Norway is a country filled with spectacular natural experiences, rich cultural treasures, and fascinating history. A road trip through this diverse landscape offers a unique opportunity to explore some of the world's most impressive sights at your own pace. From deep fjords and majestic mountains to idyllic coastal towns and historical landmarks, Norway offers an unforgettable travel experience for every adventurous soul. Let's dive into some of the most remarkable destinations you should definitely experience on your road trip through Norway.
Norway's Western Fjord Landscape: Ålesund to Bergen
The stretch from Ålesund to Bergen takes you through some of the most spectacular fjord landscape Norway has to offer. This route offers a perfect blend of nature's wonders and man-made engineering, which together create an unforgettable drive.
Geirangerfjord: UNESCO World Heritage Site and Dramatic Mountainsides
Geirangerfjord is not only one of Norway's most photographed natural attractions, but also a part of UNESCO's World Heritage List. This narrow, deep fjord is surrounded by steep mountainsides and waterfalls that plunge into the crystal clear water. When driving along the fjord, you will encounter viewpoints such as Ørnesvingen and Flydalsjuvet, which give you panoramic views of this natural phenomenon.
To truly experience Geirangerfjord's majesty, it is recommended to take a fjord cruise. From the boat's deck, you can admire the famous waterfalls De syv søstre (The Seven Sisters) and Brudesløret (The Bridal Veil) up close. This gives a perspective on the fjord's scale and beauty that is impossible to capture from the land alone.
Trollstigen: 11 hairpin bends through the Romsdalen valley
After Geirangerfjord, one of Norway's most iconic road stretches awaits - Trollstigen (The Troll's Ladder). This engineering feat consists of 11 hair-raising hairpin bends that wind up the mountainside. The road rises 858 meters above sea level and offers a driving experience you will not soon forget.
At the top of Trollstigen you will find a modern viewpoint which gives a dizzying view of the valley and the road you have just driven. Here you can also enjoy a well-deserved break and reflect on the impressive journey you have left behind.
Trollstigen is not just a road, it is an experience that challenges both driver and passengers, and rewards them with some of the most spectacular views Norway has to offer.
Atlantic Road: architectural masterpiece over the sea
The Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien) is an 8.3 kilometer long stretch that connects the islands between Molde and Kristiansund. This road is a perfect example of how human engineering can complement and enhance nature's beauty. With its eight bridges that wind over reefs and islets, the Atlantic Road creates a unique driving experience where you feel like you are almost floating above the sea.
One of the highlights along the Atlantic Road is Storseisundbrua, often called "the bridge to nowhere". This iconic bridge appears to disappear into the horizon as you approach it, creating an optical illusion that has fascinated visitors for years. For the most adventurous, the Atlantic Road is especially spectacular during stormy autumn days, when the waves crash over the road and create a dramatic backdrop for your drive.
Northern Lights and Midnight Sun: Tromsø to North Cape
When you move north, you enter a landscape characterized by arctic wilderness and natural phenomena such as the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun. The stretch from Tromsø to North Cape (Nordkapp) takes you through some of Norway's most fascinating arctic experiences.
Tromsø: arctic capital and Northern Lights base
Tromsø, known as "The Gateway to the Arctic", is an ideal starting point for your arctic exploration. The city is famous for its unique blend of urban culture and arctic nature. Here you can visit the Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen), an architectural masterpiece that mirrors the arctic nature with its iconic roof structure that resembles glaciers.
Tromsø is also one of the best places in the world to experience the Northern Lights. From September to March, the green and purple light often dances across the night sky, creating a magical spectacle. To maximize your chances of seeing this natural light show, you can participate in guided Northern Lights tours that take you away from the city lights and into the dark.
Lofoten: fishing village and majestic mountains
Lofoten is an archipelago that juts out into the Norwegian Sea and offers some of Norway's most picturesque landscapes. Here, dramatic mountains meet the sea, and small fishing villages cling to the coast. Reine, often described as one of the world's most beautiful places, is a must-see. The red fishing cabins, known as rorbuer, which are reflected in the crystal clear water with the mountains as a backdrop, create a postcard-perfect picture.
