Discover 12 unforgettable things to do in Norway
It’s difficult to pick just twelve things to do in somewhere as all-encompassing as Norway. In fact, it would be difficult to narrow it down to 100 or so, such is the wealth of what’s on offer. For starters, Norway is pure heaven for anyone interested in the natural world – glaciers, waterfalls and fjords are everywhere you look, and there are opportunities to see phenomena such as the Northern Lights. There’s also cutting-edge art and culture to be found in the many museums, galleries and sculpture parks, plus culinary greatness from Michelin-starred cuisine to Scandinavian pastries and world-class coffee. In short, there’s not much you can’t find here and you won’t run out of things to do in Norway anytime soon. As a place to start, here’s our pick of the best places to visit, with unforgettable sights and experiences from around the country.
Table of contents
1. Cruise through Geirangerfjord
2. See eye-catching outdoor art
3. Explore bohemian Bergen
4. Hunt out the Northern Lights
5. Sip some of the world’s best coffee
6. Combine nature and city style in Stavanger
7. Take in the views from Mount Fløyen
8. Go chasing waterfalls
9. Get cultural at the Munch Museum
10. Drive over the sea
11. Honor Norway's maritime heritage
12. See the gargantuan Troll Wall
- Table of contents
- 1. Cruise through Geirangerfjord
- 2. See eye-catching outdoor art
- 3. Explore bohemian Bergen
- 4. Hunt out the Northern Lights
- Start your Nassau adventure
- 5. Sip some of the world’s best coffee
- 6. Combine nature and city style in Stavanger
- 7. Take in the views from Mount Fløyen
- 8. Go chasing waterfalls
- 9. Get cultural at the Munch Museum
- 10. Drive over the sea
- 11. Honor Norway's maritime heritage
- 12. See the gargantuan Troll Wall
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1. Cruise through Geirangerfjord
You’re never short on choice in Norway when it comes to fjords, but this marvelous example is probably the country’s most famous. You’ll understand why after you hop on a ferry that weaves through the area’s breathtaking landscapes. Dramatic mountains tower over you, waterfalls appear at every turn and lush greenery gives everything a verdant glow. You’ll feel like you’re on another planet – and a very calm and tranquil one at that.
2. See eye-catching outdoor art
Vigeland Park in Oslo is the largest sculpture park in the world to exhibit works by a single artist, Gustav Vigeland. It’s also widely considered one of the best places to visit in Norway, with people traveling from around the globe to get a look at the artist’s thought-provoking take on life. There are some brilliantly unique and eccentric creations to discover dotted around the park’s 80 acres, including The Monolith, a 17m-high tower carved from one stone block into 121 human figures. Find out more about Vigeland’s sculptures on a Princess guided walk of the park.
3. Explore bohemian Bergen
You may hear it referred to as ‘Norway’s second city’, but there’s nothing second-rate about this handsome place. Maritime history runs deep throughout Bergen, which can be seen on a visit to Bryggen, the city’s former wharf, with its colorful wooden houses. But Bergen is also a thoroughly modern city offering numerous shops, top-notch art galleries, Scandi-cool coffee shops and first-rate restaurants and bars. Catch the highlights on a Princess half-day tour covering the best of the city.
4. Hunt out the Northern Lights
If you’re visiting Norway during autumn, winter, or early spring, take advantage of your timing to witness the Norway Northern Lights, an incredible natural phenomenon. The regions and islands around northern Norway, including Tromsø, Lofoten Islands, Alta and Honningsvag, are your best bet for spotting the Northern Lights, which fills the skies with swathes of swirling colors.
5. Sip some of the world’s best coffee
Norwegians take their coffee very seriously, so it’s no surprise that the capital, Oslo, is filled with fantastic cafés. If you want to sample something truly special, head to Tim Wendelboe, a cozy, super-stylish café where the coffee is hailed by some industry experts as the best on the planet. Former World Barista Champion Tim Wendelboe knows a thing or two about java and has created some exceptional brews that every coffee lover should try before leaving Oslo.
