Norway’s roads are destinations in themselves—engineering marvels that climb impossible gradients, bridge island chains across open ocean, and tunnel through mountains in passages stretching over 24 kilometers. With 95,000 kilometers of roads traversing a country of 385,207 square kilometers, 1,624 glaciers, over 1,000 fjords, and a coastline stretching 25,148 kilometers, Norway offers road trips that rival anywhere on Earth. The 18 designated National Scenic Routes alone cover 2,240 kilometers of the country’s most spectacular driving.
According to Statistics Norway (SSB), tourism reached 25.3 million hotel guest nights in 2023, with road-based exploration representing a core experience. The summer months (June-August) account for 36% of annual tourism—peak season when all mountain passes are open and the midnight sun illuminates Arctic landscapes around the clock. July alone recorded 3.35 million overnight stays, with road travelers spreading across Norway’s 11 counties from southern Agder to Arctic Finnmark.
From the serpentine eleven switchbacks of Trollstigen climbing 858 meters to the island-hopping bridges of the Atlantic Road, from the Arctic grandeur of Lofoten where granite peaks rise directly from the sea to the pastoral beauty of Hardanger’s apple and cherry orchards, Norwegian road trips combine world-class scenery with excellent infrastructure and a driving culture that prioritizes experience over speed.
Classic Road Trip Itineraries
1. Atlantic Road and Trollstigen Loop (3-5 days)
Norway’s Most Iconic Scenic Driving in One Concentrated Loop
This itinerary combines three of Norway’s most celebrated road experiences: the Atlantic Road’s ocean-spanning bridges, Trollstigen’s eleven hairpin bends, and the UNESCO World Heritage Geirangerfjord. Starting and ending in Alesund provides access to Norway’s Art Nouveau capital as a bonus.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start/End | Alesund (AES airport or Bergen connection) |
| Total distance | ~350 km (excluding exploration) |
| Driving time | 8-10 hours total |
| Ferries required | 1-2 depending on route |
| Highlights | Atlantic Road, Trollstigen (11 hairpins), Geirangerfjord (UNESCO) |
| Best season | Late May - September (Trollstigen must be open) |
| Budget estimate | NOK 8,000-15,000 (car, fuel, accommodation, activities) |
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary:
Day 1: Alesund — Norway’s Art Nouveau Capital
- Arrive and collect rental car (book ahead in summer)
- Climb Aksla viewpoint (418 steps) for panoramic city views
- Explore Art Nouveau architecture (rebuilt after 1904 fire)
- Visit Atlanterhavsparken aquarium (optional)
- Evening meal in Brosundet harbor area
- Accommodation: Alesund center
Day 2: Atlantic Road — The Road in the Ocean
- Depart early for Atlantic Road (90 km, 1.5 hours)
- Drive the 8.3 km iconic bridge section multiple times for photos
- Stop at Eldhusoya visitor center
- Continue to Kristiansund or return via Molde
- Optional: Kvernes Stave Church (14th century)
- Accommodation: Molde or Andalsnes area
Day 3: Trollstigen — Norway’s Most Famous Mountain Road
- Very early start recommended (before 9 AM to beat buses)
- Drive Trollstigen’s 11 hairpin bends (858m elevation gain)
- Extended stop at summit viewpoint platform
- Continue to Geiranger via Ornesvingen (Eagle Road)
- Stop at Flydalsjuvet viewpoint
- Accommodation: Geiranger
Day 4: Geirangerfjord — UNESCO World Heritage
- Morning fjord cruise (Seven Sisters waterfalls, abandoned farms)
- Drive to Dalsnibba summit viewpoint (1,476m, toll road NOK 150)
- Return via alternative route or kayaking option
- Accommodation: Geiranger or Stryn
