There are so many cool places to visit in Norway! Obviously this is no small town we're talking about, but an entire country full of breathtaking landscapes, quaint villages, and natural beauty.

Before visiting we scoured the internet high and low to find the most unique and cool places to visit in Norway, and after exploring for a full two weeks we were able to check off a ton of incredible ones off of our bucket list.

Norway is a photographer's dream, and we're here to share all of our favorite spots with you - from the most iconic locations, to the different hidden gems we discovered along the way.

🏘 Cool Places to Visit in Norway: Villages & Towns

There are so many cool places to visit in Norway, and a ton of big locations from popular cities to picturesque villages. 

While everyone of course knows of Oslo, Norway's capital, we're here to share some of our favorite towns and cities around Norway that are also worth visiting.

1. Alesund

Alesund is the where fjords and mountains meet the sea. It's a small town, but has so much charm, making it one of the must-visit destinations while in the south west of Norway.

Don't miss out on the impressive viewpoint overlooking the city, and enjoy the stunning Art-Nouveau architecture.

2. Bergen

Surrounded by mountains and fjords, Bergen is a beloved city in the south of Norway that has become a popular cruise port.

Explore the colorful waterfront area of Bryggen, visit the iconic fish market, and take the funicular to the top of the mountain for some breathtaking views. Bergen is the perfect place to spend 1-2 days in Norway, and can be appreciated by all different types of travelers.

3. Stavanger

Stavanger is one of our favorite cities in all of Norway. Conveniently located to be the gateway for some of Norway's most popular hikes, it's a great place to base yourself while visiting the south of the country.

Enjoy the colorful streets, hang at one of the charming cafes, and sail around the surrounding archipelago. Stavanger is the perfect representation of cool places to visit in Norway for those that love both small cities and nature.

4. Trondheim

Welcome to an adorable town that boasts colorful houses, a stunning cathedral, and a whole lot for the foodies out there.

Trondheim is home to multiple Michelin star restaurants. It's the leading city for innovation in Norway, and it's also the country's top cycling city!

5. Tromso

We decided to fly to Tromso because it was the most budget-friendly flight option to get to the north of Norway, and go experience the incredible Lofoten Islands. 

Boy did we regret not spending more time there, because the city is full of colorful houses and surrounded by mountains, making it a truly beautiful place to explore.

Don't miss out on taking the iconic cable car ride for some of the best views of the city!

6. Reine

Reine is one of the most popular towns to visit in the Lofoten Islands, and is home to one of the most iconic hikes in Norway.

This tiny village has an adorable cafe, it's the starting point to the Reinebringen hike, and it also has beautiful postcard-worthy views from the parking lot upon entering the area.

7. Hennisvaer

This is hands-down our favorite village in the Lofoten Islands, and in all of Norway! You may have seen it from above, as it has become a popular spot for people to fly their drones. This is because of its unique island shape, and a soccer field making up the majority of it!

But don't be fooled. Hennisvaer is just as charming from below as it is from above. With adorable cafes, local art, and pictureqsue piers, it's hard not to fall in love with this small village.

If you want a fun and unique night out head to their karoakoe bar, and if you want to try whale then head to the adorable restaurant on the pier. You'll also find some incredbile hikes nearby, cute shops, and an overall incredible vibe here.

Hennisvaer may be little, but it has a ton to offer, and shouldn't be missed if you are visiting the Lofoten Islands in Norway!

8. Nusfjord

Nusfjord is a true hidden gem, and if you're looking to walk straight into a Norwegian post card, then this is a place you'll want to save to your bucket list.

The fishing village has a stunning contrast of both bright yellow and red cabins dotted around one big boardwalk, making you feel as if you've just walked into a movie scene.

Don't miss out on the viewpoint above town! You can hike up to to get incredible views of Nusfjord. Unfortunately we couldn't find it, and visited at 3 am, so we suggest going at a normal hour and asking a local so you can find it.

9. Hamnoy

If the Lofoten Islands of Norway could be summed up into one photo, it would be the perfectly picturesque fishing village of Hamnoy. 

The tiny island is connected by a bridge and is full of red buildings perched along its coast, with gorgeous mountain as its backdrop.

Hamnoy is best appreciated from the bridge leading up to it, which is pretty much where you'll get the view from the photo on the right below (we flew our drone to get this shot though).

10. Geiranger

A popular cruise port, this is one of the most stunning fjord towns in Norway. The small town can easily be explored on foot, and also has some incredible views above it. (Check the description of Flydalsjuvet below for one of our favorites!)

