Tourist Attractions & Monuments Norway

This open-air museum is 4 km from the town centre and can be reached on foot or by bus. It comprises some 60 buildings, including the remains of King Sverre's castle. There is a wildlife park, a standing wooden church, farm buildings, an old shoemaker's workshop and old houses that were once in the centre. In the museum, an 18th-century inn keeps the traditions alive with a restaurant that continues to serve authentic cuisine in a 1739 home.

One can follow step by step the destruction of Narvik, the Allied landings, life under German occupation until the end of the Second World War. The museum has recently moved, modernised and is now located in the centre of Narvik, at Kongens Gate, in the same hall as the Library and Tourist Office. The museum is very well detailed and provides a better understanding of the history of the town. There are regular temporary exhibitions...

At the end of the last century, this region was the "Barbizon School" of Norwegian painters such as Christian Krogh and Fritz Thaulow. On the square in Torget Tregaardens Julehus, you'll find Santa's house. The traditions of this pagan holiday are deeply rooted in northern countries. Santa's house sells Christmas tree decorations all year round on December 25, and has its own post office. But you know the story, don't you?

Big sister of Haukland Beach, Uttakleiv is less known but no less beautiful. There are two ways to get there, by road, take the tunnel and follow the signs from Haukland Beach, or by the coastal path that starts from Haukland. The path makes the arrival on Uttakleiv more spectacular than ever. It is the most photographed beach in Norway. In summer, it is one of Norway's favourite destinations for watching the midnight sun, for campfires and camping, on the beach or on the dunes!

Since 1946, this company has been offering tours of varying lengths: the Oslo Fjord, a night tour on a traditional sailing boat with a typical Norwegian dinner, a 3-hour cruise on the theme of jazz (Tuesday) and blues (Saturday). Departure in front of the city hall. For more information on prices and schedules, please consult the detailed offers on its website which will make you discover Oslo in a playful way alone, in group or with your family.

With its 140 old log houses with peat roofs, it is one of the largest open-air museums in Europe. Bjørnstad Farm has 27 buildings. In total the museum has 4,000 objects and 185 houses. Guided tours are given every two hours to learn about the different rural cultures and life on the farm and on the mountain pastures. You can see spinning, weaving and carving on wood. Local specialities are served in the open-air café.

On the riverbank outside Kautokeino, Frank and Regine Juhls have created a veritable folk art sanctuary. For more than 40 years, they have been doing more than just creating jewellery in this silver workshop. The beauty of Saami art reveals its deep artistic meaning here. The jewellery (especially the knives, with their reindeer antler handles finely decorated with animal or symbolic motifs) are true marvels. In addition to the goldsmiths at work, you can also see the sheep, horses and chickens on the farm.

IDDIS is a new museum, which will be opened in November 2021. It is located in the old town and combines the Cannery Museum and the Printing Museum. The name IDDIS is a nod to the Stavanger dialect: a label is called etikett in Norwegian, but iddikett in the local dialect, which later became iddis. A great idea to bring together these two museums that share a common history related to images, graphics and printing. Super café + nice shop.

King Sigurd Jorsalfar, a fervent Christian (he took part in the crusades), ordered the construction of this cathedral in 1125. Built in Anglo-Norman style with the help of English companions, it was damaged by fire in 1272. Its choir was rebuilt in Gothic style. The rest of the interior is Baroque. In the literature, it is assumed that the remains of a standing wooden church built by Erling Skjalgsson around 1015 are located under the present cathedral.

The archaeological museum presents objects from the Iron Age, the Viking Age and the Middle Ages. Built on and around the ruins of the medieval cathedral and the seat of the archbishop's palace (12th century), it is accompanied by a medicinal plant garden and a small open-air museum comprising some fifty ancient houses. The visit of the latter is free. Possibility of guided tours in English on different themes: medieval, musical, herbalist...

