Norway Family Road Trip Itinerary

Important Notes for Driving in Norway

Tolls: Many roads, bridges, and tunnels in Norway have electronic tolls. Your rental car company will usually handle this, and you'll be billed later.
Ferries: You'll encounter car ferries when crossing some fjords (e.g., to Urnes). These are part of the scenic experience and usually operate frequently.
Road Conditions: Roads can be winding and narrow, especially in fjord country. Always check weather and road conditions, particularly outside of summer, as some mountain roads may close.
Speed Limits: Adhere strictly to speed limits.
Parking: Parking in popular tourist areas can sometimes be limited, especially in peak season.

Tip: Allow extra time for scenic stops and weather changes.

Important Notes for EV Drivers

Norway has a very good EV charging infrastructure.
Apps are essential:
- Download and register with popular charging apps like ChargeFinder, Place to Plug, Elton, and operator apps (e.g., Mer, Eviny, Recharge, Circle K) before your trip.
- The "Bil i Oslo" app is useful for charging in Oslo.
RFID cards/apps: Many chargers require an RFID card or activation via an app. Some newer ones allow ad-hoc payment via QR code.
Bring your own cable: For some AC chargers (Type 2), you might need your own charging cable.

Day 1: Arrival in Oslo & Scenic Drive to Oppheim (29.08)

Flight: FRA 07:00 → OSL 09:30
Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL) to Oppheim
Distance: ~370 km, Driving time: 5.5 - 6 hours

EV Charging Point

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive at Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL), pick up your rental car. Embark on a scenic drive towards Oppheim. This drive is longer than your daily preference, so plan for comfort stops.
Route: Follow E16 west. This route offers stunning scenery as you head into the mountains and towards the fjord region.
Suggested Stops: Consider a break in Gol or Lærdal (after the long tunnel, before the turn towards Voss/Oppheim) for a stretch and snack.
Evening: Arrive in Oppheim, check into your accommodation, and enjoy dinner in the peaceful surroundings.
Accommodation: Oppheim/Voss Area

Day 2: Nærøyfjord Cruise & Flåm Railway Adventure (30.08)

Oppheim to Gudvangen
Distance: ~22 km, Driving time: 20-25 minutes each way

Morning: Drive from Oppheim to Gudvangen (approx. 20 minutes).
Activity: Fjord Cruise on Nærøyfjord: Take an electric fjord cruise from Gudvangen through the incredibly narrow, UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord to Flåm (approx. 2 hours). This is one of Norway's most spectacular fjords.
Activity: Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana): From Flåm, board the world-famous Flåm Railway for a breathtaking journey up to Myrdal and back (approx. 2 hours round trip). Kids will love the train ride and the stop at Kjosfossen waterfall.
Return Logistics: After the train, you'll be back in Flåm. To get back to your car in Gudvangen, you can use the shuttle bus service that connects Flåm and Gudvangen (approx. 20-minute ride).
Late Afternoon: Drive back to Oppheim (approx. 20-30 minutes from Gudvangen).
Evening: Relax and recount the day's fjord adventures.
Accommodation: Oppheim/Voss Area

What to Book in Advance:

Fjord Cruise on Nærøyfjord: Book here
Flåm Railway: Book here

Day 3: Voss Adventure & Local Exploration (31.08)

Oppheim to Voss
Distance: ~28 km, Driving time: 25-30 minutes each way

Morning/Afternoon: Explore the immediate area around Oppheim and Voss, known as Norway's adventure capital, offering many kid-friendly activities.
Activity with Kids: Voss Gondol: Take the modern Voss Gondola from Voss town center up to Mount Hanguren. At the top, you'll find fantastic panoramic views, easy hiking trails suitable for families, and a restaurant. Kids will enjoy the ride itself and the open spaces at the top.
Activity with Kids: Voss Vind (Indoor Skydiving): Experience the sensation of freefall in a vertical wind tunnel. Suitable for ages 5 and up, it's a unique and thrilling weatherproof activity.
Activity with Kids: Voss Climbing and Zipline Park: An adventure park with various courses and ziplines, suitable for different ages and skill levels, located in scenic surroundings.
Activity with Kids: Vossabadet Indoor Swimming Centre: A great option for a rainy day, with multiple pools and slides.
Activity with Kids: Family Rafting on Vosso River: For slightly older kids (check age limits, often 5+), a fun and safe rafting experience on gentle rapids.
Evening: Dinner in Voss or Oppheim.
Accommodation: Oppheim/Voss Area

What to Book in Advance:

Voss Gondol: Book here
Voss Adventure Activities: Voss Vind, Voss Climbing Park, Voss Rafting

Day 4: Scenic Drives & Waterfalls (01.09)

