places you should visit in norway

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15 Best Places to Visit in Norway

Picture perfect landscapes – from world-famous fjords, unbelievable mountain vistas, to fantastic cities – await you in Norway. Each region – south, west, interior, and arctic – is distinctly different and when you take in the wonder that is the northern lights or the sun glinting off an enormous glacier in one holiday, then you’re having a great adventure. In balance with its incredible natural beauty is the brilliant social and cultural life.  There are cosmopolitan cities that highlight modern Scandinavian life as well as its traditional past. Norway is one of the most appealing and beautiful countries on earth.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Norway :

Alesund is on a narrow peninsula on the west coast and is considered the gateway to the majestic northwestern fjords and alpine mountains.  It’s home base for the countries massive cod-fishing fleet and is considered by all who visit to be a picturesque and quintessential Scandinavian town.

Alesund is built entirely in the Jugendstil art nouveau style of architecture after a fire in 1904. You can visit Jugendstilsenteret (Art Nouveau Centre) to learn more about this brick and stone style.  You can also take a quick hike up the 400 steps to Fjellstua lookout point to see absolutely amazing views of the mountains and nearby islands.

This is northern Norway’s largest city and is best known for the 18th century wooden houses and the gorgeous natural surroundings. Located on Tromsoya, one of many islands in the region, are beautiful forests to ramble through and the Fjellheisen cable car trip to the top of Storsteinen is highly recommended.

Visit historical and cultural spots like the Polar Museum and Polaria – the arctic aquarium.  And for those seeking the glory of the northern lights, Tromso is one of the best places to see them.

3. Trondheim

The third largest city in Norway serves as a perfect base for exploring the surrounding region. Trondheim has many faces – it’s known for culture, technology, students, food, and cycling! The city hosts year-round festivals like the St. Olav Festival – the largest cultural and church event in the country. It’s been called an “intimate big city,” which captures the modern and energetic atmosphere but also lets visitors know that history has not been forgotten.

Trondheim was the country’s capital during the Viking era and you can visit places like Sverresborg castle (12th century) and the Nidaros Cathedral – a pilgrimage site for almost 1000 years. Don’t forget the farmer’s market, the excellent restaurants, and the incredibly local breweries.

4. Jotunheimen National Park

As the Home Of The Giants, Jotunheimen is Norway’s leading national park. The park is located in the south centre of the country and covers several mountain ranges; include the 29 highest peaks in all of Norway.

There are hundreds of hiking routes that take you to fantastic glaciers, clear deep woodland lakes, and to panoramic valleys.  At least one of them will take you to Vettisfossen, the highest waterfall in Norway (275m). The park is always busy with adventure seeking fun-lovers and tour companies will put together some incredible packages that showcase the best of what this well-loved park has to offer.

5. Svalbard

Svalbard means “cold coasts” and this small group of islands is known as the home of the polar bear.  Located in the Arctic Ocean between Norway and the North Pole, this is the northernmost spot that is permanently inhabited. Untouched arctic wilderness combined with rare and unusual wildlife creates an environment that is rugged and fascinating to travellers.

The majority of people live (and visit) Longyearbyen, which is the largest settlement in the archipelago. It’s a tiny yet energetic town that has grown from a traditional village into a surprisingly modern place complete with festivals, exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural activities. For the adventurer, this is the place to see striking craggy mountains, untouched glaciers, polar bears, reindeer, caribou, whales, walruses, and more.

As one of Europe’s fastest growing cities, the atmosphere in Oslo is confident, modern, and relaxed. It’s a cosmopolitan destination with world-class restaurants, and art galleries, but still manages to make you feel like you’re in a much smaller town. Sitting just inside the “U-shaped” Oslofjord, Oslo is two-thirds forest and green space which make this the perfect spot for biking and hiking.

Olso is Norway’s capital and home, not just to the royal family, but to major cultural establishments like National Theatre and the National Museum of Art, the Nobel Peace Centre, The Munch Museum (Edvward Munch’s The Scream is housed in the permanent collection), and the Norwegian Opera and Ballet. A must-see is Folkemuseet, an interactive outdoor museum that features 150 historic buildings like the famous Stave Church.

7. Stavanger

This town is different from the majority in Norway because of the sandy beaches and warmer climate.  Stavanger is the preferred summer destination for travellers who want a taste of Scandinavia mixed with sand and surf. Because of its location in the southwest of the country, the harbour here is a major stopping point for tours and cruise ships.

You’ll want to see Rogaland Kunstmuseum which has a fantastic collection of Norwegian art, as well as the country’s best example of a medieval church, the Stavanger Cathedral.  In the Gamel Stavanger district you’ll slip back in time to explore 18th century Scandinavia at its best.

8. Lofoten Islands

It’s a bit unbelievable just how beautiful the Lofoten Islands are. Best known among those who prefer to go off the beaten trail and get personal with Mother Nature, this wonderful wilderness outpost highlights untouched landscapes of deep fjords, grand mountain ranges, unique colonies of seabirds, and exquisite beaches. Though it’s located at about the same latitude as Greenland, the climate in this archipelago is rather mild thanks to the Gulf Stream.

If you want a truly unforgettable experience in nature, Lofoten is your place.  You can kayak between the islands, surf, fish, scuba dive, go ocean rafting, hike, ski, and more. Don’t forget to check out some of the oldest Viking relics in the entire country.

Bergen is the second largest city after Oslo and is considered to be the gateway to the fjords. It’s an appealing mixture of living history as Bryggen, the 15th century waterfront, is a major modern port for Norway as well as a popular tourist destination. Here you’ll find small-town values and atmosphere as locals happily direct you to the best meal in town (in their opinion!).

There are seven mountains that surround the city which lead to lovely views no matter where you are. Enjoy the fish market at Hanseatic Wharf and after you explore the town, head out to explore the most breathtaking fjords in Norway..

10. The Western Fjords

It’s true that there are remarkable fjords all over Norway and all of them worth seeing.  But, the most famous and awe-inspiring are found in West Norway between Molde and Stavanger. The Western Fjords are home to both ancient and modern glaciers and deep sea drenched valleys that are marked by rocky terrain.

The two you don’t want to miss are Naeroyfjord and Geirangerfjord. Because of this beauty, this entire area is one of the most unique and sought-after destinations on the planet. And although you’ll go for the fjords, you’ll also fall in love with the sublime coast.  Travel around by ferry, where you’ll get the truly spectacular views, and enjoy trekking through forests and across glaciers.

Bodø offers a lively urban atmosphere and serves as the starting point to the true north of Norway – specifically the Lofoten Islands. You can tour the archipelago on a tourist speed boat, kayak at midnight when the sun is still out, or fish in the incredibly strong tidal currents of Saltstraumen.

The town itself, with the northern lights at your fingertips, has much to discover. Concerts in city park, shopping at charming boutique shops, cocktails on the quay with sea eagles soaring across the ocean, and the well-preserved trading post at Kjærringøy are all a part of this laid-back town. If you’re travelling in August, enjoy Nordland Musikkfestuke and Parkenfestivalen, Bodø’s two major music festivals.

12. Fredrikstad

Fredrikstad is a quaint town with significant historical roots. Though much of Norway is cold for much of the year, the warmth of the locals is so sincere, that you won’t feel the temperature as much!  Home to the most well-preserved fortress in all of Scandinavia, Fredrikstad dates back to the 16th century and has a ton of history to discover.

Old town is a popular and charming spot for tourists.  You can relax over a bottle of wine or an Italian coffee before heading out to the Fredrikstad Museum, or one of many art galleries or shops in the market. The nearby Hvaler Islands are, geographically speaking, the sunniest part in Norway.  In the summer, domestic tourists love this region for a relaxing getaway and to explore Ytre Hvaler National Park.

Perhaps the best Norwegian destination to view the northern lights, Alta has a ton of activates you’ll enjoy. For starters, try a snow mobile safari or dog sledding. The first ever observatory for the northern lights was built here at the end of the 19th century. Popular attractions include the UNESCO Word Heritage designated rock carvings of the Sami culture (dating to 4200 to 500 BC) and the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel (yes, all interiors and exterior are made of snow).

The climate is mild but because of its extreme north location, Alta has 24 hours of daylight from May to August each year and “blue season” is from November to January. Take in the Alta Fjord, coasts, and mountains while you enjoying biking, hiking, and fishing in this dazzling town.

Founded in 1644, Røros is an important mining town entirely made up of wooden buildings. It’s grown into a modern community even as it maintains its historical status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Because it still has so much of its original character, it feels like you’re visiting a living museum.

Take a stroll through old courtyards and narrow streets where you’ll find craftsmen selling locally made clothing, ceramics, and delicious food. Named a Sustainable Destination in 2013, Røros is committed to reducing its tourism footprint and maintaining its history and quality experience for guests.

15. Helgeland

With so much natural beauty and top-quality outdoor adventure in Norway it’s no small feat that Helgeland stands out as distinctive in this area.  Explore countless white sand beaches on countless pristine islands when you visit the Vega archipelago, just off Helgoland’s coast. Island hop with a kayak or a bike through this UNESCO-protected area.

If you’re a bird watcher, you’ll have the chance to spot over 200 species in Lånan, including sea eagles and eider ducks. Each April locals help the ducks prepare the nesting site and after nesting season is over, they harvest the down in order to make their famous high-quality duvets. While there make a visit to Svartisen, the second largest glacier in the country and enjoy a long hike across the surface.

15 Best Places to Visit in Norway:

• Jotunheimen National Park
• Lofoten Islands
• The Western Fjords
• Fredrikstad

The 15 best places to visit in Norway

There’s so much world-beating scenery, and so many amazing places to visit and things to do in Norway that it’s really tough to come up with a list of the very best places.

But, of course, you can’t do everything in just one trip, so we’ve scoured the country and picked our 15 favourites.

Best for picturesque scenery: Geirangerfjord

It may not be one of the Norway’s largest fjords, but what Geirangerfjord lacks in size it makes up for with its stunning location and breathtaking scenery.

Part of a Unesco World Heritage site, the fjord cuts deep inland with steep mountains looming either side, and thundering waterfalls gushing down them into the water below.

The classic fjord scenery and dramatic landscapes make Geirangerfjord one of Norway’s most visited attractions – but don’t let that deter you. Its jaw-dropping beauty and sheer natural majesty will reward even the most jaded of travellers.

If you’re visiting, it’s a good idea to grab a hop-on, hop-off bus pass .

Best for city sophistication: Oslo

Norway’s capital Oslo is a pleasant place to spend a few days, with a stunning waterfront location. Grand 19th century buildings stand alongside some of Scandinavia’s most impressive examples of contemporary architecture.

As you would expect of the home city of Munch and Ibsen and Grieg, it takes its art and culture seriously with a number of prestigious museums, including the impressive Nasjonalgalleriet and the fascinating Kunstinustrimuseet.

For such a small city Oslo can be surprisingly lively too, with bustling bars, cafés and restaurants – not to mention the popular floating sauna scene.

And, of course, winter sports are a big thing here – after all there aren’t many capital cities where you can go skiing or sledging by metro. And in summer, you can swim or kayak in the Oslofjord .

These boat tours and cruises are also worth a look!

Best for glacier walks: Jostedalsbreen

If you’re going to go for a walk on a glacier, you may as well make it the largest one in mainland Europe. The Jostedalsbreen glacier is some 37 miles long with whitish-blue arms of ice covering almost half of the Jostedalsbreen National Park.

Hiking on an icy landscape formed thousands of years ago is a magical experience. You can get up close to the creaking ice, explore ice caves and look out for the weird and wonderful ice sculptures made by nature.

For more on Norway’s glaciers and how to get to them, check out our Norwegian glacier guide .

Best for dramatic views: Preikestolen

The iconic 604m-high Preikestolen, more commonly known as Pulpit Rock, is one of the most snapped sights in Norway.

Familiar to viewers from the breathtaking final fight scene of Mission Impossible: Fallout , its height and sheer cliff faces towering over the blue Lysefjord below make it an iconic sight.

It’s also a popular hiking route , which combines gentle forest trails and rocky paths with the dramatic summit and its jaw-dropping views.

It takes about four hours to clamber up to the summit and back down again, and the trip can be easily done on an organized tour, such as this one or tackled independently (this option tends to suit more intrepid walkers).

If this one’s on your wishlist, check out our hiking guide – it has loads more info on hiking to the summit .

Best for mountains: The Jotunheimen Nasjonalpark

A vast mountainous wilderness, the Jotunheimen Nasjonalpark is the place to head for serious hiking and mountain-climbing.

With its spectacular snow-capped scenery, glacial lakes and valleys, it’s home to a huge concentration of mountains peaks, including Norway’s (and northern Europe’s) two highest mountains – not to mention the country’s highest waterfall.

But it’s not just experienced outdoor types who can enjoy the park – a network of paths, mountain huts, and ferries across the blue-green lakes allow access to the park’s most dramatic viewpoints.

Best for island-hopping: Lofoten

Lofoten – a necklace of islands strung out along Norway’s northern coast – is a beautiful archipelago of mountains, pretty fishing villages and white-sand beaches.

The wild scenery and relaxed, unhurried pace of life make Lofoten a great place to kick back and chill out for a few days. If you’re feeling energetic there are some great hikes, or you can do some swimming or kayaking round its picture-postcard coves and inlets.

This can be a relatively tricky part of Norway to explore under your own steam but fortunately there are some amazing guided tours worth joining .

Best for seascapes: a Hurtigruten cruise

Well, it’s not exactly a place, but a trip on a Hurtigruten cruise liner allows access to some of Norway’s most remote settlements and inlets that you would never otherwise visit.

Running from Bergen to Kirkenes, this iconic Norwegian boat route was a former supply ship and often the only lifeline to villages unconnected to the rest of the country by road.

Today, Hurtigruten services still provide a vital daily service to many places, but the boats also give travellers a chance to see some of Norway’s most stunning scenery. So hop on and take the slow route past some of the world’s most spectacular coastline and mountainscapes.

For more on this spectacular coastal journey, see our ultimate guide to sailing the Hurtigruten route .

The prettiest village: Mundal

Often touted as Norway’s prettiest village, Mundal’s traditional wooden houses line the waterfront, with snow-capped mountains looming above.

Tucked away at the top of the remote Fjærlandsfjorden, a branch of Norway’s longest fjord the Sognefjorden, Mundal’s isolated location has saved it from the usual tourist development.

Despite its population of less than 300, Mundal (also known as Fjærland) is Norway’s official ‘book town’, with secondhand books sold all over the village, from converted barns and sheds to bookshelves set up along the waterfront.

Best for whale-watching: Andenes

Although it’s a nice enough town in its own right, the main reason to visit Andenes on the island of Andøya is to go whale-watching.

