Norway's most awesome road trips

The road is the destination – and the adventure

In Møre og Romsdal, some of Norway's most iconic driving routes are gathered in a compact area. Here, you can drive from fjord to mountain and from peaceful villages to wild coastal landscapes – often in a single day. Feel the thrill on the Atlantic Road where the bridges dance over the sea, experience the adrenaline rush in Trollstigen’s wild hairpin turns, or hold your breath as you stand on Dalsnibba, looking 1,500 meters down at Geirangerfjord.

Take your time. These routes offer more than just amazing roads. Stop to feel the sea spray on your face along the Atlantic Road. Park the car and explore the landscape along the Aursjøvegen. Or spend a night in the fishing village Veiholmen, where time stands still while the sea crashes around you. And find peace as you look for flying eagles, swimming puffins, and the opportunity for a delicious local bite along the way.

Experience it all in one round trip

You can experience all the best road trips in one holiday. Let yourself be mesmerized by high cliffs, sharp bends, and the Atlantic Ocean crashing onto the road. Find peace with a delicious meal that tastes of the landscape, or try a guided mountain tour, zipline, climbing, or paddling.

You can start your round trip from several locations, depending on which direction you're coming from:

4 iconic road trips you won’t forget:

Whether you arrive by car, motorhome, motorcycle, or have brought your bike along, we have four completely unique road experiences lined up through the Northwestern region of Norway.

Plan a long weekend – or stay for a week. Møre og Romsdal offers driving experiences for every taste, whether you seek an adrenaline rush or a peaceful enjoyment of nature’s wonders.

Detours to rugged landscapes and tranquil villages

Take the opportunity to discover the many hidden gems along the coast and within our fjords. Here are four local favorites:

Norwegian Scenic Route The Atlantic Road

The famous Atlantic Road, where Northwest meets the ocean, is one of Norway's most popular tourist destinations. The stretch of road was voted Norway’s Norway's 'Engineering Feat of the Century' and, according to the British newspaper The Guardian, is the world's best road trip. Perhaps less well known is that, according to Lonely Planet's travel guide (Blue List 2007), this stretch of road can cure a broken heart.

Norwegian Scenic Route The Atlantic Road

The Atlantic Road is one of eighteen Norwegian scenic routes. What’s so special about these roads is that they run through unique natural landscapes, by the coast and fjords, mountains or waterfalls. The Norwegian scenic routes are a superb alternative to main roads, where the drive is a unique experience in itself. Car manufacturers from all over the world travel here to make their advertisements. Several major Hollywood blockbusters have filmed on this stretch of road across the sea – including James Bond and Black Widow.

7 refreshing experiences on your journey

When visiting the Atlantic Road, ensure you have time for the many bracing experiences nearby, such as the special walking path around Eldhusøya island, visiting the idyllic Håholmen island, seeing the 90-metre long meandering marble artwork Columna Transantlantica, taking in the spectacular view from Stemhesten mountain, fishing like a true local and windsurfing at Farstadsanden beach.

Trollstigen – the breathtaking hairpin bends

The Trollstigen road has enchanted visitors since the road opened in 1936. The 11 hairpin bends elegantly climb the mountainside between steep cliffs, taking you from Norway’s mountain capital, Åndalsnes, over the mountain and down to the lush Valldal.

In Åndalsnes, you’ll find a paradise of natural experiences. Take the Romsdalsgondola to the top of Nesaksla for a panoramic view of the peak landscape, stand up paddle (SUP) down the turquoise Istra River, or feel the butterflies in your stomach as you climb Romsdalsstigen via Ferrata. From here, you can also embark on what many call Norway’s finest hike – Romsdalseggen.

On your way from Trollstigen to Geiranger, make sure to stop by the natural attraction Gudbrandsjuvet and explore the village of Valldal. This idyllic fruit and berry village is the gateway to Tafjord, which, like Geirangerfjord, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you can bike, kayak, try stand up paddle (SUP) between mountains that plunge into the fjord, visit the village’s climbing park, go rafting, explore the gorge, or relax at the yoga, spa, and retreat center, Meretes Garden.

Find information about opening and closure of Trollstigen here >>

Ørnevegen road, Geiranger, and Dalsnibba – UNESCO World Heritage Landscape

Ørnevegen (Eagle’s Road) is the name of the spectacular stretch that winds down to Geirangerfjord through nine hairpin bends. If you stop at the viewpoint in Ørnesvingen, you’ll get a majestic view of the fjord – and perhaps spot the majestic eagle that gave the road its name.

