Norway: The road trip from Oslo to the Atlantic Road you want to live!
Imagine travelling in a van on a road that floats above the Atlantic, where the bridges look like ships attempting to cross the ocean. Every bridge, every fjord, every bend gifts you a landscape that looks like a painting and makes you want to stop, take a deep breath and snap a photo.
If you’re one of those people who love nature, fjords, freedom and road trips without strict, cookie-cutter itineraries — well, then this journey is tailor-made for you.
The starting point: Lively Oslo
The journey begins in Oslo, a city that blends the modern with the natural landscape in a way only Scandinavia knows how. Modern architecture, skyscrapers, incredibly beautiful little wooden and colourful houses, plenty of parks and greenery everywhere. A stroll along the waterfront is perhaps the best place to start your wanderings. That’s where you’ll find the Oslo Opera House, a contemporary building that’s wonderful for your morning walk or an evening amble beside the sunset. Right next door is the Edvard Munch museum, where besides his works you can gaze out over Oslo from a 13-storey landmark building. If you want more ideas for what to see in the capital, check out our detailed guide to the best sights in Oslo.
A short walk from the harbour you’ll also find Akershus Fortress, a castle that takes you back in time to 1290. Other spots in Oslo worth wandering through are two enormous parks, Ekebergparken and Frognerparken, where beyond gardens and small lakes you’ll come across many beautiful sculptures. If you’re into museums, two that are well worth it are the Viking Ship Museum, or Vikingskipshuset, and the museum of folk history, or Norsk Folkemuseum.
Where to eat in Oslo before hitting the road
Now, if you want to get a proper taste of Oslo, here are the two best places for foodies:
1. Mathallen Oslo: Oslo’s most popular food market, offering a huge variety of traditional Norwegian and international food. There you’ll find loads of stalls and little shops with fresh produce, local fish, street food from all over the world, wonderful sweet treats and drinks, and many, many beers. With a bit of luck you might even stumble upon a food festival.
2. Oslo Street Food: relaxed and welcoming, with colourful dishes on display across various stands. A lovely space full of different food stalls offering international delicacies. It’s ideal for trying local treats such as fresh seafood, traditional meat dishes and innovative vegetarian and vegan options in a lively, friendly setting with great people and music — flavours from all over the world in a unique atmosphere.
But the real journey begins the moment you leave the city behind and head north towards Norway’s great wild landscapes.
The road opens up ahead
Lakes mirroring the sky, green mountains stretching out around you, rivers flowing alongside the road, and little houses with roofs covered in earth and grass that blend harmoniously into the landscape.
Less than two hours from Oslo, you absolutely must make a stop at Norway’s largest and most impressive lake, Lake Mjøsa. If you wander around it, you’ll find nothing but beautiful spots — hiking trails, waterfalls, and a small wooden jetty that is also the lake’s best viewpoint.
Two lovely towns on its shores are Gjøvik, with its wonderful view over the lake, and Hamar; both often make an ideal holiday destination.
Also near the lake rises one of the tallest wooden buildings in the world, the Mjøstårnet, whose 18 storeys make it a showcase of sustainable architecture and environmental awareness in urban design. On the road from tranquillity towards the magic of the Atlantic Road, a good option for an overnight stay on the route from Oslo to the Atlantic Road (or Atlanterhavsveien) is a small picturesque town, Otta.
An impressive waterfall that’s on your way to the fjords and shouldn’t be missed is Slettafossen, just an hour and a half from Otta.
Delight at every turn: Trollstigen – The ultimate road for an unforgettable road trip through Norwegian nature
The climax of the adventure, just before you lay eyes on the first fjords, comes with a magical experience: an unforgettable drive along the famous Trollstigen road, with its 11 unique hairpins and stunning bends. The renowned Trollstigen climbs to a height of 858 metres, offering breathtaking panoramic views over lush green valleys, rushing waterfalls and imposing mountains. It’s a must-visit spot for every lover of mountain driving and pure natural beauty. An unforgettable road for a road trip in nature, full of thrills and surprises!
The legendary Atlantic Road
And just like that… you arrive at the Atlantic Road, the heart of the journey!
The Atlantic Road is rightly considered one of the most impressive roads in the whole world. It links small islets out in the ocean with a series of bridges that seem to hover above the water. Driving there makes you feel as if you’re travelling on the sea itself.
Bridges gliding over the waves, ocean and wild nature all around you. All of it fills you with a sense of freedom and adventure. It’s no coincidence that it has been voted one of the most beautiful road routes in the world many times over.
