The second happiest nation on this planet (in keeping with the United Nations World Happiness Report) can be one in all my favorite international locations! It’s a tricky alternative 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…
1. The Fjords
The UNESCO-listed fjords at the moment are featured on many travellers’ bucket lists! I found that the gathering of steep, glacially-carved valleys had been significantly breathtaking with very dramatic landscapes of towering cliffs, inexperienced hillsides, spectacular waterfalls and glowing blue waters, dotted with quaint villages with conventional picket homes. I liked how on unearthly serene they had been – they had been a really peaceable escape from the hustle and bustle of on a regular basis life!
They had been situated alongside the western coast of the nation, stretching from the southern area close to Stavanger to the northern reaches close to Tromsø and Bergen is named being the gateway to the Norway Fjords and is Norway’s second-largest metropolis. They had been shaped by glacial exercise over hundreds of thousands of years, are at the moment are listed as UNESCO World Heritage websites.
I flew into Bergen and spent an idyllic two weeks right here, I went on a cruise to the majestic Geirangerfjord (which I assumed was essentially the most scenically spectacular of all of the fjords), hiked the famed Pulpit Rock and Trolltunga (the Instagram-famous troll’s tongue cliff!), kayaked within the serene waters of Nærøyfjord, marvelled on the cascading waterfalls in Flåm, witnessed the spectacular Northern Lights close to Tromsø, took a visit to Jostedalsbreen glacier (the most important ice sheet in Europe) and explored the beautiful historic metropolis of Bergen which had an UNESCO-listed Bryggen Hanseatic wharf and fairly vibrant picket homes lining its previous harbor.
- Location: Western a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Spring and Summer season (for inexperienced landscapes, fjord cruises, and nice temperatures).
- Actions on provide: Climbing, fjord cruises, kayaking, sightseeing, and visiting scenic viewpoints.
- Lodging: Ullensvang Lodge, Molde Fjordhotell, and Lodge Aak.
- Map Location and Instructions
My private highlights…
- Visiting my favorite fjords which had been Sognefjord which was the longest, deepest, and most celebrated of the fjords and the locals advised me they known as it the “King of the Fjords,” Hardangerfjord the second-longest fjord which had a panoramic magnificence and Nordfjord which was additionally extremely photogenic.
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2. Ålesund
This coastal city fully charmed me! I found it was an actual gem with putting and really Insta-worthy Artwork Nouveau structure and ornate buildings which lined the streets and waterfront, set in opposition to a backdrop of breathtaking fjords. It had a vibrant and cultural vibe, with a bustling maritime ambiance and energetic artwork scene!
It was nestled on the west coast of Norway, particularly on a slim peninsula surrounded by a number of islands and the Norwegian Sea. It’s a part of the Møre og Romsdal county and is near the much-loved fjords like Geirangerfjord and Hjørundfjord. It’s dwelling to round 47,000, is known for its Artwork Nouveau structure, which was extensively rebuilt on this type following a hearth in 1904 which sadly destroyed a lot of the city.
I drove seven hours from Bergen nevertheless it was price it! I stayed for 3 days and visited the Artwork Nouveau Centre and learnt concerning the city’s architectural historical past, climbed the 418 steps to the Aksla Viewpoint and noticed beautiful panoramic views of the archipelago, wandered by the picturesque streets of the previous city, took a day journeys to the close by Geirangerfjord, and loved native delicacies in eating places situated alongside the bustling harbour.
- Location: Northwestern a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Late Spring to Summer season (for Artwork Nouveau structure and out of doors actions with good climate).
- Actions on provide: Climbing up Aksla viewpoint, exploring native trails, boat excursions, and having fun with native delicacies.
- Lodging: Lodge Brosundet, Storfjord Lodge, and High quality Lodge Ålesund.
- Map Location and Instructions
3. Lofoten Islands
These group of islands are quick turning into a much-sought after journey vacation spot! I found they had been really breathtaking with steep mountain peaks, shimmering waters, a rugged shoreline and post-card fairly fishing villages with conventional crimson rorbu (fishermen’s cabins).
It felt tranquil and awe-inspiring, with an untouched wilderness, wealthy Nordic heritage, a easy lifestyle and pure magnificence that created a serene, virtually mystical ambiance!
They’re tucked away within the Nordland county of Norway, throughout the Arctic Circle, and stretched alongside the Norwegian Sea. They had been dwelling to round 24,000 individuals, had a wealthy Viking and fishing heritage, with settlements relationship again over 1,000 years. Their cod fishing trade, which has sustained the area for hundreds of years however they now obtain a million vacationers yearly who’re drawn by its extradorinaiy magnificence and Northern Lights watching alternatives.
