1-week roadtrip in Norway

You want to discover the must-sees and only have one week of vacation? You want to get to know the Norwegian atmosphere? The coffee shops, museums and fish markets? You don’t want to miss out on Norway’s extraordinary nature with its impressive fjords and beautiful roads? You will love this itinerary!

Go for a Norwegian road trip and discover all the best places places in Norway: from outstanding landscapes to cosmopolitan and welcoming cities.

Here is a glimpse of the beautiful experiences awaiting this in 1-week road trip in Norway:

• Enjoy a beautiful view over Oslo from its Opera’s rooftop
• Drive on the magnificent scenic route between Hardangervidda and Voss, and admire the beautiful landscapes and the reindeers roaming around
• Get an adrenaline rush in Voss from all the diverse experiences offered there
• Get lost in the beautiful streets of Bryggen in Bergen
• Soak in the marvellous Norwegian landscapes by going up the Preikestolen or navigating on the Lysefjord from Stavanger

To travel safely and without any worry on your mind, we recommend Chapka Insurance!

Itinerary for a 1-week road trip in Norway

Oslo > Hardangervidda > Flam > Voss > Hardangerfjord > Bergen > Stavanger

Some practical information before your road trip in Norway

For this itinerary we recommend renting a car from Hertz. It’s possible to rent it in one city and return it in another without exorbitant prices and limiting hidden costs.

You want to buy a paper travel guide? We recommend this one ! In our opinion, it is the most complete, the most visual and the most up to date!

Need a road map to prepare your 1-week itinerary in Norway? We recommend this one, the most detailed and the most pleasant to read!

The best period to do this road trip in Norway is between May and September. It’s when the weather gets warmer in the South of the country, and there are less chances of rain. However, know that July and August are the months with the most tourists, so if you prefer to avoid crowds, we recommend going in May, June or September.  More information here.

For an even greater road trip, make sure you try the local specialties. Norwegians love sea food, fish, game, jerky, sweets, so there is something for everyone! If you had to ty a few specialties, they would be the following ones. First the Fårikåla main dish made of sheep meat, cabbage and potatoes. Then on to the  dessert, we have Fyrstekake, an almond and cardamom pie or the Tilslørte bondepiker, a dessert made with apples, whipped cream and toasted bread.

Contents: 1-week road trip in Norway

1- Oslo – Stop 1 of the 1-week road trip in Norway
2- Hardangervidda – Stop 2 of the 1-week road trip in Norway
3- Voss – Stop 3 of the 1-week road trip in Norway
4- Bergen – Stop 4 of the 1-week road trip in Norway
5- Stavanger – Stop 5 of the 1-week road trip in Norway

1-week road trip in Norway: step by step

What to do in Oslo?

A dense, culturally rich and fun city in between mountains and ocean. 

• Visit Akershus fortress, the most important medieval monument in Norway, built in 1299. Many stories are told about this fortress … but not the usual boring type you hear in class … You’ll see!
• Discover the Oslo Opera House, looking like a glacier coming out of water. This granit and marble building shines in the sun. You can even go up on its rooftop (I bet you the Sydney Opera House is jealous). Plus you get an amazing view over the fjords and surrounding islands!
• Take a stroll along the Akker Brygge pier… In the summer, a stop for a drink is a must. This area is kind of like the business district of the city!
• Even if you are not fascinated by vikings, be sure to check out the Viking Ship Museum where some of the most famous ships are kept.
• If you are fascinated by polar explorations, head to the Fram museum and be captivated by the pictures, movies and ships!

Other must-sees in Oslo?

• Take a ferry to the inhabited islands of Hovedøya, Lindøya and Nakkholmen… They offer breathtaking scenery in the middle of nature (ferries B1, B2 in particular)!
• For a night out, we recommend the Horgans which can offer some surprises along with a great atmosphere!
• For a short nature break, go for a walk in Vigeland park. Appreciate the 212 bronze and granit statues.
• You can not leave Oslo without get a taste of the Arctic. Just go to the icebar the Magic Ice, where everything is made out of ice (walls, ceilings, glasses …) and maintained at -5°C (23°F).
• Get lost in the narrow streets of Grünerløkka, the trendy district with its graffitis and trendy bars.
• A few kilometres from the centre, the Bygdoy peninsula is an incredible haven of peace! There is a small beach in the forest, ideal for a picnic/swim in summer… For the picnic, and to be a good Norwegian, buy your disposable aluminium barbecue and grill some sausages on it… There may be a slight taste of oil, but Norwegians love it! On this peninsula there are also great museums, especially the Norsk Folkemuseum which reproduces the Norwegian life of the 13th century and some good walks… To get there, count on a good 1/4 hour by ferry (Rådhusbrygge 3) in spring/summer or by bus in winter.

