What is Norway Famous For? Places to Visit & Things to Do in Norway

Norway, also referred to as “The Land of Midnight Sun” is a perfect holiday destination if you want to feel the natural aura in different colours and forms. The country has been blessed with beautiful landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, deep fjords, glaciers, and wildlife. 

Furthermore, the country is also well known for its architecture, culture and traditional art that present an ideal combination of cultural and natural beauty. In addition, the northern lights are also a major thing for what Norway is famous for.

Following are some of the major tourist attractions in Norway:

1. Roros

Located in Trondelag County, Norway, the mining town of Roros is a living museum currently classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is filled with wooden buildings and houses that were probably constructed between the 17th and 18th centuries. In addition, this village has many workshops, small art shops, etc., and is famous for traditional delicacies like pastries, cheeses, etc.

2. Tromso

Tromso is one of the most famous places in Norway, known as this country's winter wonderland. This region is considered as an ideal tourist location owing to its Arctic climate, delicious foods, impressive culture, and snow-covered surroundings. While visiting this city, you will experience the stunning beauty of the Northern Lights. You can see these lights from a bus, basecamp, or boat.

3. Henningsvaer

The fishing village of Henningsvaer lies in Nordland County, and it also comes on the list of the most famous places in Norway. This region is known for its ethnic Norwegian hamlets, adventurous activities, the Hus Gallery, and restaurants. Additionally, there are wooden buildings, pubs, and cafes. If you are an adventure lover, you can go hiking in the Glomtinden, which is considered a terrific landscape of the Lofoten Islands.

4. Nidaros Cathedral

The Nidaros Cathedral is situated in Trondheim, and it is the heart of Norway. It was built over the tomb of King Olav II and is considered one of the most famous places in Norway. This renowned cathedral was constructed by King Olav Kyrre in the 13th century, and it is known for its fascinating Norman architecture.

5. Nordkapp

Sitting in the north of Norway within the Troms and Finmark County, Norkapp is another fascinating place in this European country. This place rises more than 300 meters above the Arctic Ocean and is filled with adventure and excitement. Tourists visit Nordkapp to enjoy its snowfall and snowy deserts on a snowmobile or spend their time in North Cape and the beauty of Aurora Borealis.

6. Jostedalsbreen National Park

The Jostedalsbreen National Park is situated in Vestland, Norway, and it has been named after the largest European glacier, Jostedalsbreen. The park has been blessed with beautiful landscapes, mesmerising glaciers, snow-capped mountains, and majestic lush valleys. Therefore, it is regarded as one of the most famous places in Norway. This zone experiences an Arctic climate all year round and is popular for exploring, hiking, etc.

7. Tonsberg

The old town of Tonsberg is one of the top attractions of this European country that lies in southern Norway. This famous tourist place in Norway becomes even more captivating during summer. Tonsberg has been gifted with pristine beaches, exquisite coastlines, dense forests, museums, and so on. Furthermore, the rocky and sandy coastline benefits various water sports as well.

8. Geirangerfjord

Another ideal place to visit in Norway is Geirangerfjord in Sunmore. This region is UNESCO-protected and is known for its picturesque scenery, beautiful waterfalls, lush greenery, and snow-covered peaks. Furthermore, Geirangerfjord is famous for activities like hiking, fishing, rafting, mountain biking, birdwatching, sightseeing, and so on. Also, there are many restaurants where you can enjoy the local cuisine of this fjord.

9. Alesund

Alesund is a small village that lies on the western edge of Norway and is considered one of the country's best touring places. The region has been blessed with mesmerising landscapes and seascapes alongside various adventurous activities such as kayaking and hiking. Furthermore, Alesund is known for its fascinating art, architecture, and historical locations along with many cafes and restaurants.

10. Pulpit Rock

Another famous thing in Norway is the Pulpit Rock. It is a cliff which lies at an elevation of 600 meters above sea level in the Strand Region of Norway. It acts as an idyllic place for hiking, trekking, and sightseeing. Moreover, it is famous for various enthralling activities like kayaking, salmon safari, cycling, canoeing, etc. Also, some exciting sports like surfing, kiting, and paragliding are popular here.

