Home to captivating landscapes, mystical phenomena, and cultural treasures, Norway welcomes wanderers and adventure seekers from all over the world year-round. It’s easy to draw up a wish list of experiences in this incredible country—limiting that list to five is the hard part!
At Discover Scandinavia Tours, we’re US-based specialists in luxury tours of Scandinavia. Our expert trip planners have used first-hand travel experience to craft a range of Norway tours that showcase the very best this country has to offer.
If you’re considering Norway for your next vacation, there are countless reasons why you should go. In this blog, we have provided you with five of them!
Scroll down to find our reasons Norway needs to be on your travel bucket list. If you have any questions for us in the meantime, please get in touch.
Witness the Captivating Dance of the Northern Lights
Prepare to be spellbound by one of nature’s most mesmerizing spectacles—the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. Norway, with its location in the auroral zone, offers prime opportunities to witness this ethereal display.
The best time to catch this celestial ballet dance across the Arctic sky is between late September and late March, when the nights are at their longest. Venture to Northern Norway for an increased likelihood of encountering this cosmic light show.
Picture yourself under a canvas of stars as vibrant ribbons of green, pink, and purple pirouette above.
Does this sound like a magical experience? On our Norway Luxe Winter tour, you can visit Tromsø and Kirkenes, both well above the Arctic Circle! In both locations, weather permitting, you can watch this jaw-dropping spectacle for yourself.
Embrace the Midnight Sun Experience
If you’re planning to visit Norway in the summer, you can still have your mind blown by a natural phenomenon. Between late May and late July, bask in the surreal magic of 24-hour daylight thanks to the Midnight Sun.
As with the Aurora, this extraordinary sight is more pronounced the farther north you go. However, for a few weeks in June and July especially, no matter where you are in Scandinavia, the sun hovers just above the horizon before rising again.
The best way to experience the Midnight Sun is to get outdoors. Imagine hiking at midnight or savoring a leisurely evening stroll along fjords, illuminated by the sun’s golden glow. Even simply walking through a charming town or city during endless daylight adds a touch of magic to any vacation.
Read our blog Planning Your Trip to Scandinavia During the Midnight Sun for even more travel inspiration.
If you’ve got your heart set on a summer escape, we think you’ll love our Scenic Norway Luxe tour. This vacation package runs from May through September.
Explore Norway’s Majestic Fjords
Prepare your senses for a breathtaking journey through Norway’s famed fjords, natural masterpieces carved by ancient glaciers. Sognefjord Country, north of Bergen, is home to Norway’s longest and deepest fjord. The all-round grandeur and majesty of this incredible place more than live up to its name “King of the Fjords”.
As you might expect from a fjord extending 120 miles inland, there are plenty of amazing ways to experience the wonders of Sognefjord. Ride the Bergen Railway, one of the world’s most scenic railway journeys, and marvel at panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and deep valleys.
Then there’s the iconic Flåm Railway, a true marvel of engineering, that descends from Myrdal to Flåm, treating travelers to unparalleled vistas of cascading waterfalls and lush, verdant landscapes.
Of course, you must head out onto the water too! Cruise through the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord, marveling at its narrow, dramatic cliffs, and sail along the serene expanse of Aurlandsfjord.
If you’re looking for an adventure with more of an adrenaline rush, our Stories of Norway tour includes a thrilling RIB tour of Sognefjord!
Both our Scenic Norway Luxe and Norway Luxe Winter tours venture into Fjord Country too. Browse these itineraries to find out more about this quintessential Norway experience.
Discover Ålesund, the Gorgeous Art Nouveau Town
There are plenty of amazing Norwegian towns and cities we could have chosen to highlight in this blog, from the chic capital Oslo to the coastal gem of Bergen. But we’ve decided to let stunning Ålesund have the spotlight!
Step into a fairytale as you explore this town adorned with captivating Art Nouveau architecture. Ravaged by fire in 1904, Ålesund rose from the ashes to showcase a stunning blend of ornate spires, intricate details, and pastel hues.
Meander through cobbled streets lined with buildings that exude elegance and charm. Climb to the top of Aksla Hill for a panoramic view of this picturesque town nestled amidst the fjords—a visual treat that epitomizes Norway’s architectural grace.
You can experience the wonders of Ålesund and the surrounding area on either our Scenic Norway Luxe or Stories of Norway tours.
Immerse Yourself in an Authentic Lapland Experience
The magical Lapland lies in the northern reaches of Norway, a region steeped in indigenous culture and natural wonders. When crafting our Norway Luxe Winter tour, we knew that this one-of-a-kind place had to take center stage!
On a trip to Tromsø, you can embrace the spirit of adventure with an exhilarating reindeer sled ride, an age-old tradition cherished by the Sami people. And when you’ve worked up an appetite, savor a traditional Sami meal, infused with flavors that tell stories of heritage and resilience.
Engage in cultural exchanges, as native songs and stories weave a tapestry of the Sami way of life. And with a stroke of luck, witness another breathtaking display of the Northern Lights, adding more magic to your Lapland memories.
And when you move on to Kirkenes, a team of huskies will be your “taxi” to the famous Kirkenes Snow Hotel. Just some of the other unforgettable experiences waiting for you here include chasing the Northern Lights on snowmobiles, snowshoeing, and catching (and eating) your own king crab!
Discover More About Our Norway Luxury Tours and Start Planning!
We hope our reasons Norway needs to be on your travel bucket list have stirred the wanderlust in you! Browse our Norway tours to find out more about the adventures waiting for you in this captivating country.
And if you’re still unsure about whether to visit Norway, check out our luxury tours of Scandinavia and dive into vacation packages in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Sweden!
Our US-based team is here to help you, so please get in touch if you have any questions.
