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Kristiansand, Norway
If you are coming to Norway by ferry from Denmark, Kristiansand will be your first stop in Norway. The sixth-largest city in Norway is often referred to as the capital of the south and is home to around 112,000 people. If you don’t necessarily want to spend the first night in Kristiansand, then it is worth driving the 45km (around 50 minutes) to Mandal. Mandal is the southernmost city in Norway and enchants with its typical old, white wooden houses and the natural recreation area Furulunden.
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Lindesnes, Norway
Along the South Coast of Norway, a stop at the beautiful Lindesnes Lighthouse is a must. The lighthouse, which was built in 1655, is not only Norway’s oldest but also the southernmost lighthouse on the mainland. After a short climb, you can let your gaze wander over the beautiful coast. Of course, you can climb up the lighthouse as well. But hold on to your hair – it’s usually pretty windy! 😀
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Stavanger, Norway
Even though Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway, it exudes the charm of a small town. Especially in the colorful city center, where cute little shops are lined up in pretty wooden houses. The historic old town with its cathedral from the 12th century is perfect for strolling around. Well, I guess it’s not without reason that Stavanger was named the European Capital of Culture in 2008. Read my post on the best things to do in Stavanger for more inspiration!
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Pulpit Rock, Norway
Enjoying the view from Preikestolen was one of my absolute highlights during my 3 weeks in Scandinavia. The hike to Preikestolen (also referred to as Pulpit Rock) is not very long with a total of 8km, but at the beginning, you have to conquer some steep stone steps. However, once at the top, you will be rewarded with a wonderful view over the Lysefjord. If the weather is clear, you can let your gaze wander far over the mountain peaks and admire the glittering fjord, which lies around 600 meters below. On the top of Preikestolen, you really feel like being above the clouds – an indescribable feeling. I recommend starting the hike very early (around 6 am) in order to avoid large crowds on the rock and also to only have little “oncoming traffic” when climbing all the way up.
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Haugesund, Norway
The area of Haugesund is the perfect stopover between Preikestolen and Bergen. Not far from the city center, there is a huge monument, which was built in honor of the millennial birthday of the country of Norway as well as in honor of the country’s first Viking king Harald Schönhaar.
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Bergen, Norway
Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, attracts many tourists every year and is known as the “gateway to the fjords”. In Bergen, you can marvel at traditional colorful wooden buildings in Brygge, take the mountain railway to the top of Fløyen, or visit the famous aquarium. One of the things to know before visiting Bergen is that you should definitely bring an umbrella. With an average of 248 rainy days a year, Bergen is the rainiest city in Europe.
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Vøringfossen, Norway
Voringsfossen waterfall can be found in the middle of the mountains. With a height of 183 meters, it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Norway. Since August 2020, visitors can walk over a breathtaking bridge and marvel at the falling water below them. Also worth seeing is the Norsk Natursenter Hardanger (10 kilometers away), an interactive museum about Norway’s nature, culture, and origins of the country.
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Folgefonna, Norway
Norway is one of the best adventure travel destinations worldwide. And Folgefonna National Park offers a variety of adventurous outdoor activities as well as different hiking trails and beautiful photo spots. For example, you can take a (guided) hike up to the glacier, linger at the beautiful Bondhusvatnet Lake, which is even considered a drinking water lake, or visit the fairytale valley Buartal.
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Trolltunga, Norway
The Trolltunga hike is one of the most popular ones in the country and one of the best outdoor adventures in Norway you can experience. Taking a photo of the famous Trolltunga rock formation is definitely a must on your Norway trip! However, the 20–28-kilometer hike should not be taken lightly. Additionally, it is advisable to start the hike as early as possible. Not only to escape the crowds but above all to make it back in time. 10 to 12 hours should be planned for this hike in any case. It is also important to have enough food and water as well as a good day hiking backpack with you and to wear the right hiking equipment.
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Oslo, Norway
Oslo, the vivid capital of Norway, should also be on your agenda. Must-see attractions in Oslo include the Royal Palace, the Viking Ship Museum, the Akershus Fortress, and the Opera House. You can find more suggestions in my blog post about how to spend two days in Oslo.