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 among the greatest mountaineering on the planet…what extra may you need?!
For those who’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 in the course of the summer time, 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 among 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. Whilst you can drive these routes or cross by ferry, taking a Norwegian fjords cruise helps you to glide straight by the center of this panorama, passing steep cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant villages.
A lot 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 nearly 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 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 car mounted on runners and pulled by a group of canines over snow and ice, which is named “mushing”. It was important for hauling provides and touring lengthy distances, however today, canine sledding has turn out to be a preferred exercise and sport for locals and vacationers.
This extremely rated journey begins off in Tromsø and takes you thru some picturesque surroundings. You may simply sit again and benefit from the view, or truly strive main the sled your self! Click on right here for particulars.
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.
For those who don’t know what it’s, the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are one among Norway’s most unbelievable pure wonders. They type when charged particles from the solar work together with gases in Earth’s environment, lighting up the sky in ribbons of inexperienced, purple, and generally 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 Mountain climbing
For those who’re into mountaineering, and also you go to Norway in the course of 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 mountaineering in Norway is simply how a lot selection is on supply. Within the western a part of the nation, you possibly can 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!
Take a look at AllTrails for hikes you are able to do independently across the nation. After all, all the time put on applicable clothes, mountaineering boots, and pack sufficient water and snacks for the path.
For those who choose, you possibly can all the time be part of a tour with knowledgeable information to make sure a secure 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. Be taught 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 related to the nation’s panorama, seasons, and traditions. There’s a heavy give attention to utilizing easy elements…completed properly.
Contemporary 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 replicate 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 (brown cheese), which has a candy, caramel-like flavour.
The normal dishes are usually rustic and comforting, however you’ll additionally discover plenty of fashionable Norwegian eating places serving up delicacies that blends these traditional elements with up to date 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 rather a lot throughout your journey to three totally different eating places! The menu sounds wonderful. Click on right here to be taught extra and e book your spot.
6. Be a part of a Strolling Tour
That is one thing we all the time 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. If you would like, you possibly can be part of a free strolling tour (which is definitely not “free”, it’s tip-based), or you possibly can pay a really inexpensive quantity and luxuriate in a smaller group tour.
For those who’re in Bergen, take pleasure in this inexpensive tour; if you happen to’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 possibly can 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 received’t need to miss – specifically, the spectacular Vøringfossen waterfall.
The waterfall plunges practically 600 ft 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 a brilliant lengthy hike, it’s out there with just a bit effort – good for these days when you’ll want to relaxation your legs!
You may go to your self, however if you happen to don’t have your personal wheels, or would slightly go along with a gaggle, this journey covers the waterfall and different gorgeous locations. Click on right here for particulars.
8. Spend Time with Reindeer
For those who’ve ever needed 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 folks themselves – who’re the indigenous folks of Norway. Historically, many Sámi folks practiced reindeer herding, fishing, looking, and small-scale farming, with reindeer herding changing into probably the most well-known facets of Sámi life right now.
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 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 high 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 possibly can 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 if you happen to’re deep sea fishing, and if you happen to’re on the rivers, you possibly can catch salmon.
Most individuals don’t journey with fishing gear, so if you happen to’d wish to expertise fishing in Norway (with out packing all of the gear), you possibly can be part of a tour that gives every part.
On this polar fishing journey from Tromso, you’ll take pleasure in a real arctic fishing expertise. The guides set the course for Kvaløystraumen or Ryøyastraumen – areas that supply robust currents and massive fish.
On this well-liked 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 proper approach 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 take a look at the cities, you possibly can rent a motorbike when you’re there, or if you happen to’re in Oslo, you can be part of this 3-hour bike journey that takes you round all the primary highlights of the town (Metropolis Corridor, Royal Palace, Frogner Park, and many others.).
For those who’re visiting in winter, you possibly can nonetheless get round on 2 wheels with this fats bike journey in and round Tromso! All the things’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 out of doors actions. For those who’d like a mixture of journey, nature, and rest, a cruise is likely to be best for you. For those who’d slightly simply wander across the cities, having fun with good meals, that’s out there too!
Whether or not you go to in the summertime or winter, Norway will shock you at each flip. As you possibly can see, there’s one thing for each kind of traveller on this Scandinavian nation.
