Norway

01Why Travel to Norway?

Norway is one of Europe’s last sanctuaries of untamed nature. From UNESCO World Heritage fjords to the northern lights dancing above the Arctic Circle, this Scandinavian country offers landscapes of breathtaking beauty — a raw, grandiose, almost unreal nature.

But Norway is far more than fjords and mountains. It is a thousand-year-old Viking culture, colourful fishing villages clinging to the rocks, a Nordic gastronomy in full renaissance, and one of the highest qualities of life in the world. Unlike neighbouring Iceland, Norway offers a well-developed tourist infrastructure while preserving its authenticity.

02The Must-See Regions of Norway

The Western Fjords

The Sognefjord, the Geirangerfjord (UNESCO) and the Nærøyfjord (UNESCO) are the jewels of the west coast. Bergen, a former Hanseatic city with its UNESCO-listed Bryggen quarter, is the ideal gateway. From there, the Norway in a Nutshell — a circuit combining train, bus and ferry — offers the best introduction to the fjords in a single day.

Flåm, at the end of the Aurlandsfjord, is the starting point of the famous Flåmsbana, one of the world’s most spectacular railway lines: 20 km of vertiginous descent through waterfalls and tunnels carved into the mountainside. The Geirangerfjord, with its Seven Sisters and Suitor waterfalls, is the iconic image of Norway.

The Lofoten Islands

Located above the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands are an archipelago of vertiginous mountains rising from the sea. White sand beaches with turquoise waters, fishing villages with rorbuer (traditional red cabins on stilts), spectacular hikes to Reinebringen or Ryten — the Lofoten are a paradise for photographers and hikers.

In summer, the midnight sun bathes the Lofoten in golden light 24/7 from late May to mid-July. In winter, the northern lights illuminate the starry sky above the snow-capped mountains. Cod fishing (skrei) remains the heart of the local economy — don’t miss the fish drying racks (hjell) dotting the landscape.

The North Cape and Finnmark

The North Cape (Nordkapp), the northernmost point of mainland Europe, is a pilgrimage for every traveller. In summer, the midnight sun offers a unique spectacle — watching the sun never set from a 307-metre cliff overlooking the Arctic Ocean. Finnmark, ancestral land of the Sami people, offers endless tundra landscapes, dog-sled safaris and reindeer watching.

Oslo and the South

The Norwegian capital has been transformed in recent years. The Bjørvika district with the Opera House (you can walk on its roof), the Munch Museum and the Deichman Library has become a model of urban design. Vigeland Park with its 200 sculptures, Akershus Fortress and the bohemian neighbourhood of Grünerløkka complete the visit.

The south coast — from Kristiansand to Stavanger — offers a gentler Norway: archipelagos of white granite islets (skjærgård), villages of white houses, and the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) towering 604 metres above the Lysefjord.

Tromsø and the Far North

Nicknamed the “Paris of the North”, Tromsø is the northern lights capital. From September to March, the city offers the best chances of observing this magical phenomenon. The Arctic Cathedral, the Fjellheisen cable car and the world’s northernmost brewery complete the experience. Tromsø is also the ideal starting point for dog-sled excursions, whale-watching boat trips and nights in a Sami lavvo under the stars.

03The Northern Lights in Norway

Northern Norway is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. The season runs from September to March, with peak activity between October and February. Tromsø, the Lofoten, Alta and Finnmark offer optimal conditions: high latitude, low light pollution and relatively mild temperatures thanks to the Gulf Stream.

• Tromsø: best balance of accessibility and viewing, many organised tours
• Lofoten: most photogenic setting with mountains, sea and auroras
• Alta: often clear skies, frequent auroras, less touristy
• Svalbard: for adventurers, auroras above the pack ice and polar bears

04Norwegian Gastronomy: The Nordic Revival

Norwegian cuisine has undergone a revolution with the New Nordic movement initiated by René Redzepi’s manifesto. Oslo has several Michelin-starred restaurants (Maaemo, 3 Michelin stars), but the real discovery lies in the fish markets, artisan smokehouses and mountain farms.

Salmon is king — smoked, gravlaks or fresh, it is enjoyed everywhere. Skrei (Lofoten cod), Finnmark king crab, Sandefjord shrimps and brunost (brown caramel cheese) are must-tries. In season, wild berries (multebær — Arctic cloudberries) flavour the desserts.

05Getting Around Norway

Distances in Norway are immense (1,750 km from south to north). The Vy train network is excellent between the major southern cities, with spectacular panoramic lines: the Bergen Line (Oslo – Bergen, 7 hours across the Hardangervidda plateau) is one of Europe’s most beautiful train journeys.

