Biking in Kristiansand, northern lights over Senja, The Rampestreken viewpoint in Åndalsnes

Top 10 destinations in Norway

From hip urban cities to glittering fjords, northern lights, and remote villages above the Arctic Circle – Norway is a very diverse country, packed with things to see and do. Here are some of the highlights!

Holiday packages

Check out our partner's best travel package offers throughout Norway!

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

More affordable than ever!

Did you know that the Norwegian currency is historically weak at the moment, meaning that it’s much cheaper to visit Norway now than usual?

What are you waiting for?

So, where do you start? To get the most out of your holiday, we recommend that you choose one or two regions to explore. Norway is a veeery long country, and the main mistake most tourist make, is to try to cover too much in too little time!

1. The Oslo region

A lot of things are cooking in the Norwegian capital, Oslo, a city that has been given a major facelift during the last decade. Funky new neighbourhoods, steaming hot floating saunas, a fully-packed event calendar, and several brand-new museums and attractions is just a taste of what to expect.

With the Oslofjord and big forests right next door, you can easily combine urban life with nature-based fun like cycling, hiking, or skiing at some of Norway's top ski resorts. There is also plenty to see and do in the nearby regions of Østfold and Vestfold, with charming towns such as Fredrikstad and Tønsberg dotted along the coast.

About an hour’s drive from Oslo lies Norway’s new art destination Hadeland, where you can visit the wonderful outdoor art park at the Kistefos Museum and the spectacular building The Twist, exhibiting top modern art.

  • Oslo opera house in Winter.
    Oslo
    The Munch Museum in Oslo, Norway, during sunset
    Explore the MUNCH museum
    People in a horse-drawn carriage in Havlystparken at the culture destination Ramme Gård in Hvitsten by the Oslofjord in Eastern Norway
    Charming seaside destinations along the Oslofjord
    A girl walking in a garden on the island Isegran in Fredrikstad, Eastern Norway
    Østfold
    Vippefyret at Verdens Ende, "The World's End", in Færder national park in Vestfold
    Vestfold
    The museum building The Twist at the Kistefos Museum in Hadeland, Eastern Norway
    Hadeland – Norway’s new art destination
    Woman walking in Badehusgata in Drøbak on a summerday, Follo
    Drøbak and Follo
    Four women relaxing by the indoor pool at Engø gård at Tjøme, Eastern Norway
    The Oslo region with the girls
    M/S Victoria passing Sundkil Bridge in Telemark, Norway
    Eastern Norway
    The courtyard below the roof at the furniture factory The Plus
    Hidden gems east of Oslo – weekend getaway

2. Tromsø and the land of the northern lights

The capital of the Arctic, Tromsø, is located right in the middle of Northern Norway. If your bucket list includes the northern lights, whale watching, the midnight sun, and epic nature adventures, this is definitely where you want to go.

Enjoy superb conditions for ski touring, biking and hiking in the Lyngenfjord region, experience the Sami culture in towns like Karasjok and Alta, and enter the northernmost point of Europe at the North Cape.

In the eastern part of this vast region, you’ll find the Varanger peninsula, which is a bird watcher’s paradise. Go king crab fishing and dog sledding in Kirkenes and Varanger, where you also can spend an unforgettable night in an ice hotel.

In the areas surrounding Tromsø, several unique islands are waiting to be explored, including Senja, Kvaløya, and Sommarøy.

  • The midnight sun shining over the North Cape
    The North Cape
    Three kids on a beach at Senja, Northern Norway
    Senja and Central Troms
    Two women are hiking up the Sherpa staircase to Mount Storsteinen in Tromsø, Northern Norway
    Tromsø
    Woman looking at the midnightsun in Lofoten, Northern Norway
    Northern Norway
    A couple in a sleigh pulled by a reindeer, held by a Sami man
    Heart of the Sami – Kautokeino and Karasjok
    Restaurant at Snowhotel Kirkenes in Northern Norway
    Kirkenes
    Seabirds at the Hornøya island in Varanger
    Varanger
    Four persons having a drink at the bar of the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta, Northern Norway
    Alta
    Aurora borealis over Lyngenfjord, Northern Norway
    The Lyngenfjord region

3. Lofoten and Nordland

Staggering peaks, glittering fjords, authentic fishing villages, and picture-perfect beaches. Not to mention northern lights and midnight sun! You have probably seen jaw-dropping images of Lofoten and Vesterålen (the kingdom of whales!) on Instagram. A hot tip is to visit these places outside of the peak summer season (when the crowds are gone).

