Oslo to Oslo Road Trip Across The Stunning Fjords And Mountains Of Norway (10 to 14 days)

From majestic UNESCO Fjords, picturesque villages, and towering peaks Norway is a paradise for any outdoor lovers. This 14-day road trip starting and ending in Norway’s capital will give you a good taste of everything this country has to offer.

Norway road trip the logistics

Before you hop on a plane or a ferry to Norway, there are a few things you should organize beforehand. From choosing your transport, and picking the perfect timeframe for your holiday, to deciding on the length of your stay.

Best time to road trip around Norway

You can follow this Oslo to Oslo road trip plan as early as mid-May and as late as October. However, if you want to be able to access all the hikes and attractions I have enlisted below then it would be best if you aim to go between mid-June and the end of September.

Bear in mind that July tends to be quite rainy. During the two summer seasons I spent in Norway I had the best luck with the weather in August.

Oslo to Oslo road trip outline and 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. To make the map look less cluttered, 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.

The best way to travel around Norway

I have road tripped around many countries, where I thought it can’t get any better than this and then I visited Norway. My mind was blown. The whole infrastructure from campsites, gas stations, and roadside rest areas is perfectly set up for road tripping.

Rent a Campervan with Motorhome Republic

Traveling around Norway in a motorhome is certainly a more budget-friendly option. It will also give you a lot more freedom. With campsites every few kilometers, you don’t have to prebook them in advance.

I came to Norway in my own campervan but if you are looking to rent one try the Motorhome Republic. A search and booking engine for RVs that will compare prices of all rental companies in Norway helping you choose the right one.

READ MORE: 15 Things To Know About Campervan Travel In Norway

Rent a Compact Car with Discover Cars

If camping isn’t your thing and you prefer to stay in hotels, or you don’t feel comfortable driving a big car then rent a compact one. I recommend Discover Cars, a great booking site for rental cars.

14-day Oslo to Oslo travel itinerary: day-by-day breakdown

If you chose Norway as your next holiday destination then it means you must love to be out in nature. This Oslo to Oslo road trip will take you to some of the best outdoor destinations in Norway. Are you ready?

Day 1 & 2: Oslo to Åndalsnes via Rondane National Park

• Distance from Oslo To Åndalsnes: 490 km / 304 mi
• Driving time: 6h 45 min

Oslo is the capital of Norway and a main international transport hub. Chances are this is where you will land if you are coming from abroad.

My first piece of advice is, don’t waste your precious time on cities. Pick up your car rental and head straight for the beautiful landscapes.

You will be back in Oslo at the end of this road trip. If you will still be up for it you can check out the city then.

What to see along the way between Oslo and Åndalsnes

Åndalsnes lies 440 kilometers (273 miles) away from Oslo when following the fastest route. It may not sound like a huge distance, but driving in Norway is very different from driving on highways in mainland Europe or North America.

You can expect to spend the whole day following this route so it’s a good idea to break it down and check out a few places along the way. Here are my recommendations.

Day 1: Lillehammer

Driving time from Oslo: 2h 15 min

If like me you were born in the ’80s (or earlier) then you must have watched, or at least heard of the Lillehammer Winter Olympics of 1994. Lillehammer is a popular skiing and hiking destination with a rich cultural heritage.

You can stop for a couple of hours and take a stroll around the old town or check out the ski jumping hill and the panoramic views of Lillehammer from it.

Day 1: Rondane Scenic Route

Driving time from Lillehammer: 1h 30 min

The Rondane Scenic Route is a 75-kilometer-long road that winds through Rondane National Park – the oldest National Park in Norway. Your main aim should be the beautiful Sohlbergplassen viewpoint.

Rondane National Park is where you should stop for the night. By now you are more than halfway to Åndalsnes.

Day 2 morning: Snøhetta Viewpoint & The Musk Ox Safari

Driving time from Rondane National Park (Sohlbergplassen viewpoint): 1h 5 min

Did you know that Norway is home to Musk Oxen? I didn’t even know what a Musk Ox was until I came across the famous Snøhetta viewpoint on my road trip across Norway. Musk Ox is a large hoofed mammal native to the Arctic.

Snōhetta viewpoint is a beautiful yet unassuming structure placed on the top of a hill with beautiful views of Mount Snøhetta. It serves as an observation deck for wildlife such as musk oxen and reindeer. It’s a one-hour round trip walk from the car park to the viewpoint.

