The Best City Breaks In Norway

17.09.2023 - 13:59 / forbes.com / Edvard Munch / Gustav Vigeland

From enjoying the thrill of chasing the northern lights to sailing down the world-famous Norwegian fjords and hiking iconic trails, Norway is renowned for its natural attractions. Yet as with the rest of Scandinavia, the vast majority of Norwegians live and work in cities.

The biggest Norwegian cities are filled with cultural highlights, family attractions, and intriguing historical sites. They each have a lot to offer the curious traveler that wants to truly understand modern Norwegian lifestyle before exploring the fjords.

Embracing a city break in Norway doesn't mean missing out on the Scandinavian love of nature. Every Norwegian city is a stone's throw from fjords, scenic hikes or peaceful islands.

Whether you prefer to stroll down quaint, historic lanes or enjoy a “koselig” time in a contemporary café, these Norwegian city breaks offer something for everyone.

Norway’s capital is often the first choice for international travelers given the number of international flights arriving there. But that’s far from the only reason to choose Oslo for your next city break.

From its modern architecture sitting side-by-side with rich cultural heritage, to its rapidly developing food scene, Oslo is a must-visit destination with plenty of things to do for any traveller keen to understand contemporary Norway.

Despite its bustling downtown, Oslo is close to both the Oslofjord and expansive forests, so you’re never far from nature. A quick trip on a passenger ferry takes you to the relaxed Oslofjord islands, offering an introduction to Norwegian coastal culture, or choose instead to head into the forest on the city metro.

Back downtown, highlights include the modern architecture of the Opera House, the medieval Akershus Fortress, and the outdoor Vigeland Sculpture Park, which features more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland. For fans of the expressionist artist Edvard Munch, a visit to the new Munch Museum is a must.

Oslo Airport is connected to many European capitals and North American cities making it a convenient first stop for a city break in Norway. Oslo is also connected to the other big Norwegian cities—Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger—by train.

Norway's second-largest city, Bergen, is an enchanting alternative to the capital. It offers a similar blend of history, culture, and nature but with its own coastal allure.

Ideal for families, Bergen Aquarium showcases marine life from the nearby North Sea and beyond. The city's Hanseatic Museum tells the story of Bergen's key role in the Hanseatic League, while the KODE Art Museums house an impressive collection of Norwegian art.

Bergen's iconic waterfront, Bryggen, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features colourful wooden houses that have stood for