Discover the narrow fjords of Western Norway by car
The fantastic landscape of Western Norway boasts everything from remote islets and true wilderness to some of Norway’s largest cities. We've put together a few tips for places and sights to visit on a road trip to Western Norway.
Suggested route: Måløy - Fosnavåg - Ålesund - Molde - Kristiansund
If you're planning a road trip to Western Norway in the near future, you can visit the Nigards glacier, Norway’s most accessible glacier. You can also visit Geirangerfjord, the country’s most famous fjord. Perhaps you’re planning a guided kayak tour through the art nouveau city of Ålesund or want to get some fresh air in the Loen Skylift, overlooking the magnificent Nordfjord?
Discover the Atlantic Ocean Road, a national scenic route at its best, or Hardanger, the cradle of national romance, home to apple orchards, national parks and beautiful waterfalls. If you're interested in the Viking Age, a visit to Avaldsnes is a must, while if you love taking great pictures, you can test your courage at the edge of Preikestolen. In Western Norway, you get it all.
Planning to visit Preikestolen? Why not start with a RIB boat tour on the Lysefjord?
Western Norway is one of the world's most desirable travel destinations and the selection of activities and sights in this region is unparalleled - no matter what you want to experience, you're sure to find what you’re looking for in Western Norway. The suggested route below includes about 1400 km packed with new discoveries if you start and end your road trip in Oslo.
Måløy
Måløy is a charming coastal town with the North Sea as its closest neighbour. Our hotel, Hotel Måløy, is centrally located on the main street, within walking distance of shops, shopping centres and boat and bus terminals.
Lighthouse tour
On Vågsøy there are several lighthouses that are worth a visit. With a tour of the various lighthouses, you'll see much of the local area along the way and beautiful nature along the coast. We help you to put together routes according to your particular interests.
Kråkenes lighthouse is located at the westernmost point on Vågsøya. Today, the lighthouse is used as a café and inn and here you get dramatic and distinctive nature at the edge of the Stadthavet Sea!
Another lighthouse worth a visit on foot is Hendanes lighthouse at Torskangerpoll and Skongsneset lighthouse on the north side of Vågsøy.
Refvik beach
A small white gem located between the mountains north of Vågsøya. It has repeatedly been voted one of Norway’s most beautiful swimming beaches and is definitely worth a visit regardless of the temperature of the sea.
Kannesteinen rock
This may very well be Norway’s most famous rock! It is located in Oppedal, approx. 25 min. from the Måløy city centre. Because of its very special formation, it is a popular destination.
The trip out there can also be combined with a visit to Vågsberget, an old trading post from the 18th century. This is a beautiful area where you can get an idea about what it looked like on the coast many, many years ago.
Selje monastery
Selja was one of the first three episcopal sees in Norway and a religious centre in the Middle Ages. Today, the ruins, which are some of Norway’s best preserved monastery ruins, are easily accessible to visitors.
West Cape
Enjoy the fantastic view from the West Cape plateau. To the west, there is sea as far as the eye can see and to the south, you can see over to Vågsøya and Kråkenes lighthouse.
Runde
Runde is one of the outermost islands of the Sunnmør coast and is known for its large population of nesting puffins – about half a million. The weather is harsh out on the island, which is surrounded by seas to the south, west and north. Large parts of the island are reserves with limited access during the nesting period, but the hike up to the top, about 300 metres above sea level, is an easy and pleasant hike for both young and old.
Surfing
Hoddevik, a one and a half km long stretch of sandy beach, is considered to be Norway’s best surfing spot. Both beginners and experienced surfers can be found here. Surfing lessons are offered throughout the year in Stadtlandet.
Fishing
Several operators in Måløy offer fishing trips that are both 'inshore' and 'offshore'. The operators are experts who know exactly where the opportunity to catch a big one is greatest. Some also offer rental of professional deep sea fishing equipment.
Sea rafting
For speed freaks, Måløy offers great opportunities to ride the waves at no less than 40 knots. Sea rafting is certainly an adrenaline rush, and while the speed and open boat may seem overly action-packed for some, this is a relatively safe activity with experienced drivers at the wheel. All are equipped with flotation suits and the maximum capacity is 10 people.
Fosnavåg
- at the edge of the open sea
Welcome to sea spray in the city centre. Fosnavåg is home to specialist shops, fishing boats, cafés and street life, and the main street is the sea route to the harbour. Thon Hotel Fosnavåg is a new, modern conference hotel on the quay, with its own restaurant that seats around 220 and offers excellent views of the sea.
Ålesund and Sunnmøre
This is an area with a lot of beautiful nature and a rich range of activities for the entire family – a perfect place to explore some of Norway’s most famous natural and cultural attractions.
Ålesund’s beautiful art nouveau architecture is widely known. A variety of towers, spires and beautiful decorations characterise the cityscape and are taken straight out of a fantasy world. Numerous fjords, fishing towns, island pearls and majestic mountains on Sunnmøre are waiting to impress you.
