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The Most Beautiful Road Trip Through Southern Norway: Discover the Coast and the Fjords
Southern Norway is a dream destination for a road trip. Although Norway is known for its scenic train routes, a road trip offers a unique opportunity to discover places that would otherwise remain hidden.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed itinerary, helpful tips, and practical information to help you plan the perfect road trip. This route lets you combine the best of the breathtaking fjords, charming coastal towns, and lesser-known gems. This tour of southern Norway is perfect if you’re looking for peace and quiet, adventure, and nature.
Why take a road trip through Southern Norway?
A road trip through Southern Norway gives you the ultimate freedom to explore the diverse landscape at your own pace. We recommend setting aside at least 2 to 3 weeks so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy everything. Don’t forget to book your ferry tickets in advance and to factor in toll roads and charging stations if you’re driving an electric vehicle.
Day 1: Arrival in Kristiansand and exploring Lillesand
Distance: 27 km | Travel time: 20 minutes
Your adventure begins in Kristiansand, where you’ll arrive by ferry. Visit Kunstsilo, an impressive museum housed in an old grain silo and filled with modern art.
Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Then drive to charming Lillesand, just 20 minutes away. Here, you can go kayaking with a former Olympian, take a fishing excursion with Anglerpilot, or enjoy a leisurely bike ride through the charming town of Grimstad.
Photo credits: Alan Williams Photography / KunstsiloPhoto credits: Alan Williams Photography
Where to Stay in Lillesand and Kristiansand
Hotel Norge – An authentic hotel in Lillesand.
Treehouses in Kristiansand – A unique overnight stay surrounded by nature.
Tip: Dine at Under, a sustainable underwater restaurant
On the way from Kristiansand to Stavanger, there’s a unique restaurant in Lindesnes: a half-sunken ship that lies underwater. It’s a unique and sustainable experience—in terms of its location, architecture, and cuisine.
From Kristiansand, it’s about a 3-hour drive to Stavanger, known for its blend of historic charm and modern architecture. Discover Gamle Stavanger, the oil museum, and the vibrant street art. From the city, you can explore the Lysefjord by boat, kayak, or RIB. A visit to Gloppedalsura, Europe’s largest rock pile, is a must for nature lovers. Read more about this area in Southwest Norway.
Dalsnuten: a quiet and scenic alternative to Preikestolen
Flor & Fjære: Boat Trip to Flower Island with Dinner
Photo credit: Ruben Soltvedt – Fjord Norway
Tips for Where to Stay in Stavanger
Boretunet – Unique Tiny houses by the coast.
Villa Eckhoff – A cozy family hotel in the city center.
Utstein Pilegrimsgard (16 km from Stavanger)
Sjoberg Ferie Hotel and Apartments (14 km from Stavanger)
Photo credit: Eduardo Grund – Stavanger Region
Gloppedalsura Magma Geopark
Gloppedalsura is a 1.5-hour drive from Stavanger. It’s the largest “rock pile” in Northern Europe and a whopping 100 meters thick. It consists of boulders formed by landslides that occurred about 10,000 years ago. A beautiful area for walking and hiking. In Byrkjedal, there’s a beautiful lake at an elevation of 240 meters. You can also spend the night here at the Byrkjedalstunet hotel.
Accommodation Tips in the Stavanger Area
Boretunet: Old shipping containers have been turned into Tiny houses on the coast near Stavanger (a well-known surfing spot!)
Villa Eckhoff, Family Hotel in Downtown Stavanger
Utstein Pilegrimsgard (16 km from Stavanger)
Sjoberg Ferie Hotel and Apartments (14 km from Stavanger)
Dalsnuten Hike
You can take the bus to Preikestolen from Stavanger. The drive from Stavanger is about 39 km and takes 45 minutes .
One of the most famous hikes in Norway is the one to the Pulpit Rock—Preikestolen—so it gets crowded. A good alternative is the hike from Gramstad to Dalsnuten. It’s less thrilling (and less crowded), but the view is definitely worth it. You should definitely set aside at least half a day for it.
Green tip near Stavanger: Flor & Fjaere:From Stavanger, take a boat to the island, home to thousands of species of flowers and plants. You can buy a ticket that includes the boat ride, a guided tour, and dinner.
Additional Route Option: Suleskarvegen
If you want to drive your tour of southern Norway directly east from here (rather than continuing north as described below), there is a beautiful route via the Suleskarvegen. You’ll then travel through the Setesdal valley. This road is the shortest route between Sandnes near Stavanger and Oslo (about 425 kilometers and 7 hours) and is only open between late May and early November, depending on the weather.
Days 4–5: Mountains and Hiking at Mount Fløyen
Distance: 210 km | Travel time: about 4.5 hours
Bergen, also known as the gateway to the fjords, is about a 4.5-hour drive from Stavanger. Visit the colorful houses of Bryggen and enjoy the view from Mount Fløyen. For those staying longer, the hike to Mount Ulriken is highly recommended. From Bergen, you can take various fjord cruises, such as to the Sognefjord.
