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Ultimate Norway Road Trip Itinerary: Best Places to See Near Bergen

Norway’s stunning natural beauty makes it one of the best destinations for a road trip, and starting from Bergen allows you to explore some of the most iconic sights. Whilst not having to drive as much as if you leave from Oslo. This Norway trip itinerary takes you through waterfalls, glaciers, scenic viewpoints, and charming villages, showcasing the best of what the region has to offer. Whether you’re looking for day trips from Bergen or planning a full Norway road trip, my guide will help you make the most of your trip!

Although it is possible to travel around this area by public transport (I met a few people who were and it’s definitely an economical way to do it). I would personally recommend renting a car or campervan to more easily experience it all. My friend and I hired a Roadhouse camper from Roadsurfer, picking up and dropping off in Bergen. The camper has two sleeping areas, a kitchen and bathroom AND isn’t too big, it was the perfect companion for our Norway road trip!

Norway road trip itinerary highlights

  • Day 1: Drive from Bergen to Trolltunga.
  • Day 2: Hike Trolltunga, then camp near Vøringsfossen.
  • Day 3: Visit Vøringsfossen and Viking Valley.
  • Day 4: Flåm Railway, zipline, and Stegastein Viewpoint.
  • Day 5: Glacier hike at Jostedalsbreen.
  • Day 6: Hopperstad Stave Church and Sognefjord boat tour.
  • Day 7: Explore Voss and return to Bergen.

Day 1: Bergen to Trolltunga

Kick off your Norway road trip by picking up a rental car in Bergen (search for car rentals Bergen Norway) and heading towards Trolltunga. The 3-hour drive includes a scenic car ferry ride, giving you your first views of the majestic Norwegian fjords.

Where to Stay near Trolltunga:
If you’re traveling by car, I would either stay in the town of Odda or Tyssedal. I recommend the Tyssedal Hotel or the Trolltunga hotel.

We stayed at a peaceful spot found using the Park4Night app. This hidden gem offers a quiet, spacious area perfect for overnight parking and camping away from the no-camping zones along the road to Trolltunga. Here’s the spot we used: Park4Night Location. Arrive early as parking can be limited.

Day 2: Hike Trolltunga

One of the highlights of any Norway road trip itinerary, Trolltunga is an epic hike that can take between 7-12 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the viewpoint. If you want to make the most of your hike, be sure to check the weather beforehand and adjust your schedule if needed.

Pro Tip: You can also reverse this itinerary to do Trolltunga later if the weather isn’t perfect on the day. We did a similar adjustment and visited Vøringsfossen first before tackling Trolltunga on a sunny day.

After your hike, drive toward Vøringsfossen and camp at a scenic spot overlooking a fjord. The views are incredible, though it’s next to a road, so you might hear a bit of traffic at night.

Where to Stay near Voringsfossen:
Ingrid’s Apartment or Eidfjord Gjestgiveri

We stayed at a beautiful spot found using the Park4Night app. You can look right out onto the fjord! However it is right next to the road, but during the night it’s mostly quiet as there isn’t much traffic. Here’s the spot we used: Park4Night Location.

Day 3: Vøringsfossen and Viking Valley

Start your morning at Vøringsfossen, Norway’s most impressive waterfall. Plunging 182 meters into the Måbødalen Valley, this double waterfall is a must-see. Walk around and enjoy the various viewpoints for unbeatable photo ops!

Afterwards, drive 1 hour 50 minutes to Viking Valley (Gudvangen), where you can visit a recreation of an authentic Viking village. The entrance fee may seem steep at €20, but it’s worth it for the guided tour, interactive experiences like archery and axe throwing, and a deeper understanding of Viking society.

Where to stay near Gudvangen / Flam:
Brekke Apartments

We stayed at a beautiful spot found using the Park4Night app. You can look right out onto the fjord! However it is right next to the road, but during the night it’s mostly quiet as there isn’t much traffic. Here’s the spot we used: Park4Night Location.

Day 4: Flåm Railway, Zipline, and Scenic Cycling

A quick 30-minute drive will bring you to Flåm, a charming village surrounded by breathtaking fjords. Start your day taking the Flåm Railway, considered one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. It’ll take you through a valley and past multiple waterfalls!

For a unique adventure and day out, I recommend hopping off at the stop before Myrdal to experience Norway’s longest zipline! After zipping up to 100km/h through the valley you can rent a bike and cycle the 16km back to Flåm, passing through waterfalls and lush landscapes. It really is the most perfect day! But it will set you back around 1600 NOK. It was my favourite day of our Norway road trip itinerary though!

