Western Norway: Nature’s showcase from Bergen to Tromso

This first leg of your Norwegian motorhome journey involves many water crossings, both over bridges and via vehicular ferries which provide a fun nautical interlude. That might give you an idea of how much beautiful coastline you will encounter along the way! We should note before you begin that right of access to the outdoors (“allemannsretten”) is enshrined in Norwegian law, and you may park for the night on public land anywhere in the countryside, mountains or forest as long as you are more than 150 metres from the nearest inhabited house or cabin, and you stay just two nights or fewer. This is a handy thing to know and might help you to keep your journey both low-cost and flexible.
 
Bergen
 
Known as the gateway to the fjords, this bustling city (the second-largest in the nation) is an ideal spot to pick up a motorhome rental and begin your road trip. Once an important seaport, Bergen has a UNESCO-listed waterfront area at Bryggen and is famed for colourful houses and the rolling hills which hem the city in against the picturesque Byfjord.
 
Before departing, be sure to visit the Bergen Art Museum, the outdoor Fish Market and the Bergenhus Fortress, among the many delights of the city. If you have a few days to spend here before you set out, they will be easily filled with things to see, do and eat.
 
Head north out of Bergen on the E-16, and you’ll be straight into the scenic coastal driving, including crossing several bridges and passing through small towns on your way to the first ferry crossing, which takes place between Ytre Oppedal and Lavik. Get onboard one of the frequently-running vessels which will take you across the Oppedalsvika inlet, and enjoy a short cruise as part of your road trip before continuing north.
 
Vadheim
 
Not long after Lavik, you will come across the village of Vadheim, at the head of the small Vadheimsfjord branch of the Sognefjord. This is the resting place for one of the most famous and successful warships of World War 1, the Oldenburg (previously SMS Mowe). It is now a popular diving location. Landlubbers, stretch your legs with a stroll to the charming Ytredal bridge, an 18th-century stone span.
 
While the next small stretch of the journey is mostly inland, it will take you past lovely lakes including Ykslandsvatnet and Bekkjevatnet, both of which call for a rest stop and a picture.
 
Forde
 
This municipality is a little city break in your journey, with a regional art museum and the Fordehuset which includes exhibitions, a library and a cinema. Ten kilometres from Forde is the Huldrefossen, a spectacular waterfall just a short walk from the parking lot. For magnificent views over the city, take the walking trail that leads from the city centre and up Hafstadfjellet, a hike of around one and a half hours.
 
After Forde, take the Rv5 for a westward detour out to Floro, where there are several campsites and plenty of amenities.
 
Floro
 
Born out of the herring fishing industry, Floro is a municipality with all the charm of a fishing village. The “Coastal Museum” (part of the scattered facility that is the Museum of Sogn og Fjordane) is located near Floro and has a large collection of boats and local artefacts to peruse. If you like boating, give it a go while you’re in Floro and get out on the water to go fishing or visit the nearby isles.

This leg of the journey is a long one, which could easily be broken into several parts should you want more time to explore the incredible places along the route. You’ll be driving alongside and across many fjords and inlets again during this section, and visiting one of Norway’s most famously beautiful places.
 
You’ll need to backtrack a little to get out of Floro, and then head north on the Fv614 past spectacular fjord scenery and through small towns. You’ll cross the Nordfjord on a car ferry between Isane and Starheim, then head back east along some more gorgeous coastlines on the Rv15 towards Geiranger. It’s a remote area, and the drive is reasonably uninterrupted but passes through charming places such as Hjelle, an idyllic village on the shores of Strynsvatnet Lake.
 
Geiranger
 
The village of Geiranger is blessed with a particularly amazing location, at the head of the Geirangerfjord which is UNESCO listed for its sheer natural beauty. Of course, the steep-sided fjord is the main attraction, thanks to its incredible tumbling waterfalls and blue depths, but there are many ways to enjoy it. Find a tour boat operator, rent some kayaks, or just get on the Geiranger-Hellesylt car ferry to visit that lovely small village and see the sights of the fjord along the way - a very good alternative to a more pricey cruise.
 
As you head out of Geiranger, stop at the Ornesvingen viewpoint which is on a hairpin bend overlooking the fjord. Here you will get an incredible vista which includes the Seven Sisters Falls and the cruise ships making their way along the inlet.
 
