16-Day Scenic Self-Drive Road Trip Through Norway’s Natural Wonders and Charming Towns

Day 1: Oslo Exploration

Oslo, Norway on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sorgenfri

Enjoy traditional Norwegian breakfast including brunost (brown cheese) and freshly baked pastries to start your day authentically.
NOK150, 1h

9:30am

Vigeland Sculpture Park

Explore this world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland, featuring over 200 bronze, granite, and cast iron sculptures.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mathallen Food Hall

Sample a variety of Norwegian delicacies and international foods at this trendy indoor market, perfect for trying different flavors.
NOK200, 1h

1:30pm

Norwegian Folk Museum

Experience Norway’s cultural history with an extensive open-air museum showcasing traditional buildings and folk costumes.
NOK120, 2h

4:00pm

Drive to Lillehammer

Begin your scenic 2-hour drive north to Lillehammer, known for its Olympic history and charming town center.
Fuel approx. NOK200, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Bryggerikjelleren

Enjoy traditional Norwegian seafood and hearty dishes in a cozy historic brewery restaurant.
NOK350, 1.5h

Day 2: Lillehammer and Lake Views

Lillehammer, Norway on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kaffebrenneriet

Grab a fresh coffee with locally made pastries at one of Norway’s best-known coffee shops.
NOK120, 1h

9:30am

Maihaugen Open-Air Museum

Discover Norway’s rural history with living history exhibits and over 200 historical buildings to explore.
NOK160, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Lysgaard Kafe & Interiør

Enjoy a cozy atmosphere with homemade sandwiches and Norwegian cakes in the town center.
NOK180, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Geirangerfjord

Embark on a 5-hour scenic drive through mountain valleys and fjord landscapes to one of Norway’s top natural attractions.
Fuel approx. NOK400, 5h

7:30pm

Dinner at Brasserie Posten

Dine overlooking Geirangerfjord with local seafood and seasonal Norwegian ingredients.
NOK400, 1.5h

Day 3: Geirangerfjord Adventure

Geirangerfjord, Norway on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast to prepare for an active day exploring fjord nature.
Included with accommodation, 1h

9:00am

Geirangerfjord Fjord Cruise

Take a 2-hour cruise to admire the spectacular waterfalls and cliffs of UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Open daily from early May.
NOK350, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Brudesløret Café

Relax with light meals and coffee near the fjord with beautiful views.
NOK180, 1h

1:30pm

Hike to Skageflå Farm

Enjoy a moderate 2-hour hike to an old mountain farm with panoramic fjord views.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Dinner at Westerås Farm Restaurant

Savor traditional Norwegian dishes made from local produce on a farm overlooking the fjord.
NOK450, 1.5h

Day 4: Trondheim Culture

Trondheim, Norway on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bakklandet Skydsstation

Start your day with fresh pastries and coffee in this charming historic café.
NOK130, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Trondheim

Enjoy the 5-hour drive north with scenic stops en route along fjords and valleys.
Fuel approx. NOK500, 5h

3:00pm

Nidaros Cathedral

Tour Norway’s largest Gothic cathedral and a major pilgrimage site, renowned for its intricate architecture and history.
NOK120, 1.5h

5:00pm

Walk through Bakklandet

Explore Trondheim’s old town with colorful wooden houses and cozy cafés alongside the Nidelva river.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at To Rom og Kjøkken

Enjoy modern Nordic cuisine made with local ingredients in a warm atmosphere.
NOK450, 1.5h

Day 5: Ålesund Historic Coast

Ålesund, Norway on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Lyspunktet

Enjoy a cozy coastal café atmosphere with fresh breakfast options.
NOK140, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Ålesund

Travel 3.5 hours across beautiful landscapes and coastal views to reach Ålesund, famed for art nouveau architecture.
Fuel approx. NOK350, 3.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at XL Diner

Have fresh seafood and Norwegian specialties near the harbor.
NOK250, 1h

2:30pm

Aksla Viewpoint

Climb or drive up 418 steps for panoramic views over Ålesund and surrounding islands.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Ålesund Museum and Art Nouveau Center

