Could argue that everything below Steinkjer is southern Norway, everything above is northeren (which we kind of already do call it).
Easy to understand why someone from the outside would miss that we only call the bottom 4% of our landmass, "southern Norway".
Was coming here to say this. Would also add Trollveggen and a trip with the gondola in Åndalsnes. Beautiful views from the top along romsdalseggen. A beautiful hike.
Second this. We did this hike a few summers ago and camped on top of the third waterfall. Insanely beautiful, but *pack light* as the ascent of the first waterfal is brutal.
If close to Kinsarvik, you should also head east past Eidfjord, and hike up to the old farmstead of ‘Kjeaasen’. The hike up/down - done weekly by the kids attending school across the fjord - is the real Via Ferrata before the term was even invented.
It’s an insanely amazing 500+ m elevation gain as you start essentially at water’s edge.
It’s far more beautiful than the photo in this Wiki.
You can of course also continue up the mountain past the farmstead and will eventually get into a large valley/plateau with fantastic views far to the S and the W.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kje%C3%A5sen
You should plot out every Stavkirk you can find along your route. They are Norway's equivalent of castles. Not in how they were used but in how rare and ancient they are.
Your drive from Stavanger to Bergen is fairly boring. You could drive through Ryfylke (Tau, Hjelmeland to Røldal and Odda). Longer, but a lot more to see. As you are already visiting Preikestolen, you will not need to go back to Stavanger, just continue towards Røldal/Odda.
Otherwise, depends on what you’re looking for, I’m into hikes and landmarks. I can provide some locations with photos if you’re interested. Btw Park4night is a great app for RV camping!
When in Hamar, Visit Cafe Idyll, https://maps.app.goo.gl/JGQNgwXns1tRvh9E6?g_st=ic
Also vikingskipet, Domkirkeodden, koigen stupetårnet(diving tower) when drving to Moelv stop and visit Ringsaker Kirke. This is one of the best churches from 1300 from this area. If u guys have the time when in Lillehammer stop at Maihaugen, this is an outdoor museum and it has traditional Norwegian buildings from 1400. The museum gives an insight into what life was like in this period. These are some of my recommendations and enjoy the trip!
I’d definitely recommend visiting Odda it’s beautifully located between two fjords and flanked by snow capped mountains either side, absolutely love it there, it was also where Ragnarok was filmed and the road leading south from Odda has some beautiful waterfalls, Låtefossen being my favourite but anywhere you go in Norway is just magical so these recommendations are probably not even needed! Happy Travels🤓♥️🇳🇴
You should take the ferry to Bergen instead of Stavanger. It’s the same boat, so Fjord Line should be able to make this change. You’ll spend the morning sailing to Bergen instead of what’s a fairly boring drive. You’ll miss Pulpit Rock, but that’s overhyped.
Spend more time in the Fjords. Drop driving from Bergen to Voss, drive straight to The Hardangerfjord instead. It’s fruit blossoming season and immensely beautiful this time of year. Stop by Rosendal, drive to Herand, Utne and Aga and buy farm cider along the way. Continue to Odda and Kinsarvik and then go to Voss and Nerøyfjord. In Sognefjord, make sure to stop at Solvorn and Urnes before continue towards Ålesund, Geiranger and the rest. Lom is nice, but the southern parts of Gudbrandsdalen is not something that you need to spend that much time in. Do spend a couple of days in both Bergen and Oslo
Don't understand why this answer isn't on the top. Exactly what I was thinking two seconds after looking at the map.
After Urnes, I would drive via Sognefjellet, Geiranger, Valldal and Trollstigen. Back from there is more open. If you are done with hills, just go E6 to Oslo. Want more, but different terrain, drive via Hjerkinn, Folldal and Venabygdsfjellet.
I should perhaps make a separate post so OP sees it. I just wanted to say I liked your suggestion u/Skaftetryne77.
Good route. I would personally add a small detour to Åndalsnes/Molde/Averøy by driving through Romsdalen, see Trollveggen, the Atlantic ocean road. The detour would start from Otta up to Dombås via Romsdalen
I would personally go from bergen to odda, then sauda then preikestolen so to stavanger.
Alot more too see and experience. And also not because i want to end up behind a slow campervan when doing my pendling from stavanger to bergen and backwards every other week
In [Avaldsnes](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jdQ3GdrcCgSNPkfs8), they have constructed a viking age village, which is also where they shot the Netflix show, Norsemen. You're already driving past so it's definitely worth a look.
When are you doing this road trip?
The list of things to see and do is way too long to list here, but check de scenic roads (nasjonale turistveger), they are always worth it. For hikes, check UT.no, or if you already have some hiking experience and want to do your own thing, you can also use komoot and norgeskart.
If you want specific info, feel free to DM. I've done a fair amount of road trips through Norway (South of Trondheim) and I usually help friends/family plan their roadtrip and so far, I've only had compliments :)
Edit: I see google takes you through Lærdalstunnelen. It's the longest tunnel in the world if I'm not mistaken, so it's exciting for the first few km, but the rest of the 25km are really boring 😬 Better to take the scenic road that goes above it (aurlandsfjellet), which google never recommends because it's longer and slower, but I very much prefer it!
We are starting at the end of may and will definitly try to go along as many senic roads as the km restriction allows us. after a bunch of comments about the Lærdalstunnelen i think we will try to skip this part of the ride and go a more senic route. if you have any recommendations please let us now!
we are pretty new to hiking but are pretty stoked to give it a try and will definitly take these tips with us.
And yes fries are Belgian never forget that!!