11. Hellesylt

Located on the same fjord as Geiranger, Hellesylt is just a ferry ride away from the cruise port. Not only is it a charming town to explore, but it's actually also where they filmed Vikings!

12. Værøy

Part of the Lofoten Island archipelago, Værøy is a remote and stunning island to add to your bucket list. If you're looking for cool places to visit in Norway with breathtaking landscapes, then this is the place for you.

You can take a day trip here from either Bodo or Moskenes, by a scenic ferry ride, or an unbelievable helicopter flight. Don't miss out on the incredible hiking there, as well as looking out for puffins!

🏕 Cool Places to Visit in Norway: Unique Accommodation

Norway has some of the most incredible and innovative accommodation options. Think epic glamping experiences that provide comfort, quality, and the most serene atmospheres.

Here are some really cool places to visit in Norway to spend the night.

13. PAN Treetop Cabins

Just two hours from Oslo, PAN Treetop cabins are epic A-frame cabins on stilts sitting in the middle of the forest. They make for the perfect relaxing getaway from the capital, and are definitely one the coolest places to stay near Norway's capital.

14. The Wonderinn Mirrored Glass Cabin

Wonderinn was built by a Norwegian couple living in their campervan, and was a true dream brought to life.

They have multiple properties, but our favorite is the mirrored cabin which you can see out of but not into. It's just outside Oslo, is surrounded by nature, and also comes with a jacuzzi making it the true ultimate combo for a romantic getaway.

15. Laagen Treetop Cabin

Laagen Treetop Cabins are part of a "slow-paced forest resort", and are the ultimate cabins tucked away in the woods. They offer stunning glass containers, cozy forest cabins, and an incredible treep top cabin that sits 8 meters above the ground.

16. Raet Camping AS

Located just 3 hours down the coast from Oslo, this is a really unique camping spot. Not only do they have regular tents, but they also have round canvas bubbles that you can stay in!

17. Mjonøy AS

Known as the best bakery in Norway, this adorable spot brings tourists all over for their freshly made cinnamon rolls and other baked goods.

Located right on the river, this isn't just a bakery though! It's also a camp site, and makes for the perfect place to spend a night traveling from Oslo to the very south of the country.

18. Trekrona

This is another really cool cabin tucked away in the woods, and it's known for its futuristic style.

Unlike most of the other treehouses and glamping sites though, Trekrona has plenty of cool things to do and see nearby including a golf course, beaches, and the Ogna stage.

19. Himmelhyttene AS

Himmelhyttene is one of those cool places to visit in Norway for those that want to enjoy a serence and peaceful night out in nature.

We stayed here for a night, and it was such a cool concept. The cabin is tucked away in the forest and can only be reached by a 45-minute hike. 

Our favorite part? They have a bed that hangs from the ceiling!

20. Woodnest

This is the quinnessential luxury treehouse. With a unique and innovative design, this epic acorn-looking glampsite has a mechanical bed that moves up and down!

21. Namsen Salmon & Train Experience

If you're looking for a truly unique experience in Norway, then you'll really want to add the Namsen Salmon & Train experience to your bucket list. 

This accommodation is actually inside of a train perched onto a 180-meter long bridge overlooking a river full of salmon! Unfortunately it was too far out of the way for our itinerary plans, but it is certainly one that we're going to check out in the future.

22. Fordypningsrommet Fleinvær- the Arctic hideaway

Only accessible by boat, the Arctic Hideaway is quite literally the hideaway you're looking for. About an hour sailing from Bodo, these 11 unique cabins sit high on a hilltop overlooking the water, making for the perfect quiet getaway in nature.

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💦 Cool Places to Visit in Norway: Waterfalls

There's nothing we love more than a good waterfall, and there certainly isn't a shortage of them in Norway. 

Actually, Norway is known as "the land of a thousand waterfalls" because there are quite literally over a thousand of them!

Just while driving in Norway you can come across countless waterfalls, but we're going to make it easy for you and narrow it down to some of our favorites.

23. Låtefossen

We love this waterfall because it cascades right next to the road, flowing right under the bridge you drive over. It's an easy stop for your Norwegian road trip, and also has a cute souvenir shop on site.

24. Svandalsfossen

The beautiful thing about driving in Norway is that you'll see waterfalls right on the side of the road, and this is one of those that is so conveniently flowing right next to you while in the car.

But Svandalsfossen actually is a bit more of a hidden gem, because it has a stairwell that goes behind the road, and then you'll be greeted with the upper falls that are even more beautiful!

