Norway’s second-largest city is often seen as nothing more than a quick stopover on the way to the natural wonders of the north. In my opinion, that’s a real shame. Bergen, Norway has a completely unmistakable atmosphere, shaped by centuries of Hanseatic merchant history and the dramatic scenery of the so-called seven mountains that surround it. The compact centre, packed with wooden houses, practically begs you to wander with a coffee in hand.

Although the city proudly holds the title of one of the rainiest places in Europe, don’t let that put you off. Even in the rain this place has enormous charm — you just need to dress properly and soak up the Nordic calm. You’ll find excellent museums here, cosy cafés and historic alleyways where you can easily lose yourself for hours.

In this guide we’ll take a look at the most interesting things you can experience in the gateway to the Norwegian fjords. I’ve put together 14 tips for great places to see, I’ll help you choose accommodation, and I’ll throw in some practical info on getting in from the airport too. Let’s plan your Nordic trip together.

TL;DR

• Historic Bryggen: The iconic colourful houses on the waterfront are a UNESCO site and an absolute must for every visitor.
• Best views: The Fløibanen funicular whisks you above the city in just a few minutes and serves up the most famous view over the bay.
• Gateway to the fjords: Boats set off daily from the harbour into deep fjords, including the nearby Mostraumen.
• Weather: Expect rain on more than 200 days a year. A good-quality rain jacket is essential kit.
• Save with the Bergen Card: If you plan to visit museums and use public transport, the city card pays for itself very quickly.
• Getting in from the airport: From Flesland Airport, the easiest way into the centre is the Bybanen light rail, taking roughly 45 minutes.

When to visit Bergen

Planning a trip to Norway always revolves around the weather, and in this city that goes double. The best time to visit is the summer months from May to August. The days are gloriously long, temperatures sit at a pleasant 15 to 20 degrees, and statistically your chances of sunny days are at their highest. On top of that, all the boat trips into the surrounding fjords run without a hitch in summer.

That said, you should be ready for rain at any time of year. The city sits on the coast and traps the cloud rolling in off the Atlantic, so plenty of rain falls here. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, though, you won’t get extreme frosts. If you head over in winter, you’ll enjoy lovely Christmas markets and that mysterious Nordic darkness — even if it isn’t quite the season for long mountain hikes.

Where to stay in Bergen

💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We like to look for places to stay on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation terms. For tickets, tours and activities, it pays to compare and book through GetYourGuide.

The historic centre is fairly small and you can reach everything easily on foot. The smartest choice is to look for accommodation around the waterfront or near the main railway station, where the light rail from the airport also arrives. Accommodation prices in Norway are generally higher — for a night in a double room you’ll pay on average 1,500 to 2,500 NOK, which is roughly 130 to 215 €. Here are some specific tips for great hotels you can easily book through Booking:

• Thon Hotel Orion: This hotel offers an absolutely perfect location just steps from historic Bryggen. Travellers rave about the generous breakfasts in their reviews, and a light evening meal is often included too, which saves you a lot of money in pricey Norway.
• Zander K Hotel: If you prefer modern Nordic design, this hotel will win you over. It sits right next to the railway station, so if you’re planning to ride the famous Norwegian railway, the train is just a few steps away.
• Opus XVI: For lovers of luxury and history, there’s this gorgeous boutique hotel. It was founded by relatives of the famous composer Edvard Grieg, and the entire interior nods to classical music and first-class elegance.

Historic heart and views: the first 6 things to see in Bergen, Norway

Bergen is a city set in incredibly photogenic surroundings. In this first part we’ll look at the spots that form the city’s metaphorical shop window. You’ll find the oldest architectural gems here, and I’ll also take you up to viewpoints where you can take in all that beauty from a bird’s-eye perspective.

Strolling through the historic centre, you’ll easily feel transported several centuries back in time. I’d recommend setting aside at least one full day for this area, so you don’t have to rush anywhere and can savour a coffee in one of the winding lanes.

1. The Hanseatic quarter of Bryggen (UNESCO)

The iconic colourful houses with wooden facades are probably the first thing that springs to mind when this city is mentioned. This historic quarter is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and forms the very heart of the harbour. According to historical sources, Hanseatic merchants had their offices here from as early as the fourteenth century, controlling the trade in dried fish and grain across all of northern Europe.

When you walk along the waterfront, don’t just snap photos from a distance. Be sure to wander into the narrow passageways between the houses, where you’ll find old wooden staircases, small art galleries and craft workshops. Breathing in the scent of old wood and tar is a truly unique experience.

The houses here have been gutted by devastating fires several times over the years. Their current appearance dates mostly from the early eighteenth century, but the buildings have always been carefully rebuilt using original methods. Today you’ll also find cosy cafés here, perfect for sheltering from the typical Norwegian rain.

2. The Fløibanen funicular and Mount Fløyen

If you want to see the city from above without taking a single extra step, head to the Fløibanen funicular. You’ll find the lower station just a stone’s throw from the Bryggen waterfront, and the ride up takes only about six minutes. The modern glass carriages carry you up to 320 metres above sea level, where the most iconic view over the city, the bay and the surrounding islands opens up.

But on top of Mount Fløyen, the view is far from the end of the fun. You’ll find an extensive network of well-maintained hiking trails that lead deep into the forests. For families with kids there’s the magical Trollskogen forest, full of carved wooden trolls and obstacle courses.

💡 Tip: In the summer months there are often huge queues for tickets. I’d recommend buying your ticket online in advance or taking advantage of the Bergen Card so you can head straight to the turnstiles. On the way back down, you can walk into the city along a pleasant, well-kept path.

3. The Ulriken cable car and the Vidden ridge walk

While Mount Fløyen is more of a leisurely affair, Mount Ulriken tempts the real hikers. At 643 metres above sea level, it’s the highest of the seven mountains surrounding the city. The Ulriken643 cable car carries you comfortably to the top, or you can really put yourself through the wringer and climb the thousands of stone steps built by Nepalese Sherpas.

If you enjoy longer hikes and the weather is on your side, locals highly recommend the Vidden ridge walk. This route connects Mount Ulriken with Mount Fløyen and offers fantastic panoramic views of the rugged Norwegian landscape. The hike takes roughly five to six hours and is moderately demanding.

Don’t forget that the weather in the Norwegian mountains can change minute by minute. Even if the sun is shining down in the city, the wind can be fierce up top, so always pack a windbreaker and a warm layer in your backpack. As a reward, you can enjoy a coffee at the summit of Ulriken in a modern glass-walled restaurant.

4. Bergenhus Fortress and the Rosenkrantz Tower

Right at the entrance to the historic harbour you’ll come across one of the oldest and best-preserved stone complexes in Norway. Bergenhus Fortress served as a royal residence back when the city was the capital of the entire kingdom. The grounds are freely accessible and offer a pleasant spot to rest on neatly kept lawns.

The fortress’s biggest draw is the majestic Håkon’s Hall from the thirteenth century. Right next to it rises the defensive Rosenkrantz Tower, which combines medieval architecture with Renaissance touches. If you pay the entrance fee, you can climb the narrow spiral staircase all the way up to the tower’s roof.

According to travellers, the interactive exhibition inside the tower is very well done and brilliantly traces the city’s turbulent history. Large open-air summer concerts are sometimes held in the fortress grounds, so if you’re lucky you might catch a one-of-a-kind musical atmosphere here.

5. Mariakirken church

As you wander beyond the historic waterfront, there’s no way you’ll miss the charming stone building with two towers. St Mary’s Church, or Mariakirken, is the oldest surviving building in the entire city. Its history reaches back to the twelfth century, and it’s a beautiful example of Romanesque architecture.

Interestingly, this church served the German Hanseatic merchants for centuries. Thanks to their wealth, the interior preserves gorgeous decoration that contrasts sharply with the austere Lutheran churches in other parts of Norway. The richly carved Baroque pulpit draws the most attention.

There’s an admission fee to enter the church, but it’s free with the city tourist card. Even if you only see it from the outside, its massive stone walls surrounded by mature trees create a beautiful nook ideal for a moment of quiet reflection.

6. Old wooden lanes and the Gamle Bergen quarter

If you want to experience the atmosphere of old Norway without the crowds of tourists, head slightly out of the main centre. In the area around the waterfront heading towards the Sandviken district, you’ll find magical narrow lanes lined with white wooden houses full of flowerpots. This residential area is utterly quiet and incredibly romantic.

For an even more authentic experience, head to the Gamle Bergen (Old Bergen) open-air museum. It’s a reconstructed little town from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, made up of historic wooden buildings brought here from various parts of the city. You’ll find an old bakery, a pharmacy and the houses of the era’s high society.

In the summer season the museum comes to life. Staff in period costumes act out scenes from everyday life, so it really feels as though you’ve travelled back in time. It’s a fantastic spot for families and lovers of historical photography alike.

Museums, fjords and city life: 8 more things to see

In the second half of our guide, we’ll look at the places that fill the city with life, culture and unforgettable experiences. I’ll take you to galleries, show you ways to escape into nature, and of course we won’t skip the tips for good food.

Bergen is a lively university city full of students and artists. You definitely won’t be bored here even when it’s raining, because the local cultural scene is incredibly rich by Norwegian standards. Let’s discover more great spots.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in Bergen

4 accommodations — hotels, wellness hotels and other accommodation options

⭐ TOP CHOICE 🏨 Hotel

Thon Hotel Orion

The hotel offers a perfect location just a short walk from the historic Bryggen. Travelers praise the generous breakfast buffet and a light evening meal is often included in the price, which saves money in expensive Norway.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Zander K Hotel

A modern hotel with Scandinavian design located right next to the train station. Ideal for those planning to take the famous Norwegian railway.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability ⭐ Luxury

Opus XVI

A luxury boutique hotel for lovers of history and elegance. Founded by relatives of the famous composer Edvard Grieg, the entire interior references classical music and first-class elegance.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🔍 Search

View all accommodations in Bergen

Explore all available accommodation options in Bergen and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.

★★★★ Compare prices

Check availability

7. The Fish Market (Fisketorget)

Right in the heart of the harbour, where dozens of boats are moored, lies one of the most famous market spots in Europe. The historic Fisketorget market has been running here since the thirteenth century and still forms the pulsing centre of the city. The market is divided into traditional outdoor stalls and a modern glass-covered indoor hall.

Local vendors put on an incredible parade of seafood. Fresh salmon, enormous crabs and piles of prawns lie on the counters, and visitors often have them prepared right there on the spot. Around the market, the scent of the sea mixes constantly with traders calling out in many languages of the world.

It’s not exactly a lunch spot for vegetarians, but the atmosphere is worth it. Beyond the fish, you’ll also come across stalls with fresh fruit, local cheeses and interesting souvenirs. Prices at the market tend to be steeply inflated, so seasoned travellers suggest coming here more for the experience and photos than for a big shop.

8. The Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene

To understand just how hard the lives of medieval merchants were, you need to explore the history up close. The Hanseatic Museum reveals the flip side of colourful Bryggen, where young apprentices from northern Germany survived in cramped, dark cubbyholes. The rules here were uncompromising and the work unbelievably hard.

The exhibition leads you through authentic interiors with original furniture. You’ll see hidden beds built straight into the walls, designed to protect their occupants from the biting cold, since fires were strictly forbidden inside the houses for fear of going up in flames.

The tour also includes the nearby Schøtstuene assembly halls. These were the only places where lighting a fire was permitted, so the merchants spent their winter evenings here, warming up their food and throwing wild celebrations. The museum weaves dry facts together with the real stories of specific people in a wonderfully engaging way.

9. The KODE galleries and Edvard Grieg’s home, Troldhaugen

Art lovers will be in seventh heaven in Bergen. The KODE galleries make up one of the largest museum complexes in all of Scandinavia, spread across four large buildings around a central pond. You’ll find everything here from contemporary design to classical paintings.

The biggest magnet is undoubtedly the collection of Norwegian art. The KODE 3 pavilion holds several famous works by Edvard Munch, in a wonderfully calm setting without the enormous crowds you get at the galleries in Oslo. You can also see stunning Romantic landscape paintings of Norway’s mountains and fjords.

If you love music, take a trip to the suburbs to the villa Troldhaugen. This enchanting wooden house belonged to the famous composer Edvard Grieg and sits in a gorgeous garden right by Lake Nordåsvatnet. In the summer months, piano concerts are held here regularly in a modern hall with a glass wall facing out into nature.

10. The Akvariet aquarium

If you’re travelling with kids, or simply love the underwater world, head out to the tip of the Nordnes peninsula. The aquarium here is one of the largest in northern Europe and makes a great escape on rainy days. You can walk here on a pleasant stroll from the centre or take the little ferry across the bay.

The outdoor pools are the most popular attraction. Visitors love the narrated feedings of the penguins and the playful seals, which have beautiful enclosures here mimicking their natural surroundings. The indoor pavilions hide enormous tanks with Nordic fish species and sharks.

