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Travel + Leisure
4 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Scandinavian Country Is the Hottest Summer Destination—and It Has New Museums, Michelin-starred Restaurants, and Stunning Fjords
As temperatures rise across Europe, travelers are choosing destinations that—quite literally—allow them to breathe. The term 'coolcation' may have started as a clever way to describe summer trips that avoid scorching heat, but it's evolved into something deeper. It's a new kind of luxury that values both comfort and connection, and perhaps no destination captures this shift quite as elegantly as the Land of Fjords and Light. Norway is a summer destination that's not only cooler in temperature but cooler in atmosphere as well. While the Arctic north has long drawn winter thrill-seekers, it's the south that quietly stuns in the warmer months: think long golden days, architectural cabins tucked into coastal cliffs, and forest-framed coastlines. Below, my recommendations to some of the coolest spots in Norway, where refreshing weather meets design, culture, and locally rooted experiences unlike any other. The public rest area at the Allmannajuvet Zinc Mine Museum. For design enthusiasts, Norway is a great place to explore. Allmannajuvet, a museum located in Sauda in the southwest of Norway, is home to the architectural works of Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. The location of the museum was once home to mines that operated from 1881 to 1899, and Zumthor was tasked with showcasing the industrial history here. Exciting new openings include the PoMo, a modern and contemporary art museum (designed by Iranian-French architect India Mahdavi) in the city of Trondheim; and Kunstsilo, a Nordic art museum in the southern city of Kristiansand, which features interactive digital art experiences. In Oslo, the country's capital, the National Museum recently debuted its New Nordic exhibition, which explores the intersection between people, materials, and landscape. In Stavern, a town along the Skagerrak coast, the Nerdrum Museum is a highlight; housed in a small home, it showcases the works of Norwegian figurative painter, Odd Nerdrum. Tourists taking a cold plunge in Oslofjord. Let yourself be inspired by the Nordic lifestyle by taking a cold plunge, playing golf, or exploring Southern Norway's impressive food scene. Road tripping through the lesser-known region of southern Norway is a favorite among cultural and food-focused travelers. Villages like Stavern, Nevlunghavn, Risør, Kristiansand, and Mandal, are popular for their location on the coast, inland farms, and forested trails where local Norwegians retreat in the summertime, too. The dining table ready to seat guests at RE-NAA. In Norway, the varieties of food are endless, from farm-to-table dining and urban cafes, to bakeries and Michelin-starred stunners. Common experiences include foraged meals shared fireside with locals, or a multi-course tasting at a Michelin-starred restaurant. With 25 stars across the country—including three each at Oslo's Maaemo and Stavanger's waterside RE-NAA—Norway pairs hyper-local, immersive food culture with world-class artistry. Norway's farm- and sea-to-table scene is also exploding with Arctic cider, early-stage wine production, small-batch cheeses, and foraging experiences. These aren't easily stumbled upon, but well-connected travel advisors can open doors to fjord-side farms and forest foraging trails. The view from Sky Lodge 1 at The Boulder Hotel. Anne Bråtveit/The Boulder In Southern Norway, stylish accommodations like The Bolder offer ultra-modern, cliffside cabins with stunning panoramic fjord views. The historic, yet contemporary Storfjord Hotel on the west coast offers 30 rooms with balanced design, comfort, and picturesque views of the Sunnmøre Alps. Other travelers can opt for a hut-to-hut trek through Jotunheimen National Park or the Aurlandsdalen Valley, with nights spent in traditional Norwegian hiking cabins and eco-lodges like 29|2 Aurland. And for a truly off-the-grid escape, Brakøya, a northern, private island retreat in the Lofoten archipelago, offers intimate, design-forward stays for just 10 to 12 guests. Torunn Tronsvang is a member of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specializes in Norway trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Tronsvang by contacting her at [email protected] .
