View source for List of towns and cities in Norway

{{Short description|None}}
[[File:No-map.png|thumb|right|300px|Map of Norway with important cities]]
This is a '''list of towns and cities in [[Norway]]'''. The [[Norwegian language]] word {{wikt-lang|no|by}} means a [[town]] or [[city]]&ndash;there is no distinction between the two words as there is in English. Historically, the designation of town/city was granted by the king, but since 1996 that authority was given to the local [[Municipal council (Norway)|municipal council]]s for each municipality in Norway. In Norway today, there are 108 towns/cities, but they have no legal authority or powers and they are not an administrative body, it is simply a designation. All local government rests with the municipality which may or may not have a town/city located within it.<ref name="snl">{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Byer i Norge |encyclopedia=[[Store norske leksikon]] |publisher=[[Kunnskapsforlaget]] |url=https://snl.no/byer_i_Norge |date=2024-02-13 |editor-last=Thorsnæs |editor-first=Geir |language=no |accessdate=2024-02-24}}</ref>

==History==
Historically, the words {{Lang|no|[[kjøpstad]]}} ([[market town]]), {{lang|no|[[ladested]]}} (small seaport), or {{lang|no|[[bergstad]]}} were used for a town or city. Each of these were granted certain special [[Town privileges|rights]] based on their classification and they did hold administrative authority within their borders. A ladested was subordinate to a kjøpstad and over time some of the ladesteds were "upgraded" to the status of kjøpstad in order to gain more trading rights. In 1665, Norway had 20 towns. There were 9 full market towns ([[kjøpstad]]): Bergen, Oslo, Trondheim, Tønsberg, Stavanger, Skien, Fredrikstad, Halden, and Kristiansand. There were two mountain towns {[[bergstad]]): Kongsberg and Røros. There were 9 market seaports ([[ladested]]): Larvik, Moss, Porsgrunn, Molde, Kragerø, Risør, Holmestrand, Mandal, and Drammen (which was actually 2 towns: Bragernes and Strømsø). All of the [[ladested]] places on this list were later upgraded to [[kjøpstad]]s. During the 1800s, urbanization took hold in Norway and many new towns/cities were added. The special trading rights for towns/cities were abolished in 1857.<ref name="snl" />

In 1946, Norwegian municipalities were each assigned a [[List of municipality numbers of Norway|municipality number]], a four-digit codes based on [[ISO 3166-2:NO]]. Towns/cities got a municipality number in which the third digit was a zero and rural municipalities were given other numbers. In 1952 the special classifications of for towns/cities (kjøpstad, bergstad, and ladested) were entirely rescinded from the law and replaced by the simple classification of {{wikt-lang|no|by}}. Starting on 1 January 1965, the government's focus was moved from the individual towns/cities to their corresponding municipalities. All Norwegian towns/cities and rural municipalities were classified as either a {{lang|no|bykommune}} (urban municipality) or {{lang|no|herredskommune}} (rural municipality). This distinction was rescinded by The Local Government Act of 1992.<ref name="snl" />

Between 1960 and 1965 many Norwegian municipalities were merged. For instance when the urban municipality [[Brevik, Norway|Brevik]] merged with the urban municipality [[Porsgrunn]] and the rural municipality [[Eidanger]], the new municipality was called Porsgrunn and it kept the municipality number for Porsgrunn. As a result, Brevik was no longer considered an urban municipality/town. On another note, when the urban municipality [[Hønefoss]] was merged with the rural municipalities [[Hole, Norway|Hole]], [[Norderhov]], [[Tyristrand]], and [[Ådal]] to form the new municipality of [[Ringerike (municipality)|Ringerike]], Ringerike retained the old municipality number of Hønefoss meaning that it retained its town/city status. The same thing happened to [[Egersund]] and [[Florø]].<ref name="Dag">{{Cite book |last=Jukvam |first=Dag |url=http://www.ssb.no/emner/00/90/rapp_9913/rapp_9913.pdf |title=Historisk oversikt over endringer i kommune- og fylkesinndelingen |publisher=[[Statistics Norway|Statistisk sentralbyrå]] |year=1999 |isbn=9788253746845 |language=no}}</ref>

Before 1996, the ''city status'' was awarded by the king and Government through the [[Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development]]. Since then, the status of town/city is decided by each municipal council and then it is formally accepted by the state. Since 1997, a municipality must have a minimum of 5,000 inhabitants in order to declare city status for one of its settlements. In 1999, the municipal council of [[Bardu Municipality]] declared city status for [[Setermoen]], only to be rejected because the municipality fell short of the population limit. One exception is [[Honningsvåg]] in [[Nordkapp Municipality]], where the municipality actually has less than 5,000 inhabitants but declared city status before the limit was implemented by law in 1997.<ref name="SM">{{Cite web |last=Kommunal Rapport |date=23 June 2005 |title=Byer i Norge |url=http://www.kommunal-rapport.no/index.db2?id=3725 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060215125453/http://www.kommunal-rapport.no/index.db2?id=3725 |archive-date=15 February 2006}}</ref>

Because of the new laws in 1996-1997, Norway witnessed a rapid rise in the number of cities after that time. A number of relatively small settlements are now called ''by'', such as [[Brekstad]] with 1,828 inhabitants and [[Kolvereid]] with 1,448 inhabitants. Among the cities of today which got this status before 1996, [[Tvedestrand (town)|Tvedestrand]] with 1,983 inhabitants is the smallest. On another note, the laws of 1996 allowed some settlements which lost their city status in the 1960s to regain it.

