Julie Norway 15 Comments

Norway is the land of fjords, quaint fishing villages, Vikings, trolls, the northern lights, the midnight sun, scenic drives, and some of the best hikes in the world. If you are planning a visit to this amazing country, here are 20 of the best things to do in Norway.

Best Things to Do in Norway

In no particular order, here is our list of the best things to do in Norway. At the end of this post, you can see them all on a map.

#1 Explore the Fjord Region

Exploring the fjords is one of the best things to do in Norway. There are several ways to do this…by cruise, by car, by hiking trail, or by ferry.

Hardangerfjord best things to do in Norway

Hardangerfjord | Best Things to Do in Norway

If you are planning a road trip through southern Norway, you will drive along many of these fjords. Southern Norway is laced with fjords and waterways and most likely, you will also cross these fjords by car ferry while driving through this part of the country.

On some of the hikes on this list, you will get a bird’s eye view out over the fjords. Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten both offer amazing views of Lysefjord.

Finally, Hurtigruten offers various cruises through the Norwegian fjords.

For an epic road trip through the southern fjords, check out our 10 Day Norway Itinerary: The Ultimate Road Trip through the Fjord Region


#2 Norway in a Nutshell

Norway in a Nutshell is a packaged tour that combines a ferry ride on Naeroyfjord (one of the narrowest and most scenic fjords in Norway) with one of the world’s most scenic train rides, the Flåm railway.

Fjord Cruise best things to do in Norway

Naeroyfjord

If you have limited time in Norway, this is a great excursion to do. You can start and end this tour at several of Norway’s most popular cities, with all transportation included. This excursion has a big price tag, but for travelers with limited time, it is a very easy and convenient way to experience this part of Norway. Learn more about the official Norway in a Nutshell tour here.

If you are planning a road trip and will have a rental car, you can piece together your own Norway in a Nutshell tour, and save some money in the process.

For more information on how to piece together your own Norway in a Nutshell tour, read our article How to do Norway in a Nutshell on Your Own.


#3 Pose for Photos on Trolltunga

Trolltunga is one of Norway’s most popular hikes. It is an incredibly scenic hike, ending at the Troll’s tongue, a thin sliver of rock that is perfect for creative photographs.

Trolltunga best things to do in Norway

Trolltunga | Best Things to Do in Norway

It is a long, strenuous hike to get to Trolltunga…28 km (17.4 miles) round trip. This hike will take a full day of your time, but it’s worth it. Not only will you come home with a memory card full of unique photographs, but you will also get to spend the day hiking through a beautiful part of Norway.


#4 Visit Historic Bryggen

Bryggen is a historic harbor district in the coastal town of Bergen. This is the location of the colorful red, orange, and white Hanseatic Houses, commercial buildings that were used from 14th to 16th centuries for the trading of stockfish. Bryggen is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and many of these buildings date back to 1702.

While in Bergen, explore Bryggen, visit the fish market, and ride the Fløyen funicular for a bird’s eye view over the town.

Bryggen best things to do in Norway

Bryggen

 

Bergen

Bergen


#5 Road Trip through the Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands are a wonderland of jagged mountains, rocky coastlines, and white sandy beaches. This is a spectacular part of Norway to explore, especially for those who love scenic drives, hiking, and being outdoors.

Best things to do in Norway

Lofoten Islands | Best Things to Do in Norway

 

Lofoten Road Trip best things to do in Norway

Rorbuer

If you plan to road trip through the Lofoten Islands, set aside a minimum of four days in order to have the best experience. This area might look small on a map, but it is packed with beaches, hiking trails, and scenic detours that can easily fill several days of your time.


#6 Explore Oslo

Oslo is the capital of Norway and the largest city in the country. Most likely, you will spend a little bit of time here, either when you arrive and/or depart Norway.

Viking Museum

Viking Ship Museum

Top sights in Oslo include the Viking Ship Museum, the Kon-Tiki Museum, the Holmenkollen ski jump, Akershus Fortress, and the Oslo Opera House.


