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.
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🏘 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!
Photo by Charly Nguyen on Unsplash
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).