The second happiest nation on the earth (in keeping with the United Nations World Happiness Report) can also be considered one of my favorite nations! It’s a tricky alternative in such a pristine and exquisite nation, however I’d like to share a few of its particular locations with you primarily based on my many visits…
This is what Norway is changing into most well-known for! The UNESCO-listed Fjords at the moment are showing on many travellers’ bucket lists, and with good motive—they’re one of the naturally stunning and dramatic landscapes in Europe and are one of many prime points of interest within the Scandinavian nation.
The glacial valleys are eerily silent and surrounded by excessive mountains and waterfalls, which give the realm an otherworldly magnificence.
Sognefjord is the longest, deepest, and most celebrated of the nation’s waterways, carefully adopted by Hardangerfjord, and I’d advocate a go to.
You must also go to the Jostedalsbreen glacier (the most important ice sheet in Europe), Nordfjord, and Geirangerfjord, maybe probably the most scenically spectacular of all of the fjords.
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Scattered over a row of islands on the western coast of Norway, Ålesund is a thriving fishing city that – following an enormous fireplace in 1904 – was rebuilt in a superbly vibrant Art Nouveau fashion. I used to be enamoured!
It boasts a vibrant tradition, glorious procuring alternatives, and views over the realm from Mount Aksla. I counsel absorbing the city’s distinctive ambiance earlier than heading out on a guided tour of the fjords.
Also, don’t miss the breathtaking Geirangerfjord for beautiful picture alternatives!
This is an insanely beautiful location and one of the spectacular scenic cliffs within the nation – however it’s just for the courageous!
Otherwise often called the ‘troll’s tongue’, it was fashioned throughout the ice age when a glacial water froze a hunk of this mountain and precipitated it to interrupt off, leaving a skinny protruding ledge which hovers about 2,300 ft above the lake beneath.
If you’re up for the problem, it’s solely a four-hour trek for a lifetime picture alternative! Just keep in mind to be very cautious!
4. Bergen
The wet however stunning metropolis of Bergen was apparently the inspiration for the fictional Frozen within the hit Disney animation.
The picturesque metropolis is likely one of the prettiest within the Nordic nation and is peppered with medieval buildings, Norwegian church buildings, and vibrant timber homes.
It’s a laid-back place with a choice of good museums, quirky unbiased shops, and al fresco cafes however I personally assume the largest draw is its standing as being the gateway to the well-known fjords!
Location: Southwestern coast of the nation.
Best time to go to: Spring and Summer (for delicate climate, festivals, and exploring the historic waterfront).
Activities on supply: Riding the Fløibanen funicular, exploring Bryggen Wharf, climbing Mount Fløyen, and visiting museums.
Accommodation: Hotel Zander Okay, Det Hanseatiske Hotel, and Clarion Hotel Admiral.
Map Location and Directions
5. Lofoten Islands
This scenic, unspoilt archipelago is considered one of Europe’s best-kept secrets and techniques! Though the gathering of islands lies inside the Arctic Circle, they’re blessed with hotter temperatures because of the Gulf Stream.
It’s a superbly conventional place the place life is straightforward, and tourism is minimal. This is the place whale watching, spectacular walks, and surroundings await!
To crank the romance issue up a gear I’d advocate staying in one of many cosy fisherman’s cabins, surrounded by nonetheless blue waters and unspoilt mountain landscapes that need to be seen to be believed!
Location: Northern a part of the nation, inside the Arctic Circle.
Best time to go to: Summer (for the Midnight Sun, lengthy days, and water actions like kayaking).
Activities on supply: Hiking, kayaking, visiting conventional fishing villages, wildlife viewing, and mountain climbing at Svolvaergeita.
Accommodation: Scandic Svolvaer, Nusfjord Arctic Resort, and Reine Rorbuer.
Map Location and Directions
6. Oslo
Even Norway’s capital is enticing! Yes, it’s costly, and sure, it doesn’t have a protracted record of world-famous points of interest, however Oslo is clear, laid-back, and surrounded by a phenomenal fjord and acres of lush woodland.
The structure is an eclectic mixture of outdated and new. The underrated metropolis boasts some world-class museums, together with the National Gallery, which homes Edvard Munch’s well-known portray, ‘The Scream.’
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Spring and Summer (for cultural festivals, delicate temperatures, and metropolis sightseeing).
