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11 Of The Most Breathtaking Places In Norway Every Photographer Dreams About
Prepare to have your jaw metaphorically dislocated because Norway is nature’s way of showing off. It’s a place where mountains unapologetically elbow their way into cloud territory, fjords stretch like they’re photobombing every view, and waterfalls roar louder than your coffee machine on a Monday morning.
The air? Crisp enough to slap your senses awake. The smell of pine? Always lurking, like an overly enthusiastic hiking buddy. And if you’ve got a weakness for landscapes that look like they were pulled straight from a fantasy novel, Norway’s out here showing off for the rest of the planet with towering cliffs, shimmering waters, and sunsets that could make your camera overheat.
While Norway has hundreds (thousands?) of incredible sites, we have pulled together just a few that we think can’t be beat in terms of beauty that just need to be captured via your camera.
But before you head out, camera in tow, don’t forget to hit up the comments on MSN with your own insider tips or unmissable spots (we know you’ve got some).
Geirangerfjord
At Geirangerfjord, nature seems to be playing a game of “how majestic can we get?” Spoiler: it’s winning. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an absurdly beautiful clash of deep blue waters and cliffs that look like they spent centuries trying to touch the sky.
And then, there’s the Seven Sisters Waterfall, where water cascades so elegantly it could make choreographed fountains cry in jealousy. Locals and legends have turned these seven streams into storytellers, with tales of sisters refusing suitors because… standards.
But beyond the myths, you’ll find crisp, pine-scented air and silence interrupted only by the occasional call of seabirds or the hushed rush of waterfalls. Located in the western part of Norway, close to Alesund, this masterpiece is equal parts wild and polished.
Trolltunga
Trolltunga isn’t just a cliff; it’s a dare. This rock formation, jutting 2,300 feet above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, looks like a mix at an attempt at humor and a suspension of belief. Translation? You’re standing on a tongue-shaped ledge that sneers at gravity while faint-hearted hikers nervously clutch their cameras.
The hike to get there is no walk in the park. It’s 13.6 miles of thigh-busting elevation gain mixed with views so outrageous they make every aching muscle worthwhile. Located near Odda, Trolltunga forms part of the magical chaos that is Norway’s Hardangervidda Plateau.
But the view? Imagine staring at a canvas of glacial waters and rugged peaks that almost look too perfect to exist, yet here you are.
Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are proof that chaos can be beautiful. Jutting out of the Arctic waters like jagged teeth, these rugged peaks frame colorful fishing villages so idyllic they look suspiciously fake. But they’re all too real.
Henningsvaer, with its iconic football pitch (yes, people play soccer there), and Reine, where cod is dried in the salty breeze, give you just a taste of life in the area. It’s blustery and chilly, sure, but that crisp air carries the fresh tang of the sea (mixed with the occasional whiff of stockfish drying on wooden racks).
Beyond the smells, there’s an otherworldly mix of contrasts here, from Arctic beaches filled with powdery white sand to the illusion of endless golden hours under the midnight sun.
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Preikestolen doesn’t just hang above Lysefjord; it dominates it. Rising 1,982 feet straight up, this cliff face is gravity’s worst nightmare and your best panoramic photo op. Reaching the top takes a lively two-hour trek where the mossy rocks and the occasional chirp of birds keep you grounded (just don’t look over the edge too soon).
It’s a test of nerve and knees to get there, but when you’re greeted by views stretching miles over shimmering fjord waters, it stops being a hike and starts feeling like a privilege. Situated in Ryfylke, this natural platform has been shaped by glaciers, wind, and inevitable tourist oohs and ahhs.
Bonus? The wind up there is so invigorating, you’d swear it could blow your worries straight into the abyss.
Reine
Located deep in the Lofoten Islands is Reine, a fishing village so photogenic it should probably charge royalties. Framed by jagged peaks that seem to erupt straight from the Arctic Ocean, Reine lures you in with its tastefully chaotic charm.
Red-and-white rorbuer (fishermen’s cabins) perch precariously on stilts above the water, their reflections shimmering with the Arctic blues. And the air smells of salt and heritage (cod drying outside and fires burning cozily inside).
Don’t forget, though, that this spot isn’t just for gazing. Whether kayaking through glassy, fjord-like bays or hiking up nearby Reinebringen for views your phone can’t do justice to, this charming little village punches well above its weight in experiences.
