Plan a trip to Norway

Norway, with its boundless natural beauty, is an enchanting destination. It is home to breathtaking landscapes and pristine vistas and trails, as well as mesmerizing fjords, where steep cliffs plunge into the deep, dark waters. During the winter, the magical spectacle of the Northern Lights graces the sky, and ski trails abound with fresh snow. In the spring and summer, Norway offers long days of sunlight, perfect for nature and sea excursions. Oslo, the capital, provides a variety of attractions and museums that bridge connections between visitors and local as well as global cultures. 

Best Time to Visit

While every season in Norway offers a unique experience, whether it's the blooming of spring, the endless summer days, the vibrant colors of autumn, or the magic of winter, the best time to visit depends on the experiences you are looking for.

In the spring, Norway awakens to a burst of life. The spring blossoms paint the landscapes in vibrant colors, snow-capped mountains thaw, waterfalls flow, and vegetation comes alive. This is an ideal season to explore trails with budding trees and seasonal flowers and to spot migrating birds returning to their nesting grounds.

Norway comes to life in the summer. The midnight sun casts its glow for nearly 24 hours a day, inviting long days of adventure: kayaking along fjords, hiking and biking trails, and climbing mountain peaks for breathtaking views. It's also a time for festivals, cultural events, and concerts.

Nature transforms into a palette of warm colors in the fall. It is also the beginning of the Northern Lights season, which occasionally graces the night sky with its fascinating dance.

Norway turns into a wonderland in the winter. Blankets of snow cover the ground, creating ideal conditions for winter sports and snow adventures in the fjord region. It is also a time when the Northern Lights are often visible.

Main Cities

Oslo

The vibrant capital of Norway, nestled between picturesque fjords and abundant greenery, Oslo is a fascinating blend of historical charm, natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern attractions.

Museums in Oslo:

The Viking Ship Museum displays well-preserved Viking ships and artifacts from the Viking Age.

The National Gallery is home to Norway's largest public collection of paintings, sculptures, and drawings by prominent Norwegian and international artists.

The Munch Museum is devoted to Norway's most renowned painter, Edvard Munch, and it features an extensive collection of his works, including the famous painting "The Scream."

The Fram Museum focuses on polar exploration, presenting a full-scale model of the ship Fram, which was used in research expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica.

The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is an open-air museum showcasing Norway's cultural heritage through historical buildings, exhibitions, and artifacts.

The Norwegian Maritime Museum, located on the Bygdøy peninsula, showcases the maritime history of Norway with exhibitions on shipbuilding, navigation, maritime archaeology, and the strong connection between the Norwegian people and the sea.

The Kon-Tiki Museum is dedicated to the legendary expeditions of Thor Heyerdahl. There are exhibits of the original artifacts and models of the ships, including the famous Kon-Tiki raft. The raft was built by Thor Heyerdahl and his team, and it sailed on a three-month journey from South America to the Polynesian islands.

Markets in Oslo:

Mathallen Oslo is a bustling food market featuring a variety of local and international delicacies and culinary events.

The Oslo Farmers Market offers fresh produce, organic products, and a variety of locally sourced food items in a vibrant market atmosphere.

The Vulkan Market is located in the trendy Vulkan area, featuring diverse food stalls, arts, and occasional flea markets.

The Birkelunden Flea Market is a popular weekend market with a wide range of vintage items, antiques, and unique displays.

Bergen

The picturesque coastal city of Bergen is a captivating blend of historical charm and beauty. Explore the city’s history along the iconic Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and wander through the lively fish market. It was here that the renowned Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg created his magnificent work "Peer Gynt." Take a funicular ride to Fløyen Mountain for panoramic views or embark on a fjord cruise from the bustling harbor. On the outskirts of the city, you can visit the unique cultural gem - the Stave Church, which, like few others, has been well-preserved.

Museums in Bergen

The Bergen Maritime Museum focuses on Bergen's maritime history, displaying ships, ship models, and artifacts related to the city's maritime heritage.

The Hanseatic Museum offers insight into Bergen's hanseatic period, featuring a preserved merchant house and historical artifacts.

The Edvard Grieg Museum Troldhaugen is dedicated to the famous composer Edvard Grieg, and it includes his former home and exhibitions related to his life and music.

Art Museums KODE is a group of art museums under the name KODE, showcasing diverse collections of Norwegian and international art spanning various periods and styles.

Markets in Bergen

The Bergen Fish Market offers an extensive selection of fresh seafood, including traditional Norwegian delicacies.

