Norway is globally renowned for its breathtaking fjords, Northern Lights, and famous places such as Oslo, Bergen, and Lofoten Islands. But there is a side to the country most tourists never witness. Dotted across its rugged landscape are tiny villages, secret paths, isolated beaches, and natural marvels that don’t make it into mainstream travel books.
These lesser-known spots offer a more personal and often more rewarding experience, free from crowds and inflated prices. Whether you’re a hiker looking for a new summit, a history buff curious about Norway’s rural heritage, or simply someone who wants to see a more authentic version of the country, these hidden gems deliver.
Most of these destinations take a little extra planning to get to—perhaps a boat, a hike, or an exit off the highway—but that’s all part of their charm. They’re peaceful, they’re authentic, and they reveal a Norway that’s known and cherished by locals. In this guide, we will discuss the Best Places to Travel in Norway you never knew existed and how to visit them.
Best Places to Travel in Norway You’ve Never Heard Of
Norway’s breathtaking scenery lures tourists from across the globe, yet most tourists see only the highlights: Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø, and the Lofoten Islands. What they usually overlook are those lesser-known destinations spread all around the country—distant valleys, seaside hamlets, glacier lakes, and trekking routes with unforgettable scenery and experience.
These off-the-beaten-path destinations provide greater seclusion, cultural authenticity, and unspoiled nature. Here in this guide, we outline some of the finest off-the-beaten-path locations throughout Norway—how to get there, what to see, and why you should make the effort.
1. Mikaelshulen – Rogaland
Mikaelshulen is a rock cave chapel hewn from the side of a cliff in the Årdal region of Rogaland County. Used in religious settings throughout the Middle Ages, this natural architecture is Norway’s only example. To access the cave, tourists climb a short but steep path along the forest. It’s an easy ascent for moderately active tourists.
At the summit, the cave offers a panoramic view over the valley and Lake Årdalsvatnet. Because this destination is not on the tourist trail, it’s normally quiet and should be visited between May and September to avoid unstable weather.
2. Bakkanosi – Vestland
Situated close to the Nærøyfjord in the Aurland municipality, Bakkanosi is a mountain peak that provides one of the finest views of fjords in the country. It is situated opposite to the more popular viewpoint of Stegastein, yet is visited much less. The trekking route to Bakkanosi begins at Jordalen and is approximately 5–6 hours return.
The path has an element of elevation gain and rocky terrain, so it’s best suited for hikers with some experience. At the summit, take in the steeply twisting turns of the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord from a cliff’s edge. There are no railings or tourist amenities—making it a raw and serene experience.
3. Bordalsgjelet Gorge – Voss
Only a short walk from Voss town center, Bordalsgjelet is a gorge carved by glacial water over millennia. It can be reached by a gravel trail, and the terrain is easy and accessible to families and day walker alike. A strong bridge spans the gorge, with views down upon the river thundering through rock below.
Information boards describe the formation of the gorge. Since it’s just outside the town center, this location is perfect for an instant nature break without having to leave Voss.
4. Trollkirka (Marble Caves) – Hustadvika
Trollkirka, or the Marble Caves, is a series of natural caves in the mountains overlooking Elnesvågen. Waterfalls run through these caves, forming a unique and striking natural formation. It takes 1–2 hours of hike to get to the caves along a moderate mountain trail.
Within lie cool air, echoing walls, and sunlight peeking through crevices in the rock. A headlamp or flashlight is recommended for visitors. Due to the marble composition of the caves and the natural slickness, suitable footwear is necessary.
5. Hovdsundet Beach – Bodø
Hovdsundet is a secluded beach located between rugged coastal cliffs south of Bodø and reachable by either a moderate hike or a kayak tour. The uniqueness of the location is that it lies along a sandbar dividing two distinct bodies of water, one a quiet lagoon and the other ocean.
The walk to the beach is approximately 5 km in each direction, and it passes along scenic coastal landscapes. Summer is the most suitable time to visit because daylight hours are long and temperatures in the north are relatively mild.
