The Kingdom of Norway is located in Northern Europe and is one among the Nordic countries. Its picture-perfect landscape includes the wild Arctic, impressive fjords, mountainous terrain, rugged coastline and pristine islands.Â
In Norway, you can marvel at the northern lights, meet animals from the Arctic like polar bears and reindeer, learn Viking history, lose yourself in the grandeur of the fjords, experience a memorable cruise journey, treat your eyes to sights of colourful towns and enjoy views from the top of the stunning Pulpit Rock and Trolltunga.
Oslo, the capital of Norway is probably one of the world’s most scenic capital cities, set amidst a stunning natural landscape of mountains and the sea. In Oslo, you can visit interesting museums like the Viking Ship Museum, Munch Museum, Polarship Fram Museum, The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History and Holmenkollen Ski Museum (mind you, the list of museums here is pretty long!) and enjoy strolls in scenic parks like Vigeland Park, Frogner Park and Ekebergparken. Oslo also features diverse styles of architecture, an excellent cuisine, a wild nightlife and skiing locations.
Norway’s second largest city, Bergen, is ringed by mountains commonly known as the ‘Seven Mountains’ and is a major commercial and cruise port. The city however, maintains a small town ambience and is packed with colourful traditional houses, markets and eateries serving native cuisine. The 14th-century Hanseatic wharf known for its colourful neighbourhood, Mount Fløyen with its stunning views, the 16th-century Bergenhus Fortress and the Market Square are some of the city’s highlights. Among its many museums, the Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene, KODE Museum, University Museum of Bergen and Troldhaugen are the most popular.
Once the capital of Norway, historic Trondheim is presently a vibrant university city with an excellent local food culture. The 11th-century Nidaros Cathedral featuring Gothic architecture and the wooden royal residence, Stiftsgården are notable for their architecture. The Archbishop’s Palace Museum, Ringve Music Museum and kayaking in the Nidelva river, are the city’s other highlights.
This southern town in Norway is well known for hosting the largest Blues Festival in Scandinavia, in early August each year and the 13th-century Heddal Stave church, which is the largest one of its kind in Norway.
The Lofoten islands offer amazing views of the northern lights and the midnight sun. The scenic Haukland beach, Lofotr Viking Museum and fishing villages like Sakrisøy, Henningsvaer and Nusfjord are some of the archipelago’s highlights. Here, you can go surfing (it’s one of the world’s northernmost surfing spots!), kayaking, fishing and even hiking.Â
The Arctic archipelago of Svalbard is one of the northernmost inhabited places in the world! It is home to polar bears, Arctic foxes and reindeers and a great place to watch the northern lights and the midnight sun. In fact, Svalbard has more polar bears than people!
Tromso is home to the northernmost university, planetarium, football stadium and mosque in the world, among other things. The Arctic Cathedral, Tromso Cathedral and Arctic–Alpine Botanic Garden are popular attractions. The Polar Park is a great place to witness Arctic wildlife like reindeer, moose, muskox and brown bear in their natural habitat, from a safe distance. Tromso also has a lively culture and hosts jazz festivals frequently and is also a great place to view the northern lights.
Considered as one of the world’s most picturesque villages, Flam is located on the Aurlandsfjord, with a beautiful setting of mountains, greenery and a harbour. The village has stunning viewpoints like the Stegastein platform, a small church and a museum. You can reach the village by a cruise or ride the Flam Line Train, one of the world’s steepest and most scenic train routes.
The picturesque port town of Alesund is defined by its art nouveau buildings and delectable seafood. It houses interesting museums like the KUBE, Sunnmøre Museum and Fishing Museum. Alesund is mainly popular as the gateway to Norway’s iconic fjord – the Geirangerfjord, and other major northern fjords. Get on one of the many cruises that depart from the docks here and explore some of the world’s most stunning fjords!
Norway offers an extraordinary experience that can be matched by a handful of other countries. The entire country is packed with aesthetic delights, from its distinct architectural styles to some of nature’s most breathtaking landscapes. Adding to that, its rich history and vibrant culture, Norway becomes a top-class destination that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
The Lofoten islands offer amazing views of the northern lights and the midnight sun.
