19 Amazing Things to do in Norway
Are you wondering what the best things to do in Norway are? Well, here are our top picks based on our own experience visiting the beautiful country!
There are several countries in the world that we find ourselves repeatedly coming back to and Norway is close to the top of that list.
It’s just such a beautiful part of the world, with glaciers, fjords, lakes, and mountains, pretty cities, tiny villages with bright red buildings and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world.
If you love the outdoors, you probably won’t be able to help yourself from falling in love with Norway like we have.
It’s going to take many years to visit all of the places we want to see in Norway, and, as we see more of the country, we’ll definitely be updating this post. But for now, here’s a list of the most amazing places to visit in Norway that we’ve seen to date.
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Norway Must-Do’s!
Short on time? These are 4 bucket-list experiences we recommend to everyone who visits Norway! ❤️
We recommend hiring a car through this company for the best deals.
1. Explore Gamle Stavanger
Stavanger is possibly one of our favourite cities in Norway.
Located in the south of the country, it’s the perfect mixture of city and nature. It’s a gateway to some of Norway’s most famous hikes, but the city itself is also a gem that deserves plenty of time to explore.
Right in the heart of the city, you’ll find Gamle Stavanger, the Old Town. This charming neighbourhood is filled with over 170 beautiful preserved wooden buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries.
In the spring or summer months, you’ll also find wildflowers and cobbled streets, and it really feels like you’re taking a step back in time, even though many of the homes are still lived in today.
We spent around 5 days exploring Stavanger and the surrounding region and fell in love with this area. In our opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Norway.
🏨 If you’re planning a trip, here are our favourite places to stay in Stavanger.
2. Hike to Pulpit Rock
This is one of Norway’s most popular and famous hikes, and it just had to make this list. This natural cliff rises 604 meters above the Lysefjord and offers one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the entire country.
The hike to Pulpit Rock is around 8 kilometres (5 miles) round-trip and usually takes about 4 hours to complete.
While it’s considered a moderate hike, it does involve some steep and rocky sections – but it’s definitely achievable for most reasonably fit people. In fact, when we did it, my parents (both in their late 50s at the time) managed to complete the trail!
This is one of the best hikes near Stavanger. It’s a very popular trail and can get crowded in the summer, so starting early in the morning or visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) is a good idea.
Many people who only visit Stavanger for a day still cram in this hike! The effort is absolutely worth it: standing on the edge of Pulpit Rock with the vast Lysefjord stretching out below you is just a jaw-dropping experience.
3. Chase the Northern Lights in Tromso
If you’re looking to tick an incredible experience off your bucket list, you can’t go wrong with this! Chasing the aurora in Tromso is one of the most incredible things we’ve ever done. You need to add this to your Norway bucket list!
We’ve been on several Northern Lights tours from the city (check out this list of all our favourite Northern Lights tours in Tromso), and some of the light shows we’ve seen have been absolutely insane!
Most tours will take you outside the city, to a dark, secluded place where you can see the stars and can’t see the city lights. If you get lucky and the conditions are right, you’ll see the most incredible greens and maybe even reds dancing across the sky.
For a truly bucket list experience, we can’t recommend this enough.
4. Go Reindeer Sledding
Another thing to tick off your Arctic bucket list is reindeer sledding! If you’re up in Tromso, this is one of the most popular tours you can do, but it’s pretty incredible and definitely worth the (rather steep!) price tag!
This is the tour we did, and we got to feed the reindeer first, then go on the sled ride. Next, we had a delicious lunch in the Sami tent before learning about the culture and listening to stories about the Sami people.
It was a wonderful experience, and we loved that it included more than simply seeing the reindeer.
❤️We went on this reindeer sledding tour and it was amazing!
5. See the Colourful Buildings of Bryggen
Another of Norway’s most beautiful cities is Bergen, and the Bryggen area is possibly one of the most photographed places in all of Norway.
The colourful buildings lining the waterfront are such an iconic image, especially when you can see the reflections of the buildings in the water.
As well as admiring the buildings from afar, you can also walk down some of the historic alleyways and see how the people of Bergen used to live hundreds of years ago.
You’ll find rickety wooden beams, cobbled streets, and lots of tiny shops, along with plaques of information explaining the area.
It’s one of the most beautiful places to visit in Bergen and is well worth exploring.
💡TOP TIP: If you’re really interested in the history, you can take a guided walking tour to learn about the Hanseatic merchants and the city’s history
6. Stand on top of Kjeragbolten
This is one of our favourite hikes in Norway to date, and also the most terrifying! The hike to Kjerag is a tough one and usually takes between 6 and 8 hours.
You’ll have 3 very steep climbs to tackle, where you have to pull yourself up via chains, as well as several rocky climbs down into dramatic valleys. It’s an absolutely incredible hike and one of the best views you can get of the Lysefjord.
However, the cherry on top is standing on top of the Kjerag boulder. This iconic boulder was wedged between two rocks and is stuck there, hanging above the fjords. It’s been there for thousands of years and is an incredible photo spot.
It’s also completely terrifying to climb onto, but that’s all part of the fun!
