Bergen to Trondheim Road Trip – Ultimate Guide (2024)

Prepare to be captivated by the magic of Norway’s breathtaking landscapes. This Bergen to Trondheim self-drive road trip is a journey along scenic routes set against a backdrop of Norway’s unspoiled natural beauty.

Our 9-day itinerary is an unforgettable adventure filled with:

• Stunning vistas
• Iconic viewpoints
• World-famous roads including 5 of Norway’s sensational Scenic Routes
• Intricate architecture and thought-provoking sculptures, and
• Cultural immersion in the land of the Vikings.

We’ve lived and travelled for more than 12 months in Norway. With our base in Skudeneshavn, we’ve had fabulous opportunities to road-trip through its amazing panoramic landscapes, often using Norway’s Scenic Routes.

Overview of This 9-Day Bergen to Trondheim Road Trip

Route Overview – Bergen to Trondheim

If you intend to travel for more than 9 days, then our series of Norway road trip articles will definitely be able to help you out. This article is No.2 of 4.

Bergen to Trondheim Road Trip: 9-Day Itinerary

We took 9 days to complete this 1100 km trip from Bergen to Trondheim without rushing any of the experiences. This Norway road trip route can just as easily be driven south from Trondheim to Bergen.

Planning Your Bergen to Trondheim Road Trip

To get the most out of a Bergen to Trondheim road trip then you’ll want to visit between summer and autumn when the snow is cleared or melted, making the scenic roads driveable. Another factor working in your favour is there’s an awful lot of summer sunlight (up to 19 hours worth) to make the best of your time here.

More good news is that you could fly into either Trondheim airport or Bergen airport as both are international airports and major tourist destinations in their own right. This road trip is definitely best enjoyed as a self-drive which gives you the flexibility to spend more or less time at particular attractions.

Both cities offer easy pick-up hire car or hire motorhome options that will work for you.

Now, if you’re visiting Norway to get a glimpse of the Northern Lights, you’ll need to drive at least a further 900 kilometres north, which we did to reach the Lofoten islands (latitude of 66ºN).

Bergen to Trondheim Road Trip Map: Scenic Routes and Attractions

To use this map, expand it using the square symbol on the top right-hand side and then look to the key on the left-hand side. By clicking each location, you will find the corresponding position on the map. 

• Red lines denote the different Norway Scenic Routes;
• Blue circles with a star denote an attraction;
• Green circles denote waterfalls;
• Black circles denote hikes;
• Purple circles denote the main towns;
• Yellow circles denote alternative options.

9-Day Road Trip Itinerary – Bergen to Trondheim

It’s time to explore Norway’s natural wonders on this exhilarating and picturesque journey of a lifetime. Let’s get started.

Day 1, 2 – Bergen

Bergen is is a UNESCO World Heritage City and known as the gateway to the Norwegian fjords. While you’re here, why not take this opportunity to join a fjord cruise to experience one of Norway’s biggest scenic attractions?

You are spoilt for choice as the fjords are just one of many great attractions both in and close by Bergen. This city is also the perfect place to start an exciting road trip north.

Attractions Within Bergen

Bergen Fish Market

Bergen Fish Market, located by the harbour, is a vibrant and bustling attraction in Norway. It’s renowned for its fresh seafood and lively atmosphere.

Bryggen

Bryggen is the historic harbour district in Bergen that is UNESCO World Heritage Listed to include 62 of the harbour’s buildings. The very first buildings in Bergen were erected alongside the harbour.

Over the centuries fire has caused massive destruction but the buildings have been rebuilt. Bryggen’s last fire was in 1955.

St. John’s Church

Construction of the red-bricked St. John’s church finished in 1894. The building is the highest in Bergen rising to a height of 61 metres and seats 1250 persons.

Musikkpaviljongen

Located in Byparken, a park in central Bergen, the Musikkpaviljongen is a beautiful, white iron structure that dates back to 1888. It has a Moorish style of architecture and is quite a stunning feature with its bright flowers and vibrant colours.

