For the Adventurous: A 7-Day Road Trip from Bergen to Alesund
For the Adventurous: A 7-Day Road Trip from Bergen to Alesund
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Norway is a beautiful country with plenty to see! One of my favorite solo road trips was from Bergen to Alesund during a Covid year, and it still stands out as one of my favorite adventures. And while this trip can be done in a 4-day long weekend, it’s worth taking your time to really appreciate the grandeur, the views, the hikes, and even an icy swim in one of the glacial lakes (only for the brave).
PRO TIP: My full 10-Day South Norway Road Trip adds Oslo and Stavanger to the list and included driving through insane mountains, pristine fjords, and quaint little Norwegian villages. For those with a bit more than a week, this is for you!
So whether you’re looking for an adventure or a relaxing getaway, this 7-day road trip is sure to rip you out of your comfort zone and deliver some much-needed perspective on what beauty really is in this world. Here is all the research and lessons learned from my own adventure through Norway – packaged to make your planning just a little bit easier!
Bergen to Alesund Road Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Bergen
There are a few ways to get to this city – by plane, by car, or by train. Most international visitors will fly to Oslo and grab a connecting flight to Bergen (which I recommend if you’re strapped on time and have less than a week). I ended up doing a bit of a long road trip and renting a car in Oslo, driving through the south of Norway for a few days before arriving in Bergen, but I digress…
If you get to Bergen before sunset and remember the sun goes down pretty late, grab a bottle of wine and head up to the top of the mountain via funicular to catch the view of the city! There is nothing like this view to welcome you to Norway – at least for me since I opted to drive from Oslo (again, try not to do this unless you have more time.)
Where to Stay: Bergen. As you’re only staying one night in Bergen, I recommend booking a little hotel somewhere near the old town so that everything is walkable.
Day 2: Explore Bergen & Head to Flam
Start with a Walking Tour in Bergen: Past and Present to really get an idea of the history, Bergen’s fascination with trolls (not joking), and stories of this city from a local. Then walk around the city at your leisure and grab some lunch at the pier before heading out to Flam.
Driving to Flam will take 3 hours. Once you’re in Flam, you’ll want to take the late afternoon cruise to see the Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage spot! Make sure you book your ticket ahead of time here. For the end of the day, grab a pint at the Aegir Brew Pub, which looks like one of the old stave churches in Norway!
Where to Stay: I stayed at an Airbnb in Flam.
Day 3: A Day in Loen [SkiLifts & Norwegian Churches]
Start the morning with a visit to the best-preserved stave church in Norway – and yes, it will look slightly like the brewpub you had beers in last night. Drive 50 minutes from Flam to the Borgund Stave Church for some photos and a light snack at their cafe.
Then, you have a scenic 3.5-hour drive north to the Loen Skylift. The little town of Loen is where you’ll want to grab a late lunch and go up to the Skylift to see the stunning views. I spent a couple of good hours up there walking around the trails and stuffing my face with the freshly baked apple cinnamon buns served at the cafe.
DID YOU KNOW? Apple ciders, apple juice, and apple baked goods are a thing in Norway. So before you leave, make sure you try all of these goodies!
Depending on what time you arrive, you may have time to do a full hike – there are plenty of them starting at the top of the skylift, including a Via Ferrata for those who are into getting their heart rate up really fast.
Where to Stay: Geiranger Area. My favorite stay in Norway was glamping at Merete’s Garden. It’s a little retreat tucked in between mountains with all the amenities you could imagine for a Norway trip – a puppy, a garden you can use for cooking, a luxurious tent to spend the night, weekly yoga sessions, freshly-baked cinnamon buns for breakfast each morning, a spectacular dry sauna, and the option for a massage on request.
Day 4: Geiranger Fjord & Skagefla Viewpoint
One of the reasons I loved staying at Merete’s Garden is that it’s a great location for the next 2 days of adventure. Today is about seeing one of the more famous Fjords in Norway, although there is no shortage of stunning fjords on this side of the country. The drive and ferry ride to Geiranger will take your breath away (see pictures below). You’ll want to start early and pack a lunch with you if you want to do the Skagefla hike, which I recommend.
The early afternoon boat tour of the Geiranger Fjord is what you want to get on, and on the way back, the boat will stop at a spot along the edge. This is Skagehola, and if you’re up for it – this is where you get off for the Skagefla Hike. It’s about a 45-minute hike up some steep steps, but worth the views of the “Seven Sisters” Waterfall from the top, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! To get back, you go down the steps and get back on the boat – the pick-up service is included as part of your ticket.
