Experience the Best of Norway: 21 Most Beautiful Places to See

1. Briksdalsbreen

Briksdalsbreen is a glacier that's part of the Jostedalsbreen National Park - the largest glacier in continental Europe. It is also one of Norway's most accessible glaciers, attracting thousands of visitors each year. From a height of 1200 meters, the Briksdalsbreen creates a wall of ice that cascades down into the narrow Briksdalen Valley. 

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The trail to Briksdalsbreen is about 3 kilometers long and relatively flat with the occasional steep incline. You can either hike up to the viewing point at the glacier's foot or take the "troll cars." The area surrounding the glacier is a beautiful nature reserve with steep mountains, wild rivers, and waterfalls. So make sure to take your time and enjoy the walk up.

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2. Mardalsfossen

Just west of Eikesdalsvatnet, you will find the tallest waterfall in Northern Europe, the Mardalsfossen. It is one of the most visited places in Norway during the summer. The Mardalsfossen waterfall has two main drops, the tallest of which is 297 meters. It begins at an elevation of 945 meters in Lake Mardalstjønna and ends in Eikesdalsvatnet.

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It's about a 2km hike from the Mardalen parking lot to the waterfall, where you can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The walk is all uphill, but the path is well-kept, and there are plenty of benches to rest on. 

Because the hydroelectric company controls the flow of water. It is important to note that the waterfall's impressive flow is only visible from June 20 to August 20 each year.

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3. Atlantic Ocean Road

The Atlantic Ocean Road is regarded as one of the most beautiful roads in Norway. It stretches over 8 kilometers and provides impressive views of the Norwegian coastline. The zigzagging roads that connect small towns and islands make for an exciting driving experience, and it is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Norway.

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While driving on the road you will find plenty of places to stop and enjoy the views. On of the best places to stop at is the suspended walkway. Here you can enjoy a short walk and the views of the Atlantic Ocean. There is also a coffee shop nearby where you can rest. 

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4. Trollstigen

Trollstigen, also known as the Troll Road, is one of Norway's most breathtaking tourist attractions. It is located in the western part of the country and has eleven hairpin turns that wind their way up a steep mountain slope. 

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What makes Troll Road special are the stunning views that you can see from various points along the way. Driving the road is also impressive, and at the top, there is a large observation deck where you can take in panoramic views of Norway's spectacular scenery.

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5. Lovatnet Lake

Located in Stryn Municipality, Lovatnet Lake is known for its breathtaking beauty and stunning natural surroundings. One of the most striking features of Lovatnet Lake is its striking green and bright blue waters, which look surreal. 

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Surrounded by towering cliffs, this lake provides a perfect spot for hiking, fishing, and camping. You can find lots of camping sites around the lake, where you can also rent small boats or kayaks to enjoy. 

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6. Trollveggen

Trollveggen, or the Troll Wall, is Europe's tallest vertical rock face, rising over 1,100 meters. It is part of Reinheimen National Park, which is located on Norway's west coast. It gets its name from a Norwegian folklore, which claims that trolls once lived on the mountain. 

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The Troll Wall is a popular destination for rock climbers, but you can also enjoy its beauty by hiking along the nearby trails and taking in the impressive views. Trollveggen is unlike any other mountain in the world, and it must be included on any Norway itinerary.

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7. Gudbrandsjuvet

Gudbrandsjuvet is a beautiful gorge in the Valldallen Valley where the Valldøla River flows. Along with the amazing landscape of lush mountains and waterfalls, it is a beautiful place to visit and take a break. 

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You can also walk across the suspension bridge that runs through the gorge's top. Apart from the walkway, what also makes Gudbrandsjuvet worth a visit is the cafe, where you can unwind to great coffee and cinnamon Danish while overlooking the river. Note that the cafe is only open during the summer months. 

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8. Preikestolen

Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, is a majestic cliff that rises over 604 meters above the Lysefjord in Norway. Aside from being one of the most famous hikes in Norway, it is also a beautiful 8km hike that can take you at least 4 hours to complete. The hike itself is challenging, passing through rocky mountain sides, narrow paths, and steep steps. 

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However, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views once you reach the top and step out of the flat-topped rock surface, which draws people to this hike the most. It can get quite busy during the summer season, so be careful as you make your way to the cliff. 

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9. Undredal

Undredal is a picturesque village nestled among towering mountains in Norway's Aurlandsfjord. This village in Norway is known for its wooden houses, brown and white goat cheese, and magnificent views around the village. 

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A few of the popular activities you can do when visiting Undredal are hiking in the surrounding mountains as well as kayaking in the nearby fjord. You can also take in the relaxing atmosphere as you stroll around the village and visit the smallest stave church in Norway. 

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10. Geirangerfjord

The Geirangerfjord, located in western Norway, is one of the most visited fjords in Norway and arguably one of the most beautiful ones. The Fjord is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to charming villages such as Geiranger and Hellesylt. The fjord stretches for 15km and is 260m deep, surrounded by dramatic mountains, cascading waterfalls, and serene lakes. 

There are plenty of activities in Geirangerfjord, including hiking, sightseeing, kayaking, and taking a fjord cruise to fully appreciate the beauty of the area. One of the highlights of Geirangerfjord is the Seven Sisters Waterfall, which features seven distinct streams cascading down a sheer cliff face.  

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11. Stryneelva

Stryneelva or Strynselva is a beautiful river in Norway known for its snakelike structure visible from the top. The river flows for about 8 kilometers and passes through some truly majestic scenery of Norway before reaching the charming village of Stryn. 

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You can walk along the river and marvel at the massive cliffs and vibrant blue-green waters. You can also visit the Stryn village, which offers an array of activities. 

