Safest Cities in Norway for Women

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1, Oslo

Located in the southeastern region of Norway, flanked by verdant hills and the Oslofjord waterway, Oslo is a cosmopolitan hub imbued with a rich tapestry of Scandinavian culture and history. Renowned as Norway's thriving capital city, Oslo is celebrated for its fascinating blend of architectural styles, from the ancient Akershus Fortress and the grandeur of the Royal Palace to the contemporary masterpieces like the Oslo Opera House. Known for its vibrant art scene, it's home to the world-class National Gallery, displaying Edvard Munch's iconic "The Scream". Visitors also bask in the natural beauty of the numerous surrounding parks, including the popular Vigeland Park which features the intriguing sculptures of Gustav Vigeland. Lastly, Oslo has a rich connection to Norway's seafaring past, which is munificently exhibited in the Viking Ship Museum.

2, Bergen

Bergen, often referred to as "The Gateway to the Norwegian Fjords," is a vibrant city tucked between the North Sea and Norway's most spectacular fjords on the country's southwestern coast. The city is renowned for its charming old wharf, Bryggen, a UNESCO World Heritage site, representing a beautifully preserved area of colorful wooden houses dating back to the Hanseatic period. The scenic Fløyen Mountain can be easily reached by funicular, promising panoramic views of the city, fjords, and beyond. This picturesque city is also well-known for its lively fish market, the marine-themed Bergen Aquarium, and hosting one of Norway's biggest cultural events, the annual Bergen International Festival.

3, Tromso

Tromso, located in the heart of Norwegian Arctic, above the Arctic Circle, is a charming city known as the gateway to the icy, breathtaking wilderness of Norway. Replete with captivating natural beauty, Tromso is surrounded by fjords, mountains, and rich wildlife, offering a variety of activities from spotting northern lights to midnight sun marathon in summer. Renowned for its historic wooden houses, polar history, friendly locals, it's also famous for the Arctic Cathedral, Polaria and Tromsø University Museum. Whether it's engaging in dog-sledding, visiting Sami cultural exhibits, or exploring undersea wildlife at Polaria, Tromso presents a truly Norwegian and Arctic experience.

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4, Bronnoysund

Located along the picturesque coast of northern Norway, Bronnoysund is a charming small town that serves as a gateway to the mesmerizing Helgeland coastline. Renowned for its pristine natural beauty, Bronnoysund is nestled between a mountain range to the east and the Norwegian Sea to the west, offering stunning vistas and numerous outdoor activities for nature lovers. The town's most iconic landmark is the unmistakable Torghatten Mountain, known for its distinctive hole that has naturally formed through the mountain, providing a unique hiking experience. Bronnoysund is also famous for being home to the unique Vega Archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where visitors can explore a myriad of landscapes and witness the traditional practice of eider duck tending.

5, Stryn

Stryn is a picturesque municipality located in the county of Vestland, Norway, known for its enchanting fjords, towering mountains, and stunning waterfalls. Blessed with an extraordinary landscape, it entices several outdoor lovers and adventurous souls. The area is recognized for the Jostedalsbreen National Park which houses the largest glacier in mainland Europe, and the summer ski centre, the Stryn Sommerski, which draws skiing enthusiasts from across the globe. The village is also renowned for its late 19th-century architecture, charming local shops, and traditional food offerings. A unique amalgamation of natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage, Stryn offers an unforgettable exploration for all travelers.

6, Sandefjord

Located on the southeastern shores of Norway, Sandefjord is a charming city famous as a historical Viking settlement with captivating surroundings and a rich maritime history. It's known for its exceptional seafood, wellness retreats offering mineral-rich spa treatments, and outdoor activities including whale hunting expeditions and fishing. Tourists can explore the Midtasen Sculpture Park, featuring works of the renowned Norwegian sculptor Knut Steen, or visit the popular Whaling Museum that exhibits Sandefjord's legacy in the whaling industry. This city also boasts of numerous hiking routes, pristine beaches, and picturesque fjords, making it a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

7, Sandnes

Located on the southwest coast of Norway, Sandnes is a dynamic city known for its rich history and natural beauty. Nestled between the majestic fjords and the beautiful sandy beaches, Sandnes makes for a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The city holds the title of being the 8th largest in Norway and is particularly renowned for its ceramics industry with the nickname "Pottery town". Landmarks like the Science Factory and the Vitenfabrikken Museum, teeming with exciting experiments and exhibits, cater to science lovers, while the Rogaland Arboretum, a lush park spread over 175 acres, is sure to capture the hearts of nature lovers. With a vibrant city life that harmoniously blends with its beautiful outdoors, Sandnes invites travelers for a unique Norwegian travel experience.

