Scenic European Routes

Norway's dramatic landscape of towering mountains, plunging fjords, and pristine waters offers some of Europe's most spectacular driving routes. While many travelers focus on the country's famous hiking trails or cruise experiences, exploring Norway by car reveals hidden gems and breathtaking vistas that larger tours simply can't access. In this guide, we'll take you through the most scenic fjord routes in Norway, from the internationally famous Atlantic Road to the lesser-known but equally stunning drives that showcase the country's natural splendor.

The Atlantic Road: Norway's Engineering Marvel

Our journey begins with Norway's most famous driving route – the Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien). This 8.3-kilometer stretch might be short, but it packs a powerful punch in terms of scenery and engineering brilliance.

Connecting the island of Averøy with the mainland near Kristiansund, the Atlantic Road dances across an archipelago of small islands and skerries via eight bridges. The most spectacular of these is the curved Storseisundet Bridge, often called "The Bridge to Nowhere" because of the optical illusion it creates when approached from certain angles.

Best Experiences:

• Storm watching: While pleasant weather makes for an easier drive, visiting during stormy conditions offers a thrilling experience as waves crash over the road. Just ensure conditions are safe before venturing out.
• Fishing spots: Several purpose-built fishing bridges along the route allow you to try your hand at catching dinner in the rich Norwegian waters.
• Eldhusøya rest area: This stylish rest stop features a path that circles the island, offering 360-degree views and an excellent café serving local specialties.

Driving Tip: Take your time on this short route. Most visitors rush through in 20 minutes, but to truly appreciate the changing light and landscape, allow at least 2-3 hours to stop at various viewpoints and walkways.

Geiranger-Trollstigen: The Ultimate Fjord Drive

Part of the National Tourist Route system, the road connecting the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord to the dramatic Trollstigen (Troll's Ladder) pass offers perhaps the most complete Norwegian fjord driving experience.

Starting from the charming village of Geiranger, nestled at the head of its namesake fjord, the route climbs via 11 hairpin turns up Eagle Road (Ørnevegen), providing increasingly spectacular views over the fjord and the famous Seven Sisters waterfall.

After passing through high mountain terrain, the route culminates with the nail-biting descent down Trollstigen – a remarkable feat of engineering featuring 11 tight hairpin bends with a 10% gradient, stone walls, and waterfalls thundering alongside.

Don't Miss:

• Flydalsjuvet viewpoint: Just outside Geiranger, this offers the classic postcard view of the fjord with cruise ships looking like toy boats from above.
• Eidsdal-Linge ferry: This short ferry crossing is part of the route and offers a welcome break from driving while providing beautiful fjord views.
• Gudbrandsjuvet gorge: Located near Valldal, this narrow, 5-meter wide gorge has been carved by the powerful Valldøla River, creating impressive whirlpools.
• Trollstigen viewing platform: The modern architectural marvel juts out over the mountainside, offering vertigo-inducing views down the pass.

Practical Information: This route is only open during the summer months, typically from late May to October, depending on snow conditions. Check the Norwegian Public Roads Administration website for current status before planning your trip.

Sognefjellsvegen: The Roof of Norway

For those seeking high mountain vistas combined with fjord scenery, the Sognefjellsvegen (National Route 55) delivers spectacularly. As Northern Europe's highest mountain pass at 1,434 meters above sea level, this route connects the verdant Sognefjord area with the Ottadalen valley.

The contrast between the lush, green fjord landscapes and the stark, snow-capped peaks makes this route particularly dramatic. In early summer, you might drive past walls of snow while looking down at blooming fruit orchards in the valleys below.

Highlights:

• Jotunheimen National Park: The route skirts this hiker's paradise, home to Norway's highest mountains. Consider taking a day hike from one of the trailheads along the road.
• Sognefjord viewpoints: As you descend towards Luster, numerous lookouts offer panoramic views over Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord.
• Boverdalen Valley: The approach from the east passes through this picturesque valley with traditional farms and mountain scenery.

Cultural Experience: Stop at Røisheim Hotel, a historic coaching inn dating back to the 1700s, which now serves as a boutique hotel and restaurant showcasing traditional Norwegian cuisine with a modern twist.

Helgelandskysten: Norway's Secret Coastal Beauty

While southern Norway gets most of the tourist attention, the Helgeland Coast in the north offers equally stunning scenery with far fewer crowds. National Tourist Route Helgelandskysten follows the coastal road (Rv17) from Holm to Bodø, including numerous ferry crossings that add to the adventure.

This route features a unique island-hopping experience as you drive past thousands of islands and islets, from tiny, barren skerries to large, populated islands with fishing villages and farms.

Must-See Features:

• The Seven Sisters mountain range: These seven peaks on Alsten Island form a dramatic backdrop to the coastal scenery.
• Svartisen Glacier: Norway's second-largest glacier is visible from parts of the route, with possible detours for closer exploration.
• Torghatten: This mountain with a distinctive hole through its center is the subject of local legends. A moderate hike allows you to walk through the natural tunnel.

Planning Tip: The multiple ferry crossings require careful planning. Purchase a ferry pass to save money, and build flexibility into your schedule as ferry delays due to weather are common, especially in shoulder seasons.

