Norway is a top contender when choosing my favourite hiking destination. If you plan a hiking road trip to Norway, this Bergen to Bergen itinerary includes some of my favourite trails. Follow along and step foot into the beautiful World of Norwegian Fjords.
Norway road trip the logistics
Every road trip requires some planning. However, with my Bergen-to-Bergen itinerary, you will not have to do much. You only have to decide when you want your road trip to happen, how long you want/can stay, and what kind of transport you want to use to move from location to location.
Best time to road trip around Norway
The ideal time to follow this Bergen-to-Bergen road trip plan is between the end of June and September. Anytime before that, you will have trouble accessing some hiking trails.
July tends to be quite wet. It’s an excellent month to go if you are after moody Norwegian landscapes. In my experience, August has the most stable weather with the least rain.
September is very quiet, with very few tourists. If you want to escape the crowds and the high prices, then September is the month you should pick for your holiday in Norway.
Bergen to Bergen road trip map
Above, you can view the road trip map, on which I marked the distances, viewpoints, hikes, and campsites.
How to use the map?
Click on the button in the top left corner to open the layer. You can switch the layers on and off by clicking the red check box. Click on different hikes, and you will be shown links to my other blog posts with detailed descriptions of each trail.
Bergen to Bergen road trip highlights
- Næroyfjord World Heritage Park
- Jotunheimen National Park
- Geiranger UNESCO Fjord
- Jostedalsbreen National Park
The best way to travel around Norway
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The Motorhome Republic is a great website for comparing and booking campervans. On this site, you can check prices, compare layouts, and book extras.
TIP: If you are wondering what campsites to stay at, I have marked many on the map. You can decide as you go.
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Suggested Bergen to Bergen 10-day itinerary: day-by-day breakdown
This is an intense hiking itinerary, so don’t forget to pack your boots and work on your endurance before you go. It is also an itinerary that guarantees some of Norway’s best views. Below are the places you will visit.
- Flåm & Næroyfjord World Heritage Park- 3 Nights
- Jotunheimen National Park – 2 nights
- Geiranger Fjord – 2 nights
- Loen & Jostedalsbreen National Park – 2 nights
Day 1: Bergen to Næroyfjord National Park
- Distance from Bergen Airport to Flåm: 165 km / 103 mi
- Driving time: 2 h 40 min
Welcome to Norway. I hope you are ready for a road trip of a lifetime. We are kicking off the itinerary with a drive from Bergen to Flåm – the gateway to the Næroyfjord National Park
Day 2: Næroyfjord World Heritage Park & Its Sights
I can’t imagine a better way to start this Bergen-to-Bergen road trip than exploring the Næroyfjord World Heritage Park. The Fjord was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2005 for its outstanding landscapes and exceptional natural beauty. After seeing it in person, I can only confirm it.
Morning Boat Journey on the Fjord or Scenic Train Ride
Flåm is mainly known for two things. First is the scenic train journey on the Flåmsbana railway. It travels from the train station in the centre of the village up the mountains to Myrdal.
Although the distance is only 20 kilometres, the train travels very slowly, allowing passengers to enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
The second is the cruise along Næroyfjord, the narrowest and the most dramatic Fjord in Southern Norway.
What’s unique about this cruise is that it takes place on a high-tech, zero-emission boat powered by renewable energy sources. When it comes down to renewable energy, Norway stays on top of the game.
Visit Bakka and Undredal villages
See authentic Norway and its slow-paced life by visiting the two villages near Flåm. Bakka, which means ‘on the bank’, was built right on the shoreline of Næroyfjord.
Undredal lies right on Aurlandsfjord and is known for its brown cheese production. For hundreds of years, cheese production has remained unchanged and contributes greatly to the local economy of Undredal, which has a tiny population of only 100 people.
TIP: If travelling in a Motorhome, stay at the Nærøyfjorden Campsite in Bakka. It is located directly on the shore of the Fjord and has fantastic views.
Afternoon hike to Prest
Take advantage of the long days during the Scandinavian summer and go on an afternoon hike to Prest. Thanks to its position and how the light hits the mountains, the afternoon is the perfect time for it.
At the top, you will have stunning views of the Aurlandsfjord, Flåm, and Aurland, another town in the area. The hike takes 3-4 hours to complete.
Sunset at Stegastein viewpoint
End your day by watching the sunset from the Stegastein viewpoint. The beautifully designed platform extends from the side of the mountain and stands 600 vertical meters above the Aurlandsfjord.
