The Most Beautiful Places In Norway to Visit

Norway only offers two reasons to stay away (the dark, cold winters and the cost) and approximately 563,967 reasons to visit. This incredible country has so many amazing places and beautiful landscapes that make wearing long underwear and paying $9 for a hot chocolate worth it!

I loved my recent visit to Norway and totally fell in love with the country. The people, the culture, the food, and especially the landscape! Everywhere you look in Norway is another beautiful scene…it almost hurts your eyeballs to take it all in.

Some of the most beautiful places in Norway are its 50,000 islands and the towering cliffs and mountains that line dramatic fjords. Glaciers, waterfalls, and 48 national parks also make up the epic natural Norway scenery.

But let’s not forget the towns and cities! There are eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some of which are in lively cities like the capital Oslo, and the colorful fishing villages lying north of the Arctic Circle.

Don’t ask, “What is the most beautiful place in Norway?” but instead say, “How many beautiful places can I visit on my Norway trip?” This guide covers all the prettiest places from the southern tip to Svalbard, so you can check out as many as possible!

1. Hamnøy in the Lofoten Islands

If you’ve spent at least 30 minutes on Instagram in your life, you’ll have seen pictures of the Lofoten Islands. Many regard this archipelago as the most beautiful place in Norway!

The Lofoten Islands are located north of the Arctic Circle in the Atlantic Ocean and south of Tromsø on Norway’s western coast. It’s a great place to experience the midnight sun or the stunning Northern Lights. But you need to know exactly where to go in Norway so you can capture the most iconic vistas, and the Lofoten Islands is a big place.

For the most iconic shot of Lofoten’s red Rorbus (traditional wooden houses) then you need to head to Hamnøy Bridge. This historic fishing village sits in front of the striking Svolværgeita pinnacle and this dramatic scenery looks even more magical in the snow.

There are lots of scenic fishing villages in Lofoten, so see as many as possible! Luckily, there’s a road that extends over several bridges connecting the village of Å in south Lofoten to the mainland.

2. Atlanterhavsveien (The Atlantic Road)

Norway has done an incredible job connecting its thousands of islands with roads and bridges. Instead of being an eyesore and ruining the best Norway scenic places, they’ve become some of the most beautiful and best places to visit in Norway.

One of the top bridges to check out is the Storseisundet Bridge. This road is so far west that it crosses the Atlantic Ocean. Hence the name, The Atlantic Road!

Driving across this road is the closest you’ll come to feeling like you’re driving on water.

The closest city to The Atlantic Road is Trondheim so this is the ideal location to fly into and hire a rental car. It takes around four hours to the Storseisundet Bridge, but it’s worth the drive which has scenic views too.

3. Bygdøy Peninsula in Oslo

Visiting this Scandinavian country for the first time or a short time and wondering where to visit in Norway? Easy, stick to the Norwegian capital of Oslo!

Norway has tons of vibrant cities, but Oslo is the easiest to reach for international travelers. This southern city boasts the most cultural attractions like the Royal Palace, the National Gallery, and the Oslo Opera House.

Without a doubt, the most beautiful part of this picturesque city is the Bygdøy peninsula. From spring to fall, it’s covered in lush greenery and thick woodland so it’s the perfect place to ride bikes or take a walk.

You’ll also find a lot of Norway must-visit historic centers on this peninsula, like the open-air Norwegian Museum of Cultural History and the Viking Ship Museum. They display three, real 9th-century Viking ships which you won’t want to miss.

4. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

In the warmer months, Norway becomes a popular hiking destination thanks to its dramatic mountains and cliffs. Therefore, one of the most beautiful places in Norway in summer for hiking trails is Preikestolen or, in English, Pulpit Rock.

Pulpit Rock is an 82×82 ft/25x25m flat-top cliff towering approximately 604 ft/184m above Lysefjord in Western Norway. It was christened (pun intended) with the name Pulpit Rock because it looks exactly like a Preacher’s pulpit.

The hike Pulpit Rock starts in Jørpeland and is around 5 mile/8km out and back trail. It’s a fairly strenuous uphill climb on the way there, so the whole trip takes most hikers around four to five hours.

