Norway is a magical country with postcard-perfect scenery, mythic fjords, stunning mountains and polar bears that roam the wild. It’s also the world’s happiest country according to the World Happiness Report.
Visit quaint fjord villages and hike the iconic Trolltunga cliffs. Alternatively, if you’re visiting during winter, try your hand at skiing on the picture-perfect slopes and go snowshoeing or husky sledding in the wilderness.
1. The Northern Lights
The Northern Lights are one of the most magical natural phenomena on earth. Lights of varying colours dance around the sky as electrically charged particles from the sun are funnelled down into the Arctic Circle by Earth’s magnetic field.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is the earliest time of year you can hope to see the Northern Lights in Norway, as dark nights return after the autumnal equinox. The longer nights mean more chance of seeing them, without having to stay up until 3am!
Tromso is a popular Northern Lights destination, but you can also get away from the city and find yourself under the lights in scenic areas such as Lyngenfjord or on the island of Senja. You can even stay on a husky farm outside of Alta, which increases your chances of seeing the Northern Lights while adding a cosy winter experience to your trip.
For those who like to travel around Norway by car, there is an opportunity to get a rental car in all popular locations in Norway: at the main railway stations, in the city center, at the nearest airports. Tariffs may vary depending on various factors: the duration of the rental, the class of the car, the place where the car was received. For example, in Oslo you can rent a compact class car from 19 euros per day, and in Bodo airport from 18 euros per day.
2. The Fjords
If you have ever seen a postcard from Norway, chances are it was of a fjord. These natural masterpieces mesmerize travelers with their pristine beauty.
Geirangerfjord, dubbed the ‘Jewel of the Fjords’, is one such fjord. It is surrounded by steep mountains and dramatic waterfalls, which makes it the perfect place for hiking. It’s also been added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List!
Visit in spring to witness the fjords come alive. During this time, the migratory birds that left in autumn return to their nests and breed. For a more relaxed experience, take a fjord cruise to see the fjords at their most serene. And don’t forget to pack your binoculars and camera! You’ll want to capture all those breathtaking vistas. Also, this is the best time to visit Norway’s iconic waterfalls. The mighty Kjosfossen Waterfall and cliffs of Trolltunga are both a must-see.
3. The Arctic
A mesmerising region at the top of the world, the Arctic beckons travellers with its pristine wilderness, thriving cultures and unique wildlife like the narwhal and the unicorn of the sea. Explore this incredible landscape with a cruise or adventure.
The fjords are another iconic feature of Norway, their towering walls and blue waters a stunning sight to behold. You can hike the fjords or go kayaking and fishing, but winter brings with it ideal snow conditions for skiing and dog sledding.
Whether you’re looking to see the Northern Lights or explore icy glaciers, Norway has something for everyone. The best time to visit will depend on what you want to do, but the summer months (June-August) promise long, light days – great for hiking and exploring.
4. The Midnight Sun
It may sound strange, but the Midnight Sun is a really great reason to visit Norway. North of the Arctic Circle, the sunlight stays up all through the night for weeks and months – a magical phenomenon that makes it possible to explore the mountains, fjords, and beaches without ever encountering darkness.
This is the perfect time to island-hop around scenic archipelagos, or cruise fjords on a traditional skiff. You can also go golfing, cycling, river paddling, sea kayaking, and hiking under a never-setting sun.
The light nights are also perfect for enjoying Norwegian winter activities like reindeer sledding, dog sledding and snowmobiling. It’s a great time to experience the Norwegian lifestyle called “friluftsliv”, which means love for nature. Norwegians even have a law called “allemannsrett” which allows everyone to freely access and camp on all uncultivated land.
5. The Culture
Norway is a country with an impressive culture, reflected in world-class art museums and charming neighbourhoods. It’s also a nation that’s passionate about “friluftsliv,” the Scandinavian philosophy of connecting with nature, and Norwegians are well known for their love of skiing and other winter sports.
