The second happiest nation on the earth (in keeping with the United Nations World Happiness Report) can be one in all my favorite nations!
It’s a troublesome selection in such a pristine and delightful nation, however I’d like to share a few of its particular locations with you based mostly on my many visits…
That is what Norway is turning into most well-known for! The UNESCO-listed Fjords are actually showing on many travellers’ bucket lists, and with good cause—they’re one of the naturally stunning and dramatic landscapes in Europe and are one of many prime sights within the Scandinavian nation.
The glacial valleys are eerily silent and surrounded by excessive mountains and waterfalls, which give the realm an otherworldly magnificence.
Sognefjord is the longest, deepest, and most celebrated of the nation’s waterways, carefully adopted by Hardangerfjord, and I’d advocate a go to.
You also needs to go to the Jostedalsbreen glacier (the most important ice sheet in Europe), Nordfjord, and Geirangerfjord, maybe probably the most scenically spectacular of all of the fjords.
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Scattered over a row of islands on the western coast of Norway, Ålesund is a thriving fishing city that – following an enormous hearth in 1904 – was rebuilt in a fantastically vibrant Artwork Nouveau model. I used to be enamoured!
It boasts a vibrant tradition, glorious purchasing alternatives, and views over the realm from Mount Aksla. I recommend absorbing the city’s distinctive environment earlier than heading out on a guided tour of the fjords.
Additionally, don’t miss the breathtaking Geirangerfjord for beautiful picture alternatives!
That is an insanely beautiful location and one of the spectacular scenic cliffs within the nation – however it’s just for the courageous!
In any other case referred to as the ‘troll’s tongue’, it was fashioned in the course of the ice age when a glacial water froze a hunk of this mountain and brought on it to interrupt off, leaving a skinny protruding ledge which hovers about 2,300 ft above the lake under.
For those who’re up for the problem, it’s solely a four-hour trek for a lifetime picture alternative! Simply keep in mind to be very cautious!
4. Bergen
The wet however stunning metropolis of Bergen was apparently the inspiration for the fictional Frozen within the hit Disney animation.
The picturesque metropolis is among the prettiest within the Nordic nation and is peppered with medieval buildings, Norwegian church buildings, and vibrant timber homes.
It’s a laid-back place with a collection of good museums, quirky impartial shops, and al fresco cafes however I personally suppose the most important draw is its standing as being the gateway to the well-known fjords!
- Location: Southwestern coast of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer season (for gentle climate, festivals, and exploring the historic waterfront).
- Actions on supply: Driving the Fløibanen funicular, exploring Bryggen Wharf, mountaineering Mount Fløyen, and visiting museums.
- Lodging: Lodge Zander Ok, Det Hanseatiske Lodge, and Clarion Lodge Admiral.
- Map Location and Instructions
5. Lofoten Islands
This scenic, unspoilt archipelago is one in all Europe’s best-kept secrets and techniques! Although the gathering of islands lies throughout the Arctic Circle, they’re blessed with hotter temperatures because of the Gulf Stream.
It’s a fantastically conventional place the place life is straightforward, and tourism is minimal. That is the place whale watching, spectacular walks, and surroundings await!
To crank the romance issue up a gear I’d advocate staying in one of many cosy fisherman’s cabins, surrounded by nonetheless blue waters and unspoilt mountain landscapes that need to be seen to be believed!
- Location: Northern a part of the nation, throughout the Arctic Circle.
- Finest time to go to: Summer season (for the Midnight Solar, lengthy days, and water actions like kayaking).
- Actions on supply: Mountaineering, kayaking, visiting conventional fishing villages, wildlife viewing, and mountaineering at Svolvaergeita.
- Lodging: Scandic Svolvaer, Nusfjord Arctic Resort, and Reine Rorbuer.
- Map Location and Instructions
6. Oslo
Even Norway’s capital is enticing! Sure, it’s costly, and sure, it doesn’t have an extended checklist of world-famous sights, however Oslo is clear, laid-back, and surrounded by a fantastic fjord and acres of lush woodland.
The structure is an eclectic mixture of previous and new. The underrated metropolis boasts some world-class museums, together with the Nationwide Gallery, which homes Edvard Munch’s well-known portray, ‘The Scream.’
- Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer season (for cultural festivals, gentle temperatures, and metropolis sightseeing).
- Actions on supply: Visiting museums, exploring Vigeland Sculpture Park, fjord cruises, mountaineering in Nordmarka, and having fun with native delicacies.
