21 Most Beautiful Places in Norway You Have To Visit

Trying to figure out the most beautiful places in Norway (that are actually worth visiting) can get overwhelming pretty fast…

Everywhere looks stunning, and every list seems to include completely different places!

So if you’re planning to visit Norway and want a clear guide to the places that are genuinely worth your time, you’re in the right place! I’m going to give you my exact list so you can build your dream Norway itinerary (and not leave with FOMO!)

I’ve travelled across Norway as a solo female traveller, exploring everywhere from the big cities to the tiny coastal villages, the famous fjords to the hidden but iconic viewpoints.

Some places absolutely deserve the hype, some are even better than the photos, and a few are fine but not essential if you’re short on time.

In this guide, I’ll share my exact list of must-sees in Norway, from bucket-list destinations like Bryggen and Flåm to smaller spots like Brønnøysund, Kjollefjord, and the picturesque Raftsund Strait that visitors often miss.

Let’s start with one of Norway’s most dramatic fjords – and one of the easiest trips to plan!

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1. Mostraumen Fjord

Mostraumen Fjord, near the city of Bergen, is one of those beautiful places in Norway that feels almost too peaceful and spectacular to be so close to a major city!

Mostraumen’s steep cliffs, still waters, powerful waterfalls and tiny villages are all incredibly easy to reach from Bergen city centre, on a 3.5-hour scenic round-trip cruise.

Sailing through the spectacular Mostraumen Fjord
Sailing through the spectacular Mostraumen Fjord

On my trip to Bergen in March, I sailed on the Original Fjord Cruise to Mostraumen.

It was such a spectacular but easy half-day trip, which gave me a real glimpse of fjord country before boarding the Coastal Express with Havila later that day.

(Plus, if you are doing this cruise on the 10:30am sailing before joining the Coastal Express, you’ll likely see your ship coming into port as you return!)

You board in the middle of Bergen and watch colourful Bryggen slowly fade behind you until you’re surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in Norway, and sailing underneath tumbling waterfalls!

It’s the perfect way to enjoy Norway’s fjord scenery without the crowds of the bigger, more famous fjords nearby!

Katie’s Top Tip: Sit or stand on the right-hand side on the way out of Bergen if you can – this was my favourite side for views! And if the weather isn’t too wild, I definitely recommend staying outside for most of the sailing – the scenery is ever-changing and always beautiful!

Quaint houses sit on the shores of the Mostraumen Fjord, one of the most beautiful places in Norway!
Quaint houses sit on the shores of the Mostraumen Fjord!

2. Bryggen, Bergen

  • Located in: The Bergen Peninsula, Vestland county
  • How to get there: Bergen has an international airport, train links to Oslo and is also home to the Coastal Express route
  • Where to stay: Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Bergen

I walked to colourful Bryggen on my first day in Bergen and instantly understood why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

The colourful wooden buildings and narrow backstreet alleyways make Bergen one of the prettiest places in Norway to visit, without a doubt.

Exploring the narrow backstreets of Bryggen
Exploring the narrow backstreets of Bryggen

I recommend you explore the wharf at your own pace, visiting the tiny artisan shops and cafes, stopping for photos, and getting a sense of the historic wooden passageways that have existed (and been lovingly rebuilt after multiple fires) since medieval Hanseatic times.

If you want a deeper look at the history, the Bryggen Hanseatic Museum is absolutely worth visiting too, with fascinating exhibits showcasing Bergen’s trading-era roots.

Bryggen is busiest in late morning and early afternoon, so go first thing if you want photos without the crowds or just prefer exploring when it’s quieter.

I have a full guide on the best things to do in Bergen, if you want more inspiration!

Katie’s Top Tip: Once you’ve explored the actual Bryggen Wharf, make sure you visit the Bryggen Viewpoint on the opposite side of the harbour. I visited at golden hour, and it was stunning with the reflections in the water (and surprisingly quiet!)

Beautiful Bryggen at golden hour, from the harbour viewpoint
Beautiful Bryggen at golden hour, from the harbour viewpoint

3. Flåm

Flåm is famous for the iconic Flåmsbana Railway, thought to be one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world.

The 50-minute journey takes you through steep valleys, past tiny villages, dramatic scenery, and of course, that iconic stop by the massive, 225m Kjosfossen waterfall!