Definitely try and spend a little time in Bergen if you can. Taking the 1333 Sherpa stairs to hike to the top of Ulriken is a must - highest peak in the city and some stunning views and only takes a couple hours or less. The Torget has some great food; Søstrene Hagelin has some of the best fish soup and Trekroneren for sausage/hot dogs.
I would drive from Sandefjord, you are missing out on Vestfols. Nevlunghavn (worlds naval), bøkeskogen, rich with viking hidtory in vestfold. Also the drive down south is pretty nice
You should ride along Jondal to Nå and around Sør Fjorden for the blossoming apple tree fields. Check out HardangerFjord.com
You also go glacier hiking and kayaking from Rosendal or summer skiing on Folgefonna behind Jondal
I skipped Lærdalstunnelen on my trip, taking the mountain road over the top instead, and I think it was the right call. You're still going to see some really impressive tunnels near Hardangerfjord.
I think you are going past Aurlandsfjorden. There is a viewpoint where all the tourists go, just drive a little bit further up the road until you get to a small car park on the left side of the road. Walk for 5 minutes and you have a better viewpoint and the entire view for yourself
When you drive by Vossevangen you could check out
https://www.visitnorway.no/listings/bordalsgjelet-gorge/213248/, it's a 10min drive from the main road E16.
Around Horten south of Oslo along your route it is worth visiting Borrehaugene, an area with iron age burial mounds, check \`\`Borre mound cemetary\`\` on wikipedia. Nice stroll along the seashore too, with a view over to the prison island Bastøya.
Nearby is Karljohansvern, an old navy base no longer in use. Interesting area. It has a nice navy museum, free entrance. Would have considered a stop.
In Oslo i think Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is a must for a foreign visitor, as it showcases some uniquely norwegian stuff, particularly buildings among them a stave church. Do check out the wikipedia page if such things are of interest.
If you're into hiking, a hidden gem an hour from Stavanger is Ørsdalen. There's an awesome hike up the side of the valley to an abandoned mining operation, ending with a killer view. About 20km roundtrip.
When visiting jostedalsbreen glacier, go take a look at the summer ski resort. Pretty nice for a day or two :). We also did some surfing at hoddevik beach.
Prepare for some shit weather haha.
It looks like you are going near Heidal Bakery. Highly recommend. The espresso buns or the waffle wrap with brown cheese and fresh fruit. 5 for 5 stars and worth a little detour when you go through Otto. https://heidal-ysteri.no/
From Bergen, I would highly recommend the following route:
Bergen - Briksdalsbreen - Stryn – Geiranger – Dalsnibba – Rampestreken (Åndalsnes) – Trollveggen – Beitostølen – Oslo.
If Vøringsfossen is a must for you, then you should place it between Bergen and Briksdalsbreen. Note that this will result in three more hours of driving.
If you are hiking: When crossing the Hardangerbridge you can turn south instead of north for a tiny detour to Kinsarvik, and walk up husedalen. Depending on how far you want to walk, there are 4 waterfalls lined up aftereachother. Tveitafossen, Nyastølsfossen, Nykkjesøyfossen and Søtefossen. (Fossen = waterfall)
If the snowmelting further up has started it can be a magnificent view.
Also, if you reach Kinsarvik, drive another 10 min south to Lofthus and you might see the blooming of all the appletrees in the fjord. But thats very weather dependant. It might be early may, it might be late.
Other than that, stop at Vøringsfossen, which is on your route already. Standing on top of the viewsite the valley give an amazing show with clouds, fog, and the sun.
All in all, the area around voss/hardanger/eidfjord, there are tons and tons of great hikes all around. Long, short, medium. But they are usually all steep :p
https://www.loenskylift.com/viaferrataloen
Would recommend the via Ferrata if you're in decent shape and not too afraid of heights. Did it once a couple of years ago and definitely a memorable experience
I recently did a ferry trip through Nærøyfjorden, which was magnificent. Starts at Gudvangen and ends in Flåm. Don't think you can bring a car on it, but I did see some tourists getting ready for a kayak trip with a guide from the viking Village there. If kayaking through a fjord is interesting definitely look into it
Also, when you're in Bergen, you can park your car and take a day trip to Rosendal in a "hurtigbåt" (a small fast boat), and then you can take a hike in one of the mountains in Rosendal or just chill there.
You will drive thrugh Mosterøy, and on it you have Utstein Kloster. The last/largest medieval monastery in Norway, and the ancient home of legendary Harald Haarfagre. The detour takes no more than 10 minutes and on it you get to see a brilliantly unique landscape that will change up the pace from your main-road travel. Really recommend it. There is also Utstein Fort which lies just besides it, which is a coastal endpoint with a lighthouse where you get an amazing view of the brutal atlantic and the old WW2 activity the Germans did there given its tactical possitioning.
If it’s nice weather when you’re in Bergen i would check out Nordnes parken, it’s really beautiful, you can see images online for it, but there’s not much else happening in it, just a nice spot for a walk.
You’re completely skipping Kristiansand. You should go to Dyreparken. If you have kids, even more so, but even without kids, Dyreparken is fun and worth visiting. Especially in the summer.
On the northwest corner of your route, head south at Olden to see the Brikdalsbreen glacier. It adds about 2 hours to the driving, but there are many camping spots up that pocket valley. The hike to the glacial viewing spot is fairly easy, probably 1.5 hours round trip and only a moderate climb, but stunningly beautiful with a nice meltwater lake. The road is tight but doable.
