Ultimate Guide to the E16 Road in Norway

The E16 road in Norway is one of the most scenic and diverse drives you can experience in the country. Stretching from Bergen to Oslo, it connects the wild beauty of Norway’s western fjords with the cultural pulse of its capital. What makes this route even more special is how well it suits a road trip by a rental campervan. Flexible, comfortable, and full of picture-perfect stops.

This guide will help you explore the E16 at your own pace, with practical tips, can’t-miss highlights, and insider advice for campervan travelers. 

Why the E16 Road in Norway Is Perfect for a Campervan Adventure

The E16 may not carry the “National Tourist Route” label, but it stitches together big-screen scenery: the 24.5 km Lærdal Tunnel, the Nærøyfjord at Gudvangen, the switchbacks of Stalheimskleiva, alpine views over Filefjell, and the 12th-century Borgund Stave Church. From steep mountain passes to quiet lakeside villages, it delivers classic Norwegian road-trip drama without the bus-tour bottlenecks.

Traveling by campervan along the E16 lets you slow down, pull over at scenic lookouts, and stay the night wherever the view feels right. With plenty of campgrounds, service stations, and safe rest areas, it’s easy to combine comfort and spontaneity.

Highlights include:

• Constantly changing scenery: fjords, waterfalls, tunnels, and forests.

• Excellent road conditions, with regular maintenance even in the mountains.

• Easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and seasonal skiing.

• A sense of freedom that’s hard to find on more urban routes like the E6.

For many travelers, driving the E16 road by campervan is the best way to experience the “real” Norway: natural, quiet, and endlessly beautiful.

What to Know Before Driving the E16 Road in Norway

Before you start your E16 road trip, a few practical details can make everything easier and safer:

1. Distance and duration: The E16 covers roughly 500 kilometers (310 miles) between Bergen and Oslo. Nonstop driving takes around 8 to 9 hours. Many travelers stretch it to three days to fit in a fjord cruise or a stave-church visit.

   
   

2. Road layout: You’ll find a mix of modern tunnels, winding mountain roads, and narrow stretches through villages. The route is not technically difficult, but it rewards an unhurried pace. Expect frequent tunnels, occasional steep grades, and some tight curves.

   
   

3. Vehicle equipment: For late autumn through early spring, make sure your campervan has appropriate winter tires and working heating. Carry plenty of washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures, an ice scraper, and a charging cable for phones and navigation. Fill up before longer mountain legs, since fuel stations can be spaced out in rural sections.

   
   

4. Legal requirements: A valid driver’s license is mandatory (EU or international). Headlights must be on at all times. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants. You must use a hands-free system if you use a phone while driving. Keep in mind that alcohol limits are strict (0.02 percent BAC), and fines for speeding are high.

   
   

5. Speed limits: Expect 80 km/h on open roads and 50 km/h in towns and villages unless road signs indicate otherwise. Speed cameras are common near settlements and tunnel portals, so maintain posted limits as conditions change.

   
   

6. Seasonal awareness: In winter and early spring, mountain sections such as Filefjell can bring snow, ice, or sudden low visibility. Build extra time into your plan, check conditions before you set off, and be ready to pause if the weather turns.

The E16 in Norway is well-signposted and safe year-round, though certain sections, particularly in mountain areas, may require extra caution during winter months.

Best Time to Travel the E16 Road by Campervan

Norway’s landscapes change with each season, and your experience on the E16 will change with them:

Summer (June–August):

The most popular and comfortable time to travel. Long daylight hours (up to 18 hours a day in July) and mild temperatures make it ideal for sightseeing and camping. Campgrounds are open, and roads are fully accessible.

Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–October):

These shoulder months offer crisp air, fewer visitors, and vivid colors. Spring brings snowmelt, strong waterfalls, and fresh greens, but nights can still be cold. Autumn turns valleys golden and orange, and wildlife is more active at dawn and dusk. Higher stretches can hold snow or frost, so check road conditions before departure.

Winter (November–March):

Expect snow, icy surfaces, and occasional closures or convoy driving on mountain sections such as Filefjell. Only travel this route in winter if your campervan has proper winter tires and reliable heating, you’ve planned generous time buffers, and you’re confident driving on Nordic roads. Keep fuel topped up and pack hot drinks and blankets.

A rental campervan in Norway lets you adapt to weather, daylight, and serendipitous stops, turning the journey between Bergen and Oslo into the highlight of your Norway trip.

Best Places to See via the E16

Use the E16 as more than a transfer between cities. Treat it as a string of scenic stops, short walks, and culture-rich detours:

Bergen

Start or end your journey in Bergen, a UNESCO-listed city known for the colorful Bryggen Wharf and its historic wooden warehouses. Ride the Fløibanen funicular to Mount Fløyen for panoramic views and easy forest trails at the top. Stroll the Fish Market for local snacks, and if you have time, visit the KODE art museums.

Voss

Voss is Norway’s adventure hub. In summer you can go rafting on the Vosso River, hike to lakeside viewpoints, or take the Voss Gondol directly from town to the mountain plateau for short, family-friendly walks. The town makes a practical stop for supermarkets, outdoor shops, and fuel.

Nærøyfjord and Gudvangen

Gudvangen sits at the head of the Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO-listed arm of the Sognefjord that is renowned for cliffs that rise almost straight from the water. Classic activities include a fjord cruise to Flåm, guided kayaking, or a short walk along the shoreline for photographs. Facilities in Gudvangen include cafés, restrooms, and tour desks, so it works well as a midday break.

