10 Best Places to Visit in Norway
When someone mentions Norway, you immediately picture adventurous Vikings, dramatic fjords, meandering mountain roads, vibrant cities, and mesmerizing northern lights. Where would you even begin in one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world with tons of natural wonders and so much Nordic history to explore?
10. Alesund
Starting off our list is Alesund, situated on Norway's west coast, approximately halfway between Trondheim and Bergen. This port town is nestled amidst several interconnected Islands, offering a glimpse into Nordic seaside living. Fancy a tranquil cruise? Then Alesund is the place, especially if you like bird-watching.
Alesund is best known for its concentration of Art Nouveau architecture, which arose following the fire that devastated the town in 1904. A stroll downtown offers marvelous architecture characterized by rich ornamentation, spires, turrets, and fancy elements. You can learn more at Art Noveau Center.
The scenic top views of the town and archipelago from the nearby lookout on are among the most iconic in Norway. Also, if you want to explore the famous Geirangerfjord, you can do it from Alesund, taking a city break.
9. Notodden
Notodden is located on the shores of Heddalsvatnet Lake, with the Tinn River running through it and into the lake. UNESCO World Heritage lists Notodden as part of the Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage Site.
Notodden is well known as home to the biggest stave church in Norway, the Heddal Stave Church. You can find the church just a few kilometers west of the city center. Norway's medieval wooden churches are a treasure trove of history, coming in all sizes across southern and central Norway. The spectacular Heddal Stave Church features guided tours in English.
Notodden is also one of the warmest cities in Norway during summer. Beware, though; winters can be pretty cold. Other must-see sites in the town include the Industrial history museum, Telemark Art Gallery, Bok & Blueshuset, and Notodden Church Gardens.
8. Stavanger
Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway and among the oldest. It is situated in the Stavanger Peninsula. Due to Norway's thriving offshore oil industry, the city experienced rapid population growth during the late 20th century and today is one of the most expensive cities to live in or tour.
The city is known as the Oil capital of Norway, with the Norwegian Petroleum Museum being its' most visited museum. Other museums in the city include Missojonmuseet, Stavanger Museum, and Museum of Archaeology. Still, Stavanger has managed to retain part of its historic charm.
A sizeable part of the city comprises protected 18th and 19th-century wooden houses, which are considered part of Stavanger's cultural heritage. The inner city still has a small-town feel to it. Stavanger has a comparatively mild climate, making it ideal for visiting almost all year round.
7. Svalbard
If you are interested in a raw and untamed polar adventure, then Svalbard is the place. This subpolar archipelago is situated about halfway between the North Pole and mainland Norway and is among the northernmost inhabited regions in the world. A trip up here has tons to offer, such as untouched arctic tundra, expansive ice fields, magnificent fjords, and scenic snow peaks.
If you love photography, Svalbard's arctic beauty makes it one of the best spots to capture iconic landscapes, especially if you can catch the Northern lights. There are lots of things to do in Svalbard, that you may need help planning your itinerary.
Winter sports, whale watching, hot air balloon rides, hiking, brewery tours, and dogsledding are just a few activities. There are also plenty of attractions, cultural events, and festivals all year round in Longyearbyen, not to mention the amazing restaurants, pubs, and shops.
How do you like these beautiful Nordic locations so far? Please Hit the Like button and Subscribe to our channel for more amazing videos. Keep watching to learn about one of the most picturesque spots in the world.
6. Bergen
A visit to Bergen offers an unforgettable taste of the beautiful Norwegian landscape, history, and culture. Bergen is the 2nd largest city in Norway and among the most beautiful cities not just in the country but in Europe. Bergen is surrounded by seven mountains, which you can hike up for breathtaking views of the city and coastline.
Perhaps the most well-known attraction in Bergen is another of Norway's UNESCO world heritage sites, Bryggen. Bryggen is a colorful 900-year-old collection of wooden buildings constructed around cobbled alleyways and squares. You can't miss this historic wharf lining the eastern sides of Vagen harbor.
While there, you can check out the artisan boutiques, workshops, studies, and restaurants. Bergen is also among Norway's leading cultural destinations. The city hosts various popular summer music and arts events, including the Bergen International Festival and Bergenfest.