This park was created around 1880 by General Wergeland. It is located behind the city and is very easy to reach on foot. It is very pleasant to walk around in the summer and enjoy a pastry in the café or in the heart of the park, where concerts are held on a covered stage. It is also the starting point for walks in the region. The restaurant, Cafe Generalen, offers the best burgers in town and is a great place to stop in the summer, especially when the weather is nice. Also cultural events.

This majestic hall was erected in 1261 for royal ceremonies in Bergen, and was the centre of political decisions in Norway (King Magnus Lagabøter married the Danish princess Ingeborg Eriksdatter here the same year). The building had to be restored after being severely damaged by fire in 1944. The guided tours (also in French) include the Rosenkrantz Tower, a fortress built in the 1560s by Lord Erik Rosenkrantz.

It is Bergen's most beautiful summer house and perhaps the finest example of rococo architecture in Norway. The mansion was built in the 1770s and is now open to the public after extensive restoration work. The adjoining garden has been recreated as it was originally, with plants that were in vogue 200 years ago. This place can only be visited by reservation and guided tour. If you like architecture, do not miss this beautiful house.

The cathedral has been restored many times, but a very old part has been preserved, dating from the 12th century. The Gothic style still predominates, as evidenced by the choir and part of its tower. Recitals are held during the summer on Thursdays and Sundays. The service is in Norwegian, and in English in the summer. Note the churches in and around the town: Fana Church (30 minutes by bus), Johanneskirken, Korskirken, Mariakirken, Nykirken.

Unusually, the building was built as a museum. At the time it was simply a museum of the fishing industry, but in 1947 it became a cultural museum. The museum traces the town's cultural history, from the Vikings to the Sami to the daily lives of the Lofoten Islands' peasant-fishing families. In front of the entrance is a Stone Age menhir. A 20-minute film in the small black room traces the history of Bodø before the outbreak of war.

Almost opposite the cathedral, the royal residence in Trondheim is the largest wooden palace in Scandinavia. The building was constructed in 1778, in a style halfway between rococo and classicism. Most of the furniture in the palace today is in the Biedermeier style, but there is Hepplewhite furniture in the Chinese cabinet and Gustavian furniture in the Red Room. It is the official residence of the King and Queen when they are in Trondheim.

This park is inspired by the theme of Gulliver and his journey to the land of the Lilliputians. There is also a bumper car circuit called the Le Mans Circuit. In Jaeren's miniature farm in the park, children can play in the hay. Children can also visit a replica of a chocolate factory and try their hand at making chocolate - and so can parents! There are also cafeterias where you can eat. This park adapts to the changing seasons and celebrates holidays like Halloween and Christmas. A park for the whole family.

One of the largest aquariums in Northern Europe. Built by architects who took care to integrate the natural setting. Schedules on the website to see the animals being fed. In a room with limited hours, children can come and fish for crabs, touch starfish, sea urchins and crabs. At the end of the tour, an open pool allows you to feed the animals (beware: some fish have teeth!).

Domkirke Cathedral is one of the most central sites in Oslo and therefore an easy meeting point for many people. It is bound to be in your path! Opened in 1697, this cathedral has retained many of its original features, such as the pulpit, the altar and the remarkable organ case. The stained glass windows, made by Emanuel Vigeland (Gustav's younger brother), are particularly interesting, as well as the ceiling fresco.

The Nobel Center boasts an exceptional location on Aker Brygge, facing the fjord on City Hall Square. The façade of this handsome building features the portrait of the current year's laureate(s). It presents the history of the Nobel Prize, its creator, Alfred Nobel, as well as current events and the winners of the title since 1901!

Alfred Nobel was a Swedish chemist, industrialist and arms manufacturer, who held over 350 scientific patents during his lifetime, including that for dynamite, the invention that made his name. On his death, he left a colossal inheritance to finance the creation of an institution responsible for awarding prizes each year to people who had rendered great services to humanity, enabling considerable improvement or progress in the field of knowledge and culture in five different disciplines: peace or diplomacy, literature, chemistry, physiology or medicine and physics. The Nobel Prize for Economics was later introduced. The first award ceremony took place in 1901.

