✨ The ultimate round trip from Bergen and back – no matter your budget.

A roundtrip of less than 500 km — packed with mountains, fjords, waterfalls, and charming small towns — and so compact that every single hour feels like a highlight. You’ll start and end in beautiful Bergen, and along the way you’ll experience the very best of Voss, Hardanger, and Odda — with the freedom to shape the journey exactly the way you want.

The best part? With a full tank or fully charged EV, you can drive the entire route without needing to refuel or recharge once. And while the route might look big on the map, it’s totally doable in anywhere from 3 to 10 days, depending on how much you’d like to explore.

In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful road trips you can take in Norway — a journey that can be as budget-friendly or as luxurious as you want:

🚐 Want to keep it budget-friendly?
Bring a tent, cook your meals on a portable stove, and wake up to some of the most breathtaking views in Western Norway — all for free.

🏔️ Want to treat yourself to something extra?
Check into some of Norway’s most unique accommodations, relax in fjord-view spas, and try thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experiences you won’t soon forget.

No matter how you choose to travel, this is a journey that blends raw natural beauty with authentic Norwegian culture. You’ll feel like you’re deep in the wilderness – yet you’re never far from a town, a hot shower, or a great cup of coffee.

Keep reading to discover my top tips for places to visit, stay, and experience in Bergen, Odda, and Voss.
This is a true West Norwegian gem of a road trip – and trust me, it’s one you won’t soon forget.

Renting a Car for the Trip 🚗

Exploring this route by car is hands-down the best way to do it. It gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want, chase the views, and make your own adventure. I usually rent from AVIS — they’re my go-to because they’re reliable, easy to book with, and have a great selection of brand-new cars in all shapes and sizes. You’ll find them both at the Bergen airport and in the city, so it’s super convenient to pick up your ride and hit the road.

Bonus tip: AVIS also has a great selection of electric cars with long range — which is not only better for the planet, but also much cheaper to “fuel” compared to gas. A win-win if you ask me!

Full transparency: I actually have a collaboration with AVIS — but I was the one who reached out to them! I’ve been using AVIS for years, and I’d never recommend something I don’t use and like myself. Just wanted to keep it real. 😄

🏙️ 1–3 Days in Bergen: City Vibes, Mountain Views & Coastal Charm

Bergen is the perfect place to kick off your adventure. It’s easy to fly in, or arrive by bus or train, and — like I mentioned earlier — it’s super easy to pick up a rental car here. What makes Bergen truly special is the way it blends charming city life with dramatic nature. You can stroll through colorful wooden houses at Bryggen, take the Fløibanen funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for sweeping views, or head out on a proper mountain hike — all without ever leaving the city.

This is a place where fjords meet culture, and where things feel relaxed and alive at the same time.

Things to Do:

🏰 Bryggen – UNESCO-listed, historic, and incredibly photogenic. (Don’t just admire it from the outside — wander into the cozy wooden alleyways between the buildings. It honestly feels like stepping back in time a few hundred years.)

🚠 Fløyen – Ride the Fløibanen funicular up the mountain for panoramic views over Bergen. A must-do!

🥾 Løvstakken – A more local mountain hike with fewer people than Fløyen or Ulriken. Great if you want a more peaceful experience.

📍 Check out my custom map – I’ve marked all my favorite places to eat, sleep, and explore — not just in Bergen, but all across Norway.
👉 You’ll find the map here:
https://www.rexby.com/explorewithjohan/norway

Where to Stay?

💰 For All Budgets:

• Central hotels like Hotel Norge or Zander K

• Great budget-friendly picks: Marken Guesthouse, Bergen Budget Hotel, or Citybox

✨ Looking for something unique?

🌲 The Pinecone at Fløyen – Sleep inside a giant pinecone (yes, really!) hanging high up in the trees with stunning views over the city. You’ll have the entire Fløyen mountain almost to yourself in the evening and night — an unforgettable experience.

🪶 Birdbox Sotra – Just 20 minutes outside of Bergen, you can sleep in a floating igloo on the water or in a sleek “birdhouse” cabin overlooking the sea on the island of Sotra. A peaceful island escape with serious wow-factor.

🏝️ Furholmen – A private cabin on a tiny island off the coast of Askøy, just outside Bergen. This is more of an experience than just a place to sleep. Here, you can catch your own dinner, ride jet skis, and soak in the quiet, peaceful surroundings. The host, Odd, is one of the kindest people you’ll ever meet and goes above and beyond to make sure your stay is truly unforgettable.

