If you're remotely familiar with how the internet operates, you'll understand that our digital experiences are predominantly steered by algorithms and rankings. When planning your Norwegian adventure, these very same algorithms will undoubtedly guide you towards certain obvious destinations – not because they're genuinely unmissable highlights, but simply due to the intrinsic mechanics of the internet.
Let me guess. Did Trolltunga, Flåm, or anything Viking-related come up while preparing your trip to Norway? In this little article I would like to point out that Norway offers far more depth and wonder than the obvious attractions and sometimes tourist traps dominating search results. Feeling a profound sense of duty, I've crafted an alternative to each tourist trap, helping you escape overcrowded hiking trails, overpriced generic establishments, and truly connect with everything that makes Norway Norway. Ready?
Tourist Trap 1: Trolltunga
Certainly, the view from that protruding rock formation is beautiful, but the journey to reach it is interminable. Subsequently, you'll spend half an hour queuing before your partner can capture that quintessential photograph for the socials of you perched on the rock. Then, you'll descend in another lengthy queue. Truly, it's unbelievably crowded and it'll easily take you 10 hours forth and back.
The Alternative
On the opposite side of Trolltunga, you'll discover a breathtakingly beautiful glacier; Buarbreen. Situated on a rocky outcrop in the middle of this glacier, the Norwegian Tourist Organisation manages a magnificent 12-bed cabin that can be booked in advance. You'll reach the hut via a spectacular walk that partially traverses the Folgefonna glacier. You'll awaken to a view of being on top of one of Norway's most spectacular glaciers – I nearly get goosebumps just thinking about it. It's that beautiful.
I understand you might have only one day, given your original plan to climb Trolltunga. Therefore, I have a golden tip for you. Undertake an extraordinary hike on the glacier with a qualified guide – many times more spectacular than Trolltunga. If glaciers aren't quite your thing, consider a trip to Folgefonna National Park. It's part of the same area and truly breathtakingly beautiful with icy lakes, waterfalls and what-nots.
And lastly, another golden tip, known to almost no tourists: After a long day outdoors, when hunger strikes, there's one of the region's absolute best restaurants located in an unlikely spot at the glacier's base. It's got a Michelin star in fact. Intrigued? Have a little preliminary peek.
Tourist Trap 2: North Cape
It is indeed the northernmost point of mainland Norway. But who cares? If you've already taken the trouble to explore Arctic Norway – which I heartily dare to recommend because it's ridiculously beautiful – I urgently advise you to skip the North Cape. It's nothing more than a sea viewpoint with an oversized souvenir shop. Moreover, it's completely packed with camper vans, motorcycles, and tour buses.
The Alternative
Instead of heading to the North Cape, take the turnoff towards Havøysund from Smørfjord. The road to Havøysund is of indescribable beauty and part of the National Scenic Routes of Norway. The landscape is vast and varied – from black-grey cliffs to pebble beaches, with the cold Arctic sea constantly in view. Several stops along the way are of particular interest, either for historical- or cultural significance, or exceptional natural beauty.
Take Selvika, for instance. It's a beautiful architectural installation that guides you via a meandering concrete path to a grill site directly on the beach. In the nearby vicinity, you'll find Stone Age settlement remains and early signs of Sami culture. What particularly impressed me was Roni Horn's artwork. First, there's the building housing the works, and then the works themselves. It's completely surreal to encounter such an installation in such a remote location on the world map.
Unlike the North Cape, you can enjoy delicious food in Havøysund. Truly delicious food. During the summer season, you can book a table at Havets smak. Understanding that Havøysund exists by the grace of fishing, you'll realise that fish dominates the menu. Why people don't queue for hours for lunch or dinner here is a mystery to me.
Tourist Trap 3: Flåm
It's true! The railway section from the highlands to the fjord is spectacular. The area around Flåm is unique and spectacular. But no more unique or spectacular than many other fjord branches. The crucial difference is that Flåm is completely overrun by people in colourful raincoats buying out souvenir shops filled with Chinese-produced trinkets and nick-nacks. Additionally, one or more gigantic cruise ships are almost constantly docked or anchored. Not only do I personally despise these floating environmental disasters, but they also block the view. So is Flåm worth visiting? Ehm... not as a destination in itself I would say.
