Norway is a beautiful country that is practically at the ends of the world: it is the last frontier of the population before the polar circle. Its northern lights, its fjords and its charming towns are interspersed with cities full of dynamism, culture and art . If you are thinking of traveling to Norway, you must bear in mind: once you go, you will not want to leave. Here are 8 places to see in Norway that you will never forget.
These are the best places to see in Norway
Oslo, the greenest capital of Europe
Oslo was named European Green Capital in 2019. This badge is awarded by the European Commission to give visibility to those cities that efficiently manage their urban resources in relation to the environment . Oslo is growing in an increasingly sustainable way: in fact, it has become a role model not only within the European continent, but globally.
For example, it is known as the world capital of electric vehicles . There, electric car sales account for more than 60% of the total! In addition, their commitment to sustainability is also reflected in a modern and efficient urban architecture: for example, they have the tallest wooden skyscraper in the world .
Norway is committed to the environment
Furthermore, its urban and economic policies are oriented towards the protection of flora and fauna . As a result, it has become a kind of urban ecosystem with a special magic. In fact, the presence of nature is probably one of its greatest charms. On the one hand, it is a powerful city that houses invaluable gastronomic, cultural and tourist wealth. On the other hand, its activity as a city is in constant balance with the rhythms of nature.
Ultimately, this results in a higher quality of life. We could say that leisure in Norway is more eclectic, because the more metropolitan plans can be seen alternated with more natural solutions. For example, in Oslo it is possible to combine an afternoon bowling in the city center with a morning skiing or visiting its islands.
The Northern Lights in Tromsø, one of the places you cannot miss in Norway
The Northern Lights are one of nature’s most beautiful night shows. Tromsø is known to be the capital of the Arctic, and is located in the north of the country. Being a polar zone , the aurora borealis manifests itself in its night skies continuously. It is one of its main attractions, although not the only one.
In Tromsø you will be able to see incredible whales, visit unforgettable natural landscapes, practice the most varied snow sports , such as cross-country skiing or riding a dog sled in Kirenes. You can even spend a very special stay in one of its ice hotels . In Tromsø you can find super special and nuanced places like Lyngenfjord, Karasjok, Senja, Kvaløya or Sommarøy (some of its incredible virgin islands).
Lofoten: an archipelago in the arctic
The Lofoten Islands emerge from the Norwegian Sea and are located on the Arctic Circle . These wonderful islands are practically virgin . To enter them is to enter the old world of the Viking Age. Its imposing mountains, its unfathomable fjords and its endless beaches give the enclave a special charm.
The Lofoten Islands are certified as a sustainable destination . This distinctive makes visible those enclaves that work actively to minimize the environmental impact derived from tourism. And it is that Lofoten works continuously with the aim of protecting its natural and cultural assets.
These impressive islands also have incredible corners such as Narvik, perfect for practicing sports in the middle of nature such as hiking or skiing; or Helgeland which has one of the most beautiful roads known, the Kystriksveien or the coastal road.
As a curiosity of the area, an archaeological team discovered in Borg the largest Viking communal house in Norway , which is no more and no less than 83 meters long. Precisely this communal house is what is now known as the Lofotr Viking Museum where you can find impressive relics.
Bergen, the former capital of the country
Bergen is one of the mandatory stops you must make when traveling to Norway. It is one of its most important cities: in fact, until the 13th century it was the capital of the country. Since ancient times, it had great importance when it comes to trade with the rest of Europe, to the point that one of its neighborhoods has been proclaimed a World Heritage Site by Unesco.
Specifically, the port of Bergen has a set of 62 warm-colored wooden houses that were created around 1702 , after a great fire broke out.
Today it is inhabited by a large community of artists and has become a very interesting cultural exchange point. Inside the Kode Museum, you can enjoy an incredible collection of works of art by Edvard Munch , the most famous Norwegian painter , as well as other artists such as Picasso and Paul Klee.
Its picturesque streets full of wooden houses, its typical markets, and its incredible sea and mountain landscapes will make you have a stay in Bergen that you will never forget.
The Geiranger Fjord, another of the most emblematic places to see in Norway
If you are looking for places to see in Norway that leave your mark, Geiranger is undoubtedly one of them. It is known as the fjord of dreams and is the most famous in Norway . It is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. For many wonderful countries that you have been able to visit, the fjord of dreams will leave you speechless.
It has an extension of 205 km from where it merges with the sea to the nearest town. Its depth reaches 1,300 meters and it is surrounded by high altitude mountain systems. The fjords are created from a slow and patient process of erosion generated by a glacier that can last tens of thousands of years.
As a result, the valleys of the landscape end up being high vertical walls that flank these bodies of water that end up becoming freshwater rivers. Large waterfalls of crystal clear water tumble down its slopes to flow into endless bodies of water.
The infinite green of its mountainous landscapes is almost accidentally interrupted by groups of brightly colored houses that form small villages. Ålesund is one of the most common starting points for a route through these dreamlike landscapes . In addition, it has the last accessible train station, which is one of the most beautiful crossings in the world.
Stavanger: the starting point to the famous Preikestolen
Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway (and the largest in the south-eastern part of the country). Specifically, the port of Stavanger constitutes the nerve center of the tourist activity that occurs in the city . It brings together a great artistic diversity with a special predominance of the urban genre, as well as an open and multi-cultural social environment, haute cuisine restaurants or beautiful landscapes crowned with wooden houses.
One of the most popular landmarks is the Lysefjord or Preikestolen fjords (also known as Pulpit Rock). In addition, if you especially like coastal environments and landscapes, Jæren will become an ideal place where you can enjoy the largest sandy areas in the whole country. And it does not end there: through the North Sea road, which heads towards Egesund, you can enjoy a series of super cozy villages and towns.
Trøndelag, the true heart of Norway
The nine pilgrimage routes of Saint Olav offer different routes that lead to one of the most important architectural jewels of Norwegian art: Nidaros Cathedral. Its university city has an infinite range of Nordic flavors that you can taste in places that range from haute cuisine to more everyday places.
Kristiansand, southern and sailor
Southern Norway will not leave you indifferent, especially if you want to find places to see in Norway with a moderate climate . Its narrow streets flanked by white wooden mansions give enclaves such as Arendal, Mandal or Grimstad a special charm. Kristiandsand offers you a wide and constant offer of cultural hobbies ranging from Norwegian folklore, to music festivals, its Dyreparken amusement park or its zoo. Without a doubt, Kristiandsand is the perfect place if you are traveling as a family .
