50+ Photos That Prove Norway is Straight Out of a Fairy Tale

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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.

RELATED: 12 Fun Facts You Might Not Know About Norway

Beautiful photos of Norway

Alesund, Norway
The city of Ålesund is best viewed from above at the Mount Aksla lookout. From there, it looks like a town made of Legos!
Holmen Husky Lodge in Alta, Norway
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.
Geirangerfjord in Norway
Norway's fjords are magical. This one is Geirangerfjord, one of the most famous in the country.
Stave church at the Oslo folk museum
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.
Cabins in Gryllefjord, Norway
These little red houses in the port town of Gryllefjord look like they belong in the pages of a storybook.
Frozen waterfall in Northern Norway
In the winter, snow and ice cover Arctic Norway, making for roadside attractions like this frozen waterfall near Kåfjord.
Tungeneset viewpoint on Senja
These craggy mountains from the Tungeneset viewpoint on Senja look like the perfect place for trolls to live.
Trondheim, Norway
Trondheim doesn't appear on every Norway itinerary, but I think it should! These old wooden buildings are so photogenic.
Trollstigen in Norway
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.
Landscape in Northern Norway
Are you even real, Norway?
Norway fjord
The fjords in Norway will take your breath away.
Bryggen in Bergen, Norway
Yes, Bryggen in Bergen really is this colorful!
Hadsel Bridge to Stokmarknes
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.
Geirangerfjord, Norway, from the Eagle's Bend
Looking down on Geirangerfjord from Eagle's Bend gives you a whole new appreciation for how big this fjord is.
Northern Lights Church in Alta, Norway
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.
Gripholmen, Norway
The old fishing cottages on Gripholmen island are now picture-perfect summer homes.
Sunset in Kristiansund, Norway
The Northern Lights are great, but sunsets in Norway can be beautiful, too. This one was captured in Kristiansund.
Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø is the Gateway to the Arctic and is beautiful under a layer of snow in the winter.
Andøya coast, Northern Norway
The Andøya coast took my breath away! It reminds me a bit of Scotland, another of my favorite places in the world.
Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway
The mighty Northern Lights!
Geirangerfjord in Norway
Queen of the Fjord high above Geirangerfjord – would you dare?
Alnes, Norway
The small village of Alnes is beautiful on a sunny day.
Storseisundet Bridge on the Atlantic Ocean Road
Driving over the Storseisundet Bridge on the Atlantic Ocean Road must go on your Norway bucket list.
Picnic spot near Senjahopen, Norway
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.
View of Tromsø from Fjellheisen tramway
The view of Tromsø from Fjellheisen tramway looks like something straight out of “Frozen.”
Midnight Sun at Vesterålen Kysthotell in Stokmarknes
The Midnight Sun is magical, too – seen here at the Vesterålen Kysthotell in Stokmarknes.
Northern Norway beach
This beach in Northern Norway sure looks magical to me.
Oslo, Norway
Even Oslo is colorful, especially along Karl Johans Gate.
Reindeer at Lyngsfjord Adventures in Northern Norway
And no good fairy tale would be complete without some furry friends. In Norway, you'll find plenty of reindeer!
Driving the National Tourist Route on Senja
Again… perfect troll mountains!
Alnes Lighthouse
These clouds add a bit of magic to this photo of the Alnes lighthouse.
At the top of Ørnfløya
I hiked to the top of Ørnfløya for this amazing view out over the island of Sommarøy.
Tromsø, Norway
Tromsø at sunset under a blanket of snow is the stuff postcards are made of.
Village of Undredal on the Aurlandsfjord
Sailing along Norway's fjords, you see all sorts of picture-perfect villages, like Undredal on the Aurlandsfjord.
Happy Norwegian goat
This happy goat could come straight off the pages of a fairy tale, don't you think?
Alnes, Norway
The coastline, too, is something to write home about.
Northern Lights in Tromsø, Norway
The Northern Lights are extra magical because no two “shows” are ever the same.
Alta, Northern Norway
Winter in northern Norway is stark, yet still beautiful.
Ocean in Sommarøy, Norway
Fun fact: Norway has beaches that look like this!
Sailing Geirangerfjord in Norway
Sailing on a fjord is also a must.
Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta, Norway
In the winter, head to Alta for an overnight stay at the Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel – and keep an eye out for Elsa!
Fishing town of Husøy in Norway
The Lofoten Islands get a lot of love on social media, but I think the fishing town of Husøy is just as pretty!
Bryggen in Bergen, Norway
These buildings in Bergen are hundreds of years old – think of the stories they could tell!
Andøya coast, Northern Norway
Another magical beach in Norway, this time along the Andøya coast.
Hamn i Senja in Norway
Nope, the color of that water isn't Photoshopped!
Stokmarknes sunset
And Midnight Sun “sunsets” can be pretty epic, too.
Sea views in Andenes, Norway
The sea views in Andenes are pretty epic.
Road to Tromsø
I may or may not have stopped to make a wish on one of these giant dandelions along the road to Tromsø.
Midnight Sun at Vesterålen Kysthotell in Stokmarknes
Sorry, I really couldn't get enough of these red cabins, OR that magical reflection.
Sailing on the Nærøyfjord in Norway
Misty fjords always make me think about myths and legends – of which there are plenty in Norway!
Flying above Bergen, 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:


Which photo makes you want to visit Norway the most?

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Photos of Norway

"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

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  1. 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!

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