Views from the Flåmsbana Railway
Views from the Flåmsbana Railway

It’s one of the most scenic train rides in Europe and one of the best places in Norway to visit if you want to experience spectacular Norwegian scenery without needing to hike.

The train then drops you right into the heart of Flåm village, which sits at the end of Aurlandsfjord – a narrow, cinematic fjord surrounded by towering mountains.

From here, you can also take a cruise to Gudvangen, via the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord, which is one of the quietest and most atmospheric fjords I have visited in Norway!

Katie’s Top Tip: A lot of people do this journey from Bergen, but I would actually recommend visiting from Oslo. The train from Oslo to Flåm’s connecting station, Myrdal, had some of the most spectacular scenery of the whole day!

Sailing to Gudvangen from Flåm
Sailing to Gudvangen from Flåm

4. Oslo

  • Located in: Akershus County
  • How to get there: Oslo has an international airport and also a large number of national and cross-border train and bus connections
  • Where to stay: Citybox Oslo

People don’t usually think of Oslo when they picture the most beautiful places in Norway, but Norway’s capital city feels so calm and understated to explore.

One of my favourite spots in Oslo is Akershus Fortress, not just for its fascinating and lengthy history as a protector of the city, but for the incredible views over the harbour.

Moody views from Akershus Fortress in Oslo!
Moody views from Akershus Fortress in Oslo!

Another must-do is the Oslofjord boat tour, which is surprisingly peaceful for a capital city excursion! You’ll pass quiet islands, big ships, and get a totally different perspective of Oslo!

No, it’s not as iconic or beautiful as some of the fjords I’ve mentioned so far, but it is still picturesque and well worth visiting in its own right.

And don’t miss the chance to walk on the Opera House roof. The architecture alone is worth the stop, but the views over the fjord from the top are incredible!

If you want a deeper look at the city, I’ve written a full guide on the best things to do in Oslo.

Katie’s Top Tip: Oslo is safe, laid-back, beautiful and easy to navigate, which makes it the perfect starting point for a longer Norway itinerary. Or it’s equally a short but beautiful city break in its own right!

Walking on the roof at the Oslo Opera House!
Walking on the roof at the Oslo Opera House!

5. Mount Aksla, Ålesund

  • Located in: Central Ålesund, Møre og Romsdal county
  • How to get there: On the Norway Coastal Express with Havila or Hurtigruten, or a direct flight from Oslo
  • Where to stay: Thon Hotel Ålesund

Ålesund is easily one of the most beautiful towns in Norway, with its unique Art Nouveau architecture, colourful buildings, and picture-perfect canals running through the centre.

But the best way to appreciate it all is from Mount Aksla, the iconic viewpoint that overlooks the whole city and out toward the surrounding islands and mountains.

It’s one of those stunning views you’ll see and then never forget!

Spectacular views from the top of Mount Aksla!
Spectacular views from the top of Mount Aksla!

To get to the top of Mount Aksla, you have two options:

You can climb the 418 steps, which is a bit of a workout, but is definitely manageable. There are plenty of spots to rest and enjoy the increasingly spectacular views on the way up.

Or you can drive to the car park, take a taxi, or join the tourist bus or Ålesund city train.

When I visited Ålesund in March, I had pretty bad weather before my climb, but the steps still felt very safe because they’re wide and well-maintained, with plenty of passing places.

I’ve written a full guide on the best things to do in Ålesund, but Mount Aksla is the true star and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Norway if you love a good viewpoint!

Katie’s Top Tip: Aksla may be the highlight, but make sure you leave time to explore Ålesund itself. The town is incredibly walkable and feels very relaxed compared to Norway’s bigger towns and cities. Plus, if you’re into architecture or photography, you’ll love the Art Nouveau style!

The quaint, Art Nouveau canal in Ålesund
The quaint, Art Nouveau canal in Ålesund

6. Trondheim

  • Located in: Trøndelag county
  • How to get there: On the Norway Coastal Express with Havila or Hurtigruten, fly direct from most airports in Norway, or take the train
  • Where to stay: Scandic Bakklandet

Trondheim has a calm, lived-in charm compared to some of the other cities on this list of the most beautiful places in Norway.

