From its majestic mountains and famous fjordsto its modern yet picturesque cities, Norway is simply one of the most beautiful countriesin the world.
Picture-perfect landscapes beg to be exploredby foot, car, bike or boat.
Whether taking in the breathtaking wonderof the northern lights or the summer sun glistening on a massive glacier, Norway is a great adventurein any season.
Here’s a look at the best places to visitin Norway: Number 10.
Alesund.
Located on Norway’s west coast, Ålesundis the gateway to the iconic northwestern fjords and surrounding alpine mountains.
The city of Alesund owes its present-day picturesqueappearance to a city-wide reconstruction, after a fire in 1904 destroyed most of thetown.
The city was rebuilt with stone and brickin the architectural style of the time, and stands today as a perfect example of Jugendstildesign.
From the nearby hills, there are some breathtakingpanoramic views of the surrounding fjords and mountains.
Number 9.
Tromso.
Located in the far north of Norway, Tromsois set on an island amidst lovely blue fjords and spectacular snow-capped mountains.
One of the northernmost places that you canvisit in Europe, the city actually lies around 350-kilometres north of the Arctic Circle.
As such, it is one of the better sites inNorway from which to view the Northern Lights.
With loads of pubs on offer, a healthy culturalscene and lively nightlife, visiting Tromso can be great fun.
Number 8.
Trondheim There’s something for everyone in the northerncity of Trondheim.
Founded in 997, Norway’s third largest citywas the country’s capital during the Viking Age and the nation’s religious center duringthe Middle Ages, making it the ideal destination for those who want to explore Norway’s history.
There is a sense of timelessness about itslaid-back streets, as people leisurely go about their lives.
Alongside its rich cultural heritage, thereis a contemporary arts and music scene, due to the large university campus.
Number 7.
Jotunheimen National Park Jotunheimen, or Home of the Giants, is Norway’spremier national park.
Located in the nation’s south central region, the park encompasses several mountain ranges, including the highest peaks in Norway.
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The park is also home to Vettisfossen, whichat 900 feet is the highest waterfall in Norway.
Mountain lodges and well-marked trails inthe area offer visitors easy access to glacier hikes, mountain climbing and skiing.
Tour companies and trekking associations offeroutdoor adventures for visitors of every age and skill level.
Number 6.
Svalbard.
The Svalbard Archipelago in the Arctic Northis a land of dramatic snow-drowned peaks and glaciers, of vast ice fields and forbiddingicebergs.
Its settlements are the northernmost permanentlyinhabited spots on the planet, far more northerly than any part of Alaska.
Svalbard’s visitors come mostly to experienceArctic nature at its rawest and most powerful.
A once-in-a-lifetime destination, this isa land where there are double as many polar bears as people.
Number 5.
Oslo.
The capital of the country is full of amazingarchitectural designs that highlight the contemporary feel about the place, as do the educationalmuseums and interesting galleries.
Lying next to the sea, with mountains surroundingit, Oslo is one of the greenest cities in the world, thanks to its forward-thinkingeco-friendly policies.
This makes it lovely to walk around.
In fact, residents can find themselves skiing, trekking the forests, or sailing along the Oslo fjord’s waterways in no time at all.
Number 4.
Sognefjord.
As Norway’s largest fjord, Sognefjord offershuge fun and adventure.
Visitors here can choose from a wide rangeof exhilarating adventures like riding the world’s steepest railway through snow-cappedmountains and around cascading waterfalls.
Other activities include hiking along scenictrails and cruising around the magnificent fjord and its many branches such as Nærøyfjord;the wildest and most beautiful branch of the Sognefjord.
Number 3.
Lofoten Islands.
Lofoten is a group of islands in the northernpart of the country.
With its postcard-looking small fishing villagesdotting a very rugged coast with abrupt peaks rising directly from the ocean, the archipelagois often described as one of the most scenic parts of Norway.
Although the archipelago is located well abovethe Arctic Circle, at about the same latitude as Greenland it enjoys a relatively mild climatedue to the circulation of the Gulf Stream.
Temperatures up to 23°C in the summer arenot uncommon although it remains a subarctic destination and the weather changes fast.
Number 2.
Bergen.
Norway’s second largest city, Bergen hasbeen the nation’s leading western port since the Middle Ages.
Today, its 15th-century waterfront in theBryggen district is both a working port and a tourist destination for visitors eager tosample fresh fare at seaside restaurants.
Although Bergen makes a great home base forexplorations of the scenic fjords around the city and the neighboring islands, there’splenty to see within the city as well.
A quick trip up Bergen’s popular funicularis a good way to get oriented in the place known as the Gateway to the Fjords.
Number 1.
Geirangerfjord.
With its remarkable scenery of deep blue watersand majestic mountains, it is no wonder that the Geirangerfjord is among the most visitedNorwegian fjords.
When visiting here, a must-do is a sightseeingcruise on the fjord to view its astonishing beauty and its famous waterfalls, the SevenSisters, which plunge directly into the fjord.
Other exciting opportunities abound here aswell like winter skiing, excellent fishing, canoeing and hiking trails that provide someof Norway’s most dramatic views.
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