Staying Overnight in Bergen
Opus 16 – Historic 4-star hotel in the heart of the city.
Distance from Bergen to Loen: 372 km | travel time: about 7 hours
The Sognefjord, also known as the “King of the Fjords,” features spectacular branches such as the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord. Rent a bike and explore the Romantic Road, or take a cruise across the fjord. Then continue on to Loen, where you can take the steep Loen Skylift and enjoy views of glaciers and the Nordfjord.
Tips for Where to Stay Near Loen
Mindresunde Campground – A Beautiful Spot in Nature
B&B Singerheimen – A charming and authentic stay.
The Sognefjord has been certified as a “sustainable destination”; the region has committed to systematically reducing the negative impacts of tourism and, conversely, supporting its positive impacts.
Accommodation Tips in the Sognefjord Area
Jolstraholmen Campground & Cottages
Flatheim B&B in Vik
Both accommodations are a 1-hour drive north of Balestrand
Days 8–9: Ålesund and the Atlantic Road
Distance from Loen to Ålesund: 140 km | travel time: about 2 hours and 40 minutes
From Loen, you can reach Ålesund—known for its Art Nouveau architecture—in a few hours. For birdwatchers, a visit to Runde is a must. This island is home to thousands of puffins and is a paradise for ornithologists. Continue your journey along the Atlantic Road, one of the most beautiful driving routes in the world.
Tips for Where to Stay in Ålesund and Runde
Hotel Noreg – A comfortable stay in the center of Ålesund.
Hotel 1904 – A stylish Art Nouveau hotel in Ålesund.
Runde Research Center – A unique stay on the bird research island of Runde.
Days 10–12: Oppdal, Valdres, or Oslo
Distance from Kristiansund to Oppdal: 170 km | travel time: about 2.5 hours Distance from Oppdal – Valdres: 270 km | travel time: about 4 hours Distance Valdres – Oslo: 184 km | travel time: about 2 hours and 40 minutes
Round out your trip with a visit to Dovrefjell National Park, where you can spot the impressive musk ox. Or opt for the serene Valdres Nature Park, ideal for hiking, fishing, and biking. End your road trip in Oslo, where nature and culture blend seamlessly.
Accommodation Tips for Oppdal, Valdres, and Oslo
Wildriver Glamping – Luxury Glamping in Oppdal
Toftemo Tourist Station – Historic Farm Near Oppdal
Valdres Gjestegård – A charming place to stay in the heart of Valdres Park
Hotel Bristol Oslo – A classic hotel in downtown Oslo
Pan Treetop Cabins Finnskogen – Unique treehouses in the forests of Finnskogen
Dovrefjell National Park
Dovrefjell National Park is the only place in Norway—and one of the few places in the world—where you can see the impressive musk ox. You can explore the park in your own car or with an experienced guide, who can tell you all about the nature and wildlife. Another advantage of having a nature guide is that you’re very likely to spot a musk ox. The park is also home to birds of prey, reindeer, and stunning natural scenery.
From Oslo, you can take the ferry back to Kiel, Germany, or return from Kristiansand to Denmark. The distance from Oslo to Kristiansand is about 320 km.
Practical Tips for Your Road Trip Through Southern Norway
The boat to Norway
Hirtshals – Kristiansand: The shortest route, just a 2.5-hour ferry ride (you can also take a ferry from Hirtshals to Bergen or Stavanger).
Kiel – Oslo: A longer, but beautiful trip through the Oslofjord.
The drive to Hirtshals is about 950 km from Utrecht. You can buy ferry tickets from Fjordline or Colorline. Prices vary significantly (it’s cheaper until about mid-June due to the school vacation in Norway), and it’s worth checking the Norwegian website instead of the Dutch one.
If you plan to take a lot of ferries in Norway, you can order a pass, which will save you a significant amount of money.
Electric Driving in Norway
With more than 7,000 fast chargers, an electric car is an excellent choice. Use apps like Mer and Recharge to find charging stations.
Tips for Driving in Norway
The roads in Norway are in good condition, and drivers generally drive calmly. Outside built-up areas, the speed limit is 80; on some highways, it’s 100 (fines are expensive!). Many of the roads are toll roads. The cost depends on your fuel type; electric cars pay less. The most cost-effective way to pay for toll roads is to apply for a toll card in advance.
Best Time to Travel on a Tour of Southern Norway
The best time to take this route is between May and October. Be sure to wear layers and sturdy hiking boots. Check the weather on yr.no before you leave.
With a passion for travel and photography and over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, I love to share my special nature travel tips. Travel is wonderful and important, you meet new people and cultures and it opens your view of the world.
Lübeck & Travemünde: a green city break along the Baltic Sea Sleeping in an old Kellogg’s grain silo, having breakfast without cornflakes the next morning, and a day later searching for kingfishers on a river that once ran right through the Iron Curtain. Our short...