#7 Drive the Atlantic Road

The Atlantic Road has been called the world’s most beautiful drive and has been voted as the “Norwegian construction of the century.”

This coastal road connects the island of Averøy with the mainland. It is just 8.3 km (5 miles long), and hops from island to island along a series of bridges. The Atlantic Road is located between Trondheim and Ålesund.

Norway Travel Guide


#8 Go Hiking in Vesterålen

Vesterålen is a quieter, less touristy version of the Lofoten Islands. This archipelago sits just north of the Lofoten Islands in northern Norway.

Vesteralen best things to do in Norway

Stave-Bleik Coastal Trail

 

Vesteralen Hike best things to do in Norway

View from Måtind | Best Things to Do in Norway

For jaw-dropping views of the coastline, hike the easy trail to Måtinden. This hike takes just 3 to 4 hours of your time and it is filled with spectacular coastal views.


#9 Visit Tromsø

Located at 69° North in the Arctic Circle, this small northern city offers a lot to do. During the summer months, you get to witness the midnight sun. In the winter, the northern lights shimmer and dance over the town. Take in the view from Fløya, go shopping, visit the Arctic Cathedral, or use Tromsø as a home base for exploring the fjords and mountains in the area.

Tromso

Tromsø | Best Things to Do in Norway


#10 Hike to Pulpit Rock

Pulpit Rock, also called Preikestolen, is a uniquely shaped rock that towers 604 meters over Lysefjord. It has been featured in Mission: Impossible – Fallout, not to mention thousands of photos on Facebook and Instagram.

Pulpit Rock

Pulpit Rock

 

Pulpit Rock Hike

With its great views, relatively easy hiking trail, and convenient accessibility from the town of Stavanger, this is another very popular hike in Norway.


#11 Drive Trollstigen

Trollstigen, aka “The Troll’s Road,” twists and turns as it climbs up from the Romsdal Valley. This short stretch of road features 11 hairpin turns, several viewpoints, and views of the Stigfossen waterfall. It is part of the National Tourist Route that connects Geirangerfjord with Åndalsnes.

Trollstigen

Trollstigen | Best Things to Do in Norway


#12 Journey to Svalbard

If you look at Svalbard on a globe, it looks like it is just a hop, skip, and jump away from the North Pole. Longyearbyen, at 78° North, is the world’s northernmost community.

In Svalbard, many adventures await. Go hiking, kayak past glaciers, explore the snowy landscapes by snowmobile, or go on a multi-day sled dog expedition. If you have lots of time (and money), take a one-week cruise around Svalbard in search of polar bears.

Kayaking in Svalbard

Glacier Kayaking in Svalbard | Best Things to Do in Norway

 

Visit Svalbard

Svalbard feels like an adventure. New landscapes, new experiences…a trip here is one of the coolest things to do in Norway (pun intended).


#13 Climb Svolvaergeita

Here is another adventure for your Norway bucket list. Svolvaergeita, also called “The Goat,” is a pinnacle of rock that is a popular rock climbing spot in the Lofoten Islands.

Svolvaergeita Best Things to do in Norway

Svolvaergeita

This was our favorite experience in the Lofoten Islands. The view from the top of Svolvaergeita is incredible! And if you are a beginner rock climber, you can do this.


#14 Enjoy the View over Ålesund

Ålesund is a beautiful coastal town in southern Norway. This Art Nouveau town is scattered across several islands along the Atlantic Ocean. A highlight of a visit to Ålesund is the view from Fjellstua.

Alesund

Ålesund | Best Things to Do in Norway


#15 Relax in Sommarøy

Sommarøy is a hidden treasure in northern Norway. I like to think of it as Norwegian paradise. Hiking trails, amazing views, tiny islands with white sandy beaches, and picture-perfect red cabins dotting the water’s edge…can it get any better than this?

