5 Gems in Norway You've (Probably) Never Heard Of

When people think of Norway, the same few names tend to pop up: Oslo, Bergen, maybe the Lofoten Islands or the famous Geirangerfjord. And sure – those places are stunning. But there’s so much more to Norway than the mainstream travel circuit. This guide is all about those off-the-radar gems that offer something truly special, minus the crowds. Think cozy mountain towns with centuries of history, a staircase straight into the clouds, fjord-side villages you can only reach by boat, and landscapes that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a fantasy novel. And the best part? Every one of these places is reachable by train or ferry – because slow, scenic, sustainable travel is what makes Norway shine. Ready to ditch the tourist trail and explore Norway like a local adventurer? Let’s go find your next favorite place.

Flørli

The World's Longest Wooden Staircase

If you're chasing off-the-beaten-path adventures in Norway, Flørli is one of those magical spots that’ll steal your heart. Nestled deep in the Lysefjord, this tiny, car-free village is only reachable by boat – but trust me, it's worth the journey.

Start your journey by hopping on the train to Stavanger, a charming little coastal city. From there, you’ll take a bus to Strand Rådhus, and then to Forsand Kai. Finally hop on a ferry floating along the Lysefjord. Sailing past vertical cliff faces, cascading waterfalls, and deep blue water is pure magic. Once you reach Flørli’s little dock you will be flanked by old power station buildings turned into cozy hostels, wildflowers growing everywhere, and fjord views that’ll make you forget the rest of the world.

The star of the show here? The 4,444 wooden steps – the world’s longest wooden staircase! Originally built as part of the old hydropower plant system, this wooden staircase winds its way up the mountain next to the pipe system that once fueled the village. It’s a tough climb, but the views over the fjord as you go up are absolutely unreal. You’ll feel like you're floating above Norway. Let the view take your breath away, as the fjord glitters below like a mirror, framed by pine trees and mountains. Once you’ve descended, reward yourself with a dip in the fjord or chill by the old hydropower station that’s now a cozy café and museum. They serve homemade waffles and hot chocolate that taste like heaven after the hike!

Flørli has serious slow-travel vibes. No cars, no noise – just waterfalls, wildflowers, wood cabins and space to breathe.

Røros

The World Heritage Fairytale Town

Røros - Bosc d'Anjou

Picture colorful wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and cozy cafés where everyone seems to know each other’s name. This tiny mountain town is full of charm, history, and snowy magic in winter — but it’s just as gorgeous and peaceful in summer, surrounded by green hills and endless sky. It’s not your typical stop on the Norway route, and that’s exactly why you need to go.

One of the reasons I love Røros so much is how chill the journey is. You can catch a Rørosbanen train from Trondheim, and the ride is about 2.5 hours — which is spent in the calming company of fjords, forests, and lakes. It’s slow travel at its finest. From the station, you’re basically right in town. No stress, no long transfers, just you, your backpack, and some dreamy landscapes.

Røros is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and once you’re there, you’ll totally get why. It used to be a big copper mining town back in the 1600s, and somehow it’s managed to keep all that rustic character while adding a touch of artsy charm. The buildings are all made of timber, and there are these little courtyards and alleyways that make exploring super fun. In winter, it turns into a snowy wonderland, and in summer you can hike, bike, and even meet local reindeer herders. Locals take pride in keeping things traditional and local on the dining table. If you’re a foodie with a love for sustainability, Røros will make your heart (and belly) very happy.

If you love slow mornings and meaningful cultural experiences, Røros is calling your name. It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, and anyone looking to step away from tourist crowds. This little town is pure Nordic magic.

Åndalsnes & Rampestreken

Norway’s Mountain Gateway

Rampestreken - Vova Shevchuk

Tucked into the end of a fjord and surrounded by steep mountains, Åndalsnes feels like a hidden basecamp for outdoor lovers. And the best part? It’s the final stop on one of the most scenic train rides in the world. This place isn’t just pretty – it’s jaw dropping.

You’ll want to hop on the Raumabanen, a dreamy train line that runs from Dombås to Åndalsnes. If you're coming from Oslo or Trondheim, just change at Dombås and you’re golden. It’s a short ride – under 2 hours – but every minute is packed with views: soaring cliffs, wild rivers, and that iconic stone bridge over the Rauma River. There are also buses from Molde or Ålesund if you’re exploring the coast. Everything connects super smoothly, so it's stress-free and sustainable.

