The photos of Norway’s fjords are incredible, but nothing prepares you for seeing them in real life. Standing at the edge of a massive cliff, watching waterfalls thunder into crystal water below, feels like being on top of the world. This country serves up scene after scene of pure natural drama.
From the towering walls of Geirangerfjord to the jagged peaks of Lofoten glowing under the midnight sun, these are the most beautiful places to visit in Norway that will leave you speechless. Get ready for my 12 favorite spots in this incredible country – each one more epic than the last!
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#1 tip to save money on your trip to Norway
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Norwegian adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last summer, I flew to Oslo for just $365 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Save by buying meals or ingredients from supermarkets like Kiwi, Rema 1000, and Extra. You’ll find ready-to-eat meals, sandwiches, and salads for under 100 NOK (about $10) – a steal in Norway! Many restaurants also offer fixed-price lunch menus (dagens rett) that cost about half the price of dinner.
- Transport: I recommend getting an Oslo Pass. It covers all public transport in the city including buses, trams, metro, and ferries, plus free entry to most museums. For longer journeys, book Vy trains well in advance online – I’ve saved up to 70% compared to day-of tickets. Lastly, the Interrail Norway Pass can be great value if you’re planning to explore multiple regions.
Norway may have a reputation for being the most expensive country in Europe. With these money-saving strategies, you can explore this stunning Scandinavian nation for far less. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Norway:
The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Norway
Ready to explore Norway’s most breathtaking locations? Whether you’re drawn to charming cities and cultural landmarks or serene natural escapes, Norway has it all. Here are the top must-visit spots you need to see!
1. Geirangerfjord
- 📍 Location: Møre og Romsdal County, Western Norway
- 🏆 Best For: Fjord lovers 🚢, nature photographers 📸, scenic cruisers 🌄
- 📸 Top Experiences: Cruising past the Seven Sisters waterfall, hiking to Skageflå farm, driving the Ørnesvingen viewpoint
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for clear weather and accessible trails 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Union Geiranger – Mountainside hotel with fjord views and a full spa
Geirangerfjord delivers the kind of views that stop you in your tracks. Sheer cliffs rise from deep blue water, while waterfalls like the Seven Sisters tumble from the rock face with wild intensity. It’s one of those rare places that feels too perfect to be real.
Boat cruises are the most popular way to take it all in, but exploring on foot gives you a different kind of perspective. Trails lead to old cliffside farms and viewpoints like Skageflå, where you’ll get sweeping views of the fjord below. Every turn feels like a postcard moment.
Driving into Geiranger via the Ørnevegen (Eagle Road) adds another layer of awe. Hairpin bends and panoramic stops make the journey just as exciting as the destination. Geirangerfjord doesn’t just impress, it leaves a mark that stays with you long after you’ve left.
- Read next: Top UNESCO World Heritage Sites
2. Lofoten Islands
- 📍 Location: Nordland County, Arctic Circle
- 🏆 Best For: Arctic adventures ❄️, fishing village charm 🎣, mountain lovers 🏔️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking Reinebringen, visiting Henningsvær, kayaking through fjords
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to August for midnight sun and outdoor activities 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Eliassen Rorbuer – Classic red fishermen’s cabins with ocean views in Hamnøy
The Lofoten Islands feel like something out of a dream. Jagged peaks rise sharply from the sea, small villages sit quietly along rocky shores, and every road curves into another jaw-dropping view. The light in Lofoten is special, especially during summer when the sun barely dips below the horizon.
Reine and Henningsvær are two of the most photogenic places you’ll find, both full of cozy cafés and colorful houses that reflect the region’s fishing roots. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike to sweeping viewpoints, surf Arctic waves, or paddle between dramatic cliffs and calm bays.
Winter brings its own kind of magic, with snowfall and the Northern Lights turning the sky into a shifting green curtain. No matter the season, the islands give off an untamed energy that keeps you exploring longer than you planned. Lofoten is rugged, remote, and completely unforgettable.
