Curator’s statement
Visiting Norway offers a unique and captivating experience that combines breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage and modern amenities. Here are some compelling reasons people should consider traveling to Norway:
Stunning Fjords: Norway is famous for its majestic fjords, carved by glaciers and surrounded by steep cliffs. Exploring these natural wonders by boat or hiking along their edges is an unforgettable experience.
Northern Lights: Witnessing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) is a bucket-list experience. Norway's northern regions, such as Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands, offer some of the best chances to see this incredible natural phenomenon.
Midnight Sun: During the summer months, Norway experiences the Midnight Sun, when the sun never fully sets in the far north. This unique phenomenon allows for extended daylight hours and outdoor activities around the clock.
Outdoor Adventures: Norway is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and trekking in the fjords and mountains to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, there's no shortage of activities for nature lovers.
Picturesque Villages: Discover charming villages with colorful houses nestled against stunning backdrops, such as Bergen, Ålesund and Reine in the Lofoten Islands.
Breathtaking Coastal Scenery: Norway's rugged coastline is dotted with islands, inlets, and coastal towns. A cruise along the Norwegian coast offers panoramic views of this dramatic landscape.
Sustainable Tourism: Norway is a pioneer in sustainable tourism practices, with a strong emphasis on preserving its pristine environment and minimizing the impact of tourism.
Outdoor Hot Springs: Experience the unique opportunity to relax in outdoor hot springs while surrounded by snow-covered landscapes, such as the famous Blue Lagoon in the Tromsø region.
Scenic Train Journeys: Take a scenic train journey, such as the Bergen Railway or the Flåm Railway, which offer spectacular views of the Norwegian countryside.
Rich Culinary Scene: Sample Norwegian cuisine, which features fresh seafood, traditional cured meats like rakfisk and gravlaks and unique dishes like reindeer stew.
Fascinating Architecture: Explore modern architecture in cities like Oslo, including the striking Oslo Opera House and the innovative buildings of the Barcode Project.
Outdoor Music Festivals: Attend outdoor music festivals, such as the Bergen International Festival, which celebrate the arts against stunning natural backdrops.
Friendly Locals: Norwegians are known for their warmth and friendliness toward visitors, making your travel experience enjoyable and comfortable.
Clean and Safe Environment: Norway consistently ranks among the world's cleanest and safest countries, providing peace of mind for travelers.
The Fora Difference
Book with Anne to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Norway
Unlock perks by contacting Anne to book your trip.
Things to do in Norway
From outdoor adventures and natural wonders to cultural exploration and historical sites, Norway offers a diverse range of activities that cater to a variety of interests. Whether you're seeking relaxation, excitement or a deeper understanding of the country's heritage, Norway has something to offer every traveler.
Explore the Fjords
Cruise through the iconic Norwegian fjords, such as Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord and marvel at their dramatic landscapes.
Northern Lights Viewing
Head to Tromsø or the Lofoten Islands to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) during the winter months.
Midnight Sun Experience
Visit Norway's northern regions, like the North Cape or Tromsø, to experience the Midnight Sun during the summer when the sun never sets.
Hiking and trekking
Explore the scenic trails in places like Jotunheimen National Park, hike to Trolltunga for breathtaking views or trek to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) for a stunning vantage point.
Visit Bergen
Explore the colorful streets of Bergen, visit the historic Bryggen Wharf, and take the funicular to the top of Mount Fløyen for panoramic city views.
Lofoten Islands
Discover the stunning beauty of the Lofoten Islands with its fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, and opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking and hiking.
Oslo Exploration
Explore Norway's capital city, Oslo, visiting attractions the Royal Palace and the modern architecture of the Oslo Opera House.
Arctic Adventures
Engage in Arctic activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling and ice fishing in the far north.
