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A Scandinavian country in Northern Europe where nature blossoms in all colours and where history is found entwined with wonderful architecture, Norway has the calmness of Iceland as well as the liveliness of London. The country’s charm doesn’t lie just in the natural phenomena of the Midnight Sun and the Northern Lights or the gorgeous topographical landscape, it has its beauty beyond. The Viking history lurks here and the ancient settlements reflect a great lifestyle and culture. Make the most of a holiday here with the most heavenly things to do in Norway.
Top Things To Do In Norway
1. Visit the Hypnotizing Sognefjord
Scenery nobody dares to miss out on is the mesmerizing Sognefjord. Also known as the king of Fjords, Sognefjord is the largest and the deepest fjord in the country as it has a length of about 205 km and a depth of about 1.3 km. With surreal surroundings, the place looks like an expanse descended from heaven. Sail in the waters or just sit by the inlet or capture the extensive views of its charming landscape, there is a lot one can savour and admire at Sognefjord.
Recommended For: Nature Lovers, Photographers, Explorers
Location: Vestland County, Norway
Price: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
Pro Tip: Do try the cruise from Flam village to Balestrand as you get to encounter beautiful waterfalls and numerous charming settlements on the way. This cruise is simply breathtaking!
2. Watch History Coming Alive at Akershus Fortress
A medieval-age castle that makes for a perfect place to discover the ancient times of Norway, Akershus Fortress is one of the oldest monuments in Oslo. It was built as a residence to the royal family of the 13th century. It was also used as a military base before it was converted into the office of the prime minister of the country. Private tours of the fortress are given every day. The Mausoleum housing the resting place of numerous Norwegian royal people and the rich architecture are the major attractions here.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Explorers, Families
Location: Oslo, Norway
Price: $13 per person
Timings: 06:00 am to 09:00 pm
Pro Tip: You can walk around the castle within the main premise without paying any entrance fee
3. Explore the Unique Arctic Cathedral
Located in Tromso, Arctic Cathedral is also one of the best places to visit in Norway. With its wonderful architecture and commendable interior, it attracts thousands of tourists every year. Visit it and get hypnotized by its glass mosaic decorations. Capture its white sparkling radiance with a green backdrop of surrounding hills. Arctic Cathedral was built in the year 1965 and is one of the most loved structures in the city.
Recommended For: Families, Photographers
Price: $3.85 per person | Free for children below 12 years of age
Timings: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm
4. Watch the Northern Lights
You cannot leave the boundaries of Norway without witnessing the magic of Northern Lights. Hunt down this gorgeous phenomenon of nature and witness magic dancing around from your naked eyes. The Northern Lights are nothing less than wonder on earth and hence, no traveller, especially offbeat explorers, should miss it. Northern Lights can be seen from a number of places in Norway.
Recommended For: Photographers, Nature Lovers
Location: Northern Norway
Timings: 06:00 pm to 01:00 am
Pro Tip: The best place to watch the lights in their full beauty is Tromso.
5. Venture off to Lofoten Islands
If you desire to savour the natural charm of the country even more, then visit Lofoten Islands. Come here and get lost in its peaceful surroundings as cool breeze flowing around rejuvenates you to the core. The place has been inhabited by humans for about 11,000 years now. Hence, the islands are of cultural as well as historical significance too.
Recommended For: Couples, Explorers
Price: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
Pro Tip: Lofoten is extremely photogenic and chances are you would be taking home the best of shots ever taken. So, do bring your camera!
6. Take Selfies at Pulpit Rock
If you wouldn’t mind hiking while in Norway, then the Pulpit Rock, otherwise known as Preikestolen, should be on the top of your bucket list. Hike up the mountain and reach its flat top to observe the sweeping views of its surroundings. The place is one of the major tourist sites in Norway and attracts more than 200,000 visitors every year. Check your adventure quotient and have a thrilling experience conquering it.
Recommended For: Couples, Photographers
Location: Strand Municipality in Rogaland County
Price: No Entrance Fee
Timings: Anytime
Pro Tip: Start early in the morning to avoid the heavy tourist crowd
7. Visit the Viking Ship Museum
If you have a strong interest in the Viking culture, then do not miss the beautiful Viking Ship Museum. The major attractions here are the three Viking burial ships that belong to the 9th century. Come here, marvel at these wondrous beauties and scrutinize their structure. You can also witness numerous artefacts from the Vikings era such as tools for textile production, buckets, etc. Go on an educational tour here and learn about the past of Norway.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Culture Explorers
Location: Oslo, Norway
Entry Fee: $14 for Adults | $11 for Seniors and Students | Free for children under 18 years of age
Timings: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm
Pro Tip: Go upstairs to the viewing platform to get the best views of these Viking ships
8. Frame the Liveliness of Oslo
The capital city of Oslo has hundreds of places that make Norway one of the best places to visit in Northern Europe. The city has museums, historical monuments, parks, modern architectural marvels, busy streets, colourful markets, and a lot more. Spend a weekend here and make your journey exciting and fun. Take your kids to park, catch a show at the Oslo Opera House or go shopping at malls and complexes. Come out in the open, take a walk through the old streets, and capture wonderful frames.
Recommended For: Explorers, History Lovers, Families, Couples
Location: Norway
Average Price: $100 – $150 for entry to all the major tourist places
Timings: 07:00 am to 06:00 pm
Pro Tip: Get an Oslo pass for about $45 and avail free entrance to more than 30 museums and outdoor swimming pools, free public transport travel, free walking tours, and a lot of other discounts on sightseeing.
9. Tour the Heritage of Bryggen
Walk along with a series of beautiful old buildings that whisper legends of Bergan back in the Medieval World. Yes, the Heritage site of Bryggen in Norway has a history of several centuries. These colourful buildings in the shades of red, white, and orange were built in the 18th century where Hanseatic merchants traded. The place is full of touristy vibes. From the chaos of the fisherman’s market to the liveliness around the wharf, everything deserves to be savoured. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Recommended For: History Lovers, Culture Explorers, Architecture Enthusiasts
Location: Bergen, Norway
Timings: 09:00 am to 04:00 pm (Closed on Sundays)
Pro Tip: Book an organized tour and also get to explore the beauty of Mount Floyen overlooking the town.
10. Enjoy a Train Journey
Norway has some great rail routes and hence, one of the most scenic ways to enjoy the country is via train. Sit in wonderfully-designed compartments and enjoy Norway turning into a paradise. There are over 2,000 miles of tracks here and the scenic journeys you savour give you an experience for a lifetime. Some of the major trails include the Bergen Railway which whisks you past the Hardangervidda plateau as well as the Dovre Railway that runs from Oslo to Trondheim.
Recommended For: Families, Couples, Explorers
Price Range: $40 – $80 per overnight journey
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