Our top sights in Norway at a glance
Norway absolutely fascinated me. I also saw my first aurora borealis there. Wow - this country is unique. Whether you enjoy the contrast of turquoise sea and snow-capped peaks or huge fjords that just won't end, it just keeps getting wackier. Here's an overview of our top sights in Norway.
Bryggen, Bergen. Norway is simply always a dream
Geirangerfjord
Lofoten
Nordkapp
Oslo
Bergen with Bryggen
Preikestolen
Railway Oslo-Bergen
Hardangerfjord
Hopperstad Stave Church
Tvindefossen
Hurtigruten coastal ferry
Jotunheimen National Park
Spitsbergen
Ålesund
Tromsø
Molde
Trondheim
Varangerhalvøya National Park
Lillehammer (World Cup)
Hvaler Islands
By the way, Norway is one of the best countries to emigrate to.
1. Geirangerfjord
The famous Geirangerfjord is absolutely unique
An ice-cold breeze hits me in the face as I go out on deck. The view takes my breath away. From the harbour in Geiranger , the ship sets off for the trip on the huge Geirangerfjord(Google Maps). The fjord stretches 20 kilometres through the landscape. Accompanied by impressive cliffs, beautiful huge waterfalls cascading down and screeching seagulls flying over my head.
The boat route on the famous Geirangerfjord is one of the world's top routes and attractions. The fjord is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This could be due to the emerald-green water and the misty veils of the cascades, among other things. You feel a little like you're in a fairyland here. "Seven sisters" (De syv søstrene), the "suitor" (Friaren) and the "bridal veil" (Brudesløret) are the names of the cascades.
The fjord is certified as a sustainable destination. A few more tips: the Viking port of Hellesylt is well worth a visit. As you can see, there are some great sights to see in Geirangerfjord alone.
2. Lofoten
The small village of Reine is by far the most famous photo spot in Lofoten.
One of the most spectacular regions on the planet, Lofoten is a Norwegian archipelago in northern Norway and holds incredibly beautiful scenery and breathtaking sights. The most famous islands are called Austvågøya, Skrova, Gimsøy, Vestvågøy, Flakstadøy, Moskenesøy, Værøy and Røst.
I was particularly taken with the village of Reine. Here I saw the most beautiful sunrise of my life. What makes Lofoten so special are the beautiful beaches with turquoise water and the huge, white-covered mountains towering behind them.
We have summarised all the information on how to get to Lofoten, the top sights in Lofoten and lots of interesting facts in our articles.
Lofoten: An icy winter landscape in the light of the setting evening sun
My tip: Check out Unstad Beach, Lødingen Beach, Flakstad Beach, Rørvik White Sands Beach, Haukland Beach, Hovsund Harbour, Hamnøy, Hoven and the Vareid coast.
3. north cape
Finally, I have the most important sight in Norway for you: Nordkapp (North Cape). So far and for many people unreached. Nevertheless, if you want to go on a road trip through Norway, or if you want to see the highlights in general, then you have to go to the North Cape. In Norwegian, the place is written with two 'pp', i.e. Nordkapp.
Nordkapp is almost the northernmost point in Europe. Almost, because the northernmost point of the mainland is Kinnarodden on the Nordkinn Peninsula. The largest section of Nordkapp is on the island of Magerøya, while a smaller section belongs to the mainland. On the island of Magerøya you will find Nordkapp. This is a shale plateau that rises very steeply and imposingly out of the sea.
There is also a sculpture in the shape of a globe on the palteau. Of course, this is THE photo spot. Everyone takes a photo here at this memorable spot.
4 Oslo
The New Opera House is practically right next to the main railway station.
The capital of Norway must of course not be missing from the list of sights. Oslo (Google Maps) is one of the most attractive cities in Scandinavia.
