The country of Norway appears on a LOT of bucket lists. And for good reason: it's got Viking history, Northern Lights, beautiful fjords, and great cities. And that's not even taking into account the excellent food and tourism infrastructure.
Norway isn't known for being a cheap destination, though, and that scares away many people who might otherwise want to check it off their list.
But here's the thing: Norway is SO WORTH IT.
Ever since my first visit to Norway in 2015, there's been something about the country that continues to draw me back. It's not just one thing, but rather a combination, I think, of amazing scenery, good quality of life, delicious seafood, and ease of travel.
It's a country that I definitely see myself returning to again and again.
To convince you that it's time to book that trip to Norway, here are more than 50 photos of Norway to prove just how magical this Nordic country really is.
The city of Ålesund is best viewed from above at the Mount Aksla lookout. From there, it looks like a town made of Legos!
Nothing quite like a cozy lavvo tent covered in snow with the Northern Lights dancing overhead. This is at the Holmen Husky Lodge in Alta.
Norway's fjords are magical. This one is Geirangerfjord, one of the most famous in the country.
Even the old churches in Norway look like something straight out of a storybook. This is a stave church at the folk museum in Oslo.
These little red houses in the port town of Gryllefjord look like they belong in the pages of a storybook.
In the winter, snow and ice cover Arctic Norway, making for roadside attractions like this frozen waterfall near Kåfjord.
These craggy mountains from the Tungeneset viewpoint on Senja look like the perfect place for trolls to live.
Trondheim doesn't appear on every Norway itinerary, but I think it should! These old wooden buildings are so photogenic.
Did you know that Norway is full of trolls? This is Trollstigen, or Troll's Road, which winds down the mountain in 11 hairpin turns.
Are you even real, Norway?
The fjords in Norway will take your breath away.
Yes, Bryggen in Bergen really is this colorful!
I pulled a U-turn after crossing the Hadsel Bridge on the way to Stokmarknes because the color of that water just begged to be photographed.
Boat in a snowstorm in Alta, Norway.
Looking down on Geirangerfjord from Eagle's Bend gives you a whole new appreciation for how big this fjord is.
The Northern Lights Cathedral in Alta is especially impressive at dusk. It's meant to resemble the “curtains” of light you can often see in the aurora borealis.
The old fishing cottages on Gripholmen island are now picture-perfect summer homes.
The Northern Lights are great, but sunsets in Norway can be beautiful, too. This one was captured in Kristiansund.
Tromsø is the Gateway to the Arctic and is beautiful under a layer of snow in the winter.
The Andøya coast took my breath away! It reminds me a bit of Scotland, another of my favorite places in the world.
The mighty Northern Lights!
Queen of the Fjord high above Geirangerfjord – would you dare?
The small village of Alnes is beautiful on a sunny day.
Driving over the Storseisundet Bridge on the Atlantic Ocean Road must go on your Norway bucket list.
Even though it wasn't close to a meal time, I pulled over along the National Tourist Route on Senja just for this picnic spot.
The view of Tromsø from Fjellheisen tramway looks like something straight out of “Frozen.”
The Midnight Sun is magical, too – seen here at the Vesterålen Kysthotell in Stokmarknes.
This beach in Northern Norway sure looks magical to me.
Even Oslo is colorful, especially along Karl Johans Gate.
And no good fairy tale would be complete without some furry friends. In Norway, you'll find plenty of reindeer!
Again… perfect troll mountains!
These clouds add a bit of magic to this photo of the Alnes lighthouse.
I hiked to the top of Ørnfløya for this amazing view out over the island of Sommarøy.
Tromsø at sunset under a blanket of snow is the stuff postcards are made of.
Sailing along Norway's fjords, you see all sorts of picture-perfect villages, like Undredal on the Aurlandsfjord.
This happy goat could come straight off the pages of a fairy tale, don't you think?
The coastline, too, is something to write home about.
The Northern Lights are extra magical because no two “shows” are ever the same.
Winter in northern Norway is stark, yet still beautiful.
Fun fact: Norway has beaches that look like this!
Sailing on a fjord is also a must.
In the winter, head to Alta for an overnight stay at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel – and keep an eye out for Elsa!
The Lofoten Islands get a lot of love on social media, but I think the fishing town of Husøy is just as pretty!
These buildings in Bergen are hundreds of years old – think of the stories they could tell!
Another magical beach in Norway, this time along the Andøya coast.
Nope, the color of that water isn't Photoshopped!
And Midnight Sun “sunsets” can be pretty epic, too.
The sea views in Andenes are pretty epic.
I may or may not have stopped to make a wish on one of these giant dandelions along the road to Tromsø.
Sorry, I really couldn't get enough of these red cabins, OR that magical reflection.
Misty fjords always make me think about myths and legends – of which there are plenty in Norway!
Lastly, there are few views more magical than Norway from above on a sunny afternoon!
Want more Norway?
For more on Norway, check out one of these great posts:
"It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and, if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might get swept off to." - JRR Tolkien
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74 Comments on “50+ Photos That Prove Norway is Straight Out of a Fairy Tale”
really breathtaking. I have to Norway twice and count it the most beautiful place on earth – the scenery is outstanding and the
people are so lovely and warm hearted it makes the holidays live in my memory forever. Would liked to have seen a picture of the Fflam railway and the mighty waterfall – I remember the great spray when I tried to take some pictures – wonderful
I just had a brief stopover in Oslo with just enough time to explore the city and realize how much I want a full scale visit to Norway! It’s definitely a beautiful country with really cool people!
really breathtaking. I have to Norway twice and count it the most beautiful place on earth – the scenery is outstanding and the
people are so lovely and warm hearted it makes the holidays live in my memory forever. Would liked to have seen a picture of the Fflam railway and the mighty waterfall – I remember the great spray when I tried to take some pictures – wonderful
I HOPE TO VISIT ONE DAY. MY GREAT GREAT ( GREAT) GRANDFATHER CAME FROM TRONTHEIM!!!! ( IN 1714)
Norway has lots of wonders.
Huge fjords and fairy tale churches.
I have been to Norway a few times and I have read about it.
Norway in a Nutshell and Kjosfossen Waterfall.
Northern Lights and river travel around the fjords.
Norway is good for it has Rudolf Steiner Schools and Camphill Village Communities.
Stephen Blasby
Norway is just breathtaking. I can not wait to go back.
[…] 30 photos that prove Norway is one of the most beautiful places on Earth […]
These photo’s are absolutely breathtaking !! I want to visit Norway so bad. Is it expensive ?
Norway is one of the more expensive countries in Europe, yes. Things like food and fuel especially are pricey. BUT I think it’s worth every penny. 😉
Awesome photos!! I love this place, tourist attractions of Norwayare the bird-indented coastlines and its mountain.
This Pictures are really fascinating me .I think Norway is Calling Me now 😀
Love, love, love, amazing post, stunning and wonderful pictures, thanks for your sharing.
WOOOOW!!! I want to go there so bad… how beautiful is Norway.. and the photos! God job 🙂
Norway is indeed very beautiful!
I just had a brief stopover in Oslo with just enough time to explore the city and realize how much I want a full scale visit to Norway! It’s definitely a beautiful country with really cool people!
Yes you’ll definitely have to go back! I’ve been there twice and am still itching to see more!