Oslo to Geiranger :A Relaxed Norway Road Trip Itinerary
Thinking of hitting the road in Norway? Trust me—there’s no better way to explore this jaw-droppingly beautiful country. Imagine carving through fjords, driving past endless mountains, glacial lakes, and adorable coastal towns where nature does all the talking. Whether you’ve got two days or two weeks, a road trip is hands-down the best way to experience Norway.
Oslo to Geiranger : A Perfect Norway Road Trip Itinerary
My original road trip wasn’t meant to look like this. I planned to fly from Oslo to Bergen, start there, and keep it all neat and tidy. That plan? It fell apart faster than a paper map in the rain. When we couldn’t land in Bergen for more than 6 hours due to the fog…and ended up losing more than a day of precious time.. But sometimes, roadblocks lead to better roads. What came from all that chaos was a chilled-out but packed itinerary you’re going to love.
The Ultimate Norway Road Trip Itinerary
Oslo to Geiranger and back, with a Viking village and jaw-dropping fjords in between. Buckle up, we’re going on an adventure!
Day 1: Oslo to Gudvangen – Kickoff with Viking Vibes
Distance Approx. 5.5 hours (350 km)
Start your engine in Oslo and make your way to Gudvangen, the stunning “Viking Valley.” This leg is packed with epic scenery, so be sure to pause for some leg-stretching photo ops along the way.
Things to Do in Gudvangen
- Flåmsbana Scenic Train Ride
This is no average train—Flåmsbana is world-famous for its jaw-dropping landscapes. Think waterfalls, mountains, and hair-raising switchbacks.
- Nærøyfjord Cruise
Sail through this UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
- Viking Village Experience
Ever wanted to live like a Viking? Visit the Viking village in Gudvangen to get hands-on with the history. Yes, you’ll get to swing an axe if that’s your vibe.
Day 2-3: Gudvangen to Vik, Then On to Innvik
Drive time (Gudvangen to Vik): Approx. 1.5 hours (90 km)
Drive time (Vik to Innvik): Approx. 3.5 hours (220 km)
After soaking in Gudvangen, head to Vik and enjoy serene village vibes. This stop is ideal for a casual stroll or indulging in some traditional Norwegian baked treats. Then, continue to Innvik, a quaint spot with those tranquil fjord views you daydream about.
Pro Driving Tip
Take your time on these stretches; these are the roads where you’ll want to roll down the windows and soak it all in.
Day 4-5: Jostedalsbreen National Park – Nature’s Playground
Distance (Innvik to Jostedalsbreen): Approx. 2 hours (120 km)
By now, you’re in full road trip mode, and it only gets better. Jostedalsbreen National Park is home to Europe’s largest glacier and dotted with some of the most gorgeous spots in Norway.
Must-See Highlights at Jostedalsbreen
- Olden Valley and Lake
This gem looks like it’s been Photoshopped. Crystal-clear water meets lush greenery—picture perfect!
- Briksdalsbreen Glacier Hike
Want a little adventure? Hike to Briksdalsbreen, a jaw-dropping arm of Jostedalsbreen Glacier.
Pro tip? Wear layers—glaciers bring their own AC!
Day 6-7: Hellysylt to Geiranger – Fjords Galore
Drive time (Hellysylt to Geiranger): Approx. 1 hour (40 km)
No trip to Norway is complete without a visit to Geiranger—where jaw-dropping meets bucket list. From Hellysylt, grab a ferry ride to Geiranger and prepare to be wowed.
Best Things to Do in Geiranger
- Trollstigen Road
This is the road, people. A zigzag of unbelievable views and heart-pounding turns.
- Geirangerfjord Cruise
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fjord is simply magical.
- The Seven Sisters Waterfalls
Geiranger’s crown jewel, these seven waterfalls cascade into the fjord like something out of a fantasy novel.
Final Day(s): Geiranger to Oslo – Back to Civilization (Sort Of)
Drive time (Geiranger to Oslo): Approx. 7-8 hours (450 km)
It’s the final stretch! On your way back to Oslo, carve out time for one or two last epic stops. When you return to the Oslo area, wrap up with a visit to the Kristifod Museum or enjoy a relaxing meal at one of Oslo’s food markets.
Optional Add-on for Oslo
Staying an extra day? Hit up the Akershus Fortress or explore the hip Grünerløkka district for shops, food, and street art.
Norway Road Trip Essentials
Before we jump into the itinerary, here’s a pro tip: Don’t trust your phone’s GPS blindly. Norway’s unpredictable mountain roads can be tricky (and they might randomly close due to weather). Bring an old-school map or check route updates beforehand on Apple Maps and google maps. Don’t forget that a lot of routes involve a ferry.
Embark on Your Epic Norway Vacation
Why This Itinerary Works Like Magic
This road trip blends the perfect amount of chill with “holy moly, that’s incredible.” Whether you’re sipping coffee overlooking a fjord or hiking to a glacier, Norway’s charm is unmatched.
Can you do it in a weekend? Yep. Stretch it to a week? Even better. The key is to take it slow and leave room for spontaneous stops because half the fun of a Norway road trip is in those unexpected, quiet moments.
If you want all the tips on renting cars in Norway, driving hacks, or even packing (because trust me, layering is an art), check out the other posts linked below.Looking for tips on what to pack, where to rent your dream-road-trip car, or how to choose the best roadside snacks (priorities)? Check out my detailed blog posts on travel essentials and Norwegian road trip hacks.
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