Minimum Time: 1 week
Recommended Time: 2 weeks or more
Stops: Bergen, Flåm, Jostedalsbreen, Jotunheimen, Geirangerfjord, Ålesund, Dovrefjell, Rondane, Hardangervidda
Summary: It would be hard to find a more beautiful road trip than our Best of Southern Norway self-drive itinerary. The route includes the scenic port cities of Bergen and Ålesund, the largest glacier in continental Europe (Jostedalsbreen), Norway’s highest mountains in Jotunheimen National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage Geirangerfjord, musk oxen in Dovrefjell, and the rugged Hardangervidda.
Rental cars from the major international companies in Bergen or Oslo can be found for around $350 per week—the roads in Norway are excellent so a smaller fuel-efficient car is fine. For two or more people, renting a car is surprisingly economical and by far the most convenient option.
The total driving distance of the Best of Southern Norway itinerary is approximately 1,450 kilometers (900 miles) round-trip from Bergen. Remember that many of Norway’s roads are winding and slow, particularly near the fjords, and there are three ferry crossings along the way.
This itinerary as a two-week trip is meant for those who plan on stopping and exploring some of the areas (there is world-class hiking in the Jotunheimen, Dovrefjell, and the Hardangervidda, for example). If you visit the sites quickly and don’t mind long drives, it’s possible to complete the loop in one week or even less. Those making multi-day stopovers could easily spend three weeks or more.