Stunning fjords, breath-taking mountains, scenic roads, and rich history. Norway offers a variety of natural and cultural sights to all visitors, one of our favorite hikes is to Preikestolen, as it’s a rather easy one. You can hike in the snow-capped mountains, visit waterfalls and glaciers, watch the northern lights while emerging into Norwegian nature. If you are a less adventurous type, just hop on one of the spectacular railway lines, or explore a couple of museums while driving across on scenic routes around the fjords or national parks. We explored both southern and northern Norway numerous times. One of our latest road trip took us from Kirkenes to Lofoten.
We’ve been to Norway several times and are still in love with the country. With the help of fellow travel bloggers, we collected the most unique attractions for the best places in Norway that you should add to your bucket list!
Disclaimer: The post may contain affiliate links.
Midnight Sun or Northern Lights in Tromsø
Tromsø is a bucket list destination in Norway for many given its position north of the Arctic Circle and since it’s a great place to see natural phenomena like the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun. One of the top attractions in Tromsø is man-made: the Arctic Cathedral. This iconic landmark on the mainland can be seen across Tromsø Sound from the city center on Tromsø Island, and when you fly into Tromsø as well. Built in the 1960s, it has quite a unique and striking design, with a series of pointed arches. The building gleams in all white, and when we visited during the summer we could see it pretty much any hour of the day or night. Its design was actually based in nature, which isn’t surprising considering the beauty of the area. To get a glimpse of its natural inspiration – the small island of Haja – you can visit nearby Sommarøy Island. The landscape was beautiful, and it was especially cool to see the shape of the Arctic Cathedral in the natural world.
To get to the Arctic Cathedral, you can walk or take the bus across the Tromsø Bridge. The cathedral is open throughout the week. There is a fee to enter and also the opportunity to attend concerts throughout the year. The cathedral is one of many wheelchair accessible things to do in Tromsø. You can take a public bus to Sommarøy Island, but it’s easiest to drive. We took a guided minibus tour of the area.
Sarah and Justin, Travel Breathe Repeat
Royal Silver Mine – Kongsgruvene
Numedal is a valley in Eastern Norway. Most of its area is mountainous. The third-longest river in Norway, the Numedalslågen, flows through the valley. The area has been inhabited since the Stone Age, and at many places, the remains of nearly 8,000-year-old human homes are still visible today. The flourishing of the countryside came in the 17th century. At the beginning of the century, silver deposits were discovered in the valley of Numedal.
According to the legend, two children played in the forest when suddenly a big storm came. To escape the rain, they entered a cave. Here they found something beautiful, brightly shining. They thought it might be valuable, so they took it home. Their dad realized it was silver. But since at that time all of this kind of values automatically became the property of the king, they decided to keep the secret for themselves. The father went to the cave several times and brought silver, which he then sold at the markets of the area. But as inevitably happens, it soon caught someones’ eyes and sent the police to the family because they thought it was stolen silver. To get off light, they had to confess the cave. The king was terribly overwhelmed and he had opened a mine in a hurry and populated the uninhabited area mostly with miners and their families.
The future miners founded the city of Kongsberg in 1624, which with its 8,000 inhabitants (at least half of them miners) soon became Norway’s second most populated settlement. The Numedal mines were exhausted by the 20th century and closed in 1957. The Royal Silver Mine (Kongsgruvene) near Kongsberg is now welcoming visitors. The mine train takes you 342 meters below the surface and 2,3 km into the mountain. Inside the King’s mine which is the largest of the silver mines, there is a guided tour through stopes, adits, and shafts. This tour takes 1,5 hours. The temperature is 6°C, so dress warm!
Mindenuttjooo Blog (in Hungarian)
Scuba Diving
Ok, Reader…we haven’t got long. Let’s Dive straight into what makes Norway one of the Best cold water Scuba Diving locations in the World.
