10 Things to Do in Norway: Your Ultimate Guide to Unforgettable Adventures

Norway is calling, and trust me, you need to answer.

This stunning Scandinavian country isn’t just about pretty postcards and fjords (though there’s plenty of those). It’s a land where dramatic cliffs meet mirror-like waters, where the midnight sun messes with your sleep schedule, and where every turn reveals a view that’ll have you reaching for your camera.

Whether you’re a hardcore adventurer ready to tackle challenging hikes or someone who prefers scenic train rides with a cup of coffee in hand, Norway has something special waiting for you.

With over 10 million tourists visiting annually, this Nordic gem has become one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations. And honestly? The hype is real.

Let’s dive into the best things to do in Norway that’ll make your trip absolutely unforgettable.

1. Explore the Spectacular Norwegian Fjords

The fjords are Norway’s crown jewels, and experiencing them should be at the very top of your what to do in Norway list. These deep blue waterways, carved by ancient glaciers over millions of years and surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery, create scenes of unparalleled natural beauty.

Sognefjord, known as the “King of the Fjords,” is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, stretching over 200 kilometers inland. Its branches include the stunning Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Geirangerfjord is another must-see, famous for its dramatic waterfalls cascading down steep cliff faces. The Seven Sisters waterfall and the Bridal Veil are particularly spectacular. However, this fjord gets crowded during summer months, so book accommodations and activities months in advance.

For an intimate experience, rent a motorboat in Flåm and navigate Aurlandsfjord at your own pace. You don’t need a driver’s license, and the boats are simple to operate. This gives you complete control over where you go and how long you stay.

The perspective from your own boat is a game-changer. You can pull right up to cascading waterfalls and explore hidden inlets that larger tour boats can’t access.

Alternatively, join a fjord cruise and let experienced captains handle navigation while you soak in the dramatic landscapes. Kayaking tours offer another peaceful way to glide through these waters while getting up close to towering cliffs.

2. Hike to Trolltunga, the Troll’s Tongue

Trolltunga is Norway’s most Instagram-famous cliff, and once you see it, you’ll understand why. This narrow rock ledge juts out 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, creating one of the most dramatic photo opportunities you’ll ever encounter.

The hike is no joke. You’re looking at a 27-kilometer round trip that takes about 9 to 10 hours to complete. The trail climbs roughly 800 meters in elevation, with the first 2.5 kilometers being the toughest part.

After that initial push, you’ll traverse a high plateau with stunning mountain and lake views. The trail is well-marked and not technically difficult, but the sheer length makes it challenging.

Here’s the insider tip: start early. Even starting at 8:30 am might mean waiting 30 minutes in line for that iconic photo on the cliff edge.

Many hikers choose to camp overnight near the cliff to catch the sunrise, which offers an absolutely magical experience. Just make sure you’re properly prepared with good hiking boots, plenty of water, and snacks to fuel your adventure.

The best time to tackle Trolltunga is between mid-June and mid-September when the trail is typically snow-free and weather conditions are most favorable. This is definitely one of the best places in Norway for adventure seekers.

3. Chase the Northern Lights in the Arctic Circle

Imagine standing under a dark Arctic sky as ribbons of green, pink, and violet dance overhead. That’s the magic of the aurora borealis, and it’s one of the most spectacular things to do in Norway.

Your best bet for catching this natural light show is heading north of the Arctic Circle, particularly to Tromsø. This charming city sits perfectly positioned between 65° and 72° latitude, right in the northern lights sweet spot.

Plan your visit between October and March for optimal viewing. October offers milder weather before heavy winter snow arrives, plus the nights are long enough to give the aurora plenty of stage time.

The sky needs to be clear and dark, so pack all your thermal layers because it’ll be freezing cold outside. Remember, the northern lights are nature’s show, not a guaranteed performance.

Tromsø offers numerous northern lights tours, from bus excursions to more adventurous dog sledding trips under the aurora. Local guides know the best viewing spots away from light pollution.

The anticipation and the moment those lights finally appear? Worth every shivering second. It’s a bucket-list experience that delivers pure magic.

4. Conquer Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)

Pulpit Rock is one of the most accessible yet impressive hikes in Norway. Located just 45 minutes from Stavanger, this natural granite platform sits 604 meters above Lysefjord, offering views that’ll test even the mildest fear of heights.

The hike is relatively moderate, covering 4 kilometers each way with well-maintained trails winding through forests and along rocky terrain. Most hikers reach the summit in about 1.5 to 2 hours.

The flat-topped cliff is surprisingly spacious, giving you room to safely enjoy panoramic fjord views without feeling too exposed. However, standing near the edge and looking straight down that 600-meter drop? That’s an adrenaline rush you won’t forget.

Visit later in the afternoon to avoid the busiest crowds that arrive with tour buses. Budget for road tolls (around NOK 164 one way) and parking fees (approximately NOK 250).

Despite being popular, the experience is absolutely worth any wait. The views over Lysefjord, with its deep blue waters surrounded by steep mountains, are genuinely breathtaking.

5. Experience Oslo’s World-Class Attractions

Oslo might not have the dramatic landscapes of western Norway, but this modern capital offers fantastic cultural experiences and enough Oslo things to do to fill several rewarding days.

Start at the Viking Ship Museum, where remarkably preserved Viking vessels tell stories of Norway’s seafaring past. These ships, dating back over 1,000 years, showcase incredible craftsmanship and engineering skills.

The Vigeland Sculpture Park is the world’s largest sculpture park created by a single artist. Over 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland dot this beautiful green space, depicting the human experience from birth to death.

