Best 25 Places To Visit In Norway - Updated 2024

best places to visit in norway
Gabriel
Gabriel 
Updated
| 12 min read

A visit to Norway takes you to a land of incomparable beauty. It is located along the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. This alone makes it an ideal place to go nature tripping. Norway’s population is concentrated in the southern part of the country where it has relatively warmer weather. The southern and western coasts are lined with shores and waters. The inland is mostly mountains and provides so much natural beauty with its numerous fjords, hills, lakes, and waterfalls. Nature is what it offers best to its visitors. Stand in awe at the best places to visit in Norway. These places will take your breath away.

1. Bergen (from USD 59.61)

best places to visit in norway | bergen

Straddled on all sides with mountains, Bergen provides the best water views you can get. Immerse yourself in Bergen’s rich history as you walk through the streets of this beautiful town. Expand your sightseeing ventures by exploring picturesque fords and other natural wonders Norway has to offer. Ranked second only to Oslo in size, Bergen covers a vast area that is patriotic to its past. Among the favored destinations here are the seven mountains that envelope the central part of the city. The list also includes the fish market and the Hanseatic Wharf. Coffee shops and restaurants line up the streets of Bergen, thus making it much interesting for visitors to the city.

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Bergen: Private Tour with a Local

Duration: 2.0 to 6.0 hour

194 reviews

2. Geilo

Geilo Kulturkyrkje
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user DutchColours used under CC BY-SA 4.0

One of the things that visitors love about Geilo is it is easily accessible. The Bergen railway and RV7 go right by it, giving guests a few options on how to reach it. For those who love to commune and witness some of the best natural sights in the world, Geilo is the place to go to. You will not run out of fun and exciting things to do during your stay here. One of its best features is sustainability. A lot of its food and coffee are homegrown. This is the main reason why cafes, restaurants, and markets thrive all year. Give Geilo a chance, especially if you want to experience the beauty of nature while having fresh food and sipping the best tasting coffee you can have.

Geilo

Address: Vesleslåttvegen 13, 3580 Geilo

Website: Geilo

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3. Geirangerfjord

best places to visit in norway | geirangerfjord
Source: www.klook.com

Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO listed site that has breathtaking, snow-capped mountains circling on all sides. Aside from this, natural wonders that abound in this area include majestic waterfalls, vibrant greens, and lively trees. The natural scenery here is amazing. Visitors leave this place amazed at what it has to offer. Mountain cliffs are dotted with the most amazing waterfalls you will ever see. The three you need to take note of are “Bridal Veil”, “the Suitor”, and “Seven Sisters”. These water features will take your breath away. The fjords in Geirangerfjord are on a different level when it comes to beauty. These are not to be missed.

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Geirangerfjord Round-Trip Sightseeing Cruise

Duration: 1hrs - 1hrs30 Min Duration

4. Andalsnes (from USD 109.0)

Andalsnes has a lot of natural wonders for guests to see and experience. The list includes Trollstigen Trail, Romsdalseggen Ridge, Trollveggen Rock, and a lot more natural scenery to witness and immerse yourself in. Trolltigen Trail takes you on a scenic adventure where you can see the Romsdalen Valley. The best way to experience Romsdalseggen Ridge is by hiking. This gives you a clear view of the Romsdalen Mountains and the vertical rock, Trollveggen. Another way of experiencing this is by riding the NSB train. This is considered by travel companies as the most beautiful train ride in all of Europe.

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Andalsnes Shore Excursion: the Troll Road and Troll Wall

Duration: 3 hours

113 reviews

5. Bodo

Posted by Visit Bodø on Wednesday, 2 October 2019

Bodo is the answer to your search for the most exciting place to visit in Norway. The waters here are known to have powerful currents. This is called Saltstraumen Maelstrom and should not be taken lightly, especially by visitors. Beyond that, the place provides guests an impressive number of features that include several adventures. This includes a trek to snow-capped peaks or kayak rides on the water. The cold climate of Bodo makes this a popular summer retreat for those who want to cool down. If you want to experience the best of what Bodo has to offer, then a trip here is a must.