You can also join the Musk Ox Safari which leaves from the nearby Hjerkinn village. Being guided by local guides will improve your chances of seeing these majestic animals.

Where to stay along the Rondane Scenic Route: night 1

Day 2: Åndalsnes

• Distance from Snøhetta viewpoint: 143 km / 89 mi
• Driving time: 2h 15 min

Situated at the mouth of the Rauma River and Isfjord, Åndalsnes is surrounded by majestic mountains, including the famous Trolltindene peaks. The town is a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts, offering access to some of the best trails in Norway.

Depending on whether you join the Musk OX safari or not, you should be in Åndalsnes by early afternoon. That will leave you plenty of time to plan an activity in the second half of the day after you check into your accommodation.

Day 2 Afternoon: Litlefjellet viewpoint

This short hike is an absolute must-do when visiting Åndalsnes and the afternoon when the sun goes down behind the infamous Troll Wall creating stunning sun rays, is a perfect time to do it

The reward comes after just 30-min of walking. Read my guide to Litlefjellet to learn the details about this hike.

Day 3: Adventure Hike or Via Ferrata in Åndalsnes

With plenty of hiking trails in the area, Åndalsnes can be considered the outdoor capital of Norway. Below are a few of my recommendations on how to spend your third day in Norway.

Option 1: Romsdalseggen

Romsdalseggen is a challenging but very rewarding ridgeline hike that takes you from Venjedalen Valley back to Åndalsnes.

En route, you can expect some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Norway, like in the photo above. The hike takes around 6 hours to complete and requires pre-booking a shuttle bus. You can learn the details in my guide to the Romsdalseggen hike.

Option 2: Romsdalsstigen

If you are an adventure freak, don’t mind the heights, and want to experience Åndalsnes from a different perspective then consider tackling via ferrata Romsdalsstigen.

You can either join a guided tour or, provided you have a previous via ferrata experience, just rent the gear and do it yourself. Whatever you decide you are guaranteed an exhilarating experience with some dramatic views.

Option 3: Join a guided hike

If you don’t have the confidence to hike in a foreign country you can book a guided hike around Åndalsnes and Romsdalen valley. Below are a couple of options.

Best accommodation options in Åndalsnes: nights 2 & 3

Day 4: Åndalsnes to Geiranger via route 63

• Distance from Åndalsnes to Geiranger: 87 km / 54 mi
• Driving time: 2 hours / 54 mi

Åndalsness and Geiranger Fjord are only 2 hours apart but there are a few very notable viewpoints along the way, where you should stop and explore. The 2-hour drive can easily turn into a full day of sightseeing.

Trollstigen

Every travel brochure, guidebook, or magazine about Norway will have a picture of Trollstigen. It’s a famous serpentine road which connects Åndalsnes with Valldal.

The steep hairpins intertwine with beautiful mountain scenery. Luckily you will be driving up this road. Driving down was a lot more nerve-wracking for me.

At the top of the pass, there is a visitor center with a huge parking lot. A series of viewing platforms were set up for tourists to be able to enjoy the view.

Gudbrandsjuvet

Further 15 minutes down the road from Trollstigen, on your left-hand side, you will find Gudbrandsjuvet. It’s a series of platforms built over raging rivers and Gorges, created by the raging Valldøla River. It only takes 15 minutes to walk along the platforms, but it’s certainly worth it.

TIP: If you are traveling this road in June or July then bring some cash with you and buy some strawberries from one of the stands set up along the road. I call this stretch of road between Øvstestølbrua and Valldal “the strawberry strip”.

Valldal (Sylte)

Valldal is another great little village worth your attention. It was built on the shore of Norddalsfjord. You can just stop for a quick stroll in the center of a village. If you are into rafting, plenty of tour operators run tours on the Valldøla River.

If you are a movie connoisseur you will appreciate knowing that Ex-Machina, the sci-fi movie by Alex Garland was shot in Valldal in the beautiful Juvet Landscape Hotel.

TIP: If you have an extra day consider staying in Valldal overnight and hiking to the top of Mefjellet the next day.

Eidvatnet

Continue on Route 63 for another 5 minutes and take the Eidsal-Linge ferry across the fjord, then drive another 10 minutes to Eidvatnet. Stop for a quick photo at one of the many viewpoints along this beautiful lake.

