10 Day Northern Norway Road Trip Itinerary (2025)

Essential Planning & Packing & Packing

Campervan vs Electric Car

Campervan highlights

• Sleep almost anywhere thanks to Norway’s allemannsretten (right‑to‑roam).
• Fuel up with diesel at roughly 15 NOK/L (April 2025 average).
• Ferries charge by vehicle length, so a van ticket can be pricier.
• Parking is trickier in tight town centres and some supermarket bays.

Electric‑car highlights

• Snooze on fold‑flat seats or opt for hotels/campsites with power.
• Rapid‑charge for about 4.5 NOK/kWh on 150–300 kW stalls (Ionity, Circle K, Recharge).
• Standard car fare on ferries keeps crossings cheaper.
• Easier city parking, often with 22 kW Type‑2 posts right in the bay.

Five Apps You’ll Actually Use

• Park4Night – crowd favourites for wild & paid camping spots.
• Recharge – real‑time charger status + pay in‑app.
• Elton – bundles Circle K, Ionity & Kople networks—often a few øre cheaper.
• Entur – nationwide public transport & ferry schedules.
• Vipps – Norway’s ubiquitous mobile payment app; handy for honesty‑box parking.

Wild‑Camping 101: You may camp on uncultivated land for up to 48 h at least 150 m from the nearest house. Leave no trace, keep fires off dry moss, and respect local “no camper” zones (common on Lofoten in July/Aug).

10 Day Northern Road Trip Day‑by‑Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Touchdown in Tromsø (≈0.25 h drive)

Morning: Land at Tromsø Airport (TOS) before noon.

Pick up your camper or EV from the terminal‑adjacent lots so you’re on the E8 in minutes. (We have a guide for rentals!)

Grab a cinnamon bun & flat white at Smørtorget—an artsy café that doubles as an antique shop.

Afternoon: Wander the pastel waterfront, cross the Tromsø Bridge for a nose around the Arctic Cathedral, then ride the Fjellheisen Cable Car.

From the top you’ll spy the entire city ringed by snow stippled peaks—golden at midnight sun or purple when the aurora flickers.

Evening Stays

• Hotel splurge: M (This is where we stayed!
• Camper budget: Tromsø Lodge & Camping on a birch‑lined river just 5 km south.

Charge tip: 300 kW Ionity hub at Tromsdalen Circle K—perfect top‑up before tomorrow’s island dash.

DAY TRIP IDEA: if you've got some time, or you're spending an extra day, or you could add this onto the end of your trip, then you can spend a day with the Sami people and walk with the reindeers. We did this tour, and it was truly awesome.

Day 2 — Tromsø ➜ Senja via Brensholmen–Botnhamn Ferry (140 km, ~2.5 h drive + 45 min ferry)

The E8 clings to glass‑calm Kattfjorden; take every little lay‑by for photos.

The 11:45 a.m. car ferry glides across deep blue straits and, in clear weather, orcas shadow the bow.

National Scenic Route Senja: From Botnhamn follow the 862 then 862/86 loop to Bergsbotn Viewpoint. The 44‑metre cantilevered platform feels like stepping off into air over the fjord.

Overnight Options

• Hamn i Senja – renovated fishing station turned boutique resort, glass‑roof tubs for aurora watching.
• Fjordbotn Camping – ramble straight onto Segla or Hesten trail at dawn.

EV note: Last rapid on Senja sits at Circle K Finnsnes (150 kW); carry a Type‑2 for overnight trickle.

Day 3 — Senja Peaks & Ferry to Andenes (100 km, ~2 h drive + 1 h 40 m ferry)

Rise early to climb Segla’s knife‑edge spine.

The stone staircase rises 639 m but the real test is convincing yourself to leave the summit view.

Refuel on fishburgers at Senja Roasters, swing by the rainbow‑slatted lighthouse at Gryllefjord, then roll onto the summer‑only car ferry.

In Andenes find dunes glowing at Bleik Beach—a legal overnight park‑up if you keep below the high‑tide line and use the public toilets.

Hotels

• Hotell Marena – cosy rooms, complimentary waffles from 6 p.m.

Book tomorrow’s whale trip now; spaces sell out in July.

