A jewel of Northern Europe, Norway offers a mix of culture and natural wonder. From the cosmopolitan capital city of Oslo to the snow-capped mountain peaks, there are a variety of choices for travelers. It is the land of the midnight sun, with a latitude that allows for endless days during a portion of the summer. At other times of the year the dark skies reveal the mystical northern lights. The fjords, coastal inlets, and glaciers create a dramatic landscape that completes the travel experience.
Situated on Oslofjord, Oslo is a port city surrounded by islands and woodlands. Its location makes it a popular place for sports and outdoor fun. In winter Oslo and the nearby surroundings offer great opportunities to participate in winter sports, particularly cross-country and downhill skiing, as well as skating and ice-fishing. The city is home to a number of important cultural institutions, including the country’s only Opera House, the Munch Museum with paintings by this famous Norwegian artists, the Akershus Castle, the Norwegian Folk Museum, the Viking Ships Museum, as well as many other interesting museums
Another important city is Bergen, picturesquely located on Byfjord and backed by rolling hills. Colorful buildings line the harbor, where visitors will also find the Bergen Aquarium, the Hanseatic Museum, and the old wharf area of the city known as Bryggen, which is today a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For a beautiful view over the city and surroundings take the Floybanen Funicular up Mount Floyen.
For visitors who come during the summer and want to experience the midnight sun, with 24 hour daylight days from Mid-May to Mid-July, two good options are Trondheim and Tromsø. At a latitude of 63°25′ north, Trondheim is located on a peninsula in an inlet of Trondheimfjord. Surrounding hills and waterfront buildings make this yet another stunning city. It is home to the 11th C Trondheim Cathedral, one of the principal attractions. Many other the city’s highlights are situated around Market Square where visitors will find interesting old buildings from a range of periods.
At latitude 69°39′ north, Tromsø is built on an island linked to the mainland by a bridge. Old wooden houses from the late 18th C add to the charm. The main sights are the wooden Tromsø Cathedral and the Tromsø Museum. While most visitors come during the summer months, in winter these cities experience a corresponding lack of sunshine. During these months, primarily December and January, the northern lights are a unique spectacle. There is an annual Northern Lights Festival in January, and a Northern Lights Planetarium in Tromsø.
Norway offers visitors an incredible mix of cultural and natural wonders. From cosmopolitan Oslo to its endless snowcapped mountain peaks and deep fjords, there’s no end of choices for travelers in the land of the midnight sun and stunning northern lights.
Getting around the country is easy, and the country’s top-notch transit systems offer some of the best sightseeing opportunities, too, whether by rail or aboard the fantastic coastal steamers.
One of the world’s most prosperous nations, Norway seems to have a fascinating museum for just about every important aspect of its rich cultural and social history. Do your research, and you’ll find fascinating attractions covering everything from the Vikings to seafaring and fishing, as well as art and entertainment.
Norway is also rich in spectacular scenery. From its stunning fjords to its spectacular mountains and glaciers, many of which are easily accessible to tourists, you’ll find some of the best places to visit in Europe for exciting adventures
Plan your sightseeing excursions with our list of the top tourist attractions in Norway.
Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.
1. Sognefjord
The largest of Norway’s fjords, Sognefjord reaches 204 kilometers inland from the coastal village of Skjolden and branches off into countless smaller inlets and fjords along the way. At its widest, the King of the Fjords (as it’s known by Norwegians) is almost five kilometers across, and the cliff walls reach as high as 1,307 meters, making a breathtaking sight.
The most popular way to visit the fjord is by boat, and fjord cruises and sightseeing tours are plentiful. Many of the best tour options depart conveniently from the attractive town of Bergen (be sure to allow a full day for your adventure).
Tourists will also enjoy exploring the narrower branches like Naeroyfjord, a spectacular 17-kilometer stretch with cliff walls that are only 250 meters apart and tower more than 1,700 meters above the water.
Another top destination is Fjærland. This stunningly beautiful region is home to Europe’s biggest glacier, Jostedalsbreen, and the Norwegian Glacier Museum.
2. Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)
A tourist attraction best suited for the active traveler thanks to the arduous journey required to get there, Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) is nevertheless one of the most popular sights in Norway. Located nearStavanger, the destination requires ferry and bus rides and then a two-hour uphill hike to reach the almost perfectly flat-topped cliff, which looks over Lysefjord, more than 600 meters above the water.
Those visiting the Stavanger area will also want to stop by the surprisingly fascinating Norwegian Canning Museum, which is set up as the cannery was during WWII. Stavanger Cathedral is also a top tourist attraction in Stavanger. This 12th-century structure features multiple styles, including a Romanesque basilica, a Baroque pulpit, and a Gothic font.
