Norway—land of dramatic fjords, towering glaciers, and breathtaking natural beauty. Embark on an unforgettable 8-day self-drive road trip from Ålesund to Bergen, two of Norway’s most stunning cities. I have been lucky enough to travel to over 28+ countries, and Norway is in my top 5 countries to visit for its untouched beauty, differing landscapes and terrain, and the ability to truly disconnect. This was our first visit, my husband and I flying in from Copenhagen, Denmark, and we embarked on a one-way road trip from Ålesund to Bergen. Sure, the one-way car hire fees were steep, but the time saved made it worthwhile. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of the journey, sprinkled with tips which we hope you will find useful as information was limited at the time of our planning.
Best Time to Travel
We traveled in late September, and it turned out to be an ideal time to visit Norway. The summer crowds had dispersed, making popular spots less crowded and more serene. Additionally, the weather was crisp but manageable, with vibrant autumn colors starting to appear across the landscapes. It’s also a great time for those hoping to catch the Northern Lights in northern regions, as the nights grow longer. Tip: Pack layers to stay comfortable during cooler evenings and early mornings.
Day 1: Ålesund – A Taste of Norway
We flew into Ålesund and began our journey with a drive to Fjellstua Viewpoint, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding islands. Afterward, we headed to Fisketorget, home to the best fish soup we’ve ever tasted. Creamy, flavorful, and rich in local seafood, it set the bar high for the culinary adventures ahead. Afterward, we strolled through the charming streets, browsed local shops, and settled into a cozy Airbnb for the night. Below are some extra recommendations on things to do if you have more time.
- Ålesund Museum – Learn about the town’s history, especially its dramatic reconstruction after a fire in 1904. The museum also offers insights into Ålesund’s Art Nouveau architecture.
- Aksla Viewpoint – This is another great viewpoint, accessible by a steep climb or a quick drive, offering breathtaking views of Ålesund and the surrounding archipelago.
- Atlantic Sea Park – One of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums, where you can see native marine life from the coast of Norway.
- Geirangerfjord – A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Geirangerfjord is just a short drive away and offers some of the most stunning fjord views in Norway. You can take a boat tour or hike along the fjord for spectacular vistas.
- Sunnmøre Museum – Open-air museum showcasing traditional Norwegian architecture, with a focus on the coastal culture and maritime history of the region.
Day 2: Geiranger – Fjordland Adventures
A scenic 2.5-hour drive brought us to Geiranger, a picture-perfect town cradled by UNESCO-listed fjords. We stayed at the Havila Hotel (1300 NOK, breakfast included). The hotel was clean, central, and offered a hearty Norwegian breakfast to fuel the day. After dinner, get out stretch those legs and check out the waterfall next to the hotel (Suggest 1.5 hours for a return leisurely walk)
In Geiranger, options abound: kayaking, cruising the fjord, or hiking trails with cascading waterfalls. The town itself is quaint and compact, so a half-day visit is plenty for those who may not wish to stay overnight. Tip: Book activities ahead of time during peak seasons, as it’s a popular spot.
Day 3: Løen – Peaks and Pools
The next leg was a 1.5-hour drive to Løen. En route, we had planned to stop at Dalsnibba Utsiktspunkt for sweeping mountain views but ran out of time. (Lesson learned: always buffer your schedule.)
Our stay at Hotel Alexandra was a splurge-worthy experience. This five-star property featured both indoor and outdoor heated pools, a spa, and even a waterslide. The breakfast and dinner buffet—included in the rate—boasted a wide selection of dishes. Tip: Allocate half a day to fully enjoy the hotel’s facilities and relax with complimentary tea and coffee.
The on-site cable car to Hoven Restaurant promised panoramic views, but heavy mist dashed those plans. Tip: Check weather conditions before purchasing tickets for view-dependent attractions.