8, Bodo

Bodo, situated just north of the Arctic Circle in Norway, is a charming city known for its remarkable natural beauty and pulsating cultural life. It is the gateway to the magnificent Lofoten Islands and offers a variety of attractions including the largest population of white-tailed sea eagles in the world. As home to the mesmerizing Northern Lights, Bodo also offers astonishing midnight sun experiences in the summer. A fusion of art, capricious weather, and nature make Bodo a destination where you can enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking and fishing, visit the Norwegian Aviation Museum or explore the thriving local music scene, making it an exciting blend of urban life and wilderness.

9, Molde

Located on the western coast of Norway, Molde is a remarkable tourism gem that truly embodies the beauty and tranquillity of the Scandinavian region. Often referred to as the 'City of Roses,' Molde is renowned for its stunning annual international jazz festival, its impressive array of well-tended gardens, and an abundant variety of roses. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Romsdalsfjord and with a spellbinding view of over 222 snow-clad mountain peaks, the city provides an array of sights and activities for travelers. Its fame also extends to football, housing the Molde FK, one of Norway’s leading football teams. Whether it's leisurely outdoor activities, cultural immersion, or sporting action, Molde serves as a perfect detour in the Norwegian voyage.

10, Skien

Skien, located in southern Norway, is a compelling destination soaked in rich cultural heritage. Known as the birthplace of the world-renowned playwright Henrik Ibsen, Skien effortlessly blends historical allure with natural beauty. Visitors can explore the sublime Telemark Canal, often dubbed as the 'eighth wonder of the world' for its breathtakingly picturesque views and intricate locking mechanism. The city also offers a glimpse into Norway's fascinating past with historical sites like Brekkeparken, an open-air museum housing traditional Norwegian buildings, and the impressive 12th-century Gjerpen Church. Whether you're an enthusiastic history buff or a nature lover, Skien promises an enchanting Nordic adventure.

11, Stavanger

Located on the southwestern coast of Norway, Stavanger is a charming city known for its beautifully preserved wooden architecture and vibrant cultural scene. As the oil capital of the country, it combines modernity and tradition with ease, brimming with innovative museums like the Norwegian Petroleum Museum and captivating art installations in its beloved annual street art festival. Stavanger also serves as an ideal gateway to the Norwegian Fjords, including the famous Lysefjord with the iconic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) overlooking its stunning landscapes. A haven of fresh seafood, notable history, and stunning outdoor adventures, Stavanger embodies the quintessential Norwegian experience.

12, Trondheim

Located in Sor-Trondelag county of Norway, Trondheim offers a stunning blend of ancient history and modern attractions. Known as the country's ancient capital, Trondheim is renowned for its rich Viking history, and home to Norway's national sanctuary, Nidaros Cathedral, an 11th-century edifice that towers over the city centre. It also houses the Archbishops Palace Museum, Norway’s oldest secular building. Trondheim draws science enthusiasts with its renowned Science Centre, which offers several interactive exhibits for all ages of visitors. This scenic city, resting on the banks of the River Nidelva, is also a gateway to the mesmerizing fjords, attracting adventure enthusiasts for hiking, fishing, and boating excursions. In combination with its quaint, colourful streets, like the notable Old Town Bridge area, Trondheim is indeed a remarkable Norwegian destination combining culture, history, and nature.

13, Kristiansand

Kristiansand, a charming city residing in southern Norway, is frequently recognized as the 'Gateway to Norway'. Offering a striking blend of cultural richness and exciting nature adventures, this vibrant city never fails to captivate its visitors. The city’s enchanting Posebyen old town is noted for its collection of wooden structures, while the Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park, Northern Europe's largest, is a stimulating destination for families. In addition, the city's coastline, overflowing with stunning beaches, provides ample opportunities for recreational activities like swimming and fishing. Rich with music festivals, a thriving food scene, and many fascinating museums, Kristiansand offers a unique Scandinavian experience that is both engaging and unforgettable.

14, Drammen

Drammen is a charming city located in the southeast of Norway, approximately 40 km away from the capital city, Oslo. Nestled along the Drammenselva river, the city is known for its beautiful scenery, cultural heritage, and vibrant art scene. Along with its several charming parks, the city is particularly famed for its iconic Spiralen, an impressive spiral tunnel offering panoramic views of the cityscape. Drammen also boasts a rich history of glassmaking - the ever-popular Drammen Glassworks is a testament to this fact. Every summer, the city hosts Drammen River Festival – the largest river festival in Norway, attracting a plethora of tourists from around the world. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an art lover or an adventurer, Drammen promises an enriching and memorable experience.

