Cultural tours in Norway

Underdogs of Art – The world's best-kept cultural secret?

Photo by Even Askildsen | Kunstsilo

Think you know Norway? Let us guess - fjords, fish, and folks who are suspiciously good at winter sports? Well, here’s a plot twist: beneath that rugged exterior lies an unexpected artistic powerhouse that’s been quietly creating world-class culture for centuries.

Ever heard of “The Scream”? That’s us! Ibsen’s groundbreaking plays? Yep, Norwegian. The mind-bending Oslo Opera House that seems to rise from the sea? That too!

Explore our art tours

Experience Norway's "Underdogs of Art" through thoughtfully crafted journeys - either by rail from Oslo's contemporary galleries to Stavanger's street art with a stop at Kristiansand's stunning Kunstsilo, or by diving into Bergen's artistic heritage at KODE museums and Grieg's intimate Troldhaugen estate.

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Start from: Stavanger

Art in the making

Norway operates as an underdog in the art world. While European capitals attract cultural tourists with centuries-established reputations, Norwegian cities offer something different: artistic communities building recognition in real-time. Museums like Kunstsilo in Kristiansand appear on New York Times and TIME Magazine lists within years of opening. Street art festivals in Stavanger draw international artists to a city most travelers visit for oil industry tours.

This cultural landscape exists parallel to Norway's better-known natural attractions. The same travelers who come for fjords and northern lights often discover urban Norway has its own depth – not copying Copenhagen or Stockholm, but developing distinctive cultural identities tied to specific Norwegian contexts.

Our cultural tours focus on this Norwegian specificity. They're called "Underdogs of Art" because they introduce cultural dimensions visitors don't expect from Norway. The tours work through cities with emerging or underappreciated cultural scenes, combining established institutions like the Munch Museum with newer developments like Stavanger's NuArt Festival legacy.

Kunstsilo in Kristiansand. Photo by Martin Bremnes | Visit Norway

The underdogs concept

Norway's cultural positioning creates interesting opportunities for travelers. Major European art destinations suffer from overtourism. The Louvre processes over 10 million visitors annually. The Uffizi tops 4 million. Norwegian museums operate at different scale – Kunstsilo in Kristiansand welcomed 100,000 visitors in its first year. This isn't failure; it's accessibility.

The underdog status also means Norwegian cultural institutions try harder. When Kunstsilo opened in 2024, it immediately earned international recognition because it had to justify itself. The museum houses Nordic modernism in a repurposed grain silo designed to global architectural standards. It competes for attention against Norway's fjords, which sets different expectations than competing against other art museums.

Street art in Stavanger developed similarly. The NuArt Festival began in 2001 when street art itself was emerging as legitimate art form. Twenty years later, Stavanger hosts one of Europe's most respected street art scenes. Artists like Banksy have worked there. But it remains secondary to Stavanger's oil capital identity, making it genuinely surprising for visitors who arrive expecting industrial city and find sophisticated urban art culture.

This pattern repeats across Norwegian cultural tours. Bergen hosts KODE, one of Northern Europe's largest art museum complexes, but tourism marketing emphasizes Bergen as fjord gateway. Oslo holds exceptional Munch and National Museum collections, yet international perception focuses on Nobel Peace Prize and Viking history. The cultural depth exists; it just operates under different visitor expectations.

Not bad for a nation better known for salmon and skiing, right?

While Paris has its Louvre and Rome its Vatican, Norway has been the scrappy underdog of the art world, punching well above its weight with a surprisingly rich cultural scene that catches most visitors off guard.

Our artists, architects, and performers don’t just follow trends - they have to think differently, dream bigger, and push boundaries to stand out from the crowd.

Photo by Alan Williams Photography

Maybe it’s our dramatic landscapes that spark creativity. Perhaps it’s those long winter nights that fuel imagination. Or could it be that our reputation for being reserved just means we express ourselves better through art?

Photo by Einar Aslaksen | Munch Museum

Come explore the unexpected side of Norway, where Norway's contemporary architecture dances with ancient traditions, where world-class museums sit beside Viking heritage, and where your next cultural discovery might just be hiding in plain sight.

After all, everyone loves an underdog - especially one with this much artistic bite.

Ready to experience the arts scene that no one saw coming?

Discovering hidden gems

Norway have a lot of hidden gems waiting to be discovered by curious travelers. From the villages of the fjord coast to cities like Oslo and Bergen, there’s no shortage of off-the-beaten-path destinations to explore.

Take a guided tour to uncover the secrets of Norway’s lesser-known towns, such as Ålesund, with its art nouveau architecture. Visit the charming villages of the Lofoten Islands, where traditional Norwegian culture meets rugged beauty.

Whether you’re interested in history, art, or outdoor adventures, Norway’s hidden gems are sure to leave you with an unforgettable experience.

Cultural tours

You've seen it on coffee mugs, Halloween costumes, and emoji keyboards. But behind The Scream stands a man whose brush strokes captured Norway's soul in ways that still speak to us today. Edvard Munch story begins in the streets of Oslo, where you can now trace his footsteps and perhaps discover what moved him to create art that changed how we see the world.

Explore the world-class museums of Oslo, including the National Museum and the MUNCH museum, which showcase Norway’s art, history, and culture.

With the Oslo Pass that are included in our cultural tours, you can unlock these attractions and travel around the city like a local.

If you are more into Norway’s Viking past, visit the Lofotr Viking Museum in Lofoten. With a cultural tour, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Norway’s history and traditions, and experience the warm hospitality of the Norwegian people.

A deep dive into Norwegian culture

Norway’s culture is a unique blend of traditional and modern elements. Take a deep dive into Norwegian culture by visiting the country’s many museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. Explore the world of Norwegian art, from the iconic works of Edvard Munch to the world’s largest collection of Nordic modernist art.

Visit the stave churches, which are some of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Learn about Norway’s Viking history and its impact on the country’s culture and traditions. With a deep dive into Norwegian culture, you’ll gain a rich understanding of our country and people.

Planning your trip

Planning a trip to Norway can be overwhelming, but with a little guidance from someone like us, you can have an unforgettable journey.

Start by choosing your destination, and select your travel dates, taking into account Norway’s seasonal changes and festivals. Consider what type of trip you want to take, whether it’s a cultural tour, an outdoor adventure, or a relaxing getaway.

We take care of the rest. We ensure that schedules, activities and accommodation are in harmony, and that you can be assured of quality at every stage.