Norway: unearthly places where you'll catch your breath and take captivating photos
April 11, 2025
Norway is a land where nature has created a breathtaking spectacle - monumental fjords, majestic mountains and waterfalls falling from sky-high heights. It is here that some of the world's most photogenic vantage points are located, attracting both professional photographers and ordinary tourists looking to capture unearthly landscapes. Each of these points offers a unique experience and perspective, allowing you to see the raw beauty of Norwegian nature from a completely different angle. Let's discover together these unique places where time stops for a moment and the camera becomes an indispensable travel companion.
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Important viewpoints on the fjords
Norway is famous for its fjords, which cut deep into the land, creating some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. It is on their shores that scenic viewpoints have been created that remain in the memory of visitors forever.
Flydalsjuvet is one of Norway's most iconic viewpoints, located just a few kilometers from the picturesque village of Geiranger. The history of the site dates back to the 19th century, when the first tourists began arriving in the region to admire the spectacular Geirangerfjord. The name Flydalsjuvet comes from the Flydal valley and the word 'juvet', meaning abyss. What makes this place unique is the opportunity to admire the fjord from two different viewing platforms. The lower platform offers a classic view of the fjord with its distinctive curve and cruise ships, which has adorned countless postcards and promotional materials of Norway. The higher platform, equipped with safety barriers, allows you to look down on the abyss from a height of about 300 meters. According to local legends, the area around Flydalsjuvet was once home to trolls who turned to stone at the first rays of the sun - hence the numerous rock formations with fanciful shapes.
No less impressive is Ørnesvingen Viewpoint, also known as Eagle's Bend. This is a spectacular viewpoint located at one of the 11 sharp bends in the road leading from Geiranger to the Eidsdal plateau. The name is no coincidence - the spot is located at an altitude from which eagles can be observed gliding over the fjord. The viewpoint was modernized in 2006 by well-known Norwegian architects from 3RW, who created a modern platform perfectly integrated into the natural landscape. It offers a panoramic view of Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the famous Seven Sisters Waterfall (De Syv Søstrene). According to local legend, this waterfall got its name because the seven streams of water resemble seven sisters dancing side by side, and on the opposite side of the fjord there is a lone waterfall 'Suitor' trying to seduce them.
Stegastein viewpoint is an architectural masterpiece and one of the most recognizable viewpoints in Norway. This spectacular viewing platform, which extends 30 meters beyond the edge of the cliff, sits 650 meters above Aurlandsfjord, a branch of Norway's longest and deepest fjord, Sognefjord. Stegastein was designed by architects Todd Saunders and Tommie Wilhelmsen as part of the Aurlandsfjellet National Tourist Route. The structure, made of wood and glass, appears to float in the air, offering an unobstructed view of the fjord and surrounding mountains. A glass barrier at the end of the platform enhances the impression of standing on the edge of a precipice. The construction of this remarkable vantage point cost about 2 million Norwegian kroner and was completed in 2006. Since then, Stegastein has become one of the region's main tourist attractions, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
Stalheim Panoramic Terrace is another must-see for lovers of spectacular views. Located near the historic Stalheim Hotel, which hosted such personalities as Kaiser Wilhelm II and composer Edvard Grieg, the terrace offers a panoramic view of the Nærøydalen Valley, also a UNESCO-listed site. From here you can enjoy not only the picturesque valley, but also two impressive waterfalls: Stalheimsfossen and Sivlefossen. It is interesting to note that the view from Stalheim terrace was immortalized on the canvases of many famous Norwegian painters of the 19th century, including Johan Christian Dahl, one of the most prominent representatives of Romanticism in Norwegian painting.
Waterfalls and mountain panoramas
Norway is not only fjords, but also spectacular waterfalls and mountain landscapes that are breathtaking and a paradise for photographers.