Versatility. Adrenaline. Wrecks. Orcas. The stretching coastline of Norway; with its thousands of islands, insane World War 2 Wrecks and quirky Marine Life make this icy country a prime destination for adventurous scuba divers. Let’s take a closer look:
Adrenaline pumping drift dive lovers, Norway needs to be on your bucket list. Saltstraumen is famous for having one of the worlds strongest tidal currents, capable of exceeding eight knots. This immense movement of oxygen-rich water attracts an insane range of impressive marine flora and fauna, such as huge coalfish, fearsome wolf fish, mighty cod and immense kelp forests, to name a few.
Then there are the wreck dives. Around Narvik Harbour there are over 30 ships that were sunk during the two WW2 battles of 1940, including warships, cargo ships, and even a plane…and every last one of them can be dived. Nor can one miss Sogn and Fjordane; the final resting place of the famed DS Franenwalk ship; a legendary wreck that was born from a 122-meter long German freighter being sunk there during a WW2 Battle.
Finally, there’s no way we could write about Scuba Diving in Norway without mentioning the Lofoten Isles (Vestfijorden), where between November and April, divers can witness one of the World’s largest congregations of Killer Whales, which gather to feed upon the immense shoals of Herring!
So, what’s the best way to Scuba Dive in Norway? Option one is to go with any one of the reputable Diving Schools scattered around Norway.
Alternately, you could embark on an epic Norway Liveaboard adventure, where you’ll eat, sleep and breath scuba diving for multiple days aboard a luxury yacht. If we had you at Killer Whale check out the Sula Norway Liveaboard who specialize in Norway Orca Scuba Excursions. Or, if you like the sound of a Norway Liveaboard but are on a backpackers budget, there’s The Ortelius. Lastly, the Plancius is a great, luxurious option for those who appreciate fine living.
Whichever path you choose to dive, make memories, stay safe and have fun eh!?
Diving Squad Out!
Visit The World’s End: Verdens Ende
Verdens Ende means the World’s End and it’s a perfect day trip from Oslo. It takes about 1.5hours by bus or car to get to Tjøme and still gives you enough time to explore the Fæerder National Park before heading back to the capital in the evening.
The area spreading along the Oslofjord, and have a unique look with its rocks and skerries. We spent about 3 hours exploring the surrounding of the little harbor, climbing the rocks and taking photos.
It’s an ideal place for family excursions, picnic, and fishing, so you can easily stay in the area for a whole day. During the summer it’s popular for swimming as well. There is a replica of an old lighthouse that you can check as well.
Our Life, Our Travel
Ride the Flam Railway
As one of the world’s most famous railway tracks, the Flam train railway is one of the most spectacular experiences in Norway. The beautiful scenery, the change in elevation and the steep drops off the side of the railway are among the things that make the Flam railway train ride so unique.
Construction on the railway started in 1924, and took more than 15 years with twenty tunnels, eleven stations and one bridge completing the 12.6-mile roundtrip at a final height of 867 meters above sea level. For a large part of its history, the Flam railway was used to transport freight. Today, the line is used for sightseeing by tourists as well as the locals who live there.
The train ride is one of the most scenic in the world, where it starts along valleys and flat land and continues up the mountainside where you can peer out the window to see steep drops along the cliffside. Waterfalls, hills and mountain peaks are all part of the journey and provide a window into the local life.
Along the route, the train stops at Kjosfossen waterfall where, during the tourist season, a dancer emerges from behind a rock and music begins to echo off the rocky walls. As the dancer quietly moves alongside the waterfall the ethereal vision of the landscape comes to life. Continuing further down the track, the train goes into one of the most famous tunnels which can be seen from afar, as if attached to the side of the steep mountainside.
Diana, The Elusive Family
Visiting Pyramiden on Svalbard
Way up north in the permafrosted tundra of Svalbard lays the abandoned Soviet coal mining town of Pyramiden. The town was first established in 1910 and abandoned in the late 1990s after a plane crash killed most of its inhabitants.
