When it comes down to choosing my favorite hiking destinations, Norway is a top contender. If you are planning a hiking road trip to Norway, this Bergen to Bergen itinerary checks off some of my favorite trails.
Norway road trip the logistics
Every road trip requires a decent amount of planning. With my Bergen to Bergen itinerary, a lot of the planning burden will be taken off your shoulders.
All you will need to decide is when you want your road trip to happen, how long you want/can stay, and what kind of transport you want to use to move from location to location.
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Best time to road trip around Norway
The ideal time to follow this Bergen to Bergen road trip plan is between the end of June and the end of September. Anytime before that and you will run into trouble accessing some of the hiking trails.
July tends to be quite wet. It’s a good month to go if you are after moody Norwegian landscapes. In my experience, August has the most stable weather with the least amount of rain.
September is very quiet with very few tourists. If you want to escape the crowds and the highest prices then September is the month you should pick for your holiday in Norway.
Bergen to Bergen road trip map
Above you can view the map of the road trip, where I marked the distances, viewpoints, hikes, and campsites.
How to use the map?
Click on the button in the top left corner to open the layer. You can switch the layers on and off by clicking on the red check box. Click on different hikes and you will be shown links to my other blog posts with detailed descriptions of each trail.
Bergen to Bergen road trip highlights
- Næroyfjord World Heritage Park
- Jotunheimen National Park
- Geiranger UNESCO Fjord
- Jostedalsbreen National Park
The best way to travel around Norway
Rent a Campervan with Motorhome Republic
Campsites in Norway are like Starbucks in America. They are around every corner. The corners are just way more beautiful!
There is no more budget-friendly and weatherproof option than campervan travel in Norway. It’s also one that will give you the most freedom. Prebooking campsites is not necessary. Some of them only operate on a first-come first-served basis anyways.
A great website for comparing and booking a campervan is the Motorhome Republic. You can check prices, compare layouts, and book extras all on one site.
If you are wondering what campsites to stay at I have marked many of them on the map. You can just decide as you go.
Rent a Compact Car with Discover Cars
Are you not swept off your feet by the whole van life movement? That’s fine. You can just book an economical car with Discover Cars and stay in hotels or cabins along the way.
This is also a better option for someone who is not comfortable driving big cars along windy roads.
Suggested Bergen to Bergen 10-day itinerary: day-by-day breakdown
This is an intense hiking itinerary, so don’t forget to pack your boots and work on your endurance before you go. It is also an itinerary that will guarantee you some of the best views in Norway. Below are the places you will visit.
- Flåm & Næroyfjord World Heritage Park- 3 Nights
- Jotunheimen National Park – 2 nights
- Geiranger Fjord – 2 nights
- Loen & Jostedalsbreen National Park – 2 nights
Day 1: Bergen to Næroyfjord National Park
- Distance from Bergen Airport to Flåm: 165 km / 103 mi
- Driving time: 2 h 40 min
Welcome to Norway. I hope you are ready for a road trip of a lifetime. We are kicking off the itinerary with a drive from Bergen to Flåm – the gateway to the Næroyfjord National Park
Day 2: Næroyfjord World Heritage Park & Its Sights
I can’t think of a better way to start this Bergen-to-Bergen road trip than exploring the Næroyfjord World Heritage Park. The Fjord was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005 for its outstanding landscapes and exceptional natural beauty. After seeing it in person, I can only confirm it.
Morning Boat Journey on the Fjord or Scenic Train Ride
Flåm is particularly known for two things. First is the scenic train journey on the Flåmsbana railway. It travels from the train station in the center of the village up the mountains ending in Myrdal.
The distance is only 20 kilometers, but the train goes at a really slow pace letting you enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
The second is the cruise along Næroyfjord, the narrowest and the most dramatic Fjord in Southern Norway.
What’s special about this cruise is that it takes place on a high-tech zero-emission boat powered by renewable energy sources. When it comes down to renewable energy Norway stays on top of the game.
Visit Bakka and Undredal villages
See true Norway and its slow-paced life by visiting the two villages near Flåm. Bakka, which means ‘on the bank’ was built right on the shoreline of Næroyfjord.
