Hi, We are two families each with a child around 10 years of age and are planning to do a self drive to Norway in July. we would have about 16 days in Norway and would like to explore the northernmost tip of Norway, and look at the beautiful fjords as well as see Bergen and the UNESCO world heritage site. driving is not a problem but we would like to be in very small places that are quiet. We are also hoping if there are places we could use as a base to the see the region around and the move on so stay in a place for 3-4 days and then move on.

What would be best location to start the journey from, we are thinking of arriving in Oslo. We are based in Dubai. and what would be a good place to end the journey, do not want to do the same place as it ends up making it a circular trip.

I read up in the forums that Northern lights can only be seen until March and we plan to arrive in July around the first week end of July, any chances or none at all?

Polar bears, whales and a lot of wildlife interests us as well as snow and mountains....
can someone share any road journey itinerary's. we intend to book all B&B's and no hotels except Oslo maybe and stray as much as we can to off the beaten track....

We also need to know what kind of food is readily available half of us are vegans the others can eat anything that moves so no problem for them.

suggestions advice all welcome.

You might want to take a look at my trip report which describes our stay in Oslo and then our trip from Bergen to Trondheim by car; click on my name to find it.

One thing I left out: Many places rent out cabins or rooms but without sheets. These will be provided at a high extra cost. Bring along lightweight sleeping bag liners in lieu of sheets.

No Polar bears in mainland Norway You would have to go to Svalbard for them.

If you look at the visit Norway website (https://www.visitnorway.com) there are suggested trips and places to stay which may meet your requirements. 16 days is not long to see Norway - driving speed imits are slow and distances large.

Very little of chance of Northern lights - it just isn't dark at all in northern Norway at that time, and barely dark in southern Norway, where the chances of seeing them is much less any way.

September to April is prime Aurora viewing time.

Off the beaten track - means no hotels, B&B's etc.
B&Bs not widespread in Norway - train AirBnB.
Tourist numbers have increased dramatically last couple of years - accommodation gets booked out and there is little choice and big distances between places. Winging it without bookings in mid summer is not recommended.
No chance of northern lights - you are too far south and it is daylight 24hrs.

For the Vegans in your party, take a look at

https://www.happycow.net/veggiemap/?vegan=true

for Vegan restaurants in Norway.