25. Furebergsfossen

This may be one of the coolest waterfalls we've ever seen. The 108-meter waterfall flows right into a fjord, and has a highway that runs right along the edge of it, making it a truly breathtaking place to experience.

26. Steinsdalsfossen

Located just off the side of the road, this 46-meter waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in the country, and is special because you can actually go right behind it!

27. Tvindefossen

This was one of our favorite waterfalls in Norway, as when we visited it wasn't overly full of tourists, and it was an easy walk from the parking lot.

🥾 Cool Places to Visit in Norway: Iconic Hikes

If you think the waterfalls in Norway are cool, then just wait to see the incredible hiking there is! From stunning archipelagos to unique rock formations, this country boasts some of the best hikes in the world.

28 - 45. The 18 Best Hikes in Norway

There are so many great hikes in Norway that we actually wrote a dedicated article for this part! 

We've included the top 3 hikes in the country, the best hikes in the Lofoten Islands, and a few more hidden gems that we've found.

Norway has some of the coolest hikes in the world!

🌲 Cool Places to Visit in Norway: Other Spots in Nature

Norway is full of gorgeous nature, and while our favorite places are mostly the waterfalls and the hikes, there is so much more out there to appreciate.

Here are some other really cool places to visit in Norway out in the wilderness.

46. Nigardsbreen

Glaciers are typically only something you can experience in the winter, or they take a lot of effort to get to.

Luckily, Norway has an incredible glacier that you can visit in the summer months, and in just a short hike! Also, if you're feeling adventurous, you can sign up for a tour to trek along Nigardsbreen, getting up close and personal with this magnificent slice of icy paradise.

If you'd like to learn more about visiting, check out our full Nigardsbreen travel guide below.

47. Lovatnet

Located in Loen, Lovatnet is one of the most picturesque lakes in Norway. When we visited we even saw a movie being filmed here!

The lake is long and is dotted with restaurants and campsites with stunning panoramic views of the turquoise waters surrounded by mountains, and perfect to spend the day.

48. Fatlandskogen

This is a park that we unfortunately didn't get to make it to due to the little time we had, but this quaint park is known for its beautiful wooden platform with a heart in the middle of it.

49. Bondhusdalen

If you're looking for a hidden gem of Norway, then this is definitely it. With deep, turquoise waters and gorgeous mountains surrounding it, Bondhusdalen is a picture-perfect lake to visit with just a short, flat walk from the parking lot.

50. Hauklandstranda

Most people don't think of beaches when they think of Norway, but they actually have some of the most stunning beaches in the world! While there may not be ideal temperatures for swimming, they are picture perfect with their fine, white sand, clear waters, and surrounding mountains. 

Located in the Lofoten Islands, Hauklandstranda is the epitome of the perfect Norwegian beach, and can also be appreciated from above on the popular Mannen hike.

51. Rambergstranda

This was one of our favorite beaches in the Lofoten Islands! Not only does it boast beautiful turquoise waters, white sands, and mountains surrounding it, but it has the cutest red shed making it perfectly picturesque.

🚡 Cool Places to Visit in Norway: Unique Activities & Epic Viewpoints

There are so many cool places to visit in Norway when it comes to sights, but you definitely won't want to miss out on these unique activities that the country has to offer.

52. KOK Floating Sauna

Saunas are a big part of everyday life in Scandinavian countries, and with cooler temperatures, there is no better way to warm up and relax than a sauna experience.

Well, Oslo has a unique sauna that is truly one for the bucket list. KOK is a floating sauna that sits in the waters of a fjord, allowing you to have the perfect contrast of temperatures in a really fun atmosphere.

The rafts only hold 10 people, so you'll definitely want to reserve this experience in advance!

If you can't get a reservation for the raft sauna, you can also opt for another fun sauna that sits on the water. It has the same concept of slipping into the lake between sauna sessions, and is a great more-affordable alternative.

53. LOEN Skylift

The LOEN Skylift arguably has one of the most beautiful views in Norway. It was a bit out of our budget for our last trip, but if you have the time and money, then head up on the scenic cable car ride to Mt. Hoven, where you'll have beautiful panoramic views of the fjord and city of Loen, Norway.

🏛 Cool Places to Visit in Norway: Historical Spots

While Norway has some epic spots out in nature, and tons of awesome accommodation options, we definitely don't want you to miss out on some of the other cool spots to visit in Norway that include their history and culture.

Here are a few historically intersting spots you won't want to miss out on throughout Norway.