Dinner Recommendation: After your boat ride and hike, grab dinner at Brasserie Posten and make sure to try their award-winning sour beer before heading back to Merete’s Garden.
Where to Stay: Geiranger Area at Merete’s Garden. I liked this home base so much, that I ended up staying a few nights.
Day 5: Trollstigen Road & Romsdalseggen Hike
This was my FAVORITE day! Get an early start, pack lunch and snacks, and a ton of water.
On the drive to Romsdalseggen, you’ll be driving through one of the more scenic drives in Norway, Trollstigen. Make sure to stop at the lookout point at the top and take in the view of the valley, waterfall, and road you’ll be driving through on your way to Andalsnes.
Romsdalseggen is a 7-hour hike, end to end, so mentally prepare yourself. The hike starts in the town of Andalsnes, at the main bus stop – check times & book here. You should try to catch the 9 am bus to the trailhead.
The Romsdalseggen Hike starts with an uphill trek for about 2 hours, and the views just keep getting better, especially after you get across the ridge. I met a group of amazing Norwegian girls on the hike who gave me the courage I needed to traverse the scarier parts of the hike – so I highly recommend putting out some friendly vibes.
On the descent, when you get to the ski lift, have yourself a beer and enjoy the view – you earned it! While you can walk the 40 extra minutes down the trail, this will literally kill your calf muscles doing that. I recommend calling it a day, riding the ski lift down, and grabbing dinner in Andalsnes at Sodahlhuset.
Where to Stay: I stayed at a little hotel in Andalsnes.
Day 6: Be a Tourist in Alesund
Grab breakfast and a stroll through the town of Andalsnes in the morning, and then make the 1.5-hour drive from here to Alesund just in time to grab lunch in Alesund. I also squeezed in a Walking Tour of Alesund after lunch, which I thought was pretty cute, but go at your own pace. I’m a fan of walking tours because the guides are local and it’s a great way to get to know a new city or town.
Regarding what to eat in Alesund, think fresh fish! My recommendations are Bro, XL Diner for the famous bacalao, and Apotekargata No.5 whose menu is driven by local and seasonal ingredients.
OPTION: If you’re not tired of driving, a little road trip to the Atlantic Ocean Road will take about 2.5 hours there and another 2.5 hours back. That said, a nice little road trip around sunset would be nice. I’ll be honest, I did it and wasn’t that impressed just because I love the mountains and nature best, BUT if you’re into cool bits of engineering, and are ok with a bit more driving, it is a beautiful road to drive on and especially pretty if you’ve got a drone to take some pictures from above.
Where to Stay: I stayed in a little Airbnb in Alesund for the night.
Day 7: Alesund to Bergen & Fly Home
Today is a huge driving day because you need to make your way down to Bergen and head home. The drive is about 7.5 hours, which is rough, but take your time to take in the last of the beautiful Norwegian views. Here are my favorite Road Trip Playlists to help along the way – you’re welcome!
Where to Stay: Bergen if you need one more night before you fly out.
Bergen to Alesund Road Trip Map
A straight shot road trip from Bergen to Alesund, including ferries, takes about 7.5 hours. But the point of this trip is to meander and explore, hike, see the sights, fjords, little Norwegian towns, etc. This is the route I took.
I tried to limit driving for too long in one day so I wouldn’t be exhausted all the time. I also tried to stay in each place for a couple of days because I don’t like moving my luggage every night from place to place. That said, Norway is huge.. so here are some drive times to prepare you emotionally for your road trip.
- Bergen to Flam: 3 hours
- Flam to Loen: 3.5 hours
- Loen to Geiranger: 2.5 hours
- Geiranger to Andalsnes: 2.5 hours
- Andalsnes to Alesund: 1.5 hours
- Alesund to Bergen: 7.5 hours
Making Decisions on Where to Stop
How many days do you need in Bergen?
Since this is a week-long road trip from Bergen to Alesund, I would only spend a day or two in Bergen. The rest of the trip is more spectacular when it comes to fjords, mountain scenery, Norwegian churches, and skylift views.
That said, there are plenty of things to do in Bergen like hikes, museums, boat trips, and restaurants to spending an entire week just in this cute little city.
Which is better, Bergen or Stavanger?
