5 Places to Visit in Norway
Norway offers unlimited ways to explore its breathtaking landscapes and unlimited places to choose from. We opted for a boat journey up north, followed by a road trip on our way back down. We didn’t have a ton of time and couldn’t begin to see the whole country, so we had to narrow it down. Our boat + road trip fit our schedule perfectly, allowing us to visit multiple destinations and soak up the stunning scenery along the way. Here are 5 places to visit in Norway for a well-rounded trip.
Views. Hikes. Relaxation. History. Pampering. Water. Mountains. Fjords.
BERGEN
We wanted to immerse ourselves in nature rather than spending too much time in big cities, though we still wanted a taste (plus you have to fly in somewhere!).
The city is easy to fly into and even easier to explore. We enjoyed discovering its charming streets and vibrant culture before boarding our cruise ship. Bergen is often referred to as the gateway to Norway's fjords. It's the perfect starting point for exploring the stunning natural fjords that Norway is famous for.
Ålesund
We took a cruise ship north (Havila Polaris), which is a popular choice for travelers wanting to do a cruise while exploring along the Norwegian coast. We opted to take it for just one night. This overnight journey allowed us to rest (as much as you can rest with a jet-lagged baby) while traveling 12 hours north to Ålesund.
Ålesund is a charming walkable port town, with picturesque streets. Picture quaint shops, cozy cafes, and scenic waterfront. Ålesund’s vibrant fishing industry also means there's no shortage of fresh seafood to enjoy.
Can you tell I’m a sucker for beautiful flowers in a city?
Geiranger
The place I expected to get those beautiful views of mountains and fjords and it did not disappoint. We hiked, drove the winding roads to a lake at the top of the mountain pass, visited viewpoints, ate in the cute little village, took a boat ride to see the famous waterfalls, and indulged in the historic hotel with the rooftop pool.
Loen
Loen is a little village in Stryn with a small population, but a ton of outdoor activities and views to choose from, including the Loen Skylift (that will take you all the way up to get amazing views with no effort). There is a nice restaurant, coffee shop, and hiking trails at the top. This is also where you can watch people base jump!
Flam & Gudavegan
Flam is nestled in a lush mountain valley with plenty to do. Waterfall hikes, boat tours, train rides and a cute little visitor village with plenty of food, drink and views to soak in and relax.
Gudavegan was a nice surprise. A spot not always listed on the must see places, but a charming and relaxing place to visit. A gateway to the Nærøyfjord, one of Norway's most breathtaking natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gudvangen is rich in outdoor activities and Viking cultural heritage.
You can’t go wrong in Norway. There is beauty around every turn, but here are five places we visited and we loved them all. To view more pictures of each place, check out the Norway in photos post.
To see what getaways we are offering this year, explore here.
