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One of the best ways to experience Norway’s renowned natural landscapes is for sure by driving along the country’s beautiful scenic roads. These incredible Norway roads offer a mesmerizing journey through flowing fjords, majestic mountains, amazing coastal cliffs and charming villages. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most spectacular scenic Norway routes to make sure you have an unforgettable Nordic adventure!
1. Varanger: The Road to the Arctic Ocean
Let’s start our exploration of Norway’s scenic routes at the very northern tip of the country with the spectacular Varanger route. Offering a rugged and unique landscape of Arctic tundra, marshlands and coastal cliffs, Varanger stretches approximately 160 km from Varangerbotn to Hamningberg.
Perfect for keen birdwatchers, Varanger is one of Europe’s best birdwatching locations, home to many species of bird that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. You’ll also have a good chance to spot reindeer along this route, and witness the Northern Lights in winter or the Midnight Sun during summer – magical!
2. Havøysund: Norway’s Far North
Another beautiful route in the north of Norway, the Havøysund route in Finnmark covers around 67 km from Kokelv to the small fishing village of Havøysund. This Norway road winds through dramatic coastal landscapes right by the Arctic Ocean, passing by small settlements along the way, plus reindeer and sea eagle habitats.
Combined with the Varanger route and a ferry ride, the Havøysund route provides a complete circular drive with stunning sea views and spectacular landscapes all the way. An excellent choice if you’re in the mood for solitude and Arctic beauty, taking this route also allows you to jump on a boat from Havøysund to the nearby tiny islands that are famous for bird life.
3. Senja: Mountains and Fjords
On the west coast of Norway’s second-largest island, Senja, you can drive one of the country’s most beautiful scenic routes. This Norway road runs along fjords, through mountains and past white sandy beaches. Around 102 km in length, the Senja route features highlights such as the viewpoint at Bergsbotn and the iconic Devil’s Teeth peaks (or ‘Okshornan’ in Norwegian) at Ersfjord.
As you flow with the fjords along the Senja route, you’ll discover tiny villages nestled between the mountains and the sea, as well as mountains rising dramatically from the water itself. Whether you want to try your hand at fishing, ski down the slopes or challenge yourself to a mountain climb, Senja has activities for all outdoor adventure lovers. You can also go scuba diving and kayaking – exciting!
4. Andøya: An Ocean Drive
The Andøya route, which is approximately 58 km long, follows the western coast of Andøya Island, offering breathtaking views of the Norwegian Sea, dramatic cliffs and charming fishing villages. An excellent place for spotting whales, seals and birds, driving this amazing Norway road allows you to get up close to the ocean and experience some of Norway’s most beautiful and untouched beaches.
During summer, you can take a ferry between Andesnes and Gryllefjord to complete both the Senja and Andøya routes. Budding astronauts can visit the Andøya Space Center to learn more about Andøya’s role as a rocket launch site, and you can take a stunning hike along the shoreline to enjoy the views.
5. Lofoten: Vibrant Coastal Cliffs
Now, we arrive at one of the most famous Norway roads: the Lofoten scenic route, which winds through the stunning Lofoten archipelago. This road spans roughly 230 km from Raftsundet to Å, showcasing dramatic peaks, fishing villages and pristine Arctic beaches. Along this Norway road, you’ll be able to visit Nusfjord and the famous Haukland Beach.
Our favorite stop along the way has to be the fishing village of Reine, which is actually a chain of islands linked by bridges. Framed by fjords and mountains, the views from Reine are truly spectacular – an amazing place to watch the Midnight Sun in summer or Northern Lights in winter.
6. Helgelandskysten: Mountains and Glaciers
The coastal route of Helgelandskysten stretches for about 433 km along the Helgeland coast, offering a combination of island-hopping and dramatic scenery. Here, you can explore the incredible Seven Sisters mountain range (or ‘De syv søstre’ in Norwegian) and the famous Svartisen Glacier, as well as charming coastal towns like Brønnøysund and Sandnessjøen.
In fact, one arm of the Svartisen Glacier, named Engabreen, is actually Europe’s lowest-altitude glacier – well-worth a visit! Home to over 14,000 islands and islets, the Helgeland coast is sure to provide incredible photo opportunities.
7. Atlanterhavsvegen: The Road Across the Sea and Islets
The Atlantic Ocean Road, known as ‘Atlanterhavsvegen’ in Norwegian, is one of the most iconic Norway roads. Spanning 36 km, this route connects small islands and reefs along Hustadvika Bay via seven spectacular bridges over the ocean. The most famous bridge, Storseisundet, appears to rise and fall dramatically, making it a thrilling drive.
Located on the western coast of Norway, this route sits in between the cities of Bergen and Trondheim. Driving along the Atlantic Ocean Road is a truly unique experience, taking you from expansive moorland to rugged cliffs. Often described as the world’s most beautiful drive, this incredible Norway road is one not to miss!
8. Geiranger and Trollstigen: Curvy Mountain Roads
This scenic west coast route combines two of Norway’s most famous roads: Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen. Along this 104 km Norway road, there are eleven hairpin bends, stunning fjord views, towering mountains, and even strawberry farms sitting in the lush valleys of Valldal.
If you’re looking for an exciting serpentine mountain pass route with breathtaking views, look no further. Not only can you experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord for yourself, you can also enjoy a range of hiking routes in the area, such as the peaceful trail from Trollstigen up to Lake Bispevatnet.
