News and views from Norway

Off the beaten path: Five alternatives for exploring the Norwegian winter

Skis, snowboards and Christmas fairs are all well and good, but Norway has more to offer this season.

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.

This restaurant creates 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.

The world’s best cheese is from Norway

Among almost 3500 cheeses, the local product Fanaost from Ostegården won the gold medal during the World Cheese Awards in Bergen. A brown cheese from Telemark came in second.

This American blogger is presenting traditional Norwegian cooking to the world

Nevada Berg moved to a small Norwegian village and became a full-time food blogger. Recently, The New York Times included her debut book “North Wild Kitchen” among the best cookbooks this fall. 

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.

The world’s largest underwater restaurant takes you inside the forces of nature

Five meters below the ocean surface outside of Lindesnes in Southern Norway, the Snøhetta-designed gourmet restaurant Under is preparing for its opening in March 2019.

Where nature meets art in a spectacular way

Five years ago this autumn, Ekebergparken sculpture park opened in the hills above Oslo. It’s just one of several places in Norway where you may enjoy amazing art outdoors.

Concerned with ethical shopping? Pay a visit to one of these places

Social entrepreneurship is gaining momentum in Norway. Here are some of the cafés, restaurants and hotels more concerned with smart solutions to social issues than profit.

Is this Norway's best restaurant?

Trøndelag county in Mid-Norway is becoming a culinary powerhouse. At the heart of the area’s restaurant boom is Credo, which was recently hailed as the country’s best place to eat.

Stay stressless in the heart of the city

Feeling torn between the urge for urban kicks and the need for simpler and more secluded pleasures? Norway’s cities provide plenty of escape routes into the wonders of nature.

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.

Yummy, the taste of autumn is finally here!

Norwegian food culture truly comes to life as the leaves are falling. The food festival Matstreif in Oslo presents the culinary highlights of the season.

One of Norway’s cultural powerhouses turns 50

The modern art gallery and live venue Henie Onstad Kunstsenter celebrates half a century with new sculptures, a grand presentation of the museum’s art collection and a commissioned concert with space disco maestro Lindstrøm.

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.

The Norwegian autumn festivals you don’t want to miss

Great culinary and cultural experiences await at one of these unique festivals taking place this season. 

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.

Thirsty for a hot cup of joe? Oslo is Scandinavia’s new coffee mecca

Lonely Planet ranks the Norwegian capital among the five best European coffee cities right now. Norway’s prime barista explains why.

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.

Norway’s most popular waterfall has become even lovelier

The mighty Vøringsfossen at the Hardangervidda plateau is visited by hundreds of thousands of hikers each year. After an extensive upgrade of the surrounding facilities, the site is ready for summer season. 

These are Norway’s World Heritage Sites

Eight Norwegian landmarks and areas are included on UNESCO’s list of the world’s most important natural and cultural sites. 

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. 

Cool off at Norway’s cleanest beaches

A number of Norway’s beaches have been awarded with the prestigious Blue Flag certification. This year, another gem was added to the list.

Norway is the European champion in the culinary arts

A native of Bodø, Norway, Christian André Pettersen celebrated his top spot on the podium in the Bocuse d’Or Europa culinary competition.

Join the battle against food waste today

Today is the International Environment Day. The Norwegian service business celebrates the event with the campaign “Cut Food Waste 2020”, where more than 1600 companies work systematically to reduce unnecessary discarding of food.

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.

Seven cabin-to-cabin hikes you should try this summer!

Outdoorsman and author Marius Nergård Pettersen has grown up in Norwegian nature. Here are his favourite cabin-to-cabin hikes.

Norwegian train journeys with a view

These seven railway rides offer far more than just transportation.

Oslo is getting ready to be the European Green Capital 2019

Next year, Oslo will become an even greener city. The Norwegian capital will spearhead the development toward sustainability and environmentalism among the big European cities.

Hurtigruten to become 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. The environmental focus will be an important part of the total travel experience.

Norway's trendiest districts

The last few years, Oslo’s Grünerløkka may have stolen the headlines when it comes to hip districts. But all the major cities in Norway have their own cool areas where locals go to hang out, eat great food and have a good time.

Rediscover Munch through the eyes of Andy Warhol

This spring, the exhibition “Andy Warhol – After Munch” assembles two of modern art’s major figures. Perhaps the Norwegian expressionist and the American pop artist aren’t as different as we might imagine?

