Discover Norway: Fjords, Mountains and Cultural Heritage

Bryggen in Bergen is a historic harbour district on Norway’s west coast. The district preserves traces of its social organisation and illustrates how it was used by Hanseatic merchants in the 14th century. Finds associated with Bryggen are on display at the Bryggen Museum – Bergen City Museum. Here, the history of a harbour district is brought together with a look at the finds housed in its museum.

History, Wooden Architecture and Rock Art

The Urnes Stave Church is an outstanding example of traditional Scandinavian wooden architecture. Røros is on a different scale: the town includes around 2,000 one- and two-storey wooden houses, as well as a smelting house. Those interested in timber construction can find two distinct scales here: a single church building and a larger group of houses.

The Viking exhibition “Miðgarðr – The Mythical World of the Vikings” at the Historical Museum is also aimed at the whole family. As the exhibition programme may change, check whether the exhibition is currently on display before your visit.

In Alta, history reaches further back: the rock carvings and paintings are estimated to be 4,000 to 6,000 years old. The largest concentration of Alta’s rock carvings is in Hjemmeluft. Visitors can explore them via walking paths and guided tours.

In addition to its wooden houses, Røros also offers a seasonal culinary experience: in summer, visitors can take part in a local culinary safari. Check before travelling whether it is available on your dates.

Fjord and Mountain Landscapes

The Nærøyfjord is one of Norway’s UNESCO sites inscribed solely under natural criteria. The Vega Archipelago comprises 6,500 islands, islets and reefs. Both places offer different ways to explore Norway’s natural heritage.

Jotunheimen is a mountain region of around 3,500 square kilometres in eastern Norway. Hiking routes there include Besseggen; cross-country and alpine skiing are also possible. When planning your trip, bear in mind that skiing is seasonal.

Train Journeys, Hiking Trails and Activities on the Water

The Flåm Railway takes one hour to travel from sea level at Flåm on the Sognefjord to Myrdal mountain station, which is 867 metres above sea level. At Myrdal, it connects with Bergen Line trains between Bergen and Oslo. If you are planning rail connections, check the current timetable before travelling.

The Rallarvegen also ends in Flåm. This makes Flåm the destination for the cycling route and the starting point for the Flåm Railway. This distinction can help you keep the two travel ideas separate when planning.

There are various activities to choose from at the Geirangerfjord: the national hiking trail Fosseråsa runs through the area, and kayaking is possible. Sightseeing cruises on the fjord last 75 minutes or two hours. These two durations offer a practical comparison for planning; check the latest departures before travelling.

At the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum in Å, visitors can see traditional crafts in action during the summer. These include blacksmithing, rendering cod liver oil, paint-making and textile work. As the programme is seasonal, check the current summer dates before your trip.

Experiences as a Starting Point for Your Hotel Search

When searching for a hotel in Norway, it is worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your stay: historic sites and museums, hiking and skiing, cycling or fjord experiences.

Discover more destinations: Oppland, Telemark, Hordaland, Lofoten, Sor-Trondelag, More Og Romsdal, Oslo, Rogaland, Sogn Og Fjordane, Nord-Trondelag, Aust-Agder, Finnmark, Troms, Nordland, Vest-Agder, Buskerud, Hedmark, Akershus, Vestfold, Østfold.

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