Top 10 Places to Visit in Norway

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Last updated:
09.06.2022

We've traveled the world in and out and can firmly state, Norway is a place that we could come back to again and again. Of course, not everyone loves pickled herring and meatballs, but who could say "no" to a vacation to the breathtaking fjords and charming cities?

1. Flamsbana railway, Sognefjord

flamsbana

We won’t be lying when we say that this is one of the most scenic and astonishing train rides in the world, and if you are a fan of eye-popping nature panoramas, you simply can’t miss it!

In 2014 it was named by Lonely Planet Traveller as "The world’s best train ride" in their list of "The World’s most incredible train journeys 2014". Sounds convincing, right?

It's the steepest standard gauge railway in Europe, winding its way from Sognefjord in Flam and climbing up to Myrdal, which is 867 meters above sea level. Along the way, you admire stunning flowing waterfalls, valleys, mountain peaks, small villages, and the mighty fjords! You can experience it on this small group tour to Norway.

Flamsbana Railway Quick Facts

  • Open all year round
  • Accommodates all weather
  • Pets can travel with you
  • Kjosfossen waterfall views
  • Naeroyfjord fjord views

2. Northern Lights, Tromso

tromso

Every person deserves to witness the Northern Lights at least once in their life, and Norway is a perfect place for that. Of course, you can also try your luck in Iceland, Canada, Greenland, New Zealand, or Russia, but if you happen to be in Norway, definitely go to Tromso!

This charming city has one of the highest probabilities of catching the Northern Lights as it's located in the so-called Northern Lights Oval area.

Plus, it has everything a traveler might need: outstanding architecture, the world’s Northernmost botanical garden, and plenty of activities like whale spotting, dog sledding, fishing, and even golfing! Here is a great Norway Northern Lights tour tour you might like.

3. Lofoten Islands, Svolvaer

Lofoten

If you are looking for a truly unique Norwegian experience and nature attractions, then you couldn’t go wrong when including Svolvaer, the capital of the Lofoten Islands, to your itinerary.

Don’t be tricked, even though it is just a tiny city of fewer than 5,000 inhabitants, it is a real gem with many natural wonders, rich culture, and vibrant life.

Lofoten’s exceptional nature, surrounding islands, mountain peaks, and white sandy beaches all create perfect opportunities to enjoy various activities such as fishing, kayaking, Northern Lights hunting, mountain climbing, watching orcas and whales. And let’s not forget, it’s among the top places in the world to enjoy the Polar sun.

The must-see destination
Lofoten’s exceptional nature, surrounding islands, mountain peaks, and white sandy beaches all create perfect opportunities to enjoy various activities such as fishing, kayaking, Northern Lights hunting, mountain climbing, watching orcas and whales.

4. Hurtigruten coastal ferry, Crossing the Arctic Circle

norway ferry

The Hurtigruten cruise from Bergen to Kirkenes is truly remarkable, and even though it usually takes around 6 days, many travelers agree, it’s a trip of a lifetime.

The ship takes you to coastal cities and tiny villages which are barely accessible by road, passing through high cliffs and impressive waterfalls. You get to discover the most famous fjords (Geirangerfjord, Trollfjord), cross the Arctic Circle, and visit the Lofoten Islands. The comfortable vessel offers excellent food and service, well-equipped cabins, and the perfect chance to admire the magnificent midnight sun.

If tempted to go, don't forget to take a look at some useful travel tips for Norwegian fjords cruise we've prepared for our travelers.

The Arctic Circle
There are about 16,000 kilometers (9,900 miles) in the circumference of the Arctic Circle. The area north of that circle is roughly 20,000,000 square kilometers (7,700,000 square miles) and covers around 4% of the surface of the planet.

5. Snow Hotel, Kirkenes

snow hotel

In case you like collecting unique memories, then staying in a snow hotel is another must-do. And there’s probably a no better place to cross this point out than in Kirkenes, a little Norwegian town, located just a few short miles from the Russian border.

The exclusive hotel in Kirkenes is rebuilt differently every winter by snow and ice sculptors. The rooms are made entirely from ice and snow, which gives you the most unique accommodation imaginable.

