If you’ve turned to Instagram for some good ol’ travel inspiration, you’ll know that photos can sometimes be highly curated, presenting almost unreal expectations of certain destinations.
We’re here to tell you that Norway’s #igtravel credentials are totally true, and well-deserved!
Norway is extremely popular with visitors, travel bloggers, cruise lovers, and mountain hikers, and for good reasons. The photos that people take amidst fjords, atop mountains or through lush valleys, are why Norway is absolutely worth a visit.
If they haven’t convinced you yet that you should visit this Nordic gem, we’ve put together a list of the best and most picturesque places in Norway: that garner much-deserved Instagram attention from locals and visitors alike.
1. Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord
If you’ve seen photos of the grandiose fjords of Norway, chances are you will have come upon images of Geirangerfjord or Nærøyfjord, which are part of the West Norwegian Fjords.
They are both among the longest and deepest fjords in the world, so it’s easy to let them inspire you. Imagine yourself cruising over peaceful water, looking up at the mighty peaks above, and gliding past thundering waterfalls.
And did you know they are both part of Norway’s UNESCO World Heritage listed sites? They made the list in 2005, so don’t take it just from us (or from hundreds of Insta stories), they are recognised and celebrated around the world for their ‘outstanding universal value’.
- Find out all about what there is to see and do in Geirangerfjord
2. Lofoten Islands
The Arctic North is a gorgeous location for those who love hunting for northern lights in the winter, or admire the gorgeous Nordic landscapes in the midnight sun of the summer.
Lofoten is an archipelago located in the Arctic Circle that dates back to the Viking age. You may have spotted some photos of gorgeous and colourful villages atop rocky mounds, surrounded by majestic mountains.
Here you can learn about the rich history centred around fishing, admire the marine and bird wildlife, and definitely be inspired to take the Instagram-perfect shot to share with all your friends and family.
The main settlement Svolvær, is a popular stop on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage that people take up the country. You could even hike the Svolvær Goat” (Svolværgeita), a mountain with two characteristic “horns” that is popular among climbers.
3. Northern Lights Belt
Norway is one of these places where people flock to admire the fascinating natural phenomenon that is the aurora borealis.
Northern Norway is located perfectly in the zone called the “Northern Lights Belt”, situated from 65 to 72 degrees north. This is a belt where the lights are very active, due to high auroral frequency and intensity.
That, paired with the darkness of the winter months, means it is a great place to go hunting the northern lights. You’ll want to visit the city of Tromsø, which falls right in the middle of the “Northern Lights Belt”, and the Lofoten Islands, a stunning northern archipelago.
- If you’d like to see this beautiful natural phenomenon for yourself, make sure to check our Norway northern lights tours.
4. Pulpit Rock
For those who have this fear of missing out and envy everyone that stands atop this iconic cliff, you’ll know about Pulpit Rock, or Preikestolen.
You can admire it from below, on a peaceful cruise along Lysefjord, or hike up to get the gorgeous point of view from above.
The mountain rises 604 metres (1982 ft) and falls into a sheer cliff with a flat top. The name comes from the cliff resembling a preacher’s pulpit.
As it is one of the most visited highlights of Norway, you may want to head out early to avoid fellow hikers and best-Instagram-photo chasers. It’ll take about 2 hours on a steep 3.8km (2.4 mile), but it’ll be well worth the effort.
5. Trolltunga
Have you ever seen photos of people standing triumphantly atop a rock resembling a tongue, high above a lake? That is the impressive Trolltunga rock formation!
The reason people are so proud – and take these beautiful and sometimes perilous-looking photos – is because the hike is 23-27 kilometres long, with an ascent of almost a kilometre. This takes 10 hours in total, and once you reach the top, you’re rewarded by stunning views over the nearby region.
You can even make it a whole day of sightseeing. As you make your way up to the Troll’s Tongue (a literal translation of Trolltunga), you will pass many other attractions, including the Ringedal dam.
6. Flåm Railway
One of the great ways to visit Norway is its incredible network of railways. Not only does it give you peace of mind regarding getting to and from destinations, but it gives you the opportunity to really take in and admire your surroundings.
One of the best – and one we highly recommend making time for – is the Flåm Railway. Described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, it takes visitors from the tiny village of Flåm, at the edge of the Aurlandsfjord, all the way up to Myrdal in the mountains.
The journey is only one hour, but along the way you’ll get to admire the finest scenery of Western Norway.
- You could also discover Norway by train and cruise, perfect if you want to hop on Flåmsbana.
7. Oslo
The gorgeous and historic capital of Norway, Oslo, attracts visitors from all over the world. Despite being the seat of government and the cultural and economic centre of Norway, Oslo still has a small town feel with abundant natural beauty, giving it a truly unique atmosphere.
Situated at the end of Oslofjord in eastern Norway, Oslo is surrounded by green hills and mountains and is often cited as being one of the world’s greenest and most liveable cities. Tourists flock here for its trendy lifestyle, to learn more about its Viking history, and its historic landmarks, such as Akershus Fortress and the Royal Palace.
A must see is also Aker Brygge, the old waterfront area that is now a buzzing neighbourhood, full of shops, bars and restaurants, right at the heart of the city.
8. Bergen
Situated between Norway’s longest fjord, Sognefjord, and the beautiful Hardangerfjord, Bergen makes a great starting point for exploring Norway’s famously rugged coastline.
Affectionately called the ‘Gateway to the Fjords’, Bergen also has a vibrant city centre and a wealth of cultural and historical attractions along with spectacular landscapes in every direction. You’ll definitely want to stop for a visit!
It is also the location of another of Norway’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bryggen. This is the 900-year-old wharf of what used to be a major hub of the Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages. You can discover Bergen’s colourful and oldest quarters by walking around the maze of old wooden walkways.
Are you inspired yet? Don't fall into the trap of living vicariously through social media, come visit and take Instagram-worthy photos yourself! Begin by taking a look at these Norway travel packages, then contact us and you'll get a dedicated travel consultant to help you plan your dream trip.
