As Norway takes its place on the World Cup stage, explore three cities that reveal the country’s distinctive character, from innovative cuisine in Stavanger and world-class culture in Oslo to the breathtaking scenery of Ålesund.
Oslo
Oslo Opera House and the Munch museum along the Oslo Fjord in the Bjørvika area of the center of Oslo
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Norway’s capital is an unforgettable city break experience, with rich culture, natural beauty and vibrant urban life, proving that even with a population under 1 million, it is a top European destination. The city offers a mix of attractions, from world-class museums like the Astrup Fearnley for contemporary art and the Munch museum, home to the world’s largest collection of works by Edvard Munch to Vigeland Sculpture Park and the Oslo Opera House to lively neighborhoods like Grünerløkka, known for its art, shopping and dining. A fjord cruise is one of the best ways to see Oslo. Båtservice Sightseeing’s two-hour tour from City Hall Pier 3 passes landmarks including the Opera House, the Munch Museum, Hovedøya, and picturesque islands and waterfront cabins along the Oslofjord. And if you’re visiting at the end of August, Oslo Runway is an exciting showcase of Scandinavian fashion brands, with many public events.
Vigeland Sculpture Park in Oslo, Norway.
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Where to Stay: Tjuvholmen (Thief Islet) was once known as a hideout for smugglers, thieves, and other rogues. Today, it’s home to The Thief, a stylish boutique hotel next to the Astrup Fearnley Museum, where guests enjoy complimentary museum admission.
Where to Eat: Next to the National Theatre, Theatercaféen has been a favorite gathering place for artists, actors and intellectuals since 1900. Set in an elegant Art Nouveau interior, it serves classic Norwegian cuisine with European influences, including seafood, reindeer and seasonal dishes. Fiskeriet, a popular seafood restaurant and fish market located in the heart of the city, is essential for seafood lovers.
Alesund
Elevated view of the city of Alesund, Norway.
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Ålesund is the perfect base for discovering Norway’s western fjords, offering a rare combination of dramatic scenery and coastal charm. From the city, it is easy to explore some of the region’s most spectacular landscapes, including the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, known for its sheer cliffs, plunging waterfalls and deep blue waters. Boat trips, scenic drives and day excursions take you through a landscape of mountain peaks, remote islands and picturesque fishing villages. Ålesund’s charming old town centre is worth exploring, with its independent shops, cafés and restaurants set among the city’s distinctive Art Nouveau architecture. The highlight, however, is the climb to the Fjellstua Viewpoint. Reached by several hundred steps, the summit rewards visitors with sweeping views across the town, islands and surrounding sea, one of Norway’s most memorable city panoramas.
Where to Stay: 62Nord’s Hotel Brosundet, a five star located right on the edge of the quayside in the town center is a great choice. Once a fisheries warehouse, the Art Nouveau-style hotel forms an important part of the town’s historical heritage. Today, while it retains the history of the place, with rooms that have exposed wooden beams and uneven floors, the furnishings are contemporary Scandinavian style and the bathrooms are sleekly modern. Rooms face either the pretty cobbled streets or overlook the harbor.
Where to Eat: Apotekergata No. 5 has a menu that celebrates seasonal, locally sourced ingredients through both à la carte and tasting options. The four-course tasting menu focuses on the sea, with dishes showcasing regional specialities such as clipfish, cod, the catch of the day and even whale. Before or after dinner, the intimate Arkivet Bar is the perfect spot for a cocktail, named after local trader Peder Devold, who ran his fish oil business from the building in 1905.
Stavanger
Stavanger old town, Norway
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Once known primarily as Norway’s oil capital, Stavanger has reinvented itself as a destination where dramatic landscapes, cutting-edge cuisine and contemporary culture collide. The discovery of the Ekofisk field in 1969 transformed the city and helped propel Norway into one of the world’s wealthiest nations but today Stavanger’s appeal extends far beyond its energy legacy. It has emerged as Norway’s culinary hotspot, home to three Michelin-starred restaurants and a thriving food scene that celebrates local produce. Locals call the city “the garden of Norway” thanks to its proximity to the Jæren district just south of Stavanger, widely recognized as one of Norway’s most productive agricultural regions, the source for the numerous great restaurants in Stavanger. Stavanger’s surprises continue beyond the table: the city’s contemporary art scene is thriving, with Stavanger Art Museum showing bold modern works and local artists opening their studios to the public. And don’t miss the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, far more fascinating than you’d expect. Here, exciting interactive exhibitions reveal the fascinating story of how oil and gas beneath the seabed reshaped Norway’s fortunes.
Where to Stay: For a boutique stay with a strong culinary connection, Eilert Smith Hotel is a good choice. Set inside a restored 1930s modernist building designed by Norwegian architect Eilert Smith, the intimate 12-room hotel combines clean Scandinavian design with thoughtful details and a strong sense of place. Its biggest draw is Re-Naa, Stavanger’s acclaimed 3-Michelin-starred restaurant, making it an excellent choice for travelers wanting a food focused hotel.
Where to Eat: Enjoy fjord views over lunch at Spiseriet, feast on the day’s catch at harbor-side Fisketorget, or discover the creative, ingredient-led menus at Matbaren another in Chef Sven Erik Renaa’s group. At Michelin-starred Sabi Omakase, chef Roger Asakil Joya blends centuries-old Edomae sushi techniques with exceptional Norwegian seafood, while Restaurant K2 adds another layer of sophistication after earning its first Michelin star in 2023.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com