An Epic Road Trip Through Norway

Regardless of being marked by the nation’s well-known fjords, Norway’s Northwest is usually neglected, with vacationers preferring to spend their complete journey in Oslo or Bergen and surrounding areas. Within the Northwest, the shoreline is damaged up into miles of idyllic islands the place the North and Norwegian seas converge and weave additional inland by way of bays, channels and fjords. Trondheim, positioned somewhat over 300 miles north of Oslo, is likely one of the space’s largest cities, providing cultural websites, viking curiosities, native eats and a vibrant metropolis heart able to welcome overseas guests.

Highlights embody the eleventh century Nidaros Cathedral, Ringve Museum of Music Historical past and the world’s first bike carry. Trondheim is definitely accessible by airplane or practice, and automobile leases can be found.Whereas there may be a lot to do in Trondheim, the remaining cities and pure phenomena that outline the Northwest are simply as enthralling, particularly if you happen to transfer via them at your individual tempo. A highway journey via a brand new nation is an unforgettable technique to get to know native destinations- and, extra importantly, every thing in between.

In the event you’ll be departing from Trondheim and nonetheless have just a few days to proceed exploring the area, think about driving to Ålesund, a city perched on Norway’s west coast, overlooking open sea. Colourful structure, crisp alpine air and a serene harbor will ring in the long run of your highway journey; after spending just a few nights on the town, you possibly can catch a flight again to Oslo from close by Ålesund Airport.

Whereas the drive takes solely about 5 and a half hours in whole, you possibly can simply commit a protracted weekend or extra to the whole expertise, stopping in small cities alongside the best way and lingering the place the second feels proper.

Whereas taking over a overseas freeway system may appear daunting at first, you’ll ease proper into it with some advance planning. Out of Trondheim, you’ll wish to comply with highway E6 to Oppdal, the place you’ll get on highway 70 in the direction of Sunndalsora. From Sunndalsora, flip onto highway 62, heading again north in the direction of Angvik. This can be a excellent spot to cease for the evening; the drive from Trondheim ought to solely take about three and a half hours, so if you happen to go away early, you’ll have loads of time to seize a chunk to eat and take within the environment. Angvik Gamle Handelssted is a family-run lodge representing refined Norwegian hospitality on this small group overlooking Tingvollfjorden. You may even rely on the lodge supervisor or one other member of the family for a tour of the property, which features a restaurant, spa and tub home.

After you’ve handled your self to a protracted dip within the Badehuset Spa Bathtub, head to the on-site museum to be taught extra concerning the household who introduced the lodge to life and continues to maintain it in tip high form to this present day. The shows introduce you to not solely their central presence locally, however the progress and growth of the city as properly.

Whilst you’re at it, don’t miss the Tore Bjorn Skjolsvik Gallery, the place 75 famend artworks by Norwegian artists make up a considered one of a sort everlasting assortment. Within the night, the lodge’s restaurant, Bokkerstua, serves gourmand five-course dinners chosen by the chef every day, which means you’re assured to return to your room delightfully shocked.

From Angvik, you’ll take a pointy flip north in the direction of the city of Kristiansund, your first true seaside cease. Referred to as “The Atlantic Metropolis,” Kristiansund encompasses 4 islands and is taken into account the gateway to Norway’s scenic Atlantic Street. Akin to the USA’ Pacific Coast Freeway, this roadway follows the shoreline, bringing drivers as shut as potential to Norway’s rugged seashores, crashing waves and curiosities alongside the best way. Earlier than making your approach down the coast, spend just a few hours exploring Kristiansund, particularly if you wish to stretch your legs earlier than persevering with on. There, you’ll discover Norway’s oldest opera, native eateries, and the charming island of Grip, positioned simply 12 km by boat outdoors of city. In February, the city hosts an annual opera pageant and in October, the Northern Lights Pictures Pageant attracts guests from around the globe.

In the event you can solely keep in Kristiansund for just a few hours, you should definitely put Mellemvaerftet Shipbuilding Museum on the high of the listing. First opened in 1856, the shipyard is now open because the nation’s solely “dwelling” museum, which means its is a workshop as a lot as it’s a historic vacation spot. The middle focuses on preserving, restoring and sustaining maritime vessels whereas permitting the general public to view and study Norway’s huge seafaring historical past firsthand. The Sundbaten ferry stops close by, supplying you with the possibility to take a brief cruise on the oldest uninterrupted public transportation service on this planet.

