The best 10-day road trip in Norway (map + photos)

The breathtaking landscapes of Norway will be the perfect setting for your future road trip in Scandinavia! Follow in the footsteps of the explorer Vikings by blending majestic fjords, imposing mountains, and spectacular coasts.

Let's discover together the ideal itinerary for the best 10-day road trip in Norway!
 

Map of the best 10-day road trip in Norway

Summary of the best 10-day road trip in Norway

Day 1 : Oslo

Oslo, a vibrant and cultural capital, is the starting point of your road trip in Norway! This fascinating city, midway between millenary history and rapid modernity, reflects the warmth and hospitality of the country.

The historic heart and its marina open to the Oslofjord are easy to explore on foot. Heritage enthusiasts will be easily charmed by visiting Akershus, the fortress that dominates the eastern side of the port and attests to Norway's tumultuous past. Then, meet a world-renowned Norwegian genius: the painter Edvard Munch, whose museum houses the iconic “The Scream”.

If the weather is pleasant, a cruise on the peaceful fjord will offer a fascinating perspective on the winding coast and the countless islands off Oslo. Then, stroll through Vigeland Park, easily accessible by public transport, whose sculptures and panoramic view are worth a visit. As autumn approaches, the foliage of its trees takes on a golden color that fascinates amateur photographers.

Day 2 : Kristiansand (330 KM)

At the wheel of your rental car or the RV rented for this trip, head south: the Norwegian coast, a favorite vacation spot for Oslo residents, and a charming destination par excellence, awaits you!

Arendal, Grimstad, and Lillesand are just a few of the friendly and colorful small ports that will welcome you for a good seafood lunch or a stroll among authentic streets. On this southeast coast, one doesn't look for the spectacular but rather a certain sweetness of life and a holiday atmosphere.

Upon your arrival in Kristiansand, you can explore its small historic center on foot, the Posebyen district, with traditional wooden houses. Markens Gate street alternates between major shopping brands and local creators' studios. In the evening, seafood specialty restaurants will introduce you to the flavors of this coastal region, between local and maritime.

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Day 3 : Kristiansand

Enjoy this peaceful day relaxing on the Kristiansand beach, called Bystranda. In good weather, the small stretch of fine sand is particularly pleasant for soaking up some sun or braving the invigorating waters of the North Sea. And if clear skies are not in the forecast, the pools and spa at Aquarama right next door will welcome you for an equally pleasant morning!

The city is full of charming little cafes, ideal spots for a teatime break. Among the streets perfect for wandering, a picturesque stroll is a must around Fiskebrygga, a fishermen's district whose colorful claddings contrast with the calmness of its canals crossed by a wooden bridge. This small Venetian atmosphere contributes to Kristiansand's charm and is also an excellent option if you want to dine in an authentic and convivial restaurant!

Day 4 : Stavanger (240 KM)

This morning, head towards Stavanger, which will be your first stop on your tour of the Norway of the great fjords. The route follows the contours of the southern coast and will show you some fishing villages, small fjords, and countless lakes and ponds. The road maps of this region seem designed by a lacemaker so many bodies of water punctuate the landscape.

In Mandal, the cobblestone streets and elegant white wooden house facades provide a postcard setting. The Vigeland Museum, childhood home of one of Norway's greatest artists, will delight art enthusiasts with the quality of its exhibitions, dedicated to the works of Gustav Vigeland of course but also other geniuses from the region.

For lunch, we recommend a stop in one of the warm restaurants of Flekkefjord, a charming town set on the water, or a picnic in the wild and panoramic nature of Tronåsen.

Upon arriving in Stavanger in the afternoon, explore the old district of Gamle Stavanger with its cobblestone streets, then visit the Gothic cathedral or the maritime museum, a real dive into local history.

Day 5 : Stavanger

Dedicate this day to the exploration of the Lysefjord, the "fjord of light", one of the most beautiful in Norway. Here, the breathtaking landscapes of the high rocky peaks are crisscrossed by peaceful waters.

