7-Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary – Fjords, Waterfalls & Coastal Charm
A Road Trip Itinerary for Unforgettable Moments in Norway
Imagine driving through winding valleys where mountains rise straight out of the fjords, stopping at viewpoints that make your jaw drop, and ending the day in a little village where the only sounds are waterfalls crashing down the cliffs. That’s Norway – best explored on four wheels.
Seven days will give you the highlights, no doubt. But if you can stretch the journey to 10–14 days, trust me – it becomes something truly unforgettable. Slower mornings, extra hikes, ferry rides, and more time to simply soak in the magic.
This 7-day road trip itinerary takes you from Oslo to Åndalsnes, along the famous Trollstigen mountain road, into the heart of the fjords at Geiranger, through turquoise lakes in Loen, the charming village of Flåm, colorful Bergen, and finally along Hardangerfjord and over the mountain pass at Haukeli back to Oslo.
I’ve personally driven this route, and I’ll share some of my favorite stops and little detours along the way.
Quick Overview: 7-Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary
- Day 1: Oslo → Åndalsnes: Drive north through Gudbrandsdalen, with a stop in Lillehammer. End in Åndalsnes, surrounded by dramatic mountains.
- Day 2: Åndalsnes → Trollstigen → Geiranger: Experience the famous Trollstigen road and ferry across to Geiranger. Stop at Ørnesvingen viewpoint.
- Day 3: Geiranger → Loen: Climb up Geirangervegen, detour to Dalsnibba, and continue via Hjelle to Loen and the Skylift.
- Day 4: Loen → Flåm: Drive via Fjærland, stop at Bøyabreen glacier, and choose between the Lærdal Tunnel or the scenic Snow Road to Flåm.
- Day 5: Flåm → Bergen: Stop in Gudvangen and Voss before arriving in colorful Bergen – “Gateway to the Fjords.”
- Day 6: Bergen → Hardangerfjord (Odda/Lofthus): Visit Steinsdalsfossen, cross the Hardanger Bridge, and follow the fjord road to Odda.
- Day 7: Odda → Oslo: Stop at Låtefossen, then cross the Haukeli mountain pass before returning to Oslo.
👉 If you have 10–14 days, spend extra time in Geiranger, Loen, Flåm, Bergen, or Hardangerfjord to add hikes, fjord cruises, and glacier visits to your journey.
Day 1: Oslo → Åndalsnes
Driving time: ~6 hours (440 km)
Leaving Oslo, head north along Lake Mjøsa and through the Gudbrandsdalen valley. Stop in Lillehammer – the 1994 Winter Olympics city – for a coffee or a quick visit to the Maihaugen open-air museum.
From Dombås, the scenery begins to change. The valley narrows, the mountains rise higher, and as you approach Romsdalen and Åndalsnes, the drive becomes dramatic and breathtaking.
👉 Personal tip: If you still have energy in the evening, take the gondola in Åndalsnes for panoramic views over the valley.
Overnight: Åndalsnes (hotels, cabins, or camping surrounded by towering peaks).
Extra day in Åndalsnes:
Hike up to Rampestreken – a steep but rewarding climb ending at a spectacular viewpoint over Romsdalen. One of my absolute favorite hikes in Norway.
Day 2: Åndalsnes → Trollstigen → Geiranger
Driving time: ~2–2.5 hours (88 km + ferry + sightseeing stops)
Today is all about one of Norway’s most iconic drives. Trollstigen (“The Troll’s Ladder”) is a serpentine road with eleven hairpin turns, waterfalls crashing down beside you, and viewing platforms where you’ll want to stop for photos.
From there, continue across mountain passes and take the short ferry crossing from Eidsdal to Linge. On the way down to Geiranger, don’t miss the Ørnesvingen (Eagle’s Bend) viewpoint – the panorama over Geirangerfjord is spectacular.
👉 Personal tip: Take a boat trip on Geirangerfjord to see the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil waterfalls. Or walk the Waterfall Trail right in town.
Overnight: Geiranger (hotels, cabins, or campsites with fjord views).
Extra day in Geiranger:
Book a fjord cruise with a stop to hike up to Skageflå – an abandoned farm perched 250 meters above the water. The trail is steep, but the views are unforgettable. It’s one of the most unique spots I’ve ever visited.
Day 3: Geiranger → Loen
Driving time: ~2.5 hours (80 km + ferry)
Leaving Geiranger, climb the winding mountain road with several viewpoints worth stopping at. Take the toll road up to Dalsnibba for an incredible panorama back over the fjord.
Continue through the Strynefjell tunnel and down to the tiny village of Hjelle – a postcard-perfect stop by the lake. From here it’s an easy drive past Stryn to Loen.
Loen is famous for its Skylift gondola, which takes you 1,000 meters straight up from the fjord. The views are unreal (one of my favorite viewpoints)
👉 Personal tip: Don’t miss Lake Lovatnet – it’s one of the most turquoise, mirror-like lakes in Norway.
