Norway must be probably the most magical locations. I imply, dramatic fjords, vibrant fishing villages, Viking historical past, trolls and folklore, the northern lights, the midnight solar, jaw-dropping scenic drives, and a few of the finest mountain climbing on the planet…what extra might you need?!
For those who’re planning a visit to this spectacular a part of the world, these are 10 of the easiest issues to do in Norway. Whether or not you’re visiting the nation in the course of the summer season, or winter, you’ll discover one thing for you on this listing.
1. Take a Cruise By the Fjords
For those who’re planning to discover Norway by sea, a cruise offers you a front-row seat to a few of the nation’s most spectacular landscapes. Do you know there are greater than 1,700 fjords in Norway?!
Southern Norway, specifically, is woven collectively by fjords and waterways that carve deep into the land. When you can drive these routes or cross by ferry, taking a Norwegian fjords cruise permits you to glide straight by way of the center of this panorama, passing steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant villages.
Lots of Norway’s most iconic viewpoints sit excessive above the fjords, providing unforgettable views from land…however, from the water beneath, the size feels simply as spectacular, with towering rock partitions rising virtually vertically from the ocean, a perspective that solely a fjord cruise can totally seize.
The cruises in Norway are made for anybody who loves the outside. Think about cruising by way of legendary waterways like Hardangerfjord and the crown jewel, Geirangerfjord – it’s probably the most rewarding methods to expertise Norway.
2. Go Canine-Sledding
Being from Canada, I’m used to the snow (and never a large fan of it!), however taking a visit throughout the snowy land whereas being pulled by some cute canines? That’s undoubtedly one thing I could possibly be into!
A canine sled is a light-weight automobile mounted on runners and pulled by a staff of canines over snow and ice, which known as “mushing”. It was once important for hauling provides and touring lengthy distances, however lately, canine sledding has change into a well-liked exercise and sport for locals and vacationers.
This extremely rated journey begins off in Tromsø and takes you thru some picturesque surroundings. You possibly can simply sit again and benefit from the view, or truly attempt main the sled your self! Click on right here for particulars.
3. Witness the Northern Lights
This can be a should when visiting any vacation spot within the northern hemisphere that’s near the Arctic – and Norway isn’t any exception. With lengthy, darkish nights within the winter, it makes viewing spectacular right here.
For those who don’t know what it’s, the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are one in all Norway’s most unbelievable pure wonders. They kind when charged particles from the solar work together with gases in Earth’s ambiance, lighting up the sky in ribbons of inexperienced, purple, and typically crimson.
On this journey, your information will know the most effective locations to go to witness this spectacle. Even when it’s cloudy in Tromsø, they’ll drive to a different space. They know the most effective spots, which is why having a information is really useful. Click on right here for particulars.
4. Go Climbing
For those who’re into mountain climbing, and also you go to Norway in the course of the summer season months, you’re in for a deal with! The landscapes listed here are wild, dramatic and there are tons of trails on supply.
A bonus of mountain climbing in Norway is simply how a lot selection is on supply. Within the western a part of the nation, you’ll be able to hike above glacier-carved fjords, try the alpine surroundings within the east, and wander alongside coastal trails within the north with views of the Arctic Ocean.
A number of the hottest hikes within the nation are Trolltunga, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), and Kjeragbolten – all of which result in viewpoints that may blow your thoughts!
Take a look at AllTrails for hikes you are able to do independently across the nation. In fact, at all times put on applicable clothes, mountain climbing boots, and pack sufficient water and snacks for the path.
For those who want, you’ll be able to at all times be part of a tour with an expert information to make sure a protected journey. This highly-rated tour picks you up in Stavanger and takes you to Pulpit Rock, and again. It’s a 7 hour day with unreal views alongside the way in which. Click on right here for particulars.
5. Study About Norwegian Delicacies (and style some!)
For those who’re a foodie like me, you’re going to like exploring all of the culinary delights that Norway has to supply. Norwegian meals is deeply linked to the nation’s panorama, seasons, and traditions. There’s a heavy give attention to utilizing easy substances…performed nicely.
Recent seafood is distinguished right here, particularly salmon, cod, Arctic char, and shellfish – all pulled straight from chilly, clear waters. For crimson meat, you’ll discover lamb, reindeer, and recreation meats (like deer), all of which mirror Norway’s rural and Arctic heritage.
Not shocking because of the location and local weather, you’ll additionally discover hearty meals like potatoes, root greens, flatbreads, and wealthy dairy merchandise, together with brown cheese (brunost), which has a candy, caramel-like flavour.
The standard dishes are typically rustic and comforting, however you’ll additionally discover a lot of trendy Norwegian eating places serving up delicacies that blends these traditional substances with modern strategies.
