When people think of Norway, many picture snow-covered mountains, endless fjords, and the northern lights. But this country offers far more than just stunning views. Norway is one of the most developed and sustainability-minded countries in the world, while still maintaining a close connection to nature and its Viking heritage.
Norway is a place where modern city life meets untouched wilderness. In Oslo, modernist buildings sit alongside countless paths that take you to hidden waterfalls and stunning views. You could say that Norway is a true paradise for curious and adventurous travellers. In this article, we’ll discover Norway in a touristic and authentic way.
Standing before a Norwegian fjord for the first time, a traveller soon realises they’re not just looking at a natural wonder, but at something far greater. Fjords are a symbol of nature’s power, preserved in Norway with pride and reverence. They are deep, narrow bays surrounded by steep cliffs, home to small villages that withstand the wind, rain, and solitude. Each fjord tells its own story, whether of ice that once covered the land, slowly melting glaciers, or a sense of time measured in thousands of years.
Among the most famous fjords is Geirangerfjord, with its waterfalls and steep slopes, protected by UNESCO and long regarded as one of Norway’s most iconic natural landmarks. A boat or ferry trip through the fjord is almost a rite of passage for every visitor. You will see mists curl around the mountains, waterfalls that share ancient stories and a tiny shepherd’s hut that sits high above.
There are many ways to explore the fjords, from large cruise ships to smaller ferries and private boats, or even kayaking for those looking for a more active experience. Fjords are full ecosystems that change with the weather, the light, and the seasons. In spring, snow melts from the mountain cliffs, creating hundreds of small waterfalls. In summer, the meadows above the fjords burst with wildflowers. In autumn, the leaves turn golden brown, and in winter, the mists create scenes that look like they belong in Viking legends.
A special experience is driving on the Flåmsbana railway, which is considered one of the most picturesque railway routes in Europe. In just over an hour, it links the fjord village of Flåm with the mountain station at Myrdal, climbing more than 860 metres along the way through tunnels, over bridges, and past waterfalls. Interrail travellers often have the option to reserve a seat for free or for a small fee, making it a great choice for young backpackers.
Perhaps the most interesting thing about all this is that, despite its natural wealth, Norwegians do not overdo it by exploiting tourism. In the villages along the fjords, you won’t find crowded souvenir shops, loud adverts, or flashy attractions. Instead, there is unspoiled nature, well-kept trails, a handful of wooden houses open to visitors, and a peace that can only be felt if you take the time to listen. For those who love the outdoors and want to experience the fjords more closely, I recommend an article that explores these natural wonders on Norway’s western peninsula.
On the map, Oslo may look like just another northern European capital, but in reality, it is something entirely different. It stands as a symbol of what a society can achieve when it values nature, culture, and careful city planning. From my own experience, wherever you are in the city, you are only a few minutes away from a park, the sea, a museum, or some outstanding architecture.
When exploring the Bjørvika district, most visitors first notice the impressive opera house, its bold white exterior and angular shape that reminds you of the glaciers along Norway’s coast. The building is a real treat for anyone interested in history and art. The roof of the opera house is open to the public, a space for socialising, soaking up the sun, reading, or capturing the stunning views over the harbour. Right beside it is the new National Gallery, where you can see works by Norway’s most celebrated artists, from traditional landscapes to the world-famous Edvard Munch. His iconic painting called The Scream is displayed there. Opposite stands the futuristic Deichman Library, with an interior that feels part museum, part space station. This is all part of an urban renewal that hasn’t cut the city off from nature but brought them closer together.
Just a few minutes from these attractions, you can hop on a boat and cruise the Oslofjord to the small islands where locals like to spend their weekends. In summer they jump off the piers, go fishing, and hang out, all without the crowds. With public transport, you can reach Nordmark in under half an hour, a region of classic Nordic forest dotted with small lakes, mountain huts, and well-maintained hiking trails that are well worth exploring. In winter, it is one of the most popular areas for people who enjoy winter sports, especially skiing and Nordic walking.