The recent spike in tourism to Svalbard has re-opened Pyramiden, as well as the still active Russian mining town of Barentsburg. Both are now popular places to visit. To get here, you can join a day trip boat ride from Svalbard’s capital, Longyearbyen. Your day includes a guided tour to several of the abandoned structures.
A guided visit to several or Pyramiden structures is a must. Due to its cold, permafrost, tundra climate, Pyramiden is well-preserved even though it’s abandoned. You can still find dried flowers and plants in their original spots inside a dance hall. They’re surrounded by flaking murals, ceilings, and paint chipping off the walls. Oddly, you can also find the northernmost bust of Vladimir Lenin, as well as the northernmost swimming pool and grand piano in the world.
Pyramiden is completely owned and operated by a private company, and one of the things you can do here is to spend a night in Pyramiden Hotel. Yes, there is a hotel in Pyramiden. The best time of the year to stay here is in April when polar bears sightings are common to see throughout Svalbard. It’s even better in Pyramiden, where it is practically the middle of nowhere and far away from civilization. Keep in mind though that, for safety reasons, you will need a guide with a rifle in order to be outside!
Halef and Michael, The Round The World Guys
The Fløibanen Funicular, Bergen
The Fløibanen Funicular in Bergen is one of the best-known attractions in Norway. The cable car runs every day from near the Fish Markets and Bryggen Wharf in central Bergen. It costs around 95NOK return for an adult and takes you up to the top of Mount Fløyen in around six minutes.
If you fancy being active after taking in the city views you can take short hikes at the top of the mountain to enjoy the forest and lakes, or make use of the children’s playground. There is also a restaurant, cafeteria, and a shop selling souvenirs.
Sarah Sees The World
Vigeland Sculpture Park, Oslo
The Vigeland Installation in Frogner Park, or some calls it Vigeland Sculpture Park is part of the Norwegian Heritage since 2009. The 45-hectare park is the largest one in Norway and famous for the sculptures and other installation created by Gustav Vigeland.
During his life in the 19-20th century, he made hundreds of sculptures from bronze, granite and cast iron that are now displayed across the park. The biggest one is the Monolith.
The statues are unique and display a wide variety of emotions and actions. If you visit Oslo with kids, make sure they are old enough for such a display. The park has no entrance fee and it is open 24/7.
Our Life, Our Travel
Mount Ulriken in Bergen
Right outside Norway’s second biggest city is Mount Ulriken. Ulriken is the tallest mountain in Bergen at 643 meters above the sea. It’s a lot less crowded than the more popular Fløyen, and also a little further out of the city center. Still, Ulriken is definitely a mountain you should visit when you’re in Bergen. It’s relatively easy to get to the foot of Ulriken with public transportation and you can either hike up from “Montana” or take the aerial tramway “Ulriksbanen”. At the top of Ulriken, there is a restaurant, a TV antenna that can be seen from most of central Bergen and there is even a workout area there. If you decide to hike up and make a training session out of the visit. However, most importantly Ulriken has an incredible view of Bergen and areas outside of the city itself, with islands and fjords.
Ulriksbanen takes you to the top of Ulriken in 7 minutes and a roundtrip ticket is 185 kr and one way is 125 kr (22/15$ US). If you prefer a workout and a more economical visit to Ulriken, hiking is the best way to get up. Hiking up takes about 1 hour, a little longer if you want to take a couple of breaks to admire the view. On your way up you’ll be sure to meet other local hikers as Ulriken is a popular hike to do for the people living in Bergen. Be aware that the access point to hike and to take the Ulriksbanen is different, but they are still fairly easily accessible with public transportation.
Julie, Why Not Ju
Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
In order to fully appreciate the history of Norway, one must take time to visit The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History in Oslo. This fully interactive learning experience allows you to see how Norwegian’s once lived and what sets them apart from other parts of Scandinavia.
Inside the living museum, will find people in traditional dress doing typical Norwegian activities during the 16th century: cooking, making furniture, playing music and more. You can feel free to engage with them as they love to answer questions you may have about life in Norway.
