4 Norwegian Towns To Send You Back In Time

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock

It is without a doubt the jarringly dramatic, natural beauty that makes Norway one of the most beautiful countries in the world. But after you’ve gotten your fill of fjords and glaciers, take the time to visit one of Norway’s numerous small towns or charming cities that are just as picture-perfect as could be. Here are four of our favorites:

Trondheim:

At over 1,000 years old, Trondheim was Norway’s first capital, serving as a central trading point during the Viking Ages and later as a religious hub during the Middle Ages. The city’s rich history and culture means that there is plenty to see and discover from throughout the centuries.

PHOTO: Traditional fishing houses along the Nidelva River

But perhaps what makes Trondheim even more captivating is its young and lively atmosphere, trendy cafes and restaurants, and plenty of pedestrian and bike-friendly roads. There’s even the world’ first—and only—bike lift up Trondheim’s steepest hill.

While in Trondheim don’t miss the Baaklandet, which once served as working-class homes during the 17th century. Today many of the original structures still stand, though they have been restored to feature a mixture of homes, shops and cafes.

Scandinavia’s largest medieval building, the Nidaros Cathedral, is also a must-see. A National Sanctuary of Norway built over the grave of St. Olaf (Viking King of Norway until the 11th century), some of the oldest parts of the cathedral date back to the middle of the 12th century.

PHOTO: Nidaros Cathedral

Alesund:

The unique Art Noueveau architecture is reason enough to visit Alesund. Turrets, spires and beautiful ornamentations give the town a distinctive, fairytale-like character. We recommend a visit to the Art Noueveau Center to get detailed information about the unique style of the town.

To get a better view of the city as a whole, hike up the 418 steps to the top of Aksla hill. The splendid Kniven viewpoint looks over Alesund as well as the surrounding mountains and islands. From the pedestrian shopping street of Kongensgata, it’s a 15-minute climb to the top of the hill. Grab a drink at the Fjellstua Kafe as a reward while you take in the view.

PHOTO: Photo by Andy Beal via Flickr

Alesund is also in close proximity to some of Norway’s best fjords. The Geirandgerfjord has been awarded first place for Norwegian fjords by National Geographic. Surrounded by snow-covered mountains, waterfalls and lush vegetation, it’s no wonder why.

Bergen:

It’s no secret that Bergen is one of Norway’s most beautiful cities. This is a popular spot on the tourist trail, especially for those travelers who are doing the Norway in a Nutshell tour or arriving to the country via Oslo.

But though touristy, Bergen is also undeniably beautiful. Surrounded by seven hills and seven fjords, the best reason to visit Bergen is for its convenient location. From the city you’ll have easy access to some of Norway’s most beautiful fjords, including the Hardangerfjord and the Sogneefjord (the third largest fjord in the world).

Apart from the fjords, the Bryggen is easily Bergen’s most iconic tourist attraction. The characteristic wooden houses around the wharf date back 900 years, and today have been restored to feature shops and restaurants. Interestingly enough, the town had plans to demolish the Bryggen and build a more modern shopping district until the site became a UNESCO World Heritage site.

PHOTO: The Bryggen

If you’re blessed with beautiful weather, don’t miss the Floibanen Funicular. This cable car takes visitors up to the top of Mt. Floyen. From here, numerous different hiking opportunities await.

Reine

One of the world’s most idyllic island destinations is nowhere near the tropics, but rather 100 miles north of the Arctic Circle: The Lofoten Islands. The islands have been called “The Soul of Northern Norway,” and it only takes a few moments to see why.

PHOTO: The Lofoten Islands, Norway

The archipelago is harsh, dramatic and breathtakingly beautiful. To live in the Lofoten Islands you must be able to handle the tumultuous climate and secluded location, but don’t mistake hardiness for harshness—the people are just as lovely as the colorful towns they call home. 

The crown jewel of the Lofoten Islands is Reine. As picture-perfect as small Norwegian fishing villages come, Reine will leave you feeling like you’ve stepped into a storybook. And its convenient location in the middle of the Lofoten Islands means you might just find yourself returning to the quaint and colorful town again and again.

PHOTO: Reine, Norway

While exploring Reine, be sure to take the short but challenging scramble to the top of Reinebringen (weather permitting). Unfortunately the conditions were too icy on our visit, but we’ve heard that from here you’ll have one of the biggest and best panoramas on all of the Lofoten Islands.

Kayakers shouldn’t miss the Reinefjorden, one of the premier kayaking destinations on the Lofoten Islands. If you want the superb views from the interior of the Reinefjorden without the work, hop aboard one of the ferries that deliver the mail to the fjord’s unlikely inhabitants.

Norway is hands-down one of the most beautiful countries we have ever been to. And while its natural beauty is what won us over, its idyllic towns certainly helped.

Which of these Norwegian towns looks the most picture-perfect to you?