Norway Road Trip Guide: What I Learned From 2+ Months Driving Norway

If you’ve decided to visit Norway by car, then this is the best Norway travel guide for you. Forget the agencies (they’re expensive) and what you read in other places.

I’ve been to Norway, organised my own trip, driven South to North, and spent over one month in total in Norway during my first summer there and then another month in Lofoten a few summers later. Now, I can guide you on where to go and what to see and also save money in the process. 

The truth is that Norway is EXPENSIVE. It’s probably one of the most expensive places on the planet, and no matter how we put it, it will cost you a lot.

But, because there is a huge but, this place is simply stunning, and as a travel blogger, I can say that I’m in love with Norway and I would go back anytime, even if it means I’ll never visit another new place, ever again.

And with that disclaimer out of the way, here’s everything you need to know about planning your trip to one of the best countries on Earth, the ultimate Norway travel guide. 

Unlike other Norway travel guides and blogs that sound like boring in-flight magazines, this guide is packed with practical tips that you need to know before getting to this paradise. Ready? Ok, let’s dig in. 

Norway Travel Guides

Before we get into all the details on how to plan a trip to Norway, I want to give you a list of all my in-depth guides about Norway. There are road trips I personally did, written from months of experience on the road in Norway.

• 10-Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary
• Driving to North Cape, Norway
• One Month in Lofoten Islands
• Best Norway Hiking Itinerary
• Northern Lights in Norway
• Iceland vs Norway Travel Comparison

And if you want to plan a similar trip, here are all the logistics of it, things you need to know before you start driving in Norway.

Logistics: How to get to Norway

The very first thing is to make your plan for your trip, and that includes the logistics of getting a car or making a plan on how to get around. 

What you might not imagine just yet is that Norway is a huge country. Before getting into this Norway travel guide, we need to set some realistic expectations. I spoke with some friends of mine, and they were asking me practical questions about logistics. 

They all were wondering if they could get from one tourist attraction to another on the same day. 

And the simple answer is no, because you are probably thinking about some of the most popular locations which you saw online. And those places are just scattered all across this huge country. 

That’s why I will stress out a lot about the huge distances that you will have to drive to complete your Norway itinerary. 

The best way, without a doubt, to travel in Norway is by car. There are other options, but they don’t compare. If you want to see it all and get to all the breathtaking sightseeing locations, then you cannot do it without a car. 

Some more popular places might have a shuttle, or there may be some tourist agencies that organise different trips, but that’s about it.

Also, waiting for a bus, train, or shuttle would mean wasting valuable hours of the day, which is a luxury in Norway. 

I say that because there is a lot to see in Norway; you will want to see as much as possible, and every extra day will cost you $$$, and you don’t want that. 

Back to my original idea, driving is the best option to get around in Norway for the following reasons: 

• You can create your own custom itinerary 
• You cover much more ground in a day and get to see and experience more 
• You can reach off-the-beaten-path locations in Norway (which are the most spectacular) 
• Driving is the only way to experience the fjords. Any other transport will not do it any justice. 

In case you want to know more about how I organised my trip, head over to my last blog called “I spent 1 month visiting Norway, and I fell in love”.

The best choice is to rent a car when you leave the city. You can find some good rental cars in Norway here.

You will probably be going to Norway by plane, to one of the larger cities, and then start driving and exploring the country. Some of the best options for this are Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen, Trondheim, or Tromso. 

However, you need to be strategic about choosing your starting point because the distances are huge, and the gas price is very high (unless you have an electric car).

So, for this, it all comes down to what you want to do and see and what your priorities are. If you’re like me and don’t have a set time to finish your trip, then I recommend visiting all and starting from Oslo. 

Otherwise, keep on reading. 

Driving in Norway

After sorting out your transport, we can talk about the essential information you need from this Norway travel guide. Firstly, you need to learn a few essential tips about driving in Norway. 

The first thing that you need to talk about is road tolls. 

Norway has a superb network of roads, unlike anything you’ve seen anywhere else, but that comes at a cost. There are automatic road tolls everywhere. 

For instance, to drive on certain roads or in the city, you will pass by these automatic road tolls, and it will read your car’s plates, and you’ll have to pay the fee sometime later.

