Inspiration

19 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit Norway

Norway has become increasingly sought-after by travelers around the world—and it's easy to see why. One of the world's most beautiful countries, it's got glaciers, mountains, and the Northern Lights. (And fjords. So many fjords.) Add to that a hefty dose of cutting-edge culture and a wealth of flight deals, and you'll start to wonder why you haven't already visited. Here, take a visual tour of the country's best sites, from charming coastal towns to reindeer-filled national parks.

By Caitlin Morton

December 12, 2017

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Any Pinterest or Instagram user has probably seen a photo of Trolltunga ("Troll's Tongue), Norway's undeniable photography darling. The protruding rock sits about 2,300 feet above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, tempting travelers to inch out to the edge. Unfortunately, Trolltunga has fallen prey to "death by popularity," with an 100x increase in visitor numbers over the past five years; the organization Friluftsliv (Norway's leading hiking group) has since called for tourist caps to protect the site. But even if you don't get your once-in-a-lifetime profile picture on the rock's edge, you can still soak up some epic fjord views from the surrounding mountain area.
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The mining town of Røros is one of the best-preserved towns in all of Norway, with quaint town squares and thousands of wooden, grass-roofed houses dating back to the 17th century. Disney buffs have extra reason to add the town to their itinerary, as the snowy peaks and valleys here served as design inspiration for the film Frozen (among many other Norwegian sites).

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Jotunheimen National Park ("Home of the Giants") is Norway's busiest—and most spectacular—wilderness destination. Covering an area of 2,200 miles, the park's hiking trails will take you around valleys, glaciers, waterfalls, and the highest mountains in the country. You may even get to spot a reindeer, as domestic herds of the animal tend to roam all over the park.
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No trip to Norway is complete without a stop in Bergen, the country's second-most populated town and one of our readers' favorite cities in Europe. The postcard-perfect town is known for its scenic harbor, colorful rows of wooden houses, and surrounding mountain group (known as the Seven Mountains).

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Situated in southwestern Norway, the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord (pictured) and Nærøyfjord in southwestern Norway are among the most scenic fjords anywhere. Their beautiful landscapes feature steep rock walls, dense forests, and numerous waterfalls.
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The western port town of Ålesund sits at the entrance to the Geirangerfjord, so you can expect to find an endless amount of natural beauty here. But the city also holds a more unexpected appeal: some of the world's finest examples of Art Nouveau architecture. (The city was rebuilt in 1904 after a devastating fire, so many of the buildings were constructed in the leading style of that period.) Head to the Art Nouveau Center located in the former Swan Pharmacy building to learn about the architectural period's influence on the city.

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Coastal Stavanger is Norway's fourth-largest city, offering scenic surroundings, a beautiful 18th-century old town, and tons of cultural events. Don't miss the Sverd i fjell ("Sword in Rocks") monument, a fjord-side sculpture of three bronze swords standing 33 feet tall. The monument was built in 1983 to commemorate the Battle of Hafrsfjord (872 A.D.), the victory of which united Norwegian clans under a single ruler. As such, the memorial now serves as a towering symbol of unity and freedom.
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Another reason to visit Stavanger? It's the perfect base for visiting the world-famous Preikestolen (“Pulpit Rock”), a rock platform located nearly 2,000 feet above the surrounding fjord. Serving as a sort of natural observation deck, the landmark lets hikers take in unencumbered views of vertical cliffs and granite formations. Just be sure to visit now—geologists say the platform could be at risk of collapsing.

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Trollstigen is one of the world's most popular (and terrifying) highways, known for its steep gradient and 11 hairpin turns. The one-lane road passes such impressive wonders as the 1,050-foot Stigfossen waterfall, but be sure to pull over before you gawk and snap photos. There are several viewing platforms along the road that will let you take in the sites without risking a crash.
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Built around 1180, the Borgund Stave Church is one of Norway's finest examples of a stave church (wooden structures defined by their corner-posts and timber frames). Although no longer used for religious purposes, the landmark now serves as a visitors' center with comprehensive information about Norwegian stave churches, dozens of which can be found around the country.

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Located between mainland Norway and the North Pole, Svalbard is one of the world’s most northernmost inhabited areas. Travel to the archipelago in the winter to see the Northern Lights, or during the summer for the elusive "midnight sun" (the sun doesn't set at all between April 20 and August 22). Regardless of the season, a visit here lets you exist in the same habitat of some of nature's most exciting animals, like polar bears, walruses, and narwhals.
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As far as European capital cities go, Oslo is extremely travel-friendly. Dine at the Mathallen Oslo food hall, view contemporary artwork at the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art, and explore its iconic Scandinavian design via bike—by far one of the best ways to tour the city.

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If you're going to venture to the way-up north, you should definitely consider making Tromsø (located some 250 miles above the Arctic circle) your home base. Known primarily as a prime location for Northern Lights viewing, the city also boasts great restaurants and pubs, the world’s northernmost botanical garden, and the gorgeous, glass-facade Arctic Cathedral (pictured).
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Briksdal Glacier is one of the most easily accessible arms of Jostedalsbreen, the largest glacier in mainland Europe. If you visit, make a point to get up close to the famous Kleivafossen waterfall. You can cross the bridge adjacent to the falls as part of your hike to Briksdal, or see the cascades from a boat during a guided "glacier safari."

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Situated at the southern end of the Nordfjord, Olden is a small village (population around 500) that serves as a popular stopover for cruise excursions. Aside from its charming churches and cafes, the town offers easy bus trips to the Briksdal Glacier.
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Of all the things Norway is known for, the Northern Lights stand out as one of the country's biggest draws. Travelers have no shortage of options when it comes to viewing the phenomenon, whether it's taking an Arctic cruise, or simply looking up at the perfect moment in cities like Ålesund and Tromsø. Visit during the perpetually dark months of December and January to increase your odds of a sighting.

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Norway has a lot of coastline—15,626 miles to be precise—which means it has a lot of lighthouses. One of our favorites is the 19th-century Kjeungskjær, which stands out for its deep red color, octagonal shape, and access to the Bjugnfjorden. Travelers can tour the lighthouse, or better yet, rent the lighthouse keeper's apartment for overnight visits (accommodates up to 20 guests).
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It's not exactly easy to reach the Lofoten Islands—it takes a flight from Oslo to Bodø, followed by a three- to four-hour ferry ride—but you won't regret making the effort. The archipelago's hundred of islands feature clear blue waters, craggy mountains, edgy museums, and fishing villages. (Think of them as an alternative to tourist-heavy Iceland.)

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Located on the at the southernmost tip of Karmøy island (about 20 miles northwest of Stavanger), Skudeneshavn is guaranteed to be one of the most picturesque towns you've ever seen. Think narrow streets, white picket fences, and wooden houses dating back to the 1800s.

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