Explore Norway on a 6 Day Road Trip

By Terri Marshall

Norway’s landscapes are filled with treasures, from snow-capped mountains lined with cascading waterfalls to deep fjords and miles of bucolic farmland. The spell-binding beauty beckons to explorers with a love of nature, which, of course, includes campers and road trip enthusiasts. This 6-day road trip itinerary begins in Oslo and ends in Trondheim. The journey ventures into national parks, alongside fjords, through charming villages brimming with history, to the shores of the Norwegian Sea, and into the lands where Vikings once roamed.

Route: Oslo ➤ Gol ➤ Flåm ➤ Olden ➤ Ålesund ➤ Bud ➤ Trondheim

Distance: Approx. 650 miles (1,050 km)

Duration: 6 Days

Landmarks & Scenic Spots: Randsfjorden, Vøringsfossen Waterfall, Flåm Railway, Nærøyfjord, Lærdal Tunnel, Briksdal Glacier, Mount Aksla, Atlantic Road, Storseisundet Bridge, Nidaros Cathedral

Best Time to Travel: May to September

Tolls & Fees: Expect automatic tolls on roads and tunnels, as well as fees for select scenic attractions and camping spots. No vignette needed for Norway, but have a payment card ready for tolls.

Day 1: Oslo to Gol

Our recommendation: 1 day

Begin your adventure by picking up your RV rental from the roadsurfer Ritz-Carper station in Oslo. From here, Rv4 and later Rv34 lead to Gol, passing through charming villages and farmland along the way. The road meanders alongside the Randsfjorden, Norway’s fourth-largest lake. Winding through the mountains, the route drops lucky travelers into the picturesque town of Gol.

An all-season destination, Gol attracts mountain bikers and hikers in warmer months and becomes a snowy paradise for cross-country skiers in the winter. In autumn, Gol hosts the fun sheep festival, Fårefestivalen. Gol is also the start of Mjølkevegen, one of Norway’s most beautiful cycling routes, filled with stunning valleys, mountains, and historic farms.

Autumn foliage and winding road en route to Gol, capturing the beauty of a Norway road trip in fall.

Family-owned and operated since 1954, Tubbehaugen Campsite at Golsfjellet features 30 pitches for tents, caravans, and/or motorhomes. This quiet campground also has gorgeous views and the unique opportunity to take a donkey for a walk.

Day 2: Gol to Flåm

Our recommendation: 1 day

The drive from Gol to Flåm unfolds more stunning landscapes as you follow National Road 7, also known as Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda named for the largest plateau in Northern Europe. Hardangervidda is home to the most photographed waterfall in Norway, Vøringsfossen. Located at the top of the Måbødalen Valley, Vøringsfossen has a total drop of 182 meters (597 ft). There are several viewing platforms to take in the grandeur of the five streams of water that comprise Vøringsfossen. An impressive walking bridge with 99 steps connects the two sides of the valley, giving visitors a bird’s eye view of the waterfall from 184 meters (604 ft).

Scenic drive from Flam to Olden, highlighting mountain views and winding roads on a Norway road trip.

Continue your drive to Flåm via E16 with a stop in Gudvangen for a visit to the Viking town of Njardarheimr. This living history experience provides insights into the history and culture of the Viking Age.

The picturesque village of Flåm sits at the end of Aurlandsfjord and is home to the Flåm Railway—one of the world’s steepest and most spectacular train journeys with panoramic views of the breathtaking Nærøyfjord landscape. When the train ride ends, toast the experience at Ægir Brewery. Inspired by Norse mythology, this popular brewery offers beer tastings and a Viking-inspired menu.

For hikers the Brekkefossen waterfall hike is easily accessible from the village. A 3.6-mile loop trail leads hikers up magnificent stone steps to the Raokjen viewpoint yielding splendid views of the waterfall and the village below. Another dramatic viewing platform, Stegastein juts out high above the Aurlandsfjord. The platform is accessed from an 11.8-mile point-to-point trail near Flåm that is also popular for road cycling and scenic drives.

Family owned and operated, Flåm Camping and Youth Hostel offers campsites, cabins and a hostel as lodging options. The campground is ideally situated 300 meters for the center of the village.

Day 3: Flåm to Olden

Our recommendation: 1 day

Continuing on E16, the scenic views keep coming as you wind through the mountainous terrain passing farms where sheep graze above Nærøyfjord. As you meander west toward Olden, you’ll enter the Lærdal Tunnel. Spanning 24.5 kilometers (15.23 miles) through the heart of the mountains, Lærdal is the world’s longest road tunnel.

The town of Briksdal displays a quirky sculpture garden at its center with a delightful cast of characters. Another highlight of this valley is the Briksdal Glacier. An arm of the Jostedal Glacier, Europe’s largest, the Briksdal silently creeps over the mountaintop. From Olden, a 1.5-mile trail leads visitors through the Briksdalen Valley carved by the glacier.

Sculpture garden in Briksdal with stone art and glacier peaks, a unique stop on a Norway road trip itinerary.

Located 8 miles from Olden, the Olden Campground is surrounded by high mountains, waterfalls, and has a spectacular view of the glaciers.

Day 4: Olden to Ålesund

Our recommendation: 1 day

One of Norway’s most beautiful cities, Ålesund literally rose from the ashes after a devastating fire in 1904 destroyed 850 homes. In a span of three years the town was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau prevalent throughout Europe at the time. The charming blue, rose, salmon, and yellow buildings decorated with a myriad of dragons, medieval ornaments, spires, and turrets transformed Ålesund into an architectural art gallery earning the town UNESCO World Heritage status.

