The Greatest Norwegian Literature
This selection of Norwegian literature encompasses all literary forms, genres and periods. It includes works acclaimed by readers, writers, critics and scholars in Norway and around the world.
The Greatest Norwegian Literature focuses on the country's major creative works—such as novels, novellas, plays, long poetry and collections.
You may also be interested in The Greatest Nordic Literature or The Greatest Swedish Literature.
This list is updated as new works are discovered and appreciation of older works evolves. Please note the revision date when citing the list.
Latest update: November 1, 2025
The 33 Greatest Works of Norway
1866
Brand
by Henrik Ibsen, Norway
Play
1867
Peer Gynt
by Henrik Ibsen, Norway
Play
1872
Ghosts
by Henrik Ibsen, Norway
Play
1879
A Doll's House
by Henrik Ibsen, Norway
Play
1882
An Enemy of the People
by Henrik Ibsen, Norway
Play
1884
The Wild Duck
by Henrik Ibsen, Norway
Play
1891
Hedda Gabler
by Henrik Ibsen, Norway
Play
1892
Mysteries
by Knut Hamsun, Norway
Novel, originally Mysterier
1893
The Master Builder
by Henrik Ibsen, Norway
Play
1894
Pan
by Knut Hamsun, Norway
Novel
1899
Hunger
by Knut Hamsun, Norway
Novel
1917
Growth of the Soil
by Knut Hamsun, Norway
Novel
1920
Giants in the Earth
by Ole Edvart Rolvaag, Norway
Novel
1920–1922
Kristin Lavransdatter
by Sigrid Undset, Norway
Novel series includes The Wreath, The Wife and The Cross.
1926
Alberta and Jacob
by Cora Sandel, Norway
Novel, originally Alberte og Jakob, first in The Alberta Trilogy
1927
The Snake Pit
by Sigrid Undset, Norway
Novel, also known as Olav Audunssøn (II): Providence, second in The Master of Hestviken series
1957
The Birds
by Tarjei Vesaas, Norway
Novel, originally Fuglane
1963
The Ice Palace
by Tarjei Vesaas, Norway
Novel, originally Fuglane
1967
New Short Stories
by Johan Borgen, Norway
Story collection Nye noveller
1977
Dalen Portland
by Kjartan Fløgstad, Norway
Novel, originally Dalen Portland
1981
The House with the Blind Glass Windows
by Herbjorg Wassmo, Norway
Novel, first in the Tora trilogy, originally Huset med den blinde glassveranda
1988
Roman 1987
by Dag Solstad, Norway
Novel, originally Roman 1988
1991
Sophie's World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy
by Jostein Gaarder, Norway
Novel
1996
What Shall We Do Today and Other Short Stories
by Øystein Lønn, Norway
Story collection, originally Hva skal vi gjøre i dag og andre noveller
1999
The Discoverer
by Jan Kjærstad, Norway
Novel
2000
The Redbreast
by Jo Nesbø, Norway
Novel
2003
Out Stealing Horses
by Per Petterson, Norway
Novel, originally Ut og stjæle hester
2007–2014
Wakefulness
by Jon Fosse, Norway
Novella series, originally Andvake, includes Wakefulness, Olav's Dream and Weariness.
2008
I Curse the River of Time
by Per Petterson, Norway
Novel, originally Jeg forbanner tidens elv
2009
My Struggle: Book One
by Karl Ove Knausgaard, Norway
Novel, also known as A Death in the Family: My Struggle Book 1, originally Min kamp. Første bok
My Struggle: Book Two: A Man in Love
by Karl Ove Knausgaard, Norway
Novel, also known as A Man in Love: My Struggle Book 2, originally Min kamp. Andre bok
2011
Days in the History of Silence
by Merethe Lindstrøm, Norway
Novel, originally Dager i stillhetens historie
2023
A Shining
by Jon Fosse, Norway
Novel, originally Kvitleik
