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Norway’s islands are a true marvel for travellers, offering a combination of unspoiled landscapes and vibrant culture. Norway, the capital of which is Oslo, lies in Northern Europe on the Scandinavian Peninsula, bounded by Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Oslo is located at the head of the Oslo Fjord and is a lively hub of culture, business, and innovation. Oslo is renowned for its green parks, nautical culture, and cultural scene. Norway is famous for its northern lights, midnight sun, and Viking heritage, and it is a country where nature drama is found around every corner, promising unforgettable encounters to all travellers.
10 Islands In Norway
The Norwegian islands call you to witness unspoiled beauty, exciting adventures, and peaceful oases in a single trip.
1. Senja
Photo: Chmee2 / Wikimedia Commons
Senja, Norway’s second-largest Island, is an aurora hunter’s and nature enthusiast’s dream. Picturesque mountains with rugged ridges preside over profound fjords, and the Senja National Tourist Route is gorgeous. Visitors can trek up the mythic Segla mountain for breathtaking scenery, visit charming fishing villages such as Husøy, and witness the spectacular northern lights during winter. Senja’s raw landscapes and peaceful surroundings are the best places to seek adventure and serenity.
Location: Troms og Finnmark fylke, North Norway
Nearest Airport: Bardufoss Airport (69 km)
2. Lofoten Islands
Photo: Virtual-Pano / Wikimedia Commons
Lofoten Islands are among Norway’s most celebrated Islands, featuring mountainous peaks, white sandy beaches, and brightly painted fishing villages. Explorers can hike the Reinebringen trail for ridgeway views, kayak turquoise-colored fjords, and visit the Viking Museum in Borg. The islands’ unique light and wild beauty attract photographers from all over the world. At the same time, Rorbu cabins offer a glimpse into local culture.
Location: Nordland county, above the Arctic Circle
Nearest Airport: Leknes Airport (5 km), Svolvær Airport (10 km)
3. Averøy
Averøy, Norway’s top Island for motorists, is renowned for the Atlantic Ocean Road, a chain of bridges over islets with stunning ocean vistas. Both bikers and motorists enjoy the rush of this engineering marvel, pulling up to fish, picnic, or just absorb. The Island also boasts ancient stave churches and enigmatic sea caves, a blend of natural and cultural attractions that intrigue every traveller.
Location: Møre og Romsdal fylke, Western Norway
Nearest Airport: Kristiansund Airport (30 km)
4. Karmøy
Photo: Mark Voigt / Wikimedia Commons
Karmøy is Norway’s most beautiful Island for beach lovers and history buffs. Avaldsnes, the ancient royal seat of the Island, and the Viking Farm, where you get to experience the thrill of reconstructed longhouses, testify to its rich past. Intact beaches such as Åkrasanden are perfect for unwinding or exploring Skudeneshavn’s old town, famous for its white wooden houses.
Location: Rogaland county, southwestern Norway
Nearest Airport: Haugesund Airport (15 km)
5. Hinnøya
Photo: Ximonic / Wikimedia Commons
Hinnøya, Norway’s largest Island, is a paradise for fjord and outdoor enthusiasts. One can kayak, sail through Vesterålen’s archipelago, trek in Møysalen National Park, or spot whales and sea eagles. The town of Harstad provides cultural experiences, while the Island’s mountains and forests offer endless opportunities for discovery. Hinnøya’s expansive and diverse landscape guarantees every visit to be different and unforgettable.
Location: Nordland and Troms og Finnmark counties
Nearest Airport: Harstad/Narvik Airport (55 km)
6. Magerøya
Photo: Arnstein Rønning / Wikimedia Commons
Magerøya is one of Norway’s stunning Islands because of its untamed Arctic scenery and the legendary North Cape, the tip of Europe. Tourists can walk on rocky outcrops, visit the fishing community of Honningsvåg, and see reindeer grazing on the tundra. Summer midnight sun and winter northern lights provide a fairytale landscape, and each journey to Magerøya is an Arctic experience with moments of wonder.
Location: Troms og Finnmark county, way up north
Nearest Airport: Honningsvåg Airport (5 km)
7. Runde Island
Photo: Ranveig / Wikimedia Commons
One of Norway’s best-known Islands for nature enthusiasts and birdlife, Runde Island boasts colourful puffin colonies and view-enjoying cliffs above the Atlantic. The Island’s brightly colored fishermen’s cottages can be found on foot, picturesque trails can be hiked, and the serene seaside setting can be enjoyed. Runde Island’s distinctive wildlife and tranquil character make it a popular holiday spot for adventure and relaxation.
Location: Møre og Romsdal fylke, Western Norway
Nearest Airport: Ålesund Airport (65 km)
8. Giske Kelp Forests
Photo: GangerRolf / Wikimedia Commons
Giske is one of Norway’s best-kept secrets, perfect for divers, snorkelers, and those seeking tranquillity. Snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with kelp forests and marine life, or visit the medieval Giske Church. The Island’s grassy hills, tranquil roads, and beaches are a haven to unwind close to Ålesund. They are perfect for cycling, unwinding, and immersing in local heritage.
Location: Møre og Romsdal county, close to Ålesund
Nearest Airport: Ålesund Airport (10 km)
9. Værøy
Photo: ZorroIII / Wikimedia Commons
Værøy, a member of the Lofoten archipelago, is one of Norway’s most beautiful Islands to wild camp and experience the midnight sun. Camp on green cliffs, hike to the abandoned village of Måstad, and watch puffins soar over cerulean bays. The Island’s hidden charm and rugged landscapes create a nature enthusiast’s haven with a sense of isolation and wonder that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Location: Nordland county, Lofoten Islands
Nearest Airport: Bodø Airport
10. Andøya
Photo: Ximonic (Simo Räsänen) / Wikimedia Commons
Andøya is one of Norway’s best Islands for nature lovers and photographers. Drive the National Tourist Route for breathtaking sea views, go to Bleik Beach, and go on a whale safari off Andenes. The Island’s harsh Arctic landscape, pristine beaches, and regular northern lights show offer a photographer’s paradise for taking images of unforgettable memories and observing Norway’s raw natural beauty.
Location: Nordland county, Vesterålen archipelago
Nearest Airport: Andøya Airport (2 km)
Islands in Norway are a tapestry of natural wonders, cultural treasures, and mythical experiences in the making. Norway’s islands, ranging from mythical Lofoten and aurora-soaked Senja to Runde’s rugged shores and Viking-tinted Karmøy, offer a unique mixture of breathtaking appearance and exciting adventures. Whether cycling along the Atlantic Ocean Road, camping under the midnight sun, or snorkelling through kelp forests, Norwegian islands promise an experience of a lifetime to all travellers. Plan a trip with TripXL.
Cover Photo: stein egil liland / Pexels
