Last Updated on April 29, 2024 by Sam
Western Norway is home to some breathtaking scenery and some of the most beautiful fjords on the planet, and with this one week itinerary you can see some of the highlights in just 7 days. Covering West Norway, the itinerary takes you to some of the country’s most famous fjords, including Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord. Along the way you’ll pass towering mountains, wonderful waterfalls, quaint villages and much more! The West Norwegian Fjords are well-known for their stunning beauty, with both Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord having been listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you’re hoping to see as much as you can in just 7 days, then this ultimate one week Norway Fjords itinerary is the perfect road trip for you!
Want more help booking and planning your Norway itinerary? Check out our custom travel itinerary service and get in touch with us so that we can help plan an amazing personalised itinerary just for you!
Norway Self Drive Itinerary Information
This complete one week self-drive itinerary around Norway’s fjords is only possible during summer and parts of spring and autumn, as there are a number of road closures around the country over the winter.
The exact dates vary from year to year depending on the weather, but usually the roads around Geiranger are shut from around November to May.
If you would prefer to travel around Norway by public transport this itinerary is still possible, but travel times between stops will be longer and you may not take the most scenic route. Public transport costs can be relatively high, so we recommend renting a car to save money and give yourself more flexibility.
Roads in Norway are generally in good condition so you shouldn’t have any problems driving around this beautiful country. Click here for some useful information about driving in Norway.
Although this is set as a one week road trip Norway fjords itinerary, it’s possible to extend to 10 days or even 2 weeks if you want to take your time. The fjords are so beautiful so by allowing more time in each place you’ll have more chance to enjoy the fantastic scenery.
If you want to try and plan your Norway fjords trip to avoid cruise ships in each destination then click here to find the cruise ships schedule.
One Week Norway Fjords Itinerary
Bergen (Days 1 and 2)
Day 1
The first stop on your road trip Norway fjord itinerary is Bergen, the second largest city in the country. You can book direct flights to Bergen airport from a number of cities across Europe or alternatively fly to Oslo and take a connecting flight.
As this is a self drive fjord itinerary in West Norway, we recommend renting a car from Bergen airport. Renting a car means that you don’t have to rely on public transport and you have a lot more freedom to enjoy the magnificent scenery on your trip. As you will be flying in and out of Bergen it’s easiest to pick up and drop off your rental car there.
Although Norway can be a relatively expensive country, car rental prices are quite affordable. We recommend booking a car in advance through Discover Cars, as they compare prices from a number of operators to ensure you get the best deal for your trip.
Click here to rent a car from Bergen airport on the Discover Cars website!
Bergen airport is just 17 kilometres away from the city centre, so it’s an easy drive once you’ve picked up your car. The journey should only take around 20 minutes, at which point you can begin exploring this beautiful country!
Don’t forget to take a raincoat and/or umbrella with you though, as Bergen is one of the rainiest cities in the world!
Depending on what time you get into the city, you may have time to take the Bergen Funicular in the afternoon or evening. The funicular takes you from the city centre up to Mount Fløyen, which has magnificent views of the city and surrounding area.
If the weather seems relatively clear then we recommend taking the funicular as soon as you can. The weather can change quickly in Bergen, so it’s worth making sure you get to enjoy the views while it’s clear.
When we visited the weather was supposed to be better in the afternoon, but as it was clear in the morning we decided to take the funicular earlier. Fortunately we did, as the weather was only clear for around an hour before clouds rolled in and obstructed the view for the rest of the day. If it’s quite cloudy and rainy then it’s probably worth waiting until the next day to take the funicular.
There are a number of walking routes to enjoy at Mount Fløyen, but if you want to do these you may be better off waiting until the next day. With some luck you may even get to spot some mountain goats on your visit! Click here to find out more about the walking routes at Mount Fløyen!
Tickets for a return trip on the Bergen Funicular cost 180 NOK for adults and 85 NOK for children in 2024. If you’re visiting during the summer months it’s a good idea to buy your tickets online in advance as then you won’t have to queue to buy tickets when you’re actually there. Click here to buy your tickets for the Bergen Funicular on the Fløyen website!
Day 2
How you spend your second day in Bergen and this one week Norway itinerary depends on whether you took the funicular on day one. If you didn’t get chance to do it then this should be a priority as it’s one of the best things to do in Bergen.
