When it comes to road trips, nowhere compares to Norway. Picture an endless twist of mountain roads rising high above the glacier-blue waters of the fjords with a ferry crossing from one island to another at every turn - it all makes for a truly cinematic experience.
Norway is not, however, a place you want to visit randomly. The difference between a good road trip and a memorable one is how you plan your trip, which encompasses which routes you take, what speeds you travel at and what sightseeing stops you make along the way.
This is where expertly crafted self-drive itineraries are critical. At Norwegian Travel Concierge, our philosophy is that self-driving through Norway should feel like a breeze and by taking full advantage of thoughtful planning, we guarantee that you'll not only have full freedom in your choice of itinerary but that every mile will be worth the ride.
Why is Norway Ideal for a Self-Drive Experience?
Unlike many other European countries, most of Norway's exceptional experiences are found between the cities and along the way you'll discover incredible viewpoints, hidden waterfalls, secluded fishing villages and quiet fjord arms that would otherwise be impossible to reach without a car.
Norway also needs a lot of thought to be put into planning how you will get to see your destinations, which could be quite far apart from one another. Weather can change at a moment's notice and traveling by photo-worthy routes will generally take longer than anticipated. It is wise to prepare your itinerary to include the most recognisable places but also to take into account how much travel time there is between points, as well as where it would be best for overnight stays.
What Are the Most Scenic Drives in Norway?
Bergen to Geiranger
It is the ultimate route of the fjords. Starting from Bergen and heading north through the fjords of Norway, all of its wonderfulness can be found on this route, which includes waterfalls, glacier valleys and stunning views of the fjords.
Included in this route will be:
The key to having a rewarding experience will be to make sure not to rush through your travels but take the time to stop spontaneously, indulge in long lunches along the fjords, and enjoy scenic detours.
Atlantic Ocean Road
One of the most scenic drives in the world is along the Atlantic Ocean Road, which is mainly a straight route consisting of roads going across bridges connecting various islands. However, each of the islands is filled with additional miles of scenic roadways that would create great memories. Some areas along these roadways would include hidden fishing villages, local restaurant docks and different viewpoints along the shoreline.
Lofoten Islands
Driving through the islands will be hard to believe since the peaks of the Arctic rise above the ocean and red fishermen's homes are clustered along the shoreline.
A self-guided itinerary here provides a wide range of features that will offer travellers the opportunity to:
Careful planning and timing are crucial when travelling in Norway, especially when dealing with rapidly changing weather conditions during winter.
Hidden gems that can’t be missed
The true spirit of Norway often exists away from the most popular stops.
Some examples of unique experiences include:
Quiet fjord villages located off the main tourist trails.
Hidden waterfalls, only accessible with a detour.
Coastal cafe located by deserted harbours.
Little-known scenic viewpoints, often without other visitors.
The best travel itineraries are not focused on seeing more but rather will help you discover what to see and when to see it.
If possible, try to visit anytime between June and September for the best temperatures and the most daylight. Your best option for vehicle selection is to use a full-size SUV, as this will allow for maximum comfort on the mountain roads and allow for easy access to parking. Even though distances may appear short on a standard map, additional time must be allocated for ferries and winding roads.
You should expect to have varying weather conditions in mountain areas and plan to stay overnight in locations, as staying in the right areas will greatly improve the quality of your vacation as a whole.
Norway is an incredible place to take a road trip, but that doesn't mean that your road trip has to be stressful or rushed. The best type of road trip combines the freedom of the open road with a good amount of planning and includes a mixture of the well-known driving routes, a scenic driving pace, and practical transportation logistics.
At Norwegian Travel Concierge, we have created comprehensive self-drive itinerary packages to make sure that our customers are able to have a wonderful and enjoyable travel experience throughout Norway.