by Norway is widely celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes: towering fjords, snow-capped mountains, and expansive coastal panoramas. To help travelers experience these dramatic environments in a way that combines adventure, comfort, and culture, Norway has developed its National Tourist Routes (Nasjonale turistveger). These carefully selected roads are more than just thoroughfares—they are curated experiences, showcasing the country’s natural beauty while incorporating art, architecture, and rest areas designed for exploration.
In total, there are 18 designated routes stretching across Norway, covering roughly 2,000 kilometers. Each route highlights unique landscapes, from the Arctic’s remote wilderness to the southern coastline’s rolling beaches, making them ideal for road trips, photography, hiking, and cultural discovery.
What Makes Norway’s Tourist Routes Unique
Norway’s tourist routes are designed with the principle of slow travel. Rather than encouraging speed, they invite visitors to pause, observe, and appreciate. Along these roads, travelers encounter:
- Scenic viewpoints with benches and information boards
- Architecturally designed rest stops, blending with the landscape
- Art installations that interpret the local environment
- Picnic spaces and walking trails that promote engagement with the environment
The aim is not merely to move from point A to B but to make the journey itself a memorable part of the experience.
How Routes Are Selected
A road becomes a National Tourist Route if it meets specific criteria:
- Exceptional natural scenery — fjords, mountains, valleys, or coastal panoramas
- Cultural or historical significance — traditional villages, landmarks, or heritage sites
- Accessibility for tourism infrastructure — areas where viewpoints, rest stops, and art installations can be developed
This careful selection ensures that travelers enjoy both a visual feast and educational insights about Norway’s landscapes and communities.
Northern Norway: Arctic Adventure
The northern routes offer a mix of remote wilderness, dramatic coastlines, and cultural experiences connected to the Sami people and fishing communities. They are perfect for travelers seeking solitude, wildlife observation, and the chance to witness phenomena such as the midnight sun in summer or the northern lights in winter.
Varanger Route
Stretching about 160 kilometers along the Barents Sea, this route showcases vast tundra, rocky coastlines, and traditional fishing villages. Its wide-open landscapes make it ideal for photography and quiet contemplation.
Senja Loop
Senja, Norway’s second-largest island, has a 102-kilometer scenic route featuring steep cliffs, turquoise fjords, and small coastal settlements. Dramatic viewpoints and hidden beaches make it a must for adventurous travelers.
Lofoten Archipelago
Spanning roughly 230 kilometers, this route threads through jagged peaks, sheltered harbors, and postcard-perfect villages. The combination of ocean, mountains, and sky creates a unique Arctic coastal experience.
Western Norway: Fjords and Ocean Roads
The western routes are renowned for their dramatic fjords, tall mountains, and engineering marvels that allow roads to traverse the rugged terrain.
Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsvegen)
Just 36 kilometers long, this road links a series of small islands with striking bridges over the open ocean. Its curves and waves create an iconic, adrenaline-inspiring drive.
Geiranger–Trollstigen Route
This 104-kilometer stretch winds along steep mountainsides and deep fjords, including the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord. Hairpin turns, waterfalls, and viewpoints make it one of Norway’s most famous drives.
Gamle Strynefjellsvegen
A 27-kilometer historic mountain pass with stone walls and old bridges, offering a glimpse into Norway’s transportation history while providing stunning alpine scenery.
Central and Southern Norway: Valleys, Mountains, and Plateaus
Central and southern routes offer contrast between mountainous plateaus, fjord valleys, and fertile farmlands.
Sognefjellet — Roof of Norway
At 108 kilometers, this route takes travelers over Norway’s highest mountain pass in Scandinavia. Panoramic views of glaciers, peaks, and valleys define the journey.
Valdresflye
A 49-kilometer highland route, Valdresflye features open plateaus, grazing reindeer, and accessible hiking trails, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
Gaularfjellet
Running 114 kilometers through forests, waterfalls, and rivers, this route blends adventure with serene landscapes perfect for driving at a relaxed pace.
Aurlandsfjellet — Stegastein Viewpoint
This 47-kilometer road connects highlands with fjords. The Stegastein platform, perched over the Aurlandsfjord, provides one of Norway’s most dramatic viewpoints.
Hardanger and Hardangervidda: Contrasting Landscapes
Hardanger Route
A 158-kilometer path weaving through fjords, orchards, waterfalls, and glaciers. Its contrast between green valleys and steep mountains gives travelers a multifaceted experience of Norway’s west coast.
Hardangervidda Plateau
Covering 67 kilometers, this high-altitude route crosses one of Europe’s largest plateaus. Rolling tundra, wild rivers, and a sense of remoteness make it ideal for hikers and wildlife watchers.
Coastal and Moorland Routes
Ryfylke
Stretching 260 kilometers, Ryfylke winds through fjord landscapes and rocky highlands. Its panoramic views reward travelers who take time to stop and explore small villages along the way.
Jæren
A 130-kilometer coastal drive, Jæren offers wide beaches, dunes, and lighthouses — a completely different feel from the northern fjords, emphasizing the oceanic character of southern Norway.
When to Visit
Timing is key for enjoying Norway’s National Tourist Routes:
- Summer (June–August): Most roads are fully open; snow-free passes allow complete access. Ideal for hiking and photography.
- Spring and Fall (May–June / September): Fewer tourists, cooler temperatures, and dramatic lighting. Some higher passes may still have snow.
- Winter (December–March): Many mountain passes close due to snow, but coastal routes remain accessible, offering snowy vistas and opportunities to see the northern lights.
Tips for Planning a Route
- Allow Extra Time: These roads are designed for stopping, exploring, and taking photographs. Driving without pausing means missing half the experience.
- Check Seasonal Access: High mountain roads may close for snow. Official tourism websites provide current road conditions.
- Use Viewpoints and Rest Stops: Designed with local architecture in mind, they often provide the best angles for photography and scenic appreciation.
- Combine Outdoor Activities: Hiking, kayaking, and cycling options are available near most routes, enhancing the experience.
- Plan Accommodations: Some routes pass through remote regions; plan hotels, guesthouses, or campsites in advance.
Conclusion
Norway’s National Tourist Routes transform driving from a simple transportation activity into an immersive experience of nature, culture, and art. Each route offers a distinct perspective, from Arctic tundra and fjord panoramas to mountain plateaus and coastal dunes. Travelers who take the time to stop, explore, and appreciate the surroundings will find these roads more than scenic drives — they are journeys through the very essence of Norway.
Whether you are photographing fjords, hiking along mountain trails, or simply enjoying the tranquility of remote landscapes, Norway’s tourist routes are an unparalleled way to connect with the country’s stunning geography and rich culture.
