The second happiest nation on this planet (in line with the United Nations World Happiness Report) can be certainly one of my favorite nations! It’s a tricky selection in such a pristine and delightful nation, however I might like to share a few of its particular locations with you primarily based on my many visits…
That is what Norway is turning into most well-known for! The UNESCO-listed Fjords at the moment are showing on many travellers’ bucket lists, and with good cause—they’re some of the naturally lovely and dramatic landscapes in Europe and are one of many prime sights within the Scandinavian nation.
The glacial valleys are eerily silent and surrounded by excessive mountains and waterfalls, which give the world an otherworldly magnificence.
Sognefjord is the longest, deepest, and most celebrated of the nation’s waterways, intently adopted by Hardangerfjord, and I might advocate a go to.
You must also go to the Jostedalsbreen glacier (the biggest ice sheet in Europe), Nordfjord, and Geirangerfjord, maybe essentially 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 hearth in 1904 – was rebuilt in a fantastically vibrant Artwork Nouveau type. I used to be enamoured!
It boasts a vibrant tradition, wonderful purchasing alternatives, and views over the world from Mount Aksla. I counsel absorbing the city’s distinctive environment earlier than heading out on a guided tour of the fjords.
Additionally, don’t miss the breathtaking Geirangerfjord for beautiful photograph alternatives!
That is an insanely attractive location and some of the spectacular scenic cliffs within the nation – but it surely’s just for the courageous!
In any other case generally known as the ‘troll’s tongue’, it was shaped in the course of the ice age when a glacial water froze a hunk of this mountain and triggered it to interrupt off, leaving a skinny protruding ledge which hovers about 2,300 ft above the lake under.
For those who’re up for the problem, it’s solely a four-hour trek for a lifetime photograph alternative! Simply bear in mind to be very cautious!
4. Bergen
The wet however lovely 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 collection of good museums, quirky unbiased shops, and al fresco cafes however I personally suppose the most important draw is its standing as being the gateway to the well-known fjords!
- Location: Southwestern coast of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer time (for gentle climate, festivals, and exploring the historic waterfront).
- Actions on supply: Using the Fløibanen funicular, exploring Bryggen Wharf, mountain climbing Mount Fløyen, and visiting museums.
- Lodging: Lodge Zander Okay, Det Hanseatiske Lodge, and Clarion Lodge Admiral.
- Map Location and Instructions
5. Lofoten Islands
This scenic, unspoilt archipelago is certainly one of Europe’s best-kept secrets and techniques! Although the gathering of islands lies inside the Arctic Circle, they’re blessed with hotter temperatures as a result of Gulf Stream.
It’s a fantastically conventional place the place life is easy, and tourism is minimal. That is the place whale watching, spectacular walks, and surroundings await!
To crank the romance issue up a gear I might advocate staying in one of many cosy fisherman’s cabins, surrounded by nonetheless blue waters and unspoilt mountain landscapes that should be seen to be believed!
- Location: Northern a part of the nation, inside the Arctic Circle.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for the Midnight Solar, lengthy days, and water actions like kayaking).
- Actions on supply: Mountaineering, kayaking, visiting conventional fishing villages, wildlife viewing, and mountain climbing at Svolvaergeita.
- Lodging: Scandic Svolvaer, Nusfjord Arctic Resort, and Reine Rorbuer.
- Map Location and Instructions
6. Oslo
Even Norway’s capital is enticing! Sure, it’s costly, and sure, it doesn’t have an extended record of world-famous sights, however Oslo is clear, laid-back, and surrounded by a stupendous 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 Nationwide Gallery, which homes Edvard Munch’s well-known portray, ‘The Scream.’
- Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer time (for cultural festivals, gentle temperatures, and metropolis sightseeing).
- Actions on supply: Visiting museums, exploring Vigeland Sculpture Park, fjord cruises, mountain climbing in Nordmarka, and having fun with native delicacies.
- Lodging: Thon Lodge Rosenkrantz, Lodge Continental, and Lodge Bristol.
- Map Location and Instructions
7. Flam
The impossibly fairly village of Flam is positioned within the fjords of southwestern Norway. Residence 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 town in a manner 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 practice journey on this planet.
When you’re completed, you might wish 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.
- Finest time to go to: Late Spring to Early Fall (for scenic practice rides and out of doors actions).
- Actions on supply: Using the Flåm Railway, fjord cruises, kayaking, RIB boat excursions, and mountain climbing trails in Aurlandsfjord.
- Lodging: Fretheim Lodge, Flåmsbrygga Lodge, and Heimly Guesthouse.
- Map Location and Instructions
8. Skudeneshavn
Norway’s best-preserved crusing ship city is positioned on the southernmost tip of the standard island of Karmøy in Norway. A thriving port for the reason that nineteenth century, immediately it’s a postcard-pretty place with baggage of scenic appeal.
