits on lockdown. A Norway road trip is not short of adventure!!
Midnight sun hiking
The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs in Norway during the summer when the sun stays above the horizon for several months. The effect is caused by the Earth’s tilt and rotation, which causes the northern hemisphere to tilt closer to the sun as summer arrives. The further north you go, the longer the midnight sun lasts.
The Right To Roam policy
One of the unique aspects of traveling in Norway is the Allemannsretten, or the “right to roam” policy. This law grants everyone free access to nature, meaning you can camp almost anywhere in uncultivated areas, including forests, mountains, and along the fjords, as long as you respect private property and the environment (I think it’s a 200m recommended distance).
The policy is such a compliment for your Norway road trip itinerary, specifically for those traveling by campervan, as it allows you to park and camp in remote, beautiful locations for up to two nights at a time without having to rely on campsites. If you go ahead and make the most of these freedoms like we did, please make sure you leave no trace and follow local guidelines on fire safety and wildlife protection. This freedom to roam makes Norway an excellent destination for outdoor lovers looking for an off-the-grid experience, let’s keep it that way!
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Day 1 + 2: Bergen – The Gateway to the Fjords
Drive Time: 0 hours (Starting Point)
You’ve landed here so you may as well begin your Norway road trip adventures in Bergen, a charming city surrounded by mountains and fjords on west coast of Norway.. You’ll notice cruise ships pulling in here and a little more hustle and bustle than you’ll experience for the rest of your trip.
I’d definitely recommend checking out or dining at the Fish Market and wandering around the colourful wooden houses along the Bryggen Wharf (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Another popular thing to do is take the funicular up to Mount Fløyen for panoramic views across Bergen, if you’re feeling active you can take the trail and walk back down afterwards or, head back down on the funicular.
Other things I’d recommend are… baked goods from Godt Brød, brunch at Løvetann Café & Bistro and a sauna at Heit Sauna Bergen.
If you’d like access to all my favourite finds, coffee and brunch spots and more, you can get lifetime access to my Norway Google Map Legend here.
Day 3: Hardangerfjord
Drive Time: 2 hours from Bergen to Odda
On the second day of your Norway road trip itinerary, head southeast toward Hardangerfjord, one of Norway’s most scenic fjords and prepare to get straight into the heart of the views. The main town in this region is Odda, where you can base yourself if you’re looking to tuck straight into the iconic Trolltunga hike the following day.
We had rain upon arrival in Odda and so we pushed our hike back a day and instead went on a waterfall tour to see Tjørnadalsfossen waterfall and a few others in the area. There are some great places to top up your adventure wardrobe / fishing kit in Odda. We headed to the Sports Outlet and got some great deals on waterproofs and lures!
We parked up right on the fjord for our second evening and my parter was only fishing for 10 minutes and caught 4 fresh mackerel for our breakfast! Heaven. Fresh fish cooked up in our home on wheels besides one of the most spectacular fjord views I’ve ever seen – we were off to a great start.
It’s a very scenic hike just driving along the main road that passes the Hardangerfjord so make sure you catch some in daylight.
If you have extra time like we did whilst waiting for the weather to pick up, I’d highly recommend heading to Lofthus, parking here and taking the hike up to the Hoven cabin (a free public cabin, pictured below). It was INCREDIBLE.
On the way back down we drove past so many ripe and blushed apples calling our name, we stopped at the Lofthus Cideri to try some of the local produce. I would highly recommend stopping by, they have a variety of apple ciders and apple juices for you to quench your thirst with after your hike.
P.s. I found some pretty epic mushroom picking spots on this hike, I have pinned them along with my exact camping spots and fishing spots onto the Norway Google Map here.
Day 4: Trolltunga – The Iconic Hike
Drive Time: 0.5 hours from Odda to Trolltunga trailhead
Prepare yourself for one of the most iconic hikes in Norway. It was so worth waiting around for the clear skies!
The round-trip hike for this hike is challenging but so rewarding, and is the perfect day hike in Norway if you’re active and ready for a challenge. The distance adds up to about 22 km (14 miles) in total but your total walking distance actually depends on where you walk from (there are a few starting points). If you’re doing this hike as part of your road trip and you have a motorhome, your only option for parking is P1 – Tyssedal. If you have a car you can head up to P2 – Skjeggedal.
