Are you a fan of wide open spaces, wild and mysterious lands, or would you like to visit Northern Europe? Here are 20 magical places to discover in Norway, in the heart of Viking territory!
There’s no denying it: when you come to Norway, to this remote corner of Europe, it’s never really by chance. Norway is a long country, famous for its fjords and colorful houses, but above all it’s one of the least densely populated countries on the European continent, and one that gives pride of place to natural territories untouched by human activity. Ready to visit Norway and embark on the trip of a lifetime? We’ve put together a list of the most beautiful places to see in this splendid country. Let’s get started!
1. Tromsø, Troms
Tromsø is the largest municipality in the north of the country, and is a must-see when visiting Norway. It’s famous for its colorful 18th-century wooden houses, which ensure that the inhabitants can get through the harsh northern winter in a warm and welcoming atmosphere! For visiting tourists, it’s undoubtedly the best place to observe the northern lights, which make the country such a popular destination.
Book your activities in Tromsø
2. Trolltunga, Hordaland
Photo credit: Flickr – dan.kristiansen
What can you do in Norway if you love walking? Trolltunga – the « troll’s tongue », a reference to the mythical creatures of Scandinavian legends – is a rock that seems to rise out of the mountains: it overlooks Lake Ringedalsvatnet, and can be reached by following the superb 15-kilometre Skeggedal hiking trail: one of Norway’s most famous landmarks, it has to be earned and not easily tamed!
Book your helicopter flight over Trolltunga
3. Bleik, Nordland
Photo credit: Flickr – Federico Moroni
Bleik is not just anywhere: this spot is one of the best places in the world to observe the northern lights. A path runs along the coastline up to the magnificent surrounding hills; it’s sure to be an hour-long, kilometer-long walk that will leave you exhausted, but at least the reward will be well-deserved!
4. The Lofoten Islands
There’s no doubt about it, this is one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world: located near the Arctic Circle, this group of islands seems to float on a sea of crystal-clear waters, where cetaceans and marine animals of all kinds swirl about. In summer, thanks to its latitude, the islands enjoy uninterrupted sunshine: perfect for visiting Norway and discovering this magical place.
Book your visit to the Lofoten Islands
5. Geiranger, Sunnmøre
Photo credit: Flickr – Markus Tacker
Geiranger is one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords. Located in the county of Sunnmøre, it offers a picture-postcard landscape, immortalized by thousands of visitors every year; in fact, it’s one of the most popular places to visit, and will undoubtedly delight you if you’re looking for something to do in Norway.
6. Fredrikstad, Østfold
Photo credit: Flickr – Denis Simonet
The town boasts a charming historic center, famous throughout Scandinavia. Fredrikstad is designed with fun in mind, and its fortifications are a major tourist attraction! Explore the town’s centuries-old lanes before crossing the kilometre-long bridge linking the two parts of the municipality, then enjoy a local speciality in one of the town’s typical bistros.
7. Preikestolen, Rogaland
Preikestolen is a 600-metre cliff perpendicular to the waters of an immense fjord: the view, once you’ve made it to the top after suffering through the steep paths leading to the summit, is simply breathtaking. For thrill-seekers visiting Norway, you can test your limits by approaching the edge, but beware: there’s no barrier between you and the void!
Book your hike in Preikestolen
8. Hardangervidda, Hordaland/Buskerud
Photo credit: Flickr – westewoud
This plateau is one of the country’s most beautiful nature reserves, and it’s easy to see why: here, Santa’s reindeer friends are at home, frolicking among the splendid green-roofed cottages that are the symbol of the country! Numerous glaciers encircle Hardangervidda, providing visitors looking for something to do in Norway with a complete change of scenery and an exceptional sense of solitude.
Book your snowkite session on the Hardangervidda plateau
9. Sognefjord, Sogn og Fjordane
Photo credit: Flickr – Nathanael Coyne
This fjord is nothing less than the longest in Norway; in some places, the water takes on an emerald hue that helps to fascinate tourists from all over the world! What’s more, in the envions, numerous farms welcome tourists and allow them to sample the local specialities… sometimes surprising, but it would be a shame to miss out when you’re looking for something to do in Norway!