The aquarium places great emphasis on education and conservation. You’ll also find a tropical section with crocodiles and snakes, although the main draw remains the chilly life beneath the surface of the Norwegian sea.

11. Boat trips into the fjords from Bergen

Being in this city and not heading out onto the water would be a sin. Bergen is the ideal starting point for exploring the Norwegian fjords, even if you only have a few hours to spare. Modern boats and quiet electric catamarans set off daily straight from the main harbour, Vågen.

The most popular half-day option is the trip into the narrow Mostraumen fjord. The boat sails through dramatic scenery full of sheer cliffs and waterfalls, and in some sections the channel is so narrow you feel like you could touch the rock straight from the deck.

💡 Tip: These trips tend to sell out fast in season. I’d recommend booking your cruise tickets well in advance — you can use the popular GetYourGuide platform, for example, where you’ll find clear ratings of the individual operators. For a longer explore, there are full-day cruises all the way to the majestic Sognefjord.

12. Bergen as the gateway to Norway in a Nutshell

If you want to experience the best of Norwegian nature in one neat package, this is the right choice. The city acts as the main starting point for the legendary Norway in a Nutshell tour, which combines travel by train, bus and boat through the most beautiful scenery.

The route usually starts with a ride on the Norwegian mountain railway to Voss. From there you continue by bus down steep hairpin bends to the fjord, where you switch to a boat sailing through the gorgeous, UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord. The whole experience then climaxes with a ride on an incredibly steep railway line, which we describe in detail in our article on the Flåm Railway.

This loop can be done in one very long day, but locals recommend splitting it up. You can buy your tickets as a complete package through an agency, or book the individual legs yourself with the Norwegian railways, which works out a little cheaper.

13. Street food, cafés and vegetarian eats

Although Norwegian gastronomy leans heavily on fish and meat, you won’t go hungry here even if you eat plant-based. Bergen offers a fantastic alternative and hipster scene that will delight any lover of good food and speciality coffee.

If you’re after a laid-back atmosphere, head to the Bergen Street Food hall. This modern concept brings together food stalls from around the world, you’ll find great vegetarian and vegan options, and in the evening the space turns into a lively spot with music and drinks. It’s an ideal hideaway from bad weather.

And what would a trip up north be without something sweet to finish? You absolutely have to try the traditional skillingsboller, the local take on a rich cinnamon roll. Apparently the best ones are baked in small family bakeries right in the lanes around Bryggen.

14. Rain in Bergen and how to enjoy it

To finish, let’s talk about something that’s inseparable from this city. With more than 200 rainy days a year, Bergen holds the European record, so the odds of getting wet border on a certainty. The locals are used to the whims of the weather, though, and won’t let them dampen their mood.

The secret lies in the right gear and the right attitude. A good waterproof jacket and decent shoes are absolutely essential, while an umbrella usually doesn’t help much thanks to the frequent strong wind. In the rain, the city has an incredibly melancholic and photogenic atmosphere.

When it really pours, simply change your plans. Duck into one of the many cosy cafés, order a hot drink and watch the world go by through a fogged-up window. Or use the time to visit the KODE galleries or the Hanseatic Museum. Rain is simply part of the soul of this place.

Practical info: getting around and how to save

A few practical pieces of info will come in handy for getting around the city. The most comfortable way to reach the centre from Flesland Airport is the light rail. The modern Bybanen tram leaves straight from the airport terminal (line number 1) and brings you in roughly 45 minutes to its final stop, Byparken, right in the heart of the city. You can simply buy your ticket in the Skyss app or from the machines at the stop. Getting to Bergen from the UK is easy too — there are direct flights from London with airlines such as British Airways and Norwegian, and budget carriers also serve Bergen seasonally.

If you’re planning an action-packed itinerary, consider getting a tourist card. The Bergen Card offers free public transport and significant discounts on entry fees, including the Fløibanen funicular and most museums. You can buy it for 24 to 96 hours online or at the tourist centre by the fish market. Given Norway’s high prices, the investment in the card pays for itself very quickly once you visit two or three attractions a day.

Where to go next from Bergen

If you have more time in Norway, it would be a real shame to stay in just one place. Check out our other articles and plan an unforgettable road trip through the north:

• Want to know what else this amazing country has to offer? Read our big list Norway: 50 things to see.
• For a deeper dive into the surrounding nature, don’t miss our guide to the Norwegian fjords.
• If the capital and its modern architecture appeal to you, get inspired in our article Oslo: what to see.

Frequently asked questions

If you’re planning a trip up to the far north, you’re probably wondering where to make a strategic stopover. Trondheim is the historic heart of Norway, a city that many travellers unfairly overlook in their chase for the fjords. Yet this is exactly where you’ll find a fascinating mix of deep history, gorgeous Nordic architecture and the incredibly laid-back atmosphere that the local students bring to the place.

Although it once served as the capital and Norwegian kings are still crowned here to this day, it feels more like a very cosy and friendly little town. The colourful wooden warehouses along the River Nidelva contrast beautifully with the majestic towers of the enormous cathedral, while the ever-present little cafés tempt you to sit down over an excellent coffee. It’s no wonder this place regularly ranks among the very best cities to live in across Scandinavia.

Let’s take a look together at 12 things to do in Trondheim, Norway, so you get the absolute best out of your visit. I’ll tell you where to find the most unique bicycle lift in the world, which neighbourhoods to head to for great vegetarian food, and how to cleverly plan the train journey from Oslo.

TL;DR

• The biggest landmark: Nidaros Cathedral is the largest medieval building in Scandinavia and an absolute must when visiting the city.
• The most photogenic district: Bakklandet will charm you with its colourful wooden houses on stilts and the old Gamle Bybro bridge.
• A unique experience: On the steep hill up to Kristiansten you can ride the only bicycle lift in the world, known as Trampe.
• Where to eat: The former docks in the Solsiden district are now home to a hub of excellent restaurants and bistros.
• A boat trip: In summer, be sure to head out to the islet of Munkholmen, where you can swim and have a picnic.
• Getting there: The most beautiful way is by train from Oslo along the Dovrebanen line, or you can use Værnes international airport.

When to visit Trondheim

Norwegian weather can be unpredictable, but if you want to enjoy the city to the fullest, summer is definitely your best bet. From May to August the days grow incredibly long, the sun sets late into the night, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore the streets. Locals come alive during this season, filling the outdoor café terraces, and the riverside radiates an unbeatable sense of ease.

Summer is also the only time you can easily catch a boat to the popular islet of Munkholmen, a favourite spot for swimming and relaxing. In July and August, temperatures usually hover around a pleasant 18 to 22 degrees Celsius, which is absolutely ideal for hiking without exhausting heat. Just don’t forget to pack a light waterproof jacket, because a shower can appear at literally any moment.

Winter, on the other hand, has its own very different, darker but deeply romantic charm. The Christmas markets in front of the illuminated Nidaros Cathedral are among the most beautiful in the entire country. The days are very short and temperatures drop below freezing, but if you dress well, you’ll be rewarded with a magical winter atmosphere free of tourist crowds. Spring and autumn are quieter transitional seasons, when you should expect more frequent rain and wind.

Where to stay in Trondheim

💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We like to look for places to stay on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation terms. Tickets, tours and activities are then worth comparing and buying through GetYourGuide.

Choosing the right hotel can take your city experience to a whole new level, especially in Norway, where accommodation standards are very high. Expect prices of roughly 1,400 to 2,600 NOK (about 120 to 225 €) per night for a double room. Most of the best hotels are within walking distance of the main sights, so you won’t have to worry about complicated commutes on public transport at all.

If you want to treat yourself to some genuine historic luxury, book a room at the iconic Britannia Hotel. This stunning five-star palace right in the centre offers first-class service, a beautiful spa and incredibly lavish breakfasts. It’s the perfect choice for special occasions or a romantic weekend you’ll remember for a long time.

For food lovers, an absolute legend is the Scandic Nidelven, which sits right by the river. This hotel regularly boasts the title of best hotel breakfast in all of Norway, which in a country with such high culinary standards is an enormous honour. A great and slightly more affordable option is the Clarion Collection Hotel Bakeriet, housed in the historic building of a former bakery and often including a light dinner in the room rate, which will save you a fair bit of money in Norway.

How to get to Trondheim

The journey to this Nordic city can be a huge experience in itself. The most beautiful option is the train from Oslo along the famous line known as Dovrebanen. The journey takes around six and a half hours and offers absolutely breathtaking views of Norway’s mountains, deep valleys and the wild scenery of Dovrefjell National Park. It pays to buy tickets well in advance through the Norwegian railways, as prices rise sharply as the departure date approaches.

If you’re in a hurry or travelling from further afield, the fastest option is flying into Værnes international airport. From the UK, you’ll typically get here with one connection, usually via Oslo or Copenhagen — direct flights to Trondheim, Norway are rare, so check routes from London or Manchester with carriers like SAS, Norwegian or KLM. The airport itself lies about 35 kilometres east of the centre, from where regular airport buses or local trains will whisk you comfortably and quickly into town.

Trondheim also works as an absolutely ideal gateway for further travel to the far north. This is where another famous railway line, the Nordlandsbanen, begins, taking you all the way past the Arctic Circle to the town of Bodø. From there it’s just a short ferry hop to the magical Lofoten Islands, which makes the city a perfect multi-day stop on a longer Scandinavian road trip.

The historic centre and royal landmarks

The city centre is fairly compact and you can easily walk to all the main historic gems. This is where you’ll feel that majestic legacy of the past most strongly, from the days when the city served as the main seat of power for the whole country. The architecture flows seamlessly here, from medieval stone walls to gorgeous wooden palaces that still serve their original purpose to this day.

As you stroll through the cobbled streets around the main square, Torvet, be sure to notice the statue of the city’s founder, the Viking king Olav Tryggvason. From this central point, it’s easy to find your way to all three of the most significant landmarks that form the very soul of Norway’s royal and spiritual history.

1. Nidaros Cathedral (Nidarosdomen)

This enormous structure is an absolute jewel and the largest medieval cathedral in all of Scandinavia. It was built over the grave of Saint Olav, the patron saint of Norway, and its west front, adorned with dozens of meticulously carved statues, will simply take your breath away. By tradition, the coronations and blessings of Norwegian monarchs still take place within these very walls, which lends the place enormous gravity.

While a walk around the exterior of the majestic building is completely free, there is an entrance fee to access the interior and to climb the tower. Inside, you’ll be captivated by the beautiful stained-glass windows and the darkly Gothic atmosphere, which contrasts with the typical Nordic restraint. If you love a good view, definitely climb the narrow steps up to the main tower, where you’ll get a stunning panorama of the whole city and the bay.

💡 Tip: You can easily book tickets for the cathedral tour in advance, as well as various fjord cruises or guided city walks, through platforms like GetYourGuide, so you have peace of mind on the spot and can skip the queues.

2. The wooden palace of Stiftsgården

Right in the bustling centre you’ll come across an enormous yellow building that looks at first glance like a set from a historical film. Stiftsgården is the largest wooden palace structure in Scandinavia and still serves as the official royal residence when the royal family visits the city. It was built at the end of the 18th century, originally for a wealthy and ambitious merchant woman, which in itself shows the riches of the local elite at the time.

During the summer months, the gorgeous period interiors are open to visitors, accessible as part of guided tours. You can admire the lavish furniture and intricate wallpapers, and learn plenty of interesting facts about how people once lived and heated such an enormous wooden building. Even if you only decide to walk past, be sure to make time for a stroll through the lovely adjacent park, which is freely accessible.

3. The pilgrimage route of Saint Olav

This might surprise you, but Trondheim has for centuries been the destination of hundreds of thousands of pilgrims and adventurers from all over Europe. The St. Olav’s Way pilgrimage route is a kind of Nordic counterpart to the famous Camino de Santiago de Compostela. The trails lead through wild mountains, quiet forests and picturesque valleys, all symbolically converging at the grave of Saint Olav in Nidaros Cathedral.

Today, this route is used by far more than just the faithful — it increasingly attracts lovers of hiking and slow travel. Even if you have no plans to walk hundreds of kilometres, you can at least cover the final few kilometres before the city gates and soak up that distinctive atmosphere of a path trodden for millennia by generations of pilgrims. At the information centre near the cathedral, you’ll discover fascinating stories about the history of this Nordic journey.

Iconic districts and city views

As soon as you leave the shadows of the medieval walls, a much more colourful and playful face of the city opens up before you. The wooden architecture and steep little hills create amazing photographic potential, which you’ll appreciate at every step. The city is brilliantly set up for walking, so you can gather all these iconic views over the course of a single afternoon.

Water plays the leading role here, as the River Nidelva winds lazily right through the middle of the city, creating gorgeous mirrors for the surrounding houses. Crossing the old bridges into the outlying districts will transport you back in time to the days when, instead of tourists, it was sailors, merchants and dock workers loading dried fish who strolled along here.

