Authored by Roman Zhyvitski
Sharing a 2,000 km border with Sweden, in the northern European region of Scandinavia, Norway is a beautiful Nordic country, and in recent years rumors have begun to spread of it’s insane natural beauty.
A country defined by epic landscapes which rank among the most stunning in the world, the sheer drama of the fjords is alone worth the effort of coming here.
Rumors of this magical place are spreading like wildfire, though what can a traveler actually do? While 98% of its territory is uninhabited and impossible to live in, for those who choose to travel, there are unlimited possibilities for adventure. The following are our 5 favorite choices.
5 of the Best Things to do in Norway
See the Northern Lights From Your Car Roof
One of the world’s most dazzling natural phenomenons, observing the Northern Lights is one of the top things to do in Norway.
Located in the far-northern latitudes, northern Norway is a popular destination for witnessing the spectacle. Many people travel specifically for it, and one of the best ways to enjoy the view is from your car roof.
“Created by solar winds interacting with charged particles in the earth’s magnetic field, the lights appear as otherworldly streaks of green, red, yellow and purple dancing across the arctic skies.”
Sleep in a Tent at 1,000 Meters High
Those who hike through Norway will notice that camping across the mountain tops is a popular way to experience the scenery. And why not? What could possibly be better than waking up to majestic fjords and fresh air?
There are around 800 campsites throughout Norway, though for total freedom, nothing beats camping in the wild. If you are brave enough to face the wilderness, you could get away with free accommodation in what is often described as the most expensive country in the world.
We were envious of those who took the opportunity to sleep on the 1000 meter height. So plan to camp when you hit up Norway.
Kayak One of the World’s Longest Fjords
Norway is home to one of the world’s longest and deepest fjords (second only to Scoresby Sund in Greenland). The Sognefjord extends all of 204 km inland and contains some of the country’s wildest and most beautiful scenery.
All around the fjord, you can find numerous tourist bases with restaurants, souvenir shops, and, for the more adventurous, kayak rentals. You can rent kayaks for a couple of hours, or book tours of 1-2 days. It feels great to jump out for a swim, and you’ll pass by huge mountains and waterfalls.
You feel like an ant comparing to the grandeur and size of the surrounding natural beauty. Kayaking in fjords is a must, thing to do in Norway that you cannot skip!
Hiking in the Waterfalls Valley
Due to the large number of mountains in Norway, hiking possibilities are limitless. But, instead of going to the well-known touristy places, I recommend you head to the Waterfalls Valley.
This isn’t an official name, but given by tourists. When you visit it, you’ll find out, why. The official name is Husedalen Valley, and it is situated in the Hardangevidda National Park.
The trail is rather difficult, but the views along the way really worth it. Just try to keep going along the red “T” signs. You will see numerous waterfalls coming from the top of the mountains. Stunning view!
Trying Seafood in Cozy Fishermen Towns
If you’re not fan of active leisure, but would rather relax in a picturesque old fishermen town, you have such an opportunity in Norway.
Even when you visit Bergen, the second largest city in Norway with around 300,000 inhabitants, you feel as relaxed as you would in a small village. It is not a busy metropolitan city; here you don’t have to rush, just relax and try some seafood near the port.
In Bergen, head to the fish market to buy some fish to cook on your own, or hit up the nearby stalls, where the seafood is cooked using traditional Norwegian recipes. You can choose another nice and cozy Norwegian town to spend time in from this article.
OUR FAVORITE NORWAY GUIDES! CLICK BOOK TO LOOK INSIDE ↓
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Photo credits: Featured header image (hiking) by Christopher Michel (also used in shareable Pinterest image at end of post). Northern lights by Moyan Brenn. Camping by Jurriaan Persyn. Lysefjord by Giuseppe Milo.
24 Comments
Northern lights are such a rage. I have been reading about them for the last couple of years. I hope tourism is not causing any environmental damage there.
They’re quite incredible aren’t they!! I agree that responsible travel is always key – luckily many tour operators in Norway have environmental / eco friendly policies, and really focus on educating travelers about this.
I have been to Oslo and I knew it was my kind of place when I saw a teenager riding through town on a bicycle with a hunting riffle slung over his shoulder. It’s in Europe but they love the outdoors with all of their hearts. There is so much wilderness and beauty to discover too. I desperately wish to return and explore farther north into the country.
SO glad to hear you enjoyed your time in Oslo Jen. I agree, it’s a special country, and their love of nature and the outdoors, and their stunning landscapes are what draws me in too :)
Hope you do have the chance to visit again soon!