Lille Lungegårdsvannet

Opposite Musikkpaviljongen is Lille Lungegårdsvannet, an octagonal-shaped body of water. At the beginning of the century, this area was proposed as the new central area of Bergen but was kept as you see it today.

Mt. Fløyen

Mt. Fløyen is one of seven mountains surrounding Bergen and offers panoramic views over the city. Walking three minutes from the central Fish Market will set you up to start the climb or choose to take a 6-minute Floibanen funicular ride all the way to the top.

Tickets can be bought on the Fløibanen app.

Attractions Within a Days Drive of Bergen

Borgund Stave Church 

Borgund Stave Church was built around 1181 AD and is the most visited stave church in Norway due to its easy accessibility from Bergen. These stave churches are so unique and not surprisingly, the inside structure of the church resembles that of a ship’s stringers and stanchions.

The Borgund stave church no longer holds church services.

Kongevegen (King’s Road) – Walk Vindhellavegen

Kongevegen was originally used as an access road for horses and carts between Bergen and Oslo in Norway, linking the east part of the country to the west.

Vindhellavegen forms a short 1.7-kilometre steep section of Kongevegen with high foundation walls. Kongevegen has received cultural heritage awards.

To access Kongevegen, start by the stave church and walk behind the new, red church that is close by. Signs make it easy to find the start of Vindhellavegen at King’s Road, just 200m up the nearby hill

The walk is medium difficulty and takes one hour from Borgund stave church to Rimskjold where parking and toilets are available. Alternatively, park at Borgund and complete the 2-hour return walk via Rimskjold.

This walk is accessible from May to November.

Interestingly, at the start of the Vindhellavegen walk near Borgund stave church, the four consecutive 180-degree turns in the road were built to help reduce the steepness of the road.

Lærdal Tunnel

Lærdal Tunnel holds the accolade as the world’s longest road tunnel at a length of 24.5 kilometres. As tunnels go, it’s an interesting drive with multiple open, cavernous areas lit by blue and yellow light interspaced throughout the length of the tunnel.

Why the blue and yellow lighting? A study was undertaken to see how to reduce driver anxiety when driving this long tunnel. Results showed that combinations of blue, yellow, and green lights increased driver safety and comfort. 

Hopperstad Stave Church

The Hopperstad Stave Church was built around 1130 AD and is thought to be one of the oldest stave churches in Norway. The walls are adorned with paintings and are believed to date back to the 13th century.

The church has been heavily restored with its design mimicking that of the Borgund stave church.

Vangsnes Historic Village Dwellings

Alongside Sognefjord lies the village of Vangsnes with its now-protected wooden buildings. These multi-coloured structures were used as meeting places for people to be able to share any news.

The buildings have information plaques that give each site’s history.

Steinsdahlsfossen

Steinsdahlsfossen is one of the most visited waterfalls in Norway. What makes it different to other waterfalls is that there is walkway access behind the falls. Free parking is just a couple of hundred metres from the falls.

Kinsarvik

The small village of Kinsarvik is one of two places to start your hike of Dronningstein or HM Queen Sonja’s panoramic hiking trail across Hardangervidda National Park. An interesting attraction in the village is the Kinsarvik church which is one of the oldest stone churches in Norway.

Day 3 – Gaularfjellet Utsikten Lookout, Vallestadfossen

Join the Gaularfjellet Scenic Route

Gaularfjellet Scenic Route

The short 30-minute ferry ride from Vangsnes to Dragsvik has you soon arriving on the northern shore of Sognefjord and the start of the Gaularfjellet Scenic Route. An hour’s drive north will signal the start of the climb to Gaularfjellet Utsikten viewpoint. 

This somewhat futuristic-looking concrete viewing platform reaches out into the void, at a height of 700 metres above sea level and offers spectacular views of the winding ascent and valley far below.