As you are not a resident of Norway, you will need to get the EPass24 app, create an account, and enter your car’s license number there, as well as a card for payment. 

I’ve searched online, and for us tourists travelling to Norway with our own car, this is the only option. It works, don’t worry. You can also go to their website and register there, but I advise you to also get the app, to make sure everything is ok. 

Some roads in Norway are through tunnels, which also have an electronic toll, and others are connected by ferries.

Fuel in Norway

In Norway, you’ll find gas stations such as Circle K, Esso, and Shell, along with cheaper unmanned stations like Uno-X.

Gas stations can vary in prices, but they all apply the same principle for paying. Most of these stations are oepn 24h/7 without any staff needed.

In Norway, you must authorise payment before using the pump. You have to enter your card on the machine, provide the PIN, and the gas station will automatically retain 1500-2000 Kr (up to 200 Euros) for a few minutes, while you put fuel.

Once the operation finishes, the gas station will revert the automatic hold and charge the actual amount of the transaction.

However, this means that you need a card that holds that amount in order to put any gasoline or diesel in your car.

If the gas station is open and operated by staff, go inside and ask them to fill up only to a certain amount (money), you can pay that amount as any other purchase and then use the pump with the provided code. But this isn’t what most people do.

Ferries in Norway

If you’ve never been on a ferry before or driven on a ferry before, your life is about to change. 

A lot of the European roads around the fjords are connected by ferries.

It’s simply cheaper to have ferries (or tunnels, as you’ll soon find out) than to build an open-air road. Sounds like another planet, I know, but this is Norway. 

There’s no need to search for any of these ferries or special schedules or book them in advance (except for some very long ferries, e.g., Bodo).

There are several ferry companies in Norway, depending on the region. In Northern Norway, check Torghatten company. You can book the Bodo ferry online if you’re heading to Lofoten. However, if you don’t want to pay for the ferry, or have more flexibility, you can take the summer route Skutvik – Svolvaer, as an alternative.

The southern part didn’t pose any issue for me, except for the Lysebotn ferry (year-round is the Kolumbus company – a very small ferry with limited car spaces), which needs to be booked in advance. But there are other passenger ferries during the summer.

But generally speaking, Google Maps will simply get you to these ferries, like a normal road, as this is often the fastest way and maybe the only way to continue your road trip in Norway.

Once you get to a ferry terminal, you follow the signs. There are special lanes for cars and separate lanes for trucks. Just do what others are doing. 

Some of these ferries have this electronic toll system installed, and you simply queue for the ferry, follow the instructions of the crew and get off at the other end. 

Don’t worry if they don’t ask for anything; it’s either free or you will be charged on the EPass24 app. Make sure to have this app ready (account created with the car licence plate and card payment activated) before driving in Norway.

Other ferries do not have this system in place, and someone from the staff will scan your car’s license and then tell you how much you have to pay.

This can happen before you board the ferry or after everyone has boarded.

They will come to the driver’s window and ask you to pay. Everyone speaks perfect English. Payment is by card. 

Best Scenic Drives in Norway

On my first 2-week trip to Norway, I had no idea what to expect or what the best routes were.

I had some top places saved on my map, and that’s how I discovered Norway the first time.

Little did I know that, besides the stunning viewpoints and destinations, Norway is a land of road trips, and everywhere you go, you have to drive through a breathtaking scene that feels anything but real. 

I am going to put some of them here in this Norway travel guide, so you know what to expect from this once-in-a-lifetime-road-trip: 

• Atlantic Road: This 8.3-kilometre road connects several islands along the west coast of Norway and offers breathtaking views of the sea and mountains. Check out my video on YouTube about the Atlantic Road.
• Geiranger-Trollstigen National Tourist Route: This scenic drive takes you through the breathtaking fjords of western Norway, including the famous Geirangerfjord and the serpentine Trollstigen road. YouTube video from Geiranger here.
• Sognefjellet National Tourist Route: This route takes you through the heart of the Norwegian mountains, passing by glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls. Here are parts of the Sognefjellet Route in September on my YouTube channel.
• Rondane National Park: This scenic drive takes you through the picturesque Rondane National Park, home to Norway’s highest mountain range and many species of wildlife. I drove around it after doing the Trolltunga hike.
• Hardangervidda: This plateau offers a scenic drive through rolling hills, alpine meadows, and glaciers and is a popular spot for hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. I drove around it when doing the trip around the most popular hikes in southern Norway.
• Stryn Sommerski: This scenic drive takes you through the mountains of western Norway, offering views of glaciers, lakes, and rolling hills.
• E10 Lofoten road: A magnificent road that connects the Lofoten archipelago, which is a dream to visit during summer.

