1 week road trip itinerary

NORWAY

My home country turns out to be one of the best countries in the world for road trips! The nature in Norway is just breathtaking, fjords, valleys, waterfalls and snowy mountains all within driving range. Norway is just a perfect recipe for a successful week on the road. This one week guide will get you through some of the most spectacular places in Norway. All you need is a car, a tent and good spirit. 

I've done this roadtrip during Norwegian summer.(june-aug) Even though it is summer it does get cold at night. So bring some warm clothing for the evening/mornings.  A quick overview of the destinations this guide will cover: 

• Besseggen 

• Galdhøpiggen

• Nigardsbreen glacier 

• Loen(Lovatnet) 

• Geirangerfjorden

• Trollstigen

• Romsdalseggen 

• Trollveggen

1 week Norway itinerary

Norway is talked about as one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Still a lot of people choose not to visit because it is also one of the most expensive countries in the world. But dont let that scare you, Norway can be done on a budget. Thanks to something called "allemannsretten" which translates to "freedom to roam" you are allow to pitch up your tent basically anywhere you want in nature. Imagine setting up camp overlooking one of the fjords or next to a blue mountain lake. Life doesn't get much better than that. 

Day 1. Driving to Besseggen

Besseggen is located in Jotunheimen National Park and it is one of the most popular hikes i Norway. The hike is is actually rated among the 20 best hikes in the world according National Geographic. The landscape here can only be described with one word : SPECTACUALR. 

After a 5 hours drive from Oslo you will arrive at Gjendesheim where you will be setting up camp for the night. Even though pitching up a tent here is free, you do have to pay around $15 for parking. 

• If you dont arrive too late, you will have time for a quick walk in the area. I recommend checking out the river close to the main road or just sit and watch the iconic view over Gjende.

Dont forget to book the boat for the next day. This can also be done in advance  here. 

Hiking Besseggen

Day 2 Besseggen

Besseggen is a long hike with a rise of nearly a 1000 meters. Most people need between 6-8 hours, including breaks. Even though some parts are steep and do need some scrambling, most people will not experience any difficulties.  

There is two ways to walk Besseggen. Most people walk from Memurubu to Gjendesheim. That means taking the boat to Memurubu and walk back to Gjendesheim. I recommending taking the first boat in the morning as there will be less to none people in the mountain. If you choose to walk the other way, you have to make sure to not miss the last boat going back at Memurubu in the afternoon. 

After walking Besseggen, it is time to hit the road and drive to Juvasshytta and Galdhøpiggen, the highest mountain in Norway. The drive from Gjendesheim to Juvasshytta takes around 2 hours. The drive up the mountain is nice with an incredible view over the landscape. 

Day 3 Galdhøpiggen + driving to Nigardsbreen

Arriving at Juvasshytta you can either pitch up your tent or stay in a room. You do have to pay a small fee to put up your tent. I would also bring food as the prices at Juvasshytta is "the highest in Norway" haha:) Remember to book your trip to Galdhøpiggen in advance or at least when you arrive. On this trip you are crossing a glacier so you do need a guide.(also good shoes, not sneakers) Price for the trip is around $35. This can also be checked here. 

Hiking up Galdhøpiggen is one of the coolest experiences you can do while in Norway. You get to cross a glacier and reach the highest mountain in Norway all in a fairly simple trek. Since you are walking with a bunch of other people in ropes crossing the glacier, there is some waiting involved, but once you cross the glaciers you are free to go on you own. The reward by reaching the summit is breathtaking. The view is simply amazing! 

The trip takes around 5 hours. 

After your hike it is time to pack up your tent and drive towards Nigardsbreen glacier. The drive should take you around 2-3 hours. There is a lot of camping-spots close to Nigardsbreen.  

Day 4. Nigardsbreen glacier + Loen (Loenvatnet)

Nigardsbreen is apart of Jostedalsbreen Glacier, the largest glacier in continental Europe. I highly recommend checking out this glacier. Just hearing the sound of the glacier is incredible. Located with a good view of the glacier is the glacier visitor center. They offer an exhibition where you can learn about the glacier. They also offer guided tours on the glacier, Kayaking in the ice water and rafting down the Jostedals river. If you have time and more money I heard good things about the guided glacier tours. They offer a variety of tours from walking on top or inside the glacier. 

You can still have a GREAT experience just visiting on your own. Once at the parking, you can take a 5 min boat over the lake or do the 40 min walk to the edge of the glacier. Once there, you can walk around and look at how the glacier has shaped the landscape around.  

