14 Most Breathtaking Places to Visit in Norway

5. Oslo

I really enjoyed its harmonious blend of old and new architecture in Oslo, from the historic Akershus Fortress to the sleek, modern Opera House, along with its vibrant cultural scene and abundant green spaces – all set against a backdrop of dense forests and the shimmering Oslofjord. I thought it nailed that blend of contemporary chic and historic charm perfectly. Sure, it was pricey and not crammed with bucket-list sights, but it felt clean, laid-back, and beautifully set — plus I loved its progressive, eco-friendly vibe!

I took a direct flight from London and I stayed for four days. That was enough time to explore the Viking Ship Museum, amble through the historic Vigeland Sculpture Park, caught a moving performance at the Oslo Opera House, see the Edvard Munch’s famous painting, ‘The Scream’ at the Munch Museum, and unwind in the pretty waterside Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen districts.

Location: Southeastern Norway on the Oslofjord | Size: large capital city | Vibe: modern, creative, and effortlessly cool

My highlights… 

• Staying at the 4-star boutique Saga Hotel Oslo, WorldHotels Crafted housed in a restored 1890s building on the fashionable Bogstadveien Street – their freshly baked Knekkebrød with brunost was divine!

7. Flam

This small village was so pretty it felt like a postcard! I discovered it was home to breathtaking fjord views, stunning natural scenery, a historic church and the dramatic Flåmsbana Railway, which wound through the surrounding mountains. It me, it felt serene and timeless – like a true tranquil escape! I arrived from Bergen via the scenic Flåmsbana Railway which took me four hours and I stayed for an idyllic three days at the stunningly located Flåm Marina Hotel.

I rode scenic Flåmsbana railway (and found out it was one of the steepest train rides in the world!), cruised the stunning Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord, hiked the picturesque surrounding trails, visited the historic Flåm Church, explored the interesting Flåm Railway Museum, and enjoyed delicious locally crafted brews at Ægir Brewery.

Location: Western Norway at the inner end of Aurlandsfjord | Size: tiny fjord village | Vibe: tranquil, fjord-front and postcard-pretty

My personal highlights… 

• Taking the 15-minute drive from Flåm to the sleek, wood-and-glass Stegastein Viewpoint, which juts 30 metres out from the mountainside — it was seriously vertigo-inducing, but the views over the shimmering Aurlandsfjord made every wobbly step worth it! 

8. Henningsvær

I thought this was one of the prettiest villages in the Lofoten Islands! After discovering it and being in awe, I felt it deserved a special mention of its own! Here, picturesque colorful traditional Norwegian fishermen’s cabins, scenic harbours, cosy eateries, and a bustling waterfront sit perched on rugged islands, set against a backdrop of mirror-like waters and towering granite mountains. To me, it felt laid-back, with a unique artistic vibe blended with a strong sense of local tradition and community.

I flew into Leknes Airport and then drove two hours to reach Henningsvær, once here I stayed in an incredible converted fisherman’s cabin at Henningsvær Rorbuer and explored the vibrant fishing harbour. I also visited the cool KaviarFactory and saw contemporary art exhibitions, enjoyed superb local cuisine at Fiskekrogen Restaurant, strolled through the charming streets lined with quaint shops and galleries, managed to catch a magical glimpse of the Northern Lights!

Location: Lofoten Archipelago in Northern Norway | Size: tiny fishing village spread across small islands | Vibe: artsy, sea-salted, and very photogenic

My personal highlights…

• Having an oat-milk Islatte espresso in the cool gem the Klatrekaféen restaurant – I loved the quirky and very creative decor which included light shades made from bronze cutlery and driftwood mobiles hanging from the ceiling! 

9. Reine 

I was seriously in awe of this picturesque Lofoten Island village! I loved its breathtaking and dramatic fjord setting, where towering peaks rose sharply from the blue-green waters, traditional red rorbuer fishing cabins lined the shore, and crystal-clear waters reflected the stunning Arctic landscape! I loved how peaceful and awe-inspiring it felt, with a unique blend of traditional fishing village charm and the raw, dramatic beauty of the Arctic wilderness!

I flew into Leknes, then drove along the E10 highway and stayed for a dreamy three days. I hiked the iconic Reinebringen and saw breathtaking panoramic views, stayed in a traditional red rorbuer cabin by the water, kayaked through the scenic Reinefjorden, took a boat trip to the remote village of Vindstad and hiked to Bunes Beach, visited the charming Reine Cultural Center, and explored the nearby pretty fishing villages of Hamnøy and Sakrisøy.

Location: Moskenesøya Island in the Lofoten Archipelago, Northern Norway | Size: tiny fishing village | Vibe: peaceful, very dramatic, and photogenic

My favourite highlights… 

• Staying at the 4-star Reine Rorbuer – by Classic Norway Hotels – I adored how the old red fishermen’s cabins had been beautifully restored with knotty pine walls, hand-woven rugs from local artisans and huge windows which framed the Arctic Ocean and jagged Lofoten peaks — I could even hear the gulls when I cracked the door open!

10. Stavanger

This gorgeous coastal city really wowed me! I was completely charmed by its mix of charming white and colourful wooden houses, stunning fjord landscapes, scenic harbours, soft sandy beaches and impressive historic landmarks. It felt vibrant yet laid-back vibe, with an inviting historic charm and a thriving food and arts scene.

I drove six hours from Oslo and stayed for three days at the elegant and romantic 4-star Hotel Victoria and when here I explored the charming Old Town (Gamle Stavanger) with its white wooden houses, visited Stavanger Cathedral and hiked to the iconic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and was treated to breathtaking fjord views. I also squeezed in relaxing on the sandy shores of Solastranden Beach, saw the striking Swords in Rock (Sverd i fjell) monument, and discovered Norway’s interesting oil history at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum! 