Paradise for hikers, Ålesund is surrounded by a rugged coastline and the high mountains in the Sunnmøre Alps. You can even hike in town as 418 steps lead up to Fjellstua at the top of Mount Aksla for an unforgettable panoramic view of Ålesund, the coast and the surrounding mountain and fjord landscape.

Aerial view of a scenic bridge crossing turquoise water with dramatic green mountains and islands in coastal Norway.

Located a short walk to the city center and surrounded by picturesque views, Ålesund Camping offers camping options for tents, campervans and caravans.

Day 5: Ålesund to Bud

Our recommendation: 1 day

Skirting Norway’s western coast, the drive from Ålesund to Bud follows the beginning sections of Norway’s Scenic Highway – The Atlantic Road. The road connects Averøy with the mainland via a series of small islands and islets. Considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world, the Atlantic Road takes you to the edge of the ocean.

The delightful coastal village of Bud offers campgrounds with views of the Norwegian Sea along with amenities to keep everyone comfortable. If fishing is your game, you’ll have many opportunities to cast a line. For hikers, this picturesque village offers the Coastal Trail. A 2.8-mile out and back trail, this hiking adventure leads you along the shores of the Norwegian Sea as waves crash over the coastal rocks.

Driving the Atlantic Road with sweeping ocean views, a must-see destination on any Norway road trip.

Bud Camping sits close to the sea and nature offering campsites and cabins. The campground also features a bar and barbeque facilities.

Day 6: Bud to Trondheim

Our recommendation: 1 day

The road to Trondheim also runs along the Atlantic Road and for today’s ride you’ll cross the dramatically curved Storseisundet Bridge which is the longest of the scenic road’s 8 bridges. The Atlantic Road ends in Kristiansund where you’ll pick up E39 to continue on to Trondheim.

Norway’s third largest city, Trondheim serves as the cultural center of the Trøndelag region. This picturesque city with its timber warehouses of red, gold, brown and green flanking the Nidelva River, provides a fascinating contrast of old and new. Trondheim is home to the majestic Nidaros Cathedral rumored to be built over the grave of Viking King Olav, the patron saint of Norway. A climb to the top leads through narrow passageways and up a winding medieval staircase. Mesmerizing panoramic views of the city and the surrounding fjord await as a reward for your efforts.

Nidaro Cathedral in Trondheim, an iconic cultural highlight on a Norway RV road trip.

Trondheim by Boat takes you on a journey along the river Nidelva flowing through the heart of the city eventually venturing into the adjoining Trondheim fjord. Sights along the way include the fish market Ravnkloa, the channel area and old harbor, the colorful wharfs of Bryggerekka and the old city bridge known as the “Portal of Happiness” making it a popular place for marriage proposals.

Sandmoen Bed & Breakfast is a family-friendly bed & breakfast motel that also offers 12 camping spots. Located six miles outside the city center with bus service nearby, Sandmoen makes an excellent place to park your campervan and enjoy all Trondheim has to offer.

Travel Tips for Your Norway RV Road Trip

The best time for a Norway road trip is late spring through early autumn, typically from May to September.

  • Summer (June to August) offers the warmest weather, long daylight hours, and lush scenery.
  • For historical weather data and travel safety, visit the Norwegian Meteorological Institute.

A 6-day Norway road trip typically costs between €800 and €1,500 per person, depending on your travel style.

  • RV/camper van rental: €100–€200 per day.
  • Camping spots: €20–€50 per night.
  • Fuel and tolls: €200–€400 total.
  • Food, attractions, and extras: €200–€300.
  • Save by booking early and traveling in the shoulder season.

Highlights on this route include Oslo, Gol, Flåm, Olden, Ålesund, Bud, and Trondheim.

  • Scenic detours: Vøringsfossen waterfall, Briksdal Glacier, the Flåm Railway, Atlantic Road, Stegastein viewpoint, and the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.
  • Charming villages, fjords, and mountain scenery await at each stop.

Yes, you can rent an RV in Oslo and travel throughout Norway.

  • Pick up your RV at the Oslo station and return it to the same location at the end of your trip.
  • For more information, visit our Oslo station page.

An RV or camper van is ideal for exploring Norway, offering flexibility and comfort.

  • Compact RVs or camper vans make narrow mountain roads easier to navigate.
  • Choose a fully equipped model for all-weather comfort and camping essentials.
  • Many travelers also enjoy the freedom of wild camping where permitted.

Wild camping is generally permitted in Norway, but with important restrictions.

  • You can camp on uncultivated land at least 150 meters from private houses for up to two nights. Learn more about the rules from the Norwegian Environment Agency.
  • Respect local signs and regulations, especially near villages and natural attractions.
  • Many travelers prefer using official camping spots for facilities and safety.

More Tips for Your Road Trip across Europe

Campervan parked at a scenic campsite by the sea in Norway with friends sitting under an awning at sunset, mountains in the background.

Find Your Perfect RV for Norway

Choose from a wide selection of fully equipped RVs and start your journey in Oslo. Whether you’re looking for a compact, easy-to-drive model or a spacious vehicle for comfort, you’ll find the right fit for exploring Norway’s landscapes.

Book your road trip from Oslo