City
Bergen
Norway
A colourful harbour city framed by seven hills, gateway to the fjords and home to the old wooden wharf of Bryg...
Northern Europe
Norway
Deep fjords, Arctic islands, northern lights and sleek, harbour-side cities, in a country where mountains meet the sea at almost every turn.
Before you plan: Mountain weather and some hiking routes, such as Trolltunga and Kjerag, are seasonal and can be dangerous; check local conditions before setting out.
For storytellers
Why Norway matters
Norway is nature on a grand scale. Fjords carve into the west coast with waterfalls pouring down sheer cliffs, while far to the north the Lofoten islands rise from the Arctic Ocean like jagged teeth. Cities are compact and stylish, with waterfront opera houses, wooden old quarters and good coffee. In winter the northern lights glow above Tromsø, and in summer the sun barely sets. Trains, ferries and coastal roads make the scenery easy to reach, so you can sail a fjord in the morning and hike to a mountain viewpoint by afternoon. Prices are high, so plan, but the views are free.
Talking points
- The west coast fjords are a UNESCO-listed highlight, best seen by boat or on scenic railways.
- Tromsø is a classic base for the northern lights from autumn to early spring.
- In summer north of the Arctic Circle the sun stays up around the clock.
- The Lofoten islands combine sharp peaks, fishing villages and white-sand beaches.
- The Norwegian public transport mix of rail, ferry and bus makes car-free trips possible.
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- Capital
- Oslo
- Languages
- Norwegian, Sami
- Currency
- Norwegian krone (NOK)
- Best time to go
- June to August for hiking, fjord cruises and midnight sun; late September to March for northern lights; May and September for fewer crowds.
Where to base yourself
Cities and towns in Norway
City
Oslo
Norway
Norway's capital, a waterfront city of striking modern architecture, museums, parks and forested hills.
City
Tromsø
Norway
The best-known base for the northern lights, a lively Arctic city with an iconic cathedral and mountain views.
Town
Ålesund
Norway
A coastal town rebuilt after a fire in a distinctive Art Nouveau style, on islands at the mouth of the fjords.
Village
Flåm
Norway
A small village at the head of the Aurlandsfjord, famous for its steep scenic railway and fjord cruises.
Village
Reine
Norway
A tiny fishing village on Lofoten that may be Norway's most photographed view, ringed by peaks and sea.
City
Stavanger
Norway
A harbour city of wooden houses and street art, and the gateway to Preikestolen and the Lysefjord.
City
Trondheim
Norway
A historic university city with a grand medieval cathedral, a colourful wharf district and a lively cafe scene...
Town
Svolvær
Norway
The main town of the Lofoten islands, with a harbour, an art scene and a famous mountain shaped like a goat.
Top places
What to see in Norway
- Top places
- Viewpoint 8
- Neighbourhood 6
- Museum 4
- Church, mosque or temple 4
- Other 4
- Scenic route 3
- Castle 2
- National park 2
- Market 2
- Mountain 2
- Historic site 1
- Beach 1
- Waterfall 1
- Bridge 1
- Park 1
- Palace 1
- Entertainment 1
Historic site · UNESCO
Bryggen
Bergen, Norway
The old Hanseatic wharf, with rows of colourful wooden buildings on the harbour, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Other · UNESCO
Geirangerfjord
Norway
A winding fjord with waterfalls called the Seven Sisters, listed with Nærøyfjord as a UNESCO site.
Scenic route
Flåm Railway
Flåm, Norway
One of the steepest railways in the world, climbing from the fjord at Flåm to the mountain station at Myrdal.
Other · UNESCO
Nærøyfjord
Flåm, Norway
A narrow arm of the Sognefjord with steep walls and waterfalls, part of the UNESCO-listed West Norwegian Fjord...
Church, mosque or temple
Nidaros Cathedral
Trondheim, Norway
Norway's national shrine, a Gothic cathedral built over the grave of St Olav, with a sculpted west front.
Entertainment
Oslo Opera House
Oslo, Norway
A white marble and glass building on the waterfront whose sloping roof you can walk up for views.
Viewpoint
Preikestolen
Stavanger, Norway
A flat-topped cliff rising far above the Lysefjord, reached by a moderate hike and famous for its view.
Park
Vigeland Sculpture Park
Oslo, Norway
A huge park filled with more than two hundred bronze and granite sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, all showing th...
Neighbourhood
Ålesund Art Nouveau District
Ålesund, Norway
The town centre rebuilt after the 1904 fire in Art Nouveau style, with ornate facades, towers and harbour cana...
Scenic route
Atlantic Road
Norway
A coastal road hopping between islets on curved bridges, one of the most famous drives in Norway.
Viewpoint
Fløibanen
Bergen, Norway
A funicular railway that lifts you in a few minutes to a viewpoint high above Bergen with trails and cafes.
National park
Jotunheimen National Park
Norway
The heart of Norway's high mountains, with the country's highest peaks, glaciers and classic hiking trails.
Museum
Munch Museum
Oslo, Norway
A tall waterfront museum devoted to Edvard Munch, with many of his works including famous versions of The Scre...
Scenic route
Trollstigen
Ålesund, Norway
A mountain road of tight hairpin bends with a viewing platform above the valley.
Viewpoint
Trolltunga
Norway
A slab of rock sticking out horizontally over a lake, at the end of a long and demanding hike.
Castle
Akershus Fortress
Oslo, Norway
A medieval castle and later fortress guarding Oslo's harbour, with grounds open for walks and views.
Viewpoint
Aksla Viewpoint
Ålesund, Norway
A hilltop viewpoint reached by a stair of about 400 steps, with a panorama of the town, islands and sea.
Church, mosque or temple
Arctic Cathedral
Tromsø, Norway
A striking white church of angled glass and concrete across the bridge from central Tromsø.
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