Southern Norway Summer Highlights: Road Trip from Oslo to Stavanger - 16 Days

Highlights

• Cruise the majestic Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord
• Experience historic life in a Viking village in Bergen
• Kayak on a serene glacial lake in Øvre Årdal
• Ride the zipline over the pristine Flåm Valley
• Hike through four waterfalls in Husedalen Valley

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo, Oslofjord Dinner Cruise

Welcome to Oslo, Norway's capital city, with over half its municipality covered in forests and parks. Take a scenic train ride from the airport to the city and check in at your hotel. Settle in, then head out along Karl Johans Gate, the main thoroughfare, from the car-free city center to Palace Park, where the Norwegian monarchy resides. Or, spend the afternoon visiting the Norwegian Open-Air Folk Museum.

This evening, board a traditional wooden sailing ship for a relaxing three-hour cruise, passing through a maze of green islands on the Oslofjord. Sit back with a wine or beer while savoring a buffet of fresh local shrimp as you cruise by Oslo's city lights, Akershus Fortress, the Opera House, Hovedøya Island, Bygdøy Peninsula, and the famous lighthouse on a rock, Dyna Fyr, before heading back to your hotel.

Day 2: Explore Oslo, Self-Guided Trip to Tønsberg

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxing morning in Oslo. Wander Aker Brygge's charming waterfront with its restaurants, bars, and must-see museums such as the Nobel Peace Center and Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. Later, catch a 90-minute train to Tønsberg—Norway's oldest city, founded by Vikings and where the famous Oseberg Viking Ship was initially found in 1904 CE. 

View a replica of the Oseberg in the harbor, built using only the original methods and tools available to Vikings. Then, head to the largest ruin site in Scandinavia, Mount Slottsfjell (Castle Rock), home to a museum and a 13th-century tower. In addition to Viking artifacts, see exhibits on whale skeletons and medieval life. When you've finished exploring Tønsberg, train back to Oslo in time for dinner.

Day 3: Drive to Øvre Årdal, Half-Day Kayaking Trip

Pick up a rental car today for a five-hour drive to Øvre Årdal, nestled among towering mountains and serene fjords. Grab some bakery treats in the village before joining a three-hour kayaking excursion on Lake Årdalsvatnet. Enjoy soaring mountain views in beautiful Jotunheimen National Park while paddling on glacier-fed water as you learn about the area's local culture and history.

After a lunch break on beautiful Årdalsvatnet's lakeside, kayak back to Øvre Årdal on the northern end of the 5.6-mile (9 km) long lake and check in to your hotel. Refresh, then stroll through this picturesque village past charming local shops, cafés, and traditional wooden houses. Explore the myriad hiking trails and fishing spots before settling in one of the bars or restaurants for dinner. 

Day 4: Guided Hike in Jotunheimen National Park

Pull on your hiking boots this morning for a full-day guided trek in Jotunheimen National Park—home to Norway's two highest peaks. With your guide's recommendation, choose a hike that suits your ability from more than 50 marked hiking routes within the national park, including the mountains of Soleiebotntind (6,834 ft/ 2,083 m) and Vestre Austanbotntind (6,890 ft/ 2,100 m). 

Whichever hike you choose, perhaps one of the side valleys of Utladalen or Stølsmaradalen, breathe in the clear mountain air as you traverse rugged terrain, lush valleys, and glacial waterfalls amid towering peaks, shimmering glaciers, and crystal-clear lakes. Afterward, return to Øvre Årdal to relax your sore feet and have a well-deserved rest at your hotel before dinner.

Day 5: Drive to Flåm, Visit Stegastein Viewpoint, Viking Dinner Experience

After hotel checkout, drive 1.5 hours south along the National Tourist Road (known as the "Snow Road") to the award-winning Stegastein Viewpoint, a platform 2,132 feet (650 m) above the Aurlandsfjord and jutting 98 feet (30 m) from the cliffs. Soak in the unbeatable scenery and views, then continue 15 minutes to the village of Flåm on the southern end of Aurlandsfjord and check in to your hotel.

Sample traditional Norwegian cuisine in the village, then set out on a nearby hiking trail, visit the Flåm Railway Museum, or tour the wooden Flåm church, built in 1667 CE. End your day with an authentic five-course Viking dinner paired with local craft beer in the cozy Ægir BryggeriPub. Dine on smoked reindeer, shellfish, soup, pork shank, and dark chocolate ganache cake, then return to your hotel. 

