FjordsThe West Norwegian fjords
Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, Flåm, Sognefjord and Hardangerfjord.
CityOslo
Norway's capital sits at the head of the Oslofjord with green hills behind it. It is a compact city of museums, waterfront architecture and a famous sculpture park.
CityBergen
Norway's second city is a UNESCO-listed harbour town and the usual base for the western fjords. It is also famously wet.
Arctic cityTromsø
An Arctic city more than 300 km north of the Arctic Circle, and the main base for chasing the northern lights.
IslandsLofoten Islands
Jagged mountains straight out of the sea, red fishing cabins and some of the best light in Norway.
City and fjordStavanger and Lysefjord
Norway's oil capital, with a wooden old town, and the gateway to two of the country's most photographed hikes.
HikingTrolltunga and hiking
A long, demanding day hike to a rock ledge above a lake. It is spectacular and it is not for everyone.
ArcticSvalbard
An Arctic archipelago halfway between northern Norway and the North Pole, with the midnight sun for months and polar bears outside the towns.
VoyageHurtigruten coastal voyage
A working coastal route that has run since 1893 and now doubles as a cruise up the whole Norwegian coast.
CitiesTrondheim and Ålesund
Two smaller cities worth a stop: a medieval cathedral city and a town rebuilt in Art Nouveau after a fire.Choosing where to go
If it is the northern lights you want, head north: Tromsø is the main hub and Lofoten is the scenic alternative. For fjords, Bergen is the usual base. For hiking, see Preikestolen and Trolltunga. For the whole coast in one go, there is the Hurtigruten voyage. And when to go matters as much as where.
Sources
Facts on this site come from Visit Norway, the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, UNESCO, gov.uk and the operators named, each listed at the foot of the page. Check dates, prices and entry rules with the provider before you book.