Norway is a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Want to explore the diverse Norwegian landscapes without much driving? We have the perfect itinerary for you. This route won’t cover all of Southern Norway but will let you fully experience the Scandinavian Highlands. The best way to do this is by lacing up your hiking boots and heading into nature. Discover rugged fjords, hike on a glacier, and admire stunning waterfalls.
A Hiking and Nature-Focused Itinerary
Norway is surprisingly vast, with long distances due to winding mountain passes. To see large parts of the country, you’d spend a lot of time on the road with many short stops at sights. We focused on experiencing Norway’s nature through beautiful hikes. This itinerary highlights the most scenic spots in southern Norway, focusing on outdoor adventures rather than quick viewpoint visits. Note that this itinerary for Southern Norway may not be for everyone—it’s best suited for an active vacation.
How fit do you need to be for this itinerary? With a good base fitness level, you can handle this route, though some extra training might be helpful if you don’t normally hike. You can adjust the itinerary and replace or skip hikes as needed.
Driving to Norway or Renting a Car?
You can do this itinerary with your own car or camper, or by renting a car. If you plan to camp, it’s convenient to drive to Norway with your own vehicle to bring all your camping gear and groceries. If camping isn’t on your agenda, flying and renting a car could save you a long drive.
Option 1: By Car and Ferry
If you drive, it takes about 10 hours to reach Hirtshals in Denmark. From there, you can take the FjordLine ferry to Bergen, which is a 16-hour journey where you’ll spend the night on the boat. At the end of the trip, you’ll arrive in Kristiansand, and from there, it’s a 2.5-hour ferry ride back to Hirtshals. Afterward, it’s another 10-hour drive home.
Option 2: Fly and Rent a Car
This option saves you the long drive by flying directly to Bergen. After exploring Bergen for a day, pick up your rental car and start your road trip. At the end of the trip, return the car at Kristiansand Airport and fly home. The cost difference between ferry and flight is minimal, as ferry and gas expenses are comparable to average airfare. However, this option might be more expensive if you choose hotels over camping. Check out our tips for renting a car in Norway to be well-prepared.
Day-by-Day Itinerary for Southern Norway
Below is a day-by-day description of the itinerary for Southern Norway. Without the travel time, we recommend allocating 10 days for this route. Depending on your pace, you can adjust as needed. We liked that this route requires minimal driving and offers a lot of variety.
Day 1: Explore Bergen
Bergen is a perfect introduction to Norway! This charming city exudes tranquility and is easily explored on foot. Sample Scandinavian cuisine at the Fisketorget fish market and wander through the cozy neighborhoods of Knøsesmauet and Kroken with their typical Norwegian wooden houses. If you’re eager to start your adventure, hike one of the seven surrounding mountains or take a bike tour to learn about the city’s history. Curious about more to do? Check out our tips for Bergen.
Travel Time: 0 km – 0 hours
Overnight stay in: Bergen
Day 2: Vøringsfossen Waterfall and Drive to Odda
After a relaxing day in Bergen, it’s time to kick off your road trip through Norway. The first stop on the itinerary is the 182-meter (597 ft) high Vøringsfossen waterfall. This popular waterfall offers spectacular views from multiple walking bridges at the top. What many people don’t know is that there’s also a trail that takes you to the base of the waterfall, where you can truly experience its power and height! Check out our tips for Vøringsfossen to read more about this short but impressive hike. Afterward, drive along a scenic route by Sørfjorden towards the town of Odda, your base for the next few days.
Travel Time: 262 km (162 mi) – 4.5 hours
Overnight stay in: Odda
Day 3: Glacier Hike in Folgefonna National Park
When you think of Norway, you quickly think of the world-famous fjords. These fjords were formed by glaciers. These massive ice bodies slowly move and carve out stunning landscapes. Norway has 2,534 glaciers, and you can walk on the ancient ice. Folgefonna National Park, about an hour’s drive from Odda, offers a chance to see the blue glacier ice up close on the Juklavass Glacier. You’ll go with a guide, and the hike is available at different levels, so no experience is needed. You can choose how challenging you want the hike to be. Curious about the hike? Read our tips for the glacier hike in Folgefonna National Park.
