Norway’s Greatest UNESCO Road Trip

Rjukan Gaustatoppen

Road Tripping Through Norway’s New UNESCO Treasures

By Dana Armstrong

In July 2021, UNESCO, part of the United Nations, released its latest list of newly inscribed World Heritage sites. Of the 34 new cultural and natural properties (a much longer list to account for both 2020 and 2021 additions) two were in Africa, four were in South America, five in the Middle East, and eight in Asia.

A whopping fifteen destinations were in Europe. But one country was notably missing from the line-up: Norway.

A country known for its Vikings and Northern Lights, few seem to venture outside of its capital city, Oslo, for travel. But as evidenced by its nine UNESCO sites, Norway has lots of beauty and history to offer.

Oyvind Heen fjords com
“If you are wondering why Norway’s fjords are so renowned, a visit to Norway’s protected fjord landscapes – for example, Tafjord or Nærøyfjord – will give you the answer, without using a single word,” says Torunn Tronsvang, CEO and Founder of Up Norway.

Visit Norway claims that “driving a car is perhaps one of the best ways to experience Norway [at] your own pace.”

The 1,149 miles of well-maintained, low-traffic roads in Norway are sure to set you on the right path – even if it may take some time to traverse. After all, Norway is Europe’s longest country, and a drive from its southernmost to northernmost tip can take upwards of thirty hours.

Once you touch down by plane in Oslo, you can rent a car and plan your road trip from the south to north to hit all of Norway’s UNESCO sites. Use this map as a starting point for planning your next Norwegian adventure.

UNESCO Norway sites map
There are nine UNESCO World Heritage sites in Norway. Numbers 4 and 6 on this map both count as part of one site: the West Norwegian Fjords.

1. Setesdal

A five-hour ride west of Oslo will bring you to the lush Setesdal valley. The land is adorned with verdant fields, thatched-roof wooden houses, dense evergreen forests, and stunning mountains and waterfalls. But the region is most well-known for its traditional folk music and dance.

In 2019, UNESCO listed their music and dance as an example of the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.” The Hardanger fiddle and jaw harp are the main instruments of Setesdal’s ‘stev’ songs, and the singers’ call-and-response lyrical stories layer beautifully over the melodies. To this music, dancers may perform slower ‘gangar’ or faster ‘springar’ dances in circular paths.

2. Rjukan

According to CEO and Founder of Up Norway, Torunn Tronsvang, “The town of Rjukan is situated in a valley with limited sunlight, where it is easy to feel overwhelmingly inspired by the powerful machinery around you.”

Located to the northwest of the Setesdal valley, Rjukan is a small town that played a large part in Norway’s industrial heritage. Built in the early 1900s by entrepreneur Sam Eyde, Rjukan became the site of hydroelectric power plants, Cold War funiculars, and WWII sabotage operations. UNESCO made Rjukan a World Heritage site in 2015.

When Germany invaded Norway in April 1940, the Germans used Vemork Power Plant to develop nuclear bombs. Norwegian and British forces worked together to raid the plant and stall their nuclear production. More of that history can be found here or when you visit the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum – at the site of the Vemork Power Plant.

Place Rjukan Tag Thomas Rasmus Skaug VisitNorway com
Gaustatoppen mountain and its surrounding valleys have numerous trails at varying lengths (a few hours to a few days) for cyclists of all abilities.

In addition to its industry, Rjukan has lots of scenic hiking trails and climbing opportunities on Gaustatoppen mountain. Or you can visit the town square where giant mirrors in a neighboring valley reflect sunlight on the square for a couple of hours a day. After a long day of travel and adventure, you can rest at the historic Rjukan Admini, also founded by Sam Eyde.

3. Bryggen, Bergen

Take the Rv7 highway west to reach Norway’s first UNESCO site: Bryggen in the city of Bergen. In 1979, UNESCO recognized the 12th-century wharf’s “outstanding universal value” as one of Europe’s oldest ports.

The gabled roofs and wooden slat fronts of the historical buildings exemplify traditional architectural designs. But the flammability of wood has also proven difficult for its residents.

Place Bergen Tag Endre Knudsen VisitNorway com
The colorful, gabled buildings of Bryggen are based on traditional architectural designs and offer a glimpse into the wharf’s 12th-century beginnings.

Bryggen’s buildings have burned down and been rebuilt numerous times over the centuries, and each time the authenticity of the buildings’ designs are preserved through traditional building techniques.

This part of the city embraces a slower pace of life that will invite you to try sunrise jogs with local guides or a browse through the Bryggens Museum and The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene.

4. Nærøyfjord

Nærøyfjord may be one of the narrowest fjords in Europe, but what it lacks in width it makes up for in beauty. It’s part of the West Norwegian Fjord range and made UNESCO’s world heritage list for its outstanding geological value in 2005.

“If you are wondering why Norway’s fjords are so renowned, a visit to Norway’s protected fjord landscapes – for example Tafjord or Nærøyfjord – will give you the answer, without using a single word,” says Tronsvang.

“Here you will see dramatic landscapes and steep majestic fjords. Especially when you see the vast fjord landscapes from above, you will get a true understanding of the importance of preserving our natural heritage.”

Seeing the mountain goats and seals of the region can be another highlight of your experience. Plus, there are numerous full-day, half-day, or one-hour kayak tours departing from Gudvangen on the serene, glassy waters.

5. Urnes Stave Church

The Urnes Stave Church is another example of 12th century Scandinavian wooden architecture at its finest. UNESCO recognized the church in the same year as it recognized Bryggen: 1979.