I can especially recommend our article on the top sights in Oslo. The city's street art is particularly outstanding. Be sure to check out the Toyen district. When it gets dark, pay a visit to the Oslo Tree, which is always lit up. The white New Opera House is also a sight to behold.
The Ekeberg Sculpture Park is also very impressive. The new hotspot for hipsters is the Oslobukta district. The name is new. This is the district around Bjørvika, from the New Opera House to the Sørenga district. Especially on weekends, there is a lot going on in Vigeland Park. You have a particularly beautiful view of the area around the city from Vettakollen(Google Maps). But the promenade at the New Harbour also invites you to take a walk.
⭐ How to photograph the northern lights
Norway is famous for its impressive auroras. It is an indescribable feeling when you see the dancing lights with your own eyes in the darkness. For me, it was an indescribably great sight that enchanted me and at the same time made me addicted to the auroras.
Northern lights over Vareid - the first in our lives in Lofoten
But how do you photograph auroras well? We'll explain in our special article on photographing auroras.
5 Bergen with Bryggen
View over Bergen in Norway - we hung up our hammock here
Bergen(Google Maps) is one of the rainiest cities in Europe. So be sure to take rain gear. We've listed all the things you can do in Bergen when it's raining in the article.
The sight you absolutely must not miss in Bergen is the historic Hanseatic quarter of Bryggen. Bryggen means "landing stage" in German. Bryggen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, all the houses are still restored according to old craftsmanship traditions. Only pine wood is used.
Twilight in Bergen: The mirror-smooth water makes for a calm picture. This was a very great moment
But the museums in Bergen are also highly recommended. For example, the Kode Museum and the Hanseatic Museum. The best view of the city is from Ulriken. You can hike up there or take the train. We did the most famous hike, from Ulriken to Fløyen.
6 Preikestolen
Preikestolen is THE Instagram hotspot in Norway.
For a few years now, Preikestolen (also Prekestolen) has been THE photo hotspot par excellence and, of course, one of the most visited sights in Norway(Google Maps). This is a huge rock platform that is about 25 metres by 25 metres. You look out over the Lysefjord from here.
The hike in the Norwegian province of Rogaland is popular. The best time to hike is from May to October. The tour takes about four hours in total.
7. railway Oslo-Bergen
You can travel comfortably from Oslo to Bergen by train . By the way, the route is said to be one of the most beautiful in the world. No wonder, because you travel through breathtaking scenery and can look out of the window in comfort. At the beginning, the train travels through the forests of southern Norway.
Then the line crosses the largest plateau in Europe, the Hardangervidda(Google Maps). Of course, the view from the train is not as spectacular as from the boat, but you always get a glimpse of how vast and majestic the Hardangerfjord is. The most famous line is the Bergen Railway.
The Royal Castle is a must on any tour of Oslo.
Tip: If you fancy a thrill, we recommend the Flåm Railway. It descends from the Hardanger plateau to the Fjordland. It is one of the steepest railway lines in the world.
8 Hardangerfjord
On the boat on the Hardangerfjord - one of the largest fjords in Norway
The Hardanger area is breathtakingly beautiful. The Hardangerfjord(Google Maps) is the second longest fjord in Norway. On the trip you will see fjords, mountains, waterfalls, glaciers and fruit farms. Our tip if you want to see a lot but don't have much time: a nutshell tour.
The Hardangerfjord is huge and very impressive. No wonder, it is the second longest fjord in Norway.
From Bergen, we took the public bus to Norheimsund. From there we took the boat to Eidfjord. And now comes the boat tour on the Hardangerfjord, which is more than spectacular.
I recommend visiting the Norsk Natursenter and the waterfall Vøringsfossen.
On the way to Eidfjord by boat, you pass under the Hardanger Bridge. At 1380 metres long and 55 metres high, it is Norway's longest suspension bridge. The steel for the bridge alone weighs 55,000 tonnes, and the bridge piers are 200 metres high.
We couldn't close our mouths in amazement. This bridge is definitely extremely impressive.
