The land of Norway stretches above the Arctic Circle to Europe’s northern point — called the North Cape.
During midwinter it is dark all day, while during summer the sun still shines even at midnight.
This part of the country is more commonly called “The Land of the Midnight Sun”.
Norway boasts a mountainous landscape mixed with a rugged coastline filled with deep-sea inlet areas called fjords.
These fjords form natural harbors that are protected from the rough seas by chains of islands.
The coastal areas are kept ice-free by warm ocean currents, while inland, the forested mountains and steep valleys receive heavy winter snow.
Can you do Norway in 5 days?
Here are my favorite places to visit in Norway.
A few of recommended highlights from my trip and places you should not miss on your 5 days holiday to this beautiful country.
Oslo
Nordmarka is the perfect park for outdoor activities.
It provides many opportunities for both day trips and longer tours.
It is easily accessible by bus, train, metro or tram from different areas.
You can spend days in this park and explore all the activities.
You can run, walk, ride a bike, explore, relax, photograph, study, and it takes several trips there to see it thoroughly.
It is an immersion in nature, yet it is close to the city center and well served by the metro service transport.
It is located near the Sculpture Park Vigeland, a large area of forest that has many lakes and recreational services.
The lake in the center of the region freezes on the coldest days forming a natural icy landscape.
Nordmarka can be reached easily from the city center by taking the subway and getting off at Sognsvann.
Once there you can find many paths, one along the lake while others lead to more remote areas where there are other smaller lakes.
You can wander and explore for several hours and it is impossible to get lost — the trees are equipped with signs to lead you along the trail.
The park is always full of Norwegians and tourists who run or ride bicycles.
There are tables where you can have picnics and there is also a small kiosk.
Obtain the map at the tourist information center office to better explore the various paths and walking trails of this attraction.
My favorite Norway tourist spots
Oslo Opera House
The Oslo Opera House is thoroughly modern and built with Carrera marble.
Its white color stands out amidst the green vegetation the intensity of the blue sky — and the building in part extends under the sea, which makes it exceptional.
From the balcony at the top you have a view around the Oslo Fjord.
Also worth visiting are the bathrooms, made of black marble and leather!
The interior is magnificent, especially in the lobby area where a circular wooden structure draws clear lines in rhythmical and convex proportions.
Enjoy the long climb leading to the roof where you can admire an enchanting panorama of the city and the nearby fjords.
Fun things to do in Norway
Bergen
If you have limited time to spend in Bergen, definitely opt for the Floibanen (Funicular or cable car ride) that takes off from the city center and whisks you to the top of the small Mount Floyen.
The best time to enjoy this attraction is in the evening, to coincide with the sunset and to see the city at dusk.
From the top there are many wooded trails, a nearby pond and some small lakes.
At the summit, the view is very extensive as you see not only the city but the entire surrounding area with fjords and numerous groups of small islands along the coast.
On the top there is a building with restaurant in Norwegian style, all made of wood, where you can eat something or just sip a tea while enjoying the views.
When in Bergen a visit to its famous seaside attraction named Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf is highly recommended.
In this quiet town you will experience an enjoyable encounter with the locals.
It is lined with pubs where the live music is great.
Old neighborhoods and pretty Bryggen buildings face this very picturesque port.
You can eat good fish and shellfish at the harbor next to the fish market.
In the dining area, you sit down and they prepare the meal right in front of you and serve the food hot and fresh.
The wharf area is very relaxing and offers a pleasant and safe area to promenade even at night.
Popular Norway tourist attractions
Tromso
The Tromsø Fjords surround Tromsø in northern Norway, making the city an island.
It is advisable to rent a car at the airport in order to explore all the natural attractions of this region.
The fjord of Tromsø is admirable in winter as the view of the snow-capped mountains is really spectacular in this place.
The fords offer a view of immense mountains with salt water at their feet.
If you are on a cruise ship you will perhaps have the best view of the mountain range.
It is BIG!
There are lots of greenery, waterfalls, streams, villages and gulls — and most of all ,the locals are very cordial and polite to foreign visitors and travelers.
At The Polar Museum (Polarmuseet), you will feel transported into the era when polar exploration and adventures at Tromsø were just beginning.
The museum tells the history of Tromsø when it was a center for hunting seals and polar bears, reindeer and whales.
In many rooms there are reproductions of the camps with wax figures of hunters and a lot of stuffed animals.
Upstairs there is a wing dedicated to the explorer Roald Amundsen, who devoted his life to the conquest of the North Pole from the sea and with an airship.
His biography as presented in this museum proves fascinating to curious visitors who want to learn about the maritime history of Tromsø.
The museum was built over 200 years ago but it is still in excellent condition.
The entrance ticket is not overly expensive.
Certainly the price is below the average of many other structures in Norway, and they also have discounts for families (children are free.
