[Countrywide] One-day scenic loops: what’s the best circular route with 2–3 stops (no rushing, just views + a good break)?

[EIA_Ask_NO]

I want this thread to collect real one-day loop itineraries — the kind you can do comfortably with a few stops, short walks, and a meal, without turning it into a stressful checklist.

When sharing a loop, please include:

• Start/end point (town/area) + total driving time (rough)
• Your 2–3 “must stops” (viewpoint, waterfall, café, beach, short trail)
• Road difficulty (narrow bits, ferries, steep sections, parking reality)
• What you’d skip next time to keep it relaxed

What one-day loop gave you the best “scenery per hour” — and what were your three stops?

 

[ViolettaPetrovna]

One of the best one-day scenic loops I’ve done is the Hardanger loop starting and ending in Norheimsund, because it delivers absurd scenery without requiring Olympic-level logistics. My three calm, high-payoff stops were Steinsdalsfossen (yes, it’s popular, but walking behind it still works), a lazy coffee break by the fjord near Øystese, and a short wander around the fruit farms when they’re in season. Roads are mostly civilized with a few narrow bits, but nothing that ruins the mood if you’re not rushing, and I’d honestly skip adding extra waterfalls just to keep the day breathable. Anyone got a loop with similar scenery-per-hour but even fewer people involved?

 

[Alex Turner]

One loop I’ve recommended more than once starts and ends in Flåm and takes about 5–6 hours total with stops. Drive up the Aurlandsfjellet snow road, stop at Stegastein Viewpoint for the big view (parking is easy but busy late morning), then continue over the mountain before dropping down toward the fjord. Roads are paved but narrow in spots, and weather can change fast, so take it slow. My must-stops were Stegastein, a short lakeside walk up top, and lunch in Undredal for soup and goat cheese. Next time I’d skip extra detours and just linger longer at one stop. Are you planning this loop as a relaxed overnight base, or squeezing it between longer drives?