Things To Do In Norway — Norway is a land of fjords, picturesque fishing towns, Vikings, Northern Lights, the sun of midnight, picturesque drives and some of the world’s best treks.
Norway is a country where the ancient and new coexist together, with natural wonders competing for space alongside cutting-edge cultural establishments.
Oslo, the capital city, is as active as they come, but if you want, you may travel to snowy mountains and breathtaking gorges.
This is known as the Land of the Midnight
Sun, where the days never stop and the sun is always in the sky at certain times of the year, and it is also one of the few areas in the world where the northern lights, one of the most amazing natural light shows on the planet, can be seen.
Norway is one of Europe’s wealthiest countries, so you can expect high-quality amenities such as a diverse public transportation system if you visit.
Norway is also recognized for being extremely safe, making it an excellent choice for lone female tourists who want to explore the nation. You won’t be short on activities here, from museums to other sights like glaciers, thanks to the country’s unique past.
You may discover all about the fascinating Viking culture while also seeing the current sides of Norway, which are many.
Here are 26 of the top things to do in Norway if you’re considering a vacation to this magnificent country.
26 Best Things To Do In Norway
Table of Contents
1. Norway In A Nutshell
Norway in a Nutshell is a bundled visit that joins a ship ride on Naeroyfjord (one of the tightest and most grand fjords in Norway) with one of the world’s most picturesque train rides, the Flåm rail line.
This is an excellent excursion to take if you only have a limited amount of time in Norway. With all transportation included, you can start and end this vacation in some of Norway’s most popular cities.
This expedition has a high price tag, but it is a very easy and convenient method for travellers with limited time to see this part of Norway.
If you’re going on a road trip and will be renting a car, you can put together your own Norway in a Nutshell tour and save some money.
2. Take A Train Journey
Norway has some fantastic rail routes that are both comprehensive and simple to use, making it one of the greatest ways to see the nation.
There are more than 2,000 miles of tracks here, and the scenic rides allow you to see Norway from a fresh perspective.
The Bergen Railway, which passes across the Hardangervidda plateau, and the Dovre Railway, which extends from Oslo to Trondheim, are two of the highlights.
3. Explore The Fjord Region
One of the nicest things to do in Norway is to explore the fjords. This can be accomplished in a variety of ways… Cruises, cars, hiking trails, and ferries are all options.
Many of these fjords will be seen if you take a road trip in southern Norway. Southern Norway is lined with fjords and waterways, and you’ll almost certainly cross these fjords by auto ferry as you travel around the region.
Some of the treks on this list will provide you with a bird’s eye view of the fjords. Both Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten provide spectacular views of Lysefjord.
4. Explore Mount Floyen
If you want to see the best views of Bergen, you should go to Mount Floyen, a 399-meter top that overlooks the city.
If you’re in a hurry, you can ride the funicular railway to the summit, which takes around 8 minutes and provides panoramic views of Bergen and its famous fjords.
There is a viewpoint spot near the summit, and if you don’t want to use the funicular, you can always trek to the summit and mountain bike on the nearby trails.
The Floyen Folk Restaurant, which hosts traditional music concerts and serves local cuisine, is also a significant draw here.
5. Hike On Trolltunga
Trolltunga is one of the most popular hikes in Norway. It’s a beautiful journey that culminates with the Troll’s tongue, a narrow sliver of rock ideal for creative photography.
The hike to Trolltunga is lengthy and arduous… Round trip distance is 28 kilometres (17.4 miles). This hike will take you a full day, but it will be well worth it. You will not only return home with a memory card full of unique images, but you will also have the opportunity to spend the day trekking through a stunning section of Norway.
6. Visit Oslo
Oslo is Norway’s capital and the country’s most populous city. You’ll very certainly spend some time here, either when you arrive in Norway or when you depart.
The Viking Ship Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Holmenkollen ski jump, the Akershus Fortress, and the Oslo Opera House are among the city’s most popular attractions.
Oslo Cathedral is one of the city’s most popular attractions, and it was originally constructed in the 11th century.
The church was built in the baroque style and was the first church ever built in Norway.
