The Ultimate 7 Day Norwegian Fjords Road Trip for 2026
The Norwegian Fjords is an area filled with jaw-dropping beauty, with snow covered peaks that tower above the striking blues of the fjord waters that seem to flow forever. There are countless waterfalls flowing down the mountain sides from the melting snow and ice and beautiful valleys that are just waiting to be explored. All of this makes it extremely difficult to know where to start in Norway, but this itinerary will allow you to truly experience Norway in all its wonder.
A road trip is one of our favourite ways to travel, and with all the majestic landscapes that Norway has to offer, travelling round the country by car, or even campervan is definitely a once in a lifetime experience. If you’d prefer to use public transport or coaches, make sure to do your research on this first to check that it’ll be a viable option. You can use the Entur App to book public transport tickets and view timetables for the Norway public transport system. Whether you choose a road trip or use trains and buses, this itinerary is sure to blow you away with spectacular views, great hiking trails, serene fjord experiences and amazing memories to cherish forever. Let’s get started!
Day One – Fly into Bergen
You can fly direct into Bergen from many European cities, such as Paris, London, Amsterdam and Oslo. If you’re traveling from further away, I’d suggest booking flights that have layovers in these cities and then taking a connecting flight that lands in Bergen. There is a reliable public transport system from Oslo to Bergen that you could make use of if your budget is limited, but if you can, I would recommend flights instead to save the hassle of carrying luggage around between trains and buses.
Bergen is the starting point of your Norway adventure and you’ll want to spend a night in the city to explore, eat some local food and get some well needed rest before you head off on your road trip. Being a relatively small city, it’s easy to explore Bergen in one afternoon or evening. The most recognisable area of the city would be the UNESCO World Heritage Site old wharf of Bryggen, with houses that date back centuries, a vibrant flower and fish market and a couple of museums to check out. You can also get a great view of the city by taking the funicular railway up to a nearby mountain top.
Traditional wooden buildings along the waterfront of Bergen, Norway
These accommodation options are highly rated options for your stay in Bergen:
Day Two – Let the Road Trip Begin
Days two and three will be the longest days spent on the road, about 150 miles of driving each day, to make your way deep into the breath-taking scenery of the fjord-lands. The rest of the trip is all about the incredible views and landscapes, so the long drives are definitely worth it!
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On the morning of day two, collect your rental car and drive along the winding roads that follow Norway’s deepest and longest fjord – Sognefjord, to the little town of Flam. If you want to get out of the car and stretch your legs along the journey to Flam, you can make a couple of stops at Tvindefossen waterfall and Stalheim Panoramic terrace for some great photo and video opportunities.
Gorgeous Norwegian fjord views
Once you’ve arrived in Flam, you can spend a few hours of the afternoon enjoying some activities around the area, with a choice of local food tasting, hiking or relaxing in a floating sauna on the fjord. You could also take a lovely scenic train ride called the Flamsbana railway that goes up to Myrdal station (this does take one hour each way though, so make sure to allow for enough time in your schedule). From Flam, there is a one-and-a-half-hour drive – including ferry ride, to Sogndal, where I recommend staying overnight.
Highly rated Booking.com Accommodation options in Sogndal Include:
Day Three – Sognefjellet National Tourist Route and The Skywalk
On day three you’ll be driving from Sogndal to Geiranger along the highest mountain pass in Northern Europe, the Sognefjellet National Tourist Route. Get your camera ready, because things are about to get incredibly Insta-worthy!
During this amazing three-and-a-half-hour journey, you’ll pass by landscapes that are dominated by towering mountains and sky-blue fjords as you drive through Jotunheimen National Park. Keep your eye out for wildlife such as lynx, wolverines, deer and reindeer that call the national park their home. You could even be lucky enough to spot a White-tailed Eagle, which has a wing span of up to two meters!
Jotunheimen National Park
Continue the drive from the park towards Dalsnibba Skywalk, where you can enjoy sweeping views of Geiranger, the mountain peaks and the Blabreen glacier. The skywalk is located 1500 meters above sea level, so you’ll really be able to get unbeatable views of the area. A few things to be aware of are a toll fee of 330 NOK that is required, and there is a bit of a walk to get to the viewpoint. Remember to take a jacket up there with you, because the winds can be very strong, and mountain weather is constantly changing, it’s definitely worth the effort, though! When you’re ready to head off, a thirty-minute drive will then take you into Geiranger, where you’ll spend the night.
I'd recommend these accommodation options in Geiranger:
Day Four – The Glorious Geiranger Fjord
Take it easy on the morning of day four, sleep in for some extra rest, visit the spa or sauna or simply wander around the town. You could also decide on a more adventure filled morning, with options like hiking the many lush green trails, kayaking on the still fjord waters or a rib boat safari to spot some wildlife. I would recommend the kayak trip if you’re up for it, because being on the waters of the fjords is really just so serene.