Bodo

Address: Bodo Municipality, Salten District, Norway

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6. Oslo

What a crazy weekend it was on the Oslo fjord!

Posted by Visit Oslo on Monday, 23 September 2019

Acclaimed as one of the greenest cities in the world, Oslo is dedicated to reducing pollution by preserving and conserving their natural landscape. The central part of the city is small and easily accessible by walking or biking. This is advantageous to visitors as this gives them a chance to see more of Oslo’s tourist destinations. This list includes the Royal Palace, Viking Ship Museum, Akershus Fortress, and Vigeland Park. More attractions are coming your way if you decide to spend your vacation in Norway's’ capital. A mix of the old and the new await you and your family in this beautiful city.

Oslo

Website: Oslo

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7. Voss

Frå eit krystallklart bad i Brandsethelva i fjor

Posted by Visit Voss on Friday, 19 July 2019

Set your expectations high once you set foot in Voss. This place has all the beautiful natural scenery you can set your eyes on! There is no shortage of waterfalls, steep valleys, tall mountains, and crystal clear rivers. If you want to take it to the extreme, Boss has several activities that will take adventure junkies on a wild ride. Tandem parachuting, wind tunnel flying, paragliding, rafting, and extreme cycling can be yours for the taking when you visit Voss. But if you want to mellow down your activities, Voss has historic and cultural sites like St. Olav’s Cross, Voss Folkemuseum, and Vangskyrkja church.

Voss

Website: Voss

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8. Alesund

The weather forecast says this weekend will have some absolutely fantastic weather! Head outside, enjoy the sun! And check out these golden colours! ⁠ ⁠ Photo: @kistrand⁠

Posted by Visit Ålesund & Sunnmøre on Friday, 4 October 2019

Located on the highest point of Norway’s Western Fjord Country, Alesund covers a few islands that go toward the Atlantic Ocean. While on the fjord, you get a picturesque view of the lovely Sunmore Mountains. Aside from nature, Alesund’s architecture will leave you breathless. A massive fire destroyed most of Alesund during the early 1900s. Most of the buildings were built with wood and easily perished. The rebuilding process turned the city into an architectural marvel with Art Nouveau design. The rich history of the city is enshrined within the walls of Aalesunds Museum. This city is home to one of the largest aquariums in the whole world, Atlanterhavsparken.

Alesund

Address: Alesund, Sunnmore, Norway

Website: Alesund

Tip from Content Creator

Video of Alesund shared by content creator from the United States, Emily Baeuerle.
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9. Myrdal

Myrdal med Myrdal stasjon
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Jenni Douglas used under CC BY 2.0

Myrdal is a peaceful town which makes it a perfect vacation spot. It is cut off from the rest of Norway as no road leads to this place. You can only reach it via train at Myrdal Station. Do not be fooled by its remoteness because this place has a lot to offer its visitors. There are hotels ready to welcome you and your family or friends in this area. Its natural resources are its main tourist attractions. Visitors from all over the world visit Myrdal to take on the scenic hiking and biking trails that go deep into the mountains. Feast your eyes on the most beautiful hills and waterfalls while you make your way around the area.

Myrdal

Address: Myrdal, Aurland, Norway

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10. Kristiansand


Kristiansand is in an ideal location for visitors to Norway. The largest city in the southern part of the country, it lies between the major cities of Stavanger and Oslo. It is one of Norway’s popular tourist destinations for summer. It has the lovely Skagerrak coast which provides beautiful views of the sea. It provides numerous activities for visitors who wish to climb the mountains or stay along the beaches. The central part of the city is littered with fresh flowers that make Kristiansand vibrant and lively. Several tourist destinations here are focused on families. This includes museums and parks like Kristiansand Cannon Museum and Baneheia.