Stegastein viewpoint lies en route to Prest trailhead, so you can kill two birds with one stop and visit the viewpoint after you complete the hike.
Day 3: Hiking Around Næroyfjord
Option 1: Bakkanossi
There is no better spot to admire Næroyfjord than from the hike to the summit of Bakkanosi. This trail is slowly rising to fame and becoming one of the most popular hikes in the area.
This was my first solo hike in Norway, and I couldn’t have picked a better day. With a 17.5-kilometer (11-mile) roundtrip distance and 940 meters (3000 ft) of elevation gain, it’s a steady, not-too-strenuous journey to the top.
Option 2: Aurlandsdalen
I came across the Aurlandsdalen hike when I was searching for a hike I could do with my parents when they visited me on my road trip through Norway.
It was not as easy as I thought it would be. It wasn’t exactly a stroll through the valley, as I imagined, but it was a more accessible alternative to Bakkanosi.
Even though my mum struggled in some places, when I asked her today what her favourite memory from the road trip is, she always answered – the hike through Aurlandsdalen.
Aurlandsdalen Traverse is a very popular multiday hike in Norway. Still, its most scenic part between the high alpine mountain station Østerbo and the little valley settlement Vassbygdi can be walked in just one day.
Best accommodation options around Flåm: nights 1, 2 & 3
Best Value
It has a very cosy atmosphere and wood-panelled rooms. Reserve a room with a balcony overlooking the Fjord and watch the cruise ships and trains come and go from the terminal.
Top Rated
These are beautiful, modern apartments with a Scandinavian feel. Looking through the windows, you will feel like you are floating on the fjord.
Day 4: Drive to Jotunheimen along the Valdresflye Scenic Route
- Distance from Flåm to Beitostølen: 155 km / 96 mi
- Driving time: 2 h 20 min
After two intense days exploring the Fjords, it’s time to give your legs a well-deserved rest and head towards Norway’s high mountain plateaus. You will need that rest for what’s coming the next day!
Today, on the menu, we have the Valdresflye Scenic Route, the gateway to Jotunheimen National Park.
Jotunheimen is known as the home of the giants. With 250 mountains above 2000 meters, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
There are plenty of stops along the route between Flåm and Jotunheimen. I marked many of them on the map. Be prepared for the 2.5-hour drive to turn into a full-day excursion to your next destination.
If you add a lunch break along the way, it will take even longer. That’s okay. Sometimes, it is not about the destination but the journey itself.
Day 5: Besseggen Ridgeline
- Distance from Beitostølen to Besseggen Parking: 32 km / 20 mi
- Driving time: 30 min
I hope you feel rested and are up for another adventure. Today’s itinerary includes the Besseggen hike.
Besseggen Ridgeline is the most popular day hike in Jotunheimen National Park and one of the best hikes in the country.
The trail follows a ridgeline along Lake Gjende and climbs to a fantastic viewpoint of Lake Bessavatnet and the peaks of Jotunheimen NP.
Best accommodation options along Valdresflye Scenic Route: nights 4 & 5
Best Value
The hotel is in a stunning setting within Jotunheimen National Park and is a great starting point for many walks.
Top Rated
Overlooking Lake Øvre Sjodalsvatnet, Bessheim Fjellstue offers an in-house restaurant and accommodation with mountain views. The Gjende Boat Terminal is only 5.5 km away.
Day 6: Geiranger Fjord
- Distance from Beitostølen to Geiranger: 200 km / 124 mi
- Driving time: 3 h 30 min
Day 6 of my Bergen to Bergen itinerary is another road trip day. From Jotunheimen, head first North, then West towards Geiranger Fjord.
You will pass by attractions such as the historic village of Fossbergom (Lom) and the famous Geiranger Scenic Route.
TIP: In winter, part of the road between Langvatnet and Geiranger is normally closed from November to May. Previous openings occurred between 9 May and 17 June, and previous closures started between 18 November and 9 January. For more information and restrictions, visit this website.
Afternoon activity in Geiranger
Geiranger Fjord, just like the previously visited Næroyfjord, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make a splash and join one of these fantastic activities to see the Fjord from unique angles.
Kayaking on the Geiranger Fjord
Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to experience the UNESCO World Heritage area from a unique perspective. With just about an hour and a half of paddling, you’ll arrive at the renowned Seven Sister Waterfalls and have the chance to explore some of the oldest Geirangerfjord farms.
An expert guide and instructor will lead you safely, providing top-notch equipment, comprehensive safety instructions, and plenty of valuable tips to make the most of your Geirangerfjord adventure.