The city centre is small enough to explore on your own without getting lost or overwhelmed, but big enough to stay interesting and beautiful around every corner!

The colourful wharf along the Nidelva River is Trondheim’s most iconic spot, and honestly, it’s even prettier in person than in the photos you’ve probably seen all over Instagram.

The historic wooden warehouses reflected in the water look like something from a storybook, and Gamle Bybro (the Old Town Bridge) is the best viewpoint to appreciate it!

Colourful Trondheim's most iconic view!
Colourful Trondheim’s most iconic view!

Nidaros Cathedral is also worth visiting during your time in Trondheim, both for the spectacular façade and the peaceful interior.

It’s one of Norway’s most important cathedrals!

I’ve written a full guide to the best things to do in Trondheim, with all of the city’s highlights and most iconic attractions (including the world’s northernmost tram!)

Katie’s Top Tip: My favourite time to explore Trondheim was in the early morning. I visited southbound on the Norway Coastal Express, between 7am and 9am, and it was a lot less busy and shone under a beautiful, soft light.

Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, just after sunrise
Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, just after sunrise

7. Brønnøysund

  • Located in: Nordland county
  • How to get there: On the Norway Coastal Express with Havila or Hurtigruten, or fly direct from Oslo, Trondheim or Bodø
  • Where to stay: Thon Hotel Brønnøysund

Brønnøysund is one of the most underrated coastal towns in Norway, and that’s exactly what makes it so special!

I Googled Brønnøysund before my two-hour stopover on the Havila Coastal Express and found exactly zero articles sharing things to do.

(P.S. I have now rectified that! You can now check out my ultimate guide to the best things to do in charming Brønnøysund.)

So, with zero inspiration or advice to follow, it’s safe to say I had pretty low expectations.

But I was so wrong!

If you actually take the time to step off the ship and explore, you’ll soon see why I’ve listed this underrated town as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Norway!

Brønnøysund's beautiful harbour!
Brønnøysund’s beautiful harbour!

Sitting between islands and mountains, the setting is genuinely stunning, with a peaceful harbour, a calm and local energy, and some of the most spectacular scenery of the voyage.

Brønnøysund is also the official halfway point between North Cape and Lindesnes, which is marked by a fascinating plaque in the harbour.

Don’t get me wrong, there isn’t a huge list of attractions here, but that’s its charm! You get that cosy Norwegian small-town feeling – without any pressure to rush.

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re sailing with Havila or Hurtigruten, make sure you’re out on deck as you approach Brønnøysund. The views coming in are some of the most beautiful landscapes in Norway, and you won’t want to miss them!

The beautiful, underrated town of Brønnøysund
The beautiful, underrated town of Brønnøysund

8. Mount Torghatten

  • Located in: Near Brønnøysund in Nordland county
  • How to get there: On a Norway Coastal Express excursion with Havila or Hurtigruten, or by car
  • Where to stay: Thon Hotel Brønnøysund

Mount Torghatten is Norway’s famous mountain with a giant hole right through the middle!

Legend has it that the hole was created when the troll Hestmannen shot an arrow at a girl who refused to marry him. The mountain king threw his hat to protect her, and the arrow pierced straight through it, turning both to stone.

Whether you believe it or not, it’s very dramatic and very Norwegian!

Sailing past Mount Torghatten in Norway!
Sailing past Mount Torghatten in Norway!

You can choose to hike up and walk through the hole, which is one of the most unique things to do in Norway and offers spectacular vantage points of the mountain itself.

If you’re visiting Brønnøysund, Torghatten is just a short drive or taxi ride away, and the hike is steep in sections but absolutely doable for most travellers.

Or you can also see Torghatten from the Norway Coastal Express. When I saw it, it was sunset, so the mountain was surrounded by the most gorgeous pink sky.

Plus, at any time of day, sailing past offers the most beautiful view!

Katie’s Top Tip: To see Torghatten from the Coastal Express, make sure you’re out on deck as soon as you leave Brønnøysund. It only takes around 15 minutes of sailing to reach it.

The scenery around Mount Torghtatten!
The scenery around Mount Torghtatten!