Ørnesvingen Viewpoint

This will be your last stop before you reach the Geiranger village. Ørnesvingen viewpoint was built 600 meters above the Geiranger Fjord and on the last (11th) hairpin turn along the Ørnesvegen.

Just like Trollstrigen, Ørnesvegen follows a series of steep switchbacks. This time however you will be going down, so pay attention to the road and only stop in designated spaces.

Day 5: Skageflå Hike in Geiranger Fjord

Day 5 on your Oslo to Oslo road trip is another day filled with beautiful views. This time I recommend tackling the Skageflå hike. It’s the most popular hike in the Geiranger Fjord area.

The highlight of the hike 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.

Activities in Geiranger Fjord

Best accommodation in Geiranger: nights 4 & 5

Day 6: Geiranger Scenic Route to Loen

• Distance from Geiranger Fjord: 82 km / 51 mi
• Driving Time: 2 h 30 min

Day 6 of this Oslo to Oslo itinerary is another road trip day. This time you will follow a couple of the official national tourist roads as well as the shoreline of two beautiful glacier lakes.

Geiranger Scenic Route

This is the continuation of the Trollstigen – Geiranger Scenic route no. 63. Once again you will find yourself following steep hairpins and high mountain roads. Make sure to stop at the Flydalsjuvet rest area for yet another great view of Geiranger Fjord.

For an even higher view, you can take a short detour drive to Mount Dalsnibba summit, a whooping 1500 m above the Fjord. This is a paid viewpoint and I personally decided to skip it.

IMPORTANT: This road typically opens in the first week of May. If you are traveling earlier you will have to get to Loen via a different route. First, take the ferry to Hellesylt and then continue with the drive on route no. 60 then E39 and 15.

Gamle Scenic Route (optional)

Instead of turning onto route no. 15 you can extend the journey by ca. 40 kilometers (30 miles) and continue to Grotli before turning onto the Gamle Scenic Route no. 258.

Before you decide to take the detour double check if it is already open. Due to high elevation and snow, the Gamle Scenic route often opens between late May and mid-June and then closes in September.

IMPORTANT: Part of the Gamle Scenic Route is a gravel road. Whilst it’s very well maintained and ok to drive on, you might want to first check with your rental company if it’s ok to take the rental on gravel roads. If they answer no, then simply stick to the shorter route which takes you through the Gradals tunnel.

Hjelle and Oppstrynvatnet

Hjelle is a tiny historic village that was built on the East end of Lake Oppstrynvatnet. Its most known attraction is the Segestadt farm, which you can hike to.

Similarly to the Skageflå farm in the Geiranger Fjord, Segestadt is not operational anymore, but you can still visit the farm to see how life used to look just a century ago.

From the farm, you will get great panoramic views of the lake and the villages built on its shoreline.

Lovatnet

Continue with your drive to Loen, check into your accommodation then venture out again on the drive along the Lovatnet Lake.

This 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.

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.

Rakssetra

Another classic viewpoint and a great sunset spot are the Rakssetra farm high above Loen and the Innvikfjord. It takes one hour to reach the farm on a short, but steep forest trail.

Day 7: Hiking in the Jostedalsbreen National Park

After spending most of the previous day driving in a car, day 7 is a perfect day to stretch your legs and tackle another beautiful Norwegian hike. Loen is a paradise for hikers and here are some trails in the area which I hiked myself and highly recommend.

Option 1: Klovane

The summit of Klovane stands high above Lake Oldenvatnet and has one of the best views in Norway. I was really lucky with the weather on the day I hiked to Klovane. Thanks to blue skies, the lake below had the most incredible turquoise color.

This is the perfect hike to tackle, particularly if you decide to book your accommodation at the Oldevatn campground. The trailhead is just around the corner from the campsite.

Option 2: Kattanakken

The Kattanakken hike is the extension of the Briksdalsbreen trail leading to the glacier viewpoint. Sadly the glacier retreats further year after year. If you want to see it from a better angle then consider hiking to Kattannakken.

Option 3: Via ferrata Loen

This is the most famous via ferrata in Norway. Via Ferrata Loen starts directly in town and climbs to the summit of Mount Hoven. To return you just hop on the gondola.

