Here is the perfect 8 day Norway Road Trip itinerary to explore Norway’s Western Fjordlands. I hired a camper van with Roadsurfer which was the perfect way to travel! I would HIGHLY recommend doing it this way, as it allows you to easily move within each location / sleep wherever you want. By doing it in a camper van, you save yourself a lot of driving time going back and forth between accommodations.
To help you get your bearings, I have prepared this map for you with all of the stops I made. My trip began and ended in Bergen.
Please note, flying to Oslo internationally tends to be way cheaper than flying to Bergen, however, it adds on an additional 7 hours driving time each way. If you are short for time, I recommend paying the extra like I did. Roadsurfer have offices in both cities so the option to pick up in Oslo does also exist.
This is the exact route I took for my 8 day Norway road trip itinerary. The red arrows indicate the way there, and the orange arrows indicate the way back. I decided to leave Vossevangen for the way back to break up the long drive from Sognefjord to Bergen.
8-Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary – Norway’s Fjordlands
Exploring Norway’s majestic fjords by road is an unforgettable adventure, and this 8-day itinerary offers a perfect mix of nature, culture, and adventure. Starting and ending in Bergen, this road trip takes you through the heart of Norway’s breathtaking fjordlands, with stops at iconic destinations like Trolltunga, Vøringfossen, and Sognefjord.
Day 1: Bergen to Trolltunga
Drive Time: 3-4 hours (approximately 150 km)
Time to Spend: 1 day
Depending on the weather, Trolltunga is a great place to start your road trip through Norway’s Fjordlands. This was number one on my list of things I wanted to do, so I decided to start the trip here in case the weather wasn’t on my side, so I could try again later in the week if need be.
Luckily, I got the most perfect weather conditions and the hike was incredible! I have written a separate blog post with all of the essential information you need to successfully complete the hike to Trolltunga. There is some pre-planning required as it is one of Norway’s most popular attractions and can get rather busy. There are also tolls that need to be paid, parking tickets, and shuttle buses. See here for my detailed blog post to make your trip as smooth as possible.
What to Do:
- Hike to Trolltunga: A full-day hike (10-12 hours) with an ascent of 380 meters (from P3) or 500+ from P1. Be prepared with hiking boots, food, and water. The panoramic view from the top is worth every step!
- Moving time: 6-8 hours
- Cost: Depending on where you park, there is a parking fee (300NOK), a shuttle bus or toll fee up to P2 (100NOK – one way) and a final shuttle bus from P2 to P3 for (150NOK one way). Total for return shuttle bus tickets from P1 to P3 (500 NOK pp). Parking at P3 is more expensive and requires pre-booking. You also cannot park at P3 with a van.
You cannot park in any of these car parks overnight. You can use the Park4night app to find somewhere to sleep close by. We found a spot along the road around 15 minutes away, which was great for our 7am hike start time.
Day 2: Trolltunga to Vøringfossen
Drive Time: 2 hours (90 km)
Time to Spend: Half-day
After a good night’s rest, drive to Vøringfossen, one of Norway’s most famous waterfalls, located in the Hardangerfjord region.
What to Do:
- Vøringfossen Viewpoint: Admire the 182-meter waterfall from the viewpoints around the Fossli Hotel. It’s a great spot for photographs!
- Hike to the Base: If you want a closer view, you can hike down to the base of the waterfall for a more immersive experience (2-3 hours round trip).
- Cost: FREE
Spend the rest of the day driving toward Viking Valley, ready for the next leg of your journey.
Day 3: Viking Valley (Gudvangen) & Nærøyfjord
Drive Time: 1.5 hours (80 km)
Time to Spend: Half-day
Head to Gudvangen, where you can step back in time at Viking Valley, an immersive cultural experience. I loved Vikings on Netflix so I was very excited to visit this spot. It was such a cool experience, especially learning fun facts about the vikings that are incorrectly portrayed on TV! They also have the option to try axe-throwing and archery, and there is a guided tour included in your ticket price.
What to Do:
- Njardarheimr Viking Village: Learn about Viking history, culture, and daily life in this reconstructed village. Participate in activities like archery, forging, and Viking-style cooking.
- Cost: 250 NOK
- Fjord Kayaking: If you have time, which you should, you can take a kayaking trip through Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO-listed fjord nearby. The only option I can find online for kayaking in the fjords here starts and ends with a bus trip from Vossevagen. Perhaps you could tell them you will meet them at the fjords (as you’re already there) or see if you can find something in the area when you arrive.
Afterward, continue your drive to Flåm, a charming fjord-side village, where you’ll stay overnight.
Norway Road Trip Itinerary
Day 4: Flåm
Drive Time: 30 minutes (20 km)
Time to Spend: 1 day
Flåm is one of the most picturesque villages in Norway, nestled deep in the Aurlandsfjord. It’s a great base for exploring the surrounding fjords and mountains.
