
Norway
Norway - Self-drive tour of Southern Norway's coast and fjords
Norway - Self-drive tour of Southern Norway's coast and fjords
Duration
13 days
Start/End
Skien/Kristiansand
Tour type
Individual
Level
Easy
Accommodation
Hotel
Overview
You arrive by ferry via Denmark and experience the varied landscapes of southern Norway. The route takes you to Oslo, the mining town of Røros and Trondheim, then to the fjords, waterfalls and glaciers of western Norway as far as Balestrand, Bergen and Stavanger.
Travel via Denmark and experience the diverse landscape of Southern Norway. This is a worthwhile trip for both first-time visitors and seasoned enthusiasts. Besides the ferry crossing, it includes the vibrant capital city of Oslo, the beautiful mining town of Røros, and the majestic fjords, waterfalls, and glaciers of Western Norway.
Tour Code
Tour language
GermanItinerary
Day 1
Arrival via Denmark to Skien
Hotel in Skien
approx. 180 km
Arrive early in Hirtshals, Denmark. We recommend planning an overnight stay in Denmark beforehand, for example in Aalborg. Embarkation and crossing on the Fjord Line ferry to Kristiansand in the Sørlandet region. Then continue to Skien, the starting point of the Telemark Canal. Along the way, you can get your first impressions of Norwegian nature. You can travel to Oslo independently using your own vehicle. Alternatively, you can fly from an airport near your home. You can then pick up your rental car at Oslo airport.
Arrival via Denmark to Skien
Day 1
Hotel in Skien
approx. 180 km
Arrive early in Hirtshals, Denmark. We recommend planning an overnight stay in Denmark beforehand, for example in Aalborg. Embarkation and crossing on the Fjord Line ferry to Kristiansand in the Sørlandet region. Then continue to Skien, the starting point of the Telemark Canal. Along the way, you can get your first impressions of Norwegian nature. You can travel to Oslo independently using your own vehicle. Alternatively, you can fly from an airport near your home. You can then pick up your rental car at Oslo airport.
Day 2
Skien – Oslo
Hotel in Oslo
approx. 135 km
You'll reach Oslo via the beautiful town of Drammen on the Drammensfjord. Many of the city's most famous buildings, such as the Parliament and the Royal Palace, are located on the main thoroughfare, Karl Johans Gate. On your way into the city, you'll pass the Bygdøy peninsula, home to museums including the Viking Ship Museum.
Skien – Oslo
Day 2
Hotel in Oslo
approx. 135 km
You'll reach Oslo via the beautiful town of Drammen on the Drammensfjord. Many of the city's most famous buildings, such as the Parliament and the Royal Palace, are located on the main thoroughfare, Karl Johans Gate. On your way into the city, you'll pass the Bygdøy peninsula, home to museums including the Viking Ship Museum.
Day 3
Oslo – Ringebu
Hotel in Ringebu
approx. 240 km
On the way to Ringebu, the rolling plains soon give way to mountains. At the northern end of Lake Mjøsa lies the former Olympic city of Lillehammer. The viewing platforms of both ski jumps offer a fantastic view over the city and the lake. You continue on to your destination for the day, Ringebu, located in the heart of the Gudbrandsdalen valley.
Oslo – Ringebu
Day 3
Hotel in Ringebu
approx. 240 km
On the way to Ringebu, the rolling plains soon give way to mountains. At the northern end of Lake Mjøsa lies the former Olympic city of Lillehammer. The viewing platforms of both ski jumps offer a fantastic view over the city and the lake. You continue on to your destination for the day, Ringebu, located in the heart of the Gudbrandsdalen valley.
Day 4
Ringebu – Røros
Hotel in Røros
approx. 185 km
The mountain road from Ringebu leads into the high mountains. The mining town of Røros is a gem. You'll see why historical films are often shot here. It's worth strolling through the charming streets or visiting the old copper works, now a museum.
Ringebu – Røros
Day 4
Hotel in Røros
approx. 185 km
The mountain road from Ringebu leads into the high mountains. The mining town of Røros is a gem. You'll see why historical films are often shot here. It's worth strolling through the charming streets or visiting the old copper works, now a museum.
