Fjord Cities
- where nature is part of the urban culture

In Fjord Norway, nature is part of our cities, and the cities are part of our nature. Large and small communities with the fjords and coast just around the corner.

Fjord cities like Ålesund, Bergen and Stavanger reflect the personality of the people who live there. They are shaped by the landscape, surrounded by the ocean, cultural landscape and mountains. Other towns in Fjord Norway offer fantastic experiences, too: Kristiansund, Molde and Haugesund are just a few examples of towns that each have their own distinctive charm. But hospitality, a rich history and exciting experiences are common denominators for all of them – and nature is right on their doorstep. Plan for a City Break in our Fjord Cities - all year round.
Warm welcome!

More inspiration at fjordnorway.com

Ålesund – festivals, fjords, food and architecture

Situated at the very edge of the landscape and dipping its toes into the Atlantic Ocean lies Ålesund with its colorful charm and attitude. Whether you arrive by car or by sea you are struck by the landscape of Ålesund and its surroundings. But it is more to this coastal city than what meets the eye. Throughout the year there are around 200 concerts and festivals, and among those many international artists. In summer especially Jugendfest and Fjord Cadenza stand out in addition to Trandal Blues and Indiefjord in Hjørundfjord. As a visitor to Ålesund you have easy access to the UNESCO world heritage fjords of Geiranger or you could just enjoy the city’s Art Nouveau architecture or lush food scene. 

More info on visitalesund.com

Bergen – a cultural city with more than 60 festivals & concerts 
Every year there are around 60 different festivals and major concerts in Bergen. Here we present some of them: Bergen International Festival is Northern Europe’s largest music and theater festival and is held every year in late May / early June. There are around 200 events in the fields of music, ballet, opera, theatre, dance and performing arts.

For many locals and visitors, the highlight of the year is Bergenfest! Bergenfest is Western Norway's largest music festival that takes place in beautiful surroundings at Bergenhus Fortress in the city center. During a 4-5-day period in mid-June each year Bergenfest offers the very best of international and Norwegian artists in a delightful mixture of genres. In the end of May / beginning of June Northern Europe's longest jazz festival is held in Bergen. Nattjazz (Night jazz) presents music for those who want to enjoy themselves with familiar material as well as those who want to expand their musical horizon. Find out more about festivals in Bergen

More info on visitbergen.com

Stavanger – home of three Michelin stars & festivals of all kinds

Stavanger is the fjord city with most Michelin stars. Two stars have been awarded to RE-NAA and one star to Sabi Omakase. Restaurants and local produce in this part of Norway have received excellent reviews from both national food critics, as well as from the Michelin guide, where Stavanger became the first city in Fjord Norway to receive the highly sought-after Michelin star in 2016. Stavanger is furthermore hosting the Michelin Star Revelation in 2021! Read more about culinary highlights.

Street art has left its mark in the Stavanger region for several years, and the annual Nuart festival has really put the Stavanger region on the street art map. The festival takes place each year in the beginning of September, but much of the art you can experience throughout the year. Learn more about top street art works. The Stavanger region annually hosts several festivals and events, and in an ordinary year, we can pick from festivals in all types and forms: city festivals, village festivals, roller ski festival, the largest food festival in the Nordic countries, music festivals in abundance, street art festival, hiking festival, potato festival, sporting events in the fjords, in the country and in the cities, bike rides along wide-stretched beaches and up hairpin turns from Lysebotn. All that is fun, is possible to make into a festival! If there is truly one thing we love in this country, it is the festival life!

More info on regionstavanger.com

Haugesund - coastal city culture with international glamour

Situated between the mountains and the sea: Haugesund is the perfect place to explore city and coastal culture. The city is built on herring fishing, and by strolling around town you will discover that the maritime industry still plays an important part. Some advice? Put on some comfortable shoes because in Haugesund you will find shopping, entertainment, museums, restaurants and nature - all within walking distance.

Haugesund hosts several festivals throughout the year, but August is probably the busiest month for festival lovers. The town really comes to live with focus on music, film and the maritime culture. Film enthusiasts should not miss The Norwegian International Film Festival. The festival has for several decades celebrated film and film art by being a meeting place for the Norwegian and Nordic film industry and the general public. And did you know that Norway has its own national film award called Amanda? The Amanda award show takes place in Haugesund during the film festival. More information about festivals in Haugesund.

More info on visithaugesund.no

Molde – home of jazz and roses 

Molde is located in between several impressive tourist attractions like Romsdalseggen, Trollstigen and the Atlantic Road. It is a lovely little fjord city with heaps of charm and atmosphere. There are four things that Molde immediately brings to mind: Roses, panoramic views, jazz and football.
Seek out the Varden viewpoint (407 meters above sea level) to experience the Molde Panorama, with its remarkable view of no less than 222 partially snow-clad peaks. Varden is a ten-minute ride by car from the city centre or an hour on foot. At the top, you can stop for refreshments at the Vardestua restaurant.
Molde also hosts the oldest annual jazz festival in Europe. Every year, thousands of jazz enthusiasts turn every corner of the city into a week-long music celebration during the Molde International Jazz festival. And once you're here, you can't help but notice Aker Stadium, which is home of local football club Molde FC and used as a concert venue as well. Drawn by local architect Kjell Kosberg, this grand building has a granite exterior made of stone and glass.

More info on visitnorthwest.no

Kristiansund – a city on four islands 
Kristiansund has a stunning location, reaching out into the sea on the four islands of Innlandet, Kirkelandet, Nordlandet and Gomalandet. When you visit Kristiansund, you will soon realize that you are in a city of culture. Three things in particular are impossible to ignore: Opera, clip fish and the boat Sundbåten. One of the most popular attractions in Kristiansund is located 14 kilometers north of the city. The island Grip was an important fishing village already during the Middle Ages, and fishing remained the main livelihood until modern times. During the summer season there is a boat to Grip where you can join a guided tour of the island and visit the small red stave church.

More info on visitnorthwest.no