Activities on supply: Visiting museums, exploring Vigeland Sculpture Park, fjord cruises, climbing in Nordmarka, and having fun with native delicacies.
Accommodation: Thon Hotel Rosenkrantz, Hotel Continental, and Hotel Bristol.
Map Location and Directions
7. Flam
The impossibly fairly village of Flam is situated within the fjords of southwestern Norway. Home to museums that really showcase and spotlight the historical past of this metropolis, as a customer, you’ll be capable of go on an explorative journey with the Flam Railway, which can present you the town in a means that strolling by means of it simply can’t.
Flam Railway runs by means of one of many wildest landscapes within the nation and has been referred to as the very best prepare journey on the earth.
Once you’re completed, you might need to take a fast journey to the Flam Railway Museum and even head to Stegastein, the viewing platform over Aurlandsfjord, which stretches 30 metres throughout the land.
Location: Western a part of the nation, within the Aurland municipality.
Best time to go to: Late Spring to Early Fall (for scenic prepare rides and out of doors actions).
Activities on supply: Riding the Flåm Railway, fjord cruises, kayaking, RIB boat excursions, and climbing trails in Aurlandsfjord.
Accommodation: Fretheim Hotel, Flåmsbrygga Hotel, and Heimly Guesthouse.
Map Location and Directions
8. Skudeneshavn
Norway’s best-preserved crusing ship city is situated on the southernmost tip of the standard island of Karmøy in Norway. A thriving port because the nineteenth century, right this moment it’s a postcard-pretty place with luggage of scenic attraction.
I’d counsel heading for the stunning outdated city full of wood homes, twisting slender roads (with nearly no visitors) and boat moorings, cafes, outlets, and galleries.
Expect to see greater than 200 white wood buildings that their house owners have lovingly restored and maintained.
Location: Southwestern coast, on the island of Karmøy.
Best time to go to: Summer (for heat temperatures and coastal walks by means of the charming village).
Activities on supply: Walking excursions by means of historic streets, visiting the outdated city, exploring close by seashores, and having fun with native seafood.
Accommodation: Parken Terrace Hotel, Karmøy Kystferie, and Skudenes Camping.
Map Location and Directions
9. Fredrikstad
There are three fortress cities in Norway, however this one claims to be one of many best-preserved outdated cities in Scandinavia, and in my view, it’s one of many prettiest to go to.
The Old Town has a mixture of conventional shops and vintage outlets, all framed inside the extraordinary fortress partitions.
Just outdoors the fortress, you’ll discover a picture-postcard village with cobbled streets, a cathedral with stained-glass work by Emanuel Vigeland, and a steeple that additionally doubles as a lighthouse.
Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Spring and Summer (for exploring the outdated city and having fun with out of doors actions by the river).
Activities on supply: Exploring the outdated city, biking alongside the river, strolling excursions, and having fun with native markets.
Accommodation: Hotel Fredrikstad, Quality Hotel Fredrikstad, and Gamlebyen Hotell.
Map Location and Directions
10. Jotunheimen National Park
Boasting the most important focus of mountains greater than 2,000 metres in Northern Europe, the centrally situated Jotunheimen National Park is likely one of the hottest nationwide parks to journey to in Norway.
Encompassing a number of mountain ranges—together with Norway’s 29 highest peaks—the realm attracts hikers, cross-country and alpine skiers, cyclists, and climbers from throughout Europe.
In addition to distinctive wildlife, anticipate to catch a glimpse of the wildlife that calls the park house, together with reindeer, fox, marten, mink, wolverines, lynx, and even the uncommon golden eagle.
Location: Central a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Summer (for climbing trails and having fun with Norway’s highest peaks.
Activities on supply: Hiking, mountaineering, wildlife viewing, glacier walks, and tenting.
Accommodation: Elveseter Hotel, Spiterstulen Lodge, and Gjendesheim Tourist Lodge.
Map Location and Directions
11. Svalbard
Fans of untouched landscapes will love Svalbard, an archipelago between the Norwegian Sea, the Arctic Ocean, the Barents Sea, and the Greenland Sea.
It’s an especially mysterious place full of wild, craggy mountains and pristine glaciers. It is likely one of the northernmost completely inhabited spots on the planet (however lower than 3,000 individuals reside there).