[[Oslo]], founded in the 11th century, is the largest city and also the [[capital city|capital]] of Norway. Oslo is the only city in Norway that is consolidated with its municipality and county, thus the [[Oslo (city)|city of Oslo]], [[Oslo Municipality]], and [[Oslo County]] are all one unified unit of government.<ref name="snl" />

==Cities and towns in Norway==
[[File:Oslo newer montage 2013.png|thumb|right|[[Oslo]], the capital of [[Norway]] and among the fastest growing cities in [[Europe]]]]
[[File:BergenComposite.jpg|thumb|right|[[Bergen]], the capital of [[Vestland]] county]]
[[File:Stavangercollage2.png|thumb|right|[[Stavanger (city)|Stavanger]], the oil capital and capital of [[Rogaland]] county]]
[[File:Overview of Trondheim 2008 03.jpg|thumb|right|[[Trondheim (city)|Trondheim]], the largest city in [[Trøndelag]] county]]
[[File:Kristiansand set fra havnen.jpg|thumb|right|[[Kristiansand (town)|Kristiansand]], the biggest city and capital of [[Agder]] county]]
[[File:Fredrikstad bryggepromenade fra Kråkerøybroa.JPG|thumb|right|[[Fredrikstad (town)|Fredrikstad]], the biggest city in [[Østfold]] county and one of the 20 biggest cities in Norway]]
[[File:Morketidettermiddag.JPG|thumb|right|[[Tromsø (city)|Tromsø]], the capital of [[Troms]] county]]
[[File:Sandnes edit.JPG|thumb|right|[[Sandnes (city)|Sandnes]], the second largest city in [[Rogaland]] after Stavanger]]
[[File:Drammen from east.png|thumb|right|[[Drammen (town)|Drammen]], the largest city in and capital of [[Buskerud]] county]]
[[File:Skien - town centre (east-west).jpg|thumb|right|[[Skien (town)|Skien]]]]
[[File:Bodø 2006.jpg|thumb|right|[[Bodø (town)|Bodø]]]]
[[File:Vista_de_Ålesund_desde_Aksla,_Noruega,_2019-09-01,_DD_16.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ålesund (town)|Ålesund]]]]

{| class="wikitable sortable"
! rowspan=2|City !! rowspan=2|Municipality !! rowspan=2|County !! colspan=3|Town status 
|-
!Year!!Type!!Assigned by
|-
| [[Alta (town)|Alta]] || [[Alta Municipality]] || [[Finnmark]] || 2000<ref name="altafinnsnes">{{Cite news |last=Greiner |first=Robert |date=2009-12-31 |title=2000–2009: Dette husker vi |url=https://www.nrk.no/tromsogfinnmark/2000-2009_-dette-husker-vi-1.6927058 |access-date=2024-02-19 |work=[[NRK]] |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Alta Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Arendal (town)|Arendal]] || [[Arendal Municipality]] || [[Agder]] || {{sort|1610|1610<br />1723}}<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-02-04 |title=Arendals historie |url=https://www.arendal.kommune.no/tjenester/kultur-og-fritid/kunst-og-kultur/museer-og-kulturhistorie/historiske-artikler/arendals-historie/ |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=Arendal kommune |language=no}}</ref> || [[Ladested]]<br />[[Kjøpstad]] || [[Christian IV of Denmark|Christian IV]]<br />[[Frederick IV of Denmark|Frederik IV]]
|-
| [[Askim]] || [[Indre Østfold Municipality]] || [[Østfold]] || 1996<ref name="KR21">{{Cite news |last=Holmquist |first=Tone |date=1997-09-05 |title=21 nye byer i Norge |url=https://www.kommunal-rapport.no/politikk/21-nye-byer-i-norge/90566!/ |access-date=2024-02-19 |work=[[Kommunal Rapport]] |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Askim Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Bardufoss]] || [[Målselv Municipality]] || [[Troms]] || 2021<ref>{{Cite news |date=2021-09-22 |title=Bardufoss får bystatus |url=https://www.nrk.no/nyheter/bardufoss-far-bystatus-1.15662233 |access-date=2024-07-16 |work=[[NRK]] |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Målselv Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Bergen]] || [[Bergen Municipality]] || [[Vestland]]{{efn|Bergen was a separate county until 1 January 1972.}} || 1070 || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Olav Kyrre]]
|-
| [[Bodø (town)|Bodø]] || [[Bodø Municipality]] || [[Nordland]] || 1816<ref name="kj/l" /> || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Charles XIII|Karl II]]
|-
| [[Brekstad]] || [[Ørland Municipality]] || [[Trøndelag]] || 2005<ref name="TSR">{{Cite news |last=Soot-Ryen |first=Tron |date=2008-08-21 |title=Norges nye byer |url=https://www.nrk.no/kultur/norges-nye-byer-1.897495 |access-date=2024-02-19 |work=[[NRK]] |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Ørland Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Brevik, Norway|Brevik]] || [[Porsgrunn Municipality]] || [[Telemark]] || 1845–1963<ref name="B&K" /><br />2009<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hoftun |first=Hanne |date=2009-01-12 |title=Brevik blir by |url=https://www.nrk.no/kultur/brevik-blir-by-1.6429740 |access-date=2024-02-19 |work=[[NRK]] |language=no}}</ref> || [[Kjøpstad]]<br /> {{wikt-lang|no|By}} ||[[Oscar I of Sweden|Oscar I]]<br />[[Porsgrunn Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Brumunddal]] || [[Ringsaker