Norway : Norwegian Fjords and Mountain Self Drive Adventure

Flying into Bergen airport, pick up your hire car and transfer to the Rica Hotel for a relaxing first night of your Norwegian self drive adventures. Spend your time exploring this picturesque city, the charming Hanseatic Wharf at Bryggen is UNESCO listed and most definitely worth a visit or perhaps stroll around the local fish market. The city is embraced by soaring mountains and gaping fjords.

Today, set off on self drive adventures, heading north towards Instefjord which is situated just below the beautiful Sognefjord. You will spend the night at the enchanting Brekkestranda Fjord Hotel which has a charming rustic ambience and is nestled between stunning emerald waters and majestic peaks.

Today, begin an impressive journey to Balestrand, crossing the picturesque Sognefjord which is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. Norway fjords in the summer are especially beautiful so make sure you absorb the breathtaking views. Continue to journey alongside Sognefjord before reaching the lovely village of Balestrand. The area is ideal for hiking and offers astonishing views of the landscape. Perhaps visit Saint Olaf’s wonderful stave church whose unusual style adds to the region’s cultural heritage.

Today on the route of Norwegian self drive adventures you will travel to Olden, where you can see the famous Briksdalsbreen Glacier which is part of the stunning Jostedal Glacier National Park. The pretty town of Olden lies among a lush valley with cascading waterfalls. There are two contrasting churches in the village which are examples of both old and modern architecture. Explore the quaint shops or take a walk through the surrounding countryside. Stay for two nights at the Olden Fjord Hotel which overlooks the mighty fjords.

Your Norwegian self drive adventures continue with a journey to scenic Stranda which lies within the county of Møre and Romsdal. Prepare for astonishing views of the UNESCO listed Geirangerfjord, a legendary fjord that is noted for its exceptional beauty. Perhaps you might like to take a boat trip during your Norwegian self drive adventures and see some of the impressive waterfalls such as the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil up close.

After exploring Stranda, set off on your Norwegian self drive adventures as you head towards the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund where you can enjoy two nights at the Radisson Blu Hotel. For an insightful introduction to the town why not book a guided tour of the area? The Jugendstilsenteret centre teaches you about the fascinating history of Art Nouveau architecture. Amble through the fishing port at Brosundet or if you are feeling more energetic, climb the 418 steps to the summit of Mount Aksla for unparalleled views. Ålesund is truly beautiful and the vibrant main street is a great place to search for souvenirs.

As your Norwegian self drive adventures continue en route to Lesja, you will be greeted with more exceptional scenery. When you arrive at this traditional mountain village you can appreciate the ruggedness of the surrounding peaks. The landscape is ideal for many outdoor activities and during the summer, visit the charming Lesja Church. The Lesja Byagdemuseum is a great day out, sweeping farmland houses various 18th and 19th century buildings and you can discover the local culture and lifestyle during these times. You will also find exhibitions of wild reindeer.

The benefits of Norwegian self drive adventures is that you can veer off route to take in iconic sights. On the way to Lillehammer you will pass through the idyllic landscape of Dovre National Park. The town of Lillehammer is most famously known for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics but it has much more to offer its visitors. Admire the carefully preserved wooden houses that date back to the 19th century or explore some of the various galleries and museums. Situated on the banks of Lake Mjøsa, the largest lake in Norway, Lillehammer provides travellers enjoying  Norwegian self drive adventures with astonishing vistas. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants where you can sample the delicious local cuisine.

The final destination on Norwegian self drive adventures is Oslo, Norway’s cosmopolitan capital. With two nights at the Rica Strand Hotel, there is plenty of opportunity to discover the highlights of this bustling city. A staggering number of museums chronicle the city’s history and the sprawling parks are great for finding peace in tranquil surroundings. The Vigeland Sculpture Park is an exciting place to visit or you can take advantage of the free entrance to the pretty Botanical Gardens. Why not celebrate your final night of your Norwegian self drive adventures in style and enjoy the city’s exuberant nightlife? Prepare for your departure the following day as your self drive adventures come to an end. Make your way to the airport, return your hire car and catch your flight back to the UK.