Norwegian Highlights
Norway in short
Norway is a long and diverse country, with every region offering its own distinct character and charm. While no single page can capture everything this country has to offer, the overview below provides a bird’s-eye perspective of some of the many places to visit and experience, from vibrant cities to quiet fjords and the wild Arctic North.
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Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights across the Arctic sky, enjoying a serene fjord cruise, hiking in the mountains, or exploring culture, food, and fine dining, Norway offers endless possibilities and something special for every guest.

Kayaking in front of the Oslo Opera House. Photo: Fredrik Ahlsen/Visit Norway

Vigeland Park in Spring. Photo: Elisabeth Ones - Visit Norway

The Gokstad Ship The Viking Ship Museum Bygdøy. Photo: Johan Berge - VisitNorway.com

Kayaking in front of the Oslo Opera House. Photo: Fredrik Ahlsen/Visit Norway
Oslo
We start our exploration of Norway with the capital, Oslo.
Oslo is an ideal destination to either start or end your visit to Norway, with plenty of international flight connections to and from Oslo Airport Gardermoen.
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Norway’s capital combines urban sophistication with easy access to nature, creating a city that feels both modern and refreshingly calm. Oslo sits where the Oslofjord meets forested hills, offering visitors the best of both worlds — contemporary architecture, world-class museums, and a thriving culinary scene, all just minutes away from lakes, hiking trails, and ski slopes.
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Our 5 suggestions in Oslo
1. The Oslo Opera House
An architectural icon on the waterfront, the Opera House invites visitors to walk on its sloping marble roof for panoramic views of the fjord and city.
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2. The MUNCH Museum
Dedicated to Norway’s most famous artist, Edvard Munch, this striking modern building houses The Scream and an extensive collection of his works, alongside rotating exhibitions and a scenic top-floor restaurant.
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3. Vigeland Sculpture Park
A true Oslo landmark, Vigeland Park features over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland, set within a lush green landscape.
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4. Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen
The city’s vibrant harbor district offers stylish restaurants, art galleries, boutique shops, and beautiful fjordside promenades, perfect for an evening stroll or dinner by the water.
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5. The Bygdøy Peninsula
Just a short ferry ride from the city center, Bygdøy is Oslo’s museum island, home to the Viking Ship Museum, the Fram Museum, and the Kon-Tiki Museum. It’s a must for those interested in Norway’s seafaring history and exploration heritage.
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Bergen & Flåm
Tying it together with a visit to Oslo, a great next place to visit is the beautiful city of Bergen. We recommend traveling by train to include a stop in Flåm, and taking a scenic ride with the famous Flåm Railway.
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The Flåm Railway is one of the world’s most scenic train journeys, connecting the mountain station of Myrdal to the fjord village of Flåm. In just one hour, it descends through steep valleys, waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes, a masterpiece of engineering and natural beauty.
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Bergen, Norway’s gateway to the fjords. Once a Hanseatic trading hub, today it’s a vibrant coastal city surrounded by seven mountains and a UNESCO-listed harbor. Bergen blends colorful wooden architecture, rich culture, and easy access to some of Norway’s most spectacular fjords.
Our 5 suggestions for Bergen
1. Bryggen Wharf
Stroll through Bergen’s UNESCO World Heritage harbor, where colorful Hanseatic buildings now house shops, cafés, and museums — a postcard-perfect glimpse into Norway’s maritime history.
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2. Fløibanen Funicular
Take the funicular to Mount Fløyen for panoramic views over Bergen and the surrounding fjords. Ideal for a quick city escape or a scenic hike among the mountaintop trails.
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3. Bergen Fish Market
Right by the harbor, the Fish Market is a lively gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. Sample fresh seafood, local specialties, and enjoy the atmosphere of Bergen’s coastal culture.
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4. Take a City Tour
Explore Bergen’s charming streets, wooden houses, and hidden viewpoints on a guided city tour. Discover local stories, history, and modern life in Norway’s cultural capital of the west.
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5. Go on a Fjord Cruise
Bergen is a true hub for fjords and fjord cruises. Set out on a fjord cruise from Bergen to experience the dramatic scenery that Norway is famous for. Sail past steep cliffs, waterfalls, and tranquil villages, a journey that captures the very heart of Western Norway.
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The Nærøyfjord. Photo: Øyvind Heen - VisitNorway.com

Fishmarket in Bergen. Photo: Christian Houge CH - VisitNorway.com

Bergen - Bryggen. Photo: Christine Baglo - Visit Norway

The Nærøyfjord. Photo: Øyvind Heen - VisitNorway.com

The Atlantic Road - Winter. Photo: Eline Karlsdatter Fladseth - Visitnorthwest.no

