Round trip Norway (2 or 3 weeks) mapped route + itinerary
Would you like to travel around Norway? Use our mapped out roundtrip and don't miss out on anything!
The Kingdom of Norway is the most western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. Despite its huge surface, Norway is one of the least densely populated countries in Europe with only 5 million inhabitants. This leaves a lot of space for the impressive fjords and vast mountainous landscapes for which Norway is so famous. In addition, there are also historic cities in Norway such as Bergen or Oslo where you can get to know the intriguing history of the country.
Our mapped car route will take you to the best places all around Norway. Download our free preview travel guide Norway (with a 10 and 21 day round trip)!
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Map of Norway round trip
Day 1: Oslo and surroundings
Oslo is one of the most picturesque capital cities of Europe. The city is hidden between green hills and located next to the bright blue Oslofjord. Oslo is the cultural and economic centre of the country and therefore the ideal place to start your trip through Norway. What's on the planning? A visit to the museums on Bygdøy, the modern Opera House and the Akershusburcht.
Day 2: from Oslo to Lillehammer
Distance: 188 kilometers
On day 2 you drive from Oslo to Lillehammer. Along the way you will take a stop in Eidsvoll and Hamar. In Eidsvoll you can visit the Eidsvollbygningen where the Norwegian Constitution was drawn up and signed in 1814. A little further on you'll stop in Hamar to visit the remains of the 950 year old cathedral, which are preserved under the largest glass structure in Europe.
In 1994 the Winter Olympics were held in Lillehammer. To find out more, you can visit the Norwegian Olympic Museum and the impressive ski slope/ramp. Be sure to visit Maihaugen, an open-air museum with more than 200 historical buildings. In this museum you will experience how the people lived in the Norwegian Gudbrandsdalen valley from the Middle Ages until today. You'll go back in time for a while, especially if you meet people in costumes who explain more about the way of living in the Middle Ages. Very nice!
Day 3: from Lillehammer to Lom
Distance: 165 kilometers
Today you will drive to the spectacular Jotunheimen National Park where you can enjoy a lovely walk, bike tour or other sporty activities. On the way to the park you will pass several small villages, and places where you can go rafting on the river Sjoa. Once arrived in Lom you can visit the stave church. Stave churches are wooden church buildings that were build when Christianity was spread in Scandinavia. There are 28 stave churches left, to be found all over Norway.
Day 4: National park Jotunheimen
Distance: 508 kilometers
The Jotunheimen National Park is a paradise for hikers. You can make walks along clear blue lakes, large fjords and vast forests. Especially the walking route to Galdhøpiggen and the one along the ridge of Besseggen are very popular. If you want to explore the area by car, it is best to take the Sognefjellet route.
Day 5: Geiranger and Trollstigen
Distance: 256 kilometers
Today you will depart from Lom to one of the most beautiful areas of Norway. First you will visit the Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can explore the Geirangerfjord with a cruise to admire the spectacular waterfalls.
Geirangerfjord is one of Norway's most famous and touristic fjords, so prepare yourself for a lot of visitors (about 700,000 tourists annually).
When visiting Geiranger, we recommend that you check in advance if road 63 is open, as it may be closed due to weather conditions. If it is not open, you can detour via road 15 and take the ferry to Geiranger at Hellesylt. However, this road does take longer.
After that, continue along the autoroute Trollstigen, or 'Troll Ladder'. It is one of the most famous panoramic routes in Norway; 11 hairpin bends that take you up the mountain. You can also hike around Trollstigen. There are two beautiful hiking trails: Strupen which is 1.1 km long, and the 5.3 km trail of Stabbeskaret. A fifteen minute drive from Trollstigen you will find the rock formation Trollvegen which will undoubtedly leave an impression on you!
Day 6: from Trollstigen to Trondheim
Distance: 437 kilometers
Today you drive from Trollstigen to northern Trondheim. On the way you will stop in Åndalsnes, where you can walk around in the beautiful nature. You will also pass by the Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park. This park is one of the few places in the world where you can still see the musk ox. Make sure to walk around the park on one of the trails, because it is definitely worth it! If you have more time, you can also visit the medieval mining village of Røros.
