A Stunning South Norway Road Trip in 10 Days

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Let’s get this out of the way… Norway is one of the most naturally gorgeous places I’ve ever been to, and a South Norway road trip is the way to see it.

This is literally the home of insane fjords cutting through giant mountains, Vikings, salmon that you can eat sashimi style out of the ocean, and the Northern Lights. I was a bit nervous when I made my first trip here a couple of years back because Norway seems wild and huge – and it is. There are very few tourist things to lean on, and while I’m glad for this, it’s daunting to plan a culture & hiking trip, one where nothing is catered for you.

Here are my South Norway road trip priorities, and you’ll see my route below:

• See Fantastic Fjord & Mountain Views: I wanted to do the iconic hikes like Prekeistolen (Pulpit Rock) and Romsdalseggen (locally recommended), and see the prettiest fjords like Lyse Fjord, Geiranger, Loen, and Sognefjorden.
• Eat Local Norwegian Food: I wanted to eat super local and super well. Like fish right out of the fjords caught that morning, maybe some of the weirder Nordic stuff too!
• Stay in Cute Lodging with Star-Gazing: I like Norwegian architecture because it’s a nice blend of modern meets cozy, and so I opted for spots with amazing views, places with indoor saunas (because that’s a thing to do here), and really cozy spots that don’t break the bank.

This post is meant to be the plan behind my road trip around southern Norway, “a la Mariana,” because there is nothing like doing it yourself to spark that little fire. So here is all the due diligence you need to get going!

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South Norway Road Trip 10-Day Itinerary

Here is my South Norway road trip route, with several restaurant recommendations and little gems of where to stay along the way!

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

Pick up your rental car and drive the 1 hour from the airport to the city center in Oslo. On my first day in the city, I loved winding down at the port, walking around, and listening to live music at night.

If you’re not renting a car for the first couple of days in Oslo, do NOT take a Taxi/Uber from the airport to the city center. It’s super expensive (~€300), and there’s a better way. The fastest way to get from the airport to Oslo is to take the train. Look for Vy or Flytoget trains. Trains get you to the city center in 20 minutes for pretty cheap.

My Favorite Restaurants in Oslo:
👉 Arakataka – Nordic food & a budget fine dining gem
👉 Happolati – Norwegian meets Asian fusion, quite nice inside too!
👉 Vippa local street food vendors in a giant warehouse with breweries on the pier
👉 SALT – Live music spot with beer and street food!

Where to Stay in Oslo

You’ll be staying in Oslo for 2 nights, and I recommend staying in the city center, so everything is walkable. Additionally, you’ll want to find a place that has a place to park your car.

📍 Luxury: Grand Hotel Oslo – if you’ve never stayed in a Grand Hotel, this is an excellent example of high-class European charm and is renowned in Oslo.
📍 Mid-Range: Hotel Bristol – super cozy, fantastic breakfast, the decor is my favorite part, and right in the city center.

Day 2: Be a Tourist in Oslo

Be a tourist and walk or scoot around the city! As luck would have it, I have a good friend in Oslo who was my guide around this amazing city. Here are the places we visited if you want to find your own way.

• Opera House Oslo – Don’t miss out on scooting across the opera house rooftop – you’ll know what I mean when you look at its architectural design. Oh, and trust me, everyone will be doing it! 🙂
  
• Munch Museum – I love a good art immersion, and if you’re into that as well, this is where you can see the famous The Scream painting!
  
• Var Frelsers Graveyard – It’s a graveyard, but hear me out… while I don’t usually put cemeteries on my “must-see” list, Norwegians build their graveyards to have a feeling of peace and quiet, and this one is serene and gorgeous. Take your time to walk among the people of the past, imagining their life rather than mourning their graves.
  
• The Royal Palace – I do recommend taking a tour if you have the time and inclination towards history like me!
  
• Oslo Cathedral – I found myself on the beautiful cathedral lawn with a cup of hot tea – another wonderful spot to take a nap in the sun.
  
• Vikingskipshuset – This is the Viking Ship Museum and a bit of a trek on the west side of Oslo. But holy smokes, you can see a real-life Viking ship. Enough said on this one.

➡️ I recommend this Customized Private Tour so you can really dive into the culture, history, and local hot spots. ⬅️

Day 3: Drive from Oslo to Stavanger

This is a big driving day, traversing most of southern Norway. Grab some snacks and enjoy the drive and views of the cutest wooden houses along the way. This will take you about 7-8 hours, and I took the most direct route.

PRO TIP: If your drive takes you along the southernmost tip of Norway, don’t miss taking a lunch break at the Lindesnes Lighthouse. This is Norway’s oldest lighthouse, dating back to 1656. Cute museum, a few quickie hiking trails around to stretch your legs. Not a must, but definitely a notable mention.

