The Most Breathtaking and Unforgettable Places to Visit in Norway
Norway is one of the Scandinavian countries best known for its raw, natural beauty. Nearly 80% of it is covered by mountains, glaciers, or water, and its coastline stretches over 63,000 miles when every fjord is counted. Small towns sit between cliffs and valleys, and summer skies stay bright long past midnight.
You can experience Norway in many ways, like walking by a still lake, driving through winding valleys, or sailing past steep fjords. Here are some of the places that truly stand out across the country.
Oslo
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Oslo is modern yet retains its roots. It stands out as a capital where nature and city life sit side by side. You can hike in forests, swim in fjords, and see famous art all in one day. The Oslo Opera House lets you walk on its roof for beautiful views, while Vigeland Park has over 200 giant stone sculptures. For a capital city, it’s surprisingly peaceful and full of ways to enjoy the outdoors.
Bergen
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It rains often here, but that just makes the green hills and buildings stand out more. Bergen is the gateway to Norway’s famous fjords. The old wooden wharf at Bryggen is a UNESCO site, full of crooked alleys and shops. You can ride the Fløibanen funicular up to a mountain view, then hike or spot fjords from above. Bergen also hosts one of Norway’s biggest cultural festivals.
Geirangerfjord
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Despite being only 15 kilometers long, this fjord manages to pack in cliff faces, waterfalls with nicknames, and some very committed goats. Most visitors see it from ferries or kayaks, but the nearby Flydalsjuvet lookout gives a bird’s-eye view with less effort. For decent weather and open roads, aim for midsummer.
Trolltunga
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Trolltunga is one of Norway’s most photographed spots, a rock ledge jutting out high above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. The hike is long and demanding and takes close to ten hours round-trip through steep terrain and unpredictable weather. But the view from the top is worth it.
Preikestolen
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Preikestolen sits high above Lysefjord, a flat cliff hanging over the water. The hike is steep but short, and the view from the top makes every step worth it. Over 300,000 people visit each year, yet some may find it too quiet up there.
Jotunheimen National Park
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Jotunheimen means “Home of the Giants,” and it lives up to its name. It’s also where you’ll find Norway’s tallest mountains. People come here to hike, see glaciers, and walk along famous trails like Besseggen Ridge, where two lakes sit side by side in different colors.
Romsdalseggen Ridge
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Romsdalseggen Ridge runs high above the Romsdal Valley, with cliffs on one side and deep fjords on the other. The trail stretches about seven miles and passes close to the Troll Wall, one of Europe’s tallest rock faces. On clear days, you can see all the way to the Atlantic. The hike ends in Åndalsnes, a calm town surrounded by peaks and water.
Lofoten Islands
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The Lofoten Islands look almost unreal. Mountains rise from blue water, and red Fishing cabins rest on wooden stilts along the coast. CNN once named the Lofoten Islands one of the top island destinations in the world. In winter, the sky glows with northern lights. People come for hiking, kayaking, and views that don’t look real.
Tromsø
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Tromsø sits above the Arctic Circle, where winter nights glow with color. The Northern Lights often sweep across the sky in green and violet bands. Mountains rise close to the city, and fjords catch their reflection. Despite the cold and darkness, the streets stay alive with light, sound, and the calm pace of Arctic life.
North Cape
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Steep cliffs and cold wind greet you at the very top of mainland Europe. North Cape sits high above the ocean, with huge views that feel like they go on forever. In summer, the sun doesn’t set, and people come to watch it hover over the water.
Langfossen
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This waterfall plunges 612 m down a steep mountainside into Åkrafjorden. Budget Travel ranked it among the world’s ten most beautiful waterfalls. The highway E134 runs along its base, and there is a parking area right beside the cascade, which allows visitors to step out, hear the roar, and feel the mist.
Steinsdalsfossen
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Near the town of Norheimsund stands Steinsdalsfossen, a waterfall known for its path that runs behind the falling water. The walkway is short and steady, which gives you a clear view from inside the spray without getting soaked. At about 46 meters high, it isn’t the tallest in Norway, but it’s one of the easiest to reach. A nearby café and visitor center make it a comfortable stop for travelers.
Ålesund
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Fire reshaped this town in 1904, and architects rebuilt it with turrets, colors, and curves that feel unexpectedly playful. It’s a visual detour from Norway’s usual wooden aesthetic. Aksla Viewpoint, reached via hundreds of steps, frames the town like a diorama. It’s a strategic base where ferries connect Ålesund to the fjordland.
Molde
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Molde sits along the Romsdalsfjord in western Norway and is often called “The Town of Roses” for its many rose gardens that thrive in the area’s mild coastal climate. The city also hosts Moldejazz, founded in 1961, which is one of Europe’s oldest and most respected jazz festivals.
Svalbard
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Svalbard lies in the high Arctic, closer to the North Pole than to mainland Norway. Longyearbyen is the main town, home to a few cafés, museums, and a small university. Outside the town, polar bears are common, so travel usually happens in guided groups. Visitors often explore the area by snowmobile or boat. Nearby, the Global Seed Vault sits beneath the frozen ground.