Phone off, out-of-office reply on. When it comes to long-distance hikes, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better country than Norway. With cozy, for-public-use cabins dotting the hills and a landscape that just won't quit, this could be the excuse you've been waiting for.
The three most photogenic rock formations in Norway are drawing more in-the-know travelers than ever, and with good reason. Fantastic hiking, beautiful photo ops, and proximity to an interesting harbor town make this trifecta a worthy (and crowded) destination—but with some planning, you can still have an experience all your own.
So, you came to Norway to see the fjords, ski the snowy peaks, and gaze over the edges of cliffs at the stunning vistas below? Sure you did, but let’s be honest: you're really here to take photos of it all. Read on for tips on when, where, and how to take swoon-worthy snapshots of your next trip to Norway.
Viewing the Northern Lights is an experience like no other, and Norway is the perfect destination for travelers keen on seeing it for themselves. See them from a fishing village in the Lofoten Islands, after a day of dogsledding in Tromsø, or from a glass-front sauna in a luxury resort. Read on for more of the best places to witness the phenomenon, along with some tips for planning your trip.
The word is out on the Lofoten Islands, especially in summer. Traveling in the off-season is an ideal option to bypass the crowds—and luckily, it's easy to go at any time of year. Here's what you can expect to find September through May.
You've probably heard of New Nordic cuisine, but that's only the tip of the iceberg. Norway has been at the forefront of ethically farmed, locally sourced cooking for generations, and there's never been a better time to get a taste of the country's best delicacies.
How many cities can you name that sit along a fjord, in the mountains, surrounded by islands? If you've been to Bergen, your answer is probably one. It's a microcosm of all of Norway's best scenery with a dash of both traditional and contemporary culture. The city, though world-class, has humble, unpretentious roots—and the only way to do it is like a local.
There's a wrong way to see the Northern Lights: hopping on a giant tour bus with cameras flashing and a cacophony of "oohs" and "ahhs" interrupting your moment with Mother Nature. Ditch the crowds and have a memorable experience viewing the auroras in peace — it just takes a little research and know-how.
Stunning vistas, monumental peaks, pristine coastline: for outdoorsy couples who want a week of post-nuptial bliss involving more than lying on a beach, Norway is the perfect honeymoon destination. Here are a few suggestions for you and your soulmate to explore this truly magical country.
It may still be the little sister city to more grown-up Oslo, but Bergen has come a long way in the last decade. Ringed by mountains and unfolding gracefully toward glistening fjords, Norway's second city is gorgeous—and also happens to be one of the friendliest, most relaxed spots in Scandinavia. Follow this itinerary for the best of Bergen in one perfect day.
Snow, mountains, and a culture that worships the outdoors: all perfect ingredients for an ideal ski vacation. Norway is full of great places to hit the slopes, and most of them offer cozy to luxurious lodging options, intriguing in-between activities, and landscapes that are really something to write home about.
Zipping over bubbling rapids, deftly navigating narrow inlets, skirting the edge of awe-inspiring gorges, and doing it all at warp speed: these are the thrills that draw kayakers and rafters to some of Norway’s most picturesque, challenging rivers and coasts. Here’s where to go for an unforgettable experience on the water.
Even from behind windows and on four wheels, Norway is already jaw-dropping. But from two wheels, feeling the warm sunlight on your skin and rush of cool air? Unbelievable. Cycling across Norway is slowly catching on, and there are routes to be conquered and explored all across the country - read on for some of the best.
Norway's cities may be an obvious choice for a family trip — museums, history, the works — but its countryside may have even more to offer. In an age where screens abound, a different way of life still exists in the Norway's small towns and natural areas. Here are a few ideas for taking your family through this beautiful country's less-trodden landscape.
Far too many travelers think of Oslo as a stopover on their journeys west or north, but the picturesque port city is more than a transit point. Take a few days to explore, and you'll find it's the perfect mix of traditional and trendy, old-fashioned and hip. Who knows? You may even find yourself falling in love with Norway's capital. Follow these tips to experience the best of Oslo in one perfect day.
