The road trip: a sustainable, scenic drive along the Norwegian fjords
We're all taking a more altruistic approach to travel in 2025 – namely, a united effort to stop the destructive effects of mass tourism – with alternative destinations to the crowded usual suspects proving increasingly popular. Changing weather patterns are also having an impact on the way we holiday; according to the luxury travel trends for this year, 'coolcationing' is top of the list, with more tourists opting for colder climates over the traditional sun-lounger 'fly and flop' destinations. The travel company Virtuoso reports that 64 per cent of its clients are altering their plans due to climate change, with Norway one of the countries that's currently surging in popularity.
Of course, a trip to see the Norwegian fjords tops many a bucket list and the second you land there it's not hard to see why; there are few places on earth more visually spectacular. While plenty of cruise companies offer the ideal vantage point, allowing you to experience the fjords from the middle of the water (in fact, there's a special Harper's Bazaar Wellness at Sea voyage heading there in 2026), they look just as stunning from land – and a road trip allows you true freedom of exploration.
THE CAR
Norway has long been a leader in electric vehicle adoption, with the aim of being the first country in the world to eradicate petrol and diesel vehicles entirely from the new car market. Indeed, thanks to consistent incentives such as lower taxes for EV cars and readily available fast charging points, nearly 90% of all new cars sold in Norway in 2024 were fully electric. So, there's no better – or more appropriate – way to explore.
My EV of choice was the Audi Q6 E-tron, a model that sets new standards in terms of charging efficiency and range (up to 158 miles can be recharged in just 10 minutes, with a range of up to 381 miles when fully charged), which points towards a new future of sustainably minded luxury travel.
As you'd expect from Audi, the car fuses comfort with innovation, with a welcoming ambiance (helped in part by the illuminated 'softwrap' dashboard, which extends from the doors through the entire cockpit to the centre console), while the panoramic display made navigating an unknown route that much easier. Slick and easy to operate, the Q6 E-tron made light work of the winding roads that cut through the mountains and was near-silent to drive, providing us with a cocoon-like space from which to experience the majestic landscape and unpredictable Norwegian elements.
THE DRIVE
Our journey began in the historic coastal city of Bergen – or 'the city between the seven mountains' – popular for its charming port (Bryggen, a Unesco world heritage site), first-class seafood restaurants and, of course, spectacular scenery. Situated in the heart of the fjords, Bergen is the perfect base from which to discover and explore the area's natural beauty. Starting from the city centre, we drove for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes south – and the landscape was every bit as breathtaking as I'd hoped. There was a filmic quality to it, and snaking along the Hardanger, one of the country's longest and deepest fjords, framed by snow-capped mountains, the journey was as delightful as the destination: the charming water-front village of Rosendal. From there, we boarded an electric boat to arrive at our final stop, the world's largest floating art installation, which offers a unique 'expedition dining' experience like no other...
THE HOTEL
Our Bergen hotel base was the Bergen Børs, situated in the 19th-century Renaissance Revival building that was once home to the city's stock exchange. While the building is historic and errs on the opulent, the rooms are balanced with a comfortable, contemporary minimalism – though many of the original features remain. But the hotel's sense of grandeur is unleashed with its famed Frescohallen restaurant, which features soaring, Cathedral-like ceilings covered in intricate frescos, and is an impressive spot from which to enjoy your breakfast each morning. The hotel is ideally located on the waterfront, alongside the famous fish market, and a short walk from both the funicular and Bryggen. Bergen Børs Hotel, Vågsallmenningen 1, 5014 Bergen
THE RESTAURANTS
Fjellskål
For a true taste of Norway, book a table at Fjellskal. Both seafood store and restaurant, and housed within the traditional fish market overlooking the port, there's no better place to sample platters of fresh Norwegian lobster, scallops, crayfish, King crab and oysters. Once you've finished eating, grab some marinated salmon gravlax from the counter to take away. Fjellskål, Strandkaien 3, 5013 Bergen
Fløirestauranten
If you like to dine with a view, then you'll want to check out Fløirestauranten. Perched high up in the hills overlooking the city, this 100-year-old brasserie offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding area – views which, while beautiful by day, really come alive at night. As with many of Norway's top attractions, the journey to get there is part of the experience, and Fløirestauranten is reachable by funicular, a six-minute ride that takes you to the top of Mount Fløyen. Fløirestauranten, Fløyfjellet 2, 5014 Bergen
Iris
The grand finale of our road trip saw us strapping on life jackets and boarding a small electric boat to head out into the middle of the Hardanger fjord. Situated far out into the water is the spherical Salmon Eye, the world's largest floating art installation – a silver-metallic James Bond-like structure that serves as both multi-sensory ocean conservation centre and Michelin-star restaurant, Iris. What followed was an entirely unique 'expedition dining' experience, with an 18-course tasting menu, each locally sourced dish inspired by challenges and threats to our global food system and innovative ways that we might be able to solve them. All set against the mesmerising bobbing backdrop of the fjord and surrounding mountains. Iris, Salmon Eye, 5470 Rosendal, Norway
WHAT TO PACK
Bergen is known as one of the wettest cities in the world, so it pays to pack accordingly. Regardless of the time of the year you're visiting, a waterproof jacket is a must – you'll want to be out exploring as much as you can – and practicality should prevail. It's a relatively casual city; even if you're experiencing a Michelin-star dinner at Iris you'll be hopping on and off boats in order to get there, so leave the heels at home. Do as the locals do, and pick up some cosy knitwear at Holzweiler, or for something more outdoor activity-appropriate, look to Helly Hansen.
Holzweiler wool sweater
Holzweiler belted woven trousers
Le Monde Beryl lace-up boots
Helly Hansen rain coat
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