Norway is one of the places I would like to visit. The only thing I am worried about is how I would deal with the cold weather. Other than that I definitely want to visit. I am particularly interested in visiting the Fjords. I love seafood so a visit to the fish market will be a must for me. Hope I can pick up some Norwegian recipes as well.
Definitely recommend visiting in summer if you’re not a fan of the cold weather :D But if it’s still a bit brisk, that’s what jackets are for right! Excuse to get cozy and rug up :)
The Fjords are absolutely stunning, seriously like no-where else in the world. And if you’re a fan of seafood you’ll be in your element – the have incredible cuisine.
Hope you have the chance to visit soon!
My cousin recently came back from a cruise in the Scandinavian. I wanted to discuss with her about the lights and Fjords. But all she spoke about was the Norwegian Waffles, cloudberries, and Lutefisk! I somehow dragged her back from Gastronomic daydreams and then she settled to the Fjord trek as her most memorable!
Haha it’s definitely easy to get caught up in the Norwegian food scene – so many incredible recipes!
Hope you have the chance to visit the Fjords at some point :)
We’ve always wanted to go to Norway mainly to see the Northern Lights, but the idea that we might NOT get to see it during our visit has made us reluctant to go there. And since we’re not big fans of active leisures such as kayaking or camping, nor do we like cold weather, we keep pushing Norway to the back of our bucket list. But then the idea of trying out seafood in Bergen sounds kind of interesting! Thank you for suggesting this “activity”! :)
One of those things isn’t it! It’s even more special because it doesn’t always come out, but if you’re traveling for the sole purpose of seeing it you want as much of a guarentee!
I would still highly recommend Norway, but perhaps you could plan a luxury trip where you can enjoy a beautiful hotel, some amazing seafood, and stay for a week to maximize your opportunity of the Northern Lights :)
Such a cool post — Norway is awesome! Wish I had seen the Northern Lights!
Glad you enjoyed the post Lucy! If you didn’t catch the Northern Lights on your last trip, sounds like the perfect excuse for a second try!
The northern light <3 Even though I live in Europe, I still haven't seen them and they are so high on my bucket list! Norway sounds like a great place to experience this as well. I also love to sleep in tents, but I think it might be a bit too cold for me at this hight :D One of my friends actually comes from Bergen and he always brought back some really delicious smoked salmon. Great article about a great country!
Supposedly I have the Southern Lights here in Tasmania where I live, though I haven’t seen them yet either! One of those things where I think you’ve got to do your research and make sure you’re in the right place :)
Haha yes, camping in Norway in the winter might get a bit cold, but can highly recommend it during the summer months. If you have friends in Bergen all the more reason to visit right :D!
We are hoping to go to Norway this winter, fingers crossed we get to see the Northern Lights this time as we have missed them twice in Iceland. Doubt we will camp, I think we’ll just rough it in a cosy hotel.
Fingers crossed for you for the Northern Lights! A cosy hotel sounds amazing :) Have a fabulous time!
Thanks for the suggestions! Seeing the Northern Lights has always been something I’ve really wanted to do, but I’ve heard that they’re not always visible. Any tips for how to figure out when to go so that I ensure I get to see them?
Glad you enjoyed the post Kiyoko! That’s correct, the Northern Lights are never a guarentee, so it’s best to not hedge all your bets on one specific night if that’s the whole reason for your trip.
I would say to check the weather patterns for the time of year you’re going (the darker the better, so middle of winter is usually best), choose a location with or where it’s easy to get somewhere with the least amount of light pollution, and give yourself at least a couple of days to dedicate to spotting them.
Hope that helps and that they come out vividly for you!
I’m sort of up for just about anything while travelling, but I’m not sure about camping in the Wilderness in Norway. The northern lights do call me, have for years but after getting caught up in a TV show set in Norway that was probably best to watch without sound I’ve fallen in love with the Fjords and the incredible scenery, so I’d be so up for kaiaking….. bring it on!
If wilderness camping isn’t for you each Norwegian city has a wonderful hotel scene :) And each city is an amazing base for incredible nature experiences no matter where you are in the country – I hope you can realize your dream of the Northern Lights at some stage!
Norway is so beautiful! I bet it is quite an experience to kayak in the fjord! I live in Canada but still haven’t seen the northern light yet. Maybe it is easier to see in Norway?
Absolutely Cat! I guess it would depend where you live in Canada – parts of Southern Norway are on the same line as Northern Canada, but yes, the further north you travel the more likelihood you have of seeing the lights. So Norway is a pretty safe bet since it’s one of the most northerly countries in the world, and more northern latitudes are easy to access.
The Northern Lights are absolutely the top thing to do in Norway! Hoping to be able to visit soon…great post!
Totally agree! So glad you enjoyed the post Dhara – have a fab time on your next trip to Norway!