- Lodging: Thon Lodge Rosenkrantz, Lodge Continental, and Lodge Bristol.
- Map Location and Instructions
7. Flam
The impossibly fairly village of Flam is situated within the fjords of southwestern Norway. Dwelling to museums that really showcase and spotlight the historical past of this metropolis, as a customer, you’ll be capable of go on an explorative journey with the Flam Railway, which can present you town in a means that strolling by it simply can’t.
Flam Railway runs by one of many wildest landscapes within the nation and has been known as one of the best practice journey on the earth.
When you’re completed, chances are you’ll need to take a fast journey to the Flam Railway Museum and even head to Stegastein, the viewing platform over Aurlandsfjord, which stretches 30 metres throughout the land.
- Location: Western a part of the nation, within the Aurland municipality.
- Finest time to go to: Late Spring to Early Fall (for scenic practice rides and outside actions).
- Actions on supply: Driving the Flåm Railway, fjord cruises, kayaking, RIB boat excursions, and mountaineering trails in Aurlandsfjord.
- Lodging: Fretheim Lodge, Flåmsbrygga Lodge, and Heimly Guesthouse.
- Map Location and Instructions
8. Skudeneshavn
Norway’s best-preserved crusing ship city is situated on the southernmost tip of the normal island of Karmøy in Norway. A thriving port for the reason that nineteenth century, at this time it’s a postcard-pretty place with baggage of scenic appeal.
I’d recommend heading for the beautiful previous city crammed with picket homes, twisting slim roads (with virtually no visitors) and boat moorings, cafes, outlets, and galleries.
Anticipate to see greater than 200 white picket buildings that their house owners have lovingly restored and maintained.
- Location: Southwestern coast, on the island of Karmøy.
- Finest time to go to: Summer season (for heat temperatures and coastal walks by the charming village).
- Actions on supply: Strolling excursions by historic streets, visiting the previous city, exploring close by seashores, and having fun with native seafood.
- Lodging: Parken Terrace Lodge, Karmøy Kystferie, and Skudenes Tenting.
- Map Location and Instructions
9. Fredrikstad
There are three fortress cities in Norway, however this one claims to be one of many best-preserved previous cities in Scandinavia, and for my part, it’s one of many prettiest to go to.
The Previous City has a mixture of conventional shops and vintage outlets, all framed throughout the extraordinary fortress partitions.
Simply exterior the fortress, you’ll discover a picture-postcard village with cobbled streets, a cathedral with stained-glass work by Emanuel Vigeland, and a steeple that additionally doubles as a lighthouse.
- Location: Southeastern a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer season (for exploring the previous city and having fun with outside actions by the river).
- Actions on supply: Exploring the previous city, biking alongside the river, strolling excursions, and having fun with native markets.
- Lodging: Lodge Fredrikstad, High quality Lodge Fredrikstad, and Gamlebyen Hotell.
- Map Location and Instructions
10. Jotunheimen Nationwide Park
Boasting the most important focus of mountains increased than 2,000 metres in Northern Europe, the centrally situated Jotunheimen Nationwide Park is among the hottest nationwide parks to journey to in Norway.
Encompassing a number of mountain ranges—together with Norway’s 29 highest peaks—the realm attracts hikers, cross-country and alpine skiers, cyclists, and climbers from throughout Europe.
Along with distinctive natural world, count on to catch a glimpse of the wildlife that calls the park house, together with reindeer, fox, marten, mink, wolverines, lynx, and even the uncommon golden eagle.
- Location: Central a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer season (for mountaineering trails and having fun with Norway’s highest peaks.
- Actions on supply: Mountaineering, mountaineering, wildlife viewing, glacier walks, and tenting.
- Lodging: Elveseter Lodge, Spiterstulen Lodge, and Gjendesheim Vacationer Lodge.
- Map Location and Instructions
11. Svalbard
Followers of untouched landscapes will love Svalbard, an archipelago between the Norwegian Sea, the Arctic Ocean, the Barents Sea, and the Greenland Sea.
It’s a particularly mysterious place crammed with wild, craggy mountains and pristine glaciers. It is among the northernmost completely inhabited spots on the planet (however lower than 3,000 individuals dwell there).
Svalbard is a superb vacation spot in Norway for wild recognizing. An abundance of animals, together with polar bears, reindeer, walruses, and polar foxes, wander the wild, lonely lands.