At Eidsdal, you’ll cross the Norddalsfjord on yet another vehicular ferry and then veer left to skirt the Storfjord and get on the E13 towards Alesund, your stopping point for this leg.
 
Alesund
 
This western port showcases some fabulous Norwegian-style art nouveau architecture, a legacy of the city being rebuilt after a fire in the early 20th century. Alesund is built on a peninsula and string of islands that extend towards the open ocean. For an overview of its beautiful location, walk up to the Fjellstua or Aksla viewpoint. The Atlantic Sea Park here is a fantastic place to visit, the biggest saltwater aquarium in Northern Europe.
 
While you are in Alesund, be sure to try some of the local seafood dishes. It has a unique traditional cuisine based on what’s available there, and there are some interesting dishes including "bacalao" which is a favourite. There’s nothing quite like fresh fish straight from a fjord while you’re travelling in Norway - and you could even cook it yourself if your motorhome has kitchen facilities.

With less than four hours of driving involved in this leg, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful county of More og Romsdal. Make your way east on the E316 and enjoy deep fjords, snow-capped mountains, green valleys, forests and all kinds of incredible landscapes.
 
Skirt the beautiful Brusdalsvatnet lake, and stop for a coffee or lunch in cute Sjoholt. You’ll cross the Trefjord on a bridge and drive around the edge of the Romsdalsfjord before arriving in Andalsnes - but first, take a short detour to make the drive up the amazing Trollstigen, if you dare.
 
Trollstigen
 
The Trollstigen is a section of road around 20 kilometres from Andalsnes that is one of the country’s most famous “National Tourist Routes”, and for good reason. You’ll know it when you see it - the road begins to climb towards the peak of Stigrora, and zigzags its way up through eleven hairpin bends and across the Stigfossen waterfall via an impressive bridge. Carved into the mountain and supported by stone walls, it is an amazing feat of engineering as well as an unforgettable experience. The viewpoints at the top offer a spectacular outlook.
 
Andalsnes
 
This is a hub for travellers in the area, a relatively small town but offering plenty of facilities for road trippers and travellers, including a popular camping site. It’s considered the mountaineering capital of the country, so those who like to lace up their boots and hit the trails should stick around to explore the Romsdalen Valley on foot. The ten-kilometre long Romsdalseggen Ridge trek is a good place to begin. To see one of Norway’s tallest waterfalls, head south on the E136 to Olmaafossen.
 
After departing Andalsnes, you’ll soon be back on the water, crossing the Langfjord from Afarnes to continue towards Molde.
 
Molde
 
The walkable and compact town centre of Molde is a lovely place to do some shopping or dining, and the city is home to some fascinating cultural and historical attractions including the Romsdal Museum which is one of the largest folk museums in Norway, and the Fisheries Museum on Hjertoya which is a beautifully restored fishing village. Gothic-style Molde Cathedral is worth a look, and for a scenic overview of the city and surrounds, you can drive or walk up to the Varden viewpoint, 407 metres above the nearby sea. There’s a restaurant up there too, so you can enjoy a meal as well as the vistas.

This leg is not a long one at all, giving you extra time to enjoy the attractions of Molde. Before departing, you might like to head across on a car ferry to the island of Otroya for some great hiking opportunities.
 
Leave Molde and head north through lovely small villages like Malme and Tornes towards Bud.
 
Bud
 
This fishing village looking out towards the vast Atlantic is a beautiful little community, a treasure of a destination that marks the beginning of the very scenic section of road heading towards Kristiansund. Bud has picturesque and colourful old houses surrounding the harbour, and a charming wooden church built in 1717.
 
Just outside of Bud is a remote coastal fort that has been restored as a war museum. It’s a great spot to learn about some World War II history, and many visitors find it amazing to think that the conflict touched such a wild spot all the way out in the western reaches of Norway.
 
Keep driving from Bud along the scenic coastal route, and you’ll soon reach the Atlantic Road, which begins in Vevang.
 