Learn about the city’s history, especially the 1904 fire and rebuilding in Art Nouveau style.
NOK100, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sjøbua

Dine on fresh catch from the sea in a rustic waterfront restaurant.
NOK400, 1.5h

Day 6: Sognefjord Journey

Sognefjord Region, Norway on May 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a filling breakfast before the drive southward.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Sognefjord area (Flåm)

Head 5 hours south into Norway’s longest and deepest fjord region, stopping in Flåm, famous for the scenic railway line.
Fuel approx. NOK500, 5h

2:30pm

Lunch at Ægir BrewPub

Relax in a Viking-themed brewpub with good food and locally brewed beers.
NOK250, 1h

4:00pm

Flåm Railway Museum & Village Walk

Explore the remarkable railway history and beautiful village in the fjord valley.
NOK150, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Flåmstova Restaurant

Enjoy Norwegian dishes made from local ingredients in this cozy setting.
NOK400, 1.5h

Day 7: Fjord Exploration

Sognefjord Region, Norway on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a day of fjord sightseeing with a hearty breakfast.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Nærøyfjord Cruise

Take a 2-hour fjord cruise on the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, famous for its dramatic narrow fjord walls.
NOK300, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Undredal Stave Church Café

Taste local goat cheese and light meals near the quaint village and stave church.
NOK180, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Undredal Stave Church

Explore this charming tiny medieval stave church dating from the 12th century.
NOK50, 1h

3:00pm

Hike in Aurlandsdalen Valley

Enjoy a moderate afternoon hike or scenic walks in the beautiful valley surroundings.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Fretheim Hotel Restaurant

Dine on local dishes inside a historic hotel with fjord views.
NOK450, 1.5h

Day 8: Stavanger Old Town

Stavanger, Norway on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a nourishing breakfast before driving south.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Stavanger

Travel approximately 5 hours towards Stavanger, famous for its well-preserved wooden houses and oil city culture.
Fuel approx. NOK500, 5h

2:30pm

Lunch at Fisketorget

Enjoy fresh seafood at Stavanger’s renowned fish market.
NOK300, 1h

4:00pm

Explore Gamle Stavanger

Walk through one of Europe’s best-preserved wooden house neighborhoods.
Free, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Renaa Matbaren

Dine at one of Stavanger’s top restaurants serving new Nordic tasting menus.
NOK600, 2h

Day 9: Preikestolen Hiking

Stavanger, Norway on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up early for a day of hiking.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Preikestolen Trailhead

Arrive at the starting point for the iconic Pulpit Rock hike, about 1h drive from Stavanger.
Fuel approx. NOK50, 1h

9:30am

Hike Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

This popular 4-hour round-trip hike rewards you with breathtaking views over Lysefjord on a cliff perched 604m above the water.
Free, 4h

2:00pm

Lunch picnic

Enjoy your packed lunch atop or near the trail with spectacular fjord views.
Packed lunch approx. NOK150, 1h

3:00pm

Return to Stavanger

Drive back and rest after a fulfilling day outdoors.
Fuel approx. NOK50, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Bøker og Børst

Enjoy relaxed dining with an excellent wine and cocktail selection specializing in local flavors.
NOK400, 1.5h

Day 10: Kristiansand Coast

Kristiansand, Norway on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a filling breakfast before the drive.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Kristiansand

Take the 3.5-hour drive along southern Norway’s beautiful coastline to Kristiansand.
Fuel approx. NOK350, 3.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bue Gastropub

Relax and enjoy modern Norwegian gastropub fare in the city center.
NOK250, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kristiansand Dyrepark

This renowned zoo and amusement park is open year-round and offers animal exhibits and family-friendly attractions.
NOK350, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Under

Experience the world’s first underwater restaurant with spectacular views and Nordic seafood cuisine. Reservations recommended.
NOK1000, 2h

Day 11: Southern Coastal Drive

Kristiansand to Oslo, Norway on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kaffebrenneriet

