Eline Arbos 5 must-see places/travel recommendations in Norway

1. Tromsø 

Tromsø is my home town in the upper northern part of Norway. It’s a lively town, especially during the white nights of summer, giving rise to it being dubbed The Paris of the North. Besides friendly bars, restaurants and concert venues, Tromsø is also a nice gateway to raw, Arctic nature and sea activities like fishing or whale safaris. 

Photo: overview of Tromsø | Arktiske eventyr (visitnorway.no) 

2. Bergen.

This beautiful Hanseatic city on the Norwegian west coast is the home town of Edvard Grieg. Here you can visit the composer’s home, Troldhaugen, where classical concerts sometimes are taking place, especially during the more than 70 years old Festspillene, Bergen International Festival, in May.  

Photo: Troldhaugen: Edvard Griegs hjem - visitBergen.com 

3. Jæren and Lysefjorden

This rural area on the southwest coast is the landscape that the author of Haugtussa, Arne Garborg, is describing in his poetic cycle. The landscape rises from the lower lands and windy beaches of the North Sea, through rocky hills, moors and the higher mountains -- before steeply plunging into the Lysefjord. I have myself made a hike from the Lysefjord up to the awe inspiring Pulpit Rock; it is quite a thrill!  

Photo: the Pulpit rock and Lysefjorden | Preikestolen og Kjeragbolten (visitnorway.no) 

4. Oslo

Norway’s capital, has its own modern pulse, with vibrating art venues, restaurants, theatres, clubs and night life. Visit the new National Museum of Arts or the Munch Museum, or what about the impressive new Opera house next to Oslo´s cool sea side? Or you could attend the 125 years old National theatre, with Henrik Ibsen’s original apartment open to visit right down the street? Oslo is a must to attend these days… 

Photo: the opera house in Oslo Oslo Opera House: please walk on the roof - Visit Norway 

5. Setesdal

There are many wonderful hiking routes all over Norway, and it is quite easy to find an area or a spot that you can enjoy all for yourself. Last year, me and my partner Thijs, made a hiking trip in the valleys and wild mountains of Setesdal in the south of Norway; pure bliss! Bring your tent, your sleeping bag – and solid hiking shoes! 

Photo: Setesdalen Setesdal | Hovden, Evje, folketradisjoner og rafting (visitnorway.no)