Tourist Attractions & Monuments Norway

Since a gigantic fire completely destroyed the surrounding area, Bragernes has become the largest marketplace in Norway, and indeed in Scandinavia. Market gardeners, vendors, parties and skateparks are often improvised here, depending on the weather and the season. It's one of the city's liveliest sites, and a symbol for the region as well as the country. All year round, you can find the producers who travel from town to town at the Bondens Marked farmers' markets.

The fortress is a historic building that played a major role in the country's history, notably by sinking a German cruiser during the German invasion of Norway in the Second World War. As a result, the royal family and government escaped to the UK in extremis. It's one of the finest examples of Norwegian military art, and the pride of the local population. A monument not to be missed if you're in the area.

This farmhouse, where Ibsen spent his childhood between the ages of 7 and 15, is located 5 km north of the city. It was originally the Ibsen family's holiday home, but the father went bankrupt in 1835 and had to sell their residence in the city. The Venstøp property burned down in a fire in 1886. The attic that frightened Ibsen so much is the same as the one mentioned in his play The Wild Duck. There is also a small performance of some of Ibsen's productions. This site is one of three museums dedicated to the playwright in Norway.

This reserve covers the southern part of the island of Spitsbergen. The arctic landscape is composed of 65% glaciers and eternal snow. There are several colonies of seabirds but also colonies of geese and eiders. It is a privileged breeding area. This national park is also the largest in Norway with its area of 5 300 km ². It was created in 1973 by the government. In summer, there are many small lakes and areas covered with short grass.

An ancient wooden church dating back to the ^13th century and remodeled in the ^17th century. All that remains of the original church is the central nave. The contrast between the sober exterior and the colorful, busy baroque interior is astonishing. Don't miss the dragon heads, perched on the church roof to ward off evil spirits.

The presbyteryalso houses a collection by Norwegian painter Jacob Weidemann.

The Kunstsilo museum aims to be the catalyst for modern Nordic art. A must-see venue, it houses exhibitions from the former Sørlandet Art Museum alongside the Tangen collection, the heart of the new museum, comprising 5,000 works by 300 artists. The Sørlandet Art Museum presented exhibitions of works by Norwegian artists from 1800 to the present day. Its usually remarkable temporary exhibitions demonstrated a certain open-mindedness when it came to art. Like the old museum, the new one features play areas for children.

Hidra is a small island of 700 inhabitants located near the Flekkefjord. It is connected by a tunnel to the rest of the country. Hidra lives partly from salmon farming and has become a popular tourist destination in the south. The restaurant Isbua, the museum Fedrenes Minne, about the maritime history of the island and the many possibilities for walks and water sports, are good reasons to go there. Also delicious fish and seafood restaurants. The ferry to the island runs every day.

The Fredrikstad fortress is the only one in the country still standing with ramparts. Built between 1663 and 1666 by Willem Coucheron and his son Anthony Coucheron on the orders of the Danish-Norwegian King Frederik II, it is modelled on Dutch fortresses and features a wide moat which, curiously, forms a half-star shape around the old town. It was only attacked once, in 1814, during the war between Sweden and Norway.

Lom's standing wooden church is one of the oldest and largest of its kind. This superb ^12th-century edifice is enthroned in the middle of the village, below the Brova river, surrounded by its cemetery. Since its construction around 1158-1159, it has been the main church of the village and, in the Middle Ages, of the whole northern part of the Gudbrandsdal district. During the summer season, daily 20-30 minute guided tours in English are organized to allow visitors to admire the church's interior, rich in sculptures and paintings.

Austrått has existed since the Renaissance. Its history is partly told in Ibsen's play Lady Inger of Austrått, which paints a powerful picture of the 16th-century mistress of Austrått. In the 17th century, the Danish governor Ove Bjelke had the medieval building razed to the ground and replaced it with the present castle dating from 1656. Austrått then became a defensive place, rearmed in an increasingly modern way for each era. Closed in 1968, it was renovated in 1990 and opened to visitors. Cafeteria and walking paths.

Who hasn't dreamed of watching marine mammals? Lofoten Opplevelser takes you to meet orcas and whales, emblems of a fragile and fascinating environment, of which we still have so much to discover. From the end of October to the end of January, you can try to catch a glimpse of them from a boat, and even dive with them for the bravest! At this time of year, they are attracted by the shoals of herring approaching the Norwegian coast in the Tromsø and Finnmark regions. At the same time, embark at night to observe the dance of the northern lights.

