Things to Do in Norway

1. Road trip through the Lofoten Archipelagos: 
These islands are situated just off the coast of Norway in the Northern Atlantic Ocean. As you cruise on the roads of Lofoten, you will pass spectacular mountains, quaint, sandy beaches, and several tiny fishing villages. There are several hiking trails on this route and people often take detours to explore the region.
Location: Lofoten Islands

2. Hike up hanging cliffs in Vesteralen:
There is an easy 3 to 4 hour trail to Matinden where the views of virgin seashores and turquoise-blue waters will literally drop your jaw! The trail is a little bit rugged and may get slippery if it has rained but overall, even first timers will have a great time without any challenges. Vesteralen is comparatively much less touristy than the rest of the Lofoten Islands so you can enjoy tranquility as you hike up various cliffs.
Location: Vesteralen, Lofoten Islands.

3. Explore the incredible island of Svalbard:
If you locate Svalbard on a map, you’ll think that you could probably swim from there to the Arctic Circle i.e. the North Pole! Longyearbyen is a settlement, a community located at 78° North is in fact, the northernmost community on this planet. Svalbard has a white landscape and is almost entirely covered in snow and ice allowing for exciting adventure. Dog sledding is one of the unique things to do in Norway and Svalbard is the perfect destination for it.
Location: Svalbard

4. Go on a cruise tour to explore the deep, scenic fjords of Norway:
The country has several glacial fjords all over its mainland and coastal region that cut through mountains and open into the sea. Discovering jaw-dropping views of glaciers, rivers and waterfalls is among the best things to do in Norway!
Price: Approx. $1500 for a week long cruise. $4500 and above for longer cruise trips

5. Challenge yourself and hike up to Kjeragboolten:
This is the infamous ‘hanging rock’ that you might have seen pictures of on the internet. This 6 to 8 hour round trip to Kjeragbolten is a strenuous, exhilarating, and rewarding experience. As you slowly ascend the cliff, you begin to get a spectacular view of Lysefjord.
Location: Lysebotn, Southern Norway.
Timing: 7-8 am to 6-7 pm.

6. Experience the Fjellheisen cable car ride:
This cable car ride will take you from the base of Mount Storsteinen all the way up 421 meters to its peak in a mere 4 minutes. You can enjoy elegant views of gorgeous white mountains and the countryside from the top. Skiing and paragliding are some of the adventurous things to do in Norway and Storsteinen is as good a place as any in the country.
Location: Storsteinen, Tromsdalen.
Price: NOK 60 for children under 18 years, NOK 110 for students and seniors, NOK 140 for adults
Timing: May 15th to August 20th- 10 am to 1 pm; August 21st to May 14th- 10 am to 10 pm.

7. Go on a guided tour of the Royal Palace in Oslo:
Learn about the history of some of the great Norwegian kings on a tour of the Royal Palace in Oslo. This palace is open to the tourists during Summers. There are guided tours in Norwegian and English organised every day that will take you to various state rooms inside the palace.Try to visit around noon as at 1:30 pm, a Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place featuring royal guards on magnificent horses.
Location: Oslo
Price: NOK 105 for children under 18 years, students and seniors, NOK 135 for adults
Timing: 11 am to 7 pm.

8. Go on a helicopter tour of Bergen and the region around the city:
This exciting trip offers awe-inspiring vistas of glaciers, the Pulpit Rock, Trolltunga, lake Ringedal, and snow-covered green mountains. A group of 5 people and one pilot and a guide glide through the skies and enjoy the scenic beauty of Norway.
Location: Bergen
Price: Approximately NOK 1640 to NOK 8740 depending on the type of tour

9. Stay in an Arctic Dome and marvel at the Northern Lights:
From the comfort of your Arctic Dome room, you can enjoy panoramic views of Narvik city, white-tipped mountains, and witness the sky light up as the Northern Lights flicker brightly. Stay warm and cozy under your blankets and in your bed as you gaze at the sky and be hypnotized by the vibrant colors of the lights.
Location: Narvik, Nordland
Price: Around NOK 2000 per night on a quadruple sharing basis.