The Geiranger zip line park also looks like a super fun experience if you don’t want to make a whole day of it (nor have the budget for it).

Don’t miss Rjoandefossen, a powerful waterfall cascading 241 meters down a mountainside, and take a refreshing dip in Flåm’s fjord near the famous red fisherman huts – a perfect Instagram spot.

End your day at the Stegastein Viewpoint, a panoramic platform that juts 30 meters out from the mountainside, offering a breathtaking view of the Aurlandsfjord. It’s especially magical at sunset, so plan your visit for golden hour. Just be aware that the drive up here is on a narrow winding road so if you are in a campervan, you might end up having to reverse in certain sections if you’re not lucky. However, we drive in a campervan and have no issues at all.

Where to stay near Flam / Jostedalsbreen:
If you want to stay another night in Flam then Brekke Apartments or if you want to drive closer to the glacier then Hofslund Fjord Hotel or Sogndal Fjodpanorama

We stayed at a beautiful spot found using the Park4Night app. However it is right next to the road, but during the night it’s mostly quiet as there isn’t much traffic. Here’s the spot we used: Park4Night Location.

Day 5: Glacier Hike at Jostedalsbreen

Drive north towards Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to the largest glacier in mainland Europe. The journey is approximately 2 hours 40 minutes, taking you through some of Norway’s most beautiful landscapes.

If you’re up for an adventure, book a guided glacier hike on Nigardsbreen to walk on mesmerising blue ice. There are several different glacier hiking tours available. We did the one that offers one and a half hours of hiking on the ice which I thought was perfect, however just a little bit more money you can experience it for longer.

After your glacier experience, drive to Vikøyri, a quaint town where you can rest up for the next leg of your journey.

Where to stay near Vikoyri:
Blix Hotel

We stayed not far from the Hopperstad Stav Church. We decided against staying in the actual parking for the church (even though there are toilets) after reading feedback that some campers were disturbed in the night by locals. The parking near the sports field was great, definitely not beautiful as per our other stays, but quiet and free! Here’s the spot we used: Park4Night Location.

Day 6: Hopperstad Stave Church and Fjord Boat Tour

Start your day with a visit to Hopperstad Stave Church in Vikøyri, one of Norway’s oldest stave churches dating back to the 12th century. This piece of history showcases the unique wooden architecture that defines Norway’s cultural heritage.

Then, head to the visitor center and enjoy a boat tour of the deepest and longest fjord in Norway, Sognefjord. We went on the tour leaving at 11:20am and were able to buy tickets directly on the boat. The ride was absolutely incredible! Especially going up the fjord towards Fjærland where you’ll see multiple waterfalls!

Where to stay in Voss:
Voss Resort or Voss Fjellvilla

We didn’t personally camp here, however having driven through it I really regret it! It looks just like Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands, so picturesque! There are lots of camping spaces here too. Anywhere around Hólesvingane.

Day 7: Voss and Return to Bergen

On your final day, make a stop in Voss, a vibrant town known for its adventure sports and outdoor activities. AND VOSS water! Depending on your preferences, you can go white water rafting, mountain biking, or relax by the lake before driving 2.5 hours back to Bergen.

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Where to stay in Bergen:

Budget: City Hostel or Citybox Bergen
Midrange: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel
Luxury: Opus 16

Norway road trip itinerary optional Add-Ons: Pulpit Rock and Geirangerfjord

If you have extra time, I recommend extending your trip and exploring more of Norway’s famous landscapes! You could either head further south towards Pulpit Rock (adding around 9 hours more driving) or north towards Geirangerfjord (also adding another 9 hours of driving).

  • Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen): Located south of Bergen, this incredible cliff rises 604 meters above the Lysefjord. The 2-hour hike offers panoramic views that are well worth the trip.
  • Geirangerfjord: To the north, the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord is known for its dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and deep blue waters. There are lots of different sites in this area, so it’s well worth a visit if you have more time and don’t mind the extra drive.

Conclusion: Norway road trip itinerary

This Norway trip itinerary is perfect for travelers looking to explore the countries natural wonders by car. A lot of the main sites are near Bergen. So renting a car in Bergen allows you the flexibility to take detours, discover hidden gems, and experience Norway at your own pace. Whether you stick to this week-long plan or extend your trip to include additional stops, the Norway road trip experience is bound to be unforgettable!

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