Atlanterhavsparken
Atlanterhavsparken is one of the Nordic region’s largest saltwater aquariums and one of the leading tourist attractions in northwestern Norway. The aquarium was officially opened on 15 June 1998 by the Norwegian royal couple during Ålesund’s 150th anniversary.
Trandal and Christian Gaard
About a 50 min. walk from the hotel including boat trip. We go by boat into the wild and beautiful Hjørundfjord in the municipality of Ørsta. Trandal is a small town with only 6 inhabitants and no road connections, only boat and ferry transport. At Trandal, you'll find the very special Christian Gaard pub and restaurant with its fantastic hosts Lenita and Daniel Storeide. Trandal and Christian Gaard are an experience we can guarantee you'll never forget!
Bjørke
Bjørke in Hjørundfjord is a rather unknown tourist destination, but probably one of Norway’s most beautiful and well hidden gems. Bjørke is beautifully located in the innermost part of the Hjørundfjord. It has a lovely little church and an old Tingstue courthouse. The history of the place is very dramatic and the residents live in harmony with nature - for better or worse.
Alnes
Beautiful Alnes lighthouse is located in the fishing town of Alnes on Godøy. The lighthouse from 1876 is listed and a memorial to Norwegian lighthouse historical coastal culture. Here you can see an exciting historical exhibition and have a look at local souvenirs and handicrafts. Head up the steep stairs to the top of the lighthouse and be impressed by the unique views across the ocean and coastal landscape. End the visit in the original lighthouse, where you can enjoy one of the famous homemade cakes made by the lighthouse keeper’s wife.
Ørsta
Ivar Aasen came from Ørsta and a fantastic structure has been built here with Einar Fehn as the architect. The Nynorsk Cultural Centre is located there and has great activities for children and adults.
Still looking for adventures? More activity tips can be found here.
Looking for an accommodation?
We have a hotel in Ålesund. Hotel Baronen is located 10 km from the Ålesund city centre, close to the Moa shopping area and Breivika industrial area.
Molde
- Jazzy vibes and beautiful views
Molde is located between Geiranger, Trollstigen and the Atlantic Ocean Road. In other words, it is the perfect starting point for this year’s Western Norway holiday. It is therefore no wonder that most motorists who take a trip along the Atlantic Ocean Road spend the night in either Molde or Kristiansund.
At the newly renovated Thon Hotel Moldefjord, located in the heart of the Molde city centre, you can enjoy an award-winning breakfast, wonderful views and exceptionally comfortable beds. The hotel is located by Storkaia, with daily arrivals of Hurtigruta, and has fantastic views of the Molde panorama’s snow-capped mountain peaks.
Trollstigen and the Atlantic Ocean Road
From Molde, you can go on a day trip to Trollstigen and if you are coming from Ålesund, you also drive through the charming 'strawberry town' of Valldal. Make sure to stop at Gudbrandsjuvet, which you pass a short distance down from the Trollstigen plateau. While driving through the valley, don't forget to stop by one of the strawberry sellers by the road during high season. Enjoy freshly picked berries or eat a more substantial meal at Jordbærstova, where many of the ingredients used come from local farmers.
You can drive the tourist road all the way to Geiranger and see the most postcard-depicted fjord in Norway. Here you’ll also find several hairpin bends and magical lookouts, but kep in mind that it’s a bit of cramped for space in Geiranger during the tourist season.
A completely different road trip route can be found on the coast between Molde and Kristiansund. Here, the Atlantic Ocean Road winds it's way from islet to islet, offering sea spray and vast seas views.
More experiences in nature in Molde
Molde Adventure Center offers self-guided bike tours in Molde and CITY WALK to Aker Stadium and the Romsdal Museum. They rent electric mountain bikes (EBIKE) and regular mountain bikes. Get maps and recommendations and experience Molde in a unique way!
Contact the hotel directly for more information.
Looking for great rates in Molde?
If you're planning a trip to Molde and are staying by yourself, check out our great offers on single rooms. If you are more than one person, you can check out the Moldefjord package, with lunch/dinner, accommodation and free access to Moldebadet included.
Want to vary your accommodation options a little?
Spend the night at the hammock park in Midsund – with fantastic views of both sunset and sunrise, at 527 metres above sea level.
Kristiansund
– Culture and clipfish in northwestern Norway
Kristiansund is a beautiful city that located at the far edge of the sea. The town is situated on four islands, idyllically situated at the mouth of the large fjords of Nordmøre. The lush natural landscape and rich cultural scene provide a great setting for experiences whatever the season.
Want to extend your trip?
If you have a few extra days for your Norwegian road trip adventure, we recommend adding a few detours along the way. If you start your trip in Oslo, you can drive straight to Haugesund, so that you can visit Bergen and Norheimsund. After Kristiansund, you can head back towards Oslo again via Otta, Skeikampen, Hallingdal and Flå. Enjoy!
