Find your favourite fjord
Skip the crowds – write your own fjord story. Check out these tranquil destinations!
Beyond the hotspots
Visit popular destinations off season,
or discover quieter (but just as stunning!) alternatives.
Norway has plenty of space!
But during peak season, usually from around June 20th to August 15th, some places can get a bit crowded.
To make sure you get the experience you’re after, book early to secure your spot.
Or why not explore another destination? You might discover a hidden gem and sometimes even secure more affordable accommodation.
1. The Geirangerfjord
Although the Geirangerfjord is known far and wide as the most popular fjord in Norway, it's actually pretty small. To get the best experience without the queues, go to Geiranger in autumn and winter for a more serene and raw adventure.
In summer, you might rather want to go to ...
… the Nordfjord & the Sunnfjord
While most tourists flock to the innermost parts of the Nordfjord, just west of Geiranger, you can have the dramatic fjordscapes almost to yourself in the outer regions.
Start your journey in Nordfjordeid, and see the replica of Norway’s largest Viking ship, the Myklebust Ship. In the Gloppen and Sandane area, charming hotels and serene, crowd-free hikes await.
Venture into the hidden gem of Kandal Valley, sample Norway’s best sweet brown cheese, enjoy an Opera-chic stay at the delightfully quirky Sølvane Gard, and visit a traditional summer farm.
Further out towards the coast, the wild landscapes of Bremanger reward the adventurous with dramatic cliffs and dreamy beaches.
Visit the cosy Knutholmen fishing village!
South of Nordfjord, you'll find the beautiful Sunnfjord region, where you can visit Jølster and some of Norway's westernmost islands, and drive the jaw-dropping Gaularfjell National Scenic Route.
2. Fall into Lofoten
Further north, the Lofoten Islands is a hot destination during summer, especially during the school holidays from the middle of June to the midst of August. Instead, head to Lofoten in autumn (or fall, if you will), winter or spring to escape the crowds!
PS: You can do the same types of activities a little further north, when it gets warmer …
… summer in Vesterålen
Just north of Lofoten lies the more spacious Vesterålen, boasting the same type of breathtaking nature and midnight sun experiences, plus whale watching! The surrounding area, including Salten, Narvik and Senja, also deserves recognition for its stunning landscapes, lesser-frequented hiking trails, and beaches.
North of the ordinary
These magical places are worth including on your bucket list!
3. Tromsø
Travel even further north to experience Tromsø! The city has become an incredibly popular gateway to see the northern lights. If you want to do so, avoid the winter crowds and go in autumn instead. It's more affordable, less cold, and still offers fantastic aurora displays.
How about experiencing the midnight sun instead? Tromsø offers a lot of space and some of the wildest landscapes you can imagine, close to the city, in places like Lyngenfjord and Sommarøy.
Finnmark
And if you really want to go off the beaten path and explore raw nature experiences and solitude, venture even further north, into Finnmark! Take the stunning Scenic Route Varanger to exotic and wild places, and discover the true Sami culture.
A wild encounter
Finnmark is like no other place. Raw, untamed, and majestic.
Aurora alternatives
Tromsø can get a bit crowded in winter. Visit one of these destinations instead!
4. Bergen
Another summer hotspot is Bergen – a city with attitude.
Western Norway has mild winters, which means that spring comes early – a great time to explore this creative and historic city. As you can see in the photo, the colours are just amazing in autumn as well!
Another city that's a great alternative in summer is …
… Trondheim
Trondheim is Norway's rising star! It's an undiscovered gem, situated smack in the middle (ish) of Norway.
This friendly and cosy historic city is widely regarded as Norway’s culinary capital. It has also become a cultural hot spot with a leading university, many new museums, and lots of creative energy.
More hidden gems
Trøndelag County, in central Norway, is a gem that's often overlooked by visitors. Go fishing, hiking, and enjoy incredible food!
5. The Pulpit Rock
Preikestolen, the Pulpit Rock, is one of Norway's most popular hikes. A hot tip is to avoid weekends and school holidays, or climb it very early in the morning, or in the evening (bring a headlight in case it gets dark) to avoid walking in line. You can hike there all year round, but in winter you are recommended to go with a guide.
Psst. There is actually a look-alike mountain …
… the Ekkertind
Believe it or not, this isn't the Pulpit Rock, it's Ekkertind, located in the Northwest, close to Sunndalsøra, in Western Norway. Along the trail, lies a cosy mountain lodge named Vollasetra.
Be prepared: Ekkertind is a more challenging hike than the Pulpit Rock!
6. Besseggen
This is Norway's most famous (and toughest) hike, which attracts approximately 60,000 visitors yearly. The trail stretches 14 kilometres along the Besseggen Ridge. If you don't want to walk in a queue, go on a weekday in autumn or try this lesser-known ridge …
Romsdalseggen
The Romsdalseggen Ridge in Åndalsnes is truly spectacular (and tough, too!), and offers three alternative routes.
Take the hiking bus to the Vengjedalen starting point. At the end of your hike, enjoy a good meal at the Eggen Restaurant at the top of the Romsdalen Gondola (…knees hurting? Catch a ride back down to town!), right by the scenic Rampestreken viewpoint.
Another spectacular ridge is …
Lårdalstigen
Much of the Lårdalstigen trail in Telemark follows the mountain ridge 800 metres above the Telemark Canal.
The best direction to take is to start in Dalen and end in Lårdal. The hike takes 6-8 hours, so start early, around 8–9 a.m., to make sure you catch the afternoon boat back.
More memorable hikes
Norway has thousands of hikes to choose from!
7. The Flåm Railway
The Flåm Railway as well as The Bergen Railway are known as two of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. Many visitors want to experience them, so book your train tickets early as they quickly sell out in summer! It's a beautiful journey in the spring, fall and winter as well.
Alternatively, you can take another beautiful, and lesser-known railway journey, the …
… Raumabanen
From Oslo or Trondheim, you can take the Dovre Railway to Dombås, and continue on to the stunning Raumabanen (the Rauma Railway), that leads to Åndalsnes, by the fjord. The wild and scenic ride was the dramatic backdrop when Tom Cruise was there to shoot an epic train scene in one of the Mission: Impossible films!
Railways to remember
Check out these great railway adventures!
8. Southern Norway and Fjord Norway
Book early if you want to take your summer vacation during the school holidays (June 20th–August 15th in Norway) in Fjord Norway or Southern Norway.
Travel earlier, or later, to enjoy better rates, less people, and more space! Or alternatively, check out …
… Eastern Norway
This is where Norwegians go for an action-packed, family-friendly holiday!
Head for the lush and less-crowded valleys and mountain areas in Eastern Norway with many hidden gems, such as Østerdalen and Røros, Valdres, Gudbrandsdalen, Hallingdal, and Telemark.
Hidden gems
…and experiences in Eastern Norway!
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
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Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
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CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
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.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
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HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
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My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
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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.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
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Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
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Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!