There is also a lot to do in Trondheim. The main highlight is the Nidaros Cathedral, a medieval cathedral. Also visit the Kristianstenburcht. Here you have a beautiful view of the entire surroundings. Also make sure to stroll around the historic centre of the old town. While exploring Trondheim you will find many Norwegian clothing boutiques and restaurants serving local dishes. Trondheim is a very enjoyable and cozy town, in the summer people are here to enjoy a snack and drink on a terrace.
Day 7: from Trondheim to Ålesund
Distance: 353 kilometers
Day 7 is all about the unforgettable panoramic views.
After a short visit to the modern port city of Kristiansund you drive along the Atlantic Road. This road, voted Norway's Technical Highness of the Century in 2005, is often described as one of the most beautiful routes in the world.
Ålesund is unique to its kind compared to other Norwegian cities. You won't find old wooden houses or modern concrete and glass constructions, but instead you will find an interesting collection of high brick buildings in the Art Nouveau style. Ålesund is a very cosy village with beautiful buildings, an old harbor and an amazing viewpoint. Also from the mountain Aksla you have a beautiful view. You can hike along one of the hiking trails or sit back and enjoy a nice meal at the restaurant located on top of the mountain.
Day 8: from Ålesund to Lovatnet
Distance: 139 kilometers
On the way to Lovatnet you'll pass the village Volda. Volda is a picturesque village which isn't very popular amongst tourists. Here you can get to know authentic Norway better without being overrun by a group of tourists. Not far from Volda, you have the 514 meter deep lake Hornidalsvatnet, the deepest lake of Europe. Pass by the lake to discover its beauty!
You'll end the day in the village of Loen at Lake Lovatnet. It is one of the most picturesque lakes in the world.
Day 9: National Park Jostedalsbreen
Distance: 254 kilometers
Jostedalsbreen National Park was created to protect the Jostedalsbreen Glacier. The glacier covers almost half of the park and it is the largest glacier on the European mainland. Depending on how active you want to be and how much time you want to spend here, you can choose to take challenging guided hikes or admire the glacier from a number of accessible viewing points.
Day 10: from Lovatnet to Flåm
Distance: 263 kilometers
Today you will travel further south between the fjords and end the day in Flåm. Flåm is best known for its steep railway line and serves as a starting point for the beautiful, tranquil Nærøyfjord.
The beautiful panoramic route Aurlandsfjellet leads you to Flåm. On the way you pass by: the spectacular Sognefjord, the UNESCO recognized stave church of Urnes, and the picturesque village of Lærdalsøyri. All worth a visit if you have time or if you would like to make a quick stop.
Day 11: from Flåm to Bergen
Distance: 162 kilometers
Today you have some time to visit Flåm. Take a ride on the famous railway and explore the steep mountains and beautiful waterfalls in the area. After exploring the village and its surroundings, head off to Bergen, Norway's second largest city. Take a stop in Gudvangen to visit the museum 'The Viking Experience'.
Day 12: Bergen and surroundings
On day 12 you will explore Bergen. Bergen is considered to be the most beautiful city in Norway. Even though the city is quite large, it has kept its authenticity.
Things to do: Stroll around the district of Bryggen - the old part of the city which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site -, explore Bergenhus Castle, take the little train Fløibanen for a wonderful view of the city or visit one of the many interesting museums.
Just outside Bergen you can also visit Troldhaugen, the old house of the composer Edvard Grieg, or take the cable car to the top of Mount Ulriken.
If you are staying in Bergen for a few days, we advice you to take a trip to Mount Fløyen. This is highly recommended if you are a fan of hiking. This heavy but very beautiful hike of about an hour offers you an impressive view of the city of Bergen. Once you have reached the top, you can go down again with the famous Floibanen, a kind of tram that takes you along the mountain cave.
Day 13: from Bergen to Odda
Distance: 150 kilometers
Today you will drive inland from Bergen. Along the way to your end destination of the day, Odda, you will come across the Hardangerfjord and the impressive Steinsdalsfossen waterfall.
Odda is the ideal place from which to discover the beautiful landscape of Norway. Along it is also the starting point of one of the most famous hiking trails of Norway, but that is one we will explore tomorrow!
