Norway: Cityscapes, Dramatic Landscapes & Authentic Nordic Experiences

Bergen

If Bergen isn’t on your list yet, it should be. This little gateway to the fjords has so much charm packed into it. Here are my top picks:

• Stroll Bryggen Wharf: A UNESCO Site lined with those iconic colorful wooden houses (and the best photo backdrop).

• Ride the funicular to Mt. Fløyen or hop the cable car to Mt. Ulriken for jaw-dropping views. Once you’re up top, you can hike or even bike around. It was very rainy during the afternoon when we went up, but right at sunset the clouds broke and we got the Bergen views!

• Explore Fisketorget (the fish market) and sample the freshest seafood straight from the source.

• Private fjord cruise: Sail through the dramatic landscapes to Mostraumen or all the way to Flåm. Magical doesn’t even begin to describe it.

• Wander the KODE Museums for a mix of art, design, and even a little Edvard Munch.

• Join a local food tour: Think cozy cinnamon buns, creamy fish soup, and Norway’s famous brown cheese (trust me, it grows on you!).

Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands are pure drama—jagged peaks, tiny fishing villages, and Arctic beaches that don’t even look real. Honestly, the scenery is breathtaking everywhere. Here’s how I’d do it:

• Hike Reinebringen: Yes, it’s a climb, but the reward is the postcard view of Reine and the fjords. Totally worth the sweat.

• Kayak through Reinefjord and the fishing villages: The stillness of the water with those mountains towering over you is next-level.

• Wander Henningsvær: This little town has the world’s most iconic football field and a surprisingly cool art scene.

• Stay in a rorbu (traditional fisherman’s cabin)—we did, and it was pure Arctic magic.

• Chase the light: In summer, midnight sun hikes glow all night long. In winter? Bundle up for the Northern Lights. We had the most magical show right from our cabin deck over the sea with green and pink lights!

• Unstad Beach: Surf if you dare, or just watch. We timed it perfectly at sunset, and watching surfers crush Arctic waves was perfection.

• RIB sea safari: We saw so many sea eagles along that wild coastline, plus puffins and whales. The combination of adrenaline and wildlife is unforgettable.

• Drive the E10 Scenic Route: Every turn feels like a movie set. Just do it.

• Explore the Arctic beaches: Yes, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise water in the Arctic! Totally surreal.

• Sauna and Arctic plunge: The contrast lifestyle here is real. Hot, cold, repeat. Arctic wellness at its finest. I have now gained 10 years of life.

Ålesund

Ålesund is a total coastal gem—part fairy tale, part fjord escape, all wrapped in that dreamy Art Nouveau vibe. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Climb 418 steps to Aksla Viewpoint: Legs will burn but the panoramic payoff is insane.

• Stroll the Art Nouveau district and pop into Jugendstilsenteret: It’s like stepping back in time.

• Alnes Lighthouse on Godøya Island: Classic Norwegian lighthouse vibes. Hike to the Johan Skytt stone while you’re there. Warning: Looking down from the rock gave me stomach flips.

• Boat trip through Hjørundfjord: Fewer crowds—just raw, untouched fjord beauty.

• Wander the harbor: Fresh seafood and people-watching make for a perfect afternoon.

• Kayak through Ålesund’s waterways: Paddling between those colorful buildings is a vibe.

• Ride the gondola up Romsdalstrappa Utsiktspunkt to Eggen Restaurant: Go late afternoon for a sunset dinner—the views will leave you speechless.

• Drive Trollstigen and Geirangerfjord Scenic Route: Switchbacks, waterfalls, fjords, all the drama. And yes, locals actually drive their Porsches on it—dream road trip.

• Saving the best for last here: Take a scenic fjord flight. Guys, I flew the plane! When the pilot told me to turn right and the aircraft started to soar in the direction I was aiming the yoke, I realized at that moment, I was in charge of the aircraft and that also... I need to become a pilot. Not kidding though!

Oslo

Oslo is sleek, cultural, and buzzing with energy—Norway’s capital is where design, food, and fjords collide. Here’s my Oslo playbook:

• Walk the roof of the Opera House: Futuristic architecture and killer harbor views.

• Vigeland Sculpture Park: Over 200 sculptures in a unique open-air park.

• Aker Brygge & Tjuvholmen waterfront: Stroll, shop, sip wine, and soak in the fjord views. Don't forget to people-watch and admire the Scandi chic fashion.

• The new National Museum: Massive and inspiring—don’t miss the Munch collection.

• Holmenkollen Ski Jump & Museum: Ride the metro up for history and views that stretch forever.

• Ekebergparken Sculpture Park at sunset: Sculptures and sweeping city and fjord views make for a wow moment.

• Private floating sauna and fjord plunge: Oslo nails wellness with a fun twist. This is a total vibe if you're traveling with your partner or friends.

• Ferry to Hovedøya Island: Quick escape with beaches and monastery ruins.

• Karl Johans Gate: The city’s main artery for shopping, cafés, and people-watching.

• Dine Michelin style: Oslo is foodie heaven. We loved Thai fusion at Ahaan, but the city’s fine dining scene is next-level.

I'm out of breath now, guys!

Bergen

• Villani Skostredet: Italian cuisine in a well-decorated osteria. Definitely get the Diavola pizza to start for the table!

• Trekroneren: Do not think about ordering anything else other than the reindeer sausage. Make sure you say "yes" to the recommended sauces. You're welcome.

Lofoten

• Fangst Restaurant at Hattvika: Exceptional use of local Arctic ingredients. Honestly, the table bread was the best bread we'd ever had.

• Anita's Seafood: 12 out of 10. Enough said.

• Fiskekrogen: Order the traditional fish soup. Perfect flavors and warmth after being out in the wind all day!

Ålesund

• Vino Bar: Fantastic selection of wine and a vibey atmosphere.

Åndalsnes

• Eggen Restaurant: You have to take the gondola up to this one. All I will say is OH MY GOD!

Oslo

• Cartel's Latin American: The volcano fajitas were... chef's kiss. Don't forget the Brazilian street food for apps.

• Ahaan: Michelin-rated Thai street food. Yup, flavor bomb.

• Hrimnir Ramen: Order the pork belly ramen or the lamb special ramen. Be prepared to sit longer than expected—they make 10 batches from scratch at a time and it's worth the wait!