15, Kirkenes

Located in far northeast Norway, near the Russian border, Kirkenes is a compact, multicultural town boasting a unique blend of Norwegian, Finnish, and Russian influence. Known as the Northern Lights capital of the world, this remote outpost offers travelers an array of exhilarating activities such as king crab fishing, snowmobile safaris, and dog sledding in winter. Although small in size, its vibrant local culture and cuisine are complemented by its booming mining industry and rich World War II history. But it's not just the diverse cultural experiences that draw visitors, it's also the peculiar phenomenon of the Midnight Sun in summer and Polar Nights in winter, where the sun never rises, that add to the mystical allure of Kirkenes.

16, Hammerfest

Hammerfest, located in the northernmost part of Norway, operates under the mesmerizing hues of the Aurora Borealis and the midnight sun that bathes it in perpetual daylight during summer. Known as one of the world's northernmost towns, Hammerfest’s appeal extends from its rich Sami culture to its unique urban life. Its iconic Polar Bear Society is a testament to the Arctic traditions thriving under extreme climatic conditions. To commemorate its place in history as a locale of scientific importance, the UNESCO-listed Meridian Column stands proudly. Visitors to Hammerfest can engage in activities such as ice-fishing, dog-sledding, and snowmobile safaris in winter, while summer offers hiking, bird-watching, and exploring the surrounding islands with their teeming marine life. Energized by the crisp Arctic air, Hammerfest provides an enlightening encounter with nature's extremities.

17, Alta

Alta, lying in the heart of the northernmost region of Norway, Finnmark, is often termed as the city of the Northern Lights, and it holds onto this reputation fiercely. Known for its robust Sami culture, the city flares a plentiful stream of activities and obligations for tourists. Alta is home to the UNESCO World Heritage rock carvings, dating back to thousands of years, which provides a profound illustration of human activity. Sledding with huskies and ice fishing are popular winter activities, and the city's mesmerizing natural beauty, featuring a sculptural iceberg hotel and the Alta Canyon, the largest in Northern Europe, never kowtows to impress any visitor. With a fascinating blend of ancient history and modern Arctic life, it stands as an ideal travel destination for all.

18, Senja

Senja, the second-largest island in Norway, is located in the northern part of the country, far above the Arctic Circle. Known as "Norway in Miniature," Senja boasts a diverse landscape that captures everything Norway has to offer - from mountains and forests to fjords and fishing villages. It's recognized for its remarkable natural beauty, including breathtaking cliffs, the Norwegian Sea views, and the Northern Lights that adorn its skies during winter nights. Senja offers its visitors numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and wildlife safaris, where you can view an impressive array of local species like white-tailed eagles, moose, and numerous types of sea birds. The Senja National Scenic Route, one of the most beautiful drives in the world, gives you access to this island's spectacular vistas and attractions.

19, Narvik

Narvik, Norway, located in the Arctic Circle, is an enchanting place renowned for extraordinary natural beauty and winter sports activities. This vibrant town, sitting along the Ofotfjorden fjord playing backdrop to steep mountains, is most famously known for its world-class skiing opportunities, especially downhill and off-piste. History buffs are drawn to Narvik for its significant historical sites, most notably the Narvik War Museum, which highlights the town's pivotal role in WWII. The Polar Park, northernmost animal park, fascinates visitors with wolves, lynxes, and other Arctic wildlife, while the surrounding wilderness areas offer mesmerizing views of the Northern Lights. Regardless of season, Narvik offers a distinctive blend of outdoor adventure and historical intrigue.

20, Harstad

Nestled in the mesmerizing county of Troms og Finnmark in the far reaches of Northern Norway, Harstad is a vibrant city full of charm and natural wonders. Known for its charming coastal setting and rich Viking heritage, this city brims with cultural attractions such as the historic Trondenes Church and the Trondenes Historical Centre where ancient stories come alive. Its magnificent outdoors showcases the majestic Northern Lights, midnight sun, and breathtaking mountain landscapes which make Harstad a paradise for adventurers. From vibrant festivals to captivating boat trips along the fjords, Harstad offers a unique blend of cultural richness and scenic beauty that promises an unforgettable experience.

Meet locals in Norway

Lisa

About Me

Hi! I'm Lisa, a thirty-something plant-lady living in Oslo, Norway. I'm from a different part of Norway, but have lived in the capital for the past 5 years. I'm really into cooking and would love to learn your favorite recipe. Come visit, let's exchange travel stories and write a little memory in my guest book. 😊