Norway is renowned for its stunning fjords, majestic mountains and of course, the Northern Lights. It is regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in the world and for a good reason. Its stunning cities, fascinating history, and really happy people have made Norway one of my favorite countries in the world. The country offers a wide range of breathtaking landscapes and cultural experiences that anyone will easily fall in love with. It is also one of the safest places to travel, with really low crime rates.
Plus, Norway has become extremely vegan-friendly making it easy for plant-based travelers to enjoy this spectacular country without worrying about the food. While popular destinations like Oslo, Bergen, and Tromsø are undeniably captivating, venturing off the beaten path unveils hidden gems and unique experiences.
Here are three lesser-known places in Norway that promise unforgettable adventures, for a truly incredible getaway.
Sunnmøre
Ålesund is the cultural centre of the Sunnmøre region of Norway, and is teeming with art nouveau architecture as the result of much of the city being rebuilt after a fire in 1904.
You can enjoy a kayak or canoe ride through the middle of the town, or venture out to enjoy some of the region’s incredible views and wildlife from the myriad of hiking trails and kayaking routes here. From conquering the peaks of Slogen to drifting over the glistening, emerald waters of Hjorundfjord – said to be one of the most secret, enchanting fjords in Norway – there are plenty of ways to soak up the scenery.
In fact, Sunnmøre is regarded as the adventure capital of fjords and its capital Ålesund boasts an impressive music scene. Its a wonderful place to explore when you are in Norway!
When it comes to vegan food in Norway – vegan restaurants are far and few beyond bigger cities like Oslo and Bergen. But regular restaurants offer a variety of vegan options on their menu. Places like Bæra Moa Nord (wraps, smoothie bowls), Dråpe, Zuuma (Japanese) and Kvikkbar serve vegan options and you can even enjoy vegan frozen yogurt at Frunky Frozen Yogurt joint. Indian restaurant Tajmahal Tandoori Restaurant and Evergreens Bistro in Ålesund also offer a lot of vegan options.
Senja Island
Tucked away in Norway’s northern region, Senja Island is often referred to as “Norway in miniature” due to its diverse and spectacular scenery. Despite its remarkable beauty, the island isn’t on the tourist trail and is an ideal destination for those seeking a glimpse of Norway’s remote tranquillity. It’s also a brilliant place to spot the iconic northern lights dancing against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains and glistening fjords.
Senja is dramatic, undulating and breathtaking. Rugged mountains and deep fjords fill the landscapes, stretching out to pristine beaches; and as Norway’s second-largest island, there’s a plethora of scenic hikes to venture. Whether you opt to scale the stunning Segla mountain or take in the panoramic views at Tungeneset or Bergsbotn, you will be swept away by the romantic beauty of this island.
There are many outdoor activities to explore in the region and you can drive around the island to experience its beauty. Senja’s northern coastal road is one of Norway’s 18 designated national scenic routes where you will find many of the points of interest and scenic spots as well. Make sure to pack your vegan food when you embark on the journey!
There are no vegan cafes in Senja however you can find vegan-friendly cafes. Cafe Senja is a vegan-friendly cafe in the region, which has vegan options on the menu. Casa Inferno, and Delicatessen Tapasbar in Vervet are also vegan-friendly places you can visit in Senja.
Vesterålen
For those who dare to venture into the Arctic Circle, explore Vesterålen – a hidden gem in the north of Norway. To stay off the beaten path, Vesterålen is the perfect destination {minus the crowd}. They have captivating archipelago teeming with dramatic vistas, ancient villages and soaring peaks. It’s known for its year-round whale-watching opportunities, with boat tours frequently venturing out over the glacial waters.
You can also learn about Sami culture here, and visit a traditional reindeer farm just outside of Sortland. Unspoiled and rugged, Vesterålen offers plenty of variety when it comes to making the most of its natural beauty. From spotting the aurora borealis to endless hiking opportunities, wildlife experiences and ocean and fjord exploring, you’ll be spoilt for choice on how to spend your time in this Arctic wonderland.
Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are one of the most awe-inspiring regions in Norway. They form an enchanting archipelago—a cluster of rugged, mountainous islands juxtaposed with unexpectedly pristine, white sandy beaches and turquoise blue water. These islands are intricately linked by bridges, and in certain areas, travelers embark on ferry journeys to reach the more secluded and distant locales.
Here, grand mountains converge with pristine, sun-kissed beaches of glistening white sand. Along the coastlines, quaint villages punctuate the landscape, while hiking trails weave their way through some of the most captivating vistas in all of Europe.
As for vegan places in Lofoten, while Lofoten Islands don’t have a completely vegan restaurant, several restaurants offer vegan options on their menu like Henningsvær Lysstøperi, Lofoten Beach Camp, Trevarefabrikken in Henningsvær (Vegan pizza), Nordis and Brygga. You can also explore the supermarkets for vegan-options. Extra in Leknes has a great vegan section.
What about traveling as a vegan in Norway?
No matter where you are in Norway, finding vegan food will not be a challenge. Bigger cities like Oslo and Bergen have vegan and vegetarian restaurants and it’s really easy to find vegan and vegan-friendly products at supermarkets all over Norway including plant-based milk, tofu, and vegan. I even found vegan chocolates at supermarkets in countryside!
When you are traveling to off-beat places, taking an Air Bnb is a good idea, as its very economical, plus you don’t have to worry about food.
Download apps like Vegan Norway and Happy Cow to help you find vegan or vegan-friendly restaurants nearest to you.