The town is well-known for its whale safaris around the Vesterålen islands, whose waters harbour many different species including minke, humpbacks, pilots and sperm whales.

Indeed, many operators are so certain that you’ll see these amazing sea mammals during a boat trip that they’ll give you a refund if you don’t see any.

If you’re not sure where to start, read our guide to whale-safaris in Norway .

Best for train nerds: the Flåmsbana railway

This iconic train trip is a must-do, combining the romance of train travel with some of Norway’s most dramatic scenery.

One of the highlights of any trip to Norway, this trundling train runs a switchback route from the isolated village of Myrdal, some 867m above sea level, down to Flåm on the beautiful Aurlandsfjord.

The train is equipped with four sets of brakes to control its steep journey down the picturesque Flåm valley, past wooded hillsides, narrow gorges and the thundering 140m-high Kjosfossen waterfall.

For more, read our full guide to one of the world’s most spectacular train trips .

Best for wildlife: Svalbard

One of the remotest places on earth, the icy, snow-covered island of Svalbard is a magnet for lovers of nature, wilderness and wildlife.

High up in the Arctic Circle, this isolated archipelago is home to more polar bears than people, and makes a magical destination for those with a real sense of adventure.

On land, there’s a good chance of seeing reindeer, Arctic foxes and polar bears, while the surrounding waters harbour walruses, whales and seals amongst others.

And if you tire off all that wildlife, you can take a snowmobile tour to explore the icy wastes and do some northern lights spotting.

Best for adventure: Voss

Tucked between the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord, Norway’s extreme sports capital, Voss has pretty much everything the adrenaline-seeker could want.

From skiing, white-river rafting, extreme mountain-biking to para-glding and base jumping, there’s no sport too scary that you can’t do it here.

For more how to get a serious adrenaline rush during your trip, see our guide to extreme sports in Norway .

The best drive in Norway: Trollstigen

Thrill-seekers will love the adrenaline rush that you get when driving the Trollstigen (the Troll’s Road), one of the world’s most dramatic – and frankly terrifying! – roads.

The route from Åndalsnes up to the Trollstigveien Plateau is not for the faint-hearted – its twists through 11 switchback bends on its way up the mountain.

However the rewards are enormous – expect gushing waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and amazing views. There are a couple of intriguing architect-designed viewpoints that make the most of the spectacular vistas.

If you don’t fancy doing the drive yourself – and let’s face it, you’ll need pretty strong nerves and stomach – you can take a bus tour along the road, or even tackle its twists and turns by electric bike .

Best for selfies: The Kjerag boulder

Norway’s ultimate selfie-spot the Kjerag boulder is wedged between two cliff-faces high above the beautiful blue Lysefjord. The hike up here passes through woodlands and rocky glacial landscapes with ever-improving views as you get higher.

But, it’s the boulder shot everyone’s after, so step out onto this small rock suspended some 1000 metres up in the air – if you dare!

You can do the hike yourself in six to eight hours there and back or go or an organized tour with an experienced guide .

Best for browsing: Bergen

Despite being Norway’s second city, Bergen’s old town is all brightly painted wooden houses and cobbled streets, with an atmospheric, small-town feel. Undeniably pretty, its location is hard to beat too, spread around the waterfront, with wooded hills as a backdrop.

Its laid-back vibe, attractive old town, independent shops and excellent cafés and restaurants make it worth spending some time here, before heading out to explore the wonderful fjords on its doorstep.

You can simply wander through backstreets on your own, or get all the inside info on the city on this walking tour with a local guide .

On a quick visit to Norway? Here are our top five must-visit places:

1) Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) 2) Jotunheimen Nasjonalpark 3) Lofoten Islands 4) Trollstigen 5) Bergen

The 10 best fjords in Norway

Norway’s best glaciers and how to reach them

Eight great hiking tours in Norway

5 of the best places to stop on Norway’s Atlantic Road

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The spectacular train ride from Bergen to Flåm

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Whale watching in Norway: when, where and how

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updated 19.09.2019

With its rearing mountains and deep, blue-black fjords, Norway remains a wilderness outpost in a tamed and crowded continent. Everything here is on the grand scale with the country boasting some of Europe’s harshest and most beautiful land- and seascapes. Read our run-down of the best things to do in Norway.

1. Explore the beauty of Geirangerfjord

2. go to wildlife safaris in svalbard, 3. have a look at the intricate sculptures in vigelandsparken, 4. take a train ride on the flåmsbana, 5. visiting bergen - one of the first things to do in norway, 6. be surprised by the intricate architecture in ålesund, 7. go whale-watching at andenes, 8. visit medieval nidaros domkirke in trondheim, 9. explore the jostedalsbreen glacier, 10. have a look at medieval woodcarvings in urnes stave church, 11. feel the viking spirit alongside the oseberg longship, 12. experience the northern lights, 13. appreciate the art of edvard munch, 14. explore alta rock carvings, 15. immerse yourself in the norwegian way of life at henningsvær, 16. cross-country skiing - one of the best things to do in norway in winter, 17. visit the norsk fiskevaersmuseum in å, 18. go swimming at the oslofjord.

• 19. Observe the Værøy's sea-bird colonies

20. Embrace the beauty of Hjørundfjord

21. take a cruise on the hurtigruten coastal boat, 22. spend a night in a lighthouse, 23. stay at juvet landscape hotel, 24. walk in the jotunheimen mountains, 25. witness the midnight sun in the arctic circle.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Norway , your essential guide for visiting Norway .

Shadowed by rearing mountains, the S-shaped Geirangerfjord is one of Norway’s most stunningly beautiful fjords. Any approach to Geiranger is spectacular.

Arriving by ferry reveals the village tucked away in a hollow at the eastern end of the fjord while approaching from the north by road involves thundering along a fearsome set of switchbacks on the Ørnevegen (‘Eagle Way’) for a first view of the village and the fjord glinting in the distance.

Enjoy a tour of Norway's most picturesque locations including Ålesund, Hellesylt, Stranda, Sykkylven, Geirangerfjord, and Eidsdal.

Find accommodation options to stay near Geirangerfjord

Geirangerfjord, Norway © Nikiforov Alexander/Shutterstock

From polar-bear spotting to birdwatching to husky drives, the vast, glaciated landscapes of this gorgeous Arctic archipelago offer a spectacular range of wildlife safaris as well as a variety of other things to do in Norway.

Guided tours are big business in Svalbard and you can choose anything from hiking and snowmobiling to kayaking. Or try ice-caving, dog-sledging or boat trips. For those who wish to see wildlife, Zodiac offers boat and snowmobile safari trips. The most prized sighting of course is of the local polar bears. However, there there are all manner of other Arctic fauna too.

Or, try taking a trip to one of the former coal mines. Tours of glaciers — and glacier tunnels — are also popular.

Find accommodation options to stay at Svalbard

Polar bear in Svalbard, Norway © Ritesh Chaudhary/Shutterstock

Before his death in 1943, Gustav Vigeland populated Oslo’s favourite park with his fantastical, phantasmagorical sculptures. It’s a literally fantastic concoction, medieval in spirit and complexity, and it was here that Vigeland had the chance to let his imagination run riot.

From the monumental wrought-iron gates on Kirkeveien, the central path takes you to the footbridge over the river and a world of frowning, fighting and posturing bronze figures – the local favourite is Sinnataggen (The Angry Child). Beyond, the central fountain is an enormous bowl representing the burden of life, supported by straining, sinewy bronze Goliaths.

Discover Oslo's unique attractions and learn about the city's history on a comprehensive guided tour . See panoramic views of the city from Holmenkollen Hill and learn about Gustav Vigeland.

Vigeland sculpture in Oslo park, Norway © FrauTori/Shutterstock

A ride on the Flåm railway from high up in the mountains to the fjords way down below is one of the most dramatic train journeys in the world and one of the best things to do in Norway.

The lonely railway junction of Myrdal, just forty minutes or so by train from Voss, is the start of one of Europe’s most celebrated branch rail lines, the Flåmsbana, a 20km, 900m plummet down the Flåmsdal valley to Flåm. This fifty-minute train ride should not be missed if at all possible, despite the hordes of tourists – it’s part of the ‘Norway in a Nutshell' route.

Embark on Guided Full-Day Tour to Nærøyfjord & Flåm Railway . Experience the Nærøyfjord, one of the narrowest fjords in the world, and travel by road, rail, and water while admiring the panoramic views.

Flam railway, Norway © Alex Jackson/Shutterstock

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Norway’s second city is an eminently appealing place with a clutch of fine old buildings, great restaurants and top-notch art galleries. Bergen is one of Norway’s most enjoyable cities, boasting a spectacular setting, amid seven hills and sheltered to the north, south and west by a series of straggling islands.

There’s plenty to see in town too, from sturdy old stone buildings and terraces of tiny wooden houses to a veritable raft of museums and art galleries, while just outside the city limits are Edvard Grieg’s home, Troldhaugen, as well as the charming open-air Gamle Bergen (Old Bergen) museum.

Where to stay in Bergen:

• Best for location: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Bergen
• Best for unique and charming vibes: Det Hanseatiske Hotel

Find more accommodation options to stay in Bergen

Visiting Bergen is one of the essential things to do in Norway © Mikhail Varentsov/Shutterstock

Nudging out into the ocean, beguiling Ålesund boasts a wonderful coastal setting and a platoon of handsome Art Nouveau buildings. The fishing and ferry port of Ålesund is immediately – and distinctively – different from any other Norwegian town. Neither old clapboard houses nor functional concrete and glass is much in evidence in the old centre.

Instead, there’s a proud conglomeration of stone and brick, three-storey buildings, whose pastel-painted facades are lavishly decorated and topped off by a forest of towers and turrets. Neoclassical and mock-Gothic facades, decorative flowers and even a pharaoh or two, the whole ensemble ambling around the town’s several harbours.

Where to stay in Ålesund:

• Best for Art Nouveau design: Hotel 1904
• Best for the bay views: Scandic Parken

Find more accommodation options in Ålesund

Alesund, Geirangerfjord, Norway © Andrew Mayovskyy/Shutterstock

Pilots, minkes, humpbacks and sperm whales show themselves in all their glory during summertime excursions off the Vesterålen coast. At the very tip of Andøya island, Andenes strains northwards, its solid breakwaters protecting a central lagoon like the pincers of a stag beetle.

The Rough Guides to Norway and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

There’s no denying that Andenes feels rather like the end of the world, but the combined effects of the Gulf Stream and the proximity of the Eggakanten continental shelf make the waters off Andenes especially rich in wildlife – enough to spawn a small tourist industry built on whale-watching and wildlife safaris.

Sperm whale, Norway© Kjersti Joergensen/Shutterstock

Trondheim’s vaunted Gothic and neo-Gothic domkirke (cathedral) is the largest medieval building in Scandinavia – and one of northern Europe’s finest religious structures. Although this city is often overlooked by travellers, it still boasts many attractions , with Domkirke Nidaros topping the list.

Gloriously restored following several fires and the upheavals of the Reformation, the cathedral, which is dedicated to St Olav remains the focus of any visit to Trondheim and is best explored in the early morning, when it’s reasonably free of tour groups. In the summertime, there are free English-language guided tours and you can climb the cathedral tower for a panoramic view over the city and its surroundings.

Where to stay in Trondheim:

• Best for high-quality stays: Britannia Hotel
• Best for B&B: Thon Hotel Prinsen

Find more accommodation options to stay in Trondheim

Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim © May_Lana/Shutterstock

Take a guided hike out onto this mighty ice plateau as it grinds and groans, slips and slithers its way across the mountains behind the Nordfjord. High up in the mountains, dominating the whole of the inner Nordfj ord, lurks the Jostedalsbreen glacier, a sprawling ice plateau that creaks, grumbles and moans out towards the Sognefj ord and the Jotunheimen mountains.

The glacier’s myriad arms – or nodules – nudge down into the nearby valleys, the clay particles of its meltwater giving the local rivers and lakes their distinctive light-green colouring. Catching sight of the ice nestling between peaks and ridges can be unnerving – the overwhelming sentiment being that somehow it shouldn’t really be there.

Nigardsbreen is a glacier arm of the large Jostedalsbreen glacier © Nicram Sabod/Shutterstock

Perhaps the finest of Norway’s stave churches, Urnes is distinguished by the frenzied intricacy of its woodcarving. Magnificently sited across the Lustrafjord from Solvorn, with the hamlet of Ornes down below and the mountains in the distance, Urnes Stave Church is the oldest and most celebrated of its type in Norway.

Parts of the building date back to the twelfth century, and its most remarkable feature is its wonderful medieval carvings. On the outside, incorporated into the north wall, are several exquisite door panels, alive with a swirling filigree of strange beasts and delicate vegetation.

Urnes stave church, Norway © Dmitry Naumov/Shutterstock

Of the handful of Viking longships that have survived, the Oseberg is the best preserved – and was unearthed complete with a rich treasure trove of burial goods. Viking decorative art was also pan-Scandinavian, with the most distinguished work being the elaborate and often grotesque animal motifs that adorned their longships, sledges, buildings and furniture.

The Oseberg longship is thought to be the burial longship of Åse, wife of the early ninth-century Yngling king, Gudrød the Hunter. She was also the mother of Halfdan the Black, whose body had a very different fate from her own – it was chopped up, and the bits were buried across his kingdom to ensure the fertility of the land.

Oseberg viking longship © Dmitry Reznichenko/Shutterstock

At once eerily disconcerting and bewitchingly beautiful, the aurora borealis flicker across northern Norway’s winter firmament at irregular and unpredictable intervals. Experiencing the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, is one of the best things to do in Norway, as the country is located in the northern part of the polar region where the lights are most commonly visible.

The Northern Lights are typically visible in Norway between late September and early April when the nights are long and the sky is clear. The best time to see the lights is when the solar activity is at its highest, which is typically between November and February.

If you are intrigued by the phenomenon of the northern lights, read the impression about a magical journey to Norway’s Arctic north from one of our Rough Guide authors.

This tailor-made Aurora tour in Finland, Norway and Sweden is perfect for people who want to explore the Arctic. Begin your journey from the southern part of Finland via Sweden up to the northern part of Norway. Most importantly, you will be hunting for the Northern Lights in the best locations!

Witnessing the Northern lights is on the top of the list of the best things to do in Norway © Shutterstock

Munch’s unsettling, highly charged paintings appear in several of the country’s museums, most memorably at the Nasjonalgalleriet in Oslo . Edvard Munch was a Norwegian painter, printmaker, and artist who is best known for his iconic painting "The Scream." Born in 1863 in Løten, Norway, Munch began studying art at a young age and went on to become one of the leading figures of the Expressionist movement.

