The best road trip routes in the Nordic countries listed

For many, summer is synonymous with adventure, and what could be more exciting than going on a road trip? Our colleagues at sister company Forsbergs Fritidscenter have, through Kantar Sifo, investigated which routes in the Nordic region are most appealing.

A little over 1,000 people made their voices heard in the survey and at the top, with 23 percent, we find the route Trondheim and Bodö – which takes you over the Arctic Circle and offers an extraordinary variety of nature; from majestic mountains to vast ocean. Here is also the impressive Saltströmmen, the world's strongest tidal current. In second place, with 13 percent, is another Norwegian route, namely the iconic Trollstigen. Surrounded by several mountains over 1,000 meters, the route offers magnificent views.

But of course there are gems here at home too. In third place on the list is the Höga Kusten-slingan (11%), which stretches between Skuleberget and the Höga Kustenbron. With its dramatic rock formations and unparalleled, unique nature, it is a stretch of road that will truly take your breath away.

– Norway is often ranked as one of the world's most beautiful countries and offers a variety of wonderful road trips through fjords and mountains, so it's no surprise that it's a favorite destination for many. But even in Sweden there are a couple of really nice stretches that I think you should experience at some point. My own personal favorite is the West Coast Road, which takes you through, in my opinion, Sweden's most beautiful archipelago, says Jonas Karlsson, CEO of Forsbergs Fritidscenter.

The Atlantic Road comes in fifth place when Swedes rank the best road trip in the Nordic region

They prefer Denmark

But there are of course different opinions about what the ultimate road trip in the Nordics is. Where you live, for example, seems to be of great importance. The survey shows that both Gothenburgers and Stockholmers prefer Norway, while Malmö residents prefer the High Coast Trail. Denmark also comes before our western neighbor on the list of Skåne residents.

– Of course, it is the distance that is decisive here. Although the journey itself can be a pleasure in itself, it is the highlight that you long for. You want to get there as quickly as possible. For people from Skåne, it is most natural to seek out Denmark, while people from Gothenburg and Stockholm more often choose Norway, says Jonas Karlsson.

Best road trip in the Nordics

1. Norwegian Coastal Road (Kystriksveien)

Stretches along the Norwegian coast from Trondheim to Bodø, with views of dramatic fjords and mountainous landscapes (23%).

2. Norwegian Trollstigen (Trollstigvegen)

A winding mountain road known for its breathtaking views and unique nature experiences (13%).

3. High Coast Loop

This road takes you through the dramatic landscape of the High Coast area, a World Heritage Site with impressive rock formations (11%).

4. Gothenburg-Strömstad (E6)

Takes you up through Bohuslän, passing picturesque fishing villages and cutting through a beautiful archipelago (9%).

5. Norwegian Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien)

A spectacular coastal road that winds over small islands and bridges along Norway's west coast, with dramatic views of the Atlantic Ocean (9%).

6. Wilderness Road

Sweden's highest paved road, crosses the Stekenjokk plateau between Lapland and Jämtland (7%).

7. Danish West Coast Road

Along the west coast of Jutland with its charming villages and historical sites (7%).

8. Swedish Baltic Sea Road (E22)

Stretches along Sweden's east coast from Trelleborg to Norrköping, passing through picturesque coastal communities and offering views of the Baltic Sea (4%).

9. Finnish Archipelago Road (Saariston Rengastie)

Passes through the landscape of Southwest Finland and offers outstanding views of the beautiful Finnish archipelago and its thousands of islands (2%).

About the survey
The survey was conducted in the Kantar Media web panel (Sifopanelen) during the period 19–22 February 2024. A total of 1045 people aged 18–79 were interviewed. The web panel is nationally representative and recruited based on random selection. There is no self-recruitment in Kantar Media's web panel (Sifopanelen).