But you don’t need to stress yourself about these roads too much because everywhere you will go, you will enjoy absolutely breathtaking views, and that’s not an overstatement.

Also, since you are going to see some of these popular and must-see places in Norway, there is no way you will not accidentally pass through one of these absolutely amazing places. 

What to see in Norway?

There is so much to see in Norway; you have no idea. You’ll want to stay longer and see it all, but for now, I will just mention some of the top tourist destinations in Norway:

• Fjords of Western Norway: Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are the fjords of western Norway that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Trust me, you will witness breathtaking scenery, stunning waterfalls, and unique history. Here are my videos from the Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord and Lysefjord.
• Tromsø: Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” Tromsø is a city in northern Norway that is famous for its stunning natural beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities, including dog sledging and northern lights viewing. Here’s my video from Tromsø.
• Bergen: Bergen is a charming coastal city known for its stunning scenery, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. Also, this is one of the rainiest places in Europe, so prepare for that. Here’s my video from Bergen.
• Trondheim: Trondheim is a historic city in central Norway that is famous for its medieval architecture and rich cultural heritage. It is home to the largest cathedral in Scandinavia. Here’s my YouTube video from Trondheim.
• Lofoten Islands: The Lofoten Islands are a group of islands off the coast of northern Norway that are known for their rugged beauty, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife. This place is unlike anything else you have ever seen. 

If you’re planning to include Lofoten in your trip, I’ve written a full Lofoten travel guide based on spending over a month there, with everything you need to know before you go.

Most popular outdoor activities in Norway

Norway is heaven on Earth if you find joy in spending time in nature. If that sounds like you (and your family), then pack all your best spot gear and prepare for the following:

• Hiking. This is the most abundant place in natural beauty that I’ve ever seen. I have written and done this perfect itinerary for doing all of Norway’s popular hikes in just one week.
• Glacier climbing. There are multiple glaciers you’ll get to see in Norway. Some tourist centres organise trips ON glaciers. But beware, do not go by yourself, it can be extremely dangerous! 
• Fishing. I don’t have many tips on this activity, but I’ve seen many fishermen, especially in the Lofoten Islands. 
• Kayaking. You may rent kayaks at many campsites. 
• Skiing. A paradise for winter sports. And even in summer, you may find snow and be able to slide. 
• Whale watching. I wanted to do it in September, but it was between seasons. This can be done on an adventure boat or expedition boat. The best place is from Tromso.  Book a whale watching tour from Tromsø here. (September to January is the best window).
• Hunting for the Northern Lights. Visit Norway from September to April, and you will be amazed. If you’d rather join a guided Northern Lights hunt with a local guide, here are the best tours from Tromsø.

Of course, this list is not exhaustive, but these are the top things I can think of. To prepare for all these nature activities, pack sports gear, good hiking boots, and warm clothes if you visit past September. 

For the most popular hikes like Trolltunga and Preikestolen, guided tours are available here if you don’t want to do it independently.

While some of the sports may require some organisation, you can hike almost everywhere in Norway.

The internet only talks about a few popular hikes in Norway, but there are thousands, and not everyone agrees that Kjeragbolten or Trolltunga are the best ones. 

If you’re planning to include Lofoten in your trip, I’ve written a full guide to the best hikes in Lofoten, based on the trails I did during a full month there.

Northern Lights in Norway

A Norway travel guide wouldn’t be complete without a section dedicated to the natural spectacle of the Northern Lights in Norway.

When I think of Scandinavia, I think about those surreal dancing lights that can only be seen close to the poles. So what is this thing? If you have never seen it, prepare, as your mind will be blown away. 

The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are a natural phenomenon that requires a few crucial conditions to be seen with the naked eye.

To see the Aurora, you need a clear sky (no clouds) and dark (that’s why it’s not visible during the summer months). 

