Norway is an easy country to photograph. The water, the wooden houses, and the mountains do most of the work. These are four places I go back to when I want a photo that actually looks like Norway.
1. Geirangerfjord
This is the view above Geiranger, from the road that hairpins down to the village. Steep green walls, a blue fjord, and a few houses at the bottom. Go early. Cruise ships and tour buses fill the viewpoint later in the day. Keep the horizon level and let the valley do the rest.
2. Trolltunga
Trolltunga is the slab of rock that sticks out over Ringedalsvatnet. The hike is long, and the weather changes while you are still walking. I would not do it in trainers, and I would not walk out on the rock if the cloud is sitting on it. When it is clear, two people on the edge show how big the drop really is. Stay back if the stone is wet.
3. Bryggen, Bergen
Bryggen is the row of wooden houses on the harbour in Bergen. The colour is the photo. Red, yellow, white, and ochre, with boats in front and the mountain behind. Morning light on the water is kinder than midday. Rain is normal here. The houses still look good under a grey sky. Just wipe the lens.
4. Hamnøy, Lofoten
Hamnøy is a small fishing village in Lofoten. Red rorbuer sit on the rocks under a steep mountain, and the water in front goes still if you wait. The winter light is low and warm for a short part of the day. That is the photo. In summer the village is busy. Come early, or stay until the tours have left.