Norway needs to 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?!
In case you’re planning a visit to this spectacular a part of the world, these are 10 of the perfect issues to do in Norway. Whether or not you’re visiting the nation throughout the summer time, or winter, you’ll discover one thing for you on this record.
1. Take a Cruise Via the Fjords
In case you’re planning to discover Norway by sea, a cruise gives 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, particularly, is woven collectively by fjords and waterways that carve deep into the land. Whilst you can drive these routes or cross by ferry, taking a Norwegian fjords cruise permits you to glide straight via the guts 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 under, the dimensions feels simply as spectacular, with towering rock partitions rising virtually vertically from the ocean, a perspective that solely a fjord cruise can absolutely seize.
The cruises in Norway are made for anybody who loves the outside. Think about cruising via 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 lovable canine? That’s positively one thing I might be into!
A canine sled is a light-weight car mounted on runners and pulled by a workforce of canine over snow and ice, which is named “mushing”. It was once important for hauling provides and touring lengthy distances, however lately, canine sledding has turn out to be a preferred exercise and sport for locals and vacationers.
This highly rated trip begins off in Tromsø and takes you thru some picturesque surroundings. You’ll be able to simply sit again and benefit from the view, or really strive main the sled your self! Click here for details.
3. Witness the Northern Lights
It is a should when visiting any vacation spot within the northern hemisphere that’s near the Arctic – and Norway is not any exception. With lengthy, darkish nights within the winter, it makes viewing spectacular right here.
In case you don’t know what it’s, the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are certainly one of Norway’s most unbelievable pure wonders. They type 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 pink.
On this trip, your information will know the very best locations to go to witness this spectacle. Even when it’s cloudy in Tromsø, they’ll drive to a different space. They know the very best spots, which is why having a information is really helpful. Click here for details.
4. Go Mountain climbing
In case you’re into mountain climbing, and also you go to Norway throughout the summer time months, you’re in for a deal with! The landscapes listed below 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, take a look at 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!
Try 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.
In case you choose, you’ll be able to at all times be a 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 here for details.
5. Study About Norwegian Delicacies (and style some!)
In case you’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 deal with utilizing easy components…finished properly.
Contemporary seafood is outstanding right here, particularly salmon, cod, Arctic char, and shellfish – all pulled straight from chilly, clear waters. For pink meat, you’ll discover lamb, reindeer, and recreation meats (like deer), all of which replicate Norway’s rural and Arctic heritage.
Not stunning as a result of 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 plenty of trendy Norwegian eating places serving up delicacies that blends these basic components with modern methods.
A good way to expertise that is on a food 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 here to learn more and e book your spot.
6. Be part of a Strolling Tour
That is one thing we at all times do once we go to a brand new nation. It’s one of the simplest ways to be taught a bit in regards to the historical past, get a lay of the land, and find out about the very best spots to eat and drink out of your native information.
You’ll discover them in every of the principle cities in Norway. If you’d like, you’ll be able to be a 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.
In case you’re in Bergen, get pleasure from this inexpensive tour; in the event you’re in Oslo, this walking tour gained’t break the financial institution; and this walking tour in Tromsø even features a cinnamon bun!
7. Chase Waterfalls
As you’ll be able to inform, there are such a lot of stunning locations to go to and issues to do in Norway. Visiting waterfalls is one other journey you gained’t wish to miss – particularly, the spectacular Vøringfossen waterfall.
The waterfall plunges almost 600 toes into the Måbødalen valley under! 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 a brilliant lengthy hike, it’s obtainable with just a bit effort – excellent for these days when you want to relaxation your legs!
You’ll be able to go to your self, however in the event you don’t have your personal wheels, or would fairly go together with a bunch, this trip covers the waterfall and different gorgeous locations. Click here for details.
8. Spend Time with Reindeer
In case you’ve ever needed to rise up near Rudolph, Norway is the place! From Tromso, you are able to do a tour to find out about 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 points of Sámi life at this time.
That is an precise tradition, not a efficiency, and selecting Sámi-run experiences like this implies the tales are shared with honesty, respect, and delight.
On this group trip, you’ll be a part of your information for reindeer sledding, and feeding, earlier than heading into a conventional 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 time or winter, fishing is among the prime issues to do in Norway. And, with the nation being so coastal, that is no shock.
In case you’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 Might – July!
Anticipate 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 wish to expertise fishing in Norway (with out packing all of the gear), you’ll be able to be a part of a tour that gives all the pieces.
On this polar fishing adventure from Tromso, you’ll get pleasure from a real arctic fishing expertise. The guides set the course for Kvaløystraumen or Ryøyastraumen – areas that provide sturdy currents and large fish.
On this popular trip out of Tromso, you’ll gear up in heat tools 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 solution to keep heat.
10. Do Some Biking
Throughout the hotter months, hopping on a motorbike is an effective way to discover Norway. If you wish to merely take a look at the cities, you’ll be able to rent a motorbike when you’re there, or in the event you’re in Oslo, you may join this 3-hour bike trip that takes you round all the principle highlights of the town (Metropolis Corridor, Royal Palace, Frogner Park, and so on.).
In case you’re visiting in winter, you’ll be able to nonetheless get round on 2 wheels with this fat bike trip in and round Tromso! Every part’s included and it’s a enjoyable factor to do in Norway within the winter.
In Conclusion
In case you’re able to be lively on vacation, there’s no scarcity of adventurous outside actions. In case you’d like a mixture of journey, nature, and leisure, a cruise may be best for you. In case you’d fairly simply wander across the cities, having fun with good meals, that’s obtainable 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.