Self-guided downhill bike tour
Another great and unique way to experience the Geiranger Fjord is biking down the hairpin roads and stopping along the many viewpoints. The tour starts in Geiranger village, where you will be kitted out and briefed on safety. You will then be transferred to Lake Djupvatnet, over 1000 meters above sea level, before you start your downhill biking tour back to the village.
Sunset at Ørnesvingen Viewpoint
Ørnesvingen viewpoint is a platform built 600 meters above the Geiranger Fjord and on the last (11th) hairpin turn along the Ørnesvegen road.
It’s a perfect sunset spot, and if you are lucky, you might coincide your visit with a cruise ship departure, like I did. It was undoubtedly a postcard moment.
It takes approximately 15 minutes to reach the Ørnesvingen platform, but there are plenty of switchbacks to tackle. Drive safe!
Day 7: Skageflå hike
Day 7 on your road trip is another day filled with beautiful views. This time, I recommend hiking to Skageflå, the most popular day hike in the Geiranger Fjord area.
The trail’s highlight is the high-altitude farm, which operated until the start of the last century before turning into a tourist attraction. You will also get to see beautiful panoramic views of the Seven Sisters waterfall, which the Geiranger Fjord is known for.
Skageflå is a one-way hike. After completing it, you must catch a pre-booked boat transfer to return to the village. I cover all the details in my other post, which I linked above.
Best accommodation options around Geiranger: nights 6 & 7
Best Value
Lovely cottage-type accommodation in a beautiful and quiet setting with great new facilities
Top Rated
Soak in the hot tub while looking directly at the Geiranger Fjord, or enjoy dinner with a view in the restaurant located on the 6th floor.
Day 8: Geiranger to Loen via Hellesylt
- Distance from Geiranger to Loen: 82 km / 51 mi
- Driving time: 1 h 30 min
- Time on the ferry: 1 hour
Your next destination on the itinerary – Loen, can be reached in two ways:
- Take the scenic car ferry from Geiranger to Hellesylt, then follow route no. 60, then 15 to Loen. This is the route I marked on the map, but it does require pre-booking the ferry in advance.
- Drive back on the Geiranger Scenic Route to Langvatnet Lake, then turn onto Route 15, driving past Oppstrynvatnet Lake to Loen.
Whichever option you choose, you will ultimately end up in your next destination, Loen – the gateway to Jostedalsbreen National Park.
Below are some options for things you can do on day 8.
Option 1: Explore Lake Lovatnet + Sunset Hike to Rakssetra
Lovatnet is one of my favourite lakes in Norway. It has a beautiful turquoise colour and is fed by the Jostedalsbreen glacier field – the largest in Norway.
The most notable tourist attraction along the lake is the Breng Seter—another historic farm with moss-rooftop buildings typical for the region.
You can drive to the end of the lake and stroll to the end of Lodalen Valley to get a glimpse of the Kjenndal Glacier tongue.
In the late afternoon, you can plan a short (2-hour roundtrip) hike to another classic viewpoint and a great sunset spot—the Rakssetra farm high above Loen and the Innvikfjord.
Option 2: Afternoon hike to Klovane
Many people ask me what my favourite hike in Norway is. While my answer changes frequently because it’s difficult to decide, Klovane always stays in the top three.
It has the best panoramic lake views I have ever seen, and if it hadn’t been for all the mud I waded in to get to the summit, it would have been perfection. But you know what they say. No pain, no gain! Don’t skip the hike to Klovane if you are a serious hiking enthusiast.
Day 9: Hike in Jostedalsbreen National Park
Option 1: Hike to Kattanakken
You need to hike to Kattanakken for the best views of the Glacier tongues of the Jostedalsbreen Glacier field (the largest in Norway, by the way), including the famous Briksdalsbreen.
Whilst this is a very advanced hike, particularly its last part, where scrambling is involved, you can only do a part of it, as I did, and still get the fantastic views.
Option 2: Via ferrata Loen
Do you want to walk across a 120-meter-long suspension bridge perched 800 meters above the Invikfjord? If your answer is yes, you must scramble along Via Ferrata Loen. It’s still one of the top experiences I had in Norway.
Best accommodation options around Loen: nights 8 & 9
Best Value
Located in the centre of the town, the hotel offers excellent access to nearby attractions. After hiking in the mountains all day, soak in the indoor or outdoor pool to relax your muscles.
Top Rated
Take advantage of the free kayaks and paddle on the turquoise lake Oldenvatnet, or take a hike to see the beautiful panoramic lake views from above.
