The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Norway For The Outdoor Lover

There are so many beautiful places in Norway that sometimes it can be really hard to figure out an itinerary. From the majestic fjords in the West to otherworldly National Parks. If you’re an outdoor lover then Norway is the perfect country for you to visit!

In this article I will cover the best places that Norway has to offer if you love spending time in nature. Of course there are some stunning cities as well but that wasn’t my main focus point on my trip. I love discovering unique places and in this article you’ll definitely find a ton of those!

As with all of my other travel guide and destination lists, I’ve visited all of these beautiful places in Norway myself. Besides stunning photos you’ll also be treated with insightful information that will help you when planning your next holiday to Norway!

The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Norway For The Outdoor Lover

1. Preikestolen

Preikestolen is definitely one of the most beautiful places in entire Norway. It’s also one of the most touristic places but it definitely lives up to the hype!

The hike up and down to Preikestolen is 7.8km in total and starts at the main parking lot. First you’ll walk up through a forest but after the first kilometer you’ll encounter a more boulder like landscape. The hike up can be strenuous at times so if you have trekking poles with you I highly recommend bringing them.

Now, if you are prone to vertigo or have a fear of heights this hike might not be the best idea for you. Not because of the hiking trail itself but because of its end destination. The Preikestolen is a 600 meter high cliff rock with a full on vertical drop on all sides.

Once you’re up there it’s important to be very careful and mindful of where you’re going.

💡 TIP – Start hiking in the late afternoon or before sunrise to avoid the big crowds. We started hiking up around 3pm and were pretty much the only ones hiking up. Everyone else was already returning to their car.

💡 TIP – The weather in Norway can be very unpredictable. We got completely drenched on our way up and the entire hike I thought we wouldn’t see anything because of the thick clouds. But if you wait a little they will clear up and you’ll still be able to see the beautiful Lysefjord below.

2. Månafossen

Månafossen is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Southern Norway and with its 90 meters in free fall the tallest waterfall in the county of Rogaland.

This is a great hike if you’re feeling a little adventurous but you don’t want to do a lot of hiking! The trail starts at Eikeskog where you start by climbing up a stone stairway. After that the climb becomes very steep but for most parts there are chains so you can pull yourself up.

I know, this sounds crazy!!! But trust me, it’s actually very easy to reach the main viewpoint at the top!

💡 TIP – This is a good hike to do on the same day as the Preikestolen hike which is only 1,5 hour driving away.

3. Låtefossen

The twin waterfall Låtefossen is a truly unique place to see in Norway. Located within the Odda valley you can spot this beautiful waterfall right next to the road.

There’s a parking lot (and even a toilet) located right behind the waterfall and you can even walk down to see it more closely.

It’s the perfect place to stop and have lunch if you’re driving from Preikestolen to Trolltunga!

4. Trolltunga – One of the best places to visit in Norway

Trolltunga is one of the most spectacular places in Norway! The hike itself is not for the faint of heart cause with its 20.2 km in total (if you start from P3) it can be pretty strenuous on your feet, But honestly, the views that you’ll see along the way more than make up for it!

Your final destination on this hike? The world famous Trolltunga! Also known as one of the most photographed and Instagrammed rock formations in the entire world. Unfortunately this also means that you won’t be the only person here taking a photo. This spot usually comes with a waiting line which can go up to 2 hours in the busy summer months.

But don’t limit yourself to this famous rock alone! Their are so many beautiful views along the way and a little change of perspective immediately results in a let less or sometimes even no other people.

💡 TIP – Start hiking in the early morning and take the first bus or taxi up to P3. This way if you keep up the pace you’ll be one of the first ones to arrive at the Trolltunga.

💡 TIP – You can spread this hike out over 2 days and camp nearby at one of the designated campsites. This way you’ll be able to see the sunrise and sunset and enjoy the place in solitude.

💡 TIP – There are also a couple of tour companies that offer a guided hike which includes an overnight. If you don’t like camping then this is the perfect tour for you since you’ll be staying in a luxurious see through dome which offers a stunning view over the fjord.

5. Bondhusdalen

Bondhusdalen is one of the most beautiful lakes in central Norway and not too far from Odda. So if you’re hiking the Trolltunga trail it would be a shame to not hop over and through the glacier to Bondhusdalen.

You’ll need to calculate around 2 to 3 hours for your visit but all of this depends on the weather. During our visit the weather was pretty gloomy but even then the water was looking bright turquoise. You can only image that when the glistens on it and you can see the mountains in the background that this place is absolutely fantastic!

6. Furebergfossen – one of the coolest waterfalls in Norway

Furebergfossen is one of the more unique places to visit in Norway. This multi tier waterfall is not too far from Bondhusdalen and can be found right next to the road.