- Read next: Bucket List Ideas
3. Trolltunga
- 📍 Location: Vestland County, near Odda
- 🏆 Best For: Bucket-list hikers 🥾, thrill seekers 🌄, panoramic views lovers 📷
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to Trolltunga, resting above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, spotting glaciers in the distance
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Mid-June to early September for snow-free trails and clear skies ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Trolltunga Hotel – Comfortable base near the trailhead with fjord views
Trolltunga is one of Norway’s most iconic photo spots, and it absolutely earns the hype. The hike to reach it is no joke, we’re talking 10 to 12-hour round trip through rocky trails, alpine plateaus, and glacial valleys. But standing on the cliff’s edge, hovering 700 meters above the lake, is a reward few places can match.
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Along the way, the scenery shifts constantly. Snow patches linger even in summer, waterfalls crash down the mountainsides, and wildflowers dot the trail during warmer months. Every section of the hike adds to the anticipation.
Reaching the rock itself feels surreal. You’re surrounded by silence, with nothing but water and peaks in every direction. The moment you sit or stand on the ledge, it all clicks. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime views you’ll talk about forever.
4. Bryggen
- 📍 Location: Bergen, Western Norway
- 🏆 Best For: History lovers 🏛️, culture seekers 🎨, scenic city walks 🚶♂️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the Hanseatic Museum, wandering Bryggen’s wooden alleys, browsing local artisan shops
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for dry weather and open-air markets 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Opus XVI – Elegant hotel in a historic building near Bryggen’s harbor
Bryggen is one of Norway’s most photographed places, and it only takes a few steps along the harbor to understand why. The colorful wooden buildings, leaning slightly with age, carry centuries of maritime history. Walking these narrow lanes feels like stepping into a storybook set beside the sea.
This old wharf district was once a vital hub for the Hanseatic League. Today, its preserved architecture hosts museums, artist studios, and cozy cafés that showcase Bergen’s creative side. Every building has a story, and even a casual stroll uncovers hidden corners filled with charm.
The nearby fish market adds flavor to the experience, both literally and culturally. Grab a fresh meal, listen to local music, and watch boats roll into the harbor. Bryggen combines history with atmosphere in a way that feels effortlessly timeless.
- Read next: Top Things to Do in Bergen
- You may also like: Best Places to Live in Norway
5. Svalbard
- 📍 Location: Arctic Ocean, halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole
- 🏆 Best For: Polar explorers 🧭, wildlife watchers 🐻❄️, Arctic light chasers 🌌
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Longyearbyen, taking a snowmobile safari, cruising past glaciers
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: February to May for snow adventures and Northern Lights ❄️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Funken Lodge – Stylish stay in Longyearbyen with Arctic views and local cuisine
Svalbard is unlike anywhere else in Norway. Set deep in the Arctic, it offers raw landscapes and surreal beauty where glaciers, icy fjords, and polar bears shape the environment. It feels remote, otherworldly, and wildly alive all at once.
Longyearbyen is the main settlement and a colorful surprise amid the snow and mountains. The town has a strong sense of community, with art galleries, museums, and restaurants that add warmth to the cold. It’s also your launch point for serious Arctic excursions.
Snowmobile safaris, dog sled rides, and wildlife tours bring you close to the untouched parts of the island. In summer, the midnight sun adds endless daylight to explore hiking trails and icy bays. Visiting Svalbard is not just about the scenery, it’s about experiencing life at the edge of the world.
6. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
- 📍 Location: Rogaland County, overlooking Lysefjord
- 🏆 Best For: Hikers 🥾, view chasers 🌄, outdoor enthusiasts 💪
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking to the plateau, photographing Lysefjord, visiting nearby Stavanger
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for safe trail conditions and warm weather 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Verkshotellet Jørpeland – Comfortable hotel close to the trailhead with fjord access nearby
Preikestolen is one of Norway’s most iconic natural sights, known for its flat plateau that juts dramatically over Lysefjord. The hike to the top takes around two hours each way and rewards you with one of the most jaw-dropping views in the country. From the edge, the fjord stretches out far below in deep blue calm.
The trail winds through rocky terrain and pine forests, with resting spots along the way that offer sneak previews of what’s ahead. Although the path has some steep parts, it’s well-marked and accessible for most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.
