OVERVIEW

If craving a visit to a magical land with breathtaking landscapes ranging from rugged coastlines and pristine valleys to towering mountains and glaciers, then this 2 week itinerary through Norway’s fjord region is perfect for you.

We spent two weeks driving the country’s iconic scenic highways – starting from Ålesund and traveling south to end in Stavanger. Norway’s southern fjord region may not look that big, but it’s packed with amazing natural scenery.  

In every direction there is a massive azure fjord, snow capped mountain, lush green valley, or turquoise alpine lake.

This trip was built around four incredible, and at times palpitation-inducing, hikes. While these are certainly the highlights, this two week itinerary also allows plenty of time to explore the fjords, sightsee the towns, shop for souvenirs and sample traditional Scandinavian cuisine.

DAY 1: ÅLESUND

Ålesund

Your Norway itinerary begins in Ålesund, where you’ll wake up at the Quality Hotel Ålesund. This is a great place to start a southern fjord road trip, because it is central to many iconic destinations and the route from Ålesund to Stavanger gives you convenient access to a number of must-see sights. 

Ålesund can easily be reached through a connecting flight from Bergen or Oslo. Rent a car from the Ålesund airport with the intent of dropping it off in Stavanger at the end of your two weeks.

Despite being a town of nearly 70,000, Ålesund can be explored thoroughly and easily on foot in a day. 

The highlight of your time in Ålesund will likely be walking up to the Aksla viewpoint. The classic postcard photo of Ålesund can be taken at the highest viewing platform at Fjellstua restaurant. 

There are 410 steps to reach the top. And there is a 100 NOK price to access the viewpoint.  However, there are multiple viewing platforms along the path, so plenty of impressive free photo opportunities.

The main business district of Ålesund has many interesting shops and restaurants. You can spend the remainder of the morning exploring the cobblestone pedestrian street of Kongens gate, watching fishing boats at the waterfront harbor, and admiring the picturesque Art Nouveau architecture throughout the city. 

If you have the time, a few other experiences worth considering are visiting the Atlantic Sea-Park Aquarium, taking a 40 minute boat trip to Runde Island, or driving along the legendary Atlantic Scenic Route. 

Zakarias dam

Set out toward Åndalsnes just before noon, first heading east out of town and then turning south along Starfjorden – the fifth longest fjord in Norway. 

If you have time, consider adding on an extension to visit the Zakarias dam. There is a 6 mile out and back trail along the southern shore of the dammed lake that takes you to several waterfalls.

Trollstigen

Resume the route to Åndalsnes, taking the maze of endless switchbacks at Trollstigen, otherwise known as the “Troll’s Ladder”. There are 11 switchbacks, connecting the towns of Valldal and Åndalsnes. The view from the top is incredible. 

Today is a long day, so check in at the Grand Hotel in Åndalsnes, and get some well deserved rest in preparation for your first of four Norway hikes tomorrow.

DAY 2: ROMSDALSEGGEN RIDGE HIKE

On the second day of your Norway itinerary you’ll hike Romsdalseggen Ridge, a nearly 6 mile trail with 3.300 feet of elevation. It will take about 7 hours to complete, including many stops for snack breaks and photo opportunities.

The first half of the hike is a rather grueling ascent up to the ridge that will have you picking your way through scree and climbing up to multiple false summits. Your throbbing legs will be rewarded by that first view of Romsdalen Valley from the top.

After eating lunch against the backdrop of Trollveggen cliff, then proceed along the spine of the ridge toward Åndalsnes. Beware of the abundant and friendly sheep who will follow you around and beg for scraps of food. 

There are some rock scrambling opportunities and you’ll need to use chains at times, so all the thrill seekers should be satisfied. Grab some well earned soft serve ice cream from the Rampestreken cable car station before taking the gondola back down to Åndalsnes. 

The Eagle’s Turn

Hop in the car, and head back along Trollstigen. The drive proceeds along another set of mountainous switchbacks at Ørnesvingen (The Eagle’s Turn). Stop at the viewpoint on the way down and continue toward arguably the most renowned Norwegian town, Gerienger.

DAY 3: GEIRANGER

Waterfall Trail and Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint

Your third day will be spent exploring Geiranger, an extremely popular and picturesque city tucked away in the distant tip of one of Norway’s most iconic fjords. It makes a great base for exploring Geirangerfjord and the surrounding area.

Before leaving town, take a stroll along the waterfall trail. It begins at the waterfront and leads along a series of boardwalks and bridges over numerous waterfalls on the way up to the Fjord Center.

Once back in your car, head east and make stops at Knuten and Flydalsjuvet viewpoints, which have amazing views of Geirangerfjord and surrounding mountains. 

