Where to start?
If you are planning your ultimate Norwegian motorcycle route, you are probably wondering how to select the best path. Because of how vast Norway is and its incredible variety, choosing the best motorcycle route for exploring Norway can be challenging. The first questions you need to ask yourself are: How long do I have for this trip, and what am I interested in seeing?
Before we dive into The Ultimate Route that requires at least 2 weeks or more of your vacation time, let us reassure you that you can experience an amazing Nordic adventure even in 5 days during low season when the high altitude mountain passes are closed due to snow!
Quick Guide
THE BEST ROUTE FOR Spring and Fall Touring:
If you are planning to come in the spring (especially early: mid-April to mid-May) or in the fall (especially late: mid-September to mid-October), or if you are not fond of low temperatures on high altitude roads, the best route for you will most likely be The Southern QUEST.
THE BEST ROUTE FOR 7 DAYS:
If you would like to enjoy the best of Norway in just 7 days, the simplest way to go might be joining our The Royal QUEST guided tour. It is a carefully crafted, yet highly flexible motorcycle adventure that takes you on a journey through the most scenic Norwegian roads and landscapes, while immersing you in a deeper experience of Norway’s nature, history, and culture.
THE BEST OPTIONS FOR SHORTER SELF-GUIDED SUMMER TRIPS:
Building routes for 4, 5, or even 7 days that let you experience as much of Norway as possible requires a lot of insider knowledge. To make riding Norway as accessible and as enjoyable as possible, we’ve compiled it all together with ready-to-go, navigable routes for you into The Essential Guide to Motorcycling in Norway. The routes there combined would last you for longer than a month of adventuring in Norway.
But! We promised to show you an example of how you can connect all the major Norwegian attractions into The Ultimate Route for your Motorcycle trip in Norway if you have above 2 weeks for it and should you wish to craft it yourself. So, here we go:
Starting Your Adventure – “Fly and Ride”
To make the most out of your trip, we suggest considering the ‘fly and ride’ option. You can avoid long highways leading to Norway and start your Norwegian adventure on day one by flying in and renting a motorcycle. Starting from Oslo’s Gardermoen Airport, we suggest first exploring Eastern Norway, heading as far north as your vacation days allow—be it Trondheim, Lofoten, Andøya, or even North Cape. Then, work your way down and west to The Atlantic Road and fjords, and finally take a leisurely cruise along the southern coast of Norway, ending your journey back in Oslo.
Your journey would then look something like this, depending on your selected alternatives.
Exploring Eastern Norway
Begin by heading north from Oslo, exploring the beauty of Eastern Norway. The region offers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush valleys to rugged mountains, with well-maintained roads that allow you to get accustomed to Norway’s unique riding conditions and slower pace. Don’t miss the spectacular Rondane National Park, known for its dramatic mountain scenery and winding roads perfect for motorcycling. Eastern Norway is also rich in cultural heritage and historic landmarks, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate scenic rides combined with a touch of history.
Mjøsa, the largest Norwegian lake, viewed from Mjøsli Cabins and Nature Park
Key Attractions:
- Rondane National Park: Famous for its ancient mountain ranges and winding roads.
- Lillehammer: A charming town known for its Olympic history and vibrant cultural scene.
- Røros: A UNESCO World Heritage town with well-preserved wooden houses and mining history.
Related and “Nearby” Scenic Roads: Rondane and Valdresflye
Best of Gravel and Hidden Roads: Jotunheimvegen
Heading north you can either choose E6 or after exploring Rondane, you can skip part of the E6 and drive a bit through Sweden up north. This route offers dense forests, serene mountain passes, and a quieter road experience. However, be prepared for mosquitoes, especially during the summer months.
Heading to Northern Norway
After exploring Eastern Norway, venture further into the wild and into the remote beauty of Northern Norway on your motorcycle route through Norway. Known for its raw, untamed Arctic landscapes, this region offers dramatic mountain peaks, untamed coastlines, and the phenomenon of the midnight sun. Riding through Northern Norway provides a sense of expedition, with roads that twist and turn along fjords and ocean views that seem to stretch to infinity, immersing you in some of the most breathtaking scenery on earth.
