The second happiest country in the world (according to the United Nations World Happiness Report) is also one of my favourite countries! It’s a tough choice in such a pristine and beautiful country, but I would love to share some of its special places with you based on my many visits…
This is what Norway is becoming most famous for! The UNESCO-listed Fjords are now appearing on many travellers’ bucket lists, and with good reason—they are one of the most naturally beautiful and dramatic landscapes in Europe and are one of the top attractions in the Scandinavian country.
The glacial valleys are eerily silent and surrounded by high mountains and waterfalls, which give the area an otherworldly beauty.
Sognefjord is the longest, deepest, and most celebrated of the country’s waterways, closely followed by Hardangerfjord, and I would recommend a visit.
You should also visit the Jostedalsbreen glacier (the largest ice sheet in Europe), Nordfjord, and Geirangerfjord, perhaps the most scenically impressive of all the fjords.
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Scattered over a row of islands on the western coast of Norway, Ålesund is a thriving fishing town that – following a huge fire in 1904 – was rebuilt in a beautifully colourful Art Nouveau style. I was enamoured!
It boasts a vibrant culture, excellent shopping opportunities, and views over the area from Mount Aksla. I suggest soaking up the town’s unique atmosphere before heading out on a guided tour of the fjords.
Also, don’t miss the breathtaking Geirangerfjord for gorgeous photo opportunities!
This is an insanely gorgeous location and one of the most spectacular scenic cliffs in the country – but it’s only for the brave!
Otherwise known as the ‘troll’s tongue’, it was formed during the ice age when a glacial water froze a hunk of this mountain and caused it to break off, leaving a thin protruding ledge which hovers about 2,300 feet above the lake below.
If you’re up for the challenge, it’s only a four-hour trek for a lifetime photo opportunity! Just remember to be very careful!
4. Bergen
The rainy but beautiful city of Bergen was apparently the inspiration for the fictional Frozen in the hit Disney animation.
The picturesque city is one of the prettiest in the Nordic country and is peppered with medieval buildings, Norwegian churches, and colourful timber houses.
It’s a laid-back place with a selection of good museums, quirky independent stores, and al fresco cafes but I personally think the biggest draw is its status as being the gateway to the famous fjords!
- Location: Southwestern coast of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring and Summer (for mild weather, festivals, and exploring the historic waterfront).
- Activities on offer: Riding the Fløibanen funicular, exploring Bryggen Wharf, hiking Mount Fløyen, and visiting museums.
- Accommodation: Hotel Zander K, Det Hanseatiske Hotel, and Clarion Hotel Admiral.
- Map Location and Directions
5. Lofoten Islands
This scenic, unspoilt archipelago is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets! Though the collection of islands lies within the Arctic Circle, they are blessed with warmer temperatures due to the Gulf Stream.
It’s a beautifully traditional place where life is simple, and tourism is minimal. This is where whale watching, spectacular walks, and scenery await!
To crank the romance factor up a gear I would recommend staying in one of the cosy fisherman’s cabins, surrounded by still blue waters and unspoilt mountain landscapes that have to be seen to be believed!
- Location: Northern part of the country, within the Arctic Circle.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for the Midnight Sun, long days, and water activities like kayaking).
- Activities on offer: Hiking, kayaking, visiting traditional fishing villages, wildlife viewing, and rock climbing at Svolvaergeita.
- Accommodation: Scandic Svolvaer, Nusfjord Arctic Resort, and Reine Rorbuer.
- Map Location and Directions
6. Oslo
Even Norway’s capital is attractive! Yes, it’s expensive, and yes, it doesn’t have a long list of world-famous attractions, but Oslo is clean, laid-back, and surrounded by a beautiful fjord and acres of lush woodland.
The architecture is an eclectic mix of old and new. The underrated city boasts some world-class museums, including the National Gallery, which houses Edvard Munch’s famous painting, ‘The Scream.’
- Location: Southeastern part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring and Summer (for cultural festivals, mild temperatures, and city sightseeing).
