Norway by ferry for a trip with a difference!

Welcome to Car-cation Country!

You know we love a road trip! We know you love a road trip! And while Europe in its entirety, from Ireland in the west to Latvia in the east, offers some incredible scenic drives through every kind of terrain, Norway is hard to beat for bucket-list quality road trips that you can do on two wheels or four…  and they have it all mapped out for you.

Norway has no less than 18 award-winning Scenic Routes to recommend. These are the country’s most beautiful roads, in total covering 2,136kms of coast and countryside, land and seascapes, stunning panoramas and breath-taking vistas. Along the way, the Norwegians have been considerate enough to build in architectural features that maximise the viewing opportunities - platforms that defy gravity and bridges that span spectacular waterfalls. Speaking of waterfalls: comfort stops are such an important consideration on an epic road trip, we think you’ll also be impressed by the rest areas, many of which come complete with designer conveniences.

Art installations are an awesome component of the Norwegian road trip experience – totally immersing you in the natural experience in new and invigorating ways.

Our favourite Scenic Route – and one of National Geographic’s too (“One of the 101 most scenic drives in the world”), is Kystriksveien. This 650km coastal route takes you along the Helgeland coast through interesting detours like Rørvik’s Coastal Museum and Norway’s geological national monument, the Red Island of Leka. Drive from south to north, starting in Steinkjer in Trøndelag and you’ll finish in Bodø, just north of the Arctic Circle - the land of the midnight sun - and Nordland’s ‘capital’ mini-city with a cultural centre in Kulturkvartalet Stormen that’s worth a visit. Bodø is also 2024’s European Capital of Culture so anytime now is a good time to go!

On this drive you’ll also find Torghatten, Norway’s most famous landmark: a mountain with a hole right through the middle! Or there are 6,500 islands to explore, many complete with red-painted fishing villages, in the UNESCO World Heritage archipelago, Vega.

If seeing the Northern Lights is on your bucket list when you travel to Norway, Tromsø should be your No.1 destination. Of course, ‘the Lights’ are never guaranteed but if you get yourself to the heart of the aurora zone anytime between September to April, you’re in with the best chance. Tromso also has the most bars and restaurants per capita in the country.

That’s more than Oslo - even though we know this capital city offers the visitor an incredible welcome. This 21^st century modern city continues to evolve - evident in the changing skyline - and there’s always something new to explore. It’s a city that’s close to nature and has a relaxed vibe. You’re encouraged to connect with the elements – the forest is never far away – or you can up your heart rate ziplining or skiing. And if you’ve never considered Oslo as a foodie destination, think again. The city is upping its game in terms of taste and flavour and there’s much to discover on a brand-new menu that takes in everything from street food to fine dining.

As they say in Norway – Skål!