Municipality]] || [[Innlandet]] || 2010<ref name="B/M">{{Cite news |last=Øyhovden |first=Asbjørn |last2=Haugan |first2=Olav |date=2010-06-24 |title=Brumunddal og Moelv får bystatus |url=https://www.tv2.no/nyheter/innenriks/brumunddal-og-moelv-far-bystatus/12734375/ |access-date=2024-02-19 |work=[[TV 2 (Norwegian TV channel)|TV 2]] |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Ringsaker Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Bryne]] || [[Time Municipality]] || [[Rogaland]] || 2001<ref>{{Cite news |date=2002-09-03 |title=Time kommune |url=https://www.nrk.no/rogaland/time-kommune-1.228504 |access-date=2024-02-19 |work=[[NRK]] |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Time Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Brønnøysund]] || [[Brønnøy Municipality]] || [[Nordland]] || 1923–1963<ref name="kj/l" /><br />2000<ref name="nord" /> || [[Ladested]]<br />{{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Haakon VII]]<br />[[Brønnøy Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Drammen (town)|Drammen]] || [[Drammen Municipality]] || [[Buskerud]] || 1811<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-07-06 |title=Kort oversikt over byens historie |url=http://drammenshistorie.no/kort.shtml |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=Drammens historie |language=no}}</ref> || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Frederick VI of Denmark|Frederik VI]]
|-
| [[Drøbak]] || [[Frogn Municipality]] || [[Akershus]] || 1842–1961<ref name="kj/l" /><br />2006<ref name="DSSL">{{Cite news |date=2006-11-21 |title=Jessheim er fylkets største tettsted uten bystatus |url=https://www.rb.no/lokale-nyheter/jessheim-er-fylkets-storste-tettsted-uten-bystatus/s/1-95-2425101 |access-date=2024-02-20 |work=[[Romerikes Blad]] |language=no}}</ref> || [[Kjøpstad]]<br />{{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Karl III Johan]]<br />[[Frogn Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Egersund]] || [[Eigersund Municipality]] || [[Rogaland]] || 1798 || [[Ladested]] || [[Christian VII of Denmark|Christian VII]]
|-
| [[Elverum (town)|Elverum]] || [[Elverum Municipality]] || [[Innlandet]] || 1996<ref name="KR21" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Elverum Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Fagernes]] || [[Nord-Aurdal Municipality]] || [[Innlandet]] || 2007<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kessel |first=Dag |date=2007-06-14 |title=Fagernes blir by |url=https://www.nrk.no/innlandet/fagernes-blir-by-1.2707608 |access-date=2024-02-19 |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Nord-Aurdal Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Farsund (town)|Farsund]] || [[Farsund Municipality]] || [[Agder]] || 1795 || [[Ladested]] || [[Christian VII of Denmark|Christian VII]]
|-
| [[Fauske (town)|Fauske]] || [[Fauske Municipality]] || [[Nordland]] || 1998<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fauske fikk bystatus i 1998 |url=https://www.altomfauske.no/post/bystatus |access-date=2024-02-19 |website=altomfauske.no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Fauske Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Finnsnes]] || [[Senja Municipality]] || [[Troms]] || 2000<ref name="altafinnsnes" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Lenvik Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Flekkefjord (town)|Flekkefjord]] || [[Flekkefjord Municipality]] || [[Agder]] || 1842<ref name="kj/l" /> || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Karl III Johan]]
|-
| [[Florø]] || [[Kinn Municipality]] || [[Vestland]] || 1860<ref name="kj/l" /> || [[Ladested]] || [[Charles XV|Karl IV]]
|-
| [[Fosnavåg]] || [[Herøy Municipality (Møre og Romsdal)|Herøy Municipality]] || [[Møre og Romsdal]] || 2000<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fosnavåg |url=https://historikk.com/heroy/fosna.php |access-date=2024-02-19 |website=Historikk.com |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Herøy Municipality (Møre og Romsdal)#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Fredrikstad]] || [[Fredrikstad Municipality]] || [[Østfold]] || 1567 || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Frederick II of Denmark|Frederik II]]
|-
| [[Førde (town)|Førde]] || [[Sunnfjord Municipality]] || [[Vestland]] || 1997<ref name="KR21" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Førde Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Gjøvik (town)|Gjøvik]] || [[Gjøvik Municipality]] || [[Innlandet]] || 1861<ref name="kj/l" /> || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Charles XV|Karl IV]]
|-
| [[Grimstad (town)|Grimstad]] || [[Grimstad Municipality]] || [[Agder]] || {{sort|1622|1622<br />1816<ref name="kj/l" />}} || [[Ladested]]<br />[[Kjøpstad]] || [[Christian VII of Denmark|Christian VII]]<br />[[Charles XIII|Karl II]]
|-
