7 Days: Bergen & Hardanger
Including Flåm and Voss
A One-Week Road Trip Through Western Norway
One week through some of Western Norway’s most beautiful landscapes: This road trip combines Bergen with the Hardangerfjord, Vøringsfossen, Flåm and Aurland, the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and Voss. Along the way, you’ll discover waterfalls, fjords, spectacular viewpoints and plenty of opportunities for memorable experiences – without spending endless hours in the car every day.
Ideal for: First-time visitors to Norway who want to experience as many of the classic highlights around Bergen, Hardanger, Flåm and Voss as possible in one week.
7 days · 🚗 Road trip · 🏔 Fjords & mountains · 💦 Waterfalls · Start & finish: Bergen
Route Map
Bergen → Norheimsund → Hardangerfjord → Eidfjord → Vøringsfossen → Flåm → Aurland → Nærøyfjord → Voss → Bergen
Highlights of This Road Trip
Bergen
Historic Bryggen, a lively harbour atmosphere and the perfect starting point for your road trip.
Hardangerfjord
Orchards, mountains, waterfalls and one of Norway’s most famous fjord landscapes.
Steinsdalsfossen
An unusual waterfall where a pathway actually takes you behind the cascading water.
Vøringsfossen
One of Norway’s most famous waterfalls, with spectacular viewpoints high above Måbødalen.
Flåm
A small fjord village and the starting point for some of Western Norway’s most iconic experiences.
Nærøyfjord
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Norway’s most breathtaking fjord landscapes.
Stegastein
A spectacular viewpoint around 650 metres above the Aurlandsfjord.
Voss
Mountains, lakes and outdoor adventures on the final stage of your road trip.
Day 1 – Explore Bergen
Your road trip begins in Bergen. Leave the car behind today and explore the highlights of Norway’s famous fjord city on foot.
Start at historic Bryggen, wander along the harbour and then take the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen, where you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views over Bergen and the surrounding islands.
Want to Experience More of Bergen?
Would you like to discover Bergen from the water, join a guided tour or enjoy a special experience with the family? Here you’ll find our hand-picked tours and activities in Bergen and the surrounding area – also perfect for day trips.
Eating Out in Bergen
Discover our recommendations for cafés and restaurants here:
Where to Stay in Bergen
Day 2 – Bergen → Steindalsfossen → Norheimsund → Hardangerfjord
Steindalsfossen – Walk Behind the Waterfall
Today, the road trip really begins. Leave Bergen behind and head towards the Hardangerfjord, stopping at one of the region’s best-known waterfalls along the way.
📍 Destination: Norheimsund / Hardangerfjord
🚗 Driving time: Approx. 1.5 hours
💦 Highlight: Steinsdalsfossen
Steinsdalsfossen
What makes Steinsdalsfossen so special is the short walkway that takes you directly behind the cascading water – a perfect first nature stop on your journey.
☕ Tipp: Direkt am Wasserfall gibt es ein kleines Café – ideal für eine kurze Pause mit Blick auf den Steinsdalsfossen.
🚤 Experience Tip: Hardangerfjord RIB Safari
Experience the Hardangerfjord up close: This year-round RIB safari from Norheimsund combines an exhilarating ride with impressive fjord scenery and spectacular nature.
🌊 Prefer Something a Little More Relaxing?
Fjord Floating lets you drift on the Hardangerfjord in a warm, protective floating suit while enjoying the spectacular scenery from a completely different perspective
Stay by the Hardangerfjord
Oddland Camping – A family-run place to stay in peaceful surroundings near Norheimsund, with cosy cabins and beautiful views of the Hardangerfjord.
Naustferie in Øystese – A holiday home right on the Hardangerfjord for up to eight guests, with a private dock and the option to rent a boat – ideal for families or small groups looking to stay right by the water.
Day 3 – Hardangerfjord → Eidfjord → Vøringsfossen
Today, follow the Hardangerfjord towards Eidfjord. Orchards, mountains and ever-changing views across the water make the drive itself part of the experience.
📍 Destination: Eidfjord
🚗 Route: Norheimsund → Eidfjord → Vøringsfossen → Eidfjord
💦 Highlight: Vøringsfossen
Along the Hardangerfjord Towards Eidfjord
Shortly before reaching Eidfjord, you’ll cross the impressive Hardanger Bridge before arriving in the small fjord village.
Experience Tip: Discover Viking History in Eidfjord
Ravenheart Viking Experience – An interactive experience exploring everyday life, crafts and Viking history in Hardanger.
Nearby, you can also visit the Hæreid burial mounds, an extensive collection of burial sites dating from the Iron and Viking Ages.
Vøringsfossen
From Eidfjord, the road climbs through the spectacular Måbødalen valley towards Vøringsfossen. Several viewpoints offer impressive views of the waterfall and surrounding landscape.
Afterwards, return to Eidfjord for the night.
Where to Stay in Eidfjord
Eidfjord Gjestgiveri – A small historic guesthouse in Øvre Eidfjord with cosy rooms and simple cabins, beautifully situated between the Hardangerfjord and Hardangervidda.
