Norway is a beautiful country located in North Europe. I have been there twice and loved it. On my first visit, I went all around the country to see different places and enjoy the natural beauty. I visited the fjords located in the west, the mountains located in the center, the glaciers located in the east, the islands located in the north, and the cities located in the south. They were all very different, but all of them were beautiful. I would say the most popular places to visit in Norway are the winter wonderland of Oslo, the rugged coastline of Bergen, and the stunning fjords all around the country.
There is still so much more to see and experience while on a tour of Norway. Whether it’s the breathtaking scenery, the friendly locals, or exploring the region’s rich Viking history and cultural heritage, there’s something for everyone here. You’ll leave with a piece of your heart in Norway, no matter what you’re drawn to.
Here you can see the most famous places to visit in Norway:
The Northwest and the Geirangerfjord:
Because of its location in the most northern region of Fjord Norway, the picturesque art nouveau town of lesund serves as an excellent launching point for fjord excursions in the Northwest. This is a year-round destination for people who are passionate about the outdoors. You can take a boat or a bus from Alesund to the UNESCO-recognized Geirangerfjord, Norway’s most famous fjord. This fjord is home to the Seven Sisters waterfalls as well as a number of other waterfalls that cascade down steep mountain sides.
The mountaineering capital of Andalsnes is another ideal base here because it is surrounded by staggering peaks (you can hike to the top with a gondola), and it is situated only a short distance from internationally renowned destinations such as the Trollstigen mountain road and The Atlantic Road. Andalsnes is the destination of the Rauma Railway, which has been ranked as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Molde, known as the world’s jazz capital, and Kristiansund, the clipfish capital of the world, are both located in the Northwest.
The Geirangerfjord is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Norway. The fjord is located in the municipality of Stranda, in the county of Møre og Romsdal. It is about 15 kilometers long and has a maximum depth of almost 1,000 meters. The Geirangerfjord is surrounded by tall mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers. The Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Norway. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people visit the fjord. There are many reasons why the Geirangerfjord is so popular. First of all, the scenery is simply breathtaking. The fjord is surrounded by tall mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers. The views are simply stunning. Secondly, there are many activities and attractions in the area. There are hiking trails, boat tours, kayaking, and much more. thirdly, the area is very accessible. There are many flights to the nearby airport, and there are also ferries that connect the Geirangerfjord with other parts of Norway.
The Oslo Region:
Oslo, Norway’s majestic capital is a must-see location, particularly for a city break or a taste of Norwegian culture. With its gorgeous waterfront and natural surroundings, it has a small-town vibe in addition to its rich tradition and attractions. During your visit, you’ll find a wonderful blend of classic Scandinavian style and current metropolitan influences. On a walking tour of the city center, take it all in.
The Iconic Pulpit Rock:
I have visited Norway twice, and the best tourist site, I love is Pulpit Rock. Pulpit Rock is a flat-topped cliff that is about 600 meters above water levels. It is located near Stavanger in Norway and has the best sight over many places in Lysefjord. Getting to Pulpit Rock requires a 2-hour uphill hike. Pulpit Rock gives one an enchanting view to take amazing photos. Records have it that Pulpit Rock is the most popular tourist sight in Norway.
The name stems from its shape, which resembles a preacher’s pulpit: a vertical cliff with a flat top. It has become one of Norway’s most popular treks due to its picturesque environment and breathtaking views from the top. If you’re a serious walker or visiting the western fjords, Trolltunga in Bergen is a must-do hike.
The Village of Flam:
It has been dubbed one of the world’s most beautiful railways. A Norway in a Nutshell tour would allow you to see the fjords and Flm. With its steep mountainsides, roaring waterfalls, and deep valleys, it is a favorite destination for nature lovers. The 17th-century Flm Church and the Flmsbana Museum, which is located near the railway station, are two of the many attractions and activities available. Hikes, kayaking tours, and boat rides can all be taken from here to see the area’s wildlife and beauty.
The Vigeland Park:
Vigeland Park is located in the city of Oslo, the capital of Norway. The park is named after the sculptor Gustav Vigeland, who designed and created all the sculptures in the park. The park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Oslo, and it is visited by millions of people every year. The Vigeland Park is a must-visit for anyone who is interested in art or sculpture. The park is home to more than 200 sculptures, all of which were designed and created by Gustav Vigeland. The sculptures are made of bronze, granite, and wrought iron, and they depict human figures in various positions and states of emotion.
Oslo Opera House:
Here they actually encourage you to walk on their roof. It is an architectural marvel in and of itself. Just like you look to hike mountains when in Norway, this Opera house was built with exactly this concept in mind. The architect wanted its visitors to climb the opera house, just like they would climb any other part of nature in Norway. The sunset from here was gorgeous. The unique marble building opened in 2008 and is the best place to take in views of the Oslofjord and the capital by the water. On warm summer days, the marble roof of the opera house is packed with tourists and locals alike, as you are not only allowed but encouraged to explore the architecture by walking across the rooftops.
Stegastein View Point:
A major tourist attraction in the Aurlandsfjord area is Stegastein Viewpoint. You can either get there by tour bus along with masses of other people or rent your own car and avoid the flood of people. I recommend you head there early in the morning to avoid the tour groups. It will be less crowded and allow you to really take in the views.
Prest Mountain Top:
The greatest and most scenic experience in Aurland is hiking to Prest and taking in the view of the Aurlandsfjord and its surrounding ice-capped mountains. The hike doesn’t open until the first week of June because until then, frost and snow still cover the mountains.