Senja Island
Tired of sharing jaw-dropping views with the rest of humanity? Senja Island feels like an insider secret. This Arctic island boasts a coastline that could give origami lessons with its endless folds of cliffs, coves, and jagged peaks.
And the island’s infamous Segla mountain stands like a rogue shark’s tooth, daring adventurers to scale its heights for unbeatable panoramas. Located just off Norway’s northwestern coast, Senja is less about crowds and more about raw, unfiltered beauty.
Wander through fishing villages like Husoy, where ropes of drying fish perfume the air with scents you’ll struggle to forget. At night, the skies transform with the northern lights pirouetting above like a cosmic ballet.
Svolvaer
Consider Svolvaer the archipelago’s stylish harbor town that knows its way around both land and sea. Set against the sharp shoulders of the Lofoten mountains, this bustling yet intimate town is equal parts picture-perfect and pleasantly gritty with its fishing heritage.
You can even hear the clinking of sailboats echoing off the calm harbor waters while the air carries a salty tang mixed with the distant aroma of fresh seafood grilling. Not one to sit idle, Svolaer offers everything from hiking Djevelporten (Devil’s Gate) to enjoying its eclectic art scene.
And the nearby granite peak of Svolaergeita is a climber’s dream, with daring jumps between its twin horns for those who laugh in the face of gravity. This town is where the past’s rugged charm mingles with modern-day coastal charisma.
Kjeragbolten
Ever wondered where a rock could defy not just gravity, but logic itself? Say hello to Kjeragbolten, the boulder brazenly wedged between two cliffs above Lysefjord, like the ultimate balancing act.
Located near Stavanger, reaching it involves a hearty 6-mile hike that will push your legs and thrill your inner adrenaline junkie. Once there, standing on this 3,228-foot-high geological daredevil is not for the faint-hearted, particularly when the wind whistles through the fjord below.
The bold and the brave, though, are rewarded with sweeping views of the jade-colored waters that snake through steep, imposing cliffs. Add the haunting quiet punctuated only by the occasional screech of a bird, and you’ve got one of Norway’s most audaciously bucket-list-worthy spots.
Aurlandsfjord
If fjords were royalty, Aurlandsfjord would be the quiet, sophisticated cousin that everyone secretly envies. Unlike its showy counterparts, this narrow fjord flowing near Flam doesn’t roar for attention; it simply lets its staggering beauty speak volumes.
Whether it’s the mist rolling dramatically off towering cliffs at sunrise or the glassy waters catching every splash of color from the setting sun, each moment feels choreographed for maximum awe. The villages dotting its edges, like Undredal, keep it charming with their turf-roofed houses and a cheese game so strong it borders on unfair.
Take the Flam Railway for an epic view, or simply sit back and inhale the alpine air layered with the faint essence of wildflowers.
Hamnoy
Hamnoy is proof that clichés exist for a reason. Red fishing cabins (known locally as rorbuer) perch against razor-edged peaks like pieces of a surreal puzzle. And this tiny village in Lofoten has an irresistible postcard appeal that no filter could improve.
The air smells of the sea and nostalgia, thanks to cod-drying racks that whisper of a centuries-old fishing trade. Stay in one of the cabins to be serenaded by the soft lapping of water as seagulls provide an occasional shout-out overhead.
The surrounding landscape offers hikes with views so pristine they border on absurd, while winter months bring auroras spilling across the skies like streaks of celestial paint. Small but mighty, Hamnoy is a sweet sliver of Arctic magic.
Borgund Stave Church
Calling all history buffs and architecture fans, Borgund Stave Church is ready to blow your mind while staying medievally enchanting. Built around 1180, this wooden marvel has survived the ages with all its dragon-head carvings and intricately latticed roofing intact.
Tucked away in western Norway, its Viking-like design radiates mystery, as though it could still summon a Norse god or two. And the silence around the church, broken only by the occasional chirp of a bird or the crunch of footsteps, lends an almost ethereal vibe to the scenery.
Step inside, and the dark, timbered interior feels closer to stepping through time itself, with scents of aging wood wrapping around you. This church isn’t just a relic of the past; it’s a living, breathing testament to Norway’s medieval soul.
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