Planning a Trip to Norway: How to Choose Cities for Visiting

Dreaming of fjords, Northern Lights, and thrilling adventures? Discover Norway’s diverse cities, from vibrant Oslo to the Art Nouveau charm of Ålesund. Explore Bergen, the “Gateway to the Fjords,” or chase the Aurora Borealis in Tromsø. Seek thrills in Voss, hike in Ulvik, or delve into history in Røros. Plan your ideal itinerary and explore Norway’s breathtaking landscapes by train, bus, or iconic scenic routes. Start your Norwegian adventure today!
Important information

- Bergen: Explore fjords and the historic Bryggen wharf (UNESCO World Heritage site).
- Tromsø: Ideal for viewing the Northern Lights, located above the Arctic Circle.
- Voss: An adventure hub for hiking, kayaking, and other thrill-seeking activities.
- Travel by train or bus for long distances, enjoying scenic routes like the Bergen Railway or flexible bus routes.
- Consider the “Norway in a Nutshell” tour for a combined fjord, train, and bus experience.
Choosing Cities to Visit in Norway
Explore Norway’s diverse cities, each offering a unique experience. Bergen captivates with stunning fjords and the historic Bryggen wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For Northern Lights viewing, Tromsø, located above the Arctic Circle, is ideal. Voss, nestled amidst mountains and valleys, is a haven for hiking and kayaking enthusiasts. Remember to account for travel time between destinations.
Oslo
Oslo, the nation’s capital, offers a rich cultural scene and numerous museums, providing insights into Norway’s history.
Ålesund
Ålesund’s distinct Art Nouveau architecture presents a striking contrast.
Plan your itinerary based on your interests. Whether you prefer nature, culture, or history, Norway has a city for you.
Best Cities to Visit: Bergen, Tromsø, and Voss
Bergen, nicknamed the “Gateway to the Fjords,” is an ideal starting point for exploring these stunning natural wonders. For a different adventure, Tromsø beckons with Arctic expeditions and the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Thrill-seekers, however, should head to Voss, Norway’s adventure capital, offering a diverse range of exhilarating activities.
Exploring Hidden Gems: Røros, Ulvik, and Lillehammer
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Røros captivates visitors with its remarkably preserved wooden architecture, each building a testament to the town’s rich copper mining history.
Ulvik, a fjord-side haven, presents breathtaking vistas and opportunities for kayaking and hiking.
Lillehammer, known for hosting the 1994 Winter Olympics, now boasts world-class museums and winter sports facilities.
Adventure and Cultural Attractions
Voss: Adventure Awaits
Voss is a haven for thrill-seekers. Experience the rush of skydiving, take in breathtaking views while paragliding, or brave the white-water rapids. For a more serene experience, explore the scenic hiking trails or enjoy skiing during the winter months.
Bergen: A Culinary Journey
Bergen, a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, offers a different kind of adventure. Indulge in the city’s rich culinary scene. Don’t miss the historic Hanseatic Wharf, a captivating waterfront World Heritage site.
Bygdøy Peninsula: A Museum Lover’s Paradise
Just a short ferry ride from Oslo, the Bygdøy Peninsula is home to a treasure trove of museums. Discover the Viking Ship Museum with its well-preserved vessels. Explore polar expeditions at the Fram Museum. Relive Thor Heyerdahl’s epic voyage at the Kon-Tiki Museum.
Adventure Tourism in Voss: Activities and Sightseeing
Voss, Norway, is an adventurer’s paradise. Thrill-seekers can paraglide, ski, or hike amidst stunning scenery that captivates visitors year-round.
Cultural Attractions in Bergen and the Bygdøy Peninsula
Discover Bergen’s captivating cultural heritage. Start your journey at the historic Bryggen Wharf, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the city’s rich trading history at the Hanseatic Museum and Schøtstuene. A short ferry trip to the Bygdøy Peninsula unveils more treasures. Visit the Viking Ship Museum, home to ancient vessels. Explore the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, offering glimpses into Norway’s past. Don’t miss the Kon-Tiki Museum, showcasing Thor Heyerdahl’s incredible expeditions.
Travel Itineraries and Routes
Discover Norway’s stunning landscapes through varied routes and itineraries. Explore specific areas like the magnificent fjords or embark on a quest to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights. For a quintessential Norwegian adventure, the renowned Norway in a nutshell® tour offers a perfect blend of a fjord cruise, a scenic train journey, and a comfortable bus ride. Thrill-seekers can navigate the iconic Atlantic Road, conquer the exhilarating Trollstigen (Troll’s Ladder), or ascend the Sognefjellet Road, Norway’s highest mountain pass.
Choose your adventure
Experience Norway your way, whether you prefer the independence of a car, the convenience of a bus, or the scenic charm of a train, the mode of transport is entirely up to you.
Unparalleled coastal experience
For an unforgettable coastal adventure, consider the Hurtigruten, a coastal steamer voyage that unveils Norway’s breathtaking coastline and quaint villages.
Norway’s Most Scenic Routes and Travel Itineraries
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Norway’s breathtaking scenic routes. Explore the iconic Atlantic Road, where bridges leap across the ocean, and conquer the winding curves of Trollstigen, nestled amidst towering mountains. Venture north to the stunning Lofoten Islands, a dramatic archipelago where jagged peaks rise from the sea. Picture majestic fjords carving through the landscape, and dramatic coastal vistas unfolding before you. As you plan your itinerary, consider these scenic highlights:
- Atlantic Road: Experience the thrill of driving across bridges that seem to defy gravity, connecting islands and islets amidst a backdrop of dramatic ocean views.
- Trollstigen: Navigate the hairpin bends of this legendary mountain pass, surrounded by waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs and panoramic vistas of the surrounding peaks.
- Lofoten Islands: Discover a paradise for photographers and nature lovers, where dramatic mountain peaks rise directly from the sea, creating a landscape of unparalleled beauty.
Weave these routes into your adventure, discovering charming towns and unique attractions along the way. In Norway, the journey itself becomes the ultimate destination.
Transport and Getting Around
Traveling long distances in Norway is easy thanks to convenient bus and train routes, making it simple to explore much of the country.
Covering Long Distances by Bus or Train
Planning a Norwegian adventure? For long-distance travel, buses and trains offer comfortable journeys with stunning scenery. Popular tours like Norway in a Nutshell seamlessly connect key locations. Train enthusiasts should explore the breathtaking Bergen Railway or the extensive Nordland line, Norway’s longest. Buses provide extensive coverage and flexible routes. Compare prices and travel times to find the perfect fit for your trip.
Train travel in Norway
- Comfortable journeys with stunning scenery.
- Bergen Railway: A breathtaking train journey.
- Nordland Line: Norway’s longest train route.
Bus travel in Norway
- Extensive coverage and flexible routes.
- A cost-effective way to see the country.
Consider Norway in a Nutshell tour for a seamless connection between key locations.