midnight_sun_norway_hgr_143735_1920_photo_shutterstock

Natural wonders along the Norwegian coast

The Norwegian fjords are naturally top of the wishlist for many visitors, but there are plenty of other spectacular natural attractions to keep an eye out for as you explore Norway's coast.

Norway’s coastline is one of the longest in the world, with the length recalculated in 2011 to account for complicated features like islets and fjords. All in all, Norway's coastline has 101,915km of twisting land – which, as National Geographic points out, would circle the world two and a half times if stretched out.

To truly experience Norway, then, it’s best to explore its coast – its largest and probably its most majestic feature. You could attempt to take on the coastline by car, but there are so many out-of-the-way places (and so few roads that are useful) that it’s best to do as Norwegians have done for centuries and navigate the coastline by ship. And here are just a few of the highlights you can discover during your voyage.

The North Cape

Roughly 2,102km from the North Pole and the northernmost point on the European mainland, the North Cape (Nordkapp) is one of Norway’s most popular attractions.

Standing atop the cliff that rises for 307m above the Arctic Ocean, you'll feel like you're looking out over the top of the world.

Read more
north_cape_norway_hgr_155093_1920_photo_shutterstock
reine-norway-hgr-160809_1920-photo_getty_images

Lofoten and Vesterålen

These two archipelagos are Norway at its most beautiful. While Lofoten is a rare wilderness outpost that offers a unique landscape of majestic mountains, deep fjords, and long, surf-swept beaches, the neighbouring Vesterålen islands are characterised by contrasts, from white beaches and idyllic farmlands to mountain peaks rising from the sea.

Read more

The Helgeland Coast

Spanning across the Arctic Circle between Rørvik and Ørnes, the Helgeland Coast is a region that boasts several fascinating natural attractions. Notable highlights include the UNESCO-listed Vega Islands, the legendary Seven Sisters peaks, and Torghatten, a unique mountain with a 30m-high hole through the middle.

Discover the Helgeland Coast
vega_archipelago_norway_hgr_150539_1920_photo_raymond_engmark
molde_norway_hgr_149551_1920_photo_getty_images

The Sunnmøre Alps

Known as the Sunnmøre Alps, the mountains around Hjørundfjord in Møre and Romsdal country are nothing short of spectacular. There are several challenging but rewarding hiking trails that are suitable for anyone who is moderately fit, or you could choose to combine several summit treks over a few days. The mountains also attract many skiers.

The best time to go skiing in the Sunnmøre Alps is between February and June, while hiking is best during the summer months.

Explore the Sunnmøre Alps

Risøyrenna

At only 4.8km long, 7m deep and with a bottom width of 100m, this inland canal was created especially for Hurtigruten’s ships and is inaccessible by larger vessels. It was the result of a long effort to improve access to the port at Risøyhamn.

In his capacity as a member of the Norwegian parliament, Hurtigruten founder Richard With first started work on the channel that opened up his trading post at Risøyhamn for more shipping traffic. When the Hurtigruten coastal line was established, the channel was widened to allow the ships to sail through, and the Risøyrenna opened on 26 June 1922.

Read more
risoyrenna_norway_hgr_123659_1920
_finnkirka_kjollefjorden_norway_hgr_54231_1920_photo_orjan_bertelsen

Finnkirka

For those sailing between Kjøllefjord and Mehamn, the entrance into Kjøllefjord is a striking moment of contrast, as the dramatic cathedral-shaped sea cliff known as Finnkirka suddenly rises into view. It is a truly commanding sight, borne of the impact of harsh sea on rock over millions of years.

After dark, Finnkirka is lit up, providing an extraordinary experience in the Arctic night. The cliff shows the way north and south, as it has done through the ages – and will in the years to come.

Read more

Hestmannen

At 571m, this distinctive rock formation on Storseløy is an iconic landmark that, from certain angles, resembles the shadow of a knight mounted on his horse. Legend has it that the knight Hestmannen was chasing Lekamøya at dawn and shot an arrow that pierced the Brønnøy King’s hat – but sunrise arrived at that very instant and turned them all to stone.

It is possible to climb Hestmannen. There are marked routes leading up the mountain, but you will need a rope to reach the very peak.

Read more
A close up of a snow covered mountain

Sign up for our newsletter

Receive special offers, exciting new itineraries and fascinating articles delivered straight to your inbox.

Yes, sign me up!