Most travelers head to Norway in the summer, but this Nordic country is a year-round destination, and winter holds its own adventurous charm. If you'd like to experience the famous fjords when crowds are thinner and the peaks are coated white, here are some tips for making the most of Flam Railway and Sognefjord in the off-season.
Norway is home to untamed wilderness, and its animal inhabitants—from reindeer to humpback whales—are some of the country's star attractions. It can take a little planning to come face-to-face with them, and usually lots of patience, but encountering these rare species is a great reward. Here’s your ultimate guide to spotting Norwegian wildlife.
It’s already a luxury to be in a country this beautiful, but if you’re looking to take your trip from merely memorable to truly lavish, there are plenty of private tours, personalized experiences and high-end lodging options that will really up the wow factor.
Oslo, Norway's capital, is one of the fastest-changing cities around. The population—and a diverse one at that—is booming, but its humble, Scandinavian roots remain strong. With new restaurants popping up every month, an artistic movement experiencing a renaissance, and a history that's steps from downtown, the only way to do Oslo is like a local.
A guide to hiking in Norway is akin to swimming in the Pacific — where do you even begin to explore? What ground you decide to cover will depend on your endurance level, the season, and how much time you have. Stunning views are around every corner; here, nature is left at its most pristine. Hiking is one of Norway's most beloved pastimes, and this is why.
Fjordkysten & Nordfjord, just north of Bergen, is where Fjord Norway still hangs onto its roots. This region is where mountains and glaciers scratch the sky and locals are counted in the tens of thousands—in other words, the perfect place to get off the beaten path.
Norway is big enough to have something for every kind of traveler: fjords and mountains, glittering coastline, cities packed with culture. How best to see it all is up to you. Whether you’re joining a group or going solo, hiring a guide for some or all of the trip, here’s how to tour Norway, your way.
Norwegians have always been stewards of the environment, and as a country, they have pioneered modes of sustainability that took other nations generations to implement. Simply put: Norway knows that their land is their greatest asset, and they want to make sure everyone enjoys, respects, and protects it as much as they do. Here’s where to go and what to do to travel responsibly and sustainably in Norway.
January in Norway is a bona fide winter wonderland with snowy activities, fewer crowds, and lower costs than other times of the year. This is also one of the best months for viewing the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
Norway's last full month of winter is a spectacular, snow-laden paradise with fun outdoor activities and local festivals—as well as fewer tourists and lower prices. February is also a great time for catching the Northern Lights before they disappear in the spring. Read on to learn more.
Out of the dark and into the light: Travelers to Norway in March will catch the earliest glimpses of spring, and with that, longer daylight hours. This is a great month to hit the uncrowded slopes and festivals, explore the cities, and catch the Northern Lights before they hibernate 'til October.
Norway's first month of spring brings warming temperatures, melting snow, and budding blossoms. This is a great time to get outdoors and hit the open road as the entire country comes of out hibernation for Easter tourism—yet it's still more affordable and less crowded than summer. Find out what to do and where to go with this April guide.
May is the best time to visit Norway if you want to feel like a local. A month ahead of the summer crowds, you can enjoy relaxed sightseeing, long days of bright-green scenery, and rushing waterfalls in the fjords from snow melting in the mountains. This is also the month of Norway's biggest holiday, Constitution Day, with celebrations all over the country.
It's called the Land of the Midnight Sun for a reason, and June is the month that celebrates the longest day of the year—a time when the sun barely sets in southern Norway (and doesn't at all above the Arctic Circle). Thus begins, arguably, the best season of the year to experience Norway. Read this monthly guide to learn more.
July is high season for Norway. Expect long days of gorgeous summer weather, a lively vibe not only from tourists but locals who spend as much time outside as possible, and loads of fun events like Scandinavia's largest food festival. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go (and how to beat the inevitable crowds).
Get here while it's still hot—August is the last full month of Norway's busy and expensive high season. With that comes spectacular weather, a sporty vibe from tourists and locals who spend as much time outdoors as possible, and loads of fun events like Bergen's Beer Festival and Oslo's Jazz Festival. Read this monthly guide to learn more.
September marks the end of the high season, with mild temperatures perfect for enjoying outdoor activities and iconic scenery without the crowds. This is also a great month to visit Bergen for its annual food festival. Read on for more tips on where to go and what to expect in Norway this month.
