Explore Stunning Places To Visit Near Norway For Fjords, Quiet Trails, History, And Natural Beauty

Scenic Cochem Germany, a charming town and one of the best places to visit near Norway.

From fjords to forests, Norway invokes wonder, but your travel options don’t stop there; plenty of amazing places to visit near Norway provide an excellent mix of rich cultures, spectacular scenery, and unique experiences. Whether you are drawn to the stylish streets of Stockholm, the artistic energy of Copenhagen, or the wild remoteness of Iceland, each destination has its flavour. Travelling between these nearby destinations is easy with short flights and healthy connections. The countries near Norway complement its charm, providing unforgettable distinctions to your Scandinavian trip.

10 Places To Visit Near Norway

Travelling to places to visit near Norway provides you with a rich blend of Nordic charm, historic cities, and natural wonders within a short travelling distance.

1. Sweden

Peaceful Gäddede Sweden, a hidden gem among the best places to visit near Norway.

Photo: Jon Flobrant / Unsplash

Sweden is Norway’s nearest neighbour and has an interesting mix of nature, history, and urban modernity. You can take a short scenic drive (or train trip) from Oslo to Gothenburg’s lovely canals or Stockholm’s beautiful archipelago, with the highlights of the Vasa Museum, Royal Palace, and ABBA Museum all there. Stockholm is a city built on 14 islands. In the north, you can enjoy all the Arctic activities, dog sledging, ice hotels, and the northern lights that Swedish Lapland has to offer. On the opposite spectrum of all the excitement is the medieval town of Visby or the refreshing lakes of Dalarna; there is a quieter side to Sweden.

Distance From Norway: 386 km by air
Top Attractions: Stockholm, Gothenburg, Abisko National Park

2. Denmark

Colorful buildings and waterfront view of Copenhagen, Denmark’s vibrant capital city.

Photo: Ava Coploff / Unsplash

Denmark offers royal traditions, cutting-edge design, and easy-going seaside flair, and is only a quick flight or ferry across the sea to Norway. The capital, Copenhagen, has such iconic sights as the harbour of Nyhavn, the statue of The Little Mermaid, and Tivoli Gardens. It is also a centre of Scandinavian food, Michelin restaurants, and cool street food spots. Outside Copenhagen, visit the Viking Ship Museum at Roskilde or the fictional town of Odense, where Hans Christian Andersen was born. The mix of history, hygge, and modernity contributes to Denmark being one of the most joyous destinations, next to Norway, when it comes to travelling both in sight and in comfort.

Distance From Norway: 484 km by air
Top Attractions: Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens, Roskilde

3. Finland

Helsinki Cathedral in Finland, a stunning landmark among places to visit near Norway.

Photo: Tapio Haaja / Unsplash

Finland is one of the most soothing places to visit near Norway. Helsinki, the fashionable capital, is a mixture of neoclassical design and modern architecture, with the coast. See such attractions as the Helsinki Cathedral, the Market Square, and the new Oodi Library. Surreal winters take place in Finnish Lapland, particularly for nature lovers following husky sledge transport, reindeer interaction, and glass igloos under the northern lights in Rovaniemi. The summer in the Lakeland area presents tranquil canoeing, trekking in the woods, and unlimited sunlight. The process of the so-called sauna culture, common in almost every household and hotel, makes the place even more relaxing.

Distance From Norway: 767 km by air
Top Attractions: Helsinki, Rovaniemi, Lake Saimaa

4. Iceland

Scenic view of Akureyri, Iceland’s charming town surrounded by mountains and fjords.

Photo: Josh Reid / Unsplash

Iceland is a fascinating destination that can be easily accessed by flying through Norway in a couple of hours, despite the separation, which is carried across the North Atlantic. The quirky and colourful country capital, Reykjavik, is the point of your entry into Iceland’s surreal landscapes. Visit geothermal attractions, such as the Blue Lagoon, the Geysir erupting geysers, and the tumbling Gullfoss waterfall, as part of the Golden Circle tour. Go to the south to find black sand beaches in Vik, or go on a glacier walk on Sólheimajokull. The Snæfellsnes peninsula and the glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón are cinematic, and the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights makes the experience even more magical.

Distance From Norway: 1446 km by air
Top Attractions: Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, Vik

5. Germany

Historic Speyer Cathedral in Germany, one of the remarkable places to visit near Norway.

Photo: Roman Eisele / Wikimedia Commons

Germany is a place with a rich history, architecture, and nature, situated just a short flight from Norway. However, it is also a country where you can experience the gritty street art in Berlin, see world-class museums, travel to historical sites like the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate, and you can experience world-famous Oktoberfest celebrations, great views of the Alps, and a walk through the Magic of the Neuschwanstein Castle. You can walk around many romantic and magically medieval towns while driving down the Rhine Valley with its beautiful views of the valleys of wine and shire-like fairy-tale towns. The Black Forest is a great destination for nature walks, along with smaller, quaint towns and villages to stay overnight.

Distance From Norway: 1318 km by air
Top Attractions: Berlin, Neuschwanstein Castle, Rhine Valley

6. The Netherlands

Colourful canal houses along Damrak Avenue in Amsterdam with water reflecting golden hour light.

Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons

The Netherlands promises colours of the cities, artistic history, and famous nature – all that can be reached after a 1.5-hour plane trip from Norway and the Netherlands. Amsterdam is magical with its labyrinthine canals, old houses, and world-famous museums such as the Rijksmuseum and Van Gogh Museum. Book a bike to ride the city like a local or a boat tour to have a new look. In addition to Amsterdam, you can visit the beautiful cities of Utrecht and Haarlem, or you can marvel at the fields of tulips during springtime in Keukenhof. The windmills of Kinderdijk and the typical villages such as Volendam provide an insight into the Dutch culture.

Distance From Norway: 1088 km by air
Top Attractions: Amsterdam, Keukenhof, Kinderdijk

7. United Kingdom

Palace of Westminster in London, a historic site among places to visit near Norway.

Photo: Colin / Wikimedia Commons

The United Kingdom has history, great landscapes, and famous sites – all a quick flight away from Norway. London is full of iconic attractions (i.e., Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, British Museum), while Edinburgh is rich in medieval history and traffic jams – admittedly freeing up time for castle views. The Lake District shows beautiful hills and lakes, and the cliffs and beaches in Cornwall provide a beautiful landscape by the sea. It has numerous traditions, just as many, and is relatively easy to visit, making it one of the most culturally rewarding tourist attractions near Norway.

Distance From Norway: 1181 km by air
Top Attractions: London, Edinburgh, Lake District

8. Estonia

Historic Church of St. Nicholas in Tallinn, Estonia with medieval architecture and towers.

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons

Estonia, across the Baltic Sea, is a unique mix of medieval charm and digital revolution. Estonia is perfect for travellers who want a travel experience away from the typical destinations around Norway. The capital, Tallinn, is home to one of the best-preserved Old Towns in Europe, including cobbled streets, Gothic towers, and amazing squares. You can climb Toompea Hill to get the best view in town, and enjoy the café culture or start-up culture happening in the city. Outside of the capital, you can enjoy the natural beauty of Lahemaa National Park or relax on the peaceful and quiet island of Saaremaa. Estonia is also a clean country, a low-cost destination, and a quiet place to visit.

Distance From Norway: 817 km by air
Top Attractions: Tallinn, Lahemaa National Park, Saaremaa

9. Poland

Basilica of Our Lady of Licheń in Poland, one of the grand places to visit near Norway.

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons

Poland consists of a rich history, animated urban areas, and excellent value, all with a short travel time. Kraków is magical with its old medieval city, Wawel Castle, and the Jewish Quarter. Much of Warsaw is modern, mixed with heart-touching World War II monuments, and Gdańsk has colourful pastel-toned facades and the Baltic Sea views. Nature lovers can have an escape using the Tatra Mountains and the Bialowieza Forest, which are very beautiful. Pierogi, zapiekanka, and thick stews are part and parcel of the lifestyle of Poland, itself a cultural experience. Poland is one of the richest attractions near Norway.

Distance From Norway: 1078 km by air
Top Attractions: Kraków, Warsaw, Gdańsk

10. Latvia

House of Blackheads and St. Peter’s Church tower in Riga, Latvia city center.

Photo: Diliff / Wikimedia Commons

Situated along the Baltic Coast, the quiet yet happening country of Latvia is a destination that can easily be accessed within 2 hours of Norway. The capital Riga itself is renowned as the centre of Art Nouveau buildings, the cobblestone Old Town, and an energetic combination of cafes, markets, and music clubs. Do not forget about the Riga Central Market and walking along the Daugava River. Jurmala, located just beyond the city, has sandy beaches and pine forests, an ideal location to spend summer. To nature lovers, the Gauja National Park offers hiking routes, historical castles, and lush greenery.

Distance From Norway: 888 km by air
Top Attractions: Riga, Jurmala, Gauja National Park

Traveling from Norway opens up a world of cultures and adventures. Explore cosmopolitan Sweden, charming Denmark, and wild Finland—each with unique stories. These nearby places are ideal for quick weekend trips or extended multi-country tours, all convenient and efficient. Whether you seek bustling capitals or peaceful escapes by the border, there’s something for everyone. Ready to discover? Plan your next journey today with TripXL.

Cover Photo: Kai Pilger / Unsplash

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can take direct trains from Oslo to Stockholm and Gothenburg in Sweden. For other destinations, you will likely need to make connections, but travel by train is still very scenic and relaxing to see Norway and beyond.
Sweden, Finland, and Iceland are excellent countries for nature enthusiasts. Here you can visit forests, lakes, volcanoes, and wildlife in all applicable climates, not too far from Norway.
Norway is next to Sweden, Finland, and Russia. But the most friendly countries to consider visiting that are nearby are certainly Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. They all allow for easy travel, whether driving, taking the train, ferry, or flying, with plenty of opportunities to go for a day or weekend trip to explore culture just hours away!
If you are in Norway on a Schengen visa, then if you want to visit Sweden, Denmark, or Finland, those are all nearby Schengen countries, so you can visit all of them without worrying about acquiring a separate respective visa. Keep in mind that you should always check and confirm the latest entry requirements based on your nationality prior to planning an international trip.
Yes, road trips from Norway to Sweden or Finland are quite popular. With well-maintained highways, open borders in the Schengen Area, and gas prices here compared to North America, a cross-country trip to take in some stunning scenery is ultra-smooth and convenient as well. Cross-border car rental companies will often allow it, so check before booking your car rental.
Ferries exist to connect Norway to Germany and Denmark, especially from Oslo and Kristiansand. Ferries are decent alternatives to flying because they provide some stunning views as you are travelling overseas, at night, there's the possibility of having a meal on board, and overnight accommodation options are available with cabins.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month