Norway: Travel Guide

The essence of Norway’s appeal is remarkably simple: this is one of the most beautiful
countries on Earth. Find out why and where to go in this travel guide.

Norway: Stunning nature waiting to be discovered

Fjords and mountains. The midnight sun and the Northern Lights. To many, Norway is defined by its natural wonders. If you come here, you'll understand why.

Dramatic and diverse, Norway's nature ranges from serene forest-covered hills in the southeast and spectacular fjords and glaciers in the west to Arctic wilderness in the north.

Looking at the map, you’ll find Norway at the northern outskirts of Europe - with almost half the country above the Arctic Circle. Known for its fascinating history and many cultural sites, recent years have also seen an increasing interest in sophisticated cities and unique architecture.

But for the people of Norway, the love for nature and the outdoors surpasses most things. Be it skiing in the winter or hiking in the summer, Norwegians are always drawn to the active lifestyle. Perhaps this is why Norway regularly ranks highly in the annaul World Happiness Report?

In this guide, we'll tell you more about what to see and what to expect when travelling in Norway. First up...

Photo: Stian Klo

3 reasons to travel to Norway

1. Climate and seasons make every trip unique

A cold and wet climate is what you might expect. Though true in some regions, Norway’s climate varies a lot by region and by season, and is surprisingly mild overall. The four seasons in Norway are very distinct, and each have their own personality.

Keep reading: Travelling through the Norwegian seasons

2. Must-see attractions

The Norwegian fjords naturally get a lot of attention, but there is so much to see when visiting Norway. The majestic Lofoten islands are a highlight for many. The Arctic Circle is another one. North Cape, the Atlantic Ocean Road, the Seven Sisters... We could go on forever.

Keep reading: Experience the top attractions of Norway

3. The stunning wildlife

The Norwegian coastline is a haven for wildlife. Known for its loving relationship to fish, Norway has a rich diversity of fauna, including whales, sea eagles and the king crab.

Keep reading: The wildlife of Norway

14 Facts You Didn't Know About Norway

Though we think of it as a uniquely Japanese dish, salmon sushi actually comes from Norwegians introducing the fish to chefs in Japan. Read more

Webinar: Norway, Home of Hurtigruten

Go on a journey through history and magnificent scenery in our homeland - Norway.

In this webinar you can learn more about:

History of Hurtigruten in Norway
Phenomena like the northern lights
Sailing along the stunning coast
The distinct seasons of Norway
The Hurtigruten experience: ships, research and responsibility

Wildlife in Norway

The wildlife along the Norwegian coast is as varied as the coast itself. There is life in the deepest depths and far above the tallest mountains. Some species are only found in certain areas, while others migrate and follow us all the way along the coast.

Wildlife in Norway

King Crab

The king crab originated in the northern Pacific. The Russians imported them hoping to strengthen the economy in the north - it didn’t take long before they migrated east and south along the coast to Finnmark county.

Reindeer

Reindeer are a species of deer but are unique for being particularly sturdy. This comes in handy in the cold and windy Norwegian steppes and mountains.

Whales

The most common species of whale along the Norwegian coast are humpbacks, minke and fin whale, most commonly found in the north of Norway.

Fish in the sea

There is no other living creature along the coast that has meant more to Norway as a country than fish.

All the birds

Unsurprisingly, for the most part, the birds along the coast are seabirds. The most common species are auks, frigate birds, gulls, pelicans, cormorants, darters, fulmars, gannets and sheathbills.

Read about wildlife on the Norwegian Coast

Why choose Norway with Hurtigruten

1. 125 years of experience

Hurtigruten has been the original Norwegian coastal voyage since 1893. We carry more than 125 years of experience along the coast - this is our backyard!

2. Sail with experts

Most of our crew members have grown up along the Norwegian Coast, and are happy to talk about it. Additionally, our onboard Expedition Team will arrange activities on deck and hold complimentary lectures on biology, history, geology, culture and science.

3. See places seldom visited by others

Due to their size, our smaller ships go where no other ships go. Visit 34 ports, big and small coities, and places most vessels are unable to reach. With Hurtigruten, you can enjoy authentic encounters with Norwegian traditions and culture.

4. Stay active in nature

When in Norway, do as the Norwegians do - get outside and stay active. On board, you can choose from more than 90 excursions throughout the year, bringing you even closer to the nature, culture and wildlife along the Norwegian coast.

5. Delicious, local food

Our food is made from fresh produce from local suppliers. With Norway's Coastal Kitchen, a journey along the Norwegian coast is also a trip through the world's finest pantry.

The New York Times:

Studying Norway’s ragged coast, with its hundreds of thousands of islands, is like studying the country’s metaphorical DNA: it is unique, it is unendingly complex, it is the fingerprint of a nation. Read more