10. Alesund
Located on Norway’s west coast, Ålesund is the gateway to the iconic northwestern fjords and surrounding alpine mountains. The city of Alesund owes its present-day picturesque appearance to a city-wide reconstruction after a fire in 1904 destroyed most of the town. The city was rebuilt with stone and brick in the architectural style of the time, and stands today as a perfect example of Jugendstil design, Northern Europe’s version of Art Nouveau. Visitors can learn more about the style at the Jugendstilsenteret, or Art Nouveau Center. A hike up the 400 steps to the viewpoint Fjellstua is worthwhile as well. The mountain peak offers stunning views of Alesund and the surrounding islands.
9. Tromso
8. Trondheim
There’s something for everyone in the northern city of Trondheim. Founded in 997, Norway’s third largest city was the country’s capital during the Viking Age and the nation’s religious center during the Middle Ages, making it the ideal destination for those who want to explore Norway’s history. From Sverresborg, a restored 12th century castle, to the Nidaros Cathedral, the northernmost Medieval cathedral in the world, the city abounds with remnants of the past.
7. Jotunheimen National Park
Jotunheimen, or Home of the Giants, is Norway’s premier national park. Located in the nation’s south central region, the park encompasses several mountain ranges, including Norway’s 29 highest peaks. The park is also home to Vettisfossen, which at 275 meters (900 feet) is the highest waterfall in Norway. Mountain lodges and well-marked trails in the area offer visitors easy access to glacier hikes, summit tours, mountain climbing and skiing. Tour companies and trekking associations offer outdoor adventures for visitors of every age and skill level.
6. Svalbard
5. Oslo
Norway’s capital and most populated city, Oslo is a vibrant modern city with a confident attitude and laid-back atmosphere. Hugging the horseshoe-shaped shores of the Oslofjord, Oslo is one-third city and two-thirds forests, parks and green spaces, making outdoor activities like hiking and biking popular pastimes. From its 19th-century city center with its museums, lively bars and restaurants to the Nobel Peace Center located in the city’s former railway station, Oslo is culturally rich as well. The city’s 50 museums range from the Munch Museum, which features “The Scream” and other works by Edvard Munch, to the Folkemuseet, an outdoor museum that includes more than 150 historic buildings from all over Norway, including a Stave Church.
4. Stavanger
3. Lofoten Islands
One of the most popular places to visit in Norway, Lofoten is a group of islands in the northern part of the country. With its postcard looking small fishing villages nestled in fjords, dotting a very rugged coast with abrupt peaks rising directly from the ocean, the archipelago is often described as one of the most scenic parts of Norway. Although the archipelago is located well above the Arctic Circle, at about the same latitude as Greenland it enjoys a relatively mild climate due to the circulation of the Gulf Stream. Temperatures up to 23°C in the summer are not uncommon although it remains a subarctic destination and the weather changes fast.
2. Bergen
Norway’s second largest city, Bergen has been the nation’s leading western port since the Middle Ages. Today, its 15th-century waterfront in the Bryggen district is both a working port and a tourist destination for visitors eager to sample fresh fare at seaside restaurants. Although Bergen makes a great home base for explorations of the scenic fjords around the city and the neighboring islands, there’s plenty to see within the city as well. A quick trip up Bergen’s popular funicular is a good way to get oriented in the place known as the Gateway to the Fjords.
1. Western Fjords
Norway’s famous fjords are found throughout the country and not limited to a particular region or location. However, the most dramatic and famous fjords are largely found in West Norway, approximately from Stavanger to Molde. Although the western fjords vary slightly in appearance they are generally relatively narrow, surrounded by steep rock faces, tall mountains and extremely deep. The most famous fjords include Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord.
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