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...

The Natural Wonders of Norway

Norwegian Fjords

The varied and scenic coastline stretches more than 25,000km, with the fjords as perhaps the most striking feature. They are in fact steep, long valleys filled with water, formed by ancient, slow-moving glaciers that carved their way through the rock as they moved towards the sea.

You can’t come to Norway without visting the fjords and the see the wonders of the coastline. Read about the must-see fjords and when to visit them in the link below.

Keep reading: Highlights of fjord Norway

Photo: Bård Løken Photo

The Northern Lights

On occasion, the night sky over northern Norway explodes into a light show of green, white, pink, blue and violet. The unearthly beauty of the aurora borealis (Northern Lights) mesmerises all who stay or travel in Polar Regions.

The Northern Lights belt stretches along the northern coast from Lofoten to the North Cape. In fact, the Northern Lights are more commonly seen here than anywhere else in the world, and one of your best chances of experiencing the Northern Lights is on trip to Norway the winter season.

Keep reading: All you need to know about seeing The Northern Lights

A rocky river with trees on the side of a mountain

...and the Midnight Sun

The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon that occurs when the entire body of the sun is visible above the horizon 24 hours a day

In summer, Norway becomes the land of eternal daylight, with 24 hours of sun above the Arctic Circle. Not only is this a glorious sight, but it also leaves you more hours in the day for exploring.

Keep reading: Experiencing the Midnight Sun in 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

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

The best way to get around in Norway

Stretching more than 2500 kilometres, you'll be hard pressed for time if you want to see all of Norway in one go. If you want to experience the fjords, charming villages, local food and the northern lights in one trip, a coastal cruise may be the way to travel.

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

The World's Most Beautiful Voyage

Norway is often regarded as one of the most beautiful places on earth. And based on what we see on our voyages every day, it's hard to disagree. Norway’s spectacular and beautiful coastline attracts many visitors each year. Words alone cannot capture its charm; you really need to see it for yourself.

What makes it so remarkable is its variety, nature and geology. The coastline features examples of the world’s most beautiful fjords, islands, fishing villages, and snow-covered landscapes. In between the remote and rural treasures you'll find some of Norway’s finest cities, showcasing well-preserved architecture from the medieval, gothic and Art Nouveau periods.

When you sail with Hurtigruten, you don’t just observe the landscapes we pass, you get the chance to actively interact and get closer to authentic coastal Norway. Get close to its people, landscape, culture and wildlife.

Many have said sailing with the original Hurtigruten is the experience of a lifetime. Want to find out why?

See all cruises along the Norwegian Coast

Experience the Norwegian coast on an unforgettable cruise with Hurtigruten

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.

Norwegian Coastal Voyages (June 2019 - December 2020)

When you ask people what to see or do in Norway, they answer, “See the coast”. In this brochure, you can read why Hurtigruten is the only way to experience the Norwegian coast.