4 Must-See Places to Visit in Norway

If you’re headed to Norway for the first time but aren’t exactly sure where to go, then you might want to check out these places to visit in Norway. From stunning views of the Northern Lights to adventurous snowmobiling in the mountains, you’ll experience the true beauty, serenity, and rawness of Norway’s must-see places.

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Tromsø

Tromsø is a must-see city in Norway because it lies between the breathtaking peaks of the Lyngen alps and offers a mix of wild scenery with urban life. It lies right in the middle of the northern light’s belt, which makes it a perfect place to see the northern lights!

There’s so much to do there like go on a tour to the nothern lights with a knowledgeable local guide. A good one will know the best areas and even tell you how to adjust your camera settings so you can pick up the exquisite colors in the night sky. Aside from checking out the northern lights with the guide, he may even bring you “butt boarding” ? — just a funny name they have for sledding!

Another fun activity to do in Tromsø is snowmobiling on a trail of 30km (15km each way) where you can take in the surrounding scenery at 250m to 875m above sea level and eat a hotel meal in a lavvu (Sami tent).

Lastly, Tromsø is also a great place to spot hump-back whales and orcas on a wildlife safari. You might also see other wildlife like white-tailed eagles, seabirds, and seals! Keep your eyes peeled.

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Kvaloya

Only 25 minutes outside of Tromsø city centre is Kvaloya, the fourth largest island in Norway.  You’ll want to put on snowshoes and warm clothing in this must-see place in Norway so you can trek around this island.

While you’re trekking, you’ll spot arctic wildlife and get lost in the beautiful mountainous views of Tromsø and Balsford.

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Karasjok

^{Timelapse Aurora Borealis, 24.3.2016 from Markus Strassfeld on Vimeo.}

Karasjok is home to the Sami Parliament, Sami radio, Sami theme park, and Sami museum. It’s the perfect place to get your fill of Sami knowledge and experience.

It’s also one of the best places in Norway to go dog-sledding. This magical experience of riding in Norway’s scenic landscape is best done with high-level sled dogs, trained to ride long distances. Don’t forget to warm up in a wood-heated sauna and outdoor jacuzzi afterwards!

You might like this 11 days, 9 nights trip that goes to Norway, Finland, and Sweden.

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Oslo

Of course, a trip to Norway isn’t a trip without visiting the capital, Oslo! It’s best known for its green spaces and museums such as the Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Viking Ship Museum, but if you want to do something extra special, check out Akershus Fortress, a medieval castle, or the Holmenkollbakken. It’s a ski-jumping hill with panoramic views of the fjord!

Check out this 8 day, 7 night trip to Norway that brings you to Oslo, Tromsø, and Kvaloya.

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Best Time to Go to Norway

The best time to visit Norway depends on what you want to do when you’re there.

• For the northern lights, dog sledding, and other winter activities, you’ll want to go to Norway in January or February although it will be pretty dark and cold.
• For warmer weather, lush greens, and sunlight, June to August is a great time of year. Note that there are a lot of mosquitoes in the summertime! Pack my favorite bug spray that actually works.

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What to Pack to Norway

When you go to Norway will affect your packing list, but there are a handful of good items that are useful for most of the year. Also, these may be the items you might easily forget!

• A thin jacket that can be worn underneath your main jacket and rolled up tightly in your suitcase is always handy to have on you.
• Thermals are great for layering and keeping you warm.
• A bathing suit is not something you’d think of bringing to a cold place but great to have on hand for saunas and jacuzzis.
• Waterproof pants and jackets are good to have to wear over your clothing.

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I hope you enjoyed this post about Norway! I’d love to hear how you trip goes. Reach out to me via the Contact page, my Facebook group, or Instagram with any questions.

Thanks for stopping by! xo.

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