6. Combine nature and city style in Stavanger
Although it’s Norway’s fourth-largest city, Stavanger also boasts an amazing array of natural wonders. The imposing Lysefjord is nearby, and overlooking it from 604m above is the famous Preikestolen (‘Pulpit Rock’), which provides unrivaled views across the region. Enjoy both sights from the sky on a Princess helicopter tour, before investigating Stavanger’s other charms. These include some of Norway’s best beaches, Michelin-starred dining and excellent cocktail bars, where you can relax after all that outdoor sightseeing.
7. Take in the views from Mount Fløyen
One of the many great things about Bergen is its mini mountain, Mount Fløyen, which offers fantastic views across the city and beyond. It’s easily reached from the center via a hike through forest paths if you fancy stretching your legs, or simply hop on the Fløibanen funicular to zip right up to the top in just six minutes. Once you’re there, reward yourself with coffee and a heavenly baked treat from the mountain café, while the kids can run riot in the adventure playground. For further exploring, there are plenty of walking trails from the summit, which you can do on a Princess guided hike.
8. Go chasing waterfalls
Norway is a total heavyweight when it comes to waterfalls that wow. At 275m, the mighty Vettisfossen is the country’s highest protected waterfall and it makes for a striking sight, particularly if you hike through the Utladalen valley to see it from above. Langfoss, at over 600m, is another gem and it is often cited as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. Take in the mesmerizing cascade as part of a Princess tour through scenic Åkrafjorden.
9. Get cultural at the Munch Museum
There is more to Norway’s most famous artist than just his iconic work, The Scream, as you’ll discover at the extensive Munch Museum in Oslo. Learn how Edvard Munch led an often-troubled life but still achieved artistic feats by experimenting with photography, sculpture, film and drawing alongside his painting. The museum also houses the collections of Norwegian painter Amaldus Nielsen and writer and art collector Rolf Stenersen. In total, it has more than 42,000 objects, including almost 28,000 artworks. Make the most of all that Munch on a Princess day trip that takes you directly to the museum.
10. Drive over the sea
Not all roads are created equal, as you’ll find out on the Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsveien in Norwegian). This winding five-mile stretch was named as Norway’s ‘Engineering Feat of the Century’ and is thought to be one of the most stunning drives around, thanks to the dramatic ocean scenery. Needless to say, the best way to experience it is to let someone else do the driving (easily done on a Princess excursion from nearby Åndalsnes) while you gaze at the views.
11. Honor Norway's maritime heritage
Celebrate Norway's rich maritime history with a visit to three of its most iconic nautical museums on the scenic Bygdøy Peninsula. Start your journey at the Norwegian Maritime Museum, home to artifacts from the 9th-century Gokstad Viking ship and a wide range of maritime cultural treasures. Next, explore the daring expeditions of Thor Heyerdahl at the Kon-Tiki Museum, where his legendary 1947 Pacific voyage comes to life. Finally, step aboard the famous Fram at the Fram Museum, a polar ship that led some of the most remarkable Arctic and Antarctic expeditions in history. To delve deeper into Norway’s seafaring legacy, join our Fram, Kon-Tiki & Maritime Museums excursion an immersive maritime experience that will put you up close and personal with history.
12. See the gargantuan Troll Wall
Prepare to be awestruck by the sheer scale of the Troll Wall, Europe’s tallest vertical rock face, towering an impressive 3,600 feet above the valley below. Located in the Romsdalen Valley, this imposing natural wonder is a magnet for rock climbers and adventurers, but its dramatic presence can be appreciated by all. With its rugged beauty and legendary ties to Norwegian folklore, the Troll Wall is a testament to the raw, untamed nature of Norway's mountainous landscape. To experience this natural wonder up close, don’t miss our Best of Romsdal & The Troll Path excursion, where you’ll take in breathtaking views and discover the myths that surround this majestic site.
Norway is a land of endless wonders, from breathtaking fjords and towering mountains to vibrant cities brimming with culture. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, exploring Viking history, or sipping world-class coffee in Oslo, there's something for everyone to discover. Experience these unforgettable locations and more while enjoying the comfort and ease of our expertly curated excursions aboard Princess Norway and Iceland cruises. We’ll handle the details, you focus on making memories that will last a lifetime.