Complete Travel Guide to the E39 Road in Norway

The E39 road in Norway, stretching along the breathtaking west coast, offers one of Europe's most epic drives and is especially well-suited for exploration by campervan. Below, you'll find a comprehensive guide to making the most of your E39 adventure, from essential route info and travel timing, to top campervan campsites and practical driving tips. Let’s go!

Why the E39 Road in Norway is Perfect for a Campervan Adventure

Running for about 1,100 kilometers along Norway’s western coast, the E39 road in Norway traverses six counties and about fifty municipalities. Beginning in the southern city of Kristiansand and ending in the northern city of Trondheim, traveling the E39 gives you the chance to experience a variety of everything Norway has to offer. Passing through dramatic fjords, majestic mountains, tranquil lakes, and charming coastal towns, an E39 road trip is truly ideal for immersing yourself in Norway’s incredible nature.

Traveling by campervan allows you to set your own pace, spend more time at captivating spots, and experience Norway’s wild nature up close. The abundance of campsites and opportunities for wild camping along the route make it easy to adapt your journey along the E39 to your own rhythm, plus you have the opportunity to wake up with an ocean or mountain view right outside your window!

The route includes seven ferry crossings, multiple tunnels, and bridges, including two remarkable pontoon bridges, enabling you to experience Norway’s extraordinary engineering as well as its nature. You’ll also have access to local culture, as the E39 connects lively cities like Kristiansand, Stavanger, Bergen, and Trondheim, as well as picturesque small towns, giving you an amazing chance to discover Norway’s rich culture and authentic cuisine.

What to Know Before Driving the E39 in Norway

It’s important to keep in mind the changing road type and difficulty along the E39 road in Norway. While some stretches are modern motorways, much of the E39 remains a two-lane undivided road, which is sometimes narrow and winding, especially when approaching fjords and remote areas.

There are also seven car ferry crossings along the E39 route, which you can pay for by card or automatic plate reading. Ferries are frequent, usually every 20–30 minutes during the day, and boarding works on a first-come, first-served basis. Also, most ferries have cafeterias, so it’s a great place to get a bite to eat and stretch your legs a bit.

Make sure to bring all the necessary documentation you need: your driver’s license, rental agreement, and passport. Your home country driving license will be accepted if it’s a European license and/or in English, otherwise you may need an International Driving Permit.

Best Time to Travel the E39 by Campervan

So, when’s the best time to travel the E39 road in Norway? Here’s an overview of what this route is like at different times of the year to help you make your decision.

• Summer – May to September is the ideal window for a campervan trip on the E39. During these months, road conditions are at their best, ferry schedules are most frequent, and campsites are fully open. You'll also benefit from long daylight hours, especially in June and July.

• Fall and spring – During the shoulder seasons of April and October, you can enjoy a quieter experience and beautiful autumnal foliage or spring greenery, but you may encounter reduced ferry schedules, closed campsites, or early winter weather at higher elevations.

• Winter – From November to March, conditions can be challenging with snow, ice, and possible road closures, especially in mountainous or exposed coastal sections. Many campsites close or operate on a limited basis during winter.

Best Places to See via the E39

Flowing fjords, stunning islands, and charming towns? Yes, please! Discover all the top places to visit and sights to see along the E39 road in Norway:

Sognefjord

Sognefjord is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, stretching over 200 kilometers from the coast near Bergen all the way to Skjolden at the foot of the Jostedalsbreen National Park. Surrounded by towering mountains rising over 1,300 meters, the fjord area features many charming villages such as Balestrand, Laerdal, and Flam, which offer cultural attractions like traditional timber stave churches and scenic outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking and boat cruises.

The UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, a narrow arm of Sognefjord, is noted for its pristine wilderness and spectacular natural scenery. Wildlife spotting opportunities include seals, otters, dolphins and eagles.

Hardangerfjord

Known as the ‘Queen of the Fjords’, Hardangerfjord is Norway’s second-longest fjord, spanning 179 kilometers. It winds through a dramatic landscape filled with magnificent waterfalls like Vøringsfossen, colorful fruit orchards that bloom in spring, and wonderful cultural landmarks. The region is nicknamed the ‘Orchard of Norway’ and it’s the perfect area to enjoy outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking, glacier tours at Folgefonna National Park, and visits to iconic rock formations such as Trolltunga.

