Make the most of this small but mighty nation with the ultimate Norway bucket list.
The Perfect Norway Bucket List
Norway’s magnetic pull has captivated travellers for centuries, and for good reason. This Scandinavian country is a land of natural beauty, where deep fjords, snow-capped mountains, and historic towns collide spectacularly.
From the wild reaches of the Arctic Circle to the urban buzz of its largest cities, Norway is one of those places that will give you chills. Dreaming of a scenic road trip, a fjord cruise, and great food? These bucket list items will help you determine the best time to travel and the best ways to see each location.
In our view, the ultimate way to see Norway is from the water, on a cruise like this one from Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys, a luxury lifestyle travel brand from the MSC Group, offers a distinctive approach to ocean travel. Designed to connect travellers with the sea, themselves, and their surroundings, they redefine the cruise experience with a sense of elegance and purpose. At the heart of the brand is the Ocean State of Mind concept – a mindset that unfolds when we escape to the water, create lasting memories, and reconnect with what truly matters.
So, we’d highly recommend you check out their routes as you convert your Norway bucket list dreams into reality. But be aware that no single cruise can cover everything on our list. Which is just as well, in a way. Who doesn’t love an excuse for a return trip?
But we’re getting ahead of ourselves. First, let’s start tackling that Norway bucket list.
Stand on the Edge of North Cape (Nordkapp)
High above the Arctic Ocean sits North Cape, one of the last outposts before the North Pole. This windswept plateau, marked by its iconic globe monument, offers one of the most humbling panoramas in northern Norway – an endless horizon where the sea and sky blur into one.
In the summer season, the midnight sun lingers, casting a golden glow that refuses to fade. Come winter, an eerie silence settles over the snow-draped cliffs, making it feel even more remote. Whenever you visit, it’s a perfect place to witness the sheer scale of the north.
Witness the Northern Lights in Tromsø
Tromsø is one of the best places to see the aurora borealis glow across the winter sky, and a lot of people book a shuttle bus from the city centre to reach darker, more remote viewing spots.
The region sits well above sea level yet still within reach of the Gulf Stream, so it’s surprisingly accessible compared to other Arctic Circle areas.
During the colder months – particularly from late September through March – the Northern Lights shimmer overhead, offering a spectacular display. A guided tour is one of the best ways to avoid cloud cover, and the local experts track real-time forecasts for the ideal vantage points.
Explore the Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands reward travellers with steep mountains and sandy beaches. These rugged peaks tower over small villages where fishermen have thrived for centuries.
As soon as you step ashore, it’s clear why the archipelago is regarded as one of Norway’s most beautiful places. It also has some of the most popular road trip routes in the country.
Kayaking in the calm bays beneath craggy rock walls is another way to discover these deep fjords, while sampling local produce – like dried cod – brings a true Norwegian experience.
Ride the Flåm Railway
Winding through snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, and cascading waterfalls, the Flåm Railway is one of the world’s most spectacular train journeys. In just an hour, it climbs nearly 900 metres above sea level, passing postcard-perfect landscapes as it goes.
Each season offers something different – lush greens in summer months, fiery foliage in autumn, and a beautiful landscape of ice and snow in winter. The highlight? The thunderous Kjosfossen waterfall, where mist swirls like a ghostly veil.
Fun fact: Despite the steep climb, no cogwheels are used – just expertly engineered tracks and braking systems.
Hike to Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)
Towering 604 metres above sea level, Pulpit Rock is one of the top destinations for hikers in southern Norway. One of the most popular hikes in the country leads through forests and rocky plateaus before unveiling one of the best views in the region.
Expect a dizzying scenic view straight down to the turquoise waters of Lysefjord – those with a fear of heights might hesitate at the edge, but for most nature lovers, it’s an unforgettable moment.
There are different ways to reach the trailhead: drive from Stavanger, take a shuttle bus, or combine a ferry with local transport.
Take a Fjord Cruise through Geirangerfjord
Norwegian fjords define the country’s landscape, and Geirangerfjord is widely considered one of the most beautiful fjords of them all.
Geirangerfjord holds a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List due to its stunning geology and well-preserved local communities.
Board a cruise ship for a short sail or opt for a private RIB boat excursion to get even closer to hidden coves.
