20 Famous Landmarks in Norway to Visit
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Written by Kyle Kroeger
Looking to build a bucket list of things to see in Norway? These are the most famous historical landmarks in Norway.
The Vikings ruled Norway for centuries before converting to Christianity around 1030. The Viking Age is traditionally considered to have lasted from 793 to 1066 CE. Viking expansions ceased when Harald Hardrada and his army lost the Battle of Stamford Bridge to the Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson in September 1066 CE.
Strangely enough, Harold Godwinson would be killed at the Battle of Hastings less than a month later, ceding the English crown to William of Normandy – the Normans (or North Men), of course, being descended from Vikings!
Norway has several spectacular landmarks that are significant in Norwegian culture and history. For example, the Viking Ship Museum is located in Oslo and describes Norway‘s Viking seafaring heritage from ancient times.
The Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park in Oslo famously features 12 giant sculptures donated by the Norwegian Sculpture Society in 1987. Vøringsfossen Falls is the 83rd-highest waterfall in Norway based on total fall. The Vøringsfossen Falls is located in Måbødalen, about 10 kilometers (6 mi) north of Eidfjord, and only accessible on foot. See? There are plenty of famous landmarks to plan a trip around.
Most Famous Landmarks in Norway to Visit
1. Akershus Fortress
Address: 0150 Oslo, Norway
Akershus Fortress has a long, rich history. Originally built in the late 13th Century in the Norwegian capital, Oslo, it is an imposing landmark that has served many purposes over the years, including as a garrison, prison, and residence of Kings and Prime Ministers.
The Akershus Castle is the namesake and center of the main fief, one of four original Norwegian regions. Much of Akershus Fortress’s history can be traced to 1399, when King Håkon V ordered its fortification, though archaeological evidence shows that the site was used long before.
In 1567, Akershus Castle was one of four fortresses that successfully defended Southern Norway against an attack fleet sent by England’s King Henry VIII.
It is among Norway’s most popular tourist attractions today and welcomes more than 1 million visitors annually. The fortress also contains several museums, a chapel, and banquet halls.
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2. Bryggen
Address: Bryggen, 5003 Bergen, Norway
Bryggen (the dock), also known as Tyskebryggen (Norwegian: [ˈtʏ̀skəˌbrʏɡːn̩], the German port), is a series of Hanseatic heritage commercial buildings lining up the eastern side of the Vågen harbor in the city of Bergen, Norway.
Bryggen has been on the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage sites since 1979 and is a classic Norwegian landmark. The city of Bergen was founded around 1070 within the boundaries of Tyskebryggen.
Around 1350 CE, a Kontor of the Hanseatic League was established there, and Tyskebryggen became the center of the Hanseatic commercial activities in Norway. Today, Bryggen houses museums, shops, restaurants, and pubs.
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3. FlåmsbanaA-Feltvegen
Address: 11, 5743 Flåm, Norway
The Flåm Line is a 20.2-kilometer (12.6 mi) long railway connecting the mainline with Sognefjord at Myrdal Station in Vestland County, passing through Flåmsdalen valley. With an elevation change of 866 meters (2,831 ft), it is the steepest standard gauge railway in continental Europe and one of the steepest in the world.
Inaugurated on June 20, 1936, as a single track named A-line (A for Flåm), the line faced delays due to financial issues after the Wall Street Crash.
The second track was completed in 1942 under German occupation, followed by a third line in 1945. A fourth line is currently being built. Initially meant to connect Bergen and Voss, direct passenger services between the two cities did not exist until 1969.
For over four generations, the same family has operated trains on this line: August Kristian Løvlid (1867-1940), his son Finn Løvlid (1902-1999), his grandson Olav Løvlid (b. 1928), and his great-grandson Oddvar Løvlid (b. 1963).
Part of the Norwegian Railway System, the Flåm Line is managed by the public transport authority of Sogn og Fjordane county. The Flåm company offers scheduled year-round services from Oslo to Flåm and vice versa using steam and diesel trains.
In addition to regular services, slower tourist trains like Flåmsbana and Lavprisekspressen (not available in winter) focus more on sightseeing than quick travel.
