News and views from Norway

Knight life: How Norway went crazy for chess

School kids playing chess in secret during class. Bar patrons shouting at slow moving chess broadcasts. What happened here? Spoiler: It's not all about Magnus.

Culinary gold from leftover food

The fine dining restaurant Rest in Oslo tackles food waste with a menu based on surplus food and unsaleable produce.

With a beating heart for Svalbard’s wild nature

Hilde Fålun Strøm and Sunniva Sorby will be the first two women to overwinter in Svalbard on their own. Their goal is to conduct research and raise awareness about how climate changes affect Nordic life.

Walk in the footsteps of the Norwegian vikings

An archeological find of what may be the largest viking ship yet discovered in Norway is attracting global attention. However, close encounters with viking culture may be experienced several places across the country.

In Oslo, every day is Taco Friday

Oslo’s Mexican food scene has been booming for the last few years. This autumn, a British street chef has arrived in the city to make the Norwegian taco even tastier.

Roald Amundsen’s “lost” ship returns to Norway

After 100 years abroad – the last 85 of which were spent at the bottom of the sea – the polar explorer’s expedition boat “Maud” has finally been brought back home from Canada.

A new historical trail across Stølsvidda takes you back in time

Walking through Northern Europe’s largest community of operative mountain farms will take you five days, with free-range livestock and a living cultural heritage along the way.

The historic Norwegian inland ships

Ships built more than one hundred years ago are still sailing around Southern Norway, which will take you on a cultural journey far back in time.

Watch the beauty of the Norwegian mountains unfold – minute by minute – this summer

New slow TV venture in Norway aims to ensure an exodus among hikers to the Norwegian mountains.

Sankthans finds Norway at its brightest and most summery

On June 23, Norwegians celebrate Midsummer with boating, parties and other seasonal activities. In the western city of Ålesund, the world’s largest bonfire is built and lit every year. 

The polar bear who checked into a hotel

On Sunday night, a polar bear broke into the dry food depot at the Svalbard hotel Isfjord Radio. After hours of chocolate munching, the felon escaped through a narrow window.

The world’s first plastic-free shipping company

Plastic bags, plastic cutlery and plastic packing will soon be blasts from the past as Hurtigruten bans all single-use plastic from their ships.

Norwegian fashion makes international waves

From high-end rainwear to woolen gold: The last few years a number of Norwegian designers have stood out in the international fashion industry. The key to their success is a mixture of Nordic aesthetics and Norwegian lifestyle.

Midnight sun kayaking, beer hikes and royal cows

After a long and record-cold winter that will go into the annals of history as one of the great skiing seasons, Norway is ready for light and heat. Here are nine major signs of spring to look forward to.

The spring's most beautiful ski trip

Crossing the Jostedalsbreen Glacier lengthwise is a true spring skiing classic.

The great journey across the Finnmarksvidda plateau

For the Sami people in the north, the reindeer migration marks the transition between winter and summer and is a tradition dating back centuries.

This architect designed daytrip cabin comes equipped with a library

All 26 municipalities of the western Norwegian county Sogn og Fjordane will open a cabin to the public this year. Common features are proximity to the city, spectacular view and a unique design.

National Geographic visits Norway in a spectacular new documentary series

“One Strange Rock” tells the story of our planet – from space. Featuring Will Smith as host and Darren Aronofsky as producer, the series highlights the world’s most unique places – including the arctic magic of Svalbard and Kautokeino.

A secret and spectacular world is waiting beneath the ice

In the deep of the majestic Jostedalsbreen glacier, ice caves that will provide the most seasoned hiker with a happy shock are concealed. But unlike most glacier tours, they’re only accessible outside the summer season.

Watch Maria (29) surf the harsh and magical waves of Northern Norway

An icy Lofoten provides the location for “The Arctica” – the first Nordic surf film focusing on a female surfer. Maria Petersson holds the north Norwegian waves among the world’s greatest.

“The Doomsday Vault” has become Svalbard’s top tourist attraction

The Svalbard Global Seed Vault celebrates its 10th anniversary this week. The tourism manager at Visit Svalbard marvels at how the the strictly inaccessible depot – and its mythology – has become the island groups biggest hit.

The world’s most eco-friendly hotel

The spectacular luxury hotel Svart is starting to take shape at the foot of the Svartisen National Park in Nordland.