Which activities in Oslo?

• For us, guided tours are a good way to discover a city, its history and its little anecdotes, so we can only recommend for you to take one! You can even choose to do it on foot or by bike.
• Discover the city from a different angle, and enjoy the scenery by taking a boat tour in the Oslo Fjord. This will give you a taste of the beautiful scenery awaiting in this 1-week road trip in Norway.

Where to sleep in Oslo?

• Budget: Stay at Cochs Pensjonat, a beautiful 1900s building offering rooms with kitchenettes. Located in the city centre, it is perfectly situated for exploring the city on foot.
• Mid-range: Spend a relaxing night at Citybox Oslo in the city centre! The decor is tasteful and the space is streamlined. In short, it’s simple and efficient! The advantages: cleanliness, customer service and the availability of washing machines!
• High-end: Located in the heart of the city centre since 1874, we can only recommend the Grand Hotel if you want to please your other half! The luxury and the premium customer service are there and finally, the price is not so high considering the services! Not much to say except that the spa (pool / sauna) is crazy! The little extra: an ultra complete breakfast!

What to do in Hardangervidda National Park?

Norway’s largest national park. 

• Nature lover,  you are in the right place ! Go for a hike, a bike ride, go climbing or cross country skiing. You won’t get bored!
• Take the time to admire the largest population of wild deers! Outstanding!

From Hardangervidda National Park to Voss:

• Take a gorgeous scenic road where you will get to stop by Flåm, on the edge of the iconic Naerøy fjord. You will feel so small when discovering how huge and beautiful it is. This road will surely be one of the most beautiful roads you will drive on during this 1-week road trip in Norway.

Where to sleep neat Hardangervidda National Park?

• Budget: On the road to Flåm, Birkelund camping is a haven of peace! You can sleep in charming little cabins in the countryside. The campsite is located in the middle of the countryside and has access to the fjord, so you can relax on the grass. This camping has a special place in our hearts, as it is where this website was born!
• High mid-range: Spend the night in a warmly decorated hotel/chalet in the town of Flåm! At Flåmsbrygga Hotel you will have the opportunity to have a magnificent view of the fjord from your balcony (note that there are also “mountain view” rooms!). What we like: the service, the location and the gourmet food!
•  High-end: Flåm Marina has an exceptional view! Here you are literally in the fjord, as the hotel is just next to the water! Located slightly outside of Flåm, the walk to the city centre is very pleasant! You can choose between rooms and flats, both of which offer great facilities!

What to do in Voss?

Norwegian capital of adventure. Outdoor enthusiasts will be in heaven on this stop of the 1-week road trip in Norway.

• Enjoy the stunning natural surroundings of this small village of 14 000 inhabitants. Discover the snowy mountains, forests, rivers and lakes. Between the famous Sogne and Hardenger fjords, go for adventures all year long.
• You love thrills? Everything is possible here : sky diving, buggy jumping, rafting..!
• During the winter, go skiing down one of the many slopes. In the summer, enjoy the mild temperatures and get on a mountain bike, go hiking, kayaking or explore caves.
• Want to taste local specialities? A short drive away from the village, go to Smalahovetunet farm, built in the 18th century. There you can try the traditional grilled lamb, sour cream pudding or local cold cuts.

From Voss to Bergen:

• Take the beautiful road along Hardangerfjord, a world famous fjord. Drive along the water, on lovely bridges in the middle of nature you, will be speechless when discovering the hundreds of nearby islands!

Where to sleep in Voss?