"The Scream," one of Edvard Munch's most famous works, is housed in the Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway. The Munch Museum is a dedicated museum of art and cultural history that is home to a collection of over 28,000 works by Munch and other Norwegian artists.

Where to stay in Oslo:

• Best for boutique stays: Saga Hotel
• Best for budget: Citybox Oslo

Find more attractive accommodation options to stay in Oslo

Bjørvika and the New Edvard Munch museum by night in Oslo © Morten Normann Almeland/Shutterstock

Simple in design but complex in their symbolism, Alta’s striking prehistoric rock carvings offer insight into the beliefs of the region’s earliest inhabitants. First impressions of Alta, some 400km from Tromsø, are not encouraging with the town’s twenty thousand inhabitants hunkering down in a string of humdrum, modern settlements.

The town does have a one-star attraction, the Alta Museum, home to the most extensive area of prehistoric rock carvings in northern Europe. Alta also makes an excellent base for explorations out into the Finnmarksvidda plateau, whether it be hiking, riverboat safaris, dog-sledging, snowmobiling or cross-country skiing.

Prehistoric petroglyphs in Alta © itociotola/Shutterstock

The Lofoten islands are peppered with scores of picture-postcard fishing villages, of which Henningsvær is among the most arresting. Henningsvær is one of Lofoten’s most picturesque and beguiling seaports, its lattice of cramped and twisting lanes lined with brightly painted wooden houses.

Tourism is the big deal here today and consequently, the town is well supplied with places to eat, drink and sleep – and there’s even some congestion as tour parties are bussed in and out. Nonetheless, it’s a lovely spot that well deserves an overnight stay at the very least.

Where to stay in Henningsvær:

• Best for modern stays: Tobiasbrygga
• Best for central location: Henningsvær Guesthouse

Find more accommodation options to stay in Henningsvær

Henningsver Lofoten, Norway © ChrisNoe/Shutterstock

Norway’s meadows, moors and mountains boast thousands of kilometres of powdered runs just waiting for adventuresome skiers. You might choose to start at Lillehammer. Cross-country skiing is a major facet of winter life in Norway. Approximately half the population are active in the sport, and many Norwegians still use skis to get to work or school.

Wherever you are in wintertime Norway, you’re never far from a cross-country ski route, whilst at major ski resorts sets of parallel ski tracks called loipe are cut in the snow by machines with the cross-country skier in mind: they provide good gliding conditions and help keep the skis parallel; some loipe are floodlit.

Find some more information about skiing in Norway in our A to B by cross-country ski in Norway guide .

Cross-country skiing in Norway © canadastock/Shutterstock

Hanging on for dear life between the mountains and the sea, the tiny village of Å has preserved many of its nineteenth-century buildings within the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum.

Pretty much left to its own devices for many decades, Å is something of a late nineteenth-century museum piece, where the pride of the historic place goes to the engaging Norsk Fiskerværsmuseum (Norwegian Fishing Village Museum).

There are about fifteen buildings to explore here, including a boathouse, forge, cod-liver-oil processing plant, rorbuer, and the houses of both the traders who dominated things hereabouts and the fishermen who did their bidding.

Fiskevaersmuseum and fishing huts in Lofoten © rweisswald/Shutterstock

The islands of the Oslofjord are great for swimming, sunbathing and walking – and they are just a short ferry ride from the city centre. Necklacing the inner Oslofjord, the archipelago of low-lying, lightly forested islands to the south of the city centre has become the capital’s summer playground.

On sunny, summer days, the city’s youth troop off to the less populated islands to party in earnest – with a bit of beach life added to the stew – though the prettiest island, Hovedøya, with its pocket-sized beaches and wooded walks, avoids the high jinks.

Oslofjord © Dreamstime

19. Observe the Værøy's sea-bird colonies

This remote Lofoten island is renowned for its profuse birdlife, which includes puffins, cormorants, kittiwakes, guillemots and even rare sea eagles. The second most southerly of the Lofoten Islands, Værøy is just 8km long, with a slender, lightly populated, grassy-green coastal strip that shunts up towards the steep, bare mountains.

The island is well known for its thriving bird colonies: Måstadfjell hosts well over a million puffins, eiders and gulls that breed noisily in the summer months. Værøy’s most important bird cliffs occupy the southwest corner of the island, but their sheer rockfaces are much too steep and slippery to approach on foot, so your best bet is to take a boat trip.

Puffins in Norway © Shutterstock

Wild and windswept, the deep, dark waters and icy peaks of this distant fjord make it one of Norway’s most elegiac. Only 40km long, the Hjørundfjord is one of the most visually impressive fjords in the whole of the country, a stirringly melancholic place of almost intimidating beauty. Hiking here is one of the best things to do in Norway for spectacular scenery.

Perhaps appropriately, it takes its name from the terrible times when the Black Death swept Norway, leaving the fjord with just one inhabitant, a woman called Hjørund, who wandered its peaks crying out at the heavens.

Hjorundfjord, Norway © TMAg/Shutterstock

See Norway in all its scenic splendour on the Hurtigruten coastal boat, which sails north all the way from Bergen to Kirkenes. Norway’s most celebrated ferry journey on the Hurtigruten coastal boat is among the unforgettable things to do in Norway.

To many, the Hurtigruten remains the quintessential Norwegian experience, and it’s certainly the best way to observe the drama of the country’s extraordinary coastline. Eleven ships combine to provide one daily service in each direction, and the boats stop off at over thirty ports on the way.

Cruise ship, Hurtigruten, Trollfjord, Norway © ChrisNoe/Shutterstock

Glued to a storm-battered islet, Ryvingen Fyr, near Mandal, is one of several lighthouses that make for fabulous places to stay. The Norsk Fyrhistorisk Forening is an umbrella organization that has taken the lead in preserving and conserving the country’s lighthouses.

Some of the lighthouses can be reached by road, but others can only be reached by boat and, with one or two lavish exceptions, the accommodation on offer – where it is on offer – is fairly frugal and inexpensive. The reward is the scenery – almost by definition these lighthouses occupy some of the wildest locations imaginable.

Norway is stunningly beautiful and is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world for a reason. For even more breathtakingly beautiful countries, check out our list of the most beautiful countries around the world .

Aerial view of Feistein fyr outside of the coast of Rogaland, Norway © PatrickL/Shutterstock

One of Norway’s most delightful hotels, with freestanding rooms, carved out of spruce, is set smack in a verdant river canyon – staying here is like watching an IMAX documentary from your bedroom. Juvet Landscape uber-cool and ultra-modern hotel that stands in the middle of a forested canyon with views of mountain peaks on one side, and the Valldøla River on the other.

Seven of the guest rooms feature deep, dark woods, playful bathrooms and unique Japanese-Norwegian recliners, each of which is perched so that you can gaze out at the wilderness beyond.

View near Juvet Landscape Hotel © CinaedKSM/Shutterstock

One of Norway’s most celebrated hiking areas, the Jotunheimen National Park is crisscrossed with trails and includes northern Europe’s two highest peaks. Norway’s most celebrated hiking area, Jotunheimen nasjonalpark (‘Home of the Giants’ National Park), lives up to its name: pointed summits and undulating glaciers dominate the skyline, soaring high above river valleys and lake-studded plateaus.

Covering no less than 1152 sq km, the park offers an amazing concentration of high peaks, more than two hundred of which rise above 1900m, including Norway’s (and northern Europe’s) two highest mountains, Galdhøpiggen (2469m) and Glittertind (2452m). Here also is Norway’s highest waterfall, Vettisfossen.

Gjende lake in Jotunheimen mountains, Norway © Swen Stroop/Shutterstock

On and above the Arctic Circle, an imaginary line drawn around the Earth at latitude 66.5 degrees north, there is a period around midsummer during which the sun never makes it below the horizon, even at midnight – hence the midnight sun. On the Arctic Circle itself, this only happens on one night of the year – at the summer solstice – but the further north you go, the greater the number of nights without darkness.

Obviously, the midnight sun is best experienced on a clear night, but fog or cloud can turn the sun into a glowing, red ball – a spectacle that can be wonderful but also strangely unsettling. All the region’s tourist offices have the exact dates of the midnight sun, though note that these are calculated at sea level; climb up a hill and you can extend the dates by a day or two.

Midnight sun on the Longyearbyen waterfront in Svalbard in the Norwegian Arctic © Shutterstock

If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Norway without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.

Ready for a trip to Norway ? Check out the snapshot of The Rough Guide to Norway . If you travel further in Norway, read more about the best time to go and the best places to visit in Norway. For inspiration use the itineraries from The Rough Guide to Norway . A bit more hands-on, learn about getting there , getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.

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20 best places to visit in norway [2024 travel guide].

After driving more than 3,000 kilometres through Norway, it’s fair to say we got a true feel for the country.

We travelled from the most easterly point, to the most northerly point, right across to the most westerly points, and all the way to the most southerly part!

And best of all, we were able to complete our epic road trips through Norway in the months of October and November, when the snow was thick on the ground and the fjords were white and ice-covered in all their glory.

Along the way, we did most of the things to do in Norway that we were most excited for, and discovered even more wondrous places we couldn’t have even planned for!

So, if you’re planning a trip to Norway and are looking for where to go, here is my ultimate guide on what I believe to be the 20 best places to visit in Norway.

Let’s get stuck in ...

Travellerspoint

If you dare to venture into the far northeast of Norway, you will discover a small, charming town called Vardo .

It’s a little out of the way, and in fact the drive here from the popular city of Kirkens (more on that below) took a good day of driving.

But as you will soon discover, many of the best places to see in Norway actually lie on the roads between destinations.

With Vardo it’s no different, as you spend almost the whole day driving alongside the glacier and ocean.

Driving in Norway in winter is truly spectacular, and this drive was one of my favourites from the whole trip.

And when you get to Vardo, you are greeted by a charming city, complete with cafes, bars, restaurants and even the world’s most northernmost stone fortress!

Also, you have to pass by this town in order to get to what is possibly the most underrated place to visit in all of Norway ...

2. Hamningberg

There’s a very good reason why Hamningberg is one of the least touristy places anywhere in Norway …

It’s because getting here is far from easy!

There is only one road in and out of Hamningberg, and you have to first go to Vardo in order to get to that road.

Then, if you plan on visiting in winter, when there’s snow on the ground, then you need a heavy duty road vehicle to get you there.

In turns out that we were very naive on our visit as we failed to realise just how isolated Hamningberg is and how arduous can be at that time of year.

Fortunately however, in late October the road was still being cleared, so we could pass through.

It also helps that our campervan was built on a Toyota Hilux, with thick off-road tyres and 4 wheel drive.

So if you do plan on visiting here in a Norwegian campervan or motorhome rental , just make sure it's equipped for that kind of weather!

What made this place so special was the mesmerising drive the whole way.

The only way I can describe it is like driving through the landscape from that frozen planet in the movie Interstellar.

It gets to a point where you have only swirling ocean on one side, and steep unforgiving mountain cliffs on the other.

It’s incredible!

Hamningberg itself is very small, a remote fishing village that is actually abandoned in the winter months!

We spent the night camping here and were greeted with the most spectacular Northern Lights display!

View this post on Instagram Headed to the most North Eastern Part of #Norway and the #northernlights said hello! Got to practice this night photography stuff but not a bad attempt 😋 It really is as amazing as it looks 😍 Have you seen the Northern Lights? #tingglyexperiencss A post shared by Cazzy & Bradley (@dreambigtravelfar) on Oct 24, 2019 at 1:01pm PDT

3. North Cape

If Hamningberg was my favourite and most rugged place to visit in Norway, then I would say that the North Cape is my second favourite.

It’s the most northerly point, not only in Norway, but anywhere in mainland Europe.

It’s actually a small island off Norway that is now connected by bridge.

Once again, it was the drive here that was so memorable, the whole way driving alongside some of the best fjords in Norway, as well as countless fishing villages.

There are a series of long tunnels and bridges that forge their way up to the north cape, with the scenery getting more dramatic and desolate the further you go.

Up at the North Cape is a tourist centre and restaurant area where you can visit the iconic globe statue, located at the most northerly point.

It’s a huge sense of achievement getting here by car, as you have to go a very long way to get there.

In fact, it took us more than a month of driving to reach here from Vilnius (in Lithuania) .

4. Lyngenfjord Bridge

Located a little off the beaten track (like most of Norway’s best attractions), to get to Lyngenfjord you need to be prepared for a bit of hiking.

The closest car park is about an hour’s walk from the bridge (at least by our walking standards), and to get there you get the pleasure of heading up a winding valley road deep into the mountains.

There is a longer hike you can do, with a big loop like walk that would probably take closer to 4 or 5 hours, but I’m sure would be well worth it!

The bridge itself is the main attraction, spanning a gorge, offering unparalleled views of a giant waterfall.

As someone who has developed a fear of heights in recent years, it’s fair to say I was more than a little freaked out going over the bridge, but it’s perfectly safe don’t worry.

In fact you can even bungee jump off the bridge if you feel up for it!

As it was minus 10 degrees at its warmest by this point in the year, the waterfall was almost entirely frozen over, which was an awesome site!

I think Alta is one of the best places to visit in Norway if you need somewhere to base yourself for exploring the rest of northern Norway .

It’s a fairly sizeable town (at least by Norway’s standards) and is home to some really cool buildings, in particular, the Cathedral Of The Northern Lights .

It is situated on the shores of a gorgeous fjord, and we actually spent the night wild camping by one, just outside of town.

If you need somewhere to restock on food and other supplies, Alta is a great place to do it.

In fact, this town actually saved us as we had completely ran out of gas in Finnish Lapland and needed somewhere to get winter gas in order to survive those arctic -25 degree nights!

For that Alta, we will be forever grateful!

There are all kinds of things to do in Alta, including hunting for the Northern Lights , dog sledding and much more.

Here’s a useful page for more information .

Tromso is one of the most popular places to visit in Norway, as it has good roads getting there and even an airport.

There is also a busy cruise port as well, so it’s popular for everyone, regardless of how you plan on getting around Norway!

The city is very charming, and actually looks really cool from across the water.

Tromso seemed to us to be a good place to base yourself if you plan on flying into Norway, renting a car and then exploring some of the most beautiful parts of northern Norway, mentioned already.

Jus like Alta, it's a really popular place to do do all kinds of tours and activities. In particular, we saw lots of options for dog sledding in Tromso , an experience we would highly recommend!

We got to do it when in Lapland and it was great fun all round, not just for us but more so the huskies who clearly love it!

7. Reine (Lofoten Islands)

The Lofoten Islands are, according to locals, getting increasingly popular year on year.

And to be honest, it’s not exactly hard to see why!

