Fjord Norway Itinerary incl. Norwegian Landscape Routes
Our proposal for a two-week itinerary through Fjord Norway starts at the west coast in Bergen. You will visit all the highlights in Fjord Norway and drive on 7 of the 18 Norwegian Landscape Routes. The individual stops of this road trip through Fjord Norway are as follows
- A: Bergen
- B: Stavanger
- C: Kjeragbolten/Pulpit Rock
- D: Suldalsosen
- E: Odda
- F: Voss
- G: Sogndalsfjøra
- H: Lom
- I: Geiranger
- J: Sandane
- K: Balestrand
- A: Bergen
Road trip Fjord Norway: How to get to Bergen
For the journey to Bergen you have 2 possibilities. You can arrive by plane or by ferry.
By Plane:
For about 200 Euro you can get from most German airports within a few hours to Bergen. The disadvantage of this option is that you can take less luggage than in your own car and you have to rent a car from Bergen. You can pick up a rental car directly at Bergen airport and pay about 250-300 Euro per week.
By Ferry:
From Hirtshals in Denmark you can go via Stavanger to Bergen. Fjordline offers the crossing regularly. The journey takes about 16.5 hours. The price for a car and 2 people starts at about 125 Euro. The advantage here is that you can take much more luggage in the car, especially if you plan to camp in Norway. You can easily book the ferry for the crossing at Directferries*. Alternatively you can take the ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand within 3 hours. From there you take your car to Kjeragbolten to start your journey. The driving time from Kristiansand to Kjeragbolten is about 6-8 hours.
Day 1: Bergen – Haugesund – Stavanger
Your round trip through Fjord Norway starts in Bergen. Here you can see a few beautiful corners of the second largest city in Norway and get a first feeling for Norway. There are a lot of things to do in Bergen. Worth seeing is especially the district Bryggen directly at the harbor. The small colorful houses in Bryggen are really beautiful to look at and should be visited during a short trip. The district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a remnant from a time when Bergen was still the trading center between Norway and Central Europe.
In addition, the following sights are still worth visiting:
Fish Market
Right next door is Bergen’s lively fish market. Here the inhabitants have been supplied with freshly caught fish since 1276. Today it is one of the most popular markets in Norway and you can buy not only fish but also fruits, vegetables and handicrafts.
Fløyen and Fløibanen
The 415 meter high Fløyfjellet is not the highest mountain in the city, but it is the most famous one. On its top there is the observation platform called “Fløyen” from which you have a magnificent view of the city and the sea. From the city you can walk up very easily and free of charge. You can also take the Fløibanen cog railroad up the mountain. You can buy tickets online or on site for about 15 Euro (round trip). Once at the viewing platform, you can walk along numerous hiking trails and also visit the Skomakerdiket lake.
You can find more information about Bergen here https://www.visitnorway.de/reiseziele/fjord-norwegen/bergen/
Onward Journey to Stavanger
From Bergen you drive south on the E39 and make a detour to the city of Haugesund on the way. On the way you take the ferry between Halhjem and Våge. The ferry takes just under 35 minutes. In the region of Hausgesund you will find not only beautiful nature, but also many cultural monuments from the Viking Age and the Middle Ages.
Nearby in Avaldsnes there is a Viking farm worth seeing, which offers insights into the everyday life and clothing of the Vikings during the offered guided tours. On the way from Haugesund to Stavanger the next ferry between Mortavika and Arsvågen is waiting for you. The journey takes about 25 minutes. Stavanger is your destination today and is a big city with chic restaurants, museums and a vibrant life. A visit to the old town is especially worthwhile here.
Journey distance (2 Ferries): Bergen – Stavanger: approx. 200 km (approx. 5 h)
Accommodation | Relax with Lake View
Just outside Stavanger, you’ll find this cozy and family-run little hotel Sjoberg Ferie og Hotell*. The location directly at the sea guarantees a great view, which you can enjoy in the cozy rooms.
Relax at Sjoberg Ferie og Hotell*
Day 2: Stavanger – Egersund – Oanes
From Stavanger, it’s only a short distance south until you reach the first scenic route on this itinerary. On the Scenic Route Jæren you will drive over 34 kilometers partly along the coast through green landscapes and fertile farmland. You will also pass the Orre beach, which is perfect for a nice walk. From Egersund you drive inland and then via Byrkjedal and Lauvvik with the ferry across the fjord to Oanes. The journey time by ferry is only 8 minutes.
Journey distance (1 Ferry): Stavanger – Oanes, approx. 155 km (approx. 3h)
Day 3: Kjeragbolten
Today its time for the first hike. The Kjeragbolten hike is a very spectacular one. You have to take the ferry from Oanes to Lysebotn (1 h driving time, drives several times a day) and drive a few kilometers to the official parking lot (300 NOK). You should plan for the hike and the arrival and departure (back to Oanes) the whole day.
