Norway's Most Beautiful Islands Ranked

Don’t get us wrong, the islands on the Mediterranean and the Caribbean can be breathtaking. But you know what else they can be? Well-known and crowded. Norway’s many islands, on the other hand, are still flying under the radar of most non-locals. We’ve shortlisted the ones most deserving of your attention.

9. Solund, Sogn og Fjordane

Welcome to Norway’s westernmost island! When in Solund you can visit the Utvær Lighthouse (that has been guiding ships along the coast for more than 100 years). It is Norway’s westernmost active fishing community at the edge of the open sea and Florø, Norway’s westernmost town.

8. Sandøya, Aust-Agder

7. Stangholmen, Risør

Stangholmen is part of the archipelago of Risør; Norway’s “wooden house town“. There are many bathing areas on the island, as well as a beautiful lighthouse, built in 1855, which also features a gourmet restaurant and a tavern with breathtaking views. Several concerts and festivals are taking place in the summertime.

6. Spitsbergen, Svalbard

The only permanently populated island of the Svalbard Archipelago – and still, when it comes to population, there are more polar bears than people. On magnificent Spitsbergen you’ll find Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost city, as well as the Russian mining community of Barentsburg, the research community of Ny-Ålesund, several icebergs, a frozen fjord, the Northern Lights and, did we mention the polar bears?

5. Bragdøya, Kristiansand

Located just outside Kristiansand, the island of Bragdeøya will make you feel like you’re in Sicily, or some other Mediterranean coast: green, shallow water and verdant trees that reach all the way to the water. There are also hiking opportunities – and you can camp here.

4. Vågsøy, Sogn og Fjordane

Surfing? In Norway? And yet, the island of Vågsøy in Western Norway is a surfer’s dream, with the village of Hoddevika having established a reputation as one of the more exotic surfing destinations in the whole world! Not into surfing? In Vågsøy you’ll also encounter the majestic rock formation of Kannesteinen, rising like a giant seat from the sea.

The striking Kannesteinen rock formation in Vågsøy island

3. Vestvågøy, Lofoten

An oasis surrounded by mountains, Vestvågøy is the beating heart of the Lofoten archipelago. Here, not only can you find some of the best surfing beaches in Europe, you can also travel back in time while visiting the Lofotr Viking Museum.

2. Hidra, Vest-Agder

People have lived for thousands of years on Hidra – and we really can’t blame them. The island is simply idyllic: almost split in two by the Rasvåg fjord, Hidra offers spectacular ocean views, rich history and picturesque villages.

1. Moskenesøya, Lofoten

You probably saw this coming. Moskenesøya is definitely the most beautiful island of the Lofoten archipelago, but also in Norway in general. The village of Reine, with the picturesque red houses and the towering mountain, is probably one of the most photographed places in the country. As for Kvalvika beach? It’s so breathtaking, it’s definitely worth the hike there. Next time you’re in the mood for island-hopping, you’ll know.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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