As long as you’re not afraid of heights, the views across the fjord of the grassy, rocky mountains are incredible! It’s no wonder Pulpit Rock is one of the top places to go in Norway.

5. Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf in Bergen

Because it’s located in Western Norway and surrounded by fjords, many travelers think that Bergen is the most beautiful place in Norway just in terms of cities. It’s difficult to disagree once you’ve visited this beautiful city for yourself, especially the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf.

Bryggen dates back to the Middle Ages, approximately 1070 AD. These wooden buildings in Bergen’s Old Town next to the harbor were commercial buildings used for trading purposes. While they’ve been rebuilt over the centuries due to fires and other damage, they’re important enough to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

They’re picturesque as well as historic! Each building that lines this part of the harbor has a white or earth-toned facade often with green window frames. Today, these buildings are shops and restaurants.

Looking for other cool places in Norway? Bergen has many more popular attractions. Take the funicular up Mount Fløyen, one of Bergen’s surrounding mountains, for panoramic views of the city.

6. Geirangerfjord

It’s impossible to list the most beautiful Norway sights to see without talking about its famous fjords. If you’re not sure what ‘fjord’ means, it’s a long, deep, and narrow body of coastal water that reaches far inland.

There are lots of countries besides Norway that have fjords, but let’s face it, they’re not as good nor as prolific. There are around 1,190 Norwegian fjords, after all! But if you can just visit one, make it Geirangerfjord.

Geirangerfjord is one of two southwestern fjords (the other will appear on this later!) that have the honor of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It measures 9.5 miles/15 km long and 853 ft/260m deep and it’s surrounded by majestic mountains covered in lush greenery and cascading waterfalls.

The Seven Sisters Waterfall, made up of seven streams that flow down the jagged rocks, is one of the best sights. It’s a popular place for boat cruises because you can only appreciate the scale of Geirangerfjord and the beauty of the Seven Sisters Falls from the water.

7. Trolltunga

Trolltunga is one of the most famous places in Norway not just because of its beauty, but because of its name. It translates to ‘troll tongue’ in English and trolls are a popular figure in Nordic folklore and Norse mythology.

Located in the southwest part of the country, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Norway to hike. It’s less crowded than Preikestolen, but the hiking trails are much more strenuous.

It’s a 17-mile/28-km hike (yes, you read that right) and you can camp at a site near Trolltunga. Some hikers even complete the entire out-and-back route in a day! Natural wonders like Trolltunga are worth the effort.

This precipice juts out around 2,296 ft/700 m above the scenic Ringedalsvatnet Lake so, again, it offers sensational views as long as you don’t mind heights!

8. Longyearbyen in Svalbard

Ah, Svalbard. This Norwegian archipelago is twice the size of Belgium and floats midway between the North Pole and Norway in the middle of the Arctic Ocean.

It’s safely inside the Arctic Circle, that’s for sure! While it’s far from the easiest place to get to, there’s no denying that Svalbard offers first-rate Norway scenery and wildlife.

Enjoy incredible displays of the Northern Lights in winter and midnight sun in the summer months. These frozen islands are also home to polar bears, arctic foxes, and majestic reindeer.

You can go dog sledding (it’s often the only non-mechanical way to get around) and even visit museums in the old coal-mining town of Longyearbyen. Their North Pole Expeditions Museum and the Svalbard Museum are fascinating.

9. Ålesund

As the entrance town to Geirangerfjord, you can easily tick off two of the best places to see in Norway at once! Ålesund is another example of the amazing scenery you can find on Norway’s west coast.

Although founded in the mid-19th century, Ålesund tragically succumbed to a huge fire in 1904 that destroyed most of the town. The area was completely rebuilt at the turn of the century and it is this Art Nouveau architecture that gives the town its distinctive, beautiful skyline.

You can enjoy kayaking in the bay during the warmer months and cross-country skiing through town in the winter. Ålesund is the ideal place to visit if you’re seeking alternatives to the big cities (by Norwegian standards) of Oslo and Bergen.

10. Jotunheimen National Park

Some of the most beautiful places in Norway are its expansive national parks. But many of them are hard to reach! Luckily, Jotunheimen National Park is centrally located and one of the best and most scenic places to visit.

