Road Trip Adventure: From the UK to Trondheim and Back Through Sweden
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of hitting the open road in a campervan, especially when the route takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery Europe has to offer. This autumn, I embarked on a road trip from the UK to Trondheim in Norway, before looping back through central Sweden. The weather was near perfect for most of the journey, and the experience was unforgettable—complete with spectacular views, charming villages, pristine fjords, and memorable encounters with locals. The trip also provided incredible photography opportunities, from stunning coastal roads and waterfalls to historical landmarks and boreal forests. Here’s a recap of my adventure!
Leg 1: UK to Norway - The Journey Begins
After crossing from the UK to continental Europe, I drove through Belgium, the Netherlands, and into Germany, taking the scenic route through Denmark before boarding the ferry from Hirtshals to southern Norway. The weather was perfect from the start—clear blue skies and warm summer breezes.
Once in Norway, the drive north was a photographer’s dream. The towering mountains, crystal-clear fjords, and vibrant summer skies made for breathtaking scenes around every bend. I couldn’t resist stopping frequently to capture the stunning landscapes, from dramatic coastal cliffs to serene lakes reflecting the sky.
Stavanger: This vibrant city provided not only stunning views but also incredible service when I encountered some mechanical issues with my van. The weather in Stavanger was ideal—21 degrees Celsius with clear skies and sunshine. While the van’s problem could have been a setback, it turned into a blessing in disguise. A local garage went above and beyond, sorting the issue out immediately with fantastic service. This detour gave me the opportunity to explore the coastal area around Stavanger, which I hadn’t originally planned to see. The coast was nothing short of stunning—jagged cliffs meeting the deep blue sea, with golden sunshine lighting up the scene. I captured some incredible shots of the coastline, which became a surprise highlight of my trip.
Lysefjord: Home to the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), this fjord offered some of the most jaw-dropping views I had ever seen. I embarked on a wonderful hike up to Pulpit Rock, a journey that tested both my endurance and my fear of heights. The trail wound through forests and rocky terrain, each viewpoint more stunning than the last. Reaching the top, I stood at the edge of the towering cliff, looking out over the serene, glassy waters of Lysefjord far below. Overcoming my fear of heights was a personal victory, and the reward was the panoramic beauty of the fjord stretching out before me. I stayed until sunset, capturing the incredible contrast between the golden light on the cliffs and the deep blue fjord waters. It was an unforgettable moment of awe and achievement.
Leg 2: Exploring Fjords, Glaciers, and History
As I ventured further north, I explored the fjords, waterfalls and remarkable national parks, stopping at must-see landmarks and hidden gems.
Sognefjord: Known as the "King of the Fjords," Sognefjord is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, and it truly lived up to its reputation. The sheer scale of the fjord, with its towering cliffs and glistening waters, made it one of the most awe-inspiring sights on the trip. I took a scenic drive along its shores, stopping frequently to capture the immense beauty from different vantage points. The tranquillity of the water against the dramatic landscape made for unforgettable photos. A ferry ride across the fjord allowed for even more dramatic views, with the towering cliffs reflecting perfectly in the still waters below.
Jostedalsbreen Nasjonalpark: This national park, home to mainland Europe’s largest glacier, Jostedalsbreen, was a photographer's paradise. Hiking through lush valleys with waterfalls cascading from great heights and glimpsing the immense blue ice fields was an unforgettable experience. The park’s raw beauty offered perfect photography moments, especially as the early morning sun illuminated the glacier.
Låtefossen Waterfall: One of Norway’s most famous waterfalls, Låtefossen is a twin waterfall that crashes down the mountainside near Odda. Driving past the waterfall is an experience in itself, as the spray from the falls often reaches the road. I stopped to capture the powerful, roaring cascades as they plummeted down the rocks, framed by the lush, green landscape.
Tvindefossen Waterfall: On the way north, I came across Tvindefossen, a tall and elegant waterfall near Voss. The multiple tiers of the falls gave it a unique and mesmerising appearance, and I spent time photographing the water as it gently cascaded down the rocky cliff. The sound of the rushing water, combined with the peaceful surroundings, made it a perfect stop for both a break and some stunning photography.
Skjervsfossen Waterfall: Another highlight, which consists of two impressive falls. What made this waterfall special was the serene location and easy access to viewpoints from both the top and bottom of the falls. I walked along the path to the base, where I could feel the mist and hear the thunderous sound of water crashing down the cliff. The walk offered great opportunities to photograph both the landscape and the waterfall from various perspectives. Also a stunning place to spend the night just above the falls, listening to the running water as I fell asleep.
Old Strynefjell Mountain Road: This historic mountain pass, with its winding gravel road, took me through rugged, untamed terrain. The views were extraordinary—alpine lakes, snow-capped peaks, and a sense of stepping back in time. I captured panoramic shots of the jagged mountains and deep valleys, marvelling at the untouched beauty of this remote region.
