Shimmering blue waters, dense forests and picture postcard villages: Norway's Fjords are best explored on the open road.

Whether you’re after a long weekend crammed with stunning scenery, or a longer break taking in the country’s cultural, shopping and culinary delights, Norway’s immaculate roads and light traffic beckon.

Begin in the Norwegian capital: Home to half a million Scandinavians and the deep and enchanting woods surrounding the Oslofjord, Oslo combines old world with cosmopolitan charm. Before hitting the road, take time to absorb all the city has to offer. Stroll down Karl Johans Gate, the main pedestrian area lined with shops, cafes and buskers; breathe in the wonderful sea air on the waterfront; get your culture fix with a visit to Norway’s largest open-air museum, Norsk Folksmuseum. See www.visitoslo.com for more ideas.

Drive time: From Oslo drive westwards along the E16 towards Norway’s second largest city, Bergen, the gateway to the Fjords. A university town boasting a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and vast green spaces, drive along the waterfront, enjoy a drink in one of the numerous bars. Those wishing to cram in as much of the Fjords as possible can bypass Oslo and fly directly to Bergen. See www.visitbergen.com for more ideas.

Travel north from Bergen along the E39 to Sognefjord, the longest, deepest and most awe-inspiring fjord in Norway. Its length guarantees a cruise catering for all tastes, sky-high rocky walls giving way to more accessible green shoreline, perfect for picnics and hiking.

Move on to Aurlandsfjord, enjoy a boat ride, visit the town of Flam with its quaint railway system. At Boyabreen watch huge chunks of glacier top into a lagoon, step back in time with a poke around Helesylt, the oldest Viking port in the country, boasting stunning waterfalls and snow-capped peaks. Download road maps

Leisure activities: Brave a dip in the invigorating waters lining the route, park up and pull on your hiking boots before heading into the forest and following a marked trail or climbing rocky pathways for sweeping views. Take a rowing boat out at sunset, or storm along the raging river in a white water raft. Diving, horse riding, paragliding, angling and cycling are other popular pursuits. Beginners benefit from a widespread array or sailing, climbing and mountain sport schools. Visit the Norwegian Mountain Touring Association and the Foundation For Cycle Tourism.

Eat: Wind down and refuel in tiny villages crammed with unusual places to eat – when in Bergen head to the waterfront marina for a wide choice of restaurants. Dominating the wharf, Finnegaardstuene at Rosenkrantzgaten 6 is considered one of Norway’s finest gourmet restaurants; the fish market is surrounded by all manner of seafood brasseries, including Ned’s at Zachariasbryggen and Café Krystall at Kong Oscars Gate 16.

Accommodation: During high season it’s wise to plan your road trip in advance and book a place to stay in the more popular towns and cities. If you plan to take it as it comes, it’s possible to find rooms to stay in private houses as you pass through, particularly if you get off the beaten track. The family run Skjolden Hotel located between sea and mountains in the Sognefjord is a popular choice; outdoorsy types can go the whole hog by pitching a tent or camping out in a log cabin in one of the region's many campsites, including the lakeside Bruvoll Camping. See a list of hotels and campsites or details of hostels in Norway.

Driving tips: Norwegians drive on the right. Seat belts must be worn at all times, rear and front. Children under 12 are not allowed to sit in the front. Winter tyres are compulsory during season. Headlights must be on and dipped at all times – even during clear daylight. Beware of roaming elk (moose) on windy mountain roads.

Please note Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites. Images credits, clockwise from top: Terje Rakke/Nordic Life AS/Fjord Norway (water and mountains), Per Nybo (houses), Ragnar Albertsen (boat on lake), Odd Inge Worsoe (clifftop).