There’s a small parking lot right in front of it but it can only hold a couple of cars.

But even if you don’t make a stop here it’s a spectacular place in Norway to drive by.

7. Vøringfossen

There are hundreds of waterfalls in Norway but not many of them can compete with the power of Vøringfossen. In my personal opinion, I thought this was one of the most beautiful places in Norway and it’s pretty easy to reach as well!

There’s a big parking lot not too far from the entrance and from there it’s only a short walk to the waterfall. They’ve build steel staircases and bridges that go over the waterfall. The view from up here is absolutely magnificent and I highly recommend walking the entire trail around for the best experience and the best views.

💡 TIP – There’s a hotel and restaurant at the top of the waterfall.

8. Rjukandefoss – the most beautiful waterfall in Norway

Rjukandefoss is one of the best places to visit in central Norway and the perfect place to stop if you’re making your way up to Jotunheimen National Park!

There’s a small car park on the side of the road and the short trail through the woods will lead you to the waterfall in no time. There’s also a suspension bridge which makes it possible to view the waterfall from both sides of the river.

9. Jotunheimen National Park

Jotunheimen National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Norway and one of my personal favorites. The entire time that we were driving through it my face was plastered to the window shield. There were turquoise lakes and super tall mountains as far as the eye could see.

And if you’re very lucky you might even see a reindeer or two during your time here.

I highly recommend spending at least 1 or 2 nights in this area and a visit to Jotunheimen National Park isn’t complete without doing at least one of these hikes below!

Besseggen Ridge

The Besseggen Hike is considered one of the must-complete hikes by Norwegians and it is said that once you conquer this ridge you can call yourself a ‘serious hiker’. An estimated 60.000 people walk the Besseggen ridge every year.

The Besseggen Hiking Trail is a point to point hike which starts in Memurubu and ends in Gjendesheim. But to get to Memurubu you’ll first need to take a ferry from Gjendesheim.

📖 MAKE SURE TO READ MY FULL GUIDE ON THE BESSEGGEN RIDGE HIKE WHICH INCLUDES A LOT MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOS.

Knøtshoe

The Knutshøe Hiking Trail is also located in Jotunheimen National Park but is often overshadowed by the immensely popular Besseggen Ridge Hike. But if you have more than one day at the Jotunheimen National Park you should definitely hike this beautiful trail!

I consider the Knutshøe Hiking Trail as one of the most beautiful hikes in Norway and to top it of it’s also a fun and rather adventurous one!

📖 MAKE SURE TO READ MY FULL GUIDE ON COMPLETING THE KNUTSHØE HIKING TRAIL, INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS & PHOTOS.

10. Dovrefjell National Park – A unique place to see in Norway

One of the absolute highlights from our recent trip to Norway was seeing a musk ox with our very own eyes at Dovrefjell National Park!

Dovrefjell National Park is the only place in Norway, and one of few places in the world, where you can experience the majestic musk ox. The musk ox is a truly historic mammal and is one of the oldest mammals to walk our planet. Dating back to about 187,000 to 129,000 years ago, muskoxen are known as the shaggy survivors of the Ice Age.

📖 MAKE SURE TO READ MY DETAILED GUIDE TO KNOW EXACTLY HOW AND WHERE TO SPOT A MUSK OX IN DOVREFJELL NATIONAL PARK.

11. Innerdalen – Visit the most beautiful valley in Norway

I have honestly no idea if out of all of the valleys in Norway, Innerdalen is actually the most beautiful one. That would require me to visit all of them and there simply isn’t enough time. But every other travel website claimed that it’s the most beautiful one so let’s just leave it at that.

It’s a short but steep hike to this valley and from there you can choose to go on even more adventurous hikes. If that’s not your cup of tea you can also enjoy some waffles and a hot drink at the cosy hut in the heart of the valley.

12. Romsdalseggen

The Romsdalseggen Ridge Hike in Åndalsnes is one of the most impressive hiking trails in entire Norway! But out of all of the hikes that I did in Norway it was also the most difficult one. There’s a steep ascend over boulders, an exposed part where you have to hold onto chains to cross over and one of the hardest descends.

But I promise you, it’s all worth it once you reach the top! The next kilometers you’ll spend hiking along the ridge line which means you’ll have impressive mountain views on both sides.

The Romsdalseggen Ridge Hiking Trail is a point to point hike, just like that other wonderful hike in Norway the Besseggen Ridge Trail. But in contrary to that one there’s only one way to complete this hike and that’s from Venjesdalsetra, a car park in Vengedalen, to Åndalsnes.

