Ready For This Scandinavian Beauty?
Get ready to be wowed by Norway, a country with some of the most stunning natural landscapes on the planet. With endless opportunities to hike, ski, and explore the wilderness, you’ll fall in love with its majestic fjords, towering mountains, quaint villages, and modern cities. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a laid-back traveller, Norway offers something for everyone.
In this blog, I’ve highlighted the best areas to stay and the top things to do in each location so you can start planning your epic Norwegian adventure!
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Oslo: Norway’s Vibrant Capital
Oslo, Norway’s capital and largest city, is a modern, vibrant city with many shops, restaurants and cultural attractions. It is known for its natural beauty, impressive contemporary architecture, cultural scene, art scene and winter sports; these are just a few of the things Oslo has to offer. However, it is also known for its high living costs, as it is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Despite this, it remains a popular tourist destination.
Aker Brygge District in Oslo
Places To Stay In Oslo
City Center (Sentrum). Staying in the city centre is popular for travellers. It provides easy access to most of Oslo’s major attractions and transportation hubs. Sentrum allows you to conveniently explore the city’s vibrant culture, shopping, dining, and historical sites. There are various hotels, from luxury options to mid-range and budget-friendly choices.
Grunerlokka. Grunerlokka boasts a trendy and bohemian neighbourhood located northeast of the city centre. This area is known for its artistic and hipster atmosphere, with many cafes, bars, boutiques, and street art. Grunerlokka makes an excellent choice for a more electric and local vibe. Plus, you can enjoy the unique atmosphere and cultural events here. Accomodation options include boutique hotels, guesthouses, and apartments.
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Things To Do In Oslo
Munch Museum and a tram going through the city
Bergen: Norway’s Scenic Wonder
Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen, is a significant cultural and economic hub and a popular tourist destination. It’s a picturesque coastal town known for its colourful wooden houses, a vibrant waterfront, charming historic district and outdoor activities.
Bergen’s cultural scene, with its vibrant arts and music community, adds to the city’s charm, making it a captivating destination for travellers seeking natural wonders and cultural delights. While in Bergen, embark on a fjord cruise to witness the breathtaking landscapes of the surrounding fjords.
Night view of a historical wooden district Bryggen in Bergen
Cool Places To Stay In Bergen
Bryggen. The central location for accommodation is in Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has historic wooden buildings along the waterfront and boasts several hotels and boutique hotels along the iconic waterfront district. Staying in the heart of Bryggen lets you soak in the maritime atmosphere and charming city.
Nordnes Peninsula. For a tranquil and scenic area located a short walk from Bergen’s city centre, consider staying in the Nordnes Peninsula. It offers a more peaceful atmosphere near the main attractions and amenities. There are various camping sites, many of which provide lovely sea views and easy access to Nordnes Park.
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Fun Adventures In Bergen
Kristiansand: Coastal Charm
Kristiansand, located in southern Norway, is well known for its beaches, cultural attractions and outdoor activities. It’s also a family-friendly hotspot surrounded by natural beauty and great food. The main attraction is Dreparken, which attracts more than one million visitors annually.
Kristiansand is also an excellent hub for festivals and events. Enjoy the atmosphere, welcoming ambience, and coastal beauty, making it a perfect destination for a summer getaway and a taste of Norweigan seaside life.
Cute homes and rentals along the river in Kristiansand
Places To Stay In Kristiansand
Kristiansand offers a variety of accommodation options for visitors. For those who prefer a more outdoorsy experience, there are several camping sites, such as Hamresanden Camping and Kristiansand Feriesenter.
City Centre (Sentrum). The city centre provides convenient access to the main attractions, restaurants, shopping areas, and cultural venues. It has everything you need, with various accomodation options, including hotels and boutique guesthouses, catering to different budgets.
Kristiansand Boardwalk (Strandpromenaden). Consider staying in the Kristiansand Boardwalk region for a picturesque and serene setting. Several accommodations, such as guesthouses, are situated along the boardwalk, offering a tranquil and scenic stay with easy access to the city’s beaches and outdoor activities.
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Things To Do In Kristiansand
There is not much information online about tours in Kristiansand. However, other tour options might be available while you are there.
Stavanger: Urban Charm
Stavanger, one of Norway’s largest cities, is vibrant and diverse, with a unique blend of natural beauty. It’s rich in culture and popular for hosting festivals and events. History enthusiasts enjoy Stavanger, which offers visitors a glimpse into the lively local life and business life as the centre of Norway’s oil industry.
Colourful view of Old Town Street
Where To Stay In Stavanger
Most of the Stavanger is located in or around the city centre, particularly around the harbour and the pedestrian shopping street of Øvre Holmegate.