What to Do:
- Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana): Take a scenic 2-hour round trip on one of the steepest railways in the world. The train passes dramatic waterfalls and fjord landscapes.
- Flam Zipline: Instead of doing a roundtrip on the train, you can take the Flam railway to Vatnahalsen, which is the start of the Zipline. Fly down the zipline to the Kårdal summer farm where you can pick up a bike and cycle 16km downhill back to Flam. This is such a FUN day and I would highly recommend. Cost: 510 NOK Flam Railway one-way, 800 NOK for the zipline and 375 NOK for the bikes. You can buy a package with all 3 things in one go at the Visitor Centre.
- Fjord Safari: Opt for a RIB boat safari through the fjords for an exhilarating way to experience Norway’s stunning waters up close.
- Ægir Brewery: End your day with local craft beers at this Viking-style brewery and restaurant.
Stay the night in Flåm to prepare for the glacier adventures ahead.
Day 5: Flåm to Jostedalen National Park (Glacier Hike)
Drive Time: 2.5 hours (110 km)
Time to Spend: 1 day
Drive towards Jostedalen National Park, home to the Jostedalsbreen Glacier, the largest in mainland Europe. A glacier hike is one of the most unique outdoor experiences in Norway. This drive in itself is absolutely stunning! Even if you don’t plan to go up onto the glacier, you should definitely consider visiting the area.
What to Do:
- Guided Glacier Hike: Join a guided tour to hike on Nigardsbreen, an arm of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier. You’ll trek across the ice and learn about glacial formations.
- Breheimsenteret Visitor Centre: You can discover more about the glacier and the region’s history.
Stay the night in nearby Gaupne or Skjolden, and enjoy a peaceful evening in Norway’s countryside. I stayed near Gaupne and drove up to the start of the glacier hike in the morning. The guided tours usually meet at 11.45 in the car park.
Day 6: Jostedalen to Sognefjord (Cruise)
Drive Time: 1.5 hours (80 km)
Time to Spend: 1 day
Next up is Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, often referred to as the “King of the Fjords.” If you are planning to go on a cruise down one of Norway’s fjords, Sognefjord is the one to do!
What to Do:
- Sognefjord Cruise: Take a relaxing fjord cruise, enjoying views of dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and tranquil waters. The Nærøyfjord, a branch of Sognefjord, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see.
- Local Villages: Visit fjord-side villages like Balestrand or Leikanger for charming cafes and local crafts.
- Join a cruise leaving from Vikyori, sailing up the Sognefjord, stopping off at the glacier museum and Bøyabreen Glacier Viewpoint.
Spend the night in a Sognefjord village or head toward Voss for the final leg of your trip.
Day 7: Sognefjord to Vossenvangen (Voss)
Drive Time: 2 hours (110 km)
Time to Spend: 1 day
The town of Voss is your next stop, known for its stunning surroundings and adventure sports.
What to Do:
- Voss Gondola: Ride up to Mount Hanguren for panoramic views of the surrounding fjords and mountains.
- Voss Waterfalls (Vossenvassen): Visit the cascading Tvindefossen and Skjervsfossen waterfalls for some great photo opportunities.
- Extreme Sports: If you’re feeling adventurous, Voss offers paragliding, white-water rafting, and skydiving for adrenaline junkies.
Stay in Voss overnight or begin your drive back to Bergen.
Day 8: Voss to Bergen
Drive Time: 1.5 hours (100 km)
On your final day, make your way back to Bergen, where your road trip concludes. Spend your last few hours in Bergen exploring the city’s historic wharf, Bryggen, or taking a funicular ride to Mount Fløyen for panoramic views.
Road Trip Tips:
- Best Time to Go: Late spring to early autumn (May to September) for optimal weather conditions.
- Car Rental: Bergen offers multiple car rental agencies, so be sure to book in advance.
- Packing: Bring layers, hiking boots, and waterproof gear for the ever-changing weather.
- Accommodation: Book a mix of hotels, guesthouses, and cabins along the route to experience local hospitality.
Remember: When staying in a camper van, you will need time on day 1 to familarise yourself with the camper (there are lots of valves and switches!), unpack your suitcase, fill up your water tanks and go to the supermarket. I recommend only planning something small for the afternoon. We picked up the car, did all of our admin and drove straight towards Trolltunga to park up for the night. We got to see the sunset over a lake which was great. On the final day, you also need time to empty your toilet, waste water and clean the van before returning so I recommend staying as close to Bergen as possible.
This 8-day Norway Road Trip itinerary will give you a comprehensive experience of Norway’s fjordlands, combining dramatic landscapes, thrilling activities, and peaceful moments in nature. Whether you’re hiking glaciers, sailing fjords, or exploring Viking history, this road trip offers the best of Norway in one unforgettable journey!