Six Must See Cities in Norway

Norway is a beautiful Scandinavian country known for its historical landmarks, Viking heritage, and abundance of natural beauty.  There is so much to discover, from large metropolitan cities to charming fishing villages and picturesque fjords.
 
Whether you are coming for the culture or to spend time outdoors, here are six must-see cities in the country. 

​OSLO
 
The capital of Norway, Oslo is the most visited city in the country. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded here every autumn and it hosted the 1952 Winter Olympics.  Amazingly, all of the events except for alpine skiing were held within the metropolitan area.
 
The city has a number of interesting sites to explore. Top attractions include the Akershus Castle and Fortress, Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, the Fram (Viking Ship) Museum, the Vigeland Sculpture Park and Holmenkollen Ski Museum and Tower.   
 
While the city center and most residential areas are on the mainland, Oslo has many islands within its city limits.  The city itself overlooks the Oslo Fjords to one side with panoramic mountain views on the other. 

​BERGEN
 
As the second-largest city in Norway, Bergen has a lot to offer and is a popular stop on Norway cruises.  A must do is sampling the local seafood.
 
A quintessential Norwegian town, Bergen has old wooden boathouses that date back to the 12th century.  The old wharf is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and delights visitors with its old cobblestone streets and colorful buildings.  Be sure to take the funicular up the mountain for amazing panoramic views of the area.  It starts in city center and only takes 6 minutes to reach the top.  

​ALESUND
 
Alesund is considered to be one of Norway’s most beautiful cities.  While many cities and towns have the similar wooden house architecture in their old town areas, Alesund is a bit different - Art nouveau style similar to architecture found in Prague and Brussels. A fire in 1904 devasted its wooden city and young Norwegian designs rebuilt the city in what was popular at the time.

​If time allows, Alesund offers plenty of experiences, from walking the city’s waterfront to exploring museums and enjoying local cuisine.  For an incredible view, climb the 400+ steps up Mount Aksla.  

​TRONDHEIM
 
Perfectly positioned in the middle of Norway's coastline is the town of Trondheim.  Once the Viking capital of Norway, the city embodies a small town heart with big city vibes and plenty of experiences, especially in the winter.  It is known as Norway’s capital of knowledge (in part due to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway’s largest university).
 
Trondheim has also been rated as a top food destination and features a vibrant cafe culture in the colorful old quarter. As you walk the city's street, you'll be surrounded by plenty of Norwegian history and culture. Be sure to visit the Nidaros Cathedral, Norway’s largest church and the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world! 

​HENNINGSVAER
 
Henningsvaer is a charming fishing village located in the Lofoten archipelago.  Fishing continues to be its main source of income, largely around the cod industry (66,000 tons are exported annually).  
 
Located just inside the Arctic Circle, the town is known for its brightly painted houses that rise out of the sea and stand out against the harsh elements. Throughout the year, the town can experience beautifully clear days with 24-hours of sunlight or be completely blanketed in fresh snow.
 
Henningsvaer is also famous as a center of outdoor activities – hiking, climbing, mountain biking, kayaking – not to forget the Football Field, considered to be the or one of the most beautiful in the world.  What do you think?   

TROMSO
 
Despite its remote location deep within the Arctic Circle, Tromso is one of Norway's most beautiful cities.  Not only is it known for being a fantastic place to see the Northern Lights, but visitors can also enjoy dog sledding, spot reindeer, and tour centuries-old houses in this arctic winter wonderland.
 
No matter where you choose to travel in Norway, you’ll be treated to breathtaking natural beauty and stunning architecture that will leave you in awe.
 
 

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