Once you reach the top, the scale of the landscape hits you. Towering cliffs, shimmering water, and open sky come together in a view that’s hard to forget. It’s a place that invites both silence and wonder, perfect for anyone craving that “top of the world” moment.
7. Aurlandsfjord
- 📍 Location: Vestland County, part of the Sognefjord system
- 🏆 Best For: Fjord explorers 🚢, scenic rail fans 🚂, peaceful nature lovers 🌲
- 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the Flåm Railway, visiting the village of Flåm, viewing from Stegastein
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to August for boat cruises and clear views 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Fretheim Hotel – Historic stay in Flåm with views of the fjord and surrounding mountains
Aurlandsfjord offers one of the most picturesque slices of Norway’s fjord landscape. Surrounded by steep cliffs and calm waters, it’s quieter than more famous fjords but just as stunning. The atmosphere here is peaceful and full of small, slow moments that stick with you.
The village of Flåm sits at the heart of the experience. From here, you can take a scenic fjord cruise, hop on the famous Flåm Railway, or visit local farms nestled into the hillsides. It’s a great place to relax while still having easy access to adventures.
One of the best views comes from the Stegastein Viewpoint. This modern platform extends out from the cliffside and gives you a panoramic look at the entire fjord below. Aurlandsfjord doesn’t demand attention, it earns it through quiet beauty and unforgettable scenery.
8. Nærøyfjord
- 📍 Location: Vestland County, a branch of the Sognefjord
- 🏆 Best For: Narrow fjord cruising 🚤, dramatic landscapes 📸, peaceful retreats 🌿
- 📸 Top Experiences: Taking a boat through the fjord, visiting Gudvangen, hiking nearby valleys
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September for calm waters and lush surroundings 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Gudvangen Fjordtell – Unique Viking-style hotel by the fjord with cozy views
Nærøyfjord is one of the narrowest fjords in Europe, and that’s exactly what makes it so stunning. Surrounded by towering cliffs that rise almost vertically from the water, it creates an experience that feels completely immersive. The air is crisp, the water mirror-still, and every bend reveals something new.
The village of Gudvangen sits at one end and acts as a perfect base for boat rides or quiet strolls along the shoreline. You can also visit the Viking Valley for a glimpse into Norse history, which adds cultural twist to the natural setting.
Even at its busiest, Nærøyfjord keeps a calm, unhurried pace. Locals recommend early morning cruises for fewer boats and better light, especially in late spring when waterfalls are at their strongest. It’s a place where quiet moments (like sipping coffee by the shore or hearing goats in the distance) feel just as memorable as the big views.
- Read next: Affordable European Vacations
9. Rondane National Park
- 📍 Location: Innlandet County, Central Norway
- 🏆 Best For: Mountain trekking 🥾, peaceful solitude 🌄, wildlife watchers 🦌
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking the Rondane trails, spotting wild reindeer, visiting Rondvassbu mountain lodge
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: July to early September for hiking access and mild weather ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Rondane Høyfjellshotell – Rustic mountain lodge with direct access to the park’s trails
Rondane National Park is Norway’s oldest national park, and it’s perfect for travelers seeking quiet landscapes and rugged beauty. Its wide-open spaces, rolling valleys, and dramatic peaks give it a peaceful and timeless energy. Unlike the fjords, this region feels more remote and grounded.
Hikers love the network of well-marked trails that pass by crystal-clear lakes, alpine meadows, and panoramic viewpoints. Rondvassbu is a popular rest stop in the heart of the park, offering shelter and warm meals to trekkers venturing deep into the terrain.
The park is also home to one of Europe’s last wild reindeer herds, so keep your eyes open while exploring. With fewer crowds and more silence than other destinations, Rondane offers a calm kind of adventure that’s ideal for those looking to truly unplug and reconnect with nature.
10. Jotunheimen National Park
- 📍 Location: Innlandet and Vestland Counties, Central Norway
- 🏆 Best For: High-altitude hiking 🥾, glacier landscapes ❄️, off-grid escapes 🏕️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking Besseggen Ridge, climbing Galdhøpiggen, exploring glacier valleys
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: July to early September for safe mountain conditions ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Elveseter Hotel – Historic mountain lodge with art-filled interiors and valley views
Jotunheimen National Park is where Norway’s tallest peaks meet endless hiking opportunities. The terrain here is raw and dramatic, full of ridgelines, glacial rivers, and alpine lakes. It’s less about casual sightseeing and more about fully immersing yourself in wild nature.
