The second happiest nation on the earth (in response to the United Nations World Happiness Report) can also be certainly one of 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…
That is what Norway is turning into most well-known for! The UNESCO-listed Fjords at the moment are showing on many travellers’ bucket lists, and with good cause—they’re some of the naturally stunning and dramatic landscapes in Europe and are one of many prime points of interest within the Scandinavian nation.
The glacial valleys are eerily silent and surrounded by excessive mountains and waterfalls, which give the world 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 must also go to the Jostedalsbreen glacier (the biggest 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, wonderful buying alternatives, and views over the world 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 photograph alternatives!
That is an insanely attractive location and some of the spectacular scenic cliffs within the nation – but it surely’s just for the courageous!
In any other case often called the ‘troll’s tongue’, it was fashioned throughout the ice age when a glacial water froze a hunk of this mountain and induced it to interrupt off, leaving a skinny protruding ledge which hovers about 2,300 toes above the lake beneath.
If you happen to’re up for the problem, it’s solely a four-hour trek for a lifetime photograph 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 likely one of 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 choice of good museums, quirky impartial shops, and al fresco cafes however I personally assume the largest draw is its standing as being the gateway to the well-known fjords!
- Location: Southwestern coast of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Spring and Summer time (for gentle climate, festivals, and exploring the historic waterfront).
- Actions on provide: Using the Fløibanen funicular, exploring Bryggen Wharf, mountain climbing Mount Fløyen, and visiting museums.
- Lodging: Lodge Zander Okay, Det Hanseatiske Lodge, and Clarion Lodge Admiral.
- Map Location and Instructions
5. Lofoten Islands
This scenic, unspoilt archipelago is certainly one of Europe’s best-kept secrets and techniques! Although the gathering of islands lies inside the Arctic Circle, they’re blessed with hotter temperatures as a result of Gulf Stream.
It’s a fantastically conventional place the place life is easy, 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 must be seen to be believed!
- Location: Northern a part of the nation, inside the Arctic Circle.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer time (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
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 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.
- Greatest time to go to: Spring and Summer time (for cultural festivals, gentle temperatures, and metropolis sightseeing).
- Actions on provide: Visiting museums, exploring Vigeland Sculpture Park, fjord cruises, mountain 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 positioned within the fjords of southwestern Norway. House 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 is able to present you town in a manner that strolling by way of it simply can’t.
Flam Railway runs by way of one of many wildest landscapes within the nation and has been known as the perfect practice journey on the earth.
When you’re completed, you could 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.
- Greatest time to go to: Late Spring to Early Fall (for scenic practice rides and outside actions).
- Actions on provide: Using the Flåm Railway, fjord cruises, kayaking, RIB boat excursions, and mountain climbing 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 positioned on the southernmost tip of the standard island of Karmøy in Norway. A thriving port for the reason that nineteenth century, immediately it’s a postcard-pretty place with baggage of scenic appeal.
I’d recommend heading for the stunning previous city full of wood homes, twisting slender roads (with virtually no site visitors) and boat moorings, cafes, outlets, and galleries.
Anticipate to see greater than 200 white wood buildings that their house owners have lovingly restored and maintained.
- Location: Southwestern coast, on the island of Karmøy.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for heat temperatures and coastal walks by way of the charming village).
- Actions on provide: Strolling excursions by way of 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 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 inside 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.
- Greatest time to go to: Spring and Summer time (for exploring the previous city and having fun with outside 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
10. Jotunheimen Nationwide Park
Boasting the biggest focus of mountains increased than 2,000 metres in Northern Europe, the centrally positioned Jotunheimen Nationwide Park is likely 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.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for mountain 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
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 an especially mysterious place full of wild, craggy mountains and pristine glaciers. It is likely one of the northernmost completely inhabited spots on the planet (however lower than 3,000 individuals stay there).
Svalbard is a wonderful 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.
- Greatest time to go to: Late Spring to Summer time (for experiencing the Midnight Solar and wildlife sightings).
- Actions on provide: Glacier kayaking, mountain 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
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, mountain climbing by way of the mountains to seek out absolutely the good place to take a seat 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.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for scenic hikes and views of the fjords throughout the Midnight Solar).