The Nobel Peace Prize was appointed by the Norwegian Parliament, at Alfred Nobel's request, unlike the other prizes, which were selected by the Swedish Academic Institution. In 1901, Sweden and Norway were under the same crown. When the two crowns separated in 1905, Norway inherited the Nobel Peace Prize, awarded annually on December 10 in Oslo (the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death).

The Museum of Cultural History at the University of Oslo houses a number of exhibitions on a variety of themes. The Historical Museum houses Norway's largest collection of objects from prehistory and the Middle Ages. There's also the permanent VÍKINGR exhibition, a collection from the Viking era, featuring ceremonial swords, gold jewelry and a rare Viking helmet. A fine preview of the Viking Ship Museum extension due to open in 2025-2026.

This charming little museum explains the harsh living conditions in these regions where one man in four dies at sea. How, by the way, have we been living at the 71st parallel for 10,000 years? That's what this museum explains. Eiderdown mining on the island of Store Tamsøy ceased after the war, as all the houses in Northern Norway were razed to the ground by the Nazis. From an already fragile economic equilibrium, the situation of the islanders never recovered.

A concept that's part museum, part study center and part theme park, opened in 1998. The architecture is appealing, in the shape of a block of ice, and the attractions - mainly adorable seals - are well designed to bring visitors closer to the wildlife of extreme cold. Seal feeding at 3 p.m. in summer and at 12.30 p.m. from September¹. A great place for the whole family to discover the underwater fauna and flora of the waters of the Far North. You can sponsor the seals to improve their daily lives...

This former pharmacy, and home of the pharmacist, is now a museum dedicated to Art Nouveau, of which Ålesund is certainly one of the best showcases. A time machine (an elevator...) plunges the visitors in the heart of the fire of 1904. On the^first floor, the pharmacist's apartment hosts temporary exhibitions. The café is pleasant, the pastries are nicely presented and the museum shop has very nice wooden counters!

This old tramway resembles a small country train that runs out of steam a little as it climbs the hill through the woods, before arriving at the terminus. From the semicircular outdoor terrace, there's a wonderful view of the surrounding countryside. Below you'll find a small lake, with a tiny island in the middle, spiked with a single tree. When the weather's fine, it's a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. It's also the starting point for many hikes in the Bymarka nature reserve, a must-see if you're spending several days in Trondheim!

This impressive church, consecrated in 1961, is known for its original architecture, which was inspired by the cod drying sheds that once stood in the village. It is reminiscent of the architecture of the Arctic Cathedral in Tromsø. Located in the city, caught between the mountain and the shore, it is the successor to the many churches that the city has known. The last two were burned down, one by the fire of 1890, the other by German troops.

Mack's Brewery is the northernmost brewery in the world, that's all! Take advantage of your time in the city to follow a tour and take part in a tasting in the oldest bistro in the city dating back to 1928. For purists! This beer is a real institution. It is still as popular as it has been since its launch, and it would be a shame not to taste this 100% local pleasure. Mack also has its own shop, Kjeller 5, its Ølhallen bar, and offers courses for those who would like to learn how to brew their own beer!

The cathedral dates from 1885 and was built in the neo-Gothic style by the architect Henrik Thrap-Meyer. At 60 metres long, 38.7 metres wide and 70 metres high, it is one of the largest in the country. Classical music concerts are regularly held here. There are guided tours to the top of the tower from mid-June to mid-August. Some tours are also in English. Weekday organ recitals in summer at 11am or 3pm.

This fortress was built in 1672 and was designed by the architect Willem Coucheron in order to be able to defend the city of Kristiansand in case of need. The fort was actually used only once, in 1807, against an attack by the British (from the HMS Spencer). In 1872 it was closed and is now owned by the municipality of Kristiansand. In summer, temporary exhibitions of art and crafts. A relatively interesting visit.

The Romsdal Museum is dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the history of the Romsdal area. It houses a diverse collection of artifacts, artwork, and exhibits that trace the local history. Visitors can explore different periods of the region's history, such as the Viking Age, the Medieval Age, and modern times. The museum also features outdoor exhibits where visitors can see wooden houses, farms, and barns that represent the region's past architecture and way of life.

