Norway is filled with amazing tourist destinations. The northern Troms, the western city of Alesund, and the inland mountain village of Flm are just a few examples. And I won’t even begin to recommend the amazing fjords you must see.
The entire country is a veritable treasure trove of must-see destinations. Norway’s cultural offerings are equally as intriguing and stunning as the country’s breathtaking natural landscapes.
There’s a little bit of Norwegian culture that everyone can appreciate, from the traditional cultural traditions of the Sami people in the north to the cosmopolitan culture of Oslo.
Top 7 Places to Visit in Norway
Here is the list of best 7 places to visit in Norway:
1. The Oslo Region
Oslo, the capital of Norway and the 2019 European Green Capital, is a bustling metropolis. Some examples of what to look forward to include a cutting-edge food scene, hip new neighborhoods, a jam-packed events calendar, and a number of brand-new museums and attractions.
With the Oslofjord and dense forests on all sides, visitors to the city can easily combine city life with outdoor activities like cycling and skiing at some of Norway’s best resorts, or exploring the neighboring regions of stfold and Vestfold, where picturesque seaside towns like Fredrikstad and Tnsberg can be found.
Hadeland, Norway’s newest art destination, is just an hour’s drive from Oslo, and it’s worth the trip to view the beautiful Kistefos-Museet exhibition building and outdoor art park.
2. Tromsø and the Land of the Northern Lights
Troms, the Arctic capital, is situated smack dab in the midst of Norway’s Arctic region. This is the place to go if seeing the northern lights, going whale watching, experiencing the midnight sun, and going on other spectacular outdoor activities are on your list of must-dos.
See the northernmost point of Europe at North Cape, and take advantage of the excellent ski touring, biking, and hiking conditions in the Lyngenfjord region. The Varanger peninsula, located in the eastern portion of this enormous territory, is a haven for bird watchers.
Kirkenes and Varanger are great places to stay in an ice hotel and go king crab fishing or dog sledding. Many islands, such as Senja, Kvalya, and Sommary, can be found in the waters close to Troms and are just waiting to be discovered.
3. Lofoten and Nordland
Beautiful beaches, traditional fishing communities, and breathtaking mountains. Not to add the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights! Stunning photos of Lofoten and Vesterlen (the kingdom of whales!) have likely caught your eye on Instagram.
If you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to avoid the summer. Skiing, biking, and hiking enthusiasts will find nirvana in Narvik, and those looking for something a little off the beaten path should head south to Helgeland. The Coastal Road between Trndelag and Bod has been named one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
4. Bergen and the Western Fjords
Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, combines historical World Heritage sites with cutting-edge fashion, fashionable eateries, and forward-thinking music. See the city from above on one of the seven surrounding mountains, wander the winding, cobblestone lanes, and visit some of the best museums in the country, including the KODE art museums and the residences of composers.
From Bergen, you can easily reach the northern Sognefjord, the country’s longest and deepest fjord, and the southern Hardangerfjord, where you’ll discover the world-famous mountain plateau Trolltunga. There are many fjords that have sidearms that are just as lovely but far less crowded.
5. Sognefjord: Norway’s Largest Fjord
Sognefjord is the longest and most extensive of Norway’s more than 1,700 designated fjords, stretching inland for 204 kilometers from the coastal town of Skjolden and splitting off into innumerable smaller inlets and fjords along the way.
The King of the Fjords, as it is known in Norway, is about five kilometers broad at its widest point and has rock cliffs that are as high as 1,307 meters. Taking a boat tour of the fjord is the most common way to see it.
Hence, fjord cruises and sightseeing trips abound, with many of the best options easily departing from the charming city of Bergen. But plan on spending at least a day on your journey, regardless of where it is that you set out.
6. Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)
Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) is one of the most visited attractions in Norway, despite the fact that getting there is a challenge in and of itself. Among the most photographed places in all of Norway.
The trip to the site, which is located close to Stavanger, entails taking a ferry, a bus, and then hiking upwards for two hours. After you make it to the summit of the nearly flat-topped cliff, which is perched more than 600 meters above Lysefjord, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramas.
7. Bygdoy Peninsula, Oslo
Easily accessible by vehicle or public transportation, the Bygdoy Peninsula is a western suburb of Oslo. Some of Oslo’s most popular attractions may be found here, and the area is also well-known for its abundance of beaches, parks, and forests.
In addition to its many other museums, the Bygdoy Peninsula is also home to the Villa Grande, which houses the Center for Studies of Holocaust and Religious Minorities in Norway.
The Fram Museum is another must-see; it houses the polar exploration vessel Fram as well as the pioneering Northwest Passage vessel Gja. The well-known Kon-Tiki Museum is conveniently located nearby.
Conclusion
The cultural and ecological attractions in Norway are unparalleled. Travelers in the land of the midnight sun and breathtaking northern lights have a plethora of options, from the metropolitan capital city of Oslo to the country’s limitless snowcapped mountain peaks and deep fjords.
Despite its mountainous interior and rocky shoreline, navigating the country is surprisingly straightforward. Some of the nicest sites can be seen while using the country’s excellent public transit systems, such as the train network or the beautiful coastline steamers.