I might counsel heading for the beautiful outdated city full of wood homes, twisting slender roads (with nearly no visitors) and boat moorings, cafes, outlets, and galleries.
Count on to see greater than 200 white wood buildings that their homeowners have lovingly restored and maintained.
- Location: Southwestern coast, on the island of Karmøy.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for heat temperatures and coastal walks by means of the charming village).
- Actions on supply: Strolling excursions by means of historic streets, visiting the outdated city, exploring close by seashores, and having fun with native seafood.
- Lodging: Parken Terrace Lodge, Karmøy Kystferie, and Skudenes Tenting.
- Map Location and Instructions
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 Outdated City has a mixture of conventional shops and vintage outlets, all framed inside the extraordinary fortress partitions.
Simply exterior 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.
- Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer time (for exploring the outdated city and having fun with out of doors actions by the river).
- Actions on supply: Exploring the outdated city, biking alongside the river, strolling excursions, and having fun with native markets.
- Lodging: Lodge Fredrikstad, High quality Lodge Fredrikstad, and Gamlebyen Hotell.
- Map Location and Instructions
10. Jotunheimen Nationwide Park
Boasting the biggest focus of mountains larger than 2,000 metres in Northern Europe, the centrally positioned Jotunheimen Nationwide 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 world attracts hikers, cross-country and alpine skiers, cyclists, and climbers from throughout Europe.
Along with distinctive wildlife, count on to catch a glimpse of the wildlife that calls the park dwelling, together with reindeer, fox, marten, mink, wolverines, lynx, and even the uncommon golden eagle.
- Location: Central a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for mountain climbing trails and having fun with Norway’s highest peaks.
- Actions on supply: Mountaineering, mountaineering, wildlife viewing, glacier walks, and tenting.
- Lodging: Elveseter Lodge, Spiterstulen Lodge, and Gjendesheim Vacationer Lodge.
- Map Location and Instructions
11. Svalbard
Followers 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 folks reside there).
Svalbard is a superb 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.
- Finest time to go to: Late Spring to Summer time (for experiencing the Midnight Solar and wildlife sightings).
- Actions on supply: Glacier kayaking, mountain climbing, snowmobiling, canine sledding, and wildlife viewing, together with polar bears.
- Lodging: Radisson Blu Polar Lodge, Svalbard Lodge, and Basecamp Lodge.
- Map Location and Instructions
12. Reine
The fishing village of Reine is nestled securely on the mouth of Reinefjord within the west of Lofoten, however this naturally lovely Norwegian place deserves a point out.
Inside this mountainous village, you could 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, mountain climbing by means of the mountains to search 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 this planet.
- Location: Northern a part of the nation, within the Lofoten archipelago.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for scenic hikes and views of the fjords in the course of the Midnight Solar).
- Actions on supply: Mountaineering Reinebringen, boat excursions by means of fjords, fishing, and pictures.
- Lodging: Reine Rorbuer, Eliassen Rorbuer, and Sakrisøy Rorbuer.
- Map Location and Instructions
13. Mjelle seaside, Bodø
Everytime you stroll by means of a seaside city, you nearly count on the air of seawater and seaweed—an odd however nice scent most welcome as you journey in the direction of the gorgeous 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 simply half an hour’s drive from Bodø, and the locals might be glad to let you know some fascinating tales concerning the Pink Seashore, which is claimed to be infused with gemstone particles.
- Location: Northern a part of the nation, close to Bodø.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for having fun with the seaside, lengthy daytime, and delightful coastal views).
- Actions on supply: Swimming, mountain climbing, seaside walks, and having fun with coastal views.
- Lodging: Scandic Havet, Thon Lodge Nordlys, and Bodø Hostel & Motel.
- Map Location and Instructions
14. Rondane Nationwide Park
For those who’re extra of an adventurer in search of the subsequent mountain to take you to unbelievable heights and views, look no additional than Rondane Nationwide Park.
This tranquil mountain vary is the right place all 12 months spherical – from summer time mountain climbing to winter snowboarding and the whole lot in between.
Rondane is the oldest Nationwide Park in Norway. Its a number of areas are wealthy in plants, including to its magnificence.
- Location: Jap a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for mountain climbing and having fun with Norway’s oldest nationwide park).
- Actions on supply: Mountaineering, wildlife recognizing, pictures, and tenting.
- Lodging: Rondane Høyfjellshotell, Spidsbergseter Resort, and Rondvassbu Lodge.
- Map Location and Instructions
15. Trondheim
It might not look like Trondheim is a big metropolis in comparison with these you could have seen elsewhere on this planet, however in Norway, it’s truly the third largest obtainable 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 after they go to, together with the medieval Nidaros Cathedral and the sturdy Kristiansten Fortress, each of which have excursions obtainable by means of varied organisations.
