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Norway's dramatic fjord landscapes are among the attractions drawing international attention to Western Norway following Vestland's inclusion in National Geographic's Best of the World 2027.

Vestland, Norway, has been included in National Geographic's Best of the World 2027 selection. The recognition highlights a region where some of Norway's best-known fjords, mountain railways and historic coastal cities can be experienced without renting a car.

Published on 20 October 2026, National Geographic's annual Best of the World list features 25 destinations across six continents, including Vestland in Western Norway.

In an accompanying destination feature, travel writer Kerry Walker explores the region's natural and cultural attractions, from the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord and Hardangerfjord to Bergen's historic Bryggen waterfront.

The feature also highlights developments planned for 2027, including the reopening of Bergen's Hanseatic Museum following extensive restoration.

Experiencing Western Norway without a car

For international travellers, one of Vestland's advantages is that several of its well-known destinations can be combined using Norway's existing public transport and fjord-cruise connections.

An established route from Oslo to Bergen brings together three different travel experiences:

• The Bergen and Flåm railways: Travellers cross Norway's mountain plateau before descending from Myrdal to the fjord village of Flåm.

• Nærøyfjord cruise: An approximately two-hour electric-boat journey connects Flåm with Gudvangen, passing through the UNESCO-listed fjord landscape.

• Onward journey to Bergen: Coach connections from Gudvangen to Voss and rail travel to Bergen complete the journey.

The connections can be completed in a full travel day, although travellers wanting more time for outdoor activities or exploring Flåm may prefer an overnight stay.

Not every attraction in Vestland is accessible through this route. Destinations such as Hardangerfjord and the Trolltunga hiking area require additional travel planning.

A journey documented by ExplorewithJohan

The rail-and-cruise approach was also demonstrated through an earlier collaboration between Booknordics.com and Norwegian travel creator Johan Haugsrud, known as ExplorewithJohan.

In July 2026, the company announced its Signature Norway Holidays collaboration, following Haugsrud's completion of a seven-day journey linking Oslo, Flåm, Nærøyfjord, Bergen, Stavanger and Kristiansand.

The itinerary brings together several of Vestland's recognised highlights before continuing beyond the county into Southern Norway.

The collaboration provides a first-hand example of how international travellers can experience several Norwegian destinations independently, with accommodation, principal transport connections and selected activities arranged in advance.

From destination recognition to practical travel planning

National Geographic's selection places renewed attention on Vestland ahead of 2027.

For travellers considering Western Norway, the practical question is how to connect the experiences they want to see within the time available.

Rail-and-cruise travel offers one approach for visitors interested in the mountain railway, Nærøyfjord and Bergen without driving. Visitors seeking remote hiking areas or a more extensive exploration of Vestland may benefit from a longer itinerary.

National Geographic's Best of the World 2027 selection is independent of Booknordics.com and ExplorewithJohan.

Passengers experience Norway’s changing landscapes from a scenic railway carriage.