Day 4 – Eidfjord → Flåm & Aurland
Today, you’ll travel from the Hardangerfjord to the Aurlandsfjord. The route takes you through mountains and valleys via Voss towards Flåm.
📍 Destination: Flåm / Aurland
🚗 Route: Eidfjord → Voss → Flåm
✨ Highlight: Flåmbahn & Aurlandsfjord
Explore Flåm
Once you arrive, leave the car behind and explore the small fjord village on foot. If you have some extra time, visit the Flåm Railway Museum.
🚂 Optional: Ride the Flåm Railway
If you leave Eidfjord early, you can spend the afternoon enjoying one of the most famous experiences around Flåm. The Flåm Railway takes you from Flåm up to Myrdal through steep mountain landscapes and past impressive waterfalls.
For this road trip, we recommend travelling Flåm → Myrdal → Flåm, allowing you to leave your car in Flåm while you enjoy the journey.
Our Hand-Picked Stays in Flåm or Aurland
Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri – A traditional guesthouse right by the fjord in Aurland, offering cosy rooms and cabins in the garden.
Svingen Guesthouse – A small adults-only guesthouse in Flåm with beautiful views of the surrounding fjord landscape.
Day 5 – Nærøyfjord & Gudvangen
Today, leave the car behind for one of the biggest highlights of the entire trip: a fjord cruise through the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord.
From Flåm, the cruise takes you across the Aurlandsfjord and into the narrow, dramatic Nærøyfjord before arriving in Gudvangen.
📍 Destination: Flåm / Aurland
🚢 Heute: Nærøyfjord Cruise nach Gudvangen
✨ Highlight: UNESCO-Weltnaturerbe Nærøyfjord
⚔️ Optional: Viking Valley
Gudvangen & Viking Valley
After the cruise, spend some time exploring Gudvangen or visit Viking Valley – Njardarheimr for an immersive introduction to Viking life and culture.
Afterwards, take the shuttle bus back to Flåm.
Experience Tip
Norway’s Best offers the fjord cruise between Flåm and Gudvangen as well as convenient shuttle connections.
Good to know: Cruise and shuttle timetables vary throughout the year, so check the connections for your travel date in advance.
Where to Stay
💡 Our Tip Stay a second night in Flåm or Aurland. That way, you won’t have to change accommodation again after your day on the fjord.
Day 6 – Flåm/Aurland → Stegastein → Voss
Before heading towards Voss, there’s one more spectacular viewpoint to experience: Stegastein.
📍 Destination: Voss
🚗 Route: Flåm/Aurland → Stegastein → Voss
Stegastein
The viewing platform sits around 650 metres above the Aurlandsfjord and is easily accessible by car. A morning visit is a great way to start the day before continuing towards Voss.
Don’t want to drive the winding road up to the viewpoint yourself? Guided tours to Stegastein are also available from Flåm.
Experiences in Voss:
Voss Gondol – Ride the gondola up to Hangurstoppen and enjoy sweeping views over Voss, Vangsvatnet and the surrounding mountains.
🌲 High Ropes & Zipline Park
Still have some energy left? Make your way from tree to tree at the high ropes and zipline park – a fun option for families and anyone looking for a more active way to experience Voss.
Where to Stay in Voss
Store Ringheim Hotel & Apartment – A small boutique hotel in peaceful surroundings near Voss, with individually designed rooms and a focus on local food.
Day 7 – Voss → Dale → Bergen
On the final day, enjoy a relaxed drive back to Bergen, with the option to make one last stop in Dale along the way.
📍 Destination: Bergen
🚗 Route: Voss → Dale → Bergen
🧶 Optional: Dale of Norway
Stop in Dale
Dale is best known as the home of Dale of Norway and its traditional Norwegian wool sweaters. Stop by the Factory Outlet for a look around – and perhaps pick up one last Norwegian souvenir before heading home.
From Dale, continue back to Bergen, where your seven-day road trip comes to an end.
FAQ About This Road Trip
Is This Road Trip Suitable for First-Time Visitors?
Absolutely. This itinerary is an excellent introduction to Western Norway. The roads are generally straightforward to navigate, the major highlights fit naturally into the route and the daily driving distances remain manageable.
Do I Need a Rental Car for This Road Trip?
Yes. A rental car or your own vehicle is recommended for this itinerary. It gives you the flexibility to reach viewpoints, waterfalls and smaller villages along the route at your own pace.
When Is the Best Time to Take This Road Trip?
The best time to travel this route is generally May to September. During these months, the days are long and conditions are usually well suited to a road trip, while many seasonal attractions and experiences are open. Spring also brings the famous fruit blossom season in Hardanger. Always check current weather and road conditions before travelling.
How Long Is the Entire Road Trip?
Depending on the route you choose and any additional detours, the entire road trip covers around 500 to 600 kilometres. Spread across seven days, this leaves plenty of time for sightseeing and photo stops.
Can I Take This Road Trip With Children?
Yes! This road trip is also a great option for families with children. Highlights such as waterfalls, fjords, cruises and Bergen itself appeal to visitors of all ages. With a few small adjustments, the itinerary can easily be adapted to suit families travelling with children.