If I were to do it differently, I would opt to be carless in Oslo for a couple of days and fly from Oslo to Stavanger where I would start my road trip and rent a car. I reason that the drive from Oslo to Stavanger in the next few days is a huge 8-hour trek, and while it’s pretty depending on what route you take, it’s hellishly long.

Where to Stay in Stavanger

You’ll also stay in Stavanger for 2 nights, and I recommend lodging near the town center.

📍Luxury: Hotel Victoria – Right on the water, with a fantastic view of the pier, cozy and elegant decor, and a cute lounge & bar area.
📍 Mid Range: Sea Story by Frogner House – a more modern option; I love this spot for the stunning bathroom and the floor-to-ceiling windows for morning coffee peeking over Stavanger. A classic Nordic apartment.

Day 4: Preikestolen Hike & Lyse Fjord Cruise

Your morning will be dedicated to the Preikestolen Hike, one of the more iconic hiking trails on this southern Norway road trip itinerary for 10 days. Go early in the morning to avoid the rush of people, and make sure to pack a lunch, water, and your camera. I’m a moderately fit American, and I would say this hike was easy – it took me about 3 hours roundtrip and the views were breathtaking!

Your afternoon is all about the Lyse Fjord. Around 3 pm, there’s a cruise that departs from Stavanger Harbor. Get on that cruise to see the Lyse Fjord and Preikestolen from the water. It’s so cute and is only a couple of hours. Get your tickets ahead of time at Rodne Fjord Cruise.

My Favorite Restaurants in Stavanger
👉 Fisketorget Stavanger – a fish market with a little restaurant inside, I recommend the fish soup for lunch
👉 Renaa Michelin Restaurant – first Michelin in Stavanger, excellent Norwegian classics. It’s a bit pricey (about $150 per person without the wine pairing), but OMG! Reservation is required, so book a few days ahead!

Day 5: Drive from Stavanger to Bergen

Another drive day along the coast of Norway with stunning views. This one will take about 6 hours.

When you arrive in Bergen, grab a snack/beer to go and take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen here. You can enjoy a beautiful sunset and equally gorgeous views of Bergen with your adult beverage in hand.

Instead of taking the funicular down, walk the path to the bottom – it will only take you 30 min and the forest reminds me of something out of a Grimm’s fairytale. Norwegians love trolls, so you’ll see these naughty little imps everywhere, as they are part of the local culture.

Where to Stay in Bergen

You’ll be in Bergen for 2 nights as well.

📍 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 6: Be a tourist in Bergen

I started the morning with breakfast and a cruise through the Bergen Fjords. My best recommendation here is to bundle up, because you’ll want to be on the outside deck admiring the little towns you pass by, and the nature that will be sure to impress.

In the afternoon, I joined a Walking Tour in Bergen: Past and Present – and it was the perfect blend of history, sights, and storytelling to have you falling in love with the town.

From there, it’s a “choose your own adventure” for the day. Rent a bike or find a hiking trail nearby, get day-wasted at the port, or just Netflix & chill.

My Favorite Restaurants in Bergen:
👉 Bryggeloftet & Steune Restaurant: Locally recommended & oldest traditional Norwegian restaurant in Bergen. Great for dinner, the steak is fantastic!
👉 Pergola Italian & Wine Bar: Another gem, located down a narrow alleyway.
👉 Bjerk: for lunch or dinner, really nice views of the pier.
👉 Olivia Italian – Italian comfort food for when you’re tired of Norwegian (which is a real thing)

➡️ My Best Thing To Do in Bergen is to take the Mostraumen Bergen Fjord Cruise! ⬅️

Day 7: Drive from Bergen to Loen

This drive is quite long as well, about 6 hours, but you’ll be graced by the gorgeous coast of Norway again. I recommend an early start so you can get to Loen by 3 pm. I loved packing a lunch in Bergen to take with me – this way I could stop anywhere along the road where it was gorgeous (and there are plenty of spots) to enjoy my meal.

In Loen, take the sky lift up, and enjoy the views. There are a few short hiking trails around the top, and I highly encourage a couple of hours walking around, especially as you’ve just spent the better part of the day in a car… stretch those legs!

Where to Stay in Loen

This is only a one-night stay because it’s been a long ass drive and you’re in a pretty place to stop.

📍 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 8: Geiranger Fjord & Skagefla Hike

The drive from Loen to Geiranger is 2.5 hours. You’ll be staying in this little town for 2 nights, so we’ll take it easy today.

Lunch Recommendation: Get a good early lunch (including their award-winning sour beer) at Brasserie Posten before your fjord boat tour.

