Discover Norway: Six Norwegian destinations you must visit in 2025
Stavanger
Despite carrying the moniker of Norway's 'oil capital' Stavnager is a quaint and picturesque city packed with vibrant nightlife and charming streets.
The city will celebrate its 900th anniversary in 2025, and there will be plenty of events next year celebrating the milestone birthday.
Stavanger's small size makes it perfect for visitors who like to get their steps in and see everything on foot while on holiday.
Some of the city's biggest events will be held in the spring and summer. These include a city-wide festival in April, 900th birthday celebrations in June, and the emigrant ship "Restauration" repeating the voyage from Vågen to America it made in 1825 in July.
Even if you can't time your trip around one of these events, the charming old town with its UNESCO recognition is worth a visit in its own right.
Florø
Island-hopping has long been a favourite for travellers in the Mediterranean. However, given that Norway has the most coastline in Europe, it might be time to consider the Nordic country as an island-hopping destination.
The cosy town of Florø on Norway's west coast should prove to be a solid base to enjoy picturesque islands such as Kinn. Kinn is famous for its 12th-century church and the spectacular Kinnaklova mountain.
Svanøy and Batalden make great locations due to their Viking history and stunning scenery. Svanøy is said to be the birthplace of Eric Bloodaxe, the 10th-century King of Norway and King of Northumbria.
Florø is served by a small regional airport, making reaching via a domestic flight from within Norway easy.
Given that the weather in west Norway can't be relied on, a rain jacket would be a wise investment – just in case.
Kragerø
Kragerø is a small coastal town and a cluster of islands located in Telemark about three hours south of Oslo.
It has long been a popular summer holiday destination with Norwegians. For those who prefer a more relaxed holiday, consider a boat trip. Those who love to stay active won't be disappointed however.
Kragerø is great for both active and more relaxed holidays. Photo by Daniel Charles Hextall on Unsplash
The area is so beautiful in the summer light that it inspired Norway's most famous artist, Edvard Munch, to use similar tones in his works.
The Flåm Railway
Considered by Forbes and numerous travel mags to be one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the Flåm Railway is on many people's bucket lists.
Spring is probably the best time to travel on this journey, which uses a classic green locomotive to complete the hour-long trip.
The journey takes you along mountainsides and passes the Kjosfossen waterfall. The train stops at the waterfall so people can enjoy the views, get some fresh air, and take pictures.
Another perk is that you will probably use the country's other famous train journey, the Bergen Railway, to reach the Flåm railway.
You can use either Bergen or Oslo as a base for this trip, although Bergen is probably the better choice overall as it will take less time to reach Myrdal.
Senja
Therefore, travellers are considering alternatives. Norway's second-largest island, Senja, is located in the Troms region of northern Norway. It boasts high mountains, white beaches, and a bright blue sea – reminiscent of the nature at Lofoten.
The island's inland areas are rich with mountains, lakes, and forests, while the coast features dramatic rock formations and charming fishing villages.
The long summer days in northern Norway give the town a hazy otherworldly feel.
Trollstigen
Due to a landslide, Norway's most iconic road, Trollstigen, was barely open in 2024. The road has a tentative reopening date of July 2025 – meaning you should hold off planning a trip until after these dates.
Famous for its 11 hairpin turns draped over a breathtaking mountain pass, Trollstigen is popular for road trips. One stop on such a road trip would be Geiranger, where visitors should consider taking a cruise through a UNESCO-recognised fjord.
The route is also becoming a popular destination for cycling holidays.
