Norway is a country of contrasts, and holidays in it are interesting at any time of the year. Going on a trip, you need to prepare not only financially and emotionally, but also organizationally. The sights of Norway delight with their abundance and diversity, some call it a land of real magic. And now let’s move on to the main thing to see in Norway in order to feel the atmosphere of this place on planet Earth.
What is the first thing to see in Norway?
The recommendations for traveling to the Nordic country are very diverse. What you need to do without fail is to enjoy the beauty of the polar nights, to appreciate how bright the festivities are organized by the locals. Below is an overview of the places that are worth paying attention to, first of all.
1. Geiranger Fjord
Scenic panorama of Geiranger Fjord
It is unlikely that you will remain indifferent if you see this creation of nature with your own eyes. We are talking about a small, but with a magnificent landscape, fjord. Its length is 20 km, but this does not prevent it from being the most visited. Assessing all the sights of Norway, seasoned tourists put the deep-sea emerald sea bay with rocky shores in the first place. If your soul craves entertainment, you can fish, kayak, try rafting. Horseback riding is also offered here and even skiing is possible in the summer.
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2. Rerus
The tiny Norwegian town of Rerus
One of the UNESCO sites has numerous positive reviews. In the past, it was a city where miners of copper ore lived, now this place is associated with tourism. It is known from the history of the Norwegian landmark that the city was designed and built by King Christian IV, he was an architect. In the period 1678-1718, the settlement was attacked by the Swedes, they burned it down, but the life of the city did not end there. Over time, it was restored, and today every tourist can appreciate the splendor of the restored open-air living museum.
3. Veringsfossen
Weringsfossen Waterfall
Hardanger Fjord accommodates the sights of Norway, and not just one. Among them, the famous waterfall far beyond the borders of the country deserves special attention. It is located in the county of Hordaland, its height is 182 m. The flowing waters reach the Biereya River, flowing between the forests. The official description of this place says that there is an observation deck nearby, from which you can clearly see the waterfall and the often appearing rainbow.
4. Cape North Cape
Majestic view of the Barents Sea from Cape North Cape
If you dream of seeing the ocean from a high cliff, literally being at the edge of the world, then you need to try to get to the Norwegian cape called the North Cape. It is considered the northernmost point of Europe. This Norwegian landmark has many positive properties. This is a well-developed infrastructure, convenient access roads, and the splendor of the local landscapes. Guides in Norway consider it their duty to introduce this magnificent place to the guests of the country. In summer, the sun does not go below the horizon here, and in winter the most amazing and beautiful performance takes place in the form of the northern lights.
Official website: http://www.visitnordkapp.net/en/
5. The stake in the Urn
Wooden Stavkirka Church in Urnes
The sights of Norway are all beautiful, original and stunning without exception. A striking example is the mast temple, in the decor of which Christian and pagan motifs are visible. The XIII building became a UNESCO monument. It was from stavkirok that the introduction of a new form of wooden architecture began. During archaeological excavations, the remains of three churches standing on the site of Stavkirka before its appearance were discovered. Here you can take many beautiful photos against the background of mountains, the sea and the building itself.
6. Viking Ship Museum
The Oseberg ship at the Daderot Viking Ship Museum
Describing the sights of Norway, I would like to draw your attention to the museum built in 1913. It stores rooks raised from the seabed. Scientific research has shown that all of them were built in the IX century, and they lay on the clay bottom for 1000 years. It is assumed that one of the vessels, namely with carved patterns, once belonged to the wife of the chief. Excursions in Norway to the described museum are held quite often. The guides draw the attention of tourists to the ship located in the east wing of the building, it is believed that it was intended for long-distance travel. The smallest is the third vessel, of which only some fragments have been preserved.
Official website: http://www.khm.uio.no/english/
See the beautiful places of Norway in this wonderful video!
7. Justedalsbreen
View of the Justedalsbreen glacier
It is the largest glacier in the whole territory of Europe. It has the appearance of a plateau with 26 ice tongues extending in different directions. The total area of this Norwegian landmark is 1,600 km2. Other equally famous glaciers originate from it. The territory occupied by the glacier includes several municipalities. A little over 25 years ago, a park of national importance was founded here.
8. Bruggen
The Hanseatic Promenade of Bergen
Not everyone knows that it was from this area that the formation of the city of Bergen began. This Norwegian landmark is also included in the UNESCO list. Many years ago, fishmongers and artisans settled on the shore of the bay described. At a certain point in the existence of the district, a large-scale fire occurred, after which many buildings were restored, and some were rebuilt. A trip here will be remembered for a large number of wooden houses, statues on their facades, and plank pavements. Craft shops, small restaurants, and art galleries are of interest.
9. Vigeland Sculpture Park
Vigeland Sculpture Park – Frogner Park
When thinking about what to visit in Norway, pay attention to one of the most visited attractions, not only by visitors, but also by locals. This place contains more than 200 sculptures created by the hands of the national artist Gustav Vigeland. The park is characterized by well-groomed, all the creations on its territory are very picturesque. What to see in Norway, namely in Vigeland Park? The open-air museum not only has beautiful landscapes, but also a large number of convenient places to relax, paths.
Official website: http://www.vigeland.museum.no/en
10. Karl Johan Street
Karl Johan Street is one of the most famous streets in Oslo Andy Mitchell
In one of the Norwegian cities, namely Oslo, there is an interesting street crossing the settlement from east to west. Its uniqueness lies in the presence of a large number of benches, stalls, open-air galleries. It is classified as an “Interesting place” because it is famous for the beautiful performances of musicians, actors, everything happens right on the pavement. The central building of the local university, built in the classical style, cannot fail to attract attention. The project was created by the famous Berlin architect Schinkel at the time.
11. Holmenkollen
Ski jump in Holmenkollen
The main attractions of Norway are the ski resort, which operates all year round. It is liked not only by sports fans, because an unforgettable view of the city opens from the height of the famous ski jump. A large number of competitions are organized at Holmenkollen, all of them, without exception, are accompanied by an atmosphere of celebration and fun. A vacation at a ski resort is suitable for both lovers of tranquility and those who like fun, noisy companies. You can get to your destination by metro or by car.
Official website: https://www.skiforeningen.no/en
12. Prekestulen
Mountain landscapes and a giant cliff are magnificent
Don’t know what to see in Norway? Try to get to the Prekestulen rock, which is considered the most famous landmark of the Rüfülke region. It rises as much as 604 m above the sea bay of Luce with rocky shores, and the area of the mountain plateau reaches 600 m2. According to the assumptions of archaeologists, its formation dates back to 10 thousand years ago. Don’t know where to go in Norway? By car or bus you can get to the house of Prekestulen, where tourists are offered the opportunity to eat and spend the night. An excellent view of the rock is also available from the excursion ship, as well as the car ferry.
13. Fram Museum
The legendary exhibit of the Fram Palickap Museum
The sights of Norway demonstrate the love of the people of this country for the sea, most of them are devoted to navigation. What is the value of the Fram Museum, which is a legendary ship on which new lands were discovered at one time? If it were not for the expeditions of the great navigators, the history of the exploration of the planet could have turned out quite differently. The best sights of the country have an interesting history, and the Fram Museum is no exception. When the ship made her last voyage in 1914, she was stationed in Horten. In order for it not to completely collapse, restoration was carried out after 15 years, the ship was placed under the roof.
Official website: http://frammuseum.no/
14. Flom Railway
Section of the Flom railway
What else to visit in Norway? Flom Valley, of course. Glaciers took part in its formation, and this has been happening for millions of years. This place is not the last in the ranking, because the city has a railway built 65 years ago. Its special feature is the landscape that opens up while following the route that stretches along the steep slope of the mountain. Its beginning is the Mirdal station, and the final one is Flom. Just imagine, the height of the climb is 900 m, and the total length is 20 km.
15. Troll Language
Wonderful view of Lake Ringedalsvatn from the Troll’s Tongue
We continue the topic of what to see in Norway. Interesting for real extreme and hardy people is a horizontal ledge on a rock called Skjeggedal. It rises at an altitude of 350 m above the level of Lake Ringedalsvatn. In the whole country, this place is deservedly considered the most beautiful (and what can I say, the “Troll Language” is considered one of the most beautiful places on the planet in general), but also the most dangerous. On the Web, you can see a lot of interesting photos from a hill, some of them create the feeling that a person is at the edge of the world.
Sights of Norway: What else to visit in Norway?
Knowing what to see in Norway in the first place, we must not forget about places of secondary importance. This does not mean that they do not deserve attention, it’s just that you can’t fit all the interesting places in one section. So, what to see in Norway in 1 day?
16. Steinsdalsfoss
Steinsdalsfoss Waterfall amidst lush greenery
This waterfall is one of the most photographed. Its height is 50 m, it is part of the Fosselva River. A pedestrian path runs under a rapidly falling stream of water from a hill, which is the uniqueness of this Norwegian landmark. A mysterious, and sometimes even fabulous atmosphere is created by illuminating the vertical reservoir with spotlights.
Official website: https://www.nasjonaleturistveger .
17. Nerej Fjord
The sheer cliffs of the Nerei Fjord
The next in line in the description of reservoirs is the second largest bay of Sogn. Its beautiful branch is the Nerei Fjord, it is considered the narrowest in the whole world, with a width of only 250 m. What to see in Norway from the reservoirs? Of course, the Nerei Fjord, on the shores of which farmhouses are located, this area was inhabited thousands of years ago. You can get here from Oslo and Bergen using various modes of transport, both land and water.
18. The Northern Lights
An amazing natural phenomenon is the Northern Lights
If the main dream of your whole life was to see the most beautiful glow in the night sky, then you should go to the northern latitudes. The radiance occurs due to the interaction of luminescence of the upper atmosphere with particles of the solar wind. For many, it is the main thing to see in Norway, there is nothing surprising in this, because it is a worthwhile sight. The aurora can be seen from anywhere in the country, but it is better if you have the opportunity to go to its northern part. You can see what you want there even in broad daylight. You need to be as far away from the water as possible, the drier the air, the clearer the sky.
19. Rock paintings in Alta
Open-air Museum – cave paintings in Alta
There is an archaeological museum in the northern part of Norway, namely in the province of Finnmark. More than 5,000 rock carvings have been found in some areas around the city of Alta. Nowadays, this area is an open-air museum, which is really worth seeing in Norway. This is not the only monument with Stone Age petroglyphs. As for the cave paintings in Alta, their meaning is not known for certain. We can only guess what the depicted scenes mean.
20. Lindesnes Lighthouse
View of the oldest lighthouse of Lindesnes
If you are looking for sights in Norway that represent picturesque landscapes, then an active lighthouse is what you need. Its function is very important, it prevents the loss of ships, and has been for 300 years. The lighthouse is one of the oldest because it was built in 1655. It occupies a strategically important position on the strait between the Norwegian coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula and Jutland. In 2004, a museum was opened, used as a cultural center.
Official website: http://www.lindesnesfyr.no/en/
Now you know exactly what to see in Norway, and your vacation will not be boring. Experienced travelers recommend planning your route in advance so as not to lose sight of the most important places, natural monuments, and history. As for hotels in Norway, there are no problems with them here. Given the large flow of tourists, there are enough of them open to accommodate everyone who wants to get acquainted with an incredibly beautiful country. No matter what time of the year you decide to go on a trip, it is better to book rooms in advance. It is advisable to use specialized websites that provide maximum information about the hotel.
If you do not want or are simply afraid to move independently through the territory of an unfamiliar state, you can use the services of a guide.
Also read about the best sights of Iceland and be inspired for your further journey through the countries of Scandinavia!
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