Day 14: Trolltunga
Distance: 28 kilometers
Trolltunga is one of the most spectacular and panoramic cliffs in Norway. The name literally means 'troll tongue' and when you see the cape sticking out of the cliff, you will immediately understand why it is called that way. The cliff rises 1100 meters above sea level and 700 meters above Ringedalsvatnet lake. The hike to Trolltunga is tough, but definitely worth it.
Day 15: National Park Hardangervidda
Distance: 176 kilometers
Hardangervidda is the largest national park in whole Scandinavia. It protects a large part of the Hardanger mountain plateau and today this park is one of the most popular destinations for backpacking, but also for skiing, fishing and climbing.
The visitor centre in Øvre Eidfjord is the perfect place to start exploring Hardangervidda. Don't forget to also pass by the impressive Måbødalen valley.
Day 16: from Odda to Stavanger
Distance: 305 kilometers
On day 16 you will head south in the direction of the port city Stavanger via the Ryfylke Scenic Tourist Route. If you have time, make sure to stop at the interesting sights along the way: The waterfalls Låtefossen and Svandalsfossen, the beautiful stave church of Røldal and the zinc mines of Allmannajuvet.
Day 17: Stavanger and surroundings
Distance: 74 kilometers
In the morning, You will have some time to explore the old centre of the industrial port of Stavanger. In the afternoon however, the famous walk to Preikestolen is on the program.
Preikestolen or the Pulpit is a giantic rock from where you have a beautiful view of the nearby Lysefjord. Just like the hike in Trolltunga, this is one of the most famous and most visited hikes in Norway.
Day 18: Lysefjord and Kjeragbolten
Distance: 300 kilometers
On Preikestolen you have already admired the Lysefjord, however there is so much more to do in the area. In Stavanger you can take the ferry to Lysebotn where you can walk to Kjeragbolten.
Kjeragbolten is a huge rock as big as a car stuck between 2 cliffs at a height of 1000 meters above the fjord. The hike is about 10 kilometers long and will take about 6 hours. However, once at the top you will have a beautiful view of the surroundings!
Day 19: from Stavanger to Kristiansand
Distance: 313 kilometers
South of Stavanger and around the coast of Kristiansand you will explore the most southern part of Norway. The area looks very different from the fjords we've done so far, but it's certainly just as interesting and impressive. Highlights along the way are the motorway Nordjøvegen along the coastline, the impressive nature reserve Magma Geopark and the Flekkefjord.
In Kristiansund itself you can visit the 4 different islands of Kristiansund with a small ferry or you can take a look at the Mellemvaerftet Old Shipbuilding Museum, a museum full of history.
Day 20: from Kristiansand to Kragerø
Distance: 177 kilometers
Today you drive in the direction of the coastal town Kragerø. Many cafes, shops and restaurants, but also a thriving cultural life is present here. Throughout the summer there are concerts. However, it is mainly the beautiful surroundings that attract tourists. Kragerø offers access to 495 islands and reefs off the coast. Sea rafting, canoeing, boat trips and other water activities are very popular here.
On the way, you can stop at Lyngør and Risør to see the white-painted, wooden houses that the south coast of Norway is so famous for.
Day 21: from Kragerø to Oslo
Distance: 235 kilometers
Today is the last day of the 3 week journey through Norway. You will return to the starting point, Oslo. Drive directly along the coast or drive by some last highlights inland. You can admire the 13th century famous stave church of Heddal (which is the largest in all of Norway) or visit the charming town of Kongsberg.
Which car to rent?
- Are you still unsure which car to rent for your road trip?
- Do not rent a car that is too small, go for a comfortable car.
- Be sure to book an all-inclusive insurance policy so you can drive around in peace.
- A reliable car rental company is Rentalcars (very large offer).
- Read more tips about renting a car on vacation.
You don't want to miss out on anything during your trip in Norway?
Like most of us, you don't want to miss out on anything during your vacation in Norway. Well, we have some good news, because we already did the research for you and described all the best places to visit! Buy our travel guide Norway with more than 78 highlights (+ GPS coordinates). Prefer to try it out first? Download your free travel guide preview Norway here.