An effective way to expertise that is on a meals tour in Oslo. On this tour, you’ll stroll a complete of 3kms, which is nice as you’ll be consuming loads throughout your journey to three completely different eating places! The menu sounds superb. Click on right here to be taught extra and guide your spot.
6. Be part of a Strolling Tour
That is one thing we at all times do after we go to a brand new nation. It’s one of the simplest ways to be taught a bit concerning the historical past, get a lay of the land, and study the most effective spots to eat and drink out of your native information.
You’ll discover them in every of the primary cities in Norway. In order for you, you’ll be able to be part of a free strolling tour (which is definitely not “free”, it’s tip-based), or you’ll be able to pay a really inexpensive quantity and luxuriate in a smaller group tour.
For those who’re in Bergen, get pleasure from this inexpensive tour; in the event you’re in Oslo, this strolling tour received’t break the financial institution; and this strolling tour in Tromsø even features a cinnamon bun!
7. Chase Waterfalls
As you’ll be able to inform, there are such a lot of lovely locations to go to and issues to do in Norway. Visiting waterfalls is one other journey you received’t wish to miss – specifically, the spectacular Vøringfossen waterfall.
The waterfall plunges practically 600 toes into the Måbødalen valley beneath! Standing on the viewing platforms or strolling throughout the suspension bridge that stretches over the canyon, you actually really feel how wild this panorama is.
The excellent news is that the waterfall isn’t your reward after an excellent lengthy hike, it’s accessible with just a bit effort – excellent for these days when it’s essential to relaxation your legs!
You possibly can go to your self, however in the event you don’t have your individual wheels, or would quite go together with a bunch, this journey covers the waterfall and different beautiful locations. Click on right here for particulars.
8. Spend Time with Reindeer
For those who’ve ever wished to stand up near Rudolph, Norway is the place! From Tromso, you are able to do a tour to study reindeer, get pulled in a sleigh by them, and feed them. Did I point out there are 300 reindeer on this herd?!
However, extra than simply seeing reindeer, this expertise is about studying from the Sámi individuals themselves – who’re the indigenous individuals of Norway. Historically, many Sámi individuals practiced reindeer herding, fishing, looking, and small-scale farming, with reindeer herding changing into probably the most well-known elements of Sámi life right this moment.
That is an precise tradition, not a efficiency, and selecting Sámi-run experiences like this implies the tales are shared with honesty, respect, and pleasure.
On this group journey, you’ll be part of your information for reindeer sledding, and feeding, earlier than heading into a standard tent for a scorching meal and dialog and tales with the locals and your information.
9. Go Fishing
Whether or not you’re visiting in summer season or winter, fishing is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Norway. And, with the nation being so coastal, that is no shock.
For those who’re fishing in the summertime months, you’ll have the entire day to take action – you’ll be able to actually fish at any hour. Within the northern a part of Norway, like Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands, the solar doesn’t set from Could – July!
Count on to hook into cod, mackerel, pollock, and halibut in the event you’re deep sea fishing, and in the event you’re on the rivers, you’ll be able to catch salmon.
Most individuals don’t journey with fishing gear, so in the event you’d prefer to expertise fishing in Norway (with out packing all of the gear), you’ll be able to be part of a tour that gives every part.
On this polar fishing journey from Tromso, you’ll get pleasure from a real arctic fishing expertise. The guides set the course for Kvaløystraumen or Ryøyastraumen – areas that supply robust currents and large fish.
On this standard journey out of Tromso, you’ll gear up in heat gear and head to sea. The cool factor about this journey is you get to eat what you catch – straight away. They prepare dinner up a freshly made fish soup on the boat! It’s the right method to keep heat.
10. Do Some Biking
Through the hotter months, hopping on a motorbike is a good way to discover Norway. If you wish to merely try the cities, you’ll be able to rent a motorbike whilst you’re there, or in the event you’re in Oslo, you could possibly be part of this 3-hour bike journey that takes you round all the primary highlights of town (Metropolis Corridor, Royal Palace, Frogner Park, and so forth.).
For those who’re visiting in winter, you’ll be able to nonetheless get round on 2 wheels with this fats bike journey in and round Tromso! The whole lot’s included and it’s a enjoyable factor to do in Norway within the winter.
In Conclusion
For those who’re able to be energetic on vacation, there’s no scarcity of adventurous outside actions. For those who’d like a mixture of journey, nature, and leisure, a cruise is likely to be best for you. For those who’d quite simply wander across the cities, having fun with good meals, that’s accessible too!
Whether or not you go to in the summertime or winter, Norway will shock you at each flip. As you’ll be able to see, there’s one thing for each kind of traveller on this Scandinavian nation.