The Besseggen Ridge is the park’s most famous hike. From the top, you’ll see one lake glowing deep blue while another shines emerald green. For those seeking even bigger views, you can climb Galdhøpiggen, the highest mountain in Northern Europe, with a local guide.
Despite its ruggedness, Jotunheimen feels surprisingly peaceful. Quiet trails and small mountain lodges run by the Norwegian Trekking Association give hikers a chance to rest, recharge, and soak in the alpine silence. With fewer crowds and endless space, it’s a true backcountry escape. If you’re looking to experience Norway’s mountains at their boldest and most breathtaking, this park is the real deal.
11. Trollstigen
- 📍 Location: Møre og Romsdal County, Western Norway
- 🏆 Best For: Scenic road trippers 🚗, mountain lovers 🏔️, adrenaline seekers 💨
- 📸 Top Experiences: Driving the Trollstigen Road, stopping at the Trollstigen Viewpoint, exploring nearby waterfalls
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: Late May to early October for open roads and mountain views 🌄
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Hotel Aak – Historic lodge with rustic comfort close to the Trollstigen route
Trollstigen is one of Norway’s most dramatic roads, packed with tight hairpin turns and jaw-dropping views. As you drive up the mountainside, waterfalls crash beside the cliffs and every curve gives you a new angle on the valley below. It’s a scenic route that feels more like an adventure.
The viewpoint at the top offers a panoramic platform with glass railings that let you look straight down at the winding road. Even if you’re not driving, you can hike nearby trails or enjoy a coffee while taking in the alpine scenery. The cool mountain air and sheer cliffs create a landscape that’s both humbling and exhilarating.
Because the road closes in winter, summer and early autumn are the best times to experience it. With every turn and every stop, Trollstigen delivers the kind of thrill that makes road trips unforgettable.
- Read next: Inspiring Adventure Quotes
12. Senja Island
- 📍 Location: Troms County, Northern Norway
- 🏆 Best For: Wild landscapes 🌊, Northern Lights chasing 🌌, uncrowded adventures 🧭
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hiking Segla Mountain, driving the National Tourist Route, exploring Ersfjord Beach
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to August for hiking and scenic drives, or February to April for the Northern Lights 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Mefjord Brygge – Waterfront retreat with fishing cabins and fjord access
Senja is often called Norway’s best-kept secret, and once you arrive, it’s easy to see why. The island combines dramatic peaks, hidden beaches, and deep fjords without the crowds found in more famous spots. Every direction offers a new kind of scenery that feels wild and untouched.
The hike to Segla is one of the most rewarding in Northern Norway. From the summit, you get a sharp ridge view that feels straight out of a movie. For something easier, drive the National Tourist Route, which loops past colorful villages, quiet coves, and mountain lakes.
In winter, Senja becomes a peaceful Arctic escape. The skies light up with aurora displays, and the landscape transforms under layers of snow. Whether you’re coming for summer hikes or cold-season magic, Senja delivers solitude and scenery in equal measure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Visiting the Beautiful Places in Norway
Interested in broadening your understanding of the most picturesque locations in Norway? Here are some frequently asked questions I receive about the top attractions and activities in Norway.
What is the most beautiful part of Norway?
There are lots of stunning and unique places to visit in Norway. However, the fjord region, particularly Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, and Aurlandsfjord, is often considered the most beautiful part of Norway. These fjords boast crystal-clear waters, steep mountainsides, and captivating landscapes that truly showcase the country’s natural beauty. However, places like Lofoten Islands, Rondane National Park, and Senja Island also offer unmatched beauty. This makes them worthwhile contenders for the title of the most beautiful part of Norway.
What is the prettiest city in Norway?
Norway’s cities are as diverse and beautiful as its landscapes. Bergen, known as the “Gateway to the Fjords,” is often considered the prettiest city in Norway. Its charming wharf, Bryggen, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city’s location among mountains and fjords offers breathtaking views. However, cities like Ålesund, with its unique Art Nouveau architecture, and Stavanger, with its mix of old-world charm and modern vibrancy, also rank high on the list of the most beautiful cities in Norway.
