The best campervan trips in Norway – 5 routes for a road trip

One of the best things about travelling through Norway by campervan is that the road itself becomes part of the experience. You are not only thinking about where you are going, but also about all the stops along the way: the viewpoint you had not planned for, the beach that suddenly makes you want to swim, or the small detour that turns out to be the highlight of the trip. Here are five routes that work especially well when you want to travel at your own pace.
1. Lofoten
Lofoten is probably the most obvious choice, but for good reason. You get dramatic mountains, white beaches, small fishing villages, and a drive that constantly tempts you to stop just a little longer.
A good option is to follow the E10 from Svolvær towards Reine and Å, taking your time with the small detours. Hamnøy, Haukland Beach, Uttakleiv, and Nusfjord are classics for a reason.
Best for: travellers who want to experience a lot of scenery without huge driving distances.
Best time: June to September.
Tip: start early at the most popular stops during high season.

Hamnøya near Reine in Lofoten on a summer night in June
Photo: Simo Räsänen / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
2. The Atlantic Road and North-Western Norway
The Atlantic Road is not long, but it stays with you. The bridges stretching between islets and skerries make the road itself an attraction, and the surrounding area makes it easy to build a longer trip around it.
You can combine it with Kristiansund, Bud, Molde, or continue towards Trollstigen and Romsdalen.
Best for: a long weekend or as part of a bigger round trip.
Best time: May to September.
Tip: make time for the area around the road, not just the road itself.

The Atlantic Road across Averøy in July
Photo: Lukas Beck / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0
3. Hardanger and Hardangervidda
Hardanger is a great fit if you want variety. Here you can move between fjords, orchards, waterfalls, and mountain plateaus without the distances becoming too big.
A good route can take you via Odda, Låtefoss, and Eidfjord, with room for both short stops and longer outings along the way.
Best for: travellers who want a mix of fjord landscapes and mountains.
Best time: May to September.
Tip: May and June are especially beautiful if you want blossom season and powerful waterfalls.

Fruit blossom in Lofthus, Hardanger in May
Photo: Svein-Magne Tunli / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
4. Senja
Senja offers some of the same dramatic scenery as Lofoten, but often with a calmer pace. It is easier to feel like you have a bit more space around you, both on the road and at your stops.
Tungeneset, Bergsbotn, and Husøy are among the places many people want to include.
Best for: travellers who want dramatic scenery without quite as many people.
Best time: June to September.
Tip: give the island enough time. Senja deserves more than a quick drive-through.

Steinfjorden seen from Tungeneset on Senja in August
Photo: Simo Räsänen / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0
5. Jæren
Jæren is a good alternative if you want something different from fjords and high mountains. Here the trip is more about open landscapes, beaches, lighthouses, and long horizons.
Bore Beach, Orre, and Kvassheim Lighthouse are lovely stops, especially if you enjoy the sea, surfing, or quiet summer evenings.
Best for: travellers who want a relaxed trip with plenty of outdoor time.
Best time: June to August, though surfing works well for much of the year.
Tip: perfect if you want more coastline and less climbing.

Orre Beach in Klepp on the Jæren coast
Photo: Gunleiv Hadland / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
Which route is best for you?
If you want the great Norwegian classic, Lofoten is an easy choice. If you want more peace and quiet, Senja is a great alternative. Hardanger is ideal if you like variety, the Atlantic Road works well for a shorter trip, and Jæren is perfect if you feel most at home near the sea.
The important thing is not to try to do everything. It is usually better to choose one route and actually have time to enjoy it.
Ready for a road trip?
Want to experience Norway on four wheels? Campy McCampface is ready for both short breaks and long road trips.