Molde Panorama, view from Varden. Photo: Christine Baglo/Visitnorway.com

Hiking to Aksla - Ålesund. Photo: Toke Mathias Riskjær - Visit Norway

The Atlantic Road - Winter. Photo: Eline Karlsdatter Fladseth - Visitnorthwest.no
The Northwest
Ålesund, Geiranger, Åndalsnes Molde & Kristiansund.
Fjords, Peaks, and Coastal Beauty
Norway’s Northwest is a region of striking contrasts. From art nouveau architecture and island coastlines to dramatic fjords and mountain peaks.
Ålesund, often called Norway’s most beautiful town, enchants visitors with its pastel-colored buildings and scenic harbor views.
Nearby lies the UNESCO World Heritage Geirangerfjord, where waterfalls tumble from sheer cliffs into crystal-blue waters.
Åndalsnes, known as the “mountain capital,” offers access to some of Norway’s most famous hikes and viewpoints, including Rampestreken and Trollstigen.
In Molde, the “City of Roses,” fjord views stretch toward 222 snow-capped peaks, creating an atmosphere of serenity and grandeur.
Kristiansund is a charming coastal town built across four islands, offering a relaxed maritime atmosphere, colorful harbor views, and the unique Sundbåten ferry.
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This region perfectly captures Norway’s essence.
Spectacular nature, coastal charm, and experiences that leave a lasting impression.
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Our 5 suggestions for The Northwest
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1. Ålesund and Aksla Viewpoint
Discover Ålesund’s distinctive Art Nouveau architecture and climb or drive to Aksla Viewpoint for sweeping views of the city, islands, and mountains.
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2. Geirangerfjord
Norway’s most iconic fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and winding roads create one of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes.
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3. Åndalsnes, Trollstigen & Romsdalen Gondola
Explore the “mountain capital” of Åndalsnes, take the Romsdalen Gondola for panoramic views, and drive the famous Trollstigen mountain road past cascading waterfalls and towering peaks.
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4. Molde and the Varden Panorama
Enjoy the serene atmosphere of Molde, the “City of Roses,” and admire the view from Varden. 222 snow-capped peaks stretching across the fjord.
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5. Atlantic Ocean Road
Drive one of the world’s most scenic coastal routes, where elegant bridges link islands and skerries in a dramatic meeting of ocean and engineering.
The Arctic North
Tromsø, Lofoten, Lyngen & more
The Arctic North captures the magic of Norway at its most raw and beautiful. From the dramatic peaks and fishing villages of Lofoten to the vibrant Arctic city of Tromsø and the untouched wilderness of the Lyngen Alps, this region offers an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and adventure.
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Here, daylight and darkness shape the rhythm of life. Endless sun in summer, dancing auroras in winter. Travelers can chase the northern lights, explore by dog sled or snowmobile, sail through icy fjords, and meet local communities that live close to nature.
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The Arctic North is both wild and welcoming, where every season tells a new story and every landscape feels alive with light and possibility.
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Our 5 suggestions for Northern Norway
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1. Northern Lights Chase
Witness the spectacular aurora borealis dancing across the winter sky. Tromsø and the surrounding Arctic wilderness offer some of the world’s best conditions for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
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2. Whale and Wildlife Safaris
Join a guided boat safari to see orcas, humpback whales, and sea eagles in their natural environment. The waters around Tromsø, Andenes, and the Lyngen area are home to some of the Arctic’s richest marine life.
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3. Midnight Sun Adventures
From May to July, the sun never sets north of the Arctic Circle. Hike, kayak, or simply enjoy the golden glow of endless daylight over the dramatic landscapes of Lofoten, Senja, or Lyngen.
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4. Husky and Snowmobile Expeditions
Glide through frozen valleys and snow-covered forests on a husky sled or snowmobile adventure. These classic Arctic experiences combine excitement with breathtaking scenery and pure winter silence.
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5. Reindeer Encounters and Sami Culture
Meet the Indigenous Sami people, learn about their traditions, and experience reindeer herding up close. It’s a meaningful way to connect with the Arctic’s living heritage and understand the deep bond between nature and culture.

Night sky with polar lights - Northern Norway. Photo: David Jensen @jensenmedia

Hiking at Fløya looking down at Svolvær. Lofoten islands. Photo: CH - VisitNorway.com

Tromsø Evening. Photo: Yngve Olsen - Visit Norway

Night sky with polar lights - Northern Norway. Photo: David Jensen @jensenmedia
More to Discover
Norway is full of unforgettable places waiting to be explored. From the dramatic cliffs of Lysefjord and the peaceful fjord village of Balestrand, to the coastal charm of Kristiansand and the historic streets of Trondheim, every region offers something unique.
Farther north, destinations like Bodø, Alta, and Svalbard showcase the raw beauty of the Arctic, while gems such as Senja, Hardangerfjord, Røros, and Voss reveal the country’s diversity beyond the main routes.
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These are just some of the many possibilities. Norway is vast and varied, and no single page can capture all it has to offer – but wherever your journey takes you, there is always more to experience, and it all depends on your preferences.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Norway
When is the best time to visit Norway?
Summer is ideal for fjord cruises, hiking, and long daylight hours. Winter is perfect for snow activities and northern lights, while spring and autumn offer quieter travel with colorful landscapes and local events.
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How many days do you need in Norway?
A week gives you time to see highlights like Oslo, Bergen, and the fjords. With 10 to 14 days, you can include the Arctic North or Lofoten Islands for a deeper journey through different regions.
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What is the best way to get around Norway?
Trains and domestic flights connect major regions, while rental cars and ferries allow flexibility to explore fjords and the countryside at your own pace.
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Do I need a visa to visit Norway?
Norway is part of the Schengen Area. Travelers from the EU and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check the latest entry requirements before traveling.
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Is Norway expensive?
Norway has a high cost of living, but with good planning, it offers great value. Traveling off-season, booking early, and mixing local stays with premium experiences can make your trip both comfortable and cost-efficient.
Get some inspiration for planning a trip to Norway.