Vallestadfossen

A roughly 30-minute drive from Utsiken viewpoint is the wide and powerful, Vallestadfossen, which descends 35m in a series of cascades. It’s easily visible from the road.

Be aware that there is no dedicated parking spot to view Vallestadfossen so you’ll need to judge the right spot to pull off the road.

Day 4 – Byrkjelo’s Gloppen Skulpturpark, Loen, Dispaholmen, Gamle Strynefjellsvegen

Byrkjelo

Byrkjelo is a village lying 20 kilometres north of the town of Skei. Right by the roadside and in the middle of town, is an interesting and eclectic mix of sculptures in what is called the Gloppen Skulpturpark.

All of these sculptures have been hand-crafted by one artist. A real feat as some are very big sculptures approaching 3 metres. The Gloppen Skulpturpark spans the bubbling little Storelva River.

Loen

Loen is a small village that is 45 kilometres north of Byrkejo. Loen is located in the very east of Nordfjord and close to the mighty Jostedalsbreen Glacier, situated in Jostedalsbreen National Park.

Jostedalsbreen glacier is Europe’s largest with an area spanning 800 square kilometres. In times now past, Jostedalsbreen was an important transit route for people travelling between the eastern and western fjord areas of Norway. 

The easiest and quickest way to access views of Jostedalsbreen is by taking the Loen Skylift cable car which carries tourists from Nordfjord to the peak of Mt Hoven. It does the 1011m trip in a mere 5 to 7 minutes, arriving at Mt Hoven’s Mountain Station.

At the top, there are panoramic views overlooking Jostedalsbreen Glacier and Nordfjord. From here, you can either hike on your own or take a guide to explore the mountain.

Dispaholmen

Dispaholmen is a small, picturesque, rocky islet in the still waters of Strynevatnet. This place has the tranquillity of a zen garden. Really, you have to stop and spend an hour here. It’s free rejuvenation.

Access to Dispaholmen is via a narrow stony beach. The islet itself is lightly wooded with a rocky shoreline that plunges into the deep, green depths of the lake.

It is a stunning location.

Gamle Strynefjellsvegen

Join the Gamle Strynefjellsvegen Scenic Route.

Gamle Strynefjellsvegen is a 27 kilometre historic scenic route, running between Videsæter and Grotli. This road was built in the late 19th century of hand cut stones with long rows of guard stones and crosses the mountain, Strynefjellet.

The drive has stunning views of both Langvatnet and and Heillstuguvatnet lakes. When fog envelops the mountain it can be quite atmospheric.

When driving towards Grotli, the initial part of the climb begins on a paved road and later reverts to gravel when nearing the top at around 1100m altitude.

Be warned that vehicles of greater 8 metres and 8 tonnes are banned from driving Gamle Strynefjellsvegen from Grotli to the Sogn og Fjordane county boundary.

Day 5 – Dalsnibba Viewpoint and Geiranger Skywalk, Geiranger Church, Ørnesvingen Viewpoint

From Grotli, rejoin the main road 15 and head north to the start of the Geiranger-Trollstigen Scenic Route. The first stop is the Dalsnibba mountain viewpoint, 20 kilometres from Grotli.

Join the Geiranger-Trollstigen Scenic Route.

Dalsnibba and Geiranger Skywalk

Dalsnibba is a mountain that provides breathtaking views of Geirangerfjord from the Geiranger Skywalk structure at an altitude of 1500m. To access Europe’s highest fjord view, payment will need to be made at a toll booth near the mountain base.

Unfortunately for us, the low-altitude clouds hid the panorama but looking at the magnificent images of others, the Geiranger Skywalk has to be included on a Bergen to Trondheim road trip.

Geiranger Church

The Geiranger Church in the town of Geiranger is just a 20-kilometre drive from Dalsnibba. Built in 1842, the Geiranger Church sets itself apart from other churches because of its attractive, octagonal-shaped design.