But the hassle is worth it because seeing the Northern Lights is a magical experience that many travellers dream of.

And Norway is one of the best places in the world to witness this spectacle. Here are some essential things to know when planning your Northern Lights trip to Norway.

The best month to see the Northern Lights

The best month to see the Northern Lights in Norway is from September to April, with the peak season being from November to February.

Before you start making plans, I want to say that I visited the Arctic Circle twice in Norway during September, and each time I was able to admire the Northern Lights.

Many people are not aware that this phenomenon happens every day, but it is not visible due to poor conditions or light.

However, I was in Norway in September, and it was just the right amount of cold (for a summer person) to withstand at 1 AM when the Aurora was dancing above my head. 

So there is not just one best month to see the Northern Lights, but several.

Many say that February is the best month, but that is not true. It is just the month with the clearest skies, and that offers the best chances to see it more. 

But from September to April, the nights are long and dark, providing ideal conditions to view the Northern Lights. However, the weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to check the forecast and plan accordingly. 

Do the Northern Lights come every night?

While the Northern Lights do appear almost every night, there is no guarantee that you will see them during your visit. And that’s mostly due to clouds.

I wanted to make sure I got to see it while in the Arctic Circle, so I drove all the way to Abisko, Sweden (from the Lofoten Islands) to make sure I saw it. And still, no luck. 

However, there are many things you can do to increase your chances of seeing the Aurora Borealis.

One of the most important things is to go to a location with minimal light pollution, away from the city lights.

That’s why the entire internet praises Abisko as the best place to see the Northern Lights. However, I believe this is mostly a myth and should not plan a trip around this myth. 

How to plan a trip to see the Northern Lights

To plan a trip to see the Northern Lights in Norway, it’s important to consider the time of year, location, and weather conditions. 

Many travel companies offer Northern Lights tours, which include accommodation, transportation, and activities. But these are extremely overpriced offers, and I recommend that you plan your own trip. 

You’ll need to research locations, weather conditions, and aurora activity to maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights.

Comparison of Norway and Finland as destinations for Northern Lights viewing

Norway and Finland are both popular destinations for Northern Lights viewing, but there are some key differences between the two countries. 

Norway is known for its dramatic fjords and coastal landscapes, which provide a stunning backdrop for the Northern Lights.

I much prefer to see the Aurora from Norway since you can choose from many beautiful locations, such as the Lofoten Islands, bigger cities such as Tromso or Bodo, or the wilderness of the North Cape. 

Finland, on the other hand, is known for its wilderness forest areas, and the chance to view the Northern Lights is just that – you will get to see a night sky with nice dancing lights. 

You may choose to spend the night in an igloo or glass-roofed cabin, but that comes at an extreme price, and you are not guaranteed that you will see the lights.

That uncertainty is not worth the price, but the experience is nice, nevertheless.  

Ultimately, the best destination depends on your preferences and travel style. Sitting and waiting for the lights to show up above me is not my kind of activity, but who knows, you might be lucky (or most probably wealthy). 

Cost of visiting Norway

Norway is expensive. 

There’s no way around it.

There’s always something going on, and the country is always beautiful and worth visiting.

If you visit during the summer, it’s mostly full of trailers and campers everywhere, and most cheap cabins are fully booked weeks in advance. 

If you go to Norway during the colder seasons, you can’t camp, and you will need accommodation. Campings close after September, and there are fewer options for hotels.

But they might be slightly cheaper as the demand is a bit lower, but you will not get to do as many things during the day because it’s shorter. This means you will have to stay longer and spend the same amount or more. 

The higher costs of visiting Norway are gas and accommodation. You may also need to rent a car, and that’s also expensive. 

I always use Booking.com with the free cancellation filter for Norway — flexibility matters when the weather can change plans, and you need to move faster or slower than expected.

That’s why many Europeans choose to drive their own car from anywhere in Europe to Norway (so as not to have to rent a car). And if you’re staying longer in Norway, the cost per day goes lower, so it makes sense to drive there (and not rent a car) and stay longer.

I have driven my car from Romania to Norway twice, and I have seen people from Greece drive to Norway.

But most of the foreign cars that you’ll see are from Germany and France.

