Norway Travel Guide

Places to visit in Norway

Norway may look vast on a map, but travelling through it feels surprisingly manageable. Escorted touring brings together the country’s most impressive regions, from vibrant cities to remote fjord landscapes, in a way that feels seamless and well-paced.

You’ll find a variety of experiences across relatively short distances, from harbour towns and glacial viewpoints, to winding mountain roads and quiet villages where life moves at a gentler rhythm.

Top things to do in Norway

Many of Norway’s most memorable experiences are included within escorted tours, while others can be enjoyed during time at leisure. As always, it’s worth checking individual itineraries, as free time and inclusions can vary.

1. Explore Bryggen Wharf, Bergen (UNESCO)

Overview: Bergen’s historic harbourfront is one of Norway’s most famous sights, with colourful wooden buildings, small museums, shops and cafés.

Time Needed: 1–2 hours
Estimated Cost: Free (optional museum entry varies)
Accessibility: Mostly flat walking, though some areas have uneven surfaces and narrow lanes.
Featured In: The Beautiful Fjords of Western Norway

2. Take a fjord cruise

Overview: A fjord cruise is one of the most relaxing ways to experience Norway’s scenery, offering views of waterfalls, cliffs and peaceful shoreline villages.

Time Needed: 1–3 hours (varies by route)
Estimated Cost: Often included on tours; standalone cruises vary by location and season
Accessibility: Many cruise boats offer step-free boarding, but this varies by operator and pier. 

3. Ride the Flåm Railway (where available)

Overview: One of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys, travelling through steep valleys and mountain landscapes, with waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints.

Time Needed: Around 2 hours return
Estimated Cost: Varies by season and route; often included on selected itineraries
Accessibility: Stations are generally accessible; assistance may be available if arranged in advance.

4. Enjoy a scenic drive through Fjord Norway

Overview: Norway’s scenic touring routes are a highlight in themselves, with comfortable coach travel offering mountain passes, fjord viewpoints and waterfall stops.

Time Needed: 1–3 days across a tour itinerary
Estimated Cost: Included on escorted tours
Accessibility: Excellent for travellers who prefer sightseeing by coach with comfort breaks.

5. Cruise the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord

Overview:  A fjord cruise is one of the most memorable ways to experience Norway, offering peaceful travel through towering cliffs, waterfalls, and traditional villages such as Gudvangen.

Time Needed: 1–3 hours
Estimated Cost: Included on our escorted tour
Accessibility: Many vessels offer step-free boarding, though this varies
Featured in:  Christmas in the Norwegian Fjords

6. Take a gentle walk to a fjord viewpoint

Overview: Many fjord areas have accessible viewpoints or short walks that provide spectacular scenery without strenuous hiking.

Time Needed: 30 minutes – 2 hours
Estimated Cost: Free
Accessibility: Varies significantly; focus on viewpoints with parking and maintained paths.
 

7. Visit a traditional stave church (where possible)

 

Overview: Stave churches are unique wooden medieval buildings found in parts of Norway, offering a glimpse into the country’s history and craftsmanship.

Time Needed: 30–60 minutes
Estimated Cost: Varies by site
Accessibility: Often involves steps and uneven ground; check the specific church access details.

8. Experience Norway’s countryside villages and local life

 

Overview: A major appeal of escorted touring is seeing smaller places that you might not choose independently, with scenic stops and relaxed pacing.

Time Needed: Throughout the tour
Estimated Cost: Included
Accessibility: Excellent as a sightseeing-based experience.

Signature dishes by region

Norwegian cuisine reflects the country’s geography. Coastal regions are known for seafood, while inland and rural areas favour heartier dishes. Cities bring together both traditional and modern influences.

Bergen & the west coast: Fresh seafood dominates, including prawns, cod, and salmon. Fish soup is a staple, and cafés are known for baking, such as cinnamon buns and waffles.

Oslo & eastern Norway: A mix of modern Nordic dining and international cuisine, alongside traditional dishes like open sandwiches and kjøttkaker in relaxed restaurant settings.

Fjord Norway & rural areas: Hearty stews, local cheeses, and seasonal produce feature prominently, with fresh berries widely available in the summer months.

Vegetarian & plant-based dining

Vegetarian and plant-based options are widely available, particularly in cities and larger towns. Oslo and Bergen both have growing vegetarian scenes, and most hotel restaurants and cafés offer at least one or two lighter or meat-free options.

As with many traditional cuisines, some dishes may use meat-based stocks, so it’s worth checking with staff when ordering.

Safe street food & drinking water tips

Tap water is safe to drink throughout Norway, and refilling a bottle is common in hotels and public spaces. Street food is less prominent than in some European destinations but can be found in cities and at seasonal markets, where you’ll often see local produce and simple hot dishes.

Local dining etiquette

Dining in Norway is generally relaxed and unhurried, aligning well with the pace of escorted touring. Service is friendly but understated, and you’ll usually be given time to enjoy your meal without interruption.

Tipping is optional; rounding up or leaving a small amount is appreciated for good service. Booking ahead can be helpful in popular fjord towns during peak summer months.

The best time to visit Norway

Norway can be visited year-round, but the experience varies noticeably by season. The main factors to consider are daylight hours, temperature and rainfall, crowd levels, and the type of scenery you’re hoping to encounter. Late spring through early autumn tends to offer the most balanced conditions for touring, particularly in the fjord regions.

Spring (March–May): 

Spring brings longer days, quieter attractions, and some of the most dramatic scenery of the year. As snow melts in the mountains, waterfalls are often at their most powerful, particularly in May.

Temperatures are cool but improving – typically around 4–12°C depending on location – and landscapes feel fresh and green. Late spring is widely considered one of the best times to visit Norway for fjord touring without peak-season crowds.

Summer (June–August): 

The warmest months, with temperatures generally ranging from around 12–20°C, though coastal areas such as Bergen are often cooler.

Daylight is a defining feature – in much of the country, days stretch to around 18–20 hours, with even longer daylight further north.

This is the best time for fjord cruises, scenic drives, and rail journeys. July and August are the busiest months, particularly in popular fjord regions and cities.

Autumn (September–November): 

Early autumn is a rewarding time to visit. September often brings mild conditions (around 10–15°C) and fewer crowds, along with the first autumn colours.

From October onwards, temperatures drop and rainfall increases, particularly along the west coast, where places like Bergen experience some of their wettest months.

November is noticeably quieter, with shorter days and more changeable weather, but it can still be appealing for those who prefer a slower pace.

Winter (December–February): 

Winter transforms Norway into a landscape of snow-covered mountains and quiet fjords. Temperatures vary significantly by region, but in many coastal areas they hover around 0–5°C, while inland areas can be colder.

Daylight hours are short – in southern Norway you may have around 6 hours of daylight, while further north this drops even further.

This season is best suited to winter scenery and festive city breaks rather than extensive fjord touring.