Lærdal Tunnel and Lærdalsøyri

Driving the Lærdal Tunnel is a unique experience. At 24.5 kilometers, it is the longest road tunnel in the world, with illuminated caverns that help break up the distance. Just beyond, Lærdalsøyri preserves streets of wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Take a short stroll through the old quarter for photos and coffee.

Borgund Stave Church

Borgund is one of the best-preserved stave churches in Norway. Built in the 12th century, it showcases intricate wooden construction and dragon-head carvings on the gables. The visitor center explains how these churches were built and maintained. Set aside at least 45 minutes for a visit so you can walk the grounds and read the exhibits.

Filefjell

Filefjell is the high mountain pass between Lærdal and Valdres, known for open alpine views, lakes, and trailheads. In summer, consider a short segment of the historic Kongevegen, the King’s Road, which follows the old route across the mountains and is well signposted. This is an ideal place to slow down, make lunch with a view, and enjoy cool mountain air.

Oslo Region

Finish in Oslo, where green spaces and culture sit side by side. Highlights include the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the waterfront neighborhoods around Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen, and the museums on Bygdøy such as the Fram and Kon-Tiki. If you prefer architecture, walk the Barcode district and the Opera House roof.

Cycling tip: The historic serpentine of Stalheimskleiva is now closed to motor traffic, which makes it a rewarding short ride by bicycle. Expect tight hairpins and sustained climbing, with grand views over the Nærøydalen Valley and powerful waterfalls in early summer. Start from the valley floor for a steadier uphill or roll it cautiously as a controlled descent.

Best Campervan-Friendly Campsites Along the E16

A great E16 itinerary balances driving with easy overnights. The campsites below sit close to the route, offer reliable facilities, and make it simple to roll in, plug in, and relax after a day of fjords and mountain passes.

Voss Camping

Close to the town center and set beside a calm river, Voss Camping has powered pitches, clean showers, laundry, and kitchen shelters. You can walk to supermarkets, cafés, and the Voss Gondol for quick access to high-plateau trails.

Gudvangen Camping

Tucked at the head of the Nærøyfjord, this campsite delivers cliff-to-water views and a peaceful atmosphere in the evening once day visitors leave. Facilities include powered sites, modern bathrooms, and simple cabins if you want a break from the van. Kayak tours and fjord cruises depart a short walk away. Arrive early or after 6 pm in peak season for easier parking near the reception area.

Lærdal Ferie- og Fritidspark

A well-run holiday park with level pitches, spotless amenities, a small museum, bike rentals, and an on-site restaurant. It works well for families and anyone planning to visit the old town of Lærdalsøyri or the Borgund Stave Church. Use this stop as a reset day to handle laundry and maintenance before the Filefjell climb.

Filefjellstuene Camping

Perched in the high country, Filefjellstuene offers cool nights, trailheads on the doorstep, and winter access to ski tracks. It is smaller and quieter than valley sites, which makes it ideal for travelers seeking stargazing and early morning hikes.

Campervan tip: Along the E16 road in Norway, campsites are generally clean, scenic, and friendly to all rig sizes. Expect card payments, recycling points, and quiet hours at night. In July and early August, reserve powered spots in advance. Outside peak season, many sites welcome drop-ins, but reception hours can be shorter, so plan arrivals before dusk.

Can You Wild Camp Along the E16 in Norway?

Yes, within limits. Norway’s “allemannsretten” (Right to Roam) allows wild camping on uncultivated land for up to two nights in the same spot, as long as you are at least 150 meters from the nearest house or cabin.

However, campervans and motorhomes should use accessible pull-offs, designated parking areas, or gravel lots, and you should always check for local “no camping” signs. Avoid blocking farm access, private driveways, or scenic viewpoints.

If you follow the rules and leave no trace, wild camping along the E16 can be one of the most rewarding parts of your trip. Imagine waking up to misty lakes and quiet valleys without another soul around.

Driving Tips and Safety on the E16 Road

Treat the E16 as a mountain-and-fjord corridor where conditions change quickly. A little preparation goes a long way, especially in a campervan.

E16 Road Conditions

The E16 is generally well-maintained and open year-round, but you will encounter many tunnels and high passes. Check Statens Vegvesen (vegvesen.no) for live updates before you set off. In winter, pack chains or make sure your tires meet Norwegian regulations.

Tolls on the E16 Road

Several sections near Bergen and Oslo use automatic tolls. Most rental campervans are registered with AutoPASS, which bills charges to your rental agreement. For the full Bergen to Oslo route, expect a total of about 150 to 200 NOK.

General Driving Advice

• Keep headlights on at all times.

• Do not underestimate travel times, since mountain terrain can slow you down.

• Watch for wildlife, especially at dawn or dusk.

• Stop often. The scenery rewards an unhurried pace.

Now You’re Ready to Drive the E16 by Campervan

The E16 road in Norway is far more than a link between Bergen and Oslo. It is a journey through Norway’s heartland, with fjords, villages, mountain passes, and the freedom that only open road travel delivers. Exploring it by campervan lets you set your own rhythm, with each curve revealing a new view and every stop offering a fresh experience.

Book your campervan in Norway and start your scenic E16 drive today. The adventure begins the moment you leave the city behind!