The quintessence of Norway's appeal is remarkably simple: it is one of the most beautiful countries on earth. From hip urban cities to glittering fjords, northern lights, and dramatic waterfalls – Norway is an alluring country, packed with things to see and do.
There is an element of fantasy to this intricately wrought land. Norway is a postcard perfect country; pointy mountains, sat behind vibrant turquoise fjords; enchanting conifer forests, log cabins buried in snow and animals you’ve only seen in documentaries, such as wild reindeer, orcas, and even polar bears.
This is a land sculpted by the sea, shaped by the elements, and defined by light, or the lack of it. It has forged a people who are nature-obsessed, quietly welcoming, independent, healthy and wise.
Now, here are the top 10 must-visit places during your trip to Norway.
No. 10 - Ålesund
Located on Norway’s west coast, Ålesund is the gateway to the iconic northwestern fjords and surrounding alpine mountains. Ålesund owes much of its charm to a devastating fire that ripped through its wooden structures in 1904, destroying everything except the jail and a church. From its ashes rose a brand new town, mostly made from stone, and designed by young Norwegian architects who had honed their craft in Germany. Strongly influenced by the Jugendstil, or art nouveau, movement, they designed buildings rich in ornamentation, with turrets, spires and gargoyles embellishing the building. A hike up to Fjellstua viewpoint provides a panorama from above the town - one of Norway's most iconic views.
No. 9 - Tromsø
Tromsø lies 250 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is northern Norway's most significant city. Renowned for its 18th-century colourful wooden houses and its beautiful surroundings, Tromsø is home to the world's northernmost cathedral, brewery and botanical garden.
Most of the city is situated on the island of Tromsoya where visitors can explore several fine museums and stroll through stunning birch tree forests. Trips up Storsteinen Mountain in the Fjellheisen Cable Car offer visitors amazing views of the surrounding fjords and mountains. Tromsø is also one of the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights.
No. 8 - Trondheim
Vibrant city life meets small-town charm in the Norwegian foodie utopia of Trondheim. The city was recently awarded the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2022, and it's easy to see why. With a delectable concoction of charming coffee shops, Michelin star restaurants, microbreweries and farm to table fusions, you won’t find yourself short of options.
Trondheim was founded in 997 AD as a trading post and is the country's historic capital. The city is a rich mix of old and new, spanning from ruins and artefacts from the Viking Age, into the technology and architecture of modern times. The museums of Trondheim showcase some of the finest art, craft, and science the country has to offer.
With its colourful warehouses, waterways and wooded hills, Norway's third-largest city is without doubt one of its most photogenic. A must-see attraction is the magnificent 11th century Nidaros Cathedral, the northernmost gothic cathedral in the world.
No. 7 - Jotunheimen National Park
Fittingly known as ‘the Home of the Giants, Jotunheimen National park boats two of Norway’s highest mountains; Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind. The park is also home to Vettisfossen, which at 275 metres tall, is the highest waterfall in Norway. Although there are numerous national parks crisscrossed by well-maintained hiking trails, it's Jotunheimen National Park that rises above all others. With 60 glaciers and 275 summits over 2000m high, Jotunheimen is exceptionally beautiful and home to iconic trails such as Besseggen and Hurrungane.
The park is also a hotspot for wildlife and animals such as reindeer, elk, and the occasional wolverine have been spotted throughout Jotunheimen. Hiking, cycling, climbing or skiing, are all great ways to experience the wonder of this spectacular national park.
No. 6 - Svalbard
The wondrous subpolar archipelago of Svalbard is both exquisitely remote and surprisingly accessible. Svalbard is Europe's most evocative slice of the polar north and one of the continent's last great wilderness areas. Beautifully formed peaks, ginormous glaciers and stunning fjords provide the backdrop for a rich array of wildlife, such as walruses, polar bears, caribou and arctic foxes.
The main cosmopolitan city of Longyearbyen is a colourful mini metropole that offers a wide range of cultural activities and high-quality places to eat and drink. Try your hand at dog sledging, go ice caving, join a snowmobile safari, or hunt for the northern lights.
No. 5 - Oslo
Situated in a beautifully scenic spot at the end of Oslofjord, Norway’s capital of Oslo is surrounded by rolling green hills and rugged mountains. The city is a major economic, cultural and political centre, and boasts a long history that dates back more than a thousand years.