There are several viewing platforms where you can take in the views along Trollstigen. Photo by Paul Povoroznuk on Unsplash
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- Local Norway
What you need to know about travel in Norway in summer 2025
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Start the day with a friendly greeting and an offer of cava or non-alcoholic sparkling wine. It really sets the mood for a holiday (even if only for a day). With plenty of time ahead, you can have a calm start to the day, take your time and enjoy. Alongside the lavish breakfast buffet, choose a hot breakfast dish from the menu with the likes of a big 'Viking' breakfast or a 64-degree egg with potato foam and salmon on offer. Vista room aboard Viking Glory. Photo: Viking Lines There are seven other places to eat or drink on board, ranging from casual cafes to retro bars, plus plenty of public spaces to hang out in. If you want some private space, it's possible to book one of the impressively large cabins to unwind in if you like, too. Post-breakfast is a good time to explore the ship and take in the vast nature and serene views – see the impressive green islands and summer estates around Furusund, to the north of Stockholm, for example. 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Photo: Viking Lines All aboard – the ships After a long relaxing breakfast, followed by a couple of hours relaxing in the day spa overlooking the rocky skerries, islets and lighthouses that dot the outskirts of Åland, Viking Grace glides into Mariehamn. A quick ship change at 14:10 Finnish time and it's on to Viking Line's flagship liner, the three-year-old Viking Glory, who truly lives up to her name. This stunning ship is one of the world's most climate-smart vessels and features the kind of luxurious and well-designed interiors we come to expect in Scandinavia. Rich jewel-tones complement blonde timber, textured furnishings and gold and brass fixtures. The attention to detail in seating areas, restaurants – all the spaces of the ship – add to the experience. As with Viking Grace, there are many options for dining aboard Viking Glory, depending on what you feel like. There are bistros, buffets, cafes, bakeries, and even a food hall. The Buffet restaurant presents a smorgasbord to rival all smorgasbords and includes quality Nordic dishes with a focus on local and seasonal produce (70 per cent of the ingredients are sourced from the Nordic region) and a fun DIY dessert area. The plant-based section is inspiring and well thought-out, plus drinks, including beer, wine, soft drinks, and coffee, are included in the affordable price. Sail past the Stockholm and Åland archipelagos aboard Viking Grace for an unforgettable day trip. Photo: Viking Lines Unwind after lunch with a wander around the ship, there's a rooftop bar and plenty of cosy nooks and plush chairs to relax in. Stop by a cafe for fika, or maybe a table by a big window for a wine or local Åland beer. There's inviting seating and live music in Torget, the ship's main square, a whole event line-up of musicians, singers, DJs and illusionists to see, duty free shopping and a casino – plus games zones and play areas for younger ones. Make sure to find a comfortable spot outside on the Viking Terrace or by a window as Glory cruises back into Stockholm to enjoy the early evening light on the city and its glorious islands. Who does this trip suit? This is the kind of day trip that is super easy and convenient for everyone of all ages. There are no buses to hop on and off, no cobblestone streets to navigate. The ships are nice, they are new and they are comfortable and filled with places you actually want to spend your time in. Have kids in tow? There are playrooms with slides, ball pits, books, soft-play areas, mini climbing walls and toys galore, plus scheduled activities – like craft, quizzes and hugs with ship cat Ville Viking – on board. When it's time to refuel, there are kids' menus available in the restaurants and The Buffet restaurant even has a dedicated kids area, loaded with all the things children love to eat, like chicken drumsticks, sausages, meatballs, fries, cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices. The spa is also family friendly during certain hours and little ones will be captivated by being on an enormous ship, spotting islands and birds. There are plenty of areas to hang out, sit around and catch up while you enjoy the serene views, pamper yourselves. Have a coffee at one end of the ship, enjoy lunch somewhere else, have a snack and a drink on the deck as you look out over the sea. Whether you want to relax to some jazz, dance to old favourites on the piano, or see a favourite artist or band, there's a packed list of activities and music to entertain all ages on each cruise. It's all easy and fun and works no matter what kind of day trip you are after – whether you're a family, a couple or friends. So if you're after a relaxing day trip that includes seeing the stunning Stockholm Archipelago, tasting quality Nordic cuisine in beautiful restaurants and relaxing in a spa overlooking the Baltic Sea, a cruise is an idea worth exploring. From day trips to overnight voyages, Viking Line has a number of cruises and destinations to choose from. Find out more here
