Adventurous 7-Day Road Trip from Bergen to Ålesund

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Norway is a beautiful country with plenty to see! One of my favorite solo adventures was my road trip from Bergen to Ålesund, and it still stands out as one of my favorite adventures to this day.

I spent a good two weeks in Norway and have planned a few trips for friends since then making sure I was eating as locally as I could, staying in the cutest places with a sauna and a great view, and hitting up all the iconic and Instagrammable spots along the route. The best advice I can give you is that it’s worth taking your time to really appreciate the largeness of Norway, the fjords, the hikes, and even an icy swim in one of the glacial lakes (only for the brave).

This 7-day road trip is sure to rip you out of your comfort zone and deliver some much-needed perspective on what beauty really is in this world. Here is all the research and lessons learned from my own adventure through Norway – packaged to make your planning just a little bit easier!

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7-Day Bergen to Ålesund Road Trip Itinerary

There are plenty of ways to do this route, but here is how I did it.

Day 1: Arrive in Bergen

There are a few ways to get to this city – by plane, by car, or by train. If you land in Oslo, grab a quick local flight to Bergen. It takes about an hour, and there are multiple cheap roundtrip flights a day. In Bergen, rent a car and be on your way.

I started with a Walking Tour in Bergen: Past and Present to really get an idea of the history, Bergen’s fascination with trolls (not joking), and stories of this city from a local. Then I wandered around the city with my book, taking pictures of the pier and admiring the little coffee shops and small streets.

Right around sunset, I grabbed a bottle of wine and headed up to the top of the mountain overlooking Bergen via funicular to catch the view of the city! There is nothing like this view to welcome you to Norway. It’s a short 45-minute walk down, or you can take the funicular back down to the city.

My Favorite Restaurants in Bergen:
👉 Bryggeloftet & Steune Restaurant: Locally recommended & oldest traditional Norwegian restaurant in Bergen.
👉 Bjerk: for lunch or dinner, really nice views of the pier.

Where To Stay In Bergen [1 night]

📍 Luxury: Det Hanseatiske Hotel – Historic hotel giving rustic luxury, right in the heart of Bergen. Fantastic breakfast.
📍 Mid-Range: Hotel Oleana – Another classic building refurbished with the Nordic modern design right in the city center. Fantastic bar area.

Day 2: Explore Flåm & Stave Churches

Driving from Bergen to Flam will take 3 hours. Once you’re in Flam, you’ll want to take the cruise to see the Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage spot! Make sure you book your ticket ahead of time here.

I stopped in to grab a pint at the Aegir Brew Pub, which looks like one of the old stave churches in Norway, and had lunch in Flam before heading north for more Norwegian culture and pretty views.

In the afternoon, I continued on my way, driving 50 minutes from Flam to the Borgund Stave Church for some photos and a light snack at their cafe. Then, on to a scenic 3.5-hour drive north to Loen, where I spent the night. If you make it in time for dinner, the hotels I recommend have some pretty amazing starry-night views!

Where To Stay In Loen [1 night]

📍 Luxury: Hotel Alexandra Loen – A bit of a splurge, but for one night, the sauna and dinner with a view are worth it.
📍 Mid Range: Hotel Loenfjord – Right on the fjord, I loved the nice porch you can drink wine from.

Day 3: Loen Skylift & Fjord

It’s nice to wake up in Loen, with a view of the fjord. I grabbed an early lunch and made my way to the Skylift to see the valley from up high. I spent a couple of good hours up there walking around the trails and stuffing my face with the freshly baked apple cinnamon buns served at the cafe.

DID YOU KNOW? Apple ciders, apple juice, and apple-baked goods are a thing in Norway. So before you leave, make sure you try all of these goodies!

In the afternoon, I made the 2.5-hour drive to Geiranger, where I home-based for the next couple of nights.

