Norway Travel Guide

This travel guide for Norway features the top places to visit, what to expect there, how to get around, safety, logistics, and more to help you plan your visit.

Top Attractions In Norway

When I was in Norway, I asked several Norwegians what they enjoyed the most about their country, and the most common response I received was its beautiful landscape.

Normally, when I write about the top attractions of a country, I focus on the top cities and what they have to offer, and while Norway does have lovely cities, it’s the smaller towns and villages, and the spaces in between that offer the most beauty.

The following are its top attractions.

Norway In A Nutshell

One of the ways that Norway makes it easy for tourists to see some of the best landscape between Oslo and Bergen is called Norway In A Nutshell. This is a series of trains, buses, and ferries that is easy to book and showcases a lot of beauty. It’s very flexible, with many options, so it may seem a bit overwhelming at first, but the website allows you to build a trip that works for you. Two of its top highlights are the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and the scenic Flåmsbana railway, but there’s much more.

I took the Norway In a Nutshell trip from Oslo to Bergen with an overnight stay in the small, scenic village of Flåm, which is on the edge of the Aurlandsfjord. I really enjoyed the trip. Not only for its scenery, but also because of the lovely people I met along the way (both locals and tourists).

Overall, I think this is a good introduction to Norway, but don’t make this your main itinerary as there is so much more to see and do. Also, it’s a little overpriced and can be booked separately (outside the website) to save money. See my post Norway In A Nutshell Review for full details.

There’s also Sognefjord In A Nutshell, which features the Sognefjord and HardangerfjordIn A Nutshell, which features the Hardangerfjord. These provide flexibility if you’re staying in a different region or want to see a different fjord.

Top 5 Fjords In Norway

There are over 1,700 named fjords in Norway. These are the top five listed alphabetically. Note that both the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord are both UNESCO-listed for their beauty, yet each provides something unique.

• Geirangerfjord – noted for its beauty and many waterfalls. It’s known as the “Jewel of the Fjords” and for its scenic viewpoint at Ørnesvingen. This fjord is located north of both Bergen and Flåm.
• Hardangerfjord – known as the “Queen of Fjords”. It offers rolling hills and many fruits trees and orchards, which add extra beauty in the springtime. It’s located south of Bergen and Oslo, just north of the iconic hike Trolltunga.
• Lysefjord – famous as the very popular hikes to both Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten are along its shore (near Stavanger).
• Nærøyfjord – is the narrowest fjord in the world, which adds special drama as you cruise through it. The Nærøyfjord is one of the southern arms of the Sognefjord.
• Sognefjord – is the longest fjord in Norway. It’s called the “King of Fjords” and is known for its vast scale. The Sognefjord is located north of Bergen.

See my post Norway Itinerary | 2 Weeks of Wonders to see a 2 week itinerary that includes 3 of the top 5 fjords (and 3 of the top 5 hikes) in Norway.

Top 5 Hikes In Norway

There are also many incredible hiking opportunities in Norway. Most scale mountains that offer dramatic views of fjords or lakes. I hiked three of the top 5 (Pulpit Rock, Trolltunga, and Rienebringen) and hope to be back for more.

• Pulpit Rock, or Preikestolen is one of Norway’s most famous hikes. Located near Stavanger, this 3-5 hour hike takes you to a stunning viewpoint on a pulpit-like rock, overlooking the Lysefjord.
• Kjeragbolten is also near Stavanger. It offers a unique photo opportunity to stand on an oval boulder wedged between a crevice on Kjerag Mountain. The full hike takes 6 to 8 hours, but you can just hike to the photo spot and back in about 2 to 3 hours.
• Trolltunga is another extremely popular hike, but much longer, taking 7 to 10 hours. Here you hike to a rock that looks like a “Trolls Tongue” jutting out over Ringedalsvatnet Lake. This hike is located near Odda.
• Besseggen Ridge is another demanding hike, taking 6 to 9 hours to complete, with stunning views of the colorful lakes Gjende and Bessvatnet.
• Reinebringen is located in the village of Reine in Lofoten. It’s a short but steep hike to a beautiful vista overlooking the fishing villages and surrounding fjords. This hike takes 2 to 3 hours.

