City break the Norwegian way

Get insider tips from locals for an exciting long weekend in Norway’s main cities, where urban vibes meet small-town charm.

Go on a city break to Norway! Aksla viewpoint in Ålesund .
Photo: Samuel Taipale / Visitnorway.com

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

The Munch Museum, Bjørvika in Oslo .
Photo: Estudio Herreros / Kultur- og idrettsbygg

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

Go on a city break | Saturday in Bodø .
Photo: SL Media

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

Ulriken in Bergen .
Photo: Bergen Reiselivslag / Espen Haagensen / visitBergen.com

One of the best things about Norway’s largest cities is that they are actually fairly small. Which means that you can experience many of the highlights during a long weekend. Explore top attractions like the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, the Bryggen wharf in Bergen, the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, and Oslo’s new landmarks – and still have plenty of time for secluded alleys, exciting eateries, cafés, and concerts.

As all Norwegian cities are close to magnificent nature, you can easily combine city life with outdoor experiences. Forest or mountains? Adrenaline or relaxation? Whatever takes your fancy, you will find it within easy reach – from paddling, rafting, and fishing to hiking and climbing.

We asked a bunch of locals in Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, Trondheim, Stavanger, Ålesund, Bodø and Kristiansand for their best tips for a long weekend. Check out their recommendations below and let the hunt for your new favourite city begin!

Insider tips for your Norwegian city break

Check out the locals’ favourite pastimes for a cultural Friday, a Saturday with the locals and a long Sunday walk.

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Find your favourite city in Norway

Oslo

Between the Oslofjord and the forests lies Norway’s capital and largest city, with its vibrant social scene and special combination of nature… Read more

Oslo

Bergen

Even though Bergen is the second-largest city in Norway, it has the vibe of a small town, packed with charm and urban character. Read more

Bergen

Trondheim

The vibrant city of Trondheim is home to some of Trøndelag’s most popular attractions, cosy shopping streets and a myriad of restaurants… Read more

Trondheim

Tromsø

From local food and mountains soaring above deep blue fjords to the midnight sun and the northern lights – discover the Arctic capital,… Read more

Tromsø

Stavanger

Breathtaking surroundings with fjords, mountains and long, white beaches. Stavanger and Sandnes also boasts an impressive assortment of museums and… Read more

Stavanger

Kristiansand

Explore urban beach life in Norway’s southernmost city! Kristiansand also has a vibrant cultural scene and exciting activity parks and museums. Read more

Kristiansand

Bodø

Bodø is home to the world’s strongest maelstrom Saltstraumen. The largest city in Nordland is also just a boat ride away from the old… Read more

Bodø

Ålesund

You could go hiking or skiing, admire Ålesund's unique Art Nouveau architecture, explore the fjords – or just kick back and enjoy the… Read more

Ålesund

Other cities worth a visit

Silhouette of person inside Sorrisniva igloo hotel

Alta

In the city of Alta you can experience Sami culture up close, see UNESCO protected rock carvings, sleep in a ice hotel or hunt for the northern light. Read more

Alta

Arendal

From underwater safari and modern camping to art and a science centre – discover the coastal town famed for its buzzing city centre and idyllic… Read more

Arendal

Wooden boats, one with a pirate flag, in Farsund, Southern Norway on a summer day.

Farsund and Lista

An old pirate town, thousands of birds, miles of beaches, and a little piece of America – discover Farsund and Lista. Read more

Farsund and Lista

Flekkefjord

Street art, the Dutch Quarter, rail biking, and idyllic nature await in Flekkefjord, the westernmost city in Southern Norway. Read more

Flekkefjord

A family is buying shellfish at Skjærhalden fiskemottak, Eastern Norway

Fredrikstad

Fredrikstad is a cosy city with deep historical roots and it’s home to one of the best-preserved fortress towns in Scandinavia. Just west… Read more

Fredrikstad

Grimstad

Get lost in narrow cobblestone streets, find your private island, and let your mind wander as you walk along the seafront. In Grimstad, the atmosphere… Read more

Grimstad

Halden

Halden is an idyllic small town nestled down by the Iddefjord, just on the border of Sweden. Above the town looms the mighty Fredriksten Fortress. Read more

