Geography of Norway: Landscapes and Climate

Published on November 12, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Located at the northwestern edge of Europe, Norway is a country with unique geography that combines fjord-carved rugged coastlines with majestic mountains and snow-covered plateaus.

Bordered by the Norwegian Sea to the west and Sweden to the east, it extends beyond the Arctic Circle, offering varied and spectacular landscapes.

The complexity of its coastline, stretching over 83,000 kilometers, hides numerous picturesque villages and isolated islands.

This Scandinavian country is also dotted with dense forests, tumultuous rivers, and idyllic valleys, bearing witness to a millennia-old geological history.

Abounding with preserved nature, Norway is a land of contrasts where the midnight sun and northern lights fascinate throughout the year.

Geography and Location of Norway

Norway is situated at the extreme north of Europe, occupying the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It shares land borders with Sweden to the east, and Finland and Russia to the northeast. The country is bordered to the south and west by the Atlantic Ocean (North Sea, Skagerrak, Norwegian Sea), and to the north by the Barents Sea.

Land Borders	Neighboring Countries
East	Sweden
Northeast	Finland, Russia

The Norwegian coast extends over 2,500 km (excluding islands), but its coastline, including countless islands and fjords, reaches approximately 83,000 km. This indented coast, dotted with nearly 50,000 islands, is famous for its deep and spectacular fjords, including the Sognefjord (the longest and deepest in the country) and the Geirangerfjord, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Main Norwegian Cities

• Oslo: the capital, political, economic, and cultural center.
• Bergen: gateway to the fjords, major port on the west coast.
• Tromsø: large Arctic city, renowned for northern lights viewing.

Major Geographical Features

• The Scandinavian Mountains: mountain range along the Swedish border, peaking at Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m), the country’s highest summit.
• The Finnmark Plateau: vast tundra region in the north, characteristic of the subarctic landscape.
• The Svalbard Archipelago (Spitsbergen): island territories located in the Arctic Ocean, north of the mainland, rich in glaciers and polar wildlife.

Climatic Diversity

The climatic diversity of Norway is remarkable:

• Temperate oceanic climate in the south and on the west coast, moderated by the Gulf Stream.
• Subarctic climate in the north, with long, cold winters and short, cool summers.
• Beyond the Arctic Circle, the country experiences unique phenomena: midnight sun in summer and polar nights in winter.

Region	Primary Climate
South and West Coast	Temperate Oceanic
North and Finnmark	Subarctic
Svalbard	Polar

Norway possesses abundant natural resources: oil, natural gas, hydroelectric power (thanks to its numerous waterways and terrain), forests, minerals, as well as significant fishery resources. Its biodiversity is unique in Europe, encompassing boreal forests, tundra, glaciers, diverse wildlife (moose, reindeer, polar bears in Svalbard, whales, sea eagles) and flora adapted to northern and Arctic climates.

Norway, a country of majestic fjords, imposing mountains, and spectacular natural phenomena, stands out for its exceptional geographical and ecological diversity.

Main Geographical Regions of Norway

Northern Norway (Nord-Norge)

• Climate: Primarily subarctic, with long, cold winters and short summers. Presence of the midnight sun and northern lights phenomena.
• Topography: Region of deep fjords, steep mountains, spectacular islands (Lofoten, Vesterålen), and tundra in Finnmark. Vegetation ranging from boreal forests to reindeer pastures.
• Landscapes: Highly indented coasts, archipelagos, fjords (Ofotfjord, Vestfjord), tundra areas in the north.
• Demographics: Low population density, especially in Finnmark.
• Economy: Dominated by fishing, aquaculture, tourism (nature, northern lights), and exploitation of natural resources.
• Main Cities:
  • Tromsø: Cultural and university center, nicknamed “the Gateway to the Arctic”.
  • Bodø: Important port and departure point for the Lofoten Islands.
  • Alta: Known for its prehistoric rock carvings.
• Cultural Characteristics: Significant presence of Sámi culture, traditions related to reindeer herding.

Western Norway (Vestlandet)

• Climate: Temperate oceanic, very rainy, mild winters, cool summers.
• Topography: Scandinavian Mountains range, high plateaus, deep valleys, spectacular fjords (Sognefjord, Hardangerfjord).
• Landscapes: UNESCO-listed fjords (Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord), mountains, glaciers (Jostedalsbreen).
• Demographics: Moderate density, population concentrated on the coasts and in valleys.
• Economy: Heavy reliance on the oil industry, gas, fishing, aquaculture, and tourism.
• Main Cities:
  • Bergen: Second largest city in the country, historic Hanseatic center, major port, capital of the fjords.
  • Stavanger: Hub of the oil industry, dynamic cultural center.
• Attractions: National parks, hiking, fjord cruises, picturesque villages.

Eastern Norway (Østlandet)

• Climate: Temperate continental, cold winters, mild to warm summers.
• Topography: Large valleys (Gudbrandsdal, Østerdal), fertile plains around Lake Mjøsa and the Oslofjord, hills and plateaus.
• Landscapes: Forests, lakes, rivers, hills, agricultural areas.
• Demographics: Most populous region, strong urbanization around Oslo.
• Economy: Administrative, financial, and industrial centers; significant agriculture and forestry in rural areas.
• Main Cities:
  • Oslo: Capital and largest city, political, economic, and cultural heart of the country.
  • Drammen, Lillehammer: Important regional centers.
• Attractions: Museums, cultural institutions, winter sports (Lillehammer, Holmenkollen).