These are the most spectacular Norwegian nature photos this year

The winners of the prestigious Nordic Nature Photo Contest 2018 has been announced, and Norwegian photographers won 8 out of 10 prizes – including Nature Photographer of the Year.

Festivals up at lofty heights

Ever more people are discovering the joys of getting out and exploring nature and the joys of hiking in the mountains together with like-minded people. Summit touring festivals are here to stay, and Norway offers a variety of them.

Oslo picked as one of The New York Times’ top places to travel in 2018

The waterfront promenade, speedy airport trains and a skating hall on Tjuvholmen is among the reasons that The New York Times are recommending Oslo as a place to go in 2018.

Meet the people who watch the Northern Lights for a living

The people of Northern Norway stand at the ready to help travellers achieve the dream of seeing the Northern Lights. For some, it’s a lifestyle.

When the avalanche occurred

Thomas T. Kleiven has always prioritised security when he goes skiing. Still, he came close to losing his life when an avalanche overtook him.

Travelling the length of Norway in 100 days

Last summer, Fredrik Karlstad walked 2,800 kilometres from Nordkapp to Lindesnes.

Norwegian Christmas traditions feature in new Disney short

Norwegian traditions such as Christmas rib, straw goats and rice porridge is highlighted in a new Disney short based on the Frozen-universe.

The wonder of wandering towards wisdom

Premiere: Bergen legend is back with a spectacular music video from Folgefonna

One of the spearheads of the original Bergen Wave, Ralph Myerz, unveils new music – and provides insider tips about the best concert venues in town.

Dreaming of close encounters with the ocean’s mightiest creature?

It’s orca season in Northern Norway.

Norway singled out as one of the world's most sustainable holiday destinations

… and three destinations stand out in particular.

The small Norwegian town that went to Hollywood

Magnificent winter scenery in Rjukan has a starring role in the soon-to-be-released feature film, The Snowman.  

The nature in Northern Norway just became even more accessible

This autumn will be the high season for hikers in Helgeland thanks to the Fly & Hike concept.

The Oslo 2017 Homeless World Cup takes football out in the streets

Oslo 2017 Homeless World Cup is happening in the city centre right now. Here’s what you need to know.

Norwegians’ favourite view is so awesome, it can be enjoyed in the dark

Night hikes up Gaustatoppen Mountain are attracting thousands of visitors.

Why the world’s hippest rainwear originates from Bergen

The world's hippest rainwear doesn't look like rainwear - and originates (obviously) from Norway’s rainiest city.

Stroll through a blossoming oasis in the city centre

Oslo's garden colonies are now fully in bloom. Did you know that you can walk through them to enjoy the colours, fragrances and pleasant tranquillity?

Here you learn how to live in harmony with nature

In the newly opened Tingvoll Eco Park, you can eat the “world’s best” cheese while learning what really goes on under the ground.

Cultural experiences under an open sky

Throughout Norway, you can experience a wide range of music, food, art and culture in some of the country's most magnificent natural surroundings.

The adventurer who bought her own island in Steigen

It’s ten years since she climbed the Seven Summits, i.e. the highest peaks on the world’s seven continents. Now, Randi Skaug tells us how she bought her own island and started off on her eighth undertaking.

How this ship became a symbol of sustainable tourism

The world's most beautiful nature deserves gentle care. With the tourist ship "Vision of the Fjords", Norway is leading the way in environmentally friendly transportation.

Here are some extreme stories from Voss, about a 20-year-old festival

The “Veko” Extreme Sport festival at Voss is commemorating its 20th year. This year's anniversary festival kicks off tomorrow, with something for teenagers, retirees and everyone in between.

Oslo Pride and other LGBTIQ+ festivals

At Oslo Pride, Norway's largest LGBTIQ+ festival, you get to be yourself and enjoy music, art, debate and a spectacular parade.

When you want to be like Tarzan

Norway’s latest climbing park just opened in Trysil. Below are a titbit and tips about where to for that butterflies-in-your-tummy sensation.

Join these pilots on Norway’s most beautiful approaches

Scandinavian Airlines’ pilots recently selected Norway’s most beautiful approaches. Watch them here and judge for yourself.

You can watch the newborn eaglet live

Hundreds watched the first eagle egg hatch. Curious to see how the nest life unfolds? Follow the feathered family live right here.

The happiest country on earth

Norway jumped from fourth to first place as the world’s happiest country. But why, and has it always been like that?

