The guide to the best scenic roads in Norway from an outdoor-loving woman living in Oslo (me :D). Discover Norway National Tourist Routes, explore famous roads in Norway, such as Trollstigen road, or Atlantic Road, and discover the most stunning mountain roads in Norway and coastal drives.
The most scenic drives in Norway
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If there is one thing that changed the way I see Norway, it’s road trips. When I first moved to Oslo, I used public transport for most of my explorations.
But then, we decided to rent cars for the weekends to have more freedom in exploring the country. And from the moment I started driving through fjords, across mountain plateaus, and along dramatic coastal roads, Norway suddenly felt bigger, more dramatic and more spectacular with every road trip.
Some of my best memories from Norway happened on the road. Pulling over for unexpected viewpoints, watching reindeer cross the highway in Finnmark, and in Jotunheimen, brewing coffee on a cliff above a turquoise fjord, or driving into a sunrise that lit up the entire Hardangervidda plateau in pink. Road trips in Norway proved to be my favourite to thing to do in the country.
Below is my personally curated list of the most beautiful Norwegian scenic roads. I tried to make a good mix of Norway National Tourist Routes and famous roads in Norway, but also adding hidden detours, mountain crossings, and fjord-side roads that will make your Norway road trip an amazing one! These are all routes I’ve driven myself, often more than once, and each one has a story behind it.
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The Best Norway scenic roads
1. Sognefjellet National Tourist Route – A Drive Through Norway’s Roof
The Sognefjellet scenic route is one of the Norwegian scenic routes, that are worth checking out.
That drive made me fall in love with Norway’s mountain landscapes. Starting near Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, it climbs steeply toward the Jotunheimen mountains, home of Norway’s highest peaks. Every time I drive this road, it feels like entering a myth. The transition from deep fjord forests to a stark, glacier-carved mountain world is almost cinematic.
My favorite part is the moment the landscape suddenly opens up onto a high plateau, where the sky feels impossibly close. If you continue toward Lom, the small mountain village makes a perfect stop for cinnamon buns and local food (check out the famous Lom Bakery). This route is stunning on a clear day, but even in mist or light drizzle, the mountains look mysterious and otherworldly.
Often, even in the summer, you can find snow there, so it feels like entering a totally different world!
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2. Aurlandsfjellet (The Snow Road) – Old Route Between Fjord and Mountains
The Aurlandsfjellet route, also known as the Snow Road, is a journey of contrasts. From fjord views to Arctic-like snowfields. If you’ve only seen photos of the famous Stegastein viewpoint above Aurlandsfjord, which is one of the things to do in Flam, imagine extending that experience into a full scenic road that winds upward into vast, open white landscapes.
I first drove this road on a June evening, when the snow was still towering beside the road like walls. The air was cold, but the sky was golden, and I had the entire place to myself.
This is one of those drives where you constantly want to pull over because the scenery changes dramatically every few minutes. One moment you’re above Aurlandsfjord with stunning views of the fjords below, the next, you’re driving across a frozen plateau that feels like Svalbard, and then you encounter beautiful waterfalls and open plains.
The road eventually descends into the village of Lærdal, with its cozy wooden houses and peaceful river, making this drive feel like a journey through different worlds.
3. Ryfylke Scenic Route – Waterfalls, Blue Lakes and Raw Rock Landscapes
Ryfylke is one of the most underrated scenic routes and one I recommend to anyone who loves dramatic landscapes. What I love most is how varied it is. You have deep fjords, lonely mountain passes, powerful waterfalls, and lakes. It’s a region shaped by granite and water, and as a geology nerd, I can’t resist stopping to admire the textures of the rocks.
One of the highlights of this route is the drive toward the iconic Lysefjord area, which is the starting point for hikes like Kjerag, or Preikestolen. From there, you can drive further to visit the city of Stavanger.
I’ve taken this drive in both sunshine and heavy rain, and honestly, it’s beautiful in all weather. And the rain feeds all the beautiful waterfalls on the way. Remember to stop by the beautiful lookout points for waterfalls such as Svandalsfossen or Flesefossen. On the way, you will also find interestingly designed rest areas such as Høse bru – a footbridge over the Suldalslågen river, Høllesli viewpoint with beautiful Lysefjord view, or Ropeid.
4. The Hardanger Scenic Route – Orchards, Fjords & Waterfall Country
Hardanger is one of my favourite regions in Norway (that’s where I got married, on top of Trolltunga!). It’s especially beautiful in spring when the fruit orchards bloom.
The scenic drive along Hardangerfjord is a blend of fjord vistas, charming villages, and powerful waterfalls. Every time I take this route, I stop at Steinsdalsfossen, the waterfall you can walk behind.
The road also passes by the twin cascades of Låtefossen, Skjervsfossen. Hardanger is also the gateway to Trolltunga and the Folgefonna glacier, and the Dronningstien hike, so the route feels like the center of Norway’s outdoor world.
