Northern European road trip ideas

Road trips are a great way to explore a country or even several nations in one go, as they represent a level of flexibility found in few other modes of transport. Northern Europe has some stunning scenery and plenty of unspoilt locations, making a driving holiday in this part of the continent perfect. Simply hire a car and head for the highway.

Bergen to Oslo

One classic route you could choose to opt for is the Norwegian gem, taking you from Bergen to Oslo and back to Bergen on a 800-mile circular route. The first part between the two cities is 350 miles and offers up lush green vistas, snow-topped mountains and tranquil fjords.

Spot traditional wooden buildings and even elk amid the dense conifer woods, as you pass by. Make sure you have built plenty of time for stops in your itinerary as there will be lots of places worth visiting. These include the stave churches around Rollag and Uvdal.

Meanwhile, the longer coastal route back towards Bergen curves past Kristiansand and Stavangar. Expect chic waterfront eateries and plenty of places to enjoy little white cottages hugging the cliffs. Watch out for the lighthouse at Mandal and the 1930s Strand Hotel Fevik where Roald Dahl spent his summer holidays.

Berlin to Oslo

If you would prefer to take several different countries in while on your northern road trip, contemplate starting in Germany and finishing in Norway, as this will take you through Denmark and Sweden along the way.

The most direct route is just over 1,000 kilometres and would take around 11.5 hours to drive in one go, but that’s not what road trips are all about. Stop off in the likes of Copenhagen, with its narrow streets and crooked houses, and Gothenburg, where the seafood is out of this world.

As well as these world-class cities, there are plenty of other, smaller places to visit on the way. Being in a car, it is entirely up to you when and where you stop and for how long. This makes finding the hidden gems all the easier.

One great thing about this particular road trip is that it is easily extended if you have more time at your disposal. There is so much more of Norway to discover, so just keep heading up the coast. Eventually you will reach the Arctic Circle.

Tallinn to Rovaniemi

Tallinn is a great place to begin a road trip, as this Eastern European city has plenty going on. From here you can take the ferry across to Helsinki and enjoy another major capital before heading off to explore the rest of Finland.

As you travel north, your journey will take you through the largest lake region in the whole of Europe, where incredible blue expanses of water dotted with tree-covered islands will spread out in front of you. This is a peaceful part of the continent with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the nature and abundant wildlife on offer.

Your final destination, Rovaniemi, is the capital of Lapland and therefore the hometown of Father Christmas. It would be a shame not to stop by and say hello, especially in the winter months, as this will bring you into the festive spirit.

As well as stopping in on Santa Claus there are plenty of activities to enjoy, including riding a snowmobile or taking a trip by dog sledge. This part of the world is stunning when it is covered in a magical dusting of snow.