Relaxed 16-Day Norway Self-Drive Itinerary with Scenic Short Drives and Leisurely Exploration

Day 1: Oslo Arrival & Sightseeing

Oslo, Norway on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Sorgenfri

Enjoy a traditional Norwegian breakfast with brunost and pastries to start your day with local flavors.
NOK150, 1h

9:30am

Visit Vigeland Sculpture Park

Wander through over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland in this expansive open-air park. Open all day and free.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Mathallen Food Hall

Taste various Norwegian specialties and international dishes in this vibrant food hall open 11am–8pm.
NOK200, 1h

1:30pm

Norwegian Folk Museum

Explore Norway’s cultural heritage at this open-air museum with historic buildings and folk exhibits; open 10am–5pm.
NOK120, 2h

4:00pm

Relaxing walk at Oslo Opera House

Enjoy the striking architecture and walk on the roof for views of the Oslo fjord.
Free, 1h

6:30pm

Dinner at Lofoten Fiskerestaurant

Savor fresh seafood dishes in a popular harbor-side restaurant.
NOK450, 1.5h
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Day 2: Oslo to Lillehammer

Oslo to Lillehammer, Norway on May 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Kaffebrenneriet

Grab coffee and freshly baked goods to fuel your drive north.
NOK120, 1h

9:30am

Drive to Lillehammer

A 2.5-hour drive through scenic countryside savored at a relaxed pace.
Fuel approx. NOK150, 2.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Lysgaard Kafe & Interiør

Enjoy cozy sandwiches and Norwegian cakes in Lillehammer’s town center.
NOK180, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Maihaugen Open-Air Museum

Explore over 200 historic buildings showcasing Norwegian rural life; open 10am–6pm.
NOK160, 3h

5:00pm

Dinner at Bryggerikjelleren

Relax over traditional Norwegian dishes in a historic brewery setting.
NOK350, 1.5h
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Day 3: Lillehammer to Geirangerfjord

Lillehammer to Geirangerfjord, Norway on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a hearty breakfast before the scenic drive.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Geirangerfjord (via Dombås)

Drive around 4 hours taking breaks to enjoy striking mountainous landscape views and small villages.
Fuel approx. NOK250, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Brasserie Posten

Dine with views of the fjord and fresh seafood specialties.
NOK400, 1.5h

3:00pm

Explore Geiranger village

Stroll the village harbor, shops, and nearby viewpoints for relaxed sightseeing.
Free, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Westerås Farm Restaurant

Enjoy a farm-to-table experience with scenic fjord views.
NOK450, 1.5h
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Day 4: Geirangerfjord Leisure Day

Geirangerfjord, Norway on May 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Relax with a good breakfast before a day of exploration.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Geirangerfjord Fjord Cruise

Take a gentle 2-hour fjord cruise showcasing stunning waterfalls and cliffs; cruises start 9am–6pm in May.
NOK350, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Brudesløret Café

Enjoy light meals and coffee with fjord views.
NOK180, 1h

1:30pm

Easy hike to Flydalsjuvet viewpoint

A short 1-hour hike with incredible views over the fjord, suitable for most levels.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Rest and leisure time

Return to hotel for rest or an optional spa visit if available.
Varies, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Geiranger Bakeri

Casual dinner with delicious baked goods and light meals in a cozy bakery.
NOK200, 1.5h
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Day 5: Geirangerfjord to Ålesund

Geirangerfjord to Ålesund, Norway on May 10, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a good breakfast before a scenic drive.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Ålesund

Drive about 3.5 hours along majestic fjords and coastal roads with stops for photos.
Fuel approx. NOK250, 3.5h

1:00pm

Lunch at XL Diner

Taste fresh seafood and Norwegian dishes close to the harbor.
NOK250, 1h

2:30pm

Aksla Viewpoint Walk

Walk or take the car up 418 steps for magnificent panoramic views of the town and archipelago.
Free, 1h

4:00pm

Visit Art Nouveau Centre

Discover Ålesund’s unique architecture and history; open 10am–4pm on weekdays.
NOK100, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at Sjøbua