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12. Gamle Strynefjellsvegen

Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, also known as the Old Strynefjell Road, is a stunning scenic drive that winds through the mountains of Norway. This 27km stretch of road was built at the end of the 19th century and runs between Groli and Videsater. 

The road twists and turns through steep mountain passes, providing you with a thrilling ride as you drive through this breathtaking landscape. It's like driving through a postcard with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and rolling green hills. Along the way, there are several lookout points where you can stop to take in the magnificent views. 

The long stone walls and guard stones of Gamle Strynefjellsvegen make it an attraction on its own, attesting to the innovative engineering of the 19th century. This old pass road is closed in the winter season, which normally runs from September to June. 

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13. Eikesdalsvatnet

Though it looks like a fjord, Eikesdalsvatnet is an idyllic lake that is an essential stop on your Norway itinerary. The lake is long and narrow, stretching for about 18 kilometers, and it is the largest lake in More og Romsdal county. 

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The best way to view it is to drive over the scenic road Fv191 that winds along its shore, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

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At the beginning of the lake you'll find a rest stop where you can go for a quick dip before you continue your journey to Mardalsfossen. This waterfall is located at the very end of the lake, which makes it the perfect stop-over when visiting Eikesdalsvatnet.

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14. Dovrefjell 

Dovrefjell is a national park located in eastern Norway. It is best known for the pristine wilderness, rugged mountains, deep valleys, and diverse wildlife that it protects. One of the main attractions is the Snohetta viewpoint, which is a boxed-steel construction with a large glass surface that showcases picturesque views of the mountain ranges. 

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The park is also home to the last wild herd of musk oxen in Europe, making it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. One of the best things you can do in Norway is to go on a wild safari tour to make sure you see the musk oxen.

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15. Borgund Stave Church

Nestled in the small village of Borgund, the Borgund Stave Church stands as a majestic testament to medieval architecture, built in the 12th century. 

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This well-preserved wooden church is one of the oldest surviving stave churches in Norway. It is located at the bottom of a valley, surrounded by mountains that provide a beautiful contrast to its dark color. 

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With its intricate carvings, steep roofs, and dragon-shaped roof ridges, the Borgund Stave Church is a must-visit if you're on the tourist route to Lardal. You can visit in the summer from April 15 to October 15. There is a visitor center where you can buy tickets to enter the church and learn more about the history of this ancient building.

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16. Stegastein

Stegastein is a viewing platform perched on a mountainside, offering an unbeatable panoramic view of Norway's majestic Aurlandsfjord. This viewpoint is also known for its impressive structure, which extends 30 meters from the mountainside and sits 650 meters above Aurlandsfjord. 

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The platform is free of charge, so it can be quite busy during the summer season. Also, keep in mind that the drive up to the viewpoint can be challenging due to the narrow and winding road. Visiting the Stegastein is a great day trip if you're coming from Flam. 

With its minimalist design and breathtaking scenery, Stegastein is a must-visit destination not just for nature lovers but also for photographers, as it's one of the most photographed viewpoints in Norway. 

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17. Bergen

Bergen is located on Norway's southwestern coast and is an excellent starting point for exploring the Fjords. Apart from being one of the most beautiful cities in Norway, it is also the rainiest city with 200 rainy days per year! Despite that, the city of Bergen has a lot of amazing things to offer. 

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This includes the UNESCO-listed Bryggen waterfront, which is lined with colorful wooden houses. You can stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets lined with museums and cafes. Bergen is also known for its fish market, making it the ideal location to sample some fresh local seafood cuisine.

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18. Steinsdalsfossen

Not far from the popular city of Bergen is Steinsdalfossen, an awe-inspiring waterfall situated in the idyllic village of Norgeimsund. The surrounding landscape of lush greenery and towering cliffs creates a serene and peaceful atmosphere that is worth a visit. 

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What's unique about Steinsdalfossen is the trail that allows you to walk behind the cascading waterfall without getting wet and experience its full power. Because of this feature, it is one of the most popular waterfalls in Norway. 

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Aside from that, Steinsdalsfossen is easily accessible from the road, with various amenities including a tourist office, and a cafe nearby.

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19. Trolltunga

Despite not having visited Trolltunga, we strongly believe that it should be added to this list of the most amazing places in Norway.

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Trolltunga, also known as the Troll's Tongue, is a stunning rock formation overlooking Lake Ringedalsvatnet. It is one of Norway's most popular hikes, with stunning views of the lake and snow covered mountains along the way. Trolltunga is also a challenging trek that can take 10 to 12 hours to complete, so plan accordingly.

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20. Boyabreen

The Boyabreen glacier is one of many glacier tongues on the Jostedalsbreen glacier, Europe's largest glacier. The viewpoint is located in Fjaerland, where you'll get a better view as it cascades down the valley into the glacier lake. 

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It is one of the most accessible glaciers in Norway, with only a few minutes walk from the parking lot. There is also a cafe close by where you can enjoy a hot drink while overlooking the glacier. 

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21. Oslo’s Islands

Oslo is surrounded by several islands that offer breath-taking landscapes and natural beauty. Some of the most popular islands include Hovedoya, Lindoya, and Gressholmen. During our trip, we visited Hovedoya and Langøyene.

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Hovedoya is located closest to the city center, here you can enjoy the beach or explore a Monastery ruin. Camping is not allowed on this island. If you plan to do so, your best option is to take the ferry to Langøyene. This is the only island where camping is allowed.

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The lush greenery, sandy beaches, and charming wooden houses of the islands are a must-visit when in Norway.

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And that’s the 21 most beautiful places in Norway!

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Don't miss out on the chance to witness Norway's incredible scenery and vibrant culture. Plan your itinerary now with our list of the most beautiful places to visit in Norway.

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Let us know which of these places you have visited in the comments down below.