Known as the ‘gateway to the fjords’, Bergen is a delightful, picturesque city surrounded by the fjords of Norway's western coast and seven spectacular forested mountains.
The landscapes offer an incredible wonderland for outdoor sports; however, for many visitors the highlight is simply wandering along the narrow, cobbled streets, strolling in and out of bustling cafes, nibbling on some of the excellent local dishes and mingling with the friendly locals.
There is plenty to thrill history buffs with an abundance of museums and rows beautifully preserved tiny wooden Hanseatic houses painted in an array of cheerful colours.
With its dynamic cultural life, excellent range of restaurants, impressive art galleries and booming nightlife, it is almost impossible not to fall in love with this enchanting ‘trebyen’ (wooden city).
Located in Norway’s Sogn og Fjordane county, Floro is the westernmost town of the mainland and is a picturesque, charming town known for its lovely marina, pretty island and fascinating museum.
With its dark blue waters lapping at colourful boats and fringed by evergreen forest and dramatic snowy peaks, this is a wonderful getaway destination. A fishing village since ancient times, the town has grown into a wonderful seaside holiday spot for both locals and tourists.
At Kinn Island, take a guided walk to the 12th century stone church, or head to the summit of Kinnaklova for some jaw-dropping views.
The Ytteroyane Lighthouse is another must-see, set on a quiet island and dating back to 1881. The Coast Museum is a diverse and interesting place to gain insight into the Floro’s fishing history, the town’s first homes, and coastal boats.
Perched on the Romsdal Peninsula of More og Romsdal county, Norway, Molde is a magnificent destination of breathtaking vistas known for its vibrant jazz scene and flourishing, exquisite roses.
Visitors can take in a total of 222 mountain peaks from the views at Varden (which is set a mere ten-minute car trip from the city centre) enticing photographers and artists to the destination.
Decorated with numerous gorgeous rose gardens, the town was given the nickname ‘town of roses’ in the early twentieth century.
The oldest annual jazz festival in Europe is held here - the Molde International Jazz Festival - creating a wonderful celebratory atmosphere and bustling artist population. Architecture enthusiasts should make sure to visit the mesmerising glass and stone Kjell Kosberg.
Spread over Kirkelandet, Innlandet, and Nordlandet Islands Norway’s Nordmøre region, Kristiansund is an enthralling city known for its spectacular scenery, exciting culinary scene, exceptional architecture, and wonderful opera house.
Coastlines include rugged rocky shores, pretty coves, and mesmerising fjords passing fascinating historic sites. Many argue that this is one of the top locations for architecture in the country, with a unique aspect that most of what is seen today was built after significant destruction in the second world war.
Those interested in structures will also want to traverse the famous Atlantic Road, a magnificent feat of construction and the perfect platform for taking in the views, enjoying whale watching, or joining the locals in fishing. Make sure to try the local Clipfish and Bacalao, and visit the oldest opera house in the country.
Located in Norway’s Trondelag county, the town of Rorvik is set on the eastern side of the Vikna archipelago on the island of Inner-Vikna.
This port town is known for its idyllic location and maritime charm. Surrounded by thousands of beautiful islands, Rorvik serves as a great base from which to explore the scenic area.
There are over 6,000 islands, islets and reefs to explore, interesting wooden building to view and a small-town atmosphere to soak up. Visitors can also look forward to an array of activities including small boat cruises, canoeing, kayaking, and diving.
Other highlights include fishing, sampling a delicious locally-caught cod and attending the Cod Festival held every March.
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Located in the heart of Norway, Bronnoysund is a picturesque town known for its history and maritime atmosphere. Situated on a narrow peninsula on the mainland, Bronnoysund surrounded by islands and water.
There is a variety of wonderful activities and attractions to enjoy in and around the town. Visit the attractive marina, sample local dishes at the collection of pubs and restaurants, and stroll around the charming streets and the Havnegata to view the small boats bopping in the harbour.