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.

These hotels are single-handedly worth a trip

Descendants of Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg recently opened a luxurious new culture hotel in Bergen. Opus XVI is just one of several exciting hotel projects in Norway this spring.

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.

Easter Saturday will be this year’s hottest day in Oslo

Every weekend, hundreds of semi-nude people gather in the new heart of Norway’s capital to sweat it out – and cool down in icy water. This Easter, Sauna Day will be celebrated for twelve hours in five different saunas.

Norwegian Easter equals sun, skiing and brutal murders

In Norway, reading crime stories during Easter is as natural as eggs and chickens. But to the outside world, the "Easter crime" phenomenon is – quite literally – a mystery.

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.

Norway remains among the world’s happiest countries

20 March is the International Day of Happiness. Every year, the world’s nations are measured and ranked by criteria that make for happy citizens. As in previous years, the Nordic countries are on top of this year’s World Happiness Index.

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.

It’s time for the year’s greatest Northern fishing adventure

Every year, the World Cod Fishing Championship takes places in the waters outside Svolvær. The competition is a celebration of the traditional fishing season in Lofoten – and an opportunity to reel in some true whoppers in spectacular Arctic surroundings.

The city of Oslo presents its urban art treasures

With the exhibition “The Commonly Owned”, the municipality of Oslo assembles some highlights from its vast art collection, consisting of 20 000 works. The overarching theme is the city’s place in art – and art’s place in the city.

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.

These new landmarks will make Norwegian roads (even) more attractive

For 25 years, the project Norwegian Scenic Routes has turned 18 stretches of road into a destination in themselves. This spring, several of them are upgraded with beautiful and thought-provoking art and architecture.

“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.

It looks to be one of the best Norwegian ski seasons of all time

This year's cold and long Norwegian winter is far from over. Air from Siberia means that Southern Norway is sniffing at record-breaking low temperatures, and everyone who loves the snow, skiing and other refreshing winter activities in fair weather can look forward to good times ahead.

The joy of skiing in the city centre

There aren't many places in the world where you can experience both the bustling city life and fantastic ski conditions on the same day, but Norway is one of them.

Here are the Norwegian Michelin 2018 restaurants

Oslo restaurant Maaemo keeps its three stars in this year’s edition of the prestigious guide, while Galt joins the exclusive club with its first Michelin star ever.

Martha Stewart on Maaemo: – An experience of a lifetime!

Norway's best restaurant is being praised by America's premier lifestyle icon. Join Chef Esben Holmboe Bang on his search for the raw materials - including insects and flowers - which have secured Maaemo three stars in the Michelin Guide.

Norwegian architects have designed the world's most environmentally friendly hotel

The spectacular luxury hotel, Svart, is starting to take shape at the foot of the Svartisen National Park in Nordland. And it won't just have a beautiful exterior: The architects of Snøhetta promise that it will be the world's first energy-positive hotel above the Arctic Circle.

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.

Tom Cruise is hanging by a thread from Preikestolen in the new Mission Impossible trailer

More than 100 million American viewers were introduced to the iconic Norwegian mountain plateau as a snippet from Mission Impossible: Fallout premiered during Super Bowl this weekend.

Construction of the world's largest underwater restaurant under way

Under, the spectacular building designed by Snøhetta, is on course for opening it's doors in May 2019. Now you can secure seats at the table as well – the pre-booking opens today.

Wanted: Hosts for inquisitive guests of Oslo

Lonely Planet has named Oslo as one of the top ten destinations for 2018. VisitOSLO and Innovation Norway are celebrating by inviting ten guests to the capital - and are therefore seeking local hosts who can guide them to the city's magic.

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.

In the footsteps of Sigrid: This is the sound of Norway 2018

Norwegian artist Sigrid is on the threshold of an international breakthrough after winning BBC Music’s Sound of 2018 poll. Here are some of the artists ready to follow her lead.

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.

Yoko Ono turns Lofoten into her canvas

Henningsvær Lighthouse is located in the most beautiful part of the Norwegian coastline. This month, the quietly dazzling surroundings will provide the setting for art icon Yoko Ono’s latest project ONOCHORD (lighthouse).

The world’s most vigorous 150-year-old

No one knows Norway’s nature better than The Norwegian Trekking Association. This year, the organisation turns 150 – and celebrates with a number of outdoor activities throughout 2018.

