Road trip through Norway: itinerary + tips

With its untouched nature, rugged mountain landscapes and clear blue waters, Norway is the ideal destination for active outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking in the untouched wilderness to water sports such as rafting, kayaking and fishing. Add to that impressive and photogenic roads and you end up in a country where you can make the ultimate outdoor road trip. In addition, there are many places where you can camp freely in nature with a tent, camper or roof tent. In the darker months you even have a chance to spot the Northern Lights. In addition, there are also nice cities and beautiful villages to visit, where you can get to know the Norwegian culture.

Are you planning to travel through Norway by car, camper or roof tent? Then planning a good travel route is essential. Norway is the longest country in Europe, has few roads in some parts and you have to take a ferry regularly, which can make it a challenge to plan a good travel route. With this ultimate road trip through Norway and tips we will help you on your way!

Plan your trip to Norway

A road trip through Norway can be done in different ways, for example by car, camper and/or (roof) tent. When you travel by car, you have the choice to stay overnight in a tent or accommodation. The advantage of camping in a tent is that in Norway the right of public access applies, which means that you can pitch your tent (for free) in many places. There are many beautiful natural areas in Norway, so this is definitely recommended. Of course, you can also stay overnight in accommodations, but they are scarce in some regions, so you will have to adjust your travel route accordingly.

Or go on a trip with a camper. Here too, the right of public access applies, which means that you can camp freely in many places in nature with your camper, and this is easier than with a tent. You don't have to worry as much about a flat surface (hello handy ramps!) and you can set up your 'camp' much faster. The weather in Norway can also be changeable (even in summer), which means that you can travel more comfortably with a camper, even during rain showers or colder days.

How do I get to Norway?

There are several ways to travel from the Netherlands to Norway:

• From Emden in Germany to Kristiansand : until recently it was possible to take the boat from Eemshaven to Norway, but unfortunately it has been moved to Emden in Germany. It now adds half an hour of travel time, but it is still the shortest route from the Netherlands to travel to Norway
• From Kiel in Germany to Oslo : This route from Kiel is very popular and although there are daily ferries, these crossings can quickly become fully booked. So book in advance.
• From Denmark to Norway : in the north of Denmark you can take the boat to Norway from Hirtshals or Frederikshavn. This can be to Oslo, Kristiansand, Langesund or Stavanger for example. Handy, because here you can then adjust your travel route.

Rather not take the boat? It is also possible to drive to Norway via Denmark and Sweden. This way you drive more kilometers, but you have more freedom when it comes to travel dates and you have the possibility to add some nice stops in Denmark and the south of Sweden. Keep in mind that you will encounter two bridges with tolls in Denmark.

Toll roads and ferries

It is important to know that on some roads, mainly around the big cities, you have to pay toll. When you approach a toll road, the license plate is registered electronically, after which an invoice is sent to your home address. You often receive this three to six months after your trip. Before you travel, register your vehicle via Epass24 , so that you have insight into the costs you incur on the road and are not faced with surprises.

During your tour through Norway you will also have to take the ferry regularly. Many roads suddenly end and continue on the other side of the fjord. Traveling by ferry is part of life in Norway, also for the locals. Take into account extra costs and extra travel time. Prepare yourself for the rates and departure times via the website of Fjord1 .

The ultimate road trip through Norway

Kristiansand

Travel by boat to Norway's southernmost city: Kristiansand. Stroll past charming, colorful wooden houses, admire artistic street art or settle down on the city beach Bystranda. In addition, it is bustling with culture and cozy cafés. The colorful town of Kristiansand is the ideal destination to start your tour of Norway. 

Preikestolen and Stavanger

From Kristiansand, travel along the south coast to Stavanger. Wander through the harbor area past the colorful 18th century wharf houses and enjoy the culinary delights that this Norwegian city has to offer. Spend about a (half) day in the city and then venture out into the surrounding area. Stavanger is surrounded by impressive fjords, mountains and long white beaches, which you will definitely want to make enough time for. Continue your road trip to the iconic Preikestolen, a 604 meter high rock that juts out over the Lysefjord. The hike here is eight kilometers and takes about four hours. It is the most famous hike in Norway, so be prepared to meet many other hikers.

Trolltunga and Odda

Travel from one spectacular viewpoint to the next: Norway will not disappoint! The next stop on this road trip is undoubtedly Norway’s most spectacular rock formation: Trolltunga. Literally meaning ‘troll’s tongue’, Trolltunga gets its name from a legend in which a stubborn troll did not believe that he would turn to stone when the sun shone on him. The rock towers 700 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet and real daredevils can brave it for an iconic photo opportunity. The hike takes around 10 to 12 hours, so make sure to leave early in the morning.

The ideal base for Trolltunga is Odda, a small town surrounded by grand nature. With views of fjords, (snowy) mountain peaks and colourful wooden houses, you can go here for outdoor adventures in both the summer and winter months.

Tip: Take a road trip from Odda along the scenic Hardangerfjord. Travel past Utne to Jondal and from here take the ferry to Tørvikbygd to continue your road trip to Granvin.

Jotunheimen National Park

Can’t get enough of hiking? Then make a stop in the mountainous Jotunheimen National Park. Continue your road trip from Granvin and drive 275 kilometers towards Gjendeosen, a good base for hiking through the Jotunheimen National Park. From Gjendeosen you can also hike the popular Besseggen mountain ridge, where you have a spectacular view over two azure lakes. Or do a multi-day hike through the untouched nature park, recommended if you like to enjoy nature without encountering many other hikers.

Geiranger and Trollstigen

Drive along winding mountain roads, past stunning fjords and stop at beautiful and natural viewpoints. As you continue your journey north, you will pass Geiranger, Norway's most famous fjord that has even earned a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Admire the fjord from a kayak or hike through the mountains and stop in the charming mountain villages. And no road trip through Norway is complete without the Trollstigen route, one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Scandinavia. Brave the eleven hairpin bends and then be treated to a fantastic view of the road that winds over the mountain. Look around you, because you will also encounter several waterfalls!

Atlantic Ocean Road & Trondheim

Trondheim is the northernmost point of this road trip through Norway. But before you approach Norway's third largest city, you'll first pass the Atlantic Ocean Road, which was named one of the most beautiful drives in the world by The Guardian in 2006. This eight-kilometre road connects the cities of Kristiansund and Molde and consists of no fewer than eight bridges that bend over the strong waves of the Norwegian Sea. Tip: spend the night on the Atlantic Ocean Road so that you can admire the sunrise and sunset here.

Make a stop in Trondheim and after spending a lot of time in nature enjoy the rich culture this city has to offer. Visit the Nidaros Cathedral and the Archbishop's Palace, stroll through cozy shopping streets and enjoy the refined Norwegian cuisine in one of the culinary hotspots.

Oslo

The last destination of this road trip is the lively Norwegian capital Oslo. From a vibrant cultural center to a beautiful location on the water: Oslo is definitely a must during your tour of Norway. And from here you can easily start your return trip to the Netherlands.

Rather not drive to Oslo in one go? Make a stop in Norway's oldest national park: Rondane National Park. Hike past crystal clear mountain lakes, to 180-meter high waterfalls and who knows, you might spot a reindeer along the way.

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