Norway's top tourist attractions by car rental

Norway is a country that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, rich history, and modern city experiences. With its diverse landscape, from deep fjords and majestic mountains to idyllic coastal towns and lush forests, Norway is a paradise for travelers who want to explore on their own. A rental car gives you the freedom to discover the country's hidden gems and iconic sights at your own pace. Let's dive into some of the most spectacular tourist attractions you can experience by car in this Scandinavian adventure land.

Scenic Routes Through Norway's Fantastic Landscape

Norway is blessed with some of the world's most picturesque driving routes. These roads wind through a varied terrain, giving travelers the opportunity to experience the country's beauty up close. One of the most famous stretches is the Atlantic Road, which extends over 8 kilometers along Norway's west coast. This engineering feat consists of eight bridges that connect small islands and reefs, giving a feeling of driving straight into the ocean.

Another iconic route is Trollstigen, known for its 11 hair-raising hairpin turns that climb up a steep mountainside. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Isterdalen and the surrounding mountains. It is not without reason that Trollstigen is considered a highlight for many car tourists in Norway.

For those seeking a longer drive, the National Tourist Route Hardanger offers a spectacular 158 kilometer long stretch along the Hardangerfjord. This route takes you past fertile orchards, waterfalls and picturesque villages. A stop at the impressive Vøringsfossen, with its 182 meter high fall, is a must.

It is important to note that while these routes are incredibly beautiful, they also require careful driving. The roads can be narrow and winding, and weather conditions can change quickly. It is recommended to take your time, drive defensively and enjoy the view at the many designated viewpoints along the road. With a rental car, you can easily customize your itinerary to your liking and take breaks when it suits you.

Natural Wonders Easily Accessible by Car

Norway is known for its natural wonders, and many of these are easily accessible by car. Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock as it is also called, is one of the country's most photographed attractions. This massive cliff formation that towers 604 meters above Lysefjorden, can be reached via a short drive from Stavanger, followed by a moderate hike.

Another natural icon is Trolltunga, a spectacular cliff formation that juts out 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. Although Trolltunga itself requires a demanding hike, you can drive to the starting point of the hike, making the experience more accessible.

For those interested in geology, Jostedalsbreen, Europe's largest glacier on the mainland, is a fascinating destination. You can drive to several of the glacier arms, such as Nigardsbreen or Briksdalsbreen, where you can participate in guided glacier tours or simply enjoy the sight of the massive ice.

Lofoten, with its dramatic mountains that plunge straight into the sea, is another natural phenomenon that is perfect to explore by car. The archipelago is connected by bridges and tunnels, making it easy to drive between the picturesque fishing villages and beaches with white sand.

It is worth noting that while many of these natural attractions are accessible by car, some may require additional transportation or hiking to reach the actual attraction. It is always wise to check weather conditions and any necessary equipment before embarking on a trip.

Charming Coastal Towns Perfect for Driving To

Norway's coastline is adorned with charming towns, each with its unique character and history. These towns are ideal destinations for a road trip, offering a perfect blend of culture, history and natural beauty.

Bergen, known as "Gateway to the Fjords", is a must-visit destination. The city is famous for its UNESCO-listed Bryggen, a colorful row of old Hanseatic trading buildings along the harbor. By car you can easily explore both the city center and the surrounding fjords and mountains.

Ålesund is another pearl along the coast, known for its Art Nouveau architecture. The city was rebuilt in this style after a devastating fire in 1904. A drive here gives you the opportunity to admire the unique buildings and take a trip up to the Aksla viewpoint for a panoramic view of the city and archipelago.

Further north you will find Tromsø, often called "Paris of the North". This vibrant city is a perfect starting point for northern lights safaris in winter and midnight sun experiences in summer. By car you can easily explore the surrounding fjords and mountains, as well as visit the iconic Arctic Cathedral.

"Norway's coastal towns are like pearls on a string, each with its own shine and character, woven together by the sea and history."

Stavanger, the oil capital, offers a charming old town with white-painted wooden houses and a vibrant cultural life. From here it is a short drive to some of the country's most spectacular natural attractions, including Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten.

By choosing a rental car to explore these cities, you get the freedom to move at your own pace and take detours to lesser-known gems along the way. You can stop at local farm shops, small fishing villages or unexpected viewpoints that you come across along the way.