Drive the Atlantic Road
Some call the Atlantic Road a triumph of engineering. Others see it as a thrill ride. Winding across a series of islets and bridges along Norway’s western coast, it was even labelled the Norwegian construction of the century in its day.
The route is famous for its hairpin curves, sweeping ocean views, and the sensation of skimming the sea surface as waves crash beneath.
This drive is popular during the summer months, when the weather is calmer, but in stormy seasons, it’s a more unique experience.
Experience the Midnight Sun in Lofoten
Norway’s latitude means that the summer season brings daylight for 24 hours. Between late May and late July, the midnight sun hovers above the horizon, giving travellers in the Lofoten Islands a chance to hike, fish, or lounge in a hot tub under a golden glow that never dims.
This phenomenon is found in other parts of Norway too, but Lofoten’s dramatic mountains set the stage beautifully. If you arrive outside the summer months, the islands still offer a different type of wonder: the enchanting darkness of winter, filled with potential sightings of the northern lights.
Discover Bergen’s Bryggen Wharf
Bergen, the country’s second-largest city, reveals its Hanseatic heritage along the iconic Bryggen Wharf. This UNESCO World Heritage Site includes colourful wooden buildings originally used as trading posts. Each walkway, beam, and narrow alley recalls the Middle Ages when merchants shipped cod across Northern Europe.
Bergen’s city centre extends beyond Bryggen, brimming with local cafés and craft shops. After a stroll, climb the Fløyen funicular for a scenic view of the rooftops and harbour.
See how to spend the perfect day in Bergen here.
Visit Svalbard and Spot Polar Bears
For a completely unique experience, venture beyond mainland Norway to Svalbard, a remote Arctic wilderness that polar bears call home. This icy archipelago, sitting halfway between the North Pole and northern Norway, offers raw, untouched beauty – glaciers, frozen fjords, and endless tundra.
This is the perfect place to join a cruise expedition to explore the coastline. This region is also home to wildlife such as walruses and Arctic foxes, so keep an eye out for glimpses of these creatures on your journey. Svalbard is a great place to delve into the fragility of the polar environment.
Ride the Bergen Line
Connecting Oslo and Bergen, the Bergen Line is a masterpiece of railway travel. The journey reveals a cross-section of Norway’s varied terrain: you’ll pass through lush vegetation, traverse sweeping plains, and skirt around deep fjords.
In winter, the tracks cut through snowy plateaus near some of Norway’s largest ski resorts, while summer travellers see green valleys in full bloom.
This route offers different ways to appreciate Norway’s highest mountains and is considered one of the best ways to see the country in comfort.
Visit the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim
A masterpiece of medieval architecture, Nidaros Cathedral is the spiritual heart of Norway. Built over the tomb of Saint Olav, this medieval castle-like structure is Scandinavia’s largest Gothic cathedral, with intricate stone carvings and towering stained-glass windows.
Inside, its vast nave feels almost otherworldly, while the rose window floods the space with shifting light. Climb the tower for a scenic view over Trondheim’s colourful old town.
Try King Crab in Kirkenes
Kirkenes, near the Russian border in northern Norway, is known for its king crab safaris. You can set out on a RIB tour to haul in these enormous crustaceans from icy waters, then tuck into a fresh feast afterwards.
Seafood doesn’t get much more local than that, and it’s a delight for anyone who values good food.
Step Inside a Stave Church
Norway’s stave churches, with their dark timber frames and dragon-like carvings, are relics of the Middle Ages. The best-preserved is Borgund Stave Church, where steep, layered roofs and intricate woodwork transport you back centuries.
Candlelit interiors create an almost mystical atmosphere, blending Viking traditions with medieval Christianity. These wooden masterpieces are some of Norway’s most fascinating cultural landmarks.
Tip: Rent a car if your Norwegian travel itinerary includes a visit to a stave church – most are in remote areas.
Hike to Kjeragbolten and Stand on the Boulder
Kjeragbolten hikes are famous among adrenaline-seekers. The trail leads to a boulder wedged between towering cliff walls, hanging around 984 metres above Lysefjord.
The route itself is moderate to challenging, involving steep inclines and chain-assisted sections.
You need to plan carefully, though, to avoid the harshest conditions. Most people choose the summer months to ensure safer paths.
