Oslo to Stavanger Road Trip: Fjords, Mountains & Hidden Gems

The E134 highway from Oslo to Stavanger spans 460 kilometers of Norway's most dramatic terrain, crossing the Hardangervidda mountain plateau at over 1,200 meters elevation. This route, completed in 2001, shortened the drive from 10 hours to 7-8 hours, but it's the journey, not the destination, that defines this adventure. The road passes through four distinct climate zones: coastal lowlands, dense boreal forest, alpine tundra, and fjord-side cliffs. how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities

Fuel stations cluster around major towns: Kongsberg, Hønefoss, Geilo, and Haugesund. On the Hardangervidda plateau, stretches of 50-70 km have no services. Fill up before crossing. Tolls are electronic (AutoPASS) – rental cars include the device. Expect toll costs around 200-300 NOK total.

• Fuel: Petrol stations open 7am-9pm daily, some 24h in Kongsberg and Geilo. Diesel and 95 octane widely available. Electric vehicle charging stations every 30-50 km on E134.
• Toll roads: E134 has several toll plazas; cost varies by segment. AutoPASS transponder required.
• Road conditions: E134 is two-lane asphalt, well-maintained. Winter (Nov-Apr) requires winter tires; chains recommended over Hardangervidda.
• Speed limits: 80-90 km/h default, 60-70 km/h in tunnels and winding sections. Cameras active.

Starting in Oslo's Oslofjord lowlands, the E134 quickly ascends into coniferous forests. Just past Kongsberg, the valley opens to reveal silver mines – Kongsberg was Norway's mining capital for 300 years. The Hardangervidda plateau (1,200m) offers arctic-like tundra with reindeer herds. Descending through Røldal valley, waterfalls cascade alongside the road.

• Kongsberg: Silver mining museum & church. Local specialty: rakfisk (fermented fish).
• Hardangervidda: Europe's largest mountain plateau, home to thousands of wild reindeer. Viewpoints at Sysendammen.
• Geilo: Ski resort village with artisan chocolate shops. Stop for waffles with brunost (brown cheese).
• Haugesund: Coastal city with herring fishing tradition. Try fiskesuppe (fish soup).

UNESCO World Heritage Sites include Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site (a detour from E134) and the West Norwegian Fjords (including Lysefjord near Stavanger). The Rjukan waterfall powered hydroelectricity for fertilizer production in the early 1900s.

• Rjukan: See the Gaustatoppen mountain and Vemork hydroelectric plant. Detour: 20 min from E134.
• Lysefjord: Famous for Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), a 604m cliff. Ferry from Stavanger.

Norway's road safety is exemplary – low accident rates, mandatory lights day and night, and strict DUI limits. The E134 has narrow shoulders and sharp turns on mountain descents. Rest areas exist every 20-30 km; many have toilets and picnic tables. Fatigue management: Stop every 2 hours. Recommended rest stops: Kongsberg church area, Geilo ski center parking, and the Røldal waterfall viewpoint.

• Pet-friendly: Dogs require a harness in car; many rest areas have off-leash grass patches. Water bowls available at some gas stations.
• Family: Kid-friendly stops include Kongsberg Adventure Park (summer), Geilo horse-riding, and the Viking village at Avaldsnes near Haugesund.
• Hidden off-route spots: The historic road over Hardangervidda (route 7) for better views, or the old mining town of Kongsberg.
• Ferry crossings: E134 uses the Gjemnessund ferry (free, 15 min) between Haugesund and Stavanger. Check schedule for winter reductions.

Local commerce thrives along the route: farm shops selling cured meats (fenalår), craft breweries in Haugesund, and woolen sweaters in Geilo. The Hardangervidda National Park Centre provides exhibits on fauna and geology.

• Culinary: Geilo's Nye Café serves reindeer stew; Hønefoss bakeries sell skolebrød (custard buns).
• Culture: The Røldal stave church (13th century) is a 5-minute detour off E134. Open summer afternoons.