Where To Stay in Geiranger [2 nights]

📍 Luxury: Hotel Union Geiranger – Get the Fjord view room, one of the prettiest hotels in town, I recommend enjoying the spa on the property, especially after the hikes.
📍 Mid Range: Hotel Utsikten – higher ground in town, a great option as well, fantastic porch with great views of the fjord.

Day 4: Geiranger Fjord & Skagefla Viewpoint

I love waking up on a fjord! Today is about seeing one of the more famous Fjords in Norway, although there is no shortage of beautiful spots on this side of the country. The early afternoon boat tour of the Geiranger Fjord is what you want to get on (buy tickets directly at the pier).

On the way back to port, the boat will stop at a spot along the edge of a cliff. This is Skagehola, and if you’re up for it – this is where you get off for the Skagefla Hike. It’s about a 45-minute hike up some steep steps, but worth the views of the “Seven Sisters” Waterfall from the top, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! To get back, you go down the steps and get back on the boat – the pick-up service is included as part of your ticket.

In the afternoon, there’s a super pretty viewpoint and an iconic serpentine drive to get there. Check out the picture of me from that spot – highly recommend the quick drive!

My Favorite Restaurant in Geiranger: After your boat ride and hike, grab dinner at Brasserie Posten and make sure to try their award-winning sour beer.

Day 5: Trollstigen & Romsdalseggen Hike

This was my FAVORITE day, full of windy roads, fantastic waterfalls, and a full-day hike starting in the famous town of Åndalsnes! Get an early start, pack lunch snacks, and a ton of water. I left Geiranger around 7 am because I wanted to get to Andalsnes around 9:30 am.

On the road to Åndalsnes where the hike starts, you’ll want to NOT follow the fastest Google route, instead, take Road 63 west once you get off the ferry from Eidsdal. This will take you through one of the more scenic drives in Norway, Trollstigen. Make sure to stop at the lookout point at the top for 30 minutes and take in the view of the valley and waterfall.

Today’s hike starts in the town of Andalsnes, at the main bus stop – check times & book here. You should try to catch the 9:30 am bus to the trailhead. The Romsdalseggen Hike starts with an uphill trek for about 2 hours, and the views just keep getting better, especially after you get across the ridge.

I met a group of amazing Norwegian girls on the hike who gave me the courage I needed to traverse the scarier parts of the hike – so I highly recommend putting out some friendly vibes.

On the descent, when you get to the ski lift, have yourself a beer and enjoy the view – you earned it! While you can walk the 40 extra minutes down the trail, this will literally kill your calf muscles doing that. I recommend calling it a day, riding the ski lift down, and grabbing dinner in Åndalsnes at Sodahlhuset.

Where To Stay In Åndalsnes [1 night]

📍 Luxury: Grand Hotel – sits on a hill in central Åndalsnes and offers panoramic views over the Romsdalsfjord.
📍 Mid Range: Setnes Feriesenter – a modern little cottage right on the fjord, with the most beautiful views of Andalsnes.

Day 6: Be a Tourist in Ålesund

On the second to last day of this trip, I woke up sore but satisfied, ready to make the 1.5-hour drive to Ålesund. I squeezed in a Walking Tour of Alesund before lunch, which I thought was pretty cute. I’m a fan of walking tours because the guides are local and it’s a great way to get to know a new city or town.

Where to Eat in Ålesund: My recommendations are Bro, XL Diner for the famous bacalao, and Apotekargata No.5 whose menu is driven by local and seasonal ingredients.

If you’re not tired of driving, a little road trip to the Atlantic Ocean Road will take about 2.5 hours there and another 2.5 hours back. That said, a nice little road trip around sunset would be nice. I’ll be honest, I did it and wasn’t that impressed just because I love the mountains and nature best, BUT if you’re into cool bits of engineering, and are ok with a bit more driving, it is a beautiful road to drive on and especially pretty if you’ve got a drone to take some pictures from above.