- Activities on offer: Visiting museums, exploring Vigeland Sculpture Park, fjord cruises, hiking in Nordmarka, and enjoying local cuisine.
- Accommodation: Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, Hotel Continental, and Hotel Bristol.
- Map Location and Directions
7. Flam
The impossibly pretty village of Flam is located in the fjords of southwestern Norway. Home to museums that truly showcase and highlight the history of this city, as a visitor, you’ll be able to go on an explorative journey with the Flam Railway, which will show you the city in a way that walking through it just can’t.
Flam Railway runs through one of the wildest landscapes in the country and has been called the best train journey in the world.
Once you’re finished, you may want to take a quick trip to the Flam Railway Museum or even head to Stegastein, the viewing platform over Aurlandsfjord, which stretches 30 metres across the land.
- Location: Western part of the country, in the Aurland municipality.
- Best time to visit: Late Spring to Early Fall (for scenic train rides and outdoor activities).
- Activities on offer: Riding the Flåm Railway, fjord cruises, kayaking, RIB boat tours, and hiking trails in Aurlandsfjord.
- Accommodation: Fretheim Hotel, Flåmsbrygga Hotel, and Heimly Guesthouse.
- Map Location and Directions
8. Skudeneshavn
Norway’s best-preserved sailing ship town is located on the southernmost tip of the traditional island of Karmøy in Norway. A thriving port since the 19th century, today it’s a postcard-pretty place with bags of scenic charm.
I would suggest heading for the lovely old town filled with wooden houses, twisting narrow roads (with almost no traffic) and boat moorings, cafes, shops, and galleries.
Expect to see more than 200 white wooden buildings that their owners have lovingly restored and maintained.
- Location: Southwestern coast, on the island of Karmøy.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for warm temperatures and coastal walks through the charming village).
- Activities on offer: Walking tours through historic streets, visiting the old town, exploring nearby beaches, and enjoying local seafood.
- Accommodation: Parken Terrace Hotel, Karmøy Kystferie, and Skudenes Camping.
- Map Location and Directions
9. Fredrikstad
There are three fortress towns in Norway, but this one claims to be one of the best-preserved old towns in Scandinavia, and in my opinion, it’s one of the prettiest to visit.
The Old Town has a mix of traditional stores and antique shops, all framed within the extraordinary fortress walls.
Just outside the fortress, you’ll find a picture-postcard village with cobbled streets, a cathedral with stained-glass work by Emanuel Vigeland, and a steeple that also doubles as a lighthouse.
- Location: Southeastern part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Spring and Summer (for exploring the old town and enjoying outdoor activities by the river).
- Activities on offer: Exploring the old town, cycling along the river, walking tours, and enjoying local markets.
- Accommodation: Hotel Fredrikstad, Quality Hotel Fredrikstad, and Gamlebyen Hotell.
- Map Location and Directions
10. Jotunheimen National Park
Boasting the largest concentration of mountains higher than 2,000 metres in Northern Europe, the centrally located Jotunheimen National Park is one of the most popular national parks to travel to in Norway.
Encompassing several mountain ranges—including Norway’s 29 highest peaks—the area attracts hikers, cross-country and alpine skiers, cyclists, and climbers from all over Europe.
In addition to unique flora and fauna, expect to catch a glimpse of the wildlife that calls the park home, including reindeer, fox, marten, mink, wolverines, lynx, and even the rare golden eagle.
- Location: Central part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for hiking trails and enjoying Norway’s highest peaks.
- Activities on offer: Hiking, mountaineering, wildlife viewing, glacier walks, and camping.
- Accommodation: Elveseter Hotel, Spiterstulen Lodge, and Gjendesheim Tourist Lodge.
- Map Location and Directions
11. Svalbard
Fans of untouched landscapes will love Svalbard, an archipelago between the Norwegian Sea, the Arctic Ocean, the Barents Sea, and the Greenland Sea.
It’s an extremely mysterious place filled with wild, craggy mountains and pristine glaciers. It is one of the northernmost permanently inhabited spots on the planet (but less than 3,000 people live there).
