Luxury Scenic Drive Through Rural Norway - 10 Days

Highlights

• Drive to the most colorful towns in Norway's idyllic countryside
• Go cycling, kayaking, and canoeing around rivers and waterfalls 
• Explore Norway's famous fjords and embark on nature hikes on forest trails
• Tour the historic wharf area of Bergen and hike around the city
• Stay in historic hotels, boutique farmhouses, and treetop cabins

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo, Drive to Nes, Honey Farm Tour

Welcome to Norway! Famous for its Norse history, shimmering fjords, and thousands of miles of ruggedly beautiful coastline, this is a dream destination for adventurous travelers keen to experience the country's small towns and diverse landscapes behind the wheel. You'll arrive in the progressive capital of Oslo—which also sits on one of the country's famous fjords—but you'll immediately leave the city, as this grand tour focuses on Norway's beautiful countryside.

At the airport, pick up your rental car and hit the road on an hour's drive north into the country and the bucolic town of Nes. There, you'll hop over to adjacent Helgøya. This 7-square-mile (18 sq km) island sits on a large lake covered in farmland and is known for its whitewashed 19th-century church. However, your destination is a local honey farm, where an expert guide will lead you on a walk around the meadows amid the low hum of honeybees as they collect nectary from various blossoms. Of course, the tour concludes with a tasting of locally produced honey.

Afterward, continue just outside of Nes to your accommodation, Herregården Hoel. This 5-star hotel is right out of a fairy tale, set in an 18th-century manor home featuring spacious rooms with antique bedframes, hardwood floors, French tubs, and silver candelabras perched on vintage bureaus. Many of the rooms and suites offer expansive views of the verdant countryside, and there's an on-site restaurant where you can enjoy farm-to-table dining with an emphasis on sustainability—many of the ingredients are sourced right from the hotel's own garden.

Day 2: Drive to Sonsterud, Self-Guided Cycling & Spa Visit

Continue north this morning on a 1.5-hour drive to Sonsterud. Located near the border with Sweden, this small village is surrounded by thick boreal forests and glassy lakes. This unspoiled wilderness offers ample opportunities for nature hikes, fishing, or simply relaxing amid the countryside splendor. 

Your accommodation is unique in that it makes full use of the area's woodlands. You'll be staying at the PAN Treetop Cabins. As the name suggests, this rustic (yet fully equipped) lodge features comfy cabins supported by stilts amid the treetops. Each A-frame cabin comes with modern conveniences like double beds and hot water—plus floor-to-ceiling windows from which you can peer out over the treetops.

After checking in, you'll grab a mountain bike and embark on a self-guided ride around the village and along forest trails. The excursion can last as long as you like—just remember to make time for a late afternoon appointment at Spa Finnskogen. Here, you'll enjoy a tranquil and rejuvenating interlude overseen by wellness therapists, featuring various treatments utilizing organic and natural products.

Day 3: Day Trip to Finnskogen & Nature Hike

More forest exploration is in store as you leave in the morning on the 45-minute drive south to Finnskogen. Literally translating to the "Finnish Forest," this rural area earned its name when Finnish settlers migrated to the region during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it's famous for its traditional farmsteads, open-air museums, tranquil lakes, rolling hills, and pristine spruce and pine forests.

Upon arrival, you'll join a private guide for a nature hike through these renowned woodlands—get lucky, and you might spot a moose peeking at you from behind a pine tree. At the end of the afternoon, you'll drive back to Sonsterud for another night among the treetops.

Day 4: Drive to Storefoss, Horseback Riding in Valdres

Depart Sonsterud after breakfast on a 3.5-hour drive northwest to Storefoss. Situated at the end of the Heggefjord, this charming little town is the quintessential country village. It's surrounded by unspoiled forests, rivers, and waterfalls, as well as historical sites and cultural landmarks.

The drive there is long, but it's a scenic ride. Along the way, you'll stop for a break in Valdres, a picturesque mountain region offering a range of fun outdoor activities. At a local farm here, you'll visit the stables and meet the horse that will be your partner on today's equestrian experience. Then, saddle up and head out on private mountain trails, spending an hour or two enjoying rural Norway's natural splendor. After the ride, you'll return to the stable and say goodbye to your host/guide.

From Valdres, it's another 30 minutes to Storefoss and your accommodation, Herangtunet. This family-run boutique hotel perfectly balances intimacy and luxury. It features just four spacious suites and theme rooms outfitted with plush double beds, full baths, antique furniture, and wood stoves—plus mod-cons like flat-screen TVs. Upon arrival, you can sit down for a meal at the rustic restaurant, which takes you on a culinary journey through Norway, featuring locally sourced fish and meat grilled to perfection on the outdoor barbecue. Afterward, retire to your suite for a nightcap in front of a crackling fire. 

