Offers
x

There was not an exact match for the language you toggled to. You have been redirected to the nearest matching page within this section.

Choose Language
Toggling to another language will take you to the matching page or nearest matching page within that selection.
Search & Book Sponsored Links
Search
or search all of Norway

Module 02:
What are Norway’s regions like?

Norway is a long country with five main regions, all of which have their own traditions and cultural heritage.

Two of the most popular places to visit in Norway are the fjords and the Lofoten islands. You will familarise yourself with both in this module, but we also want to tell you about the rest of the country – there is plenty more to explore!


Norway Expert logo

Stavanger.
Photo: Daniel Schua / Region Stavanger

On the map

The map below is for your reference only – the module material starts below.
Use the map to get an idea of the location of Norway's five main regions: Eastern Norway, Fjord Norway, Northern Norway, Southern Norway, and Trøndelag.

Eastern Norway
Eastern Norway is where you find the capital Oslo, some of the highest mountains in the country, and a number of well-developed ski resorts.
Geilo offers fantastic outdoor adventures, both on and off the slopes! Read more
Winter in Geilo
Gudbrandsdalen is known for its lush nature, local food and fun family activities. The area boasts three national parks and offers great opportunities… Read more
Gudbrandsdalen valley
Jotunheimen is a massive mountain area in Eastern Norway, home to Norway’s two highest mountains, Galdhøpiggen and Glittertind. Other… Read more
Jotunheimen
Lillehammer is located in the lush Gudbrandsdalen valley in Eastern Norway and offers a mix of culture, family fun, and outdoor activities. Read more
Lillehammer
Welcome to the new capital of Nordic cool! Get all our tips on top things to see and do in Oslo, including major attractions like MUNCH and the… Read more
Oslo
At once tranquil and sublime, Rondane national park is an ideal place to experience the mountains and highlands of Eastern Norway. Read more
Rondane mountains
From summer adventures in the coastal town of Kragerø to skiing in powder snow from Gaustatoppen. Experience magnificent nature, exciting… Read more
Telemark
Family-friendly Trysil is Norway’s largest ski destination. Surrounded by unspoilt nature, Trysil was one of the first holiday spots in Europe… Read more
Winter in Trysil
Fjord Norway
The most well-known Norwegian fjords can be found in the region known as Fjord Norway, located in the western part of the country.
Although it's the second-biggest city in Norway, Bergen is packed with small town charm. Read more
Bergen
Each year, several hundred thousand visitors arrive in Flåm to ride the Flåmsbana Railway, cycle Rallarvegen, or go hiking in the dramatic… Read more
Flåm
The deep blue UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord is surrounded by majestic, snow- covered mountain peaks, wild waterfalls and lush, green vegetation. Read more
Geirangerfjord
From Trolltunga and the Folgefonna glacier to the Vøringfossen waterfall – the Hardangerfjord region offers some of the best experiences… Read more
Summer in Hardangerfjord
A charming city, lush nature, old Viking thrones, and festivals await in Haugesund and Haugalandet. Read more
Haugesund
Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock), Kjeragbolten and Flørlitrappene (The Flørli Stairs) are famous hiking spots located in Lysefjord in… Read more
Lysefjord
From soaring peaks and glaciers to deep fjords – nature is the main attraction in Nordfjord. Go hiking, surfing and paddling or relax at a spa.… Read more
Nordfjord
Norway’s longest fjord, Sognefjorden, is surrounded by spectacular nature. In this part of Fjord Norway, you can experience fjord safari,… Read more
Sognefjord
Breathtaking surroundings with fjords, mountains and long, white beaches. Stavanger and Sandnes also boasts an impressive assortment of museums and… Read more
Stavanger
Go hiking or skiing, admire Ålesund's unique Art Nouveau architecture, explore the fjords – or just kick back and enjoy the view. Read more
Ålesund
Northern Norway
Northern Norway is the place to go for the midnight sun and the northern lights. Tromsø is the most well-known destination, but there are many others worth a visit!
In the city of Alta you can experience Sami culture up close, see UNESCO protected rock carvings, sleep in a ice hotel or hunt for the northern light. Read more