The most famous feature of Via Ferrata Loen is the 120-meters-long Gjølmunnebrua suspension bridge hanging almost 800 vertical meters above the fjord. Scrambling on this ferrata was one of the highlights of my road trip around Norway.

Best accommodation around Loen: nights 6 & 7

Day 8: Loen to Sogndalsfjøra

• Distance from Loen: 127 km / 79 mi
• Driving time: 2 hours

Another beautiful day driving along fjords and glacial lakes awaits you. Today you will be heading from the West side of the Jostedalsbreen National Park to its East Side.

Once again there are plenty of beautiful viewpoints along the way that you shouldn’t miss. Expect this 2-hour drive to last 3 times longer with all the stops.

Stardalselva Valley

Turquoise river, lush green fields, and dramatic mountain cliffs. The Stardaselva Valley describes Norway better than any words. The valley is a one-hour drive away from Loen and a great place for a stop.

Jølstravatnet

Drive further 10 minutes and turn from national road no. 39 onto no. 5. You will now follow the shoreline of another beautiful lake Jølstravatnet. There are plenty of small bays where you can stop for a quick snapshot.

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

Further 10 minutes down the road you will reach the Jostedalsbreen visitor center which doubles as the Glacier Museum. There is 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.

Continue for another 30 minutes to Sogndalsfjøra, your destination for the next two nights.

Day 9: Hiking Above Lusterfjord or the East Side of Josterdalsbreen National Park

I hope your legs got a good rest yesterday and you are ready to tackle another amazing hike. Today I recommend two options.

Option 1: Austerdalsbreen

• Distance from Sogndalsfjøra to Austerdalsbreen: 55 km / 34 mi
• Driving time: 70 min

Austerdalsbreen is hands down the most beautiful arm of the Jostedalsbreen glacier field. The hike is pleasantly easy and most of it leads through a wide valley before climbing to a viewpoint.

The drive from Sogndalsjøra to the Austerdalsbreen trailhead is an experience in itself as the route follows the shoreline of the Vaitastrondavatnet. Another glacier-fed and beautifully colored lake.

Another highlight of this hike is the possibility of having lunch at the Tungestølen hut, but before I reveal too much head over to my guide to the Austerdalsbreen hike.

Option 2: Molden

• Distance from Sogndalsfjøra to Molden trailhead: 20 km / 12 mi
• Driving time: 20 min

Molden is a famous summit that rises from the Luster fjord. It’s a popular hike amongst the locals and a great half-day excursion.

The hike to Molden is a great option if you don’t want to do a lot of driving on day 9. The trailhead is only a 20-minute drive from Sogndalsfjøra.

TIP: Both Molden and Austerdalsbreen hikes take 3-4 hours to complete. If you have good endurance you can easily fit them both in one day, provided the weather stays good.

Best accommodation in Sogndalsfjøra: nights 8 & 9

Day 10: Nigardsbreen & Jotunheimen National Park

Day 10 equals more glaciers. I don’t know about you, but I can never get enough of them.

After a morning visit to Nigardsbreen, you will continue your journey along Luster Fjord leaving the Fjord landscapes behind. You will then enter the high plateaus of another famous Norwegian National Park – Jotunheimen.

Nigardsbreen Glacier Viewpoint

• Distance from Sogndalsfjøra to Nigardsbreen: 66 km / 41 mi
• Driving time: 75 min

Nigardsbreen is the most famous arm of the Jostedalsbreen glacier field. Guided glacier hikes are popular in this area, but you can also hike to the glacier viewpoint yourself.

I cover all the details in my guide to hiking to Nigardsbreen Glacier.

Sognefjellet Scenic Route

• Distance from Nigardsbreen to Fossbergom: 145 km / 90 mi
• Driving time: 3 hours

Just like the Rondane, Trollstigen-Geiranger, and Gamle Routes, Sognefjellet also belongs on a list of Norway’s National Scenic Routes. There are a total of 18 of them across the whole country and this Oslo to Oslo itinerary includes 5.

What makes Sognefjellet special is the fact that it’s the highest pass in Northern Europe. The road stays closed during winter and reopens during the summer season.

It’s a very different landscape compared to the lush valleys leading to the fjords. Expect rocky terrain, minimal vegetation, mountains, and glaciers. Most of the road stays above the treeline.

The Sognefjellet road stretches for 108 kilometers and rises from sea level to a whopping 1434 meters. It ends in the Fossbergom (Lom) historic village.