9. The Seven Sisters Mountain Range

  • Located in: Near Sandnessjøen in Nordland county
  • How to get there: See the mountain range from the water on the Norway Coastal Express with Havila or Hurtigruten, or drive from Sandnessjøen if you want to hike
  • Where to stay: Scandic Syv Søstre, Sandnessjøen

The Seven Sisters (De Syv Søstre) are a spectacular natural landmark in Norway that you’ll never forget seeing (I know I won’t!)

This dramatic island mountain range rises sharply along the Helgeland coast, and they’re best seen from the sea – especially if you’re travelling on the Norway Coastal Express.

The Seven Sisters are genuinely one of the most beautiful landscapes in Norway and also one of my favourite memories from the whole 12-day voyage on the Coastal Express.

My sailing with Havila was actually the first of the winter season to see all seven peaks due to weeks of rough weather and cloud cover, so the moment felt even more magical!

Seeing them rising up from the water, one after the other, is just incredible and a must-do for photographers or anyone who loves beautiful views and scenery.

Katie’s Top Tip: You can also hike the Seven Sisters if you’re staying in the area. Sandnessjøen is the closest town for this.

The Seven Sisters Mountain Range from the Coastal Express in winter
The Seven Sisters Mountain Range from the Coastal Express in winter

10. Vikingen Island

The remote but beautiful Vikingen Island is where you’ll see the famous Arctic Circle globe marker, and you can only see it from the sea.

It marks the moment you finally cross into the Arctic Circle.

The whole experience is surprisingly emotional, especially if it’s your first time crossing. I just remember feeling so calm and peaceful out on deck, watching as our ship crossed.

The captain also sounded the ship’s horn as we passed the invisible polar line, and everyone on deck cheered our arrival to the far north!

The iconic globe on Vikingen Island, signalling our arrival to the Arctic Circle!
The iconic globe on Vikingen Island, signalling our arrival to the Arctic Circle!

Plus, the surrounding scenery only adds to the experience and beauty of this area, with small dotted islands, deep blue water, and views of Hestmannen – another mountain with a fascinating legend, which you’ll learn about onboard.

There’s also a long tradition of marking the Arctic Circle crossing on coastal voyages.

Shortly after passing Vikingen, your ship will host a traditional ceremony, where the winner of the crossing time competition is announced, and brave passengers get a ladle of cold water down their backs for good luck!

This stretch is easily one of the most beautiful places in Norway if you love remote and underrated destinations, dramatic scenery, and also fascinating storytelling.

Katie’s Top Tip: Make sure you’re out on deck with plenty of time to spare, as the exact crossing time varies later or earlier than the estimate of 7:30am, and you don’t want to miss it. Our crossing time was 7:40am.

Hestmannen Mountain is steeped in local legend!
Hestmannen Mountain is steeped in local legend!

11. Saltstraumen

  • Located in: Bodø Municipality, Nordland County
  • How to get there: Take a guided tour, taxi, rental car or local bus from Bodø. Or join an excursion on the Norway Coastal Express with Havila or Hurtigruten.
  • Where to stay: Radisson Blu Hotel, Bodø

Saltstraumen is the world’s strongest tidal current, and it is totally epic and well worth the hype to visit in person!

The strait has been shaping the coastline here for over 2000 years, carving out channels and forming rich fishing grounds that locals still rely on today.

If you’re based in Bodø (or sailing on the Coastal Express), it’s an easy half-day guided tour or excursion, but timing matters more here than almost anywhere else in Norway.

The whirlpools only show off properly when the tide is at peak flow, which happens every six hours, so planning around the tide schedule is essential.

And honestly? That’s part of what makes Saltstraumen so special!

You’re witnessing nature on its own schedule, not ours, and there’s also a feeling of luck if you get to visit at its true peak.

Saltstraumen Tidal Current from the bridge viewpoint
Saltstraumen Tidal Current from the bridge viewpoint

There are two main viewpoints at Saltstraumen:

The bridge offers my favourite view, as the height gives you the best look at the swirling water below your feet, and also the spectacular scenery surrounding the maelstrom.

Or you can visit the shoreline near the small lighthouse, where you can stand at the closest accessible point to the powerful current.

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re visiting independently, check the tide before you go, as peak flow is when Saltstraumen is most impressive. If you’re booking an excursion with the Coastal Express, attend the daily briefing the day before, and they’ll tell you whether or not the visit is worth it.