| [[Halden]]{{efn|Previously known as "Fredrikshald"}} || [[Halden Municipality]] || [[Østfold]] || 1665 || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Frederick III of Denmark|Frederik III]]
|-
| [[Hamar]] || [[Hamar Municipality]] || [[Innlandet]] ||{{sort|1050|c.1050–1587}}<br /> 1848|| [[Kjøpstad]]<br />[[Kjøpstad]] || [[Harald Hardråde]]<br />[[Oscar I of Sweden|Oscar I]]
|-
| [[Hammerfest (town)|Hammerfest]] || [[Hammerfest Municipality]] || [[Finnmark]] || 1789<ref name="FM" /> || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Christian VII of Denmark|Christian VII]]
|-
| [[Harstad (town)|Harstad]] || [[Harstad Municipality]] || [[Troms]] || 1904<ref name="nord" /> || [[Ladested]] || [[Oscar II]]
|-
| [[Haugesund (town)|Haugesund]] || [[Haugesund Municipality]] || [[Rogaland]] || {{sort|1854|1854<ref name="kj/l" /><br />1866<ref name="kj/l" />}} || [[Ladested]]<br />[[Kjøpstad]] || [[Oscar I of Sweden|Oscar I]]<br />[[Charles XV|Karl IV]]
|-
| [[Hokksund]] || [[Øvre Eiker Municipality]] || [[Buskerud]] || 2002<ref>{{Cite news |date=2001-11-08 |title=Hokksund blir by fra nyttår |url=https://www.nrk.no/buskerud/hokksund-blir-by-fra-nyttar-1.256657 |access-date=2024-02-19 |work=[[NRK]] |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Øvre Eiker Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Holmestrand (town)|Holmestrand]] || [[Holmestrand Municipality]] || [[Vestfold]] || 1744<ref name="holmestrand">{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Holmestrand |encyclopedia=[[Store norske leksikon]] |publisher=[[Kunnskapsforlaget]] |url=https://snl.no/Holmestrand |date=2024-02-21 |editor-last=Thorsnæs |editor-first=Geir |language=Norwegian |accessdate=2024-03-24}}</ref><br />1752<ref name="holmestrand" /> || [[Ladested]]<br />[[Kjøpstad]] || [[Christian VI of Denmark|Christian VI]]<br />[[Frederick V of Denmark|Frederik V]]
|-
| [[Honningsvåg]] || [[Nordkapp Municipality]] || [[Finnmark]] || 1996<ref name="KR21" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Nordkapp Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Horten (town)|Horten]] || [[Horten Municipality]] || [[Vestfold]]|| {{sort|1858|1858<ref name="kj/l" /><br />1907<ref name="kj/l" />}} || [[Ladested]]<br />[[Kjøpstad]] || [[Oscar I of Sweden|Oscar I]]<br />[[Haakon VII]]
|-
| [[Hønefoss]] || [[Ringerike Municipality]] || [[Buskerud]] || 1852<ref name="kj/l" /> || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Oscar I of Sweden|Oscar I]]
|-
| [[Jessheim]] || [[Ullensaker Municipality]] || [[Akershus]] || 2012<ref>{{Cite web |title=En by i vekst |url=https://www.fremtidensby.no/vekstomraadet-akershus/en-by-i-vekst/ |access-date=2024-02-19 |website=Fremtidens By |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Ullensaker Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Jørpeland]] || [[Strand Municipality]] || [[Rogaland]] || 1998<ref name="TSR" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Strand Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Kirkenes]] || [[Sør-Varanger Municipality]] || [[Finnmark]] || 1998<ref name="nord" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Sør-Varanger Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Kolvereid]] || [[Nærøysund Municipality]] || [[Trøndelag]] || 2002<ref name="TSR" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Nærøy Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Kongsberg (town)|Kongsberg]] || [[Kongsberg Municipality]] || [[Buskerud]] || {{sort|1624|1624<ref name="Kongsberg">{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Kongsberg |encyclopedia=[[Store norske leksikon]] |publisher=[[Kunnskapsforlaget]] |url=https://snl.no/Kongsberg |date=2024-02-21 |editor-last=Thorsnæs |editor-first=Geir |language=no |accessdate=2024-02-22}}</ref><br />1802<ref name="Kongsberg" />}} || [[Bergstad]]<br />[[Kjøpstad]] || [[Christian IV of Denmark|Christian IV]]<br />[[Christian VII of Denmark|Christian VII]]
|-
| [[Kongsvinger (town)|Kongsvinger]] || [[Kongsvinger Municipality]] || [[Innlandet]] || 1854<ref name="kj/l" /> || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Oscar I of Sweden|Oscar I]]
|-
| [[Kopervik]] || [[Karmøy Municipality]] || [[Rogaland]] || 1866–1964<ref name="kj/l" /><br />1996<ref name="KR21" /> || [[Ladested]]<br />{{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Charles XV|Karl IV]]<br />[[Karmøy Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Kragerø (town)|Kragerø]] || [[Kragerø Municipality]] || [[Telemark]] || 1666<ref name="B&K">{{Cite web |title=Brevik and Kragerø |url=https://norskfolkemuseum.no/en/brevik-andf-kragero |access-date=2024-02-19 |publisher=Norske Folkemuseum}}</ref> || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Frederick III of Denmark|Frederik III]]
|-
| [[Kristiansand (town)|Kristiansand]] || [[Kristiansand Municipality]] || [[Agder]] || 1641 || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Christian IV of Denmark|Christian IV]]
