Explore Norway with AVIS and De Historiske

Hidden Gems Along the Road

The best experiences are often the ones you stumble upon.

A cozy roadside inn serving delicious waffles, breathtaking viewpoints revealing themselves after a mountain hike, or the hidden gems waiting to be discovered along your journey. By driving to and from our destinations, we guarantee you’ll encounter even more unforgettable moments along the way.

And the best part? When you stay at a historic hotel, you get up to 15% off car rentals with AVIS. Renting a car offers freedom and flexibility, allowing you to be spontaneous and adventurous—adding an extra spark to your travel experience.

Below, we’ve gathered some of the most stunning hikes and attractions you might not have found on your own. Enjoy your journey!

Experience the Blooming Orchards of Hardanger

Everything you’ve heard about Hardanger's beauty is true!

Visit Hardanger in the spring and witness more than 600,000 fruit trees in full bloom. The Hardanger fruit blossom is often described as the most beautiful springtime spectacle. With blue fjords, lush green hillsides, snow-capped mountains, and orchards in full bloom, you are in for an unforgettable experience.

Drive along the National Scenic Route Hardanger and take in the stunning scenery. The roads here move at their own pace, winding through steep valleys and even passing directly through apple orchards. Along the way, stop by charming farm shops to stock up on sun-ripened apples, homemade cider, and fresh-pressed apple juice. Many small farms sell fruit right by the roadside—perfect for a delicious break in the fresh air.

A journey along this route offers countless experiences. No trip to Hardanger is complete without a visit to Vøringsfossen, one of Norway’s most famous waterfalls. Watch as the powerful water cascades nearly 200 meters down into the dramatic Måbødalen Valley—a sight you won’t forget. Take a break, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and enjoy the spectacular views from the panoramic bridge.

Historic Hotels & Dining Along the Route:

🌿 Utne Hotel
🌿 Brakanes Hotel, Ulvik
🌿 Tyssedal Hotel, Odda
🌿 Siderhuset Ola K
🌿 Fleischer's Hotel & Store Ringheim Hotel and Restaurant, Voss

Enhance your trip with an orchard walk and a visit to a local cider farm.

An Adventure in Jotunheimen

Lom and Jotunheimen are known for their majestic landscapes, fresh mountain air, and endless adventure opportunities.

It was the Norwegian poet Aasmund Olavsson Vinje who named these mountains Jotunheimen in 1862, inspired by the dramatic scenery and Norse mythology. Lom, a national park village, is a cultural hub offering rich history and engaging activities. Here, you can visit a 12th-century stave church, wander scenic cultural trails, or step back in time at the Norwegian Mountain Center.

For those who love snow, Jotunheimen offers fantastic skiing well into spring. But the mountains are also a paradise for hiking. Conquer Galdhøpiggen, the highest peak in Northern Europe, or take on the legendary Besseggen Ridge, a must for any hiking enthusiast.

After a long day in the mountains, reward yourself with a visit to Bakeriet i Lom, famous for its heavenly pastries and freshly baked cinnamon buns.

For an extended journey, drive along the National Scenic Route Sognefjellet, the highest and perhaps most spectacular mountain pass in Northern Europe (1,430 meters above sea level). Experience the stunning contrasts of Norway’s wild landscapes before ending your trip at Walaker Hotel in Solvorn, Skjolden Hotel, or continuing to Fjærland, the famous “book town,” and Fjærland Fjordstove Hotel.

Historic hotels and restaurants along the route:

🌿 Fossheim Hotell in Lom
🌿 Røisheim Hotel in Lom
🌿 Hindsæter in Vågå

Try our road trip short breaks:

🚗 Historic Gems in Jotunheimen
🚗 National Scenic Route Sognefjellet

Northern Norway’s Wild Beauty

The Helgeland Coast and Lofoten are famous for towering mountains, dramatic fjords, and incredible outdoor activities.

Drive along the National Scenic Route Helgelandskysten and discover hidden treasures like the Seven Sisters mountains, Torghatten, and Svartisen Glacier. The latter can also be reached by RIB boat from STØTT, a hidden gem on the Helgeland coast. STØTT, once an old trading post, has been lovingly restored by the 4th and 5th generation of the same family into a charming coastal hotel.

For more adventure, continue north to Lofoten, either by car, ferry, or taking the Hurtigruten from Ørnes or Bodø. Stay at Svinøya Rorbuer in Svolvær and explore everything these stunning islands have to offer. We highly recommend an eagle safari in Trollfjord, a hike to Bunes Beach, or chasing the Northern Lights with Lofoten Insights. If you enjoy hiking, Svolværgeita, Mannen, and Reinebringen are excellent options.

Historic Hotels & Dining Along the Route:

🌿 STØTT, Helgeland
🌿 Svinøya Rorbuer, Svolvær

Try our short break Northern Adventures – From Helgeland to Lofoten.