Jotunheimen National Park is home to Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind, the highest peaks in Norway, Scandinavia, and Northern Europe.

They tower an incredible 8,100 ft/2,469 m and 8,045 ft/2,452m, respectively, above sea level. But you don’t need to climb strenuous hiking trails for impressive vistas in Jotunheimen National Park.

The Besseggen Ridge is one of the most iconic photo spots in the park. Its scenic trails straddle between the Bessvatnet and Gjende lakes so you can enjoy 360-degree views.

11. Flåmbana Train

Although it’s a small mountain town, Flåm is one top Norway best places to see. It’s located in southwestern Norway nestled at the end point of the Aurlandsfjord.

From Flåm, you can look out onto the fjord, but you can also explore the mountain ranges behind via a unique form of transport. Vintage trains! The Flåmsbana rides a train line from Flåm through the deep valleys to Myrdal Station high on the peaks.

See Kjosfossen Falls and the jet-black Flåm Church from out of your train window.

12. Trollstigen Road in Åndalsnes

Aside from The Atlantic Road, there are tons of other beautiful Norway places to visit and to drive along! Named ‘the trolls ladder’ in English, Trollsrigen Road in Åndalsnes has some of the narrowest hairpin turns and steep switchbacks of any road in Europe.

Located halfway between Bergen and Trondheim, the Trollstigen Road should only be attempted by confident, competent drivers. And only when it’s not slicked with snow!

But there’s no denying that this mountain pass is an epic drive and the views from the Trollstigen Utsiktpunkt observation deck are incredible.

13. Reine in the Lofoten Islands

Since the Lofoten Islands are already at the top of this what-to-see in Norway list, you should check out some other beautiful scenery while you’re there!

Reine is one of the most beautiful spots in Norway. This is thanks to its charming fishing village with red houses and the mountainous landscape framing the village.

One of the best tips when you’re visiting Reine is to check out the night sky, no matter what time of year you visit. Walk out to Reine Lighthouse to get the most amazing view of the stars over the island.

14. Stetinden Mountain

One of the top must-see Norway sites when driving along the northwest coast near the Lofoten archipelago is Stetinden Mountain. This is an unusual, obelisk-shaped peak that stands alone on the mountain range like a Norweigan version of the Matterhorn.

It’s unlikely that you’ll want to climb this mountain as you’ll need first-rate ropes climbing skills! But it’s still one of the best places to visit in Norway because the view of Stetinden from the road is beautiful.

Stop at Stetind Parkplass viewpoint on the 827 before entering the tunnel. It just goes to show this incredible country offers spectacular views even when you least expect them!

15. Runde Island

There are so many scenic islands off the southwest coast of the Scandinavian peninsula! One of the absolute best places to visit in Norway is Runde Island.

Visitors flock to Runde because a huge number of sea birds like to call this small island covered in lush greenery home. Depending on the season, you can find gannets, shags, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars, skua, and, most importantly, puffins!

There are boat tours from Runde Harbor where you can spot puffins from mid-April to early August. Runde Lighthouse and the small inland lakes are just a couple of other beautiful spots on the island you should check out.

16. Trondheim

Often overlooked, Trondheim is one of the top must-see places in Norway. Especially if you want to visit a Norwegian city! It overlooks the Trondheim Fjord with the Old Town on one side of the River Nidelva and newer areas sprawling outwards.

Trondheim’s Old Town dates back to the 11th century. The Nidaros Cathedral is a 13th-century Gothic church that houses crown jewels with a stunning rose window. It was built on the site where Viking king Olaf II was crowned, and it marks the end of the St. Olav’s Way pilgrimage.

There are also quirkier attractions like Rockheim, an exhibit on Norwegian pop music, on the harbor. There’s a lot more beauty to Trondheim than you might have expected!

17. Jostedalsbreen Glacier National Park

Glaciers are some of the most scenic places in Norway, with its 1,600 glaciers covering almost 1% of the country’s mainland. Jostedalsbreen is the biggest glacier in continental Europe so seeing it in person is a great reason to visit Norway!

As you’d expect in a Norwegian national park with a huge glacier, there is so much natural beauty in Jostedalsbreen. It has waterfalls, scenic hikes, turquoise glacial lakes, and much more.