Undredal lies right on Aurlandsfjord and is known for its brown cheese production. For hundreds of years, cheese production remains unchanged and contributes greatly to the local economy of Undredal and its tiny population of only 100 people.
TIP: If you are traveling in a Motorhome, stay at the Nærøyfjorden Campsite in Bakka. It is located directly on the shore of the Fjord and has fantastic views all around.
Afternoon hike to Prest
Take advantage of the long days during the Scandinavian summer and go on an afternoon hike to Prest. Thanks to its position and how the light hits the mountains, the afternoon is actually the perfect time for it.
What awaits you at the top are stunning views of the Aurlandsfjord, Flåm, and Aurland, another town in the area. The hike takes 3-4 hours to complete.
Sunset at Stegastein viewpoint
End your day by watching the sunset from the Stegastein viewpoint. The beautifully designed platform extends from the side of the mountain and stands 600 vertical meters above the Aurlandsfjord.
Stegastein viewpoint lies en route to Prest trailhead, so you can kill two birds with one stop and visit the viewpoint after you complete the hike.
Day 3: Hiking Around Næroyfjord
Option 1: Bakkanossi
There is no better spot to admire Næroyfjord than from the hike to the summit of Bakkanosi. This trail is slowly rising to fame and becoming one of the most popular hikes in the area.
This was my first solo hike in Norway and I couldn’t have picked a better day for it. With 17.5 kilometers (11 miles) roundtrip distance and 940 meters (3000 ft) of elevation gain it’s a steady and not too strenuous journey to the top.
Option 2: Aurlandsdalen
I came across the Aurlandsdalen hike when I was searching for a hike I could do with my parents when they were visiting me on my road trip through Norway.
It turned out it wasn’t as easy as I thought it was going to be. Not exactly a stroll through the valley’ I imagined, but definitely an easier alternative to Bakkanosi.
Even though my mum struggled in some places when I ask her today what her favorite memory from the road trip is, she always answers – the hike through Aurlandsdalen.
Aurlandsdalen traverse is a very popular multiday hike in Norway, but its most scenic part between the high alpine mountain station Østerbo and the little valley settlement Vassbygdi can be walked in just one day.
Best accommodation options around Flåm: nights 1, 2 & 3
Best Location
Very cozy atmosphere with wood-paneled rooms. Reserve a room with a balcony overlooking the Fjord and watch the cruise ships and trains come and go from the terminal.
Top Rated
Beautiful and modern apartments with a Scandinavian feel. When looking through the windows of the apartment you will feel like you are floating on the fjord.
Day 4: Drive to Jotunheimen along the Valdresflye Scenic Route
- Distance from Flåm to Beitostølen: 155 km / 96 mi
- Driving time: 2 h 20 min
After two intense days exploring the Fjords, it’s time to give your legs a well-deserved rest and head towards Norway’s high mountain plateaus. You will need that rest for what’s coming the next day!
Today on the menu we have the Valdresflye Scenic Route – the gateway to Jotunheimen National Park.
Jotunheimen is known as the home of the giants. With 250 mountains raising above 2000 meters it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
There are plenty of stops along the route between Flåm and Jotunheimen I marked many of them on the map. Be prepared for the 2.5-hour drive to turn into a full-day excursion to your next destination.
If you add a lunch break along the way it will take even longer. That’s ok. Sometimes it is not about the destination but the journey itself.
Day 5: Besseggen Ridgeline
- Distance from Beitostølen to Besseggen Parking: 32 km / 20 mi
- Driving time: 30 min
I hope you feel rested and are up for another adventure. Today on the itinerary is the Besseggen hike.
Besseggen ridgeline is the most popular day hike in Jotunheimen National Park and also one of the best hikes in the country.
The trail follows a ridgeline along Lake Gjende and climbs to a fantastic viewpoint of Lake Bessavatnet and the peaks of Jotunheimen NP.
Best accommodation options along Valdresflye Scenic Route: nights 4 & 5
Best Value
Located in a stunning setting within Jotunheimen National Park the hotel is a great starting point for many walks in the area.
Top Rated
Overlooking Lake Øvre Sjodalsvatnet, Bessheim Fjellstue offers an in-house restaurant and accommodation with mountain views. The Gjende Boat Terminal is only 5.5 km away.
Day 6: Geiranger Fjord
- Distance from Beitostølen to Geiranger: 200 km / 124 mi
- Driving time: 3 h 30 min
Day 6 of my Bergen to Bergen itinerary is another road trip day. From Jotunheimen head first North then West towards Geiranger Fjord.
You will pass such attractions as the historic village of Fossbergom (Lom) and the famous Geiranger Scenic Route.
TIP: Part of the road between Langvatnet and Geiranger is normally closed in winter from November to May. Previous openings have taken place between 9 May and 17 June. Previous closures started between 18 November and 9 January. For more info and restrictions visit this website.
Afternoon activity in Geiranger
Geiranger Fjord just like the previously-visited Næroyfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make a splash and join one of these fantastic activities to see the Fjord from unique angles.
Sunset at Ørnesvingen Viewpoint
Ørnesvingen viewpoint is a platform that was built 600 meters above the Geiranger Fjord and on the last (11th) hairpin turn along the Ørnesvegen road.
It’s a perfect sunset spot and if you are lucky you might coincide your visit with a cruise ship departure like I have. It was certainly a postcard moment.
It takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the Ørnesvingen platform, but there are plenty of switchbacks to tackle. Drive safe!
Day 7: Skageflå hike
Day 7 on your road trip is another day filled with beautiful views. This time I recommend hiking to Skageflå. It’s the most popular day hike in the Geiranger Fjord area.
The highlight of the trail is the high-altitude farm, that used to operate until the start of the last century before turning into a tourist attraction. You will also get to see beautiful panoramic views of the seven sisters waterfall, which the Geiranger Fjord is known for.
Skageflå is a one-way hike, you will need to pre-book a boat transfer to get back to the village after completing it. I cover all the details in my other post, which I linked to above.
Best accommodation options around Geiranger: nights 6 & 7
Best Value
Lovely cottage-type accommodation in a beautiful and quiet setting with great new facilities
Top Rated
Soak in the hot tub while looking directly at the Geiranger Fjord or enjoy dinner with a view in the restaurant located on the 6th floor.
Day 8: Geiranger to Loen via Hellesylt
- Distance from Geiranger to Loen: 82 km / 51 mi
- Driving time: 1 h 30 min
- Time on the ferry: 1 hour
Your next destination on the itinerary – Loen can be reached in two ways:
- Take the scenic car ferry from Geiranger to Hellesylt then follow route no. 60 then 15 to Loen. This is the route I marked on the map, but it does require pre-booking the ferry in advance.
- Drive back the Geiranger Scenic Route to Langvatnet Lake then turn onto Route 15 driving past Oppstrynvatnet Lake to Loen.
Whichever option you choose you will ultimately end up in your next destination Loen – the gateway to Jostedalsbreen National Park.
Below are a couple of options for things you can do around here on day 8.
Option 1: Explore Lake Lovatnet + Sunset Hike to Rakssetra
Lovatnet is one of my favorite lakes in Norway. It has a beautiful turquoise color and is fed by the Jostedalsbreen glacier field – the largest in Norway.
The most notable tourist attraction along the lake is the Breng Seter. Another historic farm with moss-rooftop buildings, typical for the region.
You can drive all the way until the end of the lake and take a stroll to the end of Lodalen Valley to get a glimpse of the Kjenndal Glacier tongue.
For the late afternoon, you can plan a short (2-hour roundtrip) hike to another classic viewpoint and a great sunset spot – the Rakssetra farm high above Loen and the Innvikfjord.
Option 2: Afternoon hike to Klovane
A lot of people ask me what my favorite hike in Norway is. Whilst my answer changes frequently because it’s so damn difficult to decide, Klovane always stays in the top 3.
It has the best panoramic lake views I have ever seen and if it weren’t for all the mud I waded in to get to the summit, it would have been perfection. But you know what they say. No pain no gain! Don’t skip the hike to Klovane if you are a serious hiking enthusiast.