Alta
Bodø is home to the world’s strongest maelstrom, Saltstraumen. The largest city in Nordland is also just a boat ride away from the old… Read more
Bodø
In Helgeland, you can paddle around the UNESCO-protected Vega islands and climb mountains like Torghatteen and The Seven Sisters. Or try the… Read more
Helgeland
Join a dogsled expedition, learn to throw a lasso, and experience the Sami culture first hand in Karasjok and Kautokeino. Read more
Land of the Sami
Lofoten is known for excellent fishing, nature attractions such as the northern lights and the midnight sun, and small villages off the beaten track.… Read more
Lofoten
Far above the Arctic Circle, the North Cape offers arctic adventures like dog sledding under the northern lights, and never-ending daylight in the… Read more
North Cape
The Svalbard Islands are located in the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. Here, you will find untouched arctic wilderness and… Read more
Svalbard islands
From local food and mountains soaring above deep blue fjords to the midnight sun and the northern lights – discover the Arctic capital,… Read more
Tromsø
Get ready for an Arctic adventure with whale watching, cool museums, hiking and snowshoeing. In Vesterålen, you can combine wow experiences with… Read more
Vesterålen
Southern Norway
Known as Norway’s Riviera, Southern Norway is the most popular summer destination for Norwegians. It is great for family holidays with water activities.
Explore urban beach life in Norway’s southernmost city! Kristiansand has a vibrant cultural scene and exciting activity parks and museums. Read more
Kristiansand
Visit the cradle of Norwegian folk traditions! Stop in charming villages, enjoy fun activities, and travel with a steamboat on the Byglandsfjord. Read more
Setesdal
Trøndelag
Trøndelag in central Norway is perfect for history and Viking experiences, but also for everyone who is interested in Norwegian nature, local food and cultural events.
Kystriksveien is one of the most scenic drives in the world. Climb the Torghatten and De syv søstre mountains, visit the Vega Islands and… Read more
Kystriksveien – the coastal route
Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site Røros. This traditional town is a certified Sustainable Destination and one of the oldest towns of… Read more
Røros
The Golden Road is close to the main route from Trondheim to Bodø. Visit one of the country's most innovative aquavit producers,… Read more
The Golden Road
The vibrant city of Trondheim is home to some of Trøndelag’s most popular attractions, cosy shopping streets and a myriad of restaurants… Read more
Trondheim
Select
    Show Details
    Statens Kartverk, Geovekst og kommuner - Geodata AS
    Find extra information on Visitnorway.com
    People rowing in front of the Oslo Opera House, Eastern Norway
    Oslo Opera House.
    Photo: Nancy Bundt / Visitnorway.com
    Geirangerfjord
    Geirangerfjord.
    Photo: Per Eide / Fjord Norway
    Nordlys over Reine i Lofoten
    Nordlys over Reine i Lofoten.
    Photo: Alex Conu / Visitnorway.com
    Lindesnes
    Lindesnes.
    Photo: Thomas Rasmus Skaug / Visitnorway.com
    Gamle fargerike trehus langs Nidelva i Trondheim
    Nidelva i Trondheim.
    Photo: Knut Aage Dahl

    eLearning - Where are the fjords and the Lofoten islands?
    Get a summary of the module here Wrap-up with Isabel What are Norway’s regions like?
    PLAY VIDEO

    Test your knowledge

    Finished the module? Check your knowledge by taking the test below.

    Alert: The following question(s) have setup issues:
    * Required
    Which Norwegian region should you suggest if a client wants to see the capital Oslo, go hiking in the Jotunheimen mountains or go skiing in Trysil?

    Nope, sorry... Give it another go!

    * Required
    Fjord Norway has a lot of fjords, of course. But what else is there in Fjord Norway? Select all the alternatives you think are correct.

    Ouch, that's not the correct answer. Try again.

    * Required
    If a client wants to see the midnight sun and polar bears, which destination should you recommend?

    Oh dear, we're afraid you didn't get this one right.

    * Required
    A client wants to experience Arctic wilderness combined with a comfortable stay and a city experience. Which region would you recommend?

    Oh dear, we're afraid you didn't get this one right.

    The Pulpit Rock in Ryfylke, Fjord Norway
    The Pulpit Rock.
    Photo: Eduardo Grund / Regionstavanger.com