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Magical Norway – 10 hidden gems to discover

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  • Magical Norway – 10 hidden gems to discover
Selene NelsonApril 15, 2025

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HurtigrutenRegularly cited as one of the world’s most beautiful countries, Norway’s appeal is no mystery. Despite its proximity to mainland Europe, there’s a sense of remoteness and wilderness.

This is a land of shimmering blue fjords, soaring snowy peaks, forested hills, and colourful coastal towns. And, thanks to its miles of coastline and famous fjords, Norway is one of the best places in the world to take a cruise.

To shine a light on the joys of exploring via ship, we’ve partnered with Hurtigruten*, a Norwegian cruise line with a history that goes back over 130 years. Known for their intimate, easygoing, and sustainable cruises, no company is better able to help you discover Norway’s most fascinating hidden gems.

On every Hurtigruten cruise, you’re accompanied by an expert Expedition Team, who’ll offer you insights on nature, wildlife, and culture. The food is fresh and local, the ships are stylish and comfortable. Plus if your heart’s set on seeing the Northern Lights, there’s excellent news: if you don’t catch them on your cruise of 11 days or more, you can enjoy another cruise free of charge.

So, what kind of places can you explore on a Hurtigruten cruise? From awe-inspiring islands to quaint fishing towns, here are 10 hidden gems to discover.

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1. Lofoten Islands

Lofoten Islands

If you’re searching for dramatically beautiful landscapes and a sense of true wilderness, few places can compete with Northern Norway’s Lofoten Islands. Home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring scenery, this irresistibly photogenic region dazzles all year round. In summer, there’s almost endless daylight and, in winter, the night sky flickers with the lights of the Aurora Borealis.

Your ship will dock in the town of Svolvær, where you can soak up the culture and arts scene, tuck into mouthwateringly fresh seafood, or delve into the region’s history. But most people come to the Lofoten Islands to enjoy the Great Outdoors; to trek up jagged green cliffs, kayak past red-painted fishing villages, go fishing in tranquil bays, or simply sit back and admire the scenery on a relaxing bus tour.

2. Svalbard

Svalbard

If the Lofoten Islands aren’t wild or remote enough for you, why not head to Svalbard? Located between mainland Norway and the North Pole, this Arctic archipelago is desolately beautiful. Here, ice-glazed mountains rise up from wind-battered tundras, and shimmering glaciers drift on inky waters. If you’re really lucky, you may spot polar bears and reindeer wandering on land, and seals and walruses splashing close to the shore.

Stopping at the former coal-mining town of Longyearbyen, you can enjoy the fresh chill of the Arctic air as you explore Svalbard’s beating heart. There’s more to do here than you might think, and you can visit galleries, museums, pubs, restaurants, and even breweries. There are many opportunities for adventure, too: go dog-sledding, explore on e-bike or boat, go on a fossil hike, or try a wilderness experience.

3. Senja

Senja

Norway’s second-biggest island, Senja, boasts an unusually diverse landscape – so much so that it’s known as a ‘mini Norway’. Home to golden beaches, turquoise seas, hulking mountains, and shady pine forests, it’s easy to see why it’s been ranked among CNN’s top 10 most beautiful islands. While locally, the island is rising in popularity, for much of the world it remains a well-kept secret.

On a Hurtigruten cruise, your ship will dock in the village of Torsken, the perfect base from which to tour the island. If you fancy hiking, the surrounding mountains are criss-crossed with trails, and from the most iconic peaks (Husfjellet, Hesten, and Segla), the views are extraordinary. Hop on an e-bike to explore on two wheels, or why not head into the fjords to see what you can spot on a wildlife safari?

4. Ålesund

Ålesund

It may not be as famous as Oslo or Bergen, but the city of Ålesund is just as beautiful. If you’re into architecture, it’s pretty safe to say you’ll fall in love with this picturesque coastal city, which is often called ‘the Venice of the North’. In 1904, a devastating fire razed Ålesund to the ground, leaving 10,000 people homeless, and the city was subsequently rebuilt in a unique Jugendstil (Art Nouveau) style.

On most Hurtigruten cruises, you’ll have the whole day to explore Ålesund. You can learn more about the city and its architecture in the excellent museum, kayak through the Brosundet canal that winds through the centre, or visit Atlanterhavsparken, one of Northern Europe’s largest saltwater aquariums. Or, for breathtaking panoramic views, why not climb the 418 steps to the Mount Aksla viewpoint?

5. Trondheim

Trondheim

Founded by the Vikings in 997AD, Norway’s third-largest city is steeped in culture and history. Once a medieval pilgrimage destination, today, Trondheim is a vibrant university town, a science and tech hub, and a gastronomic hotspot. You can discover its charms on foot or by bike (the local mode of transportation), or, if you’d like to explore from the water, take a boat sightseeing tour or rent a kayak.

One of the ‘must-see’ sights is Nidaros Cathedral. Nicknamed ‘Norway’s Notre Dame’ due to its Gothic style, it’s the most sacred building in the country. The Hanseatic district of Bakklandet, with its colourful wooden wharves, is a joy to explore, and where you’ll find many of Trondheim’s top eateries. Voted the European Capital of Gastronomy in 2022, this city is one of the best places to discover Nordic cuisine.