Halden

Hammerfest

An urban surprise along a barren, mostly uninhabited coast, Hammerfest is an arctic town full of life and outdoor adventurous. Read more

Hammerfest

Harstad

Go hiking in the mountains, explore the archipelago in a kayak or RIB, and join exciting cultural events. Harstad is the perfect base for a holiday in… Read more

Harstad

Haugesund

A charming city, lush nature, old Viking thrones, and festivals await in Haugesund and Haugalandet. Read more

Haugesund

Horten

Horten boasts a rich heritage dating back to our Viking history. In Åsgårdstrand, you can visit legendary artist Edvard Munch's house. Read more

Horten

Kragerø

The charming little coastal town of Kragerø is set in beautiful surroundings with a fabulous cluster of islands just waiting for you… Read more

Kragerø

Kristiansund

Get to know Kristiansund, a city on four islands famous for clipfish, opera, and The Atlantic Road. Read more

Kristiansund

Svenner, one of many lighthouses in Norway open for overnight stays

Larvik and Stavern

Looking for sun, summer and festivals? But also history and scenic surroundings? Then Larvik and Stavern is the place for you! You are guaranteed to… Read more

Larvik and Stavern

Lillesand

The idyllic Blindleia archipelago, a Historic Hotel, and traditional Southern Norway charm await in Lillesand. Read more

Lillesand

Lyngdal

From hiking in the mountains and having fun at the beach to fishing and Viking history – get ready for an outdoor adventure in Lyngdal. Read more

Lyngdal

Molde

Molde has some of Fjord Norway’s most famous attractions. Experience the world-famous Molde international jazz festival, enjoy spectacular views… Read more

Molde

Moss

Choose between 50 different beaches or try the city's new pride: the diving tower! Discover historical Refsnes Gods or Gallery F 15, one of… Read more

Moss

Narvik

Discover Narvik, a town above the Arctic Circle where nature is your playground. Go hiking, skiing or climbing and experience the midnight sun in… Read more

Narvik

Risør

The seaside town of Risør is famed for its white-painted wooden houses, fun events like the wooden boat festival Trebåtfestivalen and the… Read more

Risør

Rjukan

Rjukan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located close to the Hardangervidda National Park. The area is known for Gaustatoppen mountain peak and the… Read more

Rjukan

Sandefjord

Sandefjord boasts miles of coastline, as well as a rich historical heritage. Vikings have left their mark here, as has the whaling industry. Read more

Sandefjord

Sarpsborg

A thousand years ago, Sarpsborg was founded by the old king Saint Olaf alongside Europe's largest waterfall. Today, the city has one of the… Read more

Sarpsborg

Plan your trip to the Gjøvik region in Eastern Norway and go cycling along Lake Mjøsa

The Gjøvik region and Ringsaker

Enjoy the good life in the countryside! Toten, Søndre Land, Ringsaker and Gjøvik offer wonderful local food, a rich cultural life, and… Read more

The Gjøvik region and Ringsaker

Hamar

Get to know this charming, medium-sized city on the banks of Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake. Experience a rich cultural life and one of the… Read more

Hamar

Lillehammer

Lillehammer is located in the lush Gudbrandsdalen valley in Eastern Norway and offers a mix of culture, family fun, and outdoor activities. Read more

Lillehammer

Tvedestrand

Cobblestone streets, an idyllic archipelago, and Norway’s version of the Flatiron building await in Tvedestrand, the book town by the… Read more

Tvedestrand

Tønsberg and Færder

From the Vikings to the tourists of today, people have always flocked to Tønsberg, Norway's oldest city. Located about an hour's… Read more

Tønsberg and Færder

Åndalsnes

Discover Åndalsnes, famed for the Romsdalseggen ridge, Trollstigen, and the Rauma Line, Europe’s most beautiful train journey. Read more

Åndalsnes

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Accommodation

Camping

Hotel facilities

In-room facilities

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Activities

Alpine Skiing

Biking

Canoeing & kayaking

Cross-country skiing

Fishing

Hiking

Wildlife safaries

Winter activities

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