Where To Stay in Ålesund [1 night]

📍 Luxury: Hotel Brosundet – stylish hotel is set in a renovated Art Nouveau-style warehouse by the Ålesund Strait, this hotel is a treat!
📍 Mid Range: Hotel 1904 – another beautiful option, this Art Noveau-style hotel has been running for over 100 years as Ålesund’s oldest hotel.

Day 7: Head Home

Today is a huge driving day because you need to make your way from Ålesund down to Bergen and head home. The Ålesund Bergen drive is about 7.5 hours, which is rough, but take your time to take in the last of the beautiful Norwegian views. Here are my favorite Road Trip Playlists to help along the way – you’re welcome!

PRO TIP: Another option is to return the car to the Ålesund Airport and fly back to Bergen or Oslo. There will be a fee for not returning the car where you got it from, but a couple of hundred dollars are sometimes worth it instead of a 7.5-8 hour drive.

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Bergen to Ålesund Road Trip Map

A straight-shot road trip from Bergen to Ålesund, including ferries, takes about 7.5 hours. But the point of this trip is to meander and explore, hike, see the sights, fjords, little Norwegian towns, etc. This is the route I took.

I tried to limit driving for too long in one day so I wouldn’t be exhausted all the time. I also tried to stay in each place for a couple of days because I don’t like moving my luggage every night from place to place. That said, Norway is huge, so here are some drive times to prepare you emotionally for your road trip.

• Bergen to Flam: 3 hours
• Flam to Loen: 3.5 hours
• Loen to Geiranger: 2.5 hours
• Geiranger to Andalsnes: 2.5 hours
• Åndalsnes to Ålesund: 1.5 hours
• Ålesund to Bergen: 7.5 hours

If I was to do it again, I would fly into Bergen and rent a car one way to Ålesund. From Ålesund, instead of coming back to Bergen, I would fly wherever I needed to. In my case, back to Oslo. There will be a fee for not returning the car where you got it from, but a couple of hundred dollars are sometimes worth it instead of a 7.5-8 hour drive.

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PLANNING FAQ: Road Trip Bergen To Ålesund

Here are a few travel tips and some planning advice when thinking about this Norway road trip.

How many days do you need in Bergen?

Since this is a week-long road trip from Bergen to Ålesund, I would only spend a day or two in Bergen. The rest of the trip is more spectacular when it comes to fjords, mountain scenery, Norwegian churches, and skylift views.

That said, there are plenty of things to do in Bergen like hikes, museums, boat trips, and restaurants to spending an entire week just in this cute little city.

Which is better, Bergen or Stavanger? 

If you’re planning a road trip through Norway, you may be wondering whether to start in Bergen or Stavanger. Both cities have their own unique charm and it’s really down to logistics and preference.

Starting in Bergen gives you the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of the Norwegian fjords if you have less time, while Stavanger is closer to some of the country’s best hiking trails, like Prekeistolen (see picture). Bergen is also home to a number of museums and art galleries, while Stavanger’s old town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Which is better, Bergen or Oslo?

Both cities have a lot to offer, and they also have their own unique character. Bergen is located in the Western part of the country and is known for its beautiful scenery and relaxed atmosphere. Oslo is the capital city and boasts a more lively and cosmopolitan feel.

If you want to experience the best of Norwegian culture and landscapes, Bergen is a great option and starting point for your road trip. However, if you’re more interested in city life and nightlife, national museums, restaurants, and big city life, then Oslo may be a better choice for you.

PRO TIP: If you do end up spending a couple of days in Oslo, check out my Southern Norway Road Trip for what to do / where to eat in Oslo and a few other places (like Stavanger) along the way.

Is Ålesund worth visiting? 

Yes! It’s too cute of a Norwegian charming coastal town not to visit, idyllic with its colorful art nouveau port-side houses all lined up next to each other. There’s also the Sunnmøre Museum, which tells the story of the town’s history, as well as the Art Nouveau Centre, which showcases the unique architecture of the area. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, and the views of the surrounding mountains are simply stunning.

Do I need travel insurance?