If you’re planning a road trip through Norway, you may be wondering whether to start in Bergen or Stavanger. Both cities have their own unique charm and it’s really down to logistics and preference.
Starting in Bergen gives you the opportunity to explore the stunning landscapes of the Norwegian fjords if you have less time, while Stavanger is closer to some of the country’s best hiking trails, like Prekeistolen (see picture). Bergen is also home to a number of museums and art galleries, while Stavanger’s old town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Which is better, Bergen or Oslo?
Both cities have a lot to offer, and they also have their own unique character. Bergen is located in the Western part of the country and is known for its beautiful scenery and relaxed atmosphere. Oslo is the capital city and boasts a more lively and cosmopolitan feel.
If you want to experience the best of Norwegian culture and landscapes, Bergen is a great option and starting point for your road trip. However, if you’re more interested in city life and nightlife, national museums, restaurants, and big city life, then Oslo may be a better choice for you.
PRO TIP: If you do end up spending a couple of days in Oslo, check out my Southern Norway Road Trip for what to do / where to eat in Oslo and a few other places (like Stavanger) along the way.
Is Alesund worth visiting?
Yes! It’s too cute of a Norwegian charming coastal town not to visit, idyllic with its colorful art nouveau port-side houses all lined up next to each other. There’s also the Sunnmøre Museum, which tells the story of the town’s history, as well as the Art Nouveau Centre, which showcases the unique architecture of the area. There are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, and the views of the surrounding mountains are simply stunning.
Getting from Bergen to Alesund
What is driving like in Norway?
Norway is a road tripper’s paradise, especially if you’re road trip takes you from Bergen to Alesund. The country is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the world, and its roads are well-maintained and relatively empty (sans a few sheep here and there). Driving in Norway is simple and straightforward if you keep a few things in mind.
First, Norway has some of the highest gas prices in Europe, so be sure to fill up before you enter the country – or get a diesel car.
Second, many of Norway’s roads are toll roads, so be prepared to pay a few extra kroner ($$) at the end of your rental car bill. Don’t worry, each rental car is equipped with a toll pass, which automatically tracks tolls and ferry crossings so you don’t have to worry about it along the way.
Finally, obey the speed limits, as a speeding ticket is super expensive (think hundreds of dollars) and there are speed cameras everywhere.
How do I get from Bergen to Alesund?
There are a few ways to get from Bergen to Alesund:
- Get a Rental Car and road trip from Bergen to Alesund. A direct trip takes 7.5 hours from one city to another.
- There is a 9.5-hour bus/train that goes from Bergen to Alesund for about $80 (tickets here).
- You can fly from Bergen to Alesund for about $200. The flight is about 3.5 hours long.
- Lastly, there’s a ferry from Bergen to Alesund that takes about 13 hours.
How do I get from Oslo to Bergen?
There are also a few ways to get from Oslo to Bergen:
- Get a Rental Carand drive from Oslo to Bergen. from Oslo to Bergen – will take about 7 hours.
- You can fly from Oslo to Bergen. It’s about a 50-minute flight for about $100
Rental cars, tolls & ferries – oh my!
If you’re doing this road trip from Bergen to Alesund, renting a car is the way to go. I used Discover Cars to review all the car company rates and picked what worked for me – ie. a small automatic because I don’t know how to drive standard yet.
Many of Norway’s roads are toll roads, so be prepared to pay a few extra kroner ($$) at the end of your rental car bill. Don’t worry, each rental car is equipped with a toll pass, which automatically tracks tolls and ferry crossings so you don’t have to worry about it along the way.
Ferries are super simple to get onto as well, and will be a seamless transition from road to ferry and back on to road if you’re following Google Maps.
One last note about road trips and cars in Norway. Obey the speed limits, as a speeding ticket is super expensive (think hundreds of dollars) and there are speed cameras everywhere.
Bergen to Alesund Road Trip Tips
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Because you’re out of your home country, you should get travel insurance anyway. And because the road trip from Bergen to Alesund contains some intense hikes and lots of exploring in the wilderness, you should look into added medical travel insurance, which is about $40-60 a month. While vaccination restrictions have been lifted in 2022, it will still be wise to check if there are any other travel restrictions to entering the country.
PRO TIP: Living in Europe long term, I’ve done the research on the Best Medical Insurance for travel in Europe. See what fits your trip and make sure you’re covered.
What are ways to stay on a budget in Norway?