A lovely spot to visit when you get the chance is Bryggen, a historic district home to a series of colourful wooden buildings lined up along Vågen harbour. These buildings are the city’s most famous attraction and are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After you’ve done that, take the time to wander through the small passageways between the buildings. These passages are home to galleries, cafes and small shops selling handicrafts, jewellery and more.
Other things to do include visiting the neighbourhood of Nordnes and Byparken – a pleasant public park around a 15-minute walk from Bryggen. Nordnes is home to more lovely wooden buildings. Many of these buildings are white, but there are also some colourful ones too if you wander around. Byparken, which translates as ‘city park’, is home to a small lake, so it’s a lovely place to walk if the weather is nice.
Unfortunately, as we’ve already mentioned, Bergen is one of the rainiest cities in the world. It’s quite likely that it will rain during your visit, so it’s best to assume at least some of the time you will need to take shelter. If you get lucky and have time to see more then here are some other things to do in Bergen.
Where to Stay in Bergen
Mid-Range – Clarion Hotel Bergen
Located in the picturesque Bryggen district, the wonderful Clarion Hotel is one of the best places to stay in Bergen. The hotel has comfortable rooms with good facilities, and to top it off its central location is great for exploring the city.
Click here to view the brilliant Clarion Hotel Bergen on Booking.com!
Treat Yourself! – Opus 16
Housed in a building dating back to 1876, the luxurious Opus 16 hotel is one of the best hotels in Bergen. The rooms are extremely comfortable, which makes them perfect for relaxing in after a day of exploring the city!
Centrally located just a few minutes walk from Bryggen, the hotel is a great base for discovering the city.
Click here to book a stay at the amazing Opus 16 Hotel on Booking.com!
Geiranger (Days 3 and 4)
Day 3
Day 3 is the first day you undertake a long journey on this self drive itinerary in Western Norway where you start to see the fjords. It’s best to leave as early as possible to make sure you arrive in time for the afternoon ferry across Geirangerfjord.
Before you set off, it’s important to note that you actually want to drive to Hellesylt. From Hellesylt you can then take your car on the ferry to Geiranger – the second stop on your Norway fjord itinerary.
It should take around 6 hours to drive from Bergen to Hellesylt, but this involves taking a car ferry from Ytre Oppedal to Lavik around an hour and a half into the journey. At times these ferries run as often as every 20 minutes and so there’s no need to book in advance.
As long as you set off early you should have time to enjoy some of the beautiful scenery you pass as you drive. Ferries from Hellesylt to Geiranger generally only run from April to October, which is something to keep in mind when planning your trip.
Make sure you arrive to Hellesylt with enough time to explore the village briefly before your ferry. The main thing to see is the waterfall known as Hellesyltfossen, which can be viewed from the bridge near the ferry terminal. If you have the time you can go for a longer walk to the top of the waterfall and to Sunnylven Church afterwards.
The ferry between Hellesylt and Geiranger is one of the best ways to see Geirangerfjord – a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned as one of the best fjords in Norway and one of the most beautiful in the whole world! This trip is definitely a highlight of your one week in West Norway itinerary
Make sure to take advantage of the outside viewing deck for brilliant views of the fjord scenery, from towering mountains to numerous waterfalls – including the ‘the Suitor’ and the famous ‘Seven Sisters Falls‘. The journey lasts approximately one hour, but fortunately if it’s too cold there is an indoor seating area which also has nice views.
Day 4
Start the next day with a visit to the Norwegian Fjord Centre, which gives you the chance to learn about the history of this incredible landscape and how it was formed. There are a number of exhibitions and interactive stations at the centre, including a cinema that shows how the fjord looks throughout the different seasons of the year.
Between May and September the Fjord Centre is open from 9am, but at other times of the year it doesn’t open until 10am. Entrance costs just 140 NOK for adults and 70 NOK for children. Find out more about the Norwegian Fjord Centre and what else there is to do in the area by reading our guide to the best things to do in Geiranger!
After you’ve learnt about how Geirangerfjord was formed, it’s time to get some amazing views of it from above. Make your way to Flydalsjuvet Rock Viewpoint, which is around a 10-minute drive from Geiranger village. From here you’ll be treated to some breathtaking views of Geiranger fjord which is one of our favourite views on this 7 day Western Norway itinerary.