Day 4 — Whale‑Watching & Andøya Scenic Drive (75 km, ~1.5 h drive)

6:30 a.m. muster at the pier for a RIB safari with Whalesafari Andenes or ecologically focused Whale2Sea. Sperm whales linger in the deep trench 20 min offshore.

Back on land, aim for the Andøya National Scenic Route—a black‑sand, turquoise‑water contrast that feels Caribbean‑meets‑Arctic.

Pop into Life On Andøya Space visitor centre or simply sip coffee at Arresten café in an old jail.

Camp tonight at the new Andøya Spaceport RV Park (book via Park4Night) or settle into a coastal pod at Sea Safari Accommodation.

Day 5 — Andenes ➜ Svolvær, Gateway to Lofoten (210 km, ~3.5 h drive)

Stop #1: Nyksund, a once‑abandoned fishing village reborn as an artist enclave. Grab sourdough from Ekspedisjonen bakery.

Pause again on the hauntingly beautiful Hadsel Bridge for glacier‑crowned panoramas (park at the signed pull‑off, not on the carriageway!).

Arrive Svolvær mid‑afternoon. After freshening up, join a near‑silent hybrid catamaran on a Trollfjord cruise—blankets and binoculars supplied.

Sleep choices

• Thon Hotel Lofoten – legendary breakfast with 80+ local dishes.
• Svolvær Havn bobilparkering – 55 NOK per 24 h incl. showers; 22 kW Type‑2 sockets.

Day 6 — Svolvær ➜ Reine Along the Legendary E10 (118 km, ~2 h drive)

This day is your desktop‑wallpaper generator. Highlights in order:

1. Austnesfjorden Rest Area – glass‑calm reflections (07:00 is usually windless).
2. Henningsvær – sip a latte at Klatrekaféen then stroll to the Instagram‑famous football pitch.
3. Uttakleiv & Haukland Beaches – rent bikes and pedal the 8 km coastal trail.
4. Nusfjord UNESCO‑listed fishing village (fee NOK 150 to enter but it includes the cod‑oil museum).
5. Arrive Reine for sunset.

READ: Lofoten Islands guide

Accommodation

• Reine Rorbuer – 1890s cabins on stilts over emerald water.
• Lofoten Beach Camp – first‑come pitches 30 m from the surf.

Day 7 — Full Reine Day: Hike, Paddle, Feast (Low driving, <0.5 h)

Beat the crowds by starting the Reinebringen staircase before 07:30. Pack micro‑spikes if snow clings to the top.

Reward yourself with cinnamon rolls at Bringen Kaffebar, then spend the afternoon kayaking to Sakrisøy through jade‑green channels (rent from Reine Adventure).

Dinner: the cod‑tongue tasting menu at Gammelbua Restaurant—we're veggie so didn't, but we keep getting told how good the fish is! 

EV note: 150 kW Mer charger in Ramberg (behind the supermarket) rarely has a queue.

Day 8 — Reine ➜ Narvik (300 km, ~4.5 h drive + 4 h ferry)

Book the 07:00 a.m. Moskenes–Bodø Ferry online a day early (it sells out with motorhomes). The 4 h crossing is practically a fjord cruise for the price of transport.

Once on the mainland it’s a scenic serpentine north‑east. Break at Tjeldsundbrua to watch tidal whirlpools.

Narvik surprises many with its urban‑chic eateries and poignant War Museum.

Sleep

• Scandic Narvik – sky‑bar 15th‑floor views of Ofotfjord.
• Wild‑camp: gravel loop at Rombaksbotn; an abandoned WWII rail village accessible via E6 lay‑by.

Day 9 — Narvik ➜ Lyngen Alps (195 km, ~3 h drive)

Coffee fix at Full Steam Sørkjosen en‑route, then traverse the Lyngen Peninsula—often called “the little Alps of Norway”.

Park beside Lyngen North glass‑igloo resort for the quick 4 km hike to Blåisvatnet, a glacier‑fed lake so blue it looks digitally enhanced.

Treat yourself to a fjord‑edge hot‑tub session at Lyngen Experience Lodge.

Overnight options include their timber chalets or the secluded Hakøybotn wild‑camp lay‑by 10 km south.