The must-see treasure of this route is Rampestreken. It’s a steel lookout platform that juts out of the mountain, 537 meters above the town. Getting there is a challenging but rewarding hike – about 1.5 hours up through forest trails and stone steps. Once you arrive? Total wow-moment. The views of the fjord, the mountains, and the tiny toy-town below will leave you speechless, and probably with a full camera roll. If you’re not here to hike, you can take the Romsdalsgondolen – a cable car that lifts you up to Nesaksla mountain in a short while, where you can still access the viewpoint and grab a bite with a view at the mountaintop café.

If you want something ridiculously scenic – Åndalsnes should be on your radar. It's perfect for anyone looking for a reset in nature. Come for the train ride, stay for the hike, and leave with a full heart. This gem in Norway definitely deserves to be called a quiet legend.

Telemarkkanalen & Dalen

Drifting Along Historic Canals

Telemark Canal Vidar Moløkken - Visit Norway

If you’ve ever wanted to travel like it's still the 1800s (in the best way possible), let me introduce you to a favorite find in Norway: the Telemark Canal and the fairytale village of Dalen. This area is like stepping into a Norwegian postcard – old-school charm, calm waters, and serious hygge vibes.

So here’s the fun part – getting to Dalen is the adventure. Start by taking a train from Oslo to Bø or Lunde, both on the Sørlandsbanen line. From there, hop on a local bus to Ulefoss or Lunde, depending on where you want to board the canal boat. Yep, there are old-fashioned canal boats (like MS Henrik Ibsen or MS Victoria) that cruise slowly along the Telemarkskanalen – through a series of hand-operated locks, waterfalls, and serene green landscapes. It’s pure magic and the most relaxing way to arrive somewhere, ever.

This region is all about the journey – think narrow canal locks, forested valleys, and tiny villages that haven’t changed much in a century. And then there’s Dalen, a tiny mountain town at the end of the canal that feels straight out of a fantasy novel. The Dalen Hotel is an essential part of your visit – a wildly ornate wooden hotel from 1894 that looks like it belongs in a Wes Anderson film. Even if you don’t stay the night, grab a coffee or cake in their salon and just feel like a movie character. There are also amazing hikes around the area, especially up to Rui-plassen, an old farm with a killer view and a backstory about two sisters who used to walk to Oslo. Like, WHAT?! Plus, kayaking, swimming, and loads of cozy picnic spots if you just want to chill by the water.

This destination is ideal if you’re into history, boats, and foresty fairytales — or just want a break from busy tourist hubs. This is a place for soaking it all in, one peaceful canal lock at a time.

Jotunheimen via Lom

Nature Lovers’ Epic Playground

View in Jotunheimen - Terje Rakke - Visit Norway

Feed your craving for dramatic landscapes, glacier-fed rivers, and the kind of fresh mountain air that hits different, and check out Jotunheimen National Park via the adorable village of Lom. This area is a dream if you love hiking, wild swimming, or staring at massive peaks and wondering if you could, maybe, live in a cabin forever. Jotunheimen literally means “Home of the Giants” – and the mountains live up to the name.

From Oslo or Trondheim, take the train to Otta Station – the journey itself is beautiful and perfect for daydreaming out the window. From Otta, jump on a bus heading to Lom (they run regularly in the summer months). It’s a smooth ride and super affordable. Once you're in Lom, you’re basically at the gateway to Jotunheimen. Bonus: Lom itself is so cute, with bakeries, local craft shops, and even a Viking-style stave church that makes for amazing pictures.

This region is for people who want the real Norway. Jotunheimen is home to Norway’s highest mountains, including Galdhøpiggen (the tallest!) and Besseggen Ridge, a must-do hike with lake views that literally look photoshopped. You can also book glacier hikes with local guides if you’re looking for a unique adventure (and don’t worry, they provide the gear). When searching for a meal everything feels super grounded and authentic, since the village has a strong focus on sustainability and local ingredients.

Jotunheimen via Lom is ideal for travelers who want to connect with nature. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just want to try something new, there’s something here for every level of adventure. If you’re looking for that “wow, I feel alive” kind of travel experience – this is it!

Map of Hidden Gems in Norway

06.05.2025