Norway is a fascinating country with marvelous natural features. It has tall mountains, deep fjords, and the wonder of the aurora borealis. Norway is one of Europe’s northernmost countries. There are several things to do in Norway that will keep you in awe throughout your trip.
You can visit beautiful cities like Oslo or Bergen, ride the train, and cruise the stunning fjords. If you are an adventurer, you can engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing or experience the way of life of the Sami people.
So, if this sounds exciting, Norway is waiting to welcome you! However, note that you must have a Norway visa to visit Norway as of 2024. Knowing the updated Norway visa requirements for 2024 is essential to ensuring a smooth visa approval process for a comfortable trip.
Some essential documents include a passport, bank statement, proof of accommodation, etc. In addition, you also require biometric data, travel-purpose documents, and signed applications in the case of a minor’s application.
Now that you’re aware of the initial steps to obtaining a Norway visa, let us discover the 15 top things to do in Norway during your trip.
15 Fun Things to Do in Norway for Your Next Trip
Based on people’s firsthand experiences and suggestions, we have compiled a list of hand-picked things full of adventure, aesthetics, culture, and more.
1. See the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, are beautiful. Visit Norway in winter. Go to Tromsø or the Lofotens. Wear warm clothes, and watch the sky dance in vibrant colors. They are best observed from September to March. It is worth waiting for the lights.
Location: Tromsø, Lofoten Islands
2. Explore the Fjords
Fjords are the most famous geographical features associated with Norway. Explore Fjord Norway to see deep blue waters and tall mountains. Ride a boat on the Geirangerfjord or the Nærøyfjord.
Enjoy stunning views as glaciers form fjords. It is unlike any other and boasts unrivaled beauty. Do not miss the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord.
Location: Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord, Sognefjord
3. Visit Oslo
Oslo is Norway’s capital. Go shopping and visit the Viking Ship Museum. See ancient Viking ships. Visit Vigeland Sculpture Park, besides the city’s exceptional parks and museums.
Stroll around the Royal Palace. By walking on its roof, you can take a glimpse of the town.
Location: Oslo (Viking Ship Museum, Vigeland Sculpture Park, Royal Palace, Opera House)
4. Go For a Train Ride
Flåm Railway is not to be missed. It is known as one of the most scenic railway routes in the world. Take the train from Flåm to Myrdal. Watch waterfalls, mountains, and valleys. The ride takes roughly one hour. The views are unforgettable. Another scenic train is the Bergen Railway, which links Oslo and Bergen.
Location: Flåm Railway (Flåm to Myrdal), Bergen Railway (Oslo to Bergen)
5. Visit Bergen
Bergen is indeed a beautiful city with picturesque scenery. This place is famous for colorful houses made of wood. Experience the history of the Hanseatic merchant houses in Bryggen, the old harbor of Bergen.
Board the Fløibanen funicular. Walk around Mount Fløyen to get a glimpse of the stunning view of the city. It is also an access point to the fjords. Make sure to stop by the fish market for seafood.
Location: Bergen (Bryggen, Fløibanen Funicular, Fish Market)
6. Go Hiking
Norway is perfect for hiking. Visit Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). It is like a vertical face, but it forms a flat surface at the top. If you want to go up and enjoy the view, it is the best place.
Another tremendous hike is the one to Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue). The trails are slightly steep, hence the difficulty, but the view is worth the hike. Always check the weather and the condition of the trail you plan to hike.
Location: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue)
7. Explore the Lofoten Islands
The Lofoten Islands are so beautiful! They have dramatic landscapes. Include a stop at fishing villages such as the picturesque villages of Reine or Å. Take the canoe, go fishing, or go for a hike.
The islands are also perfect for watching the Northern Lights. The best months to visit the Lofoten Islands are from May to September.
Location: Lofoten Islands (Reine, Å)
8. See the Midnight Sun
There is no distinction between day and night in some regions of Norway during summer. Visit during June or July. Experience the midnight sun. Spend the night doing fun stuff. Take the opportunity to go hiking, or just take in the light out there. Midnight sunspots are in Northern Norway.