The Atlantic Road
 
Another famous National Tourist Road, this route (Atlanterhavsvegen in Norwegian) is unforgettable. While the section of driving from Bud to Vevang is gorgeous, after Vevang it becomes otherworldly as it begins island hopping via seven spectacular curving bridges that make it seem like you’re driving on the ocean. Some consider it the most stunning road trip in the world, and they may be right. The Storseisund bridge is the longest span along the way and a photogenic symbol of the route seen in many a tourist publication.
 
Once you get beyond the islands and bridges, it’s a short drive to Kristiansund via some pretty countryside and then the Atlantic Ocean Tunnel. You might like to detour from Bruhagen on the Fv247 to see the attractive Kvernes Stave Church which looks out over the Kvernesfjord.
 
Kristiansund
 
This city sprawls across three islands and is strongly linked with the ocean not only through its very coastal location but also the cod-processing industry on which it is built, the Maritime Museum located there and the many North Sea oilfields workers who come ashore after their time on duty.
 
For a little culture and history, spend an evening at the Kristiansund Opera House or visit the city’s museums which include - as well as the Maritime Museum - the interesting Norwegian Clipfish Museum and the Mellemarftet which is both shipyard and historical site. Families will enjoy the Atlanterhavsbadet, an indoor waterpark with an array of pools and slides. Many visitors get onboard a boat for a cruise to one of the islands around Kristiansund.
 
If freedom camping isn’t your thing, you can book a spot at one of the many campsites near Kristiansund. The city also has all you might need to stock up for the next part of your journey.

You’ll head east for a change of scenery on this leg and leave the coast behind for a while once you get past the head of the Tingvollfjord. Take Rv70 through Sunndalsora and past Innerdalen, a simply gorgeous mountain valley that showcases some of Norway’s best inland vistas.
 
A quick side trip from Gjora to see the attractive Amotan gorge and the powerful Linndalsfallet waterfall is a great addition to this part of your trip.
 
Oppdal
 
The village of Oppdal is close to some beautiful national parks, including the Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park. Many use it as a base from which to discover the wilderness of the region, and there are plenty of amenities for travellers there for that reason. In the village, take a look at the pretty and historic Oppdal Church which presents a very charming photo opportunity.
 
As you keep going north towards Trondheim, there are more friendly towns and another great natural feature: Norway’s best salmon fishing river. The Gaula River meets the highway at Storen and is a prime location for the coveted pink-fleshed fish. There are plenty of companies that will organise fishing trips for those keen to put a line in.
 
Trondheim
 
This leg ends in Trondheim, an historic city and major hub where you will have plenty of places to stay and opportunities to stock up and recharge for the road trip. Colourful houses and warehouses line the edge of the Trondheimsfjord, and you can easily explore this photogenic city on foot in the partially-pedestrianised downtown.
 
Trondheim is full of museums, including the Ringve Music Museum, the Trondheim Science Museum (Vitensenteret) and the Army Museum (Rustkammeret). It is also home to a particularly stunning bit of history in the form of Nidaros Cathedral or Nidarosdomen, built over the burial site of King Olav II of Norway and the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world.
 

Spending a lot of time on the road - as you’ll do during this leg of your Norwegian adventure - is no hardship when the scenery is as gorgeous as it is along this section of the E6. Should you need more time to enjoy it, add a night or two along the way and take advantage of Norway’s freedom camping laws or book a space in a national park campsite.
 
Upon departing Trondheim, you’ll skirt the Trondheimfjord and pass through several small towns and villages, including one with a particularly interesting name.
 
Hell
 
If you want to oblige anyone who’s ever told you to go to hell, be sure to get a picture with the road sign as you enter this village. Yes, it’s a gimmicky reason to be a tourist attraction, but a visit to Hell is a lot of fun. Just rug up warm if you’re there in winter, because guess what - it freezes over every year.
 
Enjoy the spots of civilisation which are frequent along the beginning of your journey, as the road soon enters much more remote regions. Levanger has a lot of tradition and history, once a medieval trading centre, and Steinkjer is a good-sized municipality which serves as a base for activities on the nearby lakes.
 
Keep going through the county of Nord-Trondelag, and enjoy the vistas of Middle Norway.
 
National Parks
 
Blafjella-Skaekerfjella National Park is one of the largest in the country, boasting alpine peaks and beautiful woods which are home to some amazing woodland creatures and birdlife (watch out for bears and wolves). Detour right on Fv74 to visit the park, which is best explored on foot. It is known for exciting hiking terrain and has many marked hiking trails to suit wanderers of all ages and abilities.
 