Hardangerfjord Route: Blossoms and Waterfalls

The area around Hardangerfjord, Norway's second-longest fjord, offers a perfect combination of cultural experiences and natural beauty. Known as Norway's fruit garden, the steep slopes along the fjord are covered with apple, cherry, and plum orchards that create spectacular blossom displays in spring.

This region also boasts an impressive concentration of waterfalls, including some of Norway's most powerful and picturesque cascades.

Route Highlights:

• Hardanger Bridge: One of the world's longest suspension bridges crosses the fjord, offering spectacular views (toll required).
• Vøringsfossen: One of Norway's most famous waterfalls drops 182 meters in a spectacular display of natural power. Recent improvements have added viewing platforms and walkways.
• Steindalsfossen: While not the tallest, this waterfall near Norheimsund is special because you can walk behind the cascade without getting wet.
• Hardanger Folk Museum: Located in Utne, this museum showcases traditional life in the region, including the famous Hardanger embroidery and fiddle traditions.

Seasonal Tip: If possible, visit during May when the fruit trees are in bloom, transforming the fjord landscape with a sea of white and pink flowers against the blue water backdrop.

Practical Tips for Driving Norway's Fjord Routes

Best Time for Fjord Road Trips

The optimal window for exploring Norway's scenic routes is between June and September when most mountain passes are reliably open and daylight extends well into the evening (or all night in the north). May and October can offer fewer crowds but riskier weather conditions.

Key considerations for timing:

• Late May to early June: Melting snow feeds spectacular waterfalls, and fruit trees bloom in the fjord regions.
• July and August: The most reliable weather but also the busiest period with higher accommodation prices.
• September: Fewer tourists and beautiful autumn colors in the mountains and forests.

Vehicle Considerations

While Norway's main roads are excellent, some scenic routes involve narrow, winding sections that require careful driving. Consider these factors when choosing your vehicle:

• Size: Smaller cars are easier to maneuver on narrow roads and during ferry crossings.
• Fuel: Gas stations can be sparse in remote areas. Plan refueling stops and always maintain at least half a tank in rural regions.
• Electric vehicles: Norway has excellent EV infrastructure, but charging stations are less common in remote fjord areas. Plan accordingly if driving electric.

Rental Tip: Consider one-way rentals if traveling longer distances, such as picking up in Oslo and dropping off in Bergen or Trondheim to avoid backtracking.

Navigating Ferry Crossings

Ferries are an integral part of Norway's road system, especially along the fjords. Tips for smooth sailing:

• Arrive at least 20-30 minutes before scheduled departure times.
• Most ferries accept credit cards and some offer online pre-booking.
• Consider purchasing a ferry pass if your route includes multiple crossings.
• During high season (July-August), longer waits are common on popular crossings.

Photography Tips for Fjord Drives

Norway's dramatic landscapes are a photographer's dream. Maximize your shots with these tips:

• Golden hours: The low-angle light of early morning and late evening brings out the textures in mountains and water.
• Weather awareness: Changing weather creates dramatic conditions – foggy fjords and sun rays breaking through clouds often make for more interesting images than perfectly clear days.
• Safe stopping: Only stop at designated viewpoints or rest areas. Many scenic routes have purpose-built photo platforms at the best vantage points.
• Wide-angle lens: Essential for capturing the scale of the landscapes, though telephoto lenses help compress and highlight the layered mountain views.

Accommodation Along Norway's Scenic Routes

While Norway's natural beauty is free to admire, accommodation can be expensive. Consider these options:

• Historic hotels: Properties like Kvikne's Hotel in Balestrand offer a glimpse into the region's tourism history dating back to the 19th century.
• Rorbuer (fishermen's cabins): These traditional red cabins converted to tourist accommodation offer authentic coastal stays, especially in the Lofoten area.
• Camping and cabins: Norway's liberal camping laws allow responsible wild camping, while serviced campgrounds offer basic cabins at more reasonable prices than hotels.

Booking Advice: Reserve accommodation well in advance for July and August. Consider staying in larger towns with day trips to the most scenic areas, as accommodation options in remote locations are limited and often fully booked during summer.

Conclusion: Norway's Fjord Routes – A Driver's Paradise

Exploring Norway's fjord landscapes by car offers freedom and flexibility that no other form of transportation can match. From the engineering marvel of the Atlantic Road to the dizzying heights of Trollstigen and the peaceful beauty of lesser-known coastal routes, Norway rewards drivers with ever-changing vistas of incomparable natural beauty.

While the distances may not seem great on the map, allow plenty of time for your Norwegian road trip. The winding nature of the roads, frequent photo stops, and ferry crossings mean progress is slower than you might expect – but that's precisely the point. This is a journey to be savored, not rushed.

In a world of increasingly standardized travel experiences, Norway's scenic routes offer something truly special – the chance to experience nature at its most dramatic while enjoying the simple pleasure of a journey through ever-changing landscapes. Whether bathed in the midnight sun of summer or the soft, golden light of autumn, Norway's fjord routes provide driving experiences that will remain etched in your memory long after the journey ends.