Visit Stave Churches
Discover Norway's medieval heritage by visiting its iconic stave churches, such as Urnes Stave Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Coastal Cruises
Embark on a coastal cruise along the Norwegian coast, enjoying the stunning scenery and visiting charming towns along the way.
Viking Heritage
Learn about Norway's Viking history through historical sites and reenactments.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Experience world-class skiing and snowboarding in popular ski resorts like Hemsedal, Trysil and Beitostølen.
Wildlife Watching
Spot diverse wildlife, including reindeer, elk, seabirds and marine mammals, in Norway's natural habitats.
Kayaking and Canoeing
Paddle through Norway's pristine lakes and fjords, enjoying close encounters with nature.
Sami Culture
Learn about the indigenous Sami culture, their traditional way of life, and visit cultural centers in the northern regions.
Oslo's Museums
Explore Oslo's impressive museums, including the Munch Museum, the National Gallery and the Fram Museum dedicated to polar exploration.
Water Activities
Experience water activities such as fishing, fjord cruises and sailing to fully appreciate Norway's coastal beauty.
Whale Watching
Take a whale watching tour from places like Andenes or Tromsø to see majestic whales in their natural habitat.
Whether you're drawn to Norway's natural wonders, cultural heritage, outdoor adventures, or unique phenomena like the Northern Lights and Midnight Sun. The country offers a diverse range of experiences that cater to a wide variety of interests.
Places to eat & drink in Norway
Norway's culinary scene has been evolving, incorporating traditional flavors with modern twists. Here are some recommended places to eat and drink in Norway:
Maaemo (Oslo): One of Norway's Michelin-starred restaurants, Maaemo focuses on local, organic, and seasonal ingredients to create innovative and artful dishes.
Fiskeriet (Oslo): A seafood market and restaurant where you can enjoy fresh and delicious seafood dishes in a casual setting.
Lofoten Fiskerestaurant (Lofoten Islands): Offers a selection of locally caught seafood and stunning views of the Lofoten coastline.
Mathallen Oslo (Oslo): A food hall that showcases a variety of culinary delights, from traditional Norwegian dishes to international flavors.
Lysverket (Bergen): Located in KODE 4 art museum, Lysverket offers creative and seasonal cuisine inspired by the Bergen region.
Bryggeloftet & Stuene (Bergen): Known for traditional Norwegian dishes like bacalao (cod stew) and its charming waterfront location.
Cornelius Sjømatrestaurant (Bergen): A seafood restaurant located on a small island, accessible only by boat, offering a unique dining experience.
Café Sorgenfri (Trondheim): A cozy café known for its cinnamon buns, cakes and coffee, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
Vulkanfisk (Oslo): A seafood restaurant with a market vibe, serving a variety of fresh fish and seafood dishes.
Rorbua Pub & Restaurant (Tromsø): A historic pub known for its Arctic-inspired menu, including dishes like reindeer stew and king crab.
Gastropuben (Trondheim): A gastropub offering a wide selection of craft beers and a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
Ekebergrestauranten (Oslo): Located on Ekeberg Hill, this restaurant provides panoramic views of Oslo while serving contemporary Norwegian cuisine.
Café Bacchus (Bergen): A cozy wine bar offering a variety of wines and tapas-style dishes in the heart of Bergen.
Olympen (Oslo): A historic beer hall serving traditional Norwegian dishes in a lively and authentic atmosphere.
Himkok (Oslo): A trendy cocktail bar known for its creative concoctions, showcasing Norwegian ingredients.
Whether you're seeking traditional Norwegian cuisine, international flavors or unique dining experiences, Norway's culinary scene offers a wide array of options to satisfy your taste buds. Keep in mind that opening hours and availability may vary, so it's recommended to check in advance and make reservations when necessary.
Let's talk about customizing this itinerary for you. Or, about other destinations.
Travel Advisor
Anne Bisgaard
Get in touch with Anne
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Anne within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).
For more travel tips, check out my guide, The Best of Scandinavia.
This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Norway.