Driving here is pure sensory pleasure. You can smell the scent of apple blossoms, you can buy fresh apple juice by the side of the road, hear the sound of rushing water, and admire the sight of snow-capped peaks reflecting in the fjord. I always recommend taking the side roads that lead into small valleys, like the one toward Bondhusdalen, a glacial valley that feels untouched.
Whether you’re doing a long road trip or just a weekend escape from Oslo, Hardanger feels like a postcard you somehow get to live inside.
5. Atlantic Ocean Road – The Famous Drive That’s Worth the Hype
The Atlantic Ocean Road is one of Norway’s most iconic drives, and despite many questions on the internet if it’s worth visiting, I always say that it’s better to see something with your own eyes and then decide.
But here’s a little insider tip – go there when the weather is wild. Stormy skies and crashing waves create an amazing, dramatic image in the best possible way. I’ve driven it in calm conditions, too, and while beautiful, nothing compares to seeing waves hit the causeway bridges while the wind shakes the car slightly.
This route is short, but it packs an unforgettable punch. Bridges that rise and fall like rollercoasters, open sea views, and rocky islands dotted with tiny fishing cabins. I always park at the designated viewpoints to walk along the pathways and watch the sea. Combine this route with the coastal islands around Kristiansund or venture inland toward Molde for mountain panoramas.
For many, it’s a Norwegian bucket-list experience, and I could not disagree.
6. Senja National Tourist Route – Norway’s Wild, Dramatic Coastline
I wouldn’t exaggerate if I were to say that Senja is one of my favorite places in the whole of Norway. The dramatic views, the Hesten hike, and fewer tourists than in neighboring Lofoten make it a special place.
Senja is often called “little Norway” because it has a bit of everything – jagged peaks, tiny fishing villages, white beaches, turquoise lagoons, and steep fjords. It also has one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the country. I first came to Senja in early summer (June), and I remember being speechless almost every time I turned a corner.
The mountains rise straight from the water, creating sharp silhouettes against the sky. There was still snow there, but also the midnight sun was shining bright, since it’s above the Arctic Circle. And in winter, you can see the Northern Lights.
The road winds past viewpoints like Bergsbotn and Tungeneset, where you can walk out onto smooth rock slabs to watch waves crash below. I’ve driven this route both during the midnight sun and in autumn, and each season gives it a different mood. Summer is golden and endless, autumn is dramatic and colorful, and provides the Northern Lights opportunities.
When you drive the Senja National Route, stop at the famous golden toilet, by the Ersfjordstranda beach.
7. Valdresflye Scenic Route
The Valdresflye scenic route is one of my favorite peaceful drives. It crosses a high plateau near Jotunheimen, offering endless views of rolling mountains and open skies. There’s something incredibly calming about this road. It’s not as dramatic as the fjords or coastal drives, but it has a quiet beauty that stays with you long after you leave.
I usually take this route in the summer, on the way back or to one of the hikes in Norway. The roadside lakes reflect the mountains like mirrors, and the air feels crisp and clean. There are several trailheads along the road, making it a perfect combined hike and a road trip day. The little cafe at Gjendesheim is a great stop after visiting Besseggen, one of Norway’s most famous hikes.
8. Lysevegen Road – 27 Hairpin Bends and a Steep Drop into Lysefjord
Lysevegen is a drive for the adventurous – a steep mountain road with 27 hairpin turns descending into the dramatic Lysefjord. The first time I drove it, my heart was racing, but in the best possible way. The views from the top are breathtaking. The fjord stretches below, surrounded by massive granite walls. This is also the region where you’ll find trails to Kjerag and Flørli, so the drive is often the start or end of an unforgettable day.
The road is narrow and winding, but extremely rewarding. Sheep graze near the roadside, waterfalls flow down the cliffs, and every turn reveals a new angle of Lysefjord. If you love dramatic scenery and don’t mind a bit of adrenaline, this road will give you a Norway experience you’ll never forget.
9. The Helgeland Coast – Probably Norway’s Most Beautiful Coastal Drive
The Helgeland coast is one of Norway’s hidden treasures, and one of my favoruite regions (you probably noticed I have a few of them, but really, this one is spectacular!).
Helgeland’s scenic route along road Fv17 is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever driven. This region feels untouched. It’s full of tiny islands, turquoise waters, old fishing villages, and dramatic mountains that rise from the sea. The Seven Sisters mountain range dominates part of the route, creating a striking skyline.
My favorite part of Helgeland is how varied the scenery is. One moment you’re driving beside the sea, watching seabirds and fishing boats, the next, you’re crossing a bridge between islands or boarding a small ferry. It feels like an adventure in slow motion. The views are peaceful, but grand. Scandinavian summers here are magical, you have long days, soft light, and quiet beaches. If you want a scenic route that gives you space to breathe and think, this one is perfect.