The northern part of the country experiences a month-long polar night in December and January, which creates ideal conditions for seeing the Northern Lights and enjoying winter activities. Locals don their traditional bunad and hygge up in their homes, or gather at festivals like the Sami Grand Prix (actually a yoik competition) to celebrate the end of the dark season.
In spring, tens of thousands of fruit trees bloom by the fjords, and impressive snow-clad mountains frame the picturesque landscapes. And, if you’re not too worried about the weather, road trips are an easy and enjoyable way to see Norway, with scenic coastal highways and zig-zagging mountain roads to explore.
6. The Food
In a country where the landscape is fit for fairy tales, it’s only right that you fill your stomach with something just as magical. Luckily, Norway’s cuisine is as varied as the scenery, with everything from delicious seafood to traditional game meats on offer.
According to Culture Trip, Norwegians love their food, especially their fresh produce. The country is home to many idyllic fruit villages, where you can enjoy local apples, berries and pears alongside their renowned cheeses.
Game meats are also a staple, with many restaurants offering dishes such as reindeer or moose. For something truly special, try a traditional Sami dish called finnbiff. The hearty stew contains thinly sliced reindeer in a savoury sauce, making for an ideal meal on a winter cruise. Or, if you’re feeling brave, you could try fried baby reindeer hearts, as seen on this Instagram post!
7. The People
While Norwegians are notoriously polarizing, they’re also extremely kind. GetByBus reports that the country’s famously open-minded society makes it a place where people can live together without being married and where women are highly respected.
Aside from being proud of their fjords, Norwegians are also renowned for the beauty of nature. You can’t visit the country without marveling at the incredible scenery, from towering cliffs to glacier hiking to selfie opportunities on iconic spots like Kjeragbolten and Pulpit Rock.
The best time to see Norway’s landscapes is from May to September, when the weather is warmest and daylight hours are longest. You can also experience the Northern Lights in winter (from late December through early January) and the polar night, when the sun never sets above the horizon. And, if you’re a skier or snowboarder, then you can enjoy Norway’s epic slopes during these months as well.
8. The Wildlife
Norway is home to some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in the world. From fjords and lakes to mountains and ice glaciers, there is a whole host of activities for you to enjoy here.
The Norwegians are passionate about a lifestyle known as “friluftsliv” where connecting with nature and spending time outdoors is a big part of their culture. Whether you want to go hiking or simply soak up the sun, there are plenty of opportunities to do so here.
You can also visit during the winter months to see the Northern Lights, which are best viewed in the Arctic regions. You can experience the polar night between November and January where it’s dark for longer, providing more opportunity to see this amazing natural phenomenon. You can take in this spectacular display on your own or with a group through a tour.
9. The Mountains
Norway’s mountains are spectacularly jaw-dropping and are a must-see for nature lovers. There are tons of hikes, waterfalls, glaciers and mountains to discover here that will leave you in awe.
One of the most famous is Trolltunga, which is a rock formation perched hundreds of feet above a river. Another is Briksdalsbreen Glacier, which can be visited easily by shuttle buses.
You can also find plenty of secluded beaches and traditional coastal towns, with architecture that hasn’t changed in centuries. These are perfect places to visit if you want to escape the bustling city life. In spring, the country’s coastline comes alive as migratory birds return to breed and enjoy the dappled light. The fjords are a sight to behold in this season too.
10. The Midnight Sun
The Midnight Sun is one of Norway’s most unique natural phenomena. The sun does not set north of the Arctic Circle, allowing the sunlight to illuminate the landscape for weeks and months. According to TripSavvy, this creates a special atmosphere that makes Norwegians feel happy and energetic.
It is best to visit Norway in the summer, when you can island-hop around scenic archipelagos or cruise fjords under the never-setting sun. However, this is also the country’s peak season, so you can expect higher prices and crowds. For a quieter and more temperate experience, consider visiting in spring or fall. Talk to a travel specialist for more details. This will help you plan the perfect Norway holiday for your specific needs. They can even offer advice on where to stay based on the time of year you want to visit.