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A really beautiful six-day hike from Bologna to Florence. Communication with NatureTravelLab and the local agent was excellent. The information packet was waiting for us at the hotel in Bologna, and the app with the route worked great. Luggage transport was well organized every day, and our bags were waiting for us each time we arrived at our new room! We covered more than 1,400 meters of elevation gain, but unfortunately didn’t always get the views we’d hoped for due to cloud cover and some drizzle. Most days had great hiking weather. It was wonderful to walk into Florence on foot and stay there an extra day.
We experienced the Walk of the Gods as a great adventure. Our start in Bologna didn’t go quite as planned because our app wasn’t working yet and we couldn’t find a single sign for Via degli Dei in the square. Fortunately, we were quickly able to join two young hikers from Florence who were also doing the hike. After a wonderful night’s stay at the beautiful Rio Verde agritourism farm, Day 2 went much better with the help of the hiking app. Along the way, we enjoyed stunning views, met some great fellow hikers, and sampled delicious local dishes. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t always on our side, and we had a day of heavy rain, which made the trail very slippery and required us to be careful. It’s a real treat when, on the last day, you can already see Florence in the distance and walk into this beautiful city a few hours later. Thank you so much for your quick and friendly responses to all our questions.
We enjoyed the trip. We also made some changes to our itinerary, and the email correspondence went very smoothly. We started in Mantera; the next day, our first and only hike was a really beautiful one. The taxi picked us up right on time. Unfortunately, the second day’s route was almost the same when we cycled to Ostuni. The bikes were well-maintained, including panniers and helmets (these were simply included). You could even bring your own water bottle!!! We found the route very scenic and varied. There were charming little villages where we could stop for lunch or coffee. The app worked great. All the hotels ranged from good to excellent, though we didn’t think the hotel in Leuca was worthy of 4 stars. We followed your advice for the two nights we stayed there. We found Leuca a bit underwhelming for a two-day stay. We would have preferred to stay in Gallipoli or Lecce for two days. We took this trip in April and were very lucky with the weather. It’s still a quiet time of year, but we didn’t mind that. We definitely recommend it!!!
Thanks to a great tip from Nature Travel Lab, we had a wonderful week in Italy. Fattoria di Maiano, just outside Florence, was a beautiful and peaceful place. And the suggested road trips were a great guide for exploring the region. We’ll definitely check here for tips for our next vacation, too. Highly recommended!
We spent a divine week in Italy: we walked the Path of the Gods, from Bologna to Florence—about 135 km spread over 6 days of hiking. Challenging distances and climbs, amazing views, nature, and a warm welcome every time we arrived at the agriturismo or albergo/hotel. All of this was perfectly organized by the Italian company Slow Active Tours, entirely in line with Nature Travel Lab’s itinerary proposal: upon arrival in Bologna, an information packet was waiting for us, complete with a hiking map, a booklet, and passports for the stamps. And the hiking app was very practical for along the way! Our luggage was transported every day and was always waiting for us when we arrived at the next location. Communication was smooth and clear. In short, highly recommended, well worth it, and well-organized.
In September, I walked the Cammino Materano. Communicating with Madelon about the booking was a pleasure. To be honest, I was quite nervous because it was my first time doing a multi-day hike—alone and in a region I wasn’t familiar with—but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The hike to Matera was beautiful, and I was able to complete it without any trouble thanks to the clear on-site signage and the routing and advice provided by the GPS app. The rest of the organization was top-notch as well. My luggage always arrived on time at the right destination, and the hotels and B&Bs were of high quality. In addition, the organizers were easy to reach via WhatsApp if I had any questions. Highly recommended!
Slovenia was absolutely amazing. A beautiful country, friendly people, lovely hiking trails, and truly top-notch hotels. The staff at the local organization were also very easy to reach and helpful. The hiking was manageable. As Dutch people, we’re not used to high altitudes, of course, so it was pretty tough at times. But it was also a lot of fun.
We had a wonderful trip. Everything was well organized. Due to an unfortunate fall, I ended up traveling with my luggage for a day, but that was handled well, too. We really liked all the accommodations. Only the Hotel Hebe in St. Piero a Sieve was a little less impressive, but it was still okay.
Looks fantastic! I'm definitely going to book a trip with this company... they're committed to sustainability and personalized advice. Definitely worth it.
Madelon and her team are true experts. Thanks to their years of experience and passion for travel, they manage to surprise us time and time again.
Beautiful hikes, the most picturesque spots—it’s a real treat.
I highly recommend them!
Nature Travel Lab provided us with very helpful and honest assistance!
If you’re looking for travel itineraries, the most beautiful hikes, and destinations, you can find it all here. You’ll find endless inspiration for your next trip. Beautiful cities are interspersed with nature. You’ll find everything you need to know about practical matters. Plus, there are plenty of tips for sustainable travel. That way, you’ll get the most out of your trip.
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Are you looking for the most beautiful hiking and biking routes? Or do you want information about traveling by train or advice for the most beautiful road trips through nature. Get inspired for your next trip in green; ideas for planning your own trip or opting for an organized trip.
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