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4. Frogner Park
Address: Kirkeveien, 0268 Oslo, Norway
International travel can be challenging with children involved. Parents can find it especially difficult to visit an overseas location without their children because the places of interest that attract tourists often exude an aura of mystique and exclusivity.
However, there are many tourist destinations in Europe where it is possible to have a family vacation without the children feeling left out or under-stimulated. Frogner Park is a beautiful public park in the West End of Oslo, packed with lots of trees and open spaces for frolicking, making it perfect for those with young kids.
The park derives its name from Frogner Manor and houses the Oslo Museum. It is also home to the Vigelandsanlegget (or Vigeland Installation), a statue ground in the park’s center. The sculpture installation is the world’s largest sculpture park made by a single artist. Tourists frequently (erroneously) call this place Vigeland Park. The Vigeland Installation is also protected and is the first park labeled a protected site in Norway.
The park of Frogner Manor used to be smaller and was centered on the manor house. It was landscaped as a baroque park in the 18th Century but later became a romantic park in the 19th Century.
In the 19th Century, much of the estate was sold so it could grow. The remaining parts were then bought by Christiania municipality in 1896 and made into a public park.
Then, in 1914, it became the site of an Exhibition. In addition, there is also a bathhouse and stadium nearby. The Frogner Pond is in the middle of the park. Frogner Park is the biggest park in Oslo, covering 45 hectares. It has thousands of visitors daily.
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5. Hardangervidda National Park
Address: Hardanger, Norway
Hardangervidda National Park is Norway’s largest national park. It covers 3,422 square kilometers (1,321 square miles) and extends from Numedal and Uvdal east to Røvelseggi and Ullensvang west across the Hardanger mountain plateau (Hardangervidda).
The Bergen Line and the main Highway 7 cross this plateau. The National Park is part of the International Dark Sky Association. This is a popular place to visit. Visitors can hike, fish, and ski there. The National Park is also part of the International Dark Sky Association.
The park lies in the southern Nordic region of Norway. It has certain animal and plant species only found south of the Arctic Circle, such as reindeer herds, among the world’s largest.
Many Stone Age settlements have been found in the area. Most seem to follow patterns related to reindeer migration, as early humans tracked and hunted deer for food, furs, and leather.
Ancient trails that link western and eastern Norway can still be walked here. One example is Nordmannsslepa, which links Eidfjord and Veggli in Numedal Valley with Hol and Uvdal.
The name Hardangervidda is a compound of the name of the valley and vidda. It is derived from hard, which means ‘high plateau.’
Visitors will find breathtaking scenery on one side and the remnants of ancient Norwegian historical culture on the other. Many people come away with memories they won’t soon forget, and it’s easy to spend several days here exploring.
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6. Jotunheimen National Park
Address: Norway
Jotunheimen National Park is part of Jotunheimen and covers 1,151 square kilometers (444 sq mi). It is one of Norway’s best places to hike and fish and is a beautiful mountain region with many tall, spellbinding mountains.
It has more than 250 peaks over 1,900 meters (6,200 feet), including the two tallest in Northern Europe: Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind. The park covers most of the mountainous region of Jotunheimen.
This massive mountain plateau formed as glaciers receded at the end of the last Ice Age. The underlying rock is granite and gneiss, eroded into dramatic peaks and valleys. The park runs along Norway’s longest fjord, the Sognefjord.
The Jotunheimen is in Innlandet and Vestland. It has Precambrian rock that glaciers have carved. There are many valleys and peaks, and it is home to deer, elk, wolverines, lynx, and reindeer, and in the lakes, trout and Viking longboats! The Northern Lights are often visible in the sky from Jotunheimen National Park during winter.
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7. Lofotr Viking Museum
Address: Vikingveien 539, 8360 Bøstad, Norway
The Lofotr Viking Museum is a historical museum located in the Lofoten Islands archipelago. It is based on archeological and reconstruction findings of a stone-age village in the region.
The museum is located in Borg, a small village near Bøstad in the municipality of Vestvågøy. The institution includes members of the Museum Nord consortium.