Day 10: Drive back to Bergen
- Distance from Loen to Bergen Airport: 300 km / 186 mi
- Driving time: 5 h
Your Bergen to Bergen road trip is coming to an end. The last thing on the itinerary is getting back to Bergen.
The shortest way to get back is on road E39. However, I recommend a small detour via Søgndalsfjora, Leikanger, and Vikøyri towns. It will only add 15 minutes to your journey and allow you to visit many epic viewpoints. That’s the route I marked on the map.
Where to stop along the way between Loen and Bergen
Once again, add a few hours to your drive to take photos and enjoy the views. Below are a few viewpoints located next to the road worth stopping for.
Stardalselva Valley
The Stardaselva Valley is approximately one hour’s drive from Loen. Turquoise rivers, lush green fields, and dramatic mountain cliffs can’t get more cliché than this. The view of Stardaselva Valley better describes Norway than any other.
Jølstravatnet
Drive for 10 minutes and turn from National Road No. 39 onto No. 5. This is where your small detour to Bergen will start. You will now follow the shoreline of another beautiful lake, Jølstravatnet. There are plenty of small bays where you can stop for a quick photo.
Bøyabreen Glacier
Another 15 minutes later, you will drive through the Fjærland tunnel. Straight after emerging through the tunnel, the viewpoint of the Bøyabreen glacier tongue is on your left-hand side. Blink and you will miss it.
Norsk Bremuseum and Fjærland village
The next stop, only 10 minutes away from Bøyabreen Glacier, is the Jostedalsbreen visitor centre. It doubles as the Glacier Museum and has a great viewpoint platform on top of the building.
The museum educates the visitors about the Norwegian glaciers and how climate change influences their disappearance. You can also watch the beautiful panoramic nature movie shot in the remote corners of the Jostedalsbreen National Park.
After checking out the visitor centre and the museum, drive to Fjærland—a tiny village at the end of the Fjærlandsfjorden. Park your car near the pier and stroll along the Fjord for some fantastic views. This will be a perfect place for a lunch break before you continue to Bergen.
For more viewpoints, refer to the map.
Best accommodation options in Bergen: Night 10 (Optional)
Best Value
The hostel is located 5 minutes from Bryggen, Bergen’s top tourist attraction. It offers private or shared accommodation and facilities.
Top Rated
A great hotel in a top location with a rooftop terrace overlooking the city. All top sightseeing spots are within walking distance of the hotel.
How to shorten this Bergen-to-Bergen travel itinerary to 7 days?
You don’t have ten days to follow this road trip? No worries! Here are some ideas on how to fit it into a week.
- Option 1: Skip Geiranger Fjord. I know it’s hard to give up on some locations, but you must face that it is impossible to see everything in 7 days. After visiting Jotunheimen National Park, you can head straight for Loen and the Jostedalsbreen National Park.
- Option 2: Shorten your stay in each location. Flåm & Næroyfjord World Heritage Park- 2 Nights. Jotunheimen National Park – 1 night, Geiranger Fjord – 2 nights, Loen & Jostedalsbreen National Park – 2 nights. That will equal seven nights and eight days of travelling.
Other road trip itineraries around Norway
- Oslo to Oslo 14-day Itinerary across the Mountains and Fjords of Norway
- Ålesund to Ålesund 10-day road trip itinerary for Adventure Seekers
- Stavanger to Bergen through the tourist hotspots of Norway
- Lofoten Islands 5-day hiking road trip
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Hi Marta,
Marta – thank you for your incredibly helpful website. It is full of fantastic advice. We are looking to combine your Bergen-Bergen and Alesund / Alesund itineraries – we will have 11 nights in a campervan starting and ending in Bergen.
We have a 13 year old daughter so the longer hikes are probably pushing it for us.
Would you have any advice on how best to combine the two itineraries without making it too busy!
Hi Andrew. Thanks for your lovely feedback. It seems like you have a great holiday ahead of you. This is a very broad question. I do offer trip planning advice if interested where we can go over your itinerary and I can make suggesting etc. If interested please reach out to me directly.
Hi Marta!
This is a great itinerary, thanks for sharing your experience and recommnedations. We have 14 days in Norway. What is your advice on the best way to add the Trolltunga hike (and a nearby stay) into this itinerary? We are visiting in high season in early to mid-July, thank you!
Hi Joe. I have an itinerary that goes from Stavanger to Bergen that includes the area around Trolltunga. It can be done in 5 days and then you could connect it with the Bergen to Bergen one. That would put you at 14 days. I hope that helps!
