16-Day Relaxed Self-Drive Norway Itinerary Visiting National Parks and Scenic Routes

Day 1: Arrival and Oslo City

Oslo, Norway on May 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker Hansen

Start your day with fresh Norwegian pastries and coffee in a traditional bakery located near the city center.
NOK120, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Vigeland Sculpture Park

Explore Norway's largest sculpture park with over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. Open 24/7 with free entrance.
NOK0, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Mathallen Food Hall

Taste varied Norwegian delicacies in an upscale food hall featuring local producers. Open daily 10am–8pm.
NOK200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit the Norwegian Folk Museum

Outdoor museum showcasing traditional Norwegian houses and culture. Open 10am–4pm in winter months.
NOK140, 2h0m

4:00pm

Check-in and relax at hotel

Rest and prepare for the next day’s drive.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Eik Annen Etage

Enjoy modern Norwegian cuisine in an elegant setting. Open for dinner from 5pm–10pm.
NOK600, 2h0m

Day 2: Rondane National Park

Rondane National Park, Norway on May 7, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Hearty breakfast to fuel your day.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Rondane National Park

Scenic 3.5-hour drive from Oslo to Rondane National Park area known for rugged mountain peaks and wildlife.
Fuel cost approx. NOK500, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Rondane Høyfjellshotell

Local cuisine in a hotel near the park entrance, perfect before an afternoon hike.
NOK250, 1h0m

1:30pm

Short hike in Rondane National Park

Explore one of the short marked trails, such as Spranget or near the park visitor center; trails offer beautiful mountain views.
NOK0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Check-in at local cabin or hotel

Relax and enjoy peaceful natural surroundings.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at local guesthouse restaurant

Traditional Norwegian dishes focusing on local ingredients. Most restaurants open until 8pm.
NOK350, 1h0m

Day 3: Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park

Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park, Norway on May 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at accommodation

Morning meal to prepare for a nature-focused day.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park

Approximately 1.5-hour drive to the park known for musk ox and rich alpine biodiversity.
Fuel approx. NOK200, 1h30m

10:00am

Guided musk ox safari

Join a guided tour to safely spot musk oxen and learn about the unique ecosystem. Confirm availability; tours typically run from 9am to 3pm.
NOK650, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Kongsvold Fjeldstue

Historic mountain lodge offering hearty meals. Open 11am–4pm.
NOK300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Hjerkinn Visitor Center

Learn more about the park's natural and cultural history. Open daily 10am–5pm.
NOK0, 1h0m

4:00pm

Drive to Dombås and check-in

Stay in a cozy hotel or guesthouse in Dombås, a hub for nearby national parks.
Varies, 30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dombås Hotel Restaurant

Enjoy Norwegian specialties with views of surrounding mountains. Open till 9pm.
NOK350, 1h0m

Day 4: Romsdalseggen and Åndalsnes

Åndalsnes, Norway on May 9, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Early breakfast to get ready for the day.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Åndalsnes

Approximately 2-hour scenic drive towards the Romsdalseggen ridge area known for spectacular views.
Fuel approx. NOK300, 2h0m

10:00am

Short walk and exploration in Åndalsnes

Walk part of the Romsdalseggen trail or explore the town’s viewpoints and visitor center.
NOK0, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Ramp Restaurant

Highly recommended for local fresh fish and seasonal produce. Open daily 11am–4pm.
NOK350, 1h0m

2:00pm

Fjord sightseeing drive

Drive along the spectacular Trollstigen and nearby fjords, taking in nature’s incredible landscapes with minimal walking.
NOK0, 2h0m

4:30pm

Check-in at Åndalsnes hotel

Relax and unwind after the scenic day.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bistro Nesje

Enjoy cozy atmosphere with local and international dishes. Open til 9pm.
NOK400, 1h0m

Day 5: Jotunheimen National Park - Lom

Lom, Norway on May 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple breakfast to start your day.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Lom near Jotunheimen

Around 2.5-hour drive to Lom, gateway to Jotunheimen National Park known for Norway’s highest peaks.
Fuel approx. NOK350, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Lom Stave Church