The mighty nigardsbreen (Glacier)

Loen (Loenvatnet)

After spending a couple of hours it is time to hit the road again and head to Loen and the famous Loenvatnet. The drive is around 3 hours but time goes fast looking out at the massive mountains surrounding you. 

Loenvatnet is famous for its emerald blue glacier waters. The color of the water is simply the prettiest in the world. Not to mention the incredible landscapes around with glaciers, high mountains and waterfalls on each side. This place is almost unreal. The water is freezing cold but at the same time, super refreshing. I highly recommend getting in. If not for the pleasure, do it for the photos you will get. They last a lifetime;) 

Loen has also recently opened a skylift which will take you 1000 meters straight up. The view up there is stunning and you will also get to see a bunch og paragliders and speed flyers take off! If you are a adrenalin junkie, they also have a via ferrata track. More info on Loen Skylift and via ferrata. Here.

After enjoying your time in Loen, it is time to drive to Geiranger. This should be a 1-2 hour drive. If you started your day early, you will make it here for sunset, which I highly recommend. There is one particular viewpoint that is simply amazing at sunset. (see photo) 

After sunset, it its time to set camp. 

The beautiful Loenvatnet

Day 5 Geiranger & Trollstigen

Waking up in Geiranger is an amazing feeling. Geiranger is probably the most famous fjord in Norway, and not without a reason, it is beautiful there. 

I highly recommend finding your own spot and eat your breakfast at one of the many viewpoint overlooking the fjord. Then you can sit, look out over the fjord and watch the big cruise ships come in narrow fjord.  

After breakfast you can either visit more viewpoints, or start making your way to Trollstigen. Driving towards Trollstigen, there is also a great viewpoint overlooking the fjord. 

The drive to Trollstigen is around 1h 30 min - 2h. With that being said there are a couple things you can stop and have a look at on the way. Gudbransjuvet being one of them. Here you can see how the water has carved its way through the mountain. 

Trollstigen is one of the most famous roads in Norway. This zig zag road goes straight up the mountain. Including the beautiful surroundings makes this spot on of the most visited in Norway. This is a must see. 

There is also possible to do hikes in this area. 

Head to Åndalsnes and find a place to camp. 

Geiranger at sunset

Watching the ships roll in

Overlooking Trollstigen

Day 6. Romsdalseggen

Romsdalseggen is one of the most beautiful hikes in all of Norway. This hike is just spectacular. Located amongst one of the most stunning mountain areas in Norway. The 360 degree view from the ridge is just breathtaking overlooking the Trollveggen, Romsdalen Valley, Romsdalshorn, Åndalsnes and the fjords. With that being said, this hike is not for everyone. 

You start by taking the morning bus to where the trail starts. Times and tickets can be found here.

It is a demanding full day hike. And if you are afraid of heights, this is not a hike for you. With an elevation gain of nearly a 1000 meters up, not to mention the steep descent in the end. At this time your legs are probably already are toast. 

Remember to bring enough water and food. 

If you feel you are not in shape to really enjoy this hike, there is an option for you. You can start at the very end, where the hike normally finished, and walk up to Rampestreken. It is a steep walk up, but take your time and you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view overlooking the fjords and valleys. Rampestreken is also a perfect place for photos as its been built a ladder going straight out.  

The first view that meets you at the ridge. Romsdalen and Trollveggen

Overlooking the valley & fjords

Romesdalen and trollveggen (Troll wall)

Day 7 ----- Home

You now have a day to spend enjoying Åndalsnes. If you are tired from the day before, this is good place to relax. This small city is simply located in the most beautiful place. 

With that being said, there are a lot of other hikes around including a via ferrata route in the area. Not far away from Åndalsnes is also Trollveggen, the Troll wall. The Troll wall is europe's tallest vertical mountain wall. The drop is around 1100 meters from the base to the summit. The wall is in total 1700 meters high.

The drive back to Oslo is around 6 hours. I do recommend stopping in Ringebu to look at the beautiful Ringebu Stavkirke. This is an old church build in the 1220's. There are only 28 of them left in Norway. 

If you are not keen on heading back just yet. Åndalsnes in only 2-3 hours away from the famous Atlantic Ocean Road.

Good luck and have fun u guys! 

Ringebu Stavkirke

Romadalseggen

Romsdalseggen

Besseggen

Besseggen