3 weeks renting an Electric Vehicle, 2 days of rest scheduled in. A couple day loops not shown on map. I know many try to do a trip like this in a week or 10 days, but wanted to give myself more time to make a more relaxed itinerary, though have about 6 stops scheduled each day (only 1 big hike to Pulpit Rock). Trying to take as many scenic routes as possible.
The car rental is kind of expensive, but cheap hotels are surprisingly affordable, many less than the US.The first half of the journey in eastern Norway is focused on visiting places where my ancestors lived before emigrating to America in the mid to late 1800s. I’ve even found a couple dozen specific farm sites.
**UPDATE- Thanks for all the suggestions everyone**. I’ve revised my route a bit [[map on Imgur](https://imgur.com/ASPWQMk), and on [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Oslo+Airport+(OSL),+Edvard+Munchs+veg,+2061+Gardermoen,+Norway/Rødenes+Church,+Ørje,+Norway/Fagernes,+Norway/Flåm,+Norway/Ål,+Norway/Nesbyen,+Norway/Rjukan,+Norway/Fyresdal,+Norway/Sirevåg,+Norway/Hjelmelandsvågen,+Hjelmeland,+Norway/Lovraeidet,+Jelsa,+Norway/Sauda,+Norway/Odda,+Norway/Bergen,+Norway/Vangsnes,+Norway/Vassenden,+Norway/Olden,+Norway/Geiranger,+Norway/Trollveggen+Besøkssenter,+Åndalsnes,+Norway/Alesund,+Norway/Bud,+Norway/Kristiansund,+Norway/Trondheim,+Norway/Dombås,+Norway/Oslo,+Norway/@59.8029132,5.9539882,7z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m62!4m61!1m5!1m1!1s0x4641838b248a1cbf:0xcca0add4a7eb5b82!2m2!1d11.0962176!2d60.1978869!1m5!1m1!1s0x4643ed2879d6542b:0x679821895bc97ac3!2m2!1d11.5948596!2d59.5880911!1m5!1m1!1s0x46400041ce2ea20f:0x4273878c318cf4b3!2m2!1d9.2323598!2d60.9858348!1m5!1m1!1s0x463e13cfcfc357c3:0x33286ff6aad510c5!2m2!1d7.1117849!2d60.8607716!1m5!1m1!1s0x463f945e3b790339:0x2174cde20bb54ac6!2m2!1d8.5610211!2d60.6303964!1m5!1m1!1s0x46407434cc2434ed:0xcf6e3fc7b7e9597a!2m2!1d9.1027428!2d60.5680861!1m5!1m1!1s0x463f5c518904f7ed:0x911927779dc14eea!2m2!1d8.6117346!2d59.8792427!1m5!1m1!1s0x463893fdc32d07b7:0xa708edcba38db7ee!2m2!1d8.0846253!2d59.1842514!1m5!1m1!1s0x463a10de318ff609:0xa05b87a25436244e!2m2!1d5.8018921!2d58.5038716!1m5!1m1!1s0x463bdeaba305ee25:0xdf85f1a1f35a2921!2m2!1d6.1722997!2d59.2329017!3e0). Note listed stops are just there to make the route, and some roads not shown due to current closures (like Trollstigen). Total drive time increased, so might add another day.
Sognefjord, Flåm, you seem to miss it by driving valdres-filefjell-hemsedal, but I might be wrong
Looks doable – if you’re renting an electric car, have you accounted for charging stops and made sure there are charging stations where you’ll need them?
Consider driving through Røros via Stjørdal rather than Oppdal
Edit to add: rv 3 is also faster, but Dovre is also more interesting (imo) unless you’ve done it before.
You’re missing out on all the scenery on the west coast btw
What is it that you want to see? Mountains, fjords, the coast, captain sabretooth we got them all. I’m sure someone can point out hidden gems along your route as well 😉
Why Rødenes? Not exactly a place most foreign tourists would go.
