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10 Beautiful Small Towns in Norway Worth Visiting
When we talk about Norway, many people might think of spectacular fjords and the dancing northern lights across the evening sky. But actually, this country hides so much more charm waiting to be discovered — especially the "small towns" surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and pure Nordic glacial streams that still maintain their pristine, peaceful nature, perfect for travelers who want to deeply connect with nature.
Even though these towns might not be as famous as Oslo, Bergen, or Tromsø, they're brimming with life, warmth, and simple beauty. Whether it's romantic fjord-side villages, UNESCO World Heritage towns amidst snow, or mountain-top viewpoints waiting for you to hike and experience firsthand, they're especially perfect for...
🌲 Nature lovers – who want to unwind in mountain valley villages
🛶 Adventure seekers – looking for hiking trails, boat trips, or glacier adventures
📸 Chill travelers – who want to capture beautiful views and immerse themselves in authentic Norwegian culture
📅 When's the best time to visit Norway?
This article features our carefully selected 10 must-visit Norwegian towns that are easily accessible from Oslo, Norway's capital, yet offer unforgettable nature experiences that rival anywhere in the world. Complete with recommended travel times to help you plan with ease. Let's see... what makes these small towns special, and when's the best time to visit? 🌍
Recommended 10 beautiful small towns in Norway with breathtaking nature, perfect for travel during July – December
1. Flåm – Authentic Nordic-style fjord village
Flåm is a small village on the fjord in Vestland region, surrounded by stunning nature of towering mountains, waterfalls, and crystal-clear flowing streams. This is a top destination for those wanting to experience fjords up close, including riding the famous Flåmsbana railway, known as one of the world's most beautiful train rides. Perfect for those seeking relaxation amidst world-class natural views.
🗓 Recommended period: May – September (summer, beautiful views, easy travel) 🚗 Getting there: Take train from Oslo to Myrdal (~4.5 hrs), then connect to Flåmsbana train to Flåm (~1 hr)
📍 Highlight: "Flåmsbana railway running through spectacular mountain and waterfall views to Flåm fjord village"
Or if you visit during winter, you'll get a completely different atmosphere.
Credit photo: Sverre F. Hjørnevik - Fjellandsby
Boat cruise through Nærøyfjord
Stegastein viewpoint
2. Lofoten – Miraculous archipelago of northern Norway that you should visit once in your lifetime
Lofoten is an archipelago in northern Norway with stunning nature and picture-like atmosphere, filled with "small villages" with enchanting vibes. From emerald fjords, uniquely shaped mountains, pristine white beaches, to romantic fishing villages. This archipelago is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and those seeking northern lights in winter or midnight sun in summer.
🗓 Recommended periods:
- May – August (midnight sun, village strolls, photography)
- September – March (northern lights hunting, snow-covered seas, and slow life relaxation)
🚗 Getting there: Fly from Oslo to Svolvær or Leknes airport (about 2.5–3 hrs including connections), then rent a car to explore the islands – convenient with beautiful views
📍 Highlights:
Henningsvær – fishing village called "Venice of northern Norway" with colorful wooden houses, trendy cafés, football field on an island with sea views
Nusfjord – ancient fishing village preserved as cultural heritage, red wooden houses lined along the sea, peaceful and beautiful
Hamnøy & Sakrisøy – small villages with classic views of red wooden houses by the fjord, popular Instagram photo spots
Reine – world-class viewpoint overlooking spectacular mountains and fjords
3. Geiranger – World-class fjord
Geiranger is a small fjord-side village located in Geirangerfjord, which is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its breathtakingly beautiful views like a painting. With steep high mountains, waterfalls cascading down to the waters below, it's the starting point for adventures amidst nature.
🗓 Recommended period:
- May – September (boat season open)
- October – December (seasonal transition and entering winter)
🚗 Getting there: Domestic flight from Oslo to Ålesund (~1 hr) then drive ~2.5 hrs, or drive continuously ~8 hrs
📍 Highlights:
"Tourist boat cruise through Geirangerfjord, the world-class beautiful fjord"
Flydalsjuve viewpoint
Beautiful high mountain viewpoints
Seven Sisters waterfall
Even though Geiranger is famous in summer, winter has its own quiet, mysterious beauty. The fjord is covered with thin mist, waterfalls partially freeze, and there are no crowds of tourists. Some routes close in winter, but it's perfect for those seeking tranquility and romantic photography.