Visit the Norwegian Olympic Museum in Lillehammer
Lillehammer hosted the Winter Games in 1994, and the Norwegian Olympic Museum offers a window into the country’s passion for winter sports.
This interactive centre looks at both historical achievements and modern practices, showcasing why skiing is so ingrained in Norwegian culture.
The museum also highlights Norway’s largest ski resorts, which dot the region’s slopes.
Explore Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo
In the heart of Frogner Park, Vigeland Park is an open-air art gallery unlike any other. Over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland line its pathways, capturing the raw intensity of human emotion: grief, joy, rage, and love.
The centrepiece, the towering Monolith, features intertwined figures reaching skyward, while the famous Angry Boy remains a favourite among visitors. It’s one of Oslo’s top attractions, blending art and nature seamlessly.
Take a RIB Boat Tour in the Fjords
For those who want a more exhilarating way to explore the fjords, a RIB boat adventure might be the answer. These inflatable speedboats zip between sheer cliffs, letting you see hidden coves and waterfalls up close.
Geiranger and Aurlandsfjord are prime spots to arrange such excursions, which typically last a couple of hours.
Savour Fresh Seafood at Bergen’s Fish Market
Bergen’s fish market is a feast for the senses – stalls brimming with glistening salmon, Arctic char, and king crab, the salty scent of the sea in the air. This is the perfect place to try Norway’s finest seafood, whether it’s a simple smoked salmon sandwich or a lavish shellfish platter.
Beyond seafood, you’ll find local produce like reindeer sausage and cloudberries, making it a must-visit for food lovers.
It’s an easy walk from Bryggen, so you can explore both on the same day.
Relax in an Outdoor Hot Tub Overlooking a Fjord
Norwegians have a deep love for sauna culture, and hot tubs often go hand in hand with that tradition. There’s nothing quite like soaking in steaming water while surveying a beautiful landscape of mountains and water.
Many high-end lodges and boutique hotels offer this indulgence, blending premium brand luxury with Norway’s pristine natural beauty.
Scream at the Work of Munch in Oslo
While Edvard Munch’s most famous work, The Scream, lives in the National Museum, the Munch Museum offers a deep dive into the mind of Norway’s greatest artist. Find out what else Norway is famous for here.
Beyond his iconic masterpiece, the collection spans thousands of paintings, prints, and sketches, showcasing his evolution from realism to raw expressionism.
This top attraction also hosts rotating exhibitions, giving visitors a fresh perspective on Munch’s genius.
Chase Waterfalls at Vøringsfossen
Vøringsfossen is one of Norway’s most dramatic waterfalls, dropping 182 metres into the Måbødalen Valley in Hardangervidda. A newly built footbridge allows you to stand directly above the cascading water.
Walk around, exploring the surrounding Hardangervidda area which contains national parks known for their wide expanses of untouched wilderness.
Discover Trondheim’s Colourful Old Town
Trondheim’s colourful old town, known as Bakklandet, is a charming mix of cobbled streets, wooden wharf houses, and cosy cafés. The city also hosts the medieval castle-like Archbishop’s Palace and the revered Nidaros Cathedral.
Cross the Old Town Bridge, known as the “Gate of Happiness,” and explore the city’s unique blend of medieval history and modern creativity. It is considered one of the most beautiful places in the country.
Stay in a Glass Igloo Under the Arctic Sky
High-quality experience-based tourism reaches new heights in some parts of Norway, where you can rent glass igloos that offer panoramic views of the sky.
Several operators in northern Norway provide these transparent domes, letting you watch the northern lights or the midnight sun from the comfort of a warm bed.
Guests often enjoy a sauna or hot tub session just beforehand. While these accommodations can be pricey, they provide a more intimate and immersive experience compared to a standard hotel room.
It’s a true treat for travellers seeking unique things that make for an unforgettable stay.
Make Your Own Norway Bucket List
Norway delivers an astonishing range of top attractions: exploring stave churches from the Middle Ages, sinking your teeth into king crab on a RIB boat safari, or sipping hot chocolate under the glow of the aurora borealis.
Add these items to your own bucket list now and get ready to discover this Scandinavian country’s amazing nature, cultural treasures, and welcoming spirit.