6. Helgeland

Helgeland

In the southern parts of Northern Norway, there’s a stretch of land that’s widely considered a coastal and mountainous paradise. This is the Helgeland Coast, a part of the country that’s inspired many local myths and legends – and a sense of mystery and wonder still seems to float on the ocean breeze. Here, you can admire rugged mountains, weather-beaten docks, and fairytale islands lapped by deep blue waters.

Docked in the town of Brønnøysund, you can explore the pretty marina, visit the Neo-Gothic church, or watch small boats go by in the harbour. To see more of the archipelago, including the iconic Torghatten Mountain, why not take an RIB cruise? Not only can you go right up the hole that cuts right through the centre of Torghatten, but you’ll also enjoy sensational views of the more remote Helgeland islands.

7. Sognefjord

Sognefjord

As Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord may not technically be a ‘hidden gem’ – but a cruise along this magnificent region will unveil many of Norway’s better-kept secrets. The area is rich in history and beauty, and there are many pretty fjordside villages to explore, from picturesque Solvorn to the ‘book town’ of Fjærland. Several of the country’s oldest medieval stave churches are found here, too.

But it’s the fjord itself that’s most dazzling. Flanked by soaring peaks and fed by Europe’s largest mainland glacier, it’s easy to see why Sognefjord is known as ‘King of the Fjords’ – and, beneath the mirror-like surface, the fjord plummets to eerie depths of 1,300m. As you cruise, you can step back in time, learning about what the fjord was like in the Ice Age, Stone Age, and, of course, the Viking era.

8. Tromsø

Tromsø

Situated nearly 220 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is northern Norway’s largest city – and the unofficial capital of the Arctic. Its unique location means it’s just as exciting visiting in summer as in winter. In summer, the sun never sets above the Arctic Circle, and the city is illuminated by the glowing midnight sun, while, in winter, Tromsø is one of the world’s best places to spot the northern lights.

Winter is also a great time to spot whales in the chilly waters, while summer brings sightings of puffins and all kinds of seabirds. But the city itself has plenty to offer travellers. You can learn about Tromsø’s culture and history on a city walk or bus tour, visit the famous Arctic Cathedral, with its huge and striking stained-glass window, or ride a cable car to the top of Storsteinen Mountain to enjoy breathtaking views.

9. Åndalsnes

Åndalsnes

If you’re drawn to mountains, few places in Norway are more magical than Åndalsnes. This small, picture-perfect coastal town is situated at the mouth of the River Rauma on the edge of Romsdalfjord and surrounded by truly magnificent mountains. If the landscape looks familiar, it’s because it’s played key roles in films like Mission: Impossible 7 and Troll, as well as the TV series Succession.

Åndalsnes is one of the best places to experience the Norwegian concept of  friluftsliv – a love of nature and the outdoors. You can hike along some of the fabulous trails or, take it a bit easier by enjoying a bus tour along the winding hairpin bends of Trollstigen Pass. One of the best ways to admire the glorious surroundings is to ride on the Romsdal Gondola – just remember to bring your camera!

10. Rørvik

rørvik

Located on the island of Inner-Vikna, in the 6,000 island and islet Vikna archipelago, is the charming port town of Rørvik. With colourful wooden buildings and a vibrant harbour, Rørvik has a lovely small-town appeal, but the whole island is paradise for boating and fishing enthusiasts. As you cruise, you can enjoy scenic views of coastal pine forests, Ice Age glaciers and, closer to town, plum and apple tree orchards.

Rørvik is a major exporter of salmon and cod, so, if you like impossibly fresh fish, you’ll be spoilt for choice. You may also want to check out the SalmoNor visiting centre, where you can tour a modern salmon farm – or why not learn about the region’s 10,000-year-old history at the coastal museum? Local legend has it that a sea serpent lurks in these waters…so keep your eyes peeled!

Final thoughts…

When it comes to natural beauty – and natural phenomena – few countries can compete with Norway. This is the land of the Northern Lights and Midnight Sun, a place where sapphire fjords glisten between soaring mountains, and colourful coastal towns sit between verdant valleys and ancient forests.

The charms of the capital Oslo, as well as second city Bergen, are well-known – but there are also plenty of lesser-known spots and hidden gems that show you a different side to this captivating country. The destinations listed above are just 10 of them – but all can be explored on a Hurtigruten* cruise.

Travelling with Hurtigruten means travelling with meaning. This isn’t your normal cruise line, and their fleet of small, agile ships are perfectly designed to get even closer to the astonishing scenery. Whether you’re dreaming of heading to the wild archipelagos of the Arctic, or prefer to cruise past the mountains of the mainland, there’s a cruise itinerary to suit everyone.

To find out more about Norway cruises with Hurtigruten, head over to their website.

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Have you ever been to Norway? Are you tempted by the thought of a Norwegian cruise? We’d love to hear about your travel plans and experiences in the comments below.

Selene Nelson

Selene Nelson is an author, freelance journalist, and lifestyle writer for Rest Less. After graduating from the University of Sussex with a degree in English Literature, Selene began contributing to many major newspapers and websites, and has written for the BBC, The Sunday Times, The Independent, Town & Country, and HuffPost. Her specialist subjects include food, travel, and health, though she enjoys writing about a wide range of topics (e.g. her two books are about veganism and psychopathy, respectively!). She enjoys cooking (particularly pasta and Asian noodle soups), reading, travelling, hiking, attempting to keep fit, and watching animal videos on YouTube.

* Links with an * by them are affiliate links which help Rest Less stay free to use as they can result in a payment or benefit to us. You can read more on how we make money here.

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