10. Spend a night or three in an authentic Rorbu:
A rorbu is a traditionally erected fisherman’s cabin that sits by the coast of various archipelago in the Lofoten Islands. These rustic cabins offer you a traditional experience and hold the true essence of culture and history of the region.
Location: Svolvaer, Austvagoya, Lofoten Islands
Price: Approximately NOK 1300 to NOK 4700 based on your choice of room and number of people.

11. Go on an immersive train journey aboard Norway’s Railway:
The incredible landscape of Norway can also be explored by various railway connections in the country. Flam railway or Flamsbana, the Rauma Railway, and the Dovre Railway are the best means to travel through scenic regions of Norway and enjoy gorgeous views of nature. You will come across deep fjords, majestic mountains, the quaint countryside, and thick forests on this journey.
Price: Flamsbana (Flam Railway): Starting from NOK 450 per person; The Rauma Railway: Around NOK 250 per person

12. Watch the midnight sun at the North Cape:
With the open sea between you and the North pole, you will find yourself at a unique spot to gaze upon the hovering sun at the horizon. The best time to visit this place to catch a glimpse of the sun at night time is between the months of May to July.

13. Spend cosy winters in Oslo:
From top-rated restaurants to delightful streets, the snowy nature in Oslo will give you the perfect ambience to enjoy wintertime. You can even book your very own sauna to spend the evening, enjoy fresh food delights, festivals and concerts while you are here.

14.Take a train journey:
With some great train routes, you can explore many things to do in Norway in winter. The scenic journey on a train in Norway will give you an entirely different perspective of the country and whisk you through several destinations that are great for traveling.

15.Visit the Tromso Fjords:
The fjords sit among neat inlets and islands which will take you through some icy summits. You can explore the waterways by booking a tour that will also give you a chance to enjoy fishing trips, kayaking, canoeing and catching a glimpse of the Northern lights.

1. Svalbard: Svalbard is an ice-cold archipelago situated halfway between the North Pole and the mainland of Norway. It is home to the majestic polar bears and offers incredible spots to view the Northern Lights at night.

2. Nordkapp: Nordkapp translates to ‘North Cape’ in English and is the northernmost point on the mainland of Norway. It is extremely close to the Arctic Circle and the only place between the two is Svalbard. Along with the captivating birdlife and scenic landscape, Nordkapp is revered as one of the best places to witness the Northern Lights.

3. Kirkenes: This is a small town adjacent to the Norway-Russia border that lies smack dab in the middle of Northern Lights territory. The infamous ‘Snow Hotel of Norway’ is located in Kirkenes and is actually made of nothing but snow and ice. One night’s stay here with your partner will be a unique experience as both of you enjoy a sumptuous dinner and embrace under the glow of the bright Northern Lights.

4. Lofoten Islands: The scraped mountains and homely fishing villages of this archipelago attract several tourists every year. But, one of the famous activities to do in Norway is to chase the Northern Lights at Lofoten Islands as they vibrantly reflect in the sea and give you a hypnotizing experience.

5. Tromso: The small city of Tromso is often called the ‘capital of the Arctic’ due to its close proximity to the North Pole. You can stroll through the city during the daytime to be charmed by pretty views and then gaze up at the sky as the Northern lights dance and light up the sky.

1. Dog sledding:
Racing dog sleds in thick layers of snow both up and down the hill is one of the popular activities to do in Norway. A team of cute but fierce huskies tethered to the sled will pull you through the snow as you whizz past forests and rock formations. To make it even more exciting, you can go dog sledding in regions where you will be able to witness the Northern Lights with your furry companions.

2. Summer skiing:
Even though skiing is usually a winter sport, in Norway it doesn’t have to be. There are several regions in Norway where you can skii during the summers but Stryn is certainly the best. It has wonderful slopes, better ski options, and one can explore multiple tracks besides the dedicated ski run.