As you might think, the church has witnessed a number of historic events, including those involving the royal family, and you can now see all of the history for yourself on a visit here.
The huge organ, as well as the beautiful pulpit and the colourful murals that cover the ceiling, are all worth seeing.
7. Visit Historic Bryggen
Bergen’s historic harbour section, Bryggen, is located on the coast. The vivid red, orange, and white Hanseatic Houses, commercial structures used for stockfish trading from the 14th to 16th centuries, are located here. Many of these structures date back to 1702, and Bryggen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore Bryggen, go to the fish market, and take a ride on the Flyen funicular for a bird’s eye perspective of Bergen.
8. Take A Ferry Ride
A journey on the Hurtigruten ship, which will take you to some of Norway’s less-explored areas, is another excellent way to see the nation.
Coastal steamers are the name given to the ferries, and you can board one at Bergen and sail to Kirkenes in 12 days.
You can, however, get on and off at some of Norway’s famous picturesque ports along the trip.
9. Road Trip Through The Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are a stunning combination of craggy mountains, rocky coasts, and white sand beaches. This is a beautiful part of Norway to visit, particularly for individuals who enjoy scenic drives, hiking, and being outside.
If you want to get the most out of your trip to the Lofoten Islands, plan on spending at least four days there. This area may appear little on a map, but it is jam-packed with beaches, hiking trails, and picturesque excursions that may easily keep you occupied for several days.
10. Explore the Geirangerfjord Region
Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and part of the huge Fjord Norway Network.
It runs for miles, but some of the highlights are Alesund, which is noted for its chilly Norwegian beauty in the north.
Sunnylvsfjord, which boasts some of the most beautiful views in the landscape, is another fantastic place.
If you wish to climb one of the peaks here, the Dalsnibba top, at 4,905 feet, is the one to go for.
One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty here is to schedule a tour that will take you to all of the region’s most beautiful sites so you don’t miss anything.
11. Arctic Cathedral
Jan Inge Hovig, a Norwegian architect, designed the Arctic Cathedral, which was completed in 1965. As a result, this is one of the country’s newest cathedrals, with a spectacular design.
The structure is designed to resemble enormous blocks of ice, and the interior features gleaming mosaics as well as the prominent glass façade with a giant crucifix.
The cathedral is illuminated from the outside throughout the winter, making it even more magnificent.
12. Go Hiking In Vesterålen
Vesteralen is a less touristic and quieter variant of the Lofoten Islands. This archipelago is located in northern Norway, close north of the Lofoten Islands.
Hike the easy walk to Mtinden for breathtaking views of the beach. This climb will only take you 3 to 4 hours and will reward you with amazing coastal views.
13. Tour Akershus Castle
Akershus Castle was built in 1299 to protect Oslo against an enemy assault during the mediaeval period.
It has served several purposes over the years, notably as a Renaissance fortress and, more recently, as a prison.
It is now utilised by the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, and you can tour it and see some of the most beautiful spaces, including the banquet rooms and chapel.
There are also antique collections here that take you on a tour through the castle’s history, so if you’re interested in learning about Norway in the past, this is a must-see.
14. Visit Tromsø
This modest northern city, situated at 69 degrees north latitude near the Arctic Circle, has a lot to offer. The midnight sun is visible during the summer.
The northern lights twinkle and dance above the town in the winter. Enjoy the view from Flya, go shopping, see the Arctic Cathedral, or use Troms as a base to explore the surrounding fjords and mountains.
15. Visit The Arctic Circle
Many people are unaware that much of Norway lies within the Arctic Circle, making it the ideal site in the world to search for the Midnight Sun.
Every year during the summer solstice, a natural phenomena occurs in which the sun never sets and it is always daytime.
The famed Northern Lights, which are caused by particles from the sun entering the earth’s atmosphere, are another important aspect of the Arctic Circle.
16. Hike To Pulpit Rock
Pulpit Rock, commonly known as Preikestolen, is a peculiarly shaped rock rising 604 metres above Lysefjord. It was featured in the film Mission: Impossible – Fallout, and millions of photographs were shared on Facebook and Instagram.
This is another popular walk in Norway, thanks to its spectacular vistas, reasonably easy hiking track, and easy access from Stavanger.
