Norway, a Northern European country, covers the western part of the Scandinavian peninsula. It borders Sweden, Finland, and Russia on land and faces the North Atlantic Ocean on its coast.
Norway boasts stunning natural features like fjords, mountains, glaciers, and the aurora borealis. It is also a wealthy and modern country with a high quality of life, a solid social welfare system, and a lively culture. The country has a long and rich history from the Viking Age when Norse seafarers and merchants travelled and settled across Europe and beyond.
If you plan to explore this country and learn more about things to do in Norway, here is a comprehensive guide for you.
Top Places to Visit in Norway
- Oslo
- Bergen
- Tromsø
- Lofoten
- Stavanger
1. Oslo
Oslo is Norway’s capital and the most populous city. It is located on the Akerselva River that flows into the Oslo Fjord. It is a cultural, economic, and political hub and is the home of the Nobel Peace Prize at the Nobel Peace Centre. This place has a long and rich history, dating back to the Viking Age when it was founded as a trading place by Harald Hardrada in 1048. The city has changed its name several times, from Ánslo to Christiania to Kristiania, before reverting to Oslo in 1925.
Things to do at Oslo
- You do not want to miss Vigeland Sculpture Park if you love art. The park showcases different stages of human life, from birth to death, in an expressive way.
- Visit museums, especially the Viking Ship Museum, where you can see the remains of ancient ships used by the Norse explorers.
- Enjoy hiking, kayaking, or cycling around Oslofjord or Nordmarka Forest.
2. Bergen
This place is the gateway to the Norwegian fjords, a region of spectacular landscapes and natural wonders that draw millions of tourists annually. Bergen is also a base for exploring the nearby islands, glaciers, waterfalls, and national parks. Some famous attractions include Flåm, a village in the innermost part of the Aurlandsfjord, and Trolltunga, a rock formation that juts out over a 700-metre drop.
Things to do at Bergen
- Roam around the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with several old wooden houses and shops of the medieval trading port.
- Go for a hike to Mount Fløyen. It is one of the seven mountains surrounding Bergen.
- Go for a prayer at the Fantoft Stave Church. It is a reconstructed wooden church from the 12th century.
3. Tromsø
Tromsø is located on the island of Tromsøya, surrounded by fjords and mountains. It is the largest city north of the Arctic Circle and the capital of Troms og Finnmark county. Over the years, this place became a hub for Arctic exploration, fishing, and whaling, earning the nicknames “Paris of the North” and “Gateway to the Arctic.”
Things to do at Tromsø
- Depending on the season and weather, go after the northern lights or the midnight sun.
- Immerse yourself in the culture and history of the indigenous Sami people by visiting a reindeer farm, a museum, or a festival.
- Relish the charm of the remote islands of Svalbard, where you can see the king of the Arctic, the polar bear, and the stunning glaciers and icebergs.
4. Lofoten
Lofoten is a group of islands and a historical region in northern Norway. It has a unique landscape with steep mountains and peaks, open ocean and sheltered coves, sandy beaches, and unspoiled nature. Lofoten lies within the Arctic Circle, but the Gulf Stream gives it a moderate climate, with mild winters and cool summers.
Things to do at Lofoten
- Drive along the breathtaking roads and bridges that connect the islands, and stop at the viewpoints and attractions along the way.
- You can surf on the waves of the Arctic Ocean at one of the world’s northernmost surf spots, such as Unstad or Flakstad.
- You can climb on the peaks of the Lofoten Wall. It is a mountain chain stretching across islands like Svolværgeita or Stetind.
5. Stavanger
Stavanger is the fourth-largest city in Norway. This place is also the centre of the country’s oil industry. It is also a cultural and historical city, with a charming old town, a modern waterfront, and several museums and festivals. Stavanger is also the gateway to some of Norway’s most iconic natural attractions, such as Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Kjeragbolten.
Things to do at Stavanger
- Go to the Norwegian Petroleum Museum and trace the history and development of Norway’s oil and gas industry.
- Visit the Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger). This place is a well-preserved area of wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Go on the Preikestolen hike. The view from the flat, square-shaped rock is breathtaking and unforgettable.
Best Time to Visit Norway
The best months to visit Norway depend on what you want to do and see. Summer (June-August) is the most famous season, with long days, mild weather, and lower prices. However, if you are looking for snow, Northern Lights, or fewer crowds, you may prefer winter (November-March) or the shoulder seasons (May and September).
Travel Insurance for Norway
Norway is a land of wonders, where you can witness the majestic fjords, the northern lights, and the Viking heritage. But, travelling to Norway from India can pose challenges, such as weather changes, flight disruptions, medical emergencies, or theft. That is why you need travel insurance for Norway, to protect yourself from these unforeseen risks and enjoy your trip without worries.
Travel insurance can cover your expenses for trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage loss, medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and more. You can also get assistance and support from your travel insurance provider in case of any trouble. Don’t let anything spoil your dream of visiting Norway.
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