|-
| [[Kristiansund (town)|Kristiansund]] || [[Kristiansund Municipality]] || [[Møre og Romsdal]] || 1742<ref name="Ålesund" /> || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Christian VI of Denmark|Christian VI]]
|-
| [[Langesund]] || [[Bamble Municipality]] || [[Telemark]] || 1765–1963<br />1997<ref name="KR21" /> || [[Ladested]]<br />{{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Frederick V of Denmark|Frederik V]]<br />[[Bamble Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Larvik (town)|Larvik]] || [[Larvik Municipality]] || [[Vestfold]]|| 1671 || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Christian V of Denmark|Christian V]]
|-
| [[Leirvik]] || [[Stord Municipality]] || [[Vestland]] || 1997<ref name="KR21" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Stord Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Leknes]] || [[Vestvågøy Municipality]] || [[Nordland]] || 2002<ref name="TSR" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Vestvågøy Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Levanger (town)|Levanger]] || [[Levanger Municipality]] || [[Trøndelag]] || 1836–1961<ref name="kj/l">{{Cite web |date=1990-06-15 |title=Lov om opphevelse av foreldede lover |url=https://lovdata.no/dokument/LTI/lov/1990-06-15-18 |access-date=2024-02-20 |website=Lovdata.no |publisher=Norges arbeids- og administrasjonsdepartementet |language=no}}</ref><br />1997<ref name="KR21" /> || [[Kjøpstad]]<br />{{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Karl III Johan]]<br />[[Levanger Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Lillehammer (town)|Lillehammer]] || [[Lillehammer Municipality]] || [[Innlandet]] || 1827 || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Karl III Johan]]
|-
| [[Lillesand (town)|Lillesand]] || [[Lillesand Municipality]] || [[Agder]] || 1821–1961<br />1996 || [[Ladested]]<br />{{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Karl III Johan]]<br />[[Lillesand Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Lillestrøm (town)|Lillestrøm]] || [[Lillestrøm Municipality]] || [[Akershus]] || 1997<ref name="DSSL" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Skedsmo Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Lyngdal (town)|Lyngdal]] || [[Lyngdal Municipality]] || [[Agder]] || 2001<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sundsdal |first=Svein |date=2001-01-02 |title=Lyngdal - ny by på Sørlandet |url=https://www.nrk.no/sorlandet/lyngdal---ny-by-pa-sorlandet-1.332903 |access-date=2024-02-20 |work=[[NRK]] |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Lyngdal Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Mandal, Norway|Mandal]] || [[Lindesnes Municipality]] || [[Agder]] || 1921<ref name="kj/l" /> || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Haakon VII]]
|-
| [[Mo i Rana]] || [[Rana Municipality]] || [[Nordland]] || 1923–1963<ref>{{Cite journal |year=1922 |title=Norsk Lovtidende. 2den Afdeling. 1922. Samling af Love, Resolutioner m.m |url=https://www.nb.no/items/URN:NBN:no-nb_digitidsskrift_2015102381002_001?page=277 |journal=[[Norsk Lovtidend]] |language=no |location=Oslo, Norway |publisher=Grøndahl og Søns Boktrykkeri |page=277}}</ref><br />1997<ref name="KR21" /> || [[Ladested]]<br />{{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Haakon VII]]<br />[[Rana Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Moelv]] || [[Ringsaker Municipality]] || [[Innlandet]] || 2010<ref name="B/M" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Ringsaker Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Molde (town)|Molde]] || [[Molde Municipality]] || [[Møre og Romsdal]] || 1742<ref name="Ålesund" /> || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Christian VI of Denmark|Christian VI]]
|-
| [[Mosjøen]] || [[Vefsn Municipality]] || [[Nordland]] || 1875–1961<ref name="kj/l" /><br />1998<ref name="nord">{{Cite web |last=Andreassen |first=Skjalg |date=2016-11-03 |title=De Eldste Byene |url=https://www.visomelskernordnorge.no/herborvi/de-eldste-byene/ |website=Vi som elsker Nord-Norge |language=no}}</ref> || [[Ladested]]<br />{{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Oscar II]]<br />[[Vefsn Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Moss (town)|Moss]] || [[Moss Municipality]]|| [[Østfold]] || 1720 || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Frederick IV of Denmark|Frederik IV]]
|-
| [[Mysen]] || [[Indre Østfold Municipality]] || [[Østfold]] || 1997<ref name="KR21" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Eidsberg Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Måløy]] || [[Kinn Municipality]] || [[Vestland]] || 2004<ref name="KR21" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Vågsøy Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Namsos (town)|Namsos]] || [[Namsos Municipality]] || [[Trøndelag]] || 1845<ref name="kj/l" /> || [[Ladested]] || [[Oscar I of Sweden|Oscar I]]
