Norway’s surreal scenery has to be seen to be believed. A land of majestic fjords, wild isles and imposing mountains, every inch of this country will take your breath away. It’s not difficult to see why it’s consistently voted as one of the world’s top travel destinations; visit Norway on holiday, and you’ll leave wanting to run away to the mountains and never return. So, why visit Norway? Read on for a list of reasons you won’t be able to argue with.
1. Fantastic Fjords
2. Outdoors Galore
3. Sensational Seafood
4. Diverse Cities
5. Year-Round Appeal
6. Enviable Accommodation
Fantastic Fjords
The first of many reasons to visit Norway is the stunning scenery. Fjord fans, you’re in for a treat, as Norway is home to over 1,000 blue-green beauties. The hardest part is deciding which one to visit. Some of our favourites include Sognefjord (the country’s longest and deepest), Trollfjord (a narrow one-and-a-half-mile fjord near the Lofoten Islands), Geirangerfjord (Norway’s most famous) and Aurlandsfjord (one of the most photographed fjords, located near Flam). In Norway, glacier-topped mountains soar above the calm fjord waters, slicing the Western Coast ragged and making it a crime to drive for more than ten minutes without stopping and admiring the view.
Image by Julia Nimke
Outdoors Galore
Still wondering: why visit Norway? Fjords aside, there’s plenty more to shout about. Rousing every self-confessed couch potato into action, the country has the unique effect of willing every visitor to career off into the wild. Take Norway’s Lofoten archipelago, which is a scattering of beautiful islands with sandy beaches, bays, mountainous peaks and colourful fishing villages. Other must-dos include the dramatic cliffs of Preikestolen, the rock formations of Trolltonga (and the strenuous hike up there), and the perilous Trollstigen mountain pass.
Make sure not to miss a trip on one of the most scenic train rides in the world, the Flam railway.
Sensational Seafood
Those in search of gastronomic delights, look no further than Norway – the second-largest seafood exporter in the world – for the freshest seafood around. From skrei (cod) and laks (salmon) to taskekrabbe (brown crab), the nation’s cold, clear waters provide the perfect conditions for fish to thrive. On a visit to Norway, you can taste delicacies straight from the ocean. Head to the Lofoten Islands to try local specialities of torrfisk (dried stockfish) and flippfisk (salted codfish), or make a trip to one of the numerous fish markets around the country (Bergen has one of the best). In summer, stick to the southern coastal towns if you want to try Norwegian mackerel, or head out on a fishing trip to experience the thrill of catching your own meal.
Diverse Cities
Why visit Norway for the scenery alone when the country caters for city lovers, too (naturally)? The main metropolis, Oslo, is where culture meets the outdoors. Visit one of the plentiful museums, marvel at the spectacular Oslo Opera House, dip in the Sorenga seawater pool and dine in one of its excellent eateries. Beyond the capital, discover Bergen, the gateway to the fjords. Wander this charming UNESCO World Heritage city and discover the cultural heritage of the iconic waterfront area, Bryggen. Step into a fairytale in the coastal city of Alesund, a shining example of art nouveau architecture, or visit Trondheim, the technology capital of Norway. Sitting above the Arctic Circle in the north, the city of Tromso provides some of the most striking Arctic landscapes, along with a buzzing nightlife, festivals, exhibitions and maybe even a glimpse of the Northern Lights (if you’re lucky).
Year-Round Appeal
Norway’s year-round appeal is another worthy reason to pay this nation a visit. The fjords and the Lofoten Islands come into their own in the summer months (where outdoor activities are aplenty), and the Midnight Sun shines in the north. During summer, the sun never sets in certain regions above the Arctic Circle (including in Svalbard, Tromso, Lofoten and the North Cape). Experience this incredible phenomenon, and fill these daylight hours with lots more activities. Why visit Norway in winter? Well, come the colder months, this Nordic nation transforms into a winter wonderland. Taste seafood is in its prime, visit spectacular Christmas markets, go reindeer sledding, witness snow-surrounded fjords, plus, have the best chance of spotting the Northern Lights.
Enviable Accommodation
One of the best reasons to visit Norway (along with all the others on the list), is for the country’s heavenly hotels. Among our favourites is Hotel Union Oye, one of the oldest in the country, which is reached by winding through the Sunnmore Alps. Boasting an eclectic mix of former guests including Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the whole building groans with antiques, stories and charm.
Juvet Landscape Hotel provides the perfect counterpoint, thanks to fiendishly clever Scandinavian design. Immersed in nature, wake up to the sound of birds twittering and the bubbling river 32ft below.
Another notable hotel is Hotel Brosundet, located in vibrant Alesund. It's an exercise in minimalist design and comfort and has an exquisite restaurant.
Lastly, there's Storfjord Hotel, perched on a wooded hillside overlooking the Storfjord and Sunnmore Alps. Here, you’ll find tranquillity and seclusion as you enjoy the sounds of the Norwegian forest from within the hotel’s handcrafted log walls (or within the wellness spa).
Written by Hannah Whitehall