When planning a trip to Norway, it is easy to get information overload with all the fantastic things there are to experience. Many people hope to experience Norway by witnessing the northern lights. Others long for the amazing views in the fjord region. Boat lovers might prefer a cruise on the Norwegian Sea.
A tour we think you'll love
No matter your travel style, this land of the midnight sun holds much to be explored and admired.
Take time to head out to the Lofoten Islands to experience the local Norwegian culture in the fishing villages. The rugged landscape of the fjord region attracts explorers who like to get out on a kayak. Staying up late to see if this really is the land of the midnight sun provides a welcome opportunity to relax and reconnect with friends.
With so much to choose from, here are just five incredible experiences to get you started with your trip planning.
Things To Do In Norway For Train Enthusiasts: Take The Flam Railway
If you are a train nut, then be sure to add this one to your Norway bucket list.
Take one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world on the Flam Railway. It’s a one-hour journey from Flam to Myrdal. The scenic 20 km (12.5 miles) trip passes through 20 tunnels and makes a brief five-minute photo stop at the Kjosfossen waterfall.
Once you arrive in Myrdal, you can stay on the train for the return to Flam.
Consider booking a one-way ticket to Myrdal, so you can hike or bike back to Flam.
Things To Do In Norway For Island Enthusiasts: Go Island Hopping On The Local Ferry From Oslo
Here is a quick and easy excursion for your Norway bucket list: Go island-hopping by ferry from Oslo to the Oslofjord islands. These small islands have beaches, hiking trails, historical sights, and amazing scenery. It’s a short ferry ride from Oslo. In the summer months, many of the local people stay in a cabin on one of the islands and ride the ferry to work each day.
Ruter, Oslo’s public transportation system, is responsible for trams, buses, metro, local trains, and boats. Purchase a ticket from one of the kiosks in town before hopping on the ferry, as tickets on board are more expensive. Taking local transportation is a great way to experience the Norwegian culture.
Ferries depart from Rådhusbrygga (the City hall pier) in Oslo, with stops at the Oslofjord Islands:
- Hovedoya
- Gressholmen
- Langoyene
- Bleikoya
- Nakkholmen
- Lindoya
It is possible to stay on the ferry to enjoy a ride through the fjord or hop off at any of the islands. Bring your own food and drinks, as services are limited.
Things To Do In Norway For Outdoor Adventure Seekers: Go Sea Kayaking In The Norwegian Fjords And Islands
Norway’s fjords provide the perfect playground for outdoor adventure. Take a self-guided kayak trip along the rugged coastline, stopping to spend the night in a cozy tent or a traditional fisherman’s cabin.
We plan tours in these areas:
- The Lofoten Islands
- Helgeland’s coast
- Norway’s western fjords
We provide everything you need on our self-guided tours. Our sea kayak specialists will provide complete route details and all the equipment you need for your journey. From start to finish, we are available to provide support and make sure you have an amazing trip on the coast, in the fjords, and in the Lofoten Islands.
Things To Do In Norway For Hikers: Take The Hiking Trails To Pulpit Rock
This is definitely a hike that is worthy of making the top 10 on your Norway bucket list.
One of Norway’s most famous hikes is the one to Preikestolen or Pulpit rock. This unique rock formation forms a large flat area at the top of a granite cliff. Standing at the edge (not too close!) of the cliff will give you the perfect backdrop for an Instagram photo.
Some areas of the trail will require scrambling up large boulders, which is why the hike is listed as moderate. It’s a total of 8 km (about 5 miles), out and back. Most hikers will need four hours to complete the journey.
Things To Do In Norway With A Car: Take A Road Trip Through The Lofoten Islands
While arguably the best way to see the Lofton Islands is by kayak, it is also possible to take a driving trip.
Plan to spend at least a week driving through the Lofoten Islands archipelago. You’ll need plenty of time to stop, pull over, and take in the stunning view. Here are just a few things you can plan to do along the way:
- Enjoy a picnic at one of the many white-sand beaches.
- See the midnight sun.
- If the sky is clear, it’s possible to see the northern lights.
- Hike the 3.5 miles (just under 6 km), out and back, on the Reinebringen trail.
- Stay in a former fishermen’s cabin, called a Rorbu.
- Take a fishing excursion.
- Take an Instagram-worthy picture of a quaint fishing village, complete with red cabins perched along the water’s edge.
- It’s even possible to go surfing in the Lofoten Islands!
