Having spent countless hours exploring Norway’s fjords, mountains, and coastal villages over the past few years, I’m often asked what makes this Nordic country so special. The truth is, describing Norway feels like trying to capture the Northern Lights in a single photograph – there’s always more to the story.
“Norway isn’t just one experience, but many,” explains Lars Pedersen, a local guide I met while hiking in Trolltunga. “From the midnight sun in the north to the cozy cafes of Oslo, each region tells its own tale through its landscape, culture, and people.”
While you could spend months discovering every hidden gem this country holds, Norway becomes much more manageable when you focus on key destinations. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 19 places that will give you a proper introduction to this remarkable corner of Scandinavia.
Oslo, Norway
Experience the best of old and new in Oslo, Norway’s bustling capital city. The downtown area combines modern architecture with historic buildings, like the striking Oslo Opera House sitting right on the waterfront. Art lovers can spend hours exploring the National Gallery and the Munch Museum, home to “The Scream.” For a taste of Viking history, head to the Viking Ship Museum, where you can see perfectly preserved vessels from centuries ago. When you need a break, stroll through the sculpture-filled Vigeland Park or grab a coffee at one of the trendy cafes in the Grünerløkka neighborhood.
Did you know?
Did you know that Oslo is one of the greenest capital cities in the world, with two-thirds of its land made up of protected forest, parks, and waterways? The city is also home to an unusual attraction – a naked baby statue called “Sinnataggen” (meaning “hot head” in Norwegian) that shows a little boy throwing a temper tantrum, which has become a beloved symbol of Oslo since its installation in 1940.
Bergen, Norway
Step back in time as you wander through Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city and former Viking stronghold. The colorful wooden houses of Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site, line the old wharf like a postcard from the past. Take the funicular up Mount Fløyen for views that stretch across the city and fjords, or dive into local culture at the Fish Market, where you can sample fresh seafood caught that morning. For a deeper look into Norway’s past, visit the Hanseatic Museum, housed in one of Bergen’s oldest wooden buildings, where you can learn about the city’s medieval trading history. It’s an ideal base for exploring the nearby fjords or spending a cozy afternoon in one of the many coffee shops along the harbor.
Tromsø, Norway
If you’re hoping to spot the Northern Lights, Tromsø should be at the top of your list. Located 217 miles north of the Arctic Circle, this lively Norwegian city offers prime viewing of the aurora borealis from September to March. Beyond the light show in the sky, Tromsø welcomes visitors with its charming wooden houses, bustling cafes, and the distinctive Arctic Cathedral, whose white triangular structure stands out against the mountainous backdrop.
Geirangerfjord, Norway
Of all the fjords I’ve seen in Norway, nothing quite matches the magic of Geirangerfjord. This S-shaped wonder stretches for 9 miles through western Norway, where waterfalls cascade down steep rock faces and tiny farms cling impossibly to mountain ledges. It’s not just another pretty view – this UNESCO World Heritage site offers some of the best hiking trails and kayaking routes in Scandinavia. Whether you’re taking in the famous Seven Sisters waterfall from a cruise ship or hiking to abandoned farm outposts like Skageflå, Geirangerfjord shows you Norway’s raw natural power in ways few other places can.
Lofoten Islands, Norway
Located above the Arctic Circle in northern Norway, the Lofoten Islands are a place that feels almost too beautiful to be real. This chain of islands features dramatic peaks rising straight from the sea, traditional red fishing cabins dotting the shoreline, and pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters. During summer, you can witness the midnight sun painting the sky in golden hues for 24 hours, while winter brings the northern lights dancing above the jagged mountains.
Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), Norway
Stand at the edge of nature’s most dramatic viewing platform at Pulpit Rock, where you’ll find yourself 2,000 feet above the pristine waters of Lysefjord. This flat-topped cliff formation draws visitors from around the world who make the 2.4-mile hike through Norwegian wilderness to reach its summit. The trek takes about 2 hours each way and rewards you with unobstructed views of the surrounding fjords and mountains. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the top, or join a guided tour that shares fascinating details about the area’s geology and folklore. Just remember to keep a safe distance from the edge – there are no safety railings at this natural wonder.
