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If visiting historic stave churches, stunning waterfalls, gorgeous mountain valleys and charming Norwegian towns sounds good to you, the scenic E16 road in Norway is the perfect choice for your campervan trip. Taking you from Oslo to Bergen, or vice versa, this route has existed for thousands of years, guiding travelers between the two largest cities in Norway.
Interested to drive this spectacular east-west route across Norway for yourself? Learn all you need to know about the E16 road in Norway in our complete travel guide, including the best time of year for your trip, what to see along the route and the best campervan campsites to stay. Let’s go!
Why Choose the E16 Road in Norway for Your Campervan Adventure?
This legendary road combines epic natural scenery, engineering marvels and authentic Norwegian charm, making it the perfect route for an unforgettable campervan adventure. Taking the E16 route will allow you to enjoy the best of what Norway has to offer, including some of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the country.
Threading through the heart of southern Norway, the E16 stretches from the vibrant capital city of Oslo, through forested hills, over dramatic mountain plateaus, beneath snow-capped peaks (via tunnels), and out towards the fjordlands and Sognefjord, which is Norway’s largest and deepest fjord – perfect!
Important Things to Know Before Setting Out for the E16
Preparing for a road trip along the E16 with your campervan is key to making the most of this spectacular journey. First, make sure your campervan is up to Norwegian standards: in good mechanical condition, equipped with working brakes, lights, and especially tires suitable for the season. In winter (typically November to April), driving in Norway requires winter tires, and in some conditions, snow chains as well.
The E16 passes through a mix of wide expressways, narrower rural stretches, steep mountain ascents, and, most famously, incredibly long tunnels such as the Lærdal Tunnel (over 24km long – the world’s longest road tunnel!). If you’re new to mountain driving, take it slow, especially when descending. Many tunnels and bridges have excellent signage, but it never hurts to review Norwegian road signs in advance.
Connectivity in Norway is generally good, but some mountain stretches and fjord valleys have patchy mobile service. Download offline maps and keep paper maps handy, especially if you plan to detour off the E16 onto scenic tourist routes.
Campervan parking is widely available at towns and attractions along the route, but in busy summer months, it’s wise to arrive at campsites or wild camping spots earlier in the evening to secure your preferred spot. We’ll run through some of the best campsites along the route later in this article.
Lastly, we recommend familiarizing yourself with Norway’s traffic regulations. Here are a few important rules to keep in mind:
- Always drive with headlights on, day and night.
- Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers.
- The alcohol limit is very low (0.02 percent BAC).
- Speed limits are strictly enforced, often via roadside cameras.
The Best Times of Year for Your Campervan E16 Adventure
The experience you’ll have of the E16 route in Norway varies dramatically by season. For most travelers, the best time to drive this road by campervan falls between late May and early September. This window offers the mildest weather, longer daylight hours and easy access to all mountain passes, as well as popular sightseeing detours. Here a rundown of what you can expect during time of year:
- Summer (June–August) – During the summer months, days are incredibly long (in some parts of Norway, the sun barely sets!), which means you have much more daylight for sightseeing, hiking or simply soaking in the awe-inspiring views from your campervan window. Wildflowers color the landscape, and local festivals add cultural flair in towns along the E16. Just be aware that summer is peak tourist season, so you can expect more crowds, especially near the most popular attractions.
- Late spring and early fall (May & September) – Traveling in late May or early September is ideal if you want fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. The high mountain roads are usually clear of snow at this time of year, and the valleys burst into bloom in spring, or glow with autumn colors in fall. You’ll find easier parking at campsites and more tranquility at the top sights along the E16.
- Winter (October–April) – Winter on the E16 is only for the experienced. Snow can cover the road, the weather can change rapidly, and some stretches of the road can be closed. The rewards? Magical snowy landscapes, fewer vehicles, and possibly being able to witness the magical Northern Lights. Just make sure that you’re well prepared, as some camping facilities may close for winter, and driving demands extra care and special equipment.
No matter when you travel, we highly recommend frequently checking the local Norway weather forecast and up-to-date Norway road conditions – these are invaluable for trip planning!
Unmissable Places to Visit and Experiences Along the E16
As you travel the E16 from Oslo westwards, you’ll be treated to a rich and varied slice of Norway. Here are some can’t-miss highlights to see and explore:
Oslo: Your Urban Adventure Starts
Norway’s capital, Oslo, is a blend of fascinating museums, cute cafés, green parks and waterside views. You can easily spend several days exploring all the city has to offer, including visiting the Munch Museum, strolling along the rejuvenated waterfront at Aker Brygge, and trying Norwegian delicacies at the Mathallen food market.
Hønefoss and Tyrifjord
Less than two hours from Oslo, you’ll find yourself surrounded by rolling hills and the sparkling waters of Tyrifjord. Hønefoss, a lively town with waterfalls at its heart, makes a great early overnight stop with easy access to shops and services.
Valdres Region: Nature and Norwegian Traditions
Driving from Nes to Fagernes, the landscapes grow increasingly dramatic. If you’re interested in Norwegian cultural heritage, Valdres is the place to be. You can see beautiful wooden stave churches, including the historic Borgund Church, dotted along the route, plus local farms and cheese producers. You can even park your campervan at a local dairy for a taste of Norwegian brown cheese!