Ornfloya Hike

Sommaroy

Drone photo of Sommarøy

It’s easy to day trip here from Tromsø, but for a quieter, more relaxing experience, spend the night at the lovely Sommarøy Arctic Hotel. For the best view over Sommarøy, it’s a short, easy hike up to Ørnfløya.


#16 Explore the Lovely Island of Senja

Not far from Tromsø and Sommarøy is the lovely island of Senja. This is another great spot to add to your northern Norway road trip.

Drive the Norwegian Scenic Route from Bothhamn to Gryllefjord, visiting Tungeneset, Bergsbotn, and the Senja Troll on the way.

Segla Drone Photo

Drone photo of Segla

There are also several great hikes to do on the island. We hiked the short but challenging trail up Segla for unbeatable views over the island.


#17 Visit Geirangerfjord

Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fjord known for being one of the most beautiful in Norway.

For an amazing view of the fjord, you have several options. Go to the Dalsnibba viewpoint for the highest view of the valley and fjord (best on a clear day). The Flydalsjuvet rock is an outcropping of rock where you can get iconic photos of Geirangerfjord. The Ørnesvingen viewpoint on the Eagle Road is also another great spot to visit.

For a unique experience, you can kayak in Geirangerfjord. When we did this, we saw dolpins!

Geirangerfjord

Geirangerfjord | Best Things to Do in Norway


#18 Stand on Kjeragbolten…Do You Dare?

Hiking to Kjeragbolten is one of the best things to do in Norway. Not only do you get the chance to do something absolutely crazy, stepping out onto the boulder, but this hike is just downright fun. From climbing sheer granite faces with the aids of chains, to descending down into valleys inhabited by sheep and their clanging bells, to views out over some of the most spectacular scenery in Norway, this hike is a pure joy.

Tim Rivenbark

Kjeragbolten

 

Kjeragbolten Hike


#19 Get the Postcard View of Hamnøy

Hamnøy, with its collection of red fishing cabins on the water, is one of the most picturesque spots on the Lofoten Islands.

Hamnoy

The exact spot to get this photograph is labeled on Google Maps as Hamnøy Bridge Photospot Viewpoint.


#20 Visit Trondheim

Trondheim is the third largest city in Norway. University students make up a sizable portion of the population. This colorful city is filled with museums, the world’s northernmost tram, boutique shops, and an excellent food and nightlife scene. Learn more here. 


Best Thing to Do in Norway: On a Map


Comment below if you have any questions about the best things to do in Norway or if you want to share your experience.

More Information for Your Trip to Norway:

10 DAYS IN THE FJORD REGION: On this 10 day itinerary through the fjord region, visit southern Norway: Bergen, Geirangerfjord, and Stavanger and hike Trolltunga, Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten.

NORTHERN NORWAY ITINERARY: On this 10 day Norway itinerary, road trip through Senja and the Vesteralen Islands, two beautiful off the beaten path destinations, and visit the Lofoten Islands.

BEST OF NORWAY ITINERARY: In this guide, we share two different ways to plan a 10 day trip that includes both the Lofoten Islands and southern Norway.

TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY: For more information about the camera gear we carry, check out our Travel Photography Gear Guide. And tips and tricks for taking great photos in our article How to Take Better Photos while Traveling.

Read all of our articles about Norway in our Norway Travel Guide.

 

Best things to do in Norway Bucket List

 

Norway Bucket List

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Comments 15

  1. Avatar for Aniruddha Takalkar
    Aniruddha Takalkar

    Hello,
    On your Norway trips or any other similar trips did you ever go on a glacier hike? And if so, curious to know your thoughts on wearing waterproof hiking shoes versus wearing hiking boots? Are boots an absolute must or will hiking shoes that are waterproof suffice?
    Thanks so much!

