Discover the most beautiful places in Norway

Norway is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular countries in Europe. You will find beautiful fjords, mountains, glaciers, and vast forests. Add to that the magical Northern Lights and some authentic villages and you have one of the top destinations to travel. There are plenty of sights in Norway that are worth visiting.

The fjords are one of the best things to see in Norway. These deep coves in the coastline are breathtakingly beautiful and offer spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and forests. The Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are two of the most impressive fjords in Norway. Other popular fjords are the Hardangerfjord and the Sognefjord.

In addition to the fjords, there are also many other sights in Norway. The city of Bergen is a popular destination for its charming old town and fish market. The city of Oslo is the capital of Norway and also has a lot to offer, including the Royal Palace, Vigeland Park, and the Viking Ship Museum. In the far north, you will find Trömso from where you can do all kinds of excursions.

Other popular attractions in Norway include the North Cape, the Lofoten Islands, and the Trollstigen road. We also mention the beautiful Rondane National Park.

We have already listed the best things to do in Norway for you.

Nature and scenery

Norway is known for its pristine nature and breathtaking landscapes. Below are some of Norway’s most spectacular sights of nature.

The Northern Lights in the Arctic Circle

Everyone has heard of the Northern Lights, also known as Aurora Borealis. That is a natural phenomenon that can be seen in the Arctic Circle. If you go to Norway in winter, this will undoubtedly be high on your bucket list.

You do need some luck to see the Northern Light in Norway. For example, it took us no less than 3 weeks before we got to see the Northern Lights. The reason was bad weather and cloudy nights. You can’t control nature of course. We do recommend that you join a Northern Lights tour, then you will also receive all kinds of tips on how to take the perfect photo. From Tromso you can easily visit everything.

The iconic Geirangerfjord

The Geirangerfjord is one of the most beautiful and famous fjords in Norway. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Norway and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005.

You can also visit it from the water, then you have a beautiful view of the waterfalls The Seven Sisters (Syv Sostrene), the Vrijer (Friaren), and the Bridal Veil (Brudesloret). You can also rent a kayak to explore the beautiful Geirangerfjord. Do book your accommodation in Geiranger in advance, because they fill up quickly in the summer.

Sorrisniva Icehotel in Alta

This is undoubtedly one of the must-see sights in Norway. You can spend the night in one of the furnished rooms (every year there is a different theme) or you can also just visit it.

The Sorrisniva Iglo Ice Hotel can be found in the north of Norway near Alta (only open during winter). Since last year you can also spend the night in the Sorrisniva Artic Wilderness Lodge.

In addition to spending the night, you can do many other activities such as reindeer sledding, going out with a snowmobile, or hiking with snowshoes.

The Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord

The Sognefjord near Bergen is Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. It is one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the country, attracting thousands of visitors each year. It was even voted by National Geographic as one of the top destinations in the world. You can do a lot of activities including kayaking or going on the water with an electric boat.

All information about this fjord can be found on the website of the Sognefjord.

The Jostedalsbreen Glacier National Park

The Jostedalsbreen Glacier National Park is Norway’s largest national park and is known for its spectacular glaciers. If you like hiking or climbing, this is the destination for you in Norway. The glacier is therefore the largest glacier in Europe and more than 80 km long. This is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Norway.

Hiking to the top of Preikestolen

Preikestolen, also known as the Pulpit Rock, is a spectacular rock formation that overlooks the Lysefjord. No less than 600m above the ground! It’s about 2 to 3 hours of walking, a good condition is necessary. You can easily reach Preikestolen from Stavanger, or you can spend the night at the Preikestolen BaseCamp.

Rondane National Park

Rondane National Park is one of Norway’s oldest national parks. It is also one of our favorite parks in Norway. You can spend the night at the Rondane River Lodge. It’s a Belgian family who runs the place.

Through them, you can do all kinds of activities such as ice fishing, snowshoeing, or exploring the surrounding mountains. At the lodge, you will also find a restaurant where you can enjoy fantastic food.

The Trollstigen Road, a scenic route full of exciting hairpin bends

The Trollstigen Road is a scenic route with hairpin bends that runs through the mountains of Norway. It is a popular tourist attraction and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

This Troll’s Ladder (literal translation) runs from Åndalsnes to beyond Geiranger. Be sure to stop at the Trollstigheim viewpoint for an unforgettable view of the hairpin bends and waterfalls.

The Vøringsfossen-waterfall

Vøringsfossen waterfall is one of Norway’s most spectacular waterfalls. Since August 2020, a special bridge has been built above the waterfall, allowing you to cross the gorge via 99 steps and have a different view of the waterfall and the nature around it.