10. Lyngenfjord, Troms
Photo credit: Flickr – jbdodane
Another fjord? Yes, but not just any fjord, as Lyngenfjord has been awarded the « Sustainable Tourism » label. It has to be said that Norwegians value the beauty of the natural world around them! Enjoy a unique hike, see the aurora borealis or, for the more daring, bungee jump through the gorges of this natural monster.
11. Svalbard Archipelago
Svalbard is a special land; in fact, it’s unique in that it’s home to more polar bears than humans, and visitors are required by law to carry a rifle when walking in the wild! What’s more, this protected area, which is virtually inaccessible, is a very low-tourism destination, given the harshness of the climate. But it’s sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors to Norway!
Book your snowmobile trip to Svalbard
12. Vega, Nordland
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – Dana Morris
TheVega archipelago, close to the Arctic Circle, is home to several hundred species of birds, making it a prime point of interest for ornithologists the world over. Whether you visit on foot or by boat, be sure to immortalize these precious moments when you’re looking for something to do in Norway!
13. Vesteralen, Nordland
Photo credit: Flickr – Martin de Lusenet
Vesteralen is an archipelago located between Norway and the Lofoten Islands; sometimes mistakenly attached to the latter, its five main islands can be visited winter and summer alike, and offer tourists many unique places to discover, preferably by boat. Numerous routes allow you to discover these immense landscapes, which will leave unforgettable memories for those lucky enough to visit Norway!
14. Trollstigen, Møre og Romsdal
Photo credit: Flickr – dan.kristiansen
Trollstigen is quite simply a famous winding road, so steep that it’s nicknamed the « troll ladder »! It has been winding its way up a large hill ever since it was built in the 1930s, and its spectacular route, which motorcycle enthusiasts who know what they’re doing in Norway love to take, leads to a spectacular viewpoint over the whole region.
15. North Cape, Magerøya
Photo credit: Flickr – mariejirousek
When visiting Norway, the North Cape is known as one of the most northerly points in Europe – and one of the most difficult to reach. In fact, it lies north of Tromsø, and acts as a natural boundary between the Norwegian and Barents Seas, where the curious can discover spectacular aurora borealis, especially from September to March.
16. Velmunden, Oppland
Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons – C. Hill
Velmunden is a lake in the east of the country, where Norwegians enjoy kayaking among the islets, and there are many other attractions for tourists who want to know what to do in Norway, such as a visit to a spectacular abandoned village.
17. Setesdal, Aust-Agder
Photo credit: Flickr – Ralf St.
In the south of the country, Setesdal is a splendid wooded valley that can be enjoyed by strolling along the marked hiking trails leading to the Rjukan waterfall or the Skuggefjell massif, before plunging down to the picturesque village of Åraksbø, a sublime place not to be missed when visiting Norway!
18. Femundsmarka, Sør-Trøndelag
Photo credit: Flickr – Robert Anders
Femundsmarka is a natural region straddling the Swedish-Swedish border, with its own national park inaugurated to protect the formidable plant and animal species that thrive in this mountain setting. Here, the great Carl von Linné explored these unspoilt territories and was, as you will be if you visit, fascinated by the diversity of the local flora and fauna!
Book your excursion to Femundsmarka
19. Southern Norway archipelago, Vest-Agder
Photo credit: Flickr – Giuseppe Milo
In the south of the country, thousands of islands dot the Baltic Sea, and it’s great to take advantage of their presence to admire a sunset: most of the islands are naturally sheltered, and navigation is accessible to all kayakers!
20. Oslo
Oslo is one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, the capital of Norway, located in the county of the same name, deep in the Oslo Fjord. Renowned for its serenity, its green spaces and its cultural points of interest, such as the Viking Ship Museum, where you and your children can discover the fabulous thousand-year-old drakkars: if you wanted to know what to do in Norway, we urgently recommend a visit to the city!
Book your visits and activities in Oslo
Map of hotels and accommodation – Norway