Next-level outdoor adventures also await in the skiing, biking and hiking paradise of Narvik. A lesser-known gem is Helgeland a little further south. Here, you can drive The Coastal Route between Trøndelag and Bodø, voted one of the world’s most scenic drives.

The lively coastal town of Bodø is the largest city in the county of Nordland, offering plenty of outdoor fun in the nearby Salten region as well as a booming cultural scene. In fact, Bodø was the European Capital of Culture in 2024.

  • The fishing village Hamnøy in Lofoten in winter, Northern Norway
    The Lofoten Islands
    Whale safari in Vesterålen, Northern Norway
    Vesterålen
    Three people summer biking at the Narvikfjellet with midnight sun
    Narvik
    A bridge connecting Herøy to another island in Helegeland, Northern Norway. In the background, the mountain range The seven sisters.
    Helgeland
    Woman biking in Lurøy, Aldersund
    Kystriksveien – the coastal route
    Midnight sun in Bodø, Northern Norway
    Bodø
    People in hammocks in front of the Svartisen glacier in Helgeland, Northern Norway
    Salten

4. Bergen and the western fjords

Historical UNESCO World Heritage sites meet innovative fashion, trendy restaurants, and a progressive music scene in Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen. Visit some of the country’s top museums like the KODE art museums and composer homes, get lost in a maze of cobblestone streets, and experience the city from above at one of the seven surrounding mountain tops.

Bergen is the gateway to some of Norway’s most famous fjords, including the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, in the north, and the Hardangerfjord – where you’ll find the famous mountain plateau Trolltunga – in the south. Many of the fjords have sidearms that are at least as beautiful, but far less busy.

Travel to the fjord village of Flåm with the Bergen Railway Line and the Flåm Railway Line, voted one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. For outdoor fun in epic surroundings, visit Voss and Nordfjord.

  • Bryggen in Bergen, wharf
    Bergen
    Hiking at Mount Hoven near Loen Skylift in Loen in the Nordfjord area of Fjord Norway
    Nordfjord
    A person on the mountain plateau Trolltunga above Lake Ringedalsvatnet in the Hardangerfjord region, Fjord Norway
    Hardangerfjord
    A group of paragliders landing on a green field in Voss in Fjord Norway during the Ekstremsportveko extreme sport festival
    Voss
    Two people admiring the view from the top of mount Molden in the Sognefjord area of Fjord Norway
    The Sognefjord area
    A train passing through a scenic valley in Flåm
    Flåm
    Two people standing on a boat enjoying the view of the Nærøyfjord in winter
    A winter journey from Bergen to Flåm

5. The Geirangerfjord and the Northwest

The picturesque art nouveau town of Ålesund is an ideal starting point for a fjord adventure in the Northwest, situated in the northern part of Fjord Norway. This region attracts avowed outdoor buffs all year round. From Ålesund, you can travel by boat or bus to the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, Norway’s most famous fjord, with the Seven Sisters and numerous other waterfalls that run down steep mountainsides.

The mountaineering capital of Åndalsnes is another ideal base here, as it is surrounded by legendary peaks (you can either hike or ride a gondola to the top), situated only a short distance from world-famous attractions like the Trollstigen mountain road and The Atlantic Road.

Åndalsnes is the endpoint of the Rauma Railway, named one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. The Northwest is also home to the jazz town Molde with its legendary jazz festival, and the “clipfish capital”, Kristiansund.

  • View over Geirangerfjord and the Seven Sisters waterfall
    Geirangerfjord
    Woman on top of the sightseeing boat from Ålesund to the Geirangerfjord in winter
    Winter adventures in the Geirangerfjord
    Girl enjoying the view of Ålesund from the Aksla viewpoint
    Ålesund and Sunnmøre
    The Atlantic Road in Northwest, Fjord Norway
    Northwest
    A person standing at the tip of Rampestreken viewpoint, looking out at the fjord and mountains of Åndalsnes in Northwest, Fjord Norway.
    Åndalsnes
    Person paragliding by Tusten in Molde, Møre og Romsdal
    Molde
  • A snow-capped fishing village in Moskenes in Lofoten, Northern Norway
    A person watching the green northern lights next to a building in Bodø, Northern Norway
    The museum building The Twist at the Kistefos Museum in Hadeland, Eastern Norway
    The ship Vision of the Fjords sailing between high mountains on a sunny summer day in Fjord Norway

Seasons and climate in Norway

Thanks to the temperate waters of the Gulf Stream, Norway has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude. The coldest areas in the winter are often inland or far to the north.

In general, the coastal areas usually have relatively mild winters while the inland parts have cold winters with plenty of snow, and warm and relatively dry summers, especially in the eastern parts of the country.