Many visitors like the 3.3-mile/5.3-km out-and-back Briksdalsbreen Glacier Hike which is one section of the larger Jostedalsbreen Glacier. Volefossen is a beautiful waterfall you can see from the trail too.

18. Sognefjord

Looking like a location in The Lord of the Rings, Sognefjord is the longest and deepest of all the breathtaking fjords in the country. It’s one of the most beautiful places in Norway to take a cruise through!

You’ll find this fjord just north of Bergen. Along the banks of Sognefjord are areas of dense woodland but also lots of waterfalls and towns.

If taking a sauna and jumping into one of Norway’s icy, deep fjords is on your bucket list then you can do exactly that in Sognefjord! Check out spots like Fyrig Sauna Skei or Fjord Sauna AS.

19. Lillehammer

Norway is known for its long, snowy winters. Of course, one of the prettiest places in Norway has to be a ski resort town like Lillehammer!

Sitting on the northern tip of Mjøsa, Norway’s largest lake, Lillehammer offers ice fishing, bobsleigh, luge, and ski jumping as well as slopes. It was the host of the 1994 Winter Olympics, after all.

Take the train up to Hafjell Alpinsenter for the best ski slopes in the area. It’s still worth visiting in summer thanks to its trails for hiking and biking.

20. Tromsø

There’s no question that Tromsø is one of the most beautiful places in northern Norway. As the largest city, it’s northern Norway’s unofficial capital and one of only 10 cities with a population of over 30,000 living in the Arctic Circle.

Tromsø is mostly located on an island and boasts streets of quaint traditional wooden buildings as well as state-of-the-art modern structures.

The Arctic Cathedral is a striking place of worship constructed out of concrete in the 1960s. Tromsø is, unsurprisingly, also home to a lot of notable ‘northernmost’ cultural institutions.

Of course, Tromsø is also a great place to witness the Northern Lights in winter and the midnight sun in summer. Although the cityscape is impressive, nothing beats Mother Nature!

21. Stryn

Want to visit the most beautiful places in Norway off the beaten path? Look no further than Stryn, a small idyllic village close to Jostedalsbreen National Park.

Stryn shares the name of the river that runs through it from Lake Oppstrynsvatnet to Innvikfjorden.

You can check out small, secluded sandy beaches just outside of Stryn like Muristranda and Søtekjelda. The panoramic viewpoint on the 613 road to Stryn makes a great road trip stop, too!

22. Skudeneshavn

At the southernmost tip of the Island of Karmøy, Skudeneshavn looks as pretty as a picture with rows of white wooden houses with orange roofs. It’s absolutely the kind of place you expect to see when you visit Norway!

Though it began life as a modest fishing village, Skudeneshavn grew into a successful herring port in the 19th century. Many buildings in Gamle Skudeneshavn, the Old Town, have been preserved from this era.

If you’re looking for coastal Norway best destinations, you couldn’t find many places more beautiful than Skudeneshavn.

23. Nærøyfjord

Along with Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord is the second western fjord in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Riverboat cruises are popular here because it’s such a narrow fjord surrounded by towering mountains.

It’s absolutely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Norway!

The steep, crystalline rock walls on either side of Nærøyfjord extend way below sea level. There’s even more beauty here than you can see.

24. Folgefonna National Park

Folgefonna National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Norway. It boasts one of the country’s largest glaciers which flows into waterfalls and glacial lakes.

Not only is it one of the best Norway beautiful places, but it’s also a great place for skiing and hiking. Check out Fonna Glacier Ski Resort or Fjellhaugen Skisenter to hit the slopes.

Most travelers agree that Mount Bondhusdalen has the most spectacular views in the region. And don’t forget, entry to every single Norway national park is free! Yes, all 48!

25. Fredrikstad

Fredrikstad is one of three fortress towns built in Norway, and the only one still standing. It’s the best place to visit in Norway if you want to learn about the country’s military history as well as visit a beautiful spot!

Originally built in 1663, the star-shaped fort is now called Fredrikstad Museum and it’s at the heart of the Old Town.