The bridge was designed by architect Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk and fits seamlessly into the rugged environment. These are some of the nicest accommodations in the area to spend the night.

The Lofoten, known for its dramatic scenery

The Northern Lofoten Islands are a group of islands off the coast of Norway and are known for their dramatic scenery, with peaks such as Svolværgeita towering high into the sky.

The Himmeltindan mountain is located on the island of Vestvågøya. The nearby Lofotr Viking Museum features a reconstruction of a Viking longhouse.

There are cycling routes that cross the islands, passing fishing villages such as Henningsvær, where colorful buildings line the waterways. This is probably also one of the most famous photos of Norway.

If you have enough time, be sure to drive to Å, the easternmost point of Lofoten. Another fun activity that you can do here is spotting dolphins and whales.

In our article about Svinoya Rorbuer, you will find more information about the Lofoten and which activities you can do there. Ideally, you will stay in this beautiful hotel to explore this breathtaking region.

Cities and villages

In addition to the overwhelming nature, there are many other nice things to do in Norway. We take a look at the nicest cities and villages.

Bergen

Bergen is a beautiful city on the west coast of Norway and is known for its colorful wooden houses and beautiful fjords. It is Norway’s second largest city after Oslo and has a rich history.

In the center, you will find Bryggen (Unesco World Heritage), a medieval trade center. There are a lot of museums that can tell you more about the history of Norway.

TIP: You can also take the cable car to the top of Mount Floyen. This way you have a nice view of the city.

Take a look here for a nice overnight stay in Bergen.

Oslo

Take a look here for a nice overnight stay in Bergen. There are plenty of sights not to be missed during your stay in the city. One of the nicest attractions is Vigeland Park, which is known for its impressive sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The park is the largest sculpture park in the world dedicated to a single artist.

Another must-see attraction is the Royal Palace, which dates back to 1849 and is the official residence of the King of Norway. Another must-see attraction is the Royal Palace, which dates back to 1849 and is the official residence of the King of Norway.

If you are interested in history, the Viking Museum is worth a visit. Here you can admire three beautiful Viking ships that were excavated in the 1800s and date back to the 9th century. The museum also offers a fascinating insight into the life of the Vikings.

Finally, the Opera House is one of the most striking buildings in Oslo. It was designed by the famous Norwegian architect Snøhetta and has a unique design that resembles an iceberg rising from the water. It is not only a beautiful building to see, but also offers a breathtaking view of the city and the fjord.

Spitsbergen or Svalbard

Spitsbergen, is a Norwegian island located about 1000 kilometers north of Tromsø and only 1000 kilometers south of the North Pole. The island is home to impressive glaciers and inhospitable landscapes.

The archipelago in which Spitsbergen is located is called Svalbard by the Norwegians. During the summer, the sun does not set. The island used to be a base for whaling and coal mining, but today tourism is the main source of income.

Spitsbergen is a unique and special place in our world where you can spot polar bears and walruses.

Ålesund

If you are looking for a unique travel destination, Alesund in Norway is definitely one of the must-sees in Norway. This beautiful city, located on the west coast of Norway, is known for its unique architecture and breathtaking landscapes.

First of all, the architecture of Alesund is breathtakingly beautiful. After a major fire in 1904, the city was rebuilt in the Art Nouveau style, resulting in a unique and impressive appearance. Stroll through the streets and admire the beautiful buildings with their decorated facades and colorful details. Be sure to visit the Jugendstilsenteret, a museum dedicated to the Art Nouveau style and the history of the city.

You can spend the night in one of the many nice and charming hotels in Ålesund

Stavanger

Located on the southwest coast of Norway, Stavanger is one of Norway’s most popular travel destinations. We give you some reasons why you should definitely visit Stavanger:

First of all, the nature around Stavanger is breathtaking. The city is surrounded by mountains, fjords and beautiful beaches. For example, visit the nearby Lysefjord, one of Norway’s most impressive fjords. Take a boat trip through the fjord and admire, among other things, Preikestoelen.

In addition, Stavanger has a rich history and culture. Visit the Stavanger Maritime Museum to learn about the city’s maritime history. Or visit Stavanger Cathedral, one of Norway’s oldest churches and an impressive example of medieval architecture. You can take the Hop-On Hop-Off bus to see everything in 24 hours.