Mount Floyen in Bergen:
A trip to the top of one of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen, Mount Floyen, is a must when in Bergen. We recommend taking the funicular which gets you up there in less than 6 minutes and offers stunning views. An alternate route (and if you have more time) would be to hike up the side of the mountain. That would take roughly 1 hour to get up. From here you can catch breathtaking views of the city, either from the platform balcony they provide or from smaller hidden areas such as the one that Pat and I found below. There is a restaurant at the
top where you can enjoy lunch, dinner, snack, or a nice cold beer on one of the few sunny days.
Tubakuba in Bergen:
Many don’t know this, but there is more to explore on Mount Floyen than just the view. Roughly 100 yards away from the viewing area hides Tubakuba, a sleekly designed rabbit hole cabin available for anyone to sleep—FREE OF CHARGE. You need to apply to be accepted to sleep in it but you can stay in this quaint rabbit hole with views of the city overlooking Bergen. This architectural masterpiece was built by students at the Bergen School of Architecture. A few key things to note before you consider this stay: It does not have electricity, so all heat in the winter is provided by a small wood-burning stove and a lot of insulation. I’m not so sure about lights, but I’d assume that isn’t something that is available either, you will have to use the light shining through the enormous window in the summer.
The Hanseatic Headquarters:
Bergen is famously known for its history in the Hanseatic League, also called Hansa. It was an organization founded by northern German towns and merchant communities to protect their mutual trading interest. To avoid the crowds of tourists during the day, go in the later afternoon. Since Bergen was one of the first ports in Northern Europe, it seemed fitting to have one of the 4 Hanseatic headquarters set up here. Today, it is the only Hanseatic League headquarters left that is still preserved. Each summer, these German merchants would set up shop in Bergen in the area that we today call Bryggen. It is made up of the wharf and the Hanseatic Headquarters where they once lived. Today it is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In my opinion, the headquarters look identical to Diagon Alley and could have in fact inspired J.K. Rowling.
Lindesnes:
Lindesnes is the southernmost point of Norway, and the Lindesnes Lighthouse is Norway’s oldest, dating all the way back to 1656. The lighthouse is a national museum, and in addition to taking in the exhibits on maritime culture, you can also walk through the remains of a German WW2 fort. If you’re looking for a truly unique travel experience, you can rent the lighthouse keeper’s cabin and spend the night surrounded by the wind and waves, and enjoy dinner in Europe’s first underwater restaurant Under restaurant.
Lofoten Islands:
Lofoten is famous for the dramatic mountains that rise straight out of the Atlantic. While most tourists visit in the summer months, it’s also one of the best places to see the northern lights from late September to March. The fishing village of Hamnøy is the oldest in Lofoten and a great place to stay to experience everything Lofoten has to offer, from hiking and boat tours to surfing and ski touring.
Arendal:
Arendal is a picturesque place that is pleasant to visit in the summertime due to its location on the picturesque southeast coastline of Norway. This is the time of year when a large number of tourists visit the city to take in its attractions and participate in the numerous festivals and concerts
that are held during this time. In my opinion, the central business district of the city is centered on the charming waterfront and wharf, which are home to a number of lovely old buildings as well as churches that date back hundreds of years. Cozy cottages and houses made of wood are positioned next to harborside cafes, outdoor restaurants and bars, and other establishments, which contributes to the area’s endearing appearance and atmosphere.
I would recommend that tourists check out Arendal’s fantastic fish market and interesting museum on the city’s history in addition to the two historic areas of Tyholmen and Pollen. Both of these attractions are located in the city center. You can also take a ferry ride to the nearby islands of Hisoy, Merdo, and Tromoy from its wharf, which are all home to beautiful natural scenery in their own right.
Preikestolen:
Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock, is a vertical cliff 604 meters above Lysefjord, and it is indeed one of the best hikes in Norway. The hike is quite long and challenging, but it is rewarded with an absolutely stunning view of Lysefjord and the surrounding scenery. The hike to Preikestolen takes about 4-5 hours, and it has a total vertical ascent of about 825 meters.
There are three routes to Preikestolen: From the north: From Stavanger, tourists can drive to the village of Hellevik, then it is a short walk or they can ride to the Preikestolen Mountain Lodge. From this point, it is possible to climb Preikestolen, with a guide. From the west: From the village of Tau, it is a hike of about 8 kilometers through beautiful mountain terrain. From the east: The hike from the village of Forsand is longer and more difficult (about 15 km), but it is possible to ride a bicycle to the start of the hike.
The views are just breathtaking! There are a few things you might want to know, though. Firstly, the trail up to this destination is quite long and pretty hard. That said, it’s a lot easier in dry weather, it can get a little slippery if it has rained. Secondly, you will arrive at the end of the trail at Preikestolen Fjellstue, a mountain lodge where you can spend the night before you go back. Thirdly, you’re not allowed to walk onto the rock without a guide, who will take you out on a little walkway.
Tromsø:
One of my favorite places to visit in Norway is Norway’s Arctic City: Tromsø. Situated about 750 km north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is located in the middle of the Lyngen Alps. Not only is it known as the “city of the
Midnight Sun,” but it has one of the world’s most spectacular fjords, the Lyngenfjord, which stretches out into the Arctic Ocean. Tromsø offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing. Then there are the long summer days. The short nights are spent fishing, drinking beer, or having a chat with friends in one of the many cafés. I once spent a semester in Tromsø and it was a pretty great time. If you like scenery, hiking, and nature, I highly recommend you visit Tromsø.
The weather can be a bit fickle. It can snow in the summer, and in the winter it’s like you’re living in a fairytale. I was told that a lot of films were shot there. It’s a great place to hike and it’s not hard to find a guide for a tour. I would recommend everyone to visit Norway. It will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.