Credit photo: Fredrik Ahlsen, Maverix / Visitnorway.com
4. Odda – Town in the valley, gateway to Trolltunga
Odda is located at the end of Sørfjorden, an arm of Hardangerfjord in western Norway. Surrounded by high mountains, waterfalls, and beautiful fjords. The town is small but charming, with a peaceful atmosphere, perfect as a base for exploring surrounding nature, especially the famous Trolltunga hiking trail.
🗓 Recommended period:
- June – September: Perfect for hiking up Trolltunga and enjoying nature
- October – March: Winter season, romantic atmosphere, but you cannot hike Trolltunga on your own (must book a guide)
📍 Highlights:
Small town embraced by high mountains and beautiful fjords
Trolltunga – tongue-shaped rock cliff jutting out from high cliffs, world-class photo spot
Photo credit: Trolltunga Adventures
Photo credit: Trolltunga Adventures
Photo credit: Trolltunga Adventures
Latefossen Waterfall – twin waterfall by the roadside with spectacular views
🌿 Small village with fjord views, nature trails, and peaceful atmosphere
5. Ålesund – Art Nouveau port city with unique colors and design
Ålesund is a coastal port city on Norway's west coast, distinguished by its Art Nouveau architecture with unique colors and design. The city was rebuilt after a major fire in 1904 and has now become one of Norway's most beautiful and distinctive cities.
🗓 Recommended period:
- May – September
- December – March (for those who love snow, romantic views, and light outdoor activities)
🚗 Getting there: Direct flight from Oslo about 1 hr, or drive from Geiranger ~2.5 hrs
📍 Highlights:
"Views of Ålesund city from Aksla viewpoint with deep blue sea"
Port city filled with art and colors, Art Nouveau architecture makes every corner of the city feel like walking in an open-air museum, with beautiful sea views from Aksla hill
Art Nouveau architecture
Gateway to surrounding fjords and mountains
Photo credit: Toke Mathias Riskjær - Visit Norway
In winter, Ålesund transforms into an even more romantic port city.
6. Olden – Small town in the valley, experiencing spectacular fjords and glaciers
A small town that's the gateway to glaciers and vast fjords. Quiet, peaceful, but full of charm. Perfect for those wanting to escape the hustle and bustle to live amidst nature.
🗓 Recommended period:
- May – September (good weather, perfect for outdoor activities and mountain climbing)
- October – March (romantic atmosphere, snow-covered villages)
🚗 Getting there: Drive from Bergen or Ålesund ~4-5 hrs, or from Stryn by bus
📍 Highlights:
Briksdal Glacier or Briksdalsbreen located in Olden valley, Norway. Briksdal Glacier is part of Jostedalsbreen glacier, which is the largest glacier in Europe
Photo credit: Marte Kopperud - VisitNorway.com
Nordfjord, vast and peaceful fjord
The Olden Old Church in Olden, Norway
7. Åndalsnes – City of peaks and magnificent nature
Åndalsnes is a small town located by the fjord in Rauma Municipality, western Norway. Known as the "city of peaks" because it's surrounded by dozens of steep high mountains like Romsdalshorn and Trollveggen (Troll Wall). A popular destination for climbers, photographers, and nature lovers in all seasons.
🗓 Recommended period:
- May – September (hiking season, mountain climbing, nature photography)
- October – March (snow on mountain peaks and peaceful atmosphere perfect for relaxation)
🚗 Getting there: Train from Oslo to Åndalsnes (6–7 hrs)
📍 Highlights:
Climbing Romsdalseggen Ridge
Trollstigen, the spectacular famous route
Rampestreken viewpoint
8. Røros – UNESCO World Heritage town in the mountains, where time cannot devour
Røros is an old mining town in central Norway filled with colorful wooden houses in rows and registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It has both winter romance and the charm of a traditional Norwegian village that has been well preserved. In winter, Røros becomes a classic snow town like something out of a fairy tale. Traditional wooden houses lined under white snow, with dim lights from windows, creating a romantic, warm atmosphere amidst the cold weather. There's also the winter festival "Rørosmartnan" filled with local products and period horse-drawn sledge parades.