There was a fort here as early as 1307, but the present star-shaped fortress dates from 1730 and is based on the French model, with fortifications that allow the enemy to be seen wherever he is. The Lushaugen Museum is dedicated to polar expeditions and local life. It is the most northerly fort in the world, nicknamed Norway's border post in the northeast. Events are organized from time to time: concerts, readings, and even a language café.

The church of Bragernes is located near the market place. It is built in the neo-Gothic style. The painting of the altar by Adolph Tidemand, depicting the Resurrection scene, has been copied in more than 70 other churches in the country, which has made it famous. This church is in use all year round, so depending on the day of your visit, you may be able to attend a concert by one of the many choirs in the country accompanied by the organ.

The landscape of this large island, which stretches along the west coast, consists of beaches, high mountains and glaciers. Located at the northern end of the Gulf Stream passage, Forlandet enjoys a relatively mild Arctic climate. Due to the warming effect of the Gulf Stream, the most northerly nesting colonies in the world can be observed here. The National Park has an area of 640 km² for the land part and 4,647 km² when including the sea part. Why not go with a guide?

Tønsberg was an important trading centre. Located in the town centre, it is the ruins of the most important Scandinavian castle built in the 13th century for King Håkon Håkonsson and his son, Magnus Lagabøter, and destroyed in 1503. Part of the castle walls and fortifications remain, as well as an observation tower, the royal hall and the church dating from 1191. Entrance fee required. A visit not to be missed if you decide to pass through the very charming town of Tønsberg.

Dating from 1537, when it was built by King Frederick II, it is the most beautiful walled city in Norway. A few hundred people are still lucky enough to live within its walls, where the cobbled streets give way to charming cafés and restaurants where you can relax for a while. It's good to walk along the waterfront to see the boats moored at the pontoons and the weather is often good for a picnic near the seagulls or on a bench surrounded by colourful houses.

The Gothic church was built around 1250 on a site that dates back to Viking times. Around the church lie the remains of fortifications used to protect an earlier wooden church. To the east of the church lies a small lake. According to legend, the first Christians in Northern Norway were baptized in its waters. A rather relaxing place to have a picnic with the family for example. The church itself is also very pretty and surprisingly quite bright and airy, with its upper gallery and black and white tiled floor.

The trail starts by bike, bus or car, and it takes a good hour to reach the summit, which is 314 metres high. Since we start from sea level, it is quite a long way. Be careful when it rains as the paths quickly become muddy and slippery. From up there, the 360° view on the city and the fjord is simply breathtaking. It is a very popular place with many walkers and especially the locals who go there on weekends. A must do for the view and for the walk!

Since its doors opened in 2013, Northernlight Cathedral has been the pride of Alta. Its steel body spiraling up into the sky does not leave one indifferent. Inside, a bronze Christ brought back from Tuscany by boat, quite different from those usually seen. Created by the artist Brandes Pieter, who does not like traditional representations, this one looks up to the sky and reflects joy. In the basement, the small Borealis museum will tell you more about the legends and the more scientific explanations about the northern lights.

North Sea and Fjord Safari takes you on a voyage of discovery through Rogaland's magnificent fjords. You'll set sail aboard the Olav Ringdal Jr, the former search and rescue vessel. The vessel was built in 1952 by the famous shipbuilders Kittelsen in Risør, south-east Norway. Olav Ringdal Jr, after a long service in the bitter cold of the Barents Sea, stationed in northern Norway at Honningsvåg and Hammerfest, retired after 31 years of service in this difficult climate and rough sea. The ship's name and history is truly something to be proud of, and you'll hear about it as you sail through the fjords, and on board, you'll feel the atmosphere and imagine what it was like on a stormy night in the Barents Sea.

A few hours on board, you'll discover Stavanger's surroundings by water. You'll sail on the Lysefjord, passing by the magnificent Ryfylkes Islands and Preikestolen, Norway's flagship rock. During this excursion, you'll be able to observe the flora and fauna of Rogaland's majestic fjords.

If you're a fishing enthusiast or have an adventurous spirit, Olav Ringdal Jr also offers fishing trips in the Ryfylke fjords and on the high seas of the North Sea!

Embark on an atypical local adventure, full of history and breathtaking scenery!