Exploring the Majestic Landscapes of Norway by Car: Our Unforgettable Holiday

As someone who has always been captivated by the natural beauty and rich culture of northern countries, Norway has long been at the top of our travel bucket list. The stunning fjords, shimmering lakes, and dramatic mountains have beckoned us ever since we first saw photos of this breathtaking landscape. Driven by a desire to experience the enchanting scenery and rich history firsthand, we decided to embark on an unforgettable journey through Norway from June 8th to June 18th.

We chose to travel by car for this adventure, as we truly love road trips and the sense of freedom they provide. The ability to stop at scenic viewpoints, explore off-the-beaten-path locations, and savor the journey as much as the destination made this trip even more special. With a carefully crafted itinerary filled with scenic drives, boat tours, and encounters with nature, we set out to discover what makes Norway a dream destination for travelers from around the world.

Day 1: Travel to Norway

Our journey began with an early morning departure from Vienna to Ibis Budget in Handewitt, Germany, covering approximately 1,138 km. We booked our accommodation through Booking.com to ensure a comfortable stay along our route. The anticipation built as we prepared for the enchanting landscapes of Norway.

Day 2: Ferry to Kristiansand

After a restful night, we hit the road again, heading to Hirtshals, Denmark. The 365 km journey culminated in a scenic ferry ride with company Color Line, departing at 12:15 PM and arriving in Kristiansand at 3:30 PM. We booked our ferry tickets for this specific route through Color Line’s official website for approximately €40 per person. From there, we continued to Stavanger, where we checked into the inviting Frogner House Apartments.

The apartment was very clean, with a simple Norwegian style that made us feel right at home. The self-check-in process was incredibly convenient, allowing us to settle in without any hassle. We discovered an Italian restaurant located inside the apartment building that served amazing pizza—one of the best we’ve ever had! I can confidently say I enjoyed better pizza there than in Italy. Highly recommended!

Day 3: Fjord Cruise and Stavanger Exploration

The highlight of our day was an exhilarating 3.5-hour cruise through the majestic Lysefjord! We booked our tickets through GetYourGuide for approximately €70 per person. Witnessing the breathtaking cliffs and lush scenery was truly unforgettable. After the cruise, we took some time to explore Stavanger, soaking in its charming atmosphere before making our way to Bergen, where we would spend the night.

Day 4: Discovering Bergen

Bergen greeted us with its picturesque harbor and vibrant culture. We pre-booked our boat tour to Mostraumen through GetYourGuide for around €50 per person. We also decided to use an audio guide to explore Bergen, which we found through GetYourGuide as well—it was fantastic and enriched our understanding of the city's history.

Day 5: Nature's Wonders

The next day led us to explore the stunning waterfalls and viewpoints surrounding Bergen. We visited the majestic Tvindefossen Waterfall, the breathtaking Stegastein Lookout, and the iconic Borgund Stave Church. Later, we embarked on a scenic cruise on the Nærøyfjord, which we booked via Norway's Best for about €70 per person. This cruise is known to be one of the most beautiful fjord experiences in the world!

Day 6: Journey to Briksdal

After checking out from our hotel, we made our way north towards Briksdal. Here, you have the option to either walk to the glacier or take the troll car tour for a thrilling experience. We chose the troll car option, booking our tickets through Briksdal Fjellstove for approximately €35 per person. The tour was exhilarating, and we marveled at the towering ice formations. We wrapped up our day at Stryn Kaffebar & Vertshus, savoring the local cuisine.

Day 7: Exploring Geiranger

Our next destination was awe-inspiring Geiranger. We took the scenic route Fv63, but note that the road toward Geiranger is closed during the winter months, so it's important to plan accordingly.

On the way, we made several breathtaking stops for stunning views that we highly recommend:

• Breiddalen Valley Lookout (GPS: Fv63, 6216 Geiranger, Norway) offered magnificent panoramas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

• Djupvatnet is another scenic spot worth the visit, known for its beautiful lake views and nearby accommodations.

• We then took a paved road leading up to Dalsnibba, a viewpoint situated 1,500 meters above sea level, providing an exceptionally stunning view of the Geirangerfjord and the surrounding landscape. The views here were truly breathtaking!

• Finally, we visited Blåfjellbrakka, another viewpoint that showcased the dramatic scenery and made for an unforgettable stop.

Day 8: Journey to Malmö

We set off early in the morning, leaving the breathtaking landscapes of Geiranger behind. As we began our drive back to Vienna, we decided to take a different route, which allowed us to explore more of the beautiful scenery and towns along the way.

Our first stop was in Malmö, Sweden, where we planned to stay for the night. Due to the long drive, we didn’t have much time to explore the city. Instead, we checked into our accommodation, enjoyed a nice dinner at a local restaurant, and then had an early night’s sleep to rest for the journey ahead.

The next day, we prepared to cross the Øresund Bridge, which connects Sweden to Denmark. This impressive bridge is not only an architectural marvel but also offers stunning views of the water and the surrounding area. The cost for crossing the Øresund Bridge by car was approximately €60.

As we crossed the bridge, we appreciated the unique experience it provided, linking two countries so effortlessly. After reaching Denmark, we continued our journey back toward Vienna, reflecting on the incredible memories we had created throughout our Norwegian holiday.

Insider Tips for Low-Budget Travel on a Road Trip from Austria to Norway

• Plan Your Route: Use route planning apps or websites such as Google Maps or ViaMichelin to find the most efficient and cost-effective routes. Avoid toll roads where possible, or choose routes that offer beautiful scenery rather than highways.

• Travel Off-Peak: If your schedule allows, plan your trip during the shoulder seasons (spring or early fall) when accommodation and ferry prices may be lower, and attractions are less crowded.

• Book Accommodation in Advance: Use platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb to find affordable lodging options. Consider staying in budget hotels, hostels, or even camping to save on accommodation costs.

• Prepare Your Meals: Pack a cooler with snacks and easy-to-make meals. Buying groceries instead of eating out will significantly cut down your costs. Look for supermarkets along your route, and prepare picnics to enjoy at scenic stops.

• Utilize Free Attractions: Norway has stunning natural landscapes that are free to explore! Visit national parks, hiking trails, and beaches. Research free attractions in cities, such as parks, public art installations, and waterfront areas.

• Take Advantage of Discounts: Look for discount cards or passes for attractions and public transportation. Consider purchasing a Norway in a Nutshell pass for access to popular sights and a savings bundle.

• Use Fuel Apps: Download fuel price comparison apps to find the best prices along your route. Plan your refueling stops to maximize savings.

• Travel with Friends or Family: Share costs by traveling with a group. This can help save on fuel, accommodation, and food expenses.

• Avoid Tolls When Possible: Research alternative routes that avoid tolls. While it may take longer, it could save you substantial amounts