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As much as I enjoy spending time in Bergen, it’s the road trips from Bergen to the fjords that are the highlight of this trip. We decided on two day trips by rental car so we could return to our apartment in Bergen each evening. I already shared our route to the impressive Hardangerfjord, where you drive around the fjord. But another spectacular way to experience the fjords is from the water. If you’re looking to take a fjord cruise from Bergen, a day trip to the Sognefjord is an absolute must. We combined the fjord cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm with a stunning mountain road trip. And all this in one day!
From Bergen to Flåm
We started this day trip with a fjord cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm. You can do it the other way around too, but we chose to start in Gudvangen on purpose.
The main reason is that we planned to drive to the Stegastein viewpoint after the cruise, which is closer to Flåm. This means we had to park our car in Flåm before the cruise and take a 20-minute shuttle bus back to Gudvangen.
The drive from Bergen to Flåm takes about 2.5 hours, and there’s plenty of parking near the harbor. The shuttle between Flåm and Gudvangen (around 160 NOK) is well organized and runs roughly every half hour. Of course, you could also do it the other way around. Park in Gudvangen and take the shuttle back after the cruise. Tickets can be booked in advance via the Norway’s Best website or bought on the spot at the information point.
Fjord cruise from Gudvangen to Flåm
The two-hour fjord cruise from Gudvangen is on a fully electric boat. We booked our tickets in advance through Norway’s Best. The cruise starts on the narrow and breathtaking Nærøyfjord, part of the greater Sognefjord and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. From there, the boat continues through the wider Aurlandsfjord toward Flåm.
What makes this cruise so special is the silence. No engine noise, just the sound of the water and the surrounding nature. Fun fact: the fictional kingdom of Arendelle in Frozen was partly inspired by the Nærøyfjord.
Stegastein Viewpoint
After arriving in Flåm, we hop back in our car and drive about 30 minutes to the Stegastein viewpoint. The first part of the road is easy, but the final stretch consists of a series of steep hairpin bends. The road gets narrow and steep, but the higher you go, the better the view.
And once you reach the top there’s an incredible panoramic view from the wooden platform. Maybe not ideal if you’re afraid of heights (like me), but totally worth it. And in case you need a bathroom break, the public toilet at Stegastein was named one of the top 10 public restrooms in the world, thanks to its view over the fjord. So definitely worth a stop.
Aurlandsfjellet Route: scenic mountain pass between Aurland and Lærdal
From Stegastein, we continue along the Aurlandsfjellet route, one of Norway’s 18 official scenic routes. These are some of the most beautiful drives in the country, taking you through dramatic landscapes and unique landmarks.
The Aurlandsfjellet route is a 48-kilometer mountain pass between Aurland and Lærdal. At its highest point, you’re 1,306 meters above sea level. The road is only open from June to mid-October due to snow and ice the rest of the year. This is why it’s also known as the ‘Snow Road’. The road up to Stegastein, however, is open year-round.
I’m so glad we made it just in time to drive this route! It’s really impressive and even in September, there was snow along the roadside.
From Lærdal back to Bergen
After arriving in Lærdalsøyri, we continue via the Lærdal Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in Norway at 24.5 km. This connects to the E16, which takes you back to Bergen in about three hours. A smooth, scenic drive, even in the evening.
Sognefjord: a day trip you won’t forget
What made this day at the Sognefjord so memorable for me was the variety. Water, mountains, silence, and spectacular views, all in just one day. And it’s very doable as a day trip from Bergen. You don’t need several days to experience something that’s very different from Bergen. I highly recommend it!
Looking for more Norway travel tips & inspiration? Check out my Norway guide.