Seasons and climate in Norway

Download the Visit Norway app

Get expert tips on thousands of places to stay, restaurants, activities, and attractions all over Norway.

iPhone: Visit Norway for iOS
Android: Visit Norway for Android

6. The Stavanger region

What do you get if you combine Michelin-starred restaurants with old wooden houses, world-class street art, and a great multicultural vibe? Travel to Stavanger and experience it for yourself. Stavanger is the largest city in the southwestern part of the country, and an ideal starting point if you want to take in famous natural attractions such as the Lysefjord and Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock).

The coastal area of Jæren is a beach bum’s paradise, home to some of Norway’s widest and whitest beaches. Surfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts will also be in for a treat. Follow the North Sea Road towards Egersund and discover charming towns and villages, like picturesque Sogndalstrand, lining the coast like pearls on a string.

  • Two friends walking in Fargegaten, The colour street, in Stavanger
    The Stavanger region
    People standing on Preikestolen mountain in Lysefjorden in Fjord Norway
    The Lysefjord
    Sunrise The Pulpit Rock in Ryfylke, Fjord Norway
    Ryfylke
    Overlooking the Jæren beaches, Stavanger and Ryfylke, Fjord Norway
    Top experiences in Jæren

7. Trondheim and Trøndelag

The Trøndelag region, situated right in the middle of Norway, attracts hardcore history buffs and active nature explores alike. This is a true heaven for devoted foodies, and the region was named European Region of Gastronomy in 2022.

Go fishing, cycling, or skiing, or hike one of the nine pilgrim paths the St. Olav Ways, which all lead to the imposing Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. The lively and cosy student town of Trondheim is the region’s capital, known as the Home of Nordic flavours. Indulge in gastronomical experiences ranging from innovative Michelin-starred restaurants to hip food bars and cosy coffee shops.

Sample fresh local produce on the scenic detour The Golden Road in Innherred, and travel back in time in the UNESCO-listed mining town of Røros. In the Dovrefjell mountains, you can catch a glimpse of a beautiful beast – the musk oxen.

  • The Nidarosdomen cathedral in Trondheim, Trøndelag
    Trondheim
    Beautiful views and sheep grazing at The Golden Road at Inderøy in Trøndelag
    The Golden Road
    Kayaking in the sunset in the Nidelva river in Trondheim, Trøndelag
    Trøndelag
    Borkerud pilgrim farm on the St. Olav Ways through Gudbrandsdalen, Eastern Norway
    Pilgrimage on the St. Olav Ways
    Children dressed as Vikings in front of a longhouse at Stiklestad in Trøndelag, Norway
    Innherred
    Røros church, Bergstaden Ziir, in Trøndelag, Norway
    Røros
    A musk ox coming up a hill during summer in Dovrefjell, Eastern Norway
    The Dovrefjell mountains

8. Kristiansand and Southern Norway

Southern Norway is the Norwegians’ own summer paradise, with lovely beaches, thousands of islands, and more hours of sun per year than most other parts of the country. Stroll through narrow streets between traditional white wooden houses in charming coastal towns like Risør, Arendal, Grimstad, Mandal, and Flekkefjord, or get to know the cradle of Norwegian folk traditions in the Setesdal valley.

The largest city in Southern Norway is Kristiansand, where you can roam through its old town, called Posebyen, indulge in fresh seafood, enjoy lazy days on the city beach, and attend several fun festivals. Dyreparken zoo and amusement park is a sure winner with the little ones. A short drive from Kristiansand lies Lindesnes lighthouse, mainland Norway’s southernmost point. Lindesnes is also where you’ll find the incredible Michelin-starred restaurant Under, the world’s largest underwater restaurant.

  • The Kilden culture house in Kristiansand, Southern Norway
    Kristiansand
    Inside the underwater restaurant Under in Lindesnes, Southern Norway
    Southern Norway
    A bird eye photo of Risør, Southern Norway
    Risør
    View over Arendal from the Glass Lift
    Arendal
    A woman walking past the Ibsen museum in Grimstad in Southern Norway.
    Grimstad
    Lindesnes lighthouse in Southern Norway during sunset.
    Lindesnes and Mandal
    Flekkefjord in Southern Norway from above
    Flekkefjord
    A man in the national costume Setesdalsbunad lying in the grass and watching an old steamboat on the Byglandsfjord in Setesdal, Southern Norway
    Setesdal
    Inside the underwater restaurant Under in Lindesnes, Southern Norway
    Under – the world’s largest underwater restaurant

9. The mountains and valleys of Eastern Norway

The dense forests, deep valleys, and massive mountain plateaus of Eastern Norway are all excellent starting points for nature adventures. This is where you'll find some of Norway’s largest ski resorts, like Geilo, Trysil, and Hemsedal. They offer year-round fun, as they turn into world-class cycling and outdoor activity destinations once the snow melts.