Yes. Because you’re out of your home country, you should get travel insurance anyway. And because the road trip from Bergen to Ålesund contains some intense hikes and lots of exploring in the wilderness, you should look into added medical travel insurance, which is about $40-60 a month. While vaccination restrictions have been lifted in 2022, it will still be wise to check if there are any other travel restrictions to entering the country.

PRO TIP: Traveling in Europe long term, I’ve done research on the Best Medical Insurance for travel in Europe. See what fits your trip and make sure you’re covered.

What are ways to stay on a budget in Norway?

Norway is a notoriously expensive country to visit, but there are ways to stretch your budget. One way to save money is to plan your trip during the shoulder season when prices are lower and crowds are thinner – July and August.

Another tip is to focus on free activities, such as hiking in the stunning scenery or visiting one of Norway’s many museums. If you’re willing to rough it, camping (or glamping) is a great option for accommodation; not only will you save money, but you’ll also have a more authentic Norwegian experience. I also found private hostel rooms to be a great alternative to hotels.

Finally, consider driving instead of flying; while gas is expensive in Norway, it’s still cheaper than airfare, and you’ll have the added bonus of being able to explore the country at your own pace – thus this road trip from Bergen to Ålesund. By following these tips, you can enjoy all that Norway has to offer without breaking the bank.

What do I need to eat while I’m in Norway?

While you’re in Norway, you’ll definitely want to try some of the traditional Norwegian dishes. Fish is a big part of the Norwegian diet, and you’ll find lots of different seafood dishes on offer. Salmon is particularly popular, and you’ll often find it served with potatoes and vegetables.

If you’re looking for something a little bit heartier, then why not try reindeer stew? It’s a traditional Norwegian dish that is usually served with mashed potatoes and gravy. And of course, no meal would be complete without some dessert, so dig into cloudberry pies, cinnamon buns, and waffles – the local favorites. Wash all that down with a local beer or cider (which is super popular) for maximum Norwegian authenticity!

What should I pack? 

Even though I went in the summer months and got lucky with 80% sunny days, it was still a bit cold at times. At a minimum pack a few hiking outfits, a rain jacket, a water bottle, and a few layered outfits. I put together this list of comfy road trip outfits – use it as a checklist for your trip. Just remember, you’re up north, so even in the summer months – it’s chilly.

When should I go on this road trip?

It’s best to visit Norway during the summer when the sun is out. I recommend July or August for a road trip from Bergen to Ålesund.

What is the best fjord in Norway?

This is like asking someone who their favorite child is, but I will answer nonetheless. My favorite fjord on this trip was Geiranger Fjord. It was super pretty driving to it, it feels like the whole valley and town is a remote secret tucked away, and the Skagefla hike for a better view of the fjord is very pretty. You just have to go and see for yourself!

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Getting from Bergen to Ålesund 

There are two ways to do this road trip, and both involve flying and renting a car.

✅ Round Trip From Bergen to Ålesund & Back: Fly into Bergen, rent a car, and do the 7-day road trip to Ålesund, coming back full circle to Bergen. This is a lot more driving than the next option.

✅ One-Way From Bergen to Ålesund: Fly into Bergen, rent a car, and do the 7-day road trip to Ålesund. Drop the car off in Ålesund, and fly from the Ålesund Airport to your next destination, in my case, Oslo. This one-way drive will incur about a $300 fine with your rental car.

➡️ I use Discover Cars to check prices in Norway. ⬅️

What is driving like in Norway?

Norway is a road-tripper’s paradise, especially if you’re road trip takes you from Bergen to Ålesund. The country is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world, and its roads are well-maintained and relatively empty (sans a few sheep here and there). Driving in Norway is simple if you keep a few things in mind.

First, Norway has some of the highest gas prices in Europe, so be sure to fill up before you enter the country – or get a diesel car.

