Discover exciting new experiences in 2024
1. Bodø – The European Capital of Culture 2024
The European Capital of Culture is cooler than ever! Get ready for more than 1,000 performances, concerts, and art exhibitions, not to mention exciting Sami culture, all combined with stunning Arctic nature. It's all happening in Northern Norway's Bodø region this year.
2. Wood you like to stay here?
In Bodø, you should also check out the spectacular new Wood Hotel, located on Rønvikfjellet mountain, just 15 minutes from the city centre. This brand new hotel opened in May. All 177 rooms offer spectacular panoramic views over Bodø and the Vestfjord, with a front row seat to the midnight sun in summer and the northern lights in winter.
The top floor is home to a cocktail bar and a restaurant, Attme. Chef and former Bocuse d'Or winner Christian André Pettersen has developed the concept where traditional Northern-Norwegian delicacies are served with a modern twist.
Opens May 31, 2024
3. Kunstsilo in Kristiansand
Say hello to Kunstsilo, a former grain silo in Kristiansand in Southern Norway that has been transformed into one of Northern Europe’s most innovative art institutions. It houses the Tangen Collection, the world's largest art work collection of Nordic modernism, as well as a restaurant on its top floor.
Now open!
4. Bocuse d’Or Europe 2024
See the best chefs from 20 European countries compete in making culinary art in Trondheim, 2023's European Capital of Gastronomy and Norway's must-visit destination for foodies. The prestigious event will also showcase world-class Norwegian ingredients from all over the country.
Did you know that Norway is already the nation with the most medals in Bocuse d'Or?
March 19-20
5. New adventures for skiers
Windscreens and heated seats? Yes, please!
Hafjell ski resort's new full comfort 6-seat chairlift, Vidsynexpressen, is truly a sight to see!
Skistar Hemsedal also has a new Lodge Express 6-chair lift, in addition to a new button lift at SkiStar Snow Park. Skistar is also introducing functional skiing lessons for people with mobility challenges. You can even hire all the necessary equipment, including sit skis.
6. Celebrating Oslo(ve)
The year 2024 marks 400 years since the great fire in the medieval city which is today called Oslo. KingChristian IV decreed that a new city should be built west of Bjørvika, by Akershus Fortress, and named it Christiania.
It's also 100 years since the name of the city changed back to Oslo.
Bothevents will be commemorated throughout the year.
By the way, did you know that Oslo also recently received a beautiful official Sami name? Oslove!
7. A revamped ski museum
Welcome to the newly refurbished Holmenkollen Ski Museum in Oslo, the world's largest museum about the history of skiing, polar explorers, and snow. You can also experience Oslo's best views from the top of the ski jump at Holmenkollbakken and enjoy the thrill of jumping in the ski simulator!
Opened December 3, 2023
8. Unique new accommodation
Get really close to nature! Vidsyn Midjås offers two modern, enchanting glass cabins on a mountain farm in Dalen, Telemark. Enjoy a comfortable stay with stunning views, comfy beds, and a fire pit that's ideal for cosy conversations under the starry sky.
9. Powered by nature
Wow! Check out these brand new solar powered tower cabins at Manshausen in Leinesfjord, Northern Norway. The two cabins are named after legendary Norwegian polar explorers, Roald Amundsen and Fridtjof Nansen!
10. Čoarvemátta
A new building that houses the Sámi National Theater Beaivváš and the Sámi High School and Reindeer Husbandry School has opened in Kautokeino. The project by renowned Norwegian architects Snøhetta is called Čoarvemátta, from the Sámi words for horn and root. The innermost joint of a reindeer horn is the inspiration for the building's shape, while the exterior resembles a lavvo (a traditional Sami tent). The aim is to create an educational facility dedicated to Sámi culture, art, reindeer husbandry, and storytelling. Stunning!
11. New attractions along the Norwegian Scenic Routes
Several Norwegian Scenic Route attractions will get some serious upgrades in 2024:
Torghatten in Helgelandskysten will have a sleek new building in wood and glass with exhibitions, and restrooms. There is also a universally accessible trail. Opened June 14.
Gjende in Valdresflye has a new glass and wood service building with a café and restrooms. Opened June 19.
Vøringsfossen waterfall in Hardangerfjord will get some new, spectacular viewpoints in the Fossatromma section, right by the canyon. Opens September 18.
Hamningberg in Varanger will get several new birdwatching shelters where you can get close to Arctic birdlife. Opens in September.
12. The Golden Train
Learn more about Norwegian history on The Golden Train round trip from Åndalsnes station. Norway's gold reserve was smuggled out of the country via this route during the Nazi occupation in World War II.
You'll have a front row seat to stunning scenery, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
After the journey, you can ride a gondola to the top of Nesaksla mountain, where you can eat a tasty lunch or dinner at Eggen Restaurant.
13. New climbing adventures at Via Ferrata Loen
Loen Active has now opened a new and exciting addition to the popular climbing route Via Ferrata Loen.
STIGULL, a 40 metre-long ladder with 120 rungs and a slope of 45 degrees, is now officially part of route 1!
The ladder starts at approximately 790 metres above sea level and offers a challenging and adrenaline-filled experience.
14. Norway's steepest road has reopened
The popular tourist destination, and Norway's steepest road, Stalheimskleiva, is now open for tourism after four years of restoration work. The road was forced to close in 2020 after being worn down by many years of receiving countless visitors.
The road is located in the World Heritage site Nærøydalen, has 13 spectacular hairpin bends, and a climb that is 20 percent at its steepest. It was built in the 1840s for use by horse and cart. It will now remain closed to vehicles and is exclusively accessible to pedestrians and cyclists.
15. Jomfruland National Park has a new visitor centre
What was once a lighthouse keeper's residence has now become Jomfruland National Park's brand new visitor centre. Learn more about Jomfruland's unique ecosystems through a fun and interactive journey.
The park is open all year round and there's plenty to explore both over and under the surface.
More exciting stuff in 2024:
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Ambassaden: The former American embassy in Oslo has been transformed into a social and cultural meeting place. Ambassaden is currently open for business and features a wine bar, restaurant, rooftop terrace, and conference centre.
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The Nobel Peace Center showcases inspiring stories about the Nobel Peace Prize, its laureates and their struggles to create a better world.
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Kongsberg is celebrating its 400th anniversary with a host of events and activities throughout the year.
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The Michelin-starred Credo, regarded as one of Norway’s best restaurants, has now moved from Trondheim and is set to launch a new dining and cultural concept together with the National Library of Norway in September 2024.
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Moster island in Bømlo is celebrating the 1,000-year anniversary of the introduction of Christian law in Norway, which marked the start of a new era of stronger legal protections and rights for all. The island is also home to one of the oldest stone churches in Norway.