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 Best cities to visit in Norway

Norway is known as the home of the Vikings, has trendy cities, an expansive coastline, broad strips of frozen tundras, famous fjords, majestic mountains and breathtaking islands. 

This beautiful Scandinavian country has a number of activities full of adventure from the wonders of the northern lights, to summer sun on massive glaciers.

Whale watching in Tromso is another fun activity as well as hiking, cycling, skiing and spotting polar bears and walruses in Svalbard. 

The vibe of the cities in this country is unmatched whatever the season, it holds its sophistication with grace even when there is limited daylight during winter.  

The historical side of the country is tucked in the Vikings capital of Trondheim, see the colorful houses made of wood at Bergen, experience the relaxed life, fine dining and relaxing walks at the city park in Oslo. 

It has been ranked as one of the best countries to live in, the country offers a friendly atmosphere and delightful natural beauty.

Here are the best cities to visit in Norway.

1. Oslo

By Helge Høifødt – wikimedia

Oslo is the capital city of Norway and sits on the country’s southern coast at the head of the Oslofjord. 

The city has magnificent architecture that gives a sense of the vibe of the city, educational museums, art galleries and art pieces that bring back vivid memories of the past.

It is also known for its green spaces, it is actually one of the greenest cities in the world. 

The city has one of the most eco-friendly policies that has seen it flourish and a pleasant place to be. 

The Oslofjord and the forested hills close to the city makes this a great vacation location for skiing, trekking or sailing. 

For shopping, a booming cultural life, fancy restaurants, lively nightlife scenes, trendy bars and fantastic cuisine, Oslo has it well catered for any itinerary. 

2. Bergen

The photographer, Morten Dreier, must always be credited

This is the second-largest city in Norway, it has a population of about 270,000 people.

The city was founded in 1070 by King Olav Kyrre. It served as the capital from 1110 to 1299.

Bergen was part of the Hanseatic league in Europe and continue to serve as a trade center. Its main trade was in fish exports and grain imports.

The Bryggen area was where the Hanseatic traders operated from, it is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Surrounded by many mountains, the city was nicknamed the city between seven mountains. Mount Ulriken is the tallest of the mountains around the city.

The city serves as a center for shipping and oil industries, aquaculture, food processing and higher education.

It is also a European City of Culture with its many museums and art galleries. A tour of the fjords is never missed during a visit to the city. 

3. Kristiansand

By Yeezus903 – wikimedia

Kristiansand is the capital of southern Norway and the 5th largest town. It is located between Oslo and Stavanger. This Norwegian town has a lot to offer to its visitors.

There are Zoos and amusement park, Dyreparken, for the children to have fun at when in the town.

It is a popular summer town because of its warm climate and coastal atmosphere.

There are ice cream vendors by the dock while the shopping street in markets is a favorite of many.

The sea and fjords are great places for recreational activities such as sailing or fishing. 

This cultural capital is also a modern business city with a cosmopolitan history. It is also called “Norway’s flower town” because of the many flowers planted in the city’s downtown.

Kristiansand has many attractions and sights, that are especially family-friendly. It beats other cities in the range of accommodation it offers.

4. Tromso

By Osopolar -wikimedia

It is the largest city in Northern Norway and is famed for both its large number of 18th-century wooden houses and for the beauty of its natural surroundings.

The city is largely located on the island of Tromsoya that has exceptional museums and an impressive birch tree forests.

The Fjellheisen cable cars that go up Storsteinen Mountain for an amazing panoramic view of the surrounding fjords and mountains. 

Most popular attractions in this city are the arctic aquarium polaria and the polar museum north of the arctic circle. 

Tromso is one of the best places in Norway to sight the northern lights. 

This city enjoys more northern lights than any other place and got the name ‘gateway to the Arctic’. 

 It basks in the midnight sun for a whole sixty days, after which the city experiences polar nights between November and January.

5.Trondheim

By Elizabeth B. Thomsen – wikimedia

Trondheim was the first capital city of Norway, it holds a special place in Norwegian culture and history. 

New Kings still receive their ceremonial blessings in this city. 

The city is by the Trondheimsfjord and is bordered by lovely forested hills and the Nidelva river that flows through the city.

The city was named Kaupangen meaning a market place by King Olav Tryggvason of the Vikings in 997.

It was later renamed to its current name that means a good place to live.

The city is made up of wooden buildings and this has seen the city experience several major fire incidents. 

In 1651, 90% of the city’s buildings were destroyed by fire. After the 1681 fire, the entire city was rebuilt. 

The Kristiansten Fortress that was built on a hill in the east of Trondheim from 1681 to 1684. It kept away swedes that tried to invade the city in 1718.

A popular attraction in the city is the islet Munkholmen that also serves as a recreation area. 

The islet was used as an execution place, a monastery, a fortress, prison, and a World War II anti-aircraft gun station.

A medieval cathedral can be found in this historic city. 

It provides an enjoyable experience thought its forested hills, sparkling waterways, colorful buildings and a beautiful harbor. 

This city has enough activities to keep one entertained. The museums, the great restaurants and vibrant cafés that serve the best Norwegian cuisine. 

Its laid back streets, a rich cultural heritage, contemporary art and music scene has been influenced by University in the city.