The viewpoint is completely free to access and there is a car park nearby, so it’s easy to reach. You can walk to the viewpoint from the village, but it takes around 75-90 minutes to do so. It’s best to drive there though, as you will need your car for the next stop after the viewpoint.
By seeing the fjords from above you really do appreciate how amazing this scenery is and why we think spending one week in Western Norway is so special!
Approximately a 35-minute drive from Flydalsjuvet Rock Viewpoint is the incredible Geiranger Skywalk at Dalsnibba – one of the highlights of this week long Norway itinerary. Located 1,500 metres above sea level, the skywalk offers astonishing views of Geirangerfjord, as well as Blåbreen glacier and the surrounding areas.
If you’re hoping to get amazing views of the fjord, then the Geiranger Skywalk is simply unmissable. It gives you the chance to see Geirangerfjord from a different perspective thanks to the wonderful panoramic views.
The entrance fee to the skywalk is 330 NOK for a car, including up to 5 people in the price. It’s worth noting that due to the weather in the mountains that the Geiranger Skywalk is normally only open between May and October, as it’s at a high altitude please note that it’s not always open during these dates dependent on weather conditions. Tickets can be booked in advance on the official Skywalk website.
If you do not have your own transportation it’s possible to do a tour with Get Your Guide who visit the Geiranger Skywalk as well as a couple of other stunning viewpoints. Click here to book your tour of Geiranger Skywalk!
It can get incredibly cold this high up, even during the summer, so make sure to have some warm clothes with you.
If you plan to stay a bit longer in Geiranger, or even if you just find yourself with a bit of extra time, then there are a few optional extras to add to your itinerary. The first of these is the Storfossen waterfall walk from Geiranger village to the Fjord Centre, or vice versa.
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike then you should visit the Storseterfossen waterfall. The walk to this waterfall starts from Westeras Gard farm, also known as Vesterås farm, which is a short drive from Geiranger village.
Where to stay in Geiranger
Mid-Range – Lunheim Accommodation
If you’re looking for brilliant views of Geirangerfjord at an affordable price, then Lunheim Accommodation might be exactly what you’re looking for. Located on a farm above Geiranger village, the property has a terrace and garden for guests to enjoy.
Rooms at the property are comfortable and there are shared kitchen and barbecue facilities if you want to save money by cooking for yourself. On top of that, the owners are very friendly and will help with your stay in any way that they can.
Click here to arrange a stay at the great Lunheim Accommodation on Booking.com!
Treat Yourself! – Hotel Union Geiranger
The Hotel Union Geiranger is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a luxurious stay in the area. It’s a family run hotel with a range of brilliant facilities, including both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a sauna and hot tub.
Thanks to the hotel’s location you’re able to get some lovely views over both the village and Geirangerfjord. There’s also free parking at the property, which is perfect for this self-drive itinerary!
Click here to book a stay at the fantastic Hotel Union Geiranger on Booking.com!
Flam (Days 5 and 6)
Day 5
The next day will mainly be spent travelling from Geiranger to Flam by car as part of this self-drive 7 day West Norway fjord itinerary. If you want to take the scenic route then we recommend driving towards Lom on road RV 15 and then following the Norwegian Scenic Route Sognefjellet towards Gaupne.
From there you should make your way towards Lærdalsøyri, which involves taking a ferry from Mannhaller to Fodnes. Fortunately the ferry normally runs every 20 minutes, so you can just turn up and board relatively easily.
After you’ve taken the ferry, continue towards Lærdalsøyri. From there you have 2 options, either take the main E16 road straight to Flam or if you’re craving more scenery then take the Aurlandsfjellet Norwegian Scenic Route. Fortunately, Aurlandfjellet isn’t too far from Flam so if you want you can always come back to drive the scenic road the next day!
One of the best parts about taking the scenic route is the chance to visit the Stegastein viewing platform, which has breathtaking views of Aurlandsfjord. This viewing platform is around a half hour drive from Flam, so if you don’t want to drive the whole route then you can just visit for the views the next day.