Location: Northern Norway
9.Visit Trondheim
Trondheim is a very historic city. Visit Nidaros Cathedral, the largest church in Norway, and the oldest part of the city, Bakklandet. Experience the dynamics of the city’s culture. Trondheim is also the seat of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. It has a large enrollment and is animated.
Location: Trondheim (Nidaros Cathedral, Bakklandet)
10. Enjoy Winter Sports
Norway is beautiful for winter activities. Lillehammer was the venue of the 1994 Winter Olympics. Go skiing or snowboarding. Go sledging or take a spin on an ice rink for hockey or figure skating. There are many ski resorts in Norway.
Some of the most famous ones are Trysil and Hemsedal. Winter is also perfect for those interested in the snowy scenery that Norway is endowed with.
Location: Lillehammer, Trysil, Hemsedal
11. Explore Stavanger
Some interesting sights in Stavanger include the old town. Travel on pedestrian paths and witness the stilted construction of predominantly white structures characterized by wooden facades. The Petroleum Museum in Stavanger is another interesting and popular site.
Visit fjords, especially the Lysefjord, by taking a boat ride. Observe the scenic Preikestolen cliff from the water perspective. Stavanger is also a point of entry to many hiking trails.
Location: Stavanger (Old Town, Petroleum Museum, Lysefjord)
12.Visit Svalbard
Svalbard is an Arctic archipelago in the Arctic Ocean, situated between 40–80° latitude north and 10° to 35° east longitude. They are home to polar bears. The main town to visit is Longyearbyen.
Take a glacier walk, or a guided hike, or rent a boat and go for a boat ride. Experience the Arctic wilderness. Svalbard is also good for sighting the aurora borealis, the Northern Lights. The best time to visit Svalbard ranges from the months of November to February.
Location: Longyearbyen
13.See the Waterfalls
Beautiful waterfalls are dotted in almost every part of Norway. The Norway tour can include a glimpse of Vøringsfossen, one of the highest. Go to Kjosfossen via the Flåm Railway.
Enjoy the natural beauty. Waterfalls can be found close to hiking trails. Don’t miss Geirangerfjord, which is home to the Seven Sisters waterfall.
Location: Vøringsfossen, Kjosfossen (via Flåm Railway), Seven Sisters (Geirangerfjord)
14. Visit Alesund
Alesund is an attractive point of interest with Art Nouveau-style architecture. Go to Aksla to watch beautiful prospects. The town has several museums and galleries worth visiting.
Alesund is built on several islands, with water on its perimeters and mountains within. The town was rebuilt in 1904, after the fire, with Art Nouveau architectural designs.
Location: Ålesund (Aksla)
15. Experience Sami Culture
The Sami people are the original inhabitants of Norway, also known as Lapland. The north of this country is marked as Finnmark.
Try reindeer sledding. Spend the night in a lavvu, a traditional Sami tent. The Sami are known for their vibrant attire and rhythms.
Location: Finnmark
Summing Up
Norway is simply beautiful, and the adventurous spirit is everywhere. Due to several international airports in Norway, you won’t find it difficult to plan a comfortable travel itinerary. Pick the activities that resonate with your interests and enjoy a wonderful trip. Watch the spectacular Northern Lights, explore the stunning Fjords, and have fun in this great country!
FAQs
1. When is the optimal period for experiencing the Northern Lights in Norway?
The Northern Lights are best seen during the winter, from September to March, especially in cities like Tromso and the Lofoten Islands.
2. What do I need to know about the Norway visa?
A visa is required to visit Norway. Refer to the Norwegian Directorate of Immigration website or count on our specialists to learn more about Norway visa requirements.
3. How to travel within Fjord Norway?
Fjord Norway is best explored by boat. See fjords like Geirangerfjord or Nærøyfjord and enjoy the climate and weather.
4. How many international airports are in Norway?
Major international airports in Norway include Oslo Gardermoen Airport, Bergen Flesland Airport, and Stavanger Sola Airport. They connect to many global locations.
5. What is the Midnight Sun?
The Midnight Sun is a natural phenomenon where some regions of Norway do not experience night during the summer. Visit during June or July to witness it.