Charming European Towns Norway

Sitting on the shores of Sognefjorden, one of the deepest and largest fjords in Norway, is Balestrand. It is a beautiful village surrounded by idyllic nature.

See the amazing Anglican church, St. Olaf’s Church, dating back to 1897.

You can learn about the history of mountain and fjord tourism at the local Norwegian Museum of Travel and Tourism.

For adventure, visit the Sognefjord Aquarium. This aquarium features around 24 tanks showcasing various saltwater species, including fish, crustaceans, and plankton native to the Sognefjord. The entry fee also includes an hour of canoe or rowing-boat rental, enhancing the experience.

Hike to the summit of Mount Raudmelen.

In Eastern Norway in Viken County, Fredrikstad was founded in the 16th century by King Frederick II of Denmark. It was used as a bastion against the Swedes in the east.

Visitors enjoy the Old Town and love the architecture along Gamlebyen.

Enjoy strolling by the picturesque shores of the Glomma River. See the cannons that were once used for protection.

In southeastern Norway, you’ll find Lillehammer, the town known for the Winter Olympic Games in 1994. It is a popular ski resort with cozy streets and well-preserved 19th-century wooden houses.

Take a stroll down the central shopping street, Storgata.

Enjoy the Hunderfossen Family Park.

See Maihaugen, Northern Europe’s largest outdoor museum with more than 200 buildings.

Admire the awesome views over Lagen River.

Among the best fjord towns to visit is Mosjoen, which is the oldest town in the Helgeland region. The town sits on the shore of Vefsnfjorden.

Stroll along Sjogata, the historic central street with buildings dating back to the 19th century.

See the impressive 18th-century Dolstad Church.

Take pleasure in trekking along the Helgelandstrappa, where Sherpas have laid down steps leading to the summit of Olyfjellet.

Nusfjord is a well-preserved fishing village and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village is a huge open-air museum, and you can stroll the streets to see the 19th-century buildings, bakery, cod liver oil factory, boathouse, post office, forge, and fisherman’s cabin.

The most picturesque area is around the port.

A beautiful fjord town from which you can begin hiking adventures is Odda. The town has become popular due to the Netflix series "Ragnarok," where events take place in the fictional town of Edda. In reality, Odda.

The town is the starting point for the famous hike to Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue), a cliff hanging over the fjord.

You can also hike to Buarbreen, an offshoot of the Folgefonna glacier.

Take a trip to see the famous twin waterfall, Latefossen.

Among the most iconic fishing villages in Norway is Reine. It is possible to visit and stay in an authentic rorbu (historic fishing cabin). You can arrange a guided fishing tour in the fjord.

Enjoy the Horseid or Bunes Beaches and see the Northern Lights.

Take a hike to the summit of Reinebringen.

Take a fjord cruise to the neighboring island of Vaeroy to see the wildlife.

In central Norway is Roros, a historic mining town. The town dates back to 1646, coming into prominence in the 17th and 18th centuries. Local residents refer to it as Bergstaden, which translates to “the rock town." There are old wooden buildings, and the town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.

In the summer you can go hiking in the mountains or kayaking.

Winter recreation includes snowmobiling, dog or reindeer sledding, and ice fishing.