|-
| [[Narvik (town)|Narvik]] || [[Narvik Municipality]] || [[Nordland]] || 1902<ref name="nord" /> || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Oscar II]]
|-
| [[Notodden (town)|Notodden]] || [[Notodden Municipality]] || [[Telemark]] || 1913<ref name="kj/l" /> || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Haakon VII]]
|-
| [[Odda (town)|Odda]] || [[Ullensaker Municipality]] || [[Vestland]] || 2004<ref name="KR21" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Odda Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Orkanger]] || [[Orkland Municipality]] || [[Trøndelag]] || 2014<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sandmo |first=Espen |last2=Haugen Egge |first2=Julie |date=2014-06-30 |title=Velkommen til Ny Ork? |url=https://www.nrk.no/trondelag/velkommen-til-ny-ork_-1.11807727 |access-date=2024-02-20 |work=[[NRK]] |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Orkdal Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Oslo]] || [[Oslo Municipality]] || [[Oslo]] || 1048 || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Harald Hardråde]]
|-
| [[Otta, Norway|Otta]] || [[Sel Municipality]] || [[Innlandet]] || 2000<ref name="TSR" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Sel Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Porsgrunn (town)|Porsgrunn]] || [[Porsgrunn Municipality]] || [[Telemark]] || {{sort|1652|1652<br />1842}} || [[Ladested]]<br />[[Kjøpstad]] || [[Frederick III of Denmark|Frederik III]]<br />[[Karl III Johan]]
|-
| [[Raufoss]] || [[Vestre Toten Municipality]] || [[Innlandet]] || 2019<ref>{{Cite news |date=2019-06-20 |title=Raufoss fikk bystatus |url=https://www.nrk.no/innlandet/raufoss-fikk-bystatus-1.14596684 |access-date=2024-02-23 |work=[[NRK]] |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Vestre Toten Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Risør (town)|Risør]] || [[Risør Municipality]] || [[Agder]] || {{sort|1630|1630<br />1723}} || [[Ladested]]<br />[[Kjøpstad]] || [[Christian IV of Denmark|Christian IV]]<br />[[Frederick IV of Denmark|Frederik IV]]
|-
| [[Rjukan]] || [[Tinn Municipality]] || [[Telemark]] || 1996<ref name="KR21" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Tinn Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Røros (town)|Røros]]{{efn|Røros is technically not designated as a town/city. It has a special distinction as being a ''[[bergstad]]'' (mining town).}} || [[Røros Municipality]] || [[Trøndelag]] || 1646 || [[Bergstad]] ||  [[Christian IV of Denmark|Christian IV]]
|-
| [[Rørvik]] || [[Nærøysund Municipality]] || [[Trøndelag]] || 2020<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hatland |first=Lena Erikke |date=2020-09-18 |title=Nå har Nærøysund to byer |url=https://www.namdalsavisa.no/na-har-naroysund-to-byer-rorvik-vedtatt-som-kystbyen-i-trondelag/s/5-121-601278 |access-date=2024-02-20 |work=[[Namdalsavisa]] |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Vikna Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Sandefjord (town)|Sandefjord]] || [[Sandefjord Municipality]] || [[Vestfold]]|| 1845<ref name="kj/l" /> || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Oscar I of Sweden|Oscar I]]
|-
| [[Sandnes]] || [[Sandnes Municipality]] || [[Rogaland]] || 1860<ref name="kj/l" /> || [[Ladested]] || [[Charles XV|Karl IV]]
|-
| [[Sandnessjøen]] || [[Alstahaug Municipality]] || [[Nordland]] || 1999<ref name="nord" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Alstahaug Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Sandvika]] || [[Bærum Municipality]] || [[Akershus]] || 2003<ref name="DSSL" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Bærum Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Sarpsborg (town)|Sarpsborg]] || [[Sarpsborg Municipality]] || [[Østfold]] || 1016 || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Olaf II of Norway|Olav II]]
|-
| [[Sauda (town)|Sauda]] || [[Sauda Municipality]] || [[Rogaland]] || 1999<ref name="SBJ">{{Cite news |date=2000-10-03 |title=Sauda, Jørpeland og Bryne nye byer |url=https://www.aftenbladet.no/lokalt/i/n4jMn/sauda-joerpeland-og-bryne-nye-byer |access-date=2024-02-20 |work=[[Stavanger Aftenblad]] |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Sauda Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Ski (town)|Ski]] || [[Nordre Follo Municipality]] || [[Akershus]] || 2004<ref name="DSSL" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Ski Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Skien (town)|Skien]] || [[Skien Municipality]] || [[Telemark]] || 1358 || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Hákon VI Magnússon]]
|-