4. The magical Bakklandet district

If there’s one place you’ll fall in love with instantly, it’s Bakklandet. This district is famous for its old wooden warehouses on stilts, which line the riverbanks and glow in every colour from rich ochre to traditional Falun red. It was originally a poor working-class neighbourhood, but today it has transformed into the most charming and bohemian spot in the whole area.

The narrow cobbled streets are full of independent boutiques, small galleries and cosy cafés, where locals gather over a cup of filter coffee and fresh cinnamon buns. Don’t forget to photograph the whole scene from the opposite bank near the cathedral, because from there the stilt houses reflected on the river’s surface stand out absolutely perfectly. It’s a scene straight off a postcard.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in Trondheim

4 accommodations — hotels, wellness hotels and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE ⭐ Luxury

Britannia Hotel

Five-star palace in the very center offering first-class service, beautiful spa and incredibly lavish breakfasts. Ideal choice for special occasions or a romantic weekend.

★★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Scandic Nidelven

Hotel located right by the river, regularly boasting the title of best hotel breakfast in all of Norway. Great choice for food lovers.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🏨 Hotel

Clarion Collection Hotel Bakeriet

Hotel housed in a historic former bakery building with a light dinner often included in the room rate, which saves considerable money in Norway. More affordable option with excellent value for money.

★★★★ Check prices

Check availability 🔍 Search

View all accommodations in Trondheim

Explore all available accommodation options in Trondheim and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.

★★★★ Compare prices

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5. The old Gamle Bybro bridge

To make your crossing into the Bakklandet district stylish, you’ll need to use the most famous bridge in the city. Gamle Bybro dates back to the seventeenth century and, thanks to its iconic red carved portals, has earned the lovely nickname of the Gate of Happiness. Locals reputedly believe that if you make a wish beneath its arches, there’s a good chance it’ll soon come true.

The bridge itself is reserved exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists, so you can stop here calmly and take in the views on both sides of the river. This is exactly where you’ll capture the most beautiful photos of the colourful warehouses, and if you’re lucky with calm weather, the reflection of the houses on the water’s surface will be utterly flawless. The bridge is gorgeous not only by day but also in the evening, when it’s sensitively and romantically lit up.

6. The Trampe bicycle lift

Cycling is hugely popular in Norway, but the steep hills can be a serious challenge even for trained riders. That’s why an absolute world first was created here, called Trampe — a special lift for cyclists built straight into the pavement. You’ll find it just past the Gamle Bybro bridge, and it’s designed to make the demanding climb up the steep Brubakken hill easier.

It works surprisingly simply, though it takes a little practice the first time. The cyclist braces their right foot against a small metal footplate that emerges from the rail, and it pushes them and their bike up to the top at a brisk walking pace. Even if you’re not on a bike yourself, definitely stop here for a moment and watch the locals conquer this otherwise brutal incline with total elegance and zero effort.

7. The baroque Kristiansten Fortress

Once you’ve made it up the hill above the Bakklandet district somehow, your steps should head towards the white ramparts. Kristiansten Fortress was built after the great fire in the 17th century to protect the city against raids from the east, primarily from the Swedish army. Its massive walls and old cannons still recall the turbulent military history of the entire region.

Today it’s mainly a popular relaxation spot with a sprawling park, where families head out for weekend picnics. The main draw, though, is the fantastic panoramic view of the city, the whole Bakklandet district, the mighty cathedral and the deep blue waters of the nearby fjord. Entry to the outer grounds of the fortress is free all year round, which makes it an ideal destination for an afternoon walk.

Music, islands and modern life

Trondheim certainly doesn’t live off its famous past alone — quite the opposite, huge doses of youthful energy pulse through its veins. Thanks to the presence of Norway’s largest university, the city is full of students who set the tone for the contemporary culture, café scene and nightlife. The old industrial zones here are constantly being transformed into modern cultural hubs.

If you love art and music, you’ll be absolutely thrilled. You’ll find world-class museums here, dedicated both to classical instruments and to modern pop and rock. The combination of industrial architecture, the seaside and an innovative approach to public space makes this part of the city an immensely inspiring place to explore.

8. The Rockheim national museum of music

Right by the harbour, you’ll be drawn to a building with a peculiar glowing cube on its roof, which lures visitors from afar. Rockheim is a fantastic interactive museum of popular music, mapping the Norwegian music scene from the 1950s right up to the cutting-edge present. Forget boring display cases — here everything is about the experience and trying things out hands-on.

You can try mixing your own hip-hop track, learn the basics of the electric guitar in soundproofed practice rooms, or wander through faithful replicas of teenagers’ bedrooms from different decades. It’s huge fun for adults and families with kids alike, where you can easily spend half a day. From the top floor and the restaurant, there’s also a cracking view of the harbour and the surrounding sea.

9. The Ringve music museum

If you prefer more classical tones and a quieter setting, you’ll need to head a little out of town to a beautiful old manor. The Ringve museum holds an enormous collection of rare musical instruments from all over the world, housed in gorgeous historic interiors. Unlike the modern Rockheim, here you’ll be met with the calm atmosphere of bygone days and aristocratic salons.

The great added value of this place is also its surroundings. The building is in fact encircled by a sprawling, carefully tended botanical garden, which is ideal for long romantic walks among blooming flowers and rare trees. The combination of history, music and beautiful nature makes Ringve one of the most enchanting secret tips in the entire region.

10. The islet of Munkholmen

When you look out from the harbour towards the fjord, you’ll surely notice a small piece of land jutting out of the water not far from the shore. The islet of Munkholmen has an incredibly varied and dark history behind it, having served as an execution site, a monastery, a military fortress and a guarded prison. Today, thankfully, no horrors await here, and the place has transformed into a popular recreation zone.

During the summer season, small passenger boats full of locals and tourists sail out here regularly from the central harbour. It’s one of the best spots in the area for summer swimming and picnics on the grassy areas behind the old ramparts. You’ll also find a pleasant little café here, and you can pay for a guided tour of the remains of the old fortress and monastery, which will walk you through the island’s tangled history.

11. The student vibe and the Solsiden district

Thanks to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), students make up almost a fifth of the city’s entire population, and it shows enormously on the streets. This young energy is most concentrated in the Solsiden district, which translates as the Sunny Side. It’s a former area of old docks and shipyards that has undergone an amazing revitalisation and is now one of the most modern and liveliest addresses around.

The brick walls of the old factories and the preserved rusty cranes create a striking industrial contrast with the modern design and glass-fronted shops. The waterfront is lined with a huge number of bars, restaurants and clubs, where life buzzes from early afternoon until the late hours of the night. It’s the perfect place to head for an evening drink and soak up the relaxed Nordic atmosphere after a demanding day full of sightseeing.

12. Street food, cafés and vegetarian dining

Norwegian gastronomy has long since stopped being just about dried fish — on the contrary, modern Nordic cuisine places enormous emphasis on local ingredients and innovation. If you’re looking for great vegetarian options, head to the Bakklandet and Solsiden districts, where you’ll find plenty of progressive bistros offering delicious plant-based dishes, homemade hummus and inventive vegetable soups. For those who want to try local meaty specialities, traditional spots serve reindeer stew or fresh salmon as a taste of the local heritage.

Lovers of good coffee will feel like they’re in a genuine paradise here, because the culture of speciality coffee in Norway is honed to perfection. Be sure not to skip a traditional Norwegian pastry with your coffee, such as cinnamon buns or cardamom knots, which they bake here incredibly soft and fragrant. Around the market in particular, you can hunt down some cracking street-food bites that’ll fill you up for a fraction of the price of the classic high-end restaurants.

Where to go next from Trondheim

Once you’ve enjoyed the historic streets and cafés to your heart’s content, the city will serve as the perfect springboard for further adventures. Norway is vast and offers countless places worth discovering. If you want to carry on exploring the breathtaking nature beyond the Arctic Circle, be sure to read our detailed guide on What to See in Lofoten (the big guide).

If, on the other hand, you’re heading more south or west and longing for the most famous natural scenery, our article on The Norwegian Fjords — a guide will help. For a comprehensive overview of the whole country and for planning bigger road trips, don’t miss our roundup of Norway: 50 Things to See. And if you’re returning via the capital or flying in from there, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in our guide to Oslo: What to See.

Frequently asked questions

Norway is famous for its rugged mountains and bottomless fjords, but one town breaks completely free from that classic image. Ålesund in Norway is a fairy-tale harbour that rose from the ashes in a stunning Art Nouveau style after a devastating fire in 1904, and today it rightfully ranks among the greatest architectural gems in all of Scandinavia.

The town spreads across several islands right on the shores of the Atlantic, so alongside its elegant ornamented facades you’ll find the ever-present scent of the sea and the cry of gulls. And if you’re looking for the perfect base from which to explore the western coast, you’d be hard pressed to find a more strategic spot for your Nordic holiday.

In this article we’ll take a look together at 12 things to see and do in Ålesund, so you can get the absolute most out of your visit. I’ll show you where to find the most beautiful view over the town, where to spot adorable puffins, and how to plan an unforgettable trip into the surrounding wilderness.

TL;DR

• Art Nouveau architecture: The entire town centre is built in a unified Jugendstil style, best admired on a stroll along the Brosundet canal.
• Best view: The Aksla viewpoint offers an iconic panorama of the town and surrounding islands, with exactly 418 steps leading to the top.
• Fjord trips: Ålesund serves as the main gateway to the famous Geirangerfjord and the quieter Hjørundfjord.
• Wildlife and nature: On the island of Runde you can watch thousands of puffins in summer, while the Atlanterhavsparken aquarium reveals the underwater life of the ocean.
• Getting there: The town is easy to reach by air via Vigra airport, by Hurtigruten coastal ferries, or on a scenic drive along the Norwegian coast.

When to visit Ålesund

If you want to experience the town and surrounding islands at their most beautiful, the best time to visit is without doubt summer — the period from May to August. The days are incredibly long during these months, nature comes alive, and you have the best chance of pleasant, sunny weather.

Summer is also absolutely key if you’re planning to watch the puffins on the island of Runde, since these tiny birds nest here roughly from April to mid-August. In the winter months you’d struggle to spot these beloved seabirds anywhere on the islands.

Thanks to the influence of the Gulf Stream, Ålesund has a fairly mild climate all year round, but the flip side is that you have to be ready for very changeable weather, where sunshine can give way to a sudden shower within minutes. So whatever month you head north, be sure to pack a good waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes.

Where to stay in Ålesund

💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We prefer to book our stays on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation policies. Tickets, tours and activities are then worth comparing and buying through GetYourGuide.

When planning your trip I’d recommend looking for accommodation as close as possible to the historic centre and the Brosundet canal, where you’ll have all the main sights within walking distance. Norway isn’t exactly a cheap destination, and a night in a double room here typically costs between 1,500 and 2,600 NOK, which works out to roughly €130 to €230.

It’s always wise to book your stay well in advance through Booking, as rooms disappear at an astonishing rate during the summer season. Here are some specific hotel picks that travellers have long rated among the very best in town:

• Hotel Brosundet: A gorgeous design hotel right on the main canal, which even offers the chance to stay in the old Molja lighthouse.
• Scandic Parken: A great, more affordable choice right in the town centre, with a famously generous breakfast spread to look forward to.
• Quality Hotel Waterfront: Modern accommodation right next to the harbour with beautiful sea views and very comfortable rooms for relaxing after your day trips.

How to get to Ålesund

The quickest way from the UK is to use Vigra airport, which sits on a nearby island and is served by regular flights from Oslo, Bergen and other European hubs. From the UK you’ll generally connect via Oslo or Bergen, and once you land at Vigra you can reach the town centre easily and comfortably on regular buses.

If you prefer slower, more romantic travel, Ålesund is a major stop on the famous Hurtigruten coastal ferries, which sail the Norwegian coast all the way from the south to the far north. Arriving in the harbour at dawn or sunset is an experience that simply belongs to any Norwegian holiday.

For travellers with a rental car, the town is reachable along beautiful coastal roads from Oslo or Bergen, though you’ll need to factor in the occasional ferry crossing linking the various stretches of mainland. From Ålesund you can then continue seamlessly along the famous Eagle Road (Ørnevegen) straight into the heart of Geirangerfjord.

The Art Nouveau heart of the town and breathtaking views

Ålesund’s historic core is utterly unique and may well surprise you with its elegant architecture, which you’d hardly expect amid such rugged Nordic scenery. Let’s take a look at the most important landmarks that draw art lovers here from all over the world.

You’d do well to set aside at least a full day to explore the centre itself, so you’ll have plenty of time to wander the narrow streets, soak up the atmosphere, and conquer the famous viewpoint that towers right above the town.

1. Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) architecture in the town centre

When a huge fire destroyed almost the entire wooden town of the time in 1904, residents had to start completely from scratch. Thanks to international aid and young Norwegian architects, a new town of stone and brick rose up in the then-fashionable Jugendstil style, making it a true world-class rarity.

