Famed as one of the most picturesque locations on the planet, Norway offers visitors the chance to explore utterly unique landscapes, engage in cultures which stretch back millennia, and taste dishes which can’t be found anywhere else on Earth.
But while world renowned names like Oslo, Tromsø, and Molde have been the go-to locales for tourists for generations, there are a myriad of lesser-known gems which you may be overlooking.
In this short guide, we’re going to discuss four of the most underappreciated areas of Norway which need to be added to your bucket list.
Alta
Found deep inside the Norwegian Arctic is the eclectic town of Alta. This breathtaking area offers visitors the perfect balance between history and nature, with husky sledding, king crab safari hunting, and even a UNESCO World Heritage Site ready to be discovered.
Arguably, the jewel in Alta’s crown comes in the form of the world’s oldest Northern Lights observatory, which was built here in 1899. Unfortunately, very little of the tower now remains – but that doesn’t stop the spot where it once stood from being both an area of immense historical significance and a fantastic place to watch the aurora borealis.
Skudeneshavn
This coastal town offers the perfect snapshot of life in Norway during the 19th century. That’s not to say that the locals haven’t advanced in that time. Rather, it’s the antiquated architecture – namely 200 perfectly preserved white buildings from the period – which make this one of the most wholesome and historically poignant areas of the nation to visit. Visit Skudeneshavn to get a glimpse of the past with all the amenities of modern Norway.
Svalbard
If you’re a fan of nature, a trip to the archipelago of Svalbard is an absolute must during any Norwegian excursion. This Arctic island is teeming with wolves, lynx, reindeer, polar bears, and other rare creatures – but that’s far from the end of the fun. Svalbard’s most common inhabitant is the colourful Atlantic Puffin. The region is believed to be home to 30% of all in existence.
Visitors will also get to experience one of the most authentic surviving fishing communities in all of Scandinavia. The cut-off nature of the island means that many still practise traditional fishing methods handed down by their forefathers.
Vågsøy
Everyone knows about the snow and ice found in Norway. But did you know it’s also sometimes a mecca for surfers? The island of Vågsøy is widely accepted as the de facto hotspot for this tubular pastime, offering panoramic views of three beautiful lighthouses (named Hendanes, Kråkenes and Skogsnes) and the ruins of archaic monasteries.
Despite emerging as one of the premier locations to surf in all of Norway, Vågsøy remains something of a secret thanks to its miniscule local population and remote nature. Just 4,207 people were found to call it home at the last count.
Ready to try something a little bit different this year? Give one of these iconic Norwegian regions a go for your next holiday.
