Visiting Norway: 10 Good reasons to see it

The Scandinavian country of Norway is known for its remote location, its incredible landscapes and its surreal fjords. Although it borders Russia, Finland and Sweden, much of Norway's coastline lies right alongside the Arctic Ocean, offering cold but impressive views over the water. Norway boasts great historic cities, magnificent cathedrals, an active population and a thousand ways to stay active outdoors. If you are eager to start planning a Scandinavian holiday, here are some of the main reasons to visit Norway.

10Skiing

During the winter months, many places in Norway are ideal for both downhill and cross-country skiing. If you are looking for a place that can compete with the Alpine slopes, be sure to take a look at Hemsedal, which is home to several world-class ski resorts, dozens of slopes and more than 20 ski lifts. Hafjell is another winter sports destination that boasts downhill and cross-country trails and family fun areas for sledding and tubing.

9Fisherman's Cabins

Another collection of islands off the northern coast of Norway is the Lofoten archipelago. These islands are considered among the most scenic places in the country, but some of their most famous attractions are actually man-made. Be sure not to miss the traditional red fishermen's cabins built along the coast. Some are built on stilts and called rorbu, and some are even available for a tour or an overnight stay. These cabins are not only historic and beautiful, but are often found on remote, secluded and breathtaking beaches.

8Hiking

To get out and see as many of Norway's natural beauties as possible, hiking is a fantastic choice. Hiking in Norway is also made easier thanks to the right-of-access laws, making it simple to find footpaths and campsites. If you are ready for a serious challenge, you can tackle the hikes that lead to the peak of Galdhøpiggen, Norway's highest mountain. For something much less intense but just as scenic, take a trip through Rondane National Park, where you can spot reindeer in their natural habitats.

7Stave Churches

Great churches in Europe tend to be made of stone, but in Norway you can find large, intricately designed churches made entirely of wood. These stave churches are representative of the timber industry that has long been part of Norwegian culture and history. There are many wooden churches located around Norway, but one of the most impressive is the Heddal stave church. Heddal was built in the 13th century and is the largest of the country's wooden stave churches.

6Waterfalls

Thanks also to the number of glaciers in Norway, there is also an abundance of waterfalls. Some are mere trickles in certain seasons, but others are powerful, breathtaking attractions all year round. Although the largest concentration of waterfalls is found in the western fjords and mountains, they can be found scattered throughout the country. Probably one of Norway's most incredible waterfalls is Mardalsfossen, which is a big, powerful waterfall that flows all year round, where you can stand quite close and even feel the rush of the water.

5Coastal towns

Norway boasts hundreds of kilometres of coastline, so there is no shortage of charming coastal towns worth visiting. These traditional coastal towns are often places where the architecture is simple, the residents work in sectors such as fishing, and local culinary specialities include products such as dried and salted cod. Ålesund is a fantastic example of a coastal town located on a row of islands that boasts breathtaking views and incredible hiking opportunities. Henningsvær is another wonderful coastal town where the brightly coloured houses lined up along the water look more like something out of a fairy-tale gingerbread scene than real residences.

4Polar bears

Directly north of the Norwegian mainland lies the Svalbard archipelago, a collection of islands with a very small population of people, but a large population of incredible wildlife. Guided tours are readily available from settlements such as Longyearbyen, from where you can set off and spot polar bears in the wild. These incredible, majestic creatures are amazing to see, but don't forget that they are wild and dangerous animals. It is vital to see them with an experienced guide in Svalbard.

3Spectacular photo opportunities

Whether you are a social photographer or a professional photographer, Norway boasts an incredible range of spectacular photo opportunities. Kjeragbolten, for example, is an iconic boulder wedged between two precipices that you have to see to believe. At Pulpit Rock, you can take a selfie on a sheer cliff overlooking unspoilt blue water. At Trolltunga, take a photo of the rocky outcrop perched hundreds of metres above a river. Each of these photo opportunities is unique, and in Norway there are many more than you could ever capture.

2Northern lights

The Aurora Borealis, also known as the northern lights, is undoubtedly one of the main reasons to visit Norway. The best chance to spot them will be in winter, when the nights are longest. The further north you go and the further away from the cities you get, the better your view will be. Many people consider Tromsø the best place in Norway to see the northern lights, thanks to its northern position and its proximity to the Arctic Circle. The dry climate and lack of clouds will make conditions perfect for spotting the northern lights in Tromsø.

1Fjords

A fjord is where a long sea inlet lies between high cliffs, and is usually the result of a submerged glacier valley. In Norway, the fjords are some of the most beautiful natural attractions around, and no trip to Scandinavia would be complete without seeing some of them up close. Most of the Norwegian fjords are found along the western coast, including Sognefjorden, which is the longest fjord in all of Europe.