The country of Norway appears on a LOT of bucket lists. And for good reason: it's got Viking history, Northern Lights, beautiful fjords, and great cities. And that's not even taking into account the excellent food and tourism infrastructure.
Norway isn't known for being a cheap destination, though, and that scares away many people who might otherwise want to check it off their list.
But here's the thing: Norway is SO WORTH IT.
I love Norway!
Ever since my first visit to Norway in 2015, there's been something about the country that continues to draw me back. It's not just one thing, but rather a combination, I think, of amazing scenery, good quality of life, delicious seafood, and ease of travel.
It's a country that I definitely see myself returning to again and again.
To convince you that it's time to book that trip to Norway, here are more than 50 photos of Norway to prove just how magical this Nordic country really is.
These photos are in no particular order, but represent a wide range of cities and landscapes throughout Norway, from Oslo and Bergen in the south to Tromsø and Alta in the north. Check out each photo caption for more info!
The city of Ålesund is best viewed from above at the Mount Aksla lookout. From there, it looks like a town made of Legos!
Nothing quite like a cozy lavvo tent covered in snow with the Northern Lights dancing overhead. This is at the Holmen Husky Lodge in Alta.
The famous red fishing cabins of Eliassen Rorbuer in Hamnøy in the Lofoten Islands
Norway's fjords are magical. This one is Geirangerfjord, one of the most famous in the country.
Even the old churches in Norway look like something straight out of a storybook. This is a stave church at the folk museum in Oslo.
These little red houses in the port town of Gryllefjord look like they belong in the pages of a storybook.
In the winter, snow and ice cover Arctic Norway, making for roadside attractions like this frozen waterfall near Kåfjord.
These craggy mountains from the Tungeneset viewpoint on Senja look like the perfect place for trolls to live.
Trondheim doesn't appear on every Norway itinerary, but I think it should! These old wooden buildings are so photogenic.
Did you know that Norway is full of trolls? This is Trollstigen, or Troll's Road, which winds down the mountain in 11 hairpin turns.
Are you even real, Norway? I love this snowy scene in Northern Norway.
The fjords in Norway will take your breath away.
Yes, Bryggen in Bergen really is this colorful!
I pulled a U-turn after crossing the Hadsel Bridge on the way to Stokmarknes because the color of that water just begged to be photographed.
This little yellow cabin in the Lofoten Islands is the definition of charming.
Boat in a snowstorm in Alta, Norway. It's screaming “Frozen” don't you think?
Looking down on Geirangerfjord from Eagle's Bend gives you a whole new appreciation for how big this fjord is.
The Northern Lights Cathedral in Alta is especially impressive at dusk. It's meant to resemble the “curtains” of light you can often see in the aurora borealis.
This soccer field on an island in Henningsvaer in the Lofoten Islands is just too cool! (drone photo)
The old fishing cottages on Gripholmen island are now picture-perfect summer homes.
The Northern Lights are great, but sunsets in Norway can be beautiful, too. This one was captured in Kristiansund.
Bridges, mountains, and Caribbean-teal water – yes, this really is Norway! (drone photo)
Tromsø is the Gateway to the Arctic and is beautiful under a layer of snow in the winter.
The mighty Northern Lights!
The Andøya coast took my breath away! It reminds me a bit of Scotland, another of my favorite places in the world.
Queen of the Fjord high above Geirangerfjord – would you dare?
Driving over the Storseisundet Bridge on the Atlantic Ocean Road must go on your Norway bucket list.
Even though it wasn't close to a meal time, I pulled over along the National Tourist Route on Senja just for this picnic spot.
The view of Tromsø from Fjellheisen tramway looks like something straight out of “Frozen.”
The Midnight Sun is magical, too – seen here at the Vesterålen Kysthotell in Stokmarknes.
This beach in Northern Norway sure looks magical to me.
Even Oslo is colorful, especially along Karl Johans Gate.
And no good fairy tale would be complete without some furry friends. In Norway, you'll find plenty of reindeer!
Again… perfect troll mountains!
Tromsø at sunset under a blanket of snow is the stuff postcards are made of.
Sailing along Norway's fjords, you see all sorts of picture-perfect villages, like Undredal on the Aurlandsfjord.
This happy goat could come straight off the pages of a fairy tale, don't you think?
The coastline, too, is something to write home about.
The Northern Lights are extra magical because no two “shows” are ever the same.
Winter in northern Norway is stark, yet still beautiful.
Fun fact: Norway has beaches that look like this!
Sailing on a fjord is also a must.
This snowy photo of Reine in the Lofoten Islands was taken in June! Where are Anna and Elsa?
In the winter, head to Alta for an overnight stay at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel – and keep an eye out for Elsa!
The Lofoten Islands get a lot of love on social media, but I think the fishing town of Husøy is just as pretty!
These buildings in Bergen are hundreds of years old – think of the stories they could tell!
Another magical beach in Norway, this time along the Andøya coast.
And Midnight Sun “sunsets” can be pretty epic, too.
The sea views in Andenes are pretty epic.
I may or may not have stopped to make a wish on one of these giant dandelions along the road to Tromsø.
Sorry, I really couldn't get enough of these red cabins, OR that magical reflection.
Misty fjords always make me think about myths and legends – of which there are plenty in Norway!