9. Gamle Strynefjellsvegen: Historic Stone and Mountains
A historic mountain road, Gamle Strynefjellsvegen is about 27 km long and sits in the interior of Fjord Norway, connecting the village of Grotli to Videsæter. Built in the late 19th century, this route features hand-built walls with an extensive row of individual guard stones, creating an old-timey feel.
Listed as a protected route in 2009, you can enjoy classic Norwegian mountain landscapes, with waterfalls, lakes, and rugged terrain, when driving along the east to west Gamle Strynefjellsvegen route.
10. Rondane: Blue Mountains
The Rondane scenic route runs approximately 75 km between Folldal and Venabygdsfjellet, passing through the majestic Rondane National Park: the first national park in Norway. An excellent drive for nature lovers, the landscape is characterized by rolling plateaus, steep peaks and vast wilderness areas.
At Venabygdsfjellet, you can enjoy activities like horse riding, yoga and hiking, and you might even be able to spot wild reindeer in Rondane National Park. As the low sun reflects off the snowy 2,000-meter high summits along this Norway road, it casts the whole landscape in an ethereal blue color, making for stunningly unique views – be sure to bring your camera!
11. Sognefjellet: The Highest Mountain Pass
Sognefjellet is Northern Europe’s highest mountain pass, reaching 1,434 meters above sea level. This Norway road stretches for about 108 km from Lom to Gaupne, providing awe-inspiring views of glaciers, alpine landscapes and deep fjords.
Climbing up gently through the lush landscapes of the Bøverdalen valley, Sognefjellet takes you into the mighty mountains and along the beautiful Sognefjord, which changes color from green to blue depending on the weather and light.
12. Valdresflye: Panoramic Mountain Views
Forming part of several different circular drives, this 49 km Norway route crosses the Valdresflye plateau, offering panoramic mountain views of Jotunheimen National Park. One of the best places to experience Norway’s vast, open mountain scenery, the Valdresflye route is especially beautiful during autumn.
Along this route, you’ll drive above the treeline, reaching almost 1,400 km above sea level, treating you to incredible vistas for the whole journey. We highly recommend taking this route if you want to visit the tallest mountains in Norway, a.k.a Jotunheimen or ‘the home of the giants’.
13. Gaularfjellet: Waterfalls and Fjords
Gaularfjellet is a 114 km scenic route featuring dramatic mountain landscapes, waterfalls and lush valleys. When driving this route, you’ll reach the Utsikten viewpoint, which provides a gorgeous view of the surrounding peaks and winding roads.
The protected waterways along this route range from raging rapids to cascading waterfalls and calm streams. This Norway road is a must if you’d like to discover an off-the-beaten-path route that takes you between Sognefjord to Fosseheimen, avoiding the main road from Sunnfjord to Sogn.
14. Aurlandsfjellet: Snow Road Between the Fjords
Known as the ‘Snow Road’, Aurlandsfjellet spans approximately 47 km between Aurland and Lærdal, reaching heights of over 1,300 meters above sea level and offering incredible views of fjords and snow-covered mountains.
Snow sits on the top of the mountain most of the year round, with the road winding through many fjords at the mountain base to reach the spectacular Aurdalsfjorden. On this unique Norway road, you can experience a wild and untouched landscape that’s sure to make you say ‘wow!’.
15. Hardanger: Glaciers, Waterfalls and Fjords
The Hardanger scenic route, which is about 158 km long, runs through one of Norway’s most famous fjord regions. Highlights include the beautiful Hardangerfjord, the cascading Vøringsfossen Waterfall, and lush orchards that bloom in spring.
Additionally, you can also see the towering Steinsdalsfossen, Skjervsfossen, Låtefossen and Furebergfossen Waterfalls along this Norway road, as well as take the famous, challenging and truly stunning hike to Trolltunga.
16. Hardangervidda: Europe’s Largest Mountain Plateau
Hardangervidda is a 67 km route crossing Europe’s largest mountain plateau, small fjord-adjacent villages, such as Eidfjord, and narrow and steep valleys like Måbødalen. Along this Norway road, you can witness beautiful views of the highland wilderness, making it a paradise for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Sometimes during the winter season, there’s a convoy system in operation along Hardangervidda, where cars follow behind a snow plough that works to keep the route open, safe and drivable.
17. Ryfylke: A Valley Between the Archipelago
Spanning around 260 km, the contrasting landscapes of the Ryfylke route treat you to views of deep flowing fjords, lush green valleys and majestic towering mountains. Along this Norway road, you can stop to admire the incredible views of Lysefjord from the peak of Norway’s most famous hike: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock).
A drive between islands and moors, the long, winding Ryfylke route offers many opportunities for detours if you’d like to discover some of the lovely villages along the way.
18. Jæren: Northern Coastal Towns
Located in South Norway, the 41 km-long Jæren route is unique for its coastal scenery, sandy beaches and rolling farmland. Unlike the mountainous Norway routes, this drive offers a softer, yet equally stunning landscape.
This unique Norway road takes you along charming towns next to the North Sea, passing by coastal landscapes unlike those on any other scenic route in Norway. You can also take some short detours to discover more of Norway’s fascinating cultural heritage and beautiful nature, including lighthouses and sand dunes.
Discover Norway’s Beautiful Roads For Yourself!
Whether navigating dramatic coastal roads or winding through towering mountain passes, Norway’s scenic routes offer some of the world’s most breathtaking and unforgettable drives. If you love adventure and natural beauty, exploring Norway routes is an absolute must.
Just make sure to check your chosen route is open and safe to drive before setting off by looking up the up-to-date Norway road conditions. Last but not least, you can select your campervan rental in Norway to bring your home with you as you travel along Norway’s scenic routes. Let’s go explore!