Bursting at the seams with top-notch museums, art galleries and a glacier-white opera house that could make even Sydney jealous, Oslo has an awful lot to offer. In the past few years it has achieved a striking rebirth of its waterfront district, complete with daring architecture, a high class modern-art gallery and even a beach. The Norwegian capital, which was named European Green Capital 2019, also offers a cutting-edge food scene, new and funky neighbourhoods and a fully-packed event calendar.
No. 4 - Karasjok
Karasjok is best known for being home to The Sámi, the only indigenous people left in Europe. Although snowmobiles have ousted sleds and only a minority of Sami still live from their reindeer herds or coastal fishing, the Sami culture still lives on and is increasingly accessible to visitors, especially in Karasjok. Here, you can find the Sámi Parliament, a masterpiece of traditional design in mellow wood.
Sámi identity lies secure in the language, which around 90% of the local population speak. In Karasjok, you can visit an authentic Sámi family to learn about their history and culture, taste Sámi food such as bidos, a traditional reindeer stew, listen to the fascinating joik, the continuously droned rhythmic Sámi chant, and witness traditional handicrafts, such as silversmithing and knife making.
No. 3 - Lofoten Islands
Visitors rarely forget their first sighting of the stunning Lofoten Islands. This astonishing island chain, known for its rich Viking history, is home to some of the most stunning surroundings in the world - staggering peaks, glittering fjords, authentic fishing villages and picture-perfect beaches.
With such dramatic landscapes, it’s no surprise that exploring the outdoors is one of the most popular things to do in Lofoten. Climb the famous Svolværgeita mountain or try one of the many recommended hikes in the area. The Reinebringen hiking trail is one of the best and takes you to the Lofoten Wall, offering panoramic views over the islands.
If you enjoy Viking history, you certainly need to stop by the Lofotr Viking Museum in Borg. Here, you can travel back in time and experience what life was like as a Viking - you can walk through a LongHouse, tour a blacksmith’s shop and even row a Viking ship.
The Lofoten Islands are a great place to witness the Northern Lights. Visible throughout the long night of the Arctic winter, between September and March, they dance across the sky in vibrant shades of green and blue, the Northern Lights are one of the most incredible natural phenomena and will leave you speechless.
No. 2 - Bergen
Set amid a picturesque and quintessentially Norwegian coastal landscape of fjords and mountains, Bergen is one of Europe's most beautiful cities. Rich history meets innovative fashion, trendy restaurants and a progressive music scene in Norway’s second-largest city.
A celebrated history of seafaring trade has bequeathed to the city the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site of Bryggen; the waterfront district which is home to an archaic tangle of whimsical wooden buildings. These colourful wooden buildings are now home to artisan boutiques and traditional restaurants, for which the city is increasingly famous.
In Bergen, you can visit some of the country’s top museums, such as KODE art museum and composer homes, and Old Bergen Museum, an open-air museum where you can catch a glimpse of the past. The museum is a reconstructed small town and a reminder that Bergen used to be Europe’s largest wooden city, consisting of around 50 wooden houses dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries.
As well as getting lost in Bergen's squiggly cobblestone streets, you can also experience the city from above at one of the seven surrounding mountain tops. The most easily accessible summit is Fløyen, 320 metres above sea level. A six-minute ride on the Fløibanen funicular will take you to the top, right from the city centre.
No. 1 - Geirangerfjord
Known for its spectacular waterfalls and deserted farmsteads, The iconic Geirangerfjord is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in the world, and is included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Often considered the jewel in Norway’s crown, Geirangerfjord is a 9 mile long stretch of deep vivid blue water, surrounded by majestic cliffs, lush green mountains and cascading waterfalls.
Some of the most impressive waterfalls to be found are the Seven Sisters, a towering 250 metres high falls which is said to resemble the hair of 7 women, and the Suitor, a waterfall shaped like a bottle.
The now deserted fjord farms are also well worth a visit and tell the tales of a different time and way of life. Some of the farms you can visit include Skageflå, Knivsflå, Blomberg, Matvik.
Whether you choose to wander along an ice-covered river with frozen waterfalls, sail past shimmering snow-clad landscapes on a fjord cruise, have a go at snow rafting in rubber dinghies or take a bike ride between towering banks of snow, you’ll be blown away by the unparalleled beauty of Geirangerfjord.
For tickets to the best tours and attractions in Norway, click the button below:
Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed our guide to the best places to visit in Norway. We'd love to hear your feedback in the comments and do let us know your favourite places to visit in Norway.
You can check out our '10 Best Places To Visit In Norway' video here:
Comentarios