Norway, a country in Scandinavia, is well-known for its solitary position, breathtaking landscape, and otherworldly fjords. Norway has borders with Russia, Finland, and Sweden, but part of its coastline runs along the Arctic Ocean, providing breathtaking but frigid vistas. Norway is home to several significant historic cities, stunning cathedrals, a progressive population, and countless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Here are some of the best attractions in Norway to get you started on your Scandinavian vacation planning.
10. Skiing
Many locations in Norway are fantastic for downhill and cross-country skiing during the winter months. Hemsedal, Norway, has more than 20 ski lifts, dozens of slopes, and is home to many world-class ski resorts that are on par with Alpine runs. Hafjell is another popular spot for winter sports enthusiasts, with its alpine and cross-country ski trails and sledding and tubing hills perfect for families.
9. Fisherman’s Cabins
The Lofoten Archipelago is yet another group of islands off the coast of northern Norway. Some of the most visited sites on these islands, despite their reputation as some of the most beautiful in the country, are man-made. Don’t miss out on visiting the iconic red fishermen’s cabins that border the coastline. These cabins, known as rorbu, are sometimes open to the public for tours or overnight stays; some are even constructed on stilts. These cabins are not only historically significant and aesthetically pleasing, but they are also often found on stunningly gorgeous, undeveloped beaches.
8. Hiking
Hiking is a terrific option for experiencing the outdoors and taking in as much of Norway’s stunning scenery as possible. With the right of access protected by law, hikers in Norway can easily locate trails and campsites. Galdhpiggen is Norway’s tallest peak, and the walks up to the top are not for the faint of heart. Hiking in Rondane National Park, where reindeer roam freely, is a far less difficult option with similar visual rewards.
7. Stave Churches
While most European countries use stone for their large churches, Norway has several examples of magnificent wooden churches. For centuries, Norway’s culture and history have been intertwined with the woodworking industry, as shown by these stave churches. Norway is home to several stave churches, but the Heddal Stave Church is often considered to be among the country’s best examples. Heddal, built in the 13th century, is the country’s biggest wooden stave church.
6. Waterfalls
The presence of glaciers in Norway is largely responsible for the country’s plethora of cascading waterfalls. There are some that are hardly noticeable at certain times of the year and others that are constant, intense, and beautiful sights. The western fjords and the mountains are where you’ll find the most waterfalls, although you can find them all across the country. Mardalsfossen is a massive, strong, and year-round waterfall in Norway, and it is also one of the country’s most magnificent natural attractions since visitors can go up close to it and experience the spray of the water.
5. Coastal Towns
Norway has a coastline of hundreds of kilometers, so there are many beautiful coastal towns to explore. Simple architecture, common occupations, and seafood dishes like dried and salted cod are typical of these classic coastal towns. Located on a string of islands with stunning scenery and excellent hiking, Ålesund is a picture-perfect coastal town. Henningsvaer is another beautiful coastal town, with buildings that appear like they were plucked straight out of a storybook because of their vivid colors and orderly row along the water.
4. Polar Bears
The Svalbard Archipelago is a group of islands located due north of the Norwegian mainland. From settlements like Longyearbyen, visitors can easily arrange for guided tours into the wilderness in search of polar bears. These fantastic, beautiful animals are really a sight to behold, but you must never lose sight of the fact that they are still wild and potentially dangerous. Seeing them in Svalbard is mandatory, and you should do it with an experienced guide.
3. Spectacular Photo Opportunities
Whether you’re a casual Instagrammer or a professional photographer, you’ll be amazed by the number and variety of breathtaking sights in Norway. For instance, Kjeragbolten is a rock wedged between two cliffs that must be seen to be believed. When you visit Pulpit Rock, you may snap a picture of yourself on a bluff overlooking the clear water below. Take pictures in Trolltunga of the cliff that towers hundreds of feet above a river. There are hundreds more photo ops throughout Norway, each as distinctive as the last, that you just won’t have time to take advantage of.
2. Northern Lights
The northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a major attraction in Norway. If you want to see them, winter is the best time because of the longer nights. The nicer the scenery, the more north you go, and the further you go away from cities, For its closeness to the Arctic Circle and general northern latitude, Tromsø is often cited as the best destination in Norway to see the aurora borealis. In the absence of clouds and dry weather, northern lights viewing in Tromsø will be ideal.
1. Fjords
A fjord is a long sea inlet between steep cliffs, usually the result of a glacier valley that has been flooded. Norway’s fjords are among the world’s most stunning natural wonders, and no trip to Scandinavia is complete without seeing them for yourself. Most of Norway’s fjords lie along the western coastline, notably Sognefjorden, which is the longest fjord in all of Europe.
