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.

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

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.

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. 

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. 

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

More than 1,600 companies celebrate the International Environment Day with the campaign “Cut Food Waste 2020”.

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.

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.

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

In 2018 the exhibition “Andy Warhol – After Munch” assembled 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.

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.

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 2019 restaurants

Oslo restaurant Maaemo keeps its three stars in this year’s edition of the prestigious guide, whilst Fagn and Credo, both in Trondheim, joins the exclusive club with one Michelin star each.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 new hybrid ships

Two Rolls Royce designed new ships will be sailing along the Norwegian coast from 2019. 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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

How these insanely wild dives became a phenomenon in Norway – and went viral

Truls (18) is world champion in “dødsing” – or “death diving” in English – which is a peculiar kind of diving where the risk of doing a belly-flop is ever present. The annual championship garners widespread international attention.

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.

These goats put Håøya Island on the Michelin map

After a one-hour boat ride from Oslo, you can eat freshly baked bread with Chèvre cheese. Both are made without using electricity.

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?

Discover yoga amid hills and mountains

Experiencing Norwegian nature in the "downward dog" or "child's pose" can give your mountain trip a new dimension.

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.

Now is the time for island hopping in inner Oslofjord

The Oslo ferries have started services along their summer routes with far more frequent departures each day. This is a guide to some of the best stopping points.

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.

Have a look at these stunning wedding photos

Whether you are ready to wed or not, these wedding photos from around Norway – and the photographers' tips – can be well worth a look.

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.

Get closer to the Norwegian nature in an electric car

Going green isn’t always the easiest option. On the other hand, an electric car might be the very thing that makes you enjoy your holiday that much more.

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.

Norway in 360 degrees will give you goosebumps

In the mood for a close encounter with Norwegian nature during your lunch break? These VR experiences will take you to Norway right now.

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.

Five points for staying safe on randonnée hikes

Randonnée, the big new ski trend in Norway, is a lot of fun. Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure your hike to the top of the mountain is a good one.