Planning, Preparing, Packing…GO! We flew into Bergen this summer, rented a car, and spent the next 18 days exploring Norway. Here’s where you’ll find the important pre-planning that we did, what we packed, the route that we took, the places we stayed, and the incredible sights we saw! Planning ahead is vital…the last thing that you, or your traveling partner want to do is spend your time looking at maps, and trying to find a place to stay, while Norway flies by your car window!
Roads, Ferries, Tunnels, Parking and other good information before you go! If you’ve never been to Norway, prepare yourself for quite an experience with your vehicle! In the previous link, I went over some planning and packing, and making sure you are prepared for your trip so you don’t have to worry about it while on the road. In this page, I’ll go over a few other tidbits, so you know what to expect while you are on the road and in the towns you’re staying at.
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The Route Northward - Day by Day
DAY 1 & 2: Bergen. The roadtrip begins in the town of Bergen. We climbed nearby hills above to get a sweeping view, visited museums, and walked around neighborhoods, like Bryggen.
DAY 3 & 4: Exploring the Jostedalsbreen National Park area. This mega-National Park has plenty to explore in all directions. We chose the western side and found some nice trails.
DAY 5 & 6: Geirangerfjord to Alesund. This is a popular attraction, so we pre-booked our tour in advance. Following the exploring the big fjord on boat, we continued to Alesund.
DAY 7 & 8: Trondheim. Trondheim is Norway’s third largest town. Walking around town there are many sights to see, including a visit the famous Nidaros Cathedral.
DAY 9: Atlantic Coast Road to Mosjoen. There are a few options where to start this coastal road journey, and it’s a scenic route to take on our way to a night’s stay in Mosjoen.
DAY 10: Mosjoen to Bodo and the Ferry to the Lofoten Islands. After spending the night, with a good meal, in Mosjoen, we drove to Bodo and caught the ferry to the Lofoten Islands!
DAY 10 – 13: The Lofoten Islands. This area of Norway is always highlighted in photos and blogs…for a good reason! If you are travelling to Norway, the Lofoten Islands are a must see.
DAY 13 & 14: Lyngen Alps. These are well into the Arctic Circle, and in June the sun doesn’t set. Norway’s Alps are quite a well kept secret, but one definitely worth visiting and hiking.
DAY 15 & 16: Alta and a drive to NordKapp. Alta served as our basecamp for two nights, it was from here that we took the journey to Europe’s northernmost region, NordKapp (North Cape).
DAY 17 & 18: Tromso. This is Norway’s largest town inside the Artic Circle. It’s a vibrant town, that also happened to behaving their Midnight Marathon Run, which ran all sunny night long.
Other Featured Sights Along the Route
Aurlandsvangen! We took the high road, instead of Europe’s longest tunnel.
Jostedalsbreen National Park area. A true gem in the heart of Norway.
Geirangerfjord is likely the most talked about and photographed fjord in Norway.
NordKapp (North Cape). Go way up into the Arctic Circle, as far north that Europe goes, for craggy cliffs and the midnight sun, or in winter…the northern lights!
Hiking!!! We certainly didn’t just stay in the car the entire roadtrip…we had some real incredible hikes and climbs from Bergen all the way north!