17. Travel Along The Atlantic Ocean Road
A journey along Norway’s Atlantic Ocean Road is not to be missed.
The route follows a 5 mile stretch of rocky but stunning coastline, passing by charming fishing communities and picturesque attractions such as ancient churches.
There is a defined route you can take because this is now one of Norway’s top attractions, with the famed Troll’s Church Cave as one of the primary areas of interest.
18. Drive Trollstigen
Trollstigen, often known as “The Troll’s Road,” winds its way up from the Romsdal Valley. There are 11 hairpin twists, various vistas, and views of the Stigfossen waterfall on this short section of road. It’s part of the National Tourist Route between Geirangerfjord and ndalsnes.
19. Go Skiing In The Lyngen Alps
The magnificent Lyngen Alps, located in the Arctic Circle, are a 90-kilometer-long mountain range that runs all the way to Sweden’s border.
There are fjords, glaciers, and rivers in the area, as well as soaring peaks and picturesque gorges.
Dog sledding and going on a snow safari are popular activities in the Alps, and there’s a good chance of seeing the northern lights.
In the Lyngen Alps, skiing and rock climbing are popular hobbies, and the highest peak, Jiekkevarre, stands at 1,833 metres.
20. Journey To Svalbard
Svalbard appears to be just a hop, skip, and jump away from the North Pole when viewed on a globe. Longyearbyen is the world’s northernmost community, located at 78 degrees north latitude.
Many adventures await you in Svalbard. Hike, kayak, or snowmobile across the snowy landscapes, or embark on a multi-day sled dog trip. Take a one-week trip around Svalbard in search of polar bears if you have plenty of time (and money).
Svalbard has a sense of adventure to it. A vacation here is one of the best things to do in Norway, with unique scenery and sensations.
21. Visit the Kon-Tiki Museum
There is a variety of souvenirs by Thor Heyerdahl, a famous Norwegian explorer, at the Kon-Tiki Museum in Oslo.
There are several galleries dedicated to various excursions undertaken by Heyerdahl, as well as a 30-meter cave tour.
This is a wonderful choice if you’re interested in the terrain and geology of Norway, and you can even see a whale shark in an underwater exhibit.
Traditional Norwegian delicacies such as the Kon-Tiki Fish Casserole are served at the museum restaurant.
22. Climb Svolvaergeita
Here’s another Norwegian bucket list adventure. The pinnacle of the rock, which is a famous climbing place in Lofote islands, is Svolvaergeita, also known as ” The Goat “.
That was our favourite Lofoten Islands experience. Svolvaergeite’s view from the top is amazing! And you can do this if you’re a rookie rock climber.
23. Vigeland Sculpture Park
The famous Vigeland Sculpture Park in Norway is dedicated to the work of Gustav Vigeland, one of the most popular Norwegian sculptor.
There are more than 200 pieces of bronze and granite here, and this is also the largest sculpture park of its type that exhibits the work of a single artist.
The Main Gate, Children’s playground, Wheel Life and The Bridge all form numerous areas of this park.
Much of Gustav’s art exhibit complicated human emotions and sculptures like skeletons embedded in tree branches can be seen.
24. Munch Museum
Edvard Munch, a symbolist painter, is one of the most well-known Norwegians of all time.
The museum has been open since 1963, and it houses 1,200 paintings, 4,500 drawings, and an amazing collection of 18,000 prints.
There are various sculptural pieces and lithographic stones on display, as well as mementos from Munch’s life, such as letters and books.
25. Enjoy At Ålesund
Ålesund is a lovely coastal town in the south of Norway. This Art Nouveau hamlet is spread out over a number of islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The vista from Fjellstua is a highlight of any trip to Ålesund.
26. Viking Ship Museum
The Viking Ship Museum is one of Norway’s most popular museums, displaying a variety of Viking-era items.
This includes objects discovered in local cemeteries as well as full-scale Viking ships.
Three longboats from the ninth century have been largely preserved in peat fields and are remarkably well maintained.
The Oseberg Boat, which was claimed to have been used as a funeral vessel for Viking royalty in ancient times, is the most famous of these.
Comments