Another special attraction in Stavanger is the swords. These three huge swords are placed in the rocks on the outskirts of the city and symbolize the battle of Hafrsfjord in the year 872, where Harald Fairhair united the Norse tribes into a kingdom. It is an impressive sight to see these swords and an important part of Norway’s history.

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Røros

If you are interested in mining, you should definitely visit the town of Røros in Norway. That is a historic mining town where you can still find well-preserved old buildings.

Røros is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Places of interest include the Church of Røros, the Røros Museum Smelthytta, the Olavsgruva (Olav’s Mine), and the Storwartz mine area with nine important mines. The town offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of mining and the way of life of the people of that time.

Be careful if you visit this in the winter because it can get very cold! Up to -50°C. or -58 F But you will get a fairytale town instead. And from the beginning of December, there is a nice Christmas market.

Tromsø

Tromsø, located in the north of Norway, is also called the “Gateway to the Arctic Wilderness“.

First of all, the nature around Tromsø is breathtaking. The city is located in the middle of the Norwegian fjords and is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers. For example, take a walk in the Tromsdalen Valley, where you can enjoy the beautiful views of the city and the surrounding mountains. Or look for the Northern Lights, which can be seen here regularly during the winter months.

In addition, Tromsø also has a vibrant city atmosphere. The city has a rich history and culture, which you can discover in the many museums and galleries. For example, visit the Polaria Museum, where you can learn more about the flora and fauna of the Arctic region. Or admire the modern architecture of the Ishavskatedralen, an impressive church built in the shape of an iceberg.

Another special attraction in Tromsø is the cable car. This will take you to the top of Mount Storsteinen, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and the surrounding mountains. It is a great experience to be here during sunrise or sunset.

Finally, Tromsø also offers plenty of outdoor activities, such as dog sledding, snowmobiling and ice fishing.

You can find more information about Trömso in our article Activities in Trömso in December. Spending the night in Trömso is no problem either. Take a look here for the latest promotions in Trömso.

Molde

Molde is also known as Norway’s Rose City. Even at the town hall, there is a rose garden on the roof. Located on the shore of the Romsdalsfjord, Molde offers breathtaking views over the water from the top of the Varden.

The Romsdal Museum is a great place to learn about Norway’s history and culture, while the Trollkirka Caves offer an exciting adventure.

Molde is also a popular base for visiting the famous Atlantic Road, one of the most spectacular routes in the world. The route starts above Molde, near Bud, and runs along the coast through several islands to Kårvåg.

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is a beautiful city in Norway, located on the shores of Lake Mjøsa.

One of the most notable sights in Lillehammer is the Maihaugen Open Air Museum. Here you can learn about the history of Norway and the way of life in the country through the ages. The museum has more than 200 historical buildings, including farms, houses, and churches, which give you an idea of ​​what life was like in the past. There are also exhibitions about Norwegian culture and traditions, such as folk music and crafts.

Another popular attraction in Lillehammer is the Olympic Park. The 1994 Winter Olympics were held here, and you can still visit the facilities used during the Games. There is a ski jump, bobsleigh track, and ice skating rink, all of which are open to visitors. The park also offers various activities such as ziplining and rock climbing. Check out all the activities you can do in the park.

If you are interested in art, the Lillehammer Kunstmuseum is a must-see. The museum has an impressive collection of Norwegian art, with works by well-known artists such as Edvard Munch and Nikolai Astrup. There are also regularly changing exhibitions of contemporary artists.

Transport and Travel Tips

Norway is a huge country. You can choose to rent a car yourself, to camp or to travel around via public transport. Below you will find some useful tips about transport and traveling in Norway.

By train

The trains are comfortable and offer beautiful views of the countryside. There are several train routes available that you can take depending on your preference. The most famous train ride is the Flåm Railway, which runs through the beautiful countryside of southern Norway.

It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country and offers breathtaking views of the mountains, fjords, and the Atlantic Ocean.

Rent a car

If you are going to rent a car in Norway, of course, you have absolute freedom and you can go anywhere. Just pay attention when you’re traveling in winter in Norway. Because then you need winter tires and then certainly in the north studded tires.

We drove from Oslo to Alta in the winter, all the way up north. It was a fantastic trip but you have to take into account the weather (check the weather forecast every time) and slippery roads. We think the YR app is very good.

Also, the ferries can sometimes be canceled or mountain passes can be closed in bad weather. There is also less accommodation available in Norway in winter, so be sure to book in advance.

Camping

You can also choose to camp or go out with the camper. You can pitch your tent anywhere in Norway. Read all the information about this again on this site. And of course, do not stand on private domains.

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