One hack I see people do is they go to Germany to rent campervans and then drive from there to Germany. Imagine how that’s cheaper than renting a car in Norway.

As this is a Norway travel guide, I’ve come up with a few tips to save money during your Norway trip:

• Consider camping in a tent (during summer). It’s going to rain, but it’s not freezing. You can also stay in bungalows, as many campsites have them, but those need to be booked at least 1 month in advance. I wrote about it in my 4-month European road trip itinerary under the “Norway” section.
• Plan your route in advance to help you save money on gas. 
• Consider using an electric car. This may be a tip for the future, but Norway is already in the future; there are some free charging stations, free parking spots for electric vehicles, and other perks.
• Visit Norway between seasons – April, May or September. Fewer crowds mean cheaper hotels. September is my favourite time to visit Norway.
• Cook all your meals. Pack some cooking tools in your car, and you can cook at your accommodation, as many places have a kitchen. I would rather pay a bit extra for a kitchen than not have it.

Where to stay in Norway

Norway has a few accommodation options worth knowing about before you book:

Hytte (cabins) — the most Norwegian experience and often the best value for groups. Most campsites have them; they sleep 2-6 people, and many have basic kitchen facilities. Book at least 4-6 weeks in advance for summer.

Campsites — widespread and well-equipped. Most have facilities including toilets, showers and kitchen areas. Some have bungalows. Open roughly May-September.

Tent camping — Norway has allemannsretten (the right to roam), which means you can pitch a tent almost anywhere in nature for free, as long as you’re 150m from the nearest house. This is genuinely unique to Scandinavia and the cheapest way to see Norway.

Hotels and guesthouses — expensive but sometimes the only option in smaller towns. I use Booking.com with the free cancellation filter since the weather can change plans.

My honest advice: for a road trip, alternate between hytte/campsites and occasional hotel nights when you need a proper shower and rest. It dramatically reduces costs without sacrificing the experience.

Mobile Apps for Norway

Usually, I don’t use many apps besides Google Maps and Waze when going on road trips. However, I do want to recommend some useful apps in this Norway travel guide:

• Weather app – YR.no (this is the website, but search for the app on your mobile device). It provides accurate hourly forecasts for all locations in Scandinavia, including villages. It might be a useful tool, especially when you’re trying to locate clear skies for seeing the Northern Lights. 
• Internet connection – For data across Norway without roaming fees (especially useful in remote areas), I use a Holafly eSIM. Norway’s coverage is surprisingly good, even in remote fjord areas.
• Road toll app – Epass24 You have to get this and set it up before driving in Norway!
• Mountain trails – UT app. This app has all the mountain trails in Norway, and it might be worth having on your mobile for all your hikes.  AllTrails is also useful.
• Aurora websites – Seeing the Northern Lights doesn’t happen that often.

Norway travel guide: Is Norway a great travel destination?

YES. You’ll be surprised to discover an amazing infrastructure for all tourist spots. It’s extremely common to find serviced bathrooms in remote places, parking lots, well-designed pathways and walks, well-marked trails, and apps for the weather conditions. 

Everything you can think of and more, you’ll find in Norway. 

Of course, nature enthusiasts wonder what you should pick- Iceland vs Norway?

After I spent more than a month in Norway and another month in Iceland, I have written the best comparison guide between Norway and Iceland, all from personal experience.

The thing is that Norway seems like a remote place that isn’t quite made for humans. And some parts of Norway will feel just like that.

But that did not stop the local authorities from building one of the greatest tourist places in Europe. 

Norway has a difficult landscape, which makes it impossible to build roads to create connections between different parts of the country.

But where there are no roads are some of the longest mountain tunnels and ferry rides in the world. I cannot stop myself from admiring the great infrastructure of Norway.

I have no words to describe this place. You simply need to go and visit Norway.

More Norway Travel Guides

Here is the complete list of guides I’ve written about Norway (all from extensive personal experience):

• Why Norway stole my heart forever
• 10-Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary
• Best Norway Hiking Itinerary (Trolltunga, Preikestolen, and More) 
• Driving to North Cape, Norway
• Northern Lights in Norway
• 1 Month exploring the Lofoten islands, Norway
• Iceland vs Norway comparison guide