Oslo to Bergen Scenic Road Trip - 6 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Oslo

Welcome to Oslo! Norway's rapidly growing capital is still considered a small city, helped by the fact that it's surrounded by mountains and sea. Not only is the city center made for walking, but outlying neighborhoods—filled with charm and character—are easily accessible by public transportation, so jump on a tram, train, or bus and explore all of what Oslo has to offer.

Suggested activities include: 

• Take a half-day and wander around Aker Brygge, an area on the Oslofjord made up of beautiful, modern buildings where you can find bars and abundant nightlife. It acts as a sort of courtyard for the city of Oslo and brings together both tourists and locals alike to enjoy the great food, atmosphere, and entertainment.

• Spend the afternoon visiting the Viking Ship Museum and the Norwegian Open Air Folk Museum by way of public transportation. Both museums are in the same area, so they pair well together! 

• Walk along the Havnepromenaden (harbor promenade)—a new five-and-a-half-mile waterfront park, which combines sightseeing, history, art, architecture, and a little bit of adventure.

• Visit the Vigeland Sculpture Park, where 200 larger than life sculptures are placed throughout this green lung in the middle of the city. 

For dinner, explore the city's historic core buzzing with restaurants and cafés that stay cozy in cold weather, with several options that offer outdoor seating during summer months.

Day 2: Oslo - Drive to Eidfjord

Spend a little time after breakfast for any last-minute sightseeing or souvenir shopping in Oslo before you head out of the city towards natural surroundings. 

The beautiful five-hour drive to Eidfjord—a village on the edge of Hardangerfjord—is 192 miles (310 km) long. Along the route, stop at the mountain village of Geilo for a break from the car. There are several hiking trails for every age and fitness level—some that are short (less than two miles / three km), so lace up your boots and pack a picnic. For an easy activity, take a spin on the summer chairlift with panoramic views of the region.

Get back on the road and continue your drive to Eidfjord. If there's time, head straight for one of the area's natural highlights: Vøringsfossen, one of Norway's most spectacular waterfalls, before dinner in the Eidfjord area.

Day 3: Explore Hardangerfjord

Today, you'll have a full day to explore the 3rd largest fjord in the world at 111 miles (179 km) long. The Hardangerfjord region has been an important European tourist destination since the 19th century, and offers spectacular nature opportunities.

Some of the most amazing hikes in Norway are in the Hardangerfjord region including the four waterfalls trail in Husedalen Valley, HM Queen Sonja's panoramic hiking trail, glacier hiking at Folgefonnia Glacier, and several options in Hardangervidda National Park.

Skiiers of all levels can head to Fonna Glacier Ski Resort, located on the northern part of the Folgefonna Glacier in the middle of Hardanger. Fonna is known for being the leading summer ski resort in Europe with a season that lasts from May lasts until September/October. You will get spectacular scenery from the top ski lift station with views over the fjord and even the North Sea on sunny days.

Day 4: Drive to Bergen

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before driving to Bergen. Situated on Norway's west coast, this small wharf city (one of the oldest port cities in Europe) is surrounded by ocean, mountains, and fjords, including Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest.

Explore the town on your own or meet up with a guide for a local tour of Bergen -- the second largest city in Norway, with about 300,000 residents. Rich in culture and seafaring history, this city boasts a vast selection of cultural and outdoorsy activities.

• Be sure to take the Fløibanen funicular (or hike the trail on foot) to the top of Mount Fløyen—one of Bergen's seven peaks—for the best views of the city, and take a leisurely stroll back down the path while discovering hidden troll sculptures along the way.

• Check out the Bryggen area of downtown to view old wooden houses dating back to the 1700s (a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site), along with Bergen's best historical sites and museums. For a rest, stop in one of the charming local cafés and bakeries.

The cobblestoned streets are compact and walkable, so get out and explore Bergen's lively restaurants and nightlife, thanks in part to a young student population.

Day 5: Bergen City Tour

Bergen has more to offer travelers who want a truly local experience. Here are a few suggested day tours and activities that can be arranged with local guides:

• Walk through history: The hike starts from the city center and travels through narrow streets up to the mountainside known as “Sandviksbatteriet” with spectacular views over the city. From here, the trail takes you to a small, hidden cabin from World War II. During the hike, your local guide will offer local stories of Bergen's history and culture.

• Hike three of seven mountains: On this trip, you will have the opportunity to climb three of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen: Mt. Ulriken, Mt. Rundemannen and Mt. Fløyen. Lunch will be served at a nice spot along the trail, including Norwegian “Kvikklunch” with coffee or tea.

• Boat to Mostraumen: This day-trip departs from Bergen's port and takes you through a deep fjord to Modalen, which is one of the smallest municipalities in Norway with about 380 residents! You will sail along Osterfjorden and pass steep mountains and spectacular waterfalls.
  

• Mt. Ulriken zip line: This fun zip line adventure through hilly forests is located close to the city center.

Day 6: Depart Bergen

It's time to say farewell to Norway! Enjoy your last moments in this beautiful city with a leisurely breakfast, neighborhood stroll, and/or souvenir shopping before you head to the airport for your return flight home.