11. Sognefjord

Sognefjord is situated in Vestland and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. It is also considered one of the most famous places of Norway. This is the deepest and longest fjord in Norway and is referred to as the ‘King of Fjords’. The beauty of Sognefjord is astounding, which you can enjoy by going on a fjord safari, kayak, or on a boat cruise. This place is blessed with fascinating landscapes, peaks, lush greeneries, valleys, etc.

12. Lofoten Islands

Another incredible attraction of Norway is the Lofoten Islands which lies in Norland County. It is considered an ideal place for surfing. The Lofoten Islands feature astounding landscapes, including seabird colonies, high mountains, deep blue fjords, and pristine beaches. This is a perfect place to spend a holiday where you can indulge in plenty of enthralling activities like fishing, ocean rafting, hiking, scuba diving, surfing, skiing, and soon.

13. Alta

Alta is referred to as ‘the city of arctic lights’ and is also one of the best places to visit in Norway. During summer, there is no sunset, and during winter, everyone gets eager to see the enchantment of Aurora Borealis. Moreover, you can enjoy various enthralling activities here, including snowshoe hiking, snowmobiling, dog sledding, horse sleigh riding, biking, hiking, boating, and various other activities.

14. Lillehammer

Lillehammer is another notable tourist destination in Norway. It is situated in the extreme south of the Gudbrandsdal Valley above Lake Mjosa. The summer season is an ideal time for tourists to witness various attractions of Lillehammer. Maihaugen museum is an ideal destination comprising hundreds of historical monuments, workshops, a stave church, and several farmhouses. Another notable destination of Lillehammer is Peer Gyant’s Cottage.

15. Laerdal Tunnel

Another reason Norway is famous for is the longest road tunnel in the world, Laerdal Tunnel. This huge road tunnel is responsible for connecting big cities such as Bergan and Oslo. Therefore, it will be a proper route while you are travelling there by car. The Laerdal tunnel is almost 15 miles long with a stretch of rock chambers.

Aside from the tourist destinations, Norway is highly popular for some other things, including foods, wine, festival, and so on:

16. Northern Lights

One of the famous things in Norway is the majestic Northern Lights. During the month of September to March, the skies of Norway are lit up by the lights of Aurora Borealis. In Alta, you can enjoy these Northern Lights while taking a bath.

17. Skiing

One of the best activities Norway is known for is skiing. In winter, numerous places in this country become ideal for cross-country and downhill skiing. Hemsedal is one such place where you must go if you are a skiing lover. This place is regarded as one of the best skiing zones because it has outstanding ski resorts and numerous slopes. Another destination for winter sports like tubing and sledding is Hafjell.

18. Foods

Apart from the stunning Fjords, amazing northern night and abundance of striking landscapes, Norwegian food dishes are most popular among food lovers. The dish is cooked in a combination of mutton and cabbage and is highly valued for its fantastic taste and nutritional value. Among others, you should enjoy Vafler, Brunost, Smalahove, Lapskaus and the world-famous lip-smacking Norway special dish, meatballs.

19. Alcoholic Beverages

If you plan to raise a toast during your Norway trip with friends or family, Aquavit should be your first preference. Made from grains and potatoes, it's the most popular alcoholic drink in Norway. Some other drinks for which Norway is famous include Glogg, Punsch and obviously Vikingfjord, the Norwegian vodka brand, which has been acknowledged as the best vodkas available by the international wine and spirit community.

20. Festivals

Festivals are an integral part of Norway's culture. Some of these most enthralling festivals include Oya Festival held in Oslo's Toyen Park from 9th to 13th August. The biggest food festival, Gladmet of Scandinavia, is organised at the end of June and attracts countless travellers and foodies from across the world. Some other festivals include the Northern Lights Music Festival, the Peer Gynt Festival, and Saint Lucia's Day.

21. Museums

Norway is widely known for its numerous renowned museums. Those world-famous museums include the Oseberg ship, Slottsfjell Museum, Mount Slottsfjell, Haugar Art Museum, Slottsfjell Tower, etc. Every museum exhibits its charm to show this country's past and culture. Another one is the Jugendstilsenteret Museum which displays the architecture of Norway. Other notable museums are Viking Ship Museum and the Norwegian Aviation Museum. 

So, these are the top reasons Norway is famous for. This Scandinavian country invites tourists worldwide to experience its natural beauty and touring destinations. Furthermore, this country is known for its delicacies, wines, and festivals. Hence, pack your luggage and get started if you desire to go on holiday to this beautiful country.