Day 5: Return to Alesund
- Scenic coast drive via Hellesylt or mountain route
- Final exploration in Alesund
- Return rental car / depart
- Total driving: approximately 6-8 hours with stops
2. Lofoten Islands Adventure (7-10 days)
Arctic Archipelago Road Trip Through Norway’s Most Photogenic Region
The Lofoten Islands represent Norway’s ultimate road trip destination—a 170-kilometer chain of islands above the Arctic Circle where granite peaks rise directly from Arctic seas, traditional fishing villages feature red wooden rorbuer (fishermen’s cabins), and beaches rival tropical destinations despite latitude 68°N. The National Scenic Route Lofoten (166 km) runs the length of the archipelago from Raftsundet to A (pronounced “Aw”), the road literally ending at the edge of the Norwegian Sea.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start | Bodo (ferry 3.5 hrs) or drive via E6 through Narvik |
| End | A i Lofoten (then return or ferry to Bodo) |
| Distance | ~400 km through islands + access |
| Ferries | Bodo-Moskenes (direct to A) or Skutvik-Svolvaer |
| Best season | June-September (midnight sun), September-March (aurora) |
| Budget estimate | NOK 12,000-25,000 for 7 days (car, rorbu, fuel, activities) |
Key Destinations with Distances:
| Village | Character | Distance from Svolvaer | Must-See |
|---|---|---|---|
| Svolvaer | Main town, services | Starting point | Svolvaergeita peak, galleries |
| Kabelvag | Historic, museums | 5 km | Lofoten Museum, aquarium |
| Henningsvaer | ”Venice of the North” | 25 km | Bridges, galleries, football pitch |
| Haukland Beach | White sand beach | 55 km | Photography, swimming (brave) |
| Nusfjord | UNESCO village | 75 km | Preserved fishing village |
| Hamnoy | Iconic rorbuer | 100 km | THE most photographed view |
| Reine | ”Norway’s most beautiful” | 105 km | Reinebringen hike |
| A i Lofoten | End of road | 125 km | Stockfish museum, authentic atmosphere |
Essential Insider Tips:
- Book rorbuer 3-6 months ahead for summer; Reine, Hamnoy, Sakrisoy are most popular
- Bring layers and rain gear regardless of forecast—weather changes in minutes
- Plan for slow driving: Single-lane tunnels, sheep on roads, photo stops every kilometer
- Midnight sun period: May 28 - July 14 (sun never sets)
- Aurora season: September - March (dark nights return)
3. Sognefjord & Hardanger Circle (5-7 days)
Fjord Norway’s heart with waterfalls, orchards, and the Fl�m Railway.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start/End | Bergen |
| Distance | ~600 km |
| Highlights | Sognefjord, Fl�m, Hardanger, waterfalls |
| Best Season | May-September |
Day-by-Day:
Days 1-2: Bergen to Sognefjord
- Drive to Balestrand
- Ferry across Sognefjord
- Explore fjord villages
Day 3: Fl�m
- Fl�m Railway experience
- Aurlandsfjord
- Stegastein viewpoint
Day 4: Aurlandsfjellet
- Scenic mountain road
- Snow road (summer)
- Continue to L�rdal
Day 5-6: Hardanger
- V�ringfossen waterfall
- Hardanger orchards (May blossoms)
- Trolltunga option (add day)
Day 7: Return to Bergen
- Coastal drive
- Final stops
4. Northern Norway Epic (10-14 days)
Trondheim to Troms� through Arctic landscapes.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start | Trondheim |
| End | Troms� |
| Distance | ~1,200 km |
| Best Season | June-August |
Key Stops:
- Trondheim (Nidaros Cathedral)
- Helgeland coast (Seven Sisters)
- Arctic Circle crossing
- Saltstraumen maelstrom
- Bod� (Lofoten access)
- Vester�len islands
- Senja island
- Troms�
Options:
- Add Lofoten detour (extra 3-4 days)
- Continue to North Cape (extra 3 days)
5. South Norway Coastal Route (5-7 days)