| [[Skudeneshavn]] || [[Karmøy Municipality]] || [[Rogaland]] || 1857–1964<ref name="kj/l" /><br />1996<ref name="KR21" /> || [[Ladested]]<br />{{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Oscar I of Sweden|Oscar I]]<br />[[Karmøy Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Sortland (town)|Sortland]] || [[Sortland Municipality]] || [[Nordland]] || 1997<ref name="KR21" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Sortland Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Stathelle]] || [[Bamble Municipality]] || [[Telemark]] || 1774–1963<br />1997<ref name="KR21" /> || [[Ladested]]<br />{{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Christian VII of Denmark|Christian VII]]<br />[[Bamble Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Stavanger]] || [[Stavanger Municipality]]|| [[Rogaland]] || 1125 || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Sigurd Jorsalfare]]
|-
| [[Stavern]]{{efn|Previously known as "Fredriksvern"}} || [[Larvik Municipality]] || [[Vestfold]]|| 1943–1988<ref>{{Cite journal |year=1946 |title=Norsk Lovtidende. 2den Afdeling. 1946. Samling af Love, Resolutioner m.m |url=https://www.nb.no/items/URN:NBN:no-nb_digitidsskrift_2015110481045_001?page=265 |journal=[[Norsk Lovtidend]] |language=no |location=Oslo, Norway |publisher=Grøndahl og Søns Boktrykkeri |page=190}}</ref><br />1999<ref name="KR21" /> || [[Kjøpstad]]<br />{{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Haakon VII]]{{efn|Stavern was designated a [[kjøpstad]] in 1943 under the [[Quisling regime]]. In 1946, after World War II, the Norwegian government formally approved this change effective in 1943.}}<br />[[Larvik Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Steinkjer (town)|Steinkjer]] || [[Steinkjer Municipality]] || [[Trøndelag]] || 1857<ref name="kj/l" /> || [[Ladested]] || [[Oscar I of Sweden|Oscar I]]
|-
| [[Stjørdalshalsen]] || [[Stjørdal Municipality]] || [[Trøndelag]] || 1997<ref name="KR21" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Stjørdal Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Stokmarknes]] || [[Hadsel Municipality]] || [[Nordland]] || 2000<ref name="nord" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Hadsel Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Svelvik (town)|Svelvik]] || [[Drammen Municipality]] || [[Buskerud]] || 1845<ref name="kj/l" /> || [[Ladested]] || [[Oscar I of Sweden|Oscar I]]
|-
| [[Svolvær]] || [[Vågan Municipality]] || [[Nordland]] || 1918–1964<ref name="kj/l" /><ref>{{Cite journal |year=1918 |title=Norsk Lovtidende. 2den Afdeling. 1918. Samling af Love, Resolutioner m.m |url=https://www.nb.no/items/URN:NBN:no-nb_digitidsskrift_2015110481022_001?page=127 |journal=[[Norsk Lovtidend]] |language=no |location=Oslo, Norway |publisher=Grøndahl og Søns Boktrykkeri |page=127}}</ref><br /> 1996<ref name="KR21" /> || [[Ladested]]<br />{{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Haakon VII]]<br />[[ Vågan Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Tromsø (city)|Tromsø]] || [[Tromsø Municipality]] || [[Troms]] || 1794<ref name="FM" /> || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Christian VII of Denmark|Christian VII]]
|-
| [[Trondheim]] || [[Trondheim Municipality]] || [[Trøndelag]] || 997 || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Olaf Tryggvason|Olav Tryggvason]]
|-
| [[Tvedestrand (town)|Tvedestrand]] || [[Tvedestrand Municipality]] || [[Agder]] || 1836–1960<ref name="kj/l" /><br />1997<ref name="KR21" /> || [[Ladested]]<br />{{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Karl III Johan]]<br />[[Tvedestrand Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Tynset (town)|Tynset]] || [[Tynset Municipality]] || [[Innlandet]] || 2020<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-08-26 |title=Tynset får bystatus |url=https://www.nrk.no/innlandet/tynset-far-bystatus-1.15135493 |access-date=2025-05-23 |work=NRK |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Tynset Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Tønsberg (town)|Tønsberg]] || [[Tønsberg Municipality]] || [[Vestfold]]|| {{sort|871|c. 871}} || [[Kjøpstad]] || ''Unknown''
|-
| [[Ulsteinvik]] || [[Ulstein Municipality]] || [[Møre og Romsdal]] || 2000<ref>{{Cite web |title=Foto fra Ulsteinvik |url=https://digitaltmuseum.no/021016572910/foto-fra-ulsteinvik-som-er-kommune-og-regionsenter-i-ulstein-kommune-ulsteinvik |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=Nordmørsmusea |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Ulstein Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Vadsø (town)|Vadsø]] || [[Vadsø Municipality]] || [[Finnmark]] || 1833<ref name="kj/l" /> || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Karl III Johan]]
|-
| [[Vardø (town)|Vardø]] || [[Vardø Municipality]] || [[Finnmark]] || 1789<ref name="FM">{{Cite web |last=Gabrielsen |first=Trond |date=2015-12-02 |title=Hevder handelsborgerne innvandret til Finnmark på 1500-tallet |url=http://finnmarkforlag.no/tese_2015_2desember.html |access-date=2024-02-22 |website=Finnmark-Forlag |language=no}}</ref> || [[Kjøpstad]] || [[Christian VII of Denmark|Christian VII]]