Travel Time: 141 km (88 mi) – 2.5 hours
Overnight stay in: Odda
Day 4: Trolltunga Hike
One of Norway’s most breathtaking viewpoints is the rock formation Trolltunga, also known as the “Troll’s Tongue”. The ‘tongue’ juts out 700 meters (2,297 ft) above a stunning blue lake. To reach it, you’ll embark on an amazing hike through mountain landscapes. The hike is 20 kilometers (12.4 mi) long, and while most people complete it in one day, we recommend taking two days. Spending a night in the mountains allows you to visit Trolltunga without the crowds, making the hike less strenuous and providing a unique experience. Check out our tips for Trolltunga to find out which option suits you best.
Travel Time: 12 km (7.5 mi) – 20 minutes
Overnight stay in: Trolltunga for the two-day hike or Odda for a day hike
Day 5: Trolltunga Hike and Heit Sauna
After a night in the mountains, you’ll hike back to civilization at a leisurely pace. After a few days of hiking, treat yourself to a visit to Heit Sauna, a charming private sauna beautifully located by Sørfjorden. It’s a perfect spot to relax both mentally and physically. If you’re in the mood for some Norwegian cuisine in the evening, we recommend dining at Ferskvaren in Odda.
Travel Time: 51 km (32 mi) – 1 hour
Overnight stay in: Odda
Day 6: Drive to Stavanger via Låtefossen Waterfall
It’s time to continue your road trip towards the charming harbor town of Stavanger. On the way, you’ll pass Låtefossen, a unique twin waterfall standing 165 meters (541 ft) tall. The waterfall is right next to the road, so no hiking is needed to see this impressive sight. In Stavanger, you can explore the city or relax at one of the local cafes. For a special dinner, consider booking a table at Gådjå Etiopisk Restaurant to experience flavorful Ethiopian cuisine—a delightful surprise in Norway!
Travel Time: 192 km (119 mi) – 3.5 hours
Overnight stay in: Stavanger
Day 7: Explore Stavanger and Fjord Boat Tour
Stavanger is a lovely town to stroll through for a day, but it’s also a great base for exploring Norway’s fjords by water. For some action, try the RIB boat tour through the fjords, which takes you at high speeds through the fjords, with the nimble boat getting close to waterfalls. Prefer a calmer experience? The electric fjord cruise is a great option. Both tours take you through Lysefjord, one of the country’s most beautiful fjords. Check out our tips for Stavanger to find out what else you can do.
Travel Time: 0 km – 0 hours
Overnight stay in: Stavanger
Day 8: Preikestolen and Drive to Lysebotn
Waking up early on vacation is usually not ideal, but it’s worth it for the famous hike to Preikestolen. This dramatic cliff juts 604 meters (1,982 ft) straight up above the stunning Lysefjord. The fantastic view attracts thousands of visitors each summer, but if you go early, you’ll nearly have Preikestolen to yourself. The hike isn’t difficult, and you’ll be enjoying the view in just 1.5 to 2 hours. Check out our tips for Preikestolen to prepare. After visiting Preikestolen, take the scenic route south to Lysebotn, your next destination. You’ll drive via a stunning mountain pass and encounter many sheep on your way to the remote town of Lysebotn.
Travel Time: 128 km (80 mi) – 3.5 hours
Overnight stay in: Lysebotn
Fun Fact: On the route from Stavanger to Preikestolen, you’ll drive through the 14-kilometer-long (8.7 mi) Ryfylke Tunnel, which at its deepest point is almost 300 meters (984 ft) below the sea.
Day 9: Kjeragbolten Hike
At the end of your Norway road trip, there’s one iconic hike left: Kjeragbolten. Here, a giant rock is wedged between two cliffs 984 meters (3,228 ft) above Lysefjord. If you dare, you can take the famous photo standing on the floating rock. The hike is challenging due to some steep sections, but if you don’t have a fear of heights, it’s a thrilling challenge. The nature, as always in Norway, is breathtaking! Check out our tips for the Kjeragbolten hike.
Travel Time: 14 km (8.7 mi) – 30 minutes
Overnight stay in: Lysebotn
Day 10: Drive to Kristiansand
On the final day, drive to Kristiansand. From there, you can either take the ferry to Denmark and drive home or return your rental car and fly home.
Travel Time: 219 km (136 mi) – 3 hours
