Norway, home to about 5.5 million people, stretches well past the Arctic Circle. Add deep fjords, glaciers, and huge stretches of untouched wilderness, and you’ll understand why travellers keep returning. If this is your first visit to Norway, this guide to the best places to visit in Norway will solve all your problems. You don’t have to make an itinerary for where to spend your time there; we’ve got you covered.
And before we get to the places to see in Norway, how can we forget the country’s charm: the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. They are primarily visible in the north during September to early April, and the midnight sun keeps the Arctic sky illuminated from late May to late July. Summer is a great time for hiking, kayaking, and road trips. In the winter, you can go aurora hunting, ski, and have cozy evenings by the fire. We can make your travels easier; join us to learn where to go, what to do, and more.
5 Best Places to Visit in Norway This Time
Here are the 5 places you should definitely explore on your trip to Norway for an unbeatable experience:
1.Tromsø: Chasing the Aurora Borealis
Tromsø sits at 69.6 degrees North latitude, which makes it one of the best places in Norway to watch the Northern Lights. It’s also a great spot for whale watching, since orcas and humpback whales often stay in the local fjords between November and January. You can ride the Fjellheisen, tour the Arctic Cathedral, or give dog-sledging a try. Just keep in mind that the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon from the end of November to January.
2.Lofoten Islands: Peaks Rising From the Sea
Lofoten is a group of islands north of the Arctic Circle. It’s known for steep mountains that drop straight into the sea and for its red fishermen’s cabins, called rorbuer. Fishing for cod and drying the catch on wooden racks has shaped life here for centuries. Photographers often call it one of the best places to visit in Norway for pure scenery. You can drive the E10 road, hike near Reine, walk the beach at Haukland, or try cold-water surfing at Unstad.
3.Geirangerfjord: A Fjord That Lives Up to the Hype
Of all the places to visit in Norway, the Geirangerfjord is one of the most popular and most photographed. UNESCO added this area to the World Heritage List in 2005, along with the Nærøyfjord, for its unique sandstone rock formations and beautiful cascades. The fjord is 15 km long and is best known for the Seven Sisters waterfall, though there are plenty of other waterfalls around it. To soak in the scenery and make it a trip you won’t forget, you can take a boat tour on the fjord, go kayaking or hiking, or even drive up to the Dalsnibba viewpoint, which sits 1,500 meters above sea level. Most people go in the warm months, from May to September.
4.Bergen: A Harbour Town With History
Bergen is the gateway to the Western fjords. Its old Hanseatic wharf, Bryggen, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. The colourful wooden buildings there are remnants of the medieval trade that made the city rich. Ride the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen, check out the fish market, and just wander the narrow streets. It’s one of Norway’s wettest cities, so pack a waterproof jacket. Still, plenty of travellers count it among the best places to visit in Norway.
5.Oslo: Culture in the Capital
Oslo is a starting point for many journeys and well worth a visit beyond the connecting flight. The Munch Museum houses an extensive collection of the famous Norwegian painter Edvard Munch’s work. The Opera House has a walk-in roof, and Vigeland Park features more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. The Fram Museum tells the story of Arctic and Antarctic explorations. The city is small and easy to navigate on foot or using the excellent public-transport network of trams and metro. It is one of the easiest cities in Norway to explore without a car.
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Plan Your Next Trip Around These Highlights
Pick Tromsø or Lofoten if you want Arctic landscapes, Geirangerfjord and Bergen for the fjords, and Oslo for culture. Whichever one you go for, it belongs on your bucket list if it’s your first time in Norway. Think of this Norway best places to visit list as a starting point, then plan around the time of year. Summer’s great for hiking and sightseeing, and winter is when you go for the Northern Lights.
Norway is expensive, so it’s smart to book trains, ferries, and hotels early in the year. If you’ve got the time, you can take a coastal trip on the Hurtigruten ferry, which links several northern towns in one go. Start with one region, take it slow, and keep your itinerary flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Part of Norway Is Most Beautiful?
The most beautiful place in Norway is the Lofoten Islands in Northern Norway and the Fjord Region (Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord) in Western Norway.
Is Norway Very Costly?
Yes, Norway is generally expensive, with a high cost of living due to high wages and taxes.
How Many Days in Norway Are Enough?
The recommended number of days to experience Norway on your first visit is 10 days. This allows you to see the best parts of Norway without feeling rushed. Some of the best places in Norway are Oslo, Bergen, and the Western fjords.