The early afternoon boat tour of the Geiranger Fjord will be relaxing and pretty, so take it easy. On the way back to port, the boat will stop at a random-looking place along the edge – this is Skagehola.

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 seriously steep stone steps, but worth the views of the “Seven Sisters” Waterfall from the top – hello, UNESCO World Heritage Site! From here, you go back down the steps and get back on the boat – the pick-up service is included as part of your ticket.

Once you’re off the boat, there is an amazing serpentine scenic drive, maybe about 30 minutes total, that takes you to this viewpoint – highly recommend it!

Where to Stay in Geiranger

This little Norwegian town is your home base for 2 nights before you head back down to Olso on the last day.

📍 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 9: Åndalsnes, Trollstigen & Romsdalseggen Hike

This will be a big day, so make sure you have a hearty breakfast and pack some lunch snacks. Geiranger to Andalsnes takes 2.5 hours, and Romsdalseggen is a full-day hike, end to end. That said, this was the most beautiful hike of my life, and I will never forget it.

The Romsdalseggen Hike starts in the town of Andalsnes, at the main bus stop. Try to catch the 9 am or 10:30 am bus to the trailhead. It is a 20-minute bus ride, but try to buy bus tickets ahead of time as buses get packed for this trail.

You’ll start with a steady uphill for 2 hours, but trust me, the views get better and better, especially after you scramble up the very top of the mountain and across its ridge. On the descent, when you get to the ski lift, have yourself a beer and enjoy the view – you earned it!

From the top at the hut, there are 2 options:

• Ride the ski lift down. If this is your choice, have a second beer and smile… you’ve done well!
• Walk 40 min on a steep downhill trail to the bottom. This is what I did, and it destroyed me. If you choose this one, may the odds be in your favor… you will not feel your legs for the next 3 days!

TREAT YOURSELF: Dinner recommendation in Andalsnes at Sodahlhuset. You’ve earned it!

On the drive back to your home, you’ll go up through one of the most scenic roads on this Norway road trip itinerary… Trollstigen.

I know you’re tired, but stop at the lookout point at the top and take in the view. Make sure to take the walkway (5 min walk) to the very end where you can see the valley in all its majestic grandness. Today was a good day.

Day 10: Drive from Geiranger to Oslo

While the drive is not nearly as gorgeous as what you’ve done and seen on this southern Norway road trip, it’s still scenic and cute! It should take you all day to get to Oslo, about an 8-hour drive.

From here, it’s just about catching a flight back home.

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South Norway Road Trip Map

This was my route, but if I were to do it again, I might fly directly from Oslo into Bergen or Stavanger and start my Norway road trip itinerary for 10 days there – simply to remove a chunk of driving and make more room for hiking days.

If you love mountains but want to be a bit more cost-conscious than Norway can offer, consider staying on the European mainland and check out my Switzerland to Italy Road Trip. Insane hikes and we only spent $3.5K total for 2 people in 14 days! 🥳

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Renting a Car in Norway

Norway is geographically long, and there are many ways to get around – rent a car, take the train, fly from one city to another, etc. No wrong way to do it, really – just depends on the time you have, your budget, and your transportation preference.

I opted to rent a car for 10 days and enjoyed the hell out of the gorgeous scenery along the coast of southern Norway. Honestly, it was a treat driving in Norway! Here’s what I used to find a good option, it’s my go-to for pricing comparison.

Check and Compare Cars in Norway with:
➡️ DISCOVER CARS ⬅️

The wildest thing I encountered on the way were these sheep. If you can, go diesel when you rent a car, it’s cheaper in Norway.

Is Driving in Norway Easy?

Yes! Especially in the July or August months. The roads are in excellent condition. There should be paid public parking lots everywhere.

While driving, tolls or ferry rides are automatically logged by the auto pass on your car, you’ll get the tab when you return the rental. Super seamless, you honestly don’t have to do anything except keep driving!

A few things to keep in mind: Driving as an American in Europe: Documentation & Rules of the Road.

How long does it take to drive from one end of Norway to the other?

So this depends on the weather, random sheep blocking a highway, and the pace you set. Check out the map above to see my route, but here are the drive times for the key points on my Norway road trip, keeping in mind I drove this in August when the skies were sunny with a touch of rain here and there.

• Oslo to Stavanger (for Pulpit Rock & Lyse Fjord): 7 hours
• Stavanger to Bergen: 5 hours
• Bergen to Loen: 5 hours
• Loen to Geiranger (for UNESCO Skagefla Hike): 1 hour
• Geiranger to Andalsnes (for Romsdalseggen Hike): 2.5 hours
• Geiranger to Oslo: 8 hours

The longer drives are a bit brutal, but here are 7 Unique Ways to Pass the Time, including games and deep-dive discussion questions.

