7 Day Norway Road Trip Itinerary: Stavanger, Odda, Geiranger, Lillehammer & Oslo
Norway was the third stop on our 5-week European adventure after spending 8 nights driving around Iceland’s Ring Road and 5 nights exploring the Faroe Islands.
After two trips filled with dramatic landscapes, we decided that Norway was the perfect place to continue the road trip. We rented a car and spent 7 days driving through some of western and eastern Norway’s most scenic areas, including Stavanger, Odda, Geiranger, Lillehammer and Oslo.
Over the course of the trip, we spent a lot of time on the road — roughly 25 hours of driving. We drove alongside fjords, through mountain valleys, past waterfalls and over winding mountain roads.
Would I recommend doing this exact itinerary in 7 days?
Honestly, probably not.
We did it, and it was great, but it was also rushed. If I were planning this trip again, I would give myself 10–12 days so there was more time for hiking, relaxing in the towns and enjoying the scenery instead of constantly checking the clock.
But if you only have a week and want to see as much of Norway as possible, this itinerary shows you what we managed to fit in — including some of our favorite experiences of the entire trip.
Our 7 Day Norway Road Trip at a Glance
Here is exactly how we split up our week:
| Destination | Nights | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Stavanger | 1 | Lysefjord cruise, Pulpit Rock views, colorful Old Town |
| Odda | 2 | Buarbreen Glacier hike, Hardangerfjord, Trolltunga region |
| Geiranger | 2 | Seven Sisters Waterfall, kayaking, Geirangerfjord |
| Lillehammer | 1 | Balbergkampen hike, Olympic history |
| Oslo | 1 | Opera House, Sørenga, Oslo waterfront |
Our route: Oslo → Stavanger → Odda → Geiranger → Lillehammer → Oslo
If you can make this trip longer
I would stretch this itinerary to 10–12 days.
The biggest change I would make is adding extra nights in the fjord regions. Norway’s roads are part of the experience, but travel times can be deceiving because many roads are narrow and winding, and you’ll naturally want to stop for viewpoints along the way. Norway also has road tolls and car ferries to account for when planning a driving route.
Renting a Car in Norway
A rental car was the right choice for this particular itinerary.
Norway has an excellent public transportation system, but having our own car gave us the freedom to stop whenever we wanted, reach hiking trails and viewpoints, and travel between smaller towns that would have been much more difficult to fit into a one-week itinerary.
That said, driving in Norway takes longer than you might expect.
A route that looks short on a map can take several hours because of mountain roads, tunnels, ferries, lower speed limits and the number of times you’ll want to pull over for a view.
Norway also uses automatic road tolls, so don’t be surprised if additional toll charges appear on your rental car bill.
My Norway driving tips
- Don’t plan your days too tightly.
- Expect mountain roads to take longer than Google Maps initially suggests.
- Download offline maps in case you lose service.
- Keep an eye out for designated pull-offs instead of stopping along the road.
- Check ferry schedules before setting out.
- Make sure you have plenty of fuel before heading into remote mountain areas.
- Check road conditions before driving scenic mountain routes.
- Give yourself extra time for photo stops — because you WILL want to stop constantly.
And one very important tip: don’t underestimate how beautiful the drive itself is.
Some of our favorite moments in Norway weren’t planned attractions at all. They were the random waterfalls, fjords and mountain views we came across while driving.
Our Experience in Norway in Summer
We visited July 20–July 27 and had mostly partly cloudy and sunny warm weather.
Geiranger was noticeably cooler and cloudier, so I was glad I packed layers and a lightweight rain jacket.
My biggest surprise was how uncrowded some places felt despite visiting in July.
Day 1: Oslo Airport to Stavanger
Drive time: approximately 7 hours
Our Norway trip started a little chaotically. After leaving the Faroe Islands, our flight to Oslo was delayed by about six hours. By the time we finally landed at Oslo Airport, it was already late — and we still had a roughly 7-hour drive ahead of us to Stavanger. Not exactly the relaxing beginning we had imagined.
We picked up our rental car, grabbed some coffee and started driving. Unfortunately, it was dark for most of the drive, so we missed out on what I’m sure would have been some beautiful scenery.