Day 10 — Lyngen ➜ Tromsø & Fly Home (75 km, ~1.25 h drive + 40 min ferry)

Catch the Lyngseidet–Breivikeidet ferry (depart 08:00, 10:00 & noon). Porpoises and sea eagles are common.

Back in Tromsø, stash your wheels, buy a reindeer taco at Mathallen, and pick up last‑minute souvenirs at Juhls Silver Gallery before your flight.

Budget Snapshot (per person per day)

Campervan trip (self‑catered)

• Vehicle hire & insurance: about £105
• Diesel: about £20
• Campsites (or wild‑camp): £0–40
• Ferries & tolls: about £18
• Food & groceries: about £20
• Daily total: ≈ £163

EV + hotel trip

• Car hire & insurance: about £75
• Rapid charging: about £12
• Hotels (mid‑range mix): ≈ £95
• Ferries & tolls: about £15
• Food (restaurant‑leaning): about £35
• Daily total: ≈ £232

Money‑saving hack: A 24‑hour food shop in the big Co‑op stores (look for “Coop Extra”) costs 30–40 % less than mini‑markets on the islands.

I've also got a guide on Norway on a budget for more budget-saving tips.

Sustainable & Practical Tips

• Carry a 10 m Type‑2 cable—many rural chargers are “BYO cable”.
• Drive slower: Norway’s 80 km/h limit not only slashes energy use but also leaves time to spot wildlife.
• Showers at Circle K full‑service stations are free if you’ve just fuelled or charged.
• Keep a lightweight trash‑bag system: one bag for recycling (Norway is huge on sorting), one for general waste.
• Never drive or pitch on fragile vegetation—stick to gravel pull‑outs.

Best Time to Visit Northern Norway

Northern Norway is a true year‑round destination, but each season reshapes the experience.

Mid‑May → Mid‑July – Midnight‑Sun Season

• 24‑hour daylight in Tromsø and the islands; perfect for squeezing in late‑night hikes and photography.
• Roads are clear of snow, ferries run their fullest timetables, and most campsites/hotels open daily.
• Expect the biggest crowds on the E10 and higher prices (book ferries in advance).

August & September – Shoulder Season / Autumn Colours

• Daylight drops to a still‑generous 14–18 hours, while birch forests turn gold and crimson.
• The sea stays surprisingly warm from summer heat, making it our favourite time for kayaking.
• First aurora flares can appear from late August, especially after 10 p.m.

October & November – Early‑Winter Quiet

• Fewer visitors, cheaper accommodation, and the fiery “ruska” (mountain red‑leaf season).
• Roads may see the first snowfalls; studded tyres are mandatory from 1 Nov in Northern Norway.
• Great balance of daylight (6–8 h) for sightseeing and darkness for Northern Lights.

December → Early January – Polar‑Night Magic

• The sun never crosses the horizon, but a four‑hour “blue twilight” bathes the fjords in pastel pinks.
• Best Northern‑Lights odds of the entire year—just 10 min outside any town and you’re in pitch‑black darkness.
• Expect winter‑driving conditions: snow‑packed roads, minus‑10 °C to minus‑20 °C temps, and occasional road closures.

Late January → March – Peak Winter Adventures

• Longer daylight returns (4–10 h), perfect for dog‑sledding, snowshoeing, and skiing.
• Roads are well‑ploughed; EV chargers work fine but plan a 30 % range drop in deep cold.
• Our Mustang Mach‑E trip fell in February and we never queued for a charger.

April – Secret Shoulder

• Snow still cloaks the peaks, but valley roads are largely dry and accommodation often runs shoulder‑season rates.
• Great for photographers: sunrise and sunset return to “sensible” hours, casting golden light on every fjord.

Final Thoughts

Northern Norway is where turquoise surf kisses snow‑capped ridges and 2 a.m. looks like sunset—or moonrise, depending on the season.

Whether you buzz silently in an electric car or lull yourself to sleep in a diesel campervan, the freedom of the open E10 and fjord‑side gravel tracks remains the same.

Pack patience for ferries, an extra memory card, and the humility to leave every wild place exactly as you found it.

Happy road‑tripping!

Love,

Cazzy

Want to read more Norway content?

• Places to visit in Norway
• Things to do in Norway
• Northern Norway Guide