What is the best time to visit Norway?
The best time to visit Norway largely depends on what you want to do. For experiencing the midnight sun and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, summer (June to August) is ideal. If you want to witness the Northern Lights, winter (November to January) is your best bet.
How many days do I need in Norway?
While you can get a taste of Norway in a week, ideally, aim for at least two weeks to fully experience the breadth of its beautiful places. This would give you enough time to explore several cities, fjords, and natural attractions. Also, you’d have enough time to partake in activities like hiking or boat tours.
Is Norway a good place for hiking?
Absolutely! With its dramatic landscapes, numerous national parks, and well-marked trails, Norway is a hiker’s paradise. Locations like Trolltunga, Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock), and the Jotunheimen National Park offer some of the best hiking experiences in the country.
Is it possible to see the Northern Lights in Norway?
Yes, Norway is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. They can be observed from late autumn to early spring, with the most intense period being from December to February. The further north you go, the better your chances. This makes places like Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands ideal locations for Northern Lights viewing.
Can I visit Norway’s fjords in the winter?
Yes, you can visit Norway’s fjords in winter. In fact, the fjords take on a unique beauty during this time with snow-capped mountains and often calm, reflective waters. Winter activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and even winter fjord cruises are available. However, be mindful of the limited daylight hours and potential for severe weather.
What is Norway’s famous scenery?
Norway is celebrated globally for its stunning natural landscapes and dramatic scenery. Here are some of the most iconic elements of Norway’s famous scenery:
- Fjords: Norway’s fjords are among the most impressive in the world. The Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord are both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. These deep blue inlets, flanked by towering cliffs and snow-capped peaks, offer breathtaking views and are a testament to nature’s raw power.
- Northern Lights: The aurora borealis, or Northern Lights, is a natural light display predominantly seen in high-latitude regions around the Arctic and Antarctic. Norway, especially its northern parts like Tromsø, is one of the best places on Earth to witness this mesmerizing phenomenon.
- Midnight Sun: During the summer months, the sun never sets above the Arctic Circle. This phenomenon, known as the Midnight Sun, bathes the Norwegian landscapes in a golden hue for 24 hours a day.
- Lofoten Islands: An archipelago off the northwest coast of Norway, Lofoten is famous for its dramatic mountains, deep fjords, bird colonies, and picturesque fishing villages.
- Trolltunga: This is a rock formation that juts out 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, offering one of the most breathtaking scenic cliffs in Norway.
- Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen): Overlooking the Lysefjord, this massive cliff rises 604 meters above the fjord and is a popular hiking destination.
- Jotunheimen National Park: Known as the “Home of the Giants,” this national park contains Norway’s 29 highest peaks, including the tallest, Galdhøpiggen.
- Glaciers: Norway boasts several majestic glaciers, with Jostedalsbreen being the largest in continental Europe.
- Viking Ship Museum in Oslo: While not a natural scenery, the presence of historic Viking ships adds to the country’s rich tapestry of attractions.
These natural wonders, combined with the country’s pristine forests, waterfalls, rivers, and coastal beauty, make Norway a prime destination for those seeking awe-inspiring landscapes. It’s easy to see why this is one of my favorite countries in the world!
Final Thoughts on Visiting Beautiful Places in Norway
With its breathtaking fjords, dramatic mountains, and vibrant cities, Norway is a country that never ceases to amaze. Every corner of this Scandinavian gem offers a unique spectacle, making each journey an adventure in itself. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights in Tromsø, soaking in the awe-inspiring views from the Trollstigen, or immersing yourself in the cultural vibrancy of Bergen, you’re sure to find the most beautiful places in Norway surpass all expectations.
But these 12 locations are just the beginning. There are countless other beautiful places in Norway waiting to be discovered, each promising a unique, memorable experience. So, as you plan your trip to this northern paradise, remember: it’s not just about the destinations, but the journey itself. Here’s to the wild, the scenic, and the breathtakingly beautiful that Norway has to offer. Here’s to the adventure that awaits in the land of the Vikings!
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