Travelling through Norway is an opportunity to experience the unique nature and history of this northern country, where every turn of the road reveals new horizons. This route is designed for those who love freedom and are ready to explore the country behind the wheel.
Book a car in NorwayAnd if you want to simplify the organisation a bit, you can always use ready-made offers – an organised tour will help you focus solely on the most important thing: the beauty of Norway.
» READ MORE – What to bring as a gift from Norway? Top 10 souvenirs
Just recently, we published an article for brave travellers ready to embark on a trip to Norway. Undoubtedly, this northern country begins with Oslo, a stately fortress amidst the cold winds.
However, this is just the starting point of a grand journey. We’ll show and tell you which route is best for a road trip, where to stop along the way, and where you’ll find the most mesmerising scenery. You’ll see for yourself why millions of tourists come here every year.
Driving north from the capital on the E6 motorway, you’ll pass the eastern shore of Norway’s largest lake, Lake Mjøsa. It doesn’t make sense to stop by the water for too long, but nothing prevents you from taking a couple of breaks to enjoy the picturesque views (for example, through the binoculars installed there). Along the shoreline, you’ll find several footpaths and cafés with terraces.
After about 180 kilometres of driving, you’ll arrive in the town of Lillehammer, nestled amidst forests and low hills.
Even its name refers to the Old Norse word «Lillehammer», meaning «little ridge»!
Lillehammer
This city is small but mighty: its image was boosted by the 1994 Winter Olympics and remains strong today. The Olympic facilities left over from that time are still in use and continue to attract both tourists and enthusiastic athletes. Local stadiums and arenas, such as Håkon Hall and Lillehammer Olympic Park, often host competitions and other events. And, of course, you can’t miss the Olympic Museum – you can easily guess what history it’s dedicated to :)
Entrance to the Maihaugen Open Air MuseumThe city is not just about sports. It’s worth taking a walk in the historic district of Upper Lillehammer. You won’t find major sights here, but you can see traditional architecture and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of old Norway.
You can also check out the Film Studio, a place where you can learn more about film and TV production. And if you have enough time, a hike up Maistndalen Mountain is a must.
Dombos
Continue along the E6 motorway without turning off: this will take you to the tiny settlement of Dombos, another gem on the map of your Norway trip. And the word «tiny» is no exaggeration – the village’s population is only about 1,100 people. Nevertheless, there’s plenty to do here, including options for overnight accommodation if you need it.
Dombos: choose a hotelFirst things first, head to Dovre National Park – it’s even more interesting with an experienced guide. The park is famous for its stunning scenery and diverse flora and fauna. You might even spot a wild deer, and your guide will certainly tell you about the rare plant species growing here. Adventure tourism is also thriving in Dombos, with skiing, rafting, and rock climbing.
In the village’s surroundings, you’ll find old farmsteads. Some of them are open to the public: you can learn about the traditional way of life of the locals. Sometimes, workshops are even held on traditional crafts! For example, you can learn how to knit or cook national dishes.
» READ MORE – Norway’s national dishes: 9 flavours you must try
Trondheim
Your journey along the E6 motorway ends in the city of Trondheim. Located on the shores of the Nidals Fjord, it’s one of the largest cities in the country.
By the way, it was founded by Vikings under the name Nidaros and was Norway’s first capital! Trondheim was particularly influential during the Middle Ages, and the remnants of local architecture hint at the city’s turbulent past.
All hotels in TrondheimThe most famous landmark is the Nidaros Cathedral Church, built in a striking Gothic style. Many Norwegian rulers were crowned here! You can also visit the monastery on the island of Munkholmen – during Danish rule, it served as a prison, and it remains fortified on all sides.
Personalized tour with a localTrondheim has also preserved many historical buildings: wooden houses, churches, workshops – even the royal residence, built entirely of wood. One of the old streets, Bakklandet, is a popular place for strolling with cosy cafés and boutique shops. You can fully immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere by visiting the ancient Kristiansten Fortress.
City sightseeing tourThe Ringve Museum, the national museum of music and musical instruments, is also worth a visit. Its exhibits are a rich collection gathered from around the world.
Fjords
The next part of the journey takes you onto the E39 motorway. From this point on, you’ll encounter several ferry crossings – in the western part of Norway, they’re almost unavoidable. Fortunately, this isn’t a major inconvenience: the crossings take no more than 35 minutes and have fixed prices. On the way to Bergen, we counted three of them for you! Ferries are operated by Fjord1 and Tide Sjø.
