10-day road trip in Norway

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Which itinerary for a 10-day road trip in Norway?

 

Fancy discovering Norway and the Lofotens in summer? Here’s a sample road trip and some places to explore:

  • Day 1: Arrival in Bodø by plane. Car rental at the airport and head to the city. You can explore Bodø Cathedral, the Norwegian Aviation Museum, or visit Kjerringøy, the old fishing village.
  • Day 2: Bodø to Svolvær (Lofoten) by ferry (6h). No need to pre-book your ticket; you can pay on the ferry. Once there, discover the port of Svolvær or the Lofoten War Memorial Museum.
  • Day 3: Svolvær to Henningsvær (1h10 / 30 km). Take a tour of the picturesque port of Henningsvær and visit the KaviarFactory, the contemporary art gallery.
  • Day 4: Henningsvær to Reine (2h / 89 km). Reine is a hallmark of Lofoten. A leisurely stroll is essential, and you can also view the landscape from Reinebringen and visit the fishing village of Å.
  • Day 5: Reine to Å (15 min / 10 km). Continue exploring Å, its Norwegian Fishing Village Museum (Norsk Fiskeværsmuseum), and don’t miss the Å Bakeri bakery.
  • Day 6: Å to Ballstad (2h30 / 126 km). Like many towns in Lofoten, Ballstad is by the sea, allowing you to organise a sea fishing excursion.
  • Day 7: Ballstad to Nusfjord (1h / 40 km). Nusfjord is a historic village with a museum and offers hikes in the surrounding mountains.
  • Day 8: Nusfjord to Stamsund (1h15 / 51 km). The Stamsund lighthouse would be a fine addition to a city tour, along with a kayak discovery of the fjords.
  • Day 9: Stamsund to Bodø (ferry journey, 5h30). A visit to the Saltstraumen aquarium and the maelstrom will round off the day.
  • Day 10: Bodø. Time for some shopping at the city’s shopping centre before your flight departs.

 

Car rental tips in Norway

 

Depending on your point of entry in Norway, it might be easier or trickier to find car rental services. If you start in Oslo, no worries, all the major car rental companies are there. However, if you’re starting from Bodø or even the Lofotens, it’s advisable to book your vehicle well in advance. Here are some tips:

  • Book in advance: This will ensure you get the best rates and availability. Online booking is the simplest way to do this in Norway.
  • Compare offers: Use online price comparison tools to find the best value for money across different rental agencies.
  • Check the terms: Every rental company has different conditions, so make sure to read the fine print, especially considering your needs: luggage, children, seasons, sports activities, etc.
  • Rental agency presence: The main rental agencies in Norway include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, and Budget, along with local agencies.
  • Vehicle collection: Picking up the vehicle at the airport is always most convenient, saving you taxi or shuttle fares. Be mindful of agency operating hours in relation to your landing time.

Choice of car type: With high petrol and diesel prices in Norway, opting for an electric or plug-in hybrid car is a good idea. Norway boasts one of the best charging station networks, all powered exclusively by low-carbon energy sources.

Of course, this itinerary is just a generic example. Don’t hesitate to request a 100% personalised Roadbook from our Roadbookers; they will work with you to design a road trip that perfectly meets your travel expectations.

 

Norway in summer ►
Travel to Norway in winter ►

 

Renting a car in Norway in summer or winter

 

Norway is rather unique, situated far north in Europe with a portion of its territory above the Arctic Circle. It’s crucial to choose the right type of vehicle based on the season:

  • Spring and summer: During these seasons, a compact or saloon car suffices for most road trips. Norwegian roads don’t often permit high speeds, so prioritise luggage space and comfort over sportiness. In summer, you won’t face major climatic constraints.
  • Autumn: The weather can be unpredictable in autumn, so it’s preferable to opt for a car with all-season tyres, or even snow tyres. Especially in northern Norway, where its proximity to the North Pole can bring swift weather changes.
  • Winter: In winter, it’s highly recommended to choose a 4×4 or SUV equipped with winter tyres, or even studded tyres. By default, rental agencies will provide you with these based on the season and your location in Norway. Norwegian roads often have ice; drive cautiously during this period. Snow might also be a factor, and a higher ground clearance vehicle will prevent you from getting stuck.

 

Tours and experiences in Norway with our partner

 

 

Key points for driving in Norway

 

Here are some important tips to know before setting off on your Norwegian road trip:

  • Fuel prices: Even though Norway is an oil-producing country, fuel prices remain high: https://fr.globalpetrolprices.com/Norway/gasoline_prices/

  • Electric or petrol for car rental in Norway? The choice is yours, but bear in mind that Norway is the land of electric vehicles and boasts a vast network of charging stations. Opting for an electric rental car can be done risk-free.

  • Car rental in Norway starts from age 19. Naturally, you need to have a valid driver’s license for at least 1 year. An international license isn’t necessary; your European one suffices (​​https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F420). For drivers under 25, an insurance surcharge will apply.

  • Child seats are mandatory for children shorter than 135 cm.

  • Toll roads exist in Norway, particularly on routes and tunnels leading to fjords. Rates vary between 2 and 20 euros per crossing, depending on the road taken. It’s advisable to get an electronic device (AutoPASS) for payments, allowing for smoother passage through automated tolls.

  • In Norway, be mindful of speed limits:

    • Built-up areas: 50 km/h

    • Outside built-up areas: 80 km/h

    • Motorways: 90 to 100 km/h

  • Drive on the right, as in many countries, and always give way to the right. Trams always have the right of way.

  • While Norway offers delightful bars, drink-driving is strictly prohibited, with one of the lowest legal limits of 0.2 g/l. Be cautious, as fines are income-adjusted, which could lead to an unpleasant surprise.

Where to stay in Norway?

 

Here are some accommodation ideas in Norway, ranging from unique to conventional, showcasing the diversity of lodging options available:

Some accommodation ideas:

  • Treehouse in Stavanger (quirky)
    • Pros: It’s a one-of-a-kind experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy a peaceful escape from urban noise. It’s also a perfect starting point for hikes.
    • Cons: Accessibility and amenities can be challenges, so choose your treehouse wisely.
  • Lighthouse Villa off the Norwegian coast (quirky)
    • Pros: From the lighthouse, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the ocean and the coastline. With no neighbours around, tranquillity is guaranteed.
    • Cons: Access can be tricky since it’s boat-only.
  • Traditional city hotel (conventional): Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz in Bergen
    • Pros: Its central location places you in the heart of Bergen, close to the historic Bryggen district.
    • Cons: It’s a more traditional choice, which can be harder to secure during peak tourist seasons.
  • Rural guesthouse (conventional): Eliassen Rorbuer in Hamnøy, Lofoten Islands
    • Pros: Located in the charming village of Hamnøy, surrounded by the mountains and fjords characteristic of the Lofoten Islands. Very typical of the Lofoten, rorbuers are traditional fisherman’s cabins converted into comfortable, well-equipped accommodations.
    • Cons: They’re limited in number, so booking well in advance is a must.

 

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Régis
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