The drive down through the Lofoten Islands is nothing short of spectacular, with perhaps a dozen (I lost count) enormous, winding bridges connecting all of the roads.

Once you get down the end of the islands, you come to a small town called Reine.

It turns out that you can get ferries here, so despite the road down here being almost empty, we suddenly found ourselves surrounded by other tourists!

Want to know why Reine is so popular?

Well, they say a picture paints a thousand words …

8. Nusfjord

The second of my favourite places to see in the Lofoten Islands is Nusfjord.

This is a real, old school Norwegian fishing village, complete with authentic buildings dating back decades.

It is still a functioning fishing village, but also a sort of experience, where you can visit and find out how these traditional towns work.

When we visited Norway in November, the town was shut down for the winter, and nothing was really open, but we still had a chance to wander around and discover the cool, red wooden buildings.

Apparently, if you visit in the summer once the catch has come in, the town is engulfed in the smell of fish, all out drying on large wooden structures.

9. Haukland Beach

There really are dozens of great things to see and do on the Lofoten Islands, but if I had to pick my third favourite spot here, it would probably be Haukland Beach.

Here, you can park up and walk right out and around the headland, taking in views of the dramatic crashing waves all around.

Alternatively, you can hike up the mountain there to get even better views for miles all around.

After visiting this beach, you can then drive through the tunnel, which brings you to another tiny village community.

Here you’ll find a beach with perfect breaks for surfing and even at that time of the year there were plenty of people out riding the freezing waves!

10. Trondheim

When crossing back into Norway from Sweden , we found ourselves passing by Trondheim.

We weren’t really too sure what to expect, and decided to visit on a whim.

What we found ended up being one of the best cities in Norway that we found!

Perhaps even my favourite.

It’s not a big city (though no city in Norway are big) and has tonnes of character and charm, complete with old traditional Norwegain buildings and a large Gothic cathedral.

They have a wonderful castle overlooking the city, and lots of charming cafes in the oldest part of the town.

For more information, check out our guide on all of the best things to do in Trondheim in one day .

11. The Atlantic Ocean Road

One thing we soon learned during our road trip through Norway is that the country is home to some of the most mesmerising bridges we’ve ever seen.

When passing through the coastal parts of Norway, it almost seems like you can’t go more than an hour without stopping over to photograph yet another stunning bridge.

Well, perhaps the most famous bridges are those located on the now infamous Atlantic Ocean Road.

It twists and turns, connecting tiny parcels of land to one another and forming a short yet inspiring road trip that you can’t help but love!

Many claim this to be one of the most scenic drives in the world, and it really is hard to disagree!

12. Rampestreken

When looking for some of the best hikes to do in Norway, we came across Rampestreken , located in southern Norway.

This is a large hill, with a small town called Andalsnes right at its base.

At the top of the hike (which takes 1 to 2 hours depending on fitness and weather conditions) is a large steel viewing platform which makes for some spectacular views out over the town and surrounding fjords.

When we did the climb, it was a lot of hard work as the ground was frozen and covered in ice, and there isn’t exactly much of a trail to go on in the first place.

But nonetheless, the views were more than worth it and I would 100% recommend others visit.

View this post on Instagram This was an AWESOME hike! I seen online there was a viewing platform at the top of the mountain and thought, yup I want to climb that. It was full incline in snow and ice and I fell a lot, but we did it and it was worth this view 😍 This is #Rampestreken Do you like to climb mountains? ❤ A post shared by Cazzy & Bradley (@dreambigtravelfar) on Nov 21, 2019 at 1:34pm PST

13. Geiranger Fjord

One of the things Norway is most famous for is its fjords, located all along its coastline.

To be honest, no matter which part of Norway you visit, as long as you head to the coast you should be able to find a fjord that you will truly love!

In fact, doing a fjord cruise is one of the most popular things to do in Norway and I am gutted we didn’t get a chance to do one as well!

But if I had to pick one fjord, then I would say that Geiranger Fjord was one of my favourites, and we seemed to spend a lot of time driving around it.

14. Lovatnet Lake (The Norwegian Gap of Dunloe)

Earlier on in the year, we were fortunate enough to complete an epic 16 day road trip in Ireland, where we got to visit Killarney.

From here, one of the best things you can see is the Gap Of Dunloe, arguably the most famously picturesque place in Ireland.

Well for me, Lovatnet Lake seemed to be all as much as beautiful and pristine as the Gap Of Dunloe.

It strikes a startling resemblance and this is now how I remember it!

It’s well worth a detour to visit if you are passing by, and is actually located near to a cable car that takes you up the mountain, with a restaurant and views out all across the fjords.

Probably worth a visit, though it fell a little outside of our budget for Norway !

15. The Flam Railway

This is another Norway attraction that we hadn’t planned on doing, until the day when we arrived in the cute town of Flam.

It quickly came to our attention that this is the most popular thing to do in the area, and so we hastily secured ourselves a couple tickets.

I'm glad we did …

The journey takes you deep into the mountains, about one hour up until you reach a small stop called Myrdal.

There’s not much to do here, but it’s the journey itself that is the best part of the visit.

Along the way, you get to learn about the history of the train and the railway, whilst also spotting waterfalls and long forgotten tracks all along the way.

You also stop off at Kjosfossen Falls along the way which was once again frozen during our visit!

It turns out that in the summer months, the Flam Railway takes thousands of passengers a day! Largely because cruise liners come all the way up the fjords to reach it.

16. Kristiansand

Another one of my few favourite cities in Norway is Kristiansand.

Once again, though not big, there’s plenty to do here for a day, as well as a big range of cafes, bars and restaurants.

When you’ve spent weeks out hiking and exploring desolate fjords it’s sometimes nice to head into a city and readjust briefly to civilisation!

I really enjoyed just walking the city, especially during late November when it was gearing up for Christmas with all the decorations out on display.

But there are other things to do here as well, including a visit to the local Kristiansand Zoo and even some WW2 Gestapo headquarters .

17. Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)

By far, one of the most Instagrammable places to visit in Norway is Pulpit Rock.

I’ve gone ahead and added a picture below, and I think that should tell you everything you need to know about why you should visit!

The views from it are spectacular, made all the more memorable by the one and a half hour hike it takes to get here.

It’s actually one of Norway’s most popular sites where, in the summer months, they get up to a few thousand people hiking there every single day!

Our visit in November was very fortuitous, as there was no snow on the ground and we were perhaps the 5th and 6th people to get there that day, because we left early in the morning.

But don’t let the crowds put you off from visiting, just be prepared to wait a long time to get a photo at the spot.

For more information, check out the guide we wrote on visiting Pulpit Rock .

As it’s the capital of Norway, you would assume that Oslo is easily one of the top places to visit in Norway.

And yes, while it’s certainly worth a visit I will add that it should not be the main base for your trip.

In fact, if you only have a few days to visit Norway and you are flying into one of the Oslo airports, I would actually advise that you spend your time visiting other places on this list instead.

Right, now that I’m done insulting Oslo, here’s a few of the best reasons that you should actually visit!

Number one … if you are there in November or December, then the Christmas market here is awesome!

Easily one of my favourites ever, despite being far from the biggest.

Other great sites here, that are in this case open all year round, including the opera house and the royal palace.

Also, they now have electric scooters to rent which, as well as being a great way to get around the city, are SO much fun!

Just be sure to download the apps before your visit:

19. Fredrikstad

Before heading out of southern Norway, we decided to stop at the historic city of Fredrikstad.

This quickly became one of my favourite stops on the trip, though very small, the city is even older and more historical than Trondheim .

Well, it’s the oldest city in Norway!

Better yet, the old city has become somewhat of a museum, with many of the oldest buildings still in tact, and free for you to walk around.

They also have an assortment of museums, cafes and art galleries to visit.

20. Kirkenes

Last, but certainly not least, we have Kirkenes!

Whereas Fredrikstad is the southernmost major city in Norway, Kirkenes is located in the isolated far north east of the country.

It is extremely close to the border with both Russia and Finland , and it was our first stop after passing in from Lapland .

The city itself is nice and has some charm, but the main reason to visit is for all the great tours and activities on offer!

Amongst many other things, they offer a snow hotel, king crab fishing and tours to see the northern lights.

For more ideas of what to do in Kirkenes, check out this site here .

Well, that’s about it!

My top 20 Norway bucket list of great places to visit!

Though they are all amazing places to go in Norway, just be aware that they are located ALL across the country, and you will need your own car to see them all (check out our guide to the best car rentals here).

If this sounds like a tremendous adventure to you, then you should also check out my complete guide to the best road trips in Norway .

It’s also worth mentioning that there are a few places we really wanted to visit in Norway, but didn’t get a chance to.

These include ...

• Galdhøpiggen
• Kjeragbolten and Kjærrafossen waterfall

If you get the chance to visit any of them, then let me know below how you got on.

Similarly, if you have any other places to visit in Norway in winter or summer that you’d like to recommend, just drop a comment below!

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The Best Places in Norway – 13 Beautiful locations that will take your breath away!

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I think we can all agree that Norway is home to some incredibly beautiful destinations. Whether they are cities or villages, mountainous areas or farmland, there are so many beautiful places to visit in Norway.

Naturally, I have my own opinions when it comes to the best places in Norway, but at the same time; I haven’t been everywhere. That’s why I decided to call out for some help from some fellow travel bloggers who have all been to Norway!

They have all sent me their photos and opinions on what are the best places to visit in Norway, and so I hope this post can be a great guide for anyone wondering where to go in Norway.

Side note : if you want a post more specifically aimed at the Norwegian fjords, here is my guide to the best fjords in Norway !

Some of these destinations are absolutely breathtaking, and I believe they should all be on your bucket list. Out of all the places in Norway you should visit, these are some of the most breathtaking destinations. So, whether you are currently planning an upcoming trip to Norway, or just want to spend some time dreaming away to this beautiful country, I know you’ll like this post.

Read my complete travel guide to Norway here

This post has been published in Norwegian here .

Table of Contents

The 13 best places to visit in Norway, according to travellers who have been there

What makes me extra excited about this post is that every single one of these bloggers are avid travellers who love to explore and find new places. Having grown up in Norway myself, it is often difficult to see the country from a visitor’s side, and I tend to take many of Norway’s beautiful places for granted. That’s why I truly believe that this post shares the absolute best places to visit in Norway!

Read this next : My step-by-step guide to planning the perfect Norway vacation !

So, without further ado, I give you some of the most stunning destinations in Norway to add to your bucket list!

The Best Places in Norway

Please bear in mind that the list is numbered, but that does not mean that these Norwegian destinations are ranked. They are listed at random, and each are unique in their own way. All together, they make up the ultimate list of the best places in Norway! 

Did you know that I have written an eBook about Norway? It’s a travel guide to Aurland, Flåm and the fjord where I grew up, and I wrote it to help you plan your perfect trip to the area I call home! Find out more here!

Located in the northern part of Norway, Tromsø is tucked in a maze of stunning fjords that create a unique scenery. Its favorable geographic position (close to the Arctic Circle) make it one of the most preferred spots for Aurora Borealis viewers. It is possible to watch the Aurora even walking the streets of Tromsø (if there’s a strong Aurora), while for better Light displays it’s preferable to go out of the town on a tour to avoid light pollution.

In addition to this, the Sami culture is still very present in the Lapland region and you can witness some of their traditions while exploring a reindeer farm, or even join a dog sledding activity . Eventually, the seals from the Polaria Center will try to befriend you for a piece of bread.

Many other fishermen villages are spread throughout the fjords around Tromsø (i.e Kvaløya Island). Their little red wooden houses create a colorful scenery, having the serrated line of the mountains as a dramatic backdrop. It is very possible to drive the car and suddenly see a reindeer walking down the road – yes, this is something very normal for Lapland!

— Iuliana from Authentic Travels

Popular Tours in Tromsø:

You didn’t think I’d publish a list of the best places in Norway and not include my own hometown? The village where I grew up is one of the most beautiful places in Norway (in my humble opinion), and I love telling people about it and showing photos from home when I’m out travelling.

Aurland is a village located just a 10-minute drive from the better-known Flåm, where you can find the famous Flåm Railway. What most people don’t know is that Aurland is actually the name of the municipality of the whole area, and that technically, the village of Flåm is located in Aurland. What I love most about growing up here is that there are so many great things to do in Aurland , in addition to several sustainable experiences!

Visiting Aurland will allow you to get close to the beautiful Sognefjord, yet away from the hustle of Flåm, where it can get quite busy in the summer. From Aurland you can also jump on a fjord cruise to Gudvangen, which will take you through the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Nærøyfjord.

If you are hoping to see Aurland and the Nærøyfjord, and are flying into Oslo or Bergen, my Norway itineraries will help you plan your trip!

— Myself, Lisa from Fjords and Beaches

#3 The Nærøyfjord

It would be a crime not to visit the Nærøyfjord when in Norway. There, I said it. UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage Site for a reason.

As an arm of the Sognefjord , Norway’s longest and deepest fjord , the Nærøyfjord is the wildest and narrowest fjord in Norway. The Nærøyfjord cruise takes you through striking cliffs, forest-clad steep mountainsides, never-ending cascading waterfalls, marine wildlife, and quaint fjord villages. The fjord is bordered by towering cliffs on both the sides making the passage utterly narrow that you can even reach out the waterfalls.

There are many ways to experience this lovely fjord viz. cruise, boat tours, and kayak tours. Kayaking is hands-down best way to explore the Nærøyfjord. I’d recommend taking a fjord safari tour if you are traveling with kids. Most of the tours depart from the Flåm and Gudvangen harbors. Hit one of the well-marked hiking trails to enjoy the exquisite fjord views from the mountaintop lookout points.

The dramatic and beautiful Nærøyfjord settings inspired the kingdom of Arendelle in the movie Frozen . The Nærøyfjord is sure to take your breath away no matter what time of the year.

Here’s how you can experience the Nærøyfjord by booking the Norway in a Nutshell tour on your own!

— Anjali from Travel Melodies

#4 The Atlantic Road

Unlike other parts of Norway, part of the “Wow” factor of the Atlantic Road is that it’s man-made.  This unique road is just 8 kilometres long but hugs the Norwegian coast in a series of stunning bridges. 

The Atlantic Road has National Tourist Route status and connects Averøy with the mainland over 8 bridges, which spans across a series of islands and islets. 

In spring and summer the road is calm with wild flowers flanking the verges but come the winter it is a different place completely.  When buffeted by a storm from the northwest it is wild with waves and foam breaking over the road.

The road extends beyond this small stretch and joins Kristiansund with Bud and Molde, a journey with nature and stunning scenery around every corner.  Take your time and stop at the well maintained parking and viewing spots.  Even though they are busy it is possible to escape and find your own corner and landscape.  