The current from the water, looking up at the bridge
The current from the water, looking up at the bridge

12. Svolvaer

  • Located in: The Lofoten Islands, Nordland county
  • How to get there: On the Norway Coastal Express with Havila or Hurtigruten or a direct flight from Oslo or Bodø
  • Where to stay: Thon Hotel Svolvaer or Svinøya Rorbuer

Svolvaer in the picturesque Lofoten Islands is the definition of beautiful, with steep mountains rising out of the harbour, red rorbuer huts, and traditional fishing boats coming and going.

It’s the unofficial capital of Lofoten and easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Norway, especially if you’re travelling solo and want a convenient, well-connected base for exploring the rest of the islands.

Plus, all of the main attractions in Svolvaer are within easy walking distance, and the town centre feels safe and relaxed, even in the darker winter months.

If you want more inspiration, I’ve written a full best things to do in Svolvaer guide!

Katie’s Top Tip: If you only do one thing in Svolvaer, make sure you cross the bridge to Svinøya island, home to a collection of quaint red rorbuer huts!

Svolvaer, the "capital" of the beautiful Lofoten Islands!
Svolvaer, the “capital” of the beautiful Lofoten Islands!

13. Trollfjord

Trollfjord is an iconic Norwegian landscape that you’ll never forget once you visit!

The fjord is incredibly narrow, so you’ll almost feel like you could touch the towering cliffs on either side. And the skill it takes for the boat captains to navigate is incredible.

I personally visited Trollfjord on a silent electric boat tour from Svolvaer, which is the perfect relaxing voyage through the spectacular Raftsund Strait (next on this list!) until you reach Trollfjord itself.

The entire cruise lasts around 3 hours, and on my winter sailing, it was so peaceful, with just a few other passengers on board due to the bad weather.

The incredibly narrow Trollfjord!
The incredibly narrow Trollfjord!

Seriously, we had polar lows, strong winds and snowstorms in the lead-up to the cruise, so I was expecting it to be cancelled – not to have one of my favourite experiences of my trip!

So don’t discount Trollfjord if the weather is bad. As we sailed away from gloomy Svolvaer, we were treated to the most incredible light and snowy scenery in the fjord!

And another highlight in Trollfjord is the wildlife.

White-tailed eagles are a common sighting in the fjord, and seeing them swoop so close to the cliffs felt like something out of a documentary.

Trollfjord is easily one of the most beautiful landscapes in Norway, so if you’re exploring Lofoten, it’s a must-visit!

Katie’s Top Tip: Choose a silent electric boat tour to Trollfjord rather than a RIB tour, as it’s a much more relaxing way to appreciate and photograph the stunning scenery and local wildlife.

A sea eagle flying over Trollfjord
A sea eagle flying over Trollfjord

14. The Raftsund

Everyone talks about the famous Trollfjord, but honestly? Raftsundet (the strait you sail through to get there) is the part that surprised me the most!

The Raftsund is a long, narrow stretch of water surrounded by jagged mountain peaks, tiny islands, and traditional, colourful fishing cabins and summer houses.

And in winter, when I visited, the whole strait looked like the most beautiful Christmas card, with snow-covered houses and islands, and the most incredible soft Arctic light.

Sailing through the spectacular Raftsund strait
Sailing through the spectacular Raftsund strait

It’s by far one of the prettiest places in Norway, and I think it deserves just as much hype as Trollfjord (if not even more!)

You’ll pass through the Raftsund on both the Coastal Express itinerary and Trollfjord cruises from Svolvaer, so you don’t need to make a detour or book an extra tour to see it.

What I loved most was how calm it felt, sailing through the strait.

The Raftsund is one of those underrated landscapes that is beautiful in every season, even when the weather is unpredictable!

Katie’s Top Tip: You’ll want to be outside to appreciate the best of the views in this most beautiful place in Norway, so wrap up warm! And having a delicious hot chocolate to hand helps too!

The Raftsund looking like a Christmas Card!
The Raftsund looking like a Christmas Card!

15. Henningsvaer

Henningsvaer is easily one of the most beautiful villages in Norway!

It’s small, colourful, and feels very local, where spectacular mountain views and a charming harbour meet traditional fishing culture and cosy cafés.