As mentioned earlier, there’s little point in stopping long by the water. However, the E39 crosses many incredible fjords that absolutely deserve your attention when travelling through Norway.
- Sunnefjord is located near the town of Sunnmer. Surrounded by mountains, it looks utterly majestic – breathtaking!
- Giddalsfjord is small but picturesque. Situated near the town of Giddal, it’s known for its narrow passages and dramatic vertical cliffs
- Nærøyfjord, a branch of the wider Sognefjord, is one of Norway’s top tourist attractions. Its breathtaking views of crystal-clear water and towering peaks are complemented by the cosy villages scattered around. Sognefjord itself is the longest and deepest in the country
- Stavangerfjord is known for its high lookout points, including the famed Prekestulen cliff
Even if you don’t stop, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Norway’s greatest natural treasures on your way to the next stop.
Bergen
Bergen is a must on any trip to Norway. It’s the second-largest city on the west coast and is often the departure point for fjord cruises. However, if you’ve followed our itinerary, you’ve already seen the fjord beauty, so now you can focus on Bergen’s own charms :)
We recommend starting with a visit to Bryggen – the old harbour district with distinctive medieval buildings. Wander through its narrow, cosy streets, shop for souvenirs, or sip tea in a small café tucked around a corner.
Bergen: choose a hotelThe fish market (Fisketorget) and flower market (Floibanens Blomster) are also among Bergen’s attractions!
- The fish market is a popular spot not only for buying freshly caught seafood but also for tasting local delicacies (smoked salmon and mackerel are particularly good – don’t miss the hot broths served on the spot)
- The flower market, meanwhile, offers a vivid snapshot of Norway’s flora – remember the one your tour guide told you about?
You can then take the Fløibanen funicular up to Mount Fløyen. From there, you’ll get a panoramic view of Bergen, the fjords, and the surrounding mountains. Hiking trails and a charming café await at the top.
Bergenhus Festning is one of the best-preserved fortresses in Norway. Rebuilt during World War II, it originally dates back to around 1240. It once protected Bergen – then a crucial trading hub – and served as a royal residence and council seat at various points in history. Today, the fortress houses a museum.
Walking tour «Bergen's Past and Present»Bergen is also the birthplace of the famous composer Edvard Grieg. Naturally, there’s a museum dedicated to him – a must-see for classical music fans.
Stavanger
On the southwest coast, after two more ferry crossings, the city of Stavanger awaits. In the early Middle Ages, it was a significant centre for trade and fishing. With the founding of the cathedral (which we recommend visiting!), it also gained religious importance. More recently, Stavanger experienced an oil boom that significantly changed the city’s appearance.
All hotels in StavangerTake a walk through Gamle Stavanger (Old Town). Here, you’ll see charming wooden houses – this time painted in bright colours!
The oil discovery had a profound impact on Norway’s economy, so it was only fitting to establish an oil museum in Stavanger, dedicated to the history and significance of the industry. One of the most fascinating parts is learning about the technology of oil extraction.
Norwegian Petroleum Museum: entrance feeThe Prekestulen Lookout is, without exaggeration, world-famous. It’s relatively close to the city, but reaching it is an adventure in itself.
Expect to spend about two hours climbing 300 metres uphill, sometimes navigating steep sections of trail – but it’s absolutely worth it.
The view from this massive cliff, whose name means «Preacher’s Chair», is awe-inspiring. Anyone standing on Prekestulen for the first time will feel ready to conquer the world. It’s a special moment to breathe deeply and let out a joyful shout that echoes between the rocks.
Kristiansand
You didn’t think every coastal town was just a commercial port, did you? Kristiansand is certainly more than that.
Excursion by electric bicycleIt’s worth a visit not only for its intriguing architecture but also as a chance to unwind. Kristiansand is home to Dyreparken – a vast zoo and amusement park complex with activities for the whole family. As your trip comes to an end, you can mark it with a festive fireworks display – a fitting conclusion to an epic journey filled with unforgettable experiences.
And if you still have energy, visit the nearby park to meet the moose or drop by the Wild Salmon Centre. These optional stops add even more depth to your experience and offer a new lens through which to appreciate Norway’s natural world.
For those seeking an inspiring adventure, this itinerary is a fantastic introduction to Norway. Of course, it only covers part of the country – we haven’t explored the regions north of Trondheim. Norway offers vast opportunities for travel, and the northern territories promise a whole new story. The boldest travellers may even make it all the way to Svalbard…
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