— Suzanne from Meandering Wild

#5 Trolltunga

Fancy sitting at the tip of a large rock formation with your feet dangling 700m above a crystal blue fjord? That’s Trolltunga, one of the most famous hikes in Norway !

Trolltunga, which means Troll’s Tongue in Norwegian, was my ultimate Norwegian adventure. I went just before the hiking season kicked up which meant there was a lot of snow still on the ground that made the hike all the more challenging.

Hiking Trolltunga pushed my body to the limits and gave me a black toenail for about a year afterwards! Gross, I know, but I called it my battle scar and was for a while a weird souvenir that reminded me daily of one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way!

The 23km round trip hike starts by taking you up a rather steep  hill before leading you up and over a mountain where you meet with the rim of an enclosed lake called Ringedalsvatnet. This magical spot here is just a taster of what’s to come later. It just gets better and better!

Following its edge around to the far end, your final destination is a massive rock formation hovering over above the fjord surrounded by snow-capped mountain. Be sure to allow a couple of hours here to enjoy the view over a packed lunch.

But don’t leave without this once in a lifetime photo opportunity. Put on a brave face and head out to sit or even star jump on the tongue itself!

Depending on the time of year, the hike will vary in difficulty. In May, thick snow will still be on the ground making the hike much more challenging and slower. The upside, of course, is there are significantly fewer hikers around. But don’t worry, the trail is well marked just look out for large red T’s painted on boulders along the way. For the best conditions, aim for late August-September.

The hike will take 9 – 11 hours depending onconditions and your fitness level so it’s advised you start the climb no laterthan 10am. Want to know more? Don’t miss my ultimate guide to Hiking Trolltunga.

— Michele from the Intrepid Guide

#6 Kjeragbolten

Kjeragbolten is a very unique and stunning place in Norway. People are always amazed when I show them pictures of me standing on top of the rock 1000 metres above Lysefjorden. It was one of the scariest experiences in my life to stand there, but it felt amazing! (However, if you are unsure or are very scared of heights you shouldn’t risk your life and comfort for a photo.)

The hike to the rock itself is beautiful, so I would highly recommend it. You will walk through a very diverse Norwegian landscape, and you will see waterfalls, meadows, snow and streams along the way. The water quality in Norway is great, so we had no issue refilling our water bottles from the streams. The 12 km round trip hike should take you about 7 hours and it can easily become your favourite, thanks to the stunning views you will get along the way.

— Eniko from Travel Hacker Girl

#7 Kvalvika, Lofoten

Kvalvika Beach is a beautiful beach on the Lofoten Islands in Norway , only accessible by foot or boat. This sandy beach is flanked by towering dark granite cliffs and overlooks the Norwegian Sea.

The hike to the beach takes approximately two hours and can be done in a loop, including a climb up the mountain Ryten. It is certainly worth the effort to get to Kvalvika Beach on any trip to the Lofoten Islands. Your efforts are rewarded with magnificent views and the opportunity for a dip in the sea!

Kvalvika Beach is a beautiful beach on the Lofoten Islands in Norway, only accessible by foot or boat. This sandy beach is flanked by towering dark granite cliffs and overlooks the Norwegian Sea. The hike to the beach takes under two hours. It is certainly worth the effort to get to Kvalvika Beach on any trip to the Lofoten Islands . Your efforts are rewarded with magnificent views and the opportunity for a dip in the sea!

To extend this hike continue on and climb the mountain peak, Ryten. The route up from the beach is strenuous but the views back down are breathtaking. This hike has all the ingredients of a perfect Lofoten hike: beautiful views across the mountains and fjords, a gorgeous white sandy beach, and a ‘mini Trolltunga’, an outcrop of rock for those perfect Instagram pictures! The entire loop walk takes approximately five hours. Kvalvika Beach is a popular camping spot and many come for an unspoilt view of the midnight sun over the sea during the summer months.

— Nicky from Go Live Young

Planning your own trip to Lofoten? Here are some of my self-drive itineraries!

The small beach, behind The Radisson Blu Hotel, Fornebu, Oslo has a serene and magical feeling to it. As I walked down the narrow pathway, between trees, to reach the sandy area I was amazed at the most crystal-clear waters I ever saw. The reflection of the white clouds upon the water looked like something from a postcard. The beach was empty, but I could watch ferries go by in the distance. All I could hear was the gentle movement of the still water and chirping of birds. I laid on the beach and lost all track of time in such a peaceful and relaxed state. One of the best moments of my life.

I would recommend Fornebu to people who are interested in a relaxing, laid back place….with not too many people around but so much beautiful nature. Fornebu has a small selection of bars and restaurants  and of course the huge Telenor arena which is a famous venue for music events and performances with the capacity for 23,000 people. Fornebu is only 20 minutes away by bus to Oslo city centre where you will find more shops, bars, restaurants, museums and attractions.

— Kelly from Travelling Mama

If you are heading to Trolltunga, Odda is a lovely little town that you will no doubt pass through, if self-driving from Bergen. Located in the Southeastern Hordaland county of Norway and like many of the towns and cities in Norway, Odda has beautiful mountain vistas and waterfalls that leave every visitor in awe and I am sure the locals wonder just how lucky they are to have amazing backdrops to wake up to every morning.

We had the pleasure of waking up so such delights as our camping spot was just on the shores of Sandvinvatnet. Sandvinvatnet, a beautiful lake just east of Buerdalen valley and Buarbreen glacier. This means amazing waterfalls around the town and also along the roadsides resulting awe-inspiring journeys as you explore surrounding areas. If you are a lover of photography there is plenty to be captured. If you are a lover of adventure and the great outdoors this is a playground for all ages!

You can camp, bring a camper van or RV and set them right in front of mother nature’s amazing paintings. This is definitely a town not to be missed in Norway.

— Bianca from It’s All Bee

Bergen is the second largest city of Norway and the best gateway to explore Norway’s fjords . It was founded over 3 centuries ago and played an important role in the Hanseatic League. The old harbor of Bryggen dates to that time and is Bergen’s biggest attraction. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Norway’s oldest fort Bergenhus is also part of this inscription. Bergen has a small city center with plenty of museums, restaurants and other sights. From north to south or west to east is just half an hour by foot. You’ll for sure pass the fish market where, if you want, you can have a taste of whale. If you plan a visit to Norway, make sure to add Bergen to your itinerary.

Plan 3 days or even more if you want to go out of the city and hike one of the many easily accessible hiking trails. Bergen is best visited during late spring, summer, and early autumn as in winter daylight is short.

Head this way to read my complete guide to what to do in Bergen .

— Chris from Chris Travel Blog

#11 Hamnøy, Lofoten

The Lofoten Islands are a spectacular part of Norway. When the summer sunshine glistens on the clear, blue waters, you’ll wonder if you’re still in Norway or the Caribbean. White sand beaches cap coves tucked away between the fishing villages that dot these Norwegian islands. 

One of the most beautiful fishing villages in Norway and the oldest of the Lofoten Islands is Hamnøy. Red, yellow and green wooden fishing houses sit on stilts along the shore of the rocky outcrop of an island. It’s a place straight off a postcard and worth visiting when you’re in the Lofoten Islands. 

— Jennifer & Tim from Luxe Adventure Traveler

#12 Preikestolen

Setting off around 2am, we began the trek to the top of Pulpit Rock. This hike in the south of Norway offers beautiful views across Lysefjord, and we decided to start in the middle of the night to catch the sunrise at the summit.

The track is well-graded, mostly stone steps, but it can get muddy and slippery in bad weather so be sure to wear appropriate footwear. It’s only 6km, but after a gradual ascent to begin, the track then heads straight up. 

Sweaty, with our chests heaving as we slugged one foot in front of the next, we finally approached the summit, where the huge rock – Preikestolen – juts out over the fjord. Exhausted, we huddled together to keep warm as we watched the orange light rise above the hills, bathing the entire fjord in a magical glow.

The sky was clear. We overheard a nearby tour guide tell his group that, of the hundreds of times he had hiked this path, only twice had he seen both the sun and the moon in the sky at the same time. We smiled to ourselves – beyond grateful for our experience.

— Abbi from Spin the Windrose

Head this way to read my ultimate guide to the Pulpit Rock hike!

Want more? Preikestolen is on the list of top things to do in the Stavanger area!

#13 Geiranger

Geiranger is one of the most beautiful places on earth! I don’t say it easy, but as soon as I saw Geiranger, I realized that never seen anything like it. In summer, most of the fjord is green, with snow on the mountain tops. And all this has enormous proportions, a passing cruise ship looks tiny next to the nature.

In summer, it is very easy to organize a trip around one of the most beautiful places of Norway.  Geiranger, Trollstigen and Alesund  are all within one area, all within a few hours reach. But my recommendation would be – plan your stay in Geiranger!

— Alexander from Engineer on Tour

There you have some of the best places in Norway, as told by travel bloggers who have all been there. Have you visited some of these Norwegian destinations? Or did you add any to your list? Let me know in the comments below, and please share this post with your friends if you enjoyed it!

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In Focus: 10 Must-Sees in Norway

The mere mention of Norway evokes images of dramatic fjords, flickering northern lights, sweeping mountain roads, and adventurous Vikings. If you’re interested in visiting its cities, wilderness and highlights, you may be wondering what the Norway must-see spots are?

Well, this Nordic nation has an abundance of scenic attractions and is recognised all over the world for its outstanding natural beauty. Here, you’ll find fjords, waterfalls, hiking trails, villages nestled between towering mountains, and vibrant cities.

To help you narrow down your bucket list items, we’ve put together this list of must-see places in Norway. Read on and choose a few (or all!) to create your magical Norwegian itinerary.

• Check out these top Norway vacation packages to start planning your dream trip
• Pulpit Rock
• Geirangerfjord
• Ålesund
• Lofoten Islands
• Arctic coastline

FAQs about visiting Norway

1. the oslo region.

Oslo , the grand capital city of Norway, is a top destination to visit, especially for a city break or to get a taste of Norwegian culture. In addition to its rich heritage and attractions, it benefits from a “small town” feel with its scenic harbour and natural surroundings.

With traditional Scandinavian design and modern urban influences, you’ll find a perfect blend of both during your visit. Take it all in on a walking tour of the city centre and pop into the highlights you want to see.

Along the harbour, you could explore Aker Brygge  and the  Akershus Fortress . Or have a wander from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral . Visit the Munch Museum for a dose of art. At Frogner Park, you could admire the many sculptures by celebrated Norwegian artist Gustav Vigeland.

To learn a bit more about Norway’s ancient history and see real Viking ships, take a short ferry to the Bygdøy peninsula. Here you’ll find the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History  and the Fram Museum .

• Pick your favourite  city break in Norway
• Related:  10 cool facts about Norway

2. The iconic Pulpit Rock 

Pulpit Rock , or "Preikestolen" in Norwegian, is another must-see sight in Norway for your bucket list. The name comes from its shape, a sheer cliff with a flat top, which resembles a preacher’s pulpit. Thanks to its scenic setting and stunning views from the top, it has become one of the most popular hikes in Norway.

Located near Stavanger in the southwest of Norway, it’s an ideal day trip if you're a thrill seeker. The hike up will take you approximately 2 hours on a steep 3.8-kilometre (2.4-mile) trail with an ascent of about 334 metres (1,096 feet). Once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of the mountains and fjords.

If you’re a serious walker or are visiting the western fjords, don’t miss the other must-do hike, Trolltunga, near Bergen.

• Browse  honeymoon and romance packages in Norway
• Related:  Best Norway romantic getaways

3. Geirangerfjord and the western fjords 

When you think of Norway, it may conjure up images of long fjords, steep mountains and draping waterfalls. Head to the western fjords if that’s what you want to experience.

Considered one of the most beautiful fjords in the world, make sure to add  Geirangerfjord to your itinerary. It offers picture-perfect scenery, with still waters, majestic hills, and diverse flora. This is where you’ll find the Seven Sisters and Bridal Veil waterfalls . 

The Seven Sisters waterfall gets its name from its seven separate streams, the tallest of which measures 250 metres (820 feet). According to local folklore, the “sisters” dance playfully on the mountain while the Friaren (The Suitor) flirts with them from across the fjord.

You can read all about what to see and do in one of Norway’s most scenic spots in our guide to Geirangerfjord .

Other fjords in Norway that you could visit include Sognefjord , Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. It stretches more than 200 kilometres (124 miles) inland from Bergen on the west coast.

Finally, don’t miss sailing along Nærøyfjord , a branch of the Sognefjord and the narrowest fjord in Norway. Jointly with Geirangerfjord, it was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.

• Join a local guide and fellow travellers on a  guided group tour of Norway
• Related:  The best and most beautiful fjords in Norway

4. Trendy Bergen 

Talking of the west coast, visit Bergen for a taste of Norwegian culture, history and landscape. Bergen is Norway’s second largest city and affectionately known as the “Gateway to the Fjords”. You could visit on a city break and enjoy some day trips to the fjords from here.

Bergen is also home to another of Norway’s world heritage sites, Bryggen . In fact, this 900-year-old wharf is the oldest area of Bergen and one of its top attractions too. Considering how colourful it is, you literally cannot miss it.

Stroll through the narrow cobblestone lanes and learn more about Bergen’s role at the heart of the Hanseatic league. The multi-coloured wooden buildings were carefully restored to their original medieval characteristics after a devastating fire in the 1700s.

For more history, you could also visit the reconstructed Fantoft Stave Church, first built in 1150.

Looking for those sweeping views of the town and coastline? Hike up one of the 7 mountains surrounding the city. Or you could take the Fløibanen funicular railway up to Mount Fløyen. Mount Ulriken is also accessible by cable car.

• View these  Norway fjords cruise and train tours
• Related:  Why Bergen is called the "Gateway to Norway’s Fjords"

5. The village of Flåm

From Oslo, you could take a scenic train journey to the fjords via the Flåmsbana (Flåm railway) . From the Myrdal mountain station, hop on this little green train for a 20-kilometre (12-mile) ride. Take in the view from the window as you descend 865 metres (2,837 feet) into the spectacular Flåm Valley.

In fact, it has been named one of the most beautiful railways in the world. You could discover the fjords and Flåm as part of a Norway in a Nutshell® tour .

The tiny village of  Flåm  is a top location for nature lovers with its steep mountainsides, thundering waterfalls and deep valleys. There are a number of attractions and activities to enjoy here, including the 17th-century  Flåm Church  and the Flåmsbana Museum next to the railway station. 

From here, you could take hikes, kayaking tours, and boat trips to go spot the wildlife and local scenery.