See my post Norway Itinerary | 2 Weeks of Wonders for a 2 week itinerary that includes 3 of the top 5 hikes (and 3 of the top 5 fjords) in Norway.

Lofoten

Lofoten is an archipelago in northern Norway that is stunning. This was my favorite place on my trip to Norway. It’s located above the Arctic Circle with many small fishing villages dotted with red rorbuer, or traditional Norwegian fishermen’s cabins, set among the fjords and mountains.

One of its more photographed sights is Hamnøy viewpoint (photo below), near the southern end of Lofoten. It’s just north of Reine, where the ferry to Lofoten lands.

Reine (photo below) and Sakrisøy are two other small fishing villages with incredible beauty. All three are very close to each other, so it’s easy to see them all in a short time.

Other highlights of southern Lofoten include several hikes to discover its vistas and valleys, kayaking in the fjord, the museums in the village of Å, the scenic beauty of Haukland, Kvalvika, and Uttakleiv Beach, and the chance to see the Northern Lights and the Midnight Sun as Lofoten is located in the Arctic Circle.

There is aslo Svolvær, the largest city in Lofoten, the Viking Museum in nearby Borg, Leknes, and much more that I need to go back and explore.

See my post Things To Do In Lofoten | Norway’s Breathtaking Archipelago for more details.

Bergen

Bergen is Norway’s 2nd largest city. It sits on the west coast of Norway. Being smaller than Oslo, it’s a little more charming, a little more welcoming. Its historic center, Bryggen, was the capital of Norway during the time of the Hanseatic League. It was once a key player in European trade.

In addition to the charming, UNESCO-listed Bryggen area, there’s Bergenhus Fortress, the harbor area, the Fishmarket, and picturesque, historic wooden houses in Nordnes, an area south of the harbor. Bergen is also scenic, set on the North Sea and surrounded by seven mountains.

See Best of Bergen: Gems & Day Trips for more details.

Oslo

Oslo is the largest city in Norway and the capital. It doesn’t have the same charm as Bergen, but it’s definitely worth visiting to see its iconic Opera House, designed to look like an iceberg rising from the sea, take a cruise on an authentic sailing ship on the Oslofjord, discover its many museums and parks, 13th century Akershus Fortress, and the islands that dot the Oslofjord.

See What To Do In Oslo: Nature Escapes, Rich Heritage, & Modern Landmarks.

Stavanger

Stavanger, also set on the North Sea, is a 4.5 to 5 hour drive south of Bergen. It’s known for its charming historic port, Vågen. Cruises, and other boat rides, leave from the harbor for Lysefjord. Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, and Kjeragbolten are also nearby, two of the top 5 hikes in Norway.

There’s also a Gamle, an area of historic, wooden homes, and several museums to explore. It’s a charming town to stay in and explore the area.

See the Top 10 Things To Do In Stavanger: Unforgettable Adventures for details.

Ålesund

Ålesund is a small city north of Bergen. It’s the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, one of the top five fjords in Norway. It’s also known for its Art Nouveau style architecture. Ålesund Is about a 6 hour drive north of Flåm.

Tromsø

Tromsø is north of Ålesund, in the Arctic Circle. It’s a popular destination to see the Northern Lights in the winter and experience the midnight sun in the summer. It’s surrounded by mountains and fjords and offers many scenic hiking trails.

Best Time To Visit Norway

Summer, June through August, offers the warmest weather. Late May to mid to late July is when you can experience the midnight sun in the north (the Arctic Circle). This is when the sun never sets.