Today you can stroll along the picturesque Brosundet canal and admire dozens of pastel-coloured houses decorated with all manner of turrets, arches and intricate ornamentation. The most beautiful photos come from the bridges arching over the canal, where the historic facades are mirrored on the calm surface of the water.

💡 Tip: As you walk, don’t forget to look up, because the most beautiful details and reliefs inspired by Norse mythology are often tucked away just beneath the rooflines of the individual buildings.

2. The Aksla viewpoint and Fjellstua

If there’s one place you absolutely must not skip on your visit, it’s the Aksla viewpoint. From the Byparken town park, a climb of exactly 418 steps awaits, leading you to the top of the hill right above the historic centre.

Your reward for a little physical effort is an absolutely iconic and unforgettable view of the town’s fairy-tale rooftops, the scattered islands all around, and the majestic peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps in the distance. Right at the top you’ll find the Fjellstua restaurant and café, where you can enjoy a well-earned coffee and drink in the beauty.

If the steps would be too much of an obstacle, or you’re travelling with small children, you can also reach the viewpoint very easily by car along the road that leads up the back of the hill. I’d definitely recommend coming here in the early evening, when the setting sun paints the whole town in gorgeous golden hues.

3. The Art Nouveau Centre (Jugendstilsenteret) and KUBE gallery

For a deeper understanding of how the town rose from the ashes after the fire, I’d recommend heading to the Art Nouveau Centre, which is housed in the gorgeous building of a former pharmacy dating from 1907. The preserved pharmacy interior alone, with its original wooden fittings, is well worth a look.

Inside the museum you’ll find fascinating exhibitions on the town’s history, a so-called time machine showing the progress of the devastating fire, and of course rich collections of Art Nouveau furniture, jewellery and art. The displays are very modern and engaging, and will captivate even visitors who aren’t usually all that interested in architecture.

Right next door, connected to the museum, you’ll also find the KUBE gallery of modern art, which regularly hosts exhibitions of contemporary Norwegian and international artists. You can buy a combined ticket for both institutions, giving you a great cultural programme for a rainy afternoon.

4. The Molja lighthouse and Brosundet harbour

At the very end of the pier that guards the entrance to the main harbour stands the tiny red-and-white Molja lighthouse, an inseparable part of the town’s silhouette. Even though it’s only a little over three metres in diameter, it has reliably guided ships for more than 150 years.

Interestingly, the interior of this historic lighthouse was recently completely renovated and now serves as a truly unique hotel room, part of the nearby Hotel Brosundet. Even if you don’t stay here, a walk along the breakwater out to the lighthouse offers lovely views back towards the town centre.

The Brosundet harbour itself is the proverbial beating heart of Ålesund, where luxury yachts are moored alongside traditional fishing boats, and the whole promenade is dotted with pleasant cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating.

Nature, open-air museums and the underwater world

Ålesund isn’t just about the town’s streets — it’s also about its close bond with the wild Nordic nature that surrounds it on all sides. It would be a huge shame to stay only in the centre when you’ll find fascinating natural and historical attractions right on its doorstep.

Set aside some time to explore the underwater world and local history, because these experiences will help you better understand just how hard, yet beautiful, life on the Atlantic coast has been over the centuries.

5. The Atlanterhavsparken aquarium

Just a few kilometres from the town centre lies Atlanterhavsparken, which boasts the title of one of the largest saltwater aquariums in all of northern Europe. It’s unique above all because much of it is sensitively built right into the rugged coastal rocks at the ocean’s edge.

Inside you’ll be captivated by enormous tanks of seawater, home to majestic cod, halibut and other inhabitants of the northern seas. The biggest draw, though, is the regular afternoon fish feeding, when divers plunge straight into the main tank — something that never fails to thrill visitors young and old.

The sprawling outdoor area is then home to large pools with playful seals and penguins, where you can spend plenty of time watching their aquatic acrobatics. The whole park is also surrounded by beautiful walking trails with sea views, so feel free to plan a half-day trip here.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay in Ålesund

4 accommodations — hotels and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE 🏨 Hotel

Hotel Brosundet

Beautiful design hotel located right by the main canal, which even offers the possibility to stay in the old Molja lighthouse.

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Scandic Parken

Great and more affordable choice right in the city center, where you can also look forward to the renowned generous breakfast.

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Quality Hotel Waterfront

Modern accommodation right next to the harbor with beautiful sea views and very comfortable rooms for relaxation after excursions.

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Explore all available accommodation options in Ålesund and find the best one according to your preferences and budget.

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6. The Sunnmøre Museum (open-air museum and ships)

If you want to step back a few centuries in time, head to the wonderful Sunnmøre open-air museum, set just outside town in a beautiful wooded area. It’s a sprawling open-air museum that gathers dozens of historic buildings from the wider region.

Walking among the old farms, barns and cottages with their typical grass roofs gives you a great sense of how people lived in Norway many centuries ago. The cottages are often open, with period furnishings inside, which adds enormously to the place’s authenticity.

The museum also boasts one more huge attraction: an extensive collection of historic ships and boats, including stunning replicas of ancient Viking vessels. The boats are displayed in special halls and right on the water, perfectly illustrating the importance of seafaring to this Nordic region.

7. A hike up Mount Sukkertoppen

The Aksla viewpoint may offer the classic view of the town, but if you fancy a bit of hiking out in nature, set off for the hill known as Sukkertoppen (literally “Sugar Top”). This cone-shaped peak rises 314 metres and sits on the island of Hessa, which is connected to the centre by bridges.

The climb to the top is a touch more demanding than walking the steps from the town park, but any reasonably fit walker can manage it, with the route from the car park taking about an hour and a half. The trail starts off through forest and then climbs along an open rocky ridge.

From the summit you’ll be treated to a fantastic panoramic view in all directions, taking in not only Ålesund itself but also the endless ocean, the islands and the deep fjords cutting into the mainland. It’s a hugely popular spot with the locals themselves, who love coming here to unwind after work.

Islands, fjords and boat trips around the area

Ålesund’s geographic location makes it the perfect springboard for trips across the wider region, whether you’re drawn by the dramatic cliffs of the islands or the deep waters of the mainland fjords. Heading out to sea here is simply an absolute must, without which your holiday just wouldn’t be complete.

In this section we’ll focus on tips that will require a drive or the purchase of a boat ticket, but believe me, every Norwegian krone you invest will pay you back a hundredfold in unforgettable experiences.

8. Ålesund as the gateway to Geirangerfjord and Hjørundfjord

From the town it’s only a short hop to some of the most famous natural wonders in all of Norway. Ålesund serves as the official gateway to the famous Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site that dazzles visitors with its steep cliffs and roaring waterfalls.

No less impressive, yet far quieter in terms of tourism, is the neighbouring Hjørundfjord, lined with the sharp peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps, which offers a rawer, more untouched experience of nature. You can reach both fjords from town by car along scenic roads complemented by short ferry crossings.

💡 Tip: Boat trips straight into the fjords can be easily booked online through portals like GetYourGuide, which in the summer season I strongly recommend doing well in advance, as the spots on these cruises often sell out very quickly.

9. The Alnes lighthouse on Godøy island

Just a short drive from the town centre, during which you’ll pass through several stunning undersea tunnels, takes you to the picturesque island of Godøy. Right here, on the very edge of a wild, wave-battered coastline, stands the iconic Alnes lighthouse.

This photogenic red-and-white lighthouse contrasts with the rugged landscape and offers the chance to climb all the way up to the viewing platform, from where the view out over the open ocean is mesmerising. Right by the lighthouse there’s also an excellent café and gallery, where you can grab a hot drink and traditional Norwegian waffles.

The area around the lighthouse is made for long wanders along the beaches and rocks, where you’ll feel the incredible power of Atlantic nature. It’s an ideal half-day trip for those days when you have a car at your disposal and want to escape the bustle of town.

10. The bird island of Runde for puffins

If you love wildlife and are planning a summer trip, you absolutely must not skip a visit to the island of Runde, which lies a little to the south of town. This unassuming patch of land transforms each year into one of the southernmost and most important bird colonies in Norway.

From April to August, hundreds of thousands of seabirds nest on the steep cliffs here, including the incredibly cute puffins, whose colourful beaks lure photographers from all over the world. The best time to watch them is in the early evening, when they return from fishing at sea back to their nests.

You can reach Runde under your own steam via a system of bridges and tackle a hike along the cliff edge, or opt for organised boat trips that take you on a cruise right beneath the bird cliffs themselves, offering a completely different and breathtaking perspective.

11. Kayaks and boat trips among the islands

A town surrounded by water positively invites you to explore it from the deck of a boat or the seat of a sea kayak. Local operators offer an endless variety of trips that show you Ålesund from a whole new angle, whether you prefer gentle paddling or a shot of adrenaline.

Very popular are organised kayak outings right through the town canals, where you glide close past the Art Nouveau houses and take in the town from the water. These trips are safe even for complete beginners and often run in the evening hours too.

If you’re after a bit more excitement, head out on a fast RIB boat onto the open sea, where you’ll bounce over the Atlantic waves, explore deserted islands and, with a bit of luck, even come across curious seals or sea eagles hunting for fish.

Where to eat and refuel

After a full day of exploring cliffs and climbing steps, you’re bound to work up an appetite. Ålesund may not be a huge metropolis, but its culinary scene will pleasantly surprise you with its variety and its emphasis on local ingredients.

Most of the best places are concentrated around the main harbour, so you won’t have to travel far for a good meal and can keep soaking up the town’s atmosphere even over dinner.

12. Street food, cafés and vegetarian dining

As you stroll along the Brosundet canal, you’ll come across plenty of cosy cafés and modern bistros serving great coffee and fresh pastries — perfect for slow Nordic mornings. Norway is of course famous for its fish specialities, which the locals adore, so in many restaurants you’ll find menus built around the day’s catch from the ocean.

We vegetarians won’t go hungry here either, since plenty of modern eateries offer great meat-free alternatives, whether it’s hearty vegetable soups that warm you up in chilly weather or imaginative street-food dishes inspired by world cuisine. Lots of local cafés also have tasty vegan sandwiches and desserts on the menu.

💡 Tip: For a quick and more affordable lunch, I’d recommend dropping by one of the local food trucks or smaller bistros near the harbour, where for reasonable Norwegian prices you can pick up a great meal without the long wait for a table at a fancy restaurant.

Where to go next from Ålesund

Once you’ve explored the narrow streets and soaked up the views from Mount Aksla, your Norwegian adventure is far from over. From this strategic harbour you can set off in countless directions to discover more breathtaking natural beauty. Here are some spots worth adding to your itinerary:

• Norway: 50 things to see — Read our ultimate guide packed with a huge dose of inspiration for the whole country.
• Geirangerfjord — Head a little inland and discover Norway’s most beautiful fjord, full of roaring waterfalls.
• The Atlantic Road and Trollstigen — Plan a road trip along the north’s most famous and dramatic roads.
• Norwegian fjords — a guide — Find out how to prepare for travelling through the labyrinth of Nordic inlets and valleys.

Frequently asked questions

Norway might not be kind to your wallet, but one thing is certain: every penny spent on this natural wonder is worth it. If you’re hunting for the best places in Norway, get ready for deep fjords carved between sheer cliffs, mountains plunging straight into the sea and raw Nordic scenery that will completely swallow you up. Be prepared to pull the car over every few kilometres with your jaw on the floor, because the views are simply unbelievable.

Whether you dream of standing on the famous Pulpit Rock with a view down into the abyss, or you’re drawn to the magical northern lights dancing over snow-capped peaks, Norway has something amazing and fresh for everyone. Travelling across this vast country takes a bit of planning, mainly because of the distances and changeable weather, but the result is more than worth the effort.

A serious dose of inspiration awaits. We’ll cover not only the most famous draws but also the more hidden gems, iconic hikes and charming little towns so you can put together an itinerary exactly to your taste. We won’t forget practical advice on budgeting either, because saving a few quid always comes in handy in pricey Norway.

TL;DR

• Fjords are the foundation: Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord can’t be missing from any summer itinerary — they’re absolute natural one-offs.
• Hikes for everyone: Preikestolen can be done in half a day, while Trolltunga demands a full day of effort and excellent fitness.
• Expensive, but worth it: Brace yourself for high prices for food and alcohol; you’ll save the most by shopping at Kiwi or Rema 1000 supermarkets.
• The weather is unpredictable: Layering is key even in the middle of July, because sunshine can turn into a cold downpour in five minutes.
• Travelling by car is ideal: Renting a car gives you the freedom to stop at viewpoints — just budget for tolls and the many ferries.
• The north calls in both winter and summer: Hunt the northern lights from September to March, while you’ll experience the midnight sun in the north around late June and early July.

When to visit Norway

If you’re drawn to green fjords, hiking and boat trips, the best time to visit is undoubtedly the Norwegian summer from June to August. During this period all the mountain passes are open, including the famous Trollstigen, and in the north you can experience the fascinating midnight sun. Just bear in mind this is peak season, so accommodation prices soar and you’ll meet the most tourists at the well-known spots.