Southern Norway (Sørlandet)

• Climate: Temperate oceanic, mild summers, moderate winters.
• Topography: Low coasts, beaches, hills, plateaus (Jaeren, Lista).
• Landscapes: Coastline with numerous beaches and islets, archipelagos, forests, fertile valleys.
• Demographics: Moderate population, lively coastal villages in summer.
• Economy: Fishing, seaside tourism, light industry, agriculture.
• Main Cities:
  • Kristiansand: Largest city in the south, important port, tourist center.
  • Arendal: Historic town, marina.
• Attractions: Beaches, summer festivals, traditional white villages.

Trøndelag

• Climate: Temperate, cooler further north.
• Topography: Relatively wide depression around the Trondheimsfjord, valleys, hills, indented coasts.
• Landscapes: Trondheimsfjord, forests, farmland, low mountains.
• Demographics: Population concentrated around Trondheim, agricultural rural areas.
• Economy: Agriculture (grains, livestock), fishing, technology industry and services.
• Main Cities:
  • Trondheim: Third largest city in the country, historic and university center, Nidaros Cathedral.
• Attractions: Nidaros Cathedral, Trondheimsfjord, Viking sites.

Region	Climate	Typical Landscape	Main Cities	Estimated Population*	Key Economic Sectors
Northern Norway	Subarctic	Fjords, mountains, tundra	Tromsø, Bodø, Alta	~500,000	Fishing, tourism, resources
Western Norway	Oceanic	Fjords, mountains, glaciers	Bergen, Stavanger	~1,400,000	Oil, gas, fishing, tourism
Eastern Norway	Continental	Valleys, plains, forests	Oslo, Drammen	~2,700,000	Services, industry, agriculture
Southern Norway	Oceanic	Beaches, islands, hills	Kristiansand, Arendal	~300,000	Tourism, fishing, agriculture
Trøndelag	Temperate	Fjord, plains, forests	Trondheim	~480,000	Agriculture, technology, fishing

*Rounded estimates for the recent period.

Key Takeaways

Norway is distinguished by varied geography: spectacular fjords in the west, Arctic tundra in the north, agricultural plains in the east, seaside coastline in the south, and fertile valleys in the center.

Economic and demographic differences are marked, with urban concentration in the east (Oslo), oil dynamism in the west (Bergen, Stavanger), Arctic tradition in the north, and seaside appeal in the south.

The main cities play a key role in Norwegian history, culture, and economy, reflecting the country’s natural and human diversity.

Largest Cities and Their Economic Importance

Oslo, the capital and largest city of Norway, has over 690,000 inhabitants and a metropolitan area exceeding 1.5 million. It concentrates nearly 40% of the national population and dominates the country’s urban hierarchy. Its economic role is central: Oslo is the main center for decision-making, innovation, and services, with dominant sectors such as information technology, financial services, and especially the maritime sector, thanks to a port that handles over 5 million tons of cargo and up to 7 million passengers annually. The Port of Oslo and Gardermoen International Airport are key infrastructures for logistics and international trade. The city benefits directly from oil and gas revenues, driving its urban growth and investments. Oslo is also recognized for its environmental commitment, aiming for a 95% reduction in carbon emissions by 2030.

Bergen, the country’s second city with about 254,000 inhabitants, is historically a major commercial crossroads and the main gateway to the Norwegian fjords. The Port of Bergen remains one of the most active in the country, particularly for seafood exports. The local economy relies heavily on the maritime sector (fishing, aquaculture), international trade, and especially the offshore oil industry. Bergen is also an innovation center for aquaculture, significantly contributing to Norwegian fish and seafood exports.

Stavanger, nicknamed the “Oil Capital of Norway,” has approximately 220,000 inhabitants. Its economy is primarily based on the oil and gas industry, which represents the main source of jobs and wealth. Many specialized energy service companies are located there, making Stavanger a hub of expertise and innovation for the energy sector, both nationally and internationally.

Trondheim, with nearly 180,000 inhabitants, stands out as a technological and educational center. The NTNU (Norwegian University of Science and Technology) plays a driving role, hosting a large part of the country’s research and technological innovation. Trondheim attracts many students and researchers and is a center of excellence for information technology, engineering, and renewable energy.

Tromsø is the largest city in northern Norway, with about 77,000 inhabitants, and holds a strategic position in the Arctic economy. It is a world-renowned polar research center, notably due to the University of Tromsø and several specialized institutes. Arctic tourism constitutes a significant part of the local economy, as do fishing and aquaculture. Tromsø also contributes to research on polar ecosystems and the sustainable development of the Arctic region.

City	Population (City)	Key Economic Sectors	Major Role/Infrastructure
Oslo	>690,000	Technology, finance, maritime, oil/gas	Port of Oslo, Gardermoen Airport, capital
Bergen	254,000	Maritime, offshore oil, aquaculture, trade	Major port, gateway to the fjords, exports
Stavanger	220,000	Oil/gas, energy services	Oil hub, energy innovation
Trondheim	180,000	Research, NTNU, technology, engineering	Technological and university center
Tromsø	77,000	Arctic research, tourism, fishing, aquaculture	Polar center, university, Arctic tourism

Key Economic Facts to Remember:

• Oslo concentrates nearly 40% of the population and the majority of national economic decisions.
• The Port of Oslo is the country’s largest, handling over 5 million tons of cargo and up to 7 million passengers annually.
• The oil sector represents about 15% of Norway’s GDP, directly impacting Oslo, Stavanger, and Bergen.
• Bergen and Tromsø are essential for seafood exports and Arctic research.
• Trondheim, via NTNU, is a driver of innovation and technological development for Norway.

To Remember:
The economic dynamics of Norway’s major cities rely on a unique combination of natural resources, high technology, and innovation, with each metropolis playing a specific role in the country’s development.