On the way, you will find several interesting stopping areas, and this famous toilet, that I attached a photo of below – make sure to check it out!
10. Jæren Scenic Route – Endless Beaches & Lighthouse Country
Jæren is unlike any other region in Norway. Instead of fjords and mountains, you get long sandy beaches, windswept dunes, wide-open farmland, and iconic lighthouses. For me, it felt more like the wild coasts of Scotland than the fjord landscapes Norway is famous for.
The route runs from Flekkefjord til Bore, near Stavanger. I came here on a spontaneous road trip with my husband, and we ended up spending most of our time running along the beaches and collecting shells.
The drive is calm and open. It’s perfect for anyone who loves coastal landscapes. The Borestranda beach is popular with surfers, while Orre Beach is one of the longest in Norway. My favorite stop is the old Obrestad Lighthouse, especially during golden hour when the light makes the coastline glow. The region also has charming farm cafes where you can warm up with a coffee after a windy walk.
Other famous roads in Norway that are also spectacular
Trollstigen & Trollveggen – Norway’s Legendary Mountain Road
Trollstigen is one of those roads that makes your heart beat a little faster the moment you see it. With eleven dramatic hairpin bends carved into sheer mountainsides and the famous Trollveggen (Troll Wall) towering above, this drive feels like Norway showing off.
The first time I drove Trollstigen, I remember putting my head out of the car window in awe. Massive peaks rise almost vertically, waterfalls plunge down the cliffs, and the valley floor is far below, looking impossibly small. At the top viewpoint, the glass platforms extend over the drop, giving you a dizzying but unforgettable perspective.
Trollveggen itself is Europe’s highest vertical rock wall, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot climbers tackling its seemingly impossible route. You can also hike yourself to the edge of it at Stabbeskarret. There are also many other great hikes nearby. Trollstigen is busy in summer, but sunrise or late evening often feels quieter, and even more magical. That’s how I usually experience it – after the hike.
Lofoten Scenic Route – Peaks, Fishing Cabins And Wild Beaches
The Lofoten Scenic Route is the classic Norwegian dream. You have the red rorbuer cabins, jagged mountains rising straight out of the sea, and winding roads that somehow feel both peaceful and dramatic at once.
Norwegian Scenic Route Lofoten runs between Å and Raftsundet, with detours to Nusfjord, Vikten, Utakleiv, Unstad, Eggum, Henningsvær, and Grunnfør.
I’ve driven this route several times, and each time it feels like a completely new experience because the weather changes everything. Misty mornings are mystical, sunny afternoons are breathtaking, and stormy days are pure drama. The viewpoints along the route are beautifully designed.
Some of my favorite moments along this drive have nothing to do with the famous vistas, though. They’re the small places where I pulled over to watch the birds, admire reflections in the fjord, or simply breathe in the salty air. And of course, the little cafes where you can try the delicious cinnamon buns!
Gaularfjellet National Tourist Route
Gaularfjellet is a great alternative to the main roads from Sunnfjord to Sogn, running from Sognefjorden to Fosseheimen.
The first time I took this route, I was surprised by how “raw” it felt. It was far less busy than roads like Trollstigen, and much more peaceful. The highlight is the famous viewpoint at Utsikten, a striking platform that gives you a sweeping panorama of the valley and the road curling far below.
Gaularfjellet follows the “Waterfall Route,” and you’ll pass cascades of all sizes, mossy forest paths, wooden walkways, and viewpoints where the only sound is rushing water. It’s a perfect drive if you want dramatic scenery without crowds – and if you love combining road trips with short walks to hidden lookout spots.
Andøya Scenic Route – The Arctic Coastlines
If you want to experience the feeling of driving at the edge of the world, Andøya is the place. This road hugs the coastline of Norway’s far north, with open ocean on one side and dramatic cliffs and peatlands on the other. Near Lofoten and Senja, but without the crowds.
When I first visited Andøya, the Arctic landscapes made me fall in love with it. The beaches here are surprisingly white, and the water shifts between turquoise and deep blue. This is also one of the best places in Norway for spotting whales, especially around Andenes.
The scenic route also takes you through old fishing villages and past viewpoints that feel like they’ve been placed just for photographers. What sets Andøya apart from other famous drives is its serenity. It’s wild, untouched, and incredibly calming.
If you’re already exploring Vesterålen or driving toward Senja, this route is an unforgettable detour. One of my most vivid memories is of a group of moose we saw just by the road – a magnificent sight! But that also means that you should drive carefully, as they do cross the roads.
Scenic Roads In Norway
Norway is a country built for road trips. You don’t have to go far to find beauty, because even an hour outside Oslo can reveal landscapes that feel worlds apart. But the most beautiful Norway’s roads are dotted all across the country and worth to be discovered.
Whether you’re chasing fjords, mountains, beaches, or arctic coastlines, there’s a scenic route waiting to be explored.
Have you been to any scenic roads in Norway? Which one is your favorite?
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