There’s a dedicated Romsdalseggen bus that will take you to the car park in Vengedalen. This bus leaves from the bus station in Åndalsnes and will drop you off at Venjesdalsetra. It costs 200NOK per person and you can park your car or camper van at the long term parking lot in Åndalsnes.

📖 MAKE SURE TO READ MY FULL GUIDE ON HIKING THE ROMSDALSEGGEN RIDGE INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOS!

13. Troll Wall

Hiking up to the Troll Wall viewpoint was one of my favorite things to do in Norway. The hike itself is rather adventurous with a lot of climbing over boulders but the view, THE VIEW!

The final viewpoint is located at the vertical cliff of the Trollveggen wall. So once you’re up there it’s a steep drop down into the Romsdalen valley. Make sure to be very careful around the edges and take care if you have a fear of heights. The view is however absolutely amazing and totally worth the trouble of the hike.

📖 MAKES SURE TO READ MY FULL GUIDE ON THE TROLL WALL HIKE INCLUDING A LOT MORE DETAILS AND PHOTOS!

14. Trollstigen – The most spectacular road in Norway

The best part of visiting this beautiful place in Norway? The winding road leading up to it! Especially if you’re coming from Åndalsnes!

The Trollstigen road is world famous due to the fact that it creeps up the mountain in incredible loops and to top it off there’s a giant waterfall at each side.

At the top of the road you’ll find the Trollstigen visitor centre where you can park your car. In true Norwegian fashion you’ll also find a fabulous viewing platform here. The wind up there can be absolute mayhem but you’ll get a spectacular birds eye view over the serpentine road.

15. Litlefjellet

Litlefjellet is one of those places in Norway that seems to keep on flying under the radar. But doesn’t this sound perfect? A short (but steep) hike up followed by one of the most stunning views in the entire area of Romsdal.

From Litlefjellet you’ll have a direct view over the impressive Trollveggen mountain range and if you’re up for it this is one of the most beautiful places in Norway to go wild camping!

16. Mount Saksa

If there’s one place that you can’t miss if you absolutely love hiking it’s the Sunmøre Alps in Western Norway. And you want to know the best part? This area in Norway is still relatively unknown!

I think if I had to choose my favorite place in Norway out of all of the ones I’ve seen on this road trip it would be this one!

You can find these views by hiking up mount Saksa. It’s a steep and strenuous hike up but the views are so damn worth it!

After a very hard climb up you’ll be greeted by 360° views over the Sunmøre Alps.

📖 MAKE SURE TO READ MY COMPLETE GUIDE ON HIKING MOUNT SAKSA FOR MORE DETAILS!

17. Trandal – The most scenic swing in Norway

This has to be one of the most beautiful swings in Norway! But in all honesty it’s not the easiest to get to! Trandal is a small village in the Sunmøre Alps and can only be reached by ferry or on foot. And I honestly wouldn’t recommend going on foot cause you need to hike across several mountains to get there.

The ferry to Trandal leaves from Sæbo and it’s important that you have a look at their schedule from beforehand. During high season there will be plenty of ferries but for instance in September the last ferry back was already at 7pm.

This swing is located in front of the restaurant Christian Gaard. And while you don’t need to eat here to take a photo at their famous swing. It is however a lovely place to enjoy a meal but do know that the prices are steep. For reference both of us had 1 meal and 3 beers in total and had a bill of €128.

18. Gunnar Råsa

Good news! There’s not just one beautiful swing in Norway! There are actually three! And two of them can be found on your way up to Gunnar Råsa.

As like with every other hike in Norway it’s a steep climb up and it took us about 1,5 hour to reach the swings!

The trail leading up to GunnarRåsa starts inSæbo. Once you get off the ferry turn to the right and drive alongside the water. After a few hundred meters you’ll see a couple of parking spaces and the hiking trail starts right next to these.

19. Geiranger – the most famous fjord in Norway

Geiranger is probably one of the most visited fjords in Norway and maybe it was the gloomy weather we had during most of the day but I was a little underwhelmed by this place. There are some nice viewpoints to be found but for most activities you have to book a fjord cruise.

The entire place honestly feels very touristic and way less authentic but the viewpoint below definitely made up for that!

20. Breng

Typical about Norway are its wooden houses where the roof is covered in moss. In central Norway you’re bound to bump into a lot of these so there’s no need to visit these specific ones.

But I did love the spectacular backdrop that they came with! The weather was gloomy and rain was falling but the clouds rising up from the lake added a sense of mystery that!

I hope this list of the best places to visit in Norway will help you in planning your trip! And I can guarantee you that if you love being outdoors and you love hiking now and then that you’ll have an amazing time!

Happy exploring!