Learn about the only war the fortress was used in (the 1814 Swedish-Norwegian War). Don’t forget to check out the traditional stores and stroll along quaint cobbled streets that run parallel through this important part of history.

26. Mjelle Beach in Bodø

With a coastline as long as Norway’s, you might expect there to be tons of beaches! Due to the mountainous fjords, they are few and far between.

That’s why Mjelle Beach is so special and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Norway.

Mjelle Beach is a rocky, white/pink sand beach (with some soft areas!) tucked into a bay in northern Norway. When you visit Mjelle Beach, you can feel the remoteness and magic of this place.

27. Nordfjordeid

Nordfjordeid is a town on one of the tips of Nordfjord, around 170 miles/275 km north of Bergen. While the town itself has some pretty buildings like the Eid Kyrkje, the reason why it’s one of the Norway best places to visit is because of the water.

Not only is Nordfjordeid on the banks of a fjord but it also sits on the banks of the Eidselva River. This river bends and turns every which way until it finally flows into Hornindalsvatn Lake.

You can go kayaking, trout fishing, and hiking in this lush, scenic area which is one of the most beautiful places in Norway.

28. Hardangervidda National Park

As one of the most beautiful places in Southern Norway and the country’s largest national park, there are lots of natural wonders to explore in Hardangervidda!

Nykkjesøyfossen and Vøringfossen waterfalls are among the most stunning sights in the park, but it is also an ideal place to go hiking and skiing. This landscape has a high, wide plateau which is perfect for those not keen on steep slopes!

There are lots of hut-to-hut trails in Hardangervidda. Just watch you don’t ski into one of the many herds of reindeer or elk.

29. Drammen

Only 26.5 miles/43 km southwest of Oslo, this is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Norway that would make a great day trip from the capital city.

Drammen rests at the end of Drammensfjorden and straddles the River Drammenselva. Having such a wide river through the center of the city means locals often fish, hike, and swim in the heart of Drammen!

It’s won awards for having the best city development in Europe, so don’t be surprised if you want to move here after visiting.

30. Molde

Molde is a city on Norway’s expansive western coast and rests on the Fannefjord. It’s one of the nicest places in Norway because of its mountain views.

In fact, the Molde Panorama is a must-visit if you’re in the area!

Walk approximately an hour or drive 10 minutes into the mountains behind the city. Not only will you get spectacular views of Molde, but you’ll also see across the fjord and be able to see 222 mountains in your eyeline.

31. Nordenskjøld Land National Park in Svalbard

While most of the national parks in Svalbard will be incredibly hard to reach as a tourist, Nordenskjøld Land National Park is one that you can. It’s fairly close to Longyearbyen and it is definitely one of the most beautiful places to visit in Norway.

Due to Svalbard’s location in the Arctic, Nordenskjøld Land is snowed over year-round. Join a tour of snowmobilers so you don’t get lost, and enjoy riding around the ice caves and mountains. Just watch out for the polar bears!

Somewhere as remote and north as Nordenskjøld Land National Park is, of course, a great place to catch the Northern Lights too.

32. Gausta

Gausta is a gorgeous little ski town up in the mountains a few hours from Oslo. We stayed at the Gaustablikk Resort, complete with floating saunas, comfy beds, and incredible views!

33. Hardangerfjord

All 111 miles/178 km in length, Hardangerfjord is the second-longest fjord in the country and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Norway.

It’s less than a two-hour drive from Bergen to the dramatic fjords of this region. You could absolutely take a city break in Bergen and enjoy a side trip to Hardangerfjord!

Take a boat cruise or book a sauna on the banks of the fjord. Plunging into the icy water after a long steam is all the rage.

34. Rondane National Park

The Norwegian government established Rondane National Park as the country’s first national park in 1962. Compared to some of the glacial parks, this part is fairly pint-sized but it’s packed with ski slopes, hiking trails, and some of the top must-see sights in Norway.

Rondane National Park is in southern Norway and boasts 10 modest peaks standing over 6,500 ft/2,000 m.

Some highlights of Rondane National Park include the cute wooden Peer Gynt Hytta cottages, Lake Rondvatnet, and Sohlbergplassen Viewpoint.

