Scandinavia road trip with the camper: An unforgettable journey through Norway and Sweden

Publication date: 6/20/24

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Scandinavia road trip with the camper: An unforgettable journey through Norway and Sweden

A week-long camper trip through Scandinavia offers you the perfect mix of impressive nature, cultural highlights and culinary delights. From the majestic Geirangerfjorden to historic Lillehammer and the lively capital Oslo to the charming city of Gothenburg - every stage of your journey promises unforgettable experiences and unique impressions. Take the opportunity to explore the beauty of the Nordic landscapes, enjoy exciting outdoor activities and discover the rich culture of Scandinavia. With the right planning and preparation, this trip will be an unforgettable adventure that you will remember for a long time.

Get ready for an unforgettable trip through the Nordic countries!

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Travel planning tips

Good preparation and planning are essential for a smooth trip. Here are a few tips in advance:

Book early: Campgrounds in popular areas can fill up quickly, especially during peak season.

Equipment: Make sure your camper is well equipped, especially for the sometimes harsh conditions in Norway.

Traffic rules: Find out about the traffic rules in each country, especially tolls and environmental zones.

Weather: Be prepared for changeable weather, especially in the fjord regions of Norway.

Local Specialties: Take the opportunity to sample local delicacies and visit local markets for fresh produce.

Route Overview

Day 1 - 2: Geirangerfjord, Norway

approx. 260 kilometer and 4 hours travel time

Day 3: Lillehammer, Norway

approx. 170 kilometer and 2 hours 15 minutes travel time

Day 4 - 5: Oslo, Norway

approx. 300 kilometer and 3 hours 30 minutes travel time

Day 6 - 7: Göteborg, Sweden

in total about 750 km

Geirangerfjord, Norway

The Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most beautiful and spectacular fjords in Norway. With its steep cliffs, impressive waterfalls and deep blue waters, it offers a breathtaking landscape that captivates every visitor. The fjord stretches for about 15 kilometers and is framed by majestic mountains that are up to 1,700 meters high.

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Geirangerfjord is on a Fjord Tour. Numerous boat tours take you through the picturesque waters and offer impressive views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls, such as the famous Seven Sisters and the Suitor. For hiking enthusiasts, a hike to Flydalsjuvet Lookout is ideal, from where you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the fjord.

Campsites

Geiranger Camping: Located directly on the fjord
Vinje Camping: Quiet campsite with a view of the fjord
Grande Hytteutleige og Camping: Family-friendly site by the water

Culinary Recommendations

Brasserie Posten: Local ingredients and amazing views
Westerås Farm Restaurant: Traditional Norwegian cuisine with a view of the fjord
Cafe Ole: Cozy café with homemade cakes and snacks

Sightseeing

Geirangerfjord: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Flydalsjuvet-Aussicht: Breathtaking view over the fjord
Seven Sisters Wasserfall: One of the most famous waterfalls in Geiranger
Geiranger Skywalk: Dalsnibba - panoramic view at 1500 m altitude
Norsk Fjordsenter: Museum about the history and nature of the fjord

Lillehammer, Norway

Route Length: approx. 260 kilometer

Travel Time: about 4 hours

After exploring the breathtaking Geirangerfjord, the journey now leads about 260 km south to Lillehammer. This charming town on the northern shore of Lake Mjøsa is known not only for its picturesque scenery, but also for its rich Olympic history and cultural treasures.

Lillehammer gained international fame as host of the 1994 Winter Olympics. The Olympic Park is a testament to this glorious chapter in the city's history and offers numerous attractions for sports enthusiasts and history buffs. Here you can view the impressive ski jumps and visit the Olympic Museum, which offers exciting insights into the history of the Olympic Games.

Another highlight is the Maihaugen open-air museum, one of the largest open-air museums in Norway. This museum offers a fascinating insight into Norwegian culture and history with over 200 historic buildings, including traditional farms, a stave church and urban houses from different eras. Here you can experience first hand how people in Norway used to live and work.

