Round trip through Norway, following the mythical Norwegian trolls and legends.

Tips & Tricks

Tips from our team:

  • Make regular stops at “magical spots”: By a river, in a fjord, at a quiet edge of the forest… Norway truly becomes unforgettable when you take the time to feel something, not just see it.
  • Choose an SUV with a rooftop tent for your 7-day road trip: The best way to experience mythical Norway at your own pace.
  • Opt for campgrounds in the heart of nature
    The closer you are to the fjords or forests, the greater the chance that the kids will “hear something,” the wind, the water, maybe a troll…
  • Leave room for magic in your planning
    Don’t plan everything too tightly: in Norway, the most beautiful moments are often unexpected, from a mysterious fog to a sudden waterfall, the views often leave you speechless.
  • Trust our experts: Our routes are designed to let you experience the best of Norway without stress. All you need to do is start the engine and enjoy the journey.

Discover mythical Norway

Norway has something untameable, something you can't explain. The roads wind through the fjords and mountains as if they traverse another world, the realm of mythical Norwegian trolls, whispering waterfalls, and forests where ancient spirits still roam. Traveling here is more than just a tour through Norway; it's driving right into the legends that have shaped the land.

On the Norwegian roads, the boundary between reality and imagination blurs. Nature seems alive, stones take on features, rivers sing their own melodies, and the clouds appear as messengers of the thunder gods. This unique interplay of rugged nature and ancient myths makes Norway so much more than just a destination to travel to... It becomes an experience that gets under your skin.

Let yourself be carried away by these five legends that give the Norwegian fjords, mountains, and valleys a soul before you set off on your journey through Norway. And who knows... maybe you'll feel, once you're there, somewhere along a fjord or at the top of a mountain pass, the presence of a sleeping troll.

1. On the trolls' route — in the heart of the mountains

According to Norwegian myths, there were once giant trolls wandering through the mountains, colossi of stone and shadow, who gathered at sunset and whispered in the language of wind and thunder. But one morning, they were caught off guard by the first sunlight... and turned to stone where they stood. This is how the steep cliffs and jagged rock formations of Trollstigen are said to have formed, in the heart of mythical Norway. Anyone looking up today can still guess their silhouettes: profiles in the rocks, like sleeping guardians of the land.

On this mythical mountain road, every bend seems to tell a story. The Stigfossen waterfall thunders down the cliffs, mist hovers between the peaks, and the road itself winds like a thin ribbon between dream and reality. For children, it's pure magic; they search for the mythical Norwegian trolls, give them names, and swear they just saw one move before it turned to stone again. Parents are left in silence by the view, feeling so small in a world that seems sculpted by giants.

When you drive here during your 7-day road trip through Norway, the experience becomes even more intense. The SUV slowly but surely climbs higher, the fjords and valleys unfold beneath you, and the 'Trolls' Route' reveals its full grandeur. It's one of those unforgettable moments of your holiday in Norway, a passage between myth and reality, where the land tells its story like nowhere else.

2. The enchanted fjords — where nature comes to life

In Norway, water is never completely still. It sings, it whispers, it tells stories. In the deep Norwegian fjords and in the shadow of thundering waterfalls, it is said that ancient spirits still roam.

Take the Nøkk, the water spirit that lives in lakes and rivers. Sometimes he appears as a horse, luring unsuspecting travelers before diving into the dark water. And then there's the Fossegrim, the musician of the rapids, a spirit who plays the violin with the purity of meltwater itself. Those who listen closely can still hear his melodies intertwined with the roar of the waterfall.

During your tour through Norway, along the routes mapped out by Norway Nomads, the fjords follow one another like chapters of an ancient story. The Nærøyfjord, narrow, quiet, and breathtaking, seems to breathe on its own, while the waterfalls of Stigfossen and Buldrefossen plunge into the depths like crystal ribbons. Here, nature is not just a backdrop. It lives, it speaks. Every ray of light becomes a riddle, every mist a secret.

For children, this quickly becomes pure magic. They search for glimpses of the Nøkk in the dark water, or for the invisible chords of the Fossegrim hiding between the rock walls. Their laughter blends with the rustling of the wind, and suddenly the entire landscape seems to listen in.

In these places, Norway feels mythical, warm, and wonderful. These are moments outside of time, where the Norwegian fjords momentarily gain a soul, and you all become part of the story together.

3. Dragons on the Roofs — the Secrets of the Norwegian Stave Churches

In a green valley, hidden between mountains and silence, the dark Høre Stavkirke rises as if it has just walked out of another time. Its ancient wood breathes nearly nine hundred years of history, and wooden dragons watch over the village from the roof, graceful, proud, and a bit daunting.

These dragons date back to the Viking Age; they are mythical protectors that once warded off evil spirits. Some say they keep the mythical Norwegian trolls at bay, while others believe they drive away lightning and misfortune. But one thing is for sure, their wooden heads pierce the sky as if they could growl at the invisible at any moment.

For families on a road trip through Norway, visiting a stave church feels a bit like stepping into a living history book. Children often stand speechless at the details: the finely carved gates, mysterious runes, and that typical scent of old wood that feels as if it still holds memories. It’s a place where stories become tangible, where Viking myths, faith, and ancient legends converge in the dim light between the beams.

Children immediately come up with their own theories: do the dragons protect the church? Do they keep trolls away? They walk around the building, counting the heads, looking up, and filling the silence with their own little stories.

And that’s exactly what makes this stop on the route of Norway Nomads so special. Høre Stavkirke is not just an ordinary sight in Norway, but a magical stopover, a bridge between myths, memories, and the living heritage of mythical Norway.