Charming white towns and beaches along the southern coast.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Start | Oslo |
| End | Stavanger |
| Distance | ~600 km |
| Best Season | May-September |
Highlights:
- Krager� archipelago
- Ris�r (white wooden town)
- Grimstad
- Kristiansand
- Lindesnes lighthouse
- Flekkefjord
- Lysefjord (Preikestolen)
- Stavanger
National Scenic Routes
The 18 Designated Routes
| Route | Region | Length | Character |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanterhavsveien | M�re og Romsdal | 36 km | Coastal bridges |
| Trollstigen | M�re og Romsdal | 106 km | Mountain passes |
| Geiranger-Trollstigen | Fjord Norway | 106 km | Fjord and mountains |
| Hardanger | Western Norway | 158 km | Fjords, waterfalls |
| Aurlandsfjellet | Inner Sogn | 47 km | Mountain plateau |
| Sognefjellet | Central | 108 km | Highest mountain pass |
| Lofoten | Arctic | 230 km | Islands |
| Senja | Arctic | 102 km | Island coast |
| And�ya | Arctic | 58 km | Coastal |
| Helgelandskysten | Nordland | 433 km | Coastal islands |
| Others | Various | Various | See visitnorway.com |
Must-Drive Scenic Routes
Atlanterhavsveien (Atlantic Road):
- 8.3 km of engineering marvel
- 8 bridges between islands
- Storseisundet Bridge (iconic)
- Storm watching in autumn
- FREE toll since 2023 (previously toll road)
- Open year-round, all weather conditions
Trollstigen:
- 11 hairpin bends
- 858m elevation
- Stigfossen waterfall
- Architectural viewpoints
- 2025 opening date: July 11 (weather dependent)
- Closes mid-October with first heavy snowfall
Sognefjellet:
- Norway’s highest pass road
- 1,434m elevation
- Jotunheimen views
- Summer-only
Aurlandsfjellet:
- Mountain plateau crossing
- Stegastein viewpoint
- Snow walls in June
- Connects to Fl�m
Planning Your Road Trip
When to Go
| Season | Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| May-June | Roads opening, long days | Some passes still closed |
| July-August | All open, midnight sun | Peak tourist season |
| September | Fall colors, quieter | Passes may close late month |
| October-April | Winter conditions | Many scenic roads closed |
Car Rental Tips
Where to Rent:
- Major airports (Oslo, Bergen, Troms�)
- City centers
- Book well ahead for summer
What to Consider:
- Automatic vs manual (automatic costs more)
- Size (smaller is easier on narrow roads)
- AWD (not essential but helpful)
- Insurance (Norwegian insurance is excellent)
Costs:
- Economy: NOK 2,500-3,500/day ($230-320 USD)
- Compact: NOK 3,000-4,000/day ($275-370 USD)
- SUV/AWD: NOK 3,500-4,500/day ($320-415 USD) in high season
- Book early for better rates—high season demand peaks June-August
- Note: 2025 high season rates average NOK 3,500-4,500/day for standard vehicles
Driving Considerations
Road Conditions:
- Generally excellent
- Often narrow and winding
- Single-track sections exist
- Many tunnels (some very long)
Speeds:
- Highways: 90-110 km/h
- Rural roads: 60-80 km/h
- Built-up areas: 30-50 km/h
- Strictly enforced
Ferries:
- Essential for many routes
- No booking needed (usually)
- Pay onboard or app
- Can create delays in peak season
Costs to Budget
| Expense | Daily Estimate (NOK) | Daily Estimate (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Car rental | 3,000-4,500 | $275-415 |
| Fuel (at 21-25 NOK/liter) | 400-700 | $37-65 |
| Tolls | 100-300 | $9-28 |
| Ferries | 200-600 (varies) | $18-55 |
| Accommodation | 1,200-2,500 | $110-230 |
| Food | 500-900 | $46-83 |
| Total | 5,400-9,500/day | $500-875/day |
Fuel costs 2025: Expect to pay 21-25 NOK per liter at Norwegian gas stations. A typical mid-size car with a 50-liter tank will cost NOK 1,050-1,250 to fill. Remote areas may have slightly higher prices.