The long valleys of Valdres, Hallingdal, and the Gudbrandsdalen valley are popular family destinations that offer everything from theme parks to quaint farms and great hikes. The same goes for the region of Telemark, where you can cruise on the Telemark canal and witness one of Eastern Norway’s most impressive views from the top of Gaustatoppen mountain.

In the central mountains, you can enjoy the national parks of Dovrefjell, Jotunheimen, and Rondane and nature-based activities like hiking, cycling, rafting, and climbing.

  • The mountain farm Heidal Ysteri in the Gudbrandsdalen Valley of Eastern Norway
    The Gudbrandsdalen valley
    Skiing in powder snow in Trysil
    Trysil in winter
    Alpine skiing in Hemsedal, Eastern Norway
    Hemsedal
    Three happy girls sitting in a ski lift in Geilo ski resort, Eastern Norway
    Winter in Geilo
    Woman walking the Besseggen ridge in Valdres
    Valdres
    Two children are running in the mountains of Hallingdal, Eastern Norway
    Hallingdal
    A family having a great time in Maihaugen, Lillehammer
    The Lillehammer region
    The Soria Moria sauna in Dalen, in Telemark
    Telemark
    A musk ox coming up a hill during summer in Dovrefjell, Eastern Norway
    The Dovrefjell mountains
    A woman enjoying the view of Lake Gjende from the top of Besseggen in Jotunheimen, Eastern Norway
    The Jotunheimen mountains
    A woman taking photos of a lake and trees in autumn colours in the Rondane national park, Eastern Norway. Snowclad mountains in the background.
    The Rondane mountains

10. The Svalbard archipelago

Ready to take wildlife to the next level? The Svalbard archipelago lies in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. Here, you can participate in exotic nature-based activities all year round in a landscape that is both rugged and fragile.

Try your hand at dog sledding, go ice caving, join a snowmobile safari, or hunt the northern lights. In addition to a few thousand polar bears, the islands are home to almost 3,000 humans. The main city of Longyearbyen is a colourful mini metropolis that offers cultural activities and high-quality places to eat and drink that you usually would expect to only find in big cities.

"Spisshusene" in Longyearbyen, Svalbard
The Svalbard Islands
Colorful houses and snow mobiles in front of a white mountain
The polar night in Svalbard

Explore top destinations below

Find ideal starting points for your Norwegian holiday.

A woman sitting in front of the The Fjord Mirror in Nes Gard in Luster

Find your next adventure

Book your holiday package in Norway. Our partners help put together the very best travel packages!

Holiday packages

More travel ideas

People standing at the Stegastein viewpoint along the Norwegian Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet
Norwegian Scenic Routes
Go on a wildlife safari and see whales off the coast of Tromsø in Northern Norway
Must-see nature attractions
Urnes stave church in Luster in Sognefjord, Fjord Norway
Norway’s UNESCO sites
  • Autumn leaves and the hurtigruten steamer in the fjord
    Hurtigruten – the coastal highway to the north
    The northern lights over the fishing village Reine in Lofoten, Northern Norway
    Northern lights
    A person paddling in the Nærøyfjord in Fjord Norway
    Fjords
    A woman traveling with Flåm railway
    Some of the world’s most beautiful train journeys
    A person watching the midnight sun at Senja in Northern Norway
    Midnight sun
    People enjoying the floating Soria Moria sauna in Telemark
    Coolcation in Norway
    White tailed eagle in Northern Norway, at winter
    Wildlife safaris
    Wooden houses, fishing boats and snowcapped mountains, Henningsvær in certified Sustainable Destination Lofoten, Northern Norway
    Sustainable Destination
    Friends celebrating in knitted sweaters
    Friluftsliv: Our love for the outdoors
    Small houses in a fishing village in Vesterålen.
    Norway's most charming places

Take advantage of top offers

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

  • Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
    Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
    Blazerbu -  Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    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.
    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.
    Standard Room -  Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
    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.
    Two people sitting in a sofa in Eagle Nest Eco Lodge in Eastern Norway
    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
    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.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
    Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
    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!
    Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
    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.
    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.
    Happy family taking a selfie in an airport after arriving to Norway
    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
    Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
    Hikers approaching a small wooden cabin with grass roof in mountainous landscape
    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
    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!
    Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
    Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    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.
    Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
    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.
    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.
    Van 4 - Cabin Campers
    Cabin CampersExperience the road trip of a lifetime with our cabins on four wheels.
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
    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.
    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.
    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.
    Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.