Norway has to be one of the most magical places. I mean, dramatic fjords, colourful fishing villages, Viking history, trolls and folklore, the northern lights, the midnight sun, jaw-dropping scenic drives, and some of the best hiking on the planet…what more could you want?!
If you’re planning a trip to this spectacular part of the world, these are 10 of the very best things to do in Norway. Whether you’re visiting the country during the summer, or winter, you’ll find something for you on this list.
1. Take a Cruise Through the Fjords
If you’re planning to explore Norway by sea, a cruise will give you a front-row seat to some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes. Did you know there are more than 1,700 fjords in Norway?!
Southern Norway, in particular, is woven together by fjords and waterways that carve deep into the land. While you can drive these routes or cross by ferry, taking a Norwegian fjords cruise lets you glide straight through the heart of this landscape, passing steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and colourful villages.
Many of Norway’s most iconic viewpoints sit high above the fjords, offering unforgettable perspectives from land…but, from the water below, the scale feels just as impressive, with towering rock walls rising almost vertically from the sea, a perspective that only a fjord cruise can fully capture.
The cruises in Norway are made for anyone who loves the outdoors. Imagine cruising through legendary waterways like Hardangerfjord and the crown jewel, Geirangerfjord – it’s one of the most rewarding ways to experience Norway.
2. Go Dog-Sledding
Being from Canada, I’m used to the snow (and not a massive fan of it!), but taking a trip across the snowy land while being pulled by some adorable dogs? That’s definitely something I could be into!
A dog sled is a lightweight vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by a team of dogs over snow and ice, which is called “mushing”. It used to be essential for hauling supplies and traveling long distances, but these days, dog sledding has become a popular activity and sport for locals and tourists.
This highly rated trip starts off in Tromsø and takes you through some picturesque scenery. You can just sit back and enjoy the view, or actually try leading the sled yourself! Click here for details.
3. Witness the Northern Lights
This is a must when visiting any destination in the northern hemisphere that’s close to the Arctic – and Norway is no exception. With long, dark nights in the winter, it makes viewing spectacular here.
If you don’t know what it is, the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are one of Norway’s most incredible natural wonders. They form when charged particles from the sun interact with gases in Earth’s atmosphere, lighting up the sky in ribbons of green, purple, and sometimes red.
On this trip, your guide will know the best places to go to witness this spectacle. Even if it’s cloudy in Tromsø, they’ll drive to another area. They know the best spots, which is why having a guide is recommended. Click here for details.
4. Go Hiking
If you’re into hiking, and you visit Norway during the summer months, you’re in for a treat! The landscapes here are wild, dramatic and there are tons of trails on offer.
A bonus of hiking in Norway is just how much variety is on offer. In the western part of the country, you can hike above glacier-carved fjords, check out the alpine scenery in the east, and wander along coastal trails in the north with views of the Arctic Ocean.
Some of the most popular hikes in the country are Trolltunga, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), and Kjeragbolten – all of which lead to viewpoints that will blow your mind!
Check out AllTrails for hikes you can do independently around the country. Of course, always wear appropriate clothing, hiking boots, and pack enough water and snacks for the trail.
If you prefer, you can always join a tour with a professional guide to ensure a safe trip. This highly-rated tour picks you up in Stavanger and takes you to Pulpit Rock, and back. It’s a 7 hour day with unreal views along the way. Click here for details.
5. Learn About Norwegian Cuisine (and taste some!)
If you’re a foodie like me, you’re going to love exploring all the culinary delights that Norway has to offer. Norwegian food is deeply connected to the country’s landscape, seasons, and traditions. There’s a heavy focus on using simple ingredients…done well.
Fresh seafood is prominent here, especially salmon, cod, Arctic char, and shellfish – all pulled straight from cold, clean waters. For red meat, you’ll find lamb, reindeer, and game meats (like deer), all of which reflect Norway’s rural and Arctic heritage.
Not surprising due to the location and climate, you’ll also find hearty foods like potatoes, root vegetables, flatbreads, and rich dairy products, including brown cheese (brunost), which has a sweet, caramel-like flavour.
The traditional dishes tend to be rustic and comforting, but you’ll also find lots of modern Norwegian restaurants serving up cuisine that blends these classic ingredients with contemporary techniques.