Vøringfossen is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Norway, and one of the most visited. Located in the municipality of Eidfjord, in the Hardanger region, it falls from a height of 182 meters, of which the free fall of water is 145 meters. The history of Vøringfossen as a tourist attraction dates back to 1821, when Thomas Fearnley, a famous Norwegian painter, immortalized it on his canvas. During the Romantic era, the waterfall became a symbol of Norway's wild, untamed nature. The name 'Vøringfossen' comes from the Old Norse word 'vyrða', meaning 'respect' or 'awe', which perfectly captures the feelings this place evokes. A modern viewing platform designed by architect Carl-Viggo Hølmebakk opened here in 2018, allowing visitors to safely admire the waterfall from different perspectives. According to local beliefs, on misty days around the waterfall you can spot a 'huldra' - a mythical creature from Norwegian folklore, a beautiful woman with a cow's tail who deceives unwary wanderers.
Skjervsfossen Waterfall is a lesser-known but equally captivating waterfall located in the municipality of Granvin, in the Vestland region. This two-stage waterfall has a total height of about 150 meters and is surrounded by lush green vegetation, creating a fairy-tale setting. In 2013, the National Tourist Routes of Norway built modern tourist infrastructure here, including stairs leading to the top of the waterfall and viewing platforms. Architects from Fortunen AS designed these elements to blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings, using local stone and weathering steel, which takes on a rusty color over time. It is interesting to note that the name 'Skjervet' comes from an Old Norse word meaning 'a place where the rocks part', which aptly describes the geology of the site. There is also a historic water mill near the waterfall, which was used by the local community until the 1960s.
Trollstigen Utsiktpunkt, or Viewpoint on the Troll Road, is one of the most spectacular sites in Norway, offering a view of the famous Troll Road (Trollstigen). This engineering gem, built between 1928 and 1936, winds serpentines down a steep mountainside, negotiating 11 sharp curves with a 9% gradient. The name 'Trollstigen' refers to Norwegian folklore - according to legends, trolls inhabited these mountains, and the road was named in their honor. The viewpoint itself, designed by the renowned architectural firm Reiulf Ramstad Architects, opened in 2012 and is a masterful example of modern architecture integrated into the rugged mountain landscape. It consists of several viewing platforms suspended over a precipice, offering panoramic views of the Isterdalen valley, the Stigfossen waterfall and serpentine roads. The structure is made mainly of steel and concrete, materials chosen to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy snowfall. In 2013, the project won the prestigious Norwegian Steel Construction Prize for its innovative use of steel in architecture.
View point over mountain river is a scenic viewpoint located in the municipality of Saltdal, in northern Norway. It is located on the route of the famous National Road 77, which runs through Junkerdal National Park. It offers a spectacular view of the rushing mountain river Junkerdalselva, which cuts through a wild valley almost untouched by human hand. The vantage point is designed as a simple, minimalist platform that does not interfere with the natural landscape, but only allows a better view of it. The Saltdal region has a rich history linked to the culture of the Sami people, the indigenous people of northern Scandinavia. According to Samoan tradition, rivers are sacred and inhabited by spirits that must be respected. There are also traces of Iron Age settlements near the viewpoint, indicating a long history of human presence in this seemingly desolate region.
King's View (Kongens utsikt) is a historic viewpoint located in Krokkleiva, about 40 km northwest of Oslo. The name comes from a visit by King Charles XV, who in 1859 enjoyed a panoramic view of Lake Tyrifjorden and the surrounding hills from here. The site was also a favorite vantage point of Kaiser Wilhelm II during his many visits to Norway before World War I. For this reason, the point was also sometimes called 'Keiserens utsikt' (Emperor's View). To reach King's View, one must take a scenic, steep trail through the forest, which was part of the historic postal route connecting Oslo and Bergen. This trail, used from the Middle Ages until the 19th century, was the main transportation route between east and west Norway. At the summit is a stone obelisk commemorating the king's visit. The viewpoint offers a sweeping panorama of Lake Tyrifjorden, the island of Storøya and the surrounding hills and valleys. On sunny days, the visibility reaches as far as the Norefjell mountains more than 50 kilometers away.