Day 5
Røros – Trondheim
Hotel in Trondheim
approx. 150 km
You'll travel through green valleys down to Trondheim on the Trondheim Fjord. Trondheim was Norway's first capital and boasts a history spanning over 1000 years. Enjoy a stroll through the city and visit some of its ancient sites, such as Nidaros Cathedral or the fortress island of Munkholmen in the fjord.
Røros – Trondheim
Day 5
Hotel in Trondheim
approx. 150 km
You'll travel through green valleys down to Trondheim on the Trondheim Fjord. Trondheim was Norway's first capital and boasts a history spanning over 1000 years. Enjoy a stroll through the city and visit some of its ancient sites, such as Nidaros Cathedral or the fortress island of Munkholmen in the fjord.
Day 6
Trondheim – Farstad
Hotel in Farstad
approx. 215 km
Today your journey takes you to the coast. A highlight of the day is the drive along the famous Atlantic Road, which leads across causeways, islands, and bridges. Before you reach Farstad, a detour to the Nordneset Lighthouse is worthwhile.
Trondheim – Farstad
Day 6
Hotel in Farstad
approx. 215 km
Today your journey takes you to the coast. A highlight of the day is the drive along the famous Atlantic Road, which leads across causeways, islands, and bridges. Before you reach Farstad, a detour to the Nordneset Lighthouse is worthwhile.
Day 7
Farstad – Ulsteinvik
Hotel in Ulsteinvik
approx. 145 km
Today your journey takes you to the rose city of Molde. From there, you'll cross over to Ålesund, a beautiful Art Nouveau city majestically situated on a hillside overlooking the sea. Another fjord crossing leads to Ulsteinvik on the island of Hareid. Two nights in Ulsteinvik.
Farstad – Ulsteinvik
Day 7
Hotel in Ulsteinvik
approx. 145 km
Today your journey takes you to the rose city of Molde. From there, you'll cross over to Ålesund, a beautiful Art Nouveau city majestically situated on a hillside overlooking the sea. Another fjord crossing leads to Ulsteinvik on the island of Hareid. Two nights in Ulsteinvik.
Day 8
Excursion to bird cliffs or majestic fjord landscapes
Hotel in Ulsteinvik
Ulsteinvik is a 30-minute drive from the largest bird cliff in southern Norway, home to over 100,000 nesting seabirds. Fjord gems like the Hjørundfjord and the Geirangerfjord are also just a day trip away. With so many options, choosing where to go isn't easy.
Excursion to bird cliffs or majestic fjord landscapes
Day 8
Hotel in Ulsteinvik
Ulsteinvik is a 30-minute drive from the largest bird cliff in southern Norway, home to over 100,000 nesting seabirds. Fjord gems like the Hjørundfjord and the Geirangerfjord are also just a day trip away. With so many options, choosing where to go isn't easy.
Day 9
Ulsteinvik – Balestrand
Hotel in Balestrand
approx. 290 km
From Ulsteinvik, today's stage takes you inland. Loen lies at the innermost point of the Nordfjord and is surrounded by an imposing mountain panorama. From there, the route continues towards Olden and along the edge of the Jostedalbreen, Europe's largest mainland glacier. Your destination for the day is on the Sognefjord – Norway's longest and deepest fjord. The fruit-growing community of Balestrand is located directly on the northern shore of the main arm of the fjord.
Ulsteinvik – Balestrand
Day 9
Hotel in Balestrand
approx. 290 km
From Ulsteinvik, today's stage takes you inland. Loen lies at the innermost point of the Nordfjord and is surrounded by an imposing mountain panorama. From there, the route continues towards Olden and along the edge of the Jostedalbreen, Europe's largest mainland glacier. Your destination for the day is on the Sognefjord – Norway's longest and deepest fjord. The fruit-growing community of Balestrand is located directly on the northern shore of the main arm of the fjord.
Day 10
Balestrand – Bergen
Hotel in Bergen
approx. 195 km
You cross the Sognefjord and continue along the Vikafjell mountain range through the municipality of Voss. Your destination for the day is the Hanseatic city of Bergen, which is surrounded by seven mountains. The old fortress, the festival hall, and the Hanseatic houses along the harbor are particularly worth seeing.