Outside, you will find over 160 historic buildings. These are real buildings from different parts of rural Norway and Christiania. You will be able to walk inside most of them and see traditional decoration (lots of rosemaling) and furnishings.
One of the highlights of a trip here is seeing Gol Stave Church that dates back to 1200! Inside you will be able to see ancient religious paintings and wood carvings.
Throughout the year, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History puts on various events. In the summer months, you will find things like stilt walking and dance demonstrations, and in the winter, you will find a Christmas market.
Be sure to try the freshly baked Lefsa no matter which time of year you go, it is a real treat.
One thing you will want to consider before coming here is the weather. Much of what you will do will be outside and there is quite a bit of walking involved. In the summer, dress in layers and in the winter, where your waterproof hiking boots as you may find quite a bit of snow on the ground.
Nevertheless, the open air museum is a lovely way to spend the day engaging in Norway’s history.
The Fjords
Nærøyfjord
Cruising Norway’s Fjords
Norway’s fjords are glacier-carved wonders of nature that are breathtakingly beautiful to see. If you’re visiting Bergen or one of the smaller Norwegian towns along the coast, a day cruise to one of the many fjords is something you could easily do but if you're looking for a bucket list experience,
why not take a longer cruise and see as many fjords in Norway as you can?. The fjords of Norway are magnificent valleys with calm waterways and soaring cliffs. There are so many fjords, it’s difficult to choose which to visit, which is why cruising the fjords of Norway is an experience for your bucket list.
The spectacular scenery consists of waterfalls, green cliffs, and charming coastal villages. Shore excursions are a mix of scenic tours, visiting museums and cultural experiences with Norway’s Sami people. Active travelers also can go hiking and kayaking. And cruising the fjords is one of the
best ways to see the Northern Lights.
With accommodation and food prices in Norway being sky high, a cruise is also an affordable way to see the country. Many cruises start or end in Bergen, which is worth spending some time exploring for a few days, and most cruises last from six to 14 days. Most cruises offer excursions at Geirangerfjord and some will take you as far north as the Arctic Circle. Other popular Norwegian fjords are Hardangerfjord, Sognefjord (the longest and deepest fjord), Lysefjord and Tysfjorden. Choices of cruise ships range from the local ferry to large ocean liners.
Christina Pfeiffer, Travel2next.com
Scenic Drives in Norway
Andoya Scenic Route in Vesteralen
Andoya Scenic Route is a 50 km stretch of road along the western coast of Andoya island in Vesteralen archipelago, Northern Norway. Although it covers a relatively short distance, the scenic route delivers on magnificent views and ever-changing landscape.
Starting in Bjornskinn at the southern end of the island, the route first runs tightly squeezed between rugged mountains and rocky coast, with ever blue waters of the ocean stretching over the horizon. Soon, the mountains are left behind and you’ll enter a new world. Before your eyes are green marshlands and swamps – unique to Vesteralen islands they cover over 1/3 of Andoya. Look out for moose, you may spot one if lucky!
Past marshlands, you’ll enter a new world again. Only this time the views are even more incredible as you’ll drive along a narrow valley between rough hills! At the end of the route is Andenes, the largest settlement on the island, surrounded by dozens of small, white-sanded beaches and dunes.
If you’re a keen hiker, why not stop along the way and enjoy a short walk? We recommend hiking to Matinden, an amazing viewpoint over the ocean, rocky cliffs and to a small sandy beach. The hike can be started either from Bangtua or Bleik. For beach walks enthusiasts we recommend stopping by in Blek, Toften or Bo. There you’ll find the best sandy beaches on Andoya.
Or why not explore the small villages dotted along the scenic route? Their colorful, wooden houses beautifully contrast with the rough landscape around, softening the sights.