I loved watching the boats bobbing in the quaint harbour, browsing the tiny galleries tucked down side streets, and enjoying a fresh cinnamon bun from Lysstøperiet (seriously, the best I had in Norway – you have to try one!)

Picture-perfect Henningsvaer harbour!
Picture-perfect Henningsvaer harbour!

Plus, as a solo traveller, I felt instantly welcome in Henningsvaer.

The village feels very safe and walkable, and is small enough that you can explore at your own pace without feeling rushed or getting lost.

I would recommend you visit Henningsvaer on a half-day North Lofoten tour from Svolvaer.

Katie’s Top Tip: You have to visit the underrated viewpoint by the football pitch (yes, really!). It’s marked as “Fiskehjell i Henningsvaer” on Google Maps and has a beautiful, quiet view over the mountains. Plus, the fish racks here give you a fascinating glimpse into local life!

The underrated viewpoint near the football pitch in Henningsvaer!
The underrated viewpoint near the football pitch in Henningsvaer!

16. Gimsøy Kirke

Gimsøy Kirke is one of the most underrated beautiful places in Norway on this list.

(I could be wrong, but I’ve never even seen it make a list before – but it absolutely should!)

It’s a tiny white church that sits almost alone on a windswept peninsula in the remote Lofoten Islands, surrounded by jagged mountains and the sea.

Gimsøy Kirke surrounded by mountains
Gimsøy Kirke surrounded by mountains

What I loved most was how peaceful it was. It’s one of the few spots in Lofoten where you can visit almost entirely alone, with only the unspoilt, wild nature surrounding you.

If you enjoy visiting places that feel a bit hidden rather than the usual tourist hotspots, this is one of the prettiest places in Norway to slow down and really get out in nature.

I again recommend visiting with a local guide on a half-day Northern Lofoten tour.

Katie’s Top Tip: Make sure you spend a good amount of time here, admiring the spectacular scenery surrounding the church. The spectacular Arctic light shifts constantly, and it’s so nice to enjoy the views without rushing!

There's spectacular scenery surrounding the church too!
There’s spectacular scenery surrounding the church too!

17. The Risøy Channel

Sailing through the Risøy Channel was a moment that completely surprised me with how beautiful it was. And honestly, I’m surprised it’s rarely mentioned!

The Risøy Channel is a super-narrow stretch of water that the Havila and Hurtigruten ships slowly sail through on the approach to the tiny community of Risøyhamn.

The Risøy Channel. surrounded by imposing mountains!
The Risøy Channel is surrounded by imposing mountains!

Mountains and islands surround the channel, which is marked out with small markers to guide the ship’s safe passage through the narrow corridor.

Plus, if you’re already sailing on the Norway Coastal Express, this is such an easy spot to head out on deck and appreciate the beauty of the coastline!

It’s the kind of sailing you might miss if no one tells you about it, but once you see it, you’ll understand why I’ve included it as one of the most beautiful places in Norway!

Katie’s Top Tip: This picturesque sailing happens on day 9 of the southbound leg of the Coastal Express itinerary, shortly before arriving in Risøyhamn at 10:45am. I recommend you head to the front of the ship for the best views!

Our captain expertly navigating the ship through the narrow Risøy Channel
Our captain expertly navigating the ship through the narrow Risøy Channel

18. Tromsø

  • Located in: On the island of Tromsøya, in Troms county
  • How to get there: On the Norway Coastal Express with Havila or Hurtigruten, by plane to its international airport
  • Where to stay: Comfort Hotel Xpress Tromsø

Tromsø is one of the best places in Norway for solo travellers because it gives you everything you could need from an Arctic base – while still being seriously picturesque!

In Tromsø, there is a colourful harbour to explore, dramatic mountains surrounding the fjord, great tours to join, and a safe, walkable city centre.

I especially recommend you take the Fjellheisen cable car up to the mountaintop viewpoint to instantly understand why Tromsø is often called one of the most beautiful cities in Norway!

From the top station Storsteinen, the whole island is set out beneath your feet, framed by snow-covered peaks and the sparkling blue waters of the surrounding fjord.

The view from the top viewpoint, accessible by the Fjellheisen Cable Car!
The view from the top viewpoint, accessible by the Fjellheisen Cable Car!

