Fan of wide open spaces, wild and mysterious lands or eager to visit northern Europe? Here are 20 magical places to discover in Norway, in the heart of Viking territory!
Summary
- 1. Tromsø, Troms
- 2. Trolltunga, Hordaland
- 3. Bleik, Nordland
- 4. The Lofoten Islands
- 5. Geiranger, Sunnmøre
- 6. Fredrikstad, Østfold
- 7. Pulpit, Rogaland
- 8. Hardangervidda, Hordaland/Buskerud
- 9. Sognefjord, Sogn og Fjordane
- 10. Lyngenfjord, Troms
- 11. Svalbard Archipelago
- 12. Vega, Nordland
- 13. Vesteralen, Nordland
- 14. Trollstigen, Møre and Romsdal
- 15. Cap Nord, Magerøya
- 16. Velmunden, Oppland
- 17. Setesdal, Aust-Agder
- 18. Femundsmarka, Sør-Trøndelag
- 19. The South Norwegian archipelago, Vest-Agder
- 20. Oslo
We cannot pretend otherwise: when you come to Norway, to this remote corner of Europe, it is never really by chance. Norway is a long country, famous for its fjords and colorful houses, but also and above all one of the least densely populated countries on the European continent, which gives pride of place to natural territories preserved from all human activity. Ready to visit Norway, and embark on the trip of your life? This is timely, we have concocted a list of the most beautiful places to see in this splendid country. Come on, kick off!
1. Tromsø, Troms
This city is the largest municipality in the north of the country, to discover when you come to visit Norway; Tromsø is famous for its colorful wooden houses from the 18th century, which ensure that the inhabitants spend the harsh winter of the far north in a warm atmosphere! For the passing tourist, it is undoubtedly the best place to observe the northern lights which make the country a destination of choice.
2. Trolltunga, Hordaland
What to do in Norway when you like to walk? Trolltunga – the “tongue of the troll”, a reference to these mythical creatures specific to Scandinavian legends – is a rock that seems to spring from the mountains: it overlooks Lake Ringedalsvatnet , and can be reached by following the superb Skeggedal hiking trail. fifteen kilometres: this place, one of the most famous in Norway, has to be earned and is not easily tamed!
3. Bleik, Nordland
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 coast to the sumptuous surrounding hills; For sure, this long walk of several kilometers and taking several hours will make you exhausted but, at least, the reward will be deserved!
4. The Lofoten Islands
There is no doubt about it, it is indeed one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world: located near the polar circle, this group of islands seems to float on a sea of crystal clear waters, where cetaceans and marine animals twirl in any kind. In summer, because of the latitude, you benefit from uninterrupted sunshine: perfect, when you are visiting Norway, to discover this magical place.
5. Geiranger, Sunnmøre
Geiranger is one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway. Located in the county of Sunnmøre, it offers a postcard landscape, immortalized by thousands of visitors every year; in fact, it is one of the most popular places, and no doubt it will delight you if you are looking for what to do in Norway.
6. Fredrikstad, Østfold
Photo credit: Flickr – Denis Simonet
In this city, there is a charming historic center, famous throughout Scandinavia. Fredrikstad is fun designed, and its fortifications are a major tourist attraction! Discover its secular alleys before taking the almost one kilometer long bridge connecting the two parts of the town, then taste a local specialty in one of the typical bistros in the city.
7. Pulpit , Rogaland
Preikestolen is a 600 meter cliff perpendicular to the waters of an immense fjord: the view, once you have reached the top after having suffered on the steep paths leading to the summit, is simply breathtaking. For thrill seekers who have come to visit Norway, you can test your limits by approaching the edge, but beware: there is no barrier separating you from the void!
8. Hardangervidda, Hordaland/Buskerud
This plateau is one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the country, and it is easy to understand why: here, the reindeer, friends of Santa Claus, are at home and frolic among the splendid little houses with green roofs, the symbol of the country! Many glaciers surround Hardangervidda and provide visitors looking for something to do in Norway with a total change of scenery and an exceptional feeling of solitude.
