The best things to do in Norway range from big-city excursions to journeys to admire the northern lights. Whether you're into the outdoors or urban excursions, this vast country has plenty of exciting things to offer, even in the remotest valleys and fjords.
If you are aiming to visit more than one place, you should plan your trip so that you make the best possible use of your time. We have picked the top places in the country to add to your travel itinerary. Read on to learn more about the must-see highlights and what Norway is most famous for.
What are the best things to do in Norway?
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Oslo
A big city with both nature and culture on its doorstep
- Families
- History
- Nightlife
- Shoppers
Oslo has more to offer than many realise, and is the perfect place for a city break with a variety of experiences. Start your day by taking the subway up to Holmenkollen and see the fantastic views of the city, before heading to Bygdøy and the fascinating museums. After a dose of culture, relax with a little shopping at Aker Brygge or a boat trip to the islands in the Oslo Fjord for a little dip. Finish off your day with a delicious meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and if you want to carry on partying, take in some of Oslo's vibrant nightlife with its impressive choice of concert venues, trendy bars and nightclubs.
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Tromsø
Where to see the northern lights
- Families
- Photo
Tromsø - "Paris of the North" - is the place for those who want to experience real northern Norwegian culture and see the beautiful northern lights. Maybe you'll be lucky and get to experience both at once! Many people think the city is at its most inviting in the winter months. If you come here in summer, you'll miss the northern lights, but you do get to experience some of the many festivals and outdoor activities that take place in the city. Once you're here, you should also set aside some time for an excursion to the fantastic Lyngen Alps, which are some of the most popular experiences in the region.
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Lofoten and Nordland
A Magical Island Kingdom where Sea and History are Ever-Present
- Adventure
- Photo
Imagine an endless row of islands, as if someone had just scattered them across a glassy sea. Imagine Lofoten, with yourself in the centre. Not all of Nordland is an island paradise, but you're never far from new experiences, cultural monuments and activities. The midnight sun shines from the end of May to mid-July over almost the entire archipelago, and everyone who loves to holiday here will say that this is the best time to visit. You can expect to find some of the most beautiful nature in Northern Norway here, so pack your hiking gear and fishing equipment and look forward to a nature experience like no other.
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Bergen
One of the prettiest cities in Norway
- Families
- Food
- History
It is claimed that people from Bergen are not like other Norwegians, and there's no doubt that this city is quite unique! Ever since Bergen lost its status as the capital of Norway, it has cultivated its own peculiarities and been extroverted in a way that other cities in the country can only dream of. The maritime traditions are evident everywhere; Fisketorvet and the UNESCO-protected Bryggen are still alive and relevant, and those interested in history can visit Bergenshus Fortress and Håkonshallen, which date back to Bergen's heyday. A trip up Fløyen for the beautiful views is a must, and if you head out of the city, look forward to some of Western Norway's most majestic fjords.
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Geirangerfjorden and Nordvestlandet
Eventyrfjorden - a Popular Attraction for Spectator Visitors
- Adventure
- Photo
- Unusual
It was in the Geirangerfjord that the Norwegian cruise adventure went from being just one of many offers to becoming a "must" for anyone visiting the Northwest. If you take the trip here, it's worth bringing an extra memory card for the camera because of the countless great shots and motics - from beautiful nature in Geiranger and the fjords to fascinating architecture in Ålesund. Legend has it that people from the Northwest are stingy, but we strongly disagree. The inhabitants here are super generous with both their time and attention, adding the finishing touch to your stay in one of the country's most picturesque regions.
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The Stavanger Region
This Oil Capital has a Culture Scene that has More to Offer than Just Black Gold
- Adventure
- Families
- Nightlife
Is Stavanger Norway's most international city? A long shipping history and a status as a key oil city has led to strong cosmopolitan influences in Stavanger. Around Vågen you will find restaurants of the highest quality, while the city's many stages feature world-class concerts and cultural events. For those who enjoy the outdoor life, the Stavanger region is the perfect base for climbing Pulpit Rock or to stand on Kjeragbolten and feel the wind in your ears. The Rogalendingers are naturally very proud of their history of Viking kings, and in Hafrsfjord you'll find perhaps one of the world's most famous monuments in memory of a time when Norway ruled the North Sea.
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Trondheim and Trøndelag
Rich History and Cultural Heritage Make Trøndelag an Exciting Destination
- Families
- Food
- Shoppers
Had it been up to the people of Trøndelag, then Trondheim would be the capital of Norway today. And Trondheim would have made a great capital: with Nidaros Cathedral, Stiftsgården and its central location in the country, this city has been an important hub in Norway since time began. Trøndelag is a very verdant county, representing much of Norway's fish and game as well as traditional farm produce - both on the plate and in the glass. And let's not forget Trønder rock! Music has an important place in the region's cultural heritage, alongside the Viking history with the battle of Stiklestad and the old buildings in Røros.
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Kristiansand and Sørlandet
Idylllic Surroundings a Stone's Throw from Europe
- Couples
- Families
- Nightlife
Kristiansand has far more to offer than soft consonants and its famous zoo. If you visit this charming city, expect great cultural experiences with an endless choice of concerts, music festivals, exhibitions and many other events. Summer is the best time of year to visit - when this otherwise slightly sleepy southern town is transformed into a living paradise for anyone who loves ice cream in the sun or lazy days in the skerries. The short distance across the sea to Denmark also makes it easy to take a detour to Europe, although there's really no reason to leave Sørlandet. Especially when the sun is out!
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Svalbard
The Artic - Closer than You Think, and Far More Hospitable!
- Adventure
- Unusual
A three-hour flight from Oslo takes you to one of Norway's real outposts. Longyearbyen is the perfect base for exploring Svalbard, where you'll find Norway's perhaps wildest and most untouched nature. Svalbard offers a number of fantastic experiences and activities, and if you're really lucky, you may even see polar bears in their natural element (bring a local guide with you outside built-up areas, and remember that these animals are dangerous predators who must be respected). It is said that it's easier to get in touch with people who live on Svalbard than anyone else in the country, something you will experience for yourself at one of Longyearbyen's many festivals and cultural events.
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Østlandet
Mountains, valleys and feasts
- Adventure
- Families
- Food
Short day trips from Oslo take you to unexplored and exciting places all over Eastern Norway. A mountain hike you say? Of course. The choice is endless! For those who want to experience Lake Mjøsa from the deck of the world's oldest wheeled steamer in operation, head to Hamar, Gjøvik or Lillehammer and hop on board. The entire area around the country's largest lake is also rich in local farm produce, forests, mountains and plains. Whether you prefer art, history, culture or nature, you'll find more than enough to keep you busy all year round.
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