This bright, white, wooden church has beautiful views down into Geirangerfjord. It’s common to see cruise ship passengers walking up to the church from the nearby harbour.

The views here are so good that Geirangerfjord has also claimed a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Ørnesvingen Viewpoint

Want the best views of Geirangerfjord? Drive north from Geiranger up the mountain towards Eidsdalon on the steepest stretch of road, Ørnesvegen (or Eagle Road) to reach the Ørnesvingen viewpoint. Ørnesvegen is named for the eagles that once called the mountain peak home.

To reach here though, you’ll need to wake your way through a twisty ascent of 11 hairpin bends before reaching the Ørnesvingen viewpoint. Magnificent panoramas of Geiranger, Geirangerfjord, and the famous Seven Sisters Waterfalls unfold in front of you from the glass-decked viewing platform.

The Seven Sisters Waterfalls were said to resemble the hair of seven women. The image on the right below shows the Seven Sisters Waterfalls in the background. The falls are naturally more visible from May to July during the snow melts.

A boat trip on Geirangerfjord is the best way to observe this popular attraction.

Day 6 – Trollstigen, Trollkiosken

Continue on the Geiranger-Trollstigen Scenic Route

Trollstigen

A short ferry crossing at Eidsdal is all that breaks up the drive from Geiranger to the start of the world-renowned Trollstigen Scenic Route, Norway’s most visited tourist road.

What makes Trollstigen famous?

Trollstigen mountain road descends from an altitude of 852 metres with 11 hairpin bends offering spectacular uninterrupted views of the surrounding mountains. It is one of the most dramatic and iconic scenic routes in Norway.

Trollstigen translates to ‘trolls path’.

Each bend has a name and is usually that of a foreman involved in the construction team.

The Trollstigen road is free to drive with opening times dependent upon snowfalls but is usually open between mid-May and September. Hiring an electric bike and walking are also popular ways to enjoy Trollstigen.

At the top is a huge parking area, a restaurant, a toilet block and souvenir shops.

What’s a scenic drive in Norway without a waterfall?

Stigfossen waterfall plunges down the mountainside right by the restaurant but is most dramatic when seen from the viewpoint, at the end of the second hairpin from the top.

Trollkiosken

At the bottom of the descent is the Troll Kiosken and camping site where you can grab some great photos of trolls in all sorts of hilarious poses. And, it’s in a beautiful setting nestled by the mountains.

An interesting feature if you haven’t noticed them is the grass-covered roofs which help improve the insulation of the buildings.

Day 7 – Bike Art, Stone Age Rock Carvings, The Atlantic Road

Completing the Geiranger-Trollstigen Scenic Route is a  warm-up for yet another of Norway’s stunning scenic routes. Heading towards the coastal town of Molde and roughly 100 kilometres away is the start of The Atlantic Road.

Bike Art

Before reaching Eidsvåg, a lot of old brightly-coloured bicycles have been brought back to life hung from street lamp posts. Some of the bikes are partially submerged in the earth with colourful flower pots on them whilst others are in some precarious positions.

It certainly adds a colourful touch to the green landscape.

Stone Age Rock Carvings – Bogge Petroglyphs

Near the village of Bogge, is a large collection of prehistoric rock art. The 15 square metres area has many petroglyphs (signs and symbols) depicting animals and fishing that are painted on a large flat-surfaced rock face.

The best carving that dominates the rock face is that of a large elk.

It’s free to visit.

Join the Atlanterhavsvegen Scenic Route

The Atlantic Road

The Atlanterhavsvegen or Atlantic Road is a 36 km stretch of road that will have you island-hopping across the Atlantic Ocean, over some beautiful, arching bridges and sweeping stretches of tarmac.

It’s free to drive. An obvious and essential stop is at Eldhusøya island, more or less the central island on this drive. Here you can walk an elevated walking path around the small island, visit the cafe and have access to toilets.

