Discover Norway: Mountains, Fjords and Cultural Heritage

In Jotunheimen, a mountainous area of around 3,500 square kilometres in eastern Norway, you can go cross-country and alpine skiing. Other destinations are known for fjords, trails or cultural heritage. Consider which of these experiences is most important to you before looking for a suitable hotel or other accommodation.

Winter Sports and Mountain Scenery

Jotunheimen offers two different types of skiing: cross-country and alpine. The Besseggen hike is also one of the area’s hiking routes. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between winter sports and a hike as separate activities, without treating them as the same thing.

Rail travel also offers a practical planning reference: the Flåm Railway travels in one hour from sea level at Sognefjord in Flåm to Myrdal, a mountain station 867 metres above sea level. There, you can connect to Bergen Railway trains between Bergen and Oslo. Check the current timetable before your trip if you plan to use this connection.

Fjords and Trails

There are several ways to explore the Geirangerfjord. The national hiking trail Fosseråsa runs through the area, and kayaking is also possible on the fjord. Sightseeing cruises last 75 minutes or two hours. These different durations can help you plan how much time to set aside for an excursion. Check the latest cruise departure details before your trip.

Nærøyfjord is among Norway’s UNESCO sites inscribed exclusively under natural criteria. The Vega Archipelago comprises 6,500 islands, islets and reefs. These two examples illustrate different forms of natural heritage in Norway. If scenery is a deciding factor in your trip, you can consider destinations like these alongside places with a clear focus on culture or winter sports.

Places with History and Architecture

Bryggen is a historic harbour district in Bergen, on Norway’s west coast. The district preserves traces of social organisation and illustrates how a district of Hanseatic merchants was used in the 14th century. Finds associated with Bryggen are on display at the Bryggen Museum – Bergen City Museum. Check the latest museum arrangements before visiting. In Bergen, you can combine a historic harbour district with a museum visit.

Urnes Stave Church is an outstanding example of traditional Scandinavian wooden architecture. Røros offers a different historical impression: the town has around 2,000 one- and two-storey wooden houses, as well as a smelting house. These details show two different ways to experience cultural heritage: a single significant building and a town characterised by numerous wooden houses and a smelting house.

In Alta, visitors can explore the rock carvings and paintings at Hjemmeluft along walking trails and on guided tours. The depictions are estimated to be 4,000 to 6,000 years old; Hjemmeluft is home to the largest collection of Alta’s rock carvings. If you choose to visit this place, you’ll find a specific archaeological subject that differs from architecture and historic townscapes.

Seasonal Experiences and Finding Accommodation

Some activities are specifically available in summer. In Røros, visitors can then take part in a local culinary safari. At the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum in Å, you can see traditional crafts in action during summer, including blacksmithing, steaming cod liver oil, making dyes and textile work. Check the latest dates and availability for these seasonal activities before your trip.

The Historical Museum presents the Viking exhibition “Miðgarðr – The Mythical World of the Vikings” for the whole family. As the exhibition programme may change, check the latest information from the museum.

Discover more destinations: Oppland, Telemark, Hordaland, Sor-Trondelag, More Og Romsdal, Kommune Oslo, Sogn Og Fjordane, Aust-Agder, Finnmark, Troms, Nordland, Vest-Agder, Buskerud, Hedmark, Akershus, Østfold.

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