I recently finished writing an entire guidebook to Norway, and in the writing process my editor asked me to try to answer the question “what is Norway famous for” in the introduction.
To be honest, I kind of snuffed a little at this, because I thought everyone knew what Norway is known and famous for – and that this was obvious.
But, I was wrong.
So, apologies for those of you who found this post by searching for an answer to the question. Because I have learned that not everyone knows why Norway has become such a popular country to visit.
As you know, I write and have written a bunch of travel guides to Norway here on my blog, so I kind of think I am the perfect person to answer this.
I was born and raised here, and can tell you exactly why you should visit Norway, and what my beautiful country is most famous for!
Table of Contents
What is Norway famous for
Norway is known for many things, with nicknames such as the “land of the midnight sun” and the “home of the Vikings”.
Those are of course just two things the country is known for. Below you will find a more detailed list – consider it a list of reasons you should visit Norway!
Of course, there are a couple of things that I am not including here, such as the stereotype that all Norwegians are tall, blonde and beautiful, and that polar bears roam the streets.
To sum up, I am not including “jokey” stereotypes at all. I can also mention here that Norway is not known for being the capital of Sweden.
Side note: if you want to read about some unique quirks and things that only Norwegians understand, head this way.
#1 The western fjords
At the top of this list are the Norwegian fjords.
The fjords are bodies of water created by the last ice age – when massive glaciers carved valleys into the mountains of Norway.
The valleys were eventually carved until they were below sea level, and when the glaciers melted the ocean filled them in with water.
Thus, a fjord is a body of water connected to the ocean, most often seen as a long, narrow inlet with tall mountains on either side.
The fjords are the #1 thing to see if you are visiting Norway, and most people visit Norway in order to see them for themselves.
The two most famous fjords in Norway are the Nærøyfjord and the Geirangerfjord – both on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and thus protected areas.
The landscapes of the fjords are truly unique, and this kind of nature can’t be found anywhere else in the world. So, if you are planning a trip to Norway, make sure to include the fjords on your itinerary.
#2 Vikings
Of course, Vikings and Viking heritage has to be on the list. And of course Norse Gods and Goddesses and Mythology (they often go hand in hand).
Often, the first thing people will say if you ask them what Scandinavia is known for, is that it is the land of the Vikings.
I say Scandinavia because Vikings also lived in both Sweden and Denmark.
Technically, I should say the Nordics. The Vikings actually lived in Iceland too, and have left their trace all across the countries. Through the centuries that followed the Viking age, Nordic symbols and artifacts have been dug up all over Scandinavia and the Nordic countries.
However, with Norway having such a long coastline, the Norwegian Vikings are often the ones people have heard about.
The Viking age lasted from around year 800 to 1100, and was a period during the Middle Ages when Norwegian soldier-explorers created fear in other countries (England especially) by raiding and pillaging.
If you learn one thing from this guide, it should be that everyone wasn’t a Viking during the Viking age. “Viking” referred to the people going out to explore, raid and bring back gold and riches for the village – so you can think of it as more of a job title than anything else.
At the time, most people were actually farmers, and not the bloodthirsty men you see on TV shows.
Still, the Viking age continues to fascinate visitors to Norway, and there are plenty of ways you can experience and learn about this part of Norwegian history.
The most famous Vikings of all time include Ragnar Lothbrok, Gange-Rolv and Leif Erikson.
How to Explore Norway’s Viking Heritage During Your Visit
The most popular way to learn about the Vikings is to visit the (formerly named) Viking Ship Museum in Oslo. The museum has been renamed the Museum of the Viking Age, and is one of the best things to do in Oslo.
In cities such as Oslo, Stavanger and Bergen there are Viking experiences you can dive into. In Oslo you can visit the Viking Planet experience, whilst in Bergen you can head out on a fjord cruise aboard a Viking ship.
If you are visiting Flåm and the area around the Nærøyfjord, make sure to spend a few hours in the Njardarheimr Viking Village.
#3 Northern Lights
To be fair, the first three things Norway is known for could be in any order on this list.
For some people Vikings are more famous than the Northern Lights, whilst for others, the fjords are an easy first place. So consider at least these first three to be in no particular order.
Onto the next: the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, is a natural phenomenon that people travel across the world to experience in Norway.
And with good reason.
The Northern Lights are one of the top reasons people visit Norway in the winter.
Almost half of Norway is above the Arctic circle, and so there are plenty of destinations where you can experience the phenomenon. Places such as the Lofoten Islands, Tromsø and Alta are all great for this.
Tromsø is especially a haven for those wanting to see and photograph the Northern Lights, with plenty of tours leaving the city and taking you out to chase them in the winter months.
See some of the best Northern Lights tours in Tromsø below.
Read next: What is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway?
#4 Midnight Sun
This is another natural phenomenon, that’s perhaps a little less famous than the Northern Lights, but nonetheless a reason why many people wish to visit Norway.
As mentioned, almost half of Norway is above the Arctic circle. As a result, the country has very long days in the summer months, and very short and dark days in the winter.
In fact, all the way up north, the days in the summer are so long that the sun never sets!
This is called Midnight Sun – because you can literally see the sun at midnight.