The scenic route is special for one more reason. Along the road, you’ll be able to visit a space center and a real space ship! Space Ship Aurora is open for visitors and one of a kind experience! Having explored the Andoya Scenic Route you’ll definitely feel that the 50 km route couldn’t be
more varied and you’ll long to share the experience! Enjoy!
Ela & Bea, StunningOutdoors.com
The Atlantic Road
The Atlantic Road is in the midwest part of Norway’s Atlantic coast and is one of the most scenic drives in the world and definitely a bucket list adventure. The road hugs the coastline along a short 8km section.
It is remote and rugged and in the winter months during storms, the road will be under the waves crashing in from the north Atlantic. It has a roller coaster feel as you drive with dips and corners as well as very bendy bridges.
The Atlantic Road is part of Norwegian National Road 64 between Kristiansund and Molde. It joins a number of small islands together over some of the most spectacular bridges. The largest, Storseisundet Bridge, rises 26m above the sea below and is more than 200m long. In the middle, it bends around the corner making it feel as if the road is going to disappear. There are stopping places either side of the bridge with beautiful walks possible allowing you to see the bridge from a different perspective. The bridge really is a stunning feat of engineering.
As well as the road there are a number of small beaches which are perfect for exploring. At the southern end of the bridges, there is Vevang, a stone barrow dating back 3000 years. Tucked down side roads are hidden harbors and lighthouses and all the while mountains rise away from the shoreline. This area has a lot to offer in a very small area and whilst it is easy to drive the bridges and just carry on, it really is worth stopping to explore the villages on the islands.
Suzanne, Meandering Wild
Hiking Bucket List
Besseggen hike, Jotunheimen National Park
Besseggen hike in Jotunheimen National Park is one of the most spectacular hikes in Norway, and should definitely be on your Norway bucket list. However, it is not an easy one. What no one tells you is that the steepest part is actually free climbing straight up while you have Gjende lake 700 meters straight down on your right side and Bessvatnet lake 300 meters down on your left. The highest point is 1743 meters.
The hike normally takes 6-8 hours so you will need to bring food and snacks for the day. And don’t forget enough water. The never-ending views through the entire trek are breathtaking, though, so you won’t have issues finding a good spot to have your lunch.
The hike is a one-way trek, and it starts in Gjendesheim. From there you can either hike the “hard” way and walk down the steepest part (which will give you the best views the whole way) and return with a ferry or you can take the ferry to start on the other side and walk back to Gjendesheim. The latter option is the most popular one, and if you have slight vertigo (like me) you might find it safer to climb up the steepest point.
There are numerous hotels and camping grounds in Jotunheimen National Park not too far from the hikes starting point. If you don’t have a car to get you there, there are direct buses from Oslo every day in the summer months.
Linn, Brainy Backpackers
Kjeragbolten Hike
A very popular hike in Norway is to Kjeragbolten. Standing on Kjeragbolten is on a lot of people’s bucket lists. It is truly an amazing experience, one that you will never forget! To avoid spending a long time in a queue to step on the rock, I suggest setting off early in the morning on this hike! You will need to pay for parking, so have some coins with you! You will walk through some beautiful scenery along your way: gorgeous meadows with flowers, snowy and rocky areas, impressive cliffs, and waterfalls. There will be also lots of streams next to the trail so you won’t need to carry lots of water with you, as they are perfect to refill your water bottle. Nothing better to drink, than refreshing Norwegian stream water! The hiking trail is quite challenging, some parts there are chains to help you climb. Good hiking boots are recommended!
At the top, you will have to make the decision whether you will stand on Kjeragbolten or not. While it is an unforgettable and very special experience, you should not do it, if you don’t feel comfortable about it. Doing the hike is still worth it, even if you don’t stand on Kjeragbolten, as the scenery is gorgeous throughout the hike. This 12 km round trip hike can take 5-8 hours. I have seen children as young as 6 do this hike, so if they are used to going hiking with you, it is possible, but take good care of them along the way and leave plenty of time for the journey to get back before dark.