Kristiansand

Website: Kristiansand

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11. Odda

Odda, Norway
Source: Photo by user dconvertini used under CC BY-SA 2.0

If nature is your thing, then Odda is your place! If you are looking for a vacation spot that offers the most beautiful fjords, majestic mountain peaks, scenic waterfalls, picturesque valleys, and romantic glaciers, then come give Odda a chance to mesmerize you. Among the amazing places that will leave you breathless is Trolltunga. This rock formation has an edge that extends over the cliff and gives you exceptional views of Lake Ringedalsvatnet. You can go on the hiking trails of Fjord National Park while taking in the stunning views of the valley and mountains. The beauty of Odda is something you cannot compare to any place in the world.

Odda

Address: Odda, Hordaland, Norway

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12. Lillehammer

Lillehammer Norway from the train.
Source: Photo by user denisbin used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Lillehammer is considered a unique type of destination. But, it offers visitors much more than what you normally expect from a Norwegian vacation spot. It is high time here during summer where you can hop on a motorcycle and take a scenic trail from Sjusjoen to Birkebeiner. Lillehammer is also a family destination. You can take everyone to places like Hunderfossen Family Park to fulfill your fairy-tale fantasies. With over 200 edifices to get into, Maihaugen is considered to be one of Norway’s biggest open-air museums. The vast grounds offer places to eat and relax. Aside from these, there are other sites you can go to and have a memorable time in Lillehammer.

Lillehammer

Address: Lillehammer, Gudbrandsdal, Norway

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13. Naeroyfjord

Naeroyfjord
Source: Pixabay

Naeroyfjord is on the World Heritage Site list of UNESCO for good reason. This is the most scenic fjord that branches out from Sognefjord. From here you get to see majestic mountains topped with snow. Beautiful waterfalls line up the sides of these mountains and add to its amazing beauty. The fjord is not that long. It only measures 17 kilometers (10.5 miles). But the beauty of it more than makes up for its lack in size. Bakka Church is a heritage church that has a lovely small town appeal and a must-see for every visitor. With so many experiences waiting for you, Naeroyfjord should be in your list of places to visit for your next vacation.

Naeroyfjord

Address: Naeroyfjord, Aurland, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

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14. Lofoten

Svolvaer, Lofoten, Norway
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Vincent van Zeijst used under CC BY 3.0

Witness some of the most beautiful islands in the world. This is Lofoten, a paradise located in the northern part of the country. It straddles the beautiful Norwegian Sea. Lofoten is a real-life theater of nature where peaks like Svolværgeita stand tall and proud and Himmetindan Mountain dominates the skyline. The archipelago is also home to Lofotr Viking Museum. Here you can see a Viking Longhouse replica. You and your family can hop onto bicycles and take scenic trails that lead you to several fishing towns. Lofoten is a vacation destination that will amaze you and take your breath away.

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15. Gudvangen

Gudvangen, Norway - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sergey Ashmarin used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Gudvangen has everything a visitor like you would want in an enjoyable vacation in Norway. You can have your fill of adult or family-oriented fun activities which you will enjoy and remember for a very long time. Gudvangen is an ancient Viking village so most of its tourist destinations are centered on their way of living and history. Bear witness to the rushing waters of one of Norway's’ highest waterfall, Kjelfossen. Another place of interest you must not miss is the Magical White Caves of Gudvangen. This is a network of caves where you can witness varying lights reflecting on the rocks and waters inside.

Gudvangen

Address: Gudvangen, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway

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16. Narvik

Narvik from above
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Stunu used under CC BY-SA 3.0

One of the best things about Narvik is that the skies here are perfect for watching the aurora borealis. This is especially true even during fall, winter, and springtime. One of the noticeable characteristics is it has one of the steepest drops for back-country skiing in Scandinavia. Ototfjord’s beauty is one of its attractions. Skiing from Narvikfellet may seem like you are going straight to the fjord. If you are looking for something man-made, Narvik War Museum is the answer to your needs. A visit here will show you relics of war and what happened during the War of Narvik.