Svalbard is a wonderful vacation spot in Norway for wild recognizing. An abundance of animals, together with polar bears, reindeer, walruses, and polar foxes, wander the wild, lonely lands.
Location: Arctic Ocean, north of mainland Norway.
Best time to go to: Late Spring to Summer (for experiencing the Midnight Sun and wildlife sightings).
Activities on supply: Glacier kayaking, climbing, snowmobiling, canine sledding, and wildlife viewing, together with polar bears.
Accommodation: Radisson Blu Polar Hotel, Svalbard Hotel, and Basecamp Hotel.
Map Location and Directions
12. Reine
The fishing village of Reine is nestled securely on the mouth of Reinefjord within the west of Lofoten, however this naturally stunning Norwegian place deserves a point out.
Within this mountainous village, you’ll find your pleasures on the open sea with native fishermen trying to discover the catch of their lives out on the oceans.
There’s additionally extraordinarily accessible kayaking for any individuals. Reine is the final word place to discover a piece of your self out on the outskirts, climbing by means of the mountains to seek out absolutely the good place to sit down and take within the aurora in one of many clearest skies you’ll come throughout anyplace on the earth.
Location: Northern a part of the nation, within the Lofoten archipelago.
Best time to go to: Summer (for scenic hikes and views of the fjords throughout the Midnight Sun).
Activities on supply: Hiking Reinebringen, boat excursions by means of fjords, fishing, and pictures.
Accommodation: Reine Rorbuer, Eliassen Rorbuer, and Sakrisøy Rorbuer.
Map Location and Directions
13. Mjelle seaside, Bodø
Whenever you stroll by means of a seaside city, you nearly anticipate the air of seawater and seaweed—an odd however nice scent most welcome as you journey in direction of the beautiful Mjelle seaside.
This seaside has been referred to as a photographer’s paradise in Norway due to its pure, nearly magical surroundings.
The seaside itself is just half an hour’s drive from Bodø, and the locals will probably be completely happy to let you know some fascinating tales concerning the Red Beach, which is alleged to be infused with gemstone particles.
Location: Northern a part of the nation, close to Bodø.
Best time to go to: Summer (for having fun with the seaside, lengthy daylight, and exquisite coastal views).
Activities on supply: Swimming, climbing, seaside walks, and having fun with coastal views.
Accommodation: Scandic Havet, Thon Hotel Nordlys, and Bodø Hostel & Motel.
Map Location and Directions
14. Rondane National Park
If you’re extra of an adventurer in search of the subsequent mountain to take you to unbelievable heights and views, look no additional than Rondane National Park.
This tranquil mountain vary is the proper place all yr spherical – from summer time climbing to winter snowboarding and all the things in between.
Rondane is the oldest National Park in Norway. Its a number of areas are wealthy in plants, including to its magnificence.
Location: Eastern a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Summer (for climbing and having fun with Norway’s oldest nationwide park).
Activities on supply: Hiking, wildlife recognizing, pictures, and tenting.
Accommodation: Rondane Høyfjellshotell, Spidsbergseter Resort, and Rondvassbu Lodge.
Map Location and Directions
15. Trondheim
(*20*)
It might not seem to be Trondheim is a big metropolis in comparison with these you might have seen elsewhere on the earth, however in Norway, it’s really the third largest out there and was as soon as the nation’s capital.
There are a number of historic and nice landmarks that any vacationer ought to attempt to see once they go to, together with the medieval Nidaros Cathedral and the strong Kristiansten Fortress, each of which have excursions out there by means of numerous organisations.
Another notable landmark inside Trondheim is the Old Town Bridge, with its pink portal constructions, inbuilt 1681 and overlooking the river.
Location: Central a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Summer (for festivals, cultural occasions, and exploring the Nidaros Cathedral).
Activities on supply: Visiting Nidaros Cathedral, exploring Bakklandet, biking alongside the river, and having fun with native delicacies.
Accommodation: Britannia Hotel, Clarion Hotel Trondheim, and Scandic Nidelven Hotel.
Map Location and Directions
16. Stavanger
This metropolis, situated in southwest Norway, is a gem! It is house to the putting Tenth-century Stavanger Cathedral and vibrant homes.
The Stavanger area can also be awash with breathtaking environment and lengthy, white seashores that add much more mystifying touches to the realm.
For the hikers amongst you, the favored Preikestolen provides a mountainous hike up a cliff that’s 604 metres in peak and has a solidly flat prime – supplying you with a number of the finest panoramic views round.