Enjoy freshly caught seafood in a harbor-side rustic restaurant.
NOK400, 1.5h
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Day 6: Ålesund to Sognefjord Region

Ålesund to Sognefjord, Norway on May 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Hearty breakfast for a longer drive day ahead.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Sognefjord area (near Lærdal)

About 4-hour drive crossing beautiful fjord landscapes with gentle rest stops.
Fuel approx. NOK350, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at local café in Lærdal

Enjoy Norwegian pastries and light meals in this picturesque village.
NOK180, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Borgund Stave Church

Explore one of Norway’s best-preserved medieval stave churches; open 9am–6pm.
NOK100, 1h

4:00pm

Relax at accommodation or explore local walking trails

Unwind and soak in the tranquil fjord environment with light local walks.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at local guesthouse restaurant

Eat hearty, locally sourced Norwegian dishes in cozy surroundings.
NOK400, 1.5h
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Day 7: Sognefjord Region Leisure

Sognefjord Area, Norway on May 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Leisurely breakfast to prepare for fjord excursions.
Included, 1h

9:30am

Fjord Cruise on Nærøyfjord

Take a 2-hour cruise on one of the world’s narrowest fjords, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; cruises begin in morning, open daily.
NOK300, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch in nearby Flåm village

Enjoy casual dining at Ægir BrewPub, known for good food and local beers.
NOK250, 1h

1:30pm

Flåm Railway Museum and short village walk

Discover the history of the famous railway and explore the quaint village surroundings.
NOK150, 1.5h

3:30pm

Afternoon at leisure or gentle hiking nearby

Take short walks or relax by the fjord for a stress-free afternoon.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Flåmstova Restaurant

Savor home-style Norwegian food with fjord views.
NOK400, 1.5h
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Day 8: Flåm to Stavanger

Flåm to Stavanger, Norway on May 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before starting your southbound journey.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Stavanger

This drive is spread over 4 hours with breaks to enjoy scenic stops along fjords and valleys.
Fuel approx. NOK500, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Fisketorget

Taste fresh seafood from Stavanger’s lively fish market.
NOK300, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Gamle Stavanger

Wander the charming historic wooden houses and cobbled streets of old Stavanger.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Renaa Matbaren

Sample creative new Nordic dishes made with local ingredients.
NOK600, 2h
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Day 9: Stavanger & Preikestolen

Stavanger, Norway on May 14, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Eat a filling breakfast to prepare for a half-day hike.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Preikestolen Trailhead

Short 1-hour drive to the start of the hike for Pulpit Rock.
Fuel approx. NOK50, 1h

9:00am

Hike Preikestolen

Moderate 4-hour return hike offering stunning views of Lysefjord from 604m above sea level.
Free, 4h

1:30pm

Picnic lunch near trailhead

Enjoy your packed lunch in nature with spectacular scenery.
Packed lunch approx. NOK150, 1h

2:30pm

Return to Stavanger

Relax and enjoy Stavanger’s town center for a gentle afternoon.
Fuel approx. NOK50, 1h

5:30pm

Dinner at Bøker og Børst

Dine casually with an excellent selection of local food and drinks.
NOK400, 1.5h
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Day 10: Stavanger to Kristiansand

Stavanger to Kristiansand, Norway on May 15, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start the day with a nutritious breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Kristiansand

Take a 3.5-hour drive along coastal roads with scenic views and breaks en route.
Fuel approx. NOK350, 3.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at Bue Gastropub

Enjoy creative local cuisine in Kristiansand’s city center.
NOK250, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Kristiansand Dyrepark

Spend a few hours at this well-kept zoo and amusement park suitable for all ages; open daily 10am–5pm.
NOK350, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Under

Experience dining in the world’s first underwater restaurant with exceptional Nordic seafood; advanced booking recommended.
NOK1000, 2h
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Day 11: Kristiansand to Oslo

Kristiansand to Oslo, Norway on May 16, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at local café

