Tour guides Norway

5 ideas for guided tours in Norway

• Bergen

  

  Bergen is rightly considered the capital of the fjords. The city lies in the Hordaland region, surrounded by breathtaking scenery and offering a wide range of activities.

  Nestled on the water’s edge, Norway’s second-largest city is encircled by seven mountains. Bergen’s port is the last remaining site of the Hanseatic League, the old trading alliance of Baltic and North Sea cities.

  A museum near the Bryggen wharf tells this story, in the heart of the city’s most iconic district with its colorful wooden houses and lively fish market. The narrow streets also lead you to the Bergenhus Fortress and its Rosenkrantz Tower.

  Bergen makes an ideal base for exploring Norway’s most beautiful fjords: Nærøyfjord, Aurlandsfjord, and the Sognefjord. Driving the stunning National Tourist Route Hardanger lets you stop wherever you like to admire the many waterfalls that enhance the landscape — including the spectacular Steinsdalsfossen, an absolute must-see.

• Lofoten Islands

  

  Just outside the town of Bodø lies the Lofoten Islands, north of the Arctic Circle. Here you’ll find a mix of rolling meadows, mountains, and fjords, dotted with typical fishing villages and their red-roofed houses.

  The main islands — such as Austvåg, Moskenes, and Flakstad — are often connected by bridges or tunnels, making them easy to reach. This is a paradise for anyone seeking escape, and surprisingly, despite their northern location, temperatures aren’t as harsh as you might expect. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, summers can even be pleasantly warm.

  Some ideas for visiting the Lofoten Islands:

  – Kabelvåg: a historic fishing village in the municipality of Vågan on the island of Austvågøya. It has a rich cultural heritage and several points of interest, including its 12th-century church — one of the oldest in Norway — and the Lofoten War Memorial Museum. It’s also a starting point for boat trips and birdwatching excursions.

  – Unstad Beach: located on the island of Vestvågøya, about 10 km northwest of the village of Borg. It’s known as a popular surf spot and also for its stunning scenery, with steep mountains, clear waters, and white sandy beaches.

  – The village of Å: a small village on the island of Moskenesøya, famous for its beautiful setting and sheltered harbor. Å is a popular tourist destination and home to several attractions, including the Lofoten Fishing Museum and a gallery featuring works by local artists.

  – Mount Hoven: located in the municipality of Moskenes, not far from the traditional fishing village of Reine. The hike to the summit takes about two to three hours and rewards you with breathtaking views of the surrounding islands.

• Trolltunga

  

  The hike to reach the spectacular rock of Trolltunga in Hordaland County is an adventure that must be earned — a decent level of fitness is essential.

  Perched high above Lake Ringedal in the Skjeggedal region, you’ll reach the 1,100-meter-high rock after a demanding 20-kilometer trek along rugged terrain. Expect seven to ten hours of hiking round trip, depending on your starting point along the Skjeggedal and Mågelitopp trails — but the view at the end is worth every step! Though you won’t be alone when you get there.

  After your hike, spend some time exploring the charming villages of Odda and Tyssedal, located nearby.

• Geiranger Fjord

  

  Geirangerfjord is one of Norway’s most famous fjords and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It lies in the county of Møre og Romsdal in the southwest of the country, stretching from the outskirts of Ålesund all the way to Geiranger.

  The fjord is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls, such as Dalsnibba and the Seven Sisters. For the best views, head south to the Flydalsjuvet Viewpoint or to the end of the dramatic Trollstigen road, known as the “Troll’s Road.”

  This steep road twists through a series of hairpin bends — the section near Ørnevegen is called the Eagle Road — and ends at the Stigrøra plateau, which rises to nearly 900 meters.

  For the best experience of Geirangerfjord, visit in early spring. The melting snow makes the waterfalls even more powerful, and you’ll enjoy a quieter trip before the summer crowds arrive.

• Tromsø

  

  Far in the north of Norway, above the Arctic Circle, lies the city of Tromsø — a destination best experienced in winter, when the range of activities is at its peak.

  Highlights include the magical northern lights, dog- and reindeer-sled expeditions, cross-country skiing, and whale and orca watching out at sea.

  Tromsø’s city center is full of pleasant sights to explore, including the Domkirke Cathedral, dating back to 1861, and the iconic parish church Ishavskatedralen, famous for its modern architecture.

  Just a ten-minute walk from the church, the Fjellheisen cable car carries you to the top of Mount Storsteinen, where you get sweeping views over the whole region. To dive into the history of Arctic expeditions, visit the Polar Museum. A stroll along the waterfront is lovely in summer — and just as rewarding in winter if you’re well bundled up.

  For those with more time in Tromsø, we recommend scenic excursions such as the road leading to the fishing village of Tromvik. The landscapes are stunning, and with some luck you may see herds of wild reindeer.

  On the island of Sommarøy, you can wander in absolute quiet, surrounded by a pristine nature that feels almost untouched.