Overnight: Loen (hotel, cabin, or campsite).
Extra day in Loen:
- Rent bikes and ride along Lake Lovatnet all the way to Kjenndalsstova – a dreamy trip.
- Or visit Briksdal Glacier in Oldedalen – you can drive most of the way in, then hike the final stretch to the glacier front.
Day 4: Loen → Flåm
Driving time: ~4.5 hours (200 km)
This drive is pure eye candy. From Loen, head over Innvikfjellet to Byrkjelo and on towards Fjærland. Stop at Bøyabreen glacier – it’s just a short walk from the parking lot. If you have time, visit the Norwegian Glacier Museum in Fjærland.
Continue to Sogndal and then along Sognefjord to Lærdal. Here you have two options: drive through the Lærdal Tunnel (the longest road tunnel in the world) or take the scenic “Snow Road” over Aurlandsfjellet. The latter takes 1–2 hours longer but includes the Stegastein viewpoint, which is absolutely worth it. The mountain road is very narrow and runs along steep mountainsides. If you’re driving a large campervan, afraid of heights, or nervous about reversing for oncoming traffic – this is not the road for you.
Overnight: Flåm, at the end of Aurlandsfjord (hotels, cabins, or camping).
Extra day in Flåm:
Ride the famous Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) – one of the steepest train journeys in the world. Bring a bike on the train and cycle down through Flåmsdalen – it’s an easy downhill ride packed with natural beauty.
Day 5: Flåm → Bergen
Driving time: 2.5–3 hours (170 km)
From Flåm, drive through the tunnel to Gudvangen, at the head of Nærøyfjord – another UNESCO World Heritage site. Stop here to visit the Viking Village if you’re curious about our ancient history.
Continue up the valley towards Stalheim and then to Voss, before arriving in Bergen – Norway’s second-largest city and known as the “Gateway to the Fjords.”
Tips in Bergen:
- Stroll along Bryggen, the colorful UNESCO-listed wharf.
- Take the Fløibanen funicular for a view over the city.
- Grab fresh seafood at the Fish Market.
- Wander the cobbled streets behind Bryggen – they’re full of charm.
👉 Personal tip: I love slowing down in Bergen – enjoy a proper dinner, sit by the harbor, and soak in the contrast between fjord villages and a vibrant city.
Overnight: Bergen (hotel in the city center, or campervan parking nearby). For campingsites you need to camp outside the city.
Extra day in Bergen:
Take the Fløybanen funicular or the Ulriken cable car for a hike with sweeping views over the city and surrounding fjords.
Day 6: Bergen → Hardangerfjord (Odda/Lofthus)
Driving time: ~2.5 hours (130 km)
Leave Bergen and head southeast towards Norheimsund and Hardangerfjord. Stop at Steinsdalsfossen – a waterfall you can actually walk behind! Cross the Hardanger Bridge or take a ferry across the fjord.
The road along the fjord to Odda is narrow and winding, but it’s one of the most scenic drives in Norway. In May, the fruit trees are in full blossom and the whole valley smells sweet.
Overnight: Between Kinsarvik and Odda – plenty of hotels, cabins, and campsites.
Extra day in Hardangerfjord:
Odda is the base for the famous Trolltunga hike – but only for well-prepared hikers as it takes 10–12 hours round trip. For something shorter, hike to Buarbreen glacier just outside Odda – a beautiful half-day trip.
Day 7: Odda → Oslo
Driving time: ~5–5.5 hours (360 km)
Start the day with a quick stop at Låtefossen, a twin waterfall right by the roadside. From here, drive past Røldal and across the Haukeli mountain pass. Even in summer, you might see snow up here.
Continue through Telemark before reaching Oslo in the evening.
👉 Personal tip: Stop along the mountain road for a picnic – the perfect way to say goodbye to Norway’s wild beauty before heading back to city life.
Memories from the Road Trip will stay with you
This 7-day road trip gives you a taste of Norway’s greatest hits: hairpin mountain roads, UNESCO fjords, turquoise lakes, colorful coastal towns, and waterfalls at every turn. But beyond the big sights, what makes it unforgettable are the little moments: buying fresh strawberries at a roadside stand, stopping just because the view was too good to ignore, or sharing a smile with locals in a tiny café.
If you can stretch the trip to 10–14 days, do it. Norway is not meant to be rushed. Let the fjords and mountains set the pace – and you’ll take home memories that last a lifetime.
And one last piece of advice from my own trip: don’t overplan. Leave room for detours, because in Norway, the unexpected is often the most beautiful.
So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for one of the most scenic journeys you’ll ever take. Norway is waiting.
Wishing you magical moments in Norway, Anne Bente 🙂
Would you take this 7-day Norway road trip? Drop a comment and let’s chat about your dream route!
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