Norway is a great country to visit for people who are seeking rich culture and adventure, but also for people who are looking to relax. Norway offers spectacular views and outdoor exploration, cultural celebrations and famous landmarks that are definitely worth visiting. Visit the capital of Oslo for its urban entertainment, as well as its many well-known museums and galleries.

Visit the Northern parts of Norway for unique winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and dog sledding. Travel to plenty of small and culturally authentic fishing villages that provide a cozy atmosphere, and experience culinary diversity at some of Norway’s amazing seafood restaurants.

Places worth visiting:

Western Fjords

Norway’s famous fjords can be found throughout the country and are not limited to a particular region or location. However, the most dramatic and well-known fjords are mostly found in the West of Norway. Although the western fjords vary somewhat in appearance, they are generally relatively narrow, surrounded by steep rock walls and tall mountains. The most famous fjords are probably Geirangerfjord and Nerøyfjord.

Bergen

Also known as the Gateway to the Fjords, Bergen is Norway’s second largest city, and has been the nation’s leading western port since the Middle Ages. Today, its waterfront in the Bryggen district is both a working port and a popular tourist destination. This district is well known for its fresh seafood restaurants. Although Bergen makes a great home base for exploring the scenic fjords and the surrounding islands, there is a lot to see within the city as well.

Lofoten Islands

Being one of the most popular tourist destinations in Norway, Lofoten is a group of islands in the northern part of the country. With its small fishing villages scattered around the fjords, and abrupt peaks rising directly from the ocean around them, Lofoten is often described as one of the most beautiful parts of Norway. Although it is located above the latitude of the Arctic Circle, the climate is relatively mild due to the circulation of the Gulf Stream. Temperatures up to 23 degrees Celsius are not uncommon during summer, although the weather up there can be somewhat unpredictable and changes fast.

Stavanger

Located in the southwest region of Norway, Stavanger is one of the few places in the country with long sandy beaches, making it an ideal summer destinations for those who want to include sunbathing in their Scandinavian explorations. The city’s harbour is a stopping point for many cruise ships that are touring the fjords, and most of Stavanger’s popular tourist attractions are just a short stroll away from the shore. The Rogaland Kunstmuseum (art museum) offers an excellent exhibition of Norwegian art. The Stavanger Cathedral is an old and beautiful Medieval church that is worth visiting if you are looking to explore authentic Scandinavian culture and architecture, as well as the entire Gamle Stavanger (directly translated to “old Stavanger”) district, that transports visitors back to the 18th-century.

Oslo

Norway’s capital and most populated city. It is a vibrant and modern city with a confident attitude, and a laid-back atmosphere. Oslo is 1/3 city and 2/3 forests and parks, making outdoor activities such as hiking and biking popular activities to indulge in. Visit its many museums, such as the Munch Museum and Folkemuseet - an outdoor museum that includes over 150 historic buildings, such as a Stave Church.

Svalbard

Svalbard is a group of islands located between the Arctic Ocean, Barents Sea, Greenland Sea, and the Norwegian Sea. The islands have been a part of Norway since 1920. Its settlements are the northernmost permanently inhabited spots on the planet. The combined permanent population is less than 3000, nearly all of which is concentrated in the main settlements of Longyearbyen and Barentsburg. Visitors come to Svalbard mostly to experience the raw and powerful Arctic nature. The islands feature untouched glaciers and mountains, as well as amazing wildlife such as polar bears, reindeer, polar foxes, whales, seals, and walruses.

Jotunheimen

Jotunheimen, also known as the Home of the Giants, is Norway’s most prominent national park, and is located in the nation’s south central region. The park consists of several mountain ranges, including Norway’s 29 highest peaks, as well as Norway’s highest waterfall, Vettisfossen. Mountain lodges and marked trails in the area offers visitors easy access to glacier hikes, summit tours, mountain climbing and skiing.

Trondheim

Founded in 997, Trondheim is Norway’s third largest city, and was the country’s capital during the Viking Age, making it the ideal destination for those who want to explore and experience Norway’s rich history. Visit Sverresborg, a restored 12th century castle, and the Nidaros Cathedral, the northernmost Medieval cathedral in the world. Also, visit the beautiful and isolated surrounding island regions, consisting of majestic cliffs and reefs.

Tromsø

The largest city in Northern Norway, Tromsø is renowned for both its large number of 18th-century wooden houses, and for its natural surroundings. Explore the city’s fine museums, and stroll through stunning birch tree forests. Travel up the Storsteinen Mountain in the cable cars, and witness the amazing view of the surrounding fjords and mountains. Visit the Arctic Aquarium and the Polar Museum, which are both very popular tourist attractions. Tromsø is also one of the best places in the world if you are trying to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Ålesund

Located along Norway’s west coast, Ålesund is a great place to witness the iconic northwestern fjords and the surrounding alpine mountains. This city owes its current appearance to a full reconstruction that took place after a fire erupted in 1904, which ended up destroying most of the town. The city was rebuilt in the architectural style of the time, and stands today as a perfect example of Jugendstil design – Northern Europe’s version of Art Nouveau. Visitors can learn more about this particular style at the Jugendstilsenteret, or the Art Nouveau Center. Hiking up to Fjellstua is worthwhile as well, as the view of the surrounding islands from atop the mountain peak is astonishing.