City Center (Sentrum). Stavanger’s city centre is a great place to stay, close to many attractions and amenities. From the city centre, you can explore landmarks like the Stavanger Cathedral and cultural institutions such as the Stavanger Maritime Museum. Accommodation options include mid-range hotels, boutique guesthouses, and apartments for various budgets.
Vagen Harbor Area. For a scenic maritime atmosphere with river views, consider staying in the Vagen Harbor area. Here, you can catch ferries to nearby islands, like the stunning Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock. Several hotels and accommodations are situated along the harbour, offering beautiful views and proximity to attractions like the Norwegian Petroleum Museum and colourful quayside buildings.
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Things To Do In Stavanger
Tromso: Arctic Wonders
Located above the Arctic Circle, Tromso is known for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cultural scene and, more famously, as a prime location for viewing the Northern Lights. Due to its unique location, Tromso attracts a significant number of tourists each year and is a dynamic urban centre in Northern Norway, offering a variety of amenities and attractions.
Tromso is beautiful all year round, whether sun or snow
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Places To Stay In Tromso
Tromso City Center. Staying in Tromso city centre provides easy access to amenities, restaurants, and cultural attractions. It’s a convenient starting point for the Northern Lights Tours and other arctic adventures. Storgata, the main street in the city centre of Tromso, hosts various accommodation options suitable for different budgets, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments.
Tromso Waterfront (Tromsoya Island). Located along the waterfront, the Tromso waterfront offers beautiful views of the surrounding fjords and the Arctic Ocean. This is perfect for outdoor activities like dog sledging, snowmobiling, and whale-watching tours. You can also enjoy Tromso’s scenic beauty, with some accommodations featuring hot tubs and views of the northern lights—they are hard to find, but they exist!
Telegrafbukta. If you are searching for a more tranquil and scenic setting, Telegrafbukta, a neighbour of the city centre, offers accommodations with views of the fjord and hiking activities nearby.
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Amazing Things To Do In Tromso
Trondheim: Norway’s Historic Gem
Trondheim is a city in central Norway known for its historic architecture, rich cultural heritage, and lively university atmosphere. It is the third-largest city in Norway, with around 200,000 people.
Trondheim is also the former capital of Norway and played an essential role in the country’s Viking and medieval history. Today, Trondheim is a popular destination for visitors looking to explore its historic sites, cultural attractions, and scenic surroundings.
Cathedral Nidarosdomen in Trondheim
Places To Stay In Trondheim
Trondheim City Center. Staying in Trondheim’s city centre provides convenient access to the city’s historical sites, shopping areas, and cultural attractions. Most of the accommodations in Trondheim are located in or around the city centre. This compact location makes it easier to navigate on foot and the perfect base for exploring the city’s vibrant cultural scene and nightlife. You’ll find boutique guesthouses, boujee hotels, and apartments here.
Solsiden (The Sunny Side). Solsiden is a trendy district along the Nidelva River just east of the city centre. It’s known for its lively atmosphere and wide selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars, making it an excellent choice for food and entertainment enthusiasts. Several waterfront hotels in the Soldiden district provide convenient access to the city centre and the pleasant riverside ambience.
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Things To Do In Trondheim
Geirangerfjord: Nature’s Playground
Geirangerfjord, located in western Norway, is known for its breathtaking scenery, outdoor activities, and cultural heritage. This is a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Norway. Geirangerfjord is considered one of the most picturesque fjords in Norway and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beautiful views in Geirangerfjord
Places To Stay In Geirangerfjord
Geirangerfjord. Geirangerfjord is located in the village of Geiranger itself. It’s a small and picturesque village and the perfect base for exploring the fjord. It’s also popular for its famous waterfalls, including the Seven Sisters and the Suitorand and serves as the main tourist hub. You can easily access boat tours, hiking trails, and viewpoints from Geirangerfjord. In the village, you’ll find various accomodation options, including hotels with unreal views, guesthouses, and holiday rentals.
Alesund. While not right at the fjord, the coastal city of Alesund is another great place for accommodation. It’s about 100 kilometres west of Geirangerfjord and offers a broader range of boutique hotel options. Alesund is known for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture and vibrant cultural scene. It’s also a hub for outdoor activities in the surrounding areas.
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Things To Do In Geirangerfjord
Also, if you love food the same way as I do, experience the Norweigan cuisine, known for its seafood cuisine featuring fresh salmon, cod, and herring, alongside other traditional dishes, including lutefisk, a dish made from dried fish soaked in lye, and rakfish, a fermented fish dish.
That’s A Wrap!
Norway is a destination that has something for everyone. From its stunning natural landscapes and rich history to its modern cities, it’s a country that will leave a lasting impression on you. So why not plan a trip to Norway and experience all that this beautiful country has to offer?
Are you looking for more information about Oslo, Norway? Read more here.
