Planning an 11 day Norway road trip can feel overwhelming with so many fjords and waterfalls to see.
I’ve mapped out a complete route through South Norway and the Western Fjords covering the country’s best landscapes.
This guide shows you each day’s drive, photo stops, hikes, and where to sleep. You’ll learn the best time to visit (May through August), how to handle tolls, and which routes offer top views.
I’m sharing practical tips including driving distances, accommodations, and must see waterfalls.
This itinerary balances driving with hiking so you enjoy each location instead of rushing through.
Planning Your 11 Day Norway Road Trip
Visit between May and August when mountain roads stay open and trails stay accessible. Rent a car in Oslo and check if tolls are included since roads charge automatically.
Fuel costs more than other European countries, so fill up in larger towns. The route covers South Norway then Western Fjords with 2 to 4 hours of driving most days.
Book accommodations ahead in summer. Mix cabins near trails with guesthouses and hotels in Bergen or Oslo for variety and convenience.
11 Day Norway Road Trip
A complete 11-day driving route through Norway’s fjords, waterfalls, and mountain roads from Oslo to Bergen and back.
Day 1: Oslo Start Your Trip
Spend a few hours in Oslo if you arrive early. The Opera House sits by the water with a walkable roof for harbor views. Akershus Fortress overlooks the fjord with old walls and grounds to explore.
Vigeland Park holds over 200 sculptures and stays free to enter.
Day 2: Oslo to Odda
Drive 280 kilometers into fjord country with your first taste of Norwegian landscapes. Stop at Heddal Stave Church, a 13th century wooden structure, and walk around for 30 minutes.
Visit the nearby Open Air Museum to see traditional farm buildings. Grab breakfast at Mjonøy Bakery where cinnamon buns beat any highway station option.
Day 3: Odda Lakes and Hikes
Use today to explore on foot instead of driving more kilometers. Hike to Bondhusvatnet Lake on a 2-hour round trip for glacier views above bright blue water.
The trail climbs through birch forest before opening to the lake. Pack lunch to eat by the shore where the Folgefonna glacier hangs overhead.
Day 4: Odda to Bergen
Drive 180 kilometers along fjords with mountains rising from the water. Stop at viewpoints with parking areas and safety railings to see how far fjords stretch.
Some viewpoints include short trails that climb 10 minutes for better angles. Watch for waterfall signs and pull over for quick photos when traffic allows.
Day 5: Bergen Fjord Exploration
Explore Western Fjords near Bergen without driving far from the city. Head to nearby fjord arms where each inlet looks different and some narrow to just a few hundred meters.
Park and walk along the shore at quiet spots with small beaches. Take the Voss Gondola to Mount Hanguren’s summit in 9 minutes for panoramic mountain views.
Day 6: Bergen to Hardanger Fjord
Drive to Hardanger Fjord, one of Norway’s most dramatic regions. Stop at Bordalsgjelet Gorge where waterfalls pour through narrow channels cut deep into rock.
Walk the trail along the gorge edge for about an hour. You’ll cross small bridges and climb stairs carved into stone with waterfall spray reaching the path.
Day 7: Hardanger Fjord Fjords & Waterfalls
Dedicate today to waterfalls and water views in the Hardanger region. Visit Skjervsfossen Waterfall, dropping 150 meters down a cliff with a flat trail to the base.
Mist from the falls cools the air and creates rainbows on sunny days. Spend the afternoon relaxing by Hardanger Fjord where water reflects mountains and sky.
Day 8: Hardanger Fjord to Oslo via Hardangervidda
Drive back toward Oslo through mountain plateau country above tree line. Stop at Vøringfossen Waterfall, one of Norway’s most famous at 182 meters tall with multiple viewpoints.
Walk on the new glass walkway extending over the gorge above falling water. Drive the Hardangervidda Scenic Route across a flat, treeless plateau dotted with lakes and summer snow.
Day 9-10: Side Trips from Oslo
Use these days however you prefer with flexibility built into the itinerary. Explore Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum holding actual vessels from over 1,000 years ago or see works at the Munch Museum.
Take an Oslo Fjord cruise running several times daily in summer. Boats show you islands and shorelines from the water with different perspectives of the city.
Day 11: Departure
Return your rental car at Oslo airport or in the city center. Check the vehicle for any new damage and take photos showing you returned it clean and undamaged.
Fill the gas tank before dropping it off since most companies charge extra fees for empty returns. Think back on waterfalls, fjord reflections, mountain roads, and hikes from the past 11 days.
Tips for a Smooth Norway Road Trip
Plan your driving logistics before you leave home. Norway’s road system works well but requires some preparation.
- Rent a car in Oslo and book early in summer. Check if unlimited mileage and tolls are included since roads charge automatically at 10-50 NOK per pass.
- Bring layers and waterproof gear as mountain weather changes fast. Pack good hiking boots for rocky trails and carry some cash for remote stops.
- Balance driving with stops and give extra time on winding fjord roads. Arrive at accommodations by 6-7 PM since mountain roads get tricky after dark.
- Reserve rooms at least a month ahead for summer travel. Mix cabins, guesthouses, and hotels throughout your trip for variety and cost savings.
- Visit waterfalls before 11 AM for fewer crowds and better light. Check forecasts and shift driving days if storms threaten since fog blocks mountain pass views.
Conclusion
Your 11 days Norway road trip will show you why people fall hard for this country.
I still think about the moment I stood at the base of Vøringfossen, feeling the mist hit my face while the water thundered into the gorge.
Mix driving with hiking and give yourself time to just sit by the fjords. Norway rewards slow travel.
If these 11 days hook you (they will), start planning a longer trip to reach the northern regions or Lofoten.
Tell me in the comments which stop you’re most excited about, or share your own Norway road trip stories below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month for an 11 day Norway road trip?
June through August offers the best conditions. Mountain roads stay open, weather stays warmer, and daylight stretches late into evening. May works too but expect lingering snow at higher elevations.
How much does a Norway road trip cost for 11 days?
Budget around $2,500 to 3,500 per person including car rental, fuel, accommodation, and food. Fuel and tolls add up quickly. Staying in cabins and cooking some meals cuts costs significantly compared to hotels and restaurants.
Do I need a 4×4 vehicle for this Norway itinerary?
No, a regular car handles all these roads fine in summer. Mountain passes stay paved and well-maintained. Save money with a smaller vehicle that uses less fuel.
Can I wild camp during a Norway road trip?
Yes, Norway’s right to roam law allows camping in nature for one night. Stay at least 150 meters from homes. Many travelers mix wild camping with paid campgrounds that offer showers and facilities.
Is 11 days enough to see Norway’s fjords?
Eleven days covers South Norway and Western Fjords. You’ll see major highlights without rushing. For northern fjords, Lofoten Islands, or Arctic areas, plan 2-3 weeks minimum to avoid spending all day driving.