October is an ideal time of year to enjoy Norway's colorful fall scenery in peace and quiet, as travelers are few and far between. This is also when days get shorter, temperatures drop, and the Northern Lights begin to reappear above the Arctic Circle. Find out what to do and where to go with this monthly guide.
Take advantage of the last autumn colors in November, a month offering fewer crowds, Northern Lights, great whale watching, and the cozy feeling of 'kos'—the Norwegian version of the Danish 'hygge'. There's even a culinary festival featuring a favorite local delicacy. Read on to learn more about visiting November in Norway.
December attracts Christmas and New Year travelers looking to spend the holidays in Norway's festive villages and cities—or perhaps the snowy north, where you can search for the Northern Lights, hit the slopes, or take a reindeer safari. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
Norway's stunning coastline should not be skipped despite the cold and dark. The fjords in January offer milder temperatures than inland regions, as well as snowy activities, fewer crowds, and more affordable costs. This is also one of the best months for viewing the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
Despite the chilly, wet weather, Norway's long, dramatic coastline offers winter sports and local festivals—as well as fewer tourists and lower prices. February is also a great time for taking a fjord cruise and catching the Northern Lights before they disappear in the spring. Read on to learn more.
Visiting Norway's beautiful fjords in March will bring a touch of spring thanks to the increasing daylight hours. This is a great month to explore cultural sites in walkable cities, schuss the uncrowded slopes, and catch the Northern Lights above the Arctic Circle before they hibernate for the season.
Spring has arrived in Norway’s fjords with melting ice, rushing waterfalls, and budding landscapes. This is a great time to get outdoors and explore trails and villages that may have bunkered down for the winter. Though tourism tends to rise for Easter, the fjords are still more affordable and peaceful than summer months. Read on to learn more.
May is a remarkable month for visiting Norway's fjords. Sandwiched between Easter and the Summer Solstice, this is the time to take advantage of longer days, blooming flowers, and rushing waterfalls like the Seven Sisters. You can also join locals as they celebrate Norway's biggest holiday: Constitution Day.
June is ideal for travelers looking to optimize outdoor adventures in Norway's fjords. This is when days are long and nights are short; there's also reliable weather on land and sea, not to mention a slew of fun festivals to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Read this monthly guide to learn more.
It doesn’t get much better than July for experiencing Norway's fjords by land or sea. The agreeable weather is ideal for outdoor activities, fjord cruises, and loads of food and music-themed festivals taking advantage of the Midnight Sun. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go.
August does not disappoint as one of the most popular months to visit Norway’s fjords, providing an ideal environment for outdoor adventures enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. You can skip the crowds with lesser-known attractions or join the lively festivals while summer's still here. Read this monthly guide to learn more.
September marks the end of high season in Norway’s fjords with lingering summer weather—perfect for road trips and enjoying outdoor activities and iconic views without the masses. This is also a great month to hike Bergen's surrounding mountains whilst taking part in its annual food festival. Read on to learn more.
October is a glorious time to enjoy Norway’s fjords, with colorful fall scenery and far fewer travelers to contend with. This is when sunsets arrive earlier, temperatures begin to drop, and the Northern Lights reappear above the Arctic Circle. Find out what to do and where to go with this monthly guide.
November is a quiet month to visit Norway’s fjords, allowing you to take advantage of the last autumn colors before the snow arrives. This is a month offering fewer crowds, early ski openings, Northern Lights, and great whale watching. This monthly guide will tell you what to do and where to go.
The transition from autumn to winter draws travelers to the fjords for city hikes, skiing, and festive ambiance. Others may seek the quiet landscapes above the Arctic Circle where Polar Nights let the Aurora Borealis shine bright. Let this monthly guide help you find the best places to visit and things to do.
Travelers heading to Norway's northernmost region between September and November will be rewarded with brilliant fall colors, empty roads, migrating wildlife, and glass-topped igloos. Weather can be unpredictable, but the chance to explore Tromsø, Alta, and the Lofoten Islands in near solitude is worth the risk of early snow. Read on for more info on visiting the tippy-top of mainland Europe in the fall.