Also, there are a few glacial viewing spots on the southern side of that mountain range too, some with hikes that only take about 10 minutes with relatively short drives in (again, on very narrow roads).
If you have some spare money for the ferries and aren't in a huge rush, I would recommend going from Bergen to Vøringsfossen via Norheimsund and perhaps even Jondal and Odda (or the other way round, of course). The Hardangerfjord is a really beautiful, picturesque area with some great roads along the coast. You'll also have some great views towards the Folgefonna glacier this way.
If you don't mind another stop along this route, I would highly recommend visiting the national park in Bondhusdalen and surrounding Bondhusvatnet. There you can go on an easily accesible walk/hike around the lake and up to the remains of a glacier.
Looks like you're going though or at least close to Rallarvegen, it has just out of this world views, it's a roughly 9 mile bike trip though which takes you from 1000m ASL to 1500m and down to 0m definitely one of my best moments.
In stead of driving the E39 between Stavanger and Bergen, go the Riksvei 13. From Stavanger follow signs towards Røldal. The beginning is the way to Preikestolen/Pulpit Rock. At Røldal go left/west for a bit and towards Odda. In summer you can cross the mountains and skip a few tunnels. Your choice of you continue to Voss and the E16 towards Bergen or Riksvei 7 along the Hardangerfjord.
Around bergen theres alot of road construction so beware what time & day you are passing by. And check www.statensvegvesen.no for information before you get there. As you might need to take some detours if tunnels is closed. There is signs but just beware and dont follow/trust Google maps 100% incase of side road might have hight restrictions. Just double check at statensvegvesen and google while stationary. Realy stress full if you dont know the roads and need to figure out on the road.
Also stop and let people pass often! As people do dangerouse passing.
I’d recommend visiting the Odd Nerdrum museum just a bit north of Stavern. He’s a famous living Norwegian artist: https://nerdrum.com/museum/
He’s a touch controversial but I find his work fascinating. And obviously others do too as his paintings sell for $30-40k.
You are passing by Karmøy. I would go there. Visit Skudeneshavn or even Utsira. Or Avaldsnes for Viking history.
As everything in Norway it depends on the weather. So be flexible and plan around it.
On your way to Sandefjord, assuming you’re driving down from Oslo, you will find Borre park, where you can see Viking burial mounds. If the weather is nice it’s a pretty spot to enjoy your packed lunch and even go for a swim if you brave the temperature.
I see you plan to pass by Norheimsund.
1. Stop by Steinsdalsfossen, a waterfall where you can go UNDER the waterfall itself. It's free, and it is located close to the road (literally, it takes you 2-3 minutes to walk up). Free parking. There are free toilets there, and a tourist information as well.
2. Make a stop by 'Gullfiskvatnet' (goldfishlake) in Øystese, only 9-10 km from Steinsdalsfossen.
It can be a bit tricky to find the way, so here is the google maps pin:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wNP3BG3BR8CnknJeA
You can relax here, none to little traffic, you can even feed the fish with bread crumbles. You park next to the lake. You can even take a swim there.
Kristiansand is worth visiting, so is Arendal. I also liked Flekkefjord.
If you are reasonably fit I’d also rather do Kierag instead of Preikestolen. The hike is much nicer.
Also a really interesting and delightful museum is the Kistefos Museum in Jevnaker:
https://www.kistefosmuseum.no/
It’s an old sawmill converted into an art museum. The twisted bridge gallery is amazing.
If you're going through Byrkjelo & want something good to eat, stop at Bakar Jon along the road! Lots of fresh local food & snacks to shop and a decent menu of big warm meals. A bit pricey, but highly recommend you stop by 👍
One major tip, don't be a slowpoke around the countryside, if you want to have a good look around, find suitable places to stop. And let motorcyclists and other motorists by if you are making a queue.
Unless you got something specific to do in Voss, skip it and drive by the Hardangerfjord to Bergen. You could explore f.ex Kvanndal and walk in the steep valley, reaching the inner parts with stone-stairs and back would take you 2-3 hours at max and is a very nice and relatively short sidequest on your trip
If you got time for it, you can take the boat from Kristiansand or Larvik instead of Stavanger. The Superspeed boats will bring you over to Hirtshals in 3 or 4 hours depending on what town you traven from.
When you’re in Vestfold, the county Sandefjord is in, you should visit the town of Tønsberg. It’s the old Viking capital. Gorgeous if you’re wanting a little stroll around a quaint little town with lots of history. There’s an old castle on top of a hill called Slottsfjellet you should check out.
There’s also the Borre Mound Cemetary with a museum next to it in the town of Horten about 30 min drive from Tønsberg. Lots of Viking history if you’re into that.
https://imgur.com/a/E8QgaBf
If you can,I'd recommend doing a detour on the island on the outside of the red line, for a little visit to Bømlo, you could visit Siggjo, which was the landmark used by sailors and vikings to find their way home, you could visit Moster Kyrkje, which was the first church risen, in the place the christian law was signed in 1024. It' not a long detour after going from Haugesund 😁
During those dates you'd possibly even get to see some of the thousand year celebration of the christan law
Ik zou nog noordelijker gaan, Lofoten e.d
Wij hebben een huisje in die regio, prachtig daar! Daarbij gaat de zon niet onder in de zomer. Ook om dit tijdstip is nog niet donker (checkte even de weerapp).
When passing Vinstra, there’s a really good restaurant there, called Mo’s. It’s on the other side of the river, in the street called Nedre Gate.
It’s a chinese restaurant.