• Take on top train journeys on a  Norway in a Nutshell® tour
• Related:  Norway’s best Instagram spots

6. Stylish Ålesund

Ålesund is a port town located along the west coast of Norway, about halfway between Bergen and Trondheim. Set amidst various interconnected islands, Ålesund gives you a taste of seaside life. This is the place to enjoy a wildlife-watching cruise, especially if you’re a keen bird watcher.   

The town is probably best known for its Art Nouveau architecture. After a fire devastated most of the town in the early 20th century, Ålesund had to be rebuilt almost entirely. Wander through the colourful downtown to notice the new style and architecture.

Another reason to take a detour or city break to Ålesund is its proximity to Geirangerfjord. Explore the most famous fjord in Norway from here. Ålesund is also a popular stop along the Havila or Hurtigruten coastal voyage.  

For the top views encompassing the town and surrounding archipelago, head to the Mount Aksla lookout.

• Learn more on one of these  culture trips in Norway

7. Historic Trondheim 

The last city on our list is the ancient capital of Norway, Trondheim . It has a rich history dating back to its foundation in the 10th century. Then it was a Viking trading post before becoming an important Christian pilgrimage destination.

All of this means keen historians will feel right at home in Trondheim. You’ll get a taste of everything that has made Norway what it is today.

Similarly to Ålesund, fire and wars have destroyed a lot of the ancient buildings here, but some remain for you to explore. Make sure to stop by the  Nidaros Cathedral , one of Trondheim’s top highlights. You may also enjoy strolling through the Bakklandet district, with its cobblestone streets and colourful wooden houses.

For panoramic views, walk up to Kristiansten, a 17 th -century fortress overlooking the city and coastline.

Trondheim is also recognised as a gastronomic hub. Don’t miss your opportunity to dig your teeth into Norwegian cuisine at one of the local restaurants and cafés.

• Browse  self-drive tours in Norway

8. The Lofoten Islands 

Norway is such a geographically diverse country. That means you could enjoy the fjords in the west and cities of the south, but also head north to experience the Arctic Circle.

Lofoten  is an archipelago in Northern Norway characterised by natural beauty, idyllic fishing villages and unique lighting conditions ideal for photography.

Svolvær is the main settlement and harbour of Lofoten. It is home to art galleries, shops and cafés. In the horizon, spot the Svolvær Goat ("Svolværgeita") mountain, popular with rock climbers.

Other villages you could visit in the archipelago include Reine and Henningsvær. They are both set along the sea, with mountains rising sharply, creating impressive backdrops.

These islands are also very popular for wildlife watching. The waters are rich with marine life, and you could spot otters, seals and whales. 

• Head north on a  Lofoten Islands vacation package in Norway

9. The Arctic coastline

Discover more of Arctic Norway by sailing or exploring along the northern coastline of the country.

Stretching from Tromsø to Kirkenes, passing by the North Cape ("Nordkapp"), Northern Norway is striking. In Tromsø, often nicknamed the “Paris of the North”, visit the Arctic Cathedral and take the Fjellheisen cable car up to Storsteinen for panoramic views of the area.

The North Cape is mainland Europe’s northernmost point. That’s one for your bucket list!

Finally, Kirkenes is the last stop on a coastal voyage. It is located near the borders with Finland and Russia and is a great place to learn about Sami people and try Arctic excursions. Kirkenes is also the home of the famous SnowHotel .

• Have a cool trip on an  ice and snow hotel package in Norway
• Related:  The best ice hotel in Norway

This region is a gem to discover in summer or winter alike. Experience the midnight sun during the summer months, with never-ending days for excursions, thrilling hikes and boat tours. During the other half of the year, expect a winter wonderland and snowy adventures.   

A highlight of visiting this far north between October and March is of course the northern lights. As the Arctic Circle experiences polar nights at this time of year, it means you’ll get the best opportunities to witness nature’s best light show.

10. Svalbard

Interested in an even more polar adventure? Visit Svalbard, an archipelago located halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole.

It is one of the world’s northernmost inhabited places and the kingdom of polar bears. They indeed outnumber their human counterparts! Here you could marvel at the splendid glaciers and vast, untouched Arctic wilderness.

• Browse these Svalbard tours

1. What is the prettiest place in Norway?

There are so many pretty places in Norway, from quaint fishing villages to glistening waterfalls. We can’t pick just one, but we recommend the following if you’re looking for a picture-perfect destination in Norway:

2. What is the best view in Norway?

It depends what you want to look at, of course! But many adore the feeling of reaching the heights of Pulpit Rock and taking in the views from this high point.

If you enjoy hiking, you’re in for a treat on your holiday to Norway . Explore the national parks and vast coastline and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of sharp peaks, majestic glaciers, shining seas and long fjords.

• Related:  7 incredible things to see and do in Norway

3. What is the best way to visit Norway?

There are many different ways to explore Norway, but yet again it’ll depend on your preferences.

Want to be at the wheel of your very own road trip? A self-drive tour around Norway is probably best for you.

Don’t want to bother driving but want to travel at your own pace? Try a cruise along the coast , or a mix of cruise and train travel to discover the cities and seaside.

Interested in hearing from a local first-hand? You could travel with a tour guide and a small group of like-minded travellers to discover the top sights in Norway.

Are you keen to explore the greater Scandinavian region at the same time? Look up a Scandinavian itinerary to visit Norway along with Sweden and Denmark.

4. What is the top driving route in Norway?

Norway, with its winding roads and spectacular backdrops, lends itself well to a road trip.

You could drive along the coast, from city to city, also taking in the fjords. Enjoy a few days driving through the Lofoten Islands and charming villages. Or how about starting in Oslo and discovering the central region of Norway at your own pace?

The top circuits to experience are:

• The winding  Eagle Road
• The hairpin bends of  Trollstigen , the “Troll Ladder”
• The seaside  Atlantic Road
• Related:   5 top Norway road trips: A local expert’s view

5. What is the best time to visit Norway?

It’s hard to go wrong when visiting Norway. It’s a country worth seeing all year long, with advantages in summer and winter. Pick what you’d rather see and that’ll help you settle on a season or month.

In summer, you could go hiking, enjoy leisurely cruises, wander through lush parks, and bask in the glow of the midnight sun.

Wintertime is the period to enjoy thrilling excursions in the snow, such as dog sledding. You could also visit Christmas markets and spot the dancing northern lights in the dark sky.

• Check out these  summer tours  or  winter packages in Norway
• Related:  When is the best time to go and visit Norway?

Has this inspired you to visit Norway? You now definitely have some fantastic spots to add to your bucket list. When you’re ready to start planning that Norwegian adventure, browse our top vacation packages in Norway .

Whether you pick a cruise and train package , a self-drive trip , or a group tour of Norway , you’re in good hands when you book with Nordic Visitor. Our routes are tried-and-tested, and we handpick each accommodation and excursion so we know you’ll like it.

Your personalised service includes a dedicated travel consultant based in Scandinavia who will organise your whole trip before you arrive. They can tailor a route as per your preferences and give you recommendations based on their insider knowledge.

As an added bonus, you’ll also benefit from our 24/7 helpline while you’re in Norway. With this, you have peace of mind knowing we’re only a call away.

Get in touch  with our Scandinavian experts to start planning your Norwegian getaway.

  Camila grew up between the French Canadian and Chilean cultures, before moving to Scotland in 2012. When she’s not travelling or writing about travels, Camila loves to read, run, and puzzle. Her favourite destinations have been Reykjavík, Copenhagen, Estonia and Cape Town.  

Find Camila on LinkedIn .

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

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10 Cool Facts About Norway

5 top norway road trips: a local expert’s view, 10 things to do in norway in winter.

9 things to know before going to Norway in 2024

Mar 18, 2024 • 6 min read

These insider tips will help you plan the Norway trip of a lifetime © Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

Norway is a wonderful country to experience as a first-time visitor – an efficient and extensive transport network, incredible attractions, breathtaking scenery and relaxed locals all add up to the trip of a lifetime.

But there are still some things that are good to know in advance. For example, Norway is one of the most expensive countries on the planet, so money-saving tips will make all the difference to your travel budget.

Another major influence on your trip will be  the flow of the seasons ; the differences can be extreme and will have a major impact on what you plan to do while you're there, both in terms of climate and strange Arctic phenomena such as the midnight sun and the northern lights .

Here are nine things you need to know to ensure a wonderful trip to Norway.

1. Outdoor activities are seasonal so plan carefully

Seasons are everything in Norway. Each long summer day might feel like it lasts forever, but the window for many activities rarely lasts longer than the June-to-August (sometimes just July-to-August) periods. This especially  applies to hiking – Norway’s intensely beautiful Besseggen Ridge Trail, in Jotunheimen National Park , can draw 30,000 hikers in just two months.

Some trails remain open beyond summer, but you run a serious risk of extreme weather rolling in with very little warning while you’re out there. Cycling just about anywhere, and white-water rafting on the Sjøa River, are also strictly summer-only.

Winter sports like skiing, snowmobiling and dog sledding have a similarly narrow opening, although dog sledders can sometimes take a summer ride on a sled with wheels. It all means that planning is essential, and local tourist offices are an excellent resource for knowing what’s possible and when.

2. Eat well on a budget

Prices for a meal in Norway can be eye-wateringly high: in a decent restaurant, a main course for Nkr500 is somewhere close to the norm. Thankfully, the best Norwegian cooking is almost always worth it, but keep these sorts of prices for a special occasion, or even just dinner. 

Most Norwegian hotel buffet breakfasts are extraordinarily good, overflowing in generous proportions, and – best of all – usually included in your room rate. Take full advantage and you may well not need to eat again until the evening. If, on the other hand, you’re hungry again by lunchtime, many cafes have cheaper lunch specials and lighter meals, or you could plan for a picnic with food sourced from a supermarket and its delicatessen.

Snacking at fish markets, or with one of the hot dogs sold at every Norwegian petrol or gas station, could also fill you up without sending a torpedo through your daily budget. Saving money on other meals will make that dinner bill a little less painful.

3. Buy train and bus tickets online

Norway's transport network is efficient and extensive. If you’re traveling by rail, you’re in for a treat with some of northern Europe’s most scenic rail journeys . But whatever you do, don’t pay full fare: Norwegians rarely do. On almost every route, Norwegian state railways  set aside a limited number of discounted (minipris)  tickets. How much you pay has everything to do with how early you book, so start planning as soon as you have firm dates for your trip, even if it’s months in advance. Of all the bus services on offer across the country, Lavprisekspressen is known for its rock-bottom fares along major routes – book online and book early.

4. Join a hotel loyalty scheme

The overwhelming majority of Norwegian hotels belong to a hotel chain, or at least to some more loosely affiliated groupings. Joining one of their loyalty programs is always free, so choose as many as you like. Better still, join one and then find hotels along your route that belong to your program. The best such programs have a simple offer: the more nights you stay – just how many varies from one chain or program to the next – the more free nights you get as a reward for your loyalty.

Another option that is becoming increasingly common, especially in cities, is budget hotels. Before it was just the hostels (vandrerhjem) that promised reasonable prices, but increasingly, slick hotel-hostel hybrids like Citybox  and  Smarthotels  provide respite from the sky-high room rates.

5. Bring a sleeping mask in summer

Let’s face it, Norway’s midnight sun (which can mean 24 hours of daylight for months on end) and polar night (the same, but with endless darkness) can be confusing or frustrating. At first, it can be exciting to walk alongside a beautiful fjord in brilliant 3am sunshine and there is considerable novelty to eating lunch under a night-dark sky. But how do you sleep in summer? Many hotels, particularly in Norway’s north, have heavy-duty, light-blocking curtains, but bring a sleeping mask in summer to ensure you get some shut-eye.

6. Norwegians are tolerant, but always be considerate

Norwegians are pretty relaxed about most things, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more tolerant nation of people. In cities in particular, the guiding principle seems to be to have a good time as long as you’re not hurting anyone. In rural areas, it’s slightly more complicated, but only slightly. There are always exceptions, but Norwegians in small towns and remote areas tend to be more socially conservative. Loud and loutish behavior is rarely welcome in such places, and if you have an all-night party in a small village, you’ll have misread your surroundings and taken Norwegians’ famous tolerance too far.

7. Driving will take longer than you expect

Many of Norway’s roads are engineering marvels, taking you places no road should go. Norway has the longest tunnels in the world and curvaceous bridges that render water obsolete as an obstacle, and car ferries take care of the rest. So rare are potholes, that people take photos of them. Just don’t expect to go very fast.

Part of that has to do with the terrain. It’s also because, apart from a short distance on either side of major cities, freeways are as rare as potholes. Throughout much of the country, especially in summer, you’ll share the road with trucks and campers with only semi-regular overtaking lanes to ease the frustration. Count on slowing down, enjoying the view, and averaging no more than 60km/h (37mph) on most journeys, longer if you stop along the way.

8. Take basic safety precautions

Norway is an extremely safe place in which to travel, possibly even one of the safest in Europe. Like any large modern city, pickpockets are always a possibility in popular tourist areas, especially Oslo and around the Torget area of Bergen . Here and elsewhere, keep your valuables hidden, and never leave them visible in an unattended car. As long as you’re sensible in ways such as these, you and your personal belongings may well be safer in Norway than they are back home.

9. Watch the weather

Watching the nightly weather bulletin with rapt attention isn’t some quirky little pastime in Norway: it could just save your life. Even in summer, wild weather can roll in without warning, which is fine if you’re curled up next to a roaring fire, less so if you’re hiking in Hardangervidda or Jotunheimen, or snowmobiling in Svalbard .

Whenever you’re heading out into any Norwegian wilderness, wise precautions include always carrying warm wet-weather gear, as well as emergency water and food. And always let someone (either your hotel or the local tourist office) know where you’re going and when you expect to be back.

This article was first published Jul 25, 2023 and updated Mar 18, 2024.

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15 Best Places In Norway You Have To Visit

There are so many best places in Norway to visit. I mean, you’ve got the Troms region in the very north, Alesund on the west coast and lovely little places like Flåm that are nestled deep in the mountains.

Plus, don’t even get me started with all the incredible fjords you should visit.   The whole country is a proper goldmine of places that every traveller should see.

Obviously, Norway has an incredible diversity that goes far beyond its beautiful scenery, with its culture being just as exciting and beautiful to experience.

From the likes of the Sami people in the north with their historic cultural traditions to the cosmopolitan  culture of Oslo – there’s a little slice of Norwegian culture that everyone will enjoy. 

Anyway, without rambling on about just every cultural spot, I wanted to share some of the best places in Norway.

1.) Drive the Atlanterhavsveien (The Atlantic Road)

The Atlanterhavsveien, commonly known as the Atlantic Road in English is a gorgeous and impressive drive through one of the best places in Norway.