When the journey is the destination

Ferryboat or kayak, bus or bike? It’s not just where you go, but how you get there, that will define your trip.

Travel in time through the lens of Bergen’s first photographer

In 1852, Marcus Selmer became Bergen’s first permanent photographer. Today, his images offer a unique eye contact with the past.

Winter in the city – here are the best spots for downhill sledding

Forget skis. Forget snowboards. Forget skates. It’s time to dig out your toboggan and sled down the best hills Norway’s cities have to offer.

Check out these Instagram shots of Oslo in the fog

Oslo has seen a host of foggy mornings lately. The capital’s trigger-happy photographers have not let that opportunity slip by.

The northern lights face competition in Karasjok

When photographer Kjell Sæther threw a quick glance out the window before bedtime, he found himself captivated by a unique phenomenon.

This French blogger walked on foot from Lillehammer to Trondheim

French translator Pauline left Berlin to go on an ancient Norwegian pilgrimage – and got the tattoo to prove it.

Unique mountain phenomenon caught on camera

This rare photo can only be taken twice a year. One Norwegian Parliament member snapped it by coincidence.

Meet the hotel owners who want you to slow down

A married couple tired of city life sold their home, moved to Aurland, renovated an old farm and built a unique hotel.

Going native: Gorgeous video celebrates Norway’s west coast

The people behind the film production company Falkeblikk moved to Sogndal so they could live on location.

Has Norway ever shone brighter than in this 8K time-lapse?

Morten Rustad is back with his most ambitious film to date – one whole year of Norwegian nature condensed to seven minutes.

See Norway’s west coast through one of Europe’s hottest photographers

Check out the beautiful shots of the Norwegian west coast by photographer Kyrre Lien, who just made Forbes Magazine’s 30 under 30 list.

Norwegian travel blogger of the year shares her favourite destinations

With her blog “Reiselykke”, Mette Solberg Fjeldheim has gone all over the world. Here are her top picks when travelling closer to home.

Skiing in the mountains? Here’s how to avoid avalanches

A Norwegian avalanche expert wrote a book on minimising the risk without spoiling the fun.

Check out these amazing shots of local Geilo heroes

British photographer Emile Holba fell in love with the winter resort town of Geilo and spent a year documenting its people.

Here are the best places to spot Norwegian wildlife (according to The Telegraph)

The British newspaper follows in prince Harry's footsteps, heading north to see some of Norway's wildest sights.

This amazing video of the northern lights was caught in realtime

After ten years of northern light photography, Marius Birkeland finally caught the movement of the colours without time-lapse.

Take a peek inside the seed vault that’s designed to protect the world’s plant life

The Norwegian seed bank is designed to protect the world’s plant life. Now, a short documentary from VICE explores the inside.

The world’s tallest wood house will be built at the brim of lake Mjøsa

Next year, this unique hotel will be open for check-ins, showing off the green shift and snatching a world record at the same time.

Watch Kilian Jornet attempt seven Norwegian summits in one day

The world’s best mountain runner has moved to Norway. Now, he’s trying to conquer his neighbourhood armed with nothing but skis and chocolate.

Birdwatchers from all over the world travel north to sit in this shed

No one believed in Ørjan Hansen’s shack. Now, it is bringing bird lovers closer to nature than they had dreamed was possible.

After visiting 70 countries, the American travel blogger moved to Norway

When she settled down in a tiny town in Norway, travel blogger Silvia Lawrence feared her audience would fade away. Instead, the interest exploded.

“The bridge is only 35 centimetres wide, so it’s kinda scary”

Simen Staalnacke built a successful fashion brand on his love for his home town. Here are his three tips for visiting Stryn.

This underwater homestead is like a time capsule from old Norway

When photographer Lars Korvald ducked into the lake, he found ruins, a magic forest and the story of one hyperlocal apocalypse.

City in the golden fog – Bergen like you've never seen it

Photographer Grim Berge had shot one hundred destinations all over the world. The most beautiful one was waiting at home.

Catching an impossible shot in the waves beneath the northern lights

Two Norwegian photographers and one Australian world champion surfer travelled to Lofoten for one spectacular shot.

In the 1850s, one man laid the foundation for modern skiing

He is the man behind the telemark ski. Now, a new video from Visit Telemark celebrates the ingenuity of Sondre Norheim.

