Epic Road Trip Guide: Uppsala to Trondheim

Did you know that the stretch of the E4 between Uppsala and Gävle passes through the ancient kingdom of the Suiones, where a 5th-century burial mound near Gamla Uppsala marks the start of your journey? This road trip traces a line from Sweden's intellectual heart to Norway's medieval capital, crossing 700 km of ever-changing landscapes.

The route primarily uses the E4 north from Uppsala to Sundsvall, then the E14 west through the mountains to Trondheim. Expect about 8-9 hours of pure driving, but with detours and stops, plan for at least two days. For those asking how long to drive Uppsala to Trondheim, the non-stop drive is around 8.5 hours, but trust me—is it worth driving Uppsala to Trondheim? Absolutely, for the fjords, forests, and friendly locals.

This guide shares the best stops Uppsala to Trondheim and reveals things to do between Uppsala and Trondheim that many travelers miss. For deeper insights on unearthing local treasures, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Geographical Shifts

The journey starts in the agricultural plains of Uppland, transitions to the dense pine forests of Hälsingland, and then climbs into the Scandinavian mountain range. The E14 crosses the Trondheim fjord valley, offering dramatic views of the Trondheimsfjord as you descend.

• Uppsala to Gävle: Flat farmland, dotted with red wooden barns and ancient runestones.
• Gävle to Sundsvall: Forested hills with occasional lakes (Lake Varpen near Järvsö is a serene detour).
• Sundsvall to Östersund: The landscape opens into the Storsjön lake region; near Åre, peaks rise sharply.
• Östersund to Trondheim: Alpine tundra, then fjord landscape with steep cliffs.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The only UNESCO site along the main route is the Rock Carvings in Tanum, but that's a 2-hour detour from Uppsala (southwest). However, the Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland (a UNESCO World Heritage) are within a short detour: take exit 188 from E4 to Järvsö to see the rich interior paintings in farms like Gården Kristoffers.

Local Commerce and Delicacies

• In Söderhamn, stop at the tiny roadside stall Vägdelen for hand-dipped cloudberry chocolates (seasonal, but ask for Arctic lingonberry jam).
• At the junction of E14 and road 321 near Mörsil, the Mörsil Ost & Deli sells artisan cheeses made from local goat milk.
• Norwegian side: Just past the border, Storlien Stasjon offers smoked reindeer sausage and flatbrød (crispbread).

Fuel and Route Economics

Fuel costs for this trip fluctuate with terrain. In Sweden (July 2025), petrol averages 18 SEK/L, while in Norway it's about 20 NOK/L (roughly equivalent). For a car consuming 8 L/100 km, expect total fuel cost around 1,000 SEK–1,200 SEK depending on detours.

• Fuel efficiency tips: Use cruise control on flat stretches (E4 between Gävle and Sundsvall), but anticipate higher consumption on the mountainous E14 (Östersund to Trondheim).
• Fuel station distribution: Dense along E4 (every 30 km), sparse on E14 west of Östersund (last station in Storlien before the border). Fill up in Östersund.

Tolls and Border Crossing

No tolls in Sweden on this route. Norway has toll roads on the E14 entering Trondheim (electronic payment via AutoPASS, renters usually covered). Border crossing at Storlien is seamless; no customs checkpoints.

Road Quality

The E4 is a high-standard dual carriageway with well-lit sections near cities. The E14 from Sundsvall to Östersund is a mix of dual and single carriageway; after Östersund it narrows to a two-lane road with occasional passing lanes. Surface condition is excellent except near mountain passes where frost heaves may occur in spring. Night illumination is limited west of Östersund—drive with full beams when safe.

Weather and Aesthetics

Best driving months are June–September. In winter, the mountain section (E14 from Åre to Trondheim) can experience sudden snowstorms. The most scenic sunset spot is at the Kullaberg viewpoint just west of Östersund (coordinates 63.1786, 14.6370), where the sun sets over Storsjön. For the best autumn foliage, aim for late September between Sundsvall and Östersund.

Family Stops

• Järvzoo in Järvsö (detour off E4): Scandinavia's largest zoo with Nordic animals; kids can feed reindeer.
• Frösöbron in Östersund: A playground with mini zip-line near the lake.
• Tyholttårnet in Trondheim: A tower with a revolving restaurant and radio museum.

Pet-Friendly Framework

Most Swedish rest stops (rastplats) have designated dog walking areas with waste bags. The Storlien Hundrastplats (coordinates 63.3200, 12.1000) has fenced meadows. Pet-friendly cafes: Kaffestugan in Åre welcomes leashed dogs with water bowls.

Hidden Off-Route Spots

• The abandoned chapel of Kyrkudden (3 km north of Gävle exit 82): A 12th-century stone ruin in a cow pasture.
• Near Sundsvall, the Njurunda silver mine (turn off at exit 144): A 5-minute walk to a vertical shaft (fenced for safety, but impressive).
• Just before the Norwegian border, Stenvallen (1 km off E14): A deserted Sami summer camp with visible hut foundations.

Fatigue Management

• Rastplats Kyrkbytjärn (E4 near Bergby, coordinates 60.6500, 16.9700): A quiet picnic area with tables and a small lake for a refreshing dip.
• Storlien Rastplats (E14 near border): Protected parking lot with toilet and covered bench—perfect for a 20-minute power nap.
• Recommended nap protocol: Set an alarm, park in lit rest area, and keep doors locked.