Most Beautiful Islands in Norway: Ultimate Travel Guide for Island Hopping

Norway is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and is one of the must-visit tourist destinations in Europe. The country features dramatic fjords, historic cities and stunning islands along the coastline. The most beautiful islands in Norway offer a blend of dramatic landscapes, gorgeous fishing villages, pristine beaches and unique cultural experiences. Whether you seek outdoor adventure, tranquil seascapes, or vibrant local traditions, Norway island hopping presents you with some of the most beautiful and diverse destinations in the country.

Key Takeaways

• Over 200,000 islands: Norway’s coastline features more than 200,000 islands, ranging from inhabited fishing villages to remote Arctic wilderness areas.
• Best travel season: Visit May through September for midnight sun experiences, or October through March for northern lights viewing in the Arctic Circle islands.
• Island hopping made easy: Regular ferry connections link major Norwegian islands, with scenic routes operated by Hurtigruten coastal ferries.
• Budget range: Expect daily costs from Rs. 3,500-8,000 per person for budget travel, or Rs. 10,000-20,000 for mid-range experiences including accommodation and activities.
• Diverse experiences: From surfing in Vagsoy to polar bear safaris in Svalbard, Norwegian islands offer adventures for every travel style.

Top 7 Most Beautiful Islands in Norway

1. Moskenesoya – The Most Photographed Island in Lofoten

Moskenesoya is one of the most beautiful islands in Norway. The island is characterised by dramatic natural beauty and offers authentic experiences of Norwegian coastal life.

• Main Attractions: Reine village, Kvalvika Beach, Reinebringen trail, Moskenes Church and the Norwegian Fishing Village Museum
• Best For: Photography enthusiasts, hikers and cultural travellers
• Best Time to Visit: May-September for hiking and photography; January-March for northern lights

2. Hidra – Norway’s Historic & Culturally Rich Island

Hidra is the largest of all Norwegian coastal islands. The island is characterised by stunning nature, beautiful cultural landscapes and numerous historical sites. 

• Main Attractions: Hidra Church, Rasvag village, Hagasen Fort, Hidra Coastal Museum and Smahytter beach
• Best For: History enthusiasts, families, and peaceful getaways
• Best Time to Visit: June-August for warm weather and swimming; year-round for cultural exploration

3. Vagsoy – Norway’s Best Surfing Island

Vagsoy sits at the mouth of Nordfjorden in Western Norway. The island is renowned as one of the best surfing destinations in Europe. The island is known for its dramatic landscapes, outdoor activities such as hiking, and iconic landmarks that reflect the raw natural beauty of Norway’s coastline.

• Main Attractions: Hoddevik Beach, Kannesteinen rock formation, Hendanes Lighthouse and Selje Monastery ruins.
• Best For: Surfers, photographers and adventure travellers
• Best Time to Visit: September-November for best surf conditions; June-August for milder weather

4. Svalbard – Remote Arctic Wilderness Islands

Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago located in the Arctic Ocean. The archipelago is located between mainland Norway and the North Pole, and is characterised by vast, unspoiled Arctic wilderness, glaciers and snow-covered mountains.

• Main Attractions: Longyearbyen, Polar bear and Arctic wildlife safaris, ice cave exploration and dog sledging expeditions
• Best For: Adventure seekers, wildlife enthusiasts
• Best Time to Visit: February-March for northern lights and dog sledging; June-August for midnight sun and wildlife viewing

5. Sommaroy – Norway’s Famous Midnight Sun Island

Sommaroy, often referred to as the “Summer Island,” is a local favourite summer destination. This stunning fishing village is known for its stunning white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, and offers unique experiences such as the Midnight Sun and the spectacular Northern Lights.

• Main Attractions: Hillesoy Church, Sommaroy Bridge
• Best For: Beach lovers, photographers and romantic getaways
• Best Time to Visit: May-August for midnight sun and beach activities; September for northern lights

6. Senja – Norway in Miniature

Senja is often called “Norway in miniature” as it showcases the country’s complete range of striking landscapes. 

• Main Attractions: Segla mountain, Bergsbotn viewpoint, Husoy fishing village and Senjatrollet.
• Best For: Hikers, adventure travellers and nature photographers
• Best Time to Visit: June-September for hiking; October-March for northern lights

7. Tromsoya – The Gateway to the Arctic Circle

The Tromso city on Tromsoya island is known as the “Gateway to the Arctic”. The island is a prime location for experiencing Arctic phenomena like the northern lights and midnight. 

• Main Attractions: Arctic Cathedral, Fjellheisen cable car to Mount Storsteinen, Polaria aquarium, Polar Museum and Prestvannet lake.
• Best For: Northern lights hunters, urban explorers and cultural travellers
• Best Time to Visit: September-March for northern lights; May-July for midnight sun

Read more: Norway trip guide

Best Time to Visit Norwegian Islands

The ideal season for visiting this beautiful Norwegian archipelago depends on your travel priorities and the region you wish to explore.