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South Norway Road Trip Tips

I had a lot of questions when I first started planning this trip, especially as I was traveling solo. Here are a few frequently asked questions and resources.

Is Norway good for a road trip?

Yes, and a fantastic option if you want to push yourself outside of your comfort zone when it comes to hiking – and be rewarded with some of the most fantastic views of fjords, idyllic wooden houses, and mountains in the world.

I’ve put together a few Pros and Cons of Roadtrips & Why I Love Them that ring true for this route through Southern Norway.

Do I need Travel Insurance for Norway?

While Norway is safe, this road trip involves a lot of driving, hiking, and overall hard-core adventuring. There are a few options out there, so take a couple of minutes to review the 5 Best Medical Insurance Policies for Europe. I use SafetyWing because it’s affordable and flexible (I can get it for a week or a month, etc.) See what fits for you, here is the link.

This is what I use
➡️ SAFETYWING: Travel Medical Insurance ⬅️

When is the best time to go on a road trip in Norway?

The best times to get the most sun and really see the beauty of southern Norway is in July & August.

Is Norway expensive?

The short answer is yes… but it doesn’t have to be. Here is the cost breakdown for my solo 10-day trip:

• Car Rental: $600
• Lodging: $1,500
• Food & Drink: $1,000

If you’re hitting up restaurants every day, you can expect a meal without alcohol to range from $30-50. The best bet is to go grocery shopping (Billa, DM Supermarket) and cook at home or buy snacks for the road.

Alcohol is expensive. Beer is sold everywhere, and the local brews are delicious. However, wine and liquor are controlled by the government and ONLY sold in special Wine Monopoly stores (I’m serious!), which are open only at specific times. No wine/liquor is found in any supermarkets.

Lodging can average around $150 a night for hotels or AirB&B, but private rooms in hostels (which are super clean) or homes can be a more budget-friendly option.

Norway is also a country that lets you put a tent just about anywhere as long as you are not an inconvenience, which is what makes tent life a fun, cheap way to go if you’re into it!

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What to Pack for a Norway Road Trip

While July and August are mostly sunny and bright, the weather in Norway can be unpredictable. I’ve put together some great tips on how to pack Cute and Comfy Road Trip Outfits in another article, but here’s the gist of what you need.

• Rain Jacket – lightweight and waterproof, and ideally packs really small so you can carry it with you everywhere.
  
• Layers – from warm leggings, jeans, to a few t-shirts and sweaters. But also pack a pair of shorts and a sundress for just that one perfect sunny day!
  
• Hiking Boots & Socks
  
• Hiking Backpack or Daypack – where else are you going to put that rain jacket and snacks?!
  
• A Bathing Suit – for those opportune sauna moments or if you’re crazy enough to jump into one of the many lakes on this road trip.
  
• Reusable Water Bottle – a must.

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Wrap-Up: 11 Iconic Things You’ll See in Southern Norway

In a nutshell, this is one of my favorite road trips because of all the hikes and scenic views packed into a short 10-day road trip.

✔️ Oslo – The capital city, and if you do it right, you can see the famous Munch Museum (including the famous painting The Scream), the Oslo Opera House, and even a Viking ship!

✔️ Lindesnes Lighthouse – Oldest lighthouse in Norway, think 1600’s. Located in the definition of Southern Norway on your route from Oslo to Stavanger.

✔️ Preikestolen – Aka “Pulpit Rock” and one of the more iconic hiking trails and photo opp along the trip.

✔️ Lysen Fjord – Gorgeous Fjord along with a spectacular view of “Pulpit Rock” from the water.

✔️Bergen – Iconic colorful houses along the port and the cutest town ever.

✔️ Loen Skylift – One of the steepest cable cars in the world, with spectacular views of Loen in the heart of fjord country.

✔️ Romsdalseggen Hike – Best views on this trip and one of the more challenging/rewarding hiking trails I’ve done so far.

✔️ Trollstigen Road – The famous serpentine mountain road in southern Norway.

✔️ Geiranger Fjord – With beautiful views of the “Seven Sisters” Waterfall and Skagefla Mountain.

✔️ Skagefla Hike – A UNESCO World Heritage site and where a lot of those pictures on Instagram come from. An absolute gem of a hiking trail on this southern Norway road trip!

✔️ Atlantic Ocean Road – The rollercoaster road through an archipelago (ie, water and land) that will make you applaud the civil engineering in this country!

PRO TIP: If you only have 7 days, think about skipping Oslo and Stavanger in order to do justice to a Road Trip from Bergen to Alesund.