Borgund Stave Church: The stave churches of Norway are a photographer’s dream, and the one at Borgund is one of the most impressive. Its intricate wooden architecture, dating back to the 12th century, stands in stunning contrast to the surrounding greenery. I spent time capturing the detailed carvings, dark timber walls, and the ancient graveyard that added to the church’s mysterious ambiance.
Leg 3: Family History Search in Ålesund
One of the most personal parts of my journey was visiting Ålesund, a coastal town known for its Art Nouveau architecture and picturesque harbour. I decided to explore family roots in the area and found a wonderfully helpful librarian who assisted me in tracing old records and family ties. Together, we pieced together a story of ancestors who had lived in the area centuries ago. This meaningful connection added depth to my travels.
Beyond my personal search, Ålesund provided more fantastic photo opportunities. The elegant, pastel-coloured buildings reflected beautifully in the still waters of the harbour, and sunrise over the lookout point Aksla offered breathtaking views of the surrounding islands and fjords.
Leg 4: Beautiful landscapes, the Atlantic Road and Trondhiem
As I continued my journey, I was treated to some incredible landscapes. The rolling hills and dramatic mountains framed the fjords in a way that felt almost surreal. I stopped frequently to capture the stunning scenery, especially as the light shifted throughout the day, casting soft shadows over the peaks and valleys. The peaceful countryside provided perfect photo opportunities, showcasing Norway’s natural beauty in all its glory.
Atlantic Road. Driving the Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien) was a breathtaking experience. This iconic road twists and arches across a string of islands, offering dramatic coastal views at every turn. The engineering of the bridges, combined with the natural beauty of the rugged seascape, made for one of the most photogenic spots of the trip. I pulled over several times to photograph this stunning blend of human craftsmanship and nature. The sweeping bridges set against the crashing waves and jagged coastline created perfect backdrops for my photos, making this one of the highlights of my entire journey.
Trondheim. Driving into Trondheim was another highlight. This historic city, known for its medieval cathedral and vibrant cultural scene, provided a different kind of photography experience. Wandering the narrow cobbled streets, I captured the old-world charm of its colorful houses and the serene beauty of Nidaros Cathedral at dusk.
Leg 5: A Weather-Driven Change and the Northern Lights in Sweden
Originally, my plan was to spend more time exploring the area around Trondheim, and travel back down the Southern Central area back to Kristiansand. However, after checking the forecast, it became clear that the region was in for 10 days of solid rain. Rather than risk being stuck in wet weather, I decided to change course and head into central Sweden, where clearer skies awaited.
As I crossed the border, the landscape transitioned from Norway’s dramatic fjords to central Sweden’s tranquil boreal forests. This shift brought new photographic opportunities—sprawling forests, serene lakes, and an untouched countryside. It was a peaceful change from Norway’s rugged beauty.
Tännforsen Waterfall: On my way into Sweden, I stopped at Tännforsen, the country’s largest waterfall. The sheer power and beauty of this natural wonder were unforgettable, and the rainbow-filled mist offered more than enough inspiration for my camera.
Northern Lights in Sweden: As I travelled further south, I was lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights. I parked my van in a secluded boreal forest spot and watched as green and red hues danced across the night sky, reflecting off a nearby lake. Capturing the magic of the aurora borealis in such a tranquil setting was a dream come true.
Uppsala: I made a short stop in the beautiful university city of Uppsala, where the historic cathedral and old town streets provided stunning photo opportunities. However, my next leg brought the trip’s first full day of rain as I travelled south to Ystad.
Ystad: Finally, I reached Ystad, known for its medieval architecture and as the setting for the Wallander detective series. Wandering its cobbled streets and photographing its pastel-coloured houses was a joy, in the beautiful warmth of a sunny autumn day
Final Thoughts
This road trip through Norway and Sweden was an unforgettable journey, full of awe-inspiring landscapes, rich history, and incredible photography moments. From the fjords and glaciers of Norway to the tranquil forests and charming villages of Sweden, the route offered endless beauty and adventure. Along the way, I travelled through countless kilometers of tunnels and crossed several fjords by ferry, with the total distance covered running into the thousands of kilometers.
One of the highlights was the ability to park up my campervan in some jaw-dropping locations, often surrounded by dramatic landscapes—whether perched beside a fjord, overlooking a mountain valley, or nestled in the middle of peaceful forests. These breathtaking spots provided serene moments to soak in the beauty of nature and capture perfect sunset and sunrise shots right from my doorstep.
The friendly locals, delicious seafood, and ideal campervan facilities made the experience even more enjoyable. Whether you’re seeking scenic drives or breathtaking photo opportunities, this road trip will leave you speechless—and with a camera full of memories.