For lovers of winter pursuits and northern lights hunters, on the other hand, it’s ideal to head out from late September to March, when the nights grow longer and the sky puts on its most beautiful light show. Shoulder months like May or September are a great compromise, when you avoid the biggest crowds; in spring you’ll also see the gorgeous blossoming orchards around Hardangerfjord.

Where to stay in Norway

💡 Accommodation and experience tip: We like to look for accommodation on Booking.com, which usually has the best cancellation conditions. Tickets, tours and activities are then best compared and booked through GetYourGuide.

Finding a bed in Norway can be quite a puzzle, because capacity in the summer season disappears unbelievably fast and prices climb to astronomical heights. A very popular and more affordable option is campsites, where you can rent a small wooden cabin called a hytte, which usually costs around €18 to €45 a night. For mountain lovers it pays to become a member of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT), which gives you access and discounts at the network of mountain cabins scattered across the country.

If you prefer the comfort of hotels and apartments, definitely book your accommodation through Booking several months in advance, especially if you’re heading to the fjord region or the north. In the big cities, prepare for amounts from €130 to €220 for a double room, while on the coast you’ll happily pay even more for the romantic fishermen’s cabins called rorbu.

Here are a few specific tips on where to lay your head so you really enjoy your holiday:

• Oslo: The beautiful and modern Clarion Hotel The Hub sits right in the centre near the station and offers a fantastic breakfast and a rooftop bar.
• Bergen: A great location near the historic centre is offered by Thon Hotel Orion, just a few steps from the old Hanseatic houses.
• Lofoten: For a truly authentic experience, try the famous red cabins of Eliassen Rorbuer in the village of Hamnøy, where you’ll find the most beautiful views.
• Tromsø: An excellent base for northern lights hunting is the Radisson Blu Hotel, which sits by the harbour where most organised tours depart from.
• Geiranger area: If you want to treat yourself to a little luxury with a fjord view, head to the iconic Hotel Union Geiranger, which also has a gorgeous spa.

Norwegian fjords

The Norwegian fjords are the main reason most people come here, and it’s no wonder. These deep arms of the sea, carved between thousand-metre sheer walls, rank among the most dramatic scenery in the world. Norway has over a thousand of them, and we’ve picked out the very most beautiful that you definitely shouldn’t miss.

1. Geirangerfjord

Geirangerfjord is one of those places you simply have to see with your own eyes, and its UNESCO listing doesn’t even capture half of it. The fjord cuts deep inland and huge masses of water tumble from its steep walls, among which the famous Seven Sisters waterfall and the Suitor opposite it stand out. The best view of all this beauty opens up from the Dalsnibba viewpoint, which sits at 1,500 metres and is reached via the toll road Nibbevegen.

As you drive down towards the water, don’t forget to stop at the famous Ørnesvingen hairpins, also known as the Eagle’s Road, where the most famous photos are taken. In summer it does get really crowded, so it pays to set out early in the morning before the crowds arrive from the giant cruise ships, but that view is absolutely worth it. 💡 Tip: You’ll find more detail and practical advice in our article on Geirangerfjord.

2. Nærøyfjord

If you’re looking for something even more dramatic, Nærøyfjord will win you over: it boasts the title of the narrowest fjord in Europe. In some spots it’s just 250 metres wide and the surrounding mountains tower so high above it that you’ll feel utterly tiny in your little boat. It too is rightly on the UNESCO list and offers an unforgettable spectacle of snow-capped peaks and wild waterfalls.

In Gudvangen, which sits at the very end of the fjord, you can visit the fascinating Viking village of Njardarheimr, where you’ll learn plenty about the history and life of the old Norsemen. The best way to explore the fjord is to hop on the ferry to Flåm, which is, by the way, a very popular part of the Norway in a Nutshell package. 💡 Tip: You’ll find more inspiration for exploring this area in our guide to the Norwegian fjords.

3. Sognefjord

This giant is respectfully nicknamed the King of the Fjords, and no wonder, because it’s the longest and deepest fjord in all of Norway, stretching an incredible 204 kilometres inland. Its depth reaches up to 1,308 metres and it serves as the main artery from which other smaller but all the more picturesque branches split off, such as Nærøyfjord or Aurlandsfjord. Its banks are lined with picturesque villages full of colourful wooden houses, old orchards and historic monuments.

The area around Sognefjord is an absolutely ideal base for exploring old stave churches, the glacier tongues of Jostedalsbreen National Park, or for riding the famous Flåm Railway. Most tourists head here in summer, when the days are long and the nature around the water glows a rich green. 💡 Tip: Be sure to plan a stop in the town of Lærdal, known for its well-preserved historic centre with traditional wooden architecture.

4. Aurlandsfjord and the Stegastein viewpoint

Aurlandsfjord is one of the most picturesque arms of Sognefjord, and its calm surface surrounded by majestic mountains looks like a perfect picture postcard. The biggest draw of this area is undoubtedly the architectural gem of the Stegastein viewing platform. This elegant wooden structure juts 30 metres out into the void at a height of 650 metres above the fjord and ends in nothing but transparent glass, guaranteeing a real adrenaline experience and views you’ll never forget.

You reach the viewpoint along a narrow, winding road from the town of Aurland, which flows seamlessly into the famous mountain route Aurlandsvegen, also known as the Snow Road. As the name suggests, even in midsummer high snow barriers often line the road, creating a completely surreal contrast with the blooming valleys down by the water. 💡 Tip: If you’re driving a larger campervan, take great care on the way to the viewpoint — the road is genuinely very narrow and passing oncoming vehicles takes patience.

5. Hardangerfjord

Hardangerfjord is the country’s second longest fjord and is often affectionately called the orchard of Norway, because its milder climate favours growing apples, plums and cherries. If you head here around late April and early May, you’ll witness an incredible spectacle as millions of fruit trees burst into white and pink against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks. Local farmers make excellent juices and traditional cider from the apples, which you simply must taste.

Besides the orchards, this area also offers gorgeous hiking trails, including the panoramic Dronningstien trek or trips to the Folgefonna glacier, which towers majestically above the fjord. There are roaring waterfalls too, the most famous being Vøringsfossen, which is easily accessible and offers a view of the immense power of falling water. 💡 Tip: At many farms along the road you’ll come across small self-service fruit stands, where you grab a basket of cherries and simply drop the money into a tin.

6. Lysefjord

If you love raw, rugged nature, Lysefjord will completely win you over, because above its waters tower Norway’s most famous rock formations, led by Pulpit Rock and the boulder Kjeragbolten. Just the boat cruise from Stavanger or the town of Forsand is a huge experience, because from below you get the feeling those steep granite walls are about to collapse on you any second. The fjord is 42 kilometres long and its water often has a deep blue to emerald colour.

Besides the famous climbs, you’ll also find one great curiosity here: a wooden staircase in the little village of Flørli with an incredible 4,444 steps that rise alongside an old water pipe. The climb up is a proper thigh-burner, but the bird’s-eye view of the fjord more than makes up for the effort. 💡 Tip: In summer it’s best to book your fjord cruise tickets in advance, as they tend to sell out very quickly.

7. Hjørundfjord

While crowds of tourists head to Geiranger, nearby Hjørundfjord still retains a wonderful atmosphere of calm and solitude, even though its scenery is in no way inferior to its more famous rivals. It cuts deep into the so-called Sunnmøre Alps near the town of Ålesund and is surrounded by dramatic, sharply cut mountain peaks, the best known of which is the summit of Slogen. The water here is crystal clear and only a few sleepy villages lie along the shores, often reachable only by boat.

This area is an absolute paradise for high-mountain hikers seeking more challenging routes without the crowds of camera-wielding visitors, and in winter ski tourers from all over Europe gather here. If you want to escape busy roads and experience true Norwegian wilderness, this is the right place. 💡 Tip: Make a stop at the historic Hotel Union Øye, which looks like something from a fairy tale and breathes the atmosphere of the late 19th century.

8. Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord as World Heritage

You might wonder why these two fjords in particular are on the UNESCO list, when there are over a thousand in Norway. The answer lies in their pristine nature, geological uniqueness and the fact that they represent classic western Norwegian fjord scenery in its purest form. They aren’t disturbed by any heavy infrastructure or large bridges, which makes them a kind of living museum of the Ice Age, when these vast valleys were formed.

When planning your trip, don’t worry that you’d miss out by choosing just one of them, because both offer absolutely phenomenal experiences and breathtaking views. While Geirangerfjord dazzles with its number of waterfalls plunging from steep cliffs, Nærøyfjord fascinates with its incredible narrowness and its gloomy, almost mystical atmosphere. 💡 Tip: If you have time, definitely try to do both. They’re about half a day’s drive apart along beautiful mountain roads.

Iconic climbs and hikes

Norway is a hiking paradise and some of its views have become genuine social media icons. From easy half-day outings to demanding full-day grinds, here are the most famous rocks and ridges worth lacing up your boots for. For each one you’ll also find a rough difficulty rating, so you know what you’re getting into.

9. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

The climb to Pulpit Rock is an absolute classic that no one with at least basic fitness should miss. This huge flat rock rises an impressive 604 metres straight above the waters of Lysefjord and offers a view that takes your breath away. The route is about 8 kilometres there and back, you’ll gain around 500 metres of elevation and at a relaxed pace the trip takes roughly 4 hours. The path is very well maintained, and while in places you’ll walk up stone steps, there’s no actual climbing involved.

As this is the most visited trek in the country, be prepared not to be alone in summer, and if you want a bit of peace for photos without the crowds, you’ll need to set out really early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The car park below the trek is paid and fills up fairly quickly in peak season, so an early arrival will save you a lot of stress. 💡 Tip: Want to know exactly how to prepare for the trek and where to park? Check out our detailed guide Preikestolen — the climb step by step.

10. Trolltunga

While Pulpit Rock is a pleasant half-day walk, the trip to the famous troll’s tongue is a proper full-day grind that will test your stamina and demands excellent physical preparation. The route measures a gruelling 28 kilometres, takes 10 to 12 hours of walking and you’ll gain around 800 metres of elevation across rugged mountain terrain. Your reward, though, is a photo on a thin rock ledge that juts into the void 700 metres above the mirror-like surface of Lake Ringedalsvatnet near the town of Odda.

If you want to spare yourself the worst of the initial climb on tarmac, you can use the local shuttle service that takes you up to the higher Mågelitopp car park, shaving a few kilometres off the route. The trek is safely accessible only in the summer months, and even then the weather up top can close in unexpectedly, so quality clothing and plenty of food and water are an absolute must. 💡 Tip: Don’t underestimate the preparation and read all the practical advice in our article Trolltunga — the climb to the troll’s tongue.

11. Kjeragbolten

Another huge challenge above Lysefjord mainly tempts adrenaline lovers, because standing on a boulder wedged firmly between two sheer cliffs at 984 metres above the abyss takes some seriously steady nerves. The trek itself starts at the Øygardstøl restaurant above the town of Lysebotn and is about 12 kilometres there and back, which takes around 6 to 7 hours. The route is quite demanding, with three steep climbs across smooth granite slabs where you have to hold onto stretched steel chains.

When you finally reach the boulder, a queue for the photo often forms, so you’ll wait a while for your turn to take that step into the unknown. If it’s raining or the rock is wet, climbing onto the stone itself is strongly discouraged, because the slightest slip would have fatal consequences. 💡 Tip: The drive to the starting point along the Lysevegen road is an experience in itself — 27 sharp hairpins tumble down to the fjord.

12. Besseggen

This legendary ridge is an absolute classic of Norwegian hiking and every year tens of thousands of enthusiastic walkers cross it, eager to see the stunning contrast of two differently coloured lakes. On one side, the dark blue Lake Bessvatnet spreads out below you, while on the other the emerald turquoise surface of the huge Lake Gjende glows. The route lies in Jotunheimen National Park, measures roughly 14 kilometres and takes 6 to 8 hours of fairly demanding walking with around 550 metres of elevation gain.

Most people opt for the tactic of taking the morning boat from Gjendesheim to Memurubu, then walking back along the ridge to the car, which is strategic also for the better views during the toughest climb. On the steepest section you’ll occasionally have to use your hands, but if you don’t suffer from severe vertigo, you’ll manage the trek without major problems. 💡 Tip: Buy your tickets for the morning boat across Lake Gjende online a few days in advance during the season, as they’re often sold out on the spot.

13. Galdhøpiggen

Fancy bragging that you stood on the roof of all of Scandinavia? Norway’s highest mountain measures 2,469 metres, and considering what a giant it is, conquering it is surprisingly accessible even for ordinary hikers. The most popular route starts at the Juvasshytta mountain lodge, which sits at over 1,800 metres, so the elevation gain isn’t so drastic. There’s one big catch, though — the route crosses the Styggebreen glacier full of hidden crevasses.

