Norway is a melting pot of culture and natural beauty. From the cosmopolitan capital Oslo to the endless snow-capped mountains and the deep fjords of the north, there’s something for everyone in this land of midnight suns and dazzling northern lights. Getting around Norway is surprisingly easy, despite its mountains and rugged coastline. The country’s high-quality public transit systems offer some of the world’s best sightseeing, whether you’re travelling by rail or taking one of the country’s amazing coastal steamers. As one of the richest countries in the world, Norway has a museum for almost every important part of its cultural and social past. Do your research and you’ll find fascinating attractions covering the Vikings, seafaring, fishing, art, and entertainment. 10-Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Norway
1. Sognefjord: Norway’s Largest Fjord
Largest of Norway’s more than 1700 named fjords and extending 204 kilometers inland from Skjolden’s coastal village, the fjord branches off into countless inlets and smaller fjords along its length. At its widest point, the “king of the fjords,” as Norwegians call it, is nearly five kilometers across, with cliff walls reaching 1,307 meters above sea level. Boating is the most popular way to explore the fjord, and there’s no shortage of fjord cruise ships and sightseeing tours. Many of the best tours depart from the picturesque town of Bergen, but wherever you decide to embark, make sure you leave a full day to explore. Visitors will also want to explore the narrower branches of the fjord.
2. Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is a tourist attraction best suited to the active traveler due to the difficult journey to get here. However, Pulpit Rock is one of the most visited tourist sites in Norway and is also among the most photographed tourist sites in Norway. Pulpit Rock is located in the municipality of Preikestolen, close to the city of Stavanger. The journey to the rock starts with a ferry and bus ride, followed by a 2-hour uphill walk. When you get to the rock, you will find that it is almost perfectly flat on top of the cliff. Once you reach the rock, which is over 600 meters above the sea level, you will be rewarded with amazing views over the waters of the lake and over the mountains in the distance.
3. Norway’s Arctic City: Tromsø
Tromsø, located 349 km north of the Circle, is well-known for being the base of many large-scale expeditions to the North since the mid-1800s. The city was first settled as a fishing settlement in 13th century, and fishing has been an important part of the local economy ever since, adding to the city’s maritime atmosphere. Tromsø’s northerly location also means that it’s one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. You’ll find a variety of attractions explaining and exploring the phenomenon, such as Polaria, which is the world’s northernmost aquarium, as well as the Polar Museum with its fascinating exhibits on exploring the North Pole.
4. Take a Trip to the Lofoten Islands
The lofoten islands are a collection of archipelagos off the northwest coast of Norway. They are a popular destination for tourists from Norway and abroad. The weather is mild here due to the presence of the Gulf Stream and the fact that the islands are located in the arctic circle. People visit the islands for the beaches, fishing villages, kayaking and hiking. Many people also visit the islands to observe the wildlife. There is a wide variety of wildlife, including eagles, moose, and whales. Visitors to the islands can also see the northern lights from the islands. Svolvaer, the largest town in the lofoten, is situated on the south coast of the island. It is easy to get to from the mainland by ferry.
5. Bygdoy Peninsula, Oslo
The Bygdoy Peninsula in Oslo is a suburb just 4 miles west of Oslo city center. It is easily accessible by car or public transport and is home to some of Oslo’s best tourist attractions. The Bygdoy peninsula is also home to many natural places, such as beaches, parks and forests. The center for studies of holocaust and religious minorities in Norway, located in Villa Grande, is one of the top museums on the Bygdoy peninsula. The Fram Museum houses the ships Fram (known as the Polar voyages ship) and the Gjøa (known as the first ship to sail the Northwest Passage). The Kon-Tiki museum is located next door to the Fram Museum. 10-Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Norway
Geiranger is one of Norway’s crown jewels. It’s home to snow-capped peaks, abandoned green farms, dramatic waterfalls, and an emerald-green fjord. Geiranger’s main attraction is the fjord, which is renowned for its natural beauty, fresh air, and UNESCO World Heritage Site status.