The best of the southwest of Norway

Day 1: Stavanger - Sola Strand

Arrival at Stavanger Airport (SVG), picking up the rental car, and then a short drive to Sola.

Sola Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in southwestern Norway. Its long stretch of fine sand, bordered by dunes and opening onto the North Sea, offers a landscape that is both wild and soothing. Highly popular for walks, swimming, and water sports, it offers a chance to discover an unexpected side of Norway, combining unspoiled nature, wide-open spaces, and a maritime atmosphere.

Night at Sola Strand Hotel.

Day 2: Sola Strand – Egersund

Departure along the coast via the National Touristic Road of Jæren where “the sky is high »! This is a road that differs to some extent from many other scenic routes, it’s quite simply a regular all-purpose road. To get the strongest impressions, you should probably stop the car or perhaps take the time to drive along some of the little side roads. The coastal landscape is unique and completely unlike anything you will find in other parts of Norway. We recommend you take the time to drive on some of the small side roads. In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in Egersund, a very charming coastal town in Southwest Norway, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and the rugged North Sea coastline. Known for its colourful wooden houses, historic town centre and strong maritime traditions, Egersund offers visitors an authentic taste of Norwegian coastal life. Away from mass tourism, it is an ideal place to enjoy local culture, picturesque streets and spectacular coastal scenery in a relaxed atmosphere.

Night at Grand Egersund Hotel

Day 3: Egersund - Sogndalstranda – Kristiansand via Lindenes (southernmost point of Norway)

Continue along the scenic route to the village at Sogndalstrand is a beautifully preserved historic village on the southwest coast of Norway. Once a thriving trading and fishing port, it is today known for its charming wooden houses, narrow streets and peaceful seaside atmosphere. The next stop will be Lindesnes the southernmost point of mainland Norway, where the North Sea meets the Skagerrak. Dominated by its iconic Lindesnes Lighthouse, Norway’s oldest lighthouse station, the area offers spectacular views of the rugged coastline and open sea. With its dramatic scenery, maritime history and windswept atmosphere, Lindesnes is a memorable place to experience the wild beauty of southern Norway. The final leg of the day will continue along the coast to Kristiansand, the capital of the southern region.

Night at Thon Hotel Norge

Day 4: Kristiansand

Kristiansand is a lively coastal city and the largest city in Southern Norway. Founded in 1641 by King Christian IV, its historic centre, known as Kvadraturen, still reflects the original grid layout of the old town. Today, Kristiansand combines historic wooden architecture, a charming waterfront and a relaxed seaside atmosphere with shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. Surrounded by islands and beautiful coastline, it is an inviting gateway to the landscapes and traditions of Southern Norway. We strongly recommend a visit of the of KunstSilo (world most beautiful museum). Kunstsilo is one of Kristiansand’s most exciting cultural attractions, housed in a spectacular former grain silo on the city’s waterfront. Opened as an art museum in 2024, the award-winning building combines striking industrial architecture with contemporary Nordic design. Its impressive collection focuses particularly on Nordic modernist and contemporary art, while the museum’s waterfront location offers beautiful views over Kristiansand and the surrounding archipelago.

Night at Thon Hotel Norge

Day 5: Kristiansand – Setesdalen – Lysefjordveien – ferry from Lysebotn to Lauvik – Stavanger

Departure to the north through the beautifull valley of Setesdal known for its mountains, rivers and traditional rural landscapes. The valley has a particularly rich cultural heritage, with traditional music, folk costumes, crafts and old farming traditions still very much alive, offering visitors an authentic glimpse into Norwegian culture. Then, the road from Nomeland towards Lysebotn takes you through some of Southern Norway’s most spectacular and unspoilt countryside. The journey gradually leaves the green valleys of Setesdal behind and climbs into a wild mountain landscape of lakes, rivers, waterfalls, rocky plateaus and open highlands.

As you approach Lysebotn, the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic, with steep mountains and deep valleys leading towards the magnificent Lysefjord. This is a wonderful journey through a remote part of Norway. From Lysebotn, you will take a ferry for a 2,5-hour cruise on the Lysefjord, one of Norway’s most spectacular fjords, surrounded by towering mountains, dramatic cliffs and waterfalls. Famous for landmarks such as Preikestolen and Kjerag, it offers breathtaking scenery and a true experience of Norway’s wild and majestic nature. After a short drive, you’ll reach the city of Stavanger.

Night at Hotel Victoria

Day 6: Stavanger

Stavanger is a vibrant coastal city where history, maritime traditions and modern Norwegian life come together. Founded in the Middle Ages, the city grew around its 12th-century cathedral and later prospered through fishing, shipping and the canning industry before becoming Norway’s oil and energy capital. Today, its charming old town, colourful waterfront and lively cultural scene make Stavanger one of the most attractive cities in Norway. We strongly recommend visiting the Norwegian Petroleum Museum that tells the fascinating story of how oil and gas transformed Norway. Through interactive exhibitions, original equipment and impressive displays, visitors discover offshore life, technology and the development of Norway’s energy industry. Another museum that must be visited is the Norwegian Canning Museum in the historic old town. It tells the story of the city’s once-thriving sardine canning industry, which played a major role in Stavanger’s economy before the oil era.

Night at Hotel Victoria

Day 7: Departure

Time to get back to the Stavanger APT and leave the best of the southwest of Norway.