Personal preference, but I would change the route between Oslo and Trondheim to go through Lillehammer, Otta and Dombås
yes.
I’d consider RV 7 from Eidfjord to Geilo because of Vøringsfossen , but I’m sure there’s plenty cool things on your trip.
Nice detour along Jæren too, quite unique.
Fyresdal is a beautiful place! You should check out their horseback riding tours! You don’t need any experience and get to move around in the woods and then suddenly be on top of a mountain with beautiful view over the valley! And they have a new treetop road that’s opening next weekend!
The part from Trondheim down to Elverum is extremely boring inmho. It’s the same landscape for hours and hours. But that might be because of my familiarity with the landscape. I dont have any alternative routes for this stretch though, as the one planned is as good as it gets
I did this in NZ a few years back for 14 days. It was fun but a hard slog. I’d recommend to give yourself room for extra days in places if you can.
I am not an Easterner, but make sure you have researched the Oslo to Trondheim part so you are not on a road with nothing to see except trees.
Consider going over Suleskard and Brokke towards Fyresdal instead of doing the 42 and 41 if you can get away with it charging wise. It’s a much more scenic route.
Drive over Dombås and oppdal instead, way prettier.
Would recommend not to skip Kristiansand – the views there are gorgeous and has a great WWII museum.
On the Ålesund to Trondheim day you really should drive trough Averøy instead of Batnfjorden. You will hit two feries that day anyway so you get some rest and skipping The Atlantic Road is a shame
Too much if i were you i wouldnt go to trondheim although its beautiful (except you have been to norway before but then maybe only the northern prts of this route
Imo this are two 30 day trips or at least the south is and the north probably a 20 day trip (if you cut the route exactly where the 48hr marker is)
What actually is it you want to do go hiking or see the cities…
Au spesific reason you choose Ålesund – Molde – Trondheim? If not, the route that takes you from Ålesund to Trondheim trough Dombås is about the same time, and way prettier in my opinion. You get to drive past Trollveggen and over the Dovre Mountain where you have a chance of seeing musk ox. And Ofcourse its known for the troll in the hall of the Mountain king (Dovregubben)
Enjoy your trip! The route looks pretty nice!
You are missing the Atlantic Road with that route
You’re leaving out the whole south-east coast in summertime, which in my opinion is a travesty.
Next time you come to norway I reccomend visiting the west coast
Uhm. Depends on what you want? Just driving to see nature from the car, or also hiking?
I would look at “national tourist roads” and try to add as many of them as possible. Atlanterhavsvegen, Tindevegen, Gamle Strynefjellvegen, Sognefjell, Gaularfjell at least. Some of these are step, narrow and twisty, just be aware.
I have been driving around on the west side for years, absolutly loving it! But I spend 2-3 weeks on much smaller areas than this.
I am curious about your route, why you want to go certain places. Do you mind posting destinations, as I think that would make more sense for ppl when giving advice.
Personally I would go from Oslo due east across Hardangervidda towards Odda and then turn north to Bergen, then spend most of the time exploring between there and Trondheim, before turning back towards Oslo either over Dovre and Valdresflya, or Røros and Femunden. Both of these last two are the best scenic routes going north – south on the east side of the mountians.
Here is a tip for a camp with a view under the stars, Litlefjell in Rauma. 20 min hike from the car, best view you will ever get for that effort.
You will spend more time waiting for chargers to be free thanks driving some days
Dont skip out on the coastal cities in Agder – Risør, Arendal and Grimstad. Small but pretty (in summer).
I would go down sandefjord to Kragerø if you plan to visit in the summer
You are missing out on Røros
Do you enjoy driving? Can you enjoy scenery while driving? Even on smaller, winding roads with tourists stopping in dangerous places around the curve? Those are big factors on if it is a good route. And also how much activities you would likr to do. Some hikes tske some time, and if you are not used to hiking the time estimates might be wrong.