A great way to experience this is on a food tour in Oslo. On this tour, you’ll walk a total of 3kms, which is great as you’ll be eating a lot during your trip to 3 different restaurants! The menu sounds amazing. Click here to learn more and book your spot.
6. Join a Walking Tour
This is something we always do when we visit a new country. It’s the best way to learn a bit about the history, get a lay of the land, and learn about the best spots to eat and drink from your local guide.
You’ll find them in each of the main cities in Norway. If you want, you can join a free walking tour (which is actually not “free”, it’s tip-based), or you can pay a very affordable amount and enjoy a smaller group tour.
If you’re in Bergen, enjoy this affordable tour; if you’re in Oslo, this walking tour won’t break the bank; and this walking tour in Tromsø even includes a cinnamon bun!
7. Chase Waterfalls
As you can tell, there are so many beautiful places to visit and things to do in Norway. Visiting waterfalls is another adventure you won’t want to miss – in particular, the spectacular Vøringfossen waterfall.
The waterfall plunges nearly 600 feet into the Måbødalen valley below! Standing at the viewing platforms or walking across the suspension bridge that stretches over the canyon, you really feel how wild this landscape is.
The good news is that the waterfall isn’t your reward after a super long hike, it’s available with just a little effort – perfect for those days when you need to rest your legs!
You can visit yourself, but if you don’t have your own wheels, or would rather go with a group, this trip covers the waterfall and other stunning destinations. Click here for details.
8. Spend Time with Reindeer
If you’ve ever wanted to get up close to Rudolph, Norway is the place! From Tromso, you can do a tour to learn about reindeer, get pulled in a sleigh by them, and feed them. Did I mention there are 300 reindeer in this herd?!
But, more than just seeing reindeer, this experience is about learning from the Sámi people themselves – who are the indigenous people of Norway. Traditionally, many Sámi people practiced reindeer herding, fishing, hunting, and small-scale farming, with reindeer herding becoming one of the most well-known aspects of Sámi life today.
This is an actual culture, not a performance, and choosing Sámi-run experiences like this means the stories are shared with honesty, respect, and pride.
On this group trip, you’ll join your guide for reindeer sledding, and feeding, before heading into a traditional tent for a hot meal and conversation and stories with the locals and your guide.
9. Go Fishing
Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, fishing is one of the top things to do in Norway. And, with the country being so coastal, this is no surprise.
If you’re fishing in the summer months, you’ll have the whole day to do so – you can literally fish at any hour. In the northern part of Norway, like Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands, the sun doesn’t set from May – July!
Expect to hook into cod, mackerel, pollock, and halibut if you’re deep sea fishing, and if you’re on the rivers, you can catch salmon.
Most people don’t travel with fishing gear, so if you’d like to experience fishing in Norway (without packing all the gear), you can join a tour that provides everything.
On this polar fishing adventure from Tromso, you’ll enjoy a true arctic fishing experience. The guides set the course for Kvaløystraumen or Ryøyastraumen – areas that offer strong currents and big fish.
On this popular trip out of Tromso, you’ll gear up in warm equipment and head to sea. The cool thing about this trip is you get to eat what you catch – right away. They cook up a freshly made fish soup on the boat! It’s the perfect way to stay warm.
10. Do Some Cycling
During the warmer months, hopping on a bike is a great way to explore Norway. If you want to simply check out the cities, you can hire a bike while you’re there, or if you’re in Oslo, you could join this 3-hour bike trip that takes you around all the main highlights of the city (City Hall, Royal Palace, Frogner Park, etc.).
If you’re visiting in winter, you can still get around on 2 wheels with this fat bike trip in and around Tromso! Everything’s included and it’s a fun thing to do in Norway in the winter.
In Conclusion
If you’re ready to be active on holiday, there’s no shortage of adventurous outdoor activities. If you’d like a mix of adventure, nature, and relaxation, a cruise might be right for you. If you’d rather just wander around the cities, enjoying good food, that’s available too!
Whether you visit in the summer or winter, Norway will surprise you at every turn. As you can see, there’s something for every type of traveller in this Scandinavian country.