Forbes
6 days ago
- Forbes
Why Norway's Kristiansand Is The Ideal Summer Cruise Stop
Fiskebrygga in Kristiansand is an ideal place to grab a bite to eat and people-watch on a summer day. David Nikel Norwegian cruise ports typically conjure up images of steep mountains, deep fjords and waterfalls tumbling into icy water. Kristiansand is something else entirely. Located on Norway's southern tip, this midsize city is known for sunshine, swimming spots, and a relaxed summer atmosphere that feels more Mediterranean than Nordic, at least when the weather cooperates. Kristiansand has long been a popular stop on coastal Norway itineraries, but it's now increasingly featured on broader Scandinavian and Baltic cruises too. With Saint Petersburg largely dropped from the Baltic circuit in recent years, Norwegian cities like Oslo and Kristiansand have helped fill the gap, offering culture and charm that complement Baltic destinations. While you'll find sightseeing buses and guided tours waiting at the dock, Kristiansand is easy to explore independently. The cruise terminal is in the city center, so you can simply walk off the ship and start your day. The Emerging Art Scene In Kristiansand One of the newest and most striking additions to the Kristiansand waterfront is Kunstsilo, a former grain silo turned contemporary art museum. This former grain silo has been transformed into the 'Kunstsilo' art museum, a new landmark for Southern Norway. David Nikel Even if you're not usually drawn to galleries, the architecture alone is worth a look. Inside, rotating exhibitions draw on the world's largest private collection of Nordic modernist art. The rooftop bar offers panoramic views over the harbor, while the ground floor bistro is a relaxing place for lunch or a coffee. Next door, you'll find Kilden Performing Arts Centre, a bold, wave-like structure housing the city's theater, opera and symphony orchestra. Kristiansand Is Norway's Summer City Kristiansand has earned its nickname as Norway's 'summer city' and it won't take you long to see why. Stroll along the palm-lined promenade, join locals at the city beach (considered one of Norway's best urban swimming spots) or grab an ice cream near the lively fountain square in front of the old fortress grounds and simply soak in the atmosphere that's more Mediterranean resort than Scandinavian coastline. The promenade is a popular place to spend some time on a summer's day in Kristiansand, Norway. David Nikel For food and people-watching, head to Fiskebrygga, the old fishing wharf now packed with waterfront restaurants and the indoor fish market. It's a vibrant social hub on warm days, and a great place to watch little boats coming and going while enjoying some fresh shrimp. The city offers more than just relaxation, though. If you're in the mood to stretch your legs, Baneheia is just a short walk from the city centre. This forested parkland features well-marked trails, small lakes and scenic viewpoints. For something a little more rugged, head to Odderøya, a former naval base turned recreational island. Here you'll find coastal paths and old fortifications dotted through the landscape. It's the ideal place for a quiet moment away from the bustle of the waterfront but still within easy reach of your ship. Norway's Biggest Family Attraction Families may want to venture a little farther. Just a short ride from the city centre lies Dyreparken, Kristiansand's zoo and amusement park. It's Norway's most visited tourist attraction. This sprawling complex combines a zoo with themed areas based on beloved Norwegian children's characters. While the cultural references may go over some visitors' heads, the animal park is universally appealing, with highlights including tigers, red pandas, and free-roaming lemurs. Getting there takes a bit of planning. A local bus is the cheapest option, but a pre-booked taxi can be more efficient, especially for a small group. Check the map and event schedule online before visiting to make the most of your time. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes How To Plan A Norwegian Fjords Cruise In 2025 By David Nikel Forbes This Style Of Cruise Cabin Offers The Best Value At Sea By David Nikel Forbes See Norway In A New Light On A Midnight Sun Cruise By David Nikel
Time Out
15-05-2025
- Time Out
Seven museums have been named the most beautiful in the world
Museums are designed to house intricate artefacts, fascinating objects from throughout history, and beautiful works of art, but the buildings themselves are often worth an ogle, too. Prix Versailles, a prestigious architecture and design award, has just recognised seven of the most beautiful new openings or freshly renovated spaces from all over the world. The selection jury said each inclusion is 'the product of meticulous, long-term work based on a rigorous, artistic design that was developed at the initiative and in service of an authentic approach focused on heritage and scenery.' One of these is the Grand Palais in Paris, the dazzling capital that recently topped Time Out's list of the best cities in the world for culture. The building has an ornate glass dome ceiling and was originally constructed for the 1900 Universal Exhibition. It reopened in 2021 after four years of renovation. 'Inside, the upper gallery running around the entire interior has been preserved and enhanced,' reads Prix Versailles's report. 'That walkway serves as a real promenade that establishes a striking link between the building's past, present and future, simply by means of its architecture which can be admired there down to the last detail, giving visitors an educational vision of the history of Paris.' The Saka Museum, a spiritual space that guides visitors through various Balinese cultural practices and expressions, is also included. We named it one of the best new museums last year, so it's safe to say we agree. Elsewhere on the list is Kunstsilo, an art museum perched on the quayside in Kristiansand, Norway, which was formerly a grains mill. These are the world's most beautiful museums Grand Palais, Paris Saka Museum, Bali Audeum, Seoul Kunstsilo, Kristiansand Diriyah Art Futures, Riyadh Cleveland Museum of Natural History, Cleveland Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha
