Exploring Norway: The Top List of Things to Do

Steve Jennifer
Updated: April 24th 2023

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Norway is a country known for its stunning natural landscapes, including fjords, mountains, and forests. It offers a wide range of activities for visitors, such as hiking, skiing, and fishing.

The country's coastal towns and villages, including Bergen and Stavanger, are popular tourist destinations, as well as the capital city of Oslo. Visitors can also explore the country's rich cultural heritage, including its Viking history and traditional wooden architecture.

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Visiting the fjords of Norway is a must-do activity for anyone traveling to the country. The fjords are long, narrow inlets with steep sides that were carved out by glaciers during the last ice age. Norway is home to some of the most beautiful fjords in the world, including the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord, which are both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are many ways to experience the fjords, such as by boat, kayak, or on a scenic drive. You can also hike in the surrounding mountains for breathtaking views of the fjords.

The aurora borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, is a natural light display that occurs in the Earth's polar regions. Norway is an excellent place to see the Northern Lights, especially in the winter months, when the nights are longest.

The best time to see the Northern Lights in Norway is from September to April, although they can occasionally be seen in the summer months as well.

Hiking in the mountains of Norway is a great way to experience the country's stunning natural beauty. Norway has an extensive network of hiking trails, ranging from short and easy walks to multi-day treks. Some popular hikes in Norway include the Pulpit Rock, a popular viewpoint located on the west coast of the country, and the Trolltunga, a rocky outcropping with a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. Other notable hikes include the Besseggen Ridge, the Romsdalseggen Ridge, and the Jotunheimen National Park. When planning your hike, it's important to be prepared and to follow safe hiking practices, such as letting someone know your route and carrying a map and compass. It's also a good idea to check the weather forecast and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Norway's cities have a lot to offer, including museums, galleries, and restaurants. Some of the top cities to visit include the capital city of Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim.

Taking a scenic drive is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Norway. There are many scenic drives to choose from, ranging from short and easy routes to longer, more challenging ones. Some popular scenic drives in Norway include the Atlantic Road, which takes you along a series of bridges and causeways on the west coast of the country, and the National Tourist Route, which takes you through the fjords and mountains of western Norway. Other notable drives include the Trollstigen Mountain Road, the Sognefjell Road, and the Rondane National Park. When planning your scenic drive, it's important to be prepared and to follow safe driving practices. It's also a good idea to check the weather forecast and to bring warm clothing and other necessary supplies.

Norway is a great destination for skiing and snowboarding, with a wide variety of resorts to choose from. Many of the ski resorts in Norway are located in the mountains of eastern and central Norway, which receive heavy snowfall during the winter months. Some popular ski resorts in Norway include Hemsedal, Trysil, and Geilo. These resorts offer a range of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, as well as other activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding. When planning your ski or snowboard trip, it's important to check the snow conditions and to bring the appropriate gear, such as skis or a snowboard, boots, and warm clothing. It's also a good idea to purchase a ski pass and to familiarize yourself with the resort's safety rules.

Fishing is a popular activity in Norway, with a wide range of options to choose from, including freshwater fishing in lakes and rivers and saltwater fishing in the fjords and the coast. Norway is known for its excellent salmon and sea trout fishing, and there are many tour operators that offer guided fishing trips. Some popular fishing areas in Norway include the Lofoten Islands, the coast of Troms and Finnmark, and the River Gaula. When planning your fishing trip, it's important to obtain the necessary licenses and to follow local regulations. It's also a good idea to bring appropriate gear, such as a fishing rod, reel, and lures, and to dress warmly and in layers.

Norway is home to many beautiful national parks, which offer a wide range of outdoor activities and opportunities to experience the country's stunning natural beauty. Some popular national parks in Norway include:

Jotunheimen National Park: Located in central Norway, this national park is known for its towering mountains, glaciers, and lakes. It is a popular destination for hiking, climbing, and skiing.

Rondane National Park: Located in eastern Norway, this national park is known for its rugged mountains and forests. It is a popular destination for hiking, cross-country skiing, and wildlife watching.

Taking a boat tour is a great way to experience the beauty of Norway's fjords and coast. There are many tour operators that offer boat tours in Norway, ranging from short sightseeing cruises to multi-day expeditions. Some popular boat tours in Norway include:

Fjord Cruises: These cruises take you through the stunning fjords of western Norway, such as the Geirangerfjord and the Nærøyfjord.

Wildlife Watching Tours: These tours take you to the coast of Troms and Finnmark in northern Norway, where you can see a variety of arctic wildlife, such as whales, seals, and sea eagles.

There are many traditional Norwegian dishes that you can try during your visit to Norway. Some popular Norwegian dishes include:

Salmon: Salmon is a staple in Norwegian cuisine, and it is often served grilled, baked, or smoked. It is also a key ingredient in dishes such as gravlaks (cured salmon) and rakfisk (fermented trout).

Fish Cakes: Fish cakes, or fiskekaker, are a popular snack in Norway, made from a mixture of ground fish, potatoes, and flour. They are often served with tartar sauce or a creamy dill sauce.