It is quite a beautiful thing, but can of course be a little strange. Luckily, Norwegians are very fond of blackout curtains (there’s no other way to get sleep).
If you want to experience the midnight sun, book a hotel in either of these destinations between the months of May and July (June is peak month):
- Svalbard (find hotels here)
- Alta (find hotels here)
- Hammerfest (find hotels here)
- Tromsø (find hotels here)
- Svolvær (find hotels here)
#5 Winter Sports
You can’t write a list of what Norway is known for without including winter sports.
Whether its downhill skiing, cross-country, ski jumping or the biathlon – Norwegian athletes are killing it.
Norway is actually the country in the world with the most Winter Olympics medals of all time! So, it’s safe to say we are known for being awesome at winter sports.
If you are visiting Norway in the winter, you’ll be able to try your hand at downhill and cross-country skiing, or even bob sledding in destinations such as Lillehammer.
#6 Being a Winter Destination
Moving on from the winter sports, it is quite obvious that Norway is a popular tourist destination for winter travel.
As I have mentioned above, most people visit Norway in order to see the fjords. However, a great deal of travelers visit Norway in order to experience it as a true winter destination.
These people first and foremost think of snow and cozy winter activities when they think of Norway.
From chasing the Northern Lights to going dog sledding, there are plenty of activities that are unique to the winter months in Norway.
Top 3 Winter Destinations in Norway
If you are planning on visiting Norway in winter, make sure you first check out my packing guide, and then consider one of these destinations.
#1 Alta (my favourite)
I love Alta because every single experience I had there felt like a bucket list experience. This is the ultimate winter destination, with unique accommodation, lots of chances to see the Northern Lights, and the opportunity to try your hand at activities such as snowmobiling and dog sledding.
Don’t miss staying in a dome with a see-through ceiling, or the famous igloo hotel (must be booked early!). Then, make sure to save your spot at one of these amazing activities:
#2 Tromsø
Tromsø is also a popular place to go to experience Norway in winter. It is easily reached by plane from both Oslo and Bergen.
As mentioned further up, it is one of the most-visited destinations in Norway for Northern Lights chases. You can also go dog sledding, whale watching and more in the winter!
If you want to experience a Norwegian city in the winter, with all the popular winter activities I’ve mentioned above (and more), Tromsø is a great place to go.
#3 Røros
Røros is a lesser-known destination in Norway, but I am including it because it is farther south than the likes of Alta and Tromsø. Thus, it is a little easier to reach, as you don’t have to fly for hours to get there.
In spite of being located in the southern half of the country, Røros is a great destination with lots of snow and winter activities.
The town itself is UNESCO-listed, due to its history as a mining town. The charming, wooden houses are the perfect backdrop for a snowy street and sleigh ride – so you’ll be able to experience a true winter trip to Norway without travelling too far from Oslo or Bergen.
Once you have arrived and checked into your hotel (see deals for Røros below), I recommend this self-guided walking tour of the historic town.
Booking.com#7 Breathtaking Nature
It’s not just the fjords of Norway that draw people in when it comes to nature.
The Norwegian landscape is unparalleled when it comes to beauty, with tall mountains, bright blue glacier lakes, rolling hills and large forests.
With only 2% of the country inhabited, it is easy to understand that there is a lot of unspoiled nature here.
One of my favourite things about Norway is the accessibility to nature, and how you are never far away from being in complete silence on a mountain top, in a forest or on a trail.
That’s why hiking in Norway has become a popular activity for both tourists and locals. Popular hikes such as Trolltunga and Pulpit Rock offers travelers breathtaking views and the opportunity to truly immerse yourself in Norwegian nature.
#8 Oil & Being one of the world’s wealthiest countries
In the late 60s (1969, to be exact) oil was discovered on Norwegian territory, which started a whole new adventure and side of Norway’s history.
Since then, the Norwegian Sovereign Wealth Fund has reached a market value of over 13 billion kroner. It is known as one of the best managed sovereign funds in the world.
The Oil Fund makes Norway one of the world’s richest country, and is one of the things Norway is most famous for.
#9 Being a Happy Country
In addition to being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, Norway continues to score high on surveys and measures of happiness.
The World Happiness Report ranks happiness in countries around the world, based on a bunch of factors measuring quality of life.
Norway continues to rank in the top 10 of the report, together with its neighbours in Sweden, Finland and Denmark.
#10 Norwegian Artists
Last but not least, Norway has produced a handful of famous artists that you may have heard of.
Or, if you haven’t heard their name specifically, I guarantee you have heard of their works.
Henrik Ibsen is said to be one of the world’s greatest playwrights next to the likes of William Shakespeare. He wrote plays that are still being shown on theatre stages around the world, such as A Doll’s House and Hedda Gabler.
Edvard Grieg was a musician and composer, and created the world-famous songs Morning Mood and In the Hall of the Mountain King. I guarantee you that you have heard at least one of them, perhaps without knowing they were Norwegian?
And last, but not least, Edvard Munch is the famous painter behind works of art such as Scream and Madonna. Both can be viewed at the MUNCH Museum in Oslo.