Wild weather is known to bring waves that crash into the island and over the road. Now that would make for some dramatic photographs.

However, there was no such drama or ‘wild’ during our drive; just blue skies and calm seas.

Day 8, 9 – Trondheim

Leaving Atlanterhavsvegen, the final leg of this Bergen to Trondheim road trip is a 200km drive to the very charming city of Trondheim. Parking around the centre of the city is best and ensures you are within walking distance of the best sights mentioned below.

Tip: download this useful phone app, GPSmyCity, which works offline and allows you to take a self-guided walking tour of Trondheim.

Now good news for food lovers. In 2022, Trondheim and the surrounding Trøndelag region was awarded the prestigious accolade of ‘European Region of Gastronomy’.

Trondheim Wharf 

The old, colourful warehouses of Trondheim Wharf date to the 18th century and front each other across the Nidelva River.

Interestingly, the wharves were used as defences for the city. Accessways and barriers were built for people who could place themselves close enough to throw stones at any marauding ships.

There are many small paths and streets around the wharves that give access to this pretty waterfront.

Gamle Bybro

Gamle Bybro, the Old Town Bridge, was constructed in 1681 with sentry posts at each end of the bridge. At either end of the bridge stood a sentry post and excise building (the western end is still in existence).

Locals have nicknamed Gamle Bybro “Lykkens Portal”, which means “Portal of Happiness”.

Stiftsgardsparken 

Stiftsgardsparken is the largest wooden palace in Scandinavia and is the king’s summer royal residence. Coronations were held here up to 1906 and the grounds are free to wander.

The palace does have gates at the front of the property but you can walk right past the windows of the residence on the adjacent streets.

Bakklandet 

Bakklandet, the old city of Trondheim, is home to many old 17th-century wooden houses that were once the homes of the working class. These dwellings have been tastefully restored and painted in vibrant colours.

Bakklandet is a popular part of town with its buzzing residential area with boutique shops and inviting cafes.

Den Siste Viking 

Den Siste Viking, the Last Viking sculpture, fittingly stands in the centuries-old part of Trondheim port amongst wooden fishing boats, cobble-stone roads and many seagulls.

The statue was inspired by the fortitude and courage of Norwegian fishermen.

Nidaros Cathedral 

Nidaros Cathedral has its origins dating back to the 11th century and tradition says that the Norwegian King Olav Haraldsson, who was later a proclaimed saint, is buried under the altar.

The cathedral has been damaged many times and rebuilt in different styles but this has not affected its attractiveness.

Kongens Gate 

Kongen’s Gate is one of the main streets in Trondheim which has many old-styled buildings. It was built after the great fire of 1681. 

There are many wonderful photographic opportunities to be had on this walk.

Var Frue Kirke

 Var Frue Kirke, (Our Lady Church) is located in downtown Trondheim and was built in the 12th century. This stone church has weathered many disasters and undergone many re-constructions which is evident with the different styles and colours on its exterior.

There are some interesting grave-stones on the church grounds.

Whilst in downtown Trondheim keep an eye out for the many street sculptures. They depict nature, important events and mythical creatures from Norway’s medieval past.

Trondheim is such a fascinating and picturesque town.

Norway Travel Information

Travel Within Norway

Norway, with its pristine scenery and fairytale landscapes, is a wonderful country to travel. How you choose to travel within Norway will depend on how much time you have, what you want to see, your budget, your physical state and what creature comforts you require.

This Bergen to Trondheim drive could easily be extended, along with extra day trips, at any of the mentioned attractions.

Here are some different travel options:

Train: Norway has more than 3000 kilometres of train tracks stretching from South to North. This takes the stress out of any driving. One of the cheapest ways to book train tickets is directly on Norway’s Vy website.

Bus: Norway has an extensive bus network connecting the cities and small towns giving more options than the train and at a lower cost. Norway’s Vybuss website and Nor-Way website are just what you need when planning and booking your travels.