Tourist information by locals, for young people: cheap accommodation, activities and attractions in the capital (and, to a lesser extent, the rest of Norway). Those under 27 will find a place to store their luggage free of charge, free Internet access, information galore and help with booking accommodation. It's a reliable source of information that complements that of the tourist office, so you can take advantage of the best deals and enjoy the capital in a different way.

Following the national competition in 1911, the festival hall was decorated with frescoes by Edvard Munch, who narrowly won the competition over Emanuel Vigeland, the sculptor's brother. The three main frescoes arewith the rising sun, history with the old man and child on the bank bills, and Alma Mater, a robust young woman breastfeeding. Nice to see the environment of the Norwegian students!

The Norwegian Parliament is one of the capital's most imposing buildings. Designed by Swedish architect Emil Victor Langlet, it dates back to 1866 and stands out for its spherical shape and yellow color. The interior is richly decorated. It features Oscar Wergeland's painting of the signing of the Constitution, reproduced in every history book. Although it is no longer possible to visit Parliament, a digital guided tour is available on the Parliament website. It presents the different rooms and the Norwegian political system.

In the rue de Damstredet, you'll find a charming collection of colorful doll's houses, which are actually workers' dwellings from the late ^18th century. Telthusbakken, on the other hand, is bordered on one side by old cottages in the same style, and on the other by the gardens of the street's inhabitants. The Kjaerlighetsstien, the path of love, runs through the middle of the plots in the direction of Maridalsveien. At the top of these two streets is the Vår Frelser cemetery.

Gallery D40 has moved to a new location not far from the Royal Palace. D40 is a sharp gallery with pastels, prints and numbered prints from current Norwegian artists. Well framed and well displayed works for a pleasant visit. We liked the multiplicity of styles side by side, the lighting, the parquet floor and the natural light from the ceiling, really nice to appreciate the works. If you're ever in the Slottsparken, make sure you stop by, it's not far away.

In this museum, which complements the other major museums on the island, there are some beautiful figureheads, numerous models of sailing ships, a beautiful view of the fjord and the Najaden restaurant on the first floor. A perfect activity to do with the family, with a space dedicated to children and many fun and instructive proposals. It is located on the Bygdøy peninsula, next to the Fram and Kon-Tiki museums. Very nice fjord café and nice shop.

In this studio, which the city of Oslo built for the artist, one can see the techniques that Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943) used to realize his crazy dream. Among the molds and other objects in the extensive collection is a plaster cast of a statue of the Viking Egil Skallagrimsson challenging his king with a nidstang (impaled horse's head). The work, a bronze statue, is located in Mandal, the artist's hometown on the southern coast of Norway.

The official site of the Saami Parliament. Learn about political issues, democratic organisations and their constitution. In English.

Every Sunday from mid-June to the end of August, a small steam train sets off through the valley for a nostalgic and... slow journey. Built in the 1890s, the Tertitten steam train was abandoned in 1960, as its track gauge did not match the rest of the railway network. Today this tourist route runs for 3 km along the banks of Norway's most important river, the Glomma. A nice activity about 30 minutes from Oslo.

Nordkapp Jul & Vinterhus, an adorable little house, temple of the Norwegian Christmas spirit! There are trinkets and other gift ideas for all seasons. Elves, tree balls, traditional cakes: nothing is missing! It is also a lively place where all the fishermen come to talk about their catches. Tasting of dried cod and visit of a traditional Christmas house. Tasting of mulled wine(gløgg) and pancakes(lefse), a delight!

The Reisaelv River dug a deep canyon across the mountain plateau. Waterfalls (including those of Mollisfossen, 269 m high), and rocky sediments, as well as the flora and bird species, are very diverse. The park serves as pasture for Semi semi-domestic reindeer. Access from Storslett (on the E 6), take the 865 to Bilto, then the forest road to the Sarelv River, where boats can be rented. Refuges shelters. Area: 803 km ².