Grab quality coffee and breakfast before heading north to Oslo.
NOK150, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Oslo via coastal route

Enjoy a scenic 4.5-hour drive on the southern Norwegian coastline back to Oslo.
Fuel approx. NOK400, 4.5h

2:00pm

Lunch at Ekebergrestauranten

Dine at this scenic hilltop restaurant overlooking Oslo fjord with a historic Art Nouveau atmosphere.
NOK350, 1.5h

4:00pm

Visit Oslo Opera House

Walk on the iconic sloping roof and admire modern architecture at the waterfront opera house, open to visitors.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Lofoten Fiskerestaurant

End your day with classic Norwegian seafood dishes in the heart of Oslo’s harbor.
NOK450, 1.5h

Day 12: Oslo Museums

Oslo, Norway on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fuglen Coffee

Start your day with excellent coffee and pastries at this hip café.
NOK120, 1h

9:00am

Visit Munch Museum

Explore the life and works of Edvard Munch, including The Scream and other masterpieces; open 10am–6pm.
NOK160, 2h

11:30am

Fram Museum

Learn about polar exploration aboard the ship Fram, open 10am–5pm.
NOK140, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at the museum café

Have a light lunch with scenic views near the harbor.
NOK180, 1h

2:30pm

Viking Ship Museum

See original Viking ships and artifacts from the Viking Age, open until 5pm.
NOK120, 1.5h

5:30pm

Dinner at Smalhans

Relax with traditional Norwegian meals emphasizing seasonal and local ingredients.
NOK400, 1.5h

Day 13: Holmenkollen & Nature

Oslo, Norway on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy breakfast before heading out to nature-focused sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Visit Holmenkollen Ski Jump & Museum

Visit the famous ski jump, panoramic views of Oslo, and learn skiing history; open 10am–5pm.
NOK150, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at the Holmenkollen Restaurant

Dine with scenic vistas and a modern Norwegian menu.
NOK350, 1h

1:30pm

Drive to Nordmarka Forest

Spend a relaxing afternoon hiking or walking in the expansive forest area just outside Oslo.
Free, 3h

5:30pm

Return to Oslo - Dinner at Ekebergrestauranten

Enjoy your last dinner with breathtaking fjord views at this iconic restaurant.
NOK400, 1.5h

Day 14: Day Trip to Hadeland

Hadeland, Norway on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a filling breakfast for the drive to Hadeland.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Hadeland Glassworks

Drive 1 hour to the famous glassworks to learn crafts and shop for unique souvenirs.
Fuel approx. NOK100, 1h

10:00am

Hadeland Glassworks Tour

Tour the factory, watch glassblowing demonstrations, and visit the museum and shops.
NOK150, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Glasshytta Café

Enjoy light meals and coffee surrounded by art and glass displays.
NOK150, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Hadeland Folk Museum

Explore traditional buildings and artifacts from the region's rural history.
NOK100, 1.5h

4:00pm

Return to Oslo

Drive back to Oslo for your final evening in the city.
Fuel approx. NOK100, 1h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Maaemo (Michelin-starred)

Celebrate your trip with an exquisite gourmet meal emphasizing local and natural ingredients. Reservation essential.
NOK1500, 3h

Day 15: Leisure & Shopping

Oslo, Norway on May 20, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Tim Wendelboe Coffee

Enjoy specialty coffee and light breakfast to start your leisure day.
NOK130, 1h

10:30am

Shopping in Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen

Stroll the waterfront shopping areas with boutiques, art galleries, and cafés.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ling Ling (Asian Fusion)

Try modern Asian-inspired dishes in stylish surroundings.
NOK300, 1.5h

3:30pm

Relax at Oslo Fjord Waterfront

Enjoy a calm afternoon walk or sit beside the water before your departure.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Smalhans (if desired)

Finish your trip with another round of seasonal Norwegian cuisine in a casual setting.
NOK400, 1.5h

Day 16: Departure

Oslo, Norway on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast before checkout and departure.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Oslo Airport

Return rental car and prepare for your outbound flight.
Fuel approx. NOK100, 45m