Dalsnibba Viewpoint and Geiranger Skywalk

You’ll continue along the winding mountain highway to the remarkable Dalsnibba Viewpoint and Geiranger Skywalk at nearly 5,000 feet elevation. The toll road to Dalsnibba Viewpoint will cost 250 NOK (per car) but it is well worth it.

Enjoy some coffee, hot chocolate, and waffles from the gift shop, while browsing through their souvenirs and travel mementos. But the real treasure are the panoramic views of the mountains and waterways below.

Before returning to Geiranger consider a detour to see the crystal clear alpine lakes of Djupvatnet and Langvatnet.

Back in Geiranger, grab some delicious burgers from the Gatekjøkken kiosk and take a peek at the artisan chocolate shop Geiranger Sjokolade before retiring for the night. 

DAY 4: GEIRANGER FERRY AND GLACIER TOUR

Geiranger ferry

The excitement begins early today as you’ll take the 1 hour car ferry from Geiranger to Hellesylt. On the way you’ll get a close up view of the impressive Seven Sisters Waterfall. The ferry costs 330 NOK for a one way ticket and 500 NOK for a round trip ticket.

Upon arriving in Hellesylt, it’s only a 50 minute drive to reach Stryn. The cities of Stryn, Loen, and OIden are within 20 minutes of each other and can all serve as a base in which to explore the incredible Nordfjord area.

Bodalsbreen and Kjenndalsbreen Glaciers

The afternoon gives the opportunity to visit a few glaciers. The trail to Bodalsbreen Glacier is a lightly wooded 4 mile path that starts at a small farm and ends at the foot of the glacier. The icy lake is a fun spot to hop between rocks or get your feet wet (and frozen) before returning along the same route.  

Next, drive to the end of the valley to see Kjenndalsbreen Glacier. Unfortunately these glaciers are receding quickly, but are still an impressive sight.

Retrace your steps to Stryn and eat dinner at Stryn Kaffebar & Vertshus, which serves a variety of food that can satisfy any appetite. Your hotel tonight is Visnes Hotel Stryn, a converted farmhouse and barn.

DAY 5: BRIKSDAL GLACIER AND LOEN SKYLIFT

Briksdal Glacier

You will have already seen two glaciers in the area, but today you’ll see a third, and probably the most famous and impressive of the bunch. Grab some breakfast from the farmhouse and head toward Olden where you’ll find Briksdal Glacier.

There’s a 3 mile round trip mostly gravel walkway to the lovely Briksdal Glacier. If not in the walking mood then there’s the option to take a trolley up to the glacial lagoon. This is a popular location so expect to share the path with busloads of tourists.

Prepare to get a little wet as you walk across a bridge that crosses over the base of a thundering waterfall. It takes about 50 minutes to reach the glacier, where you’ll encounter the vibrant emerald waters of the lagoon.

Make sure to take advantage of the rickety wooden swings on the trail back as it’s a great photo opportunity with the Norwegian wilderness in the background. Get some lunch at the mountain lodge before heading back toward Stryn.

Cascades of Lovatnet and Loen Skylift

Check out the Cascades de Lovatnet in the small village of Vassenden just east of Loen before taking the Loen Skylift to Mount Hoven. There are many hikes at the top with views down to Loen and the entire region.

Eat again at Stryn Kaffebar & Vertshus or another place in Stryn, then return to the farmhouse for the night.

DAY 6: SCENIC MOUNTAIN ROAD

Say goodbye to the cozy little farmhouse and drive east toward Jotunheimen National Park. There’s a lot of driving today but it’ll be accompanied by marvelous scenery and broken up with some activities. 

Set out on highway 15 driving along the picturesque Lake Oppstrynsvatn. The road eventually begins to climb with a series of switchbacks. Soon you’ll be driving on the 17 mile breathtaking scenic mountain road Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, which runs from Grotli to Videsæter.

Weather permitting, you’ll drive across ancient stone bridges and witness tranquil alpine lakes, cascading waterfalls, and panoramic vistas of snow-capped peaks and lush glacial valleys. Make some stops at the viewpoints and set up your own picnic spot along the roadside while absorbing Norway’s natural beauty.

Stop for some afternoon ice cream at Sentral’n Kafé og Isbar, in Fossbergom. This should re-energize you for the final push toward Jotunheimen National Park.

You’ll stay tonight at Bessheim Fjellstue og Hytter. It’s a rustic but charming mountain lodge that has its own reindeer in the front lawn and provides hearty and delicious breakfast and dinner.  Some days they offer a traditional Norwegian dinner buffet featuring local game – including reindeer, moose, and an endless variety of trout.

Get to bed early, as tomorrow will be a tough but glorious hike along Besseggen Ridge.

DAY 7: BESSEGGEN RIDGE HIKE

Today you will tackle Besseggen Ridge, a 9 mile point to point hike with 3,300 feet of elevation gain that will encapsulate everything about Norway.