For a unique experience, visit Henningsvær, often called "Lofoten's Venice". This small fishing village is built on several small islands connected by bridges, and offers a charming blend of traditional fishing culture and modern art galleries. Do not miss the football pitch which is located on a small islet surrounded by the sea on all sides - a sight that has become world-famous through social media.
North Cape: Europe's northernmost point
The journey to North Cape takes you through an increasingly barren landscape, where the trees become fewer and the horizon seems endless. The North Cape plateau, with its iconic globe, marks the northernmost point on the European mainland. Here, 71 degrees north, you can experience the Midnight Sun which shines 24 hours a day from mid-May to the end of July.
Standing on the edge of the North Cape plateau and looking out over the Barents Sea gives a sense of being at the end of the world. It is a place for reflection and awe over nature's greatness. Visit the North Cape Hall to learn more about the area's history and geology, and to see an impressive panoramic film showing North Cape through all four seasons.
North Cape is more than just a geographical point; it is a symbol of mankind's exploratory drive and our ability to reach even the most remote places on earth.
Southern Norway Idyl: Kristiansand to Stavanger
The Southern Norway coast from Kristiansand to Stavanger offers a completely different type of beauty than the dramatic fjords and mountains in the north and west. Here you will find white wooden houses, archipelagos and long sandy beaches that invite you to relaxing days in the summer sun.
Lindesnes Lighthouse: Norway's southernmost point
Lindesnes Lighthouse marks Norway's southernmost point and has been an important landmark for seafarers since 1656. The lighthouse stands majestically on a promontory where land meets sea, and offers a fantastic view of Skagerrak. A visit here not only provides great photo opportunities, but also an insight into Norway's maritime history.
In the lighthouse's museum you can learn about life as a lighthouse keeper and the many ships that have been wrecked along this dangerous coast. For a unique experience, you can stay overnight in one of the lighthouse keeper residences and wake up to the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs.
Flekkefjord: the Dutch Town and Southern Norway charm
Flekkefjord, known as "The Dutch Town", is a gem along the Southern Norway coast. The town got its nickname because of the lively trade with the Netherlands in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today you can wander through narrow, cobblestone streets and admire the well-maintained white wooden houses that give the city its unique character.
A must-see in Flekkefjord is Brufjell caves, a series of natural caves formed by the sea over thousands of years. A trip here combines great nature with an insight into the area's geological history. For a more relaxing experience, enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the city's many charming cafes and take in the atmosphere of this idyllic Southern Norway town.
Jæren: long beaches and wave surfing
Jæren stretches south of Stavanger and is known for its endless beaches and dramatic coastal landscape. This is a paradise for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. The beaches on Jæren, such as Orrestranden and Borestranden, are some of Norway's finest and longest continuous sandy beaches.
Jæren has also become a popular spot for surfing, with waves attracting surfers from all over Europe. Although the water can be cool, the spectacular views and clean beaches provide a unique surfing experience. For those who prefer drier activities, Jæren offers great opportunities for hiking along the coast, where you can explore the distinctive cultural landscape that has been shaped by generations of agriculture and fishing.
Mountains and plateaus: Rondane and Jotunheimen
The inland of Norway offers some of the country's most impressive mountain areas. Rondane and Jotunheimen are two national parks that offer unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Rondane National Park: Norway's oldest national park
Rondane was established as Norway's first national park in 1962 and is known for its unique mountain landscape with rounded peaks and wide valleys. The park is home to a large wild reindeer population and offers a network of well-marked trails that are suitable for both beginners and experienced mountain hikers.
A popular route in Rondane is the trip to Rondvassbu, one of the Norwegian Trekking Association's (DNT) cabins. This trip takes you through varied terrain and gives great views of the characteristic rounded mountain peaks in Rondane. For the more adventurous, an ascent of Rondslottet (2178 meters above sea level) is a challenging but rewarding experience.