I flew into Leknes Airport (situated on Vestvågøy, one of many important islands) from Oslo throughout the winter and stayed for an awe-inspiring six days. I noticed the Northern Lights from the distant seashores in Uttakleiv, went on a whale-watching tour from Andenes (orcas, sperm whales, and humpback whales migrate to the Norwegian coast to feed), stayed in conventional crimson rorbu cabin in Reine, hiked to the scenic viewpoints like Tjeldbergtind, tried Arctic browsing at Unstad Seashore, explored the Viking historical past on the Lofotr Viking Museum, and skilled the beautiful fantastic thing about the snow-covered fishing village, Henningsvær.
- 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 provide: Climbing, kayaking, visiting conventional fishing villages, wildlife viewing, and mountain climbing at Svolvaergeita.
- Lodging: Scandic Svolvaer, Nusfjord Arctic Resort, and Reine Rorbuer.
- Map Location and Instructions
My favorite highlights…
- Staying in one of many cosy fisherman’s cabins, surrounded by nonetheless blue waters and unspoilt mountain landscapes it was a really romantic and superb expertise!
4. Bergen
This beautiful metropolis is named being a gateway to the Norwegian fjords! A part of the inspiration for the fictional Frozen within the hit Disney animation, I discovered the town to be an exquisite gem of a spot with a vibrant Bryggen Wharf lined with historic picket buildings, medieval landmarks, charming timber hillside homes, and a shocking fjordside setting, all framed by misty mountains and luxurious inexperienced landscapes! It had a laid-back vibe of a historic appeal combined in with trendy vibrancy.
It’s situated on the west coast of the nation, in Vestland County, nestled between the North Sea and the encircling Seven Mountains, serving as a gateway to the Norwegian fjords. It was based in 1070 and has a wealthy maritime historical past as a key Hanseatic buying and selling hub. It was as soon as Norway’s capital however in the present day it’s the nation’s second-largest metropolis with a inhabitants of round 290,000, it’s additionally one of many rainiest cities in Europe!
I flew in to Bergen Airport from Oslo (which took an hour) and stayed for a really charming three days. I strolled by the historic Bryggen Wharf, rode the Fløibanen funicular to the highest of Mount Fløyen and noticed very good panoramic views, visited the Edvard Grieg Museum at Troldhaugen, took a scenic fjord cruise to Nærøyfjord, hiked the paths of the Seven Mountains which surrounded the town and browsed its quirky impartial shops, and al fresco cafes.
- 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 provide: Driving the Fløibanen funicular, exploring Bryggen Wharf, climbing Mount Fløyen, and visiting museums.
- Lodging: Lodge Zander Ok, Det Hanseatiske Lodge, and Clarion Lodge Admiral.
- Map Location and Instructions
5. Trolltunga
That is an insanely beautiful location and one of the spectacular scenic cliffs within the nation – nevertheless it’s just for the courageous!
In any other case referred to as the ‘troll’s tongue’, it was shaped throughout the ice age when a glacial water froze a hunk of this mountain and brought about it to interrupt off, leaving a skinny protruding ledge which hovers about 2,300 ft above the lake beneath.
In the event you’re up for the problem, it’s solely a four-hour trek for a lifetime picture alternative! Simply bear in mind to be very cautious!
- Location: Western a part of the nation, close to Odda.
- Finest time to go to: Summer season (to benefit from the difficult hike with the very best situations and longer daylight).
- Actions on provide: Climbing the Trolltunga path, mountain climbing, tenting, and having fun with scenic viewpoints.
- Lodging: Trolltunga Lodge, Hardanger Home Lodge, and Rosendal Fjordhotel.
- Map Location and Instructions
6. Oslo
Even Norway’s capital is engaging! Sure, it’s costly, and sure, it doesn’t have a protracted listing of world-famous points of interest, however Oslo is clear, laid-back, and surrounded by an attractive 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 provide: Visiting museums, exploring Vigeland Sculpture Park, fjord cruises, climbing 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. Residence to museums that actually showcase and spotlight the historical past of this metropolis, as a customer, you’ll be capable to go on an explorative journey with the Flam Railway, which can present you the 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 the very best prepare journey on this planet.
When you’re completed, chances are you’ll wish 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 prepare rides and out of doors actions).
- Actions on provide: Driving the Flåm Railway, fjord cruises, kayaking, RIB boat excursions, and climbing trails in Aurlandsfjord.
- Lodging: Fretheim Lodge, Flåmsbrygga Lodge, and Heimly Guesthouse.
- Map Location and Instructions
8. 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 lovely nook of the nation is the unbelievable views from wherever 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 dwelling to a world-colliding mixture of conventional and trendy 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, in my view, the easiest way 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 below the Midnight Solar).
- Actions on provide: Strolling by the village, kayaking, mountain climbing, and exploring artwork galleries.
- Lodging: Henningsvær Bryggehotell, Lofoten Arctic Lodge, and Finnholmen Brygge.
- Map Location and Instructions
9. Skudeneshavn
Norway’s best-preserved crusing ship city is situated on the southernmost tip of the standard island of Karmøy in Norway. A thriving port for the reason that nineteenth century, in the present day it’s a postcard-pretty place with baggage of scenic appeal.
