Rated Tourist Attractions in Norway

Located above Lake Mjøsa at the south end of the Gudbrandsdal valley, Lillehammer is one of Norway's best-known year-round tourist destinations. In summer, it's all about attractions such as Maihaugen, an open-air museum consisting of more than 100 historic buildings, including 18th-century farmhouses, workshops, and a stave church.

Part of the spectacular Fjord Norway network and regularly topping the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list, the Geirangerfjord region north of Ålesund offers some of the finest scenery anywhere in Norway.

There's no better way to see Norway's stunning countryside than by train. Perhaps surprisingly for such a mountainous country, Norway's rail lines stretch more than 3,218 kilometers, encountering along the way some 775 tunnels and more than 3,000 bridges.

The Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsvegen) is one of 18 National Tourist Routes in Norway. Not only is it a vital connection for the maze of tiny islands it serves, it's also a lure for anglers, diving enthusiasts, and visitors wanting to get as close as possible to the sea.

The largest Alpine region on the Norwegian high plateau, the Jotunheimen covers an area of 3,499 square kilometers and includes Scandinavia's highest mountains. It's also home to many spectacular waterfalls, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and wildlife, such as large reindeer populations.

Tromsø is home to several fantastic museums, two of which are dedicated to studying life in the far north. Polaria is the newest of these, and is home to exhibits about the aurora borealis (northern lights), the effects of climate change on Arctic ecosystems, and Arctic wildlife, including an Arctic aquarium.

One of the most popular sightseeing opportunities in Bergen is the Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf. This vibrantly painted area was once the city's center of trade and was dominated by Hanseatic merchants. Today, tourists can find several historic buildings that portray life during the Middle Ages, as well as boutiques, restaurants, and the Bryggen Museum.

Oslo's Bygdoy Peninsula is a suburb located only four miles west of the city, and is easily reached by car or public transportation. It is home to several of Oslo's top tourist attractions and also known for its many natural spaces including beaches, parks, and forests.

The magnificent Lofoten Islands form an archipelago off the coast of northwestern Norway and are a popular tourist destination for Norwegians and foreigners alike. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the weather here is mild despite its location in the Arctic Circle.

Situated 349 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is best known for its important role as the base for many major Arctic expeditions since the mid 1800s. The Tromsø area was first settled in the 13th century as a fishing village, and the industry has been an integral part of life here ever since, contributing to the area's maritime charm.