We eventually arrived at our Airbnb in Stavanger around 5 AM. Thankfully, our host was incredibly accommodating and allowed us a late checkout, which meant we could get at least a few hours of sleep before starting our first real day in Norway.
Would I do this drive again?
No. If your schedule allows, I would strongly recommend breaking up the drive or flying into Stavanger instead of landing in Oslo and immediately driving across the country.
Norway is too beautiful to spend your first several hours driving through the darkness.
Day 2: Stavanger & Lysefjord Cruise
After our very late night, we slept as long as possible before heading out to explore Stavanger.
Stavanger is one of those cities that doesn’t require a packed itinerary. It was fun simply walking around the harbor, grabbing coffee and exploring the colorful streets.
Explore Øvre Holmegate
One of my favorite areas was Øvre Holmegate, a colorful street filled with bright buildings, cafés, restaurants and shops.
Stavanger is also home to Gamle Stavanger, the historic Old Stavanger neighborhood, with traditional white wooden houses and cobblestone streets.
Lysefjord Cruise
That afternoon, we joined a 3.5-hour Lysefjord cruise with Rødne Fjord Cruise.
We paid approximately $95 per person at the time of our trip.
The cruise took us through the Lysefjord, with towering cliffs, waterfalls and views of Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, high above the fjord.
The boat itself was spacious, with comfortable indoor seating and a café serving drinks and snacks.
After spending several days road-tripping through the Faroe Islands, it was nice to sit down and simply enjoy the scenery without having to navigate anything.
Things to Do in Stavanger If You Have More Time
We only had one night in Stavanger, so there was plenty we didn’t get to experience.
Hike to Preikestolen
This is probably the biggest one. Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, is one of Norway’s most famous hikes and overlooks Lysefjord from above. If hiking is a priority for you, I’d choose this over our fjord cruise if you only have time for one major activity.
Kjeragbolten
For a more challenging adventure, Kjerag is famous for the massive boulder wedged between two cliffs above Lysefjord. This is another hike that requires more time and favorable conditions.
Day 2 Continued: Stavanger to Odda
After dinner in Stavanger, we started the approximately 4-hour drive to Odda.
Odda would be our home base for the next two nights.
Along the drive you’ll see Låtefossen Waterfall a twin waterfall located south of Odda.
We stayed in a cozy Airbnb with beautiful water views and ended the night with wine on the porch at Vertshuset Bar.
Odda ended up being one of my favorite stops because it felt less like a traditional tourist destination and more like a small Norwegian town surrounded by amazing scenery.
Day 3: Buarbreen Glacier Hike in Odda
Our original plan for Odda was to hike Trolltunga.
But after the delayed flight, overnight drive and lack of sleep, an 11-hour hike didn’t exactly sound like a good life decision. So we changed plans and discovered the Buarbreen Glacier hike, which became one of my favorite surprises of the trip.
Buarbreen is a glacier arm of the massive Folgefonna glacier, and the trailhead is only a short drive from Odda.
Buarbreen Hike Details
- Distance: approximately 6 km / 3.7 miles round trip
- Time: approximately 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Location: near Buer
- Parking: approximately 150 NOK when we visited
- What to bring: sturdy shoes, water, layers and a rain jacket
The trail includes:
- Suspension bridges
- Steep sections
- Rope-assisted climbs
- Rocky terrain
- Glacial rivers
- Views of Buarbreen glacier
It felt more adventurous than a typical hiking trail without requiring the entire day that Trolltunga would have taken.
We started around 6 PM, which ended up being perfect. We encountered very few people and finished close to sunset around 10pm.
Afterward, we stopped at Buer Restaurant for wine and cheese before heading back to our Airbnb.
Other Things to Do Around Odda
Odda is an especially good base if you’re interested in hiking and outdoor adventures.
Trolltunga
This is the obvious one. Trolltunga is the famous rock formation extending over Lake Ringedalsvatnet.
The hike is significantly more demanding than Buarbreen, and you should plan on dedicating most of the day to it.