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Yes, we have done glacier hiking in Iceland and Alaska, as well as ice climbing. When glacier hiking, you will wear crampons. These work best with shoes that don’t have any flex, like mountaineering shoes. Hiking boots are better than hiking shoes, since you have ankle support with the boots. And usually it is best to only go glacier hiking with a guide, because there are hidden dangers like crevasses that the guide will know about. Cheers, Julie

  2. Avatar for Erin
    Erin

    We are planning a trip to Norway next summer, so of course my first stop was your site 🙂 I will tell you, that picture standing on the boulder is downright making my palms sweat! We are coming from Scotland, any tips on getting from Scotland to Norway? I’m thinking a flight from Edinburgh to Oslo is probably the most common but just wanted your thoughts.
    Also, I read your version of Norway in a Nutshell. Do you not have to start and end in Oslo to see the famous railways in Norway? On their site it makes it seem like that is your only option but if we don’t have to visit Oslo that would be totally fine.

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Hello Erin. Scotland + Norway sounds like an awesome trip! You will probably find more flights going into Oslo. But if you don’t want to visit Oslo (I think there are much better places to visit in Norway), you could look into flying into Stavanger or Bergen, skipping Oslo altogether and getting more time to visit the fjords and stand on Kjeragbolten. 😊 Norway in a Nutshell can also start in Bergen, so you don’t have to do it from Oslo (unless they changed things). Or you can piece it together like we did. Cheers, Julie

  3. Avatar for Qian Ning
    Qian Ning

    Hello Julie and Tim,
    I love your website and get a lot of travel advice from it. I recently did Sedona hiking trip based on your suggestions here and it was a success! Thank you very much!!! We are planning to hike in Norway this summer about 10 days and I am reading everything about Norway on your site. Just wondering what kind of Drone do you use for those aerial imagines?

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      We used the Phantom 4 drone by DJI for these photos. We recently got the Mavic Pro drone, but there are only a few photos on our site with this drone. If you are shopping, the Mavic is better than the Phantom 4…it’s smaller, quieter, and takes better photos. And I think that there are also even newer models. Have fun planning your trip to Norway and if you have any questions, feel free to write in again. Cheers, Julie

  4. Avatar for Carolyn
    Carolyn

    Wow, Norway is GORGEOUS! The hiking and the views look amazing, my legs actually felt shaky looking at some of your photos, can’t imagine being there in person on top of some of those rocks, incredible! Do you have itinerary suggestions for someone who wants to visit some beautiful spots but not necessarily do a lot of hiking? Thank you!

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Beautiful, right? If you have 10 days and want to see both the Lofoten Islands and the fjord region, check out our Highlights of the Fjord Region itinerary in this post. It combines the Lofoten Islands and some of the most scenic destinations in the fjord region without doing a lot of hiking. Cheers, Julie

      1. Avatar for Carolyn
  5. Avatar for Adalid
    Adalid

    Hi Julie, I was in Island of Senja just before this corona-thing took place. I stayed in Hotel in city Finnsnes. That place is beyond beautiful. If you are there I would recommend you visit Ånderdalen National Park also. It is one of most eye-catching places on earth!

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Thanks for the recommendations…we would love to go back and explore more of Senja and northern Norway. Stay safe and happy travels! Cheers, Julie

  6. Avatar for Makena
    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
  7. Avatar for Paulina
    Paulina

    Beautiful places! Is it possible to see even half of this in one trip? Especially Lofoten, Preikestolen, Trolltunga, Atlantic Road, Kjeragbolten, Trolstigen and some fjords? That is my dream 🙂 What do you think?

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Hello Paulina. It depends on how much time you have. We have been to Norway twice, for a total of 20 days, and have not been to 2 places on this list: the Atlantic Road (but we were so close, just 2 hours away) and Trondheim. At the end of this article we have links to 3 different itineraries, each of them 10 days long. Ideally, I recommend two visits to Norway: one to northern Norway and one to southern Norway. We have a 10 day itinerary where you will visit both, but you won’t get to everything on your list. However, this itinerary would be a good starting point for planning your trip, you just might need to add more time. Cheers, Julie

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