Exploring Norway’s Hidden Gems: 6 Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations

Venturing off the beaten path in Norway is easy. Did you know Norway has a larger area than Germany? However, we only have 5 million inhabitants, unlike Germany’s 83 million. In other words, there’s plenty of free space to roam, and you don’t have to travel far to become one with nature. Here are our 6 favorite places from south to north, so you can embark on an off-the-beaten-path adventure you’ll never forget!

1. Jomfruland
*Location: Kragerø, Telemark*

Kragerø has long been recognized as a coastal gem along the joyful Southern Norway, and the Kragerø archipelago offers great views and fantastic swimming spots. At the outermost part of the archipelago lies Jomfruland, a true natural gem that was designated a national park in 2016. The famous painting Nøkken by Theodor Kittelsen was painted at Tårntjernet on Jomfruland, and several well-known artists have drawn much inspiration from the beautiful island. Jomfruland has a varied landscape even though it’s only 7.5 km long and 1 km at its widest. It’s teeming with bird life and other animals from the local farms. The island has about 70 permanent residents.

Jomfruland is best experienced by bike or on foot. Only permanent residents are allowed to drive cars on the island, but since there are so few people there, there’s very little traffic to find. Wander through oak forests, pebble beaches, sandy beaches, smooth rock slopes, and wetlands to take in all the elements – and finish it all with a refreshing swim. In spring, the wood anemones bloom densely throughout the oak forest, which is a fantastic experience. The island is an important part of Europe’s geology and belongs to the Gea Norvegica Geopark.

2. Nordre Øyeren Nature Reserve
*Location: Nordre Øyeren, Viken*

Not far from Oslo, you’ll find the Nordre Øyeren nature reserve, a hidden gem where you can get far away from Oslo’s hectic city life and the tourist crowds in the fjords. The nature reserve is Northern Europe’s largest inland delta and is fantastic for those seeking peace in nature. Here, you can head out on a paddle tour with a kayak, canoe, or SUP, or enjoy the view from the boat M/S Øyeren that goes around the delta.

Nordre Øyeren nature reserve is often referred to as “Norway’s Amazon” or “Norway’s Nile,” attracting many bird watchers. There are more than 270 bird species living in the area, with some of the largest being ospreys, sea eagles, hawks, and falcons. We offer the mirror-glass cabin WonderInn Delta in the area, providing panoramic views over the water’s edge. From the cabin, you can easily head out on the water or walk one of the many hiking trails – before you can lower your shoulders in your own jacuzzi with a view of the inland delta.

3. Western Norway’s Valleys
*Location: Innerdalen, near Trollheimen mountain area*

To get out into wild nature and deep valleys, you can visit beautiful valleys that lie like pearls on a string between Trollheimen and Dovre. These are Todalen, Innerdalen, Sunndalen, Litjdalen, Grødalen, and Eikesdalen. All places are off the beaten path but can still be reached by car if you wish to use a car on vacation. An even more wonderful experience is to cycle between the places or possibly embark on a hike over the mountains. After a trip through Norway’s most beautiful valleys, you will have enough pictures to create your own postcard exhibition, as the harmony between fjord and mountain is spectacular.

There are several accommodation options in DNT cabins along the beautiful valleys, and you will be able to have the mountain realm almost to yourself. You can also bring a tent to seek nature’s peace. These beautiful valleys are well-kept secrets as opposed to the popular nearby fjords in Geiranger and Sunnmøre and have much simpler peak tours than what you find in Dovrefjell a stone’s throw away.

4. The Borderland in the North
*Location: Eastern Finnmark*

Finnmark has established itself well for tourism thanks to Sami culture, reindeer, snowmobile driving, the midnight sun, and the northern lights. You will also find Nordkapp, Europe’s northernmost mainland point, in Finnmark. If you drive as far east as you can go, you will come to a very exciting area off the beaten path. You will find Treriksrøysa, the point where Norway, Finland, and Russia meet. This area is often called “The Borderland,” as you will find both the Finnish and Russian borders here. The local population in Eastern Finnmark stands out from the rest of Norway, as it is a wonderful blend of genuine North Norwegian culture melted together with Finnish and Russian elements.

In the border town of Kirkenes, you will see that all signs are written in both Norwegian and Russian, and there has been good cohesion between the two nations in the north for many years. Besides an exciting Norwegian history taking place in The Borderland, you can also join a king crab safari in Ytre Jarfjord. If you prefer to have the food served instead of freezing out at sea, you can visit the Finnish-Norwegian fishing village of Bugøynes where you can taste fresh seafood straight from the boat. As everywhere in Finnmark, you should take your time on the road, as roads are often blocked by reindeer out and about.

BONUS: Karasjok
*Location: Finnmark*

If you’ve already made it all the way to Eastern Finnmark, it’s wise to swing by Karasjok on your way back. Karasjok is the Sami capital of Norway, where about 80% of the inhabitants speak Sami. Only 3000 people live here, but Karasjok is also home to around 60,000 reindeer. In Karasjok, you can immerse yourself in Sami culture at the Sami Parliament, the Sami Center for Contemporary Art, and a large collection of Sami history.

5. Træna and Myken
*Location: Helgeland coast*

If you want to get far away from civilization but still meet people, there are few places as nice to visit as Træna and Myken. The small islands are located more than 60 kilometers off the Helgeland coast, and they have been inhabited for more than 6000 years. On Træna, you can climb Trænstaven or join the annual Træna Festival, which is internationally recognized and a magical experience under the midnight sun. Træna is home to under 500 inhabitants, while Myken can only boast a population of 11. On Myken, you will find a whisky distillery that must be tried if you come so far off the beaten path into the open sea.

6. Hustadvika
*Location: Møre og Romsdal*

Hustadvika municipality is

a large municipality with a low population in Møre og Romsdal. Here, three limestone caves filled with underground streams and waterfalls are hidden. It’s like stepping into another world, only 25 minutes from the popular Atlantic Road. Trollkirka, as the three caves are called, is a hidden gem located away from the tourist map. Through magical nature and spectacular cave formations, you will have an experience out of the ordinary.

One of the caves in Trollkirka has a beautiful waterfall that plunges 14 meters straight down into a marble pool. You will understand why it has been called Trollkirka, as the landscape truly is like taken from the world of trolls. After being enchanted in the caves, you can have a cup of coffee or eat a packed lunch by Trollkirkevatnet. This is an idyllic fishing and swimming lake with marble docks.