Narvik

Address: Narvik, Nordland, Norway

Website: Narvik

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17. Trondheim

Reflekser

Posted by Trondheim on Thursday, 7 February 2019

Trondheim is a quaint city but is the third biggest in the country. It has a laid-back atmosphere that lures visitors to relax and clear their minds. Once you step inside Trondheim, the architecture will leave you breathless. It has postcard-worthy houses lining up the banks of Nidelva River. The vibrant colors of these houses make these perfect for photo opportunities. Before you leave Trondheim, make sure you try the local cuisine. This city is proud of its food and that is why there are a lot of restaurants and cafes offering the best local dishes containing indigenous ingredients. Locally crafted beers are the drinks of choice.

Trondheim

Website: Trondheim

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18. Svolvaer

Svolvær
Source: Photo by user Christoph Strässler used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Svolvaer is a beautiful port municipality located in Lofoten. This place is a mix of the natural, the old, and the new. It has mountains and rivers that blend in perfectly with modern buildings and heritage edifices. This eclectic mix of scenery is what makes this place perfect for a vacation. One such building is Lofoten War Memorial Museum. It provides an interactive exhibit of World War 2 memorabilia. Most of the items on display are related to the war events that took place in Lofoten. If it is nature you want, the stone pinnacle, Svolvaergeita, gives you unlimited views of the archipelago.

Svolvaer

Address: Svolvaer, Lofoten, Nordland County, Norway

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19. Sognefjord

There are so many amazing places around the globe to see. Skjolden is a breathtaking destination and definitely worth...

Posted by Visit Sognefjord on Friday, 26 July 2019

Sognefjord has so much to offer. Its length covers 204 kilometers (127 miles) and is the third-largest fjord in the world and the largest in Norway. It offers the best natural scenery in the country which visitors will surely love. Fjords and mountains dominate the landscape complemented by several family-oriented activities. The place is known for its collection of Stave Churches. The Urnes, Unredal, and Hopperstad Stave churches have retained their original décor making these exciting places to visit. Vetisfossen is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the whole world. It may be difficult to reach but the three-hour hike is worth it.

Sognefjord

Address: Sognefjord, Sogn og Fjordane County, Norway

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20. Jotunheimen

Photo by Jotunheimen Travel

Posted by Jotunheimen on Tuesday, 6 August 2019

Jotunheimen has one of the highest mountain ranges in the country. It has more than 250 peaks that jut out to more than 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) in the air. You can take a hike, climb, or bike these peaks while taking in amazing views of rivers and waterfalls along the way. A popular activity is camping. Parks are ideal places for this and Jotunheimen is teeming with these. You can watch eagles fly by standing at Galdhopiggen. The wildlife and the natural scenery here is stunning. Come for a visit to Jotunheimen and see nature at its best.

Jotunheimen

Website: Jotunheimen

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21. Tromso (from USD 104.93)

best places to visit in norway | tromso

Tromso is an amazing place to visit. This place is within the Arctic Circle and serves as Norway's’ gateway to the region. This place is so cold that there is ice everywhere. Fjords and stiff peaks are seen in every direction with snow-capped mountain tops dominating the horizon. Tromso is a place where visitors can see the Northern Lights. It is one of the best places to do so. Despite the extremely cold weather, the city is known as a university town with a thriving nightlife. The Arctic Cathedral is a Parish church in Tromso and is considered as the face of the city. It has been featured in many postcards representing the city.

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Tromsø: Wildlife Bird Fjord Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Duration: 5.0 hour

2594 reviews

22. Eidfjord (from USD 67.99)

eidfjord

If there is one reason that stands out why visitors love to visit Eidfjord, it is the hospitality of the people. People who live here are amiable and have ready smiles when you see them. Then there are the sites to see. In Eidfjord, you can choose to go up the mountain and commune with nature or spend a day at the shores of the fjord and go swimming. Haereid Iron Age Burial Site is one of the more popular tourist destinations. You will see around 400 graves that date back between 400 to 1000 A.D. Eidfjord Church attracts tourists because of its remarkable architecture.

