Taking A Road Trip Through Norway? Here’s Where You Need to Visit

EMBRACE THE SNOW ON AURLANDSFJELLET

Aurlandsfjellet, known locally as the Snow Road, is a 28-mile mountain pass between the villages of Aurlandsvangen and Lærdal, and offers some of the best scenery that Norway has to offer. The best time to travel the road is early May when there is still plenty of snow on the mountains, but right before the summer season so you avoid the peak tourist traffic. The views of the mountains and fjords are the most dramatic if you start your trip from Lærdal and end in Aurlandsvangen, as the descent will give you the opportunity for remarkable photos! 

While it is mostly a barren landscape, there is the odd stark contrast between the valleys and rocky high-mountain desert. If you’re traveling along this road, you must plan a stop at the breathtaking Lærdal Tunnel. The road is usually closed during the winter, but the section from Aurlandsvangen to the stunning viewpoint at Stegastein is accessible year-round for travelers. 

EXPERIENCE TWISTS & TURNS ON THE LYSEVEGEN ROAD

Lysevegen is a popular tourist road open from May to October/November depending on the snowfall, and boasts 27 hairpin bends,from Lysebotn to Sirdal. This is a road that is best driven slowly, it often doesn’t allow for two passable cars at the same time, has steep bends with plenty of twists and turns and can challenge even the most experienced of drivers. While it might be challenging, the experience is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you just can’t pass up! 

Make sure to plan a stop in Lysebotn, a tiny remote village. During the winter when the Lysevegen Road is covered in snow, the village is only accessible by boat, highlighting just how remote life here can be. You will also pass the Oygardsstol viewpoint, where you can take a moment to breathe in fresh mountain air. There is also a local restaurant which offers a beautiful panorama view.

SOAK UP THE LOFOTEN SCENIC ROUTE

The national scenic route of Lofoten offers some of the most stunning landscapes in Norway and stretches for 127 km through gorgeous hills, islands connected by bridges, wide valleys and traditional fishing villages. The drive offers a variety of viewpoints for you to stop at during your trip, as well as hiking trails, architecture and artwork. While you can take local tours to see Northern Lights, and cruises around the islands, a road trip to Lofoten can easily be done at your own pace. 

Some of the most famous attractions of the area include Reinehalsen, one of Norway’s most famous photo spots where you can see the mountain Reinebringen and the village of Reine. You must also plan a stop in Nusfjord, one of Norway’s oldest and best-preserved fishing villages and Austnesfjorden, a rest area with a wooden walkway that has been built to float on the landscape and offers spectacular views of mountains and the Sildpollneset chapel.

EXPERIENCE THE MYSTERY OF TROLLSTIGEN

Trollstigen, translated as the ‘Trolls Road’ in English, attracts tourists from all over the world with its 11 sharp bends that connect the villages of Valldal and Adalsnes in Western Norway. The road offers breathtaking viewpoints, hidden strawberry patches, and lush green areas, and you can experience it by car, bicycle, or by foot, with options to camp along the way for the ultimate outdoor experience.  This is a popular destination known for its folklore about trolls said to live in the stony structures of the road which can sometimes be spotted by  travelers. 

Despite being one of the most popular roads in Norway, it is also one of the most dangerous with the steep incline, narrow roads, and the poor traction and visibility that come with rain and fog. The road twists and climbs through a mountainous terrain of waterfalls, fjords, tunnels and frozen lakes but offers surreal views that you won’t see anywhere else in the road - and it’s certainly one road to tick off your road trip bucket list.

HIT THE THE ATLANTIC ROAD

Norway’s Atlantic Road is known as the world’s most beautiful drive and is packed with scenery, culture, and history. The road connects Averøy with the mainland via a series of small islands and islets spanned by a total of eight bridges. The drive offers cycling, hiking, overnight accommodation and ample opportunities to experience the local wildlife. 

The winding road dips and arches over the brutal waves of the Norwegian Sea that often crash over the pavement during storms, and this unique highway will take you to the very farthest point where the land meets the ocean. This is a designated Cultural Heritage Site and offers panoramic views of mountains and sea. Traveling the Atlantic Road is certainly not meant to be rushed and every viewpoint is well worth the stop for a photo or a picnic!

SEE IT ALL WITH ENTERPRISE

If you’re planning a trip to Norway for the summer, make sure to add these scenic routes to your list. While there are plenty of options for biking and hiking along these routes, having a car available is a must for safety and maximum comfort during your trip. Renting a vehicle from Enterprise is a quick and hassle-free process to make sure that you have the best vehicle to accompany you on your road trip. Let’s build lifetime memories together.