Oppheim to Stalheim Viewpoint
Distance: ~13 km, Driving time: 15-20 minutes

Oppheim to Tvindefossen Waterfall
Distance: ~30 km, Driving time: 25-30 minutes

Morning: Explore more of the stunning scenery accessible from Oppheim.
Drive to Stalheim Viewpoint: A short, steep drive from Oppheim/Gudvangen area, offering incredibly dramatic views down the Nærøyfjord valley. This is a must-see viewpoint.
Activity: Tvindefossen Waterfall: A beautiful multi-tiered waterfall located just north of Voss. There's a viewing area and it's easily accessible.
Afternoon (Optional Longer Drive or More Local Activities):
- Option A (Slightly Longer Drive): Consider a drive towards Vik i Sogn (Hopperstad Stave Church) (requires a ferry crossing like Vangsnes-Dragsvik, adding to the experience) to see the Hopperstad Stave Church, a beautiful and well-preserved medieval wooden church. This would make for a longer day trip but offers more cultural insight.
- Option B (Relaxed Day): Revisit a favorite activity from Day 3, or enjoy a relaxed afternoon with a walk around Oppheim Lake or a visit to the Voss Folk Museum (Mølstertunet farm cluster offers activities for children like dressing up and traditional games).
Accommodation: Oppheim/Voss Area

Day 5: Drive Back Towards Oslo (Overnight Stop) (02.09)

Oppheim to Geilo
Distance: ~170 km, Driving time: 3 hours

Oppheim to Gol
Distance: ~120 km, Driving time: 2 hours

Morning: Begin your journey back towards Oslo. To keep driving manageable, you'll break the journey.
Route: Drive east on Rv7 (Hardangervidda route) or E16.
Destination: Aim for a town like Geilo or Gol for your overnight stop.
Activity/Stop: If taking Rv7, stop at the spectacular Vøringsfossen Waterfall near Eidfjord. The new viewing platforms make it very accessible and impressive.
Afternoon: Arrive at your chosen overnight town. In Geilo: Enjoy the mountain air. There are easy walking trails and a small town center. If visiting in summer, the Geilo Summer Park might offer activities like mountain carting (check seasonal opening). In Gol: Hallingdal Holiday Park offers playgrounds and various activities for kids.
Evening: Dinner and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Geilo or Gol Area

What to Book in Advance:

Accommodation: Book hotels/cabins in Oppheim, Voss, Geilo, or Gol via Booking.com or Visit Norway
Rental Car: Book in advance for best rates (e.g., Rentalcars.com)

Day 6: Final Drive to Oslo & Departure (03.09)

Geilo to Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL)
Distance: ~220 km, Driving time: 3 hours
Flight: OSL 16:30 → FRA 18:40

Gol to Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL)
Distance: ~180 km, Driving time: 2.5 hours

Morning: Complete the final leg of your drive back to Oslo. Continue on Rv7/E18 or E16/E18 depending on your overnight stop.
Afternoon (Flexible): Depending on your flight time:
- Museum (Highly Recommended): Fram Museum (Bygdøy Peninsula) - If you didn't get to it on Day 1, this interactive museum about polar exploration is fantastic for all ages, allowing you to board the ship.
- Outdoor: Vigeland Sculpture Park (Frogner Park) - Free and a great place for kids to run around amidst unique sculptures.
Late Afternoon: Drive to Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL), return your rental car, and depart.

Trip Statistics & Booking Checklist

Total Driving Distance: ~940 km (Oslo-Oppheim-Gudvangen-Voss-Stalheim-Tvindefossen-Geilo/Gol-Oslo)
Estimated Total Driving Time: 16-18 hours (excluding stops and sightseeing)
What to Book in Advance:
- Fjord Cruise on Nærøyfjord: Book here
- Flåm Railway: Book here
- Voss Gondol: Book here
- Voss Adventure Activities: Voss Vind, Voss Climbing Park, Voss Rafting
- Accommodation: Book hotels/cabins in Oppheim, Voss, Geilo, or Gol via Booking.com or Visit Norway
- Rental Car: Book in advance for best rates (e.g., Rentalcars.com)
EV Drivers:
- Download and register for charging apps (ChargeFinder, Elton, Place to Plug, Mer, Eviny, Recharge, Circle K, Bil i Oslo)
- Bring your own Type 2 cable
- Check charging locations along your route
Best for: Families, nature lovers, and adventure seekers
Tip: Book fjord cruises and Flåm Railway in advance, and check opening times for adventure parks and museums. Allow extra time for scenic stops and weather.
Approximate Total Trip Cost (Family of 4):
- Flights (FRA-OSL round trip): €250-350 per person × 4 = €1,000–1,400
- Rental Car (6 days): €500–700
- Accommodation (5 nights, family room): €200–250/night × 5 = €1,000–1,250
- Fjord Cruise (Nærøyfjord): ~€65/adult, €35/child ≈ €200
- Flåm Railway: ~€60/adult, €30/child ≈ €180
- Voss Gondol: ~€35/adult, €15/child ≈ €100
- Voss Adventure Activities: ~€50–100/person/activity (choose 1–2) ≈ €300
- Food & Miscellaneous: €60–80/day × 6 = €360–480
Estimated Total: €3,640–4,710
(All prices are approximate and may vary by season, booking time, and preferences. Activities and food can be adjusted to budget.)

Norway Family Road Trip Itinerary

Flight Details

Important Notes for Driving in Norway

Important Notes for EV Drivers

Day 1: Arrival in Oslo & Scenic Drive to Oppheim (29.08)

Day 2: Nærøyfjord Cruise & Flåm Railway Adventure (30.08)

Day 3: Voss Adventure & Local Exploration (31.08)

Day 4: Scenic Drives & Waterfalls (01.09)

Day 5: Drive Back Towards Oslo (Overnight Stop) (02.09)

Day 6: Final Drive to Oslo & Departure (03.09)

Trip Statistics & Booking Checklist