Norway is a notoriously expensive country to visit, but there are ways to stretch your budget. One way to save money is to plan your trip during the shoulder season when prices are lower and crowds are thinner – July and August.
Another tip is to focus on free activities, such as hiking in the stunning scenery or visiting one of Norway’s many museums. If you’re willing to rough it, camping (or glamping) is a great option for accommodation; not only will you save money, but you’ll also have a more authentic Norwegian experience. I also found private hostel rooms to be a great alternative to hotels.
Finally, consider driving instead of flying; while gas is expensive in Norway, it’s still cheaper than airfare, and you’ll have the added bonus of being able to explore the country at your own pace – thus this road trip from Bergen to Alesund. By following these tips, you can enjoy all that Norway has to offer without breaking the bank.
What do I need to eat while I’m in Norway?
While you’re in Norway, you’ll definitely want to try some of the traditional Norwegian dishes. Fish is a big part of the Norwegian diet, and you’ll find lots of different seafood dishes on offer. Salmon is particularly popular, and you’ll often find it served with potatoes and vegetables.
If you’re looking for something a little bit heartier, then why not try reindeer stew? It’s a traditional Norwegian dish that is usually served with mashed potatoes and gravy. And of course, no meal would be complete without some dessert, so dig into cloudberry pies, cinnamon buns, and waffles – the local favorites. Wash all that down with a local beer or cider (which is super popular) for maximum Norwegian authenticity!
What should I pack?
Even though I went in the summer months and got lucky with 80% sunny days, it was still a bit cold at times. At a minimum pack a few hiking outfits, a rain jacket, a water bottle, and a few layered outfits. I put together this list of comfy road trip outfits – use it as a checklist for your trip. Just remember, you’re up north, so even in the summer months – it’s chilly.
When should I go on this road trip?
It’s best to visit Norway during the summer when the sun is out. I recommend July or August for a road trip from Bergen to Alesund.
What is the best fjord in Norway?
This is like asking someone who their favorite child is, but I will answer nonetheless. My favorite fjord on this trip was Geiranger Fjord. It was super pretty driving to it, it feels like the whole valley and town is a remote secret tucked away, and the Skagefla hike for a better view of the fjord is very pretty. You just have to go and see for yourself!
Bergen to Alesund Road Trip Highlights
Bergen
The city of Bergen is one of the most visually stunning cities in Norway. With its colorful houses and picturesque setting, it’s a great base for exploring the surrounding area, with easy access to the rest of the country.
Alesund
The city of Alesund is located on the west coast of Norway and is known for its picturesque setting and vibrant fishing industry. The city is built on a series of islands, and its colorful houses are a popular attraction.
Geiranger Fjord
One of my favorite fjords on this road trip because there are so many ways you can view it – on the road coming into Geiranger, from the ferry, from the top of a hike, and from the town as you sip on your award-winning cider and enjoy the sun!
Nærøy Fjord
Near Flam, you can take a boat tour of Nærøy Fjord which takes you up close to the towering cliffs, and there are hikes with stunning views all around. In addition, there are plenty of places to eat and drink, and you can even stay overnight in a traditional Norwegian cabin.
Loen Sky Lift
A small town on the road trip from Bergen to Alesund, it’s nonetheless a must-stop just because the views from the top of the ski lift of Loen are insane.
Trollstigen Road
Loosely translated to the “Troll Road”, this is one of my favorite pieces of driving on the road trip from Bergen all the way up to Alesund because of how windy and how scenic it is. And in the middle of the drive, you are welcomed by a giant waterfall that spills so close to the road itself, it almost touches your car!
Romsdalseggen Hike
One of the most beautiful hikes in Norway, and I promise I’m not the only one who thinks so! A 7-hour journey from end to end, this hike was the highlight of the entire trip.
Atlantic Ocean Road
The road weaves its way along the coast, offering stunning views of the ocean and the islands dotting the shoreline. While the road itself is only a few kilometers long, there are plenty of places to stop along the way to enjoy the view or take a hike.
Hi, I’m Mariana!
Countries Travelled: 38
Languages Learned: 3
Years on Sabbatical: 2
After 10 years in corporate America, I decided to hit the road and adventure. Now, I’m a full-time travel blogger in Europe, a citizen of both the US and the EU, and an all-out digital nomad focusing on road trips. Beyond that, I love a good story, local markets, visas in my passport, a strong espresso, and an even stronger Negroni!
I hope to inspire you to take your own sabbatical – however that may look like!