Plus, in winter, Tromsø is one of the top tourist destinations in Norway, thanks to its incredible location for spotting the Northern Lights.

It’s honestly one of the easiest and most accessible places in the world to see the aurora, especially if you join a small-group tour!

And I’ve written a full guide to the best Northern Lights tours from Tromsø to make this decision even easier!

Plus, the city itself is also a great base for easily exploring fjords, wildlife and Arctic culture, which I cover in my full guide to the best things to do in Tromsø.

Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re visiting in winter, book your Northern Lights tour for your first night in Tromsø, as it gives you more chances if you need to rebook because of bad weather.

The Northern Lights near Tromsø
The Northern Lights near Tromsø

19. Ersfjord

Ersfjord is a narrow fjord framed by steep mountains, and is incredibly easy to visit as a day trip from nearby Tromsø.

What I loved most about Ersfjord is how quiet it is.

Even though it’s one of the prettiest places in Norway, the crowds never seem to descend the same way they do on more famous fjords.

Beautiful Ersfjord, surrounded by mountains!
Beautiful Ersfjord, surrounded by mountains!

You also get to see untouched Arctic scenery without having to travel hours out of the city!

The best and easiest way to see Ersfjord as a solo traveller is on a small-group fjords and beaches tour from Tromsø.

This tour stops at all of the best viewpoints surrounding Tromsø, including beautiful Ersfjord, where the mountains almost appear to close in around the small fjord below.

Plus, you’ll also visit other beautiful beaches and coastal villages nearby, so you get a full day of stunning scenery without needing to drive!

Katie’s Top Tip: I personally took and recommend this small-group tour. It’s a great option if you want to experience some of the most beautiful landscapes in Norway, but prefer the comfort and safety of a guided trip!

Snowy scenery surrounding Ersfjord makes it perfect for a short scenic walk!
Snowy scenery surrounding Ersfjord makes it perfect for a short scenic walk!

20. North Cape

North Cape (Nordkapp) may technically just be a very popular cliff with a globe sculpture, but I promise it’s so much more than that when you’re visiting in real life!

It genuinely feels like the edge of the world, especially in winter, when the surrounding landscapes are covered in snow, the Barents Sea crashes against the jagged cliffs, and you can’t see anything except sky and sea from the edge of the viewpoint.

It’s remote and dramatic, and absolutely belongs on this list of the most beautiful places in Norway!

North Cape looking like the edge of the world in winter!
North Cape looking like the edge of the world in winter!

Getting here can be an adventure, though, which I think only adds to the experience.

In winter, you might need to join a snow-plough convoy along the island road from Honningsvåg, and this alone makes you feel like you’re visiting somewhere extraordinary!

You can easily visit North Cape on a Coastal Express excursion if you’re sailing the full route, or on a guided tour from Honningsvåg.

For everything you need to know, from safety tips and transport to costs and what to expect, I have a full Nordkapp Travel Guide!

Katie’s Top Tip: Don’t rush off after seeing the globe. Instead, walk around the cliffs for a few extra minutes, as the views back towards the globe are spectacular. And also visit North Cape Hall with its fascinating exhibits and panoramic film.

More stunning scenery around North Cape's plateau!
More stunning scenery around North Cape’s plateau!

21. Kjøllefjord

Kjøllefjord is one of the most underrated stops on the Coastal Express route and genuinely one of the most beautiful villages in Norway, even though you’ll only call in for a moment.

It’s a tiny fjord fishing community tucked between dramatic cliffs, with colourful boats bobbing in the harbour and mountains rising straight from the sea.

Plus, just before we arrived in winter, the sky exploded into the most unbelievable Arctic sunset I’ve ever seen, reflecting off the water as we entered the fjord!

The most incredible Arctic sunset!
The most incredible Arctic sunset!

But what I loved most about Kjøllefjord is how untouched it feels.

This definitely isn’t a polished tourist town – in fact, it’s not a tourist town at all.

It’s a real working fishing community on the edge of the Finnmark wilderness, and that’s exactly what makes it such a memorable spot to visit.

I love finding beautiful places I was never expecting, and tiny Kjøllefjord is exactly that: unexpectedly breathtaking!

