In June 2023, we visited Norway. We rented an e-car and drove about 1,400 kilometers. We visited Kristiansund, Gairengerfjord, Trollstigen, Alesund, and Trondheim.
Norway is amazing!
Why Norway?
Norway is the northernmost country in Europe and is a must for passionate travelers of the Nordic regions of the Earth who travel thousands of kilometers to reach the mythical North Cape. But the country’s geographical variety comes as a surprise to many tourists who imagine Norway as an ice monolith. Instead, in the temperate south you’ll find rolling countryside, enchanting forests, bustling cities and sunny beaches, while north of the Arctic Circle the population dwindles, horizons broaden and temperatures drop. Fascinating fjords, imposing glaciers, fairy-tale islands, Norway offers postcard landscapes that will remain etched in your memory. In this wild and spectacular nature there are modern cities, coastal towns and ancient villages where you can discover the Sami culture.
Between the northern lights and the midnight sun, the skies of Norway are a breathtaking sight.
Trondheim
We arrived in Trondheim with a super cheap WizzAir flight for less than 25 euros per person (round trip) from Gdansk. It is an important land and sea transport link of Norway, connecting the more densely populated south with the far northern regions.
At the airport, we rented an electric car. However, the car we had chosen was not available but Hertz didn’t disappoint us at all. In fact, instead of a VW ID.3 we ended up driving a a full electric Volvo XC40!
Kristiansund
In a couple of hours we reached Kristiansund, an unpretentious town a few kilometers from the famous Atlantic Road. We stayed at Scandic where the breakfast is always super with super friendly and professional Filipino staff.
Kristiansud, known as the city of salted cod, rises on the hills of 4 islands in the Atlantic Ocean. It is about halfway between Ålesund and Trondheim, in the region of Nordmøre. The city has a beautiful old quarter, Gamlebyen, a spectacular harbor, and is famous for the Atlantic Road, one of the most beautiful scenic roads in the world
The Atlantic Road
After recharging our car for free at the hotel, we headed toward the Atlantic Road. The Atlanterhavsveien is an approximately 8 km stretch of road between the Norwegian cities of Kristiansund and Molde. It is built on several islets and rocks, which are connected by causeways, viaducts and eight bridges, the most important of which is Storseisundet Bridge.
As Norway is rich in fishing waters such as oceans, fjords, lakes and rivers, we had fish and chips for lunch but also an excellent pizza.
Trollstigen
After crossing seas over and under by ships and underwater tunnels and driving up and down mountains we arrived at Trollstigen waterfalls. Trollstigen, also known as Highway 63 or Troll’s Staircase, is a winding mountain road that runs through one of the most extraordinary areas of Norway. While this Scandinavian country boasts breathtaking sights at virtually every corner, by following this route you will discover why it deserves it: wide green valleys, thundering waterfalls, placid fjords and picturesque villages are just some of the wonders you admire along the way. Since it turns into a real mountain pass in some sections, punctuated by narrow, steep switchbacks, the Trollstigen is only open during summer. Although it is only visited for a few months of the year, it is still one of the most popular destinations in Norway.
Ålesund
In the evening, we reached Ålesund, a major cruise port and one of the most picturesque towns in Norway. It is a city built on islands, bordered by the sea and with mountains nearby. Although less known than Bergen, the Lofoten Islands, or the unreachable North Cape, this small town has a decidedly original geography on its side. The center is at sea level but the highest point in the city is at 1,434 meters above sea level!
Geirangerfjord
Geirangerfjord is one of the most visited tourist spots in Norway and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Geiranger Fjord is one of the most spectacular places on the planet. It is a very popular destination for travelers from all over the world. The road that leads from Ålesund to Geiranger is made up of underwater tunnels, ship crossings, curves, and roads that open up to breathtaking landscapes. The journey is just as beautiful as the destination!
Back to Trondheim
For our trip back to Trondheim we traveled a different route. It was much longer (419 km), passing through the hinterland of the country. We crossed the sea, snow-capped mountains, lakes, rivers, fjords, small villages and countless waterfalls. It was a scenic journey and a beautiful experience.
If you think of Norway, you imagine snowy landscapes and a fairytale atmosphere. Trondheim’s colorful houses are reflected in the river that flows through the beating heart of the city. Gamle Bybro is the ancient bridge of Trondheim, dating back to 1681. It is characterized by red portals and it divides the city in two. On one side, there is the historic center, and on the other the Bakklandet district. While the historic center is crossed by long pedestrian avenues, with museums and the great Gothic cathedral, Bakklandet is a succession of wooden houses overlooking the river. Once known as the working class area, today it has become one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the city.
POLAND BY CAR TO BE CONTINUED… 
Our trip to Norway was a fantastic experience that left us standing in awe.
Time to go back to Gdansk and continue our trip in Poland.
But that’s another story 🙂
Epilogue
The trip to Norway was short but enough to appreciate its beauty. Norway is one of the most expensive countries in the world, especially when it comes to accommodation and food. However, if you are a seasoned traveler, you know a way to find good accommodation and food and cut costs. Norway is also knows as the capital of electric cars where charging stations are easy to find and perfectly efficient. The infrastructure is very advanced and it is a clean, safe, efficient country with friendly and helpful people.
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