1. Lofoten Islands
One of the most popular places to visit in Norway, Lofoten is a group of islands in the northern part of the country. With its postcard looking small fishing villages nestled in fjords, dotting a very rugged coast with abrupt peaks rising directly from the ocean, the archipelago is often described as one of the most scenic parts of Norway. Although the archipelago is located well above the Arctic Circle, at about the same latitude as Greenland it enjoys a relatively mild climate due to the circulation of the Gulf Stream. Temperatures up to 23°C in the summer are not uncommon although it remains a subarctic destination and the weather changes fast.
2. Western Fjords
Norway’s
famous fjords are found throughout the country and not limited to a
particular region or location. However, the most dramatic and famous
fjords are largely found in West Norway, approximately from Stavanger to
Molde. Although the western fjords vary slightly in appearance they are
generally relatively narrow, surrounded by steep rock faces, tall
mountains and extremely deep. The most famous fjords include
Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.
3. Bergen
Norway’s second largest city, Bergen has been the nation’s leading western port since the Middle Ages. Today, its 15th-century waterfront in the Bryggen district is both a working port and a tourist destination for visitors eager to sample fresh fare at seaside restaurants. Although Bergen makes a great home base for explorations of the scenic fjords around the city and the neighboring islands, there’s plenty to see within the city as well. A quick trip up Bergen’s popular funicular is a good way to get oriented in the place known as the Gateway to the Fjords.
4. Oslo
Norway’s capital and most populated city, Oslo is a vivacious
modern city with a confident boldness and laid-back atmosphere. Hugging the
horseshoe-shaped shores of the Oslofjord, Oslo is one-third city and two-thirds
forests, parks and green spaces, making outdoor activities like hiking and
biking popular pastimes. From its 19th-century city center with its museums,
lively bars and restaurants to the Nobel Peace Center located in the city’s
former railway station, Oslo is customarily rich as well. The city’s 50 museums
range from the Munch Museum, which features “The Scream” and other works by
Edvard Munch, to the Folkemuseet, an outdoor museum that includes more than 150
historic buildings from all over Norway, including a Stave Church.
5. Svalbard
Svalbard is a group of islands located between the Arctic
Ocean, Barents Sea, Greenland Sea, and the Norwegian Sea. The combined
permanent population is less than 3000, nearly all of which is concentrated in
the main settlements of Longyearbyen and Barentsburg on Spitsbergen. Svalbard’s
visitors come mostly to experience Arctic nature at its rawest and most
powerful. The islands are under Norwegian rule since 1920. Its settlements are
the northernmost permanently inhabited spots on the planet, far more northerly
than any part of Alaska and all but a few of Canada’s Arctic islands. The
islands feature untouched glaciers and craggy mountains, but also polar bears,
caribou, reindeer, polar foxes, whales, seals and walruses.
6. Stavanger
Located in the southwest region of Norway, Stavanger is one
of the few places in the country with long sandy beaches, making it the ideal
summer destination for those who want to mix sunbathing with their Scandinavian
explorations. The Rogaland Kunstmuseum boasts an excellent exhibition of
Norwegian art, the Stavanger Cathedral is the country’s best Medieval church
and the Gamle Stavanger district transports visitors back in time to
18th-century Scandinavia. The city’s harbor is a popular stopping point for
cruise ships touring the fjords, and many of Stavanger’s attractions are just a
short stroll from the shore.
7. Tromso
Most of the city is situated on the island of Tromsoya where
visitors can explore several fine museums and stroll through stunning birch
tree forests. The largest city in Northern Norway, Tromso is renowned both for
its large number of 18th-century wooden houses and for the beauty of its
natural surroundings. Trips up Storsteinen Mountain in the Fjellheisen Cable
Car offer visitors amazing views of the surrounding fjords and mountains. The
arctic aquarium Polaria and the Polar Museum are popular attractions in this
city located 350 km (217 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. Tromso is one of
the best places in the world to view the Northern Lights.
8. Alesund
The city of Alesund owes its present-day picturesque
appearance to a city-wide reconstruction after a fire in 1904 destroyed most of
the town. Located on Norway’s west coast, Ålesund is the gateway to the iconic
northwestern fjords and surrounding alpine mountains.The city was rebuilt with
stone and brick in the architectural style of the time, and stands today as a
perfect example of Jugendstil design, Northern Europe’s version of Art Nouveau.
Visitors can learn more about the style at the Jugendstilsenteret, or Art Nouveau
Center. A hike up the 400 steps to the viewpoint Fjellstua is worthwhile as
well. The mountain peak offers stunning views of Alesund and the surrounding
islands.
9. Trondheim
From Sverresborg, a restored 12th century castle, to the
Nidaros Cathedral, the northernmost Medieval cathedral in the world, the city
abounds with remnants of the past.There’s something for everyone in the
northern city of Trondheim. Founded in 997, Norway’s third largest city was the
country’s capital during the Viking Age and the nation’s religious center
during the Middle Ages, making it the ideal destination for those who want to
explore Norway’s history.
10. Jotunheimen National Park
Jotunheimen, or Home of the Giants, is Norway’s premier
national park. Located in the nation’s south central region, the park
encompasses several mountain ranges, including Norway’s 29 highest peaks. The
park is also home to Vettisfossen, which at 275 meters (900 feet) is the
highest waterfall in Norway. Mountain lodges and well-marked trails in the area
offer visitors easy access to glacier hikes, summit tours, mountain climbing
and skiing. Tour companies and trekking associations offer outdoor adventures
for visitors of every age and skill level. The weather conditions in Jotunheimen can be extremely harsh in the winter, but in the spring the winter storms give in and fair weather is the normal.
