Top 10 Reasons to Visit Norway

Norway boasts over a thousand spectacular fjords along its coast, many of which are recognised by UNESCO as places of outstanding natural beauty. Formed when glaciers retreated and seawater flooded the valleys, these dramatic fjords are even more exceptional when viewed from the water, cruising through the mountainous landscape.

Standing on the deck of a ship gliding through Geirangerfjord or Nærøyfjord, you'll find yourself craning your neck to glimpse the tops of waterfalls that cascade from heights of over 1,000 metres. The fjords offer incredible variety too, from the accessible beauty of the western coast's famous routes to the wilder, more remote inlets of the north.

These ancient waterways possess a profound tranquillity that allows you to truly disconnect and appreciate the raw power of nature as you’re exploring Norway. Embark on Havila’s 11-night Norway Coast Round Voyage cruise so you can enjoy more than one!

If you’re looking for unique reasons to visit Norway, the midnight sun creates an otherworldly experience where golden hour stretches for weeks and 3am feels like early evening. From June to September, above the Arctic Circle comes the perpetual daylight, another incredible natural event.

Under the midnight sun, you can hike mountain trails at midnight, photograph landscapes bathed in soft, warm light at any hour, or find yourself dining al fresco on a hotel terrace at 11pm while the sun hangs low on the horizon like a permanent sunset. You might find it hard to adjust without the typical rhythm of light and dark, but it’s well worth it for the sheer wonder of watching the sun trace a complete circle around the sky.

A ship at sea is the perfect place to enjoy the midnight sun’s enchanting golden glow, appearing like a burning sunset in the middle of the night. Take an excursion to the North Cape, Norway’s most northerly point, where with nothing but open sea between you and the North Pole, you will experience the phenomenon at its finest.

The abundance of exciting wildlife is reason alone to visit Norway, from polar bears in and herds of reindeer to the elusive Arctic fox whose white winter coat provides perfect camouflage against snow-covered landscapes. The coastal waters teem with marine life, including orcas and humpback whales that migrate through Norwegian seas.

Perhaps the most iconic wildlife you’ll want to witness is the Svalbard polar bears, which represent the ultimate Arctic wildlife experience. Seeing these magnificent predators in their natural habitat whilst exploring Norway is a privilege that few places on earth can offer.

A bird-lovers’ paradise, Norway is also home to over 500 different species, including the Atlantic puffin, millions of seabirds that nest on dramatic clifftop colonies, and the white-tailed eagle. Our top tip is not to forget your binoculars or your camera!

What is Norway like in the winter? It’s a true winter wonderland, offering a whole host of different excursions with options to suit everyone.

Thrill seekers can enjoy the chance to snowmobile through pristine Arctic landscapes, sled across snow-covered wilderness with teams of enthusiastic huskies, or even snowshoe into the mountains.

For those looking for a more immersive experience, there are visits to local Sami communities, king crab and ice fishing excursions. These aren't just tourist activities but integral parts of Norwegian winter culture, allowing visitors to understand how locals have not just survived but thrived in one of the world's most challenging climates for thousands of years.

You can enjoy a range of winter activities, including a midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø, on Hurtigrutens 14-night cruise, ‘The North Cape Line’.

Some of the top places to visit in Norway are the endless colourful coastal towns and cities, brimming with charming architecture and interesting museums, and providing a mix of modern and traditional cultures. From the iconic red rorbuer (fishermen's cabins) of the Lofoten Islands to the pastel-coloured buildings of Bergen's UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, admiring this wonderfully photogenic architecture is a great reason to visit Norway.

Norway's coastal towns and cities offer a delightful contrast to the country's wild landscapes, with their rows of brightly painted wooden houses creating picture-perfect scenes against dramatic backdrops of mountains and sea. Some of the most popular include the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund, ancient Trondheim, and the arctic capital of Tromsø.

As we’ve already touched upon, Norway’s dramatic landscapes, ever-changing seasons and wealth of wildlife make the country a photographer’s dream. Whether you are cruising through narrow fjords or arriving in a traditional port, there is always a perfect photo opportunity.

Norway's unique Arctic light conditions create natural lighting effects that transform even simple scenes into extraordinary compositions, from the ethereal glow of the midnight sun to the dancing colours of the Northern Lights. The contrast between vibrant fishing villages and stark wilderness provides endless opportunities for capturing incredible photos of your time travelling in Norway.

With light pollution minimised at sea, a cruise offers the best setting to take perfect photographs of the majestic Northern Lights, golden Midnight Sun landscapes.

You probably weren’t expecting us to mention the cuisine when you wondered, “Is Norway worth visiting?”. After all, many people think of pickled fish when they think of Norwegian cuisine, which isn’t to everyone’s tastes.

Whilst king crab, salmon and Atlantic cod are local delicacies that must be sampled, Norway also offers a number of other taste sensations. Favourites include reindeer stews, moose cakes, the infamous Brunos, which is a delicious Norwegian sweet cheese, vafler (Norwegian waffles) and lingonberry or cloudberry creams.

Re-sculpted every year from only snow and ice, the Snow Hotel in Kirkenes really is one of the most unique hotels on earth. Each year, local artists and international sculptors collaborate to create a completely new hotel, with intricate ice sculptures, themed suites, and an ice bar, making every stay a unique artistic experience.

Amazingly, it isn’t just the exterior that is made of ice; the beds, the bar, the décor and even the fireplace are also hewn from compact snow! Take an excursion to visit the hotel and enjoy a traditional crowberry shot surrounded by frozen furniture.

If you are feeling brave, spend a night in one of the magnificent snow suites to claim some serious bragging rights. Despite the sub-zero temperatures, guests stay surprisingly warm thanks to high-quality Arctic sleeping bags and reindeer skins!

The final item on our list of 10 reasons to visit Norway is the famous Flåm Railway. Described as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, this railway offers breathtaking panoramic views of deep blue fjords, descending through dramatic Norwegian mountain scenery in just 20 kilometres of track that required over 17 years to construct.

Travelling from sea level, this magnificent feat of engineering takes you past snow-capped mountains, lush meadows and impressive waterfalls, to its end point 867 metres above sea level in just one hour. The journey from Flåm to Myrdal offers views that would be impossible to access any other way, while the train's vintage carriages and deliberately slow pace ensure you don't miss a single dramatic vista.