|-
| [[Verdalsøra]] || [[Verdal Municipality]] || [[Trøndelag]] || 1998<ref>{{Cite news |date=2002-01-01 |title=Fakta om Verdal |url=https://www.adressa.no/nyheter/trondelag/i/g66x8J/fakta-om-verdal |access-date=2024-02-21 |work=[[Adresseavisen]] |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Verdal Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Vinstra]] || [[Nord-Fron Municipality]] || [[Innlandet]] || 2013<ref>{{Cite news |last=Holmquist |first=Tone |date=2013-09-02 |title=Nå er Vinstra by |url=https://www.kommunal-rapport.no/kultur/na-er-vinstra-by/41199!/ |access-date=2024-02-21 |work=[[Kommunal Rapport]] |language=no}}</ref> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Nord-Fron Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Åkrehamn]] || [[Karmøy Municipality]] || [[Rogaland]] || 2002<ref name="TSR" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Karmøy Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Ålesund (town)|Ålesund]] || [[Ålesund Municipality]] || [[Møre og Romsdal]] || {{sort|1823|1823<ref name="Ålesund">{{Cite thesis |last=Viseth |first=Sindre |title=Fiskenæringens betydning for byutviklingen i Ålesund på 1800-tallet |access-date=2024-02-21 |degree=Master's |publisher=[[University of Oslo]] |url=https://www.duo.uio.no/bitstream/handle/10852/69168/Masteroppgave---HIS4090---Sindre-Viseth.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y |language=no |year=2019}}</ref><br />1848<ref name="Ålesund" /> }} || [[Ladested]]<br />[[Kjøpstad]] || [[Karl III Johan]]<br />[[Oscar I of Sweden|Oscar I]]
|-
| [[Åndalsnes]] || [[Rauma Municipality]] || [[Møre og Romsdal]] || 1996<ref name="KR21" /> || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Rauma Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
| [[Åsgårdstrand]] || [[Horten Municipality]] || [[Vestfold]]|| 1650–1964<ref>{{Cite news |date=2002-12-28 |title=Åsgårdstrand før og nå |url=https://www.gjengangeren.no/nyheter/asgardstrand-for-og-na/s/2-2.426-1.417223 |access-date=2024-02-21 |work=[[Gjengangeren]] |language=no}}</ref><br />2010<ref>{{Cite web |title=Fakta og historie |url=https://www.asgardstrand.no/asgardstrand/fakta-og-historie/ |access-date=2024-02-21 |website=Åsgårdstrand.no |language=no}}</ref> || [[Ladested]]<br />{{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Frederick III of Denmark|Frederik III]]<br />[[Horten Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]]
|-
! colspan="6" style="text-align: left;" | Notes:{{no bold|<br />{{noteslist}} }}
|}

==Former towns==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! rowspan=2|City !! rowspan=2|Municipality !! rowspan=2|County !! colspan=3|Town status !! rowspan=2|Reason for<br />lost status
|-
!Year!!Type!!Assigned by
|-
| [[Holmsbu]] || [[Hurum Municipality]] || [[Buskerud]] || 1847–1964 || [[Ladested]] || [[Oscar I of Sweden|Oscar I]] || Municipal merger
|-
| [[Hvitsten]] || [[Vestby Municipality]] || [[Akershus]] || 1837–1964 || [[Ladested]] || [[Karl III Johan]] || Municipal merger
|-
| [[Hølen]] || [[Vestby Municipality]] || [[Akershus]] || 1837–1943 || [[Ladested]] || [[Karl III Johan]] || Municipal merger
|-
| [[Setermoen]] || [[Bardu Municipality]] || [[Troms]]|| 1999–1999 || {{wikt-lang|no|By}} || [[Bardu Municipality#Municipal council|Kommunestyre]] || Disallowed by government<ref name="SM" />
|-
| [[Sogndal, Rogaland|Sogndal]] || [[Sokndal Municipality]] || [[Rogaland]] || 1798–1944 || [[Ladested]] || [[Christian VII of Denmark|Christian VII]] || Municipal merger
|-
| [[Son, Norway|Son]] || [[Vestby Municipality]] || [[Akershus]] || 1604–1963 || [[Ladested]] || [[Christian IV of Denmark|Christian IV]] || Municipal merger
|}

==See also==
* [[List of cities in Europe]]
* [[List of urban areas in Norway by population]]
* [[Lists of villages in Norway]]
* [[List of settlements in Svalbard and Jan Mayen]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
{{commons category|Cities in Norway}}
* [http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/europe/norway.gif Map with Norwegian cities]
* City Population: Norway (statistics & map) –  [http://www.citypopulation.de/Norway.html Municipalities] & [http://www.citypopulation.de/Norway-UA.html Urban Settlements]

{{Norway topics|state=expanded}}
{{Europe topic|List of places in|NO=List of towns and cities in Norway}}
{{List of cities in Europe}}
{{Europe topic|List of towns in|NO=List of towns and cities in Norway}}
{{Subdivisions of Norway}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:List Of Towns And Cities In Norway}}
[[Category:Cities and towns in Norway| ]]
[[Category:Lists of cities by country|Norway, List of cities in]]
[[Category:Lists of cities in Scandinavia|Norway]]
[[Category:Lists of populated places in Norway|Cities]]