I’d recommend heading for the stunning previous city crammed with picket homes, twisting slim roads (with virtually no site visitors) and boat moorings, cafes, outlets, and galleries.
Count on 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 provide: 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
10. Fredrikstad
There are three fortress cities in Norway, however this one claims to be one of many best-preserved previous cities in Scandinavia, and in my view, 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 out of doors actions by the river).
- Actions on provide: 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
11. 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 without doubt one of the hottest nationwide parks to journey to in Norway.
Encompassing a number of mountain ranges—together with Norway’s 29 highest peaks—the world attracts hikers, cross-country and alpine skiers, cyclists, and climbers from throughout Europe.
Along with distinctive natural world, anticipate to catch a glimpse of the wildlife that calls the park dwelling, 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 climbing trails and having fun with Norway’s highest peaks.
- Actions on provide: Climbing, mountaineering, wildlife viewing, glacier walks, and tenting.
- Lodging: Elveseter Lodge, Spiterstulen Lodge, and Gjendesheim Vacationer Lodge.
- Map Location and Instructions
12. 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 an especially mysterious place crammed with wild, craggy mountains and pristine glaciers. It is without doubt one of the northernmost completely inhabited spots on the planet (however lower than 3,000 individuals stay 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 provide: Glacier kayaking, climbing, snowmobiling, canine sledding, and wildlife viewing, together with polar bears.
- Lodging: Radisson Blu Polar Lodge, Svalbard Lodge, and Basecamp Lodge.
- Map Location and Instructions
13. Reine
The fishing village of Reine is nestled securely on the mouth of Reinefjord within the west of Lofoten, however this naturally lovely Norwegian place deserves a point out.
Inside this mountainous village, you could find your pleasures on the open sea with native fishermen seeking to discover the catch of their lives out on the oceans.
There’s additionally extraordinarily accessible kayaking for any individuals. Reine is the final word place to discover a piece of your self out on the outskirts, climbing by the mountains to seek out absolutely the good place to sit down and take within the aurora in one of many clearest skies you’ll come throughout wherever on this planet.
- 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 throughout the Midnight Solar).
- Actions on provide: Climbing Reinebringen, boat excursions by fjords, fishing, and images.
- Lodging: Reine Rorbuer, Eliassen Rorbuer, and Sakrisøy Rorbuer.
- Map Location and Instructions
14. Rondane Nationwide Park
In the event you’re extra of an adventurer on the lookout 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 right place all yr spherical – from summer time climbing 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 flowers, including to its magnificence.
- Location: Jap a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer season (for climbing and having fun with Norway’s oldest nationwide park).
- Actions on provide: Climbing, wildlife recognizing, images, and tenting.
- Lodging: Rondane Høyfjellshotell, Spidsbergseter Resort, and Rondvassbu Lodge.
- Map Location and Instructions
15. Trondheim
It could not look like Trondheim is a big metropolis in comparison with these you will have seen elsewhere on this planet, however in Norway, it’s truly the third largest out there 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 strong Kristiansten Fortress, each of which have excursions out there by numerous organisations.
One other notable landmark inside Trondheim is the Previous City Bridge, with its crimson portal buildings, in-built 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 provide: 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 dwelling to the putting 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 world.
For the hikers amongst you, the favored Preikestolen gives a mountainous hike up a cliff that’s 604 metres in peak and has a solidly flat high – supplying you with a number of the finest panoramic views round.
- Location: Southwestern coast of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Summer season (for climbing to Pulpit Rock and having fun with out of doors actions alongside the coast)
- Actions on provide: Climbing 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 are usually seen from afar. Nonetheless, glacier guiding is kind of standard at Nigardsbreen, the place skilled guides are pleased to take you and your youngsters 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 whole space and is so superbly shaped that it seems 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 climbing with guided excursions and favorable climate situations).
- Actions on provide: Glacier climbing, guided excursions, images, 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 without doubt one of the largest areas of steady and unspoiled wilderness. When on the lookout for a calming day of strolling, you’re wanting on the good 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 the most effective three climbing areas in Norway, and judging by the views among the many timber, we’d must agree.
It might be attainable to stroll for hours and by no means come throughout one other particular person throughout your travels, good for anybody seeking to return to nature in lovely Norway and uncover one thing about themselves.
- Location: Jap a part of the nation.
- Finest time to go to: Late Spring to Summer season (for climbing, fishing, and exploring Norway’s wilderness).
- Actions on provide: Climbing, 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 totally 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 preferred boating, fishing, and kayaking vacation spot.
The infinite islands provide 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.
After all, many actions on land embrace marked climbing 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, climbing, and exploring the scenic archipelago).
- Actions on provide: Boating, kayaking, climbing coastal trails, and exploring the archipelago.
- Lodging: Solund Leilighetshotell, Hardbakke Gjestehus, and Solund Rorbuferie.
- 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.
