The Norwegians' own favourites
Listen to the Norwegians themselves when choosing what to experience on holiday – Here are the 15 most popular attractions and destinations among Norwegians in 2013 (Source: Visit Norway):
1) Vigelandsparken
This sculpture park is Oslo's answer to Central Park in New York. This is where locals go to have a barbecue, relax with family and friends or enjoy a quiet stroll among the 212 sculptures that have made Vigeland Park famous.
Foto: VISITOSLO/Tord Baklund
2) Kristiansand Zoo
Just 11 kilometres from Kristiansand city centre is Kristiansand Zoo, one of the most visited attractions in Norway. Only part of this park is a pure animal park – the rest is a traditional amusement park with a wealth of activities and rides.
Foto: Kjersti Solberg Monsen - Visitnorway.com
3) TusenFryd
This is perhaps Norway's most traditional theme park and a sure hit with families. At TusenFryd, the whole family can let loose on the slides and over 30 different rides, in the park's water park and in a play area for the very young.
4) Nidarosdomen
Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim is Norway's largest pilgrimage destination – and a popular tourist destination. Construction of the church began in 1070 and it took 230 years to complete Nidarosdomen, which immediately became Norway's national shrine and coronation church.
Domkirken Nidarosdomen i Trondheim. Foto: CH - visitnorway.com
5) Holmenkollen and the Ski Museum
The Holmenkollen ski jump is made of 100 tonnes of steel and rises 60 metres above the hill it sits on. It is a natural destination for anyone visiting Oslo. At the bottom of the tower is the Ski Museum, where the 4000 year old history of skiing is presented.
Foto: VisitOSLO / Marco Boella
6) Fløibanen
For almost a hundred years, the Fløibanen has carried people from the centre of Bergen to the top of Fløyen, one of the seven mountains surrounding the city. Fløyen is not the highest of these seven mountains, but it has the best view of the city, the fjords and the islands in the distance.
Foto: Bergen Tourist Board / Nordlandblog.com - visitbergen.com
7) Hunderfossen Family Park
A place with plenty of fairytale atmosphere and rural attractions – Hunderfossen near Lillehammer is a clear children's favourite. In winter, the park is transformed into Hunderfossen Winter Park, with an adventure castle and Scandinavia's southernmost ice hotel.
8) Geirangerfjorden
The UNESCO-protected Geirangerfjord is the epitome of beautiful Norwegian fjords. Hike in the surrounding mountains, see one of the many roaring waterfalls, go fishing or kayaking on the beautiful fjord, or try out the Trollstigen mountain trail bike.
Foto: dave_kovac/Foap/Visitnorway.com
9) Vøringsfossen
With a direct drop of 145 metres and a total drop of 182 metres, Vøringsfossen is understandably the most famous waterfall in Norway.
Foto: VisitNorway/Gaby Bohle
10) Fredriksten Fortress
The fortress was built in the last half of the 17th century as a defence against Swedish attacks. Located near the Norwegian-Swedish border southeast of Oslo, there's plenty to see and do, including exhibitions, guided tours and food experiences as in the 17th century.
11) Lofoten Islands
On Lofoten, you can relax and experience total silence in magnificent natural landscapes, while staying and eating well. Lofoten can charm all visitors and make them long to return.
Frithjof Fure - Visitnorway.com
12) The National Gallery
The National Gallery in Oslo showcases the country's largest collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures, with works by Munch, Manet and Cézanne as highlights.
13) Flåmsbanen
Named "the world's most beautiful train ride" by Lonely Planet Traveller. This scenic railway winds along the steep mountain sides on its way from Myrdal high up in the mountains and down to the village of Flåm by the fjord.
14) Preikestolen
This square rock formation juts out of the cliff face 604 metres above Lysefjorden, and it's not hard to see how it got its name. The view over Lysefjorden is unique, and the hike up to Preikestolen is surprisingly easy.
Foto: Terje Rakke/Nordic Life AS - Visitnorway.com
15) North Cape
Rising 307 metres from the sea, the North Cape Plateau is an absolute MUST. Between 14 May and 29 July, the midnight sun is visible here.
Foto: Frithjof Fure - Visitnorway.com