Oslo to Bergen: Driving One of the Most Epic Road Trips in Norway
Norway is a beautiful country, and one of the best ways to see it is to take a road trip from Oslo to Bergen – the two largest cities in Norway. You’ll be driving through the scenic Norwegian countryside with mountains on one side and fjords on the other. This drive is truly one of the best ways to explore Norway.
You’ll start in the busy streets of Oslo in southeastern Norway and head over to laid-back Bergen in southwestern Norway. This epic road trip is packed with jaw-dropping views, epic pit stops, and enough Instagram-worthy moments to make your friends and family jealous.
Let’s get started by diving into where to stop between Oslo and Bergen. It’s sure to be one of your favorite trips!
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Map of Oslo to Bergen Road Trip Route
View your route from Oslo to Bergen, Norway on this handy map. Then dive into the itinerary below to learn more about each of your stops along the way.
Before you set off on your road trip, you may need to rent a car or find someplace to stay in Oslo. To do so, I recommend checking out Discover Cars as you’ll be able to search over 500 suppliers at once and have free cancellation should your plans change. Now let’s talk about Oslo.
Oslo is home to of the largest airports in Norway and therefore the starting point for many travelers to Norway. You may want to spend a couple of days exploring all there is to do in Oslo before setting out. However, most of the scenery that Norway is known for is found outside of the city… that’s where this Oslo to Bergen road trip comes into play!
Where to Stay in Oslo: Hotell Bondeheimen – This central hotel in Oslo is just 328 feet from Oslo’s main shopping street, Karl Johans Gate, and the National Gallery making it a convenient home base in the city.
Day 1: Oslo to Geilo
Begin your drive to Bergen from Oslo early in the morning. Today, you’ll be driving to the picturesque town of Geilo. Along the route, you’ll want to make a stop at the Gol Stave Church. This iconic church is one of the oldest stave churches in Norway and a perfect example of medieval wooden architecture.
Next up, you’ll head from Gol over to Hadeland Glassverk in Jevnaker, where you can witness skilled artisans crafting beautiful glassware. Believe it or not, this historic glassworks facility has been producing exquisite glassware since 1762.
Afterward, continue your drive through valleys and forests until you reach Geilo, a charming mountain village known for its outdoor activities. If you’re visiting in winter, take advantage of the ski slopes, or in any season, simply enjoy the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
In the evening, treat yourself to a traditional Norwegian dinner at one of the many amazing restaurants in Geilo. One of my personal favorites is Hallingstuene as it serves up traditional Norwegian dishes in a cute little red house.
Where to Stay in Geilo: Vestlia Resort: This ski-in ski-out hotel in Geilo, Norway offers lodge-style guest rooms, free Wi-Fi and comprehensive spa and fitness facilities.
- Distance for Day 1: 220 kilometers (137 miles)
- Driving time for Day 1: 3 hours
Day 2: Geilo to Flåm
After breakfast, resume your Oslo to Bergen road trip by heading towards Flåm. The first stop of the day the Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route viewpoint. This popular stop is about halfway between Geilo and Flåm and offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in Norway. You’ll be able to see into the surrounding mountains and fjords.
After you’ve taken in the amazing views, it’s time to head to your destination for the night, Flåm. It is one of the best stops when driving from Oslo and Bergen and one of the best stops on the famous “Norway in a Nutshell” tour.
Once you arrive in Flåm, jump on a scenic cruise through the Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ll see breathtaking scenery that people travel huge distances to get to!
To make it even better, hop on the Flåm Railway, one of the steepest railway lines in the world. It offers amazing views through the mountains from waterfalls to fjords and everything in between. Consider stopping at the Stegastein viewpoint for panorama viewpoints of the fjords below.
After your journey on the railroad, stop by the Flåm Railway Museum to learn more about this engineering feat. It’s free to visit! In the evening, relax with a delicious meal and beer at Ægir Brewpub. It’s situated right in town where you can truly take in the picturesque village of Flåm.
Where to Stay in Flåm: Fretheim Hotel – This refurbished 1800s manor house is 656 feet from the Aurlandsfjord featuring a restaurant, large garden, free WiFi access, and rooms with a view.
- Distance: 160 kilometers (99 miles)
- Driving time: 3-4 hours
Day 3: Flåm to Voss
Today, you’ll set out on the next leg of your drive from Oslo to Bergen towards Voss. It’s only 2 hours away, so you won’t need to make any stops on the way, but I promise you, adventure awaits in Voss!
Upon arrival in Voss, its time to fulfill your adrenaline junkie needs! You can choose from activities like whitewater rafting, skydiving, paragliding, or river stand up paddleboarding. You can also explore the center of town taking a leisurely stroll along the Vosso River. In the winter, you also have the option to hit the slopes at the Voss Resort or nearby Myrkdalen Ski Resort.
