City breaks: the Norwegian way

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

Aksla viewpoint in Ålesund .
Photo: Samuel Taipale / Visitnorway.com

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 …

MUNCH in Bjørvika Oslo .
Photo: MUNCH

… then spend 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 to hike a nearby mountain, be prepared to cover ground on foot.

Ulriken in Bergen .
Photo: Visit Bergen / Casper Steinsland / VisitBergen.com

Oppstemten to Mount Ulriken in Bergen .
Photo: Visit Bergen / Casper Steinsland / VisitBergen.com

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

Since all Norwegian cities are close to magnificent nature, you can easily combine urban 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 locals in Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, Trondheim, Stavanger, Ålesund, Bodø, Fredrikstad 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 next city break

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

Hot city tips by famous Norwegians

Eat, sleep and live like a celebrity. In our series, The Cultural Triangle, renowned Norwegians show you their favourite haunts in our biggest cities.

10,000 amazing steps

Do you prefer to have a route laid out for you? We have collected several excellent walks you can take to experience the highlights in some of Norway's biggest cities.

Explore Norway's cities

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Find your favourite city in Norway

Oslo

Welcome to the new capital of Nordic cool! Get all our tips on top things to see and do in Oslo, including major attractions like MUNCH and the… Read more

Oslo

Bergen

Although it's the second-biggest city in Norway, Bergen is packed with small town charm. 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

A couple walking in Fargegaten (the street of color)

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 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

Go hiking or skiing, admire Ålesund's unique Art Nouveau architecture, explore the fjords – or just kick back and enjoy the view. Read more

Ålesund

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

Other cities worth a visit

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

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, discover your own private island just off the coast, and let your mind wander as you walk along the seafront.… 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 gem on a barren, mostly uninhabited coast, Hammerfest is an Arctic city full of life and outdoor adventure. 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

A boat drives in a leisurely pace in the Hortenkanalen canal in Horten in Vestfold, Eastern Norway

Horten and Åsgårdstrand

The charming seaside towns of Horten and Åsgårdstrand are rich in history and culture, and offer beautiful coastal and inland nature.… Read more

Horten and Åsgårdstrand

Kragerø

The charming little coastal town of Kragerø is set in beautiful surroundings in Eastern Norway. Discover a fabulous cluster of islands in… Read more

Kragerø

Kristiansund

Discover Kristiansund, a city on four islands that's famous for clipfish, opera, and the stunning 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 Trebåtfestivalen wooden boat festival,… 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

Sarpsborg was founded 1,000 years ago by Saint Olaf II of Norway, and is situated beside the Sarpsfossen waterfall, which has one of the highest flow… 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 amazing Åndalsnes, famous for its breathtaking landscapes and the Rauma Line, Europe’s most beautiful train journey. Read more

Åndalsnes

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City breaks: the Norwegian way

Insider tips for your next city break

Hot city tips by famous Norwegians

Hot city tips from famous Norwegians

10,000 amazing steps

Norwegian cities by foot

Explore Norway's cities

50+ and fabulous?

50 reasons why it's better to travel when you´re 50+

Take advantage of top offers

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Details

General

Accessibility

Age limit

Discount

Effort level

Landscape

Price range

Season

Accommodation

Camping

Hotel facilities

In-room facilities

Ski resorts

Outdoor Activities

Activities

Alpine Skiing

Biking

Canoeing & kayaking

Cross-country skiing

Fishing