Another great thing about Oslo is how safe, tidy, and peaceful it feels. Trams run on time, people are polite, and there’s no shortage of parks to relax in. At the same time, the city is lively and easy to get around on foot. Perhaps that’s why Oslo often goes unnoticed. It isn’t a typical tourist spectacle, but a quiet urban retreat that encourages visitors to slow down and take in the city at a gentler pace. If you’re planning a trip to Norway, spend at least two days in Oslo. Don’t treat it merely as a gateway to the countryside, but as a place to get a true sense of what Norway is all about. Excellent cuisine, modern art, Nordic simplicity and a view of the water that accompanies you at every step – all this is Oslo.
Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is one of Scandinavia’s oldest, steeped in legends and brimming with artistic charm. The city is nestled between seven hills and opens out onto the sea. Despite its reputation for rainy weather, which locals experience more than 200 days a year, the city has a certain warm character. Visitors often notice it from the moment they arrive, which is also what our journalist Alenka described in her story.
The most iconic area is the old town, Bryggen, with its rows of colourful wooden houses. It was originally a Hanseatic quarter where merchants from Lübeck traded in the Middle Ages, and today it is protected by UNESCO. The area is filled with winding narrow streets, small galleries, shops with local crafts, and cosy cafés. The old town’s compact layout invites visitors to wander, with each building revealing a piece of the city’s long maritime history.
Bergen itself boasts a vibrant cultural scene, most famously as the home of composer Edvard Grieg, who is held in great esteem across Norway. His villa, Troldhaugen, is now a museum where visitors can enjoy concerts of his music while gazing out over the lake that once inspired him.
Beneath the bustling fish market on the pier, Bergen hides quieter corners: simple cafés, great restaurants, and small shops where you can discover the region’s local produce. In Bergen, you can really see the difference between the old wooden houses and modern Scandinavian design.
The most famous spot for those who enjoy spending time outdoors, is likely the Fløyen viewpoint above the city. You can access it either by the Fløibanen funicular or by walking to the top. The summit offers a magnificent view of the city, the sea, and the surrounding hills. From there, you can head down through the woods to lakes and mountain huts. If you're on the more adventurous side, there is also Ulriken, the highest hill above the city. You can get there by cable car or hike on an extremely steep but beautiful rocky path.
Norwegian culture is not loud or flashy. They don't sell it with big words or extravagant events. The best way to describe it would be quiet and full of charm. Norwegians are known to be reserved, quiet and sometimes almost shy, but underneath this outer layer lies a society that values community, balance and inner peace. At the heart of it is the principle of janteloven, an unspoken rule that no one is better than anyone else. Norwegians tend to keep a low profile, and because of that, their daily life has a calm, respectful vibe and a strong sense of shared responsibility.
In cities and villages, there is a noticeable care for the space in the form of cleanliness, tidiness and simplicity, which is intertwined with surprisingly imaginative design. Scandinavian aesthetics are present everywhere in houses, cafés, public spaces, even bus stops, where minimalism, natural materials and the power of natural light are appreciated.
Norwegians are proud of their heritage and show it proudly through traditional music, old-fashioned mythology, folk costume and dance, which comes to life at many festivals, in local museums and through family traditions.
Respect for nature and the environment is highly valued in schools and in environmental laws. From an early age, children learn how to coexist with nature, and many classes in school are even held outside. This is also why Norwegian culture revolves around concepts such as reliability, silence, personal responsibility and the common good.
It’s also interesting how attached Norwegians are to their cabins, or hytter. Almost every family has one, tucked away in nature, with no signal and no noise. It’s their way of unplugging and escaping the fast pace of modern life, and it’s there that you really feel the heart of Norwegian culture – in the calm, simplicity, and connection to the surroundings.
Friluftsliv is a Norwegian concept that means living outdoors. It is a philosophy that presents nature as a place for regeneration and reflection. Every corner of the country, even in the middle of cities, has trails through nature, marked walking paths, benches with views, and information about the local plants and wildlife. Nature is everywhere and is accessible to everyone.
Norwegian children spend a lot of time outdoors from a very young age. In kindergartens, it’s common for children to spend most of the day outside, even in winter. Adults spend their weekends hiking, skiing, fishing, or just sitting by the fire. Everyday life is also marked by friluftsliv, as people walk or bike to work, spend breaks in parks or eat lunch in the meadows.