Svalbard is an excellent destination in Norway for wild spotting. An abundance of animals, including polar bears, reindeer, walruses, and polar foxes, wander the wild, lonely lands.
- Location: Arctic Ocean, north of mainland Norway.
- Best time to visit: Late Spring to Summer (for experiencing the Midnight Sun and wildlife sightings).
- Activities on offer: Glacier kayaking, hiking, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and wildlife viewing, including polar bears.
- Accommodation: Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Svalbard Hotel, and Basecamp Hotel.
- Map Location and Directions
12. Reine
The fishing village of Reine is nestled securely at the mouth of Reinefjord in the west of Lofoten, but this naturally beautiful Norwegian place deserves a mention.
Within this mountainous village, you can find your pleasures on the open sea with local fishermen looking to find the catch of their lives out on the oceans.
There’s also extremely accessible kayaking for any interested persons. Reine is the ultimate place to find a piece of yourself out on the outskirts, hiking through the mountains to find the absolute perfect place to sit and take in the aurora in one of the clearest skies you’ll come across anywhere in the world.
- Location: Northern part of the country, in the Lofoten archipelago.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for scenic hikes and views of the fjords during the Midnight Sun).
- Activities on offer: Hiking Reinebringen, boat tours through fjords, fishing, and photography.
- Accommodation: Reine Rorbuer, Eliassen Rorbuer, and Sakrisøy Rorbuer.
- Map Location and Directions
13. Mjelle beach, Bodø
Whenever you walk through a seaside town, you almost expect the air of seawater and seaweed—an odd but pleasant scent most welcome as you travel towards the stunning Mjelle beach.
This beach has been called a photographer’s paradise in Norway because of its natural, almost magical scenery.
The beach itself is only half an hour’s drive from Bodø, and the locals will be happy to tell you some fascinating tales about the Red Beach, which is said to be infused with gemstone particles.
- Location: Northern part of the country, near Bodø.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for enjoying the beach, long daylight hours, and beautiful coastal views).
- Activities on offer: Swimming, hiking, beach walks, and enjoying coastal views.
- Accommodation: Scandic Havet, Thon Hotel Nordlys, and Bodø Hostel & Motel.
- Map Location and Directions
14. Rondane National Park
If you’re more of an adventurer looking for the next mountain to take you to incredible heights and views, look no further than Rondane National Park.
This tranquil mountain range is the perfect place all year round – from summer hiking to winter skiing and everything in between.
Rondane is the oldest National Park in Norway. Its several areas are rich in plant life, adding to its beauty.
- Location: Eastern part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for hiking and enjoying Norway’s oldest national park).
- Activities on offer: Hiking, wildlife spotting, photography, and camping.
- Accommodation: Rondane Høyfjellshotell, Spidsbergseter Resort, and Rondvassbu Lodge.
- Map Location and Directions
15. Trondheim
It may not seem like Trondheim is a large city compared to those you may have seen elsewhere in the world, but in Norway, it’s actually the third largest available and was once the country’s capital.
There are several historical and great landmarks that any tourist should try to see when they visit, including the medieval Nidaros Cathedral and the robust Kristiansten Fortress, both of which have tours available through various organisations.
Another notable landmark within Trondheim is the Old Town Bridge, with its red portal structures, built in 1681 and overlooking the river.
- Location: Central part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for festivals, cultural events, and exploring the Nidaros Cathedral).
- Activities on offer: Visiting Nidaros Cathedral, exploring Bakklandet, cycling along the river, and enjoying local cuisine.
- Accommodation: Britannia Hotel, Clarion Hotel Trondheim, and Scandic Nidelven Hotel.
- Map Location and Directions
16. Stavanger
This city, located in southwest Norway, is a gem! It is home to the striking 10th-century Stavanger Cathedral and colourful houses.
The Stavanger region is also awash with breathtaking surroundings and long, white beaches that add even more mystifying touches to the area.
For the hikers among you, the popular Preikestolen offers a mountainous hike up a cliff that is 604 metres in height and has a solidly flat top – giving you some of the best panoramic views around.