Star Wars icon Carrie Fisher’s daughter pays tribute with Northern Lights

The late Star Wars legend Carrie Fisher had an uncommon fascination with the Northern Lights. This Christmas, her daughter Billie Lourd went to Norway for a close encounter with the Aurora Borealis.

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.

Norway's most spectacular escape route of WWII was concealed among these mountains

Resistance fighter Jan Baalsrud's dramatic escape during World War II has become the Norwegian movie of the year. Now, you too can retrace the breakneck route he undertook.

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.

The most soulful landmarks of Norway’s cities

From legendary hotdog stands to royal watering holes and prestigious hotels: These urban institutions are themselves worth a city vacation.

What’s happening in the Norwegian big cities in 2018?

Majestic ships, a new Munch exhibition, ice domes and cheese championships: Here are some reasons to make next year’s holiday an urban one.

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

This traditional Norwegian dish has become a vital part of Nigerian cuisine

From war provisions to beloved delicacy: Thousands of tonnes of stockfish make its way from the cold waters of Lofoten to Lagos this year.

Experience the joy of off-piste skiing

Grand snow-filled adventures await you beyond the beaten trails. Here is a selection of them.

Hurtigruten expands with spectacular new hybrid ships

Two Rolls-Royce-designed new ships will be sailing along the Norwegian coast. The two-week journeys start in Amsterdam and Hamburg.

Copenhagen, Madrid and Barcelona surpassed by Oslo

Ranked among the greatest culinary cities in Europe!

Cool down with a stay in one of Norways fabulous ice hotels

In two decades, ice hotels have become a hot travel trend in northern latitudes. In Norway you’ll find several, and not all of them requires a long, costly expedition to reach.

Norwegian cheeses conquer the world

How Norway became an important cheese nation in Europe.

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.

Hemsedal named “Norway's best ski-resort”

This season - like last year and the year before - Hemsedal stands out as the undisputed victor in a recently published newspaper competition.

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

It’s orca season in Northern Norway.

Bergen ranked among the best cities of Europe

Hundreds of thousands of Condé Nast Traveler’s readers have placed the city of Western Norway alongside Vienna, Florence and Barcelona.

Tesla builds Europe’s largest charging-station in Norway

Spectacular scenes captured in Norwegian coastal waters

For the production of BBCs Earth’s upcoming documentary series Blue Planet II, production teams spent several months filming both above and below Norwegian waters, capturing animal behaviours never before seen on film.

Spook-tacular Norway

All along it’s historical landscapes, Norway sports an abundance of supernatural legends and eerie ghost stories. With Halloween coming up, we’re listing some of our most haunted – and haunting – destinations.

World’s biggest film star closes Preikestolen

From 7-9 November,  Tom Cruise, along with 100 Hollywood crew members, will occupy the spectacular Preikestolen, sealing the area off from visitors.

Oslo included on Lonely Planet’s prestigious best-in-travel list

This morning, Oslo was included in Lonely Planet’s esteemed top-ten-city list for 2018. There’s never been a better time to visit the Norwegian capital, according to the publication’s editorial director.

Oslo's new lookout-tower opens to the public

With the newly opened Stovner Tower, Oslo adds both an architectural spectacle and a new viewpoint to its long list of attractions.

Winter is coming… 5 hotspots to start your Norwegian ski-adventure early

In the following weeks and months, 200 plus ski-resorts will open its lifts and slopes across Norway. We´ve listed five destinations where the winter fairytale kicks off early.

Unique European Championship of Surfing is underway at Jæren

Along Bore Beach at Jæren, surfers from all over Europe are gathered to conquer some of the Norwegian coast's most awesome waves. It is the first time the championship is being held here in Scandinavia.

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 world's coolest TV channel is embracing Norwegian cuisine in a new series

The video showing a "great escape" to Oslo is world hit

A video of a New Zealand couple rescued from an overcrowded Paris tourist trap and spirited off to a capital with elbowroom - Oslo - has gone viral.

The Northern Lights season has started!

On Friday, no one will be going home early to sleep in Oslo

Now, Hurtigruten also wants to show you undersea life

Assisted by the world's best underwater drone, Hurtigruten (i.e., Norway’s Coastal Express) hopes it can soon offer passengers live, true-colour streaming of images of whales, king crabs, and shipwrecks.

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.

Stunning video: The white-tailed eagles nesting season summarised in two minutes

Live cameras have followed the nesting season for months. Here are the highlights.