The Alternative
First, I want to recommend a wonderful hotel from the bottom of my heart. You could certainly call it a boutique hotel and in my opinion one of the nicest in the country. It's particularly small-scale. The rooms are furnished with great taste and love for details, and much of the excellent food as served in their restaurant is locally grown. The attention to detail and overall ambiance are quite unique. The reason I mention this hotel is that it's a 15 min drive from Flåm. It serves as an excellent starting point to discover and explore several surrounding highlights, of which there are many.
I recommend driving the Gamle Aurlandsvegen and, of course, first viewing the Stegastien viewpoint. You can in fact see Flåm from up there, so 'check'! The Borgund Stave Church is also an absolute highlight. Take a stroll through Lærdalsørri – a beautiful small fjord village with a long history. Generally, I highly recommend exploring the northern arms of the Sognefjord. Remember Fjærland and Solvorn. What beauty, and barely any tourists.
Tourist Trap 4: Viking Planet
The part of Norway's history filled by the Vikings captivates many, myself included. However, Viking Planet offers little to the imagination. Out of curiosity, and because I write these blog articles, I once wandered inside. "Underwhelming" is the word that came to mind. There's nothing wrong with it, and the VR film is quite good, but if you're truly interested in the Viking era, there are so many more tangible opportunities that provide insight into Norwegian history.
The Alternative
First, I'd like to refer you to an article I previously wrote about Viking locations. It's a fairly extensive list of important Viking sites that are without exception all worth visiting. They're spread across the entire country, so wherever in Norway you plan to stay, you'll always have a chance to see one.
But if you're in Oslo, you'll find the Historical Museum a stone's throw from Viking Planet. Here, you'll discover a quite breathtaking exhibition of various Viking objects found over time. The tangibility of these artifacts brings you much closer to this imaginative piece of Norwegian history. The impressive precision with which jewellery, weapons, and other objects were crafted made a great impression on me when I first visited.
Tourist Trap 5: Souvenir Shops
Don't misunderstand me. There's nothing wrong with a souvenir. It's pleasant to take something tangible home from your Norwegian journey. However, the abundance of generic souvenir shops selling Chinese-manufactured trolls, elk-shaped keychains, or caps adorned with Norwegian flags sometimes frustrates me. The potential for creative and original souvenirs is actually endless. It would bring me great joy if you returned home with something that truly speaks to the country and the experience you've had.
The Alternative
You must know where to look. When in Oslo for example, consider visiting "Too Many Prints". Here, you'll find an extensive collection of extraordinarily original Norwegian prints, often produced in limited editions. From graphically stylised images of iconic city monuments to abstract monochrome compositions, the collection offers something for everyone. My own visit, undertaken with the purpose of finding a print for my new apartment, lasted about an hour and a half and was characterised by a continuous smile. Unfortunately, I departed empty-handed, paralysed by indecision. Too many prints! But let's be honest – an A3 artwork fits perfectly in your hand luggage. My point is: avoid those generic tourist shops and truly discover and support local artists!
Tourist Trap 6: Lofoten
I'm perhaps stepping on a few toes here. So let me immediately explain why Lofoten appears on this list. It's the crowds. Lofoten isn't exactly a tourist trap, but during summer, it's so incredibly busy that this beautiful archipelago groans under the weight of camper vans, small cars, and – not least – tourists who defecate everywhere and don't clean up their 'dumplings'. Additionally, accommodation prices are quite steep during peak season.
The Alternative
I'm tremendously enthusiastic about the Helgeland coast. Its landscapes are without exception spectacular, particularly the numerous small islands off the coast, each one breathtaking and unique in character. Moreover, this is a region that hasn't yet advanced far in internet algorithms, resulting in above-average tranquillity during peak season. The list of highlights in this illustrious region is too extensive to elaborate on here. However, the article I previously wrote about it will help you get a good start.
Also near Lofoten, and at least equally beautiful, is Senja. A large island with a wonderfully beautiful coastline featuring rocky formations rising high from the cold Atlantic Ocean. The numerous white beaches are extremely suitable for camping, and as expected, it's considerably quieter than Lofoten. The essence of travel lies not in following algorithmic recommendations, but in discovering hidden gems and experiencing destinations authentically. Norway offers far more than its most-searched attractions, take that from me!