Interesting Fact:
Did you know that Pulpit Rock juts out an impressive 1,982 feet above the Lysefjord, forming a completely flat plateau that’s roughly the size of a basketball court? The massive cliff face was likely formed over 10,000 years ago when expanding ice froze and cracked off chunks of the mountain, creating this natural wonder that draws over 300,000 hikers each year.
Ålesund, Norway
Many travelers come to Ålesund for its distinctive Art Nouveau architecture, but this coastal gem can also be considered Norway’s seafood capital. The city, spread across several islands connected by bridges, offers visitors both cultural and outdoor experiences. From climbing the 418 steps to Mount Aksla’s viewpoint to exploring the city’s maritime history at the Atlantic Sea Park, there’s plenty to keep you busy. While summer brings endless daylight and outdoor festivals, winter transforms the city into a cozy destination where you can watch fishing boats return with their daily catch or warm up in one of the many traditional Norwegian cafes.
Interesting Fact:
After a devastating fire destroyed most of Ålesund in 1904, the entire city was rebuilt in just three years in the popular Art Nouveau style, making it Norway’s most complete Art Nouveau city today. The result is a unique cityscape where decorative dragons, turrets, and ornate details cover the colorful buildings that line the harbor – it’s like walking through a real-life fairytale town from the early 1900s.
Flåm, Norway
Travelers flock to the small village of Flåm for its scenic railway journey through Norway’s fjords, but this destination offers much more than just train rides. Nestled between towering mountains and the Aurlandsfjord, Flåm serves as a gateway to some of Norway’s most impressive natural landscapes. The Flåm Railway, one of the steepest standard-gauge railway lines in the world, takes visitors on a memorable journey through valleys and past waterfalls, but the village itself provides plenty of opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and cycling. While summer brings cruise ships and day-trippers seeking railway adventures, you’ll find peaceful moments and outdoor activities to enjoy in Flåm throughout the year.
Stavanger, Norway
Locals and tourists alike flock to Stavanger for its world-class fjords and famous Pulpit Rock, but this coastal gem offers much more than natural wonders. The city’s well-preserved old town, Gamle Stavanger, features rows of white wooden houses dating back to the 18th century, while the modern downtown area buzzes with interesting museums and cozy cafes. Home to Norway’s largest food festival in July, Stavanger has earned its reputation as the country’s culinary capital, serving up fresh seafood and innovative Nordic cuisine. Whether you’re hiking the nearby trails, exploring the city’s rich maritime history, or island hopping in the surrounding archipelago, Stavanger provides plenty of activities throughout the year.
Trondheim, Norway
Step back in time as you explore Trondheim, Norway’s third-largest city and former Viking capital. The charming Bakklandet neighborhood features rows of restored wooden houses from the 1800s, now home to cozy cafes and small shops perfect for afternoon browsing. Make your way to Nidaros Cathedral, the largest medieval building in Scandinavia, where you can climb the tower stairs for views across the city’s colorful rooftops. For a unique dining experience, head to the harborfront restaurants where you can sample fresh Nordic seafood while watching fishing boats come and go in the fjord.
Svalbard, Norway
Located in the Arctic Ocean between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard draws visitors who want to experience one of Earth’s most remote places. This chain of islands offers a unique mix of polar wilderness and modern settlements, where polar bears outnumber people and the sun doesn’t set for months in summer. You can explore the rugged terrain by dog sled in winter or join boat tours in summer to spot walruses and whales along the coast. The main town of Longyearbyen serves as a comfortable base with its museums, restaurants, and the world’s northernmost brewery, while the surrounding glaciers and mountains provide opportunities for hiking and snowmobiling adventures throughout the year.
Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway
If you’re looking for one of the world’s most unique drives, head to Norway’s Atlantic Ocean Road. This 5-mile stretch of highway connects several small islands along the Norwegian Sea through a series of bridges and causeways. As you wind your way over the waves, you’ll feel like you’re literally driving across the ocean – especially during stormy weather when sea spray crashes against your windshield. The road’s most famous feature is the curved Storseisundet Bridge, which creates an optical illusion making it appear as if the road simply drops off into the sea.
