Norway route: Lofoten, Fjords, Trollveggen and Svalbard
This 1560 km route through Norway showcases the country's most striking natural features, from the Arctic Lofoten Islands known for Northern Lights and traditional fishing villages to the dramatic southern fjords including Sognefjord, Lysefjord, and Geirangerfjord. The journey spans diverse landscapes shaped by glacial activity, featuring steep mountains, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque coastal settlements.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Lofoten Islands
- End
- Jotunheimen National Park
- Stops
- 9
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Lofoten Islands — Picturesque archipelago above the Arctic Circle famous for fishing villages, dramatic mountains, and winter Northern Lights displays.
- Norwegian Fjords — Deep glacial valleys carved into coastal mountains, featuring dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls that showcase Norway's iconic landscape.
- Seven Sisters Waterfall — Famous 820-foot waterfall in Geirangerfjord visible during snowmelt season (May–July) from viewpoints and fjord cruises.
- Mount Dalsnibba — Highest point in Geirangerfjord area at 4,842 feet, offering panoramic views of fjord landscapes and accessible hiking and biking trails.
- Flamsbana Railway — Historic narrow-gauge railway descending through steep mountain terrain with twenty tunnels, connecting remote villages in the Sognefjord region.
- Kjosfossen Waterfall — Iconic waterfall along the Flamsbana railway where trains stop briefly, allowing passengers to enjoy the falls and surrounding natural beauty.
- Trollveggen and Troll Wall — Europe's highest vertical rock face rising nearly 1,100 meters above the Romsdalsfjord, a legendary climbing destination and stunning natural monument.
- Rauma River — Salmon-rich river in Romsdalen valley near Troll Wall, historic fishing destination attracting English aristocrats and German Emperor Wilhelm II.
- Jotunheimen National Park — Astonishing mountain range in southern Norway whose name means 'Home of the Giants,' featuring peaks and glaciated terrain.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Visit Lofoten Islands in summer for midnight sun (explore all day without darkness) or mid-September to late March for Northern Lights.
- Food
- Try fresh seafood like dried cod and salmon at fish markets in Lofoten Islands fishing villages.
- Tip
- Hike to Preikestolen: 2.5 miles round trip on steep terrain. The flat rock formation sits 1,982 feet above Lysefjord.
- Timing
- Visit Geirangerfjord waterfalls May-July for best visibility during snowmelt period. Seven Sisters waterfall drops 820 feet.
- Transport
- Take Flamsbana railway from Flam to Myrdal station (12.4 miles, 1 hour). One of world's steepest standard gauge railways with 5.5% gradient. Train stops at Kjosfossen waterfall.
- Tip
- Trolltunga hike: 16.8 miles round trip from Skjeggedal village through rugged terrain to 3,609-foot cliff overlooking Lake Ringedalsvatnet.
- Avoid
- Trollstigen road is closed in winter due to snow and frost. Drive with utmost caution due to very tight curves.
- Timing
- Best time to see Seven Sisters waterfall views: May to July during snowmelt. Visible from viewpoint or on cruise.
- Where to stay
- Reine village has red and white fishermen's cabins (rorbus) along coast. Traditional fishing village with about 300 inhabitants.
- Tip
- Jotunheimen National Park has hiking routes for all skill levels, plus fishing, rock climbing, and cross-country skiing. Norway's highest mountain Galdhopiggen is here (8,097 feet).
- Transport
- Cruise ships offer fjord exploration with outdoor decks and panoramic windows. More and luxury options available for viewing landscapes.
- Tip
- Henningsvaer village offers mountain climbing, snorkeling, and diving. Known as 'Venice of Lofoten' with unique soccer field nestled between fjord rocks.
Video on this route
Exploring Norway | Amazing places, trolls, northern lights, polar night, Svalbard, people