Other highlights include: the Brønnøy Church, an impressive Neo-Gothic style stone church; Torghatten, a granite mountain on the nearby Torget Island famous for its characteristic hole through its centre; and the UNESCO listed Vega Islands in the surrounds, consisting of over 6500 islands, reefs and tiny rocky islands.
Set on the southern coast of the Norwegian island of Austvagoya and forming part of the Lofoten archipelago, the port town of Svolvaer is sandwiched between a spectacular backdrop of striking mountains and the dazzling Vestfjorden Sea.
The town is a hub of activity within this quiet, remote region and provides an excellent base from which to explore the beautiful surroundings.
Gourmands can sample mouth-watering cuisine at the many excellent restaurants, while history enthusiasts will enjoy a tour of the fascinating Lofoten Krigsminnemuseum, which provides insight into the events surrounding World War Two.
Those with a taste for danger can go rock climbing on the infamous Svolvaergeita outcrop and even jump between the two ‘goat horns’ (jagged pinnacles) of the structure.
Bird lovers will delight in the area’s magnificent feathered species, especially the population of mighty sea eagles.
Set in the Nordland county in Northern Norway, the town of Stokmarknes serves as the administrative centre of Hadsel Municipality. Situated on the northern coast of the island of Hadseloya as well as on the small, neighbouring island of Boroya, Stokmarknes is surrounded by natural Norwegian beauty.
The well-known Hurtigruten coastal ferry was founded in Stokmarknes in 1893 and it still serves as the headquarters today. Visitors can learn about maritime history at the Coastal Express Museum.
Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the historic Hadsel Church, which is located just 5 kilometres east of Stokmarknes. Other highlights include the Boroy Bridge and Hadsel Bridge which connect Stokmarknes to the island of Langoya to the north.
Don't miss the opportunity to sample local Norwegian cuisine, view the magical northern lights and view the midnight sun in summer.
The small Nordic island of Skjervoya lies in the municipality of Skjervoy in Troms county, connected to the mainland by both a bridge and a tunnel.
The island’s fishing village is home to the oldest wooden church in Norway, dating back to 1728. Popular tourist activities include boat cruising, bird watching, guided fishing tours, sea eagle excursions, as well as exploring the spectacular Kvaenangen fjord which lies to the east of the island.
While the summer months offer visitors the opportunity to witness the astonishing midnight sun, the winter brings the spectacular Northern lights, blazing across the night sky in a remarkable symphony of magnificent colour and light.
The small fishing community of Oksfjord serves as the administrative centre of Loppa Municipality in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway. Resting at the mouth of the Oksfjorden on the mainland, it serves as a great base from which to explore the incredibly scenic surrounding region.
This picturesque town features a collection of colourful houses set against a dramatic mountain backdrop. Visitor can learn about the ancient Komsa culture, a Mesolithic culture of hunter-gatherers that existed 12,000 years ago.
Don’t miss a visit to Norway’s fifth largest glacier, Oksfjordjokulen, which calves directly into the sea, a uniquely arctic phenomenon.
Located in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway, Berlevag is located in the traditional district of Ost-Finnmark. This active fishing community thrives off the Arctic Ocean.
Visitors can look forward to soaking up the magical landscapes, watching the otherworldly Northern Lights and exploring the coastal landscapes.
There is a wide selection of activities to enjoy, including berry picking, salmon fishing, bird watching, hunting, diving, hiking in the beautiful surrounding mountains and strolling on the stunning beaches.
Don't miss the opportunity to sample a variety of traditional Norwegian dishes, experience the incredible Northern lights and view the midnight sun.
Located in the heart of the eponymous Batsfjord Municipality in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway; the fishing village of Batsfjord fringes the Barents Sea on the northern coast of the Varanger Peninsula.
The town of Batsfjord serves as a great base from which to explore the incredibly scenic surrounding region. It is a true paradise for wonderful hiking opportunities in stunning nature reserves with an excellent network of trails and offers both deep-sea and inland fishing.