Fill up for breakfast at Bessheim Fjellstue og Hytter and drive a few miles down the road to a parking lot at Gjendesheim. Here you board a ferry that will bring you across Lake Gjende to the port of Memerubu.

This hike may be beautiful, but it’s not easy. Immediately after disembarking you’ll ascend for an hour straight until reaching a plateau. Don’t get too comfortable, as the trail soon gets even more demanding.

A second strenuous ascent begins directly up the ridgeline, this time featuring stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. 

Behind you is a mountainous spine dividing Lake Gjende from Lake Bessvatnet. The contrast between the lakes is remarkable as they are different colors and lie at different elevations.

After enjoying your packed lunch at the top, continue down the gradual descent back to Gjendesheim. The terrain transforms into a barren extraterrestrial wasteland of rocks dotted with colored lichen.

It’s mostly flat but at times steep and slippery. Near the end of the trail you’ll use supportive chains while descending down the mountainside until you return back to the parking lot.

Although not as well known as some of the other hikes in Norway, the hike along Besseggen Ridge is absolutely incredible and just as impressive. Without a doubt it deserves to be ranked amongst the marquee hikes in Norway.

DAY 8: AURLANDSFJELLET SCENIC ROAD

Say goodbye to Bessheim Fjellstue og Hytter as the Norway itinerary now brings you south toward the charming town of Flåm. This will be another day of driving, but there will be plenty of scenic views and opportunities for exploration along the way.

Shortly after leaving the lodge you’ll drive past some great areas to get out of the car and stretch your legs, such as Bitihorn and the adjacent valleys. You can stop in the town of Beitostølen for some shopping and pastries from Jotunstogo before moving on.

The roads will now take you westward. When you reach Lærdal, you’ll have the option of taking a long tunnel or 30 mile scenic mountain highway to the towns of Aurland and Flåm. Assuming you’re not short on time, take the scenic route otherwise known as the Aurlandsfjellet.

This mountain road traverses the high plateaus, revealing dramatic vistas at every turn, with cascading waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and verdant valleys stretching out beneath towering peaks. It’s an unforgettable exploration of Norway’s untamed wilderness and natural splendor.

Stop at the Stegastein Viewpoint and continue on to the endless switchbacks down to one of Norway’s most iconic towns, Flåm. Check in at your hotel and get ready for a busy day tomorrow.

DAY 9: FLÅM

Today you’ll experience the legendary Flåm Scenic Railway, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Norway. Make sure to book tickets beforehand and sit on the right side of the train as it will provide the best views.

Grab some pastries from the Flåm Bakery and then board the vintage train at the Flåm Railway Station. On the way to Myrdal the train ascends steep mountains, winds through tunnels, and offers panoramas of the picturesque Norwegian valleys, traditional farmlands, and powerful waterfalls.

The train stops at Kjosfossen Waterfall where a mysterious woman in a red dress emerges from the cliffside, serenading the passengers with her hypnotizing voice. She’s known as the Huldra, a forest creature from Scandinavian folklore. The train ride takes about 2 hours.

Find a restaurant in Flåm for lunch. For the afternoon consider an Aurlandsfjord cruise, kayaking the rivers and fjords around Flåm, visiting the nearby Viking Village, or even driving through Lærdal Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in the world at about 15 miles.

DAY 10: VØRINGSFOSSEN AND ODDA

Today you’ll drive from Flåm to Odda. If you didn’t see the Viking Village yesterday, then you can stop on the drive today.

Vøringsfossen

Head south on and after crossing the Hardanger Bridge turn east toward one of Norway’s most amazing waterfalls, Vøringsfossen. You’ll find an extensive network of individual waterfalls cascading down from the rugged cliffs. 

Vøringsfossen is explored by a maze of strategically placed boardwalks and bridges zigzagging across the waterfalls, providing different views from along the canyon rim. 

The largest waterfall plunges approximately 600 feet into the deep, narrow canyon of Måbødalen, as it echoes throughout the mountainside. 

Odda

Continue toward Odda and spend the evening exploring the town. Odda is a relatively large Norwegian town with many restaurant and shopping options in its city center. Get a good night’s sleep as tomorrow will be another day of challenging but rewarding hiking.

DAY 11: TROLLTUNGA

Trolltunga is one of the most recognizable hikes in the world, and for good reason. It has varied terrain and incredible panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Ringedalsvatnet. 

The drive to the trailhead from Odda is only about 20 minutes. You’ll have a few parking options. If you reserved a parking spot at the top lot, drive up the steep switchbacks and park at the trailhead. Otherwise, park at the lower level and hop on the shuttle that will transport you to the trailhead.