Day 9: Hike in Jostedalsbreen National Park
Option 1: Hike to Kattanakken
For the best views of Glacier tongues of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier field (the largest in Norway by the way) including the famous Briksdalsbreen, you need to hike to Kattanakken.
Whilst this is a very advanced hike, particularly its last part where scrambling is involved, you can only do a part of it, as did I, and still get the amazing views.
Option 2: Via ferrata Loen
Do you want to walk across a 120-meter-long suspension bridge perched 800 meters above the Invikfjord? If your answer is yes then you need to scramble along Via Ferrata Loen. It’s still one of the top experiences I had in Norway.
Best accommodation options around Loen: nights 8 & 9
Best Location
Located right in the center of the town the hotel offers great access to the nearby attraction. Soak in the indoor or outdoor pool to relax your muscles after hiking in the mountains the whole day.
Top Rated
Take advantage of the free kayaks and go paddling on the turquoise lake Oldenvatnet or take a hike to see the beautiful panoramic views of the lake from above.
Day 10: Drive back to Bergen
- Distance from Loen to Bergen Airport: 300 km / 186 mi
- Driving time: 5 h
Your Bergen to Bergen road trip is coming to an end. The last thing on the itinerary is getting back to Bergen.
The shortest way to get back is on road E39, however, I recommend a small detour via Søgndalsfjora, Leikanger, and Vikøyri towns. It will only add 15 minutes to your journey but will give you a chance to visit many epic viewpoints along the way. That’s the route I marked on the map.
Where to stop along the way between Loen and Bergen
Once again, prepare to add a few hours to your drive for taking photos and enjoying the views. Below are a few viewpoints located right next to the road which are worth stopping for.
Stardalselva Valley
Approximately one hour’s drive from Loen lies the Stardaselva Valley. Turquoise river, lush green fields, and dramatic mountain cliffs. It can’t get more cliché than this. The view of Stardaselva Valley describes Norway better than any words.
Jølstravatnet
Drive further 10 minutes and turn from national road no. 39 onto no. 5. This is where your small detour to Berge will start. You will now follow the shoreline of another beautiful lake Jølstravatnet. There are plenty of small bays where you can stop for a quick photo.
Bøyabreen Glacier
Another 15 minutes later you will find yourself driving through the Fjærland tunnel. Straight after emerging through the tunnel, on your left-hand side, there is a viewpoint of the Bøyabreen glacier tongue. Blink and you will miss it.
Norsk Bremuseum and Fjærland village
The next stop and only 10 minutes away from Bøyabreen Glacier is the Jostedalsbreen visitor center. It doubles as the Glacier Museum. The center has a great viewpoint platform on the top of the building.
The museum educates the visitors about the Norwegian glaciers and how climate change influences their disappearance. You can also watch the beautiful panoramic nature movie shot in the remote corners of the Jostedalsbreen National Park.
After checking out the visitor center and the museum drive to Fjærland. A tiny village located at the end of the Fjærlandsfjorden. Park your car near the pier and take a stroll along the Fjord for some fantastic views. This will be a perfect place for a lunch break before you continue to Bergen.
For more viewpoints refer to the map.
Best accommodation options in Bergen: Night 10 (Optional)
Best Value
The hostel has a very central location 5-minute walk from Bryggen – Bergen’s top tourist attraction. Private or shared accommodation and facilities to choose from.
Top Location
A great hotel in a top location with a rooftop terrace overlooking the city. All top sightseeing spots are within walking distance of the hotel.
How to shorten this Bergen-to-Bergen travel itinerary to 7 days?
You don’t have 10 days to follow this road trip? No worries! Here are some ideas on how to fit it into a week.
- Option 1: Skip Geiranger Fjord. I know it’s hard giving up on some locations but you just have to face the fact that it is not possible to see everything in 7 days. After visiting Jotunheimen National Park you can head straight for Loen and the Jostedalsbreen National Park
- Option 2: Make your stay in each location shorter. Flåm & Næroyfjord World Heritage Park- 2 Nights. Jotunheimen National Park – 1 night, Geiranger Fjord – 2 nights, Loen & Jostedalsbreen National Park – 2 nights. That will equal 7 nights and 8 days of traveling.