- Actions on provide: Climbing Reinebringen, boat excursions by way of fjords, fishing, and images.
- Lodging: Reine Rorbuer, Eliassen Rorbuer, and Sakrisøy Rorbuer.
- Map Location and Instructions
13. Mjelle seashore, Bodø
Everytime you stroll by way of a seaside city, you virtually anticipate the air of seawater and seaweed—an odd however nice scent most welcome as you journey in direction of the gorgeous Mjelle seashore.
This seashore has been known as a photographer’s paradise in Norway due to its pure, virtually magical surroundings.
The seashore itself is just half an hour’s drive from Bodø, and the locals can be joyful to let you know some fascinating tales in regards to the Crimson Seaside, which is claimed to be infused with gemstone particles.
- Location: Northern a part of the nation, close to Bodø.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for having fun with the seashore, lengthy daytime, and delightful coastal views).
- Actions on provide: Swimming, mountain climbing, seashore 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
If you happen to’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 proper place all 12 months spherical – from summer season mountain 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 flora, including to its magnificence.
- Location: Jap a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for mountain 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 might not look like Trondheim is a big metropolis in comparison with these you might have seen elsewhere on the earth, however in Norway, it’s truly the third largest accessible 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 accessible by way of varied 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.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer time (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, positioned in southwest Norway, is a gem! It’s dwelling to the putting Tenth-century Stavanger Cathedral and vibrant homes.
The Stavanger area can also 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 top and has a solidly flat prime – supplying you with a few of the finest panoramic views round.
- Location: Southwestern coast of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for mountain climbing to Pulpit Rock and having fun with outside 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 can be usually considered from afar. Nonetheless, glacier guiding is sort of well-liked at Nigardsbreen, the place skilled guides are joyful to take you and your youngsters on secure 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 some of the accessible branches of the Josteldalsbreen Glacier.
Think about strolling alongside an ice construction encompassing a whole space and is so fantastically fashioned that it appears like blue crystal glass even on a dim day—that’s what this expertise gives!
- Location: Western a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for glacier mountain climbing with guided excursions and favorable climate circumstances).
- Actions on provide: Glacier mountain 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 likely one of the largest areas of steady and unspoiled wilderness. When on the lookout for a calming day of strolling, you’re trying on the good spot.
Miles of land await enthusiastic exploration, and the park even gives a number of nice canoeing and fishing areas.
The Norwegian Trekking Affiliation has known as it probably the greatest three mountain climbing areas in Norway, and judging by the views among the many bushes, we’d must agree.
It may very well be doable to stroll for hours and by no means come throughout one other individual throughout your travels, good for anybody trying to return to nature in stunning Norway and uncover one thing about themselves.
- Location: Jap a part of the nation.
- Greatest time to go to: Late Spring to Summer time (for mountain 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 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 preferred boating, fishing, and kayaking vacation spot.
The limitless islands provide nice wind and wave safety when the climate isn’t nice, however on sunnier days, you could journey a brief distance to the open sea.
After all, many actions on land embody marked mountain climbing trails and biking routes surrounded by pure magnificence. Summer time in Solund additionally boasts guided excursions that may take you to Utvær.
- Location: Western a part of the nation, within the Sognefjord area.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for boating, mountain climbing, and exploring the scenic archipelago).
- Actions on provide: Boating, kayaking, mountain climbing coastal trails, and exploring the archipelago.
- Lodging: Solund Leilighetshotell, Hardbakke Gjestehus, and Solund Rorbuferie.
- Map Location and Instructions
20. Henningsvær
Henningsvær is positioned 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 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 slender waterside highway on the base of the mountain, is, in my view, the easiest way to start out your Norway journey! Take pleasure in!
- Location: Northern a part of the nation, within the Lofoten archipelago.
- Greatest time to go to: Summer time (for having fun with the fishing village’s distinctive appeal and scenic views beneath the Midnight Solar).
- Actions on provide: Strolling by way of the village, kayaking, mountain climbing, and exploring artwork galleries.
- Lodging: Henningsvær Bryggehotell, Lofoten Arctic Lodge, and Finnholmen Brygge.
- Map Location and Instructions
Location of Norway
Norway is positioned within the Nordic space of Northern Europe and the North Atlantic, together with Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.