The huge Hardanger Bridge in the Hardanger Fjord
Recommended travel guides for your Norway round trip
Norway is huge. Therefore, you need to plan well which sights are important for you and which great places you want to visit in the country. I have a few recommended travel guides for you that can help you with your planning.
*Advertising link / Images from the Amazon Product Advertising API
9 Hopperstad Stave Church
Hopperstad Stave Church was built in 1640
Hopperstad Stave Church is considered one of the oldest churches in Norway and was built in 1140. The stave church is made entirely of wood. It is so black because it was stored in such a way that the pitch was able to come to the surface and give the wood its colour.
The entrance door of the stave church is decorated with beautiful wood carvings. The interior is also fascinating. I had never seen a church like this before.
The stave church is at the entrance to the village of Vik. Vik has roots that go back to the Viking Age. Among other things, there is an old day labourer settlement in the centre of the village. The ancient houses are in beautiful condition and on many a house wall you can find exciting information about who lived in it, what it was used for and much more. Also great is Kristian Otterskred's boat engine museum.
10 Tvindefossen
Tvindefossen is a very impressive waterfall.
Tvindefossen(Google Maps) is a huge waterfall near the village of Voss. This huge waterfall falls in large cascades down a stone wall. The water flows 152 metres down.
The impressive natural spectacle is definitely worth seeing and is a grandiose natural spectacle. Please note the barriers, they are not erected here for nothing.
11 Hurtigruten coastal ferry
The Hurtigruten mail route starts here in Bergen.
The Hurtigruten coastal ferry sails between Bergen and Kirkenes(Google Maps). This is the official mail route. This tour on the fjord is absolutely spectacular. The ferry docks at places that are not even accessible by car. Sounds exciting, doesn't it? You will see 34 harbours, over 100 fjords and 1,000 mountains.
While you're on the boat, you'll cross the Arctic Circle. So don't miss out on this tour. In total, this trip takes five to six days. What may sound boring is actually very spectacular, because you will pass one of the most beautiful coasts of Norway during the trip. You can find the timetable on the Hurtigruten website.
12 Jotunheimen National Park
The Jotunheimen National Park in Norway convinces with its beautiful landscape.
The highest peaks in Norway can be found in Jotunheimen National Park. The national park is perfect for hikers and active holidaymakers. There are high mountains and glaciers everywhere to explore. The national park has existed since 1980 to protect the flora and fauna there. Jotunheimen National Park is one of the most popular summer destinations in Europe.
In addition to the high mountains, eastern Norway is also characterised by waterfalls, rivers and lakes. Here you will find a great getaway for every taste. The Sognefjellet and Valdresflye area is particularly beautiful. One of the most popular hikes over the Besseggen ridge starts at the emerald-green lake Gjende.
Rafting in Norway - here we had to turn sideways. It worked
The two highest mountains are Galdhøpiggen at 2469 metres and Glittertind at 2464 metres. In the national park you will find over 50 marked routes for hiking. Rafting on the Sjoa River is also very popular.
13 Spitsbergen
Impressive glaciers in Spitsbergen
Spitsbergen (Svalbard) lies between the Norwegian mainland and the North Pole. Here you can experience real ice age. Glaciers, frozen tundra - the northernmost inhabited area in the world is very wild. Polar bears, Svalbard reindeer and arctic foxes live here. The main island is also called Spitsbergen. Because there are so many glaciers here, Antarctic research is carried out here.
Since about one sixth of the world's polar bears live on Spitsbergen(Google Maps), there are more bears here than people. Spitsbergen is known for its auroras, but also for the midnight sun. When it never gets dark in summer, a very special atmosphere spreads across the islands.
14. Ålesund
Alesund looks simply beautiful
Ålesund(Google Maps) is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture. The beautiful town lies at the entrance to the largest fjord, the Geirangerfjord. It is worthwhile to spend a long time exploring the town. After a fire in 1904, the town was rebuilt in Art Nouveau style.