Location: Southwestern Norway on the North Sea coast | Size: medium-sized coastal city | Vibe: lively, historic, and sea-breezy

My highlights… 

• Browsing the cute Kant boutique gift store which was filled with locally produced high quality artisan produced gifts including maritime themed items – I especially loved the cute lighthouse, anchors, the cosy Nordic jumpers, the cool hand printed cow T-shirts and the beautiful crab coffee mugs! 

11. Trondheim 

I thought this historic city was a real gem! I discovered it very attractive place with an Insta-worthy scenic waterfront nestled along the Nidelva River, colourful wooden wharfs at Bakklandet, and the stunning medieval Nidaros Cathedral which was a Gothic masterpiece! I was completely won over by its lively yet quaint and cozy vibe. It felt both historical and timeless, yet still full of youthful energy from its university, along with a thriving cultural and food scene.

It was a seven-hour drive from Oslo, but totally worth it! I checked into the beautiful, romantic Britannia Hotel for a long weekend, then spent my days exploring the majestic Nidaros Cathedral, wandering the colourful wooden streets of Bakklandet, and soaking up the river views from the Old Town Bridge. I also headed up to Kristiansten Fortress and gazed at city panoramas, before unwinding along the lively Solsiden waterfront with its trendy cafés and restaurants.

Location: Central Norway on the Trondheimsfjord | Size: medium-sized historic city| Vibe: scholarly, charming, and quietly vibrant

My highlights… 

• Dining at the very creative and trendy Troll Restaurant – I loved the unique forest decor, the soft, dim lights (where I almost felt like I was in a troll’s cave!) and how my dish was garnished with locally grown edible flowers! |

12. Skudeneshavn

I thought this picturesque coastal town was super cute! I totally fell for its charming old town, with largely traffic-free, narrow winding streets lined by white wooden houses and a picturesque harbour, all set against a backdrop of open blue seas and distant islands. I also loved its relaxed, nostalgic vibe and charming nautical feel. 

It was a four-hour drive from Bergen, and I spent two sunny summer days at the cosy, homely Reinertsenhuset guest house. I wandered the idyllic Old Skudeneshavn, popping into cute cafés, local shops, and little art galleries, relaxed on the gorgeous sandy Sandvesanden beach, and visited the Maritime Museum to learn about the town’s seafaring past. If you come during Skudefestivalen, the traditional boat celebrations are such a vibe!

Location: Southern tip of Karmøy Island on Norway’s west coast | Size: small historic seaside town | Vibe: dreamy, white-washed and maritime-pretty

My favourite highlights… 

• Majorstuen Antikviteter — a quirky little antique shop–café filled with carved chests, old pianos, bronze candlesticks, and nostalgic artwork. The kind elderly couple who run it made it extra special (Johannes had brilliant stories!), and the warm waffles with homemade raspberry jam were heavenly!

13. Fredrikstad 

This historic city has a reputation for having the best-preserved old towns in Scandinavia! I thought it was stunning for its impressive, well-preserved fortifications of the Old Town (Gamlebyen) which had cobblestone streets lined by charming historic buildings and bustling market squares. It loved its relaxed, historical vibe as well as its vibrant arts scene. 

I drove an hour from Oslo (there were also train and bus options) and spent two days at the hygge-esque Hotel Fredrikstad and from there I explored the fascinating historic Old Town (Gamlebyen), and visited the Fredrikstad Museum and delved into the city’s history. I also walked along the city walls and saw superb panoramic views, enjoyed arts and performances at Blå Grotte, shopped at the vibrant farmers’ market, browsed quaint stores and antique shops and took a boat trip along the Glomma River to see the city from a different perspective! 

Location: Southeastern Norway near the Swedish border on the Glomma River | Size: medium-sized fortified town and coastal city | Vibe: historic, relaxed, and village-pretty

My personal highlights… 

• Exploring the more modern part of the town Vestsiden (West Side), which is part of the modern city centre and stumbling across the Fredrikstad Cathedral featuring stunning stained-glass work by Emanuel Vigeland and a striking steeple! 

14. Jotunheimen National Park

Jotunheimen National Park was a vast and remote mountainous wilderness! I was in awe of how the country’s most popular national park was home to truly jaw-dropping scenery, with dramatic alpine landscapes, towering peaks, glacial valleys, turquoise mountain lakes, stunning rocky and glacial shores, and charming mountain lodges – all set against untouched, protected wilderness. It had a wild and adventurous feel, making it the perfect place for me to embrace solitude! 

It was a five-hour drive from Oslo, and I spent three adventurous days at the cosy-but-modern Filefjellstuene Hotel, right at the park gateway (the mountain views from my room were breathtaking!). I hiked the iconic Besseggen Ridge for those unreal turquoise-and-ink-blue lake views, climbed Galdhøpiggen — Norway’s highest peak, and wandered the wild, remote Utladalen Valley. I also squeezed in a visit to the beautiful Smørstabbrean glaciers, which felt wonderfully other-worldly.

Location: Central Southern Norway in the Scandinavian Mountains | Size: vast alpine national park | Vibe: raw, untamed, and gloriously dramatic | Wildlife: including reindeer, foxes, martens, wolverines, lynx, and the rare golden eagle!

My personal highlights…

• Learning from the local guides about why it was known as the “Home of the Giants” – they told me that according to local legend’s mythical ancient Jotuns (giants) roamed the vast wilderness! 

Location of Norway 

Norway is located in the Nordic area of Northern Europe and the North Atlantic, along with Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, the Faroe Islands and Greenland.