One other notable landmark inside Trondheim is the Outdated City Bridge, with its purple portal constructions, in-built 1681 and overlooking the river.
- Location: Central a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for festivals, cultural occasions, and exploring the Nidaros Cathedral).
- Actions on supply: Visiting Nidaros Cathedral, exploring Bakklandet, biking alongside the river, and having fun with native delicacies.
- Lodging: Britannia Lodge, Clarion Lodge Trondheim, and Scandic Nidelven Lodge.
- Map Location and Instructions
16. Stavanger
This metropolis, positioned in southwest Norway, is a gem! It’s dwelling to the placing Tenth-century Stavanger Cathedral and vibrant homes.
The Stavanger area can be awash with breathtaking environment and lengthy, white seashores that add much more mystifying touches to the world.
For the hikers amongst you, the favored Preikestolen gives a mountainous hike up a cliff that’s 604 metres in top and has a solidly flat prime – providing you with among the finest panoramic views round.
- Location: Southwestern coast of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for mountain climbing to Pulpit Rock and having fun with out of doors actions alongside the coast)
- Actions on supply: Mountaineering to Pulpit Rock, fjord cruises, exploring the outdated city, and visiting museums.
- Lodging: Ydalir Lodge, Radisson Blu Atlantic Lodge, and Clarion Lodge Stavanger.
- Map Location and Instructions
17. Nigardsbreen Glacier
Glaciers are pure wonders which might be typically considered from afar. Nonetheless, glacier guiding is kind of standard at Nigardsbreen, the place skilled guides are glad 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’ll be able to gaze into the ice at shut vary and get misplaced within the spectacular actuality of some of the accessible branches of the Josteldalsbreen Glacier.
Think about strolling alongside an ice construction encompassing a complete space and is so fantastically shaped that it appears like blue crystal glass even on a dim day—that’s what this expertise gives!
- Location: Western a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for glacier mountain climbing with guided excursions and favorable climate situations).
- Actions on supply: Glacier mountain climbing, guided excursions, pictures, and visiting close by lakes.
- Lodging: Nigardsbreen Lodge, Jostedal Lodge, and Sognefjord Lodge.
- Map Location and Instructions
18. Femundsmarka Nationwide Park
Femundsmarka Nationwide Park is likely one of the largest areas of steady and unspoiled wilderness. When in search of a soothing day of strolling, you’re trying on the good spot.
Miles of land await enthusiastic exploration, and the park even gives a number of nice canoeing and fishing places.
The Norwegian Trekking Affiliation has referred to as it among the best three mountain climbing areas in Norway, and judging by the views among the many timber, we’d should agree.
It could possibly be attainable to stroll for hours and by no means come throughout one other individual throughout your travels, good for anybody trying to return to nature in lovely Norway and uncover one thing about themselves.
- Location: Jap a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Late Spring to Summer time (for mountain climbing, fishing, and exploring Norway’s wilderness).
- Actions on supply: Mountaineering, fishing, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and tenting.
- Lodging: Røros Lodge, Femund Fjellstue, and Roste Hyttetun & Tenting.
- Map Location and Instructions
19. Solund, Sogn og Fjordane
This place is totally charming! Due to 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 preferred boating, fishing, and kayaking vacation spot.
The countless 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.
After all, many actions on land embody marked mountain climbing trails and biking routes surrounded by pure magnificence. Summer time in Solund additionally boasts guided excursions that may take you to Utvær.
- Location: Western a part of the nation, within the Sognefjord area.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for boating, mountain climbing, and exploring the scenic archipelago).
- Actions on supply: Boating, kayaking, mountain climbing coastal trails, and exploring the archipelago.
- Lodging: Solund Leilighetshotell, Hardbakke Gjestehus, and Solund Rorbuferie.
- Map Location and Instructions
20. Henningsvær
Henningsvær is positioned amongst a number of small islands off the coast of Austvågøya. It’s a notable fishing location, however the principle attraction on this lovely 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 dwelling to a world-colliding mixture of conventional and trendy structure that appears to clutch the ocean in its grasp.
The doorway to the village, a slender waterside street on the base of the mountain, is, in my view, one of the best ways to start out your Norway journey! Get pleasure from!
- Location: Northern a part of the nation, within the Lofoten archipelago.
- Finest time to go to: Summer time (for having fun with the fishing village’s distinctive appeal and scenic views below the Midnight Solar).
- Actions on supply: Strolling by means of the village, kayaking, mountain climbing, and exploring artwork galleries.
- Lodging: Henningsvær Bryggehotell, Lofoten Arctic Lodge, and Finnholmen Brygge.
- Map Location and Instructions
Location of Norway
Norway is positioned within the Nordic space of Northern Europe and the North Atlantic, together with Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.