- Location: Arctic Ocean, north of mainland Norway.
- Finest time to go to: Late Spring to Summer season (for experiencing the Midnight Solar and wildlife sightings).
- Actions on supply: Glacier kayaking, mountaineering, snowmobiling, canine sledding, and wildlife viewing, together with polar bears.
- Lodging: Radisson Blu Polar Lodge, Svalbard Lodge, and Basecamp Lodge.
- Map Location and Instructions
12. Reine
The fishing village of Reine is nestled securely on the mouth of Reinefjord within the west of Lofoten, however this naturally stunning Norwegian place deserves a point out.
Inside this mountainous village, you’ll find your pleasures on the open sea with native fishermen trying to discover the catch of their lives out on the oceans.
There’s additionally extraordinarily accessible kayaking for any individuals. Reine is the last word place to discover a piece of your self out on the outskirts, mountaineering by the mountains to search out absolutely the excellent place to sit down and take within the aurora in one of many clearest skies you’ll come throughout anyplace on the earth.
- Location: Northern a part of the nation, within the Lofoten archipelago.
- Finest time to go to: Summer season (for scenic hikes and views of the fjords in the course of the Midnight Solar).
- Actions on supply: Mountaineering Reinebringen, boat excursions by fjords, fishing, and pictures.
- Lodging: Reine Rorbuer, Eliassen Rorbuer, and Sakrisøy Rorbuer.
- Map Location and Instructions
13. Mjelle seaside, Bodø
Everytime you stroll by a seaside city, you virtually count on the air of seawater and seaweed—an odd however nice scent most welcome as you journey in the direction of the gorgeous Mjelle seaside.
This seaside has been known as a photographer’s paradise in Norway due to its pure, virtually magical surroundings.
The seaside itself is simply half an hour’s drive from Bodø, and the locals can be comfortable to let you know some fascinating tales in regards to the Crimson Seashore, which is claimed to be infused with gemstone particles.
- Location: Northern a part of the nation, close to Bodø.
- Finest time to go to: Summer season (for having fun with the seaside, lengthy daylight, and delightful coastal views).
- Actions on supply: Swimming, mountaineering, seaside walks, and having fun with coastal views.
- Lodging: Scandic Havet, Thon Lodge Nordlys, and Bodø Hostel & Motel.
- Map Location and Instructions
14. Rondane Nationwide Park
For those who’re extra of an adventurer searching for the following mountain to take you to unbelievable heights and views, look no additional than Rondane Nationwide Park.
This tranquil mountain vary is the proper place all 12 months spherical – from summer season mountaineering to winter snowboarding and every little thing in between.
Rondane is the oldest Nationwide Park in Norway. Its a number of areas are wealthy in plants, including to its magnificence.
- Location: Japanese a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer season (for mountaineering and having fun with Norway’s oldest nationwide park).
- Actions on supply: Mountaineering, wildlife recognizing, pictures, and tenting.
- Lodging: Rondane Høyfjellshotell, Spidsbergseter Resort, and Rondvassbu Lodge.
- Map Location and Instructions
15. Trondheim
It might not look like Trondheim is a big metropolis in comparison with these you’ll have seen elsewhere on the earth, however in Norway, it’s really the third largest obtainable and was as soon as the nation’s capital.
There are a number of historic and nice landmarks that any vacationer ought to attempt to see once they go to, together with the medieval Nidaros Cathedral and the sturdy Kristiansten Fortress, each of which have excursions obtainable by varied organisations.
One other notable landmark inside Trondheim is the Previous City Bridge, with its pink portal buildings, inbuilt 1681 and overlooking the river.
- Location: Central a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer season (for festivals, cultural occasions, and exploring the Nidaros Cathedral).
- Actions on supply: Visiting Nidaros Cathedral, exploring Bakklandet, biking alongside the river, and having fun with native delicacies.
- Lodging: Britannia Lodge, Clarion Lodge Trondheim, and Scandic Nidelven Lodge.
- Map Location and Instructions
16. Stavanger
This metropolis, situated in southwest Norway, is a gem! It’s house to the hanging Tenth-century Stavanger Cathedral and vibrant homes.
The Stavanger area can be awash with breathtaking environment and lengthy, white seashores that add much more mystifying touches to the realm.
For the hikers amongst you, the favored Preikestolen gives a mountainous hike up a cliff that’s 604 metres in top and has a solidly flat prime – supplying you with a number of the greatest panoramic views round.