Location: Southwestern coast of the nation.
Best time to go to: Summer (for climbing to Pulpit Rock and having fun with out of doors actions alongside the coast)
Activities on supply: Hiking to Pulpit Rock, fjord cruises, exploring the outdated city, and visiting museums.
Accommodation: Ydalir Hotel, Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel, and Clarion Hotel Stavanger.
Map Location and Directions
17. Nigardsbreen Glacier
Glaciers are pure wonders which might be usually considered from afar. Still, glacier guiding is sort of common at Nigardsbreen, the place skilled guides are completely happy to take you and your kids on protected walks among the many blue ice.
It’s a shocking pure attraction and an expertise like no different for anybody over 5. You can gaze into the ice at shut vary and get misplaced within the spectacular actuality of one of the accessible branches of the Josteldalsbreen Glacier.
Imagine strolling alongside an ice construction encompassing a whole space and is so superbly fashioned that it seems to be like blue crystal glass even on a dim day—that’s what this expertise provides!
Location: Western a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Summer (for glacier climbing with guided excursions and favorable climate circumstances).
Activities on supply: Glacier climbing, guided excursions, pictures, and visiting close by lakes.
Accommodation: Nigardsbreen Lodge, Jostedal Hotel, and Sognefjord Hotel.
Map Location and Directions
18. Femundsmarka National Park
Femundsmarka National Park is likely one of the largest areas of steady and unspoiled wilderness. When in search of a calming day of strolling, you’re wanting on the good spot.
Miles of land await enthusiastic exploration, and the park even provides a number of nice canoeing and fishing places.
The Norwegian Trekking Association has referred to as it probably the greatest three climbing areas in Norway, and judging by the views among the many bushes, we’d need to agree.
It may very well be potential to stroll for hours and by no means come throughout one other particular person throughout your travels, good for anybody trying to return to nature in stunning Norway and uncover one thing about themselves.
Location: Eastern a part of the nation.
Best time to go to: Late Spring to Summer (for climbing, fishing, and exploring Norway’s wilderness).
Activities on supply: Hiking, fishing, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and tenting.
Accommodation: Røros Hotel, Femund Fjellstue, and Roste Hyttetun & Camping.
Map Location and Directions
19. Solund, Sogn og Fjordane
This place is completely charming! Because of the 1700 islands, islets, and skerries (give or take) to the west of Norway, boats have taken to islands, hopping between them. Solund has turn into a well-liked boating, fishing, and kayaking vacation spot.
The infinite islands supply nice wind and wave safety when the climate isn’t nice, however on sunnier days, you might journey a brief distance to the open sea.
Of course, many actions on land embrace marked climbing trails and biking routes surrounded by pure magnificence. Summer in Solund additionally boasts guided excursions that may take you to Utvær.
Location: Western a part of the nation, within the Sognefjord area.
Best time to go to: Summer (for boating, climbing, and exploring the scenic archipelago).
Activities on supply: Boating, kayaking, climbing coastal trails, and exploring the archipelago.
Accommodation: Solund Leilighetshotell, Hardbakke Gjestehus, and Solund Rorbuferie.
Map Location and Directions
20. Henningsvær
Henningsvær is situated amongst a number of small islands off the coast of Austvågøya. It’s a notable fishing location, however the primary attraction on this stunning nook of the nation is the unbelievable views from anyplace within the village.
Henningsvær has been referred to as “the Venice of the North,” likening the small village to the magnificent space of Italy that everybody is aware of and praises. Why? as a result of Henningsvær is house to a world-colliding mixture of conventional and trendy structure that appears to clutch the ocean in its grasp.
The entrance to the village, a slender waterside street on the base of the mountain, is, in my view, one of the simplest ways to begin your Norway journey! Enjoy!
Location: Northern a part of the nation, within the Lofoten archipelago.
Best time to go to: Summer (for having fun with the fishing village’s distinctive attraction and scenic views underneath the Midnight Sun).
Activities on supply: Walking by means of the village, kayaking, mountain climbing, and exploring artwork galleries.
Accommodation: Henningsvær Bryggehotell, Lofoten Arctic Hotel, and Finnholmen Brygge.
Map Location and Directions
Location of Norway
Norway is situated within the Nordic space of Northern Europe and the North Atlantic, together with Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.