Current tourism information describes the route as roughly 12-17 miles (20-27 km) depending on the route, and guided options are available.
If Trolltunga is on your bucket list, I would absolutely give Odda an extra day rather than trying to squeeze it into the schedule.
Folgefonna Glacier
If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, guided glacier trips are available on Folgefonna.
Kayaking or RIB tours
Hardangerfjord is another great place to get out on the water, with kayaking and RIB tours available.
If I had three nights in Odda: I would do Buarbreen, Trolltunga and one slower day exploring the Hardangerfjord area.
Day 4: Scenic Drive from Odda to Geiranger
Drive time: approximately 8 hours
This was our longest driving day — but also one of the most beautiful.
And when I say the drive is scenic, I mean the drive itself is an attraction.
We passed:
- Waterfalls
- Glaciers
- Mountain valleys
- Fjords
- Tiny villages
- Winding mountain roads
- Scenic viewpoints
We eventually arrived in Geiranger around 8 PM and checked into a small Airbnb overlooking the fjord. Our Airbnb had a little café where we grabbed sandwiches before calling it a night. After such a long day of driving, we were more than ready for bed.
Day 5: Kayaking the Geirangerfjord to Seven Sisters Waterfall
This was easily one of my favorite experiences in Norway.
We rented single kayaks from Active Geiranger and paddled through the Geirangerfjord toward the famous Seven Sisters waterfall.
The Geirangerfjord is one of Norway’s most iconic fjord landscapes and is part of the UNESCO-listed West Norwegian Fjords. The surrounding area is filled with waterfalls, mountain farms and dramatic cliffs.
Our Kayaking Experience
At the time of our trip:
- Cost: approximately $60 per person
- Time: 3–4 hours
- Distance: approximately 10 miles round trip
- Kayak: single
- Closed-toe shoes recommended
- Bring: waterproof jacket and water
There are also guided kayaking options if you aren’t comfortable navigating the fjord yourself.
The paddle toward Seven Sisters was surprisingly calm.
The return trip? Not so much. We were paddling against the current, and suddenly those 10 miles felt a lot longer. Still completely worth it.
Important tip
Don’t underestimate the distance just because the water looks calm. Weather and wind can change, and paddling back against the current took considerably more effort than the trip out.
Relaxing at Hotel Union Geiranger
After kayaking, we decided we had earned some serious relaxation.
We purchased a day pass to the spa at Hotel Union Geiranger, which included access to:
- Heated outdoor pool
- Sauna
- Indoor pool
After several days of driving and hiking, this was exactly what we needed.
If you’re planning an active Norway road trip, I highly recommend building in at least one afternoon where you don’t have to do anything.
Other Things to Do in Geiranger
Two nights gave us enough time to experience the fjord, but there are plenty of reasons to stay longer.
Flydalsjuvet
This is one of the classic Geiranger viewpoints. It’s an easy stop and gives you an incredible view over Geirangerfjord.
Ørnesvingen
Also called the Eagle Road, this viewpoint looks down over Geirangerfjord and the surrounding mountains. It’s especially impressive because you can see the fjord and waterfalls from above.
Skageflå
For a longer adventure, you can combine a fjord cruise with a hike to the historic Skageflå mountain farm.
Fjord Cruise
If kayaking isn’t your thing, a traditional fjord cruise is an easier way to experience Geirangerfjord. You can also take the ferry between Geiranger and Hellesylt.
RIB Boat Tour
For something faster, look into a RIB safari through the fjord.
Day 6: Trollstigen, Gudbrandsjuvet & Romsdalsgondolen
Drive time: approximately 6 hours
This was another day where the drive was just as exciting as the destinations.
Our first stop was Gudbrandsjuvet, a dramatic gorge where the Valldøla River rushes through narrow rock formations. We stopped at the café for coffee and enjoyed the views from the viewing platforms. Then we continued toward Trollstigen.
Trollstigen — The Trolls’ Path
Trollstigen is one of Norway’s most famous roads, known for its dramatic 11 hairpin bends climbing the mountainside. At the top, we walked to the viewpoint overlooking the winding road below.