The length of the drive really depends on how long you spend enjoying the scenery and which route you decide to take. Fortunately there is no need to reach Flam particularly early, as there isn’t really anything to do in the village until the next day! As a result, you can take your time on the drive and take whichever route suits you best.
Day 6
The main reason for visiting the tiny village of Flam is the chance to take a scenic train journey on the Flam Railway. It’s been described as the most beautiful train ride in the world and passes through some of the country’s most incredible scenery, so it’s certainly worthy of a place on any one week Norway itinerary!
Although the journey only lasts approximately 1 hour one-way from Flam to Myrdal, the ever-changing views are beyond spectacular. As you ascend towards Myrdal you’ll be treated to amazing views of towering mountains, rushing waterfalls, a glacial river and more.
Better yet, you get to enjoy the views all over again as you need to return back to Flam once you’ve reached Myrdal. If you don’t want to take the train both ways then you have the option of hiking or biking back down to Flam.
We recommend booking tickets in advance so you don’t miss out for the dates of your visit. Find out where to book tickets and much more with our guide to the Flam Railway!
If you opt to do the return trip on the train then you may also have time to take a cruise along Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord. It’s well worth adding this cruise to your itinerary as it allows you to see one of the narrowest fjords in both Norway and the world! As you’d expect, the scenery is outstanding and a highlight of our one week in Western Norway itinerary.
Cruises along Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord are run on environmentally friendly vessels, which take you from Flam to Gudvangen. Journeys take around two hours one-way, with return trips available either by taking another cruise or a 20-minute shuttle bus back to Flam. Tickets for the cruise can be booked on the Visit Flam website.
If you have more time and didn’t take the scenic Aurlandsfjellet route the day before then it’s well worth visiting for the wonderful Stegastein viewpoint. It provides one of the best views of Aurlandsfjord, so it’s definitely worth the drive if you have the time!
Where to stay in Flam
Mid-Range – Flam Marina
Offering brilliantly located apartments on the shore of the fjord, Flam Marina is one of the best properties in the area. Free parking is available on site, and everything you need is within walking distance of the property.
Both one bedroom and two bedrooms apartments are available to rent.
Click here to book a stay at Flam Marina on Booking.com!
Treat Yourself! – Flamsbrygga Hotel
The wonderful Flamsbrygga Hotel is one of the best accommodation options in Flam. Balconies at the hotel have some brilliant views thanks to the great location nearby to the shore of Aurlandsfjord.
Rooms at the property are comfortable to ensure a relaxing stay, and the Flam Railway station is just a few minutes walk away.
Click here to see the fantastic Flamsbrygga Hotel on Booking.com!
Bergen (Day 7)
Day 7
On the final day of your one week Western Norway itinerary you need to make your way back to Bergen. If possible arrange a flight home for the evening so that you have time to drive back via the stunning Voringfossen waterfall in Eidfjord.
Driving directly from Flam to Bergen only takes around 2 and a half hours, but if you visit the waterfall it will add around 3 hours extra to the drive.
Adding 3 hours to your journey may sound like a lot of effort just to see one waterfall, but we can assure you that it’s more than worth it. Voringfossen is one of Norway’s most famous waterfalls due to its breathtaking natural beauty, so don’t miss the chance to see it with your own eyes and is so worth the inclusion on this one week Western Norway itinerary of the fjords!
It has a total height of 182 metres, with the longest single drop covering 163 metres, and an average width of 23 metres. There are a few different viewpoints opposite the waterfall to allow you to get the best possible views of Voringfossen as it sends water powering into the ravine below.
Thankfully, visiting Voringfossen is completely free, as free parking is provided near to the viewpoints. There is a small souvenir shop if you’re looking for any last minute gifts to take home and there are also free toilets near the car park. Although it does make it a much longer drive back to Bergen, in our opinion it’s completely worth it!
Once you’ve finished up at the waterfall, set off to Bergen airport and return your rental car before boarding your flight home. If you’d prefer you can always spend an extra night in Bergen before flying home to save having to worry about timings on the last day.
Alternatively, VRBO have some fantastic accommodation options if you want to rent a property instead of staying at a hotel during your 7 day West Norway fjord itinerary! Click here to see the amazing options on the VRBO website!
If you are looking for inspiration for your next trip then we recommend visiting North Iceland for the Northern Lights or a week in Montenegro.
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