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.

My recommendation: 1 day

Day 1: Oslo to Gol

I kicked off my trip by picking up my RV rental from the roadsurfer Ritz-Carper station in Oslo. From there, I followed Rv4 and later Rv34 toward Gol, passing quiet villages and open farmland along the way. The road runs alongside Randsfjorden, Norway’s fourth-largest lake, before winding into the mountains and dropping me into the picturesque town of Gol.

Why I stopped in Gol

Gol is an all-season destination that feels active no matter when you arrive. In warmer months, I saw mountain bikers and hikers filling the trails, while winter turns the area into a snowy haven for cross-country skiers. Visiting in autumn means catching Fårefestivalen, Gol’s lively sheep festival. Gol is also where Mjølkevegen begins, one of Norway’s most scenic cycling routes, stretching through wide valleys, mountain landscapes, 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.

My recommendation: 1 day

Day 2: Gol to Flåm

The drive from Gol to Flåm felt like one long highlight reel. I followed National Road 7, also known as the Norwegian Scenic Route Hardangervidda, which cuts across the largest plateau in Northern Europe. The landscape opens up quickly here, with wide horizons and a sense of scale that makes the drive itself part of the experience.

Hardangervidda and Vøringsfossen

One of my main stops along this route was Vøringsfossen, Norway’s most photographed waterfall, located at the top of the Måbødalen Valley. With a total drop of 182 meters (597 ft), it’s impressive from every angle. I moved between several viewing platforms before crossing the striking walking bridge with its 99 steps, which offers a dramatic bird’s-eye view of the falls from 184 meters (604 ft) above the valley.

I continued toward Flåm via E16, making a stop in Gudvangen along the way. This stretch winds through steep mountain terrain, with farms clinging to the hillsides above the fjord. In Gudvangen, I visited Njardarheimr, a recreated Viking town that offers a hands-on glimpse into daily life during the Viking Age.

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

Arriving in Flåm

The village of Flåm sits at the end of Aurlandsfjord, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and deep blue water. One of the highlights here is the Flåm Railway, often described as one of the steepest and most scenic train journeys in the world, with sweeping views over the Nærøyfjord landscape. After the ride, stopping at Ægir Brewery felt like the natural next step. Inspired by Norse mythology, the brewery offers beer tastings and a Viking-themed menu in a relaxed setting.

Hikes and viewpoints around Flåm

Flåm is also a great base for short hikes. I followed the Brekkefossen waterfall loop, a 3.6-mile trail that climbs stone steps to the Raokjen viewpoint, with clear views over the waterfall and the village below. Another unforgettable stop is Stegastein, a dramatic viewing platform that juts out high above Aurlandsfjord. It’s reached via an 11.8-mile point-to-point route near Flåm, popular with both road cyclists and scenic drivers.

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.

My recommendation: 1 day

Day 3: Flåm to Olden

I stayed on E16 as the scenery kept unfolding around every bend. The road winds through mountainous terrain, past farms where sheep graze high above Nærøyfjord. Heading west toward Olden, I passed through the Lærdal Tunnel, which cuts straight through the mountains. At 24.5 kilometers (15.23 miles), it’s the longest road tunnel in the world and surprisingly memorable to drive.

Briksdal and the glacier valley

Briksdal itself has a slightly quirky feel, thanks to a small sculpture garden right in the town center filled with playful characters. The real draw, though, is the Briksdal Glacier. An arm of the Jostedal Glacier, Europe’s largest, it slowly creeps down from the mountaintop above the valley. From Olden, I followed the 1.5-mile trail into the Briksdalen Valley, where the landscape feels entirely shaped by ice, time, and quiet movement.

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.

My recommendation: 1 day

Day 4: Olden to Ålesund

Ålesund quickly became one of my favorite cities in Norway. After a devastating fire in 1904 destroyed much of the town, it was rebuilt in just a few years in the Art Nouveau style popular across Europe at the time. Today, the pastel blue, rose, salmon, and yellow buildings are covered in ornate details like dragons, spires, and medieval-inspired decorations, giving the city the feel of an open-air architectural gallery.

Hiking and views around Ålesund

Ålesund is also a great base for outdoor time, surrounded by a rugged coastline and the steep peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps. One of the easiest hikes starts right in town. I climbed the 418 steps up to Fjellstua on Mount Aksla, where the panoramic view over Ålesund, the surrounding islands, and the fjord-lined mountains easily justified the effort.

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.

My recommendation: 1 day

Day 5: Ålesund to Bud

I followed Norway’s western coastline from Ålesund toward Bud, driving the opening stretch of the Atlantic Road, part of Norway’s Scenic Highway network. The road links the mainland with the island of Averøy via a chain of small islands and low bridges, gradually pulling you closer to the open ocean. It’s easy to see why this route is often called one of the most beautiful drives in the world. At times, it feels like you’re driving right along the edge of the sea.

Coastal walks and village life in Bud

Bud itself is a small coastal village facing the Norwegian Sea, with peaceful overnight camping spots and easy access to the water. Fishing is popular here, and I saw plenty of people casting lines from the shore. For a walk, I followed the Coastal Trail, a 2.8-mile out-and-back route that runs along the shoreline. The path stays close to the water, with waves breaking against the rocks and wide views out over the open sea.

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.

My recommendation: 1 day

Day 6: Bud to Trondheim

I stayed on the Atlantic Road as I headed toward Trondheim, crossing the dramatically curved Storseisundet Bridge along the way. It’s the longest of the scenic road’s eight bridges and one of the most memorable stretches of the drive. The Atlantic Road officially ends in Kristiansund, where I picked up E39 and continued on toward Trondheim.

Exploring Trondheim

Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest city, serves as the cultural center of the Trøndelag region. Walking through the city, I was struck by the contrast between old and new. Timber warehouses painted in shades of red, gold, brown, and green line the Nidelva River, giving the city one of its most distinctive looks.

One of the highlights for me was Nidaros Cathedral, believed to be built over the grave of Viking King Olav, Norway’s patron saint. Climbing to the top meant passing through narrow corridors and up a winding medieval staircase, but the reward was worth it. From above, the panoramic views stretch across the city and out toward the surrounding fjord.

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

Seeing Trondheim from the water

To experience the city from a different perspective, I took a boat trip along the Nidelva River as it flows through the heart of Trondheim and out into the Trondheim Fjord. Along the route, I passed the fish market at Ravnkloa, the old harbor and channel area, and the colorful wharfs of Bryggerekka. The boat also glides by the Old City Bridge, often called the “Portal of Happiness,” a spot that’s become famous 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