)
Finally, after asking your nationality, they will hand you a brochure in your own language where you will find a step-by-step explanation of all the exhibits you can see inside this museum.
What else to do in Norway?
Trondheim
A visit to the Nidarosdomen Cathedral is enlightening as it is the symbolic monument of Gothic Scandinavian architecture.
Several fires had largely destroyed the building and the cathedral that is now declared a National Monument.
There is ongoing rehabilitation and restoration work to preserve the main altar and overall structure of this ancient church.
In particular, the rare works of art, stone carvings, and stained glass windows entice tourists to visit this religious and cultural attraction in Trondheim.
The connection of architectural styles is interesting.
Moreover, it is quite an experience to walk through the park cemetery.
The former medieval residence of the Archbishop near the cathedral is also worth visiting.
Is Norway worth visiting?
The answer is Yes.
Norway is worth visiting.
This is because it is such a magical place
full of beauty and adventours.
Make sure you visit the following stunning place:
Alesund
Climbing the 418 steps to reach the Fjellstoua Viewpoint is worth the breathtaking view that awaits you.
Ålesund from the top is phenomenal.
The descent is quite difficult as not all of the steps are in excellent condition.
The city itself is already enchanting, but the view on top is picture-perfect.
The real attraction of this city is Mount Aksla, that can be comfortably viewed from the designated platform.
You can also hop on a bus or car, but the best part is actually climbing the long staircase.
It may seem difficult at first but the reward is admiring the beauty of Ålesund from the top observation deck.
What else to see in Norway?
Stavanger
Once you arrive in Stavanger, the tourist office directs you automatically to the Lysefjord sightseeing tour by boat.
It is full of tourist spots and geological formations.
The main attraction in Lysefjord is undoubtedly the Pulpit Rock, which consists of a real “pulpit” overlooking the fjord from a height of about 1968 feet.
To get to the “Pulpit” you have to walk about 2.
5 miles, and during this tiring but enjoyable trek you can enjoy all the landscapes.
Do not miss seeing this area that combines both peace and nature in one place.
It is like having a piece of heaven on earth when the sun’s rays hit the granite rocks and frame the great place called Lysefjord.
To visit the Flor og Fjaere, you must book in advance.
You can reach this by a boat ride from the Skagen port in Stavanger in about 20-25 minutes.
The garden is wonderful and filled with familiar and unfamiliar flowers, shrubs and trees.
The place is unique and is like a tropical island but enjoyed in a cold weather atmosphere.
Being inside the colorful garden is a relaxing and great experience.
You walk on paved roads and watch the flowers in the tens of thousands — in large part replanted every spring.
There are also small lakes with fish and waterfalls.
The food and wine is extraordinary and is an ideal complement to the view of the scenic garden.
Popular places to visit in Norway
Alta
Through a landscape set on the side of a hill runs a fully-equipped trail that leads to the discovery of thousands of carefully-preserved prehistoric drawings (PetroGlyphs.
)
The UNESCO World Heritage Site museum at Alta is worth all the time and effort as you can admire the magic of the ancient civilization that is carefully engraved behind the rocks.
It is an open-air showcase of how prehistoric ethnicities expressed their love for art and how they lived during their era.
The visit is definitely interesting.
In warm weather, you can explore around the rocks and also take a long walk in the area.
The 1.
8 mile long attraction is worth visiting to have a better understanding about the cultural heritage of Norway.
Things to do in Norway with kids
Kristiansand
The Kristiansand Dyrepark (Zoo) s located in the countryside and gives the animals a lot of freedom to move around and interact with other animals (in comparison to other zoos).
The zoo is modernized and so extensive that one must have 2 days to see everything.
But it is important to include a little of each kind of animals, attractions and miscellaneous slides etc.
Zero line is pretty much everywhere and you can have plenty of time to appreciate the animals and the water park adventures.
The Zoo has both international and Nordic animals that are worth a visit and can be enjoyed by both the young and older visitors.
Must see places in Norway
Kirkenes
To have a glimpse of WW II history and how it has greatly influenced Norway, take a quick visit to see the Grenseland Museet.
This educational museum is well organized and the staff is friendly and accommodating.
The museum is spacious and well organized.
There is a separate section on WW II discussing the part of the Sami and the different cultures in the region as well as the mining history and mining activity in Kirkenes.
You will be interested in the war photo exhibits and especially the personal story of the administrator who is always on hand to guide visitors and speaks perfect English.
Free things to do in Norway
Gello
At Serious Fun Rafting Adventure, you can have an unforgettable experience that tempts an immediate repetition!
The attraction is ideal for people who want a new kind of thrill and adventure.
The trained guides are all professionals and give good information and instruction about the sport — making sure that safety is the top priority.
Enjoy a different kind of adventure that is absolutely easy and free.
It is exciting and ideal for the adventurous traveler who wants to get their adrenaline all pumped up.
The wetsuits, vest, and helmets are all provided by the guide and the tour company.