Day 4: Jostedalsbreen National Park – Glacier Encounters
After a leisurely start, we drove an hour to Briksdalsbre Glacier for an easy 1.5 hour-long walk to its edge. The path was well-maintained, save for a short uphill stretch at the start. Alternatively, the Bødalsbreen Glacier offers a slightly shorter, 50-minute hike. These attractions were on the way to Nigardsbreen where tomorrow’s glacier hike would commence. We checked into a lovely Airbnb which provided complimentary snacks and loved the design of the rooms which maximised space.
Day 5: Glacier Hike – A First!
Adrenaline was pumping as we joined a guided glacier walk with Jostedalen Breførarølag as we did not know what to expect. This 4.5-hour adventure turned out to be the highlight of our trip. Equipped with crampons, an ice pick, and safety ropes, we traversed breathtaking ice formations. Our guide—who’d summited Mount Everest seven times—made us feel safe and confident throughout plus put in extra effort to put our group at ease and took many photos for us with a smile. It’s best to book glacier tours in early to secure the optimal tour length and fit. The cost of the glacier hike was reasonable (at the time we paid $100 per person). TIP: Push firmly into the ice with your crampons for better traction.
Recommendation: Wear ski pants to keep warm and dry. Check out items here on Amazon.
Afterwards we drove to Lunde Camping in Flam, a cozy and budget-friendly cabin conveniently located for the next day’s activities.
Day 6: Flam – Fjords and More Fjords
The day began with a 9:30 AM Nærøyfjord cruise which departed from Flam. While waiting to board there are various shops to browse or have a bite to eat although beware prices are relatively high catering to tourists (on the flip end of the coin its good to support the local community which often rely on the tourist season). While the cruise offered a unique perspective of the fjords, we found the panoramic high views from roadside lookout points more awe-inspiring—and far less expensive. The cruise cost around $400 for two, and being one-way, required booking a return bus to Flam.
Tip: If you have a car, you might skip the cruise and focus on scenic drives instead. While waiting for the bus back, we missed visiting the nearby Viking Village due to time constraints.
The day ended with a 2.5-hour drive to Bergen, where we checked into an Airbnb.
Day 7: Bergen – Seafood and Strolls
Bergen, known as the “Gateway to the Fjords,” is a stunning city with a rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty. It charmed us with its historic harbor and vibrant fish market. This wasn’t your average seafood stand—we saw everything from king crab to sea urchins and many other sea creatures which we did not recognise! It’s a feast for the senses and a great place to try something new.
Here are some other top attractions to visit in Bergen:
- Bryggen (Hanseatic Wharf) – A UNESCO World Heritage site, Bryggen is a colorful and historic district with charming wooden houses that date back to the Hanseatic period. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting Bergen.
- Fløibanen Funicular – Take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for panoramic views of the city, harbor, and surrounding mountains. There are also great hiking trails at the top.
- Fish Market (Fisketorget) – A vibrant market by the harbor where you can sample fresh seafood, including local specialties like whale, salmon, and king crab.
- Bergenhus Fortress – Explore this historic fortress, one of the oldest and best-preserved in Norway. It offers great views of the harbor and surrounding area.
- Troldhaugen – The home of composer Edvard Grieg, Troldhaugen is now a museum dedicated to his life and work. It’s located just outside Bergen and offers insight into Norway’s musical heritage.
Day 8: Farewell Norway
With the Scandinavian trip winding down, we caught a flight to Scotland, leaving behind the stunning landscapes of Norway but taking with us unforgettable memories (and hundreds of photos).
Final Thoughts
Norway’s natural beauty is unparalleled, but it comes at a price. One-way car rentals and activities like glacier walks can add up, but they’re worth every penny for the unique experiences they offer. Plan ahead, prioritize your must-sees, and be prepared for unpredictable weather. For us, the mix of fjords, mountains, and glaciers made this a trip of a lifetime.
We would also recommend bringing along the below items which my husband and I found essential while traversing across 6 different countries. Check out our Top 10 travel essentials here. We hope you found this information useful! Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll cover Scotland’s key attractions and travel tips!
What experience level is required for the hike?
No experience necessary however I’d suggest fit enough to walk 4km non stop on a slope
What an amazing adventure!
Thanks for the detailed review! Very helpful