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Grand openings: See what the future brings

From 2025, you can go on an unforgettable journey with the Norient Express, and in 2026 you can visit the spectacular Whale. But these are only two of many new attractions opening in the next couple of years. Here are some of the highlights!

Get ready for red carpets, evening dresses and champagne! As several projects long in the making throughout the whole country are finally getting ready to open their doors to the public, you can hardly pick a more exciting time to visit Norway. Click here to see what happens in 2024, and have a sneak peek of the most exciting new wonders to come:

1. The Whale in Vesterålen

Architect: Dorte Mandrup

Buckle up for a whale of a time! The stunning structure of the Whale on the island Andøya in Vesterålen – considered one of the world’s best places to spot migrating whales – will act as a coastal viewpoint and an educational museum and experience centre. The Whale’s stone-covered rooftop will serve as a whale-spotting platform, while the inside will house sprawling exhibition spaces with whale-related artefacts, a café, and a museum store.

Opens: 2026/27

2. SKREI

Architect: LPO Architects

Speaking of the ocean – SKREI is a center for experiences and knowledge about fishing in Lofoten and the fish that built Norway!  

SKREI will consist of four main attractions: the newly built “Otolitten” – the Otholite, the Lofoten Museum, The Espolin Gallery and the Lofoten Aquarium. The four parts will be tied together in a visually beautiful and accessible manner that conveys their respective stories in the best way possible.

The centre is located in Storvågan, Kabelvåg – in the heart of Lofoten. This is where the commercial trade in of skrei – Northeast Arctic cod –began.

Opens: 2026

3. The Norient Express

Catch a ride with Norway's Orient Express – the Norient Express!

To start, the Norient Express will operate two electric trains equipped with comfortable furnishing based on natural and Norwegian materials, an exercise room, an observatory and much more. They plan to launch their first trips in the autumn 2025, which will be a six day long journey from the coastal city of Bergen, via Oslo to the historical city of Trondheim. Both the Dovre Railway and Bergen Railway are some of the world's most spectacular train journeys! Good thing it's electrified – making it a more sustainable way of travelling.

Expected to open: Autumn 2025

Do you want more ideas on what to see and do in Norway? Get insider tips for an exciting weekend city break, book a tailor-made journey with Up Norway, and find your favourite unique accommodation options.

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