Don't miss a visit to the nearby Hamningberg fishing village boasting well-preserved 19th-century wooden houses which are a unique example of old Norwegian architecture.
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Situated in the administrative centre of Gamvik Municipality in Troms og Finnmark county, Norway; the village of Mehamn is idyllically set on the small Vedvik peninsula which forms part of the greater Nordkinn Peninsula fringed by the Barents Sea.
This small fishing village is rich in history and offers visitors an array of wonderful activities to enjoy. Visitors can hike to Cape Nordkinn, which is the true northernmost point of mainland Europe, or jump on tour on an 'Odd Tore', a 60-foot traditional wooden Norwegian fishing vessel.
Other highlights include: the town of Gamvik, Slettnes lighthouse, Kinnarodden and the true pearl of the North. Don’t miss the chance to spot dolphins and whales, view the midnight sun, or kayak on the Barent’s Sea.
Situated in the Vestvagoy Municipality in Nordland county, Norway. The town of Stamsund is located on the southern side of the island of Vestvagoy in the Lofoten archipelago, along the Vestfjorden.
This little Norwegian fishing port is situated just 12 kilometres east of the town of Leknes. Stamsund is known for its rich cultural heritage and is home to the Norland Puppet Theatre.
This popular tourist destination dotted with charming traditional fishermen's shacks, called Rorbuer. In winter, visitors can look forward to excellent skiing opportunities at the ski resort in Stamsund, which runs between January and March.
Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the network of hiking trails that traverse the surrounding mountains, enjoy fishing in the ocean and collection of lakes that dot the region and view the otherworldly midnight sun in summer and the northern lights in winter.
Bodo is set on a peninsula in northern Norway and has a beautiful harbour embraced by mountains. It has great nightlife and dining, and a thriving creative scene.
The city hosts 2 annual music festivals, while its centre is dotted with amazing street murals - mostly the legacy of a travelling arts festival that visited Bodo in 2016. Visitors with a penchant for aerodynamics should pop into the Norwegian Aviation Museum.
Roughly 10 minutes from the city is Saltstraumen, where the planet’s strongest tidal stream creates powerful whirlpools in the bay. Another nearby attraction is Mjelle Beach - with its rose-pink sands.
Thirty kilometres from Bodo lies Kjerringoy, with white sand beaches and a beautifully preserved 19th-century trading post that is still in operation today.
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Set in central Norway, on the southern shore of the Trondheim Fjord, Trondheim is a fascinating historical city regarded as Norway's cultural, religious and technological centre.
With its wide streets of bright wooden warehouses, and classy boutiques, cafes and restaurants, Trondheim provides a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The city's star attraction is its majestic Nidaros Cathedral, widely regarded as the most spectacular church in Scandinavia.
Other must-sees include the National Museum of Decorative Arts, the historic fortress island of Munkholmen, and the medieval Archbishop's Palace, which houses the incredible Norwegian Crown Regalia exhibit.
Night owls will enjoy the vibrant, youthful nightlife, while outdoor and ski enthusiasts will delight in the range of ski slopes in the town's beautiful surroundings.
The postcard-perfect port town of Alesund lies on Norway’s west coast, surrounded by the frosty Alps, turquoise fjords, and a pretty archipelago. Art-worthy scenes are visible at every angle - a brightly coloured patchwork of houses is scattered along the quay, backed by towering snowy peaks.
The encompassing natural landscapes offer a bounty of adventure opportunities, including hiking, skiing, kayaking, sea kayaking, and more.
Take a boat trip to Hjorundfjord, go night-skiing in the Sunnmore Alps, take the challenging Slogen hike, or a tamer walk up to the Mount Aksla lookout, for panoramic views.
Alesund is filled with heritage architecture (in particular, many vibrant art nouveau buildings), and there are many fascinating museums to explore. Other highlights include a wonderful local culinary scene, a picturesque lighthouse, and numerous wonderful record shops.
