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.
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.
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.
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.
Distance: 230 km | Travel time: about 3 hours
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.
A place to stay just an hour from Stavanger: Norglamp on Randøy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Both accommodations are a 1-hour drive north of Balestrand
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.
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.
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.
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.
With more than 7,000 fast chargers, an electric car is an excellent choice. Use apps like Mer and Recharge to find charging stations.
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.
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.
Met een passie voor reizen en fotografie én meer dan 30 jaar ervaring in de reisbranche, deel ik graag mijn bijzondere natuur-reistips. Reizen is heerlijk en belangrijk, je ontmoet nieuwe mensen en culturen en het opent je blik op de wereld.
Dovrefjell in the Fall: Musk Ox Safari from Oppdal A musk ox doesn't run away. If danger threatens, it either stands its ground or charges right at it. That works against a wolf, but not against a train. That's what our guide, Hannes, tells us as we walk across the...
Hiking to Trondheim along ancient pilgrimage trails What’s it like to hike for days along ancient pilgrimage trails to Trondheim? During a trip through Sweden and Norway, I hiked several sections of the St. Olavsleden. From the open border mountains near Skalstugan to...
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