Best Things to Do in Norway helps travelers see amazing fjords, big glaciers, and magical lights. Do you want to explore Norway’s beauty and have a great time?
You want fun and exciting experiences, but it can be hard to know where to start.
This guide will show you:
- Where to see the Northern Lights
- Best fjord cruises and train rides
- Fun outdoor activities like dog sledding and glacier hiking
Follow these tips, and you will enjoy nature, peaceful views, and real local life. Let’s plan your adventure in Norway!
Best Things to Do in Norway
1. See the Northern Light
About the Place: One of the best things to do in Norway is to see the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. This natural wonder lights up the night sky with waves of green, purple, and pink. The colors appear when particles from the sun hit the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a magical display.
In Norway, top places to see them include Tromsø, known as the capital of the Arctic, Alta with its history of aurora research, the dramatic Lofoten Islands, and Svalbard, where they can even appear during the polar night.
Reasons to Visit: For travelers, watching the Northern Lights in Norway feels like pure magic. They are best seen on clear nights, usually late in the evening or after midnight.
Activity is strong in spring and autumn, especially in March, April, September, and October, but the long winter nights from October to March also give excellent chances.
Many visitors choose October, when the weather is milder and the skies are often clear, creating perfect conditions for this unforgettable experience.
2. Cruise in the Fjords
About the Place: Visiting Norway’s fjords is one of the best activities to do in Norway. Fjords are narrow waterways surrounded by high cliffs and waterfalls. The water is calm and clear, creating stunning views. Some famous fjords are Sognefjord, Geirangerfjord, and Nærøyfjord.
Travelers can also visit small towns like Ålesund and Flåm. Many cruises include stops at UNESCO World Heritage sites and offer chances to hike, kayak, or learn about Viking history.
Reasons to Visit: A fjord cruise is a peaceful way to enjoy the country’s natural beauty. The cliffs and waterfalls provide amazing views, far from busy city life. The fjords are quiet, so travelers can relax and enjoy the scenery. Winter trips are especially beautiful, with soft light and fewer visitors.
Whether taking photos or just looking around, it is easy to feel amazed. The Lofoten Islands are nearby and can be combined for a longer journey. Fjords are a must-see for anyone visiting Norway.
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3. Dog Sledding
About the Place: Dog sledding is best things to do in Norway in the snow. Usually, two people share a sled, with one driving and one sitting. Solo travelers often get their sled. Guides show how to drive safely. It can be a bit of exercise, especially when running uphill, but it is not hard.
Reasons to Visit: The best time for dog sledding is winter, especially January to March, when snow is more certain. Sometimes November and December also work. If there isn’t enough snow, some places use wheeled carts instead.
In northern Norway, the sun does not rise for several weeks in winter. Sledding in the dark can be exciting. Travelers get headlamps, and the dogs know the paths well.
4. Stand on Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)
About the Place: Pulpit Rock, also called Preikestolen, is a flat cliff above Lysefjord. The platform is about 25 meters long and 25 meters wide, rising over 600 meters straight from the water. It is one of the best things to do in Norway for travelers.
The hike to the top is around 4 km (2.5 miles) each way. The trail passes through forests and opens up to breathtaking views of fjords and mountains. Many visitors combine this trip with a visit to a nearby city like Stavanger.
Reasons to Visit: From the summit, visitors can see the fjord stretching across the country. The height can feel intimidating, but the view is unforgettable. Some travelers compare it to Yosemite.
Pulpit Rock is also a perfect stop for a Norway trip that includes watching the northern lights or enjoying the midnight sun. For those visiting the Lofoten Islands in winter, it adds an exciting mix of nature and city experiences.
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5. Ice Hiking Folgefonna Glacier
About the Place: Folgefonna Glacier is one of Norway’s largest glaciers and a must-see for winter adventures. The hike starts on steep, icy slopes at 1,200 meters (3,937 ft) and climbs to about 1,400 meters (4,593 ft). The summit offers amazing views of the Hardangerfjord and the Rosendal Alps.
Reasons to Visit: Walking on the glacier is an unforgettable experience. Every step takes you across ancient blue ice, surrounded by stunning scenery in every direction.
This glacier is special because it is a maritime glacier. It grows not just from cold temperatures, but from heavy rain and snow along Norway’s west coast. Some of the ice here is over 1,000 years old. Folgefonna spreads across Folgefonna National Park like a wide, frozen blanket.
6. Visit Flåm Railway
About the Place: The Flåm Railway is a famous train ride in Norway. It covers 20 kilometres and takes about one hour. The train climbs from Flåm at sea level up to Myrdal, 860 meters above the fjord.
Reasons to Visit: The ride is famous for its changing scenery. Along the way, passengers see Aurlandsfjord and landscapes that shift from green forests and waterfalls to rocky, unusual land. Travelers can relax on the train and even try sveler, a type of Norwegian pancake.
At Myrdal, the view from the top of the valley is breathtaking. The journey down shows even more amazing sights. This trip is peaceful and exciting, giving a true feeling of the country’s wild beauty. Those who explore the Lofoten Islands often include this ride as part of their plans.
Best Things to Do in Norway: A Recap
Best Things to do in Norway include exploring beautiful scenery, local culture, and outdoor adventures. Travelers who enjoy mountains, fjords, or charming towns will find plenty to see and do.
The best experiences allow visitors to see the northern lights, the midnight sun, or enjoy the peaceful beauty of nature.
They can ride scenic trains, try winter activities, or walk through streets in small cities and villages. It’s a great place for families, couples, and solo travelers to create lasting memories.