Architecture lovers shouldn’t miss the Oslo Opera House. Its striking design lets you walk right up the building’s sloped roof for panoramic city views. Inside, the acoustics and performance spaces are world-class.

The Munch Museum houses the world’s largest collection of works by Edvard Munch, including multiple versions of “The Scream.” The museum moved to a stunning new waterfront building in 2021.

The city’s waterfront areas, Aker Brygge and Tjuvholmen, blend modern restaurants, shops, and art galleries with stunning fjord views. Oslo balances contemporary city life with Norwegian nature beautifully.

6. Discover Bergen, Gateway to the Fjords

Bergen is Norway’s second-largest city and serves as the gateway to the spectacular western fjords. This charming coastal city perfectly blends historic appeal with modern vibrancy.

The UNESCO-listed Bryggen Wharf is Bergen’s most iconic sight. These colorful wooden buildings date back to the Hanseatic trading era and now house shops, restaurants, and museums.

Take the Fløibanen funicular up Mount Fløyen for panoramic views over Bergen’s harbor, surrounding mountains, and nearby islands. At the top, you’ll find hiking trails if you want to explore further.

The city’s fish market offers fresh seafood and local specialties. Try the traditional fish soup or sample smoked salmon straight from the vendors.

Bergen is famously rainy (one of Europe’s wettest cities), so pack a good waterproof jacket. Don’t let the weather deter you, the city’s cozy cafes and covered markets make rainy days perfectly pleasant.

Walking through Bryggen’s narrow alleyways between buildings feels like stepping back in time. Many buildings lean at precarious angles, adding to the historic charm.

7. Explore the Lofoten Islands

The Lofoten Islands offer some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the world. Jagged mountain peaks rise directly from turquoise waters, traditional red fishing cabins dot the shorelines, and pristine beaches surprise you in the Arctic.

Villages like Reine and Henningsvær look like they’ve been pulled from fairy tales, with colorful houses nestled against mountain backdrops and fishing boats bobbing in harbors.

The islands offer incredible hiking opportunities, with trails like Reinebringen providing panoramic views over the archipelago. The climb is steep but the view from the top over Reine is absolutely breathtaking.

Photography enthusiasts will find endless subjects, from midnight sun reflections in summer to northern lights dancing over mountain peaks in winter.

Whale watching tours operate from Andenes, with the best sightings between October and January when orcas, sperm whales, and humpback whales migrate to feed in Norwegian waters.

Despite being within the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten Islands have surprisingly mild weather due to the Gulf Stream. Summer brings the midnight sun, while winter offers northern lights opportunities.

Plan at least four to five days to properly explore the islands. There’s far more to see than their compact size on a map suggests.

8. Experience the Norway in a Nutshell Tour

If you’re short on time, the Norway in a Nutshell tour packages some of the country’s best scenery into one convenient journey. This popular route combines train rides, bus trips, and fjord cruises.

The centerpiece is the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana), described as one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. This 20-kilometer ride climbs from sea level in Flåm to the mountain village of Myrdal at 860 meters elevation.

As you ascend, you’ll pass thundering waterfalls, deep ravines, and mountain farms clinging to steep hillsides. The train makes a photo stop at Kjosfossen waterfall.

The entire experience typically includes the Bergen Railway, the Flåm Railway, a fjord cruise through Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, and bus connections through dramatic mountain passes.

It’s efficient tourism, but the views truly deliver. You’ll see some of Norway’s most spectacular landscapes without needing to drive mountain roads yourself.

The Norway in a Nutshell route can be completed in one long day or spread over several days with overnight stays in charming villages along the way.

9. Walk on Folgefonna Glacier

Hiking across an ancient glacier is one of the most unique things to do in Norway. Folgefonna, the third-largest glacier in mainland Norway, offers guided glacier hiking experiences from late spring through summer.

This maritime glacier exists due to massive precipitation from weather systems rolling in from Norway’s west coast. Some of the snow and ice here is over 1,000 years old.

Guided tours typically last about 5 hours and include all necessary equipment like crampons, ice axes, and harnesses. You’ll navigate uneven ice surfaces and peer into deep crevasses.

The landscape feels otherworldly with vast expanses of blue ice stretching toward rugged mountain peaks. It’s challenging terrain that requires proper layering and physical stamina.

Only join guided glacier tours. Attempting to explore glaciers without proper equipment and expertise is extremely dangerous due to hidden crevasses and unstable ice.

The experience of walking on thousand-year-old ice creates memories that last forever. The brilliant blue color of the ice and the dramatic surrounding mountains make this truly special.

10. Hike Besseggen Ridge

Besseggen Ridge in Jotunheimen National Park is one of Norway’s most famous treks. This 14-kilometer hike takes you across rugged terrain with steep climbs, culminating in a narrow ridge walk between two stunning lakes.

The trail gains approximately 1,100 meters in elevation and typically takes 6 to 8 hours to complete. The highlight is walking along the narrow ridge with the green Gjende lake on one side and the blue Bessvatnet lake on the other.

The different colors come from the lakes’ compositions. Gjende’s green hue results from glacial sediment, while Bessvatnet’s deep blue indicates clearer, deeper water.

The hike starts at Gjendesheim harbor. Most hikers prefer taking the boat to Memurubu first, then hiking back to Gjendesheim, as this route is slightly easier.

This hike requires good fitness levels and proper preparation. The ridge section can feel exposed, especially in windy conditions, but the views over Jotunheimen’s landscape are incredibly rewarding.

Check ferry schedules carefully and plan your timing accordingly. The season typically runs from late June through September when trails are most accessible and ferries operate regularly.

This is hands-down one of the most stunning hikes in Norway, offering perspectives you won’t find anywhere else in the country.