- Location: Southwestern coast of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for hiking to Pulpit Rock and enjoying outdoor activities along the coast)
- Activities on offer: Hiking to Pulpit Rock, fjord cruises, exploring the old town, and visiting museums.
- Accommodation: Ydalir Hotel, Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, and Clarion Hotel Stavanger.
- Map Location and Directions
17. Nigardsbreen Glacier
Glaciers are natural wonders that are often viewed from afar. Still, glacier guiding is quite popular at Nigardsbreen, where experienced guides are happy to take you and your children on safe walks among the blue ice.
It’s a stunning natural attraction and an experience like no other for anyone over five. You can gaze into the ice at close range and get lost in the spectacular reality of one of the most accessible branches of the Josteldalsbreen Glacier.
Imagine walking along an ice structure encompassing an entire area and is so beautifully formed that it looks like blue crystal glass even on a dim day—that is what this experience offers!
- Location: Western part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for glacier hiking with guided tours and favorable weather conditions).
- Activities on offer: Glacier hiking, guided tours, photography, and visiting nearby lakes.
- Accommodation: Nigardsbreen Lodge, Jostedal Hotel, and Sognefjord Hotel.
- Map Location and Directions
18. Femundsmarka National Park
Femundsmarka National Park is one of the largest areas of continuous and unspoiled wilderness. When looking for a relaxing day of walking, you’re looking at the perfect spot.
Miles of land await enthusiastic exploration, and the park even offers several great canoeing and fishing locations.
The Norwegian Trekking Association has called it one of the best three hiking areas in Norway, and judging by the views among the trees, we’d have to agree.
It could be possible to walk for hours and never come across another person during your travels, perfect for anyone looking to return to nature in beautiful Norway and discover something about themselves.
- Location: Eastern part of the country.
- Best time to visit: Late Spring to Summer (for hiking, fishing, and exploring Norway’s wilderness).
- Activities on offer: Hiking, fishing, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and camping.
- Accommodation: Røros Hotel, Femund Fjellstue, and Roste Hyttetun & Camping.
- Map Location and Directions
19. Solund, Sogn og Fjordane
This place is utterly charming! Because of the 1700 islands, islets, and skerries (give or take) to the west of Norway, boats have taken to islands, hopping between them. Solund has become a popular boating, fishing, and kayaking destination.
The endless islands offer great wind and wave protection when the weather isn’t great, but on sunnier days, you may travel a short distance to the open sea.
Of course, many activities on land include marked hiking trails and cycling routes surrounded by natural beauty. Summer in Solund also boasts guided tours that can take you to Utvær.
- Location: Western part of the country, in the Sognefjord region.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for boating, hiking, and exploring the scenic archipelago).
- Activities on offer: Boating, kayaking, hiking coastal trails, and exploring the archipelago.
- Accommodation: Solund Leilighetshotell, Hardbakke Gjestehus, and Solund Rorbuferie.
- Map Location and Directions
20. Henningsvær
Henningsvær is located among several small islands off the coast of Austvågøya. It’s a notable fishing location, but the main attraction in this beautiful corner of the country is the incredible views from anywhere in the village.
Henningsvær has been called “the Venice of the North,” likening the small village to the magnificent area of Italy that everyone knows and praises. Why? because Henningsvær is home to a world-colliding mix of traditional and modern architecture that seems to clutch the ocean in its grasp.
The entrance to the village, a narrow waterside road at the base of the mountain, is, in my opinion, the best way to start your Norway journey! Enjoy!
- Location: Northern part of the country, in the Lofoten archipelago.
- Best time to visit: Summer (for enjoying the fishing village’s unique charm and scenic views under the Midnight Sun).
- Activities on offer: Walking through the village, kayaking, rock climbing, and exploring art galleries.
- Accommodation: Henningsvær Bryggehotell, Lofoten Arctic Hotel, and Finnholmen Brygge.
- Map Location and Directions
Location of Norway
Norway is located in the Nordic area of Northern Europe and the North Atlantic, along with Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.