Important: Trollstigen is a seasonal mountain road and can close because of weather or rockfall, so always check current road conditions before planning your drive.
Romsdalsgondolen
While driving, we noticed a gondola in the distance and decided to investigate. That spontaneous decision turned into another one of our favorite stops. We found the Romsdalsgondolen, which takes you up to Nesaksla above Åndalsnes.
At the top, we had incredible views over the surrounding mountains and fjord landscape and stopped at Eggen Restaurant.
If you have extra time in this area, there are also hiking options from the gondola station, including routes toward Rampestreken and Nesaksla.
That evening, we continued driving another 3 hours and 45 minutes to Lillehammer.
More Things to Do Around Trollstigen & Åndalsnes
If you’re able to slow this part of the trip down, I would.
Rampestreken
This famous viewpoint sits high above Åndalsnes and gives you incredible views over the valley.
Romsdalseggen Ridge
For serious hikers, the Romsdalseggen hike is one of the region’s major adventures.
Trollveggen
You can also stop at Trollveggen, or the Troll Wall, a massive mountain cliff that rises roughly 1,000 meters above the valley.
Valldal
Instead of rushing through Gudbrandsjuvet, consider staying in the Valldal area for a night.
There are opportunities for kayaking, hiking, rafting and canyoning in the region.
Day 7: Balbergkampen Hike & Oslo
Drive time to Oslo: approximately 2.5 hours
We had one final morning in Lillehammer before making our way back to Oslo.
We decided to squeeze in one last hike: Balbergkampen.
Balbergkampen Hike
- Distance: approximately 3 km / 1.8 miles
- Time: approximately 1–1.5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
The trail leads to panoramic views over the surrounding valley and even has a swing near the summit.
Afterward, we drove toward Oslo.
One Night in Oslo
By the time we reached Oslo, we were definitely ready to switch from hiking boots to something a little more comfortable.
We explored the waterfront near the Oslo Opera House, then had dinner at Seaport Restaurant.
After dinner, we walked around Sørenga and Sukkerbiten.
It happened to be a beautiful summer evening, and people were swimming and jumping from the docks into the Oslofjord.
Don’t Skip the Oslo Opera House
One thing I would definitely recommend is walking on the roof of the Oslo Opera House. The building was designed with a walkable roof that provides views over the city and Oslofjord.
Other Things to Do in Oslo If You Have More Time
We only had one night, so we barely scratched the surface.
Oslofjord Island Hopping
During the summer, you can take ferries between several of the islands in the Oslofjord for a completely different side of the city.
Holmenkollen
If you have extra time, visit the famous Holmenkollen Ski Museum and ski jump for panoramic views over Oslo.
Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen
These waterfront neighborhoods are great for restaurants, drinks and walking along the harbor.
What I Would Change About This Norway Itinerary
If I could redo this trip, I wouldn’t necessarily change the destinations.
I would change the amount of time.
Seven days was enough to see a LOT of Norway, but it meant we were constantly moving.
There were days where we spent 6–8 hours in the car, followed by an activity, followed by checking into a new Airbnb. It worked because we wanted to see as much as possible, but it wasn’t exactly relaxing.
My ideal version of this trip would be 10–12 days:
Stavanger – 2 nights
More time for Stavanger plus either Preikestolen or Kjerag.
Odda – 3 nights
Buarbreen, Trolltunga and more time around Hardangerfjord.
Geiranger – 3 nights
Kayaking, viewpoints, waterfalls and a slower day enjoying the fjord.
Lillehammer – 1 night
A quick stop for hiking and Olympic history.
Oslo – 2 nights
Enough time to actually explore the city instead of squeezing it into one evening.
That would still give you the road trip experience without feeling like you’re racing from one attraction to the next.
Next Stops
After spending the week hiking, kayaking, driving mountain roads and exploring fjords, we were off to our next adventure — four nights in Belgium for Tomorrowland Festival followed by 4 nights in the Dolomites.
Going from peaceful Norwegian fjords to one of the world’s biggest electronic music festivals was definitely a change of scenery. But that’s what made our 5-week trip so much fun. Every stop felt completely different from the last.
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