Connecting the mainland of Norway with the pretty island of Averøya, it’s a great place to drive for the day. Make sure to visit Kvernes Stave Church, too. It’s around 600 years old and one of the oldest in the region.

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled for Storseisundet Bridge, too.

2.) See the beautiful Hamnøy

Hamnøy in Lofoten has become known, the world over, for its impressive landscape and unspoilt charm… and it’s easy to see why.

Possibly one of the best places in Norway, it’s a spot you should definitely head to without hesitation.

Make sure to visit the tiny little fishing village of Hamnøy which is the oldest in Lofoten. Perched on the edge of the Reinefjord (fjord), it really is a place you shouldn’t miss.

Also, it looks just as impressive during the day as it does at night, especially if you see the northern lights.

See more places you have to see in Lofoten

3.) Visit the tiny village of Reine

Easily, one of the best places in Norway – Reine is picture-perfect.

Nestled on the island of Moskenesøya it is actually part of the Lofoten set of islands and archipelago that’s made this region so gorgeous.

For a stunning experience, wrap up warm (with plenty of layers) and head to Bunes Beach, especially at night. Find a nice spot, lay back on the sandy beach and watch the dancing Northern Lights above you. It really is a special experience.

See some of the best Fjords to visit in Norway

4.) Explore Bergen

Bergen is a great city to explore and one that’s steeped in history. Make sure you wander through the wooden buildings and crooked wharf that is Bryggen (a UNESCO-protected site).

Ride the Fløibanen (funicular) to see the best sunset over the city and wander around the trails and walkways that crisscross the mountain tops.

If it’s a sunny day, make sure to take a picnic with you. It really is one of the best places in Norway to explore.

Read more on what to see in Bergen

5.) Find the best coffee in Oslo

Oslo is a surprising city, to me at least.

The centre of the town is surprisingly small (if you’re coming from places like London) but it’s actually filled with a whole heap of unique shops, gorgeous art and some iconic buildings you shouldn’t miss.

Make sure to visit The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet which looks incredible when the sun is setting. Visit the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History and head out on a boat for the afternoon on the Oslo Fjord.

For the best coffee, head over to Tim Wendelboe, they literally know everything and anything to do with good-quality roasts. Just be warned, if you visit at peak times, you’ll likely have to take your coffee to go; there’s limited seating inside.

Read more: Best things to do in Oslo

6.) Explore the Arctic Circle on a Spa Boat

Yup, you heard that right!

There’s a dedicated spa boat in the Arctic Circle that you can hop on and discover more of the best places in Norway.   Moored in Tromso , it’s best to book your tickets online and arrive in plenty of time before the boat leaves.

The best thing about the boat, called the Vulcana is that it’s totally luxurious and one of the best Spa breaks I could ever have wished for.

I mean, where can you dip into a piping hot tub, bathe in a steam room, relax in a sauna and watch whales from the deck – all whilst cruising through the Arctic Circle?

Without sounding too cheesy, it really is magical. Make sure to take a dip in the almost freezing sea too. As you can see from my face, I let out the biggest scream once I hopped in!

Read more on the Spa Boat in Tromso

7.) Hike Pulpit Rock

You’re almost guaranteed one of the best views of Norway from the top of Pulpit Rock . I mean, it’s one of the best places in Norway – especially with the vistas you’ll see across the fjord . Now, the hike itself (return) takes around 4-5 hours but it depends on how fast and fit you are.

The hike itself is pretty amazing too, just be prepared for changing weather conditions and be extra careful once you reach the top. Hikers have died falling off the ledge, especially during high winds.

Don’t risk getting too close to the edge. After all, it’s a 600+ metre (2000 ft) almost vertical drop! Without sounding too much like a parent, always be sensible and safe on these hikes – it’s no fun to anyone if you cause yourself an injury.

Read more on how to hike Pulpit Rock

8.) Spot puffins on Runde Island

Runde Island is one of the prettiest and best places in Norway to visit – especially for a tiny little island. You can actually sail directly on a RIB boat from the city of Alesund , which is great if you’re short on time.

If you want to keep your feet on dry land, you can also drive across one of the bridges, too. Make sure to visit when the puffins are home. If you’re lucky you’ll spot thousands in and around this unspoilt landscape.

Read more about getting to Runde Island

9.) Visit the Briksdalsbreen Glacier

Possibly one of the easiest glaciers to visit around Stryn, the Briksdalsbreen Glacier is truly one of the best places in Norway you should see.

The Glacier itself is an ‘offshoot’ or arm of the much larger, Jostedalsbreen glacier which is also amazing to see (but harder to get to). So if you’re looking for a challenge, maybe look for another route/glacier.

As I mentioned, It’s a pretty easy glacier to see if you’re struggling with some of Norway’s more challenging hikes, especially due to the troll cars that will take you up to the top. If you do decide to hike, it’s a pretty short 45-60 minutes to the glacier.

10.) Find polar bears in Svalbard

Perched on Spitsbergen Island in Svalbard, Longyearbyen is a cosy little place that is pretty remote (even by Norwegian standards). Perched high within the Arctic Circle, it’s a pretty wild and awe-inspiring place to visit.

From here you’ll be able to join a few designated and responsible tours that’ll take you deeper into the islands in the search for polar bears.

Make sure to also include a visit to the North Pole Expedition Museum and see the intimate Galleri Svalbard showcasing local art.

For some tasty grub, head over to Gruvelageret who are known for their delicious dishes.

11.) Explore Alesund

Alesund is one of the West Coast’s bigger cities (though, again, pretty small by international standards). Stay in the town and hike to the top of Fjellstua Viewpoint, visit Aksla Mountain and gorge at Sjobua for some amazing local foods.

Don’t forget to see the gorgeous accommodation at Molja Lighthouse , too.

For a great brunch or light lunch, pop into the Invit Espresso Bar. They make an epic chocolate cake that I still long for to this day!

Read more on what to see in Alesund

12.) See the Geirangerfjord

There are many beautiful fjords in Norway. They’re a dime-a-dozen but some just really stand out, don’t they? For me, that’s Geirangerfjord .

Make sure get to the  highest viewpoint at Dalsnibba , it’ll take you around 40 minutes to drive but well worth it. Just make sure to pack some thick coats… it gets chilly when you’re this high up.

Much lower down, you can also take a boat over to Seven Sisters Waterfalls and Friaren Waterfall. They really are gorgeous to see.

For a lovely afternoon hike, make sure you visit Storseterfossen . A waterfall that you can actually walk behind. It’s one of the best places in Norway, that’s for sure.

Read more: Visiting the Geirangerfjord

13.) Drive the Trollstigen

Between the villages of Åndalsnes and Valldal is the gorgeous Trollstigen Drive. Possibly, the most well-known road in Norway, it really is a stunning route to drive.

Along your way, make a pit-stop at the Trollstigen platform for some epic views across the valleys.

14.) See Norway’s National Mountain, Stetind

Around 15 miles, or so, from Kjøpsvik – Stetind Mountain is Norway’s national mountain. Its look is quite different to many other mountains in the area, so you can’t miss it.

Best of all, if you’re feeling energetic or fancy a challenge, try climbing to the top with a professional guide. Narvik Guides are probably one of the best in the area with all their guides being IFMGA Mountain Guide certified.

15.) Hike to Trolltunga

Trolltunga is one of the best places in Norway for a scenic view. The views across the region are just stunning from the top.

The hike itself is pretty demanding and not for the faint-hearted and you should really consider if you fit enough before heading along the trail. The whole hike will take all day (if not, 12+ hours if you’re a little slower), so make sure you pack lots of supplies and dress responsibly. No one likes a reckless hiker.

Important: Between mid-October to mid-March, you should not hike on the trail. At this time of year, it’s very dangerous and not even recommended for the most experienced of hikers. Always listen to local and official advice.

See more on visiting Trolltunga

Read more: Best things to see in Oslo

12 Of The Best Things To Do In Oslo

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13 Reasons Why You Should Visit Norway at Least Once

Norway is a country with plenty of space, friendly people and lots to offer. From skiing and polar bears to beautiful fjords and mountains, Norway has something to satisfy every kind of visitor.

It’s the happiest place on earth.

Norway was voted the happiest country in the world in 2017, judged on factors including caring, freedom, generosity, honesty, health, income and good governance.

The low crime rates

There is a freedom to roam

The allemannsrett or “all men’s rights” is a public rights law that allows everyone to have access to and pass through all uncultivated land. To give you some perspective, you can’t walk into a private garden in Oslo, but you should be okay to camp out in an isolated field for a night. This also means that you are free to pitch a tent or hike across many of the most magnificent landscapes Norway has to offer.

The beautiful fjords

There are fjords everywhere in Norway, created when the ice from the last Ice Age cut through the tall mountains. It is almost impossible to visit without seeing a fjord, unless you decide to stay exclusively along the eastern border. Many of them are just begging to be explored through hiking, kayaking, sailing, diving or camping.

The days are really long… or really short

During the summer, the sun hardly sets in Norway. Above the Arctic Circle, the midnight sun shows itself for many months over the summer and the locals embrace it with midnight concerts, marathons and hikes. At the height of winter, the days are very short and there is little or no natural daylight. Norwegians are used to this and spend the long evenings indoors enjoying each other’s company in a koselig (cosy) manner.

You can see the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights are a fantastic phenomenon, and one of the best places to see them is Norway, as there are plenty of towns in the north to stay in and go exploring from. The best time to see the dancing lights is from late September to late March. When venturing out to find them, patience is a virtue, as a sighting is never guaranteed.

The outdoor lifestyle

Norwegians love the outdoors and often spend the weekend hiking , skiing or on the water. The allemannsrett allows everyone to explore as much as they want and there is nothing quite like the enjoyment of camping in the middle of nowhere.

There’s a lot of terrain to explore

Norway is a big country, covering over 385,000 square kilometres (approximately 149,000 square miles). With a population of just over 5 million citizens and a population density of 15 per square kilometre (38 per square mile), much of Norway has been left unspoilt.

The wildlife

Norway’s wildlife ranges from polar bears in Svalbard (and only Svalbard) to moose, musk oxen, whales, wolves, bears, eagles and massive herds of reindeer. For a nature lover, Norway is nothing short of spectacular.

It’s an easy country to travel in

Pretty much everyone in Norway speaks English exceptionally well, and people are always willing and happy to help. As an added bonus, the public transport across the country makes it easy to explore different areas.

Winter activities

During winter, Norway becomes a true winter wonderland. Everyone puts on their skis and heads to the mountains to ski or snowboard. Norway claims to be the inventor of skis, but its host of winter activities also include dog sledding, glacier hiking and snowshoeing across the landscape.

If a road trip is on the agenda, then Norway has some epic roads to drive on, including Trollstigen, which snakes its way up the mountains of Geiranger, and the Atlantic road with its many bridges and close proximity to the Norwegian Sea. Norway also has the longest tunnel in the world; the Lærdal tunnel, which goes on for 24.5 kilometres (15.2 miles). Naturally, it cuts straight through a mountain.

You have probably heard of Oslo and Bergen, but Trondheim, Tromsø and Stavanger are all worth visiting too, for their own special characters. All of them boast charming architecture, interesting museums and cultural venues and, of course, fantastic mountains and fjords as their backdrops.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Norway

• 1. Norway is a Scandinavian Country

2. Polar Bears do not Walk in the Streets

3. the norwegian currency is nok (norwegian krone), 4. most norwegians speak english, 5. norway is a safe country to visit, 6. winter, spring, summer, fall, 7. always bring an extra layer of clothes, 8. wild camping is allowed in mostly all of norway, 9. national parks and most outdoor locations are free to use, 10. norway has the best salmon, 11. traveling in norway can be expensive if you only eat out.

• 12. Northern lights aren't visible everywhere
• 13. Norway is a Long Country
• 14. There aren't Many Dangers in the Wild

15. Norwegians eat a lot of Taco

16. the difference between southern norway and northern norway is huge.

• 17. The Midnight Sun Isn't a Different Sun

Are you dreaming of visiting Norway one day? Perhaps you've already booked a flight and have begun planning the trip. Regardless of where you are in the process, here are 17 things you should know before visiting Norway:

1. Norway is a Scandinavian Country 

We Norwegians tend to believe that Norway is the center of the earth and everyone knows who we are. The truth is that Norway isn't as large as we want to believe and everyone doesn't even know that Norway even is a country. 

Norway is a Scandinavian country with approximately 5.2 million people and has numerous times been named one of the best places to live and/or visit. 

(For those who don't know: Scandinavia consists of Norway, Sweden and Denmark; 3 nordic countries located in Europe)

A common misconception is that Polar Bears walk the streets in Norway. This is, fortunately, not the case. In fact, there are no wild Polar Bears on mainland Norway. 

Norway is actually a really civilized country and you would be surprised to see how modern it is. We even have cars driving in the streets...!

Svalbard, however, is a Norwegian archipelago between mainland Norway and the North Pole where there are more Polar Bears than people. Still, it's rare that there are any incidents between the inhabitants and Polar Bears.

The currency we use in Norway is the Norwegian Krone. So, if you're traveling with only Euro you won't come far. The Norwegian Krone was recently weakened which means that if you're traveling to Norway in the near future it will be cheaper than what it was only one year ago. 

It should be mentioned that Norway is using less and less cash. You can mostly anything with a credit card, even taxis and hot dogs! That means that it's not a crisis if you forgot to bring cash.

Don't know Norwegian? No problem! The majority of Norwegians speaks English. Even though some are a bit shy to have a full conversation, they are able to understand most and to help you with any questions you might have. 

So, don't be afraid of saying hi to a stranger! 

Norway is known to be one of the safest countries in the world. Crime rates are extremely low even in major cities such as Oslo , Bergen , Trondheim , and Stavanger . 

As with any other urban areas, you should take certain precautions but there's not much to be afraid of. Even walking alone during the night is relatively safe and the chances are small that you'll become the victim of a crime.

Most crimes in Norway are related to home and office burglaries. There are some groups of pickpocketers traveling around the most touristic areas during summer so keep an extra eye on your wallet when you're in a crowd (still, the possibilities of anything happening is low).  

There are 4 seasons in Norway: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Be sure to take this into consideration when you're planning to visit Norway . Some attractions are only open during a specific season and certain hikes are unreachable during winter. If your main purpose is to visit one specific location figure out what season is optimal for that. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that the weather changes a lot between seasons. Make sure that you always bring enough clothes when traveling to Norway as it does get cold! Keeping an eye on the weather forecast  is always a good idea.

The weather, as mentioned above, changes a lot between seasons in Norway so you always want to bring enough clothes. Most importantly, if you're planning to go on some hikes during your visit, you need to bring an extra layer of clothes. Even during summer, it's wise to bring a rain jacket and a fleece in your backpack in case the weather changes or the temperatures drop when you reach a higher altitude. 