5. Tromso
Tromso sits about 400km north of the Arctic Circle and is the largest city in Northern Norway. This quaint land of snow-capped mountains, fjords, and the Northern Lights is definitely worth exploring. The major landmarks in Tromso are the Polar Museum, Tromso Cathedral, and the Arctic Cathedral. The cathedrals have the distinction of being the world's northernmost cathedrals.
A guided tour of the city offers a look at life in northern Norway, including breweries, botanical gardens, and local pubs. You can also head out and experience the arctic wilderness. Tourists flock to Tromso to enjoy Dogsled tours, hiking, biking, camping, and kayaking. Finally, a trip to Tromso wouldn't be complete without experiencing the major draw, the Northern Lights. This is the best vantage point to witness the spectacular aurora borealis.
4. Oslo
Oslo is the grand capital city of Norway and is quickly becoming one of the top tourist destinations in Europe. The city bears a traditional Scandinavian style with modern urban influences. During your visit to Oslo, you will find the perfect blend of both and a great taste of Norwegian culture.
A tour of downtown Oslo offers numerous modern highlights, including museums, art galleries, Opera houses, Frogner Park, and restaurants where you can delight in Norwegian cuisine. The natural surroundings and scenic harbor ensure the city still has that small-town feel.
Along the harbor, you can check out Akershus Fortress and Aker Brygge. Or take a stroll from the Royal Palace to Oslo Cathedral. You can take a ferry to the nearby Bygdoy peninsula and tour the Fram Museum and Norwegian Museum of Cultural History.
3. Jotunheimen National Park
The sprawling Jotunheimen National Park is recognized as one of Norway's premier fishing and hiking spots. The National Park forms parts of the larger Jotunheimen, which translates to "Land of the Giants" in Eastern Norway. As you set foot in this mountainous area, you will be spellbound by scenic waterfalls, glaciers, rivers, lakes, valleys, and some of the highest peaks in Northern Europe.
The best way to enter Jotunheimen National Park is through the Norwegian Scenic Routes Valdresflye and Sognefjellet. The park is perfect for adventurous hikes and features numerous marked routes for all types of hikes, from multi-day epics to short strolls.
You can also engage in rafting, cabin camping, cycling, horseback riding, skiing, and wildlife-watching. The low-key hotels and cabins in the area serve local delicacies, including reindeer and cured meats.
2. Lofoten Islands
The perfect description of the Lofoten archipelago in Northern Norway is mesmerizing beauty, idyllic shoreline villages, and breathtaking atmospheric conditions ideal for prize-winning photography. Lofoten Islands are among the must-visit locations on earth, let alone Norway. This Island chain has imposing, dramatic beauty everywhere you look.
Situated far north of the Arctic Circle, granite peaks, fishing villages, and remarkable beaches characterize the Islands. The main settlement and harbor is Svolvaer, which is home to art galleries, hotels, cafes, cinemas, and shops. Other villages you can visit on the Islands are Reine, Henningsvaer, and Stamsund.
These villages sit along the sea, with mountains rising to form impressive backdrops. Tourists come to Lofoten to enjoy hiking, sea kayaking, wildlife watching, fishing, surfing, and photography. Not to mention the archipelago is a great place to witness the Northern Lights.
1. Geirangerfjord
If steep mountains, long fjords, and draping waterfalls are what you want to experience, then a visit to Geirangerfjord, which tops our list, is a must. After all, it is considered one of the world's most beautiful fjords and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Geirangerfjord is situated a few hours' drive from Alesund.
It's part of a network of fjords that are navigable by boat. You can take an unforgettable sightseeing boat trip along the fjord, which boasts picture-perfect scenes, majestic hills, still waters, and lush green forests. You will find the Bridal Veil and Seven Sisters waterfalls in Geirangerfjord.
You will also witness abandoned farms hidden in the hillsides. A stop at the Norwegian Fjord Center in Geiranger allows you to learn more about the fjords and visit an exhibition, café, cinema, and gifts shop. The best time to tour Geirangerfjord is during summer when the waterfalls are at their fullest, and the roads are snow-free.