MM Rahmatullah: Norway is a Scandinavian country encompassing mountains, glaciers and deep coastal fjords. Oslo is the capital city of green spaces and museums. Preserved 9th-century Viking ships are displayed at Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum. Bergen, with colorful wooden houses, is the starting point for cruises to the dramatic Sognefjord. Norway is also known for fishing, hiking and skiing, notably at Lillehammer’s Olympic resort. Norway offers visitors an incredible mix of cultural and natural wonders. From cosmopolitan Oslo to its endless snow-capped mountain peaks and deep fjords, there’s no end of choices for travelers in the land of the midnight sun and stunning northern lights. Getting around the country is easy, and the country’s top-notch transit systems offer some of the best sightseeing opportunities, too, whether by rail or the fantastic coastal steamers. One of the world’s most prosperous nations, Norway seems to have a fascinating museum for just about every important aspect of its rich cultural and social history, covering everything from the Vikings to seafaring and fishing, as well as art and entertainment. Norway is also rich in spectacular scenery, from its stunning fjords to its spectacular mountains and glaciers, many of which are easily accessible to tourists. Plan your sightseeing excursions with our list of the top-rated tourist attractions in Norway.
Pulpit Rock: Pulpit Rock is a tourist attraction in the municipality of Forsand in Rogaland county in Norway. Pulpit Rock is a steep cliff which rises 604 metres above the Lysefjorden. Pulpit Rock, which also known as Preikestolen is an experience of a lifetime. Combine the hike with a fjord cruise or join a guided tour at night or off the beaten track. The six kilometer hike starts at the mountain lodge Preikestolen Fjellstue. Allow a total of four hours for this moderately demanding roundtrip that ascends 350 metres. Join one of the guided tours that run daily from April to October (subject to weather conditions), or admire the cliff from a sightseeing boat on the fjord, or do both some tours offer combined hikes and cruises. If you are concerned about sharing Preikestolen with too many people, start the walk at night and you will experience a bit of magic when the sun rises. The nearest places to stay are Preikestolen Fjellstue and Lilland Hotell. You can also stay overnight in Stavanger, from where you can take a boat trip on the Lysefjord. The hiking season lasts from May to October. Stavanger and Ryfylke offer endless opportunities for adventure. A few ideas for an active holiday are canoeing, kayaking, fishing, salmon safari, kiting, climbing, ZIP line, rappelling, SUP, boating, skiing, cycling, hiking or extreme sports like base jumping or paragliding. Stavanger is also where you find Norway’s best surfing conditions, along the beaches in Jæren.
Sognefjord: The Sognefjord is the largest and deepest fjord in Norway. National Geographic Traveler magazine has called this area “the world’s most iconic destination”. The Sognefjord, situated in the middle of Fjord Norway, extends all of 204 km inland and contains some of the wildest and most beautiful scenery in Norway. The area has dramatic muntains and fjords, unique cultural attractions and a large choice of exciting activities for the whole family.
Lofoten Islands: The Lofoten Islands form an archipelago off the coast of northwestern Norway and are a popular tourist destination for Norwegians and foreigners alike. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the weather here is mild despite its location within the Arctic Circle. Tourists come here to enjoy the beaches, explore traditional fishing villages, kayak, hike, and see the wildlife. These islands are also one of the best places to visit for a glimpse of the northern lights. There are plenty of attractions and things to do on the islands, especially in Svolvaer, which is the largest town, located on the southern coast of Austvågøy island. Here, you will find the Lofoten War Museum with its World War II collections, and the unique Magic Ice, which displays ice sculptures depicting local life. The Lofoten Museum, which explores the history of the island’s fishing industry, is also located on Austvågøy, as is the Lofoten Aquarium, which features Arctic sea life. Tourists can learn even more about the importance of fishing at the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum and the Lofoten Stockfish Museum.
Viking Ships Museum: The largest of Norway’s museums dedicated to their seafaring ancestors, the Viking Ships Museum in Oslo features three 9th-century Viking vessels, each of which had been laid to rest as burial chambers for prominent Vikings. The largest of these is the 70-foot Oseberg Ship, built around AD 800, which contained a chieftain’s wife and two other women along with many items that give insight into Viking life. The museum is also home to the Gokstad Ship, which is an impressive 23 meters long, and the Tune Ship. Visitors can also view several exhibits and films, which focus on the importance of maritime life for that culture. The Viking Ships Museum is operated by the Museum of Cultural History, as is Oslo’s Historical Museum, which contains artifacts from around the world and throughout history, from Egyptian mummies to the history of gold coins. This museum is also home to an expanding Viking Age exhibit, which contains a rare well-preserved Viking helmet.
Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, Bergen: One of the most popular sightseeing opportunities in Bergen is the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf, a vibrantly painted area, which was once the center of trade, dominated by Hanseatic merchants. Tourists can find several historic buildings, which portray life during the Middle Ages, as well as boutiques, restaurants, and the Bryggen Museum. Learn even more at the Hanseatic Museum, which has been open since 1872, housed in Finnegård, a 1704 home, which was owned by one of the merchants. While in Bergen, visitors will also want to visit Troldhaugen, the former home and workspace of composer Edvard Grieg, as well as the Open Air Market.
Bygdoy Peninsula: Oslo’s Bygdoy Peninsula is a suburb located only four miles west of the city, easily reached by car or public transportation. It is home to several of Oslo’s top tourist attractions and also known for its natural spaces including beaches, parks, and forests. Among its numerous museums, the Bygdoy Peninsula is home to the Center for Studies of Holocaust and Religious Minorities in Norway located in Villa Grande. Another top museum is the Fram Museum, which houses the ship Farm, known for its Polar voyages, and Gjøa, famous for being the first ship to navigate the Northwest Passage, and the popular Kon-Tiki Museum is just next door. This area is also home to the Norwegian Maritime Museum, which explores the role of fishing and other maritime activities in Norwegian life.