For that reason, the glacier crossing is permitted only with a guide, to whom you’re tied on a shared rope for safety, so the trip must be booked in advance. At the summit itself you’ll find a small cabin with refreshments, and on a clear day you’ll see an endless sea of mountain peaks in Jotunheimen National Park. 💡 Tip: If you want to avoid the paid guide and the glacier, you can set out on the longer, more demanding route from the Spiterstulen lodge, which is free but considerably steeper.

14. Romsdalseggen and Rampestreken

If you love ridge walks and aren’t afraid of heights, Romsdalseggen offers some of the most dramatic views in all of Norway, where you’ll have the famous Trollveggen, the highest vertical rock face in Europe, right in front of you. The full-day trek measures a little over 10 kilometres, but it’s very demanding, exposed and requires a sure foot, because in some sections you really walk along a narrow edge between two precipices. The logistics are easy — a bus takes you from the town of Åndalsnes to the start and you then walk back down.

On the descent you definitely won’t miss the famous Rampestreken viewing platform, which juts out into the air like a steel pier and offers an iconic view of the town and the river winding through the valley. You can also reach this platform via a shorter, very steep climb directly from town, which takes about two hours and is doable even for those who don’t fancy the whole ridge walk. 💡 Tip: Be prepared for the descent from the viewpoint down to Åndalsnes to follow endless stone steps that really give your knees a workout.

15. Gaustatoppen

This mountain in the Telemark region is a real phenomenon, because although it measures 1,883 metres, in perfectly clear weather you can reportedly see as much as one sixth of all of Norway from its summit. The climb itself from the car park at Stavsro isn’t extremely long, taking around two to three hours up over stony terrain, so it’s a great family outing. At the top a mountain cabin awaits, where as a reward you can buy coffee and warm waffles.

If you don’t fancy hiking up on foot, the mountain hides a huge Cold War secret in the form of the unique Gaustabanen funicular, which runs through a tunnel carved right inside the rock massif. Originally a military project, it now comfortably takes you almost to the summit, and the ride through the heart of the mountain in old carriages is an experience that not only kids will appreciate. 💡 Tip: It often blows very hard at the summit, so even if the summer sun is shining below, you won’t last long up top without a warm jacket and a hat.

Cities you must see

Norway draws you mainly with its nature, but its cities are definitely not just transit stops on the way to the fjords. From cosmopolitan Oslo through rainy Bergen to art nouveau Ålesund and Arctic Tromsø, each has its own character and is worth at least a day’s stop.

16. Oslo

Norway’s capital has undergone an incredible transformation in recent years and has changed from a slightly dull metropolis into a buzzing hub of modern architecture, great art and top-class gastronomy. Definitely take a walk up the sloping marble roof of the iconic Opera House, from where you get a beautiful view over the whole bay, and right next door check out the new, architecturally very bold building of the museum dedicated to the painter Edvard Munch. In good weather, a stroll through the vast Vigeland Park is an absolute must, where more than 200 fascinating sculptures depicting the cycle of human life await you.

For lovers of history and explorers, the Bygdøy peninsula is reserved, easily reached by boat from the centre, where you’ll find the famous museum of the polar ship Fram and the Kon-Tiki raft museum of Thor Heyerdahl. In the evening, move on to the hipster district of Grünerløkka, full of cosy cafés, small boutiques and great vegetarian bistros that serve fantastic hummus and falafel. 💡 Tip: If you want to fit in more museums, consider buying the Oslo Pass, which gives you free entry and also serves as a ticket for all public transport. We have more detailed advice in our guide Oslo: what to see.

17. Bergen

Bergen is nicknamed the gateway to the fjords and ranks among the most beautiful Norwegian cities, even though it carries a curse in the form of rain on average more than 200 days a year. The centre is dominated by the famous quayside district of Bryggen, on the UNESCO list, where the crooked wooden houses of old Hanseatic merchants crowd together, now hiding craft workshops and galleries. Right next door you’ll find the famous fish market, where traders offer fresh prawns, oysters and other local specialities, though the prices are pushed very high here.

When the weather calms down for a moment and the sun comes out, definitely hop on the Fløibanen funicular, which whisks you up Mount Fløyen in a few minutes, where you’ll have the whole city and surrounding islands at your feet. Plenty of beautiful hiking trails lead from the hill into the surrounding forests, and if you have more time, you can head up the higher mountain of Ulriken, served by a classic cable car. 💡 Tip: Don’t be put off by bad weather — buy decent rain jackets and dive into the alleyways. You’ll find more tips in the article Bergen: what to see.

18. Stavanger

For most tourists Stavanger serves as the main starting point for the climb to Pulpit Rock, but the city itself hides an incredibly picturesque historic centre that it would be a big mistake to rush through. The Gamle Stavanger district boasts a collection of 174 beautifully renovated wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, painted brilliant white, their residents carefully decorating the windows with flowers and little lanterns. In complete contrast to this calm part is Øvre Holmegate street, known as Fargegata, where all the houses are painted in wild neon colours and home to the best cafés in the whole city.

Because Stavanger is the capital of the Norwegian oil industry, a big draw is the modern Norwegian Petroleum Museum, which explains in a playful, interactive way how Norway became one of the richest countries in the world. Just outside the city you’ll come across surprisingly long sandy beaches in the Jæren area, which aren’t for swimming but are made for romantic walks among the dunes. 💡 Tip: In Fargegata, definitely pop into one of the cafés and have a coffee with a traditional Norwegian cinnamon roll, skillingsboller.

19. Trondheim

Norway’s third largest city is the historic heart of the country and its absolute landmark is the majestic gothic Nidaros Cathedral, the largest medieval building in all of Scandinavia. It was built over the grave of King Olaf the Holy and still serves as an important pilgrimage destination and the place where Norwegian monarchs are crowned. Just nearby, the old wooden bridge Gamle Bybro arches over the river with its carved red portals, romantically nicknamed the Gate of Happiness by locals.

As you stroll, you’ll come across the gorgeous Bakklandet district lying along the Nidelva river, where a row of colourful warehouses stand on old wooden stilts above the water, now turned into stylish restaurants and shops. A technical curiosity you won’t see anywhere else in the world is the local bicycle lift Trampe, which pushes tired cyclists up the steep hill right to the Kristiansten fortress. 💡 Tip: If you want to learn more about the history of popular music, visit the huge modern Rockheim museum, which guides you through the Norwegian music scene from the 1950s to the present day.

20. Ålesund

Ålesund is utterly unique by Norwegian standards, because after the devastating fire of 1904, the entire town was rebuilt from the ground up in an elegant art nouveau (Jugendstil) style full of turrets, arches and ornate facades. It sprawls across several islands right on the ocean coast and forms the gateway to the beautiful Hjørundfjord. If you want the best view of the town’s fairy-tale roofs, you have to climb exactly 418 steps up Mount Aksla to the Fjellstua viewpoint.

The climb up will get your blood pumping a little, but the view of the town surrounded by the blue ocean with the snow-capped peaks of the Sunnmøre Alps rising in the background is simply priceless. Families with children often head to the large Atlanterhavsparken sea aquarium, set right into the coastal cliffs and one of the best in northern Europe. 💡 Tip: In the town centre you’ll find plenty of excellent bakeries, so after your morning climb to the viewpoint pop in for a sweet reward in the form of a vanilla swirl bun.

21. Tromsø

Tromsø proudly calls itself the gateway to the Arctic and it’s by far the liveliest and most interesting city in the far north, where people from all over the world gather in winter to hunt the northern lights. A prominent landmark visible from afar is the Arctic Cathedral with its triangular shape resembling ice floes, glowing into the Arctic night. I definitely recommend taking the Fjellheisen cable car up Mount Storsteinen, from where you’ll see the whole city surrounded by dark fjords.

In the winter months, a huge number of boats set out from here on popular whale safaris, and you can spend the evenings sipping local beer at the world’s northernmost brewery, Mack. The city has a very young, energetic atmosphere thanks to its university, so despite the bitter winter you’ll come across plenty of cosy pubs and cafés full of life. 💡 Tip: You’ll find a detailed guide on how to plan a winter adventure and exactly where to watch for the green lights in the sky in our article Tromsø — the gateway to the northern lights.

22. Røros

If you’re looking for something completely different from the classic fjords, head inland towards the Swedish border, where the old mining town of Røros lies, so fantastically well preserved that UNESCO added it without hesitation to its World Heritage list. It’s made up of dark brown wooden houses with grass-covered roofs, above which a massive stone church towers, and all around you’ll see old slag heaps from the days of intensive copper mining. The atmosphere here is utterly unique and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back three hundred years in a time machine.

The town is famous mainly in winter, when it hosts huge Christmas markets full of crafts and horse-drawn sleighs with jingling bells drive through the snowy streets. Because of its location high in the mountains it gets properly cold here, and temperatures dropping to minus thirty are nothing unusual in January. 💡 Tip: Be sure to visit the Smelthytta mining museum, which has absolutely perfect scale models showing the brutal conditions in which the miners once worked.

23. Kristiansand

The southern Norwegian city of Kristiansand is the very first place many tourists see in Norway, because huge ferries arrive here from the Danish port of Hirtshals and the city serves as the main entry point for road trips along the west coast. It has a beautiful old town called Posebyen, where the regular blocks of white wooden houses have been preserved and a very relaxed, almost summery seaside mood prevails. Norwegian families come here to spend their holidays in summer, because the local beaches are among the best and sunniest in the country.

By far the biggest magnet of the whole region, though, is the vast Dyreparken complex, which brilliantly combines a sprawling zoo full of Nordic and exotic animals with a large amusement park featuring a pirate village. If you’re travelling with children, be prepared to easily spend two whole days here. 💡 Tip: The port is full of nice cafés, so if you arrive on the morning ferry, have a leisurely breakfast here before you set off clocking up the kilometres towards Stavanger.

The north and the Arctic

The further north you head, the wilder, emptier and more magical Norway becomes. Here beyond the Arctic Circle, the jagged peaks of Lofoten, whales, the midnight sun in summer and the dancing northern lights in winter await you. Count on long distances, but also on the fact that this is exactly where you’ll want to keep coming back.

24. Lofoten

This archipelago beyond the Arctic Circle is probably the most photogenic corner of Europe, and its jagged, snow-covered peaks rising sheer from the ocean are guaranteed to take your breath away. You’ll find famous fishing villages here like Reine, Henningsvær and Nusfjord, where red cabins crowd above turquoise water and thousands of cod dry in the wind. Just bear in mind that the beauty of Lofoten is no longer a secret, and in the summer season the roads and car parks get really busy.

Among the biggest draws are the short but extremely steep climb up the steps to the Reinebringen viewpoint and the gorgeous white-sand beaches like Haukland or Kvalvika, where you’ll feel more like you’re in the Caribbean — until you try the water temperature. 💡 Tip: So as not to drag this out unnecessarily, we’ve put together a huge standalone guide What to see in Lofoten (the big guide), where you’ll find absolutely everything.

25. Vesterålen

Just north of Lofoten lies the Vesterålen archipelago, which is somewhat in the shadow of its more famous neighbour, but offers a far calmer atmosphere, gentler hills and absolutely fantastic conditions for wildlife watching. By far the biggest draw is the town of Andenes on the northern tip, from where boats set out year-round on whale safaris and the chance of seeing giant sperm whales is huge. Compared to Lofoten, you’ll meet a fraction of the tourists and the roads are much emptier.

If you’re keen to see the beloved little birds with colourful beaks, head to the village of Bleik, from where boat trips run to the islet of Bleiksøya, where tens of thousands of adorable puffins nest in summer. The long sandy beach of Bleikstranda is also a perfect spot for watching the setting midnight sun in the evening. 💡 Tip: In summer a direct ferry runs from Andenes in Vesterålen to Gryllefjord on the island of Senja, an ideal link for continuing your journey north.

26. Senja

Norway’s second largest island boasts the title of Norway in miniature and is often spoken of as Lofoten without the crowds, because equally dramatic mountain peaks plunge into the ocean here, but you’ll meet far fewer campervans. Most of the most beautiful views lie along the national tourist route on the west coast, where you mustn’t miss the modern wooden viewing platform of Tungeneset, with its view of the jagged Okshornan rocks, nicknamed the Devil’s Teeth.

The island’s most famous and most photographed spot is the imposing Mount Segla, whose sheer wall drops over 600 metres straight into the sea, and the climb up the neighbouring Mount Hesten guarantees you the best view of its massif. The nature here is wild and raw, which makes the island an absolute paradise for hikers seeking true Arctic peace. 💡 Tip: As you drive around the island, don’t forget to stop at the Bergsbotn viewpoint, which hangs high above the valley and offers a wonderful panorama of the surrounding fjords.

27. Nordkapp (North Cape)

Everyone who travels to Norway somehow subconsciously dreams of driving all the way to the end of Europe, to the symbolic globe on the steep cliff of the North Cape, which rises 307 metres above the wild Barents Sea. It lies on the island of Magerøya, comfortably reached via a deep undersea tunnel, and in summer crowds head here mainly to watch the sun at midnight just touch the horizon before climbing straight back up. On the huge plateau around the cliff, herds of reindeer belonging to the local Sámi commonly graze.