Preikestolen is the most famous panorama in the region. This rocky outcrop is popular with tourists and photographers for the unique view it offers of the fjord as well as for the thrill of its gaping void. A stunning hike of about four hours, which can be avoided by getting closer to the Lysefjord by road, on the side of Songesand.

Small cruise ships and local ferries cross the fjord on various routes that are truly enjoyable for admiring the grandeur of the scenery. Some companies also offer routes departing from Stavanger directly, a nice option if you want to let yourself be carried by the waters!

Upon your return to Stavanger, the lively and colorful marina will be the setting for your evening for a dinner in one of the city's restaurants. On the menu of local specialties, enjoy the lamb grazing in the coastal regions and the famous fjord salmon!

Day 6 : Bergen (210 KM)

An early departure from Stavanger will allow you to serenely reach Bergen through superb coastal landscapes. The route includes tunnels, bridges, scenic roads, and ferries: all essential infrastructures for driving in Norway during a true road trip day!

A stop in Haugesund en route will offer a pleasant setting for lunch, with the possibility to visit the famous Viking Planet, a fun and immersive exhibition into the history of this innovative and conquering people.

Upon your arrival in Bergen at the end of the day, get the pulse of the superb historic district of Bryggen whose narrow wooden-clad streets are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The atmosphere is both touristic and authentic!

Day 7 : Bergen

Today, take the time to explore Bergen, one of Norway's most important cities, both for its millennial history and its unique charm!

If the morning is clear, a clear sky will offer an incredible panorama from Mount Fløyen. The ascent is a pleasant hike of about an hour, otherwise, you can opt for the picturesque Fløibanen funicular – one of the city's emblems.

On the same principle of gaining altitude to admire the Norwegian coast from above, Mount Ulriken also has a cable car and an even clearer panorama. The pedestrian version, however, requires better physical shape! A picnic (eco-friendly, always!) at its summit will confer the most beautiful scenery for your lunch!

The afternoon can be devoted to the Nordnes district, at the end of the harbor. Its aquarium, resolutely dedicated to species preservation, allows you to discover more about the northern Europe hydrosphere. And if you have time left, the Kode is a complex of four art museums exhibiting permanent or temporary works, in a delightfully Scandinavian atmosphere (you can find all their collections on the Kode's official website).

Day 8 : Geilo (250 KM)

The route between Bergen and Geilo will take you to the shores of the famous Hardangerfjord, immense and dotted with varied landscapes. Its delta sprinkled with countless islands gradually gives way to a mountainous terrain seemingly challenging the sky.

You will reach the stunning fjord scenery at Norheimsund and follow it to Eidfjord, its eastern end. Most of this route is scenic and calls for contemplative stops!

Upon arrival, the horizon becomes very hilly, chaining plateaus and snow-capped peaks for long seasons. The village of Geilo is a destination popular for winter sports, but also pleasant and accessible in summer.

Day 9 : Oslo (230 KM)

The Hallingskarvet mountain range, itself integrated into the broad Scandinavian Alps, will be the backdrop for your last day of travel! It's also an opportunity to discover all the riches of the hinterland, conducive to delicious local products and small charming stops.

You may notice along the roadside small free-access stalls, where you can purchase local agriculture or craft products by paying the indicated amount. A trust-based transaction, as no merchant is present in the shop, and quite revealing of the Norwegian mindset!

For your last evening in Oslo, stroll through the modern district of Aker Brygge, along the pier: you will notice some particularly delicious restaurants...

Day 10 : Oslo

It's your last day in Norway! Depending on your flight schedules, feel free to stroll through the lively and commercial streets of the capital once more: the Oslo Sentrum is home to many museums that will delight art and history enthusiasts. Check out our 10 must-see visits in Oslo!

Your 10-day road trip in Norway is coming to an end: between grandiose landscapes and charming small villages, this destination will undoubtedly have captivated you. You too, share your inspirations with us in the comments for a fascinating itinerary in Norway!