On days when the weather is calm, sea and sky become one. When the weather turns wild and the wind picks up, the waves crash hard against the bridges and the landscape transforms into a film set. As you’ve gathered, either way you simply must stop at one of the viewpoints to feel what cannot be put into words. This part of the journey is something you just have to live.
Little escapes and stops that are worth it
One of the beauties of this journey is the many spots that deserve a stop:
Molde: The “town of roses”, with its panoramic view over dozens of snow-capped peaks. An ideal spot to enjoy a relaxed coffee with a fantastic view and a lovely wander through romantic scenery.
Åndalsnes: Surrounded by imposing mountains and fjords, it’s a perfect base for short hikes that will make you feel both the power and the calm of Norwegian nature.
Bud: a picturesque, authentic fishing village at the end of the Atlantic Road route — a place to unwind and feel the pulse of traditional Norway just before you continue on your way, and also an ideal spot to get a taste of traditional dishes with ultra-fresh fish and seafood, such as salmon, prawns and cod. Once you’ve refuelled at a local tavern or canteen, it’s worth taking a stroll along the village waterfront. You’ll walk past fishing boats, little boats for day trips and cruise ships — all through charming lanes, set against a backdrop where mountains and sea intertwine.
After all, every stop on this journey adds something different and makes the route even richer.
An experience made for free-spirited travellers
This route is ideal for those who love the freedom of the road.
A road trip like this isn’t only about the places you see. It’s the feeling of nature’s beauty. Travelling alongside fjords, coming across lakes big and small, driving through lush green roads, or relaxing and having fun under Norway’s starry sky makes the experience even more powerful. No strict schedules needed. You can stop wherever you like. That, after all, is the magic of this road trip. Wherever you stop, the landscape reminds you that here, nature has the final say. So, if somewhere in the back of your mind lives the idea of the ultimate road trip, this is the place to live it.
Little tips for big experiences
- July-August is the ideal period. The days are long (even 17+ hours of daylight!). All the roads are open and snow-free, and the temperatures are friendlier (roughly 10-20°C). Heads up: the summer months are high season. So you may need to book tickets, accommodation and transport early to avoid a last-minute scramble.
- What to wear: dress like an onion. A top, a hoodie, a waterproof outer layer and non-slip shoes. Rain in Norway is like an uninvited guest that drops by out of nowhere.
- If you want tips on how not to blow your budget sky-high, check here.
Bergen: Colour, life and culture on every corner
Norway’s liveliest city – boat rides on fjords, fish meze, panoramic views and nightlife
Bergen, with the colourful houses of Bryggen and an atmosphere that mixes sea air with history, grabs you straight away. It’s no coincidence that many call it Norway’s liveliest city. If you want to explore it further, see our detailed guide to travelling in Bergen.
Built around a fjord and framed by seven mountains, Bergen’s historic harbour is the best spot to begin getting to know the city. From here you can take a one-hour cruise on the fjord aboard small boats (around €35 with a bit of searching). That way you’ll see the gorgeous Bryggen neighbourhood from the water — famous for its traditional, colourful wooden houses and its fish stalls with the seagulls. What’s more, from the sea you can also make out the seven mountains around the city – with Fløyen hill standing out. Best time? Morning for fewer crowds and clean light, or at sunset for more atmospheric photos.
The best place to watch the sunset isn’t at the harbour, but up high. Don’t skip the climb up Fløyen hill. You can take the funicular or walk for about an hour from the Fish Market at Bryggen. You’ll wind uphill past beautiful villas with views, gradually leaving the city’s bustle behind and entering paths through the trees. At every turn you’ll find a new corner for photos. City, fjord and nature all together. And once you reach the top, the most complete picture of Bergen spreads out before you, with a view that truly takes your breath away.
Make a stop at Fantoft Stave Church, an unusual wooden church from 1150. It’s definitely worth it and will impress you with its austere, mystical aura.
Life and rhythm in the centre of Bergen
As the light fades, the city changes tempo. The squares fill up, the bar lights come on, and locals mingle with travellers from every corner of the world. On top of that, the city’s countless music venues and quirky pubs are perfect for closing out your day with one (or more) laid-back beers. And of course, live music and wonderful conversations.
Norway is waiting for you – Shall we go?
Norway isn’t going anywhere; the roads are open, the fjords, the curious bridges and the view of the Atlantic are all there, and the music and the rest of the crew in the van are waiting for you. Will you come?
If you’re looking for your next big journey, maybe it’s time to answer the call of the North.
With love for travel, road trips and adventure.
The Altervan team.
https://www.facebook.com/307496722995055/posts/1384664538611596/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v