Visitnorway.com receives one of the industry’s highest accolades

The web site you’re reading right now just won a Golden Adrian Award. And to top it off, our sheep took home silver.

Rindal Ski Museum nominated for the European Museum of the Year Award

In the tiny town of Rindal in Fjord Norwayl, one hundred volunteers are running a ski museum of international renown.

These time-lapse videos bring the magic of Norway to life

To the naked eye, nature moves slowly. Time-lapse photographer Morten Rustad is breathing life into what would otherwise seem static.

This concrete panorama will take your breath away

Viewpoint Gaularfjellet is not your average rest stop. Now, the futuristic concrete flake in the middle of the mountains is winning awards.

Norwegian airliner prepare northern light safaris

Widerøe aims to defeat the clouds by offering a one-hour sightseeing trip.

Video showcases spectacular architecture deep in Norwegian fjords

Norwegian videographer Alejandro Villanueva has battled heavy weather to film a stunning time-lapse video of the Trollstigen Visitor Centre in rural Norway.

Mysterious light phenomenon inspires “UFO camp” in Hessdalen

A UFO pub and “lavvo” tents with glass ceilings seek to attract travellers to the small village of Hessdalen and their world famous light phenomenon.

On the coldest night of the year, Audun captured this breathtaking scene

He just won the “European championships” of nature photography in Germany. Not bad for a professor who picked up the camera mostly for fun.

Per Magne has been saving lives in the mountains for 30 years

It’s been a busy year for the rescuers at Trolltunga. Per Magne has even had to rescue children.

Here you can live in Norway’s most beautiful refugium

On a windswept, yet beautiful island south of Bodø, some of the world’s most renowned architects have designed boxes meant for contemplation. Now, you can rent them.

Oslo hotel named the best in Northern Europe

300,000 readers of Condé Nast Traveler have spoken. They have named The Thief, located at the hip, recently developed Tjuvholmen in Oslo, the very best hotel in Northern Europe.

Discover Norway as seen by someone who just fell in love with it

Alon and Chen decided to go to Norway after seeing a photo on Instagram. Now, the video they made from their own trip surely deserves to be a viral hit.

The world’s first ship tunnel sails up as Norway’s next big attraction

In a few years, you might be able to sail across a 1.7 kilometre long tunnel in the mountains. That guarantees not only convenience, but also a unique experience.

See the best images of last night’s wondrous northern lights

A clear sky and an intense solar storm made perfect conditions for northern lights enthusiasts and amateur photographers.

Lofoten’s awesome nature is the backdrop for this artist’s breakthrough video

Madden is the name of Norway’s newest musical export. His latest music video gives a taste of the stunning nature of Lofoten.

Tourist of the day: Shantelle has the perfect guide

Her new boyfriend is showing her Oslo. What attractions has he taken her to see? Watch the video and see for yourself.

Exclusive green list includes three Norwegian destinations

Longyearbyen, Lærdal and Geilo each claim a spot among the top 100 sustainable destinations in the world.

Experience the stunning Viewpoint Snøhetta in high definition

This video from Dovrefjell captures the dramatic nature surrounding Viewpoint Snøhetta and the building's unique design.

Why Hurtigruten’s investment in hybrid technology is the start of a revolution

Hurtigruten’s new environmentally sustainable ships can give tourism a new dimension, according to the environmental organization Bellona.

Watch: Mountain-top hike illuminated by human link

5,000 people gathered on a mountain-top this Saturday, for a one-of-a-kind experience, drawing attention to the UN’s sustainability goals.

What Norway looks like in one of the world’s largest computer games

The upcoming video game Civilization VI is met with enormous expectation. Central to its game play is Norwegian viking culture, stave churches and a famous king.

See the spectacular vessel that won ship of the year

Fantastic design and green technology in turquoise water: The Norwegian ship Vision of the Fjords is gaining international recognition.

See the breathtaking new addition to Norway’s National Tourist Routes

A new book presents the most important attractions along the Norwegian road stretches called National Tourist Routes. And tomorrow, we´ll see the opening of yet another great project.

See the king’s speech that went viral

“Norway are girls who love girls, boys who love boys and boys and girls who love each other”.

These lads went climbing in Norway. The video from their journey is amazing

Josh Joshua and his friends decided to visit the most dramatic attractions in Norway. The drone and cameras they carried with them came to good use.