Literature

People reading Norwegian literature in Tromsø Library and City Archives

A reading nation

Award-winning libraries, charming book towns, the world’s second-greatest playwright and a bizarre thirst for murders at Easter are just some of the reasons Norwegians read more than any other European nationality.

Portrait of The Nobel Prize winner in literature Jon Fosse from Norway
In the footsteps of famous writers
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  • A man with a gun walking in the snow. From the movie poster for Jo Nesbø’s The Snowman.
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  • The Norwegian playwright and poet Henrik Ibsen. Black and white photo.
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  • Scottish artist Katie Paterson in The Future Library Forest in Nordmarka, Oslo, Norway
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Plan your literatour

True literature lovers can visit authors’ homes, writers’ centres, book towns, and literature houses in several places in Norway.

  • The Hamsun Centre museum
    Hamarøy

    The Hamsun Centre museum

    The Hamsun Centre is located by the vicarage ruins on the banks of the Glimma River in Presteid in Hamarøy Municipality in Northern Norway
  • The living room at Aulestad
    Follebu

    Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson's home Aulestad

    The Nobel laureate Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson lived here with his family from 1875. The home is one of the best preserved artist homes in Norway. Experience the atmosphere of beautiful Aulestad!
  • Facade.
    Oslo

    House of Literature (Litteraturhuset)

    Norway's first and Europe's largest house of its kind is dedicated to literature in the widest sense of the word. On the ground floor you find Kafé Oslo, a well-equipped book shop and the main stage room, Wergeland. On the higher floors, there are five other stages and rooms for conversation, debate and presentation. Children and youth also have a floor of their own. The loft has a separate floor where writers can work and meet, and The House of Literature also has a writer's apartment for writers and intellectuals visiting from abroad. The house is meant to be a creative meeting place for everyone who is interested in books and literature. The event programme should encourage debate and help important voices get heard. Work with children and youth, and with minorities, are important tasks for the house. Litteraturhuset is run by an independent and non-commercial foundation aiming to generate interest for literature and reading.
  • Brygga in Tvedestrand
    Tvedestrand

    The book town Tvedestrand

    The book shops of Tvedestrand offer a treasure of second-hand books for the collector or the enthusiast in a unique atmosphere by the harbour.
  • The library at Bjerkebæk
    Lillehammer

    Bjerkebæk - Sigrid Undset's home

    Welcome to the home of Nobel laureate Sigrid Undset (1882–1949), one of Norway's great female writers. Her home is a short walk from downtown Lillehammer.
  • Feet walking past an Ibsen quote on the ground.

    Ibsen Sitat

    The art project SitatIBSEN consists of 69 Henrik Ibsen quotes in stainless steel that have been placed on the sidewalks of Oslo.
  • Visit the childhood home of author Olav Duun
    Jøa

    Visit the childhood home of author Olav Duun

    Olav Duun is a Norwegian author who was nominated to the Nobel Prize in Literature several times. Olav Duun is thought to be one of the great Norwegian authors of the early 1900s. He was born on Jøa island in 1876 and spent the first 25 years of his life there. Jøa and Namdalen were often referenced in his literary works. The childhood home of Olav Duun in Øver-Dun on Jøa is open every day between 12:00-16:00 in July 2022 Guided tours are available.
  • Den norske bokbyen, Fjærland
    Fjærland

    Bokbyen - The Norwegian Booktown

    The Norwegian book town sells used books in beautiful Fjærland. Here are 150,000 books in all categories, for all interests - all well sorted.
  • The House of Literature Fredrikstad
    Fredrikstad

    The House of Literature Fredrikstad

    Litteraturhuset Fredrikstad (the House of Literature) is dedicated to literature and culture. Along with many exciting events, the house also includes the restaurant Fabel with a book cafe, food bar and restaurant. Litteraturhuset Fredrikstad is run by an independent and non-commercial foundation aiming to generate interest for literature and reading.

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
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    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.
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    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
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    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
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    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
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    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
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    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
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    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
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    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
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    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
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    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
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  • 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.
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    Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
  • 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.
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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.
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    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
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    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.

Discover more

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11 safe bets for culture lovers

Iconic architecture and Michelin restaurants, historic hotels, exciting street art, sculpture parks, and lush gardens. Check out our top tips for everyone who wants rich cultural experiences and fine dining on their holiday in Norway.
Interiour of The Norwegian Opera and Ballet, Oslo, Norway

Art and culture

From award-winning museums and architectural masterpieces to renowned food, film and music festivals, Norway offers more than just stunning nature!
Illustration of the cultural museum The Whale in Vesterålen, Northern Norway

Grand openings: see what the future brings

In 2026, you can visit the brand new The Whale in Vesterålen! This is just one of many new attractions opening soon. Here are some of the highlights!