Location: Rogaland, Norway
3. Tromsø
Situated 349 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is best known for its important role as the base for many major Arctic expeditions since the mid 1800s. The Tromsø area was first settled in the 13th century as a fishing village, and the industry has been an integral part of life here ever since, contributing to the area’s maritime charm.
Also a result of its northerly position, Tromsø is a top destination for those hoping to see the spectacular aurora borealis, or northern lights. Tourists will find multiple attractions and fun things to do in town that explain and explore the phenomenon, including Polaria and the Polar Museum.
An unexpected tourist attraction for an area deep within the frozen north, the Tromsø Arctic-Alpine Botanic Garden is home to a plethora of flowering plants. Highlights include hardy rhododendrons and the gigantic Tibetan blue poppy, as well as a garden dedicated to the region’s traditional medicinal plants.
Accommodation: Where to Stay in Tromsø
4. Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands form an archipelago off the coast of northwestern Norway and are a popular tourist destination for Norwegians and foreigners alike. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the weather here is mild despite its location within the Arctic Circle.
Tourists come here to enjoy the beaches, explore traditional fishing villages, kayak, hike, and see the wildlife. These islands are also one of the best places to visit for a glimpse of the northern lights. There are plenty of attractions and things to do on the islands, especially in Svolvaer, which is the largest town, located on the southern coast of Austvågøy island.
Here, you will find the Lofoten War Memorial Museum (Lofoten Krigsminnemuseum), with its World War II collections, and the unique Magic Ice Lofoten, which displays ice sculptures depicting local life.
The Lofoten Museum, which explores the history of the island’s fishing industry, is also located on Austvågøy, as is the Lofoten Aquarium (Lofotakvariet), which features Arctic sea life.
Tourists can learn even more about the importance of fishing at the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum and the Lofoten Stockfish Museum, which are both located in the town.
5. Viking Ship Museum, Oslo
The largest of Norway’s museums dedicated to their seafaring ancestors, the Viking Ship Museum (Vikingskipshuset på Bygdøy) in Oslo features three 9th-century Viking vessels, each of which had been laid to rest as burial chambers for prominent Vikings.
The largest of these, the 70-foot Oseberg Ship, was built around AD 800. It contained a chieftan’s wife and two other women along with many items that give insight into Viking life.
The museum is also home to the Gokstad Ship, which is an impressive 23 meters long, and the Tune Ship. Visitors can also view several exhibits and films that focus on the importance of maritime life for that culture.
The Viking Ships Museum is operated by the Museum of Cultural History, as is Oslo’s Historical Museum, which contains artifacts from around the world and throughout history, from Egyptian mummies to the history of gold coins. One of Oslo’s top attractions, it is also home to an expanding Viking Age exhibit, which contains a rare well-preserved Viking helmet.
Address: Frederiks gate 2, 0164 Oslo
6. Bygdoy Peninsula
Oslo’s Bygdoy Peninsula is a suburb located only four miles west of the city, and is easily reached by car or public transportation. It is home to several of Oslo’s top tourist attractions and also known for its many natural spaces including beaches, parks, and forests.
Among its numerous museums, the Bygdoy Peninsula is home to the Center for Studies of Holocaust and Religious Minorities in Norway located in Villa Grande. Another top museum is the Fram Museum, which houses the ships Fram, known for its Polar voyages, and Gjøa (the latter famous for being the first ship to navigate the Northwest Passage). The popular Kon-Tiki Museum is just next door.
This area is also home to the Norwegian Maritime Museum (Norsk Maritimt Museum). One of the top places to visit in Oslo for ship and history buffs, the museum explores the role of fishing and other maritime activities in Norwegian life.
Address: Bygdøynesveien 37, 0286 Oslo, Norway
7. Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, Bergen
One of the most popular sightseeing opportunities in Bergen is the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf. This vibrantly painted area was once the city’s center of trade and was dominated by Hanseatic merchants. Today, tourists can find several historic buildings that portray life during the Middle Ages, as well as boutiques, restaurants, and the Bryggen Museum.
Learn even more at the Hanseatic Museum, which has been open since 1872. This fascinating museum is housed in Finnegård, a 1704 home that was owned by one of the merchants. While in Bergen, visitors will also want to visit Troldhaugen, the former home and workspace of composer Edvard Grieg, as well as the Open Air Market.
Location: Bryggen, 5003 Bergen, Norway
8. Tromsø’s Arctic Museums
Tromsø is home to several fantastic museums, two of which are dedicated to studying life in the far north. Polaria is the newest of these, and is home to exhibits about the aurora borealis (northern lights), the effects of climate change on Arctic ecosystems, and Arctic wildlife, including an Arctic aquarium.
The Polar Museum focuses on the area’s long history as a fishing community and its more recent status as a primary research base for polar studies. Exhibits include the findings of more recent expeditions and scientific studies, which delve into the world of the dark and cold deep sea of the Arctic.