Katie’s Top Tip: The village of Kjøllefjord itself is small and quaint, but you’ll only call into port for around 15 minutes, so there isn’t enough time to get off and explore. But the scenery surrounding it is wild and incredibly beautiful, so make sure you’re out on deck for the entire visit.

The colourful community of Kjøllefjord
The colourful community of Kjøllefjord

Final Thoughts

It can feel so overwhelming to plan a dream trip to Norway at first, because there are so many spectacular places to visit!

From the famous fjords to the tiny islands you’ve never heard of, the iconic cities to the dramatic mountains, so many spots claim to be “the most beautiful places in Norway.”

But once you break it down, the country becomes surprisingly easy (and exciting) to plan for – especially if you join a voyage like the Norway Coastal Express with Havila or Hurtigruten!

And you can use this list (or just part of it) to guide your ultimate Norway itinerary!

I wrote it moving up the country, starting in the south with Oslo, Bergen, and the fjords and working my way up towards the Arctic, and you’ll naturally see many of Norway’s most beautiful places to visit along the way.

But wherever you go first, and however long you stay, you’re always going to see landscapes that look like nowhere else on earth!

Beautiful Places in Norway FAQs

What’s the best way to get around Norway?

The best way to get around Norway really depends on the type of trip you want.

The Coastal Express (Havila or Hurtigruten) is one of the most beautiful journeys in Europe and takes you through some of the prettiest places in Norway, without the stress of navigating yourself. You can hop on and off in different ports or join the full round-trip.

If you prefer to stay on land, Norway’s scenic trains (like the Nordland Line, Rauma Line and Bergen Line) are comfortable, reliable and designed for long-distance travel.

In the cities, walking and public transport are genuinely all you need, as major cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, Tromsø and Ålesund are very walkable.

And for longer distances, Widerøe flights are reliable and convenient, especially if you want to reach more remote towns quickly.

When’s the best time to visit the most beautiful places in Norway?

The answer to this depends on what you’re hoping to experience!

Summer (June–August) is the easiest time for solo travellers because everything is open, the days are long (or even endless in the north), and travelling between the scenic towns in Norway is straightforward. But this is also the busiest and most expensive time.

Winter (December–March) is a completely different kind of beautiful. The Arctic feels wild and remote, the light and weather are dramatic, and it’s the best season for the Northern Lights. Places like Tromsø and North Cape become even more spectacular under snow.

Shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) are quieter and great for avoiding crowds while still seeing all of the most beautiful places in Norway.

Is Norway safe for solo female travellers?

Yes! Norway is one of the safest countries in the world for solo female travellers. The towns and cities feel friendly and are clean, generally well-lit, and easy to navigate day and night.

Plus, most Norwegians speak excellent English, which always makes everything easier!

I’ve written a full guide on this topic with practical, honest advice and everything I wish I’d known before my first trip. You can read it here: Is Norway Safe for Solo Female Travellers?

Do I need to rent a car in Norway?

No, not at all! Norway is one of the easiest countries to explore without driving.

Every single spot on this list of the most beautiful places in Norway can be reached by public transport, a tour, or the Coastal Express.

Renting a car in Norway can give you more flexibility if you want to travel even further off the beaten path, but it’s absolutely not essential.

Which part of Norway is the most beautiful?

I get asked this a lot, but the answer honestly depends on what you’re looking for!

For dramatic mountains and classic fjords, Lofoten and Northern Norway are unbeatable. Especially places like Ersfjord, Kjøllefjord, Trollfjord and the Raftsund.

If you prefer picture-perfect towns and cities, Western Norway has some of the prettiest places in Norway. Especially places like Bergen, Trondheim and Ålesund.

For wild, remote landscapes, head to Finnmark county, where you’ll find some of the most beautiful places in Norway, including North Cape and communities along the Arctic coast.

Where should I visit first in Norway?

If it’s your first trip to Norway, I’d recommend you start by basing yourself in a city or taking the Norway Coastal Express so everything is planned for you.

Bergen or Tromsø are the perfect introduction to Norway, with easy access to beautiful fjords, spectacular architecture and amazing day trips that don’t require a car. Plus, they are both well connected to Europe and beyond by their international airports.

If you’re more interested in dramatic landscapes and quieter places, definitely join the round-trip Coastal Express from Bergen. It’s one of the easiest ways to experience many of the most beautiful places in Norway in one go!

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