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The RV52, also known as Hemsedalsfjellet, is an iconic mountain route in inland Norway. This relatively short highway is known for its dramatic landscapes, incredible nature and year-round accessibility.
For those eager to explore Norway's mountain spine, the RV52 road offers a wealth of attractions perfectly suited to campervan travel. Ready to learn all you need to know about this spectacular route in Norway? Take a look through our complete RV52 travel guide for all the essential info, plus our top tips and recommendations.
Why the RV52 Road in Norway is Perfect for a Campervan Adventure
Spanning around 79 km from the village of Borlaug to the town of Gol, the RV52 road in Norway is the perfect route for a campervan road trip where you can fully immerse yourself in nature and Norwegian culture. From majestic mountain passes and serene lakes, to stunning valleys and picturesque villages, the RV52 road takes you through truly spectacular natural landscapes. Along the way, you can also enjoy exploring local Norwegian villages, and visiting local bakeries, farms and craft shops.
One of the best parts of taking an RV52 road trip is that this route remains open throughout the year, including winter, thanks to regular ploughing and maintenance, so you can travel comfortably through all kinds of weather. Traveling the RV52 by campervan gives you the freedom to stop at scenic outlooks, especially Hemsedalsfjellet's breathtaking panoramas, and provides easy access to a whole range of fun outdoor activities, such as hiking, fishing, biking and skiing.
You’ll find cozy campsites and established rest areas with modern amenities along the RV52, making it convenient for a campervan road trip. After a busy day exploring, you’ll be able to walk back to your home on wheels to enjoy a cozy night without having to check into a hotel and unpack. Perfect!
Choosing the Best Campervan for the RV52 Route
To get the most from your RV52 adventure, it’s important to select a campervan designed for Norway’s mountainous terrain. Small to medium campervans are easier to handle on steep, winding segments and are better for navigating village streets.
It’s also important to choose a campervan with all the amenities you need or want for your trip, including a fully equipped kitchen, shower, toilet and comfortable beds. If you’re venturing on a campervan trip outside the summer season, you’ll need to make sure your van is fit for winter with good insulation, heating and snow tyres.
One of the best ways to make sure you choose the correct campervan for your route is to talk through your options with your rental agency, as they know what the road conditions are like and what type of vehicle you’ll need.
What to Know Before Driving the RV52 in Norway
Prepare for a hassle-free journey along the RV52 road in Norway with our top travel tips and info to know before you set off:
- Weather can change quickly – As the RV52 crosses the Hemsedalsfjellet mountain range, weather can change quickly, especially in higher elevations. Prepare for sudden drops in temperature, strong winds, and possible snow or ice (even outside winter months). Make sure to check the local Norway weather forecast and up-to-date Norway road conditions regularly.
- Expect a mountainous route – The road has winding mountain curves and steep sections requiring careful and attentive driving, especially if you’re a first-time visitor or unfamiliar with mountain roads.
- Fuel stations along the RV52 are limited – The main refueling points along the RV52 are near Gol and Hemsedal, so it’s a good idea to plan your fuel stops ahead of time, especially if you’re going to be driving a larger campervan.
- Carry offline maps or GPS devices – Cell phone coverage is generally good but may drop in remote mountain stretches, so we recommend carrying offline maps, a GPS device, or a printed map as a backup.
- Stock up on essentials before starting the drive – Services along the RV52 are available but can be sparse in mountainous areas, so we highly recommend bringing along some water and food supplies to keep hydrated and energized during your journey.
- Don’t venture offroad – The RV52 passes near protected nature reserves, so it’s important to respect wildlife and natural habitats by sticking to the road and designated stops.
- Be aware of narrow bridges and single-lane sections – These require careful yielding to oncoming traffic.
When’s the Best Time to Travel the RV52 by Campervan?
Whether you want to see summer wildflower meadows or snow-capped winter peaks, the RV52 offers stunning scenery year-round. Here’s a quick guide to what you can expect during each season:
- Summer (June–September) – Summer is the best time to enjoy warm days, accessible hiking trails, and stunning mountain meadows in bloom. It’s the most popular time for tourists to visit Norway, so there may be more crowds than at other times of year.
- Fall (September–October) – During the fall months, you can soak in the beautiful golden foliage and go moose-watching, all with fewer tourists.
- Winter (November–April) – As well as enjoying snowy vistas, traveling the Rv52 during winter allows you to go skiing, ice skating and ice climbing in Hemsedal – you’ll just need to make sure you have proper tires and winter camper prep.
