The Best of Norway

The following is a tentative list of the best of Norway (compiled through personal research done on the internet). Here are the results. If you live in Norway, or consider yourself an expert on the country please add, or edit items to the list. Once complete, it should help visitors know exactly where to find what they need, and want. PLEASE only respond to this thread if you're interested in helping to edit or contribute items to the list. Thank you.

CRITERIA for LIST:
-memorable/dramatic scenery & landscape photography. Where to find the best (viewpoints, city views, panoramas, skylines, sunsets, etc..)?
-the unique outdoors, hikes/hilltops/lookouts, and amazing views.
-lovely/charming streets, cute villages, and magnificent/attractive architecture
-authentic/unforgettable "local" travel experiences (i.e. non-typical, interesting/special experiences (full of original character), and unique only to the local area)).
-the best freebies (meuseums excluded)
-specialty/unique regional cuisine/gastronomy (or the BEST places to eat (w/ local's prices, food made with love/regional favourites, and not too many tourists eating there)),
-anything else off-the beaten path.

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*from South to North*

BERGEN
view from atop floibanen
bryggen

AURLAND,
Naeroyfjord (can take Flam rail), Stalheim, then Ulvik, (Vøringsfossen)- back to Bergen

HOPEN, near Sogndal/Luster
Sognefjord, Nigardsbreen/Jostedalsbreen

DALE,

FLORO,

SANDANE,

MAURSTAD,
Nordfjord

ORSTA/ALESUND (Aksala view), also nearby town of SøVIK
Geirangerfjorden, Dalsnibba, Geirangervegen, Golden route

MOLDE,
Trollstigen

KRISTIANSUND
Atlanterhavsveien

TRONDHEIM,
Bakklandet, Old town bridge view (if with bicycle, travel up the hill with the special bike lift)
Marinen park

BRONOYSUND
Vega world heritage site, Torghatten, Kystriksveien route

FAUSKE

BODO
Saltstraumen, Lofoten islands

NARVIK,
Skjomen

HARSTAD,

TROMSO
Ølhallen beer hall, western coast of Senja

Maandalen
Alta
Lakselv

NORDKAPP
mageroya, kirkeporten, mid June festival

KautoKeino

FOOD
reindeer w/ cranberry, lingonberry jam
geitost "goat cheese"
fiskeboller (fish balls, and some)
Rumgraut is a sour-cream porridge covered with melted butter, brown
sugar, and cinnamon. If they're in season, try the good-tasting,
amber-colored muiter (cloudberries). An additional treat, well made in
Norway, is a pancake accompanied by lingonberries
koldtbord (a kind of breakfast)
Singoalla biscuts
gravlaks
Salmonburgers

Thanks again for any advice.

AURLAND
the spectacular hike down lower part Aurland Valley, from Østerbø Tourist huts to Vassbygd.

RØROS
with white sands desert

And pancakes are taken with blueberries, NOT the red lingonberry.

Sandy - have you been to Norway?

A tentative list of the Best of Norway without a single stave church??? HORROR

If there is one single contribution I would made to The List is the addition of the Stave Churches. I visited the ones at Vik, Undredal, Borgund, and Urnes. I was mesmerized by the architecture and beauty of these churches. Definitely worth a theme trip!

Norway is such a unique place!

great thread! thanks!
i was wondering if anyone knows much about the lofoten islands?
worth a visit? we are only in scandinavia for 14 days or so
any tips - greatly appreciated!

Lofoten/Vesterålen is my favorite after Bergen/Fjord Country West. Take Hurtigruten/Coastal Vessel from Bodø or fly from same.

certainly agree you can't miss stave churches. Also, I thought Alesund was spectacular and not many tourists there. In Bergen, if you're at all into classical music, suggest you visit the home of Edward Grieg.