The Lofotr Viking Museum is open on weekdays and is a unique place to visit if you’re in the area. You can learn much about Viking life, culture, religion, architecture, shipbuilding, and raiding.
How much does the Lofotr Viking Museum cost? Admission is 100 Norwegian kroner, which isn’t a lot of money to learn about Norway’s Vikings and how they lived in the old days.
8. Lom Stavkyrkje
Address: Bergomsvegen 1, 2686 Lom, Norway
Lom Stave Church (Norwegian: Lom Stavkyrkje) is a stave church located in the Norwegian district of Gudbrandsdal and is one of the oldest churches in Norway. The church has never been altered and only maintained since the Middle Ages, and it’s an incredible example of how a stave church is constructed.
The medieval frescos are well preserved and illustrate biblical themes and everyday life in 11th-century Norway. Today, Lom Stave Church is still used for worship. The Lom Stave Church was built about 1147 in the Romanesque style, making it Norway’s oldest preserved stave church.
It is located at Lom Farm (Låm), 6 kilometers (3.7 mi) from Otta, and belongs to the Etnedal deanery of the Diocese of Agder og Telemark of the Church of Norway.
Little information about the original interior decoration exists, but brightly colored wall paintings with blues, purples, and gold leaves were likely used.
The two oldest original artifacts in the church are a wooden crucifix with Christ’s figure flanked by other figures (possibly the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist) on one side and an image of the Last Judgment on the reverse, and a fragmentary figurine of a seated female angel from around 1200.
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9. Maihaugen
Address: Maihaugvegen 1, 2609 Lillehammer, Norway
Maihaugen (De Sandvigske Samlinger på Maihaugen, Lillehammer) is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Lillehammer, Norway. Maihaugen, with close to 200 buildings, is one of Northern Europe’s largest open-air museums and is one of the largest cultural facilities in Norway.
The museum is a foundation employing 100 people and was established in 1878 by writer and historian Hans Aall (1851-1930), who lived on the property with his family.
The most significant contributor to the collection at Maihaugen is industrialist and art collector Marcus Sandvig, whose private group formed the basis of a unique open-air museum. The municipality of Lillehammer functions owns Maihaugen as a historical outdoor park and museum for education, entertainment, and research.
The old farm at Maihaugen is located on the north side of Lake Mjøsa in central parts of Norway. At Maihaugen, they build, preserve, and display traditional buildings from Gudbrandsdalen, Norway’s most important agricultural region.
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10. North Cape
Address: 9764 Nordkapp, Norway
The North Cape is a 9764 sq km peninsula in Northern Norway. To the west, it is bordered by Finland, to the south by the Norwegian Sea, and to the east by Russia. The cape’s central feature is an extinct volcano known as Lofoten.
The 69th parallel North passes through this site. It is one of the most critical geographical landmarks in Norway. It also offers views of the midnight sun on clear days. As a result, it’s quite a famous landmark. The best time to visit North Cape is from April to August when the weather is nice and sunny.
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11. Klippfiskkjerringa – Sculpture of the Town’s Symbol
Address: Kaibakken 16509 Kristiansund, Norway
This rugged-looking sculpture is of a woman made of steel with long hair wrapped in a bonnet. The figure is located at the top of KaibakkenHilll in Kristiansund. It’s said that this woman is the Klippfiskkjerringa (Bachelor-fishwife), which traditionally was an older woman who sold fish.
She has been a part of Kristiansund’s culture for over 150 years. Her home was among the artists’ homes along Kaibakken, where she had a marked place in society – although, judging by her appearance, she may not have been particularly liked!
The Klippfiskkjerringa – Sculpture of the Town’s Symbol is located at Kaibakken 16509 Kristiansund, Norway. It is 120 miles to drive from Oslo to Kristiansund. To visit the Klippfiskkjerringa – a Sculpture of the Town’s Symbol, take the ferry from Hirtshals in Denmark to Kristiansund in Norway.
Fun fact: Over 300 departures in a year from Hirtshals to Kristianstad.