Day 6: Flåm Railway Trip, Zipline & Cycle in Flåm

Begin today's thrill-seeker adventure by hiring bicycles before hopping on the scenic Flåm Railway through beautiful fjord and mountain landscapes to Myrdal. From there, walk down to Vatnahalsen, at 2,662 ft (811 m), where you'll ride the longest zipline in Scandinavia, spanning 4,531 feet (1,381 m). Harness up, follow safety instructions, and ride the zipline over the pristine Flåm Valley.

Fly past spectacular scenery as you reach speeds of up to 62 miles (100 km) per hour while your rental bikes are also zipped down. From Kårdal, where the zipline ends in the upper part of the Flåm Valley, cycle 9 miles (15 km) downhill back to the village of Flåm. This exciting outdoor adventure can be challenging, so be prepared! Grab dinner near your hotel tonight and recount the day's exhilarating activities. 

Day 7: Drive to Bergen, Fjord Cruise, Visit Viking Village

After hotel checkout this morning, drive 20 minutes to Gudvangen and park the car before embarking on a scenic four-hour cruise on Aurlandsfjord and the narrow Nærøyfjord, renowned for their beautiful landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage status. See waterfalls cascading down mountainsides and picturesque villages dotting the landscape.

Upon return to Gudvangen, immerse yourself in Viking history at Viking Valley. Witness authentic Viking life in Njardarheimr village and learn about their society, travel methods, and traditional crafts. Wander among the village's 1,500-plus buildings and wood carvings. Absorb the atmosphere and join in activities as artisans highlight Viking traditions in construction, religion, food, and crafts.

Next, drive 2.5 hours southwest to Bergen, a historic port city surrounded by mountains and fjords, including the majestic Sognefjord. Check in to your hotel, then ascend Mount Fløyen on the Fløibanen funicular, discovering hidden troll sculptures along the way. Afterward, explore Bryggen, the historic wharf whose colorful houses date back to the 1700s, before savoring local cuisine on the waterfront.

Day 8: Ulriken Cable Car Ride, Mountain Hike

After breakfast, enjoy a quick ride on the Ulriken643 cable car, ascending to Bergen's famous peak at 2,110 feet (643 m) above sea level. Admire the views of the city, sea, skerries (rocky islands), fjords, and mountains, and take a short walk around the viewing platform before heading back down. Afterward, choose one of the local hiking trails for a self-guided hike through Bergen's seven mountains.

Take your pick: climb stairs at Mount Ulriken, stroll from Ulriken to Fløyen via Vidden, explore classic trails at Mount Fløyen, enjoy Mount Løvstakken's exciting view, or tackle 722 steps at Mount Stoltzekleiven. Each offers a fresh look at Bergen's scenery. Return to your hotel, happily tired from an exhilarating day outdoors, amazed by the incredible mountain views this city offers.

Day 9: Explore Bergen, Boat Trip & Seafood Dinner 

Explore Bergen at your leisure today. Consider the thrill of a zipline adventure at Mount Ulriken and relish lunch at Skyskaperen, Bergen's highest restaurant atop Mount Ulriken. Delve into Bergen's cultural scene with visits to the KODE 4 art museum, showcasing works by Munch, Astrup, and others, or explore the maritime history at the Bergen Maritime Museum, featuring an ice-art gallery.

Conclude your day with a five-hour culinary experience departing from the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf. Board a boat for a 25-minute trip to Holmen Island and dine on local seafood at Cornelius Seafood Restaurant against a backdrop of fjords, mountains, and passing boats. Finally, head back for your final night in Bergen and prepare for a day of travel and activities tomorrow. 

Day 10: Drive to Ullensvang, Visit Voss, Eidfjord & Vøringsfossen Waterfall

Today, a two-hour drive takes you inland to the mountain village of Voss, perched between the famous Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord. Voss is known for its great skiing, extreme sports, and unspoiled nature. Stop by a café in town for a quick lunch, then unwind with a visit to the captivating Bordalsgjelet Gorge or ride the innovative cable car for panoramic views from Hangurstoppen Restaurant.

In the afternoon, head an hour southeast to Eidfjord, surrounded by Hardangerfjord's splendor. Opt for sunbathing, swimming, hiking to Kjeåsen Mountain Farm, or exploring the Viking Burial Mounds. If it's rainy, visit the Norwegian Nature Centre Hardanger with its panoramic cinema. Then, drive 20 minutes to witness the famous Vøringsfossen Waterfall plunge 597 feet (182 m).