I did “all of scotland” in 1 week, on public transport (and some hitchiking). And despite being constantly on the move I really enjoyed it as the scenery was wonderful, and the people too. But I got to relax when on a train or bus, just looking out the window… But if driving is relaxing-ish to you, then 2-3 hour should not be a problem.
However: 20 days is quite long, and I think some flexibility to make decisions as you go would be nice. I do understand that this might be hard when you need to pre book hostels etc. But having the option to stay longer in places you love, or take a break or cut things short if you see the route is not working for you, would be the best (based on my own backpacking/long travels). Then again, flexibility is also how we ended up not having time to visit Yosemite or a NP on a California road trip. We spent too much town on the coast and in San Francisco (but it was right for us).
Unless you’re really into Quisling, I’d not go down to Fyresdal from Rjukan. Turn west in Dalen towards Setesdalen and E9. From there on take the Suleskard road and continue down RV450 towards Stavanger.
Would recommend spending at least 1 – 2 days on the south coast and dropping Telemark/Midt-Norge. I would stick to the coast as much as possible (goes for most of Norway).
Drop the middle part south of Rjukan – go Ronado and follow Gudbrandsdalen/Dovre for some picturesque stuff.
Personally I would’ve gone through Gudbrandsdalen (Lillehammer, Otta, Dombås and then go through Oppdal) since it is a breathtaking sight, but I don’t know what you are focusing on on this trip, nor do I know which route has more charging stations.
You should Get to experience the southern fjord experience, it is the most peaceful and beautiful experience to take a boat through the isletts in Sandefjord and cities around😍
I would recommend going E6 from Oppdal to Dombås and Otta. More scenic route than the utterly boring miles and miles of forest on Rv.3, and if you’re incredible lucky you could end up seeing the musks of Dovre.
34 comments
3 weeks renting an Electric Vehicle, 2 days of rest scheduled in. A couple day loops not shown on map. I know many try to do a trip like this in a week or 10 days, but wanted to give myself more time to make a more relaxed itinerary, though have about 6 stops scheduled each day (only 1 big hike to Pulpit Rock). Trying to take as many scenic routes as possible.
The car rental is kind of expensive, but cheap hotels are surprisingly affordable, many less than the US.The first half of the journey in eastern Norway is focused on visiting places where my ancestors lived before emigrating to America in the mid to late 1800s. I’ve even found a couple dozen specific farm sites.
**UPDATE- Thanks for all the suggestions everyone**. I’ve revised my route a bit [[map on Imgur](https://imgur.com/ASPWQMk), and on [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Oslo+Airport+(OSL),+Edvard+Munchs+veg,+2061+Gardermoen,+Norway/Rødenes+Church,+Ørje,+Norway/Fagernes,+Norway/Flåm,+Norway/Ål,+Norway/Nesbyen,+Norway/Rjukan,+Norway/Fyresdal,+Norway/Sirevåg,+Norway/Hjelmelandsvågen,+Hjelmeland,+Norway/Lovraeidet,+Jelsa,+Norway/Sauda,+Norway/Odda,+Norway/Bergen,+Norway/Vangsnes,+Norway/Vassenden,+Norway/Olden,+Norway/Geiranger,+Norway/Trollveggen+Besøkssenter,+Åndalsnes,+Norway/Alesund,+Norway/Bud,+Norway/Kristiansund,+Norway/Trondheim,+Norway/Dombås,+Norway/Oslo,+Norway/@59.8029132,5.9539882,7z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m62!4m61!1m5!1m1!1s0x4641838b248a1cbf:0xcca0add4a7eb5b82!2m2!1d11.0962176!2d60.1978869!1m5!1m1!1s0x4643ed2879d6542b:0x679821895bc97ac3!2m2!1d11.5948596!2d59.5880911!1m5!1m1!1s0x46400041ce2ea20f:0x4273878c318cf4b3!2m2!1d9.2323598!2d60.9858348!1m5!1m1!1s0x463e13cfcfc357c3:0x33286ff6aad510c5!2m2!1d7.1117849!2d60.8607716!1m5!1m1!1s0x463f945e3b790339:0x2174cde20bb54ac6!2m2!1d8.5610211!2d60.6303964!1m5!1m1!1s0x46407434cc2434ed:0xcf6e3fc7b7e9597a!2m2!1d9.1027428!2d60.5680861!1m5!1m1!1s0x463f5c518904f7ed:0x911927779dc14eea!2m2!1d8.6117346!2d59.8792427!1m5!1m1!1s0x463893fdc32d07b7:0xa708edcba38db7ee!2m2!1d8.0846253!2d59.1842514!1m5!1m1!1s0x463a10de318ff609:0xa05b87a25436244e!2m2!1d5.8018921!2d58.5038716!1m5!1m1!1s0x463bdeaba305ee25:0xdf85f1a1f35a2921!2m2!1d6.1722997!2d59.2329017!3e0). Note listed stops are just there to make the route, and some roads not shown due to current closures (like Trollstigen). Total drive time increased, so might add another day.