35. Stavanger

One of the most beautiful places in south Norway, Stavanger dates back to the 12th century and is one of the country’s oldest cities. While the Norwegian Petroleum Museum sits in the city’s modern port, the rest of Stavanger couldn’t be more different.

Stavanger is located on Norway’s west coast near the southern tip. Because it’s so southerly, it’s one of the best places to visit during the summer months because there’s a chance the weather will be warm!

Gamle Stavanger, the historic center, is the prettiest area with lots of preserved 18th and 19th century cottages.

36. Nigardsbreen Glacier

Part of Jostedalsbreen National Park, Nigardsbreen is a low-level glacier. As one of the most beautiful places to visit in Norway and one of the most accessible glaciers, it’s well worth visiting.

Join a tour group to cruise along Lake Nigardsbrevatnet before walking on the glacier itself.

You won’t regret seeing the bright blues of the glacial lake and visiting such an important landform!

37. Aurlandsfjord

For over 200 years, people have lived in the hills surrounding the majestic Aurlandsfjord, one of the most beautiful places in Norway.

This epic fjord is a fantastic place for watersports like kayaking and fishing. You can either book an excursion with a tour guide or just rent the equipment and DIY.

It’s also a popular fjord for cruise tours because it has deep valleys and majestic mountains. It’s just as beautiful covered in snow as it is covered in lush, green trees!

38. Senja Island

Just north of the Lofoten archipelago and Tromsø, Senja Island is the country’s second-largest island. It’s one of the best places in Norway to visit for sandy beaches, picturesque fishing villages, hiking, and swimming.

Yes, even somewhere as far north as Senja Island has some of the best beaches in Norway! Check out Ersfjordstranda in a huge bay on the north coast of the island. Bøstranda is another place to visit for white, untouched sands and pristine natural beauty.

Hamn is an active fishing village, with a row of unique black wooden cottages along the coastline. Another is Mefjordvær which has small waterfalls running through the town and traditional multi-colored homes.

Located far into the Arctic Circle, few places like Senja Island exist.

39. Nusfjord in the Lofoten Islands

Let’s throw one last stunning fishing village in the Lofoten Islands on this list of the most beautiful places to visit in Norway, shall we? After all, its popularity means this archipelago is one of the easiest parts of northern Norway to reach!

Nusfjord is known for being one of the most brightly-colored fishing villages with sunshine-yellow houses. Some of the buildings are part of an open-air museum where you can head inside and what a fisherman’s workshop and local stories would have looked like in decades gone by.

Some of the best panoramic vistas of Nusfjord can be seen from the Lighthouse (it’s comically short!) or from behind the village up the hill.

Since Nusfjord is in the Arctic Circle, it’s also an ideal place to visit in winter in the hopes of seeing the Northern Lights. Or visit in the height of summer to watch the sun never set!

40. Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park

Although the cities and fishing villages are incredibly picturesque, the country’s natural attractions are among the most beautiful places in Norway.

Two final glaciers to add to your itinerary are Saltfjellet and Svartisen which have their own national park. They’re surrounded by scenic glacial lakes which are popular for salmon fishing.

Some highlights to check out in Saltfjellet–Svartisen National Park are the Marble Castle rock formation next to the River Glomåga, Grønligrotta and Setergrotta limestone caverns, and Helgelandsbukken mountain.

41. Rjukan

The valley of Rjukan is lovely, but if you take the gondola up to the top of the mountain, that’s where the real beauty is! The valley is so deep, that in the winter, they use mirrrors to reflect sunlight down into the valley. But before that, villagers would retreat to their cabins on top of the mountain to take in some vitamin D.

42. Trollskogen

Trollskogen, also known as the troll forest sits just above the city of Oslo. You can take the funicular up the mountain to explore the forest, which was the inspiration for the troll forest in the movie Frozen. And I can totally see why…so many moss covered rocks that look like they could be trolls hiding in the forest. There are several trails you can take through the forest.

Add the Most Beautiful Places in Norway to Your Bucket List

Packed with UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the most incredible coastline in Northern Europe, it’s hard to narrow down the most beautiful places in Norway to just one list!

But with such stunning natural landscapes and postcard-perfect towns and cities, you’ll never regret witnessing the beauty of Norway with your own eyes.