• Budget: Stay at the foot of a waterfall at Tvinde Camping! Located 15 minutes away from Voss, you will stay in cabins with a chalet atmosphere. In addition to a great location, the campsite is clean, eco-friendly and offers a warm welcome.
• Mid-range: Looking for great value for money? Then opt for a room at Haugo utleige! A guest house with authentic character, with a garden and terrace at your disposal, all the comforts are present. Located in the town of Voss, enjoy the location to recharge your batteries in comfortable bedding!
• High-end: Situated on the heights of Voss, the Store Ringheim Hotel welcomes you in fully equipped rooms for your utmost comfort! For a family, the quadruple room under the roof is very nice! The breakfast is worth a visit!

What to do in Bergen?

Norway’s second largest city, the city of seven mountains, gate to the fjords. Bergen is a must of this 1-week road trip in Norway.

• Stroll around the streets of Bryggen, Bergen’s old city center with colorful wooden houses. On the wharf, enjoy the small museum, shops, restaurants and coffee shops.
• Do not leave without going to at least one of the seven mountains surrounding the city. Fløyen is easily accessible. Just take the cable car from the city center up to the top, it only takes 8 minutes. Enjoy the spectacular view over the landscape, it’s breathtaking!
• Discover the busy atmosphere of the fish market in the city center.
• Visit the KODE, one of the largest art, design and music museum in the region. Step in the artists’ houses, its temporary contemporary art exhibitions and admire its permanent collections.
• Go for a cruise on the fjord, whether it’s for a few hours or a few days.
• Take a guided tour to see the main points of interest, but also the more secret places, and you will know Bergen like the back of your hand!

Where to sleep in Bergen?

• Budget: Spend the night at Fabryka youth hostel, located right in the city centre in a nice area of Bergen (Bergenhus). You will sleep in simple and comfortable single rooms, with a shared kitchen and bathroom, and get great value for money!
• Mid-range: Stay in the heart of the city at the Magic Hotel Xhibition, also in the good neighbourhood of Bergenhus. With a modern, sleek design, comfort and cleanliness of the rooms, this is a high-class establishment that is still affordable.
• High-end: We’re taking it up a notch! Want to live the castle life? Then spend the night at the Opus XVI! Still in the Bergenhus district, this hotel offers tastefully decorated luxury rooms or suites. The advantages: the restaurant (the breakfast is incredible -put some in your pockets for the day!-), the super nice setting or the art exhibitions in the hotel. In short, you get what you pay for!

What to do in Stavanger?

One of Norway’s most beautiful cities, that will be the perfect end to your 1-week road trip in Norway. 

• Discover the vibrant atmosphere of this easy-to-explore city. Take part in the Norwegian culture: take a moment to have a coffee with typical sweet or savoury pastries. Welcome to Norway!
• Head to Hafrsfjord where you can see the famous Rock Swords (Sverd i fjell) ! These huge stone statues standing for Norwegian peace, unity and liberty. It is kind of a sacred site there!
• For a surprising and thrilling experience, drive for an hour and a half to get to the Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), a 10 000 year old mountain plateau, 600 m / 1970 ft above Lysefjord. Experience a thrilling moment when getting closer to the edge! In case you’re not comfortable going there on your own, don’t worry, guided hikes are available.
• If heights make you dizzy and you are not a big explorer, go to the many museums : the city museum, the maritime museum, the art museum… You have a great selection to choose from!
• Here too, we advise you to take a guided tour of the city with a local, who will show you their city in a different way.
• The city is bordered by the beautiful Lysefjord, which is a must! You can explore it during a RIB tour or in a kayak tour for an up close experience.

Where to sleep in Stavanger?

• Mid-range: Take a break at the Best Western Havly Hotell located in the city centre. This is clearly its strong point, 100m from the Kirkegata shopping street. Cosy rooms, hearty breakfast, attentive staff, all within a few minutes of the harbour!
• High-end: A Radisson to finish the trip never hurts, right? Located in the heart of the city, spend your night at the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel! Spacious rooms, spotless bathrooms and a varied breakfast, what more could you want? Well, a gym and sauna on the top floor with a view of the fjord! Tip: choose a room with a fjord view!

Learn more about your road trip in Norway…

• You want to know all the information about the country? It’s here.
• To rent a car at the best price, we recommend this website.
• To book a flight at the best price, we recommend this website.
• You are looking for a great travel insurance for your 1-week road trip in Norway? We recommend this one!

Do not hesitate to share your trip with us, we can’t wait to hear all about your adventures!

If you have any information, good tips, or simply something to say about this itinerary, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below! The whole team will be happy to hear from you!