4. In the Valdres forest — in search of the Huldra

Deep in the quiet forests of Valdres, the legends still whisper. It's said that the Huldra, a wild woman of enchanting beauty, wanders among the pine trunks and thick moss. From the front, she appears almost supernaturally elegant, but behind her hides a cow's tail, a sign of her elusive, mythical nature. She sometimes appears to solitary travelers, alluring and mysterious, to mislead them… unless they are polite and respectful. Then she would lead them to hidden clearings or crystal-clear springs.

Walking through these forests feels like sensing her presence everywhere. The soft moss beneath your feet, the silver-green lichens on the trunks, the sunlight filtering through the branches like golden rays, all evoke a sense of magic. The forest is never entirely silent: a branch creaks, leaves rustle, and the imagination awakens. Children love this atmosphere, and with the stories of the Huldra, every sound becomes a mystery, every beam of light a sign of her presence.

For families, this is a perfect place to slow down, dream, and play. A short walk, a picnic by a babbling brook, and the kids feel as if they've stepped into their own Norwegian fairy tale. It's a simple, pure moment of wonder and peace, where young and old can experience the magic of mythical Norway together.

With Norway Nomads, this piece of Valdres becomes a captivating stopover on your road trip through Norway, a place where nature speaks and the joy of believing in legends is rediscovered.

5. The Mountains of Thor – where the thunder roars

On the vast plateau of Hardangervidda, the world seems endless. Here, the mountains gently roll, the wind rushes freely, and the sky feels so close that you could almost touch it. According to Norse mythology, Thor, the god of thunder, tested his strength with his hammer, Mjölnir, on these very plains. When a storm approaches and the wind whistles over the heights, Norwegians still say that Thor rides through the clouds, hammer in hand, drawing lightning across the horizon.

This impressive setting is both moving and calming. As a family, you experience a rare freedom here, being alone in a world full of silence but one that also seems to be alive. Kids listen to the wind as if it has a voice, follow the formation of the clouds, and search for the first rumble of thunder in the distance. Every gust of wind becomes a message, every flash a sign from the gods. They enjoy watching the storms from afar, imagining Thor casting his lightning from peak to peak, battling the invisible giants of the mountains.

The Hardangervidda plateau is a majestic stop on your road trip through Norway, where nature showcases its original grandeur. It invites both contemplation and adventure: a place where the power of the heavens and the gentleness of the earth come together, and where you feel that Norway should not just be seen, but experienced. And when the silence returns after the storm, everything seems clean and pure, as if the god of thunder himself has blessed the way.

And what if you went on a journey through mythical Norway?

In Norway, the road connects not just points on a map; it becomes an invisible thread between reality and imagination. Every bend seems to open a door to another world, and each valley holds the memory of an ancient tale. This country is not just for traveling through; it’s for listening and feeling. Its mountains, fjords, and forests seem to possess a soul, and a journey through these landscapes means writing a story together.

At a mountain pass or by the edge of a lake, you realize that Norway is not just a backdrop, but a character. The wind whispers forgotten names, the mist caresses the peaks like an ancient robe, and children, enchanted by these tales, rediscover the magic of believing in what they cannot see. The land evokes something primordial: a gentle trust, an instinctive respect for nature and its mysteries. It reminds us that a true journey through Norway is not measured in kilometers but in shared moments—a laugh in the rain, an impromptu picnic under a pine tree, a quiet moment by a sleeping fjord.

Traveling through Norway means slowing down and embracing spontaneity. Not everything is checked off on the map; some places need to be savored longer simply because they make you happy. It’s about learning to listen to the rhythm of nature and being surprised by the evening light or the taste of freshly picked blueberries along the way.

And when the road continues, from one valley to another, you take a bit of that magic with you. Norway has a rare gift: it sparks imagination, connects generations, and reminds us that the most beautiful journeys are those where you take the time to dream together.

Are you ready to be amazed? Let yourself be guided by the raw beauty of the North, its roads full of stories, and landscapes steeped in legends.

Frequently asked questions:

What is the best time for a road trip in Norway?

Every season has its charm. Summer (June-August) is ideal: long days and bright fjords. Spring and autumn are quiet, perfect for hidden spots. Winter offers snow, tranquility, and the Northern Lights. Also, check out our full article about this.

What makes Norway so “mythical” for a road trip?

The combination of Norwegian trolls, legends, fjords, and rugged landscapes makes a holiday in Norway feel like a fairy tale. Every stop feels like a scene from a story.

Which routes are best suited for a 7-day road trip in Norway?

Our route combines fjords, mountains, and picturesque villages, perfect for seeing as much as possible. They include short rides, beautiful views, and places where kids can play and explore.

How long do we drive on average per day?

We plan an average of 2 to 4 hours of driving per day. This way, there's plenty of time for games, hikes, and unexpected stops at fjords, waterfalls, or viewpoints.

Can I explore Norway independently with a rooftop tent?

Yes! With an SUV and rooftop tent, you're completely flexible. You choose where to stop and how long to stay, while sleeping safely and comfortably in the midst of nature. Traveling with Norway Nomads means exploring independently and at your own pace, but without worries, because we take care of everything for you!

Is there a "most mythical" fjord?

The Nærøyfjord is often described as narrow, majestic, and almost mysterious. The mist, the silence, and the enormous cliffs create an almost sacred atmosphere.

Should I be worried about the weather?

No, as long as you bring layers: breathable base layers, a warm sweater, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes. This way, you'll be prepared for rain, wind, or sun — it makes your road trip even more special.

Why do Norwegian stave churches have dragons on their roofs?

The dragons are a legacy from the Viking era and were meant to protect against spirits, trolls, and storms. They are symbols that connect pagan myths and Christian history.

Can you discover these myths without a guide or a museum?

Absolutely. Norway tells its own story. Panels, little stories along the route, local cafés, and even installations in nature subtly bring the legends to life.

Popup content