Especially for families, the famous aquarium Atlanterhavspark is a popular attraction. You can even see penguins there.
Tip: Take a trip to nearby Mount Aksla. From up there you have a great view over the city.
15 Tromsø
This is the great view of Tromsø from the Fjellheisen cable car - Photo: Kurt Hossfeld
Another very famous sight in Norway that you should not miss is Tromsø(Google Maps). It is considered a cultural centre. The historic town centre is located on the island of Tromsø. Here you can see centuries-old wooden houses. They are very impressive. A stroll through the city is definitely worthwhile.
The town's landmark is the Ice Sea Cathedral. It was built in 1965. It is characterised by its distinctive pointed roof and stained glass windows.
16 Molde
The city of roses - that's Molde(Google Maps). A city full of rose bushes in Norway? I could hardly believe it. But it does exist. What's more, the coastal town has a perfect view of the island of Iceland. The city gardens of Mude are well known.
But not only the beautiful roses are worth a visit. The Molde panorama is breathtaking. 222 peaks face you here. It's a mighty sight that you won't soon forget. Molde is about a 7-hour drive from Oslo.
17 Trondheim
Sunset in Trondheim. In Norway you can experience unbelievably beautiful sunsets.
Trondheim (Google Maps) looks back on a long tradition. The city was founded as early as 997 by the Viking king Olav Tryggvason. The famous king is buried in Nidaros Cathedral. This is Norway's only Gothic cathedral. Especially the medieval statues should not be missed.
Norway is also famous for its music. At the Ringve Museum you can learn all about music history. The museum is housed in a stylish mansion.
18 Varangerhalvøya National Park
Nature conservation is a big deal in Norway. Varangerhalvøya National Park has been around since 2006 and its purpose is to protect the wild, untouched nature in Norway's north. The national park borders the Persfjorden-Syltefjorden Nature Reserve and the Syltefjorddalen Nature Reserve.
The highest mountain is Skipskjølen. In the national park you can go hiking, kayaking and cycling. For history buffs, the old Sami excavations are very exciting. Hunting utensils dating back 4,500 years have been found. A reindeer trap dates back to the 16th century.
19 Lillehammer (World Cup)
Lillehammer is a famous sports venue. The Winter Olympics were held here in 1994. In the Olympic Museum you can get a lot of information about this sporting highlight. But Norway's largest open-air museum, Maihaugen, is also well worth a visit.
The Lillehammer World Cup in December is also very exciting. You should definitely not miss it. You won't be this close to the winter sports action with real professionals again so soon.
We were fascinated by the Sjusjøen region near Lillehammer. Here we stayed in a cabin and could go directly to the cross-country ski trail. 350 kilometres of trails are available here for maximum cross-country skiing fun.
20 Hvaler Islands
If you've always wanted to explore Norway's most beautiful archipelago, then head to the Hval Islands. These stone islands in the province of Østfold in the south of Norway are totally diverse and will enchant you. In summer, the beautiful natural beaches are especially popular.
We went island hopping from island to island by boat and were thrilled. The islands of Vesterøy, Asmaløy, Spjaerøy and Kirkeøy are particularly beautiful. By boat you can get to the southernmost island, Herføl, but Nordre Sandoy is also worth a detour.
The fishing village of Utgårdskilen is also worth a visit. It is one of the largest fishing villages in Norway.
I hope you enjoyed my round trip through Norway. Another great thing is a tour on a dog sled. Maybe you can add that to your bucket list. The country is huge and has an impressive landscape. There really are an incredible number of sights to discover here.
Biggi Bauer
Biggi is a travel journalist, video creator, social media expert and co-founder of the travel blog Phototravellers. "I love discovering faraway countries and foreign cultures. And of course I love sunsets. My absolute favourite countries are Italy, Iceland and Ireland."