54. The Oslo Opera House

The Oslo opera house is the most iconic attraction in Norway's capital, and definitely one for your Norwegian bucket list. Opened in 2008, it's home to the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet, but it is also known for its unique architecture, as well as the beautiful views of the city around it.

55. The Vigeland Park

Another one of the super cool places to visit in Norway's capital is the incredible sculpture park. Vigeland hosts over 200 sculptures made of granite, cast iron, and bronze. It is all created by a single artist, and is the largest sculpture park in the world!

56. Trandumskogen

Located just outside of Oslo, Trandumskogen is a memorial in Ullenseker. It's the site of one of the first sightings of German mass graves from 1945, and has a total of 18 of them.

57. Kistefos Museum

If you're a fan of architecture, then you will absolutely love the Kistefos Museum. It is a contemporary art museum and sculpture park that is located in Jevnaker, Norway, and was designed by the world-renowned architect Bjarke Ingles. 

It opened in 1996 with 25 different exhibition sculptures and is open from Tuesday to Friday from 11 am to 5 pm, and on weekends from 10 am to 5 pm.

58. Borgund Stave Church

Norway is known for their stave churches, which are dark brown to black in color, and made completely without any nails! You can find them all throughout Norway, but we particularly loved this one for its magnificent architecture.

59. Rysstad

This was actually a total accident that we stumbled upon Rysstad, but is such a unique part of Norwegian culture.

Rysstad is a small village, and here you can find a ton of houses with grass roofs, which is a sustainable technique used in Scandinavian countries.

👀 Cool Places to Visit in Norway: Other Fun Spots

Now that you know some really cool spots to visit in Norway surrounded by nature, accommodation, and historical sites, we're going to share just a few more fun locations that we found!

60. Ostasteidn Rasteplass NSR (Viewpoint)

Are you driving around Norway and looking for some fun road trip stops? Well, Ostasteidn Rasteplass NSR is the perfect spot that you can stop at and have a bite to eat while enjoying some beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes. 

It has picnic tables, a bathroom, and a large rock you can walk up for a total panorama.

61. Hesthaugen Selegrend Borettslag

This is another hidden gem we came across simply by taking a wrong turn and seeing a bunch of colors on the side of the road.

Hesthaugen Selegrend Borettslag is a neighborhood painted top to bottom in a palette of colors that you can find right outside of the center of Bergen.

62. Stegastein- LOOKOUT

Norway has some super random, but epic viewspoints around the country, and this is one of our favorites. Located off the side of the road, Stegastein Lookout has terrifyingly gorgeous views, and has a unique curve to give an even wilder experience than traditional viewpoints. It's also completely free of charge!

63. Flydalsjuvet

We're all about a good viewpoint, and this is one of those epic spots that you'd usually assume you have to hike a long way to, but actually takes just a minute to walk to.

Flydalsjuvet has a popular tourist viewpoint, but this small ledge is tucked away from 

the crowds and offers one of the most incredible views of Geiranger.

64. Trollstigen

Welcome to one of the most iconic and unique roads in Norway. With its serpentine shape and waterfalls surrounding it, Trollstigen truly is an incredible place to drive along and enjoy its fantastic views from the top.

65. Atlanterhavsveien

This is another one of the cool palces to visit in Norway for the architecture lovers out there. Atlanterhavsveien (also known as the Atlantic Ocean Road) is an 8.3 km stretch that goes over a gorgeous archipelago in the south west of Norway.

If you have a drone, then you'll definitely want to capture the jaw-dropping landscape and beautiful bridges along the route!

66. Christian Gaard Bygdetun

Our final pick for super cool places to visit in Norway is one of our favorites! This place is a small island that can just be reached by boat, and is home to one of the most beautiful swings in the world.

With epic views, an amazing restaurant, and concerts in the summertime, this is one of the true hidden gems of the world.

Stay tuned for next week's article for our full Christian Gaard Travel Guide!

So are you ready to experience some super cool places to visit in Norway? In three weeks we were able to check out most of these, but to hit them all we'd recommend a full month (or more!) exploring this incredible country.

Want to learn more about traveling in Norway? Check out our other Norway travel guides, and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter, so for our weekly updates!

Ready to start planning the most memorable trip of your life? Well, it doesn't have to cost you a crazy amount of time or money! Scratch Your Mapa now offers custom travel planning services, which guarantee to find you the best flights, and make you the best itinerary possible. Want to learn more? Shoot us an email to set up your free consultation!

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