🗓 Recommended period:
🚗 Getting there: Direct train from Oslo to Røros (~5.5 hrs)
Credit photo: Terje Rakke - VisitNorway.com
Credit photo: Terje Rakke - VisitNorway.com
Credit photo: Thomas Rasmus Skaug - VisitNorway.com
📍 Highlights:
"Colorful wooden houses in Røros old town, recognized as World Heritage"
Old town preserving traditional wooden architecture
Røros Copper Works mine
9. Trondheim – Historic city of arts and culture by the Nidelva River
Trondheim might not be small by size, as it's Norway's 3rd largest city, but it's not as famous or bustling as Oslo or Bergen and isn't well-known among Thai tourists. This city has the charm of a "small town" perfect for relaxation.
Trondheim is located by the Nidelva River, distinguished by its peaceful atmosphere, local lifestyle, and historical charm, with the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral as the cultural and artistic center of Norway. Perfect for city strolls, café visits, and art galleries in a chic atmosphere.
🗓 Recommended period:
- May – September (warm weather, walking, city sightseeing)
- Or December – February (Christmas and winter atmosphere)
🚗 Getting there: Domestic flight from Oslo takes about 1 hour, or train from Oslo takes about 6-7 hours (perfect for those who enjoy scenery along the way)
Popular corner full of historical charm by the Nidelva River
📍 Highlights:
Nidaros Cathedral: The largest Gothic cathedral in Norway and the country's most important sacred site
Beautiful photo spot, the old bridge The Old Town Bridge or Gamle Bybro or Bybroa
Munkholmen is a small islet located north of Trondheim city at the mouth of the Nidelva River flowing into Trondheimsfjord bay
Winter atmosphere in Trondheim city
Credit Photo: Svein-Erik Knoff - Explore Trøndelag
Credit Photo: Svein-Erik Knoff - Explore Trøndelag
Photo Credit: Fredrik Ahlsen - Visit Norway
Photo credit: Fredrik Ahlsen - Visit Norway
10. Sogndal – Small town by glaciers and fjords
Sogndal is located by Sognefjord, which is the longest fjord in Norway. This town combines local simplicity with nature activities like hiking around Nigardsbreen Glacier and visiting Fjærland village, known as the "book village."
In winter, Sogndal is another quiet and beautiful town with snow views and vast fjords. Popular activities include walking by frozen lakes, viewing small wooden houses, and if weather permits, you can sometimes see northern lights on some nights.
🚗 Getting there: Domestic flight from Oslo to Sogndal airport (about 50 minutes) or drive from Oslo or Bergen about 4–5 hours
🗓 Recommended period:
- June – September (good weather, perfect for outdoor activities)
- November – February (snow-covered, winter fjord views, very peaceful)
📍 Highlights:
"Nigardsbreen Glacier, one of Sogndal's popular tourist attractions"
Kayaking in Sogndal city
Photo credit: Hans Petter Sørensen / FarOutFocus – Visit Norway
Fjærland, the famous book village
Lake and Sognefjord views
✈️Getting to Norway isn't as difficult as you might think. With good travel planning, you can travel conveniently and save a lot on expenses. Currently, Thai Airways offers direct flights from Bangkok (BKK) to Oslo (OSL) without the hassle of connecting flights.
🛤️ Once you reach Oslo, you can:
✅ Benefits of flying with Thai Airways to Oslo, Norway
- Convenient and comfortable - direct flights with no connections, great flight times, overnight flights arriving in the morning so you can start exploring immediately, catering to all lifestyle preferences
- Check-in baggage service included, with advance seat selection and meal choices available before travel
- Premium full-service experience with excellent service, warm hospitality, friendly smiles throughout, and attentive care during the entire journey
- Royal Orchid members can access exclusive Royal Orchid lounges with comfortable seating, food and beverage service to relax and prepare before departure
- Earn miles with Royal Orchid Plus too - accumulated miles aren't just for flight ticket redemptions, but can also be exchanged for cool rewards like Lifestyle Awards such as chic items, accommodations, travel packages, dining coupons and deals both in Thailand and abroad, giving you full exclusive privileges
💰 Flight ticket prices Round-trip ticket prices start from approximately 25,000 – 40,000 baht (depending on season, promotions, and booking period). Recommend booking at least 2–3 months in advance to get the best prices.
You can check prices and flights at the Thai Airways website by click
Readme Team
Wednesday, July 30, 2025 5:15 PM