Of course, you will find real beds, mattresses, and warm sleeping bags there to keep you comfortable during the night!

6. Geirangerfjord & Naeroyfjord, south-western Norway

Geirangerfjord & Naeroyfjord, south-western Norway

There are more than 1000 breathtaking fjords in Norway, but if you only had to choose few, Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord should make it to the top. They are two of the longest and deepest fjords in the world, listed by Unesco in 2005.

These fjords are beautiful in any weather conditions, let it be a sunny, cloudy, windy, rainy, or snowy day. It's no surprise that Arendelle, the magic kingdom in the film Frozen, was inspired by Naeroyfjord!

Mesmerizing, overwhelming, only one in the world - these are the words people whisper when they see it.

West Norwegian Fjords:
There is no doubt that these fjords have towering waterfalls, glaciers, sheer cliffs, and they have a unique heritage of people living in such a landscape. In addition to the Lysefjord, the Lusterfjord, and the Hardangerfjord, there are many famous fjords in Norway.

7. Bryggen Area, Bergen

bergen

Bryggen, the old wharf area of Bergen, had gained a place on Unesco’s World Heritage Sights in 1979, and to this day is one of Norway’s main attractions. We will let ourselves go as far as saying that this is the most beautiful part of Bergen.

Its history dates back to the 11th century, and though fires have ravaged it over the years, the area was rebuilt so we could see its original structure and architecture.

Strolling through the alleyways and colorful historic buildings, one can’t stop wondering, how magnificent, fascinating, and untouched by shifting time this place is.

8. Oslo, Norway

oslo

Once you decide to go to Norway, circle Oslo in red on your map! Don't make it just a mere "stopover" city, take at least 2-3 days to enjoy capital's vibrant streets and rich culture.

Being the capital of Norway, it has to offer plenty of things to do & to see. While there, we suggest exploring the must-visit sights, including the Opera house, Frogner Park, and the famous Viking Ship Museum. Undoubtedly, the trip to Oslo is not complete without tasting Norway's traditional dishes. Take your time to explore the Mathallen food hall full of local food. We recommend tasting "polse," which is a hot dog cooked in beef stock, as well as, "farikal," "lapskaus," and many others.

Moreover, check more info about Oslo to Bergen scenic train and plan your Norway trip.

And if you are a real fan of art and history, find must-see museums in Oslo we highly recommend.

The must-visit sights in Oslo:

  • Opera House
  • Viking Ship Museum
  • Frogner Park
  • The Vigeland Park
  • The Royal Palace
  • Akershus Fortress

9. Hiking, Preikestolen & Trolltunga

trolltunga

Hiking is one of the best ways to discover the dramatic landscapes of western Norway. And you really don’t need to be a sportsman to go on one!

Here you can find it all: family-friendly, easy-pace, more demanding, and extremely challenging hike paths. The Sognefjord area is an excellent base if you are a beginner in hiking or are traveling with family.

Preikestolen is a spectacular place with unique rocky cliffs facing the Lysefjord, it will take you around 4-5 hours to reach it. And, it's impossible not to mention Trolltunga, a scenic cliff, set about 700 m. above lake Ringedalsvatnet, this 10-12 hour hike is physically demanding but a surely worthy adventure.

10. Kayaking

kayaking

Given that you are a real fan of adventures, consider floating the fjords on kayaks! Norway is said to be a top destination for this activity.

Just picture yourself gazing at the sky and “out of this world” sceneries, it is definitely a not-to-be-missed activity.

So, if kayaking is an activity you enjoy, feel free to find the most attractive destination route for your kayaking trip on this list of top 10 Norway kayaking trip routes.

Kayaking tips for beginners:

  • Learn how to get in and out of a kayak
  • The proper way to pad a kayak also
  • Learn river hand signals
  • Choose the right kayak

If you consider Norway, but still have doubts when to go, what to wear, or which sights to include to make it a trip of a lifetime, read thisTrip Planner for Scandinavia and don't hesitate to contact our travel specialist. We can't wait to see you on one of our tours!