Here’s what I learnt and didn’t know beforehand if you’re coming by campervan:
- You’ll need to park at P1 (NOK 300 for the day, no overnight sleeping allowed)
- You’ll then need to book a return ticket on the shuttle bus to P2 (NOK 200) – book here
- From P2 you can either walk (4km steep uphill) or get another shuttle bus up to P3 for NOK 150 (where the hike actually starts)
The rest of it is then free and easy to follow and the view from the Troll’s Tongue (the rock jutting out 700 meters above Ringedalsvatnet Lake) is worth every step and penny!
It cost us just under £100 for the two of us with all costs considered! Yes it seems steep but they have a very good operation running here for the amount of tourism it attracts and it was a pretty seamless experience!
Top Tips:
- Start early (before 7 AM) to avoid the crowds and catch sunrise.
- Make sure you have comfy footwear on
- Bring layers, technical if you have them as your temperature will fluctuate
- Pack plenty of snacks, your lunch and lots of water.
Day 5: Flåm – The Famous Scenic Train Ride
Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Trolltunga to Flåm
After an epic day hiking at Trolltunga, your legs might be a little tired but the adventure continues!
I’d recommend what we did which was to head to Flåm, a very picturesque little spot nestled along Aurlandsfjord. The world-famous Flåmsbana train ride starts here which weaves up through the mountains to Myrdal, offering the most breathtaking views of waterfalls and rivers along the way. The train ride itself is about 40/50 minutes and the views are on both sides.
If your legs aren’t too tired (or if they need loosening after the hike) you can book the train and bike option where, once you get to Myrdal, you pick up a bike at the top and cycle all the way back down to Flåm. It’s a 17km bike ride in distance but it’s pretty much down hill so it’s faster and a lot easier than you may first think. The views are insane.
Probably the most beautiful bike ride i’ve ever done. I also loved that on the way back down, if you opt for the bikes, you have the option to stop and soak up the scenery for as long as you like! I’d recommend taking some snacks and drinks with you to make a day of it!
Day 6: Skei – Sauna on the water
Drive Time: 2.5 hours from Flåm to Skei
Okay, if you haven’t gotten in a fjord-front sauna by day 6, it is now your time. You have two options in this area that i’d recommend.
The first is Fyrig Sauna in Skei. When you book a public spot you get a 1.5 hour slot and you can alternate between lake dips and sauna steams – all whilst looking out over the fjords. Truly heaven for your body and mind.
The other one which is also nearby and has insane views is the Velte Dampen floating sauna. It was closed the day we were passing through but my gosh, talk about a sauna with a view! Go and tell me all about it please!
Oh and on your way through, be sure to stop off for photos at Bøyabreen Glacier.
If you’d like access to all my favourite finds, coffee and brunch spots and more along our route, you can get lifetime access to my Norway Google Map Legend here. Honestly the best resource to have on the road.
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
Day 7: Loen – Skylift & Hiking Adventure
Drive Time: 45 minutes from Olden to Loen
As you drive from Skei to Loen you’ll arrive to the water again and take the scenic drive around Innvikfjorden which is also referred to as ‘Mother Nature’s Wonderland’. You can imagine why. It just gets better and better on a Norway road trip, you won’t believe your eyes!!
Innvikfjorden is one of the most talk about and best-known fjords in Norway because of how stunning the scenes are here. You know… crystal waters, emerald-green forests, snow-capped mountain backdrop, and multiple cascading waterfalls providing the white noise. It’s silly beautiful. This fjord stretches across 4.5 kilometres, and both Olden and Loen sit on the shores here.
One of the best adventures to go on in Loen is the Via Ferrata Loen which I did a couple of years ago. Honestly, if you love active adventure, this is one of the most scenic, exhilarating climbs i’ve ever done. See all my images and my full review here. If you do the Via Feratta experience you will climb to the top and then take the Loen skylift back down (included in the price).
If you’re looking for a more mellow adventure or simply to dine with a view across this stunning fjordland, I recommend taking Loen Skylift, which takes you 1,011 meters above sea level in just five minutes. It’s a little pricey but it’s the only way up if you’re not hiking and the views are truly spectacular.
Once you arrive on the skylift to the top of Mount Hoven, you can go to Hoven restaurant and relax with a view OR take one of the hiking paths at the top.
They are really well sculpted out and you don’t need a guide to enjoy them!
