Getting to Know Norway—10 Reasons To Visit in 2025

The Northern Lights, Fjords, and Friluftsliv, are just the beginning of the attractions

There’s a quiet magic to Norway. While many European destinations overflow with tourists, Norway offers a serene, uncrowded haven for those who value untouched landscapes, outdoor adventures, and cultural authenticity. With only 0.26 tourists per resident, the country ranks 63rd globally and 6th in Northern Europe for tourism density—a fact that speaks volumes about its tranquil charm.

Due to its breathtaking natural beauty, reputation as a beacon of sustainable travel, and temperate year-round climate,  it looks like the days of uncrowded Norway are numbered. The country is perfectly positioned to benefit from two converging travel trends. The first is travelers' burgeoning interest in visiting cooler climates in summer as a result of global warming. The second is travelers' increasing desire for more sustainable travel. According to Booking.com's 2024 Sustainability Report, the percentage of travelers who believe sustainable travel is important rose to 83% in 2024.

Norway fits the bill on both counts. From electric fjord cruises to community-driven cultural experiences to whale watching to ice swimming, the country is a sustainable travel champion.  Its summer climate, with highs of about 77 degrees, is a perfect antidote to the baking summer heat that has become the norm in southern Europe. But there's more to love in Norway. Here are 10 reasons why Norway should be your next travel destination.

Norwegians of all ages enjoy being outdoors in cold, hot, or in-between weather. Photo by Hendrik Morkel on Unsplash.

1. Friluftsliv

You may have never heard of friluftsliv, or “open-air-life." But if you're Norwegian, chances are it is one of the guiding pillars of your life. This love of nature and the outdoors seems written in Norwegian DNA. No matter the season or the weather, their age, or their physical condition, Norwegians find joy in spending time outdoors. Friluftsliv encourages this deep connection with nature through low-impact activities like hiking, camping, and skiing that emphasize responsible use and enjoyment without disturbing or destroying it.

Norwegians learn friluftsliv early and take it very seriously. The country has several outdoor kindergartens (friluftsbarnehager), where the children spend 80% of their time outdoors. You can even get a bachelor's degree in friluftsliv. To inspire more people to discover nature´s blessings, try new outdoor activities, and find lots of friluftsglede (“outdoor joy”) Norway has named 2025 the year of friluftsliv. Getting outside is seen as the answer to many problems from depression and sadness to physical ills. 

The beginning of the Trolltunga (Troll's tongue) hike, one of the most famous hikes in Norway. Photo by Idsart Schipper on Unsplash.

2. Fjords

Norwegian fjords are nothing short of legendary and are among the country’s most important attractions. There are more than 1000 of these deep, glacially carved inlets offering jaw-dropping panoramas of towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and mirror-like waters with quaint fishing villages nestled within their rocky landscapes. Two–Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord—are so extraordinary that they are UNESCO World Heritage sites. 

It's easy to enjoy them sustainably, with electric-powered boats offering eco-friendly tours through fjords and villages that evoke images of Norway's past. In this ridiculously picturesque landscape, it seems time stopped centuries ago when people still farmed the impossibly steep and rocky mountains and harvested fruit from bountiful trees. Whether you kayak through serene waters or hike along trails overlooking the fjords, you'll absorb nature in its purest form at every moment.

The Northern Lights from Lofoten Island. Photo by Bigstock.

3. The Northern Lights

Few experiences rival the otherworldly beauty of the aurora borealis, best viewed in Norway’s arctic regions. Tromsø, often called the "Gateway to the Arctic," is a prime spot for witnessing this natural phenomenon. Here, sustainable tourism operators use eco-conscious methods for aurora safaris, ensuring minimal disturbance to the environment.

4. Great Climate Year-Round

Norway's climate is characterized by its diversity and regional variations, influenced by latitude, topography, and the North Atlantic Current. The far north experiences a sub-arctic to arctic climate; the the coastal regions have a temperate maritime climate; the mountainous areas have an alpine climate; and the southern part of the country is warmest with summer temperatures sometimes reaching the high 70s.

What this means for travelers is that Norway is a great year-round destination. In summer, lush landscapes beckon hikers and bikers, while winters offer cozy opportunities for cross-country skiing and dog sledding. If you’re game you can even try ice bathing. Twenty percent of Norwegians swear by its transformative power.

The Flam Railway runs some of the most scenic railroad routes in Europe.  Photo by Abby Rurenko on Unsplash.

5. Green Transportation Network

Getting around Norway is quick, easy, and sustainable, thanks to its extensive green transportation system. Public transport options include electric ferries, hybrid buses, and scenic railways. A must-visit is the Flåm Railway, a marvel of engineering that winds through majestic mountains and waterfalls, offering one of the world’s most scenic train journeys. Choosing public transit not only reduces your carbon footprint but also immerses you in Norway’s stunning landscapes in an eco-friendly way.

Norway still has a whaling industry, which it insists operates sustainably, with “humane” methods of slaughter.  If you can put that aside, the country offers an array of ethical experiences from whale watching in Vesterålen to puffin spotting in Runde. These adventures are carefully managed to protect animals and their habitats. Operators adhere to strict no-harm policies, ensuring your presence doesn’t disturb the delicate balance of nature.

The Oslo Opera House, a marvel of engineering and imagination, seemingly afloat on Oslo Fjord. Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash.

Norway’s capital, Oslo, is a model for sustainable urban living. Named a European Green Capital, the city features bike-friendly streets, fjord-side saunas, and farm-to-table restaurants showcasing local, seasonal ingredients. Oslo blends nature and innovation seamlessly, offering visitors a glimpse into the future of eco-conscious cityscapes.

Above the Arctic Circle, Norway’s untouched wilderness takes on an ethereal quality. Regions like Alta and Finnmark are havens for adventurers seeking dog sledding, Sami cultural experiences, and breathtaking views of the midnight sun. Every visit supports local communities dedicated to preserving these fragile environments.

The Northern Lights at Tromsø, known as the "gateway to the Arctic." Photo by Tianxiang Ji on Unsplash.

9. Community-Based Tourism and Local Food

Traveling sustainably means supporting the people who call Norway home. In the Lofoten Islands, for example, visitors can stay in traditional fisherman’s cabins, known as rorbuer, and enjoy local delicacies like dried cod. These experiences not only foster authentic connections but also contribute directly to local economies.

Norway isn’t just preserving its natural wonders—it’s actively regenerating them. Innovative projects like rewilding initiatives and sustainable fishing tours in Bergen highlight the country’s commitment to balancing tourism with ecosystem health. By participating in these programs, travelers contribute to the long-term vitality of Norway’s landscapes.

There you have it. Ten great reasons to visit Norway but they are only skimming the bucket. There are many more than space allows. Take a look at our Norway offerings to see what appeals. Remember, these are suggestions. We can customize any of our trips to meet your specifications. Just contact us and we will be glad to help.

Opening photo of Hovden, Norway by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash.

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