For lunch in Kristiansund, cease by Bryggekanten Brasserie for native delicacies ready with an knowledgeable’s contact. Overlooking the water, the restaurant is an ideal technique to bid Kristiansund goodbye and hop again on highway 64.

At this level, you’ll be on the well-known Atlantic Street, the place you’ll come throughout a number of pullouts and viewpoints for picture alternatives. This stretch of freeway is among the many most photographed scenic byways on this planet, having set the scene for a number of movies. Featured within the newest James Bond movie, the long-lasting Storseisundet Bridge is considered one of many stops you’ll wish to make whereas driving south. A pullout by the bridge makes it simple to park and arrange some photographs.

A break at Eldhusøya Island can be extremely worthwhile; after parking by the cafe, take a stroll across the walkway that runs across the island for scenic views following the form of the water’s edge.

After getting again on the highway, preserve driving west till you attain the village of Bud. Jutting out into the ocean, Bud is a historic fishing village you possibly can simply spend a protracted morning or lunch break exploring. After sampling native seafood, cease by Ergan Kystfort, a former German WWII fort now open to the general public as a museum. Then, take a stroll in town’s coastal path, which options shows recounting the city’s historical past in opposition to a shocking backdrop.

Making your approach south, you’ll attain the Romsdal Peninsula, the place you’ll seemingly wish to keep the evening earlier than persevering with on to Alesund. Cease within the city of Molde, dwelling to the Scandic Seilet lodge and much more fjord-side panoramas. Molde’s Panorama viewpoint is the very best place on the town to soak up 360- views of the fjords and 222 snow capped peaks stretching throughout the horizon.

Afterwards, deal with your self on the Glass Restaurant and Bar, an intimate eatery serving Italian classics. Again on the Scandic, anticipate a snug keep, mountain views and a simple stroll to the city heart, which hosts a famend Worldwide Jazz Pageant. Winding down on the lodge’s hovering Masta Skybar is an effective way to ring within the evening earlier than persevering with your highway journey within the morning.

From Molde, it’ll be two extra hours to Alesund, the place you’ll full your journey. The city’s Artwork Nouveau- model buildings shall be the very first thing you discover as you drive to your lodge; they’re a mark of the city’s reincarnation after a tragic fireplace that left it principally destroyed within the winter of 1904. The Artwork Noveau Heart & the Artwork Museum KUBE are one of the simplest ways to study this a part of the city’s historical past and the structure that finally introduced it again to life. Fjestulla viewpoint is your subsequent must-do, particularly if you happen to’re craving a brief hike after the lengthy drive. The hilltop viewpoint gives in depth views of Alesund’s colourful metropolis heart in addition to the peaks surrounding it. Aksla Mountain is one other simply accessible hike from the town center- and sure the primary peak you’ll discover as quickly as you drive into city.

Whether or not you join a strolling tour with an area firm or got down to discover Alesund by yourself phrases, one of the simplest ways to soak up the city’s spirit is to immerse your self in its neat streets and storefronts. Antiques, presents, native specialities and extra can be found all through city so that you can uncover.

With Trondheim and Alesund as your gateways to Norway’s northwest, you’ll get to know the guts of the area by experiencing every thing that connects the 2 cities alongside the best way. A robust maritime and outdoor tradition, coupled with native aptitude and a ardour for historical past will make your highway journey far more than a drive. Devoting a day or two to every vacation spot in your listing is one of the simplest ways to get probably the most out of your expertise, particularly when you’ve got the possibility to attend an annual pageant or participate in a tour. Driving via Norway means slowing issues down sufficient to understand the best way the panorama modifications, the slight variations between every enclave and the roadside gems that always go neglected. Beginning with Trondheim’s city bustle and rounding issues out with Alesund’s seafront stillness offers you the total scope of life on this idyllic a part of the nation.

For extra info and to start out planning your individual journey to Trondheim and the northern a part of the fjord area of Norway, head to visitnorway.com, visitnorthwest.no, visittrondheim.no, and visitalesund.com.