Best of Southern Norway

Top itineraries and travel advice in and around Sørlandet
Norway’s Southern Riviera, or Sørlandet in Norwegian, is home to multiple small wooden towns that stretch along the southern coast. It’s easily accessed from Oslo and Stavanger by bus or train, or makes a perfect stop on your road trip between the two. Stop in saltwater towns like Risør, known as the white town due to the uniform white paint on all the houses; the car-free island of Lyngør; or the old town of Arendal, once the country’s biggest port in the 19th century.

Find inspiration from previous kimkim travelers and rent a bicycle in Arendal to pedal to spots like Tromøya island for a dip in the sea or relax at an outdoor cafe. If you aren’t up for self-propulsion, take the train from Arendal to Nelaug and swim in the Nidelva River.
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Explore Southern Norway
Map of Tips for Visiting Southern Norway: The Norwegian Riviera
Tips for Visiting Southern Norway: The Norwegian Riviera

Southern Norway is a nature lover’s paradise, and the region's nickname—the "Norwegian Riviera"—is perfectly suited to the waterfront towns that dot Norway's southernmost stretch of coast. Here are some tips for making the most of your stay.

A pretty sunset near the village of Arendal.
Map of Explore Southern Norway by Bicycle - 5 Days
Explore Southern Norway by Bicycle - 5 Days

Pack light for this summertime biking adventure that takes you through charming towns in Southern Norway, sometimes referred to as the Norwegian Riviera. You'll start in Oslo and then spend the next three days pumping at your own pace through places like Tvedestrand, Arendal, Fevikkilen, and Lillesand, which are known for their narrow streets, white wooden houses, and warm weather vibes. Enjoy stops along the way for sunbathing on rock formations, visiting historic lighthouses, and taking day-trips to nearby islands.

The historic Bryggen district in Bergen
Map of Oslo, Bergen & Southern Norway - 10 Days
Oslo, Bergen & Southern Norway - 10 Days

This popular 10-day trip loops around southern Norway, mixing scenery, outdoor adventure, and history. Starting in Bergen, you'll hop on a bus to the pretty port of Stavanger, then ride a ferry through the Lysefjord to hike the longest wooden stairway in the world. Continuing east, visit charming island towns along the southern coast, then board a train to Oslo, Europe's fastest-growing capital. End the adventure with a ride on the Flåm Railway and boat across Norway's longest and deepest fjord.

Bergen's historic district of Bryggen
Oslo, Bergen & Southern Norway - 11 Days

This relaxing journey loops around Southern Norway to key summer spots for the ultimate mix of nature, history, and culture. Take a local tour of Bergen, visit the charming towns and islands along Southern Norway's coast, get to know Oslo, and take a scenic ride on the famous Flåm Railway. End your trip with a memorable ferry ride through Norway's longest and deepest fjord.

Other popular travel destinations in Norway
Fjord Region · Oslo · Bergen · Northern Norway · Tromsø · Aurland · Flåm · Lofoten Islands · Balestrand · Mountain Region · Ålesund · Senja · Alta · Svolvær · Fjærland · Stavanger · Vesterålen · Trondheim · Lusterfjorden · Geiranger · Geilo · Reine · Åndalsnes · Lom · Bodø · Odda · Voss · Røros · Gudvangen · Kalvåg · Karasjok · Florø · Kirkenes · Værlandet · Finse · Lyngen · Valldal · Haugastøl · Honningsvåg · Øye Norangsfjorde · Hjørundfjord · Dovrefjell