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12. Soviet Liberation Monument
Address: Roald AmundsensGatee, 9900 Kirkenes, Norway
The Soviet Liberation Monument is a monument located at Roald Amundsens gate, 9900 Kirkenes, Norway. The memorial commemorated the Soviet troops who liberated Kirkenes from Nazi occupation in 1944.
The Czechoslovakian sculptor David Václav Myslbek created the monument’s design, consisting of a Soviet soldier holding a PPSh-41 submachine gun overlooking the Arctic Ocean, bearing a dedication to the Soviet troops that liberated the town.
The monument is a popular tourist attraction in Kirkenes and is often mistaken for Ivan Susanin (Sainamoinen), Finland’s national hero.
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13. The Fram Museum
Address: Bygdøynesveien 39, 0286 Oslo, Norway
The Fram Museum, established in 1993, is located on the peninsula of Bygdøy and tells the story of Norwegian polar exploration. It is just one of the many museums near Siljustølveien. The Kon-Tiki Museum, Norwegian Historical Museum, Viking Ship Museum, and Norwegian Maritime Museums are nearby.
Bygdøy Royal Estate, the official summer residence of the King of Norway, and historic Oscarshall are also located nearby. The Fram Museum was inaugurated on May 20, 1936.
It honors Norwegian polar exploration and three great Norwegian polar explorers – Fridtjof Nansen, Otto Sverdrup, and Roald Amundsen. The museum also exhibits images of the fauna of the polar regions, such as polar bears and penguins.
The Fram Museum primarily centers on Colin Archer’s ship, The Fram (Forward). This museum consists of a replica of the original interior containing entire rooms and can be entered where visitors can view Archer’s artistry.
This Scots-Norwegian shipbuilder’s commissioning, design, and construction were designed following specifications that Norwegian Arctic explorer Fridtjof Nansen proposed.
The ship’s original plans, restored by Archer himself, are also permanently displayed. The Fram remains central in Norwegian cultural history, and the interior matches remain unchanged from her 1936 maiden voyage.
The ship was intended to act as a lifeboat, with planks designed to keep it afloat for exploration near Arctic or Antarctic ice formations.
In May 2009, the Norwegian Maritime Museum and the Fram Museum signed an agreement for the museum to take on an exhibition of the ship Gjøa. This sloop was the first vessel to traverse through Northwest Passage in 1906, with a crew of six led by Roald Amundsen.
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14. The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History
Address: Museumsveien 10, 0287 Oslo, Norway
The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History in Oslo is situated on the Bygdøy peninsula near dozens of other fantastic museums, making it a great starting point for day trips.
The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History was established in 1881. Exhibits on the Nazi battleship Blücher and The Kon-Tiki raft are examples of Norway’s maritime history, including a wide range of shows from Viking Age arms and armor to modern sculpture, paintings, and other artifacts highlighting cultural history.
It is a fascinating site for a family or friends to explore, particularly for anyone interested in maritime and Viking. The museum also houses the Hovden archaeological site, which dates back to the 7th century AD and is one of Norway’s most controversial Viking gravesites. The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History exhibits objects from prehistoric times to 1814, spanning all social groups, eras, and geographic regions.
Among its more than 10,000 artifacts are Birkebeinerbunaden, the Gokstad ship, medieval religious art pieces, and a fully preserved Viking longboat. The Museum is also responsible for the archaeological museum at Sperillen in Lillehammer. The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History is open from late May to early September.
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15. Urnes Stave Church
Address: 6870 Ornes, Norway
Urnes Stave Church, a 12th-century architectural marvel, is a testament to Norway’s rich cultural heritage. Located in the picturesque village of Ornes along the Lustrafjorden, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its unique blend of Christian and Viking motifs.
Built around 1130 AD, it’s Norway’s oldest and most highly decorated stave church. It features exquisite carvings that exemplify the distinctive “Urnes style.”
The church’s north portal showcases intricate carvings from an even older church, highlighting the site’s long history. Its wooden architecture reflects traditional Scandinavian craftsmanship, combining Christian and Viking themes in a harmonious design that has captivated visitors for centuries.