Sognefjord, Flåm, you seem to miss it by driving valdres-filefjell-hemsedal, but I might be wrong
Looks doable – if you’re renting an electric car, have you accounted for charging stops and made sure there are charging stations where you’ll need them?
Consider driving through Røros via Stjørdal rather than Oppdal
I’m curious if there’s a reason you’re skipping the [Atlantic road](https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/fjord-norway/northwest/listings-northwest/norwegian-scenic-routes-the-atlantic-road/11862/). It’s not faster, but it’s pretty.
Edit to add: rv 3 is also faster, but Dovre is also more interesting (imo) unless you’ve done it before.
You’re missing out on all the scenery on the west coast btw
What is it that you want to see? Mountains, fjords, the coast, captain sabretooth we got them all. I’m sure someone can point out hidden gems along your route as well 😉
Why Rødenes? Not exactly a place most foreign tourists would go.
Personal preference, but I would change the route between Oslo and Trondheim to go through Lillehammer, Otta and Dombås
yes.
I’d consider RV 7 from Eidfjord to Geilo because of Vøringsfossen , but I’m sure there’s plenty cool things on your trip.
Nice detour along Jæren too, quite unique.
Fyresdal is a beautiful place! You should check out their horseback riding tours! You don’t need any experience and get to move around in the woods and then suddenly be on top of a mountain with beautiful view over the valley! And they have a new treetop road that’s opening next weekend!
The part from Trondheim down to Elverum is extremely boring inmho. It’s the same landscape for hours and hours. But that might be because of my familiarity with the landscape. I dont have any alternative routes for this stretch though, as the one planned is as good as it gets
I did this in NZ a few years back for 14 days. It was fun but a hard slog. I’d recommend to give yourself room for extra days in places if you can.
I am not an Easterner, but make sure you have researched the Oslo to Trondheim part so you are not on a road with nothing to see except trees.
Consider going over Suleskard and Brokke towards Fyresdal instead of doing the 42 and 41 if you can get away with it charging wise. It’s a much more scenic route.
Drive over Dombås and oppdal instead, way prettier.
Would recommend not to skip Kristiansand – the views there are gorgeous and has a great WWII museum.
On the Ålesund to Trondheim day you really should drive trough Averøy instead of Batnfjorden. You will hit two feries that day anyway so you get some rest and skipping The Atlantic Road is a shame
Too much if i were you i wouldnt go to trondheim although its beautiful (except you have been to norway before but then maybe only the northern prts of this route
Imo this are two 30 day trips or at least the south is and the north probably a 20 day trip (if you cut the route exactly where the 48hr marker is)
What actually is it you want to do go hiking or see the cities…
Au spesific reason you choose Ålesund – Molde – Trondheim? If not, the route that takes you from Ålesund to Trondheim trough Dombås is about the same time, and way prettier in my opinion. You get to drive past Trollveggen and over the Dovre Mountain where you have a chance of seeing musk ox. And Ofcourse its known for the troll in the hall of the Mountain king (Dovregubben)
Enjoy your trip! The route looks pretty nice!