Enikő, Travel Hacker Girl
Preikestolen Hike
The Preikestolen Hike (in English Pulpit Rock) is one of the most iconic trails in Norway. The easiest way to approach the trailhead is from Stavanger by own car or using the shuttle bus. It takes about 2 hours.
The hike is an 8 km long roundtrip and takes 3-5 hours to complete, depending on your fitness. We spent a bit more than 4 hours to complete it with our 2-year-old boy, but if your kids walk on their own, count plenty of extra time.
The trail is moderately demanding with a few steeper sections, while the last part is more exposed and leads along the Lysefjord.
When you finally reach the Pulpit Rock, you will see the deep fjord spreading below you, while your friends can take the compulsory photo of you. If you do the hike at the beginning of at the end of the hiking season, you may end up alone on the top, just like we did in April.
Our Life, Our Travel
Trolltunga Hike
Norway is known for its beautiful fjords and hikes and one of the most iconic hikes in Norway is Trolltunga, known as Troll’s Tongue. Trolltunga is a Norway bucket list if you are into hiking and nature or simply want that iconic photo at the summit. It gained overnight popularity due to its social media exposure but the hike itself is also very beautiful and scenic.
Trolltunga trail is located not too far from the town of Odda in southwestern Norway; the closest large city to Trolltunga is Bergen. The hike itself is 28km (~17miles) long round trip which takes about 10-12 hours at an average speed. Located about 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, Trolltunga is not an easy hike because of the length and elevation.
From hike starts at Skjeggedal carpark, with a strenuous 1km steep climb before the terrain levels out. After the first steep climb made of stone steps, the hike becomes steep again around km 3-5 then eventually becomes relatively flat after that. There is also a shuttle connecting from the Skjeggedal carpark to an upper car park that significantly shortens the hike.
Trolltunga gets very crowded in the summer because between mid-June to mid-September is the only time you can hike Trolltunga without a guide. There is usually a line waiting at the base of the “tongue” in order to take the iconic photo. If you want to enjoy Trolltunga you should get there as early as possible and start hiking no later than 7 am. During peak summer months, the line to take a photo on the “tongue” can take over an hour or two.
Hiking in Lofoten
Lofoten Archipelago (often referred to it as Island) is one of the most spectacular parts of Norway with its steep mountains and fjords. It is a spectacular location for non-hikers too, but if you are a nature-lover, you should definitely add it to your bucket list.
Our favorite hike started near Sørvågen settlement. On the first day, we climbed to Munkebu hut where we set up our tent and continued our with smaller weight and returned to our tent only by sunset.
The hike to Munkebu is about 11 km roundtrip which you can extend based on your fitness. You can do the trail as a day-hike as well, but why not to enjoy this beautiful scenery for an extended time? If you look for a shorter and easier option, head to the Sørvågenvatnet (lake) loop trail. It is only 2.5 km long.
Our Life, Our Travel
Travel Resources
There is nothing better than a relaxed holiday. To ensure your rest, make sure you reserve and book your accommodation and transportation in advance of your trip.
- Don’t forget to insure yourself during your travels: SafetyWing. Check out their policies HERE. It also covers several virus-related expenses.
- Look for the best prices on flight tickets, hotels, and car rentals: Expedia
- Car rental: SIXt
- Accommodation: Booking.com, Agoda or Hostelworld if you travel on a budget. Don’t forget that you can search for Apartments also on Booking.
- Activities: GetYourGuide
- Opinions on hotels and restaurants: TripAdvisor
- Was your flight canceled or delayed? Get up to 600€ back with the help of Compansair!
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About the Author
Katalin
Katalin is a Lapland-based outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, road-tripping, and traveling with her family. She spends her free time far away from civilization in one of the national parks around the world, explores off-the-beaten-path places, or hops on a road trip with her kids in an RV.
Read more about her adventures and the blog.
I also enjoyed hiking at Lofoten many of the times in my whole life and every time get great experience there.
It’s a magical place, hopefully we can revisit it soon too.