Hi, I was just wondering how much you would budget for 10 days Bergen round trip if we’re renting a car (excluding car rental and flights etc). We are not looking to stay in plush hotels but I’ve heard Norway can be very expensive.
Hi Alice. I didn’t find Norway any more expensive than anywhere else in Europe (Switzerland, Austria or Northern Italy are in my opinion more expensive). Yes, gas prices and groceries are higher but hotels were cheaper. If you are prepared to stay in budget-friendly hotels I reckon 200-250 Euro/day should be more than enough.
Hello Marta, hope you’re doing well. Just quick question. Is motorhomerepublic reliable? i rented with cu-camper, and paid up-front booking fees 100 euros, just to learn in 24 hrs. the camper is not available.
appreciate your feedback
Hi Samir. Thanks for following my itinerary. I have worked with them for over 6 years and never had any complaints from readers who booked through them. The way it normally works is they check with the supplier if the campervan is still available as many suppliers don’t have the system that updates the fleet regularly. If the campervan requested is not available you are usually offered an alternative. I also highly recommend checking the T&C’s. Fingers crossed the booking comes through.
Hi Marta, Thanks for this great itinerary idea! I just wondered if you had a choice between doing this in August or September which one would you choose?
Hi Gordon. If you plan on staying in hotels then I would say September. lesser crowds etc. The nights in September can get cold already. If you want to do it in a campervan then go in August. I would also recommend that you check my Alesund to Alesund itinerary which is my favorite route. I hope that helps.
Thanks Marta. That other itinerary looks good as well.
I am glad!
Hi Marta,
I’m wondering if you could please tell me why the Alesund to Alesund itinerary is your favourite ? I’ve spent so many hours going over and over your wonderful itineraries, the maps & walk etc and just can’t decide. Think I really can’t wrong!
Kindest regards,
Kim
Hi Kim. It is my favourite because it visits the Hjorundfjord area and Saksa and Urkeegga circuit hikes had some of the best views in Norway. With that said you really can’t go wrong with either of the itinerary. Bergen to Bergen is amazing too and visits the Naeroyfjord NP which is absolutely stunning. So with that said, just toss a coin and you will know! 🙂
Thank you i think you’re correct! Im trying so hard to get it right but every option looks incredible 🙂
HI Marta,
Thank you for posting this guide. It is very helpful. My husband and I will be going to Norway the 1st week of October. We were thinking of getting a small motorhome but it seems that a lot of the campgrounds close the end of September. In your experience, do you think there would be enough places to choose from to stay at in October on this itinerary? Thank you.
Hi Virginia. I only travelled in Norway between July and September and already had quite a few nights below freezing in September. If you are not worries about the freezing temperatures at night then I reckon you can always find somewhere to stay at. There are so many campsites in Norway and you can also stay off-grid too.
Hola de nuevo Marta!!
Mil gracias una vez más por tu maravilloso blog!
Estoy preparando el viaje a Noruega tras enamorarme tras ver tus itinerarios.
Quería combinar este itinerario de Bergen con las islas Lofoten. Lo ves viable en un viaje de 15 días?
Estoy deseando disfrutar de tus artículos de las islas lofoten!!
También quería alquilar un coche con tienda de campaña en el techo, me diste este consejo para Canadá y no encuentro empresa en Noruega, conoces alguna?
Muchísimas gracias!!
Hi Victor. Thanks for visiting again. I just checked quickly and don’t see much either. Lofoten Islands articles are in the making 🙂 As for the rooftop tent rental you might want to consider getting a proper campervan. The weather in Norway (particularly in Lofoten) can be brutal. Lots of rain. I am not sure about the tent.
As I am from Bergen myself I have to say that this guide is really comprehensive. The perfect plan. Norway is a wonderful country to visit.
Hi Peter. A feedback like this coming from a local is worth a lot, so thank you!
Marta –
I followed your New Zealand guide in 2019 and did a solo camper van trip. Best time of my life. Happy to see you have posted guides for Norway. That means it’s time to plan Norway 😀 Thank you for your amazing guides! I’ve always loved your guides cuz they are simple and easy to follow. Not to mention your photography skill. Amazing.
Hi Susan! Thanks so much for your feedback. The Norway itineraries are fresh out of the oven and I am still working on a couple more so I hope you can find something you will love. Please consider using the affiliate links when you book something (like a campervan) to support my site. Cheers and happy travels! Let me know if you have any questions