OK, welcome to a new post on the Top 10 Must-Visit Locations in Norway, Europe. This is based on my research and a short trip to Norway during the winter season.
This Top 10 list includes fun activities but mainly focuses on nature spots for your next Image Itinerary. Without further ado, let’s get straight into it!
#1 – Oslo, Norway
Obviously, if you’re headed to Norway, you may as well stop into Oslo, Norway, the country’s capital on the south coast. This is a superb tourist friendly City that you may easily walk.
Quick tip: Instead of catching the more pricey FlyToGet Express Train, catch the public VY Trains for half of the price from Olso lufthavn (Gardermoen) to Oslo S and visa versus.
Just note VY train signage is for ‘Oslo Lufthavn’ Gardermoen rather than the ‘Airport’, so when you’re headed back, watch for those track signs. Only the more pricey FlyToGet Express has signage for the ‘Airport’.
#2 – Oslo, City Attractions
The Library is a top, free tourist attraction, almost directly outside of Oslo City Central. Right next door is also the Oslo Opera House, the Norwegian Opera and Ballet, plus the MUNCH Museum. So check this area out, even if it’s just to people watch and see the architecture.
This is a beautiful location near the water.
If you want to walk-about the City, some other bonus attractions include the many good cafes and cool architectural buildings. You’ve got the Oslo Konserthus, the National Theater, the Museum of Architecture, Nobel Peace Center, Fountains at City Hall Square, Karl Johans plus the Mall of Oslo, the Oslo Street Food and more.
#3 – Floating Saunas
This is a must-do attraction, especially during the Winter season. In Oslo, Norway, there were a few different locations offering hot saunas right next to frozen water. Try the KOK Oslo Floating Saunas down by the water near Aker Brygge, which is a tourist friendly location by itself.
This is definitely a recommended stop starting at 270 NOK per person.
#4 – Lake Getaways
While staying in town is nice, if you get the chance to also sneak outside the City, take advantage of it and relax with a little lake getaway.
#5 (#1) – Tromsø
Check out the photos and video flyover, this space in the North of Norway just looks absolutely spectacular. Tromsø is a major hub above the Arctic Circle. It’s famed as a viewing point for the Northern Lights.
The small island surrounded by majestic mountains and fabolous fjords, is also just a short 2 hr flight from Oslo. For panoramic views of the city, ride the cable car up to Mount Storsteinen.
#6 – Lofoten Landscapes (North)
Lofoten is known for its dramatic scenery and its Lofoten landscape, with peaks like the Svolværgeita pinnacle jutting up into the sky. This just looks spectacular! Himmeltindan Mountain sits on Vestvågøya Island.
This place is also known for watching the Northern Lights. During summer, you may also have fun 24 hours a day, under the midnight sun.
Svolvær, the biggest town in Lofoten, is ‘the smallest big city in the world’. Take a ferry to the dramatic landscapes of Værøy or to ‘opera island’, Røst.
Reine is also part of Lofoten, famous for its scenic location by the Arctic Ocean and those majestic Lofoten peaks. Add this as part of your Itinerary.
#7 – Svalbard (Arctic Ocean)
The Svalbard archipelago lies in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. Here, you may find rugged landscapes and, if you’re lucky, polar bears.
Svalbard’s main city of Longyearbyen is a colourful mini metropolis that also offers cultural activities and high-quality places to eat and drink.
#8 – Ã…lesund (West)
Check out these photos and 3D flyovers of this must-see West Coast stop. This area is also a little easier to get to, and less pricey than the North, so this is a great spot to add to your Image Itinerary.
#9 – Bergen and the Western Fjords (West)
Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen has some great City experiences, plus the seven surrounding mountain tops.
Bergen is the gateway to some of Norway’s famous fjords, including the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, in the north, and the Hardangerfjord, south, where you’ll find the famous plateau Trolltunga.
Finally, furtherst South, closer to the start of this trip in Oslo, is the last stop.
#10 – Stavanger, Jæren and the South
Stavanger is the largest city in the southwestern part of the country, and an ideal starting point if you want to take in famous natural attractions such as the Lysefjord and Preikestolen, known as the Pulpit Rock.
The coastal area of Jæren is also a great spot down South, home to some of Norway’s widest and whitest beaches. You may also find surf here. The largest city in Southern Norway to add to your itinerary is Kristiansand.
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Hope this research also helps you in your trip planning and building of your next Image Itinerary.