Urne style carvings of fighting animals are etched into the church’s northern wall, alluding to Norway’s Viking past. The church is open every day of the week and offers guided tours for anyone who wants to learn more about its medieval cemetery, ornate décor, and a plethora of historic liturgical objects.

6. Geirangerfjord

Also in the West Norwegian Fjords is Geirangerford, often cited as the world’s most beautiful fjord. It joined UNESCO’s world heritage list at the same time as Nærøyfjord. There are many ways to enjoy the area including taking a cruise on the Hurtigruten, exploring Geiranger’s deserted fjord farms, and kayaking by magnificent waterfalls.

tafjord geiranger raein
Kayaking is one of the best ways to enjoy the stunning views of Tafjord.

You can stay overnight in Tafjord, a nearby and lesser-known village of great beauty and even greater historical trials. The village is fairly remote as it can only be reached by boat or a very steep road from the village of Sylte.

In 1934, Tafjord experienced a rockslide from one of its nearby fjords that created a devastating tsunami. Many of the buildings along the edge of the sea were destroyed and 23 Tafjord villagers lost their lives.

But the village has persevered and rebuilt from this tragic time and welcomes visitors to honor their past and appreciate the current natural wonders of their region.

7. Røros

“Røros is the romantic rural setting that modern urban citizens miss out on,” says Tronsvang. “We might not be willing to move away from the cities we know and love just yet, but in Røros you can visit this way of living part-time. It seems like the wheels are turning just a bit slower in this town, in a place where you can truly wind down.”

The town’s weathered wooden buildings hints at its 17th-century history and role as a former copper mining town. Røros Copper Works operated the mines from 1644 to 1977. But now that the mines are closed, the town has switched its direction to tourism. It made UNESCO’s world heritage list in 1980.

Olav’s Mine, part of the Rørosmuseet, offers guided tours for visitors to learn more about copper mining. Its impressive 18th-century church, Bergstaddens Ziir (meaning “the pride of the mining town”), is also worth a visit.

Place Roros Tag Thomas Rasmus Skaug VisitNorway com
Røros’ snowy streets are the perfect backdrop for all of your Christmas celebrations.

One of the best times to visit is around Christmastime when main street transforms into a snowy wonderland. After a full day of shopping and eating Pjalt at Røros’ finest bakeries, you can cozy up for the night by a fire in a historic timber house.

8. Vega Archipelago (Vegaøyan)

Head to Horn and take a quick ferry ride to reach the Vega Islands – a 2004 UNESCO World Heritage site inductee. Nature-lovers will appreciate the 230+ species of birds dispersed around the 6,500 islands and the ample opportunities for fishing, hiking, boulder climbing, and snorkeling. It may be best to trade in your bathing suit for a warm wetsuit though. Even in July temperatures tend to hover around 12.5º C or 54.9º F.

Also make sure to check out Ylvingen which has WWII bunkers and tunnels to explore.

9. Rock Art of Alta

If driving from the Vega Islands, prepare yourself for a long trek. The route will take around 16 and a half hours via the E6 highway, but you’ll be delighted along the way by some of the most stunning coastal views and even glimpses of the Northern Lights.

Place Rock art of Alta Tag CH VisitNorway com 2
“The Rock Art of Alta is an introduction to Norway’s Natives and gives you an insight into the way the hunter-gatherer communities communicated 5000 years b.c. ,” says Tronsvang.

Once you reach the Alta municipality, you can’t miss viewing the UNESCO-worthy rock art scattered all throughout the region. There are over 6000 different carvings and petroglyphs, some dating as far back as 7000 years ago. It is Norway’s only prehistoric monument as inscribed on UNESCO’s list in 1985, and the Alta Museum provides some of the most comprehensive information on the art.

The Bjornfjell Mountain Lodge is the perfect place to escape the artic temperatures for the night. Don’t forget to bring your coziest pajamas.

10. Struve Geodetic Arc in Hammerfest

End your road trip in Norway’s northernmost town. Hammerfest contains a looming structure that is the starting point of the Struve Geodetic Arc. UNESCO describes the Arc as “a chain of survey triangulations stretching from Hammerfest in Norway to the Black Sea, through 10 countries and over 2,820 km.” It was recognized by UNESCO in 2005.

While in Hammerfest, you might as well learn about resilience of the town. It has survived an 1856 hurricane, an 1890 fire, and a 1945 Nazi attack. All of this history is explained in the Museum of Reconstruction (Gjenreisningsmuseet). Or, for a lighter learning opportunity, opt for a visit to The Royal and Ancient Polar Bear Society’s (Isbjørnklubben) exhibition.

With your grand Norwegian UNESCO road trip at its close, take a final eight-hour drive to the nearest international airport: Tromsø. As the Norwegians say, “Kom snart igjen” (come again soon). To visit these UNESCO sites and more, Up Norway curates itineraries off the tourist trail in remote locales, giving access to sites and stories hard to find on one’s own.

Over land and sea, Up Norway exposes travelers to Norway’s stunning nature, countrymen and indigenous tribes, local cuisine, and vibrant culture. Its local expertise, sustainable approach, digital itineraries and passion for Norway open up new perspectives.

Named one of Conde Nast Traveler’s 2021 Top Travel Specialists, Up Norway commits operating in a way that has a significant positive impact on its community and environment and has sourced partners who share these core values. Up Norway is currently offering “Welcome Back” savings of 10% and flexible provisional terms on new bookings through 2022.

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