6. Torghatten – Nordland
Torghatten is a mountain with a naturally occurring hole right through the middle of it, not far from Brønnøysund. It is the result of erosion going on for thousands of years. There is a marked path to the hole and through it, which has views out to the Helgeland coast.
The walk is brief but has uneven terrain. It is a children-friendly site with simple visitor facilities. Local legend has the hole being made by a troll firing an arrow through the mountain.
7. Blåisvatnet – Lyngen
Blåisvatnet is a glacial lake in the Lyngen Alps, famous for its pale blue colour due to suspended glacial minerals in the water. It is located at the end of a about 4 km hiking trail that will take 1–2 hours to walk. The trail is stony but feasible for most walkers.
The lake itself lies below snow-capped summits, making for a stark visual contrast. As it’s in Northern Norway, summer is the ideal time to visit because of accessibility and light.
8. Iskjørkja – Fåvang
Iskjørkja, or the “Ice Church,” occurs naturally during winter in mountains around Fåvang, Innlandet County. Water dripping from the mountainside freezes into cathedral-shaped walls of ice. It’s only open January to March and involves a strenuous uphill hike, usually wearing crampons or traction shoes.
This seasonal ice structure is not heavily publicized and usually only known by locals or winter hiking clubs. It offers a very special and serene experience in a natural ice cave.
9. Fjellhaugvatnet – Kvinnherad
Found in Hordaland County, Fjellhaugvatnet is a mountain lake surrounded by pristine forest and rocky ridgelines. Getting to the lake requires a moderately difficult hike from the village of Rosendal. The path passes through forest, then breaks into alpine landscape.
It’s seldom crowded, even in high season. There are no amenities at the lake, so it’s ideal for those who are willing to backpack in and out all their gear.
10. Mølen – Larvik
Mølen is Norway’s biggest pebble beach, in the Larvik municipality. It’s not only a beach—Mølen is a UNESCO Global Geopark and archaeological site. There are more than 230 Bronze Age burial cairns along the site, as well as smooth glacial-crafted stones.
The ground is flat and simple to walk around, with designated walking trails and informational signs. Birders frequent Mølen to spot more than 300 species that migrate along the coast. It’s open year-round.
11. Skjomen – Narvik Region
Skjomen is a fjord south of Narvik, not as popular as Norway’s well-known western fjords. It is steep mountain walls, waterfalls, and the Frostisen glacier, one of Norway’s biggest. Fishing, mountaineering, and trekking are favorite activities here.
Petroglyphs more than 7,000 years old have also been discovered in the area. Since it’s located in the northern region, the place has Midnight Sun during summer and Northern Lights during winter. It has basic facilities, so independent travelers are best advised.
12. Trollgarden – Rogaland
Trollgarden is a 2-kilometer natural rock wall in the Frafjordheiane terrain. The natural rock formation is a glacial moraine—rocks deposited on top of a ridge in a ridge-like pattern—estimated to be older than 10,000 years. People trek from a car park close to Frafjord.
It is a moderately demanding walk with rock ground. The “Trollgarden” is named after Norwegian troll folklore where trolls were thought to construct stone fences. It is now a serene location that has nature enthusiasts and geology fans flocking to it.
13. Ytste Skotet – Sunnmøre
Ytste Skotet is a historic mountain farm located well up above the Storfjord. It can only be reached by boat or a steep path. The farm is run as a living museum with employees that show authentic Norwegian farming methods.
There is no road, no shops, and no Wi-Fi—so this is definitely a digital detox holiday. Guests can tour the farm buildings, participate in bread-baking or storytelling sessions, and enjoy panoramic views of the fjord.
14. Knivsflå – Geirangerfjord
Knivsflå is a historic abandoned farm located on a mountainside above Geirangerfjord. It’s accessible only by ferry or kayak, followed by a steep hike. The trail offers views of the Seven Sisters waterfall, which flows down the cliffs near the farm.