Campsites

Lillehammer Camping: Comfortable site near the city
Camp Lillehammer: Natural campsite with good facilities
Norsk Villmarksenter: Secluded place for nature lovers

Culinary Recommendations

Hvelvet Restaurant: Traditional Norwegian cuisine in a historic setting
Lysaker Gjestgiveri: Charming restaurant with regional dishes
Bryggerikjelleren: Gourmet restaurant with local and international dishes

Sightseeing

Maihaugen Open Air Museum: insight into Norwegian culture and history
Olympiapark: Legacy of the 1994 Winter Olympics
Lillehammer Art Museum: Scandinavian art collection
Lysgårdsbakken Ski Jumping Arena: Viewpoint with a view of Lillehammer
Garmo Stave Church: Historic stave church

Oslo, Norway

Route Length: approx. 170 kilometer

Travel Time: about 2 hours 15 minutes

After a little over 2 hours of driving, we reach the lively capital of Norway. Oslo, is a fascinating metropolis that combines historical sights with modern culture. This dynamic city offers a rich mix of history, art and nature, making it an essential stop on your trip.

Begin your visit at the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the largest sculpture complex in the world, created by sculptor Gustav Vigeland. Here you can explore over 200 impressive sculptures depicting human emotions and stages of life. The park is not only an artistic masterpiece, but also a wonderful place to relax and walk.

Afterwards, you should visit the Royal Castle, the residence of the Norwegian royal family. The castle, surrounded by a beautiful park, offers regular tours where you can learn more about the history and architecture of the building. Another highlight is Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle with impressive views of the Oslofjord. The fortress also houses several museums that offer deeper insights into Norway's military history.

Campsites

Ekeberg Camping: Near the city center
Bogstad Camping: Located on Lake Bogstadvannet, ideal for families
Oslo Fjordcamp: Directly on the Oslofjord with beautiful views

Culinary Recommendations

Mathallen Oslo: Market hall with many local specialties
Fiskeriet Youngstorget: Fish restaurant with fresh seafood
Restaurant Maaemo: Norwegian cuisine awarded three Michelin stars
Der Peppern Gror: Modern Norwegian cuisine with Indian influences

Sightseeing

Vigeland Sculpture Park: Largest sculpture complex in the world
Royal Castle: Residence of the Norwegian royal family
Akershus Fortress: Medieval castle with museums
Oslo Opera House: Modern architectural highlight
Fram Museum: Polar research vessel and history of polar research
Munch Museum: Works by the famous painter Edvard Munch

Göteborg, Sweden

Route Length: approx. 300 kilometer

Travel Time: about 3 hours 30 minutes

Our next destination on the trip is Gothenburg, a fascinating city located about 300 km south of Oslo. Gothenburg is Sweden's second largest city and offers a unique mix of maritime atmosphere and urban flair. The city is known for its charming canals, leafy parks and vibrant cultural scene..

An absolute highlight is the Liseberg amusement park, the largest theme park in Scandinavia. Here you can experience exciting rides and spectacular shows that offer fun for the whole family. Afterwards, it's worth taking a walk through the historic Haga district, known for its well-preserved wooden houses from the 19th century, cozy cafés and boutiques.

A visit to Feskekörka, a fish market, is also a must. In this “fish church” you can enjoy the freshest seafood and try Swedish fish specialties in the numerous on-site restaurants.

Campsites

Lisebergsbyn Kärralund: Comfortable campsite near the city center
Göteborgs Camping Lilleby: Beautiful campsite on the coast
Askeviks Camping & Stugor: Family-friendly site by the lake

Culinary Recommendations

Feskekörka: Fish and seafood market with restaurants
Smaka: Swedish cuisine in a cozy atmosphere
Restaurant Gabriel: Fine fish restaurant in Feskekörka
Heaven 23: Restaurant with panoramic views and famous shrimp sandwich
Magazzino: Italian cuisine in the heart of Gothenburg

Sightseeing

Liseberg Amusement Park: Largest amusement park in Scandinavia
Haga: Historic district with cobblestone streets and small cafes
Universeum: Science center with rainforest and aquarium
Slottsskogen: Large city park with a zoo and many hiking trails
Gothenburg's Art Museum: Comprehensive collection of Scandinavian art
Maritiman: Maritime Museum and Flotilla

This week-long campervan trip through Scandinavia offers you an impressive mix of natural wonders, cultural experiences and culinary discoveries. The majestic fjords, historic cities and lively metropolises will give you unforgettable memories. Whether you're going on adventurous hikes, discovering the region's rich history and culture, or simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery, this trip has something for everyone. Pack your PIA camper, follow this route and experience the freedom and beauty of Scandinavian travel. We wish you a safe journey and unforgettable experiences on your road trip through the Nordic countries!