Driving in Norway

Norway offers some of the world's most spectacular driving experiences. The country has designated 18 National Tourist Routes (Nasjonale Turistveger) - scenic roads with specially designed viewpoints, rest areas, and attractions along the way.

Famous Scenic Roads

🌊

Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsveien)

8.3km coastal road with bridges jumping between islands. Called "the road to nowhere." Best experienced in stormy weather.

63.0167°N, 7.3500°E | Between Molde and Kristiansund
🐉

Trollstigen (Troll's Path)

Dramatic mountain road with 11 hairpin bends, 10% gradient, and waterfalls. Open May-October only.

62.4583°N, 7.6700°E | Near Åndalsnes
⛰️

Trollstigen-Geiranger Road (Ørnevegen)

Eagle Road with spectacular hairpins descending to Geirangerfjord. Incredible fjord views.

62.0833°N, 7.1167°E | Geiranger area
🏔️

Sognefjellsvegen

Northern Europe's highest mountain pass road (1,434m). Spectacular glacier and mountain views.

61.5500°N, 7.9500°E | Between Lom and Luster
🎿

Aurlandsfjellet (Snow Road)

Mountain road with Stegastein viewpoint jutting 30m over the fjord. Open June-October.

60.9000°N, 7.2500°E | Aurland to Lærdal
🌅

Lofoten Scenic Route

Dramatic coastal road through the Lofoten Islands with fishing villages and mountain scenery.

68.2000°N, 14.0000°E | Raftsundet to Å
🦌

Hardangervidda

High mountain plateau route between Oslo and Bergen. Wild reindeer habitat.

60.1000°N, 7.5000°E | Eidfjord area

National Tourist Routes

Norway has 18 designated National Tourist Routes covering 2,136 km of spectacular roads:

  • Havøysund: Arctic route to fishing villages
  • Varanger: Eastern Finnmark coastal route
  • Senja: Norway's second largest island
  • Andøya: Whale watching country
  • Lofoten: Dramatic island scenery
  • Helgelandskysten: Coastal route with 12,000 islands
  • Atlanterhavsvegen: Atlantic Ocean Road
  • Geiranger-Trollstigen: Mountain and fjord spectacular
  • Rondane: Mountain wilderness
  • Gamle Strynefjellsvegen: Historic mountain crossing
  • Sognefjellsvegen: Highest mountain pass
  • Aurlandsfjellet: Snow road viewpoints
  • Gaularfjellet: Waterfalls and valleys
  • Hardanger: Fjord and orchard country
  • Hardangervidda: Mountain plateau
  • Ryfylke: Inner fjord route
  • Jæren: Coastal beaches
  • Valdresflye: High mountain route

Driving Tips for Norway

Speed Limits

Built-up: 50 km/h | Rural: 80 km/h | Highway: 90-110 km/h

Headlights

Required at all times, even in daylight

Winter Tires

Required Nov 1 - Easter (or when conditions require)

Tolls

Many roads have automatic tolls (AutoPASS)

Mountain Road Seasons

Many mountain roads close in winter due to snow:

  • Trollstigen: Open late May - October
  • Sognefjellsvegen: Open June - October
  • Aurlandsfjellet: Open June - October
  • Gamle Strynefjellsvegen: Open late June - October
  • Check road status: vegvesen.no for current conditions

Road Trip Planning

  • Distances: Norway is 1,750 km long - don't underestimate drive times
  • Ferries: Many routes require ferry crossings - check schedules
  • Fuel: Fill up when possible - long distances between stations in north
  • Wildlife: Watch for moose, reindeer, and sheep on roads
  • Rest Areas: National Tourist Routes have scenic rest stops