- Location: Southwestern coast of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer season (for mountaineering to Pulpit Rock and having fun with outside actions alongside the coast)
- Actions on supply: Mountaineering to Pulpit Rock, fjord cruises, exploring the previous city, and visiting museums.
- Lodging: Ydalir Lodge, Radisson Blu Atlantic Lodge, and Clarion Lodge Stavanger.
- Map Location and Instructions
17. Nigardsbreen Glacier
Glaciers are pure wonders which might be typically seen from afar. Nonetheless, glacier guiding is sort of well-liked at Nigardsbreen, the place skilled guides are comfortable to take you and your kids on protected walks among the many blue ice.
It’s a shocking pure attraction and an expertise like no different for anybody over 5. You possibly can gaze into the ice at shut vary and get misplaced within the spectacular actuality of one of the accessible branches of the Josteldalsbreen Glacier.
Think about strolling alongside an ice construction encompassing a complete space and is so fantastically fashioned that it seems to be like blue crystal glass even on a dim day—that’s what this expertise gives!
- Location: Western a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer season (for glacier mountaineering with guided excursions and favorable climate situations).
- Actions on supply: Glacier mountaineering, guided excursions, pictures, and visiting close by lakes.
- Lodging: Nigardsbreen Lodge, Jostedal Lodge, and Sognefjord Lodge.
- Map Location and Instructions
18. Femundsmarka Nationwide Park
Femundsmarka Nationwide Park is among the largest areas of steady and unspoiled wilderness. When searching for a calming day of strolling, you’re trying on the excellent spot.
Miles of land await enthusiastic exploration, and the park even gives a number of nice canoeing and fishing places.
The Norwegian Trekking Affiliation has known as it among the finest three mountaineering areas in Norway, and judging by the views among the many timber, we’d need to agree.
It might be doable to stroll for hours and by no means come throughout one other individual throughout your travels, excellent for anybody trying to return to nature in stunning Norway and uncover one thing about themselves.
- Location: Japanese a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Late Spring to Summer season (for mountaineering, fishing, and exploring Norway’s wilderness).
- Actions on supply: Mountaineering, fishing, canoeing, wildlife viewing, and tenting.
- Lodging: Røros Lodge, Femund Fjellstue, and Roste Hyttetun & Tenting.
- Map Location and Instructions
19. Solund, Sogn og Fjordane
This place is completely charming! Due to the 1700 islands, islets, and skerries (give or take) to the west of Norway, boats have taken to islands, hopping between them. Solund has turn out to be a well-liked boating, fishing, and kayaking vacation spot.
The infinite islands supply nice wind and wave safety when the climate isn’t nice, however on sunnier days, chances are you’ll journey a brief distance to the open sea.
In fact, many actions on land embrace marked mountaineering trails and biking routes surrounded by pure magnificence. Summer season in Solund additionally boasts guided excursions that may take you to Utvær.
- Location: Western a part of the nation, within the Sognefjord area.
- Finest time to go to: Summer season (for boating, mountaineering, and exploring the scenic archipelago).
- Actions on supply: Boating, kayaking, mountaineering coastal trails, and exploring the archipelago.
- Lodging: Solund Leilighetshotell, Hardbakke Gjestehus, and Solund Rorbuferie.
- Map Location and Instructions
20. Henningsvær
Henningsvær is situated amongst a number of small islands off the coast of Austvågøya. It’s a notable fishing location, however the principle attraction on this stunning nook of the nation is the unbelievable views from anyplace within the village.
Henningsvær has been known as “the Venice of the North,” likening the small village to the magnificent space of Italy that everybody is aware of and praises. Why? as a result of Henningsvær is house to a world-colliding mixture of conventional and fashionable structure that appears to clutch the ocean in its grasp.
The doorway to the village, a slim waterside street on the base of the mountain, is, for my part, one of the simplest ways to begin your Norway journey! Get pleasure from!
- Location: Northern a part of the nation, within the Lofoten archipelago.
- Finest time to go to: Summer season (for having fun with the fishing village’s distinctive appeal and scenic views underneath the Midnight Solar).
- Actions on supply: Strolling by the village, kayaking, mountaineering, and exploring artwork galleries.
- Lodging: Henningsvær Bryggehotell, Lofoten Arctic Lodge, and Finnholmen Brygge.
- Map Location and Instructions
Location of Norway
Norway is situated within the Nordic space of Northern Europe and the North Atlantic, together with Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.