Besseggen: iconic mountain ridge between Gjende and Bessvatnet
Besseggen is one of Norway's most famous mountain hikes and is located in the heart of Jotunheimen National Park. This spectacular mountain ridge stretches between the two lakes Gjende and Bessvatnet, and offers a unique experience where you can look down on two lakes with markedly different colors on each side of the ridge.
The hike over Besseggen is demanding and usually takes 6-8 hours to complete. It often starts with a boat trip on Gjende to Memurubu, before embarking on the ridge itself. The narrowest and steepest part, known as "the knife", provides an exciting challenge for many hikers. The view from the top of Besseggen is spectacular and gives a panorama over large parts of Jotunheimen.
Galdhøpiggen: Norway's highest mountain
Galdhøpiggen, with its 2469 meters above sea level, is Norway's highest mountain and a natural goal for many mountain enthusiasts. Although the mountain is high, it is relatively accessible for most people in good physical shape. The most popular route starts from Juvasshytta and usually takes 3-4 hours up and 2-3 hours down.
An exciting part of the trip is the crossing of Styggebreen, a glacier that requires guided accompaniment. At the top of Galdhøpiggen, an incredible 360-degree view of Jotunheimen and large parts of Southern Norway awaits. There is a feeling of mastery and awe that comes with standing on Norway's roof.
Climbing Galdhøpiggen is more than just a mountain hike; it is a journey through Norway's geological history and a celebration of the country's majestic nature.
Historical Routes: Oslo to Trondheim
The journey from Oslo to Trondheim takes you through some of Norway's most important historical sites and offers a fascinating blend of culture, history and nature.
Lillehammer: the Olympic city and Maihaugen Open-Air Museum
Lillehammer, known for having been the host city for the 1994 Olympics, is a perfect stop on the road between Oslo and Trondheim. The city combines sporting history with rich cultural heritage. The Olympic facilities, including the iconic ski jumps in Lysgårdsbakkene, are still in use and open to visitors. Here you can get an insight into Norway's winter sports history and maybe even try a simulated ski jumping experience.
A must-see in Lillehammer is Maihaugen, one of Europe's largest open-air museums. Here you can wander through over 200 years of Norwegian history, represented through more than 200 buildings from different eras. From traditional farms to modern architecture, Maihaugen provides a unique insight into how life in Norway has changed through the centuries. Do not miss Garmo stave church, an authentic medieval church that was moved to the museum in 1921.
Røros: UNESCO World Heritage Site and mining history
Røros, a small mountain town located approximately halfway between Oslo and Trondheim, is a living museum and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town was founded in 1644 after the discovery of copper in the area, and its unique architecture and cultural heritage is well preserved. The colorful wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries give the city a charming atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.
A visit to Røros Copper Works is essential to understanding the city's history. Here you can explore the old mines and learn about the hard life of the miners who once extracted copper from the mountain. Olavsgruva, which is located just outside the city, offers guided tours into the mountain's interior, where you can experience the cold, dark tunnels that were once the workplace of hundreds of men.
Røros is not only a window into Norway's industrial past, but also a living community that has managed to preserve its unique character and craft traditions through the centuries.
Nidaros Cathedral: Norway's national shrine in Trondheim
The journey ends in Trondheim, where Nidaros Cathedral stands as Norway's national shrine and Scandinavia's northernmost Gothic cathedral. Built over the tomb of Olav the Holy, Norway's eternal king, the cathedral has been a pilgrimage destination for almost a thousand years. The impressive architecture, with its intricate details and majestic proportions, is a testament to medieval craftsmanship.
A visit to Nidaros Cathedral is a journey through Norwegian history and Christianity. The cathedral's west front, with its hundreds of sculptures, tells biblical stories and presents important figures from Norway's past. Inside the cathedral you can admire the colorful stained glass windows and the impressive rose window. For those who want a panoramic view of Trondheim, a trip up the cathedral's tower is recommended.
Not far from Nidaros Cathedral is Erkebispegården (The Archbishop's Palace), the oldest secular building in the Nordic countries. This complex now houses the National Regalia, including Norway's crown and scepter, as well as several interesting museums that explore the city's and region's rich history.