A small geographical catch is that Nordkapp isn’t actually the northernmost point — that’s the neighbouring, lower-lying Knivskjellodden cape, which you have to reach via a hike of about nine kilometres. Entry to the visitor centre at Nordkapp is fairly expensive, but parking and access to the cliff itself should, under Norwegian law, be free. 💡 Tip: The weather on the cliff is extremely changeable and a fog so thick that you can’t see five metres often rolls in, so it definitely pays to have at least a small time buffer.

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Where to stay in Norway

6 accommodations — hotels, wellness hotels and other lodging options

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Clarion Hotel The Hub

Beautiful and modern hotel located right in the center of Oslo near the train station, offering fantastic breakfasts and a rooftop bar.

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Thon Hotel Orion

Hotel with a great location near Bergen’s historic center, just steps away from the old Hanseatic houses.

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Eliassen Rorbuer

Famous red fishermen’s cabins in the picturesque village of Hamnøy in the Lofoten Islands, offering the most beautiful views.

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Radisson Blu Hotel

Excellent base for northern lights hunting in Tromsø, located by the harbor where most organized tours depart from.

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Hotel Union Geiranger

Iconic luxury hotel overlooking Geirangerfjord, featuring a beautiful spa center. Ideal for relaxation with panoramic views.

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28. Svalbard (Spitsbergen)

If mainland Norway isn’t enough for you and you want to experience the true High Arctic, you’ll need to board a plane in Oslo or Tromsø and head out to the remote Svalbard archipelago, where there are more polar bears than people. The main hub is the small town of Longyearbyen, from where in winter you set out on long expeditions by snowmobile or dog sled across endless glaciers and frozen fjords. The nature here is incredibly harsh, no trees grow and in winter the absolute darkness of the polar night reigns.

For safety reasons, you can’t leave the boundaries of the town without a rifle and special training, so for all trips into the wilderness you have to rely on experienced local guides. Although a trip here is very expensive, coming face to face with the Arctic wilderness, walruses or blue glacier caves is an experience from a completely different dimension. 💡 Tip: Longyearbyen lies so far north that from mid-April to the end of August the sun never sets and shines 24 hours a day.

29. Alta

The town of Alta lies in a deep fjord in the north of the country and attracts tourists mainly thanks to its huge fields of Stone Age rock carvings, which are over 6,000 years old and rightly belong on the UNESCO list. In the summer months you can walk the outdoor trails, along which you’ll see thousands of reddish images of hunters, reindeer, bears and salmon, giving an incredible insight into how people once survived here.

Alta is also famous as a city of the northern lights, because it has excellent, stable climatic conditions with minimal cloud cover, so the chance of seeing the green spectacle is genuinely huge. What’s more, just outside the city the amazing Sorrisniva ice hotel is built each winter from huge blocks of ice, where you can have a drink from ice glasses or even spend a properly freezing night on reindeer skins. 💡 Tip: Don’t miss the stunning Northern Lights Cathedral right in the city centre, whose titanium facade reflects the Arctic light in all directions.

30. Saltstraumen

Just outside the town of Bodø an incredible spectacle unfolds, because this is where you’ll find the most powerful tidal current in the world, created when hundreds of millions of cubic metres of water force their way through a narrow strait from the ocean into the fjord and back again. During the incoming and outgoing tide, which usually happens four times a day, the water reaches speeds of up to 40 kilometres per hour and huge whirlpools up to ten metres across form on the surface. The best view of all that roaring mass is right from the road bridge, which arches high above the strait.

The area is an absolute paradise for anglers, because the strong currents bring huge amounts of food here and catches of giant cod or halibut are no rarity. You can also pay for an adrenaline trip on a fast inflatable boat, which takes you right to the edge of the biggest whirlpools. 💡 Tip: Before your visit always check the exact tide times online, because outside these times the water in the strait is completely calm and you won’t see anything interesting.

Dream roads and scenic trains

In Norway, the journey itself is the destination. The country’s engineers managed to thread roads and railways through the most inaccessible places, so the journeys themselves rank among the greatest experiences. Here are the most beautiful scenic roads, hairpins and trains that deserve a place in any itinerary.

31. The Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien)

This eight-kilometre road is often called the most beautiful road in the world, and its uniqueness lies in the way it hops across small islets and reefs via eight elegant bridges. By far the most photographed spot is the huge arched Storseisundet bridge, which from a certain angle looks as though it ends straight in mid-air with cars tumbling into the sea. The route is one of the prestigious national tourist roads and offers several beautiful rest stops with viewing walkways around the coastal rocks.

The driving experience differs wildly depending on the weather — on a calm summer day you can admire the views over the water and watch for whales, while during autumn storms huge waves from the raging ocean crash across the road. You’ll drive the whole stretch in a few minutes, but you’ll definitely turn around at the end and do it at least once more. 💡 Tip: On one of the islets, stop at the café in Eldhusøya, from where a very nice modern walkway leads around the whole islet with beautiful views of the bridges.

32. Trollstigen (the Troll Road)

The famous Troll Road is an engineering miracle from the 1930s, and driving its 11 extremely sharp and steep hairpins, which bite into the sheer rock face, is a must for any proper road trip. As you climb you’ll pass the roaring Stigfossen waterfall, which plunges over 300 metres into the valley, and on the sharpest bends you’ll be hoping a huge tour bus doesn’t appear coming the other way. When you finally reach the top, a modern visitor centre awaits.

From the centre, concrete walkways lead to steel viewing platforms that hang high above the valley and offer an incredible view of the cars winding below like little ants. Because of the snow, the road is open from roughly mid-May to October, but lately there have been problems with rockfalls, so before your trip you must check whether it’s passable. 💡 Tip: If you’re driving a long campervan, take great care — passing on the bends requires experience and maximum precision.

33. The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana)

Even if you arrive in Norway by car, make an exception and buy a ticket for this historic train, which climbs 860 metres of elevation in just twenty kilometres, making it one of the steepest standard-gauge railways in the world. The train starts at the high-mountain station of Myrdal and slowly descends a deep green valley full of waterfalls and steep cliffs down to the fjord at the town of Flåm. The ride takes about an hour and through the window you’ll watch scenery you otherwise couldn’t reach at all.

The highlight of the journey is a brief stop at the enormous Kjosfossen waterfall, where the train halts, you can step out onto a platform and immerse yourself in Norwegian mythology in the form of the dancing fairy Huldra, who lures travellers. Tickets disappear at incredible speed in the summer season, because the line is the main star of the all-day Norway in a Nutshell tour. 💡 Tip: On the way down from Myrdal to Flåm, sit on the right side of the carriage if you can, where the view into the deep valley is much better.

34. Bergensbanen (Oslo–Bergen)

The train journey between the capital and Bergen takes about seven hours and ranks among the most beautiful railway routes in the world, because it crosses the wild Hardangervidda plateau. It’s the highest mountain railway in northern Europe, its highest point at Finse station sitting at 1,222 metres above sea level. Even in midsummer you’ll often see snow and frozen lakes outside the window, creating an absolutely amazing contrast with the blooming valleys at the start of the journey.

If you like cycling, definitely plan a trip along the famous Rallarvegen route, which runs right alongside the railway and offers absolutely phenomenal views of glaciers and mountains. You can easily rent bikes at one station and return them at the next, with most of the route running downhill towards the fjord, so even occasional cyclists can manage it. 💡 Tip: Buy train tickets online from the Vy company well in advance — the cheaper fares are long sold out at the station.

35. Hurtigruten

This legendary coastal voyage was originally created to deliver post to remote communities, but today it’s one of the most iconic ways to discover the Norwegian coast in all its rugged beauty. The journey from Bergen all the way to the far north at Kirkenes takes a full seven days one way, and the ship stops at 34 different ports along the route. On the way you’ll sail through the narrow Trollfjord, pass the majestic peaks of Lofoten and even see the famous Nordkapp cliff.

You don’t have to buy a ticket for the whole week-long voyage, though — the ships also work as regular ferries, so you can hop on for just a single night between two interesting ports. It’s a more expensive experience, but the view of snow-capped mountains right from the deck of a heated ship is simply priceless. 💡 Tip: You’ll find more detailed information about this famous voyage in our article on the Norwegian fjords.

36. Sognefjellet and Gamle Strynefjellsvegen

Driving enthusiasts will be in their element in Norway, especially on the mountain passes, the very highest in all of northern Europe being the scenic Sognefjellet road, which climbs to 1,434 metres. The route takes you through the harsh landscape of Jotunheimen National Park, where you’ll pass huge glacial fields, frozen turquoise lakes and mighty stone cairns. At the highest point definitely make a stop, because the view of the surrounding 2,000-metre peaks is absolutely stunning.

Another gorgeous, well-preserved road is the historic Gamle Strynefjellsvegen route, which connects deep fjords with old glaciers and in many places still has its original gravel surface from the nineteenth century. Along the road you’ll find old stone markers and bridges that make you feel as though you’ve travelled back in time to the days of the first explorers. 💡 Tip: Because of the masses of snow, these high-mountain roads usually open only around late May or early June, so always check whether they’re passable before a spring trip.

37. Norway in a Nutshell

If you don’t have a car or you’re pressed for time, this brilliantly devised tour serves up the biggest natural hits of western Norway in a single, albeit very packed, day. It’s essentially a clever combination of tickets connecting the scenic Bergensbanen train ride, the steep descent of the Flåm Railway and a gorgeous cruise along the narrow Nærøyfjord to Gudvangen. From there a bus then takes you up the adrenaline hairpins of Stalheimskleiva back to the train, which returns you to base.

You can do the whole package from either Oslo or Bergen, and although it sounds like a very touristy affair, logistically it works absolutely perfectly and without stress. The advantage is that you don’t have to fiddle with the timetables of the individual operators — everything flows seamlessly and you just enjoy the views with your camera in hand. 💡 Tip: You can buy the tickets as a single package online or put them together yourself section by section, which sometimes works out a little cheaper.

Waterfalls, glaciers and nature

Wherever you look in Norway, water is falling or ice is sliding. Melting glaciers and high rainfall gave rise to hundreds of waterfalls and huge ice fields well worth a detour. We’ve picked out the mightiest waterfalls and the most accessible glaciers that will leave your jaw on the floor.

38. Vøringsfossen

You’ll see so many waterfalls in Norway that you’ll soon stop counting, but Vøringsfossen in the Måbødalen valley near Hardangerfjord is among the very mightiest and most famous in the whole country. The water plunges into a deep gorge with a tremendous roar over a total height of 182 metres, and a thick spray constantly forms around it, in which beautiful rainbows glow on sunny days. Just by the waterfall’s edge stands the old historic Hotel Fossli, where the famous Edvard Grieg reportedly once composed music.

Recently an architecturally stunning viewing bridge was opened here, which arches right over the deep gorge and offers absolutely fantastic angles for photos. Walking across the bridge is completely safe, but a look down into the roaring depths is guaranteed to set weaker stomachs trembling. 💡 Tip: You reach the waterfall very easily right off main road number 7, so it makes an ideal short stop during a longer drive.

39. Låtefossen

Just outside the town of Odda you’ll find a real natural one-off, because Låtefossen is not one but two huge streams of water that fall side by side and merge into a single roaring river just above the road. The water flows with such force that the old six-arched stone bridge over which cars drive is constantly shrouded in thick mist, so you pass straight through a free car wash. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the region and the romantic scenery has been drawing tourists since the nineteenth century.

The best time to visit is early summer, when a huge amount of snow melts in the mountains and the waterfall reaches its maximum power, so you’ll hear its roar from a great distance. There’s a small car park and a souvenir kiosk right by the bridge, but in peak season finding a free spot to stop can be a huge problem. 💡 Tip: Keep a dry cloth ready for your camera lens, because the spray flies everywhere and keeping the lens dry is an almost superhuman task here.

40. Jostedalsbreen

This enormous icy giant is the largest mainland glacier in all of Europe, and its massive tongues slowly slide into the deep valleys north of Sognefjord. By far the most visited arm is Briksdalsbreen, reached by a comfortable walk around a turquoise lake, though the glacier itself is sadly retreating quite quickly each year due to warming. You can even be driven up to it in small open vehicles that the locals call troll cars.

If you want a real adventure, head to the Nigardsbreen arm, where you can pay for a tour with a professional guide and, in crampons with an ice axe in hand, walk right across the blue ice full of deep crevasses. It’s a safe but physically more demanding experience that shows you the immense power of nature from a completely different perspective. 💡 Tip: Never venture onto the glacier on your own or without the necessary equipment — hidden crevasses beneath a thin layer of snow are extremely dangerous.

41. Folgefonna

Above the orchards of Hardangerfjord, the Folgefonna glacier rises majestically, which mainly tempts keen skiers and snowboarders, because the local summer ski resort offers the best conditions for hitting the snow in the middle of summer. The road takes you high up into the mountains right to the glacier’s edge, where you can admire an incredible view of the blue fjord far below while standing knee-deep in snow.