Owned by the National Trust of Norway since 1881, Urnes Stave Church continues to inspire with its elaborate interior and stunning fjord views. As one of only 28 remaining stave churches in Norway, it offers a unique glimpse into the country’s medieval past and is a must-see landmark for anyone exploring Norway’s cultural treasures.
16. The Royal Palace
Address: Slottsplassen 1, 0010 Oslo, Norway
The Royal Palace in Oslo, Norway, is situated on the Slottsplassen and is open to visitors and free of charge. It holds an incredible collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artwork by Norwegian artists, including Adolph Tidemand and Hans Gude.
One floor is dedicated to Crown Prince Harald’s art collection, including works by Anthony van Dyck, Pablo Picasso, Auguste Rodin, and Monet.
The palace is open during the summer season from May through September and on most weekdays during the winter. Today, it is still used for official ceremonies and representative purposes.
The Royal Palace is undergoing a significant renovation to transform its historic buildings into modern structures of innovation and technology. This includes new museum wings and better visitor facilities.
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17. The Vigeland Park
Address: Nobels Gate 32, 0268 Oslo, Norway
Mentioned earlier as part of Frogner Park, the Vigeland Installation in Oslo, Norway, displays the most extensive collection of sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. It is an ideal destination to have an excellent travel experience.
The 100-acre park, which covers the outskirts of Oslo, is open to visitors from 10 a.m. until sunset. Frogner Park contains 212 bronze plaques and granite reliefs, 202 cast iron gates, 163 low-relief stone figures, 84 giant statues, 32 decorative fountains, eight bridges, and several other miniature sculptures made by Vigeland.
The nearby Oslo Museum also includes many art galleries that display Gustav Vigeland’s work in paintings and drawings. The park was inaugurated in 1947 after 20 years of construction. It is one of Norway’s most prominent tourist attractions, with more than 350,000 visitors annually. Vigeland Park is open from late May to early August.
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18. Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park
Address: Strandpromenaden 2, 0252 Oslo, Norway
Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park in Oslo is a branch of the sculpture park in the Frogner and Aker Brygge neighborhoods. The park is at the end of the Bygdøy peninsula. It features 12 giant sculptures donated by the Norwegian Sculpture Society in 1987 – the only ones not made by Gustav Vigeland.
The park opened in 1993 and includes a restaurant, café, and other attractions, such as a decorated playground for children, so everyone can enjoy a day out! The Tjuvholmen Sculpture Park in Oslo is open from late May to early August and free to the general public.
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19. Viking Ship Museum
Address: Huk Aveny 35, 0287 Oslo, Norway
The Viking Ship Museum is dedicated to the archaeological finds in Oslofjord from the Viking age (7th to 11th centuries). It contains two reconstructed ships and three original longboats that were excavated. Additionally, there are displays of Viking artifacts, such as weapons and jewelry.
The museum also houses several other exhibits, including an indoor exhibit called “Vikings at Home” that introduces Viking culture. It is open to visitors from 10 am until 6 pm from late May to late September. The Viking Ship Museum is free to visit, and a fantastic day out.
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20. Vøringfossen
Address: 5785 Eidfjord, Norway
Vøringsfossen is the 83rd-highest waterfall in Norway based on total fall. This might not be the greatest brag, but you must see it yourself! This beautiful and serene natural wonder is also one of many landmarks near Norwegian National Road 7, which connects Oslo with Bergen.
It has a total drop of 182 meters (597 ft) and a significant drop of 163 meters (535 ft). It is perhaps the most famous waterfall in Norway, with tourists coming all over to see it.
Falling to one’s death is about the only way you can lose here. There are many hazards, so be careful walking close to the waterfall. In the spring of 2015, more measures were implemented to prevent falls like these.
The result was a stairway bridge that opened in 2020. The Vøringsfossen waterfall is located in Måbødalen, about 10 kilometers (6 mi) north of Eidfjord, and it is only accessible on foot.
The walking path to the waterfall leads from the village of Eidfjord before continuing up (or 600 meters after that). The route is accessible year-round, but crossing the river Vøring in the winter can be challenging for anyone without proper equipment. This waterfall is such a beautiful place that it has inspired many poets and painters, such as the famous writer Knut Hamsun.
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