Accommodation on the Road
Options
Cabins (Hytter):
- Self-catering
- Scenic locations
- Book ahead in summer
- Great value
Hotels:
- In towns and along routes
- Breakfast often included
- Varying quality
Camping:
- Many campgrounds
- Wild camping allowed (with restrictions)
- Cabin rentals at campgrounds
Booking Strategy
- Book key nights early (Lofoten, popular fjords)
- Leave flexibility for spontaneity
- Mix pre-booked and on-route booking
- Consider cancellation policies
Practical Tips
Navigation
- GPS essential
- Download offline maps
- Some areas have poor signal
- Follow scenic route signs (brown with white frame)
Fuel
- Stations in all towns
- Fewer in remote areas
- Fill up when you can
- Credit card operated (some 24-hour)
Safety
- Drive to conditions, not speed limits
- Use passing places correctly
- Watch for sheep/reindeer on roads
- Take breaks on long drives
- Respect tunnels (lights on, stay in lane)
Photography Stops
- Use designated viewpoints
- Don’t stop on roadside in dangerous spots
- Allow time for spontaneous stops
- Best light: early morning, late evening
Sample 14-Day Itinerary
Ultimate Norway Road Trip
| Day | Route | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Oslo, city | Oslo |
| 2 | Oslo to Geilo | Geilo |
| 3 | Hardangervidda, V�ringfossen | Eidfjord |
| 4 | Hardanger, to Bergen | Bergen |
| 5 | Bergen exploration | Bergen |
| 6 | Bergen to Fl�m | Fl�m |
| 7 | Fl�m Railway, Aurlandsfjellet | Sogndal |
| 8 | Sognefjellet, Lom | Geiranger |
| 9 | Geirangerfjord, Trollstigen | �ndalsnes |
| 10 | Atlantic Road | Kristiansund |
| 11 | Coastal route south | �lesund |
| 12 | �lesund, coast drive | Nordfjord |
| 13 | Return toward Bergen | Bergen area |
| 14 | Depart Bergen | - |
Distance: ~1,500 km Ferries: 3-5 Highlight Density: Very high
Seasonal Considerations
Summer (June-August)
Pros:
- All roads open
- Long days (midnight sun north)
- Best weather probability
- Full services
Cons:
- Peak crowds
- Higher prices
- Book ahead essential
- Ferry queues
Shoulder Season (May, September)
Pros:
- Fewer tourists
- Lower prices
- Fall colors (Sept)
- Still decent weather
Cons:
- Some passes closed
- Shorter days
- Variable weather
- Reduced services
Winter (October-April)
Pros:
- Northern Lights possible
- Dramatic scenery
- Empty roads
- Low season prices
Cons:
- Many scenic routes closed
- Challenging driving
- Winter tires required
- Limited daylight
Final Thoughts
Norwegian road trips reward slow travel-the journey truly is the destination. With excellent roads, stunning viewpoints, and landscapes that change around every curve, Norway delivers driving experiences that justify crossing an ocean to experience.
2025 Road Trip Planning Essentials
Key Dates and Information
Mountain pass opening dates 2025:
| Pass | Typical Opening | 2025 Expected | Closing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trollstigen | Late May/Early June | July 11 | Mid-October |
| Dalsnibba | Late May | June | Late October |
| Sognefjellet | Late May | June | November |
| Aurlandsfjellet | Early May | May | November |
| Gamle Strynefjellsvegen | June | June | September |
Costs 2025:
- Fuel: 21-25 NOK per liter ($7.50-9.00 USD per gallon)
- Car rental (high season): 3,500-4,500 NOK per day
- Atlantic Road toll: FREE (no toll since 2023)
- Geiranger-Dalsnibba toll road: 150 NOK per vehicle
- Ferries: Varies by route, typically 150-500 NOK per crossing
Best Time for Norwegian Road Trips
Peak Season (June 20 - August 15):
All mountain passes and scenic routes are open. Midnight sun provides extended driving daylight in northern Norway. However, expect peak crowds at popular viewpoints and ferries, higher accommodation prices, and full car rental demand.
Shoulder Season (May 15 - June 20 and August 15 - September 30):
Many mountain passes open or still accessible. Fewer crowds, lower prices, and often excellent weather. May brings spring waterfalls at peak flow. September offers fall colors and Northern Lights possibilities in the north.
Winter Road Trips (October - April):
Major routes like E6 and coastal roads remain open with proper winter equipment. Mountain passes closed. Northern Lights viewing possible. Winter tires mandatory. Dramatically different experience with snow-covered landscapes.
Whether you have a long weekend for the Atlantic Road or two weeks for a fjord-to-Arctic odyssey, plan for flexibility, pack for weather, and leave space in your schedule for the spontaneous discoveries that make road trips memorable. The next viewpoint might just be the most spectacular yet.
For more driving information, see our guides to Norwegian Coastal Route, Driving in Norway Tips, and Lofoten Islands Guide.