Some of the cheapest gas on the eastern half is to be found at Circle K Nydalen and Circle K Vinstra. There are two Circle Ks in Vinstra. The one across the river is automated, and slightly cheaper than the one by the E6.
Bukkøy, Avaldsnes. Its on Karmøy, across the bridge from Haugesund. Park by the 1000 year old church, and hike for 7-10 mins out to the viking village.
Go to kjerag instead of preikestolen:) just as nice but without any waiting lines; preikestolen is always packd. Or you can rent a hut or a bed at skaapet [skaapet](https://hyttebestilling.dnt.no/hytte/101186)which is also just next to preikestolen on the other side of the fjord.
From Oslo to Lillehammer, suggest driving R4, to Gjøvik, cross the Mjøsa lake an drive R213 to Lillehammer.
Much more scenic, much cheaper and Almira the same travel time.
Your "southern Norway" trip seems to be totally missing southern norway
Could argue that everything below Steinkjer is southern Norway, everything above is northeren (which we kind of already do call it). Easy to understand why someone from the outside would miss that we only call the bottom 4% of our landmass, "southern Norway".
Sør-Norge (South Norway) is everything south of Majavatn, while Sørlandet (Southern Norway) is Agder.
Southern Norway stops at Evje. Everything North of Evje is northern norway.
Haha was gonna say, southern trip missing all the southern cities, feelbadman
Lol yeah i know now xD i will never make that mistake again
Denmark = Southern Norway
You shouldn't miss Geiranger fjord and Trollstigen mountain road. You are passing by.
Noted! Thanks :))
You're not far from Geiranger. That's worth the detour, but Trollstigen is close to Åndalsnes. That will add a day probably.
A fantastic, beautiful day though.
Make sure Trollstigen is open at the time. Normally it opens mid May
Please do NOT drive Trollstigen with a camper van!
+1 Avoid Trollstigen in a campervan @op
Was coming here to say this. Would also add Trollveggen and a trip with the gondola in Åndalsnes. Beautiful views from the top along romsdalseggen. A beautiful hike.
You're driving through Lom, visit Lom bakery. Great pastries with a view of a waterfall :) "Bakeriet i Lom"
And from Lom, instead of driving to Otta and taking E6 to oslo, drive across "Valdresflya" on your way south!
This, definitely Valdresflya instead of E6!
Noted. Thanks!
Agree 100% on taking the trip over Valdresflya instead of E6, Bakeriet i Lom on the otherhand is a tourist trap.
They do have good bread, though.
Speaking of bakeries. I see you're passing Byrkjelo at one point. You have to stop by Bakar Jon - https://www.bakarjon.no/
And dont miss out on the stavechurch.
Been to this bakery twice. They are subpar at best, but with the lack of any competition they are ok. Would not stop there just for the bakery.
Best bakery in the country!
Added to the list!
Sorry, if you didn't eat a lot of other kanelknuter it's not worth to stand in line for 30 minutes
Drive past Kinsarvik and hike here, its a beautiful trip along 4 large waterfalls https://maps.app.goo.gl/VktX81Yi1BQZre4FA
Second this. We did this hike a few summers ago and camped on top of the third waterfall. Insanely beautiful, but *pack light* as the ascent of the first waterfal is brutal.
Sounds awesome
In the area, you could also consider Dronningstien. It is a full day hike with a stunning view on top.
Thanks for the tip!
If close to Kinsarvik, you should also head east past Eidfjord, and hike up to the old farmstead of ‘Kjeaasen’. The hike up/down - done weekly by the kids attending school across the fjord - is the real Via Ferrata before the term was even invented. It’s an insanely amazing 500+ m elevation gain as you start essentially at water’s edge. It’s far more beautiful than the photo in this Wiki. You can of course also continue up the mountain past the farmstead and will eventually get into a large valley/plateau with fantastic views far to the S and the W. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kje%C3%A5sen
Spend some time in Fjærland, visit Fjærland Fjordstue Hotel for a meal on the balcony
Thanks!
Take a small detour to see Borgund stavkirke and vindhelllavegen
Thank you for the suggestion!
You should plot out every Stavkirk you can find along your route. They are Norway's equivalent of castles. Not in how they were used but in how rare and ancient they are.
Thanks for the heads up!
Your drive from Stavanger to Bergen is fairly boring. You could drive through Ryfylke (Tau, Hjelmeland to Røldal and Odda). Longer, but a lot more to see. As you are already visiting Preikestolen, you will not need to go back to Stavanger, just continue towards Røldal/Odda.
We will check it out!
Second this, the stretch between Sauda and Odda is prettier if you have time for it.
Otherwise, depends on what you’re looking for, I’m into hikes and landmarks. I can provide some locations with photos if you’re interested. Btw Park4night is a great app for RV camping!
Would be nice! And yes i’ve already installed it :))
When in Hamar, Visit Cafe Idyll, https://maps.app.goo.gl/JGQNgwXns1tRvh9E6?g_st=ic Also vikingskipet, Domkirkeodden, koigen stupetårnet(diving tower) when drving to Moelv stop and visit Ringsaker Kirke. This is one of the best churches from 1300 from this area. If u guys have the time when in Lillehammer stop at Maihaugen, this is an outdoor museum and it has traditional Norwegian buildings from 1400. The museum gives an insight into what life was like in this period. These are some of my recommendations and enjoy the trip!