Summer (May–September): Midnight Sun & Outdoor Adventures

• Temperature: 12°C-20°C in most coastal areas
• Perfect for: Hiking, kayaking, island hopping, photography
• Best for: Midnight sun is visible from late May to late July

Winter (October–March): Northern Lights Season

• Temperature: -5°C to 5°C depending on latitude
• Perfect for: Aurora hunting, skiing, winter photography
• Best for: Northern lights viewing season

Shoulder Months (April & September): Fewer Crowds & Budget Travel

• Temperature: Moderate temperatures 
• Perfect for: Experiencing a mix of outdoor activities, nature and cultural attractions with fewer crowds and mild weather.
• Best for: Budget-conscious travellers

Norway Island Hopping Guide: Transport & Connectivity

Ferries Between the Norwegian Islands 

• Hurtigruten coastal ferries connect major Norwegian islands along the coast from Bergen to Kirkenes
• Local car ferries operate on fixed schedules
• Advance booking is recommended during the summer season

Domestic Flights to Popular Islands 

• Wideroe operates flights between the island destinations

Scenic Road Connections & Car Rentals

• Several islands are accessible via scenic coastal roads
• Car rentals are available and provide flexibility for exploring the most beautiful islands in Norway.

Read more: Places to stay in Norway

Norway Island Travel Budget: 2025 Cost Breakdown

Category	Budget Travel	Mid-Range	Luxury
Accommodation(per night)	Rs. 2,000-3,500	Rs. 4,000-7,000	Rs. 10,000-20,000+
Meals(per day)	Rs. 1,200-2,000	Rs. 2,500-4,000	Rs. 5,000-8,000
Transportation	Rs. 800-1,500	Rs. 2,000-3,500	Rs. 4,000-6,000
Activities	Rs. 500-1,500	Rs. 2,000-4,000	Rs. 5,000-10,000
Total Daily Cost	Rs. 4,500-8,500	Rs. 10,500-18,500	Rs. 24,000-44,000

Norway Visa Requirements for Indian Travellers

Indian passport holders need a Schengen visa to visit Norway. Applications can be submitted through the VFS Global Norway visa application centres in major Indian cities.

Planning Your Norwegian Island Adventure with Pickyourtrail

The most beautiful islands in Norway present a stunning mix of dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture and unique natural experiences. From the tropical-looking beaches of Sommaroy to the Arctic wilderness of Svalbard, the photogenic fishing villages and majestic fjords of the Lofoten Islands, Norway to the adventure-filled trails of Senja Island, the Norwegian fjord islands exemplify the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. Start planning your Norwegian island adventure with customisable Norway tour packages from Pickyourtrail. Whether you wish to curate a complete island-hopping itinerary or focus on specific regions, our travel professionals will help you create your perfect journey tailored to your interests and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Norwegian Islands

What is the best time to visit the Norwegian islands for the northern lights?

The best time to see northern lights on Norwegian islands is September through March, with peak viewing from December to February. Tromsoya (Tromso) is the best viewing location, while Senja and Kvaloya provide darker skies away from city lights.

How many days do I need for a Norwegian island-hopping trip?

A comprehensive Norwegian island experience requires 10-14 days. This allows 2 days each on major islands like Moskenesoya (Lofoten), Senja and Tromsoya, with travel days between destinations. For a focused trip, allocate 5-7 days to explore one island group thoroughly—either the Lofoten archipelago or the Tromso region islands.

Are the Norwegian islands accessible year-round?

Most major Norwegian islands are accessible throughout the year via ferry or road connections. However, Svalbard has limited winter access, and some smaller islands reduce ferry frequency from October to April. Summer (May-September) offers the most reliable transportation schedules and weather, while winter travel (October-March) provides northern lights opportunities but requires flexibility for weather-related delays.

What should I pack for visiting the Norwegian islands?

Pack layered clothing for variable weather conditions like a waterproof jacket and pants, warm fleece or wool layers, comfortable hiking boots and thermal underlayers even in summer. The weather changes rapidly on Norwegian islands, with temperatures ranging from 5°C-20°C in summer and -5°C to 5°C in winter. Don’t forget sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen and a good camera for capturing midnight sun or northern lights.

Which Norwegian island is best for first-time visitors?

Moskenesoya in the Lofoten Islands is ideal for first-time visitors to Norwegian islands. It combines accessible transportation (connected by road and ferry), excellent accommodation and dining options, diverse activities from hiking to cultural experiences and the most photogenic landscapes in Norway. Alternatively, Tromsøoa offers urban amenities in Tromso city, making it perfect for travellers who want island beauty with city comforts.