Continue, and you’ll find yourself passing Borgefjell National Park, which straddles the border of Trondelag and Nordland counties. It is noted for its population of Arctic Foxes, and for the fishing opportunities in the lakes. To the west of the road, after the town of Majavatn, is Lomsdal-Visten National Park. This one has some fjord coastline too, another aspect of gorgeous Norwegian scenery to add to the peaks, valleys and woods.
 
Once you’ve seen and experienced the wonder of Norway’s wild national parks, keep tracking towards Sandnessjoen. Mosjoen, a former garrison and the oldest town in the region, is a charming place to call in for a coffee and a break.
 
Sandnessjoen
 
This pretty little coastal town is a tranquil place to relax and recharge before the next part of the road trip. It is overlooked by the magnificent Seven Sisters mountain range and welcomes many ferries in its bustling port. Visitors like to climb one or more of the peaks or browse the nice array of shops, cafes and restaurants in the town for a more restful experience. The town’s Alstahaug Church is a historical site of interest, one of seven surviving medieval churches in northern Norway.
 
Park your motorhome at Sandnessjoen camping along the Rv17 or find an alternative spot and enjoy the bracing air of the north.
 

While the distance of this leg is shorter than the previous one, it is a slow and winding journey along the craggy coastline of Nordland county. It’s also a spectacular drive along the Fv17, and well worth choosing the coastal route over the inland E6 for a change in scenery and vibe. This road is also known as the Kystriksveien, and many drive it with the purpose of enjoying the views along the way.
 
Soon after leaving Sandnessjoen, you’ll find yourself on an amphibious journey involving three car ferries in relatively quick succession as you navigate the many inlets and fjords. Small fishing villages and towns are strung along the route: Jektvik, Agskardet and Halsa, to name a few.
 
Glomfjord
 
The village of Glomfjord in the municipality of Meloy is a base for visitors who come to explore the Saltfjellet-Svartisen National Park - particularly the Svartisen Glacier which is the second-largest glacier in the country. You can walk right up to the glacier, or embark on a guided tour on the ice itself.
 
Once you’ve seen all you want to see of the national park and its memorable glacier, keep going along the Kystriksveien and enjoy this breathtaking part of the country. If you have time, a side trip to one of the offshore isles is a fun detour which will offer you a glimpse into island life, Norwegian style.
 
Bodo
 
You’ll finish up this leg full of wild Norwegian coastline in the relatively cosmopolitan Bodo, the largest city in Nordland county. The downtown area, which was rebuilt after WWII, has a stunning backdrop of mountains, and offshore lie a plethora of islands which support the world’s densest concentration of white-tailed sea eagles. If you’re here in the summer, you’ll witness the “midnight sun” phenomenon.
 
Places to visit in Bodo include the city’s cathedral, a modern building with bell tower, the Norwegian Aviation Museum or Norsk Luftfartsmuseum, and the nearby beautiful beach called Mjelle, known for its red-tinged sand. For a fun picnic excursion, get on the ferry to Landegode Island which is scarcely inhabited by humans and filled with hilly scenery and swimming beaches.
 
Bodo has all the accommodation options and shopping opportunities you’ll need to set you up for well-provisioned adventuring farther north.

As you depart Bodo, prepare for yet more northern Norwegian adventure. This route makes its way inland again on the E6, with a short trip east before you turn towards the north at Fauske. Despite being the main route, the highway has just two lanes and will take you through many twists and turns along the way.
 
Fauske
 
Not far from Bodo lies Fauske, a lovely city surrounded by rolling, forested landscapes. It is known for the marble that is quarried there and adorns some significant buildings around the globe including the UN building in New York. Call in to the Fauske Folk Museum to see and experience the heritage of the area, including collections of textiles and telecommunications equipment.
 
Fauske is also a jumping off point for exploring Sjunkhatten National Park, a nearby stretch of nature which includes glaciers, caves, fjords, rare critters and the large lake called Heggmovatnet which supplies water to Bodo.
 
