The Grand Tour of the Fjords

Arrival in Oslo, welcome to Norway !

Arrive at Oslo-Gardermoen airport. Pick up your rental car and drive along the E6 national road, the backbone of the country, towards Hamar, a small town on the shores of Lake Mjøsa.

Distance: 90km. Driving time: 1h

Accommodation: Thon Hotel Victoria or similar

Lillehammer, Olympic city

Continue along Lake Mjøsa towards Lillehammer, which was thrust into the limelight by the 1994 Winter Olympics. Take the opportunity to discover the charming town of Lillehammer, stroll through its countless shopping streets, climb to the top of the ski jump to admire the view over the Gudbrandsdal valley or visit the Maihaugen eco-museum (admission not included).

Afterwards, we recommend you take the Peer Gynt mountain road, which offers fine panoramic views.

Distance: 210km. Driving time: 2h45

Accommodation: Dombås Hotel or similar

Dovrefjell National Park

Drive to Dovrefjell National Park, home to wild reindeer and musk oxen.

From the Snøhetta viewpoint, you can admire the panorama of the mountains and, if you're lucky and patient, see reindeer or musk oxen (binoculars can help).

Continue through the Sunndalsora valley to Kristiansund, a small town built on several islands.

Distance: 165km. Driving time: 3h

Accommodation: Thon Hotel Moldefjord or similar

On the way to the Atlantic

We recommend taking the Atlantic route, which winds from island to island along the Atlantic. On the small island of Averøy, you'll find the pretty wooden church of Kvernes, and visit a small fishing village like Bud.

In Molde, climb to the Varden summit to admire the view of the fjord and mountains.

Distance: 180km. Driving time: 3h

Accommodation: Thon Hotel Moldefjord or similar

Cruise on Geirangerfjord

Ferry crossing between Solsnes and Afarnes (not included), followed by the famous “Troll Road”. Cut into the rock, it winds its way up the mountainside in 11 hairpin bends.

Ferry crossing Linge - Eidsdal (not included), then the Eagle Route to the small village of Geiranger, on the edge of the fjord.

Cruise on the narrow Geiranger fjord for around 1 hour, with vehicle on board, to admire its many waterfalls, including the famous “Seven Sisters”.

Distance: 180km. Driving time: 4h10

Accommodation: Raftevolds Hotel or similar

Excursion to the Briksdal Glacier

The road first follows the Nordfjord, then you can take a detour to the Briksdal Glacier, a branch of the large Jostedal Glacier.

The Briksdal Glacier is a true tongue of ice wedged between two cliffs, with chunks breaking off and falling into the small lake. The view is stunning.

A hiking trail allows you to get closer to the glacier (approximately 2.5 hours round trip), or troll cars (for a fee) will take you to the foot of the glacier. Continue on towards the Sognefjord.

Along the way, you will pass through Fjærland, where you can visit the Glacier Museum.

Distance: 240 km. Duration: 4h20 of driving.

Accommodation : Midtnes Hotel, fjord view or similar

Discovery of the Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord

You are now in Balestrand, where you can enjoy a hike with a view of the fjord. This peaceful village, spared from cruise ships, has a certain charm.

Next, you cross the Sognefjord to Vangsnes (ferry not included) and reach Voss and its lake. Continue towards the shores of the Hardangerfjord. These shores are among the most romantic in Norway, as they are dotted with apple trees. You can visit a local cider house or stroll through the villages along the fjord.

You then head to Bergen for the night.

Distance: 235 km. Duration: 4h40 of driving.

Accommodation : Thon Hotel Bergen Airport or similar

Discovery of Bergen, the Hanseatic City

Bergen is famous for the seven mountains that rise above the city center.

To enjoy the view of the city and its surroundings, you can reach the summit of Mount Fløien by funicular or on foot (about 45 minutes). At the top, there are also many hiking trails through the forest or around the lakes.

The city also has a rich history. As an important trading post of the Hanseatic League, Bergen was a prosperous commercial center that connected Norway to the rest of Europe for several centuries. Bryggen (the Hanseatic Wharf) is the most striking reminder of this era, where many restaurants, pubs, craft shops, and historical museums have settled in recent years.

Accommodation : Thon Hotel Bergen Airport or similar

Cruise to Stavanger

You have the morning to complete your visit of Bergen. Don't miss the fish market, which is held every day at the harbor.

In the afternoon, board the ferry with your car for Stavanger. The ferry follows the Norwegian coastline southward and will drop you off in Stavanger in the early evening.

Accommodation : Clarion Hotel Energy or similar

Hike to Preikestolen

You will take the new bridge to Preikestolen Hytta, the starting point for hikes to Preikestolen. This spectacular hike takes you to the top of Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock, a steep cliff that overlooks the Lysefjord from a height of 604 meters. The hike lasts about 4 hours round trip and is of moderate difficulty.

Back in Stavanger, you can stroll through the streets of the old town, which has preserved many 18th and 19th-century wooden houses, visit the beautiful cathedral, or explore the Utstein Manor, the former royal residence.

Distance: 80 km. Duration: 1h30 of round-trip driving.

Accommodation : Clarion Hotel Energy or similar

Route to the Vøringsfoss Waterfall

Board the ferry that crosses between Mortavika and Årsvågen.

Pass near Haugesund and follow the road that runs along the Folgefonna National Park. You will be able to see the glacier and its snow-capped peaks from the charming village of Lofthus.

The drive up the Hardangerfjord is a real pleasure, as it is known to be the orchard of Norway. The climate is mild, and many farms grow apples, strawberries, and cherries.

Distance: 265 km. Duration: 4h45 of driving.

Accommodation : Vøringfoss Hotel or similar

Discovery of a Stave Church

Continue your journey along the Hardangerfjord towards Eidfjord, a small village nestled at the end of the fjord.

Stop to admire the Vøringfossen waterfall. It rises to 182 meters in height, and the new suspension bridge above the void will offer you a breathtaking view of the falls!

Then cross the Hardangervidda, the largest mountain plateau in Europe. You can make a stop in Torpo to explore its stave church before continuing through the mountains of Gol.

Dinner included.

Distance: 160 km. Duration: 3 hours of driving.

Accommodation : Storefjell Hotel or similar

Journey to Oslo

The road follows the Oslofjord to the capital of Norway. On the way, you will pass through Tonsberg, the oldest city in the country, founded during the Viking era. A replica of the Oseberg ship can be found in the harbor.

Continue towards Drammen and then Oslo, where you can start your exploration of the capital.

Distance: 190 km. Duration: 3 hours of driving.

Accommodation : Quality Hotel Hasle Linje or similar

Free Day in Oslo

A day dedicated to exploring the capital.

Oslo is nestled at the end of a stunning fjord and offers many walks around the lakes, along the Akerselva River, or in the Nordmarka forest.

In Frogner Park, you can discover the works of sculptor Gustav Vigeland with over 200 sculptures. Oslo is also a cultural destination. Its museums showcase Viking heritage, Munch's paintings, and the polar adventures of Roald Amundsen.

In recent years, the city has also acquired modern buildings designed by internationally renowned architects, such as the Opera House and the Astrup Fearnley Museum.

Accommodation : Quality Hotel Hasle Linje or similar

End of the adventure in Norway

Return to Oslo airport. Drop off your rental car.