Lofoten Islands
Key Attractions:
- Crossing the Arctic Circle: An iconic milestone for any traveler, marking your entry into the land of the midnight sun.
- Lofoten Islands: Renowned for its sharp peaks, fishing villages, and white sandy beaches.
- Andøya: Ideal for whale watching and mesmerizing coastal rides.
Related and “Nearby” Scenic Roads: Andøya, Lofoten
Best of Gravel and Hidden Roads: Mountain pass between Norway and Sweden near Abisko National Park.
We recommend riding through Lofoten from north to south, against the typical tourist flow. This allows you to catch ferries more easily and experience a beautiful buildup to the most famous parts of Lofoten. If you’re adventurous, consider going all the way to the North Cape, the northernmost point of mainland Europe.
About North Cape: The northernmost point of mainland Europe, offering breathtaking ocean panoramas. The Holy Grail for motorcyclists. TET Norway section 3: Finnish border — North Cape
Westward to The Atlantic Road and Fjords
From Northern Norway, head southwest towards the legendary Atlantic Road, a stretch of highway celebrated for its dramatic ocean views and remarkable engineering—it’s easy to miss if you’re not paying attention (we actually missed it the first time we were in the region!). This part of the journey showcases Norway’s most iconic landscapes, with towering mountains, deep fjords, and charming coastal towns. The roads here are exhilarating for motorcyclists, featuring hairpin turns and sweeping vistas. Rain is common, but it often clears quickly, unveiling stunning panoramas.
Trollstigen
Key Attractions:
- Geirangerfjord: One of the most beautiful fjords in the world.
- Trollstigen: A famous mountain road with hairpin bends and stunning vistas.
- Vøringfossen: One of Norway’s highest waterfalls.
- Lom Stave Church: A beautiful historic church with unique architecture.
- Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock): A popular tourist attraction, but note that it requires several hours of hiking. We recommend booking a campsite nearby if you plan to hike.
Related and “Nearby” Scenic Roads: Atlanterhavsvegen, Geiranger – Trollstigen, Gamle Strynefjellsvegen
Best of Gravel and Hidden Roads: Aursjøvegen
Southern Coasts of Norway
After exploring the dramatic fjords, continue your ride south along Norway’s beautiful coastline, enjoying a more leisurely pace as you cruise through charming villages and sandy beaches on your way back to Oslo. Southern Norway offers a relaxing end to your adventure, with coastal roads perfect for laid-back riding. Known for its quaint fishing villages, historic towns, and sunny beaches, this area provides the perfect opportunity to unwind after the more rugged terrains of the north and west.
Bergen
Key Attractions:
- Bergen: A picturesque coastal city surrounded by stunning fjords, known for its charming old town, vibrant cultural scene, and rich maritime heritage.
- Sverd i fjell: A striking monument of three massive swords embedded in rock, symbolizing Viking unity and Norway’s historic battles.
- Kristiansand: A vibrant coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and lively cultural scene.
- Jæren Scenic Route: A breathtaking coastal drive along Norway’s south coast, featuring open landscapes, sandy beaches, and dramatic ocean views.
Related and “Nearby” Scenic Roads: Ryfylke, Jæren
Best of Gravel and Hidden Roads: Suleskarvegen
Oslo
Conclude your motorcycle adventure by returning to Oslo, Norway’s vibrant capital. This bustling city is a blend of modern architecture and rich history, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Oslo offers a perfect mix of urban life and outdoor experiences, with everything from lively cultural attractions to tranquil parks and waterfront areas, making it an ideal place to soak in the essence of Norway’s everyday culture.
Oslo
If you
Ready to hit the road? Pack your gear, prepare for all types of weather, and get ready for the motorcycle adventure of a lifetime? Or do you now have even more questions than when you started reading this article? It might actually be a good thing! Feel free to reach out. We offer tour planning consultations to help you sort out your logistical dilemmas and make your journey legendary!
Take Care Until The Next Time,
Your Nordic Riders