Explore this iconic 12th-century wooden church, open 9am–5pm in summer.
NOK50, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Fossheim Stone Center Café

Enjoy fresh local fare with a geological twist at a unique museum café. Open 10am–5pm.
NOK200, 1h0m

2:00pm

Short hike at nearby Jotunheimen trails

Pick a gentle trail like the one around Bøvertun or close by lakes, suitable for easy trekking.
NOK0, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in at Lom guesthouse

Rest in a comfortable location with mountain views.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Loftet Restaurant

Taste local delicacies with a traditional Norwegian ambiance. Open until 9pm.
NOK400, 1h0m

Day 6: Jotunheimen Hike

Jotunheimen National Park, Norway on May 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Early meal before a day of hiking.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Day hike in Jotunheimen National Park

Choose a moderate hiking trail such as Besseggen Ridge (allowing partial hike if desired). The park visitor center offers updated trail info.
NOK0, 5h0m

1:00pm

Packed lunch during hike

Enjoy a scenic picnic with stunning mountain views.
Included or NOK150 purchased, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Lom

Relax and recover after the hike.
NOK0, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at local tavern

Try hearty Norwegian stews or fish dishes as a well-earned dinner.
NOK350, 1h0m

Day 7: Aurland and Fjords

Aurland, Norway on May 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at guesthouse

Start your day with a balanced breakfast.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Aurland

Around 2.5-hour drive to Aurland, gateway to stunning fjords including Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord.
Fuel approx. NOK350, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Stegastein Viewpoint

Experience panoramic views of Aurlandsfjord above the fjord, open year-round.
NOK0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Aurlandsvangen Café

Nice café in the village serving local dishes with fjord views.
NOK250, 1h0m

2:00pm

Fjord sightseeing cruise

Take a 2-hour fjord cruise on the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord (seasonal, confirm schedule for May).
NOK450, 2h0m

4:30pm

Check-in at local inn

Relax after your fjord exploration.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Ægir BrewPub

Enjoy craft beers and Norwegian-inspired pub food in a lively atmosphere. Open till 10pm.
NOK400, 1h0m

Day 8: Hardangervidda National Park

Hardangervidda National Park, Norway on May 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at inn

Filled with energy for the day ahead.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Hardangervidda National Park

Approximately 3-hour drive to Hardangervidda, Europe's largest mountain plateau with vast wilderness.
Fuel approx NOK400, 3h0m

11:30am

Visit Hardangervidda Nature Center

Explore interactive exhibits about flora, fauna, and geology. Open 10am–4pm.
NOK120, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nature Center café

Simple meals with local ingredients.
NOK200, 1h0m

1:30pm

Short hike around Hardangervidda

Follow easy marked trails suitable for a relaxing afternoon stroll.
NOK0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Check-in at nearby mountain lodge

Enjoy tranquility surrounded by nature.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at lodge restaurant

Traditional food highlighting local game and fish.
NOK400, 1h0m

Day 9: Hardangervidda to Telemark

Telemark, Norway on May 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at lodge

Fuel up for travel and exploration.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Telemark region

About 3.5-hour drive south toward Telemark National Park known for forested valleys and waterfalls.
Fuel approx. NOK450, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at local café in Rjukan

Rjukan is a charming town with good dining options; try Kafé Skysstasjonen open 11am–4pm.
NOK250, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Rjukanfossen Waterfall

A famous waterfall near Rjukan; easy accessibility and lovely walking trails.
NOK0, 2h0m

4:00pm

Check-in at Telemark hotel

Relax with evening to recharge.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Taste regional dishes with seasonal vegetables and fish.
NOK350, 1h0m

Day 10: Telemark National Park

Telemark National Park, Norway on May 15, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at accommodation

Early breakfast for day in nature.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Explore Telemark National Park

Set out for easy hikes to see flora, fauna, and waterfalls including the popular Gaustatoppen view if desired by partial or easy trails.
NOK0, 5h0m