Hidden gems of Norwegian landscapes
Beyond the most famous viewpoints, Norway hides many less frequented places that offer equally spectacular views, but without the crowds of tourists.
Viewpoint in the municipality of Vik, located on the Rv13 road, is one such hidden treasure. It is located on the route of the Sognefjellsvegen, the highest mountain road in Northern Europe, which reaches an altitude of 1,434 m. This unassuming viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama of the Sognefjord - the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, and the second longest fjord in the world. Sognefjord is 204 kilometers long and reaches a depth of 1,308 meters, making it deeper than the North Sea. From the vantage point you can also see the picturesque village of Vik, known for its medieval Hopperstad pillar church (stavkirke) dating from around 1130. The Vik region has a rich history dating back to the Viking Age, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds. According to local accounts, there are Viking treasures hidden around Vik that have never been found. The viewpoint is particularly picturesque in the early morning, when the fog rises over the waters of the fjord, creating a mystical atmosphere.
Not far from the famous Geirangerfjord, but away from the main hiking trails, is the lesser-known Dalsnibba viewpoint, located at 1,500 meters above sea level. This is the highest viewpoint accessible by car in Europe, offering panoramic views of Geirangerfjord and the surrounding mountains. The road leading to Dalsnibba, Nibbevegen, is considered a marvel of engineering - it was carved into the rock in the 1930s and leads through a rugged, high-altitude landscape. From the vantage point, you can see the fjord's distinctive S-like shape and seven mountain farms suspended from steep slopes, which were inhabited until the 1960s. According to local legends, the inhabitants of these farms were so isolated from the world that children were tied to trees to prevent them from falling off the cliff while playing.
In the Hardanger region, famous for its apple orchards, there is a hidden viewpoint called Steindalsfossen. This spot is unique because a path follows the cascade of the waterfall, allowing tourists to walk behind the falling water without getting wet. The waterfall is 20 meters high and is particularly impressive in spring, when melting snow increases the flow of water. The site's history as a tourist attraction dates back to 1859, when King Oscar II visited the waterfall and was so delighted that he ordered the construction of a path behind the cascade. Since then, the site has become one of the symbols of the Hardanger region, although it is still less well-known than Norway's main attractions.
One of the most mysterious places in Norway is the Husedalen Valley with its four spectacular waterfalls: Tveitafossen, Nyastølfossen, Nykkjesøyfossen and Søtefossen. Located near the town of Kinsarvik in the Hardanger region, the valley offers a scenic hiking trail along all four waterfalls. Søtefossen is particularly impressive, falling in cascades from a height of about 300 meters. The name 'Husedalen' comes from the word 'hus' (house) and refers to the ancient shepherd farms that were located in the valley. According to local accounts, the valley was once inhabited by 'huldrefolk' - mythical beings from Norwegian folklore who lived in underground kingdoms and sometimes contacted humans.
Also worth mentioning is the Aursjøvegen lookout point, located at about 1,100 meters above sea level. This scenic road, open only in the summer months (usually from June to October), leads through the rugged, high-altitude landscape between the regions of Møre og Romsdal and Oppland. The viewpoint offers panoramic views of Lake Aursjøen and the majestic mountain peaks of Romsdalsalpene. The road was built in the 1940s for a hydroelectric power plant, but quickly became a tourist attraction because of its spectacular views. The region is also rich in history - traces of Stone Age settlements have been found here, indicating that people lived in these rugged mountains as long as 8,000 years ago.
Norway, with its dramatic landscapes and carefully designed viewpoints, offers an unforgettable experience for nature and photography lovers. Each of the places described has its own unique history and character, allowing you to discover different facets of this fascinating country. Whether you choose popular attractions or hidden gems, Norway's views will long remain in your memory as some of the most beautiful in the world.
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