Catching the dinner at Furiholmen

🌊 1–3 days in Odda: Fjords, waterfalls & jaw-dropping hikes

Trolltunga at night

Odda is the gateway to Norway’s wilderness and some of the country’s most breathtaking natural experiences. While it’s best known for the iconic Trolltunga hike, the area offers so much more – glaciers, crystal-clear lakes, powerful waterfalls, and endless spots to pitch a tent. On your way into town, don’t miss Bondhusvatnet and Steindalsfossen – two of my absolute favorites. Odda feels like nature turned up the volume – everything is a little bigger, wilder, and more beautiful.

🚗 På vei til Odda – stopp her:

💦 Steindalsfossen – Walk behind this stunning waterfall on a safe trail. A perfect quick stop.

🍦 The little kiosk by the falls is great for ice cream and coffee with a view.

💎 Bondhusvatnet – One of Norway’s most beautiful lakes.
Hike: 45 minutes one way, an easy and gorgeous walk. You can also camp here for free by the lake – a magical place to wake up!

Things to do in Odda:

🧊 Buerbreen – A hike to a powerful glacier.

⛰️ Trolltunga – One of Norway’s most iconic hikes (can take 10–12 hours and get crowded). You can also camp nearby the top to enjoy it more peacefully.

🎿 FONNA Glacier Ski Resort – Year-round skiing and glacier courses.

🛶 Raundalsvatnet – A calm and incredibly beautiful lake.

Where to Stay

🏚️ Tyssedal Hotel – Historic hotel with stunning views.

🏨 Hotel Ullensvang – World-class spa and views.

🌲 Woodnest – Luxurious treehouses on the mountainside.

⛺ Åkrafjorden Glamping – Stay in large, comfortable tents with amazing views.

🏕️Camping: There are a lot of beautiful places to camp in this area, but I would recommend: Bondhusvatnet, Trolltunga or Raundalsvatnet.

🧗 1–3 Days in Voss: Action, Nature, and Peace

Voss is Norway’s extreme sports capital – and at the same time, the perfect place to find some peace. Here you can raft on some of Europe’s wildest rivers, go skydiving, or simply take the gondola up the mountain and enjoy the quiet. What makes Voss special is the contrasts: adrenaline and calm, rivers and mountains, village and wilderness – all in one amazing area.

Things to do in Voss

🎢 Activities:

🌊 Rafting: Try some of Europe’s most thrilling rapids! People from all over the world come here to raft.

🪂 Skydiving or test the wind tunnel.

🚠 Voss Gondola: Reach the mountains in minutes and enjoy views over the whole valley.

🌄 Nature gems you must see:

💧 Tvinnefossen – A beautiful waterfall right by the road.

🏞️ Bordalsgjelet – A dramatic gorge.

💦 Skjervsfossen and Stalheimsfossen – Stunning waterfalls.

🥾 Bakkanosi – A spectacular day hike with views over the Nærøyfjord. A bit challenging but absolutely worth it.

Go for a swim: Voss has some of Norway’s clearest rivers – perfect for a chilly dip (if you dare!). Great rivers to visit:

• Brandsetelvi

• Bjørke

• Raundalselvi

Photo: Bjørke

🛌 Where to stay in Voss:

🏨 Stalheim Hotel – Views that will take your breath away.

🛖 DNT Kiellandbu – A simple cabin with wild views.

🌾 Store Ringheim Hotel – Luxury on an old farmstead.

⛺If you want to camp, I recommend doing it by one of the rivers mentioned above or at Bakkanosi.

🛣️ Return to Bergen + Bonus Stop

🚗 On your way back to Bergen? I recommend a quick stop at:

🌊 Hesjedalsfossen – A beautiful and underrated waterfall right by the road.

💬 FAQs

Q: How many days should I spend on this trip?
A: You can do it in a long weekend, but to get the most out of it, I recommend 5 to 10 days.

Q: Do I need a car?
A: It’s possible to get to Voss and Odda by public transport, but having your own car gives you more flexibility and access to hidden gems along the way.

Q: Can I do this year-round?
A: Yes, but Trolltunga and Buarbreen are best from June to September. Rafting and skydiving are also seasonal (May–September).

Q: Can I do this as a solo traveler?
A: Absolutely! All places are safe, and many hikes can be done alone. There are also guided options available.