Day 11: Galdhøppigen – Norway’s highest peak

• Distance from Fossbergom to Juvashytta: 33 km / 20 mi
• Driving time: 36 min

Who would miss a chance to stand on the highest peak of Scandinavia when road-tripping across Norway?

The highest peak in Norway is called Galdhøppigen and daily guided tours leave from Juvashytta to its summit.

The whole round trip takes around 6 hours, but with the steep drive to Juvashytta and back plan the whole day for this excursion.

Best accommodation around Fossbergom: nights 10 & 11

Day 12: Hike in Jotunheimen National Park & the Valdresflye Scenic Drive

You are nearing the end of your road trip across Norway but believe it or not, the views will only get better. After exploring the west side of the Jotunheimen National Park, now it’s turn to see its east side.

Bessegen Ridgeline Hike

• Distance from Fossbergom to Besseggen parking: 77.5 km / 48 mi
• Driving time: 70 min

Another fantastic day hike in Norway. The Besseggen ridgeline traverse runs along the turquoise Lake Gjende and offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

The highlight of the Besseggen hike is the viewpoint of Lake Gjende and Lake Bessvatnet. The latter lies 400 vertical meters higher than the former!

Valdresflye Scenic Drive

• Besseggen parking to Beitostølen: 32 km / 20 mi
• Driving time: 30 min

After completing the Besseggen hike you can head to Beitostølen – your last destination before returning to Oslo.

You will now drive along the Valdresflye scenic road. The last one of the National Scenic drives on this itinerary.

A few notable viewpoints apart from Lake Gjende, are the Vargebakkane viewpoint, Steinplassen, and Flye 1389 cafe built at the highest point of the road. You can probably guess how high it stands by reading its name.

Best accommodation along Vallsfrye Scenic Road: night 12

Day 13: Back to Oslo through Valdres Nature & Culture Park

• Distance from Beitøstolen to Oslo: 223 km / 139 mi
• Driving time: 3.5 hours

It’s time to head back to Oslo. The fastest route from Beitøstolen is along route no. 51 followed by highway no. 16.

This drive will take you across the Valdres Nature Park. Take advantage of the many beautiful rest stops along the way. You should be back in Oslo by early afternoon.

Now it’s time to see some of the sights of the Norwegian Capital. Below are a few of the best ways to see the city.

TIP: Drop off your rental car on day 13 and use public transport to get back to the airport.

Top Activities in Oslo

Accommodation in Oslo: Night 13

Day 14: Return Trip Home

That’s a wrap! I hope you will have a fantastic time following this itinerary and make some long-lasting memories.

If you have any questions regarding this road trip plan don’t hesitate to leave them in the comments below.

TIP: If you need any help designing an itinerary across Norway tailored to your interests, I offer one-on-one hour-long private consultations. Just write to me directly via my contact page.

How to shorten this Oslo to Oslo road trip itinerary?

You don’t have two weeks to travel around Norway? Don’t worry! This itinerary can still be done in less amount of time.

You just need to understand that you will either have to leave some places, out or skip some hikes in order to fit all the locations in. Here are a few ideas on how to make this trip shorter by a few days:

• Option 1: On day 1 travel straight from Oslo to Åndalsness skipping the Rondane Scenic route and Snøhetta viewpoint. This will save you 1 day.

• Option 2: Shave off the last 4 nights of the itinerary. After visiting Nigarsbreen on the last day you can travel straight to Oslo. You have two options. Drive from Nigarsbreen across the Sognefjellet scenic route to Fossbergom then Oslo, or drive back to Søgndalsfjora then follow routes 52 then 7 back to Oslo via Hemsedal.

• Option 3: Stay in each location for just 1 night instead of two. This way you will be able to squeeze this itinerary into 7 days. This is a good option if you are not into hiking and just want to see the main sights.

• Option 4: Choose a different starting point. You don’t have to start your road trip in Oslo. Bergen or Ålesund are other great cities where you can start your tour around Norway. They are both located much closer to the Fjords which means less driving time. See my other itineraries below.

Other road trip itineraries around Norway

• Bergen to Bergen Itinerary in 7-10 days for Hiking Enthusiasts
• Ålesund to Ålesund in 10 days for Outdoor & Adventure lovers
• Stavanger to Bergen through the tourist hotspots of Norway