Knivsflå was abandoned in the late 1800s due to landslide risk, but the buildings have been preserved. This site provides a quiet and historical alternative to the busy Geiranger lookout points.
15. Urke and Sæbø – Sunnmøre Alps
Urke and Sæbø are tiny villages that lie about the Hjørundfjord. Local trekkers visit these places but international tourists usually tend to overlook them. From Urke, you can find paths that take you into the Sunnmøre Alps.
These treks vary in their difficulty level from moderate to tough, yet the returns on scenic beauty are stunning – jagged peaks and serene fjord below. Sæbø also has a tiny ferry harbor and serves as a good base for local traveling.
16. Finnskogen – Innlandet/Viken Border
Finnskogen, or “The Forest of the Finns,” is a wooded district on the Swedish border. It’s famous for its cultural heritage related to Finnish immigrants from the 1600s. The region is networked with remote footpaths, old farmhouses, and wood saunas.
Unlike Norway’s coastline or mountains, this inner country provides serene forest isolation, wildlife spotting (such as moose and lynx), and cultural self-guided tours. It’s perfect for slow travelers and nature photographers.
17. Jettegrytene i Nissedal – Telemark
Jettegrytene are big natural potholes created by glacial streams, situated in the mountainous region around Nissedal. Smooth, round rock pools with a circular nature draw summer tourists for wild swimming and picnics.
The venue is open and offers a system of safe walking trails. A few of the pools are deep enough for swimming, while others create shallow basins perfect for families. Since the location is inland, the water might be warmer in summer than Norway’s fjords or coast.
18. Åmotan Vannfossen – Sunndal
Åmotan is a concealed canyon where five rivers conflate and plunge into a deep canyon, forming several waterfalls in one location. Found in Sunndal, Møre og Romsdal, the site belongs to a national protected landscape. Marked walking trails allow guests to view from above and below the falls.
Wooden bridges and nature paths take you through the land. While beautiful, Åmotan is little known and experiences low traffic during other than peak summer.
19. Veiholmen – Smøla Island
Veiholmen is a fishing village on the northernmost point of Smøla, an island off Kristiansund’s coast. One of Norway’s biggest fishing communities, it is now a picturesque blend of converted boathouses, cafes serving local food, and sea views. You can access it via a long causeway from the mainland.
Bird-watching and kayaking are popular here, particularly during spring and autumn migrations. The flat landscape contrasts sharply with Norway’s fjords and mountains, offering a different visual experience.
20. Innerdalen Valley – Trøndelag
Many refer to Innerdalen as Norway’s most stunning valley, but not many foreign tourists know about it. The valley is lined with piercing peaks such as Innerdalstårnet and can be accessed via a gravel road and 30-minute hike.
It’s perfect for day hiking, cabin retreats, and wildlife observation. The valley lies within a protected landscape region and has no motor vehicles except at the entrance. One can stay in authentic mountain lodges or set up tents for wilderness camping.
Conclusion
Norway’s off-the-beaten-path destinations provide a travel experience that is worlds away from the usual tourist trail. From Lyngen Alps glacier lakes to ancient mountain farms such as Ytste Skotet, each off-the-beaten-path destination uncovers an additional layer of Norwegian nature, history, and culture.
These sites are usually a bit more effort to get to—hiking, driving bad roads, or riding local ferries—but the reward is more than worth the effort. You’ll find quiet trails, stunning views, and local stories that don’t appear in guidebooks.
For travelers who value authenticity, adventure, and space to explore freely, these under-the-radar spots provide something rare: the chance to experience Norway the way Norwegians do. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning for a deeper look, consider adding a few of these hidden locations to your itinerary.
You’ll skip the tourists, be contributing to smaller communities, and have a more intimate relationship with this incredible nation. Best Places to Travel in Norway got so much more to it than its most snapped spots—and now you know where to find it.
