Norway might be most famous for its cinematic landscapes, but its cities are chock-full of charm too. Whether you’d rather hang out in the cool capital, venture beyond the Arctic Circle or tuck into freshly caught seafood on the coast, we’ve rounded up the best cities in Norway for every eventuality. From Alesund’s Art Nouveau architecture to Bergen’s fantastic fjords, read on to discover which Norwegian cities should be on your travel radar…
1. Oslo
2. Bergen
3. Trondheim
4. Tromso
5. Alesund
6. Kristiansand
Oslo
Best for: world-class museums
Norway’s capital city needs no introduction. Oslo is the coolest kid on the Scandi block, with bundles of culture, history and culinary wonders to boot. Marvel at iconic architecture (we’re looking at you, National Opera House), sample the local cuisine, and wander the creative hub of Grunerlokka or the buzzing waterfront, Aker Brygge. The best thing about Oslo? Everything is walkable.
History buffs won’t be bored here, either. The city is bursting with marvellous museums, so take your pick from the likes of the Viking Ship Museum, the National Museum or the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History. Once you’ve had your culture fix, join the locals for a refreshing dip in the Sorenga seawater pool (weather permitting, of course).
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Bergen
Best for: proximity to the fjords
Next on our roundup of the best cities in Norway is buzzy Bergen, the nation’s second-largest city. From its colourful UNESCO-listed wharf, Bryggen, to its lively fish market and fascinating museums, there’s no shortage of things to do in the ‘gateway to the fjords’. Beautiful Bergen is enveloped by seven mighty mountains (Ulriken is the tallest, at over 2,000ft), so there are plenty of hikes for adventure seekers, too.
Fancy saving your energy? Take the funicular up to Mount Floyan for panoramic views over the city, hop your way around its artisan coffee shops, or relax in its waterfront sauna. Fjord fanatics can opt for a scenic cruise, while foodies can get to know the local culinary scene (clue: seafood plays a starring role).
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Trondheim
Best for: historic charm
As the Norwegian capital during the Viking Age, it’s no surprise that Trondheim is packed with history. Marvel at the world’s northernmost Medieval cathedral, Nidaros, uncover archaeological secrets at the Archbishop’s Palace or explore Trondheim’s fascinating folk past at the Sverresborg Trondelag Folk Museum.
Dubbed the ‘Capital of Knowledge’, Trondheim is home to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. Its 40,000-strong student population means there’s always a lively atmosphere in the city, whether you wander the charming neighbourhood of Bakklandet, check out contemporary art at Kunsthall, or tour the city’s many microbreweries. Nature is also never far away in Trondheim. Head to nearby Bymarka, a sprawling forest-clad nature reserve for lakes, hiking trails and, come winter, skiing.
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Tromso
Best for: Arctic adventures
For our next pick of the best cities in Norway we’re heading above the Arctic Circle, to Tromso. Hop in the cable car up to Mount Storsteinen for spectacular views over the city and mountains, peruse the Polar Museum, check out the Arctic Cathedral or head out on a whale-watching tour (you’ll have the best chance of spotting these marine giants between October and January).
Visit during winter and take your pick from snow sports like skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing and dogsledding. If you’re lucky, you might even see nature’s most famous light show, the Northern Lights. During the summer months, experience the Midnight Sun, a magical phenomenon where the sun never sets above the Arctic Circle. You’ll have ample daylight to explore Norway’s great outdoors…
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Alesund
Best for: Art Nouveau architecture
We don’t like picking favourites, but Alesund might be the prettiest of the lot. Following a devastating fire in 1904 that destroyed most of the city, Alesund was rebuilt in a stunning Art Nouveau style and you’ll find curved corners, delicate spires and pastel-painted facades at every turn. Fancy admiring the city from afar? Climb up 418 steps to the Mount Aksla viewpoint for sweeping views of Alesund and its surrounding scenes.
Sandwiched between mountains and fjords, the city makes exploring the Sunnmore region easy. Visit nearby Godoya island for beautiful hiking trails and the picturesque Alnes lighthouse, head to Runde during the summer months to meet the resident puffin population, or cruise the spectacular UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord.
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Kristiansand
Best for: urban beaches
Last but not least on our roundup of the best cities in Norway is the nation’s southernmost city, Kristiansand. This dinky yet delightful city has attractions in abundance, whether you’d rather explore the pretty Posebyen old town, walk around the former island naval base, Odderoya, tour the open-air Kristiansand Museum or gape at the Neo-Gothic cathedral.
Many flock to Kristiansand for its proximity to the glorious outdoors (and rightly so). From the palm tree-fringed (yes, really) city beach, Bystranda, to the rocky cove of Helleviga and sandy stretch, Hamresanden, there’s a swim spot for every mood. Worked up an appetite? Sample fresh Norwegian salmon or Skrei cod in one of the restaurants lining the characterful old fish quay, Fiskebrygga – seafood is a staple in Norway after all.
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Written by Hannah Whitehall | Header image by Mao Yuqing / Unsplash.com