On your scenic one-hour drive along Hardangerfjord to Ullensvang, the outdoor capital of Norway, pause to visit one of Norway's oldest churches in Kinsarvikthen. Then, settle into your hotel in Ullensvang, try a local cider, and discover the area's other specialties: Folgefonna Glacier and its industrial heritage.

Day 11: Hiking Day: Hardangerfjord or Trolltunga

After breakfast, explore the Hardangerfjord—the second-longest fjord in Norway. With its high mountains, quaint villages, and lush orchards, it's a hub of outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and natural wonders. Hike the six-hour return trail through Husedalen Valley's jaw-dropping scenery and four distinct waterfalls: Tveitafossen, Nykkjesøyfossen, Nyastølsfossen, and Søtefossen.

For a shorter and easier hike, try Hardanger Fossasti, beginning in the center of Kinsarvik village. Optionally, join a more challenging eight-hour guided hike to the spectacular Trolltunga (Troll's Tongue), an iconic rock formation that juts out horizontally 2,296 feet (700 m) above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, for panoramic vistas and some of the wildest natural scenery that Norway has to offer.

Day 12: Drive to Stavanger, Explore Old Town

Drive 4.5 hours south to Stavanger, Norway's fourth-largest city and a lively university hub. After you've refreshed at your hotel, venture out to enjoy the chill atmosphere of this harbor town's picturesque narrow streets, charming wooden houses, and cool street art. Pop into a koselig (cozy) café in the historic center or wander Øvre Holmegate, a colorful and artistic street with trendy bars and boutiques. 

For history enthusiasts, visit Stavanger Cathedral—Norway's oldest, built in 1125 CE, explore the Stavanger Art Museum's collection of Norwegian artworks, or head to Old Stavanger, an area of small white cottages dating from the turn of the 18th century. This evening, discover Skagenkaien, a charming historic harborside area that comes alive with its vibrant bars and fine dining restaurants. 

Day 13: Viking History Tour, Visit Sverd i fjell

Immerse yourself in Viking history at the Viking House's virtual-reality-based visitor center on this morning's 2.5-hour guided Viking tour. Continue with your guide to the Iron Age Farm at Ullandhaug, a reconstructed farmstead showcasing life from the Migration Period (350-550 CE). Sit around an open fire in a longhouse, meet locals, and experience the daily activities of families 1,500 years ago.

Afterward, visit Sverd i fjell (Swords in Rock), a monument commemorating the Viking battle of Hafrsfjord when Norway was united into one kingdom in 872 CE. Check out the three swords that symbolize Viking peace, unity, and freedom, then admire the view overlooking the widest part of the fjord. Conclude the tour by returning to the city center and head to Øvre Holmegate for dinner. 

Day 14: Hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

Get an early start to beat the crowds on today's self-guided hike up to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), a striking cliff with a flat top. Drive your rental car 90 minutes to the starting point at Lysefjord. Lace up your boots and follow the tracks for a moderately challenging, five-hour return hike through beautiful terrain. Soak up those famous views from the summit, rising 1,981 feet (604 m) above sea level.

Alternatively, for a more challenging experience, join a guide-led hike along little-known forest trails off the tourist map. You'll cross a lake by canoe before hiking in near solitude to a viewpoint above Preikestolen that few people ever see. Then, you'll head to the cliff plateau for a rest as you savor the sweeping panoramas. Back in town, unwind at one of the restaurants, recounting your adventure. 

Day 15: Tour & Dinner at Flo & Fjære Gardens

Set off on a fun 4.5-hour day trip to explore the abundant tropical flower gardens of Flor & Fjære! Begin with a scenic boat ride through the fjord, soaking in the beautiful views along the way. Upon arrival on the island of Sør-Hidle, join a guide for a sensory experience strolling through the expanse of lush flower gardens designed by Olav Bryn and bursting with rainbow colors and fragrances.

Pause to admire the 50,000 spring annuals, then, after working up an appetite, indulge in a delectable dinner featuring homegrown, seasonal herbs and vegetables sourced directly from the island greenhouse. Experience the freshness and flavor of locally sourced ingredients while surrounded by the beauty of nature in the Greenhouse Jungle restaurant. Afterward, return to your hotel.

Day 16: Depart Stavanger

It's time to say farewell to Norway! If you have the time, take one final stroll along the waterfront and do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Then, drive to the airport with enough time to return your rental car and catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

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