We did the longer hike up to Staurinibba, which stands at 1379 asl. It’s a moderately challenging trek that elevates you a further 379m over 5.4km (round trip). Leave 3-4 hours for this and take layers! We were warm at the bottom of the skylift and we were glad for extra thermals and raincoats at the top!
Both times I’ve been to Loen I have experienced all seasons in a day!
Day 8: Hjelle + Glomnesfossen
Drive Time: 1 hour from Loen to Hjelle
Hjelle is a quiet village along Lake Oppstrynsvatnet that offers glacier and waterfall views, standard.
After our Loen hike day we wanted to find somewhere to pull up, fish and relax with a view. This spot was absolutely perfect. We wild camped on the lake front, cooked up dinner and did all the wholesome things you do whilst on a road trip. This is as good as it gets.
There are a few hikes from Hjelle but after putting the drone up and exploring from a birds eye view, we noticed Glomnesfossen, a gorgeous lesser-known waterfall tucked away in the forest. So after a blissful sleep and a cup of coffee the following morning – we walked up to explore and take an icy dip in the glacial waters!
Be careful!
When swimming in rivers, lake or waterfalls, stay supervised and watch the currents before you get in. There are some really strong currents in Norway and no photo is worth getting yourself into a dangerous situation.
Day 9: Geirangerfjord – Norway’s Most Famous Fjord
Drive Time: 1.5 hours from Hjelle to Geiranger
People had told us about Geirangerfjord but they hadn’t told us about the drive there. WOW. Just look at that view.
You’ll be wanting to pull over many times on this route so leave time and if you can, leave time to cook up / enjoy your lunch here too!
Once you’ve weaved your way through the scenic roads down and into to Geiranger itself, you arrive to the crown jewel of Norwegian fjords, a UNESCO World Heritage Site know for spots like the Seven Sisters waterfall and the Skagefla hike. There are a few campsites here but not many places to wild camp. For free camp spots you’ll be better heading back up to the scenic drive in. We chose to stay at Geirangerfjorden Feriesenter which was right on the waterfront.
We loved our stay here, the facilities were very clean and modern. You pay 320KR for a pitch (plus 40KR for each adult) and then you can pay 50KR additionally for electric hook up and 25KR for a 6 minute hot shower. I think it’s another 150KR if you want a spot on the very front.
It’s a great opportunity for a vanlife pitstop as you can also dump grey water, toilet and fill up with fresh water!
We only had one day here and we woke to FULL mist and no visibility. We couldn’t believe it as getting out on the fjord was our final Norway road trip dream and we had no more days to play with.
We decided to wait the morning out to see if it might clear. It didn’t look hopeful and then at around 11am the clouds started to part a little and we took a chance and rented a boat from Geirangerfjorden Feriesenter (at the campsite).
To our delight, the skies cleared and we enjoyed a 4 hour experience on our little power boat, catching 4 fish (Coal fish) and drifting past many a waterfall as we went. Truly a bucket list experience that was the perfect end to our Norway road trip.
If you’d like full access to all my favourite finds, coffee, wild camping spots and more along our route, you can get lifetime access to my Norway Google Map Legend here. Honestly the best resource to have on the road.
Day 10: Scenic Drive & Return to Bergen
Drive Time: 6-7 hours from Geiranger to Bergen
If you choose to take the same route as us, the last day will mean you take the longest drive of your trip back to Bergen. If you rise early, you’ll cover part of your route again (chance to stop for any more photos and souvenirs) and then at Skei you’ll take a different route along Djupvatnet Lake and through the high mountain passes back toward Bergen.
The roads in Norway are well maintained and I feel like the views are just always so stunning the drive time passes so quickly. Just after the final ferry from Lavik, there were plenty of opportunities to stop by the water, sort out the campervan ready to return it and tuck into one last riverside picnic.
I found some really great spots to empty grey water, toilet waste and fill up with fresh water. I’ve pinned them all in my Norway Google Map Legend here. Honestly the best resource to have on the road.
Have you been on a Norway road trip?
What are the best things to do in Norway? Anything you’d add to this Norway bucket list?
Love as always and happy adventuring…
Get lifetime access to my endless hours of research and time spent on the ground finding the best places to eat, drink, relax and explore in the area. You simply open the Google Map on your device and all my pins are at the touch of your fingertips.