The Northern Lights is another popular attraction in Norway, also more commonly seen in the Arctic Circle. The best time to see this phenomenon is late September to late March when it’s darkest (usually in the hours around midnight). The spring and autumn equinoxes offer the highest statistical chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

Norway Travel Guide: Languages

Norwegian is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

Norway Travel Guide: Money Matters

Currency: The currency of Norway is the Norwegian Krone, or NOK. The following conversation rates are from January 2026.

• 1 USD=10.05 NOK
• 1 Euro=11.82 NOK
• 1 CNY=1.43 NOK

Credit Cards & ATMs: Credit and Debit Cards are widely accepted, especially MasterCard and Visa. American Express is not as widely accepted and are often only be accepted by larger establishments. It’s good to have a small amount of cash for the few merchants that don’t accept credit cards, but don’t expect there to be many. If you do get cash, it’s best to get it from an ATM, preferably using a fee free card like the Charles Schwab debit card. This card reimburses you for all ATM fees.

Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Norway, but if you are happy with the service, round up the nearest 10 or 100 bill, or leave 10%.

Norway Travel Guide: Safety

Norway is very safe, but pick-pocketing and petty theft does occur. Especially in touristy areas and busy railway stations. Take normal precautions and always remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Don’t carry too much cash and keep a close eye on your purse or wallet. Always check the latest situation on your government website. You probably will not need this here, but it’s always a good idea to sign up for STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), or similar in your country. This program updates you via email if issues do arise.

Norway Travel Guide: Scams

Generally Norway is very safe and there are no scams, but there are always a few people trying to take advantage of tourists and things that cost more than expected.

Taxis are expensive in Norway. It’s best to use ride hailing apps to see the price in advance. Uber is available in some cities including Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, and Trondheim. Public transportation in Norway is very comprehensive and the best way to travel. This includes buses, trams, metros, trains, and ferries.

Not a scam, but something to be aware of, is that parking is frequently regulated by cameras. Fees can add up and can be a surprise. Search for parking costs before you visit a location to mitigate this.

Getting Around Norway

Fly

While Oslo and Bergen offer the most international flights in Norway, Stavanger, Trondheim, and Tromsø also offer international flights.

To get to Oslo from the Oslo airport, use the Flytoget express train. In Bergen, use the City Light Rail, or Bybanen, or use the bus, Flybussen to get to the city. All are easy to use and navigate.

Drive

Driving in Norway is on the right-hand side of the road. Signs are easy to read and driving is safe. Especially in the summer. Roads in remote areas can be very narrow, so be cautious. Soon you will be flying past trucks on some of them, but the first few passes are very hair-raising. In winter, know that the roads can be treacherous, or worse, not passable.

The downside to driving is that car rentals and gas can be expensive. Especially during peak season. To cut costs, consider renting a car in a small city (if you need one) and only driving for portions of your trip. Always book in advance as cars become scarce in peak season.

Many roads are often connected by ferry crossings. The process is very easy. When you reach a ferry crossing, wait in line until the next ferry arrives. There will be signs saying when the next one leaves and they are usually frequent. Your vehicle is scanned and charged via camera. For example, for the ride between Bergen and Stavanger, there are two ferry crossings. Even the buses cross via ferry.

The ferries are clean and comfortable. They have restrooms and sell a variety of food. Plus they are scenic.

Buses, Trains, and Ferries

Buses, trains, trams, and ferries are the most efficient way to travel around Norway. They are easy to book and generally run on time. Plus, it’s a great way to relax and enjoy the scenery. These also need to be booked in advance as key segments do sell out.

Norway Travel Guide: Visa Information

Norway is part of the Schengen area of Europe, so follows Schengen rules. Europeans, US citizens, and many others, do not need a visa for stays less than 90 days. For a full list of countries that do not need visas, see udi.no.

If you are not on this list and need a visa, apply on this page on udi.no.

Norway Travel Guide: More Details

Click the images below for more detailed information on the some of the key sites in Norway.

Safe Travels!

Julie