Hornindalsvatnet Lake

Hornindalsvatnet, located near Grodas along the E39, is Europe’s deepest lake with a depth of 514 meters. It is framed by steep mountains, making it exceptionally scenic and tranquil. The lake area offers opportunities for hiking, fishing and peaceful lakeside camping, perfect for those wanting to experience Norway’s natural beauty in a serene setting.

Stord Island

Accessible by a 40-minute ferry from the E39, Stord Island offers a mix of cultural history and outdoor activities. Known for its rugged coastline, forests and farmlands, it’s a brilliant place to explore traditional Norwegian life, visit historic sites, and enjoy hiking and fishing in a less touristy environment.

Bergen

The second-largest city in Norway, Bergen, which is also known as the gateway to the fjords, stands out for its rich cultural scene and historical significance. The UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf with its colorful wooden buildings highlights the city’s Hanseatic heritage. Bergen is also famous for its bustling fish market, museums, and access to nearby hiking trails and fjord cruises. Sounds great, right?

Stavanger

Offering a blend of cultural sites, museums and access to spectacular natural landscapes, Stavanger is famous for the beautiful wooden houses in its old town area and also for being the gateway to the legendary Preikestolen cliff (Pulpit Rock), a striking hiking destination overlooking the Lysefjord.

Kristiansand

Kristiansand is Norway’s southernmost city known for its charming cobblestone streets, old wooden buildings and lively summer festivals. This coastal city offers beaches, family-friendly attractions and a welcoming atmosphere ideal for a relaxing and fun stop on the E39 route.

Trondheim 

The historic city of Trondheim is home to the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, a pilgrimage site and Norway’s national sanctuary. Perfect for an afternoon stroll admiring medieval heritage, Trondheim also features cozy cafes, riverfront promenades and vibrant cultural events.

Flekkefjord

Flekkefjord is a picturesque trading town known for its well-preserved Dutch Quarter, with colorful wooden houses reflecting Dutch architectural influence. It’s a charming stopover that offers a glimpse into Norway’s maritime and trading history, along with lovely places to eat and independent shops to explore.

Kviven Tunnel

The Kviven Tunnel is a remarkable 6.5-kilometer feat of engineering near Hornindalsvatnet. It improves connectivity along the E39 by cutting through mountainous terrain, reducing travel time and providing safer road conditions in an otherwise challenging landscape. As well as speeding up your journey, it’s also an engineering marvel to experience!

Norway’s Pontoon Bridges

Unique to the E39 road, Norway’s pontoon bridges allow passage across wide fjord sections where traditional bridges are impractical. These floating bridges provide a distinctive driving experience and highlight Norway’s amazing ability to create innovative infrastructure adapted to its dramatic geography. It’s well-worth a look!

Best Campervan-Friendly Campsites Along the E39

• Ørsta Camping – Located in Ørsta, this campsite has a playground for children and it’s well-equipped for campervans. There are lots of opportunities for exploring and hiking nearby, making it a perfect stop for nature lovers.

• Kilefjorden Camping – Situated near Hornnes, this campsite features accessible entrances and parking, a playground and hiking trails. It has both free and paid parking options and you’ll also find full amenities for campervans.

• Olderelv Camping – Close to Skibotn, you’ll find this popular campervan park, which has wheelchair-accessible parking and restrooms, hiking options, and both free and paid parking. The extensive facilities make it the perfect overnight comfort stop along the E39.

• Hammerstadsgate Camping – Found in Svolvær, this campsite is an amazing spot for keen hikers, as it’s an excellent base to explore the scenic Lofoten area.

• Flateland Camping – Positioned in Valle, this well-rated campsite offers playgrounds and hiking trails, plus it’s dog-friendly – an all-round a great base for outdoor activities in Southern Norway.

• Trollstigen Camping – Close to the famous Trollstigen mountain road, this popular campground offers extensive services including playgrounds and accessible facilities. 

• Mosvangen Camping – Found in Stavanger, this is a well-equipped campground with RV electric and sewer hookups, playgrounds, accessible parking, and hiking trails. It offers a convenient city stop with full campervan facilities.

• Geiranger Camping – Next to Geirangerfjord, this campsite provides accessible amenities, playgrounds, hiking and paid parking. It’s an ideal base to explore one of Norway’s most incredible natural wonders: Geirangerfjord itself.

• Moskenes Camping – Situated on the Lofoten Islands, this popular site has all the amenities you’ll need, including kid-friendly hikes, playgrounds and accessible facilities, perfect for campervans exploring northern Norway.