Light breakfast before your drive north back to Oslo.
NOK150, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Oslo

Relaxed 3.5 to 4-hour drive along the southern coast featuring several scenic stops.
Fuel approx. NOK400, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ekebergrestauranten

Dine at a historic restaurant with panoramic views over Oslo fjord; open 12pm–10pm.
NOK350, 1.5h

3:30pm

Leisure walk in Oslo city center or Aker Brygge

Stroll around the vibrant waterfront area with shops, galleries, and cafés.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Smalhans

Enjoy local, seasonal Norwegian dishes in an informal setting.
NOK400, 1.5h
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Day 12: Oslo Museums & Culture

Oslo, Norway on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Fuglen Coffee

Start your day with specialty coffee and pastries at this popular café.
NOK120, 1h

9:00am

Munch Museum

Explore Edvard Munch’s masterpieces including The Scream; open 10am–6pm.
NOK160, 2h

11:30am

Fram Museum

Discover polar exploration history; open 10am–5pm.
NOK140, 1.5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Café Sør

Light lunch with stylish Scandinavian dishes near the museums.
NOK180, 1h

2:30pm

Viking Ship Museum

View original Viking ships; Museum open until 5pm.
NOK120, 1.5h

5:30pm

Dinner at Smalhans

Savor traditional Norwegian cuisine focusing on local, fresh ingredients.
NOK400, 1.5h
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Day 13: Holmenkollen & Nature

Oslo, Norway on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a wholesome breakfast for your nature outing.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Holmenkollen Ski Jump & Museum

Visit the iconic ski jump and museum to learn skiing history; open 10am–5pm.
NOK150, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Holmenkollen Restaurant

Enjoy dining with great views in an elegant setting.
NOK350, 1h

1:30pm

Afternoon walk in Nordmarka Forest

Relax with gentle hikes or walks just outside Oslo in a tranquil forest area.
Free, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Ekebergrestauranten

Finish your day with spectacular fjord views and delicious food.
NOK400, 1.5h
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Day 14: Hadeland Day Trip

Oslo to Hadeland, Norway on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Breakfast before a relaxed day trip.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Hadeland Glassworks

One-hour drive to the famous glassblowing site for a cultural experience.
Fuel approx. NOK100, 1h

10:00am

Tour of Hadeland Glassworks

Watch live glassblowing demos and visit museum and shops; open 10am–4pm weekdays.
NOK150, 2h

12:30pm

Lunch at Glasshytta Café

Relax with light refreshments surrounded by art glass displays.
NOK150, 1h

2:00pm

Hadeland Folk Museum visit

Discover rural Norwegian culture and historic buildings in a pleasant setting.
NOK100, 1.5h

4:00pm

Return to Oslo

Drive back under 1 hour, enjoying the peaceful countryside views.
Fuel approx. NOK100, 1h

6:30pm

Farewell Dinner at Maaemo

Celebrate your trip with a Michelin-starred dining experience focusing on natural Norwegian ingredients. Reservation required.
NOK1500, 3h
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Day 15: Leisure & Shopping in Oslo

Oslo, Norway on May 20, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Tim Wendelboe Coffee

Enjoy specialty coffee and pastries to start your relaxed day.
NOK130, 1h

10:30am

Shopping at Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen

Explore waterfront boutiques, art galleries, and cafés in this vibrant district.
Free, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Ling Ling

Try modern Asian fusion dishes in a stylish atmosphere near the waterfront.
NOK300, 1.5h

3:30pm

Relax at Oslo Fjord Waterfront

Enjoy a calm afternoon walk or sitting by the fjord before your departure.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Smalhans

Optionally enjoy a final Norwegian meal focused on fresh, seasonal products.
NOK400, 1.5h
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Day 16: Departure Day

Oslo, Norway on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Have a relaxed breakfast before your checkout and journey to the airport.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Oslo Gardermoen Airport

Short 45-minute drive to the airport to return rental car and catch your flight.
Fuel approx. NOK100, 45m
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