The 12 best places to visit in Norway

Do you dream of finding a capital city in the heart of nature? Then welcome to Oslo! Norway’s main city has managed to effectively combine the hectic life of an urban city with the peaceful atmosphere of nature and the countryside. In fine weather, you can join the locals for a bucolic picnic at Vigelandsparken or Frognerparken. With its many museums, art galleries, opera, pubs, restaurants and shows, Oslo is an active cultural city. If architecture is your thing, Oslo has a selection of beautiful monuments such as the cathedral, the Royal Palace and the Akershus fortress. Or board a ferry to the Bygdoy Peninsula to visit the Norwegian Folk Art Museum (Europe's largest open-air museum) or the Viking Boat Museum. A real immersion into Norwegian culture. You can also explore the Oslofjord and its maze of mesmerizing islands.

To the east of Stavanger, Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock, is a steep cliff overlooking the Lysefjord. With a height of 600 m, it dominates the landscape and offers a vertiginous viewpoint. It is a 4 km climb to the summit and the altitude difference is 400 m. The climb can take between 1.5 - 2 hours depending on your ability. Be careful, the path is made up of lots of big stones, some of which are very steep, so suitable shoes are essential! As you climb, the beauty of the landscape will gradually come into view: the Lysefjord, mountain streams, lakes. Raw nature at its very best. Once at the summit, the Preikestolen moves above the void (not recommended for vertigo sufferers ...). The view is incredible. On this piece of rock, you’ll feel like you are on top of the world. Be careful not to go too close to the edge.

In western Norway, Bergen is considered the gateway to the fjords. Surrounded by water and mountains, the city will seduce you with its ambiance, narrow streets, architecture and lifestyle. Gourmets and foodies should not miss a stroll around the fish market where local specialties will not fail to please the eye and tickle the taste buds. Then, why not take a stroll around the historical district of Bryggen, recognizable by its buildings with colourful facades. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was one of the trade ports of the Hanseatic League during the Middle Ages. To learn more about the history of this area, visit the beautiful Hanseatik Museum located in one of the town’s ancient buildings.
Bergen can also be discovered from the summit of Mount Floyen. If the steep climb seems a bit daunting, take the funicular railway instead. At the top, the view of the city and its surroundings is simply beautiful. To descend, take the path that goes through the forest. A lovely walk to the sound of singing birds and with interesting and surprising information boards along the way ... you just need to find them!

Also known as the language of troll, Trolltunga is a rock formation that can be found 700 m above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. This is one of the most popular hikes in Norway, and for good reason too, as the view is simply breathtaking. With snow-capped rocks, a fjord with waters so blue that even tropical islands pale into insignificance, your efforts will not be in vain. It’s not a simple walk by any means but rather a real hike of 23 km (return), with a climb of 900 m and 10 to 12 hours of walking in total. If you really want to make the most of the tranquillity, and experience the feeling of smallness and solitude, leave as early as possible. The hike is frequented pretty much permanently, with hikers looking to immortalise the moment with a photo. Everyone must wait their turn ...

On the edge of the Aurlandsfjord, the small village of Flam is mainly known for one local attraction: the Flamsbana. This is the name given to the train which crosses the mountain to the village of Myrdal. The ascent lasts around 1 hour passing beautiful landscapes where waterfalls and green forests mingle. Halfway, the train stops at the spectacular Kjosfossen waterfall. A perfect photo opportunity…careful not to get wet! When you arrive in Myrdal, you have two options: take the return train back or get off and take the hiking trail back to Flam. Note that this hike is for experienced walkers since it is about 20 km

Typically Scandinavian in design, stave churches, commonly known as stavkirke, are truly symbolic of Norwegian architecture. The Urnes (or Ornes) Stave Church, northeast of Bergen, is the oldest in the country. It is accessible by ferry from the small village of Solvorn on the other side of the bay. As you approach Urnes, the wooden church comes into view, standing proudly on its small hill. Nine hundred years old, it remains well preserved. You should know that 4 churches were built here. With delicately carved gates, animal sculptures, engraved capitals and roof dragons for protection, it really is an outstanding piece of architecture.