Address: Hjalmar Johansens gate 12, 9296 Tromsø
9. Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo
The Vigeland Sculpture Park is one of Oslo’s top tourist attractions, and is home to 650 sculptures created by Gustav Vigeland. These sculptures, which are formed out of wrought iron, bronze, and granite, are arranged in five themed groups.
The most famous of these are in the fountain group, which depicts the cycle of human life, culminating in a 16-meter monolith. This collection is found within the large Frogner Park, which also houses the Vigeland Museum and the Oslo City Museum. Also located here are numerous recreational facilities, including Norway’s largest playground and an expansive rose garden.
Address: Nobels gate 32, 0268 Oslo
10. Akershus Fortress, Oslo
The Akershus Fortress (Akershus Festning) is a medieval castle commissioned by king Håkon V in 1299, later turned into a Renaissance royal residence by king Christian IV in the early 17th century. It sits on a promontory overlooking the Oslofjord, and the grounds have spectacular views over the harbor.
Guided tours are available during the summer, and you can also find the Museum of the Norwegian Resistance (Norges Hjemmefrontmuseum) ) on the castle grounds.
History buffs may also want to check out the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum (Forsvarsmuseet), which displays weapons and exhibits illustrating Norway’s military history. The fortress grounds also provide a lovely backdrop for events including public ceremonies, concerts, and shows.
Address: 0150 Oslo
11. Lillehammer
Located above Lake Mjøsa at the south end of the Gudbrandsdal valley, Lillehammer is one of Norway’s best-known year-round tourist destinations. In summer, it’s all about attractions such as Malhaugen Park, an open-air museum consisting of more than 100 historic buildings, including 18th-century farmhouses, workshops, and a stave church.
Another notable landmark is Peer Gynt’s Cottage. Dating from the early 1700s, it’s said to have been the home of the prototype of Ibsen’s famed hero. But it’s when the snow flies that Lillehammer really shines. Host to the 1994 Winter Olympics, the city’s list of winter activities is endless: skating, curling, sleigh rides, more than 480 kilometers of Nordic ski trails, as well as alpine ski centers.
12. Geirangerfjord
Part of the spectacular Fjord Norway network – and regularly topping the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list – the Geirangerfjord region north of Ålesund offers some of the finest scenery anywhere in Norway. The eastward continuation of the Sunnylvsfjord, the Geirangerfjord boasts some of the country’s most spectacular views.
One of the best is from the summit of Dalsnibba. At 1,495 meters, the views of the surrounding mountains and the Geirangerfjord far below are simply breathtaking. Numerous cruises and tours are available, but if you’re driving, be sure to take the winding Eagles’ Road with its 11 hairpin bends and great views.
13. Scenic Rail Routes
There’s no better way to see Norway’s stunning countryside than by train. Perhaps surprisingly for such a mountainous country, Norway’s rail lines stretch more than 3,218 kilometers, encountering along the way some 775 tunnels and more than 3,000 bridges.
The best scenic routes begin in Oslo, including the Bergen Railway, which runs over the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. Other routes of note are the Dovre Railway from Oslo to Trondheim with its sideline, the Rauma Railway, between Dombås and Åndalsnes, and the famous Flåm Railway, the world’s steepest.
Norway’s rail network also offers a number of other interesting diversions, such as classic steam trains, gourmet train excursions, and pedal-powered rail tricycles (draisines) for use on abandoned rail lines.
14. Atlantic Ocean Road
The Atlantic Ocean Road – one of 18 National Tourist Routes in Norway – is not only a vital connection for the maze of tiny islands it serves, it’s also a lure for anglers, diving enthusiasts, and visitors wanting to get as close as possible to the sea.
Although just over eight kilometers long, it has gained a reputation as one of the most spectacular stretches of coastal highway in the world, weaving through an archipelago in Eide and Averøy in More og Rømsdal. In addition to the excellent views – always spectacular, whatever the weather – you’ll get a chance to visit lovely little fishing villages, quaint wooden churches, and the famous Trolls’ Church Cave.
Several sites specifically geared to tourists have also popped up, including restaurants and resorts, as well as fishing excursion operators.
15. Jotunheimen
The largest Alpine region on the Norwegian high plateau, the Jotunheimen covers an area of 3,499 square kilometers and includes Scandinavia’s highest mountains. It’s also home to many spectacular waterfalls, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and wildlife, such as large reindeer populations. Two of this national park’s mountains rise to heights of more than 2,438 meters, the highest being Galdhøpiggen.
Despite its tremendous height, Galdhøpiggen can be climbed in about four hours. Although a guide is required, the incredible views over rocky crags and fields of ice from the summit make it money well spent. Another four-hour climb in the Hurrungane group is to the 1,349-meter Skagastølsbotn and the Skagastølsbre glacier.
Address: Jotunheimen Reiseliv A, N-2686 LOM
