Scandinavia is a road tripper’s dream, offering breathtaking scenery, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re winding through Norway’s fjords or cruising along Sweden’s rugged coastline, these 17 road trips provide something for every traveler. Below are the best routes, distances, and highlights, perfect for your next adventure.
The Golden Circle, Iceland
This 300-kilometer route in Iceland is one of the most popular road trips, offering a chance to see the country’s famous landmarks in a single day. The route includes stops at Þingvellir National Park, the geothermal area in Haukadalur, and the stunning Gullfoss waterfall. The road is accessible year-round, but summer offers the best conditions with long daylight hours and mild weather. It’s a compact route with maximum impact.
Bergen to Trondheim through Norway’s Fjordland
This 920-kilometer route from Bergen to Trondheim takes you through some of Norway’s most iconic fjords. Starting in the charming coastal city of Bergen, you’ll drive through narrow valleys and alongside towering mountains, with the chance to stop at the stunning Hardangerfjord and Sognefjord. The route includes several ferry crossings that allow you to take in the breathtaking scenery from the water. As you approach Trondheim, the landscape opens up to rolling hills and farmland.
The Sognefjellsvegen, Norway
The Sognefjellsvegen, or Sognefjell Road, is one of Norway’s highest mountain passes, reaching an elevation of 1,434 meters. The 110-kilometer route takes you from the lush Sognefjord to the rugged Jotunheimen mountains, offering breathtaking views of glaciers, valleys, and towering peaks. The road is usually open from late May to October, and it’s best to visit in early summer when the snow is still visible on the mountaintops. This drive is a must for those who appreciate dramatic mountain landscapes.
The Kystriksveien Coastal Route, Norway
The Kystriksveien Coastal Route, or Fv17, is a 650-kilometer drive along Norway’s rugged coastline, offering stunning views of the sea, mountains, and islands. The road takes you from Steinkjer to Bodø, passing by beautiful beaches, quaint fishing villages, and several national parks. Highlights along the way include the Svartisen Glacier, the Saltstraumen tidal current, and the UNESCO-listed Vega Archipelago. The best time to drive this route is in the summer when the weather is warm and the days are long.
Oslo to Helsinki
The journey from Oslo to Helsinki spans around 1,000 kilometers and takes you through some of Scandinavia’s most captivating landscapes. Starting in Norway’s vibrant capital, you’ll drive through serene forests and along peaceful lakes before reaching Sweden. Don’t miss a stop in Stockholm, where you can explore the historic Gamla Stan and modern art museums. As you continue to Finland, the scenery changes to rolling hills and dense woods, culminating in the beautiful coastal city of Helsinki.
The Vildmarksvägen (Wilderness Road), Sweden
The Vildmarksvägen, or Wilderness Road, is a 500-kilometer route that takes you through some of Sweden’s most remote and beautiful landscapes. Starting in Strömsund, the road winds its way through dense forests, past sparkling lakes, and over the rugged Stekenjokk plateau. The road is only open from June to October, and it’s best to visit in mid-summer when the wildflowers are in bloom. This route is perfect for those seeking solitude and natural beauty.
The Atlantic Road, Norway
At just 8 kilometers long, the Atlantic Road is short but spectacular. This iconic Norwegian route connects a series of small islands with bridges that seem to leap from one to the next, offering incredible views of the surrounding ocean. The road is often described as one of the most beautiful drives in the world, especially during stormy weather when the waves crash dramatically against the road. It’s a must-see for anyone traveling through Norway.
Trollstigen to Geiranger, Norway
The drive from Trollstigen to Geiranger is one of Norway’s most spectacular road trips, covering approximately 100 kilometers. This route takes you through some of the country’s most dramatic landscapes, including the famous Trollstigen, with its steep hairpin bends and towering cliffs. As you continue, the road winds down to the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, offering breathtaking views of waterfalls and the deep blue fjord. The journey is best undertaken in the summer months when the road is open and the weather is mild, allowing you to fully appreciate the stunning scenery.