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Eidfjord: 1-Hour Fjord RIB Tour

Duration: 1.0 hour

101 reviews

23. Flam (from USD 513.0)

Flam is an ever-popular fjord destination and is one of the most visited places in Norway. Proof of this is that most major cruise lines that sail through Europe pass here. It has everything Norway can offer visitors. The Flam scenic railway takes you on a picturesque ride from Flam to Myrdal then back to Flam. It is one of the popular activities visitors do. Spend some time interacting with real Vikings at the Viking Valley in Gudvangen. Witness their way of living by watching them create crafts. Stand in awe looking at majestic fjords by going to Stegastein Viewpoint. These are a few of the many exciting things you can do in Flam.

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Cruise Special - Flåm private tour

Duration: 3 to 4 hours

1 review

24. Hardangerfjord (from USD 325.0)

This region is home to the world’s third-longest fjord. It is also Norway’s second-longest fjord. Nature is its strongest point and draws thousands of visitors all year round. Among the natural features to see are Sorfjorden and Steindalsfossen. The former is a branch of Hardangerfjord that offers camping. The latter is a waterfall where a walkway allows you to go behind it. Two scenic routes were built to maximize tourist appreciation of the natural landscape. These two are Hardanger and Hardangervidda. Culture also plays a big part in its tourism industry. Among the well-known tangibles that reflect this are embroidery, folk costumes, and the Hardanger fiddle.

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Self-Guided Full-Day Round-Trip To Hardangerfjord From Bergen

Duration: 12 hours

4 reviews

25. Lysefjord (from USD 123.0)

Lysefjord draws you to an unforgettable experience centered on nature. The fjord is remarkably beautiful and the waters are tranquil, making it ideal for a boat ride. It stretches 40 kilometers (24.9 miles) and provides scenic mountain views on both sides. Some of the peaks rise to about 914 meters (3,000 feet). Guests who are up to a challenge can navigate their way up to several viewpoints like Florli, Bratteli, Kjerag, and Preikestolen. A newly built bridge at the fjord’s estuary provides majestic views as well. Seals and goats are a common sight along the fjord’s banks adding an entertaining touch to the area.

Tip from Content Creator

Lysefjord Lysefjord Lysefjord

Another challenging but fulfilling experience you can enjoy in Lysefjord is taking a dip in the ice-cold waters in sub-zero temperatures. I’ll be honest, the first few times I took a dip into the freezing Norwegian waters I was in shock and not sure if I would continue “plunging”. I have seen and heard of many people doing it and the many health benefits it provides. So this time I got a change of scenery and drove to the beautiful Lysefjord where the mountains have snow caps and the lakes are frozen. Nothing was stopping us from taking this plunge, even though the ice and snow were intimidating.

This was such an amazing experience and I think it’s safe to say you’ll be seeing a lot more of this. It’s getting easier each time and allowing me to push my limits and conquer my own fears and insecurities. Taking a true cold plunge has reminded me of what a badass I am. If you wish to feel the same way, do give this a try!

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Lysefjord RIB Safari from Stavenger

Duration: 1 hour 45 minutes

288 reviews

Witness the amazing scenery of Norway

The natural beauty of Norway is immeasurable, making scenic trips to this country second to none. Fjords, mountains, rivers, and many natural wonders blend perfectly well with old churches and ancient Viking villages. The Northern Lights can be seen in some of these places as well. If you’re looking to visit this amazing country but don’t know where to start, keep our list of the best places to Visit in mind.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Introducing Gabriel, affectionately known as Gabby, a dedicated enthusiast of writing, travel, and gastronomy. With these three passions as guiding stars, life takes on new heights of fulfillment....Read more

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