The Kjeragbolten hike is about 11 km long and takes 5-6 hours. Due to changeable weather, the hike is only recommended between May and October. The hike starts at the parking lot of Øygardstølen Inn and takes you over sticks and stones, small streams and valleys. The weather can change quickly, so you should dress accordingly and be equipped for rain.
Day 4: Pulpit Rock and drive to Suldalsosen
The Pulpit Rock is not far away and can be reached from Oanes within 20 minutes. The hike to the most famous rocky outcrop of Norway is a must on a trip to Norway and you need for the 8 kilometer long hike just under 4 hours for there and back.
If you still feel like it, you should drive on to Suldalsosen and spend the night there at the cozy Lindum campsite. Today you drive on the Landscape route Ryfylke. Here you will encounter bare high mountains, lush green hills and deep fjords.
Journey distance: Oanes – Suldalsosen, approx. 100 km (approx. 4 h)
Day 5: Suldalsosen – Odda
You drive a long way on the Norwegian Landscape Route Ryfylke until you arrive in Hara. From there it is about 40 kilometers to Odda. You will reach the spectacular twin waterfall Låtefossen shortly before the town.
Odda is the gateway to the Hardanger region and is part of the Norwegian Landscape Route Hardanger. If you still have time in the afternoon, you can visit the Buarbreen Glacier, which is only a few minutes drive from Odda. The almost 6 km long hike to the Buarbreen Glacier is a bit of an adventure, as you have to climb up some sections on ropes again and again.
We loved the hike. The view into the valley, the climbing and a glacier within reach were just a wonderful experience for us.
Overnight Stay in Odda
We recommend you to spend 1-2 nights in Odda, depending on what you want to do there. In Odda you have two options. On the one hand you can stay at the campground, on the other hand in a hotel. We have selected the two best options for you.
Camping in Odda
We spent the night in Odda at the local campground (Trolltunga Camping*), which is also not far from the city center. The place is usually very crowded by numerous Trolltunga tourists, but is therefore very picturesque directly on the lake Sandvinvatnet
But you should be here early to get a free place. We were able to get one of the last tent sites with lake view. The campground also rents cabins and small rooms.
Camping in Odda | Trolltunga Camping*
Cozy Apartments for Relaxation
If you want to relax after the strenuous hikes we can recommend you The Blue House*. The apartments are located in a 100 year old and elaborately restored house. Here you come in and just feel at home. The small apartments are equipped with everything you need, so you can take care of yourself there.
Driving distance: Suldalsosen – Odda, approx. 100 km (approx. 2 h)
Day 6: Trolltunga
One of the biggest highlights of Norway is on the program today: the Trolltunga . You should start very early, because the hike will take the whole day. At the latest at 8 o’clock you should be at the Trolltunga parking lot. The hike is very strenuous, but you will be rewarded with a spectacular photo of the unique troll tongue. In the evening you should stay overnight in Odda and continue the next day
Day 7: Odda – Vøringsfossen – Voss
The landscapes along the Hardangerfjord are dramatic and spectacular. There are scattered small farm settlements, fruit farms and thundering waterfalls. In Eidfjord the scenic route Hardangervidda welcomes you with the impressive waterfall Vøringsfossen. You can do the hike in less than 2 hours and experience the thundering water at the foot of the waterfall. Alternatively, you can watch the spectacle from one of the upper viewing platforms.
Afterwards you drive back along the scenic route and cross the Hardangerfjord on the Hardanger Bridge (which opens imposingly into a tunnel) and then continue to Voss.
Journey distance: Odda – Voss, approx. 160 km (approx. 3 h)
Day 8: Voss – Nærøyfjord – Flåm – Sogndalsfjøra
The town of Voss is popular with people interested in Norwegian traditions. There is the beautiful open-air Folkemuseum with listed farmsteads, some of which are several hundred years old. On your way north, you’ll pass the Nærøyfjord, the narrowest fjord in the world and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you should stop and take a hike on the Rimstigen hiking trail.
The itinerary continues to Flam, where the Flam Railway* awaits you. This is a 20 km long railroad line up to Myrdal, 866 meters above sea level. Not far from Flam is the Stegastein viewpoint with a great view of the Aurlandsfjord. The Stegastein is also the starting point for the Landscape route Aurlandsfjellet as well as for the ski trail, where you can still see snow in the summer.
For the last part of the route you will take the ferry in Manheller, which will bring you to Fodnes within 10 minutes. From here you continue to Sogndalsfjøra, where you can spend the night.
