A land of fjords, fishing towns and waterfalls, Norway is home to some of the world’s most majestic landscapes and its built environment only enhances its beauty. If you missed our guide to Norway’s stunning lookouts, I highly recommend you check it out as it will only enhance your trip by highlighting some of the countries most epic destinations and architectural works.
Onwards!
The Guide
Trondheim, Trøndelag, Norway
Skudeneshavn, Rogaland, Norway
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway
Undredal, Møre og Romsdal, Norway
Geiranger, Møre og Romsdal, Norway
Henningsvær, Nordland, Norway
Flåm, Sogn og Fjordane, Norway
Ålesund, Møre og Romsdal, Norway
Reine, Nordland, Norway
Tromsø, Troms, Norway
The Picturesque Towns
Tromsø
Situated high above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is famous for its Northern Lights dubbed “The Green Lady” which can be viewed from early September to early April. Its historic city centre, the island of Tromsø, is characterized by its fishing boats and quintessential Scandinavian wood houses that have stood along its harbour for centuries.
Reine
Despite its tiny population, Reine is a popular tourist destination thanks to its colourful fishing villages sprinkled along the base of an ice-capped mountain and set along the turbulent waters of the Norwegian Sea. Reine is the first of two villages within the Lofoten archipelago, high above the Arctic Circle, that we are featuring on this list (and its no surprise why).
Ålesund
Ålesund is a charming town along the Norwegian sea. It is characterized by its Art Nouveau architecture that is spread over seven small islands. The town is connected by a series of bridges and waterways that are framed by snowy hills and mountains.
Flåm
Flåm is a small village of 350 inhabitants in the Flåmsdalen valley, which is located at the inner end of the Aurlandsfjord. What makes this town so interesting is that the journey may be even greater than the destination; the Flåm railway is generally regarded as the most beautiful train ride in the world with views of mountains, waterfalls, fjords, and forests all at your fingertips.
Henningsvær
The second fishing village on our list from the Lofoten archipelago, Henningsvær is spread over a series of small islands and is popular for its northern location and colourful homes reflected in its chilly waters. While you’re there, make sure you check out the most iconic soccer field in the world, which is set upon Norwegian bedrock.
Geiranger
You won’t find more awe-inspiring views anywhere else in the world than you will within the Geirangerfjord. Its deep waters and steep mountains complete with dramatic waterfalls make it feel like a paradise on earth. The small village at its base, with its colouful fishing homes, adds to its charm but be sure to hike up one of the mountains to get a better view of the region’s incredible natural landscape.
Undredal
With a population of 100 people and 500 goats, Undredal is famous for its brown goat cheese that is still produced the traditional way. Located in the heart of Norway’s “fjord-country”, the small village is a popular tourist destination along the Aurlandsfjord which includes the beautiful towns of Flåm and Aurlandsvangen.
Longyearbyen
Located high above the Norwegian mainland, Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost settlement with more than 1,000 permanent residents. Despite its frigid location, Longyearbyen remains a popular tourist destination thanks to its extraordinary natural landscape composed of tall mountains, wide valleys, and chilly bays. The small town is made up of picturesque houses splashed in bright red, green, and yellow colours.
Skudeneshavn
The southernmost town on our list, Skudeneshavn is famous for its annual boating festival which features hundreds of boats of all shapes and sizes that fill its historic harbour. Traditional folk music is played while handcrafted clothes and objects are sold on its streets. The town itself is celebrated for its painted-white fishing homes and their bright orange roofs.
Trondheim
Founded way back in 997AD, Trondheim was Norway’s Viking capital for almost 300 years. It’s the third-most populous city in the country now, but its colourful old storehouses along the Nidelva river still capture the heart of the old town. While you’re there, be sure to visit the Nidaros Cathedral which was one of the most important churches in Northern Europe during the Middle Ages as well as Sverresborg; a well-preserved medieval fortress.
