Discover Norway’s hidden gems
Here are eight places that should definitely be on your travel list if you'd like to experience lesser-known yet extraordinary sights in Norway.
Preikestolen. Lofoten. Geiranger. Fløibanen in Bergen and Vigelandsparken in Oslo.
There are lots of destinations that are included in nearly all Norwegian and international 'must-see in Norway' lists, all of which are popular attractions for good reason.
But if you'd like to experience places that are not included on these lists, you'll find lots of hidden gems in Norway.
Musk oxen in Dovre
The constitutional oath from 1814 'Until Dovre falls' speaks volumes about Dovre’s place in the hearts of Norwegians – as a symbol of the eternal and unchanging. The mountain landscape in this protected area halfway between Oslo and Trondheim is rich in nature and wildlife and the Dovrefjell mountain range offers wonderful outdoor experiences all year round – including musk oxen tours.
These mighty beasts can be seen on snowshoe trips in the winter or on foot or horseback during the summer, while caribou are another well-known and beloved animal that can be seen in Dovrefjell. There are various types of tours available and an excursion to Snøhetta – Norway’s highest mountain outside of Jotunheimen – is a must.
See our hotel in Otta, which has Rondane National Park as its closest neighbour.
Apples and adventures in Hardanger
Another gem for nature lovers is Hardanger. The Western Norwegian landscape may not be 'hidden' in the strictest sense, but it’s still worth mentioning all the possibilities to be explored in Hardanger – all year round.
Visit one of our hotels in Bergenor get a good night's sleep at the historic Thon Hotel Sandven in Nordheimsund.
Hardangervidda is Northern Europe’s largest high mountain plateau and offers magnificent wilderness experiences, while Hardangerfjord majestically winds its way through the landscape. Glacier hiking and summer skiing on Folgefonna, kayaking on the fjord, apple trees in bloom, cider tasting and spectacular views can all be enjoyed in this area.
Culinary delights in Trondheim
Some place have to be 'tasted' first-hand to be truly appreciated. The Trøndelag region of Norway has become a genuine gastronomic powerhouse in recent years. And has even been recognised as such: Trøndelag was named a European gastronomic region in 2022, a designation that no other Norwegian city or region can claim.
Here you can enjoy fresh seafood from the coast, meat from inland farms and local vegetables, berries and cheese from the valleys. Many of the farms offer tours where you can see how the food is produced and taste the products, while the Trondheim city centre boasts two of Norway’s best restaurants, Speilsalen and Fagn, each with a Michelin star.
Sauna experience
Although saunas have been part of Norwegian culture since the Middle Ages, the phenomenon has experienced a remarkable surge throughout the country in recent years. This is not surprising, given that a sauna is not only a great way to get warm, but also makes it possible to swim outdoors all year round.
The country’s perhaps most beautiful sauna has been named after one of our most famous folk tales: Soria Moria. The sauna is located in the innermost part of Bandaksfjorden in Dalen in Telemark and is popular with locals, visitors, cyclists and hikers.
If you visit Lofoten, you'll find the LYST Lofoten Sauna on the floating jetty in front of Thon Hotel Svolvær. The sauna has views of the Vestfjord, the entrance to the port of Svolvær and mountains behind it.
Island magic on Senja
A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.... Senja – Norway’s second largest island – is often called both 'the new Lofoten ' and 'Norway in miniature'. With its dramatic mountains, deep fjords, old-growth forests, white sandy beaches and beautiful lakes, Senja has all the nature you could ever desire. In Ånderdalen National Park in the south of the island, you'll find an abundance of flora and fauna, with ancient coastal pines and over 90 species of birds.
For travellers who are more interested in local culture, there are also plenty of options. In Kaperdalen, you can explore the last land-Sami village in Norway, while the Children’s Museum in Central Troms and a guided cultural walk on Tranøya offer unique perspectives on island living. Add the Northern Lights in the winter and midnight sun in the summer for a truly complete travel experience.
Beaches and surfing in Jæren
Jæren is perhaps best known for its numerous and long beaches, which are also considered world-class – whether you prefer to swim, surf the waves or feel the Atlantic wind in your hair on land. Combined with an unusually rich birdlife and mild climate, this is southwestern Norwegian nature at its most distinctive – and best.
And it's not without reason that Jæren and the surrounding area have been lovingly nicknamed 'Norway’s food basket' – as this is where lots of fruits and vegetables are grown and consumed. For a gourmet experience, make your way to Stavanger, which currently boasts three Michelin-star restaurants: Sabi Omakase, K2 and Re-Naa.
Enjoy a comfortable stay at one of our hotels in Stavanger.
Take the oars in Femundsmarka
Femundsmarka National Park is a fantastic wilderness area along the border between Norway and Sweden. It is known for its untouched nature, large lakes like Femunden and excellent hiking. Here you can also enjoy a close encounter with moose, reindeer and – if you’re lucky – predators like wolverine, red foxes and lynx. Femundsmarka is also a popular destination for canoeing and fishing for trout, char, perch and whitefish. In the winter, snowmobiling, mountain hiking and ice fishing are all the rage.
Since Femundsmarka is located refreshingly far from civilisation, its close proximity to the historic town of Røros, where you can get a glimpse of the region’s culture, history and culinary traditions, is a nice contrast. Make sure to taste such local delicacies as award-winning whitefish caviar.
Secret highlights of the capital
Although Oslo may not be a hidden gem in itself, Norway’s biggest city has lots of undiscovered treasures to enjoy. These include Svartdalen, a tranquil oasis along the Alna River. Another great option is Lutvann, a crystal-clear forest lake in Østmarka that is perfect for swimming, hiking and nature experiences. These are only two places with peaceful surroundings close to the city centre, but there are lots more to discover.
When it comes to culture, Ekebergparken combines modern sculptures and art with beautiful views of Oslo and is a must-visit. In recent years, Oslo is also emerging as a top culinary destination, with a strong focus on sustainable food, an exciting proliferation of gourmet street food and distinctive neighbourhood restaurants that are worth the trip alone.
We have several hotels in Oslo – both in and outside the city centre.