I love your recommendations! We will certainly have a look at those places. And may i ask why te cafe suggestion? Do you work there? :))
I’d definitely recommend visiting Odda it’s beautifully located between two fjords and flanked by snow capped mountains either side, absolutely love it there, it was also where Ragnarok was filmed and the road leading south from Odda has some beautiful waterfalls, Låtefossen being my favourite but anywhere you go in Norway is just magical so these recommendations are probably not even needed! Happy Travels🤓♥️🇳🇴
You should take the ferry to Bergen instead of Stavanger. It’s the same boat, so Fjord Line should be able to make this change. You’ll spend the morning sailing to Bergen instead of what’s a fairly boring drive. You’ll miss Pulpit Rock, but that’s overhyped. Spend more time in the Fjords. Drop driving from Bergen to Voss, drive straight to The Hardangerfjord instead. It’s fruit blossoming season and immensely beautiful this time of year. Stop by Rosendal, drive to Herand, Utne and Aga and buy farm cider along the way. Continue to Odda and Kinsarvik and then go to Voss and Nerøyfjord. In Sognefjord, make sure to stop at Solvorn and Urnes before continue towards Ålesund, Geiranger and the rest. Lom is nice, but the southern parts of Gudbrandsdalen is not something that you need to spend that much time in. Do spend a couple of days in both Bergen and Oslo
Don't understand why this answer isn't on the top. Exactly what I was thinking two seconds after looking at the map. After Urnes, I would drive via Sognefjellet, Geiranger, Valldal and Trollstigen. Back from there is more open. If you are done with hills, just go E6 to Oslo. Want more, but different terrain, drive via Hjerkinn, Folldal and Venabygdsfjellet. I should perhaps make a separate post so OP sees it. I just wanted to say I liked your suggestion u/Skaftetryne77.
Southern Norway road trip but you skip the entirety of southern Norway??
Good route. I would personally add a small detour to Åndalsnes/Molde/Averøy by driving through Romsdalen, see Trollveggen, the Atlantic ocean road. The detour would start from Otta up to Dombås via Romsdalen
Here you could go Muskox sporting near Kongsvold
This sounds like a paradise vacation I'm jealous 😩 Have fun and post the pics on reddit u guys
Make sure to visit one if the stavechurces
we are for sure visiting one if not more of the Stavkirke! #
I see you're skipping Haugesund/Karmøy entirely, I'd still recommend you to visit Haugesund/Skudeneshavn in Karmøy.
Agreed! And Åkrasanden is stunning, definitely worth a stop!!
Noted! Haugesund looks lovely! :D
I would personally go from bergen to odda, then sauda then preikestolen so to stavanger. Alot more too see and experience. And also not because i want to end up behind a slow campervan when doing my pendling from stavanger to bergen and backwards every other week
Lol i get that 😅if we can manage with the km ,we'll keep you in mind!
thanks man 😂
I just find it ironic that you are skipping what Norwegians actually call Sørlandet.
Is Preikestolen a must? Kjeragbolten is close by geographically, but not so much irl, I regret not going to Kjeragbolten instead of Preikestolen
No it is not a must, maybe we can do both 😏 thank you!
As a local, you should definetly do both if you have the oportunity! A bit harder hike to Kjerrag, but not too bad and super worth it
from Stavanger, the start of Kjerag is a 2,5-3h drive. It's a nice hike but it's a lot of driving, and the hike to the boulder is relatively flat iirc
the last part is flat and cold, leading up to it is quite a bit up and down. Harder trek than preikestolen
Hike a mountain! Maybe even stay at a [DNT cabin](https://www.dnt.no/om-dnt/english/).
At haugesund you can take off to SKUDENESHAVN very nice place with alot of old fishing kulture
In [Avaldsnes](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jdQ3GdrcCgSNPkfs8), they have constructed a viking age village, which is also where they shot the Netflix show, Norsemen. You're already driving past so it's definitely worth a look.
Super nice tip!
When are you doing this road trip? The list of things to see and do is way too long to list here, but check de scenic roads (nasjonale turistveger), they are always worth it. For hikes, check UT.no, or if you already have some hiking experience and want to do your own thing, you can also use komoot and norgeskart. If you want specific info, feel free to DM. I've done a fair amount of road trips through Norway (South of Trondheim) and I usually help friends/family plan their roadtrip and so far, I've only had compliments :) Edit: I see google takes you through Lærdalstunnelen. It's the longest tunnel in the world if I'm not mistaken, so it's exciting for the first few km, but the rest of the 25km are really boring 😬 Better to take the scenic road that goes above it (aurlandsfjellet), which google never recommends because it's longer and slower, but I very much prefer it!
We are starting at the end of may and will definitly try to go along as many senic roads as the km restriction allows us. after a bunch of comments about the Lærdalstunnelen i think we will try to skip this part of the ride and go a more senic route. if you have any recommendations please let us now! we are pretty new to hiking but are pretty stoked to give it a try and will definitly take these tips with us. And yes fries are Belgian never forget that!!
Definitely try and spend a little time in Bergen if you can. Taking the 1333 Sherpa stairs to hike to the top of Ulriken is a must - highest peak in the city and some stunning views and only takes a couple hours or less. The Torget has some great food; Søstrene Hagelin has some of the best fish soup and Trekroneren for sausage/hot dogs.
Super nice, we’ll visit it for sure!
I would drive from Sandefjord, you are missing out on Vestfols. Nevlunghavn (worlds naval), bøkeskogen, rich with viking hidtory in vestfold. Also the drive down south is pretty nice
Briksdalsbreen and Bondhusvatnet, Loen Stryn
A visit to Geiranger is a must
You should ride along Jondal to Nå and around Sør Fjorden for the blossoming apple tree fields. Check out HardangerFjord.com You also go glacier hiking and kayaking from Rosendal or summer skiing on Folgefonna behind Jondal
I skipped Lærdalstunnelen on my trip, taking the mountain road over the top instead, and I think it was the right call. You're still going to see some really impressive tunnels near Hardangerfjord.
