All About the Rv7 Road in Norway: Hardangervidda Road Trip

One of the most amazing drives in Norway, the National Road 7 (Rv7) takes you across the rugged Hardangervidda mountain plateau, where you can experience wild valleys, charming villages and cascading waterfalls. This epic road in Norway is the perfect choice for a campervan road trip, taking you through some of Scandinavia’s most spectacular natural highlights.

Get set for your own incredible Rv7 road trip with our complete travel guide, including top travel tips for this route and a checklist of the top attractions to see along the way.

Where is the Rv7?

Running for a total of 387 kilometers, the Rv7 road in Norway crosses the country from east to west, beginning in the picturesque town of Hønefoss just outside Oslo and ending in a charming village called Granvin in Vestland county. This scenic east-west route in Norway crosses the Hardangervidda mountain plateau and passes through many towns along the way, including Gol and Nesbyen.

What Makes the Rv7 Road a Brilliant Choice For a Campervan Adventure?

So, what makes the Rv7 road in Norway so special? Well, the incredible nature along this route speaks for itself – from majestic mountains and lush forests, to expansive lakes and deep valleys, the Rv7 crosses the largest mountain plateau in northern Europe, Hardangervidda, and into Fjord Norway.

Here’s why we love the Rv7 road in Norway for a campervan road trip:

• Amazing nature and wildlife – As well as enjoying the incredible, untouched natural landscapes along the Rv7, you’ll also have the opportunity to spot wildlife, including the largest wild reindeer herd in Europe.

• Convenient for campervans – The Rv7 road is perfect for a campervan road trip, as it’s fully paved and well-maintained with lots of viewpoints, rest areas and places to stop and park.

• Beautiful attractions – With a whole range of amazing attractions along the Rv7, including historic towns and cascading waterfalls, you’ll be spoilt for choice for what to see and do.

Which Type of Campervan is Best for the Rv7 Road?

Want to know which campervan to choose for your epic Rv7 road trip? You won’t need an epic off-road vehicle for this road trip, but there are a few important factors to consider when choosing your rental campervan in Norway to make your journey as comfortable as possible.

• Fully functional brakes and recent tires – Fully functional brakes and tires are essential for the mountain roads and hairpin bends along the Rv7.

• Automatic transmission – A rental campervan or motorhome with automatic transmission makes traversing Norway’s hills much easier and less stressful – many campervan rentals in Norway are automatic, but it’s a good idea to check before deciding.

• Compact size – We recommend a compact or medium-size van for easy maneuvering during your Rv7 road trip, especially when you’re parking or exploring small villages.

• Facilities – You’ll need a good heating system for your road trip along the Rv7 as the Hardangervidda mountain plateau can be cold all year round, plus cooking facilities and a big enough space for your group to stay comfortably.

When renting a campervan, make sure to book well in advance, especially if you’re planning to travel in the peak tourist season of summer. Check if your rental includes unlimited mileage and what insurance packages you can choose from to make sure you’re covered for the type of trip you have planned. You can also check options for flexible pickup/drop-off if you want to do a one-way trip and not have to worry about getting your camper back where you picked it up.

Things to Know Before Driving the Rv7 Road in Norway

Keep these top travel tips in mind to ensure you enjoy your Rv7 road trip to the max:

• Respect wildlife crossings – As Hardangervidda is home to many free-roaming reindeer and sheep, you’ll need to be sure to watch out for wildlife crossing the road.

• Regularly check the weather and road status – Weather can be variable in Norway and roads can sometimes be closed (mainly in winter and early spring), so it’s a good idea to check both the local Norway weather forecast and the up-to-date Norway road conditions frequently.

• Bring warm layers – As the weather can be unpredictable and it’s likely to be chilly on the mountain plateau, even in summer, we recommend bringing warm layers for your Rv7 road trip, no matter what time of year you’re going.

• Bring food and drink supplies – Make sure to stock up on food and drink before setting off, as the spectacular nature along the Rv7 comes with a lack of services or restaurants, so you’ll need to be prepared with your own supplies.

• Plan fuel stops – Another thing to consider due to the lack of services along the Rv7 is fueling up enough before you set up – you can start your trip by filling up your fuel tank in Geilo or Eidfjord before heading onto the plateau.

• Download offline maps – You’ll need a backup in case the signal drops out and you can’t use your GPS, so we recommend downloading some offline maps of your route.

When’s the Best Season For an Rv7 Campervan Road Trip?

Traveling along the Rv7 provides a different experience depending on the season. Here’s what to expect at each time of year:

• Summer (June–August): Long daylight hours, best weather, busiest time, beautiful flora in bloom.

• Late spring (May–early June): Some snow on the plateau, valleys in bloom, not as busy as summer.

