Our Road Trip Through the Fjords of Norway

There’s a special kind of magic in the fjords of Norway—where towering cliffs plunge into deep blue waters, and the landscapes shift from dramatic waterfalls to serene villages. While many travelers experience the fjords by cruise ship, we recommend a more immersive route: a scenic road trip through some of Western Norway’s most breathtaking landscape.

In this post, I’ll share the highlights of our journey—stops in Bergen, Flåm, Geiranger, the storybook village of Øye, and Ålesund—as well as tips on navigating ferries, driving in Norway, and making the most of this unforgettable destination.

Planning a trip like this requires more than just booking hotels—it’s about knowing which roads to take, when the ferries run, and how to string together the right mix of scenic beauty, charming stays, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. If a journey like this sounds like your kind of adventure, I’d love to help you bring it to life.

Experiencing the fjords by land (rather than a cruise) gave us more time for hikes with breathtaking views

Why Choose a Fjord Road Trip Over a Cruise?

Cruises offer a taste of the fjords—but a road trip allows you to truly savor them. You can pause at lesser-known viewpoints, wake up in historic boutique hotels, and immerse yourself in the peaceful stillness of the mountains after the cruise crowds have gone. You’re not limited to port call hours—you’re on your own schedule, with room to explore the small, authentic moments that make travel meaningful.

And while the logistics can seem daunting—mountain passes, ferry schedules, winding roads—this is exactly the kind of complex itinerary where having a travel advisor makes a world of difference. I’ll share more about that below.

Stop 1: Bergen – The Gateway to the Fjords

Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city, but it feels more like a cozy coastal village wrapped in mountain mist. Stroll along the historic Bryggen Wharf, take the Fløibanen funicular for panoramic views, and dive into local seafood at the bustling fish market.

Don't miss:

• The Hanseatic Museum for insight into Bergen’s maritime past

• A stroll through the cobbled lanes of Nordnes

• Dinner at Bare or Colonialen for a New Nordic culinary experience

Bergen is a perfect place to acclimate to the pace of Norway: thoughtful, slow, and steeped in natural beauty.

The traditional wooden buildings of Bergen's Wharf

Stop 2: Flåm – Waterfalls, Railways & Winding Roads

From Bergen, we took one of the most scenic drives in the country to Flåm, nestled at the end of the Aurlandsfjord. Known for the famous Flåm Railway, this is where you’ll find waterfalls tumbling down steep cliffs and charming red-roofed cabins tucked into green hillsides.

Top experiences:

• Ride the Flåm Railway (one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world)

• Drive the Aurlandsfjellet Snow Road or take the tunnel with a stop at Stegastein Viewpoint

• Kayak in the fjord or take a rib boat safari for a thrill

Pro tip: Flåm can be crowded during cruise season. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy it early in the morning or later in the evening, when the light softens and the visitors fade.

Stop 3: Geiranger – Norway’s Crown Jewel

The road to Geiranger is nothing short of jaw-dropping. Hairpin bends open up to views of cascading waterfalls and deep-blue fjords. Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s easy to see why.

Must-dos:

• Stop at Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint for a postcard-perfect fjord scene

• Take a ferry ride from Geiranger to Hellesylt through the fjord itself—sit outside for views of the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil waterfalls

• Hike to Skageflå farm for a dramatic perspective high above the water

Travel tip: Ferry tickets can be purchased online in advance, and it’s best to arrive early—especially in summer. I help clients plan around ferry schedules and include all tickets in advance so there’s no stress on the day.

One of many stunning views of the Geiranger Fjord

Stop 4: Øye – Storybook Charm at Hotel Union Øye

This is where the trip turned from scenic to sublime. Øye is a small village tucked into the Norangsdalen valley, home to one of Norway’s most legendary historic hotels: Hotel Union Øye.

Each room is uniquely styled, with antiques, rich textiles, and whispers of old-world glamour. It’s the kind of place where you slow down, sip wine under the midnight sun, and feel completely removed from the modern world. Plus, you won't go hungry: the hotel is a Relais & Chateaux property, so its culinary offering is exceptional.

Why we loved it:

• The sense of timeless romance

• Personalized service and elegant dining

• Proximity to quiet hikes and the glacial waters of Lake Lyngstøylvatnet

The  Hotel Union Øye

Final Stop: Ålesund – Art Nouveau by the Sea

After the quiet majesty of Øye, Ålesund felt like stepping into a storybook city by the sea. Spread across a series of islands and rebuilt in striking Art Nouveau style after a 1904 fire, Ålesund is one of Norway’s most architecturally distinctive towns.

It’s also the perfect place to end a fjord road trip—offering great dining, boutique shopping, and easy access to ocean views and nearby islands.

Top highlights:

• Climb Aksla Viewpoint (418 steps, or drive up) for sweeping views over the city, islands, and mountains

• Explore the Jugendstilsenteret (Art Nouveau Center) to learn how the city rose from the ashes in such a unique style

• Stroll the harbor and stop for coffee or fresh seafood at one of the many cafés lining the waterfront

Why we loved it: Ålesund is a vibrant contrast to the remote landscapes earlier in the trip. It blends creative energy with coastal charm and makes for a soft landing before flying home—or continuing the journey further north to places like Kristiansund or the Atlantic Road.

View of Ålesund from Aksla Viewpoint

Tips for Navigating the Norwegian Fjords by Car

• Ferries: Many roads require ferry crossings. Some routes are drive-on/drive-off and run frequently, while others may need reservations. Expect to pay on board or via license plate recognition.

• Roads: Norwegian roads are well maintained, but winding and often single-lane in mountain areas. Drive slowly and be ready to stop for sheep or breathtaking views.

• Timing: Travel in late spring or early fall for fewer crowds and long daylight hours.

• Packing: Layers are essential. Weather can shift from sunny to chilly mist in minutes.

Why Work With a Travel Advisor for a Trip Like This

Planning a self-drive fjord trip isn’t like booking a city stay or a beach vacation. It’s a complex puzzle of ferry timetables, scenic detours, weather considerations, and off-the-beaten-path hotels that don’t always show up in search engines.

At Flâneur Travel Co., we craft customized itineraries that take care of all the logistics—so you can focus on the present. Whether it’s timing your ferry crossings, arranging private fjord cruises, or securing rooms at luxury boutique hotels, we make sure everything flows smoothly.

Ready to See the Fjords Differently?

If the idea of winding through Norway’s wild beauty, staying in elegant hideaways, and discovering fjords beyond the crowds speaks to you—I’d love to help you make it happen. Reach out to start planning your own custom Norwegian road trip.