The Torget Fish Market, located in the heart of Bergen, is a bustling market with a wide variety of fish, seafood, and local produce.

Øygarden Salmon Market specializes in locally farmed salmon, offering a variety of salmon-based products and seafood.

The Christmas Market at Bryggen is a festive market during the holiday season, showcasing traditional Norwegian art, gifts, and seasonal treats.

Stavanger

This charming city invites visitors to explore Gamle Stavanger, the well-preserved old town, and to discover the fascinating Norwegian Petroleum Museum, marvel at the impressive landscape, and visit the historic cathedral. Stavanger serves as a great starting point for trips to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and the nearby Kjerag.

Museums in Stavanger

The Norwegian Canning Museum showcases the history of the Norwegian fishing industry, especially the era of canning.

The Norwegian Petroleum Museum explores Norway's maritime oil industry through interactive exhibitions and maritime simulations.

The Norwegian Museum of Archaeology focuses on archaeological findings from the Stavanger region, presenting Norway's prehistory.

Rockheim, the National Museum of Norway for Popular Music, explores the country's music history through interactive exhibitions.

Markets in Stavanger

The Stavanger Food & Craft Market showcases local cuisine, arts, and crafts in a charming environment.

The Fish Market Stavanger is known for its wide selection of fresh seafood and local products.

The Trondheim Market offers a variety of goods, from fresh produce to handmade crafts and clothing, in a vibrant atmosphere.

Fjordgata Antique Market specializes in antiques, vintage items, collector's pieces, artworks, and collectibles.

Travel and Tour Options in Norway

Norway offers a wide range of travel and tour options, including the following:

Trollstigen and Geiranger: Drive through the mountain pass known as Trollstigen, with its hairpin turns, and continue to Geirangerfjord for breathtaking views.

The Atlantic Ocean Road: A unique drive connecting islands, bridges, and routes along Norway's western coast, offering stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Lofoten Islands: Famous for their dramatic peaks, fishing villages, and pristine beaches, the Lofoten Islands are a paradise for photographers.

The Northern Cape: Look north from Tromsø or Bodø to cross the Arctic Circle and witness the midnight sun in summer or the enchanting northern lights in winter.

Bergen to Oslo Train: Experience a train journey through some of Norway's most picturesque landscapes, including valleys, mountains, and lakes.

Jotunheimen National Park: Explore this park featuring Norway's highest peaks and Europe's largest glacier, Jostedalsbreen.

North Cape: Visit the northernmost point in Europe for the midnight sun or the enchanting northern lights, experiencing the bold beauty of the Arctic landscape.

Hardangerfjord: Explore Norway's second-largest fjord and the majestic Vøringsfossen waterfall.

Flam Railway: One of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the Flam Railway passses through steep mountains, waterfalls, and lush valleys.

The Coastal Express (Hurtigruten): Cruise along the Norwegian coastline, passing through fjords, Arctic landscapes, and charming coastal towns.

Stavanger and Preikestolen: Explore Stavanger and hike to the iconic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) for breathtaking views of the Lysefjord.

Wildlife

Norway is abundant with diverse and unique wildlife typical of the Arctic region, such as reindeer, elk (moose), caribou, Arctic fox, brown bear, lynx, and wolverine. Marine animals include the orca killer whale, humpback whale, puffins (seabirds nesting along the coast, especially on islands), seals, Atlantic salmon, and cod. Birds and raptors in Norway include the golden eagle, white-tailed eagle, and osprey, often seen near lakes and coastal areas.

Cuisine

Lutefisk: A Nordic dish made from dried whitefish that has been soaked in a lye solution, then rinsed and boiled.

Rakfisk: Fermented fish, typically trout, often served with flatbread.

Kjøttkaker: Norwegian meatballs made from beef or a mixture of meats, usually served with potatoes and gravy.

Fårikål: A dish made with lamb or mutton, cabbage, and peppercorns, considered Norway's national dish.

Krumkake: A sweet, waffle-like cookie often filled with whipped cream.

Brunost: Sweet and caramelized brown cheese, typically served with bread.

Pinnekjøtt: Dried and salted lamb or mutton ribs, a traditional dish during the Christmas season.

Sodd: A traditional soup made with meatballs, meat broth, and vegetables.

Smoked Salmon: Norway is renowned for its high-quality smoked salmon.

Cloudberries: Rare and precious forest berries used in desserts and jams.