As evening sets in, its time to settle into one of Voss’s top restaurants, Vossevangen Grill & Steakhouse. I recommend trying either the reindeer or cod as they are two of their specialities. Also, despite it being a steakhouse, they do have a vegetarian menu available too!
Where to Stay in Voss: Scandic Voss – Scandic Voss offers 4-star accommodations with a sauna, restaurant, fitness center, a bar and ski-to-door access.
- Distance: 110 kilometers (68 miles)
- Driving time: 2 hours
Day 4: Voss to Bergen
For your final day of exploration, depart from Voss and make your way towards Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city. Along the route, consider stopping at the Steinsdalsfossen waterfall, where you can walk behind the cascading waters. It’s a very cool experience!
Once you arrive in Bergen, it’s time to start checking off the best things to do in Bergen. One of my favorite ways to get acquainted to a new city is to take a walking tour, and Bergen is no different. I recommend starting your time with this Bergen walking tour.
Spend the rest of the day exploring the city. Lose yourself in the historic streets at the Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the city’s rich Hanseatic history at the Bergenhus Fortress and Rosenkrantz Tower. Take a ride on the Fløibanen funicular for panoramic views of Bergen from Mount Fløyen. Indulge in fresh seafood at the famous Bergen Fish Market.
Having completed your Oslo to Bergen drive, it’s time to relax and plan out the next part of your Norway trip. To do so, get comfortable at one of the best hotels in Bergen and enjoy a few days exploring the amazing things to see and do in Bergen!
Where to Stay in Bergen: Bergen Bors Hotel – Bergen Bors is a beautiful hotel located in an old stock exchange building from 1862 in central Bergen.
- Distance: 100 kilometers (62 miles)
- Driving time: 1.5-2 hours
FAQs about Driving from Oslo to Bergen
Learn the ins and outs of driving Oslo to Bergen, Norway, from how long it takes to when to do the drive, and so much more.
The driving distance from Oslo to Bergen is approximately 500 kilometers (310 miles), and the journey typically takes around 7 to 8 hours without stops. With all of your stops, I recommend takings three or four days to do the drive across Norway from Oslo to Bergen.
The best time to drive from Oslo to Bergen is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is generally milder, and the roads are less likely to be affected by snow or ice. However, be prepared for increased traffic during this time.
Yes, there are several toll roads along the route from Oslo to Bergen, including sections of the E16 and E134 highways. I recommend carrying some local currency (Norwegian krone) for toll payments, as not all toll booths accept credit cards.
Driving from Oslo to Bergen is one of the best ways to get from point to point, but you can also choose to fly or take the train. If you fly, you’ll miss a lot of the scenery but save some time. The Bergensbanen train on the other hand is a great option as you’ll still get to enjoy the scenery from the train windows.
If you’re visiting Norway as a tourist and have a valid driver’s license from your home country, you can typically use it to drive legally in Norway for up to three months. Make sure to carry your license, passport, and any necessary vehicle documentation with you while driving.
Yes, there are several scenic stops and attractions worth exploring along the route, including the Stegastein viewpoint near Aurlandsvangen, the Tvindefossen waterfall near Voss, and the Borgund Stave Church near Laerdal. Additionally, the Aurlandsfjellet Scenic Route offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and fjords.
In case of an emergency while driving in Norway, dial the national emergency number 112 for assistance. It’s also a good idea to have a basic understanding of Norwegian road signs and traffic regulations, as well as to carry a mobile phone with a charged battery and a car emergency kit with essential supplies.
Yes, there are certain regulations and restrictions for driving in Norway, including speed limits, alcohol limits with a 0.02% blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers, and mandatory use of headlights at all times, even during the day. Make sure to familiarize yourself with these rules before hitting the road.
Explore More of Norway
Driving Oslo to Bergen is just scratching the surface of the incredible country of Norway. To continue planning your trip to Norway, check out these helpful posts. They’ll take you deep into the planning of your trip to Oslo, Bergen, and Tromso.
- How Expensive is Tromsø, Norway? Plus, 9 Tips to Save Money in Tromsø
- 8 Amazing Places to Stay in Tromso: Hotels for Your Bucket List
- 7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Traveling to Tromsø, Norway
- 19 Best Things to Do in Tromso, Norway: Season-by-Season
- How to See the Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway
- Do It Yourself “Norway in a Nutshell” Tour: A Day Trip Itinerary
- 10 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Norway
- Oslo to Bergen: Driving One of the Most Epic Road Trips in Norway
- 11 Things to Know Before Visiting Bergen, Norway
- The True Cost of Visiting Bergen, Norway: Know Before You Go!
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