You are missing the Atlantic Road with that route
You’re leaving out the whole south-east coast in summertime, which in my opinion is a travesty.
Next time you come to norway I reccomend visiting the west coast
Uhm. Depends on what you want? Just driving to see nature from the car, or also hiking?
I would look at “national tourist roads” and try to add as many of them as possible. Atlanterhavsvegen, Tindevegen, Gamle Strynefjellvegen, Sognefjell, Gaularfjell at least. Some of these are step, narrow and twisty, just be aware.
I have been driving around on the west side for years, absolutly loving it! But I spend 2-3 weeks on much smaller areas than this.
I am curious about your route, why you want to go certain places. Do you mind posting destinations, as I think that would make more sense for ppl when giving advice.
Personally I would go from Oslo due east across Hardangervidda towards Odda and then turn north to Bergen, then spend most of the time exploring between there and Trondheim, before turning back towards Oslo either over Dovre and Valdresflya, or Røros and Femunden. Both of these last two are the best scenic routes going north – south on the east side of the mountians.
Here is a tip for a camp with a view under the stars, Litlefjell in Rauma. 20 min hike from the car, best view you will ever get for that effort.
You will spend more time waiting for chargers to be free thanks driving some days
Dont skip out on the coastal cities in Agder – Risør, Arendal and Grimstad. Small but pretty (in summer).
I would go down sandefjord to Kragerø if you plan to visit in the summer
You are missing out on Røros
Do you enjoy driving? Can you enjoy scenery while driving? Even on smaller, winding roads with tourists stopping in dangerous places around the curve? Those are big factors on if it is a good route. And also how much activities you would likr to do. Some hikes tske some time, and if you are not used to hiking the time estimates might be wrong.
I did “all of scotland” in 1 week, on public transport (and some hitchiking). And despite being constantly on the move I really enjoyed it as the scenery was wonderful, and the people too. But I got to relax when on a train or bus, just looking out the window… But if driving is relaxing-ish to you, then 2-3 hour should not be a problem.
However: 20 days is quite long, and I think some flexibility to make decisions as you go would be nice. I do understand that this might be hard when you need to pre book hostels etc. But having the option to stay longer in places you love, or take a break or cut things short if you see the route is not working for you, would be the best (based on my own backpacking/long travels). Then again, flexibility is also how we ended up not having time to visit Yosemite or a NP on a California road trip. We spent too much town on the coast and in San Francisco (but it was right for us).
Unless you’re really into Quisling, I’d not go down to Fyresdal from Rjukan. Turn west in Dalen towards Setesdalen and E9. From there on take the Suleskard road and continue down RV450 towards Stavanger.
Would recommend spending at least 1 – 2 days on the south coast and dropping Telemark/Midt-Norge. I would stick to the coast as much as possible (goes for most of Norway).
Drop the middle part south of Rjukan – go Ronado and follow Gudbrandsdalen/Dovre for some picturesque stuff.
Personally I would’ve gone through Gudbrandsdalen (Lillehammer, Otta, Dombås and then go through Oppdal) since it is a breathtaking sight, but I don’t know what you are focusing on on this trip, nor do I know which route has more charging stations.
You should Get to experience the southern fjord experience, it is the most peaceful and beautiful experience to take a boat through the isletts in Sandefjord and cities around😍
I would recommend going E6 from Oppdal to Dombås and Otta. More scenic route than the utterly boring miles and miles of forest on Rv.3, and if you’re incredible lucky you could end up seeing the musks of Dovre.