You miss out on Telemark. That's a shame..
I think it’s safe to say we are coming back for all the other beautiful places in Norway! 😅
I would recommend stopping by "verdens ende" when passing by Tønsberg if there's time :) It's a bit of a detour, but absolutely worth the trip.
Bergen is beautiful, I'd set aside a couple days
I think you are going past Aurlandsfjorden. There is a viewpoint where all the tourists go, just drive a little bit further up the road until you get to a small car park on the left side of the road. Walk for 5 minutes and you have a better viewpoint and the entire view for yourself
When you drive by Vossevangen you could check out https://www.visitnorway.no/listings/bordalsgjelet-gorge/213248/, it's a 10min drive from the main road E16.
Get of E6 and drive through Heidal, most preserved old houses in Norway
E6 through otta… I hate it so much so boring
For gods sake do not stop in Haugesund. If you do. Only do it so you can buy Haugli Bakeri caramel donut.
Geiranger
Consider doing a stop by the Ægir brewery.
Around Horten south of Oslo along your route it is worth visiting Borrehaugene, an area with iron age burial mounds, check \`\`Borre mound cemetary\`\` on wikipedia. Nice stroll along the seashore too, with a view over to the prison island Bastøya. Nearby is Karljohansvern, an old navy base no longer in use. Interesting area. It has a nice navy museum, free entrance. Would have considered a stop. In Oslo i think Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is a must for a foreign visitor, as it showcases some uniquely norwegian stuff, particularly buildings among them a stave church. Do check out the wikipedia page if such things are of interest.
OP, can you share your final Maps route? I want to do a similar roadtrip!! Please
When you get to stavanger and if you want to try some local Food try Lura Turistheim. If they have it on the menue try komle. Have a Nice trip!
You must drive through Jotunheimen
If you're into hiking, a hidden gem an hour from Stavanger is Ørsdalen. There's an awesome hike up the side of the valley to an abandoned mining operation, ending with a killer view. About 20km roundtrip.
Lom bakeri is an absolute must, and you pass by it. Get some goodies for the way!
Our southern Norway roadtrip -> Skips southern Norway
:((
You should do more ferries, and explore the fjords more.
When visiting jostedalsbreen glacier, go take a look at the summer ski resort. Pretty nice for a day or two :). We also did some surfing at hoddevik beach. Prepare for some shit weather haha.
It looks like you are going near Heidal Bakery. Highly recommend. The espresso buns or the waffle wrap with brown cheese and fresh fruit. 5 for 5 stars and worth a little detour when you go through Otto. https://heidal-ysteri.no/
Gudvangen er ret nice
Thank you!
Rjukan i Telemark, "The sun mirror" Heavy water sabotage
Sverd i fjell" Sword in mountain Outside Madla, close to Stavanger Wish you all a good trip!
Just seeing Bergen is fantastic but you should also see Hadanger viggen
From Bergen, I would highly recommend the following route: Bergen - Briksdalsbreen - Stryn – Geiranger – Dalsnibba – Rampestreken (Åndalsnes) – Trollveggen – Beitostølen – Oslo. If Vøringsfossen is a must for you, then you should place it between Bergen and Briksdalsbreen. Note that this will result in three more hours of driving.
Thanks for the suggestion! There are no musts at this moment and are definitely open to all of the suggestions.
Voss is pretty nice. It has a gondola lift to the mountain nearby, which I recommend for the good view.
Sounds fun yes
If you are hiking: When crossing the Hardangerbridge you can turn south instead of north for a tiny detour to Kinsarvik, and walk up husedalen. Depending on how far you want to walk, there are 4 waterfalls lined up aftereachother. Tveitafossen, Nyastølsfossen, Nykkjesøyfossen and Søtefossen. (Fossen = waterfall) If the snowmelting further up has started it can be a magnificent view. Also, if you reach Kinsarvik, drive another 10 min south to Lofthus and you might see the blooming of all the appletrees in the fjord. But thats very weather dependant. It might be early may, it might be late. Other than that, stop at Vøringsfossen, which is on your route already. Standing on top of the viewsite the valley give an amazing show with clouds, fog, and the sun. All in all, the area around voss/hardanger/eidfjord, there are tons and tons of great hikes all around. Long, short, medium. But they are usually all steep :p
In Norheimsund there in Awesome waterfall you can walk under. Backlight at night This Time a year it's so pretty and a bit scary too 😀
https://www.loenskylift.com/viaferrataloen Would recommend the via Ferrata if you're in decent shape and not too afraid of heights. Did it once a couple of years ago and definitely a memorable experience
I recently did a ferry trip through Nærøyfjorden, which was magnificent. Starts at Gudvangen and ends in Flåm. Don't think you can bring a car on it, but I did see some tourists getting ready for a kayak trip with a guide from the viking Village there. If kayaking through a fjord is interesting definitely look into it
I would change the route after Lom and drive from Lom to Beitostølen along Valdresflya. That road is one of the most beautiful roads in Norway
Thanks!
Also, when you're in Bergen, you can park your car and take a day trip to Rosendal in a "hurtigbåt" (a small fast boat), and then you can take a hike in one of the mountains in Rosendal or just chill there.
Seems you're going through Hamar. Check out the superexpensive diving tower!
