10 Picturesque Towns in Norway That Are Sure to Spark Wanderlust
Norway is known to be one of the most egalitarian civilizations in the world. Apart from that, it is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful landscapes. Visitors to the country will not experience a site that is not picturesque as they will be surrounded by beautiful terrain, which includes breathtaking fjords, starry skies and tranquil lakes. Additionally, it is notable for Viking culture, folklore, and for being eco-friendly, among others. For more information on Norway, below are the ten most picturesque towns in the country.
ten Tromso
Troms, which sits above the Arctic Circle, is renowned for being the best place to view the Northern Lights, which can be seen from September to April. The old town center is also known for its fishing boats and traditional Scandinavian wooden dwellings that have stood along the harbor for generations. Besides watching the Northern Lights, other things to do in the city include cruising and fishing in the Troms Fjord, reindeer sledding and feeding, dog sledding, and whale watching.
9 Alesund
Alesund, a port city on the west coast of Norway, with an area of 632.4 square kilometers is a must-visit city in the country. It is a picturesque seaside village famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, which is located on seven different island chains. The city, surrounded by mountains and snow-capped hills, is connected by a network of streams and bridges. There are plenty of things to do in this port city, like strolling and admiring the architecture, sampling the local cuisine, and visiting popular sites like the Atlantic Sea Park and the Alesund Museum.
8 Henningsvaer
Henningsvaer, a fishing village in the municipality of Vagan in the county of Nordland, is located on one of the small islands of Austvgya. The village is about 20 kilometers southwest of Svolvaer, with an area of 30 hectares and an altitude of 6 meters. The town is known for its brightly colored cottages, which are usually reflected in the icy waters. Moreover, the city is home to the most famous football field in the world, built on the bedrock of the island.
7 Queen
Reine is in the heart of the municipality of Moskenes, which is in the county of Nordland and has an area of 29 acres and an elevation of 10 meters. It is located 300 kilometers southwest of Troms and is a fishing village. Reine, despite its small population, is a top tourist destination due to its colorful fishing communities scattered around the base of a snow-capped mountain and located near the turbulent Norwegian Sea. Moreover, it has earned the title of “the most beautiful place in the world”.
6 Flame
Flam is a small hamlet among the fjords and the mouth of the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord massif in southwestern Norway. Flam is a small town of 350 inhabitants known for the Flam railway, which is often considered the most beautiful train ride in the world with panoramic views. Visitors can even climb to the top of the train tracks and take in the stunning views of valleys and waterfalls. Apart from this, Flam is home to the Church of Flam, a 17th century wooden church located in the valley south of the port.
5 Undredal
Undredal is a unique Norwegian fjord community where nature and local customs are inextricably linked. It is located in the municipality of Aurland and has an altitude of 20 meters. Visiting the city is a real way to enjoy the country’s fjord culture, known for its architecture, old-fashioned goat cheese and magnificent views. The city’s must-see attractions include the Stegastein Belvedere and the Undredal Stave Church, which is the smallest in Northern Europe.
4 Skudeneshavn
Skudeneshavn is located in the municipality of Karmy, at the confluence of the Karmsundet and Boknafjorden straits. It has an area of 50 hectares and is located 3 meters above sea level. The town is famous for its annual boating festival, which attracts hundreds of boats of all shapes and sizes to its ancient harbour. The streets of the city, meanwhile, are filled with folk music, handcrafted clothing and treasures. Additionally, the appealing look of the town is enhanced by the white painted fisherman’s huts with bright orange roofs.
3 Geiranger
Geiranger is a hamlet located at the mouth of the Geirangerfjord in the western region of Norway. It houses the Norwegian Fjord Center which contains multimedia content about the history and people of the region. Part of the imposing rocky terrain of Trollstigen crosses the town, connecting to the viewpoint Flydalsjuvet, which offers views over the fjord. Its deep waters and high mountains, along with stunning waterfalls, give it the feel of a tropical paradise. Must-see waterfalls here include the Suitor, Bridal Veil and Seven Sisters.
2 Trondheim
Trondheim, located in the heart of Norway, is home to the Gothic Nidaros Cathedral, which dates from the 11th century. The cathedral has a beautiful rose window and a sculpted west facade. Trondheim is also recognized as the Viking capital of Norway, having been founded in 997 AD. The city is best known for its colorful old warehouses along the banks of the Nidelva River, which enchant all visitors. Additionally, this city is home to Norway’s largest university, making it the country’s knowledge capital.
1 Longyearbyen
Longyearbyen, formerly known as Longyear City, is the northernmost city in the world, with a population of over 1,000 people. The city is perched above the Norwegian mainland and is a popular destination for its stunning natural beauty of towering mountains, vast valleys and glacial lakes due to the cold climate. The small hamlet full of bright residences with vibrant yellow, green and red highlights adds to the aesthetic appeal of the town. Also, winter in Longyearbyen is longer, from October to May.