9. Sognefjord, Sogn og Fjordane
This fjord is nothing less than the longest in Norway; in some places, the water takes on an emerald hue which helps to fascinate tourists from all over the world! In addition, in the surroundings, many farms welcome them and allow them to learn about local specialities.. sometimes surprising, but it would be a shame to deprive yourself of it when looking for what to do in Norway!
10. Lyngenfjord, Troms
Another fjord? Yes, but not just any, since Lyngenfjord has managed to obtain the “Sustainable Tourism” label. It must be said that the Norwegians value the beauty of the nature that surrounds them! Enjoy a unique hike, the auroras baureales or, for the more adventurous, a bungee jump in the gorges of this natural monster.
11. Svalbard Archipelago
Svalbard is a special land; in fact, this area is unique since it hosts more polar bears than humans, and a law requires visitors to bring a gun to walk in nature! In addition, this protected area, almost inaccessible, is a destination with very few tourists given the harsh climate. But will leave unforgettable memories for people who come to visit Norway!
12. Vega, Nordland
The Vega Archipelago , close to the Arctic Circle, lists several hundred species of birds; it is even a leading point of interest for ornithologists around the world. Whether you visit on foot or by boat, take care to immortalize these precious moments when you are looking for what to do in Norway!
13. Vesteralen, Nordland
Vesteralen forms an archipelago located between Norway and the Lofoten Islands; sometimes attached to the latter, by mistake, its five main islands can be visited in winter and summer and offer tourists many unique places, to be discovered preferably by boat. Many lines allow you to discover these immense landscapes which will leave unforgettable memories for the lucky ones who come to visit Norway!
14. Trollstigen, Møre and Romsdal
Trollstigen is quite simply a famous winding road, so steep that it is nicknamed “the ladder of the trolls”! It has been winding down a tall hill since it was built in the 1930s, and its spectacular route, which motorcycle enthusiasts who know what to do in Norway take at pleasure, leads to a spectacular view of the whole region.
15. Cap Nord, Magerøya
When you come to visit Norway, the North Cape is known to be one of the northernmost points in Europe; and one of the hardest to reach. In fact, it is north of Tromsø, and acts as a natural border between the Norwegian Sea and the Barents Sea; the curious will be able to discover the spectacular aurora borealis, especially from September to March.
16. Velmunden, Oppland
The Velmunden is a lake located in the east of the country; here, the Norwegians are happy to indulge in the joys of kayaking in the middle of the islets, and many other attractions await tourists who want to know what to do in Norway, such as a visit to a spectacular abandoned village.
17. Setesdal, Aust-Agder
In the south of the country, Setesdal is a splendid wooded valley which is particularly appreciated by surveying the marked hiking trails leading here to the Rjukan waterfall , there to the Skuggefjell massif, before plunging towards the picturesque village of Åraksbø , a sublime place not to be missed when you come to visit Norway!
18. Femundsmarka, Sør-Trøndelag
Photo credit: Flickr – Robert Anders
Femundsmarka is a natural region straddling the border separating the country from Sweden, and possessing its national park inaugurated in order to protect the formidable animal and plant species evolving in this mountain setting. Here, the great Carl von Linné explored these virgin territories and was, just as you will be if you come to visit the place, fascinated by the diversity of the local fauna and flora!
19. The South Norwegian archipelago, Vest-Agder
In the south of the country, thousands of islands dot the Baltic Sea and it is very pleasant to take advantage of their presence to admire the sunset: most of the islands are naturally sheltered and navigation is accessible to all kayakers!
20. Oslo
Oslo is one of the prettiest cities in Europe; the capital of Norway, housed in the county of the same name, deep in the Oslo Fjord . Renowned for its serenity, its green spaces and its points of cultural interest, such as the Viking Ship Museum, where you and your children can discover the fabulous thousand-year-old longships: if you want to know what to do in Norway, we recommend that you visit the emergency city!
