Norway is a country that constantly redefines beauty. With its dramatic fjords, cascading waterfalls, the Midnight Sun in summer and the Northern Lights in early autumn, winter and months of spring , it is a destination that transforms with every season. Add to that some of the world’s most scenic train and road journeys – Norway easily rivals breathtaking landscapes, unmatched barring a few countries such as Iceland, Mongolia, New Zealand and Argentina.
This year, I had the opportunity to revisit Norway – and once again, it left me spellbound.
First Encounters: Running Under the Midnight Sun
My initial travel to Norway was in 2017 when I traveled to Oslo, the country’s gateway and capital. That trip took me to Tromsø for the Midnight Sun Marathon – one of the world’s most scenic runs, held under 24 hours of daylight. Running in the Arctic Circle with the sun glowing past midnight is something I’ll never forget.
On another visit, I explored Ålesund, a charming coastal town surrounded by fjords such as Geirangerfjord and Hjørundfjord. Here, I discovered boutique experiential countryside stays, fjord farms and thrilling outdoor experiences like kayaking, cycling and RIB boat safaris and helicopter rides over the majestic fjords – the perfect balance of nature and adventure.
Norway in a Nutshell Experience
This year’s journey began once again in Oslo. The city has become noticeably greener, with eco-friendly transport and a strong focus on reducing its carbon footprint. A walk around Aker Brygge, with its lively waterfront, set the stage for the adventure ahead: the iconic “Norway in a Nutshell” programme.
The journey began with a scenic train ride to Myrdal, passing the thundering Kjosfossen Waterfall and melting glaciers along the way. From here, I boarded the legendary Flåm Railway, often ranked among the world’s top 10 scenic train rides. Covering 20 km, weaving through 20 tunnels (18 hand-carved), this engineering marvel has been operating since 1914 – and it still feels like a miracle carved into the mountains.
In Flåm, I stayed at the historic Fretheim Hotel and explored further:
- The Stegastein Viewpoint, offering a breathtaking panorama of the fjords.
- A fjord cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen – a UNESCO World Heritage stretch, aboard fully electric, zero-emission boats.
These experiences perfectly captured Norway’s ability to combine sustainability with jaw-dropping natural beauty.
Beyond the Classics: Voss & Bergen
Norway has so much more to offer beyond the tourist routes. At Namaste Tourism, we often curate stays in quieter fjordside towns where you can kayak straight from your doorstep, visit local cheese farms (like Undredal, famous for its brown cheese) or immerse yourself in outdoor adventures.
On this trip, I continued to Voss, a town that blends adrenaline and culture. Known as an adventure hub, it offers skiing, snow hikes,snow shoeing and mountain biking. I tried a snow hike at Hangurstoppen – a fantastic experience even in early spring. Voss also surprised me with its remarkable wine culture, home to a collection featured in the Star Wine List, which highlights some of the world’s rarest wines.
From Voss, the journey continued to Bergen, often described as Norway’s most beautiful city. Though I had just one evening, I wandered through its colourful harbour, admired the historic wharf and sampled its culinary scene. For food lovers, Bergen is a must-stay destination – ideally for 2–3 nights – as it is also a gateway to more fjord excursions.
Into the Arctic: The Charm of Bodø
The next chapter of my journey took me north to Bodø, a compact yet enchanting town just beyond the Arctic Circle. With around 50000 inhabitants and an airport only a 10-minute walk from the city center, it feels a world apart from bustling metropolises.
Despite its size, Bodø has an international feel thanks to its role as the gateway to the Lofoten Islands. It is also one of the best places to chase the Northern Lights. While thick clouds kept the aurora hidden during my visit, the experience of standing under pitch-black skies in silence, waiting for the lights to appear, was magical in its own way.
Saltstraumen: Nature’s Raw Power
One of the highlights near Bodø was visiting Saltstraumen – home to the world’s strongest tidal current. On a thrilling RIB boat safari, we raced across whirlpools while spotting sea eagles soaring above. I was lucky enough to spot three orcas (killer whales) often seen hunting in strong currents and nearby waters.
Along the way, we stopped at Tuvsjyen, where reconstructed Stone Age houses bring to life how people lived over 10000 years ago. Around a campfire, dressed in traditional costumes, locals shared stories, food and drinks in a way that felt like stepping back in time. This combination of history, culture and raw nature made Saltstraumen one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.
Sami Culture & Culinary Surprises
Before leaving Bodø, I also had the privilege of experiencing Sami culture. Around a glowing campfire, Sami hosts shared stories of their heritage and performed joiking – a hauntingly beautiful traditional song. It was a moving reminder of how deeply culture and nature are intertwined in Norway. The reindeer farms are also part of the Sami Culture
Bodø also surprised me with its fine dining scene, proving that even a small Arctic town can deliver world-class culinary experiences.
Final Thoughts
From the fjords of Flåm to the culinary streets of Bergen and the Arctic wonders of Bodø, Norway is a destination that offers something new each time you visit. It is not a place you tick off a list – it is a country that reveals itself in layers, season by season, region by region.
I have run under the Midnight Sun, hiked snowy peaks in spring and chased the elusive Northern Lights in the Arctic. And yet, Norway keeps calling me back – because every corner promises another story, another adventure and another reason to fall in love with this extraordinary land.