Day 5: Drive to Aurland, Guided Waterfall Hike & Picnic

The journey continues this morning to Norway's UNESCO-listed western fjords region, which extends up the long coastline all the way to the Arctic. Your destination is the Aurlandsfjord, an offshoot of the Sognefjord—Norway's longest and deepest fjord. Here, at the fjord's eponymous main town, is your lodging: 29|2 Aurland.

Nestled in the green meadows of the Aurlandsdalen Valley, this historic country property began life as a fishing lodge for a British lord. Today, it's a family-run boutique hotel with a friendly staff that includes a private chef and artist-in-residence. The owners will happily arrange outdoor activities during your stay, and each night, a gourmet dinner of organic ingredients is served in the smokehouse.

After checking in, you'll head out and explore the gorgeous fjordlands on a private nature hike. This half-day excursion begins when you embark on a hike right from town to Turlidfossen, a nearby waterfall. As you explore the nature trails, your local expert guide will reveal fascinating insights into the Norse myths and folklore that define the region. A major highlight is when you arrive at a secluded spot at the top of a hill, where you'll break for a gourmet picnic lunch overlooking the Aurlandsfjord. After hiking back to the hotel, you'll have the rest of the day to explore on your own.

Day 6: Fly Fishing & Outdoor Hot Tub Experience

Your hotel has arranged quite the activity, as today you'll enjoy the time-honored tradition of fly fishing. It's a short drive to the Aurland River, ranked as one of the best trout-fishing rivers in all of Europe. Once here, you'll cast a line and see if you can hook some of these prized fish. Don't worry about the crowds, as you and your private guide will have an entire section of the river to yourselves. Know that fishing in this region is catch-and-release.

Later, you'll return to Aurland and enjoy a nice long soak in a Scandinavian bath. These traditional outdoor hot tubs are not only made of wood but also heated by a wood-burning stove. So kick back, relax, and let the hot tub work its magic. Complimenting the experience are the panoramic views of the fjord and surrounding wilderness. 

Days 7-8: Drive to Voss, Canoe, Mountain Bike & Kayak Trips

It's about an hour's drive farther west into the Fjordlands and the town of Voss. This idyllic town is surrounded by gorgeous scenery, including towering mountains, pristine lakes, and lush valleys. Upon arrival, you'll check into your accommodation, Fleischer's Hotel.

Nestled in the mountains on the shores of Vangsvatnet Lake, this 4-star hotel in the center of town has much to recommend it. It first opened its doors in 1889 and even today retains its historic charm. The well-appointed guest rooms and suites are equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and WiFi. Many rooms offer epic views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and valleys. The hotel also offers a sauna as well as several dining options, including a gourmet restaurant serving traditional Norwegian cuisine featuring locally sourced ingredients.

Day 9: Drive to Bergen, Guided City Tour & Hike, Afternoon Sauna

This morning, leave on a 1.5-hour drive to Bergen. This charming port city is famous for its UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf, filled with colorful, historic buildings. You'll be staying in the midst of all this heritage at Opus XVI. Housed in a former bank dating to 1876, this 4-star hotel features sophisticated rooms outfitted with luxe amenities like smart TVs, Nespresso machines, and heated bathroom floors. If you like, relax in the airy first-floor lounge or sit down for a bite to eat at the French-inspired brasserie. On Sundays, live jazz performances are the norm during traditional afternoon tea service.

Don't get too comfy, though, because you'll quickly head out to make the most of your last full day in Norway. After meeting a local guide, they'll guide you on a leisurely walk through Bergen's historic waterfront, admiring 18th-century buildings that thrived when Bergen was a prominent trading hub in the Hanseatic League.

As you leave the city's bustle behind, you'll continue up to Mount Sandviken, one of the seven peaks surrounding Bergen and a favorite hiking route among locals. On the way to the viewpoint, you'll ascend some 900 stone steps built by Sherpas from Nepal. After reaching the top and snapping photos of Bergen and the North Sea, you'll return to your hotel and can relax in the sauna before dinner.

Day 10: Depart Bergen

It's been a wild time in Norway's picture-postcard countryside. Now, alas, it's time to pack up and head home. At the appropriate time, hit the road toward the airport in Bergen, where you'll drop off your car and catch your connecting flight home. Safe travels!

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