The majestic Geiranger fjord
The afternoon on day four is all about taking in the beauty of the fjord. From your accommodation, drive to the ferry stop, where you’ll board a 65-minute ferry ride to Hellesylt that will take you along the most scenic fjord in Norway, the Geiranger Fjord. This UNESCO protected fjord is jam-packed with views that keep on giving as you sail past the famous Seven Sisters, Suitor and Bridal Veil waterfalls. Relax and take in the majestic views of God’s wonderful creations.
One of the best memories I have of our Norwegian Fjord adventure was the day we spent travelling to Olden on the Nordfjord. We ventured out onto the ship’s deck and were completely in awe of the beauty that surrounded us. The experience of being out on the fjords and feeling the breeze on my skin as I looked out at the still blue water and lush green mountains brought me such a feeling of peace that really reminded me that God is always surrounding us with His beautiful creations. That is a day that I’ll always cherish.
When the scenic ferry ride comes to an end, there is a further hour’s drive down to Loen, where I would recommend staying overnight.
Loen Accommodation Options That I'd Recommend:
Day Five – Loen Skylift and Hiking to Glaciers
Day five will start out with an incredible journey up the Loen Skylift, which is one of the steepest skylifts in the world. The gondola ride itself is a bit nerve-wracking for those of us who are afraid of heights but keep heart and be brave, the views from the top are unbeatable! If you get to the top and have a cloud covered view, just be patient because within half an hour the view could be completely clear and you’ll be so glad you waited.
This viewpoint is honestly one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. I was in awe of how absolutely stunning the view was. You definitely want to include this on your list of activities for this trip! There are also quite a few hiking trails at the top of the mountain, as well as an awesome looking via ferrata and zipline experience for the adventure seekers! Unfortunately, the day we went up was too early in the season for the zipline, but I definitely would have loved to give that a go!
The view from the top of the Loen Skylift
You can also grab some lunch at the top of the skylift in the café or, if you’re in the mood for something a bit more refined, there is a lovely restaurant that you can enjoy, too.
Once you’ve made your way back down the skylift, drive half an hour to the starting point of the Briksdal Glacier hike. There are drivers that you can pay to take you up to the glacier view point in little carts, but I would rather suggest hiking up, as you’ll get to see so much more. The view of the mighty glacier surrounded by the rugged terrain and blue lake below is very picturesque and, although it can get very crowded here and feels a bit touristic, I feel it’s important to witness for ourselves the glaciers of our planet that are receding at scary rates that might one day be gone completely. It is surreal when you think about it that way, isn’t it?
Clear waters of the glacier lake
Have a slow walk back down to the car and then head back to Loen, where you’ll be spending a second night.
Day Six – Kayak on the Nordfjord and Hairpin Turns
I recommend booking a 10am guided kayak tour on the Nordfjord in Olden for day six. The kayak tour will last around 2 and a half hours and will give you the perfect chance to glide gently along the turquoise waters of the Nordfjord with a friendly and experienced guide, plus it’s just so wonderful being out on the water.
Later that afternoon, once you’re ready to leave Olden, head back to the car to start a drive that will definitely be one to remember. The Nordfjord panorama route through Gaularfjellet will take you through nine hairpin bends and many twists and turns along the mountain roads. Utsikten is a great place to stop along the way, where you can enjoy the panoramic views of the roads and valleys below.
Continue the drive to the final destination of our road trip, Balestrand. This cute village is known as an art colony and has inspired artists from around the world because of its beautiful natural surroundings. Have a wander around the village and take some time out to enjoy your last night and reflect back on the wonderful memories you’ve made.
Balestrand has limited accommodation options, but these come recommended:
Day Seven – Journey Back to Bergen and Back Home
It’s the last day of the trip today and time to head back to Bergen. Drive onto the local ferry in Balestrand and make a short crossing to Vagnes. Get back onto the road and head for the village of Vik, where you can explore the historic Hove Church. Continue the drive back down to Voss and then head to Bergen Airport, where you can return your rental car and start your journey back home, with a heart full of memories and a phone full of photos!
The breath-taking beauty of the Norwegian Fjords reminds you how amazing God’s creations are. It is a place that connects you to nature, to simpler living and to a slower pace of life. Whether you decide to do this solo, as a couple or with your family, this epic road trip itinerary will give you memories that you’ll cherish forever and the beauty of the Norwegian nature will always have a special place in your heart. This will be a trip that you’ll definitely never forget!
