The second happiest country in the world (according to the United Nation’s World Happiness Report), seems to be having a moment. The Scandinavian country’s reputation for pristine, untouched landscapes are drawing discerning travellers from all over the globe and the popularity of the Disney movie Frozen are motivating fans to visit the country that inspired the animated movie setting (apparently bookings increased around 40%). From our team’s various visits, this our collective choice for the best and most beautiful places to visit in Norway…
The Fjords – the protected lakes region which is one of the most stunning places to visit in Norway
This is what Norway is becoming most famous for. The UNESCO listed Fjords are now appearing on many traveller’s bucket list and with good reason – they are one of the most naturally beautiful and dramatic landscapes in Europe and are one of the top attractions in the Scandinavian country.
The glacial valleys are eerily silent and are surrounded by high mountains and waterfalls that give the area an other-worldly beauty. Sognefjord is the longest, deepest, and most celebrated of the country’s waterways closely followed by Hardangerfjord.
Also include a visit to the Jostedalsbreen glacier (the largest ice sheet in Europe), Nordfjord, and Geirangerfjord, perhaps the most scenically impressive of all the fjords. Easily one of the best places to visit in Norway and somewhere that shouldn’t be missed if you visit here!
Ålesund
Scattered over a row of islands on the western coast of Norway, Ålesund is a thriving fishing town that – following a huge fire in 1904 – was rebuilt in a beautifully colourful Art Nouveau style.
It’s easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Noway and boasting a vibrant culture, excellent shopping opportunities, and views over the area from Mount Aksla. Soak up the town’s unique atmosphere before heading out on a guided tour of the fjords. Don’t miss the breathtaking Geirangerfjord, for gorgeous photo opportunities.
Trolltunga
Trolltunga is definitely one of the picturesque places to discover in Norway. It’s an insanely gorgeous location and one of the most spectacular scenic cliffs in Norway – but it’s only for the brave.
Otherwise known as the ‘troll’s tongue’ it was formed during the ice age when a glacial water froze a hunk of this mountain and caused it to break off, leaving a thin protruding ledge which hovers about 2,300 feet above the lake below. If you’re up for the challenge, it’s only a mere four-hour trek for a photo opportunity of a lifetime! Just remember to be very careful!
Bergen – the beautiful Norway town which inspired the Frozen film
The rainy but beautiful city of Bergen was apparently the inspiration for the fictional in the hit Disney animation, Frozen. The picturesque city is one of the prettiest and best cities to visit in Norway and is peppered with medieval buildings, Norwegian churches, and colourful timber houses.
It’s a laid-back place with a selection of good museums, quirky independent stores, and al fresco cafes but its biggest draw is its status as being the gateway to the famous fjords.
This scenic, unspoilt archipelago is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets but one of the one important natural gems to explore in Norway. Though the collection of islands lie within Arctic Circle, they are blessed with warmer temperatures due to the Gulf Stream.
It’s a beautifully traditional place where life is simple and tourism is kept to a minimum. This is where whale watching and spectacular walks and scenery await! To crank the romance factor up a gear stay in one of the cosy fisherman’s cabins, surrounded by still blue waters and unspoilt mountain landscapes that have to be seen to be believed.
Lofoten Islands – the famously beautiful collection of Norway islands
This scenic, unspoilt archipelago is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets but one of the one important natural gems to explore in Norway. Though the collection of islands lie within Arctic Circle, they are blessed with warmer temperatures due to the Gulf Stream.
It’s a beautifully traditional place where life is simple and tourism is kept to a minimum. This is where whale watching and spectacular walks and scenery await! To crank the romance factor up a gear stay in one of the cosy fisherman’s cabins, surrounded by still blue waters and unspoilt mountain landscapes that have to be seen to be believed.
Flam
The impossibly pretty village of Flam located in the fjords, Southwestern Norway – one of the best regions to explore in Norway. Home to museums that truly showcase and highlight the history of this city, as a visitor, you’ll be able to go on an explorative journey with the Flam Railway, which will show you the city in a way that walking through it just can’t.
Flam Railway runs through one of the wildest landscapes in the whole of Norway and has been called the best train journey in the world to take. Once you’re finished, you may want to take a quick trip over to the Flam Railway Museum or even head a little way over to Stegastein, the viewing platform over Aurlandsfjord, which stretches 30 metres across the land.