Due to " Allemannsretten " (every man or woman's right of public access), you can pitch a tent wherever you want in Norway (unless anything else is stated at a specific area). The outdoors is very important for us Norwegians and we do our best to maintain the right of using the outdoors freely. So, make sure that you leave no traces behind and don't do any damage to nature.

There are also several campsites all over Norway that are cheap to stay at. At these sites, you often have the possibility to take a warm shower, clean your clothes and charge any batteries.

Also, due to "Allemannsretten", all public lands are free to access. This means that you don't have to pay an entrance fee for a national park and you're free to go mostly wherever you want. All we ask is that you treat nature with respect and do your best not to leave any traces behind.

It's true, Norway has the best salmon. In fact, it was Norwegians who introduced the Japanese to Salmon Sushi in the 1980's. That's how good our salmon is. 

While salmon isn't cheap, make sure that you have at least one proper salmon meal in Norway even if you're traveling on a budget.

It's no secret that Norway is an expensive country to visit. Even though it's less expensive now that the Norwegian Krone is weak, it's not cheap. One way to avoid spending too much money during your travels in Norway is to eat less at restaurants. Purchasing your own food at a supermarket is much cheaper than going out every day. Unlike many other countries, Norway doesn't have a culture of going out to eat. 

If you are traveling on a budget make sure that you read through our Norway on a Budget Guide .

12. Northern lights aren't visible everywhere

Are you dreaming of seeing the northern lights? Well, Norway is the right place to do it!

There's something magical about watching the sky turn into a green and purple formation dancing all over. I still remember the first time I saw it for myself, it was a moment that changed my life...

Many tourists come to Norway with the intent to see the northern lights . However, the northern lights (or Aurora Borealis) isn't visible all over Norway.

Since Norway is a long country you're normally only able to see the lady in green in the northern parts of Norway. The further south you go, the fewer lights you will see. Places such as Lofoten, Bodø and Tromsø are popular areas to watch the northern lights .

You should also remember that the northern lights won't be visible during the summer as it is too bright during that season. Typically, you've got the best chance of seeing some activity between October and April.

13. Norway is a Long Country 

Another large misconception about Norway is that it's a small country which is easy to travel around. This isn't the case. Even though only 5 million people live here, it’s a large country by area (148 718 square miles) that stretches from 57° to 81° North. This means that you're not able to spend a couple of days in Norway and see both the west coast, capital and northern parts. In fact, driving from Kristiansand in southern Norway to Nordkapp in Northern Norway takes about 38 hours non-stop.

Therefore, you should plan your trip carefully and look at the distances between the places you want to go. If you want to see places in all regions I strongly suggest you spend some days extra or plan more than one trip. 

• Press here for self-drive itineraries in Norway
• Press here for self-drive tours in Norway

14. There aren't Many Dangers in the Wild

Besides the Polar Bears on Svalbard, there are no dangerous animals waiting to attack you in the Norwegian wild. Either you're in the woods, on a mountain or on a glacier, you have nothing to fear. 

There are animals that you want to avoid but they will typically run away before you even see them. You can read more about wildlife and animals in Norway here . 

If you visit a Norwegian family on a Friday evening the possibility is high that they are having Tacos for dinner. As a joke, it's said that Tex-Mex is Norway's national food. Yes, it really is that popular - even my grandma makes Tacos on Fridays!

(Ok, you might not have  needed  to know this but it's a fun fact that might work as an awkward icebreaker!)

Since Norway is such a long country it goes without saying that the differences are quite significant. In the southern Norway, you have beautiful coasts and warm (not tropical!) weather, the East has large areas of woods and the capital, the West has the fjords and mountains while the north has the arctic landscapes. 

You might also notice that the dialects spoken throughout Norway are quite different and if you're just learning to speak some Norwegian it might be a bit confusing. 

17. The Midnight Sun Isn't a Different Sun

During winter, northern Norway has polar nights; a period where the sun never rises above the horizon and you have 24 hours of dark. During summer, however, it's the exact opposite; the sun never sets. 

You might have heard of the  Midnight Sun  before. Unlike what a few tend to believe, the midnight sun is actually not a different sun...it's just the same sun as during the rest of the year but it doesn't go down; meaning 24 hours of daylight. 

• Press here for things to do in Oslo
• Press here for things to do in Lofoten
• Press here for things to do in Tromsø

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Where to Go in Norway If You Only Visit One Place

May 29, 2021 by Silvia 14 Comments

Last week I shared three itineraries that essentially aimed to show you as much of Southern Norway as possible within one week. But after I finished congratulating myself on managing to fit so many different parts of Norway (fjords! cities! mountains! villages!) into seven days, it dawned on me that actually, some people would really hate to travel like this.

In fact, depending on my mood and energy levels, I might sometimes hate to travel like this myself. Because while usually I want to see as much of a country as I possibly can, sometimes the thought of spending hours each day traveling somewhere new and having to check out of a hotel every morning feels downright overwhelming. And in fact, some of my favorite trips have been when I’ve chosen to get to know one place really well instead of touring the country.

While Norway is an enormous country with so many wonderful places worth visiting, you don’t necessarily have to cram your itinerary full of destinations here to fall in love with Norway. You could have an amazing trip to Norway and get to know this country incredibly well even if you only manage to visit one place – as long as you choose that place wisely.

Most people will choose either Oslo or Bergen. They’re great choices.

In Oslo you get to experience the capital with all of its many museums and shops, while you also have access to wonderful parks and even some countryside on the outskirts of the city. And in Bergen you get a beautiful city full of history, and then as a day trip you can also follow the popular Norway in a Nutshell route to see some fjords.

Like I said, they’re great options. But they’re not the best.

I still have a lot of Norway left to see (in fact I’m leaving on a two week trip exploring Northern Norway on Thursday!), but from what I have seen, I would recommend visiting either Lofoten or Møre og Romsdal if you only plan on visiting one place in Norway.

The Lofoten Islands

I’ve heard a lot of Norwegians say the Lofoten Islands are the true Norway in a nutshell, and I totally agree. Lofoten has pretty much everything people visiting Norway are looking for.

Here you’ll see rugged mountains rising out of the sea, small fishing villages, Norway’s famous red wooden houses, and the Northern Lights.

I think the last one is especially significant as you can’t actually see the Northern Lights in Bergen, Oslo, or other parts of Southern Norway (or at least, it’s very rare to see them – I’ve never seen them this far south).

Lofoten is also touristy enough that you’ll have a really easy time planning your journey and activities. They’re used to tourists up there. But at the same time, if you rent a car and drive away from the main spots you’ll find yourself all alone with Lofoten’s stunning landscape. There’s really nothing like it.

And on a personal note, Lofoten is the one place in Norway that has most impressed me. During my week exploring the islands I kept repeating over and over, “this can’t be real.”

You can read all about planning a trip to Lofoten in my Lofoten guide here , as well as here .

Møre og Romsdal

Okay, I’m cheating here a little bit by naming an entire county, but you only need to base yourself in one place within Møre og Romsdal – I just wanted to suggest a few different options.

While I love Lofoten, Møre og Romsdal is probably actually my favorite area in Norway, and again an excellent place to see Norway in a nutshell. You won’t have a great chance of spotting the Northern Lights here, but you will find fishing villages, mountain views, colorful wooden houses, and something Lofoten doesn’t have: fjords!

Møre og Romsdal is home to two of Norway’s most spectacular sights: Trollstigen and Geirangerfjord. In fact, amongst all the famous places to visit in Norway, Trollstigen and Geirangerfjord would be my top two picks. They’re also just both so  Norwegian . You see my favorite Møre and Romsdal itinerary here . 

Trollstigen is a road with eleven hairpin bends up a steep mountain to some of the most beautiful views I know.

And Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site commonly considered Norway’s most beautiful fjord. And guys, it really is worth all the hype.

What’s not worth the hype, however, is the town of Geiranger, which many visitors to Norway falsely assume must be the best place to stay along the fjord. It’s not – it’s actually sort of awful. Don’t stay there. If you want to stay right on the fjord, I’ve put together a list of my top accommodation choices along Geirangerfjord here .

Åndalsnes would also make a great base in Møre og Romsdal, as not only is it right by Trollstigen and a beautiful town in its own right, but it’s on the train line so you could get the train here from Oslo! Then you could either rent a car in Åndalsnes to explore the surrounding area, or you could just set up camp here and relax amongst the beautiful views.

But personally, my top pick for Møre og Romsdal would be Ålesund.

Ålesund is the most beautiful city I’ve been to in Norway. It sits on a row of islands extending out into the Atlantic, and after a fire destroyed most of the city in 1904 Ålesund was built in vibrant Art Nouveau, making for a unique and beautiful city center.

You can either fly into Ålesund or get the train to Åndalsnes and then take the bus here. Though if you’re going to make Ålesund your base for the week I would still strongly recommend taking some day trips to Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen. Personally I would rent a car for a few days to give myself the most freedom, though you can also get to the fjords and Trollstigen with public transport.

You can read my complete guide to Ålesund here .

If you’ve been to Norway, do you agree with these choices? Where would you suggest someone go if they only visit one place in Norway?

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May 29, 2018 at 6:17 pm

I think I’d enjoy a more settled approaching to traveling to one of these places, or maybe picking two and splitting the time in half. That way you don’t feel like you’re not “making the most of your time there” but you also don’t run yourself ragged by moving every single day.

Silvia says

May 30, 2018 at 5:50 pm

Yeah, it’s always a tricky balance!

May 30, 2018 at 11:35 am

Ha – Ålesund was the only destination I saw coming! Åndalsnes sounds like a really great option, and one that I should definitely remember. (Also: this always reminds me of ‘King of the Andals and the First of Men’ in Game of Thrones…)

Yeah I think people often forget that the train goes to Åndalsnes! Apparently it was meant to go all the way to Ålesund when they were building it but they got lazy and decided to send a bus from Åndalsnes instead.

Dominique | dominiquetravels.com says

May 30, 2018 at 10:07 pm

Ohh such beautiful photos! I have only been to Tromso in Norway. I didn’t love the town that much, so I should really visit some more places in Norway to get a better feel of the country.

June 5, 2018 at 11:03 pm

I haven’t been to Tromso since I was little but am about to go back and I’m super curious if I’ll like it or not. But other areas in the north are amazing, so I’m sure you’d find somewhere else you could love.

Maggie says

June 1, 2018 at 1:11 am

Hi Silvia – Awesome post and pictures, thank you for all of the content you share! I just recently started researching Norway as I’m trying to plan a trip there in early July. After coming across your blog, I was obsessed and have read a countless number of your posts, all so very helpful. I have about 12 days give or take, which is great, however I’m really looking to see a wide span of Norway (North, West, South… all the good stuff.. so the whole country), with a lot of hiking woven in which is of course time consuming. Ideally I wanted to rent a car and just go for it, but my biggest problem is that I will be alone. Sadly I couldn’t find any company that could take the time off and I’m not letting that stop me from seeing this place! Anyways, this is quite a loaded question but do you have any suggestions on how I can go about seeing the major breathtaking highlights of Norway with a more outdoorsy focus, although not totally avoiding cities, alone? I tried looking into some tours but not many of them span as much of Norway as I want to see, nor do they have much hiking involved. So sorry for the lengthy comment. Based on your worldly travels, I’m sure you’ve been in my place before! Appreciate any/all guidance. Cheers!

June 16, 2018 at 10:27 pm

Hi Maggie, I am from Ålesund. If you travel to Ålesund then you are about an hour drive from a place called Valldal. And you will really like the drive.. 😉 In Valldal you are just in the middle between Geiranger and Trollstigen. And only 15mins from a really nice and beautiful place called Tafjord. There are millions of choices for outdoor activities in our area. Hiking of course, but like in Valldal you could rent an kayak and enjoy the nature from the seaside. Bring a rod and fish your own dinner. Fishing in the sea is free for anyone. In Ålesund you should also go to Alnes on the Godøy island. It is only an half hour drive trough the underseas tunnels. A really calm nice place with a great cafeteria. You should also visit Borgundgavelen. A museum area I go to myself a lot to walk and enjoy. Fjellstua where the pictures from Ålesund above is taken is mandatory. Dont drive ! Walk the 418 steps, an easy hike but you will understand why I ask you to use your feet as you get closer to the top. While there ask for directions to Rundskue if the weather is good. Everything I have mentioned here (except kayak rental of course) is totally free. You can also bring a tent and wild camp. Do not be afraid to ask locals for tips, help or directions. We might seem reserved, but most of us are proud of our country and love talking about it 😉 Enjoy your stay and welcome ! 🙂

June 20, 2018 at 2:34 pm

Hello Dag! Thank you for this information, it is extremely helpful. I definitely plan to visit Ålesund, Valldal, and other parts of Møre og Romsdal. In terms of camping, do you have any suggestions on the most beautiful places to pitch a tent for the night? Again, thanks for all the info! Greatly appreciated.

June 22, 2018 at 11:05 am

As you probably are aware of, there is a law here stating that you can tent anywhere as long as you are not disturbing anyone. No need to check who might own the land. Still use some caution. I find it better to ask if there are houses in the proximity. We call this “allemannsretten”, “The right for everyone” to freely move in the norwegian nature.

Free tenting is great if you are used to it and if the weather is nice. But if not a camping site might be better. In Ålesund I think Volsdalen Camping is great. In Valldal there is one by the sea that has an amazing view. Me and some friends rented a cabin in there and I made this video from our model airplanes/drones: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5xnnWSj9S0&t=80s

But in short you will have no problem finding tenting opportunities with great views here. I think the biggest worry is the weather. Very unstable unfortunately..

June 6, 2018 at 9:42 am

Great work , interesting post and fantastic photos , thanx for sharing this enjoyable article

June 17, 2018 at 8:52 pm

I’ve only been to one place in Norway – Narvik. I thought it was a great introduction to Norway. A beautiful fjord, ancient rock paintings, a couple of museums, lots of WWII history and in winter you’d definitely see the Northern Lights up there.

Jessyca says

June 28, 2018 at 12:09 am

Thanks so much for your blog, it is so interesting to read you! A lot of people recommend to rent a car, can visiting Norway be done my train/bus/ferries? I’d love to visit Geirangerfjord region, but I’m afraid it’s gonna be a pain for me as I don’t feel super comfortable driving yet…! Thanks!

June 29, 2018 at 5:41 pm

It’s a bit of a pain by public transport, but definitely doable! Be sure to book your trains in advance to save money! You can usually save by booking the buses in advance as well, though sometimes you have to just buy them from the driver on board.

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Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

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