Second, many of Norway’s roads are toll roads, so be prepared to pay a few extra kroner ($$) at the end of your rental car bill. Don’t worry, each rental car is equipped with a toll pass, which automatically tracks tolls and ferry crossings so you don’t have to worry about it along the way.

Finally, obey the speed limits, as a speeding ticket is super expensive (think hundreds of dollars) and there are speed cameras everywhere.

How do I get from Bergen to Ålesund?

There are a few ways to get from Bergen to Ålesund:

1. Get a Rental Car and road trip from Bergen to Ålesund. A direct trip takes 7.5 hours from one city to another.
2. You can fly from Bergen to Ålesund for about $200. A nonstop flight is 1 hour.
3. There is a 9.5-hour bus/train that does the Bergen-Ålesund trip for about $80 (tickets here).
4. Lastly, by boat. There is a Bergen to Ålesund ferry that takes about 13 hours.

How do I get from Oslo to Bergen?

There are also a few ways to get from Oslo to Bergen:

1. You can fly from Oslo to Bergen. It’s about a 50-minute flight for about $100
2. Get a Rental Car and drive from Oslo to Bergen. The drive is about 7 hours.
3. Go by train from Oslo to Bergen – this will also take about 7 hours.

Rental cars, tolls & ferries – oh my!

If you’re doing this road trip from Bergen to Ålesund, renting a car is the way to go. I used Discover Cars to review all the car company rates and picked what worked for me – ie. a small automatic because I don’t know how to drive standard yet.

Check Prices & Compare Deals with DISCOVER CARS

Many of Norway’s roads are toll roads, so be prepared to pay a few extra kroner ($$) at the end of your rental car bill. Don’t worry, each rental car is equipped with a toll pass, which automatically tracks tolls and ferry crossings so you don’t have to worry about it along the way.

Ferries are super simple to get onto as well, and will be a seamless transition from road to ferry and back on to road if you’re following Google Maps.

One last note about road trips and cars in Norway. Obey the speed limits, as a speeding ticket is super expensive (think hundreds of dollars) and there are speed cameras everywhere.

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Bergen to Ålesund Road Trip Highlights

Here is what you’ll see on this road trip.

✔️ Bergen

The city of Bergen is one of the most visually stunning cities in Norway. With its colorful houses and picturesque setting, it’s a great base for exploring the surrounding area, with easy access to the rest of the country.

✔️ Ålesund

The city of Ålesund is located on the west coast of Norway and is known for its picturesque setting and vibrant fishing industry. The city is built on a series of islands, and its colorful houses are a popular attraction.

✔️ Geiranger Fjord

One of my favorite fjords on this road trip because there are so many ways you can view it – on the road coming into Geiranger, from the ferry, from the top of a hike, and from the town as you sip on your award-winning cider and enjoy the sun!

✔️ Nærøy Fjord

Near Flam, you can take a boat tour of Nærøy Fjord which takes you up close to the towering cliffs, and there are hikes with stunning views all around. In addition, there are plenty of places to eat and drink, and you can even stay overnight in a traditional Norwegian cabin.

✔️ Loen Sky Lift

A small town on the road trip from Bergen to Ålesund, it’s nonetheless a must-stop just because the views from the top of the ski lift of Loen are insane.

✔️ Trollstigen Road

Loosely translated to the “Troll Road”, this is one of my favorite pieces of driving on the road trip from Bergen all the way up to Ålesund because of how windy and how scenic it is. And in the middle of the drive, you are welcomed by a giant waterfall that spills so close to the road itself, it almost touches your car!

✔️ Romsdalseggen Hike

One of the most beautiful hikes in Norway, and I promise I’m not the only one who thinks so! A 7-hour journey from end to end, this hike was the highlight of the entire trip.

✔️ Atlantic Ocean Road

The road weaves its way along the coast, offering stunning views of the ocean and the islands dotting the shoreline. While the road itself is only a few kilometers long, there are plenty of places to stop along the way to enjoy the view or take a hike.

So what are you waiting for, start planning your next Norway trip!