Journey distance (1 Ferry): Voss – Sogndalsfjøra, approx. 150 km (approx. 3.5 h)
Day 9: Sogndalsfjøra – Lom
From Sogndal you drive to Solvorn and then cross the Lusterfjord with a very small ferry. On the other side, Urnes Stave Church, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits you. A little further north, the Feigumsfossen waterfall can be visited. Further north you will come to a mountain plateau and reach Lom, where another stave church awaits you. Nearby you should set up camp for the night.
Journey distance (1 Ferry): Sogndalsfjøra – Lom, approx. 135 km (approx. 4 h)
Day 10: Lom – Geiranger
From Lom you start westwards to Grotli and there you turn onto the scenic route Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, which was carved into the rock by hand in the 19th century. You can drive through the landscape route in less than an hour, but it is much better to stop in between to admire the landscape or to take a hike or two. There are no houses or other buildings left and right of the road. Only pure nature, wonderful landscape and a turquoise blue shining mountain lake.
At the end of the road, turn north again and head up to the Dalsnibba viewpoint first (spectacular view of the Geirangerfjord). The way up is with 15 € per car not quite cheap, but you have at almost 1500 meters height not only a great view of the Geirangerfjord, but also has the feeling to have arrived at the true top of the world, because you are at the same height with almost all surrounding mountains and have a 360° view of countless covered with powdered sugar mountain peaks.
After this spectacular view, we continue to the Geirangerfjord. Geirangerfjord is not only one of the most famous fjords in Norway, but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for cruise ships. The 15 km long fjord is known for its snow-capped peaks and thundering waterfalls, which can be admired especially during a boat trip from the water.
Overnight Stay with a View of the Geirangerfjord
Who could imagine anything more beautiful than just enjoying the view of the Geirangerfjord for hours? You sleep here in a cozy little cabin with a well-equipped kitchen. You can spend the evening on the terrace and just enjoy this amazing view.
Cozy Cabin at Geirangerfjord | Check Prices*
Driving distance: Lom – Geiranger: approx. 130 km (approx. 2.5 h)
Day 11: Geirangerfjord – Hellesylt – Sandane
From Geirangerfjord you first drive to Lote, where again a ferry is waiting for you. In less than 10 minutes you cross over to Anda and then continue south via Hellesylt to Sandane. There is the Nordfjord Folk Museum, which is especially interesting for children. There the regional history is presented with old wooden huts from the 18th and 19th century.
Journey distance (1 Ferry): Geirangerfjord – Sandane, approx. 130 km (approx. 4 h)
Day 12: Sandane – Gaularfjellet – Balestrand
Shortly behind Sandane at the elongated lake Jølstravatnet begins the scenic route Gaularfjellet. Passing impressive waterfalls you will reach the viewpoint Utsikten, which offers a great view of high mountains and deep valleys. Down to Balestrand you meander over numerous serpentines. The beautiful village on the fjord is known for its imposing villas and its long artistic history
Journey distance: Sandane – Balestrand, approx. 193 km (approx. 3.5 h)
Day 13: Balestrand – Vikafjell – Bergen
From Balestrand you cross the Sognefjord by ferry and can visit the stave church Hopperstad in Vangsnes. Then you drive over the pass road Vikafjellet, which does not belong to the Norwegian landscape routes, but is nevertheless very special in its course. Passing the low mountain resort of Vossevangen, you will then arrive in Bergen, the destination or start of the itinerary through southern Norway
Overnight stay on a Farm outside Bergen
Today you will have the opportunity to spend the night just outside of Bergen on a cute farm overlooking a charming lake. Solneset Farm* is located about half an hour from Bergen. Here you will find lots of animals, modern bathrooms, a sauna and a hammock on the lakeside.
Journey distance (1 Ferry): Balestrand – Bergen, approx. 195 km (approx. 4 h)
Day 14: Bergen Sightseeing
Bergen is the second largest city in Norway, but still exudes small-town flair. In Bergen you should visit the popular quarter Bryggen. A walk through the narrow streets and backyards is like a walk through the past of the merchants of the 15th century.
Also worth seeing is the fish market, which has existed since 1276. With the Fløibanen you can be transported in only 6 minutes to the 320 meter high mountain Fløyen and enjoy the view over the city from up there.
How did you like the trip through Fjord Norway? What tips do you have for the route? Feel free to leave us a comment.
Hi that sounds a really lovely route….. would it be suitable for a camper van? and would I find accessible camp sites? I am travelling on my own from the UK with 2 large dogs… I am not that young and do not want anything too challenging! I am hoping to be in Norway sometime in Sept…
any help most welcome!
Hi Christine,
norway is PERFECT for campervan trips and also for travelling with dogs. We did that ourselves last year. There are a lot of camp sites everywhere and they are really cheap and easily accessible. Around 20-30€ per day.
You will have a lovely trip!
best wishes
andreas