Besides skiing, popular roped glacier hikes are also held here, on which you’ll explore amazing bluish ice caves and deep crevasses. Even if you opt for just a short walk around the car park, bring warm clothing, because the wind blowing off the glacier is icy even on the warmest August days. 💡 Tip: The road to the summer ski resort runs along a very narrow, winding road from the town of Jondal, so allow plenty of time and steady nerves for the drive.

42. Lovatnet and the Loen Skylift

Lake Lovatnet, tucked away near the town of Loen, has such an incredibly rich emerald-turquoise colour that you’ll be suspected of going overboard with filters in your photos, but the colour is actually caused by fine sand from melting glaciers. The valley is gorgeous, but it also carries the dark history of two huge landslides that triggered a deadly tsunami wave at the start of the twentieth century and wiped out the local villages. Today you can rent a rowing boat or a kayak here and enjoy absolute peace on the water.

If you want to see the whole valley from a bird’s-eye view, hop on the super-modern Loen Skylift cable car, which in an incredible five minutes takes you from fjord level right to the top of Mount Hoven at 1,011 metres. From the summit further hiking trails lead off, and for adrenaline lovers there’s a great via ferrata that includes crossing a long suspension bridge. 💡 Tip: At the top by the cable car station there’s a great panoramic restaurant where you can have excellent coffee and warm waffles with a view of the glaciers.

43. Jotunheimen NP

The name Jotunheimen translates as Home of the Giants, and this vast mountain wilderness is, without exaggeration, the most beautiful and most rugged national park in all of southern Norway. You’ll find more than two hundred peaks exceeding 2,000 metres here, among which wild glacial rivers and deep turquoise lakes weave. This is exactly where the legendary Besseggen ridge and the highest mountain Galdhøpiggen lie, which we mentioned above in the section on iconic hikes.

The park is an absolute paradise for passionate hikers who want to trek from one red cabin to the next with a backpack on their shoulders and enjoy complete isolation from civilisation. The weather here can change from minute to minute, though, so even for a short walk you must always have a waterproof layer and a warm hat ready in your pack. 💡 Tip: A great starting point for exploring the park is the village of Lom, where besides a beautiful stave church you’ll also find an excellent traditional bakery.

44. Dovrefjell

While Jotunheimen fascinates with sharp peaks, the neighbouring Dovrefjell National Park is a landscape of endless bare plains and rounded hills, home to one absolute animal one-off in the form of the huge musk ox. These shaggy Ice Age giants roam freely across the tundra here, and setting out on an organised hiking safari with a guide to see them from a safe distance ranks among the top experiences in all of Norway. You shouldn’t approach the animals on your own to within less than 200 metres — they can attack unexpectedly fast.

The main symbol of the whole park is the imposing Mount Snøhetta, at whose foot the architecturally amazing viewing cabin of the Norwegian Wild Reindeer Centre was recently built. From it you can sit warm by the fire and watch through binoculars the herds of wild reindeer and Arctic foxes wandering across the vast plateaus. 💡 Tip: The scenic railway from Oslo to Trondheim also passes through Dovrefjell park, so you’ll see the beauty of the wilderness from the comfort of the carriage too.

Culture, stave churches and gems off the beaten track

Norway isn’t just nature. A thousand years of history have left behind mysterious wooden churches, mining towns and star-shaped fortresses that most tourists pass by. If you want to escape the crowds and glimpse the soul of the country, head exactly here.

45. Wooden stave churches (stavkirke)

These dark structures, fragrant with wood and tar, are probably the most famous and oldest architectural heritage in all of Norway, at first glance resembling Viking ships with dragon heads more than classic Christian places of worship. Most of them were built in the Middle Ages more than eight hundred years ago, and thanks to clever construction from vertical posts and regular tarring, they’ve survived to the present day. The very oldest and most precious is the church at Urnes, on the UNESCO list, which lies inconspicuously hidden by Sognefjord.

If you want to see the best preserved of them, go and visit the Borgund church, whose cascading shingle roofs adorned with dragons look absolutely magical and fairy-tale-like. The largest church in Heddal is also worth mentioning, often nicknamed the wooden cathedral for its imposing dimensions. 💡 Tip: Entry to the church interiors tends to be quite expensive, but even a look at that wonderful carpentry work from the outside is worth a little detour off the main route.

46. The Telemark Canal

Say Norway and everyone pictures sea fjords, but this historic inland canal from the 19th century, connecting the town of Skien with inland Dalen, is a fascinating example of how local engineers managed to cope with the harsh terrain. The route is over 100 kilometres long and boats on it must overcome 72 metres of elevation using an amazing system of eighteen old stone locks. To this day all the locks are still operated honestly by hand, exactly as they were a hundred and fifty years ago.

In the summer season, beautiful historic paddle steamers run here, from which you can watch the green landscape of the Telemark region and observe the skilled work of the lock operators. An excellent cycle path also runs along the whole canal, so you can cycle part of the route and comfortably ride back by boat. 💡 Tip: At the end of the canal in the town of Dalen, be sure to look at the historic hotel of the same name, built in a magnificent dragon style — it’s a real gem.

47. Lillehammer

The 1994 Winter Olympics turned this small town by Lake Mjøsa into a global legend, and the sporting atmosphere is still strongly felt at every step here, especially when you stand beneath the huge Lysgårdsbakkene ski jumps. You can take a lift right up to the tower and try to imagine the terror the ski jumpers feel just before take-off. The town has a beautiful pedestrian zone with colourful wooden houses, where you’ll find plenty of excellent cafés.

Just outside the centre lies the sprawling Maihaugen open-air museum, one of the largest in the country, perfectly showing how Norwegian life changed from the harsh Middle Ages to the present day. Families with children then regularly head to the nearby fairy-tale park of Hunderfossen, dominated by a gigantic statue of a Norwegian troll. 💡 Tip: In winter Lillehammer becomes an absolute paradise for cross-country skiers, with hundreds of kilometres of perfectly groomed tracks in the surrounding hills.

48. Fredrikstad

If you want to see how Scandinavian towns once defended themselves, head a little south of Oslo to Fredrikstad, which boasts the very best preserved fortified old town in all of northern Europe. The Gamlebyen district lies protected behind huge earthen ramparts in the shape of a perfect star, surrounded by a deep moat. Inside you’ll find picturesque cobbled alleys lined with historic brick and wooden houses, where people still live today and small art galleries are based.

The best way to reach the old town is by a small free ferry straight from the modern centre across the Glomma river, which makes the whole trip a very pleasant and peaceful, car-free experience. On the ramparts you can look at the old cannons and in summer sit on the terrace of one of the local pubs. 💡 Tip: Every Saturday traditional markets are held in the square in the old town, where you can buy local cheeses, baked goods and beautiful handmade products from local artists.

49. The northern lights and the midnight sun

We’ve already touched on these two phenomena a little, but they deserve a separate mention, because it’s exactly these light displays that make Norway a country you want to see both in the middle of summer and in the depths of winter. You’ll experience the midnight sun in the northern regions above the Arctic Circle from roughly late May to mid-July, when the sun simply doesn’t set and you can happily set out at midnight on a long mountain trek in full daylight. It’s a huge drain on your energy, so don’t forget to pack a sleep mask for the hotel.

Hunting the northern lights, or aurora borealis, on the other hand requires darkness, clear skies and a dose of luck, with the best chance of the green spectacle from September to March in the far north, ideally around Tromsø or Alta. The peak of the season tends to be the cold months from November to February, when the nights last longest. 💡 Tip: Download a reliable northern lights forecast app to your phone (e.g. My Aurora Forecast), which will alert you in time that something is starting to happen in the sky.

50. Norwegian beaches

Say a beach with white sand and turquoise water and most people picture the Caribbean, but Norway has hundreds of them, and paradoxically you’ll find the very most beautiful high beyond the Arctic Circle in the Lofoten archipelago. Beaches like Haukland, Uttakleiv or the surfers’ paradise of Unstad look absolutely idyllic — until you dip your toe in the water and discover it’s barely twelve degrees even in August. Swimming here really is only for the hardiest souls.

In the south of the country, just outside the city of Stavanger, you’ll come across surprisingly long sandy dunes in the Jæren area, where whole Norwegian families come with their children to relax at weekends. On the beaches of Sola or Borestranden you won’t experience tropical heat, but for kite-flying, romantic evening walks and watching the waves they have no rival in Europe. 💡 Tip: Pack a thick wool jumper — a strong, very cold wind often blows off the ocean on Norwegian beaches.

Practical information: when to go, transport and how much it costs

Norway is geographically huge, but for easier orientation you can divide it into three main regions that differ wildly from one another. The southwest is home to the most iconic deep fjords around Bergen and Stavanger, the east and south centred on Oslo offer gentler mountains and culture, and the north with the Arctic (from Trondheim to Lofoten and Nordkapp) is wild, empty and ideal for hunting the northern lights.

How to travel to Norway and around it

The most comfortable and quickest route from the UK is to use direct flights from London or other major airports to Oslo or Bergen, from where you can easily hop on connecting services or pick up a rental car right at the airport. If you’re planning a bigger road trip in your own vehicle and don’t mind long drives, the ideal route is to cross through Germany to Denmark and at the port of Hirtshals load your car onto a ferry that takes you straight to Kristiansand or Stavanger.

For really exploring the fjords and remote national parks, renting a car is clearly the best choice, because it gives you absolute freedom to stop at every waterfall or viewpoint. When driving, count on paying tolls (bompenger), which are handled fully automatically here via toll gates reading your number plate (AutoPASS), so you’ll get a car with a tag from the rental company and settle the bill at the end. Travel is also spiced up by hundreds of small ferries that shuttle across the fjords and basically work as a seamless continuation of the road.

How much a holiday costs and how to save

Let’s be straight: Norway is one of the very most expensive countries in Europe, and if you head here, you have to be prepared for your wallet to take a proper shock, especially when visiting restaurants and pubs. As a rough guide, count on paying around 250 to 350 NOK (roughly €22–31) for a main course in an average restaurant, a beer will easily set you back 100 to 130 NOK (about €9–12) and a quick hot dog at a petrol station costs around 60 NOK (€5). Alcohol is generally very heavily taxed here, and you can only buy spirits or wine at the specialised state-run Vinmonopolet shops; in supermarkets you’ll only find light beer up to 4.7% alcohol, and even that only until eight in the evening.

By far the best way to keep your budget in check is to buy groceries at cheaper chains like Kiwi, Rema 1000 or Coop Extra and cook for yourself at campsites or in well-equipped apartments. To give you an idea, the daily budget of a very frugal traveller with their own tent and stove sits around 800 to 1,200 NOK (€70–105) per person, the golden middle road with sleeping in cabins works out at 1,500 to 2,500 NOK (€130–220), and if you want comfortable hotels and dinners, set aside 3,500 NOK (around €310) and more. (Note: Prices are approximate for 2026; 1 NOK is roughly €0.087.)

💡 A local speciality you should definitely try at breakfast is the sweetish brown cheese brunost, which Norwegians spread on warm waffles. Dishes like salmon, cod (skrei) or the controversial whale meat are on the menu of every better coastal restaurant as a local speciality, but even as a vegetarian you’ll eat very well here thanks to the great cheeses and sweet pastries.

A handy table of the most famous treks

For quick orientation, we’ve put together a table of the most sought-after hikes so you immediately know what you’re getting into with a backpack on your shoulders:

Itinerary inspiration by length of trip

If you’re not sure exactly how to plan your days in this vast country, here’s a quick sketch of what can be fitted in:

• 7 days (The best of the fjords): Bergen → Hardanger waterfalls → Flåm and Nærøyfjord → majestic Sognefjord → Geiranger with its viewpoints.
• 10 days (Fjords and famous treks): Stavanger (climb to Preikestolen) → Odda (Trolltunga) → Bergen → Flåm → Geiranger → Ålesund and the Atlantic Road.
• 14 days and more (The classic south-north): Oslo → Telemark region → Stavanger → western fjords → Trondheim → flight to Lofoten or Tromsø.

Where to go next from Norway

If Nordic nature has stolen your heart and you’re planning to explore more breathtaking corners of this huge country, we’ve put together more detailed guides to other great places. These articles go deeper and will help you with detailed planning:

• Heading beyond the Arctic Circle? Read our huge guide What to see in Lofoten (the big guide).
• Interested in hunting the lights up north? Check out the tips for Tromsø — the gateway to the northern lights.
• Drawn to deep waters and waterfalls? Open up Norwegian fjords — a guide.
• Planning a climb to the famous rock? Preikestolen — the climb step by step will help you.
• Want to ride the steepest railway? Check out the Flåm Railway.
• Tempted by coastal voyages? Everything about Hurtigruten.
• Heading for the northern lights? It’s all summed up in Northern Norway: what to see beyond the Arctic Circle.
• Sorting out your budget? How much a holiday in Norway costs will help.

Frequently asked questions