Explore some of Fjord Norway’s most photographed places! Here are great tips for places you’re guaranteed to take fabulous photos:
Maybe you’re not that interested in getting likes and hearts on social media (or maybe you are) but we all like taking beautiful photos to admire once we are back from our holiday, right?
Mount Fløyen is the favourite mountain among locals and visitors alike. It’s easy to get to from the city centre, whether you take the Fløibanen funicular to the top or walk up. There are beautiful views of the city centre, out to the suburbs and of the sea and Askøy.
Kinnaklova is a unique landmark on the island of Kinn outside Florø. The mountain has been split in two, probably due to erosion. Kinnaklova makes for a great photo from a distance, but you can also walk to the top.
The viewpoint Ørnesvingen is situated on Norwegian Scenic Route Geiranger-Trollstigen, at the top of the hairpin bends from Geiranger to Eidsdal. The viewing platform was built as part of the Norwegian Public Roads Administration’s Scenic Route project, and it offers amazing views of the Geirangerfjord, the surrounding mountains, the Seven Sisters waterfalls and the mountain farm Knivsflå. The viewing platform is 620 metres above sea level, and has even incorporated its very own waterfall.
Vøringsfossen is one of Norway’s most visited tourist attractions. Now that the new addition to the waterfall has opened – a footbridge over the waterfall that is guaranteed to give you an adrenaline rush, it won’t be receiving fewer visitors! It’s easy to understand why: the waterfall cascades 145 metres down to the valley below and is an impressive sight.
The Rising Tide, a sculpture by Jason DeCaires Taylor, is situated in the sea in Kvalsvik north of Haugesund. The work of art used to stand in the Thames in London, and puts the spotlight on climate change and our dependence on fossil fuels. In addition to highlighting a highly relevant issue, the sculpture is both beautiful and surprising.
Being in Hjelle, a village beside Strynsvatnet lake at the start of Norwegian Scenic Route Gamle Strynefjellsvegen, is like being in a national romantic painting. Hjelle is one of the places that is simply breathtaking, with its emerald green lake and towering snow-peaked mountains. The old shop at Hjelle from 1882 is situated down beside the lake, in front of the hotel, and has undoubtedly featured in many, many photos up through the years.
The Strynefjellsvegen road is closed in winter, but you can drive part of the way up from Hjelle to Jøl bridge. This old stone-vault bridge is rather difficult to spot, but a new viewpoint is planned that will make the fantastic structure from 1883 visible in the terrain.
Høse bridge was built as part of Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, and is a footbridge that crosses the river Suldalsvlågen, right above Sandsfossen waterfall. There is a lovely area for walks on the other side of the river. The bridge looks particularly attractive when it’s dark thanks to the lighting, and its design has attracted a lot of attention.
Stegastein is a viewing platform that juts out 30 metres from the mountainside, 650 metres above the fjord. The platform is spectacular in itself, and the view you get when you stand and lean against the glass fence is breathtaking. The platform is part of Norwegian Scenic Route Aurlandsfjellet, and there is a sightseeing bus from Flåm up to the platform.
Swords in rock is the national monument marking that it was here, in Hafrsfjord outside Stavanger, that Harald Fairhair united Norway into one kingdom in 872. The monument comprises three swords plunged into the ground, representing peace, unity and freedom. The monument is lit up in the evening, and is in a beautiful location in a popular recreational area beside the Hafrsfjord.
Huldefossen is situated beside the E39 road some distance outside Førde, and is easy to get to. The waterfall has a 90-metre drop in three stages, and it is always shrouded in mist, which makes it a great motif for photos. The locals used to call it Huldrefossen (hulder means wood nymph) and it was associated with natural mysticism and wood nymphs.
Bondhusvatnet lake and Bondhusbreen glacier, which is situated at one end of the lake, has been a popular destination since the mid-1800s. There is a good road up to the lake, and people with prams etc. and powerful wheelchairs can make it up. It is beautiful in sunshine and rain alike!
We alle love a good swing, whether it is the sensation of being weightless, the gentle swaying or the childhood memories. “Hangurshusko” is located 820 masl near the hillside of the mountain, and it definitely awakens the butterflies in your belly. The swing is on the path starting right by the top station of Voss Gondol. This is an easy walk that is suitable for all ages, and you can even bring a stroller..
The bird island Runde is situated off Ålesund, and is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers during the nesting season. The island is also a great destination in autumn, and if you’re lucky, you may even see a sea eagle. We recommend a walk to the historic lighthouse. The lighthouse keepers’ house is now a Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) cabin, and the perfect place to experience the forces of nature. There are great photo opportunities all over the island, against a backdrop of wild nature and the ocean.
The hike up to Rampestreken (which means ‘high jinks in English), viewpoint at Nesaksla in Åndalsnes, quickly became a firm favourite after it was built. The hike up is great in itself, and the viewpoint really dots the ‘i’, and is a truly lofty experience with fantastic views of fjords and mountains. The platform is 20 metres long and juts 8 metres out into thin air, so you should rein in your vertigo before you venture out on it!