Majestic. This is the first word that comes to mind when admiring the Geirangerfjord. Located in the heart of the fjord region, it is a pure marvel of nature. It’s no wonder it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounded by stunning nature, it is famous for its many waterfalls, each of which have a story to tell. For example, that of the Seven Sisters which, legend has it, a Pretender unsuccessfully tried to seduce, or that of the Bridal Veil.
If you arrive by car, make sure to stop at the two viewpoints that overlook the Geirangerfjord. There is the Flydalsjuvet (coming from the south) and one on the Eagles road (coming from the north). Both offer a bird's eye view of the fjord and the small town of Geiranger. If you want to explore it more closely, climb into a kayak and let yourself float along the water. You can also take a trip on one of the cruise ships.
The Geirangerfjord can also be discovered from above. There are several hiking trails, of different durations and for all levels of ability, all which offer magnificent views. Ask for a detailed map at the Tourist Office near the pier. Throughout your hike, you will have the opportunity to cross paths with goats and sheep, true national symbols and pretty tame too.

If there’s one road that shouldn’t be missed during your trip to Norway, it's the Trolls’ Path. Trollstingen is part of Route 63, south of Andalsnes. With a gradient of 9%, it consists of 11 hairpin bends and mountain slopes. Suffice to say you must drive carefully, especially when coming across other cars ... In addition to being atypical, this road crosses a landscape littered with waterfalls, including the famous Stigfossen, with its steep reliefs revealing breathtaking wilderness. There is also a managed pathway that provides access to a platform giving bird's eye views of this unmissable road.

Located north of the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands are a paradise for nature lovers. The islands of this archipelago are connected to each other by bridges and tunnels. You’ll probably not notice the 120 km journey from one end to the other since the views are fantastic. Here you will find green landscapes, where cows and sheep graze peacefully, and snow-capped mountains. Despite the fact that the water is always very cold (less than 15 degrees sometimes), the crystal-clear waters are really inviting for a swim. The Lofoten Islands are made up of charming villages like ‘A’ (pronounced ‘O’), in the extreme south where the clouds merge with the sea.
The Lofoten Islands are home to many hiking trails. Some lead to white sandy beaches, like Kvalvika, while others, such as the Reinebringen hike, take you up high and offer bird's eye views of Reine village and its fjord. As for sport, surfing aficionados will find happiness on one of the archipelago’s many beaches. And to make your stay truly unique, why not stay in a rorbu, a fishing hut on stilts.

Tromso is the largest city in Norway beyond the Arctic Circle. Here, daylight is scarce in winter: after all, it's the Polar Night. But this is the best time to see the northern lights, a unique natural phenomenon that illuminates the sky with beautiful shades of green. Conversely, in summer, you can experience the midnight sun. Surrounded by mountains and fjords, Tromso has managed to accommodate the extremes of its environment.
However, you are not likely to be bored in Tromso, as there are numerous activities on offer whatever the season. Dogs sledding, snowshoeing, hiking, kayaking, fishing as well as orca and whale-watching. Awaiting you is a journey to the heart of an exceptional and preserved natural setting. But Tromso is also a lively, cultural and historical city with museums and pretty 18th century wooden houses. Feel free to take the Fjellheisen cable car for breathtaking views of the fjords.

The North Cape is the northernmost point of Norway. More than 2,000 km from Oslo, this is where the road ends. Marked by the globe monument, there’s the opportunity to take a few steps on the North Cape plateau, 307 m above sea level. An ideal place to admire the midnight sun or the aurora borealis. Make the most of your experience at the end of the world to explore the surroundings. Stroll through fishing villages (try ice fishing) and observe the thousands of gannets, puffins and cormorants that inhabit these wild lands. The North Cape also has numerous hiking trails to explore on foot, snowshoe or by snowmobile.

Did you know that Svalbard is polar bear country? They are even more numerous than the archipelago’s population which is found in the heart of the coldest seas and oceans. Despite a rather austere landscape, Svalbard attracts visitors due to its perfectly preserved wilderness. An area of fjords and glaciers (the latter account for 60% of the territory), it’s perfect for those seeking tranquillity and unspoilt nature. Whether you choose to travel on foot, by snowmobile, dog sled, kayak or boat, you will have the feeling of being completely free. In addition to polar bears, the wildlife is exceptional: walrus, arctic foxes, an array of bird species, reindeer. Svalbard promises unforgettable experiences for all those who visit.