Historical Sites Accessible on Road Trips

Norway has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back to the Viking era and even further. By car you can easily visit many of the country's most important historical sites and gain insight into Norway's past.

One of the most impressive historical sites is Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. This majestic cathedral, which began to be built in 1070, is Norway's national shrine and the northernmost Gothic cathedral in the world. A drive to Trondheim gives you the opportunity to explore this architectural gem and learn about its significance in Norwegian history.

For those interested in the Viking era, a visit to Lofotr Viking Museum at Borg in Lofoten is a must. Here you can experience a reconstruction of the largest longhouse from the Viking era ever found in Scandinavia. The museum offers a vivid insight into the Vikings' daily life and culture.

Another historical pearl is Røros, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its unique wooden architecture and mining. This charming town, which looks like it is frozen in time from the 1700s, is easily accessible by car and gives visitors an experience of traveling back in time.

For those fascinated by medieval architecture, Norway's stave churches are a unique treasure. Urnes Stave Church in Sogn, which is on UNESCO's World Heritage List, is the oldest and best preserved of these. A road trip through the inner parts of the country can take you to several of these unique wooden buildings that testify to Norway's early Christian history.

It is worth noting that many of these historical sites are located in smaller urban areas, making a rental car the ideal means of transport to reach them. By driving yourself, you can take the time to explore the surroundings, stop at local cafes and really immerse yourself in the place's atmosphere and history.

Majestic Fjords Best Explored by Car

Norway's fjords are world-famous for their beauty and grandeur. These deep, narrow sea arms surrounded by steep mountainsides and waterfalls are some of the country's most spectacular natural attractions. While many choose to experience the fjords from the water, a road trip along the fjords gives a unique opportunity to explore the area from different angles and heights.

Geirangerfjord, which is on UNESCO's World Heritage List, is perhaps the most famous of Norway's fjords. A drive along this fjord offers some of the most breathtaking views in the country. Stop at the Ørnesvingen viewpoint for a panoramic view of the fjord and the famous waterfalls "The Seven Sisters" and "The Suitor".

Nærøyfjord, also on the UNESCO list, is another fjord that is fantastic to explore by car. This narrow fjord arm is surrounded by mountains that rise up to 1800 meters above sea level. A drive along Nærøyfjord gives you the opportunity to stop at small villages such as Gudvangen and Flåm, where you can take a break from driving and enjoy local specialties.

Hardangerfjord, known as the "Fruit Fjord" due to the many fruit farms along the banks, is another highlight. A road trip here can be combined with visits to local cider producers and a trip to the impressive Vøringsfossen.

Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord, is another must for fjord enthusiasts. By car you can explore the many side branches of the fjord, including the dramatic Naerøyfjord. A drive along Sognefjord also gives you the opportunity to visit attractions such as Urnes Stave Church and the spectacular Stegastein viewpoint.

It is important to remember that driving along the fjords can be challenging, with narrow, winding roads and the possibility of tunnels. It is recommended to take your time, drive carefully and enjoy the many viewpoints along the road. With a rental car, you have the freedom to stop when you want and really take in the majestic beauty of Norway's fjord landscape.

National Parks are Great Destinations for Drivers

Norway has 47 national parks that protect the country's most valuable natural areas. Many of these are easily accessible by car, making them ideal destinations for nature lovers and adventurers. A road trip to one of Norway's national parks gives you the opportunity to experience unspoiled wilderness, rich wildlife and some of the country's most spectacular landscapes.

Jotunheimen National Park, also known as "Home of the Giants", is one of Norway's most popular mountain areas. Here you will find the country's highest mountains,

including Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind. By car you can easily reach the gateway to the national park, where you will find a network of marked trails for all skill levels. For the more adventurous, the park offers opportunities for mountain climbing, glacier hiking and fishing in crystal clear mountain lakes.

Rondane National Park, Norway's oldest national park, is another great destination for car tourists. The park is known for its unique high mountain landscape with rounded mountain peaks and deep valleys. Here you can experience a rich wildlife, including one of Europe's last populations of wild reindeer. The park has well-arranged parking spaces and information centers, making it easy to plan day trips or longer hikes.