If you’re anything like me, planning a first trip to Norway can feel a bit overwhelming.
This beautiful Scandinavian country is full of dramatic fjords, colourful cities and wild Arctic landscapes – and you quickly realise you could spend weeks here and only scratch the surface!
But after travelling Norway solo, I’ve learned which cities, towns, fjords and natural landscapes give you the most memorable introduction to this incredible country.
From the fjords that are as beautiful in real life as in photos, to the northern towns that show you Norway’s most remote side, these are the places I would recommend to every first-timer.
So, let’s get into the 10 best places to visit in Norway, that you should absolutely prioritise on your first Norway itinerary!
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1. Oslo
Oslo often gets skipped on first-time Norway trips, but it’s a fantastic city break or an equally good starting point for the rest of your Norwegian itinerary – which is what I did!
Norway’s capital is compact, easily walkable, and has a perfect combination of history, culture, and beautiful views that give you a great first introduction to Norway.
One of my favourite spots in Oslo is Akershus Fortress, overlooking the harbour.
I loved walking the old ramparts, visiting the small museums and exhibits inside, and looking out across the Oslofjord from the viewpoints. Plus, the fortress is surprisingly quiet compared to a lot of other Oslo tourist attractions.
Beyond the historic fortress, Oslo’s central neighbourhood is vibrant, with quirky cafés, galleries, and shops to explore. Plus, the city’s walkability means you can easily visit some top tourist attractions in Norway, like walking the roof of the Oslo Opera House or visiting the Oslo Royal Palace, without stressing about public transport!
2. Bergen
Bergen is called the gateway to the fjords and also one of Norway’s prettiest cities, and it’s very easy to see why!
Especially if you’re solo female travelling in Norway, Bergen has a perfect balance of charming streets and loads to see and do, plus easy walkability and a safe, local and welcoming atmosphere.
The colourful and historic wooden buildings of the UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf alone are well worth the trip to Bergen. But the highlight of my visit was actually visiting the famous Bryggen Viewpoint just across the harbour, at golden hour.
Bergen had just had heavy rain, so no one else was around. But just before sunset, the clouds lifted, leaving the most picture-perfect reflections of colourful Bryggen in the water! I would absolutely recommend timing your visit to the Bryggen Viewpoint for golden hour if you can.
I would also recommend you ride the Fløibanen funicular up to Mount Fløyen, which has one of the best scenic views in Norway. From the top, you’ll see the city, harbour and surrounding fjords in an unforgettable panoramic view!
Beyond sightseeing, Bergen also has an amazing food scene, with the historic fish market loved by both locals and visitors.
3. Flåm + The Flåmsbana Railway
Picturesque Flåm is on every list of best places to visit in Norway, for its breathtaking fjord views, quaint houses and legendary mountain railway.
I rode the Flåmsbana Railway in February, but (probably controversially!), my favourite part of the journey was the leg from Oslo to Myrdal. From the window, I watched an ever-changing winter wonderland pass by, with snow-covered valleys, frozen lakes and tiny towns.
Although, of course, the Flåmsbana Railway is iconic in its own right and well worth visiting. I especially loved the stop at the mighty Kjosfossen waterfall, towering 225m above you.
Flåm is also very easy to visit by train from Oslo or Bergen, making it accessible for a first-time trip to Norway. And the village itself is tiny, easy to explore on foot, and charmingly always decorated for Christmas – regardless of the time of year!
4. Naerøyfjord
Sailing through Naerøyfjord is where I understood why the impressive Norwegian fjords are on everyone’s bucket list – it’s my favourite fjord in Western Norway!
Our boat took us through the Naerøyfjord just as thick clouds broke for the first time all day, and the sun hit the towering cliffs and the calm water of the fjord surrounding us.
The fjord itself is narrow, wild and peaceful, with powerful waterfalls and tiny, colourful settlements along the banks of the water, that were blanketed in snow when I visited in winter.
For first-time visitors, Naerøyfjord is one of the best places to visit in Norway for a perfect introduction to the famous Norwegian fjords, as it is easily accessible via the ferry from Flåm to Gudvangen!
5. Ålesund
Ålesund wasn’t actually on my original Norway itinerary. I only ended up there because my Geirangerfjord excursion was cancelled. But this underrated Norwegian coastal town surprised me in the best way!
The Art Nouveau architecture Ålesund is famous for is colourful and incredibly picturesque, especially as you walk along the main canal of Brosundet.
Plus, Mount Aksla offers one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Norway. Climbing the 418 steps to the top, I felt like I had the whole town at my feet, with the islands, mountains and surrounding fjords stretching out into the distance.
The town centre itself is small and easy to explore independently, with charming cafés, a quaint church, and even a tiny lighthouse that you can stay the night in as part of Hotel Brosundet!
Ålesund is also one of the best places to visit in Norway for iconic fjord day trips, especially to the nearby UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord.
Book your Round Trip Fjord Cruise to Geirangerfjord From Ålesund here
6. Trondheim
Norway’s former capital, Trondheim, is one of the best places to visit in Norway for first timers as it’s calm, colourful, easily walkable and gives you a real sense of local Norwegian life.
I visited Trondheim on the Norway Coastal Express and got up at 6am for a three-hour explore before breakfast. And even though I’m not a natural morning person, it was well worth the early wakeup call!