In Geiranger, you can hike along Fosseråsa, Norway’s first National Tourist Trail. The path starts at the fjord and takes you up to Storseterfossen, through a landscape rich in waterfalls and cultural history. For a truly lofty experience, you can drive 1,476 meters above sea level up to Dalsnibba and the Geiranger Skywalk – Europe’s highest roadside viewpoint with a fjord view.

Take your time in Geiranger to explore the famous fjord. Visit the historic fjord farms Skageflå or Knivsflå, taste award-winning chocolate in the town center, or enjoy a relaxing stay at Union Bad & Spa. A fjord cruise between the waterfalls is an experience you won’t soon forget.

The Aursjøvegen road - Norway's wildest detour

The Aursjøveien road is the least well-known yet wildest mountain road. TThe stretch between Eikesdalen and Sunndalen is 65 km long and offers a landscape abundant with mountains, waterfalls, potholes, and sharp curves – but scarce in asphalt and guardrails. The narrow gravel road takes you from fjord to fjord over wild, steep alpine mountains.

The road was built in connection with the construction of the Auran Hydroelectric Plants in the early 1900s and has changed little since then. This makes it perfect for cycling, as there is little traffic on this gravel mountain road. Be sure to visit Mardalsfossen, Northern Europe's highest waterfall, near Eikesdalsvatnet – an easy hike suitable for both young and old.

Aursjøvegen opens for travel on June 1st every year and is usually open until mid or late October, depending on snow conditions. Read more about Norway’s wildest detour >>

Norangsdalen and "Sunnmøre's Atlantis"

The mystical valley Norangsdalen is only a couple of hours' drive from Geiranger, including the ferry Geiranger - Hellesylt. A highlight is the Lygnstøylvatnet lake – also known as "Sunnmøre's Atlantis." This mysterious place was formed after a landslide in 1908, and you can still see the remains of the old road, farm walls, and houses submerged underwater.

You can drive off the E39 in Ørsta and into the valley, and then exit again in Hornindal, or choose the alternative route via Ørsta-Standalseidet-Hjørundfjordstranda-Festøy. The area around the beautiful Hjørundfjord is worth a detour in itself, not least the historic Hotel Union Øye, which has been a luxury hotel since 1891.

Island hopping along the coast – Between Runde and Veiholmen

The coastal landscape of Western Norway offers some of the country’s most spectacular island communities, perfect for a road trip with constant detours and surprises.

Runde is known for its rich birdlife and spectacular nature. The road leading out to the island goes along beaches and the sea, crossing the Runde bridge, which has been used as a backdrop in several commercials. Here, you can experience puffin safaris, visit the Runde Environmental Centre, or explore the history of the famous gold treasure from 1725.

On Finnøy, you'll find Finnøy Bryggehotell right by the sea, offering both accommodation, a restaurant, and wellness facilities and swimming pool in "Håp i Havet".

Ona is Norway’s southernmost inhabited fishing village. The island lies at the outermost tip of the Romsdal coast, with only 16 residents living here year-round. The red Ona lighthouse is a landmark visible from afar.

Veiholmen is a vibrant fishing village at the northernmost tip of Smøla. The road to Veiholmen, with its bridges, embankments, and protective breakwaters, is an experience in itself. The narrow road winds past islets and reefs, often called as beautiful as the Atlantic Road. Here, you can experience sea eagle safaris or a kayak trip around the wind-blown fishing village. Read more about idyllic Veiholmen, the largest fishing village south of Lofoten >>

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to drive these routes?

Most of the routes are best between June and September when all roads are open, and nature shows itself at its best. For less traffic, you can choose May/early June or September/October. Fall offers spectacular colors. Always remember to check the weather and road reports.

How long does the round trip take?

The entire round trip totals over 20 hours of pure driving time. We recommend at least a long weekend, but ideally a week, to experience all the sights along the way. This gives you time to enjoy both the magnificent routes and the local experiences along the way.

When are the roads open?

Most of the road experiences in Møre og Romsdal are open year-round, but some high-mountain routes have seasonal openings:

• Dalsnibba: Usually opens in May, closed in winter, often open until late October
• Aursjøvegen: Opens June 1st, closed in winter, often open until mid/end October
• Trollstigen: Usually opens in May/June, closed in winter, often open until October

Be sure to check the weather and road reports for up-to-date information.

Can I drive these routes with a motorhome/camper?

Most routes are suitable for motorhomes, but be extra cautious on Trollstigen and Aursjøvegen, which have narrow sections and sharp turns. Trailers are not recommended on Aursjøvegen. Always check length and height restrictions before setting off.