Adventure

Ultimate Road Trip through the Norwegian Fjords

 

Norway’s fjord region is massive and takes hours to drive through. It’s possible to see all of the great sights in one road trip but it takes a lot of planning. I would recommend flying in and out of different airports to save going back on yourself. This guide should help you plan the perfect route through the fjords covering all of the spectacular sights on the way.

 

Flight
I would recommend flying into Stavanger which is at the southern tip of the fjord region and flying out of Ålesund which is at the Northern tip.
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Norway

First stop: Stavanger

Stavanger is a charming Nordic city which is worth exploring for a day. Stay in Stavanger for three nights as this is the closest city to some of Norway’s most beautiful hikes.

Driving distance from Stavanger airport to Stavanger city center is approximately 16 minutes (14 km)

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Pulpit Rock

Pulpit Rock is one of Norway’s most popular hikes due to its breathtaking views and ease of the hike. It’s a relatively easy hike, taking only 4 hours round trip.

Driving distance from Stavanger to Pulpit Rock is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes (61km)

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Kjerag

Mount Kjerag sours majestically over the Lysefjord and offers breathtaking views over the fjord. The highlight is the Kjerag boulder which is wedged between a crack in the mountain 1,000 meters high. The hike takes 6 hours.

Driving distance from Stavanger to Kjerag is approximately 2 hours 38 minutes (148km)

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Norway

Lysefjord

Lysefjord is a beautiful fjord not far from Stavanger. So far on this road trip we’ve seen the fjords from dizzying heights, but not yet sailed through them. Spend the day cruising through Lysefjord, before heading back on the road again.

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Trolltunga

It’s time to leave Stavanger behind and hit the road again for Tyssedal, the starting point for the famous Trolltunga hike. The iconic image of the Trolltunga ledge has become synonymous with Norway. It is an arduous and challenging hike but the jaw dropping view makes every step worthwhile. Few words can describe the feeling of utter joy when you reach the top and see the valley below for the first time.

Driving distance from Stavanger to Tyssedal is approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes (198km)

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Hardangarfjord
The Hardangarfjord is one of Norway's most beautiful fjords and most famous for being home to the aforementioned Trolltunga cliff. But this region offers a whole lot more than just the one iconic hike. Spend a couple of days exploring the fjord and enjoying its many activities from kayaking to guided glacier walks.
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Eidfjord
Located on the Hardangarfjord, Eidfjord is a beautiful and scenic branch of this fjord. Spend a night camping at the foot of the fjord and wake up to the sight of majestic mountains towering above. On a summer's day you can join the locals and take a dip in the fresh waters. Whilst in the area, make sure to swing by one of Norway's beautiful waterfalls Vøringfossen.

Driving distance from Hardangarfjord to Eidfjord is appoximately 3 hours (125km)

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Bergen

For a lot of visitors Bergen is the first stop and the entry to the fjord region, for us it's a little off route but definitely worth the detour. Bergen is a true example of a quintessentially Nordic harbour town and would be a shame to skip, especially as the colourful Bryggen wharf is so charming. A day would be long enough to explore the highlights and to give you a little insight into the history and culture of Bergen.

Driving distance from Eidfjord to Bergen is approximately 2 hours 20 minutes (154km)

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Flåm

Flåm

Flåm is a cute Nordic town nestled into towering mountains and surrounded by cascading waterfalls. For most visitors it is a bucket-list destination for the Flam railway which is said to be one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. I would recommend spending a day in Flam, catching the railway and then walking down the beautiful Flam valley to the tiny town centre.

Drive distance from Bergen to Flåm is approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (167km)

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Nærøyfjord
Nærøyfjord is a UNESCO listed world heritage site and one of Norway's most beautiful fjords. It can be visited from Flåm where you can hop on a boat and sail through the majestic mountains and narrow valleys.
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Jostedalsbreen
Our journey then continues along the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord to the Jostedalsbreen National Park. This is the biggest glacier in mainland Europe and is home to all sorts of fun and adventure. Make sure to visit Briksdalsbreen, the most famous glacier arm of the National Park. Photo by Bjarne Haugen.

Driving distance from Flåm to Jostedalsbreen is approximately 2 hours 20 minutes (129km)

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Geirangerfjord

The UNESCO World Heritage listed Geirangerfjord is said to be the most beautiful fjord in the world and is a must-visit on any trip to Norway. Spend a day sailing through this spectacular fjord. Photo by Visit Norway.

Driving distance from Briksdalsbreen to Geirangerfjord is 3 hours 14 minutes (112km)

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Ålesund

The final stop on our journey is the Art Nouveau city Ålesund, known as the architectural gem of Norway. The panoramic views of majestic fjords make this one of Norway’s most beautiful cities. Photo by Visit Norway.

Driving distance from Geirangerfjord to Ålesund is approximately 2 hours 25 minutes (110km)

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