• Hurtigruten: the coastal mail route Bergen – Kirkenes (11 days, 34 stops) — the trip of a lifetime
• Flights: essential for the Far North. Widerøe, SAS, Norwegian. Oslo – Tromsø in 1h45
• Car: ideal for the fjords and the Lofoten. National scenic routes with 18 official routes
• Ferry: numerous fjord crossings, some free since 2024. Essential in the Lofoten
• Bus: Nor-Way Bussekspress covers main routes. FlixBus on some routes

06Budget: How Much Does a Trip to Norway Cost?

Let’s be honest: Norway is one of the most expensive destinations in the world. A budget of €120 to €250 per day per person is realistic for a comfortable trip. But there are ways to reduce the bill — a far cry from the prices of Greece or Italy.

• Accommodation: 150–300 NOK/night camping, 800–1,500 NOK for a hotel room, 1,200–2,500 NOK for a rorbuer
• Meals: 150–200 NOK for a restaurant main, 50–80 NOK for a sandwich. Rema 1000 and Kiwi supermarkets
• Transport: 600–1,000 NOK Oslo – Bergen by train. Car rental from 500 NOK/day
• Activities: northern lights tour 1,000–1,500 NOK, fjord cruise 500–1,200 NOK. Hiking is free!
• Top tip: the right to roam (allemannsretten) allows you to camp for free in nature

07When to Visit Norway?

Norway can be visited year-round, but the experience varies radically by season. Summer (June – August) brings the midnight sun, mild temperatures (15–25°C in the south) and access to mountain trails. It’s high season. Spring (May – June) is ideal: days grow longer, snow melts on the fjords, and tourists haven’t arrived yet.

Winter (November – March) is the season for northern lights, skiing, dog-sledding and Arctic magic. Above the Arctic Circle, the polar night (mørketid) creates a unique atmosphere with just a few hours of blue twilight. Autumn (September – October) offers blazing colours and the start of the aurora season.

08Recommended Itineraries in Norway

The Classic Fjords (10 days)

Oslo (2 days) → scenic train to Bergen (1 day) → Bergen and Bryggen (2 days) → Norway in a Nutshell: Flåm, Nærøyfjord, Flåmsbana (1 day) → Geirangerfjord by car via Trollstigen (2 days) → Ålesund, the Art Nouveau city (1 day) → fly back to Oslo. A circuit that concentrates the most beautiful landscapes of Norway.

Lofoten and the Far North (14 days)

Oslo (2 days) → fly to Tromsø (3 days: auroras or midnight sun, whales in winter) → ferry or fly to Svolvær, Lofoten (5 days: Reine, Hamnøy, Henningsvær, Reinebringen hike, kayaking) → Bodø and Saltstraumen, the world’s most powerful maelstrom (1 day) → return. An itinerary for adventurers and photographers.

North Cape and Lapland (14–18 days)

Oslo → Trondheim and its Nidaros Cathedral (2 days) → Hurtigruten coastal voyage north (3–5 days) → Tromsø (2 days) → Alta and its UNESCO rock art (1 day) → North Cape and midnight sun (1 day) → Finnmark and Sami culture (2–3 days). The ultimate journey from south to north through Norway.

09Norway Off the Beaten Path

Beyond the Lofoten and the western fjords, Norway hides little-known treasures. The Vesterålen archipelago, just north of the Lofoten, offers the same landscapes without the crowds — and the best chances of seeing whales in summer. Helgeland, the coast of a thousand islands between Trondheim and Bodø, is a well-kept secret with its spectacular mountains.

Jotunheimen (“home of the giants”) is home to Scandinavia’s highest peaks and the legendary Besseggen trail. The island of Senja, nicknamed “Norway in miniature”, packs fjords, beaches and mountains into a compact territory. Discover all our destinations for more travel inspiration.

10Formalities and Practical Information

Norway is part of the Schengen area but not the European Union nor the eurozone. The currency is the Norwegian krone (NOK). Card payments are accepted everywhere, and many shops no longer accept cash.

• Visa: valid ID card or passport for EU/Swiss nationals. No visa required for stays under 90 days
• Currency: Norwegian krone (NOK). 1 EUR ≈ 11–12 NOK. Card accepted everywhere
• Language: Norwegian (bokmål / nynorsk). English spoken fluently by almost everyone
• Time zone: UTC+1 (same as France). No jet lag!
• Health: European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) accepted. Excellent medical infrastructure
• Safety: one of the safest countries in the world. No special precautions needed