However, friluftsliv also means responsibility to the environment, to others and to oneself. When visiting the country’s many natural wonders as a tourist, it’s important to leave no trace behind. Take your rubbish with you, keep the noise to yourself, and leave the animals and plants alone. It’s not a legal requirement but a cultural norm, and that’s where the power of friluftsliv lies – it gives people the chance to connect with nature’s rhythm and enjoy freedom without the distractions of technology.
As a tourist, you can experience this as well. The trails are well marked, there are websites that make planning trips simple, and access to natural attractions is often free. Opportunities for real camping experiences are practically endless.
Friluftsliv is one of those aspects of Norway that can really change you as a traveller, as it impresses not just with the landscape but with a whole state of mind. And once you experience their world-famous quiet, the scent of pine, and the salty wind over the fjord, you understand why Norwegians call it a way of life, not just a pastime.
Norwegian cuisine is simple, seasonal, and closely connected to the natural environment. Long winters, cold seas and rich forests have shaped a diet based on basic but quality ingredients. Fish play a key role in Norwegian cooking, particularly salmon, trout, and cod. In coastal towns, you’ll find specialties like gravlaks, salmon cured with sugar, salt, and dill. There’s also klippfisk, salted and dried cod, and fresh shrimp served on white bread with lemon and mayonnaise.
Besides seafood, Norway has a strong tradition of cooking game like reindeer, elk, and grouse. These are common inland dishes, often served with rich sauces, boiled potatoes, and lingonberries. Dairy products are also an important part of the diet, especially yogurts, skyr and, of course, the famous brown whey cheese with a caramelized taste. It divides opinion among foodie tourists and some locals, but almost every Norwegian would agree that breakfast just isn’t complete without it.
An interesting aspect of Norwegian eating, closely tied to the philosophy of friluftsliv, is the social importance of picnics. Meals don’t have to be lavish, but they always provide a chance to take a break and connect with each other. Coffee holds a special place in this culture. Norwegians drink a lot of it, in just about every situation. Most Norwegians carry a thermos with them, whether they’re hiking, at university, or in a meeting.
For travellers, it’s worth knowing that food can be expensive, but it’s almost always top quality. Even in supermarkets you can find incredibly fresh fish, homemade breads and local delicacies. Many restaurants offer a dagsmeny, or daily menu, at a lower price, especially in the afternoon. For anyone who loves food, a visit to markets like Mathallen is highly recommended.
Norway is not only clean, but also environmentally visionary. Rarely in the world, sustainability is as much a part of everyday life as it is there. More than 90% of Norway’s electricity comes from renewable sources, mainly hydropower, and the cities are pioneers in electric transport, recycling, and urban planning. For travellers, this means that just by choosing Norway as a destination, they’re almost automatically travelling more sustainably.
In the cities, electric buses, trams, e-bikes, and cars are the norm. In Oslo, many streets are often closed to traffic, and most cars are quiet and emission-free. Public transport is extremely efficient and provides seamless connections to recreational areas, city beaches, museums, and even the fjords. Norwegian authorities have a long-term goal of carbon neutrality, which they are approaching through small but carefully planned steps.
Even national parks, hiking trails, and campsites are designed to minimise human impact on the environment. Information boards remind visitors to keep quiet, local guides steer people away from crowded spots, plastic use is limited, and many fjord tour boats are already electric. For travellers, this means small actions can make a big difference. This can include using public transport, staying in certified sustainable accommodation, enjoying local food, following camping rules, and travelling slowly and mindfully.
What matters most is how you travel rather than where you go and Norway is one of the few countries where this is a real way of life.
Norway isn’t your typical tourist destination, but almost a therapeutic journey that every true traveller should experience. It’s not a destination that overwhelms you. It’s one that teaches respect, moderation, and above all, gratitude for experiencing the world’s beauty.
That’s why Norway is more than just a spot on the map. It’s an invitation to slow down, look around, and maybe discover something within yourself. For more interesting details and travel aspects, we recommend articles by our volunteer journalists, or material from the Lonely Planet collection.
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