• Fall (September–October): Autumn foliage, far fewer tourists, possible early snow.

• Winter (November–April): Likely road closures, maybe convoy driving enforced, studded tires and a suitable vehicle needed.

Top Attractions Along the Rv7 Road

So, what are the best sights to see and places to visit along the Rv7? Here’s a rundown of our top picks:

The Hallingdal Valley

In Hallingdal Valley, you can visit the charming villages of Nesbyen, Gol, Al and Hol. These historic settlements are famous for their wooden churches and lively folk traditions. If you fancy a stop to enjoy some outdoor activities, you’ll find many opportunities for hiking, fishing and cycling here, especially around Geilo.

Geilo

One of Norway’s largest ski resorts, the mountain town of Geilo is perfect for fitting in some summer skiing or mountain biking, or relaxing at a café, and don’t forget to restock your supplies!

Hardangervidda National Park

Home to open wilderness and Arctic landscapes, the spectacular Hardangervidda National Park is a must-visit along the Rv7. This striking mountain plateau feels almost lunar, dotted with lakes, boulders and incredible open-sky landscapes. Here, you can look out for wild reindeer and enjoy stunning hikes of all lengths.

Vøringsfossen Waterfall

Norway’s most famous cascade, at Vøringsfossen Waterfall you can watch 182 meters of water plunging through a canyon. Safe, accessible viewing platforms, a dramatic footbridge, and parking make this an easy and unforgettable stop.

Mabødalen Valley

After the plateau, the road snakes down through the narrow, lush Mabødalen Valley. The combination of tunnels, switchbacks and mountain streams along this 7-kilometer long valley is thrilling!

Eidfjord and Hardangerfjord

At Eidfjord and Hardangerfjord, you can enjoy stunning fjord views, the charming Eidfjord village and fun outdoor activities, from kayaking to hiking. 

What are the Best Campervan-Friendly Campsites Along the RV7?

Staying at official campsites is a great way to access facilities, meet fellow travelers and rest up for more adventures on the Rv7. Some recommended spots along this route for campervans include:

• Liodden Camping (Nesbyen) – Open May to mid-September, this riverside campsite has 100 pitches, electricity and showers.

• Gol Campingsenter (Gol) – With 600 total pitches, this family-friendly campsite has showers, laundry facilities and electricity, plus you can enjoy riverside fishing here.

• Birkelund Camping (Hovet i Hallingdal) – This quiet family campsite has all the facilities you’ll need, plus stunning hiking spots nearby.

• Wild Camping: Kjeldobu Parking – Just off the Rv7 road in Norway, you can enjoy a fantastic spot for wild camping near Krossdalen. It’s a quiet and safe area for overnight stays surrounded by nature.

Is Wild Camping Allowed on the Rv7?

Wild camping is allowed along the Rv7 road in Norway due to the country’s ‘allemannsretten’ law (the Right to Roam). This means you can park in quiet natural spaces, resting for the night next to lakes, fjords, forests and mountains. You’re allowed to wild camp on uncultivated land as long as you follow these rules:

• Stay at least 150 meters from the nearest occupied building.

• Do not stay in the same place for longer than 2 nights.

• Do not camp on farmland or meadows.

• Respect signs indicating ‘No camping’.

• Leave no trace: pack up all rubbish and respect nature at all times.

Keep in mind that there may be restrictions on wild camping to safeguard nature, including wildlife, flora and fauna.

Top Driving Tips for the Rv7

Keep these top driving tips in mind when traveling along the Rv7.

Understanding Rv7 Road Conditions

You’ll be pleased to know that the Rv7 road is fully paved and wide, so it’s a good quality road for campervan trips. There are some narrow sections and sharp bends though, especially near old villages and fjords.

Local speed limits are enforced by automatic speed cameras along some sections of the Rv7 (notably between Bromma and Nesbyen).

During winter and early spring, the crossing over Hardangervidda can be closed with little warning (or opened only to convoys), and the Rv7 here is exposed with potential strong winds.

There are also several tunnels along the Rv7, with four tunnels along the stretch of the Rv7 descending to Eidfjord, including the nearly 1,900-meter long Mabø Tunnel.

Tolls on the Rv7 Route

Tolls may apply along the Rv7, especially near new infrastructure such as the Hardanger Bridge, and for some tunnels. The good news is that tolls in Norway are automatic, so any tolls will usually be added to your rental bill automatically and there are no booths to stop and pay. Just make sure to confirm your campervan or motorhome is registered for automatic tolls with your rental agency before your trip.

Live Your Own Epic Norway Road Trip Vacation!

Get set for the adventure of a lifetime along the Rv7 and beyond by choosing your own campervan rental in Norway. Got any questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here and we’ll be happy to help. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country soon!