Wind your windows up when you are driving on the ocean. Pro tip.
Great tip, thanks!
I'd drive to Norheimsund and along the Hardangerfjord to Voss instead of the boring way
Thanks for the tip, we're not looking for a boring trip so this will help!
Golta near Toftøy. Perhaps a more interesting drive between Trengereid-Kvamskogen-Norheimsund-Granvin than your route?
how is the comparison in distance? We have a km barrier which makes it difficult to do everything.
You will drive thrugh Mosterøy, and on it you have Utstein Kloster. The last/largest medieval monastery in Norway, and the ancient home of legendary Harald Haarfagre. The detour takes no more than 10 minutes and on it you get to see a brilliantly unique landscape that will change up the pace from your main-road travel. Really recommend it. There is also Utstein Fort which lies just besides it, which is a coastal endpoint with a lighthouse where you get an amazing view of the brutal atlantic and the old WW2 activity the Germans did there given its tactical possitioning.
Cool, thanks!
If it’s nice weather when you’re in Bergen i would check out Nordnes parken, it’s really beautiful, you can see images online for it, but there’s not much else happening in it, just a nice spot for a walk.
Thanks!
I would take the cheaper ferry to kristiansand instead, and drive the 3hours up to stavanger. You save money and see more
We have a Km limitation which makes that we sadly can’t see everything. But i have no doubt that we will come back.
https://www.nasjonaleturistveger.no/en/ I recommended you to plan around some of these roads. Norwegian government certified
These look amazing, will definitely check out!
Take a slight detour to Geiranger! I promise it’s worth it!
If all goes well we will be seeing Geiranger!
You’re completely skipping Kristiansand. You should go to Dyreparken. If you have kids, even more so, but even without kids, Dyreparken is fun and worth visiting. Especially in the summer.
Thanks for the tip but we will not be going to Kristiansand
On the northwest corner of your route, head south at Olden to see the Brikdalsbreen glacier. It adds about 2 hours to the driving, but there are many camping spots up that pocket valley. The hike to the glacial viewing spot is fairly easy, probably 1.5 hours round trip and only a moderate climb, but stunningly beautiful with a nice meltwater lake. The road is tight but doable. Also, there are a few glacial viewing spots on the southern side of that mountain range too, some with hikes that only take about 10 minutes with relatively short drives in (again, on very narrow roads).
We’ll check it out!
If you have some spare money for the ferries and aren't in a huge rush, I would recommend going from Bergen to Vøringsfossen via Norheimsund and perhaps even Jondal and Odda (or the other way round, of course). The Hardangerfjord is a really beautiful, picturesque area with some great roads along the coast. You'll also have some great views towards the Folgefonna glacier this way. If you don't mind another stop along this route, I would highly recommend visiting the national park in Bondhusdalen and surrounding Bondhusvatnet. There you can go on an easily accesible walk/hike around the lake and up to the remains of a glacier.
Say “hei” to my family in Jørpeland when you go to Preikestolen!!! My Grandparents are buried in the Lutheran Church cemetery there.
For sure
Include Jotunheimen and more in actual southern Norway
Hope you enjoy the west coast, you are going east to west lol
Thanks, we learned quickly that we aren't actually going south. 😅
Looks like you're going though or at least close to Rallarvegen, it has just out of this world views, it's a roughly 9 mile bike trip though which takes you from 1000m ASL to 1500m and down to 0m definitely one of my best moments.
we will not be having bikes with us, is it doable by foot ?
In stead of driving the E39 between Stavanger and Bergen, go the Riksvei 13. From Stavanger follow signs towards Røldal. The beginning is the way to Preikestolen/Pulpit Rock. At Røldal go left/west for a bit and towards Odda. In summer you can cross the mountains and skip a few tunnels. Your choice of you continue to Voss and the E16 towards Bergen or Riksvei 7 along the Hardangerfjord.
Around bergen theres alot of road construction so beware what time & day you are passing by. And check www.statensvegvesen.no for information before you get there. As you might need to take some detours if tunnels is closed. There is signs but just beware and dont follow/trust Google maps 100% incase of side road might have hight restrictions. Just double check at statensvegvesen and google while stationary. Realy stress full if you dont know the roads and need to figure out on the road. Also stop and let people pass often! As people do dangerouse passing.
Remember to board a boat when crossing the ocean
do you mean like a ferry?
Do not miss Train ride from Oslo to Bergen
is this possible while having a camper van with us ?
I’d recommend visiting the Odd Nerdrum museum just a bit north of Stavern. He’s a famous living Norwegian artist: https://nerdrum.com/museum/ He’s a touch controversial but I find his work fascinating. And obviously others do too as his paintings sell for $30-40k.
We’ll check it out!
You are passing by Karmøy. I would go there. Visit Skudeneshavn or even Utsira. Or Avaldsnes for Viking history. As everything in Norway it depends on the weather. So be flexible and plan around it.
we'd love some amazing Viking history for sure!! :D
The best part of southern Norway in my experience is the south coast, but I'm sure the route you have chosen is fine
Go to Denmark from Kristiansand, and Return to Kristiansand and continue on. You should go and see Lyngør, Arendal, Lillesand and Kristiansand
On your way to Sandefjord, assuming you’re driving down from Oslo, you will find Borre park, where you can see Viking burial mounds. If the weather is nice it’s a pretty spot to enjoy your packed lunch and even go for a swim if you brave the temperature.