7. Hike up Mount Ulriken
One of the 7 mountains surrounding Bergen, this is another of the best hikes in Norway. It takes between an hour and an hour and a half to reach the top and consists of several very steep hills, and then over 1,300 Sherpa steps up the mountain.
This is a very popular hike among both tourists and locals, and you may even see locals running up the mountains for their morning cardio!
Alternatively, if you don’t fancy the hike, you could also get the cable car up Ulriken. This departs right around the corner from the trailhead for the hike and will take you straight to the top for panoramic views over the city and fjords.
8. See the Arctic Beaches of Sommaroy
Sommaroy is a beautiful island located about an hour and a half from Tromso.
It has some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Norway, as well as iconic colourful houses. It almost feels like you’ve stepped onto a tropical island (except the snow!).
Sommaroy is one of Norway’s best-kept secrets. The colourful fishermen’s houses scattered across the island add to its charm, and the contrast between the vibrant buildings and the arctic coastline makes it incredibly photogenic.
In summer, you can experience the midnight sun here, with golden light lasting all night long, while in winter, Sommaroy offers snowy beaches and a chance to catch the Northern Lights away from the city.
It’s often included on a fjord tour from Tromso, but you could also hire a car and explore the area yourself. If you’re exploring Northern Norway, this little island is absolutely worth the trip.
9. Go on a Fjord Cruise
Norway is world-famous for its fjords – deep, glacially carved valleys, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
A fjord cruise is one of the best ways to experience these natural wonders, and you’ll quickly see why they’re considered the country’s crown jewels.
There are fjord cruises available all over the country, from short day trips out of Bergen (like to Sognefjord or Mostraumen) to longer cruises through Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Depending on which cruise you choose, you’ll see mountains, remote farms perched on the cliffs, and waterfalls tumbling straight into the fjord.
For many, a fjord cruise is a must on any Norway bucket list, whether you choose a classic boat trip, a modern electric ferry, or even combine it with kayaking or hiking.
It’s the perfect way to see some of the country’s best landscapes, and one of the top things you shouldn’t skip on any Norway itinerary.
❤️ This is our favourite half-day fjord cruise from Bergen, and this is our favourite full-day cruise!
10. Climb to Manafossen Waterfall
This is another steep but short climb to one of Norway’s most impressive waterfalls. Manafossen waterfall is located in the south, near Stavanger.
The climb also involves pulling yourself up via chains, but it’s very short and should only take around 30 minutes to reach the top. The waterfall is completely stunning and cascades over a crevice in the rock into a deep pool below.
If you want to extend this hike, you can also head all the way to Man, a small village and farm nearby, which will extend the hike by around an hour. This is a short and sweet hike and the perfect addition to a weekend in Stavanger.
11. Hike the 17 Hairpin Bends of Kossdalssvingane
If you’re looking for hidden gems in Norway, this should definitely be on your list!
Located on the island of Osteroy, about an hour outside of Bergen, this hike is one of the most incredible things to do in Norway and one of the most unique views.
The hike starts in a small village, before heading up through a mossy forest. You’ll pass a huge lake before climbing the winding path to the top of the hill.
From here, the views back over the valley are simply stunning, with the 17 bends stretching out before you and the lake in the distance.
It’s a beautiful place and one of the best easy hikes in Norway.
12. See the Oslo Opera House
We couldn’t write a list of the best things to do in Norway and not include Oslo!
The Norwegian capital is often overlooked by people rushing to the fjords or the mountains, but it’s well worth spending at least one day in Oslo. This city is a vibrant hub and one of the best places to see Norway’s culture.
The Oslo Opera House is located on the waterfront in the capital and is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its striking modern design, with white marble and glass, is meant to resemble an iceberg floating in the fjord.
One of the coolest things about the building is that you can actually walk up the sloping roof to the top for panoramic views over Oslo and the harbour, completely free of charge.
Inside, the Opera House is just as impressive, with world-class performances of opera, ballet, and concerts taking place year-round. Even if you don’t attend a show, it’s worth stopping by to admire the architecture.
🏨 If you need a place to stay, these are the best places to stay in Oslo!
13. Hike to Bondhavatnet Glacier Lake
This is another hidden gem, and a hike here is one of the most beautiful things to do in Norway. Located around a 2.5-hour drive from Bergen, this stunning glacier lake is one of the prettiest places we’ve ever hiked to.
It’s also fairly easy to reach on foot, although it is a slightly complicated drive and involves several ferry crossings. If you’d rather not hire a car, you can also book a guided tour to the lake and the valley.
The hike is mostly a flat path, although there is a slight, gradual incline all the way.
Once you reach the lake, you’ll find gorgeous turquoise waters surrounded by tall pine trees, a waterfall, a tiny little boat moored up on the shore, and a glacier tongue in the distance.
It’s a truly breathtaking spot and one of the most amazing places to visit in Norway.
14. Visit Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum
If you’re fascinated with Viking history, this is one museum we highly recommend you visit. Norway’s Viking heritage is legendary, and the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo is the best place to step back in time and see it firsthand.
The museum houses some of the world’s best-preserved Viking ships, including the impressive Oseberg, Gokstad, and Tune ships, which date back more than 1,000 years.
