List of rivers of Norway

Characteristics and uses

Rivers in Norway often have rapid elevation changes and seasonal flow variation driven by snowmelt and glaciers. Many have been harnessed for hydropower since the late 19th century; large reservoirs and dams are a common feature. Rivers also support fisheries, recreation, transport in some valleys, and historic timber floating. Conservation efforts focus on migratory fish, water quality and balancing energy needs with ecosystem protection.

Major and notable rivers

The following are some of the best-known rivers in Norway. This selection includes the longest and the most culturally or ecologically significant waterways rather than a precise length ranking.

1. Glomma (Glåma) — Norway's longest river, prominent for transport and hydroelectric development.
2. Gudbrandsdalslågen — a major inland river in eastern Norway, part of larger drainage systems.
3. Numedalslågen — flows through southern valleys to the coast.
4. Drammenselva — drains into Drammensfjord and historically carried timber.
5. Tana (Deatnu) — a transboundary river on the Norway–Finland border, famed for salmon.
6. Altaelva — notable for salmon fishing and for past hydropower controversies.
7. Namsen — valued by anglers and known as a prime salmon river.
8. Orkla — runs through central Norway and supports both fisheries and hydropower.
9. Otra — southern river system with reservoirs and recreational use.
10. Suldalslågen — part of a hydroelectricized region in southwestern Norway.
11. Rauma — flows through the dramatic Romsdalen valley and is popular with tourists.
12. Vefsna — an important river in northern Norway for local ecosystems.
13. Driva — runs through inland valleys and has salmon populations.
14. Sira — flows in the south-west and feeds hydropower installations.
15. Målselva — northern river with rich spawning grounds.
16. Vorma — a tributary connecting to larger river networks around Oslofjorden.
17. Pasvikelva — forms part of the Norway–Russia border in the far north.
18. Trysilelva — crosses the border region with Sweden and is known for angling.
19. Skienselva — central to the Skien watershed and historically to industry.
20. Lågen (other branches) — the name "Lågen" applies to several important valley rivers.

History and environmental notes

Rivers shaped settlement patterns and economic life: their valleys provided routes for travel and sites for farming and mills. In the 20th century, Norway greatly expanded hydropower, transforming many river systems. This brought reliable renewable energy but also prompted debates about habitat loss and fish migration. Efforts to restore river connectivity, improve fish ladders and manage water releases are ongoing.

For a ranked listing of the longest rivers by length, see the external compiled list here.