Lærdal and the Lærdal Tunnel
Continuing west, you’ll approach Lærdal, which is the gateway to both fjordland and Norway’s longest tunnel. The 24.5km Lærdal Tunnel is not only a feat of engineering but an experience in itself, with illuminated caves breaking up the trip underground. While in this area, we recommend stopping to head into the charming village of Lærdal – a picture-perfect place to stroll, with wooden houses and riverside walks.
Sognefjord and Aurland
As the E16 reaches its western end, you’ll find adventure heaven at the stunning Sognefjord. Here, you can take your campervan up to Stegastein Viewpoint in Aurland for one of the region’s best panoramic views. Or, you can take a detour onto the Aurlandsfjellet Snow Road (season-dependent) for a high-mountain route with epic vistas and roadside snow walls, even in late June.
Bergen: End of the E16
After the incredible trip along the E16 road in Norway, you can treat yourself to a few days exploring the stunning city of Bergen, with its colourful fishing houses lining the harbor, impressive fortress on a hill and brilliant museums. Bergen is the gateway to Norway’s fjord region, so you’ll be super well-placed to continue your adventure soaking in more breathtaking views of Norway’s natural wonders.
Where to Park: The Best Campervan-Friendly Campsites Along the E16
You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding scenic and well-equipped places to stay overnight in your campervan along the E16 road. Here are some of our top recommendations, including some of most popular sites and some hidden gems:
- Lærdal Ferie-og Fritidspark – Perched beside the Sognefjord, this site welcomes campervans with level pitches just steps from the river. Perfect for unwinding after the long tunnel drive, it has modern showers and a restaurant serving local specialties, plus there are kayak and bike rentals available for keen adventurers.
- Fagernes Campingpark – Located in the heart of the Valdres region, Fagernes Campingpark is renowned for its lakeside setting, excellent facilities (including a playground for children and good WiFi), and it’s a short walk into Fagernes town for groceries and Norwegian pastries.
- Tyrifjord Camping – Nestled along the shores of Tyrifjord east of Hønefoss, you’ll find family-friendly Tyrifjord Camping. Shady pitches, swimming areas and beautiful sunsets make this a relaxing spot to rest for a night. It’s also a good starting point for exploring local hiking routes.
- Undredal Camping – Set in a village famous for its goat cheese, Undredal Camping sits by the Aurlandsfjord, giving you quick access to amazing fjord tours. Fancy waking up to views of towering cliffs plunging into blue water? This is your spot!
Important notes: Many Norwegian campsites offer electric hookups, toilets, kitchens and waste disposal – just make sure to check ahead of time what facilities are available. We recommend booking larger sites in advance, especially if you want lakeside or fjordside locations in July and August.
Can You Wild Camp Along the E16 in Norway?
Absolutely! Norway’s ‘Right to Roam’ law permits you to wild camp in uncultivated areas, and this includes plenty of places along and near the E16 route. Here are the golden rules of wild camping in Norway to keep in mind:
- Distance: Stay at least 150 meters from the nearest house or cabin.
- Duration: Limit the time you stay in one spot to two nights unless you get landowner permission.
- Environment: Stick to hard surfaces or well-used pull-outs – do not drive or park on fragile meadowland.
- Respect: Always take litter with you, use your campervan’s toilet or find public restrooms, and be courteous to locals and fellow travelers.
While wild camping, some of the best experiences come from a sunrise breakfast by a fjord or grilling dinner as the evening mist settles over the mountains. Just remember that in Norway’s National Parks or protected areas, rules may be stricter – be sure to check signage and local regulations to make sure.
Road Know-How: Driving Safely and Smartly on the E16
Here’s some important information and top travel tips to make sure you enjoy your E16 road trip as much as possible!
E16 Road Conditions
The E16’s surface quality is mostly excellent, but there are some winding segments, steep inclines (especially in the mountains), and narrow two-lane stretches. Tunnels are common along the route, and sometimes black ice or snow can cover the road in winter and early spring, so it’s important to check the condition of your route before setting out.
Major works or weather disruption updates are posted online by the Norwegian roads authority – it’s a good idea to check these each day.
Tolls on the E16
Norway’s roads are famous for their tunnels and bridges, and many of these have automated tolls. Most rental campervans are equipped with automatic toll payment devices, which means there’s no need to stop or pay at booths – just make sure to clarify this with your rental company beforehand.
We also recommend checking with your rental company whether tolls are included in your contract or if you’ll be billed after your trip. If you’re driving your own campervan, you can register online for automatic toll payments to make your trip a little smoother. Toll amounts vary but they’re always clearly signed.
Plan Your Own Norway Campervan Adventure!
Ready to hit the road and enjoy the trip of a lifetime? Get started with the planning to make your dream Norway vacation a reality by taking a look through our extensive range of affordable and reliable Norway campervan rentals. Traveling by campervan gives you the ultimate freedom and flexibility to explore Norway’s incredible landscapes on your own schedule – perfect! We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country soon.
