Fly Drive Holidays in Norway : Exploring the Fjords

The former realm of the fierce Vikings is home to majestic fjords and snowy landscapes best explored by driving on the open road. Norway is not one of those countries known for road trips, but if you are looking for something epic and unforgettable, then this is the best place for you.

Fly drive holidays to Norway are best scheduled during late spring to early fall (May to September), and allot two weeks to explore the Norwegian fjords in a more leisurely pace.

Flying In

The nearest international airport to Bergen (the starting point of the journey) is Bergen-Flesland International airport. This airport is one of the busiest in Norway, with over six million flights every year. Regular flights are offered by major airlines.

Starting the Journey

Your journey to explore the fjords of Norway begins at Bergen, located in the western coast of the country. Bergen is best seen on the peak of Mt. Floyen, where you can see not only the vast cityscape but also panoramic views of the harbour. While in Bergen, you can also check out the fresh fish market at Torget and the historic area of Bryggen, with its wonderfully preserved wooden buildings.

After Bergen, you can head over to Alesund, a unique seaport with numerous buildings designed in the Art Nouveau style of architecture. Jugendstilsenteret in Alesund has been called the Norwegian Centre of Art Nouveau Architecture, and visitors can feast their eyes on the area’s museum and exhibition centre. The charm of the town is best observed from a lofty perch on the Aksla Hill—just make sure your legs are ready for the steep climb! The Golden Route is up next—also known as the Highway 63, this road takes you to a scenic trip from Andalsnes to Geiranger. This drive is unforgettable with its mountain-face location, steep inclines, and numerous challenging hairpin curves. Along the way, you’ll encounter the Troll’s Wall (or Trollveggen), which rises up to over a thousand meters and easily the highest vertical cliff in the continent.

Geiranger, your next destination in this trip, is a scenic town situated near a majestic fjord. If you are visiting during the summer, make sure to try the local strawberries for a quick snack as you cruise along the Highway 63. The fjord at Geiranger is known for its beautiful waterfalls and for being one of the most picturesque scenes in the country. Make sure to visit the arm of the Briksdal Glacier, which is perfectly complemented by the lush greenery of the Briksdal Valley in the summer.

After Geiranger, you can visit Flamsbana, which is popular for its corkscrew railway. The Flamsbana railway is known as one of the steepest in the world, but you can enjoy unforgettable scenery once you make the trip.

Ending the Journey

After the trip to Flamsbana, you can head on back to Bergen. If you have a bit more time, we advise that you stay two or three days per journey point as there are plenty of things to experience in this part of Norway.