Road trip in Norway: Tips for the driving holiday of a lifetime
Are you dreaming of a road trip filled with spectacular landscapes, charming towns and unforgettable nature experiences? Then Norway is the perfect destination for you.
A driving holiday in Norway gives you the freedom to explore the country at your own pace and experience everything from fjords and mountains to impressive historical buildings and endless national parks.
Foto: Visit Ryfylke
Why go on a road trip in Norway?
Perhaps you mostly associate driving holidays with road trips across the Continent or in the United States - but in fact, a driving holiday in Norway can be at least as impressive and eventful - and your experiences will start just a ferry ride from Denmark, so you can drive the trip in your own car, which you know inside out.
In addition, a road trip is a truly fantastic holiday form that gives you a unique opportunity to experience Norway's spectacular nature and culture up close. Here are some of the benefits of choosing to go on a driving holiday in Norway:
Freedom and flexibility: Drive wherever and whenever you want. You can change the route and itinerary as needed – and let 'hey, let's follow that sign, that looks exciting!' guide you way.
Proximity to nature: Experience Norway's spectacular nature up close with new vistas around every corner and the opportunity to stop and just enjoy the moment at any time.
Family friendly vacation: A road trip is ideal for families with children, as it provides flexibility and comfort – especially in Norway, where you can drive your own car.
Easy-to-find accommodation: When you are on a road trip in Norway, you can either choose to bring a tent and just spend the night in the wild outdoors – or you can stop at one of the country's many campsites, where you can often rent cabins or holiday apartments for one or two nights at a time. (However, remember that in peak season, it may be a good idea to book in advance if you wish to spend the night at specific campsites or hotels during your trip).
Foto: Håvard Nesbø
Planning your road trip in Norway
Planning is the key to a successful road trip in Norway – whether you're the 'I define the start and end and take things as they come' type or the 'I need to plan every single day down to the smallest detail' type. Here are some tips to make your road trip as eventful and hassle-free as possible:
Route planning: Spend time planning your route. Consider which sights you want to see and how long you want to spend at each place. Familiarize yourself with the special Norwegian tourist routes, which offer some extraordinary attractions along the way – for example, the 18 National Tourist Routes or the Atlantic Road up the beautiful west coast. Also be aware of what time of year you plan your road trip – in Norway's high mountains, certain mountain passes and roads can be closed with snow well into spring.
Accommodation: If you are the type of person who wants to stay overnight at specific campsites or in specific types of cabins, hotel rooms or holiday apartments, you should book accommodation in advance - especially in peak season.
Preparation: Make sure the car is in good condition and that you have all the necessary equipment, including GPS, maps, first aid kit, and snacks.
Drive carefully: Be aware of the many hairpin bends and narrow roads, especially in the fjord areas, and keep an eye out for warning signs about, for example, rockslides.
Toll roads: Be prepared to pay tolls on some of the most popular routes. You can read more about that here.
Weather: The weather may change quickly in Norway, so pack for both sunshine and rain.
Road trip with children in Norway
Going on a driving holiday with children can be a great experience, but it requires a little extra planning. In addition to the usual advice such as 1) bring plenty of entertainment, 2) take frequent breaks and 3) always have snacks and drinks in the car, on a road trip in Norway you may also consider special activities aimed at the children, e.g.
Foto:
- Visit one of the water parks that can be found in many Norwegian holiday resorts – also in the mountains.
- Include a visit to one of the many fantastic Norwegian amusement parks.
- Go on a moose safari, dog sledding trip, farm visit or a visit to a living Viking village.
- Take a dip in a mountain lake and then have a picnic on the shores of the lake.
Get inspiration for more children's experiences here.
Tips for unforgettable road trip routes in Norway
Whether you dream of the ultimate road trip from Southern Norway to Northern Norway's midnight sun and Arctic Circle or shorter road trips in the beautiful Norwegian nature, you can be sure to return home with plenty of unique experiences under your belt.
Here are three tips for road trip routes that include both famous highlights and lesser-known gems:
Start your road trip with Fjord Line
No matter where your road trip takes you, we guarantee you a comfortable and relaxing crossing to Norway. Take the short crossing to Kristiansand and start your experiences a few hours from North Denmark – or let us bring you closer to Fjord Norway and Northern Norway's stunning fjord-and-mountain landscapes if you sail to Stavanger or Bergen.
Ready for your Norwegian adventure?
A road trip in Norway is an unforgettable experience filled with scenic views, exciting activities, and cultural highlights. Whether you're traveling with kids, friends, or alone, you'll find something that fascinates and inspires you on your road trip in Norway. So pack your car, plan your route – and get ready for an adventure in one of the world's most beautiful countries!