Back on the E 6, after a hundred kilometres, while the road follows the contours of the bottom of the fjords, which sometimes extends the double, we arrive at a campsite that has taken its neighbourhoods in this extraordinary landscape. You can see the Large bird sanctuary. Another hundred kilometres, and we approach the mountains of Kvaenangen.

In Mettevollen, you can buy strawberries which, if incredible, grow here during the short summer season. Then the road rises in the Montagne mountain, isolated and dark. At the peak, facing the glacier and dominating the fjord, there is an old low-stone inn in the country. We are here very far from any dwelling, with the exception of some rudimentary Sami Demeures residences, "en hard" variants of tipis, and built in peat.

The university museum in Tromsø actually consists of three museums and a botanical garden: the main building of Norges arktiske universitetsmuseum, Polarmuseet, MS Polstjerna and Tromsø arktisk-alpine botaniske hage. All these museums highlight different aspects of the culture and nature of northern Norway, including Lapp culture, archaeology, geology, etc.. The garden can be visited from spring and during the summer.

German-born Eva Schmutterer moved here a few years ago. Inspired by the beauty of the landscape and, above all, its colors, she began to create works representing the North Cape that she loves so much. As you browse the gallery, you'll notice that her favorite themes are sometimes a church, sometimes the harbor, sometimes the famous midnight sun that so many tourists come here to admire. These works are made up of large flat areas of color and minute gradations. How does she do it? Go and ask her for her secret!

Thousands of different species of birds, including puffins, cormorants, gannets and different varieties of seagulls, make up a spectacular sight. Don't forget your binoculars and cameras!

Another option is to ask the fisherman owner of the Terrasen restaurant (✆ +47 950 377 22 - www.stappan.com) to take you out on his small fishing boat. More flexible and personalized tours. In the same way, he organizes an original adventure to discover the midnight sun.

This excursion is to be recommended only when the weather is fine and you can spend some time outside. It has been added for tourists, but its main purpose is to transport the islanders. The landscape is pleasant, the isolated houses give way to the desert coasts of the islands, a dream.

Hiking on the islands. Both islands offer many hiking trails for one or more days. Be careful however with the schedule of the boats.

Owned by the University of Tromsø, a garden to be discovered especially from spring and during summer has all varieties of Arctic flowers from all continents. For enthusiasts and lovers of plants and trees. A number of small birds also frequent this beautiful place. A nice café open in summer. Temporary exhibitions sometimes in the garden. A refreshing and very instructive walk for all.

The museum focuses on the local history of the town and its many transformations following the extraction of steel in the Kiruna mine and its transport by train to Narvik. Discover how this railway was built and its impact on the population over a period of more than 100 years. To this day, this railway line and the extraction of iron at the Kiruna mine are a major economic engine in the region. The museum is located in the former administrative buildings of NSB, the Norwegian railway company, dating from 1902.

Around Narvik there are several caves that can be visited and where it is possible to go caving in summer. Information at the tourist office for times and days. A sporting activity for those who are not claustrophobic of course! The Trollkirka cave, for example, is known to be quite extraordinary, with waterfalls, holes shaped over the years by water and ice, cracks here and there. May be also not recommended for people who are afraid of heights, ask your guide!

Located on the island of Senja and surrounded by towering mountains rising from the sea, this valley is mostly covered by marshes and mountain birch. The pine trees, whose creeping and twisted forms cling to the cliffs of the coast, add to the wild character of the place. Much less known than the Lofoten Islands, Senja is still spared from the crowds. A little jewel rising from the waters. Little development. Area: 69 km².

The landscape is typical of the Great Norwegian North: pines and birches, mountains, marshes and lakes, important morainic deposits. Semi-domestic reindeer inhabit these wide open spaces, which are also home to Norway's four major carnivores: the lynx, the wolf and the brown bear. Access via the 87, then local road to Frihetsli, then forest track. Marked trails. Unguarded huts. Area: 770 km² protected since 1971.