A man and a woman heading out from a steaming hot sauna into a chilling batch in Trondheim
Couple in the modern art museum PoMo in Trondheim
Woman at a cafe in Oslo

City breaks
the Norwegian way

The hottest of Scandi cool

Cool urban vibes and cutting edge art meet small-town charm and (literally!) heartwarming moments …

… so pack your wool socks and your swimsuit. Norwegian cities have the perfect combination of hot and cold!

Discover how to enjoy a city break the Norwegian way!

Kick off your weekend with a Cultural Friday. Visit the best museums, galleries, and attractions …

… then spend Saturday exploring the locals’ favourite places: Cosy cafés, speciality shops, saunas, and, of course, top-notch restaurants serving local treats.

Save the last day for a Sunday stroll. Whether you opt for a long urban walk or a hike on a nearby mountain, be prepared to cover some ground on foot.

Pack your coolest sneakers, high heels, hiking boots, and flip flops – this is a city break, Norwegian style! Combine shopping and world-class museums with scenic hikes and finish off in a really hot sauna by the fjord.

Main cities

Oslo

Bergen

Tromsø

Stavanger

Trondheim

Kristiansand

Ålesund

Bodø

City breaks for every season

Norway's cities are fantastic to visit all year round and each season has its own unique charm and experiences.

Enjoy the spring blooming in parks and gardens, a cultural autumn packed full of exciting events, and cosy experiences and hot sauna sessions in winter. All great times for a romantic getaway or a city break with your besties! The cool temperatures outside just make the warmth inside feel more intimate, more alive.

In summer, the cities really come alive, and people flock outdoors whenever a small ray of sun comes out! The streets buzz with life, and the vibe is cheerful and lively.

All these contrasts make the perfect combination between hot and cold, which you can experience in every Norwegian city. Each season brings its own twist!

A woman on a city break in Norway is overlooking Ålesund from Aksla viewpoint

Active city break

One of the best things about Norway’s largest cities is that they are fairly compact, making it easy to experience many highlights on a long weekend. Explore top attractions like the Vigeland sculptural park, the MUNCH museum and National Museum in Oslo, the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf in Bergen, and the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø – with plenty of time to wander down secluded lanes and discover exciting eateries, art, cafés, concerts, and more.

Since Norwegian cities are close to magnificent nature, you can easily combine urban life with outdoor adventure, from paddling, fishing, and swimming, to hiking, skiing, and climbing.

Cool cities

Experience the true essence of Scandi cool in spring, autumn and winter.

  • Tromsø in winter
    Tromsø in winter
    Walking in Fargegata in Stavanger
    The Stavanger region in winter
    Woman taking selfies in Oslo
    Oslo in winter
    The northern lights dancing across the sky above the city of Bodø, Northern Norway
    Bodø in winter
    View from Mount Fløyen in Bergen, Fjord Norway, in winter
    Bergen in winter
    The Nidarosdomen cathedral in Trondheim, Trøndelag
    Trondheim in winter

Hot cities

In summer, the cities really come alive!

  • The Nidarosdomen cathedral in Trondheim, Trøndelag
    Trondheim
    Midnight sun in Bodø, Northern Norway
    Bodø in summer
    Bryggen in Bergen, wharf
    Bergen
    A couple walking in Fargegaten (the street of color)
    The Stavanger region in summer
    Oslo opera house in Winter.
    Oslo
    Two women are hiking up the Sherpa staircase to Mount Storsteinen in Tromsø, Northern Norway
    Tromsø

Our cosy Christmas towns

Visit the world's biggest gingerbread town, bag some Christmas gifts, and soak in the atmosphere at delightful Christmas markets.

  • Two women at the Christmas market in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    The Christmas Town Oslo
    Three girls walking between the Christmassy wooden houses in Bergen, Fjord Norway
    The Christmas Town Bergen
    Two girls strolling in the Christmas decorated streets in Tromsø
    The Christmas Town Tromsø
    The Christmas market in Trondheim seen from above, Trøndelag, Norway.
    The Christmas Town Trondheim

Hotel offers

AD: Get the best rates when you book directly with our partners


Scandic Hotels
Strawberry
Thon Hotels
De Historiske
Classic Norway Hotel s

The very best tips from the locals

We asked locals in Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, Trondheim, Stavanger, Ålesund, Bodø, Fredrikstad and Kristiansand for their best tips for a long weekend. See the hidden gems recommended by the culture experts, explore the outdoor enthusiasts' favourite urban walks, and find out where the chefs dine out.

The locals' top tips

Explore local favourites for cultural Fridays, fun Saturdays with the locals, and relaxing Sunday walks.

  • Two people sightseeing at Akershus Fortress in Oslo
    The locals’ guide to Oslo: top insider tips
    Girl taking a selfie at Bryggen in Bergen
    The locals’ guide to Bergen: top insider tips
    Three people with bikes on a city break in Trondheim, Norway
    The locals’ guide to Trondheim: top insider tips
    Panorama of Tromsø in Northern Norway
    The locals’ guide to Tromsø: top insider tips
    Two people on a weekend trip to Stavanger in Fjord Norway, in the colourful street Øvre Holmegate
    The locals’ guide to Stavanger: top insider tips
    People eating ice cream on the dock in Kristiansand in Southern Norway
    The locals’ guide to Kristiansand: top insider tips
    Bodø city, Northern Norway, a sunny summer day
    The locals’ guide to Bodø: top insider tips
    The Brosundet strait, in the art noveau city Ålesund
    The locals’ guide to Ålesund: top insider tips
    A street in Fredrikstad
    The locals’ guide to Fredrikstad: top insider tips

Explore Norway's cities

There's no need to wait until you're here!