Although Trolltunga is a long hike, it does not have much elevation gain. After the initial ascent, the trail is more or less flat until it reaches the famous protruding rock formation.

As you walk along the upper plateau you’ll encounter the region’s snow-capped peaks, pristine glacial lakes, and have a chance to appreciate the true remote wilderness of Norway.

Venturing out onto the Troll’s tongue looks quite intimidating in pictures, but it actually feels surprisingly safe. The rock face is very flat and wide, so it’s easy to stay in the middle and not have to look straight down, though there are always some adventurous hikers who will dangle their feet over the edge.  

Expect to wait in line to get out to the tongue. Most hikers will swap cameras without another group so that no one gets left out of these once-in-a-lifetime pictures.

You’ll surely be tired by the end of the day so return to Odda for the night to recuperate. 

DAY 12: DRIVE TO LYSEBOTN

Røldalsfjellet scenic road

Unfortunately, today will be a very long drive to Lysebotn. But on the bright side, the scenery and landscapes along the drive are extraordinary.

You’ll head south out of Odda until reaching the village of Horda, where you’ll turn east. After only a few miles make an exit on to Røldalsfjellet, another incredibly scenic mountain highway. 

This detour reconnects with the main highway and brings you to the village of Røldal, known for its historic stave church. Consider making a stop to stretch your legs and take in the scenery.

Lysevegen scenic road

Near the village of Ådneram, you’ll turn towards Lysebotn. This mountain road is known for its hairpin turns and dramatic vistas as it climbs higher into the mountains. This was our favorite mountain road of the entire 2 week Norway itinerary.

Eventually you’ll reach the Kjerag Restaurant, where you’ll be hiking the following day. Walk over to the viewpoints for a look down at the Lysebotn Valley below. Drive down the 27 hairpin turns to Lysefjorden Lodge where you’ll be staying the night.

DAY 13: KJERAGBOLTEN

Today will be the culmination of your Norway hiking adventure, with the thrilling 7.5 mile, out and back hike to Kjeragbolten. 

Pack your things and load the car, then make the drive all the way back up the infinite switchbacks to Kjerag Restaurant. Pay the parking attendant’s small fee, and head over to the trailhead.

This isn’t a very long hike compared to the other three that you’ve already done, but it’s certainly the most technical. You’ll need to do some rock scrambling and use a series of chains to help hoist yourself up the mountain. 

We did this hike in the rain, and the wet conditions made the trail very slippery and very challenging resulting in more than one bruised tailbone by day’s end.

You’ll hike over rocky and undulating terrain and finally onto a large granite plateau. The trail terminates at a massive boulder wedged between two towering cliffs atop the Kjerag mountain, suspended over a 3,000 foot abyss. 

Stepping onto the boulder is not for the faint of heart – which obviously meant that Shirlee did it, while the rest of us stayed on solid and firm ground.

On the way back to the car, make sure to take in the spectacular views of the lush valleys and surrounding fjords below, as this will be your last day fully immersed in Norway’s wilderness. 

The drive to Stavanger is about 2 hours. Check into your hotel and enjoy your last night in Norway.

DAY 14: STAVANGER AND PULPIT ROCK

If your flight doesn’t leave until later in the day you should have time to explore some of Stavanger. Alternatively you could hike the nearby Pulpit Rock, also known as Preikestolen.

The hike is only about 5 miles round trip with 1100 feet of elevation. Since it is so close to Stavanger, it’s a very popular trail and can get quite crowded.

The Pulpit Rock trailhead can be reached by car or bus from Stavanger in about 40 minutes. Unfortunately the trail was closed during our visit due to a medical emergency, so we missed out on another famous Norway hike.

The trail ascends nearly its entire length, eventually bringing you to a giant monolith with amazing views over Lysefjord. This is one of the most recognizable photos of Norway.

Enjoy your last few moments in this country as your 2 week Norway itinerary comes to a close. Return your rental car and head off to the airport for your flight home. 

FINAL IMPRESSIONS

Traveling through the southern fjord region of Norway is an unforgettable journey through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the world. From the bustling city of Ålesund to the remote reaches of Jotunheim National Park, there is no shortage of remarkable places to visit.

This 2 week Norway itinerary takes you through the highlights of the region, but can be customized in a number of ways to fit your preferences and incorporate your own personal bucket list items. 

We structured the two weeks around a few hikes that we prioritized, but many variations are possible.

Don’t underestimate the driving distances throughout this remote region of Norway. The roads wind in and out of the long fjords and make use of a network of ferries. As a result, travel times can quickly add up. Fortunately, the scenery is stunning along the way.

A two week southern fjord itinerary is a great introduction into the spectacular scenery and rich culture of Norway. Put your own personal touch on this itinerary and prepare to experience the magnificence of this Scandinavian country.