3. Hiking:
The Trolltunga cliff demands a tedious hike of 11 kilometers and rewards those who complete it with a panoramic view of mountains and the fjord that will hypnotize them. Trolltunga means ‘Troll’s tongue’, a reference to the shape of the cliff. This hike is often on the ‘things to do in Norway’ bucketlist of travelers.

4. Wildlife Safaris:
Norway has abundant wildlife that is unique and vibrant. You can go on a wildlife safari in the sea to watch mammoth whales swim, and even take a dive into the waters to catch the great king crab. On land, you can explore national parks where amazing animals like reindeer, musk oxen, and the arctic fox thrive.

1. Discover Trondheim:
Trondheim is a picturesque destination in Norway that was established over a millenia ago by the Vikings. You and your partner can even paddle in the Nidelven river and discover hidden places in the city. Innovative, eloquent restaurants are perfect for you to plan a date night as you and your partner are treated to delicious food and drinks.

2. Explore the fjords on a cruise:
A cruise trip that takes you to several fjords all over Norway is definitely something couples should try. You and your partner will have an amazing time simply gasping at the surreal beauty of nature in the fjords.

3. Watch the Northern Lights:
Admiring the dancing lights of Aurora Borealis as they paint the skies blue, green, yellow, and violet with the love of your life by your side is truly enamoring. Watching the Northern Lights and a sky full of glittering stars is one of the most romantic things to do in Norway with your partner.

4. A stay at a historic hotel:
The Union Oye hotel is an establishment with a rich history that sits quaintly amidst snow-capped mountains directly on the Hjorundfjord. This region is quite secluded as along with Hjorundfjord, Geirangerfjord is also very close. Enjoy a romantic stay here with your partner in elegant rooms and go on boat trips to gaze at the majestic peaks, waterfalls, and lush greenery.

1. Kayaking in Trondheim:
Explore the serenity of Trondheim as you kayak in the Nidelven river that passes through the city. You will come across exquisite views of landscapes and wharfs as you smoothly kayak down the river.

2. Scuba Diving in Lofoten:
The Lofoten Islands have several dive shops and adventure activity companies that organise scuba diving excursions off the coast of the islands. Take a dive into the clear, cold waters of Norway and explore the vibrant marine life that thrives in this region.

3. Glacier rafting in Jostedal:
Rafting in ice cold waters is one of the most thrilling activities to do in Norway and the glacier of Jostedal is the perfect place to do so. Depending on your expertise, the organisers will arrange a rafting experience in the heart of Nordic fjords.

4. Surfing in Lofoten:
The long picturesque coast of the Lofoten islands is perfect to go surfing. In fact, the surf here is regarded as one of the best in Norway. There are quite a few places where you can rent surfboards and then ride the magnificent waves rolling into the beach.

1. Learn about history and culture:
The Norsk Folkemuseum is over a century old and is the oldest and largest cultural folk museum of Norway. Around 150 traditional houses were relocated from different regions of Norway and set up in this museum. You will see various displays here that depict the culture and traditions of Norway and their evolution since the 1500’s.

2. Spend a day at the beach:
The Haukland beach is a great place for you to spend a day with your kids and family. It is just a few minutes away from Leknes and the turquoise-blue waters and white sands offer the perfect view. You can indulge in some exciting water activities that the kids will surely enjoy.

3. Visit the zoo and amusement park:
Dyreparken is an establishment that is a mix of an amusement park and a zoo, both things that kids really enjoy. Take your children to meet exotic animals like apes, lynx, tigers, and giraffes as well as various native Scandinavian animals. They will have fun watching the sea lions interact and play with people in the sea lion pool. This is one of the activities in Norway that the kids will surely enjoy.

1. Experience the midnight sun:
As you might have guessed, the midnight sun means that there is daylight even in the middle of the night. Yes, there are several places that experience 24 hours of daylight and this is due to their close proximity to the Arctic Circle. Marveling at the midnight sun is among the many eccentric things to do in Norway.

2. Witness the Northern Lights:
The dancing lights of Aurora Borealis are one of the top reasons why people travel to Norway. As you travel to the northern parts of the country and approach the arctic circle, you can witness this enchanting phenomenon. Tromso, Alta, Navrk, Lofoten Islands are some of the places where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy this spectacular display of nature.