The rugged and hardy Rago National Park lies on the other side of the E6, northeast of Sjunkhatten. Here, granite mountains and icefields contrast with lush spots like the Storskogdalen Valley which harbours the stunningly pretty Litlverivassforsen waterfall.
 
The road continues north, ducking back out towards the coast to visit more fjord coastline and the towns of Innhavet and Ulvsvag.
 
At Bognes, you’ll embark on a half-hour ferry journey across the Tysfjord to Scarberget, and then a scenic drive along the edge of the Ofotfjord to Narvik.
 
Narvik
 
This modern city, founded at the beginning of the 20th century, is your stopping point and it offers all you’ll need for a great stay, including scenic campsites such as nearby Ballangen Camping. Visit the Tourist office on the main street to get your bearings, and take the cable car ride up Narvikfjellet for amazing views.
 
A lot of the appeal of Narvik is in what lies beyond the city - hiking in the surrounding mountains, alpine ski resorts nearby which overlook the Ofotfjord, and even scuba diving in WWII wrecks offshore.

Take a dogleg for the next part of your adventure and head out to the tip of the Lofoten archipelago which extends out into the Norwegian Sea. Craggy, steep slopes spilling down towards inky blue ocean sums up the scenery you’ll see along the way. This is a very special part of the country, within the Arctic Circle and blessed with staggering natural beauty.
 
Soon after departing Narvik you’ll get on the E10 and head east. Prepare to be blown away by the stunning sights of Lofoten - we recommend you pull over to enjoy the particularly eye-catching vistas rather than try to multitask at the wheel!
 
There are many small and charming villages along the route. In Evenskjer, be sure to stop and see gorgeous wooden Skanland Church, which brings a little manmade beauty to the table.
 
Svolvaer and Kabelvag
 
If you want to stop for lunch or a coffee, this pair of villages has a lot to offer RV travellers passing through. Take a walk around Svolvaer to see the many art galleries and the Lofoten War Memorial Museum, and then head across to Kabelvag to immerse yourself in the history of Lofoten’s oldest fishing village. It is also home to some great shops and eateries, the perfect place to enjoy a meal and a break.
 
The Lofoten Aquarium is located just outside of Kabelvag, a fascinating facility which will teach you more than you thought there was to know about the Lofoten Cod or Skrei, one of Europe’s most important fish species.
 
Leknes
 
Not far before the tip of the Lofoten archipelago is Leknes, the end of this leg of your journey - although you could continue to simply-named “A” at the very end of the road. Leknes, like so many other Norwegian towns, is hemmed in by astonishing landscapes. It’s a quiet place, and a peaceful spot to park your Norway campervan rental and spend the night reflecting on the gorgeous things you saw during the trip across Lofoten.
 
Leknes does not have much of the traditional Norwegian wooden architecture but has a very busy harbour where cruise ships often stop over. It is the hub of the region for commerce and shopping, the ideal place to stock up. You could also take a short drive from Leknes to some amazing beaches, such as Unstad Beach which is popular with surfers, and the marvellous Haukland Beach north of the town which is blessed with a curve of sparkling white sand.

This section requires backtracking a bit to get back to mainland Norway from Lofoten - however, to see all of this astounding archipelago again from a different angle is no problem for most motorhome road trippers. We have altered the route a bit to take in the city of Harstad, so you’ll get a peek at the north of Hinnoya Island too.
 
Head back along the E10 and enjoy the same spectacular views, passing through Kabelvag, Svolvaer and all the other settlements. Turn left when you reach the Rv85 and drive beside the Gullesfjord through Langvassbukta to Flesnes, where you will take the car ferry across the fjord and continue towards Harstad - marvelling at the coastal scenes as you go, of course. History buffs might enjoy a side trip to the Sor-Troms museum.
 
Harstad
 
Harstad in the county of Troms is a small but busy place, the largest town in the area. The Grottebadet, a waterpark situated right underneath the city with caves, waterfalls, slides and more, is a novel and exciting attraction, particularly for families. Visitors can also take a trip on the world’s oldest schooner, the Anna Rogde.
 
Trondenes Church
 
Trondenes Church is a landmark in the area, found on a headland ten kilometres north of Harstad. It is an important medieval site. The simple but gorgeous church is home to some lovely religious artwork, and it represents centuries of history.
 
