Norway Unfolded: A Self-Drive Adventure from Geiranger to Oslo

It’s been a dream of mine to visit Norway for several years. When I finally booked the flights, I was so excited to explore all these places! I might have been a bit more zealous with my travel plans. As always, I wanted to see everything and do as much as I can. I hope you are as excited as I was and follow along on this road trip adventure around Norway.

Day 1: Arrival in Oslo and Drive to Geiranger

Get a morning arrival flight. If not, plan to stay in Oslo for the night.
After arrival in Oslo airport, pick up your rental car and begin your road trip around Norway. The first part of our trip was to Geiranger. The other option is to go to Flam and Bergen first and then to Geiranger and loop back to Oslo.

This scenic drive to Geiranger takes you through rolling hills, fjords, and mountain passes. The drive itself is under 6 hours but with beauty all around, you will want to stop and explore. You can choose to break up the drive with a stay in Otta or Fossbergom, charming towns nestled in Norway’s rugged landscape.
We stayed at Hotell Utsikten Geiranger. It has rooms with panoramic views of the Geirangerfjord.

Day 2: Geiranger

Ørnesvingen Viewpoint: Start your day at this breathtaking viewpoint, offering a sweeping view of the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord and surrounding majestic mountains. It’s also called Eagle Road with several hairpin turns.
Geiranger-Hellesylt Fjord Cruise: Take a cruise through the dramatic deep fjord of Geiranger, passing iconic waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil. The fjord’s steep cliffs and cascading falls are a sight to behold. The cruise stops at Hellesylt town that you can get off the ferry and explore and then take the bus back or do the return ferry trip back.

After the cruise, walk around the charming town of Geiranger and try some Norwegian food and shop for some souvenirs. We really enjoyed the fish cake in naanta (naan+pita) from Fiskekaka.
Storsæterfossen Waterfall: A short hike takes you to this waterfall, an invigorating experience with views of the valley below. It’s easier to walk down from the top by the Fjord Centre.

Flydalsjuvet Rock: Capture the classic Geiranger photo from this iconic rock, perched high above the fjord. Relax in the Queen’s Chair and enjoy the serene landscape. This place is only a few minutes from the hotel.
After a day of exploring, enjoy a nice dinner at Hotell Utsikten Geiranger before retiring for night.

Day 3: Geiranger to Bergen

Today is a long drive to Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, with stops along the way to appreciate the natural beauty. It’s around 7 hours and you will want to start out early and pace yourself.
Pass through the picturesque villages of Loen and Olden, nestled by the fjord. You can take Loen Skylift, a cable car up Mount Hoven with amazing views of the fjord.

Continue the drive south towards Briksdal Glacier. Hike 2.5 km (about an hour) to the foot of the Briksdal Glacier, a massive arm of the Jostedalsbreen ice cap. The path includes the roaring Kleivafossen Waterfall, and for a less strenuous option, you can take a troll-car ride.
Part of the drive includes a car ferry ride. Norway’s transport system makes it very convenient. Your rental car has a pass already. So you can line up and drive on and off and the rental car company will send you a bill later.
Accommodation: Magic Hotel & Apartments Kløverhuset, a modern stay in the heart of Bergen, a short walk to Bryggen.

Day 4: Bergen

Enjoy a complimentary hearty breakfast at the hotel.
You can walk around the city center and explore. It tends to rain a lot in Bergen so have a rain jacket or umbrella handy.
Funicular Ride to Mount Floyen: Ride the funicular up Mount Floyen for panoramic views of Bergen’s colorful harbor and surrounding fjords. You can explore some trails on the top. There are also cashmere goats that you can pet.

Bryggen Wharf: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage site, with its preserved medieval wooden buildings, once the center of the Hanseatic League’s trading empire.
Fish Market: Sample fresh seafood at the famous Bergen Fish Market, a vibrant spot for local flavors. Try the salmon soup. It’s delicious!
Accommodation: Magic Hotel & Apartments Kløverhuset.

Day 5: Bergen to Flam

Today you will be driving through the scenic landscapes of Western Norway to Flam.
Tvindefossen Waterfall: A stop at this magnificent waterfall, which drops from 152 meters, is a refreshing start to the day. It’s a short walk from the main road.

Next stop is Gudvangen and it surprised me how beautiful and serene it is. It almost feels like stepping back into a mystical Viking story. You can experience more of Viking life at the Viking Village there.
Next, go on a Fjord Cruise from Flam to Gudvangen along the Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest fjords in Europe, known for its steep cliffs and waterfalls. If you can book a hotel early enough, I recommend staying in Gudvangen for the night.

Stegastein Viewpoint: Perched 650 meters above the fjord, this viewpoint offers jaw-dropping panoramas of the Aurlandsfjord. It is a very narrow and windy road to the top.
Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route: Drive the Aurlandsfjellet Mountain Road, nicknamed the “Snow Road,” for stunning views of fjords, valleys, and glaciers.

Accommodation: We ended up staying at Lindstrøm Hotel in Lærdal because everything around Gudvangen and Flam areas were booked up.

Day 6: Flam to Oslo

Get your breakfast and walk around Laerdal Town, quaint village known for its well-preserved wooden houses, some dating back to the 18th century.
Next, visit the iconic Borgund Stave Church, one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Norwegian wooden architecture, built around 1180. It’s about 30 minute drive from Laerdal.

If you have time, hike this historic Vindhellavegen Road, a 2.5-mile trail with a 500-foot elevation gain, offering dramatic views of the valley below.
Accommodation: CityBox Oslo, a comfortable and modern stay in the heart of the capital with self check in.

Day 7: Oslo

A day back in the city and a change of pace. Get ready to walk a lot and get into the city vibes!
Karl Johans Gate: Stroll down Oslo’s main street, lined with cafes and shops. Stop by Oslo Cathedral and the Stortinget, Norway’s parliament building.
Grab brunch at one of the cafes lining the Karl Johans Gate street.

After brunch, visit the Royal Palace and watch the daily Changing of the Guard at 1:30 PM. Walk the palace grounds and enjoy the lush greenery and gardens.

Explore this bustling waterfront area, Aker Brygge, known for its trendy restaurants, shops, and art galleries. Grab some coffee or ice cream and take a break by the water.

Next, visit the Akershus Fortress, a medieval fortress that has guarded Oslo since the 1300s, offering views over the harbor.

End your day with a walk up the roof of Oslo Opera House, the modern architectural gem for panoramic views of Oslo. Don’t forget to go inside as well. Enjoy the sunset view on your last night in Oslo.