• Brusand Camping – A quiet stopover near Brusand, this campsite provides all the necessary campervan services and a playground, plus it’s close to lots of gorgeoushiking routes to explore.

Can You Wild Camp Along the E39 in Norway?

An amazing way to experience Norway’s spectacular landscapes, wild camping is legal and widely accepted in Norway. Just make sure to follow these rules:

• Stay an adequate distance away – Your campervan must be parked at least 150 meters from the nearest inhabited house or cabin.

• Leave no trace – Respect the environment by bringing all your trash with you when you go.

• Spend up to two days in one location – You may stay for up to two consecutive nights in one location (longer stays are only allowed with the landowner’s permission).

• Avoid protected natural spaces – Fragile flora and fauna are protected in natural reserves, so make sure not to drive in these areas. Also avoid private farmland unless explicitly permitted.

Driving Tips & Safety on the E39 Road

Follow these top driving safety tips for your road trip along the E39 in Norway to have a smooth and enjoyable adventure.

• Stay alert as the road type changes often – Keep in mind that the E39 road in Norway alternates between well-maintained roads and narrow, winding or rugged stretches. Slow down for sharp turns and be vigilant for sudden changes in road quality, especially if there’s been any adverse weather.

• Check the weather and road conditions – Weather conditions can change rapidly in Norway, so make sure to keep an eye on the local Norway weather forecast and up-to-date Norway road conditions to ensure your route remains open and conditions remain optimal, especially if you’re traveling during winter. If you’re traveling near coasts, exposed fjords or mountain summits, be prepared for fog, heavy rain or strong winds.

• Stock up on supplies and plan your refueling stops – Services may be sparse in remote stretches, so make sure you have a full tank before entering isolated segments and plan out your fuel stops ahead of time. We also recommend carrying water and food with you, as you’ll be hard-pushed to find a restaurant in remote rural regions.

E39 Road Conditions

Road quality varies enormously along the E39 road in Norway. Around cities like Bergen and Stavanger, you’ll drive on smooth, multi-lane highways, but on the mountain passes and fjord edges you can expect tight turns, tunnels, single-lane bridges and some rugged rural stretches. But don’t worry; passing places, called ‘møteplass’ in Norwegian, are marked for safe overtaking.

It’s also good to keep in mind that speed limits are generally 80 km/h on rural roads, occasionally higher (up to 110 km/h on the best segments), but motorhomes over 3.5 tons are typically limited to 80 km/h regardless of higher posted speeds.

Tolls on the E39 Road

Tolls are common along the E39 road in Norway, especially when passing through new tunnels, city areas or major bridges. Most tolls are automated across Norway via license plate recognition, so all you need to do is drive straight through and your rental company will bill you at the end of your trip. We recommend double checking with your rental agency if your campervan is AutoPass-registered for seamless ferry and toll payments. Costs of tolls in Norway are usually between 20-200 NOK ($2-20 USD) per toll, so don’t worry, it won’t break the bank!

Top Travel Tips For Renting a Campervan in Norway

• Book ahead of time – Traveling by campervan is a super popular way to see Norway, so lots of rentals tend to get reserved ahead of time, especially in the peak tourist season of summer. It’s a good idea to choose your motorhome rental in Norway in advance to guarantee your vehicle.

• Experience both campsites and wild camping – We recommend staying in campsites with full facilities near cities or fjords (such as Mosvangen in Stavanger and Kilefjorden near Kristiansand). Then, in between, you can enjoy a night or two wild camping under the Norwegian sky for a truly memorable experience.

• Allow for flexibility – Although it’s good to have an idea of what you want to do and see, you might want to make some spontaneous detours along the way, as many of the E39’s gems are found off the main highway. Planning a little extra time to do some sightseeing while getting from A to B never hurts!

• Plan around ferries – Ferry crossings can also add significant time to your journey, so it’s a good idea to check timetables ahead and allow extra margins in your daily plans.

• Respect local etiquette – Always park considerately, especially in small towns or scenic pullouts and, if you want to go the extra mile, we encourage you to support local businesses whenever possible. Make sure to bring any trash with you and leave no trace. Thank you!

Ready For Your Own Norway Road Trip Adventure?

Who’s feeling inspired to begin planning their own epic Norway campervan road trip vacation? If you’ve got any questions or need some help, feel free to contact us and we’ll help you out. We look forward to welcoming you to Norway soon!