Lastly, there are few views more magical than Norway from above on a sunny afternoon!
Want more Norway?
For more on Norway, check out one of these great posts:
Amanda Williams is the award-winning blogger behind A Dangerous Business Travel Blog. She has traveled to more than 60 countries on 6 continents from her home base in Ohio, specializing in experiential and thoughtful travel through the US, Europe, and rest of the world. Amanda only shares tips based on her personal experiences and places she's actually traveled!
"It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and, if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might get swept off to." - JRR Tolkien
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75 Comments on “50+ Pictures of Norway That Prove Norway is Straight Out of a Fairy Tale”
Amazing shots of such a beautiful country. It truly did make me fall in love with Norway and its magical spirit that seems to just shine through with every picture. Beautiful 🙂
Great pictures. Norway is really an amazing country and impressive landscapes that would seduce any nature lovers. If only it was more affordable for tourism=)
Wow, these photos are incredible! Want to get to Norway right away- Love all pictures but the reindeer and snowy mountain in the backdrop is my favorite 🙂
My country sure is beautiful, but i suspect you mostly visited the northern parts based on your pictures.
I would recommend you to visit the southwest coastline next time. The old city of Stavanger, and further south towards Kristiansand.
I still think you got the most important sights though, the fjords. I grew up in a fjord, Stryn, and im still in awe of them.
Actually the sunset photo in this post is from Kristiansund! I’ve been up north, but also visited places further south last year (including the fjords and some smaller cities).
Fabulous photography Amanda!! I would like to enjoy the winter in Norway. For the couple, it would be a best destination. Will definitely plan a trip to Norway. Thanks again Amanda, for sharing this great experience.
Simply amazing photos – beautiful country. So here’s my shameful confession… I live in Denmark and have never been to Norway. Seeing these pictures really makes me think that I should. Forget about showing them to my wife hehe and she will tell me to start planning a trip there.
Marvellous, marvellous photographs Amanda, so I really can’t choose! What a country.
I’m so pleased that the Nordic Region is finally getting the recognition that t deserves. 🙂
Norway, I’m cooooooooooming!
How exciting! Thankfully Norway is great year-round! (Though I definitely wouldn’t mind going again in the summer months; it was still quite chilly last year when I went in May!
Amazing shots of such a beautiful country. It truly did make me fall in love with Norway and its magical spirit that seems to just shine through with every picture. Beautiful 🙂
Great to hear! It’s a very easy place to fall in love with.
GAH! I want to go play viking in Norway. Right now. Hm. Maybe this winter since I’ll be around! Awesome photos Amanda!
If you want to play Viking, Norway is definitely the place to go!! And it’s awesome in the winter time!
Great pictures. Norway is really an amazing country and impressive landscapes that would seduce any nature lovers. If only it was more affordable for tourism=)
Norway is probably the cheapest it’s been in a long while, especially if you’re from the US – the American dollar is so strong right now!
Wow, just wow. Your photos are *stunning.* Amazing post!!
-Claire
tallgirlbigworld.com
Thanks so much, Claire!
Stunning!
Wow, these photos are incredible! Want to get to Norway right away- Love all pictures but the reindeer and snowy mountain in the backdrop is my favorite 🙂
Those reindeer sure are photogenic!
My country sure is beautiful, but i suspect you mostly visited the northern parts based on your pictures.
I would recommend you to visit the southwest coastline next time. The old city of Stavanger, and further south towards Kristiansand.
I still think you got the most important sights though, the fjords. I grew up in a fjord, Stryn, and im still in awe of them.
Actually the sunset photo in this post is from Kristiansund! I’ve been up north, but also visited places further south last year (including the fjords and some smaller cities).
Wow! Gorgeous photos! That church is so picturesque. I’ll have to add Norway to my bucket list!
It deserves bucket list status, for sure!
Fabulous photography Amanda!! I would like to enjoy the winter in Norway. For the couple, it would be a best destination. Will definitely plan a trip to Norway. Thanks again Amanda, for sharing this great experience.
Winter in Norway is great, especially since it doesn’t get as cold as it does in some other winter destinations!
Great post. Norway is definitely on my list. Especially after we just came back from Iceland.
Ah yes, Iceland is another one of my favorites!
Simply amazing photos – beautiful country. So here’s my shameful confession… I live in Denmark and have never been to Norway. Seeing these pictures really makes me think that I should. Forget about showing them to my wife hehe and she will tell me to start planning a trip there.
Haha, shame on you indeed! Get yourself to Norway, Bo!
Marvellous, marvellous photographs Amanda, so I really can’t choose! What a country.
I’m so pleased that the Nordic Region is finally getting the recognition that t deserves. 🙂
Norway, I’m cooooooooooming!
Scandinavia is amazing – I really want to explore more of it!
You are correct, these photos are absolutely stunning! Norway is on my bucketlist!
xx Kelly
Sparkles and Shoes
It’s definitely on a lot of bucket lists!
WOWWWW is all I can say!!
Thanks very much, Carmen! I have to say that I really love this set of photos, too!
I think I might be visiting later this year, I can’t wait! I definitely want to visit in the warmer months too though!
How exciting! Thankfully Norway is great year-round! (Though I definitely wouldn’t mind going again in the summer months; it was still quite chilly last year when I went in May!