Arrive at Gardermoen Airport in Oslo and pick-up your rental car and drive to the city centre of Oslo.

Oslo has many excellent attractions. Here are a few highlights that we recommend. Vigeland Sculpture Park, Viking Ship Museum, Kon-tiki Museum, Munch Museum and Holmenkollen National Arena. Just few minutes away from Holmenkollen National Arena is Frognerseteren,  a popular starting point for recreational hiking and skiing in Oslo. There is a wonderful Norwegian restaurant serving traditional foods with a great view over Oslo and the fjord.

In the city centre around Karl Johans Gate there are a variety of shopping centres, restaurants, clubs and cafés. Some of Oslo’s most admired attractions are also found near the city centre for example: Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Royal Palace, Akershus Fortress, and many more.

Overnight stay in Oslo

On the second day you will be visiting the coast of Southern Norway.       

The drive Oslo to Arendal is approximately 3 hours. Arendal is a popular summer destination for Norwegians. This area offers both plenty of nature, arts and culture. The rocky shores and skerries are dotted with beautiful old wooden houses and the waters are full of boats. At the very heart of Arendal is the bustling quayside of Pollen. Here fishermen are busy selling their catch at the fish market, and local restaurants prepare tasty dishes with the day’s catch. This is a great place to relax before continuing down the road for the 45 minute drive to Kristiansand.
 
Kristiansand is the fifth largest town in Norway and is sometimes called the “Norwegian Riviera.” In Kristiansand, there are many activities like fishing, boating, walking the famous beaches, and some of Norway’s best music festivals are held there. Kristiansand has been a popular summer holiday destination for Norwegians for decades, and is considered a hidden gem by many visitors.

Overnight stay in Kristiansand

Driving distance approx. 322 km

From Kristiansand continue your drive to Stavanger with a stop in Mandal, the southernmost city in Norway. The city is known for its many beaches surrounding the town, its charming white-sided houses and narrow streets. Mandal is a scenic 45-minute drive from Kristiansand. The combination of scenery including rivers, beaches, and forests is sensational. The countryside around Mandal is perfect for a bike ride. Furulunden is a park with over two kilometre of beautiful beaches that are ideal for a short break to catch some sun and perhaps go for a swim.  

If time allows, we recommend a visit to the Lindesnes Lighthouse and museum, about 45 minutes from the city centre. This is the oldest lighthouse in Norway and is located on the southern most tip of Norway’s mainland on the peninsula Neset. For a bit of WWII history, there is a fascinating walk through the tunnels and fortress in the mountains that the Germans constructed when they took over the lighthouse during occupation. There is a visitor centre inside the mountain with an exhibition, a cinema hall and a cafeteria. Continue your journey to Stavanger, one of Norway’s oldest and largest cities for your overnight stay. Stavanger is approximately a 2 hour and 45 minute drive from Mandal.

Enjoy your evening in the beautiful coastal city of Stavanger. The city has a rich cultural heritage, with history that stretches back to 1125. Enjoy a walk around the city centre and wander through the beautiful old wooden houses constructed between the 18th and 19th centuries.

Overnight stay in Stavanger
Driving distance approx. 241 km

Your journey on day four starts with a 2-hour drive from Stavanger to Haugesund, a town in the area of Rogaland. Haugesund is a small, friendly town where we recommend a short break to enjoy the scenery or perhaps take a walk along the coast. From Haugesund you head to Leirvik and then onto Bergen where you will spend the night. Bergen is a 3 hour and 15 minute drive from Haugesund.

Bergen is not all fjords; it offers a large variety of sights to visit and plenty of activities, galleries and museums for all interests and ages. Fløibanen Funicular Railway is a short trip that starts from the city centre, and takes you up Mount Fløyen, approximately 320 metres above sea level. From the top, the views of Bergen and the surrounding fjords are tremendous. Bryggen is the harbour area of Bergen where the very first buildings in were constructed. It is one of Norway’s main attractions and is on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The magnificent architecture of these wooden buildings is carefully preserved and hosts a variety of restaurants, shops, offices, artists’ studios, craft workshops, and the Bryggen Museum. The Fish Market in the heart of Bergen is a must see and one of Norway‘s most frequented outdoors markets. For your evening in Bergen there is a large variety of delicious international restaurants, small cafés, bars and nightclubs to choose from.

Overnight stay in Bergen
Driving distance approx. 221 km

Depart Bergen and head to the mountain town of Geilo, which is located 798 metres above sea level. Geilo is well known for its terrific skiing during the winter, and the summer months offer plenty of outdoor pursuits in a stunning natural setting. In Geilo we recommend that you visit Geilolia Summer Park and take the mountain chairlift up to the top of Geilolia for a panoramic view over the area. Geilo offers many hiking trails of varying distance. There are many highly recommended hikes in the area of Hallingskarvet National Park. Other activities include cycling (bicycle rentals available), white water rafting, tennis, golf, fishing and many more.

Overnight stay in Geilo

Driving distance approx. 244 km

After breakfast it is time to head back to Oslo. On the drive from Geilo to Hallingdal we recommend a visit to the Torp stave church, the oldest building in Hallingdal. Continue on to Gol where, if you wish to take a break, you will find many mountain lakes, fishing areas, and places for bicycle rides and hiking. From Gol your route continues onto Hønefoss with the last stretch all the way to Oslo.

Overnight stay in Oslo

Driving distance approx. 219 km

Drive back to Gardermoen for your return flight, or consider booking an extra night in the friendly capital of Oslo.