Hot city tips from famous Norwegians

Eat, sleep and live like a celebrity! Renowned Norwegians share their favourite haunts in our biggest cities.

Which city would you like to visit?

Cool travel ideas

Go on an adventurous daytrip outside the cities!

  • Four women sitting on stairs

    Cool city breaks for hot women

    Explore cool city breaks in Norway with your hot girl crew! It's time to transform menopause to menoGO!
    Four women relaxing by the indoor pool at Engø gård at Tjøme, Eastern Norway

    The Oslo region with the girls

    Planning a trip with your besties? How about a long weekend in the Oslo region, which has something for everyone? These tips are all within easy reach of Norway's capital.
    Woman with umbrella on a rainy day at Aker Brygge in Oslo, Eastern Norway

    What to do on a rainy day

    Discover a multitude of indoor activities across Norway.
    The sculptures in the Vigeland installation, the Vigeland Park, Oslo, Norway

    Free things to do in Oslo

    Travelling on a budget? A stay in the Norwegian capital can be quite cheap. In fact, many activities and attractions in Oslo are totally free! See how you can save money on your trip to Norway.
    Two people standing on a boat enjoying the view of the Nærøyfjord in winter

    A winter journey from Bergen to Flåm

    You haven’t seen the fjords until you see them in winter. Enjoy this travel route from Bergen to Flåm and discover some of the world’s most beautiful winter landscapes.
    Ida Elise Eide Einarsdottir shopping at Holzweiler in Oslo

    Best places to shop in Oslo

    Fashion editor of KK, Ida Elise Eide Einarsdóttir, reveals her favourite shopping places in Oslo. From vintage treasures to high-end fashion, these are the spots you need to know!
    Ice bathing in the Halden Canal

    Ice bathing

    Ice bathing has become a popular trend in Norway. See ice bathing expert Anne Kristin Møller's best tips on how to handle the freezing experience, and find the best bathing spots!
    The Soria Moria Sauna in Telemark, Eastern Norway

    Norway’s hottest saunas

    Check out cool saunas in Norway. Try outdoor saunas in the city and in the mountains or floating saunas on the fjord. Heat up before you jump in the water or the snow!
    The courtyard below the roof at the furniture factory The Plus

    Hidden gems east of Oslo – weekend getaway

    The Oslo region offers plenty of excellent weekend breaks. Rømskog hotel, Kongsvinger Fortress hotel, the Plus, Magnor Glass Factory, beautiful nature, local patisseries, and cute alpacas are just some of the things waiting for you!

Just one day in the city?

Don't miss a thing. We have collected excellent walks you can take to experience the highlights.

A couple walking in Fargegaten (the street of color)
Norwegian cities in one day
  • The Nidarosdomen cathedral in Trondheim, Trøndelag
    Trondheim
    Oslo opera house in Winter.
    Oslo
    Bryggen in Bergen, wharf
    Bergen
    Two women are hiking up the Sherpa staircase to Mount Storsteinen in Tromsø, Northern Norway
    Tromsø
    Two friends walking in Fargegaten, The colour street, in Stavanger
    The Stavanger region
    Midnight sun in Bodø, Northern Norway
    Bodø
    Girl enjoying the view of Ålesund from the Aksla viewpoint
    Ålesund and Sunnmøre
    The Kilden culture house in Kristiansand, Southern Norway
    Kristiansand
    A family is buying shellfish at Skjærhalden fiskemottak, Eastern Norway
    Fredrikstad

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

  • A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
    Aurora borealis Tromso - Fjord Travel
    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
    Airplane
    NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
    Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
    Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
    Standard Room -  Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
    A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
    Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
    Blazerbu -  Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
    Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
    Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
    Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
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    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
    Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
    Elegant wooden hotel in mountain valley beneath snow-capped peaks.
    De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
    Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
    Family in outdoor pool in winter at Radisson Blu mountain resort & residences in Trysil, Eastern Norway
    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
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    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
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    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
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    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
    The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
    Two women viewing scenic Norwegian fjord from a boat, with dramatic mountains reflected in calm water under blue sky.
    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
    The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
    Shutterstock 4 - Rent-A-Wreck
    Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
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    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
    Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
    Vy Train travelling on a scenic railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway
    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.

Plan your trip

A woman taking a selfie at Aksla in Ålesund, Norway.
Plan your trip
A train passing by a lake in Saltfjellet mountain area in Nordland
Getting around
A woman going off the train at Røra Station in Inderøy
Travel tips A-Z
  • Girl holding an umbrella at the Sjonfjellet mountain in Northern Norway
    Seasons and climate
    Woman drinking water from a river, Hemsedal, Norway.
    Travel better
    Two women in Vigelandsparken at Frogner in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Travelling with disabilities