The highlight for me was Bakklandet, a charming old neighbourhood across the Nidelva river, with pastel wooden houses, independent cafés, and a real local feel. Exploring here as locals were waking up and heading to work or school made it feel even more authentic – like I was a witnessing a side to Norway that is often missed by tourists!
Trondheim is also home to a number of well-known Norway tourist attractions, like Nidaros Cathedral, the Old Town Bridge viewpoint, and Kristiansten Fortress.
The most unique thing to do in Trondheim is to ride the world’s northernmost tram to nearby Lian Lake, including the option to complete the historic route in a vintage 1950s carriage!
7. Tromsø
Tromsø was definitely a tale of two halves on my winter trip to Norway!
My first day was spent in glorious (and much needed) sunshine, perfectly timed for a ride on the Fjellheisen cable car. The summit of Mount Storsteinen is a must-see in Tromsø, with views over the island city, surrounding fjord and mountains below your feet.
Book your Tromsø Fjellheisen Cable Car Roundtrip Ticket here
My next day, however, brought a full whiteout of snow and wind!
This extreme difference in weather during my visit to Tromsø made me appreciate how volatile the Arctic is. Tromsø may be known as “the gateway to the Arctic” and be very accessible thanks to its international airport, but it is still wild, adventurous and unpredictable.
Tromsø is also arguably one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights, thanks to its accessibility and northerly location. I joined a small group tour to see them, and it was the most magical experience as the lights danced in the sky above us!
Book your Tromsø Aurora Tour with Campfire and Professional Photos here
But apart from the Northern Lights and Fjellheisen cable car, Tromsø city is also worth exploring. The centre is compact and walkable, and my highlights were the colourful harbour, Tromsø cathedral, and a charming café called Kaffebønna (they do the best cinnamon buns!)
Or, if you’re looking for more adventure, Tromsø is the perfect destination to join some true Arctic excursions. Bucket-list activities like reindeer sledding, husky sledding, snowshoeing and skiing are all rites of passage in Norway!
8. Svolvaer
Svolvaer, known as the capital of the Lofoten Islands, is one of the best places to visit in Norway if you want to explore this iconic island region.
The easiest way to visit Svolvaer is by regional flight or on the Norway Coastal Express with Havila or Hurtigruten.
When I visited Svolvaer in winter, the town was quiet and blanketed with thick snow, but it still felt very safe for me as a solo female traveller, and the main attractions are all easy to walk to.
I especially loved crossing the bridge to Svinøya Island and walking between the iconic red fishermen’s huts, known locally as rorbuer. Plus, the jagged Mount Fløya is a truly iconic backdrop to the town, with the best angle for photographs from the picturesque harbour.
For first-time visitors to Norway, Svolvaer is the perfect introduction to the Lofoten Islands. It’s easy to get to and is also the base for many incredible Lofoten day trips to explore more of the surrounding fjords, beaches and small coastal villages!
9. Trollfjord + The Raftsund Strait
Trollfjord is my favourite fjord in Norway and is often on every traveller’s Norway bucket list!
But my favourite moment was sailing through the Raftsund Strait leading to the famously narrow fjord, where the islands, snow-covered mountains and traditional red huts all looked like they should be on a Christmas card!
During my silent boat trip to Trollfjord, we left in an intense snowstorm (with only a few other passengers onboard), so I honestly had low expectations. But then the sun cut through the heavy, black clouds to cast the most incredible light over the Raftsund!
Trollfjord itself is very accessible on a boat trip from Svolvaer or on the Coastal Express voyage, giving you an easy way to experience northern Norway’s most spectacular coastal scenery.
Also don’t forget to look out for the impressive sea eagles, swooping above you inside the fjord.
This Trollfjord boat trip ended up being the highlight of my whole Norway trip in winter!
Book your Lofoten Islands Silent Trollfjord Cruise From Svolvær here
10. North Cape
North Cape is the symbolic northernmost point of Norway and Europe, but honestly, I wasn’t sure it would feel worth the journey or the expense.
I was definitely proved wrong, though!
Standing by the iconic globe monument, surrounded by steep cliffs and the wild Barents Sea, you really do feel like you’re at the edge of the world!
Plus, in winter, reaching the cape means following a snowplough convoy across the rugged Magerøya island, which only adds to the adventure and makes the experience more memorable.
The area is very remote, but it is still easy to reach North Cape on a guided excursion on the Coastal Express with Havila or Hurtigruten, by car, or as part of a day tour from Honningsvåg.
Book your North Cape Winter Excursion from Honningsvåg with Entry Ticket here
For first-time visitors, North Cape is one of the best places to visit in Norway for its dramatic natural scenery – and also to say you’ve visited the spot that has been a Norway rite of passage for travellers for centuries!
Final Thoughts: 10 Best Places to Visit in Norway
There are so many best places to visit in Norway if you’re a first-time visitor to the country, from the lively streets of Oslo to the dramatic fjords and Arctic landscapes further north.
Each place has its own unique charm, and even a short trip to Norway gives you a real sense of what exactly makes this Nordic country so amazing for solo female travellers and also so beloved by millions of visitors!
About The Author
Katie is a solo female traveller who has explored 24 European countries since taking her first ever solo trip at 18. As a naturally shy and introverted traveller, she knows first-hand how daunting that first trip can feel – which is why she create Where’s Katie Now to help women realise it’s more than possible. Through her blog, she shares honest stories, practical guides, and destination tips to inspire and empower women to travel solo with confidence.
Thanks for stopping by!
Magda
xoxo
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