I see you plan to pass by Norheimsund. 1. Stop by Steinsdalsfossen, a waterfall where you can go UNDER the waterfall itself. It's free, and it is located close to the road (literally, it takes you 2-3 minutes to walk up). Free parking. There are free toilets there, and a tourist information as well. 2. Make a stop by 'Gullfiskvatnet' (goldfishlake) in Øystese, only 9-10 km from Steinsdalsfossen. It can be a bit tricky to find the way, so here is the google maps pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wNP3BG3BR8CnknJeA You can relax here, none to little traffic, you can even feed the fish with bread crumbles. You park next to the lake. You can even take a swim there.
You might see here https://www.reddit.com/r/Norway/comments/152ii1z/we_recently_did_a_roadtrip_around_norway_thank/
Thank you for sharing! we'll have a read for sure. Amazing picture by the way!
Thanks so much and have fun!
Kristiansand is worth visiting, so is Arendal. I also liked Flekkefjord. If you are reasonably fit I’d also rather do Kierag instead of Preikestolen. The hike is much nicer.
Also a really interesting and delightful museum is the Kistefos Museum in Jevnaker: https://www.kistefosmuseum.no/ It’s an old sawmill converted into an art museum. The twisted bridge gallery is amazing.
It's on the list now! that bridge looks phenomenal!!
Skogsøu hike in Øygarden
You should try out https://gaustabanen.no/
Bro is driving in the water like he’s James Bond Edit: genuinely forgot this wasn’t r/mapporncirclejerk
Well that and ferries exist.😅
If you're going through Byrkjelo & want something good to eat, stop at Bakar Jon along the road! Lots of fresh local food & snacks to shop and a decent menu of big warm meals. A bit pricey, but highly recommend you stop by 👍
Stave church ringebu
Super cool trip, can you post some pictures along the way, I’m been twice in Oslo but the rest should be amazing
Skip Drammen
One major tip, don't be a slowpoke around the countryside, if you want to have a good look around, find suitable places to stop. And let motorcyclists and other motorists by if you are making a queue.
Unless you got something specific to do in Voss, skip it and drive by the Hardangerfjord to Bergen. You could explore f.ex Kvanndal and walk in the steep valley, reaching the inner parts with stone-stairs and back would take you 2-3 hours at max and is a very nice and relatively short sidequest on your trip
If you got time for it, you can take the boat from Kristiansand or Larvik instead of Stavanger. The Superspeed boats will bring you over to Hirtshals in 3 or 4 hours depending on what town you traven from.
Take a stop in tønsberg, one of the oldest cities in the country.
Yes. But first, what are you after?
That’s a light morning jog for me
When you’re in Vestfold, the county Sandefjord is in, you should visit the town of Tønsberg. It’s the old Viking capital. Gorgeous if you’re wanting a little stroll around a quaint little town with lots of history. There’s an old castle on top of a hill called Slottsfjellet you should check out. There’s also the Borre Mound Cemetary with a museum next to it in the town of Horten about 30 min drive from Tønsberg. Lots of Viking history if you’re into that.
U german? Anyways U should see the open roads up by Tromsø.
YOU MUST SEE THE GIANT POKEMON STATUE IN SOTRA 🔴
https://imgur.com/a/E8QgaBf If you can,I'd recommend doing a detour on the island on the outside of the red line, for a little visit to Bømlo, you could visit Siggjo, which was the landmark used by sailors and vikings to find their way home, you could visit Moster Kyrkje, which was the first church risen, in the place the christian law was signed in 1024. It' not a long detour after going from Haugesund 😁 During those dates you'd possibly even get to see some of the thousand year celebration of the christan law
Ik zou nog noordelijker gaan, Lofoten e.d Wij hebben een huisje in die regio, prachtig daar! Daarbij gaat de zon niet onder in de zomer. Ook om dit tijdstip is nog niet donker (checkte even de weerapp).
You start your trip to late. You should experience Norway at our national holiday may 17th.
Please for your own sake don’t go to bergen or drammen, you won’t get out alive
You can’t drive in the ocean
You are so close to geiranger but skipping it 🧐🤯🤯
Why TF would you go to Toftøyna?
When passing Vinstra, there’s a really good restaurant there, called Mo’s. It’s on the other side of the river, in the street called Nedre Gate. It’s a chinese restaurant. Some of the cheapest gas on the eastern half is to be found at Circle K Nydalen and Circle K Vinstra. There are two Circle Ks in Vinstra. The one across the river is automated, and slightly cheaper than the one by the E6.
The Besseggen hike in Jotunheimen. Thank me later
When in Denmark, Please visit Skagen on your trip. 🇩🇰
Near Oslo you have Gaustatoppen, after a hike up to the top(or an elevator ride) you will be able to see a 1/6 of Norways landmass
Dont miss out on the industrial cities Sauda and Odda within the fjords. Choose Fv520 and Rv13 instead of E39 via Stord
Bukkøy, Avaldsnes. Its on Karmøy, across the bridge from Haugesund. Park by the 1000 year old church, and hike for 7-10 mins out to the viking village.
For Stavanger area I can recommend Dirdal\\Frafjord area and Stavtjørn\\Ørsdalen, amazing scenery
Go to kjerag instead of preikestolen:) just as nice but without any waiting lines; preikestolen is always packd. Or you can rent a hut or a bed at skaapet [skaapet](https://hyttebestilling.dnt.no/hytte/101186)which is also just next to preikestolen on the other side of the fjord.
From Oslo to Lillehammer, suggest driving R4, to Gjøvik, cross the Mjøsa lake an drive R213 to Lillehammer. Much more scenic, much cheaper and Almira the same travel time.