Norway
The land of Northern Lights and Midnight Sun
There’s nowhere quite like Norway. The Scandinavian gem specialises in creating once-in-a-lifetime moments. From dreamlike fjordscapes and spectacular natural phenomena to bountiful wildlife, Norway has all the ingredients for the trip of a lifetime – no matter what time of the year you visit. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about the vast and varied regions that Norway has to offer.
The Capital
Oslo’s on the move. With the recently opened MUNCH Museum, Deichmann Library and National Museum, Norway’s capital has become a rich cultural hub. These new additions to the skyline are an architecture lover’s dream, and they fit perfectly between the Opera House and the Barcode.
Nature is never far away in Oslo, and you can get to a quaint forest lake or the famous ski jump Holmenkollen in less than 20 minutes on the metro from the city centre. The city is built around the Oslofjord, so it’s easy to visit one of the charming islands.
And then there’s the food. With award-winning restaurants and coffee shops seemingly around every corner, Oslo is fast becoming one of Europe’s most tastebud tantalising destinations.
Eastern Norway
Norway’s east is full of charming forests and deep blue lakes, making it one of the best places to sit back and relax. It’s also a lovely place to go hiking (or cross-country skiing), and lots of Oslovians love to take day trips here to enjoy nature.
Just a short train or car ride from Oslo lies Lake Mjøsa, the deepest and largest lake in Norway. At the end of the lake you’ll find the Olympic city: Lillehammer. The Winter Olympics took place here in 1994, and no visit to Lillehammer is complete without visiting the famous ski jump.
Here, you can also visit Maihaugen, a fascinating open-air museum, where you can immerse yourself in the history of Norway. The impressive Stave church that dates back to the early 1200s, and Queen Sonja’s childhood home are some of the highlights that await.
Fjord Norway
Fjord Norway is what you could call quintessentially Norwegian. Visitors are greeted with breathtaking fjordscapes, gushing waterfalls and snow-capped mountain peaks.
The region boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the famous Geirangerfjord, Bryggen and the Nærøyfjord. Here is where you can head on one of the world’s most beautiful train rides with Flåmsbana, wander through the apple orchards in the Hardangerfjord and taste local delicacies such as brown cheese or pickled herring.
But not only nature here is spectacular. Fjord Norway is also home to two of the country’s most beautiful cities, the Hanseatic city of Bergen and the art-nouveau gem Ålesund.
Southern Norway
Southern Norway is known for its pristine beaches, small islands and quaint coastal towns. Think white houses, narrow alleyways and cute cafés. Stroll through Kristiansand’s charming old town, which is especially pretty in spring when flowers bloom.
Just north of Kristiansand, you’ll find Grimstad. Here, you can visit the Ibsen Museum, which focuses on the famous Norwegian poet Henrik Ibsen who lived here in his teenage years.
And for all those that love hiking, one of Norway’s most spectacular natural wonders lies just outside of Stavanger. Preikestolen – or Pulpit Rock – is a cliff that drops down over 600 metres into the fjord below and makes for a fantastic day trip.
Northern Norway
Vast expanses, dramatic coastlines, Midnight Sun and Northern Lights. Those who travel to the far north will quickly realise just how special this part of Norway really is. Deep within the arctic circle you will find white sandy beaches that rival those in the Caribbean and imposing mountainscapes that just beckon to be hiked.
No matter the season, this region of Norway will take your breath away. In winter, you can step into the shoes of a polar explorer as you lead a team of huskies on a sled beneath the Northern Lights. In summer, you can explore the wonders of the Lofoten Islands underneath the Midnight Sun.
Not to be missed is the northernmost point of the European mainland – the famed North Cape. One of the best ways to visit is with Hurtigruten, so you can admire it from the sea and from land. Always keep an eye out for wildlife – eagles, reindeer, moose, puffins and even whales are never far away here in the North.
OUR FAVOURITE TOURS TO NORWAY
Health & Safety Guidelines Norway
Here are the official health and safety guidelines for travel to Norway. These guidelines are sourced from the official destinations page, and we kindly request you adhere to them.