These ships were used for voyages and later as burial vessels, filled with artefacts, tools, and treasures that give a fascinating glimpse into Viking life and culture.
Beyond the ships themselves, the museum also has intricate wood carvings, textiles, sledges, and other exhibits and artefacts that highlight the craftsmanship and daily life of the Vikings.
It’s an unmissable stop for history lovers or anyone curious about Norway’s seafaring past.
15. Admire the View from Mount Floyen
Mount Floyen was a lovely surprise for us when we visited Bergen. We’d heard people saying how Ulriken was amazing and the views were gorgeous, and we’d kind of overlooked Floyen as Ulriken’s smaller sibling. However, boy, were we wrong!
There’s much more to Floyen than simply the funicular and the viewpoint. At the top, you’ll find a café, a playground, and plenty of space to relax while soaking in the views over Bergen’s colourful houses, harbour, and surrounding fjords.
There are also several hiking trails through the forest, ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes that connect with other peaks.
In summer, the area is full of life with families, hikers, and even friendly resident goats roaming around. In winter, it’s also a magical spot for sledging and snowy walks. Even if you only have 1 day in Bergen, we highly recommend stopping here.
16. Learn About Sami Culture
We really enjoyed learning about the Sami people on our reindeer sledding tour from Tromso, but there are several places up and down the country where you can learn about these people and experience their rich traditions.
The Sámi are the Indigenous people of Northern Scandinavia, with their own language, culture, and history deeply tied to the Arctic landscape.
In Tromso and other parts of Northern Norway, you can join tours where Sámi guides share stories of their heritage, teach you about reindeer herding, and even welcome you into a traditional lavvu (tent) for a warm meal by the fire.
These experiences often include listening to joik (Sámi folk songs), which are an important part of their storytelling tradition.
For a deeper dive, you can also visit museums like the Sámi Museum in Karasjok or the Sámi Parliament in Kautokeino, which showcase history, art, and modern Sámi life.
❤️This was the reindeer sledding tour where we learned about Sami culture!
17. Go to a Fish Market
Norway is known for its fresh seafood, and it’s one of the top exporters of salmon and rainbow trout in the world. As such, you’ll often find fresh fish markets in many of the larger cities selling local catches and seafood delicacies.
One of the most famous fish markets in the country is in Bergen, right on the waterfront. Here, you can wander through the stalls, sample freshly prepared seafood dishes, or simply soak in the atmosphere.
It’s a great place to try traditional Norwegian fare like fish soup or open-faced shrimp sandwiches, and many stalls also sell dried fish and other specialities that make unique souvenirs.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat in Bergen, they also have a covered section where you can order a proper sit-down meal!
18. See the Arctic Cathedral in Tromso
The Arctic Cathedral is one of the best things to do in Tromso. It was built in 1965, and its bold triangular design was inspired by the shapes of Arctic nature, primarily icebergs, mountains, and the Northern Lights.
It’s arguably one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Norway, a beautiful building which is impossible to miss when crossing Tromso’s bridge into the city.
The Arctic Cathedral also hosts midnight sun and Northern Lights concerts, which are a magical way to experience both the building and Tromso’s unique Arctic atmosphere. This is a must-see spot on any Tromso itinerary.
19. Go on a Road Trip
Norway is one of the best road trip destinations in the world, and because a lot of the top sights are quite spread out, you can see a lot more by going on a road trip.
This saves you from heading back to a single base each night and means you can explore more of the country.
Not only this, but Norway is home to some of the most scenic drives in the world, with winding roads that take you past fjords, waterfalls, glaciers, and picturesque villages.
Driving in Norway is surprisingly easy – the roads are well-maintained, traffic is light once you leave the cities, and the views are so breathtaking you’ll want to stop every few kilometres.
Some of the most famous routes include the Atlantic Ocean Road, a spectacular coastal drive that hops across islands on dramatic bridges; the Trollstigen (Troll’s Ladder), a hairpin mountain road with incredible viewpoints; and the long but rewarding Norway in a Nutshell route connecting Bergen, Flåm, and Oslo.
In the north, road trips around Tromso or the Lofoten Islands are also gorgeous with rugged peaks, Arctic beaches, and tiny fishing villages.
Plus, a road trip in Norway gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems beyond the tourist hotspots.
🚘If you want to road trip through Norway, we recommend hiring a car from this company. We always use them and always get the best rates.
Are these all of the Top things to do in Norway?
Definitely not! There is so much more to add to a Norway bucket list; however, these are the most amazing things we’ve done in the country so far.
Our next planned trips are to head back to the Arctic and over to the Lofoten Islands. We also want to visit Geringerfjord, the area around Alesund, and also head to Flam.
Once we do, we’ll be updating this list with even more tips and hidden gems to help you plan the ultimate Norway itinerary.
Either way, we hope this article has given you a lot of inspiration to plan your adventure in Norway, from the cities of the south to the fjords and the beautiful landscapes of the Arctic.
If you have a question, ask us anything in our free Facebook Group.
👉 Planning a trip to Fjord Norway? Check out our guide to Stavanger and our guide to Bergen!
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