Trolltunga, Norway
If you’re looking for Norway’s most photographed hike, Trolltunga should be at the top of your list. Jutting out nearly 2,300 feet above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, this unique rock formation resembles a troll’s tongue frozen in stone. The challenging 17-mile round trip trek takes you through the raw Norwegian wilderness, rewarding determined hikers with panoramic views of fjords and mountains that seem to stretch endlessly into the horizon.
Jotunheimen National Park, Norway
Jotunheimen National Park is where I first fell in love with Norway’s wild side. This sprawling wilderness is home to northern Europe’s highest peaks, including Galdhøpiggen which towers over 8,000 feet. The park’s name literally means “Home of the Giants” in Norwegian, and when you’re hiking past massive glaciers and crystal-clear alpine lakes, you really do feel like you’ve wandered into the land of Norse mythology. It’s a playground for outdoor enthusiasts – whether you’re scaling peaks, camping beside pristine lakes, or following one of the well-marked trails that wind through valleys carved by ancient ice. The journey requires some planning and decent fitness levels, but the reward is experiencing Norway’s most impressive mountain landscape in its purest form.
Lillehammer, Norway
Embrace Olympic history when you visit Lillehammer, the charming host city of the 1994 Winter Games. The Olympic venues are still in use today, letting you ski jump at Lysgårdsbakken or bobsled down the track at Hunderfossen. For a deeper look into sports heritage, stop by the Norwegian Olympic Museum, where you can see medals, torches, and equipment from past games. When you need a break from sports, take a stroll down the pedestrian-friendly Storgata street, lined with colorful wooden houses and welcoming cafes serving up traditional Norwegian treats.
Nærøyfjord, Norway
When people ask me about Norway’s fjords, I always tell them about Nærøyfjord first. This narrow arm of water, sandwiched between towering cliffs that rise 5,000 feet straight up from the water, shows off Norway’s natural beauty in its purest form. The 11-mile stretch feels almost impossibly dramatic as you cruise through on a small ferry or kayak, passing by tiny farmhouses that cling to the rocky walls and waterfalls that tumble down from heights that make your neck crane. It’s not just me who thinks it’s special – UNESCO gave it World Heritage status, calling it one of the world’s outstanding natural landscapes. Whether you visit in summer when the mountains are green or winter when snow blankets the peaks, Nærøyfjord offers the kind of raw Norwegian scenery that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
Kristiansand, Norway
Located along Norway’s southern coast, Kristiansand first caught my attention during a road trip in 2019. The country’s fifth-largest city sits pretty between rocky shores and dense forests, offering visitors a perfect mix of urban and natural experiences. Small cafes and colorful wooden houses line the streets of the historic Posebyen quarter, while the nearby Bystranda Beach draws both locals and tourists to its white sand shores. The city’s Kilden Performing Arts Centre stands as a modern architectural marvel along the waterfront, its curved wooden facade reflecting golden sunlight across the harbor. I particularly love how the surrounding archipelago creates countless hidden coves and islands, perfect for summer boat trips and fishing adventures that showcase southern Norway’s maritime charm.
Lysefjord, Norway
Take in the majesty of Norway’s most famous fjord, where sheer granite cliffs rise an impressive 3,000 feet straight up from the water. Lysefjord stretches for 26 miles, offering visitors multiple ways to experience its natural wonders. You can hop aboard a cruise to see the distinctive Pulpit Rock jutting out from the cliffside, or challenge yourself to the popular 4-hour hike up to its flat top platform for unmatched views. For a more relaxed option, ride the cable car up Mount Kjerag to spot base jumpers leaping from its peaks, or enjoy a coffee at the mountaintop café while gazing down at the blue-green waters below.
Hardangerfjord, Norway
Nature lovers flock to Hardangerfjord, Norway’s second-longest fjord, where glacial waters stretch for 111 miles through western Norway’s rugged landscape. The region draws both casual tourists and outdoor enthusiasts with its mix of accessible hiking trails and demanding mountain paths, especially around the famous Trolltunga rock formation. In spring, the area comes alive with pink and white apple blossoms from the numerous orchards dotting the shoreline, making it one of Norway’s primary fruit-growing regions. While many visitors come for the warm-weather activities like kayaking and hiking, the fjord remains a year-round destination with winter offering unique experiences from ice fishing to cross-country skiing along the quiet, snow-covered trails.