As you leave Lofoten, you’ll turn off the E10 and head north at Bjerkvik. The route winds through a beautiful valley and will take you past Polar Park, the world’s northernmost wildlife park that offers the opportunity to get close to amazing Arctic creatures.
 
Bardufoss
 
A town amongst some attractive pine forests in the Malselvdalen Valley, Bardufoss makes a nice place to park up your campervan rental for the night and rest before continuing north. Keen fishers, rejoice - the town is near the confluence of the Barduelva and Malselva rivers which teem with salmon and trout.

After a pitstop in Bardufoss, it’s time to finish off your epic Norwegian road trip with this leg to Tromso. You could drive it in a little more than five hours, but as with all the driving times during this unforgettable journey, it’s likely to be extended with stops at scenic viewpoints, charming small towns, trailheads and other places which catch your eye and capture your imagination.
 
Head north out of Bardufoss and cross the Malselva river at Olsborg/Moen, a pair of villages on the riverbanks. You’ll soon come across Markenes at the head of a fjord, and then a bigger settlement called Nordkjosbotn.
 
Nordkjosbotn
 
Also called Gargan in the Northern Sami language, this village is a major crossroads where the European routes E6 and E8 meet. It is found at the end of the Nordkjosen branch of the Balsfjord, with stunning views that make it a lovely place to stop and explore.
 
There is a picturesque small “long church” in the village, and a significant historical site called the “Name Stone” nearby. This was once a sacrificial site for the Sami people but has been painted with layers of graffiti in recent years as people add their names and messages. Beer lovers may like to visit Macks Brewery, a unique microbrewery with the tagline “Brewing in the High North.” They produce more than 60 different products, from beer to cider to water, and have in the past claimed the title of the northernmost brewery in the world.
 
Rather than turn left onto the E8 to head straight to Tromso, turn right and make your way towards the gorgeous Lyngenfjord to hug its coastline and enjoy the visual combination of waterways and Arctic mountains.
 
Lyngenfjord region
 
This part of Northern Norway is favoured as a destination. It centres around the gorgeous fjord and Lyngsalpene mountain range but is made up of many parts, each one a gem to discover. The route we have mapped takes you up the eastern edge of the long, skinny fjord, around the edge of another small fjord and across several stretches of water on car ferries as you head back west towards Tromso.
 
Should you choose to spend a day or two here, you could spectate the Northern Lights, take a whale safari, go dog sledding or ice climbing or embark on one of a large number of exciting activities offered in the region. The Center of Northern Peoples in Manndalen is a cultural highlight, and foodies will enjoy sampling farm-or-fjord-to-table cuisine such as local shrimp and lamb.
 
Lyngseidet is the main town of the region and the port where you will disembark from the first car ferry trip of this leg. It is notably home to the nine-metre-high plastic Santa Claus named Gollis, a quirky attraction that draws many a camera lens.
 
As you depart the Lyngenfjord region, you’ll cross the beautiful Ullsfjord from Svensby and be on your way to your final destination.
 
Tromso
 
You are now hundreds of kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, so it’s no surprise that Tromso is a one-of-a-kind travel hub and city. People call it Norway’s gateway to the Arctic, and it is that and more. The downtown area sits on the eastern edge of Tromsoya island, connected by bridge to the mainland. The city receives 24-hour daylight for two months of the year in summer, and 24-hour darkness for two months in winter, and is a favoured destination for anyone seeking to view the Northern Lights.
 
You’ll find Tromso has a lot to offer right there on the terra firma, too. The Ishavskatedralen or Arctic Cathedral is as starkly picturesque as the name suggests, worth a visit and maybe even a ticket to one of the concerts which take place in the amazing acoustics and aesthetics of the venue. Other hotspots include the Tromso Museum at the University and the Polar Museum, the cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen and the city’s many parks including the Kirkeparken ("Church park") surrounding the Lutheran Cathedral.
 
In this fascinating Arctic city, your Norwegian road trip has come to an end. Tromso makes a great place to finish up your adventure or to start it if you want to make the trip in reverse. However you choose to explore Norway with a motorhome rental, it will be a beautiful adventure you’ll never forget. Take a look at our page full of global itineraries when it comes time to start thinking about your next epic journey!