Balestrand – Bergen
Day 10
Hotel in Bergen
approx. 195 km
You cross the Sognefjord and continue along the Vikafjell mountain range through the municipality of Voss. Your destination for the day is the Hanseatic city of Bergen, which is surrounded by seven mountains. The old fortress, the festival hall, and the Hanseatic houses along the harbor are particularly worth seeing.
Day 11
Bergen – Stavanger
Hotel in Stavanger
approx. 210 km
Your route today takes you along the coast to Stavanger. You'll use smaller ferries along the way. Alternatively, you can drive along the Hardangerfjord to the west coast. Stavanger is the former herring capital and now the European capital for oil and energy. The old town boasts the best-preserved wooden house settlement in Europe and is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Bergen – Stavanger
Day 11
Hotel in Stavanger
approx. 210 km
Your route today takes you along the coast to Stavanger. You'll use smaller ferries along the way. Alternatively, you can drive along the Hardangerfjord to the west coast. Stavanger is the former herring capital and now the European capital for oil and energy. The old town boasts the best-preserved wooden house settlement in Europe and is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Day 12
Stavanger – Kristiansand
Hotel in Kristiansand
approx. 260 km
Along the stunning south coast, you'll pass the Kvassheim lighthouse near Brusand, the breathtaking Songdal beach, and villages like Flekkefjord with its idyllic white wooden houses. Kirstiansund – Norway's southern metropolis – is idyllically situated on a peninsula and entices visitors with a blend of culture, city, beach, and nature.
Stavanger – Kristiansand
Day 12
Hotel in Kristiansand
approx. 260 km
Along the stunning south coast, you'll pass the Kvassheim lighthouse near Brusand, the breathtaking Songdal beach, and villages like Flekkefjord with its idyllic white wooden houses. Kirstiansund – Norway's southern metropolis – is idyllically situated on a peninsula and entices visitors with a blend of culture, city, beach, and nature.
Day 13
Kristiansand and return journey
Depending on your ferry departure time, you'll have time for further exploration of the coastal town. Crossing to Denmark and individual onward journey home from Hirtshals. TIP: EXTENDED NIGHT Book an extra night in Aalborg. Just ask us!
Kristiansand and return journey
Day 13
Depending on your ferry departure time, you'll have time for further exploration of the coastal town. Crossing to Denmark and individual onward journey home from Hirtshals. TIP: EXTENDED NIGHT Book an extra night in Aalborg. Just ask us!
Price from
€1,810.00
Services
What's included
Ferry crossing Hirtshals–Kristiansand including transport of a standard car including taxes and fees
Ferry departure Kristiansand–Hirtshals including transport of a standard car including taxes and fees
12 nights including breakfast in good mid-range hotels in a room with shower/toilet
Approximately a 2.5-hour boat trip through the Oslofjord from/to Oslo
Pocket travel guide of your choice
Street map available upon request
What's not included
Individual travel to and from the destination (we are happy to put together a suitable offer)
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Tip
Rental cars (we would be happy to create a suitable offer for you)
Ferry crossings, tolls and fuel, unless listed as included.
Optional excursions, activities and entrance fees
Meals not included in the services
personal expenses
Character of the trip
Fitness
Easy
Altitude
Low
Culture / nature
Nature-led
This self-drive tour is ideal for those who enjoy driving themselves and exploring the countryside independently. Daily distances range from 135 to 290 kilometers, with several ferry crossings included. Along the way, there's plenty of time for walks, sightseeing, and local activities.
Dates and prices
Individual dates
Optional
Extra bed (adults)
pro Person, Season 01.05.–15.10.2027
€1,550.00
per person
Extra bed for child up to and including 12 years
per child, season 01.05.–15.10.2027
€810.00
per person
Notes on the trip
Route
approx. 2,220 km from Kristiansand
Traveling with an electric car
Scandinavia is ideal for traveling by electric car. Norway alone has over 15,000 charging stations. Many hotels also offer this option to their guests. Additionally, Google Maps already shows many charging stations along your route. Feel free to contact us!
Notes
Changes to the itinerary are possible. This trip is generally not suitable for people with reduced mobility. In individual cases, we are happy to check whether we can still accommodate your travel wishes. Please contact us.