Honorable Mentions & Interesting Facts (more things Norway is known for)
There you have the top 10 things Norway is perhaps most known for. However, there are a few more items, things and people to be included on the list!
Below you will find 10 more things Norway is famous for. Some of these will include some interesting facts you may not have known about Norway!
#11 Cheese slicer
The first fun fact you never knew you needed to know is that the cheese slicer was invented in Norway.
This little kitchen utensil is an absolute god-send, and you will find it in every kitchen across Norway and Scandinavia. It is less common in countries like the US and UK (I have found), but I love introducing people to it!
You can get a cheese slicer on Amazon for less than $15.
#12 Norwegian salmon
Next up is salmon. Norway is actually one of the world’s top three countries when it comes to the export of fish, so it is not surprising that you have probably heard of Norwegian salmon before (whether it’s on a menu or in the supermarket).
#13 Roald Dahl and other authors
Norwegians take great pride in whatever celebrity we have managed to produce in this country, even ones that weren’t actually born here.
Roald Dahl (you know, the author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and The Witches) was born in Wales, but both his parents were Norwegian. So we will proudly claim him as our own, and perhaps one of the most famous authors to “come from” Norway.
Of course, other well-known authors include Jo Nesbø and Anne B. Ragde. Shop novels by Norwegian authors below!
#14 Electric cars
This might surprise you, but Norway is actually world-leading when it comes to the ownership of electric cars.
This means that no other country in the world has as many electric cars per inhabitant as Norway. Having an electric car here is now more common than a petrol car!
This is what lead to the very funny Super Bowl commercial in 2021 with Will Ferrell (see it below – it’s hilarious, and so is this reply by Game of Thrones actor Kristofer Hivju).
Fun fact: Will Ferrell is married to a Swede, which may have fuelled his hate for Norway a little extra. There’s been a friendly rivalry between the two countries for as long as I can remember.
#15 Tunnels
Anyone who’s been to Norway will know that there’s just no getting around here without driving through a ton of tunnels.
With such mountainous terrain, especially in western Norway, Norwegians have gotten really good at digging and making tunnels to get from A to B – and some of the world’s longest tunnels are found here.
In fact, the world’s longest road tunnel can be found in the village where I grew up, stretching 24,5 kilometres from Aurland (my hometown!) to Lærdal (the neighbouring village). That’s around 20 minutes of driving through the tunnel!
So, if you are planning a road trip in Norway, make sure to prepare for lots of tunnels.
#16 Voss water
Voss water is a Norwegian water, named after the town of Voss in western Norway (also known as the Extreme Sports Capital of Norway).
Whilst it’s not necessarily one of Norway’s biggest claims to fame, it is something that everyone has heard of.
#17 Whaling
This is a rather controversial item on the list, but Norway is known as being one of few countries where whale hunting is still legal.
Side note: only one type of whale can be hunted in Norway – so saying it is legal does not mean there is a free-for-all along the Norwegian coast. Whaling is heavily regulated, and can only be done with special license.
Some restaurants in Bergen and Oslo serve whale on the menu, so if you want to try this unique meat (like a blend of steak and fish), Norway is the place to do it.
#18 Beautiful Train Journeys
Visitors to Norway also want to visit the country to see the beautiful nature here through the window of a moving train.
The Oslo-Bergen railway is particularly beautiful, whilst the Flåm Railway has been named the world’s most scenic railway.
Both take you through unspoiled Norwegian landscapes that can’t be reached by car.
#19 Unique Dishes
Norway is home to lots of unique dishes and foods to try. Some more unique than others.
Of course, there is the traditional svele (a type of pancake), and the heart-shaped Norwegian waffles. But, there are some truly unique Norwegian dishes you need to try if you are feeling adventurous.
Lutefisk is a dried stockfish hailing from Northern Norway, with a very strong flavour. Even more interesting is the dish smalahove, which is a grilled sheep’s head (yes, you read that right).
Of course, seafood dishes are popular all over Norway, with fish soup and salmon being two common dishes found in Norwegian restaurants.
#20 The Nobel Peace Prize
And last but not least: did you know that the Nobel Peace Price is handed out in Oslo, Norway each year?
Whilst the other Nobel prizes are awarded in a ceremony in Sweden, the Peace Prize is handed out in Norway.
Those traveling to Oslo can visit the Nobel Peace Center to learn more about the award and its winners – and about Norway’s peace efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Now that I have covered everything Norway is famous for in the list above, I’m sure you still have a few questions.
Below I have answered the most frequently asked questions I’ve gotten about Norway and what my home country is known for.
Norway is most known for the fjords, the Northern Lights and the Vikings.
Wearing a national costume called Bunad is still common in Norway for baptisms and for Christmas.
Read about funny Norwegian Christmas traditions here.
Norway has produced many famous people, such as Henrik Ibsen, Edvard Grieg and Edvard Munch.
Current famous people from Norway are Kygo (DJ) and Kristofer Hivju (actor).
The three major industries in Norway are oil, seafood (salmon) and hydroenergy.
Yes, trolls are an integral part of Norwegian folklore and fairytales.
Norway in Norwegian is “Norge”.
The cheese slicer was invented in Norway.