1:00pm

Packed or café lunch

Have a picnic or stop at park café if open.
NOK150, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return and relax

Enjoy quiet time or visit local artisan shops in town.
NOK0, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at local restaurant

Sample contemporary norwegian dishes with local ingredients.
NOK400, 1h0m

Day 11: Femundsmarka National Park

Femundsmarka National Park, Norway on May 16, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast and early departure

Prepare and leave for Femundsmarka National Park.
Included, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Femundsmarka National Park

Approximate 3.5-hour drive east toward this wilderness area known for lakes and forests.
Fuel approx. NOK450, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at local lodge

Comfortable meal at a lodge near the park.
NOK250, 1h0m

1:30pm

Short nature hike or boat trip

Explore hiking trails or rent a small boat on the lake if available.
NOK0-NOK200, 3h0m

5:00pm

Check-in at lodge or cabin

Enjoy rustic Norwegian nature accommodation.
Varies, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at lodge

Typically simple, hearty fare emphasizing local game and fish.
NOK350, 1h0m

Day 12: Femundsmarka Relaxation

Femundsmarka National Park, Norway on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at lodge

Slow morning with nourishing food.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Leisure day hiking or paddling

Enjoy a flexible day with easy hikes or paddling on the lakes; rental gear available locally.
NOK0-NOK200, 6h0m

3:00pm

Relax at lodge or visit local village

Immersive down time in peaceful settings.
NOK0, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at lodge

Conclude day with well-prepared meals made from local ingredients.
NOK350, 1h0m

Day 13: Return to Rondane

Rondane National Park, Norway on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and pack

Get ready for a return drive.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive back to Rondane area

Approximate 3.5-hour drive returning toward Rondane National Park region to break up trip to Oslo.
Fuel approx. NOK500, 3h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Rondane hotel

Rest and a meal before afternoon leisure.
NOK250, 1h0m

1:30pm

Relax or short nature walk

Enjoy a calm afternoon near the hotel or take a gentle stroll.
NOK0, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at hotel restaurant

Enjoy a final traditional Norwegian meal in the mountains.
NOK400, 1h0m

Day 14: Lillehammer Stopover

Lillehammer, Norway on May 19, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast

Breakfast before driving to Lillehammer.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Lillehammer

Around 2-hour drive to Lillehammer, known for its Olympic heritage and museums.
Fuel approx. NOK300, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Maihaugen Open-Air Museum

Explore Norway’s largest cultural history museum with buildings from various eras. Open 10am–4pm.
NOK130, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Café Stasjonen

Casual eatery with local and international menu items.
NOK200, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Olympic Park

Walk around the ski jumps and winter sports facilities. Open year-round.
NOK0, 1.5h0m

4:00pm

Check-in hotel and relax

Comfortable and restful evening.
Varies, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Bryggerikjelleren

Popular restaurant offering Norwegian and European dishes. Open until 10pm.
NOK450, 1h0m

Day 15: Return to Oslo

Oslo, Norway on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for the drive back to Oslo.
Included, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Oslo

Approximate 2-hour drive returning to Oslo to relax and spend final night.
Fuel approx. NOK300, 2h0m

11:00am

Explore Oslo waterfront and Akershus Fortress

Leisurely visit to one of Oslo’s iconic landmarks and waterfront area.
NOK0 (Akershus grounds free; fortress entry NOK60), 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant Louise

Traditional Norwegian fish dishes by the harbor.
NOK350, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit the Munch Museum

Discover Edvard Munch’s artworks. Open 10am–5pm.
NOK150, 2h0m

5:30pm

Relax at hotel

Prepare for evening outing.
Varies, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Maaemo (reservation required)

Michelin 3-star restaurant offering modern Nordic tasting menus if you desire a memorable treat. Open for dinner 6pm–10pm.
NOK2500, 3h0m

Day 16: Departure

Oslo, Norway on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Final breakfast in Norway before departure.
Included, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Oslo Airport

Approximately 40-minute drive to Oslo Gardermoen Airport for departure.
Fuel and toll approx. NOK150, 40m