Boat: Norway’s car ferries will leapfrog you from port to port all the way up and down the coast. Book via Norled is the way to go.

Prefer to travel in a bit more luxury? Hurtigruten sounds like it might be for you.

Plying the Bergen to Kirknese route, there are multiple stops along the way allowing you the opportunity to explore the small traditional Norwegian towns.

What to Pack for Your Norway Trip

• Even in Summer, there is a fair bit of variability in temperatures. The weather can change quite quickly. Cold and wet in the morning can turn into a hot day.
  Layering your clothing is the best approach with waterproof tops and bottoms.
• Waterproof hiking footwear
• Walking poles to provide assistance especially if you suffer from weak or sore knees. Some of these mountain descents are pretty steep.
• Waterproof backpack or backpack with a waterproof cover. Also essential for carrying water, food and keeping camera accessories dry.
  

Have some extra room in your backpack? Consider some of these useful travel items.

Do you have travel insurance and a road trip planner? We can help you out.

Check out our Recommended Travel Items Here

Driving in Norway

• Most of Norway’s maximum speed limit is 80km/hr on open roads with a few locations having a 100km/hr or 110km/hr limit but this will be clearly indicated. Speed and trip (average speed between locations) cameras are in abundance, so drivers beware.
• Norway has an electronic road toll system. We owned a non-Norwegian registered car (U.K. plates), so needed to register our vehicle on the Norwegian PLC site with our credit card details. Every 3 weeks to 4 weeks we were invoiced. It’s quick to set up and hassle-free.
• Summer and Autumn are the busy tourist seasons but also the best time to plan your trip to Norway as you’ll find pretty much all of Norway’s roads open and not closed due to snow.
• Norway’s traffic rules can be found on the Norwegian Public Roads Administration site vegvesen.no or you can make direct contact with Traffic and Road Information on +47 815 48 991.
• To check to see if any of Norway’s Scenic Routes are closed, follow this link to the Norwegian Scenic Routes site.

Handy Phone Apps and Emergency Phone Numbers

• yr app (as in the 2 letters y and r) This is an accurate Norway weather app for both IOS and Android devices
• outtt app provides detailed trail maps for Norway for both IOS and Android devices
• maps.me app is an off-line map for both IOS and Android devices
• Smart Parking app is available for both IOS and Android phones and allows you to pay for parking online and not have to worry about carrying around coins or credit cards
• Emergency Phone Numbers – Fire: 110; Police: 112; Ambulance: 113

Where to Stay in Norway

When booking accommodation in Norway, some of the cheaper places do not include sheets and pillowcases as part of the standard booking and these need to be added at an extra charge. Therefore, make sure to check the booking details carefully.

To help plan your Bergen to Trondheim road trip, here are the places we stopped overnight on the route.

We have included links to the accommodation we used at the below stops, but some nights we slept in the car to save money.

  Knowing where we stopped though will give you an idea of the distances travelled each day so you can book your accommodation stopovers.

I have also added them to the map above for easy reference (Marked with a red House icon). 

• Stop 1: Bergen (Hotel we stayed in is now closed)
• Stop 2: Lunde, Skei i Jolster (Lunde Turiststajon)
• Stop 3: Trollstigen (Slept in the car)
• Stop 4: Varmbu (Slept in the car just before Trondheim)

Book Your Accommodation

We use Booking.com as we can find a variety of cheap and budget accommodations such as local guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Bergen to Trondheim Road Trip… That’s a Wrap

There is much to see on this Bergen to Trondheim self-drive itinerary.

This Viking land of panoramic landscapes, majestic mountains, picturesque fjords and cultural treasures is sure to leave you with wonderful memories for a lifetime.

What’s on your Norway bucket list?

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READ MORE: 

• Norway Travel Guide
• Norway’s Stunning Stave Churches
• Incredible Hiking in Norway
• Planning a Great Road Trip

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