If you’re looking for truly inspiring once-in-a-lifetime vacation ideas, then you need to hit the road for an unforgettable road trip across Norway’s awe-inspiring landscapes. Starting your Nordic adventure by first flying into Tromsø, the “Gateway to the Arctic,” before eventually finishing up in the country’s vibrant capital city, Oslo.
Join us as we venture through Norway’s ethereal fjords and snowcapped peaks, all the while enjoying the warm Norwegian local hospitality Scandinavia is famous for.
You couldn’t ask for a more heavenly starting point than Tromsø, home to the Midnight Sun in the summer and a Northern Lights viewing hotspot in the winter. We kick-start our Norwegian road trip by encouraging you to explore the colorful Tromsø harbor, before heading to the remarkable Polar Museum, which features an extensive array of historical exhibitions and artifacts recounting the daring Arctic expeditions that first started setting off from Tromsø in the 1860s.
We start the first leg of our road trip by heading south along the meandering coastal roads that intertwine the region’s rugged coastline, fjords, and snow-covered highlands towards the village of Sandtorg. Once you arrive, be sure to check in to the idyllic Sandtorgholmen Hotel, BW Signature Collection, which overlooks the turquoise waters of the Tjeldsundet Strait, before stretching your legs by taking an evening stroll along the Sandtorg resort’s shoreline.
After a great night’s sleep, day two of our Norway road trip takes us through the wonderful mountain passes and countless dazzling lakes as we head to Trondheim, Norway’s former capital. You may want to stretch this leg over two days, staying in Mo i Rana or Mosjøen on the way, but by doing so, you’ll have time to take a detour to historic Steinvikholm Castle, situated on a small fjord island on the route to Trondheim.
As you arrive in Trondheim, you’ll be immediately greeted by the sight of its celebrated 11th-century Gothic Nidaros Cathedral, which sits in the heart of this culturally significant and historic city. Also well-known for its exquisite food scene, our top tip for a fine dining experience is to head to the Michelin-star restaurant Fagn for their inspired take on the flavors of Trøndelag.
We continue southwest deep into the heart of the fjord country towards the quaint village of Geiranger, best known for the astounding UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord nearby. The region has undoubtedly been blessed with a myriad of sublime cascading waterfalls, which include the Suitor (Friaren), the Bridal Veil (Brudesløret), and perhaps the most impressive Seven Sisters (De Syv Søstrene).
With towering cliffs giving rise to mesmerizing waterfalls, the best views can be found by catching the scenic Geiranger-Hellesylt ferry, which is a haven for photographers seeking the best views. Here, you can take advantage of the superb close-up vistas of these waterfalls, or simply sit back and relax on deck as you sail around the hidden coves and dramatic glacier-carved rock faces.
Moving on from the Geirangerfjord, we continue to head south to the Hardangerfjord, also known as the “Orchard of Norway,” made famous by its magnificent fruit tree blossoms and prestigious vineyards. However, given this leg is one of the longest stretches, it’s worth stopping off for the night to explore the village of Solvorn before crossing the fjord to see Urnes Stave Church, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Continuing on our Norway road trip, we next arrive in Kinsarvik, a delightful village where we highly recommend visiting the region’s celebrated cider farm, Helleland Gard, best known for its first-class “Heldre Sider og Saft.” Then, after savoring a refreshing cider or two, make your way to the charming Kinsarvik Fjordhotel, BW Signature Collection, where a restful night’s sleep awaits after you’ve captured the picture-perfect Norwegian sunset as it drops below the fjords and mountains in the distance.
The final leg of our once-in-a-lifetime Norwegian road trip sees us heading eastwards along the serene winding valleys and pristine lakes towards Norway’s cosmopolitan capital city of Oslo. After checking into the majestic Voksenåsen Hotell, BW Signature Collection, perched above the city, be sure to take time to sit and admire the striking views from the luxurious hotel patio overlooking Oslo itself.
Finally, head into Oslo to check out the sights and sounds, stopping off along the way to visit the MUNCH Museum to see the world-famous ‘The Scream’ painting on display. Then, to complete the perfect Norway road trip vacation, enjoy a fine dining experience at the outstanding Brasserie Hansken, famed for its classic Norwegian seafood dishes, infused with a French and Scandic twist.