Höga Kusten, Sweden
The Höga Kusten, or High Coast, is one of Sweden’s most scenic drives, stretching over 130 kilometers along the Gulf of Bothnia. This UNESCO World Heritage site is known for its dramatic cliffs, deep forests, and quaint fishing villages. A highlight of the route is the Höga Kusten Bridge, an impressive suspension bridge offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The High Coast is particularly beautiful in the summer when the long days allow for exploring the area’s natural beauty in full.
The E10 Route through Lofoten Islands, Norway
The E10 route through the Lofoten Islands is about 230 kilometers long and offers some of the most stunning coastal scenery in Norway. The road winds through the islands, passing by towering mountains, white sandy beaches, and traditional fishing villages. Along the way, you can visit the Viking Museum in Borg, hike to the top of Reinebringen for panoramic views, or simply enjoy the ever-changing landscape. The Lofoten Islands are particularly beautiful in the summer.
Copenhagen to Oslo
Covering approximately 600 kilometers, the drive from Copenhagen to Oslo is a delightful blend of urban and natural beauty. Starting in Denmark’s lively capital, you’ll head north across the Øresund Bridge, an architectural marvel connecting Denmark to Sweden. Once in Sweden, the road winds through lush landscapes and picturesque towns like Helsingborg and Gothenburg. Finally, you’ll cross into Norway, where the terrain becomes more rugged and mountainous as you approach Oslo.
Oslo to Bergen via the Hardangervidda
The Oslo to Bergen route via the Hardangervidda plateau is about 500 kilometers long and takes you through Norway’s largest national park. Starting in Oslo, the journey leads you westward through lush valleys and dense forests before reaching the vast, open landscapes of the Hardangervidda. This high mountain plateau is known for its rugged beauty, dotted with lakes and offering views of glaciers. As you descend towards Bergen, the scenery becomes more dramatic, with steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
Stavanger to Kristiansand via the Southern Coast
This 300-kilometer drive along Norway’s southern coast takes you along the E39 highway, offering a mix of charming coastal towns and beautiful beaches. Starting in Stavanger, known for its historic wooden houses and proximity to the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), you’ll head south along the coast. The route passes through picturesque towns like Egersund and Mandal, where you can explore sandy beaches and quaint harbors. The final destination, Kristiansand, is a lively city with a vibrant cultural scene and a beautiful waterfront.
The Road to Nordkapp, Norway
The journey to Nordkapp, or North Cape, is a 2,000-kilometer adventure that takes you to the northernmost point of mainland Europe. Starting in southern Norway, the route winds its way north through stunning landscapes, including fjords, mountains, and coastal cliffs. The final stretch takes you across the barren tundra of Finnmark, offering a stark contrast to the lush scenery further south. Nordkapp is a popular destination in the summer when the midnight sun creates a surreal atmosphere.
Stockholm to Kiruna via the Inland Road (Inlandsvägen)
This 1,200-kilometer route from Stockholm to Kiruna takes you through the heart of Sweden’s wilderness. The Inland Road, known as Inlandsvägen, offers a quieter alternative to the coastal routes, passing through dense forests, sparkling lakes, and small towns that seem frozen in time. As you approach Kiruna, you’ll enter the land of the midnight sun in summer and the Northern Lights in winter. Highlights along the way include the historic town of Östersund and the Sami cultural center in Jokkmokk.
The Ring Road, Iceland
Iceland’s Ring Road, or Route 1, is an approximately 1,332-kilometer loop that circles the entire island, offering a chance to see all of Iceland’s most famous sights in one trip. The road takes you past waterfalls, glaciers, volcanoes, black sand beaches, and charming villages. Highlights include the Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, and the geothermal area of Mývatn. The Ring Road is accessible year-round, but summer is the best time to go.
The Rondane National Park Route, Norway
This scenic 200-kilometer route takes you through Rondane National Park, one of Norway’s oldest and most stunning national parks. The drive offers breathtaking views of rugged mountains, expansive plateaus, and deep valleys, with plenty of opportunities to spot reindeer and other wildlife. Along the way, you can stop for hikes on well-marked trails that lead to some of the park’s most beautiful spots, including the peaks of Rondeslottet and Vinjeronden. The best time to explore this route is in late summer or early autumn when the weather is mild and the landscape is painted with fall colors.
This article originally appeared on UnifyCosmos.
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