- Spring (May–early June) – Springtime is when melting snow reveals lush landscapes and stunning waterfalls along the RV52. As it’s a shoulder season (like fall), spring offers fewer tourists and lower prices.
Top Sights to See Along the RV52
So, what are the top sights to see and the best things to do during your RV52 road trip? Here’s a list of our favorite RV52 attractions and activities for some inspiration:
Hemsedal: The Scandinavian Alps
The spectacular Hemsedal village, known as the ‘Alps of Scandinavia’, offers a whole range of amazing winter sports, including hiking and alpine skiing, plus opportunities for mountain biking and a vibrant local food scene. The Hemsedal Ski Center and Via Ferrata climbing route are must-see spots.
Impressive Waterfalls
The RV52 has no shortage of amazing waterfalls to see, including Hydnefossen, which is one of Norway’s tallest waterfalls with a drop of 155 meters. You can also stop in the village of Tuv, which is a short walk from the Rv52, to visit the spectacular Rjukandefossen double waterfall!
Stunning Lakes
You can enjoy the tranquil fishing lakes of Helgetjedne, Helsingvatn, Attjern and Storevatn along the RV52, plus you can even rent a canoe at certain spots, such as near Lykkja. We highly recommend making a stop at some of these peaceful Norway lakes, perhaps for a picnic or just to soak in the wonderful views and peaceful atmosphere.
Hydalen Nature Reserve
For nature lovers, you can’t miss the gorgeous Hydalen Nature Reserve. Perfect for quiet exploration, this protected valley is rich in flora and fauna, home to striking waterfalls and mountains, and a popular location for biking and walking.
Charming Villages and Towns: Gol, Ulsak and Hemsedal
As well as all the amazing nature, traveling along the RV52 gives you the opportunity to soak in Norwegian cultural heritage by visiting some charming villages and towns. Home to the unique and historic Gol Stave Church, the town of Gol marks the start of the route. Along the RV52, you’ll also find the village of Ulsak, where you can explore mountain farms, enjoy husky sledding and try artisan coffee roasters. And, if you’re a winter sports enthusiast, you’ll love stopping at Hemsedal ski town.
Best Campervan-Friendly Campsites Along the RV52
You might be wondering where you can stay when traveling along Norway’s RV52 road in your campervan. Here are our top recommendations for comfortable and convenient campsite locations for your road trip adventure:
- First Camp Gol – Hallingdal – Close to Gol, this campsite offers a riverside location, family-friendly amenities, an outdoor pool (yay!), and easy walking distance to town.
- Hemsedal Fjellcamp – Perfect for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature, this campsite in Hemesdal offers mountain camping close to fishing lakes and moose-watching routes.
- Huso Lodge – With cozy cabins and group-friendly apartments, this campsite is a great starting point for dog sledding in winter.
- Tubbehaugen Campsite – For lakeside camping, this site offers panoramic mountain views and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Can You Wild Camp Along the RV52 in Norway?
Yes, you can wild camp along the RV52, but with certain rules. Norway’s ‘Allemannsretten’ (Right to Roam) law allows wild camping on uncultivated land, as long as you stay at least 150 metres away from any homes or buildings and don’t stay longer than 48 hours in one spot. It’s also important not to camp on farmland or protected zones and take all your trash with you when you leave.
Driving Tips & Safety in the RV52 Road
And, finally, here are some driving safety tips to help you prepare for your epic RV52 trip!
RV52 Road Conditions
Although the RV52 is well-maintained, regularly ploughed and kept open year-round, road conditions can be affected by the changeable weather in Norway, particularly in the mountains. There are also winding climbs, quick transitions from valley to highland, and a possibility of snow (even during spring). This means that it’s important to take care when driving along the RV52 and make sure you’re fully prepared for your journey before you set off.
Tolls Along the RV52 Road
Road and tunnel tolls are managed electronically in Norway, and no cash payment is allowed, so you’ll need to make sure to check how your campervan rental agency handles toll payments. Most rental campervans in Norway are automatically registered with the country’s toll system, meaning the payments will be taken automatically when you drive through a toll, and either your rental agency covers the cost, or you will at the end of your trip.
Get Ready For Your Own Epic Road Trip Adventure!
The RV52 is a superb choice for a campervan adventure in Norway, perfect for any travel enthusiast with an appetite for Nordic nature and comfort on the road. Now, all that’s left to do is find a campervan for your journey. We can help you out with our fleet of reliable, affordable and well-equipped campervan rentals in Norway, all with excellent support from our friendly team. Let us know if you have any questions and we look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country soon!