3. Experience nightlife of the city:
If you are wondering what to do in Norway to enjoy and have fun at night, Oslo city will surely not disappoint you. There are several clubs and bars that stay open till late and serve delicious food and drinks. If you are a music enthusiast, you can attend a concert or play at the The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet or visit the jazz club Bla (meaning Blue).

1. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock):
The Pulpit Rock is a fantastic spot that offers panoramic views of the Lysefjord and hangs around 600 meters above its waters. Adventure enthusiasts, solo travelers, and hiker/trekkers love this place as it requires one to trek uphill for two hours to reach the top. Hiking up to the Pulpit Rock and then gazing far and beyond till the horizon is one of the best activities to do in Norway.

2. Akershus Fortress, Oslo:
This fortress is an ancient 13th century castle that sits atop Oslo city overlooking the scenic Oslofjord. The grounds of this fortress are home to the Museum of Norwegian Resistance as well as the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum that tourists can visit

3. Geirangerfjord:
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a part of the spectacular network of glacial fjords in Norway. Geirangerfjord is actually a continuation or extension of Sunnyland Fjord and is located north of Alesund city. A cruise trip exploring the fjords is one of the best things to do in Norway but you must also try driving in this region.

4. Jotunheimen:
Spread over 3499 square kilometers, Jotunheimen is the largest alpine region of Norway that has been established as a National Park. It boasts serene waterfalls, lakes, rivers, glaciers, and endemic wildlife. There are a few mountains in this national park that are perfect for adventure seeking travelers as they can be summited in a few hours.

5. Atlantic Ocean Road:
This is a 8 kilometer long highway that connects many small Islands of Norway to the mainland. It runs close to the coast of Norway and weaves through an archipelago in Averoy and Eide. It is a wonderful place for tourists to explore small fishing villages, wooden churches, and the infamous Troll’s Church Cave.

6. Sognefjord:
Visiting Norway for the best things to do during your trip? You should not miss a chance to visit the largest fjord that offers the best breathtaking sights imaginable. Tourists can visit the fjord by boat or fjord cruise on a sightseeing tour which brings the complete feel of the destination.

7. Lofoten Islands:
The mild weather conditions and tranquil surroundings feel inviting to tourists who come here to enjoy the beaches, experience kayaking, hiking and traditional fishing. You can also visit the Lofoten war memorial museum, Norwegian fishing village museum and Lofoten stockfish museum while you are here.

8. Viking Ship Museum:
Among the best things to do in Norway is to take a trip to the largest museum in Norway which displays 9th century Viking vessels. You will get to see a 70-foot Oseberg ship that dates back to AD 800, along with the Gokstad ship and Tune ship. Several other exhibits and films that depict the importance of maritime culture are also on display here.

Yes, Norway is certainly one of the countries in Northern Europe worth visiting for travelers from across the world. It is a treat for those who enjoy cold weather, glacial lakes and rivers, and unique natural phenomena like the Aurora Borealis. Besides this, there are several fun activities in Norway that you can indulge in like cruises, hiking, skiing, water sports, etc.

Yes, Norway is in fact one of the safest countries for travelers as the crime rates here are very low. Visitors can get around the country with ease and the only thing they need to look out for is the occasional pickpocket wandering in crowded places.

A week to ten days are good enough to explore parts of Norway if you are short on time and want to proceed to other countries. If you are looking for a more immersive experience, then two to three weeks will afford you the time to explore the culture, traditions, lifestyles, and history of Norway.

As the natural beauty of this country is quite astounding, the summers are a great time to visit Norway, between June and August. Norway is among those destinations that you can visit throughout the year depending on your preferences. October to March is a suitable period to chase the Northern Lights and experience bone chilling cold weather as well!

If you are working on a very tight budget, then you could also visit the country during May or September accommodation and sightseeing costs are low. But, keep in mind that some of the activities in Norway that travelers indulge in might be closed for repair and maintenance during these months.