Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Norway for Every Traveler

Norway is a nation where historical and contemporary elements coexist seamlessly, featuring natural attractions alongside sophisticated cultural venues. The capital city, Oslo, exhibits vibrancy and energy, while opportunities abound for excursions to snow-capped mountains and breathtaking gorges. Renowned as the Land of the Midnight Sun, Norway experiences prolonged daylight during certain seasons, and it offers some of the premier locations globally to witness the northern lights, a remarkable natural spectacle.

As one of the wealthiest nations in Europe, Norway provides high-quality amenities, including a robust public transportation system. Additionally, the country is recognized for being exceptionally safe, making it an attractive destination for solo female travelers who can navigate its landscape with confidence. Enriched with an intriguing history, visitors will find a plethora of activities, encompassing museums and attractions such as glaciers. You can delve into the captivating Viking culture while also exploring the modern aspects that saturate Norway.

1. Take a train journey

Norway boasts exceptional rail routes that are comprehensive and user-friendly, making train travel one of the most delightful ways to experience the country.

With over 2,000 miles of tracks, the scenic trains offer a unique perspective on Norway’s stunning landscape.

Highlighted routes include the Bergen Railway, which transports travelers past the Hardangervidda plateau, and the Dovre Railway connecting Oslo to Trondheim.

2. Explore Mount Floyen

To experience the most breathtaking views of Bergen, a visit to Mount Floyen is essential. This 399-meter summit offers panoramic vistas over the city.

If hiking is not on your agenda, a convenient funicular railway takes only 8 minutes to reach the peak, allowing you to soak in the beauty of Bergen and its notable fjords.

At the summit, you will find a lookout area, or alternatively, you may choose to hike to the top or explore the mountain biking trails nearby.

Additionally, the Floyen Folk Restaurant nearby features traditional music performances and local cuisine.

3. Visit Oslo Cathedral

Oslo Cathedral is a significant landmark in the city, originally constructed in the 11th century.

This Baroque-style church is notable as Norway’s inaugural cathedral.

Throughout its history, the cathedral has hosted numerous important events, including royal ceremonies, allowing visitors to appreciate its historical significance during a visit.

Key features to observe include the grand organ, the ornate pulpit, and the vibrant murals adorning the ceiling.

4. Take a ferry

An additional enjoyable method to explore Norway is via the Hurtigruten ferry, which navigates to some of the country’s lesser-known areas.

These coastal steamers can be boarded in Bergen and offer a remarkable 12-day journey to Kirkenes.

Along the route, travelers can disembark at various picturesque ports that Norway is celebrated for.

5. Explore the Geirangerfjord region

Geirangerfjord forms part of the extensive Fjord Norway Network and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Spanning numerous miles, the region features numerous highlights, including Alesund to the north, known for its stunning icy landscapes.

Other notable locations include Sunnylvsfjord, celebrated for its breathtaking countryside views.

For those interested in hiking, consider ascending the Dalsnibba summit, rising 4,905 feet above sea level.

A guided tour is one of the most effective ways to appreciate the region’s beauty, ensuring you do not overlook any stunning locations.

6. Marvel at the Arctic Cathedral

The Arctic Cathedral, designed by Norwegian architect Jan Inge Hovig and completed in 1965, is one of Norway’s more recent cathedrals, characterized by its striking architectural style.

The structure mimics large blocks of ice and features beautiful mosaics and a distinctive glass façade adorned with a large crucifix.

During the winter, the cathedral is illuminated externally, enhancing its impressive appearance.

7. Tour Akershus Castle

Akershus Castle was constructed in 1299 during the medieval era to safeguard Oslo against enemy attacks.

Throughout its history, it has served various purposes, including being a Renaissance castle and a prison.

Currently, it is utilized by the Norwegian Ministry of Defense, and visitors can explore its beautiful rooms, including the banquet halls and chapel.

Moreover, the castle houses antique collections that narrate its storied past, making it a must-visit for those interested in Norway’s history.

8. Visit the Arctic Circle

Many individuals may not realize that significant portions of Norway are situated within the Arctic Circle, making it an optimal destination for witnessing the Midnight Sun.

This natural phenomenon occurs annually around the summer solstice, resulting in continuous daylight.

Another remarkable feature of the Arctic Circle is the vibrant Northern Lights, caused by solar particles entering the Earth’s atmosphere.

9. Travel along the Atlantic Ocean Road

A journey along the Atlantic Ocean Road is an experience not to be overlooked.

This route spans 5 miles of rugged yet breathtaking coastline, leading travelers past charming fishing villages and historic sites, including ancient churches.

A designated path allows for exploration, as this road has become a premier attraction in Norway, highlighted by landmarks such as the iconic Troll’s Church Cave.

10. Go skiing in the Lyngen Alps

The stunning Lyngen Alps are situated within the Arctic Circle and boast a mountain range extending for 90 kilometers bordering Sweden.

Characterized by fjords, glaciers, and rivers, the area features towering peaks and dramatic gorges.

Popular activities here include dog sledding and snow safaris, alongside a considerable opportunity for viewing the Northern Lights.

Skiing and rock climbing are also prominent pastimes in the Lyngen Alps, with the highest summit, Jiekkevarre, rising to 1,833 meters.

11. Visit the Kon-Tiki Museum

Located in Oslo, the Kon-Tiki Museum showcases memorabilia from the renowned Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl.

The museum encompasses various galleries dedicated to Heyerdahl’s explorations, in addition to a 30-meter-long cave tour.

For those interested in Norway’s topography and geology, this venue is an excellent choice, and features an underwater exhibit containing a whale shark.

The museum’s restaurant is well-regarded for its offerings of traditional Norwegian dishes, including the Kon-Tiki Fish Casserole.

12. Marvel at the Vigeland Sculpture Park

The Vigeland Sculpture Park is dedicated to the works of Gustav Vigeland, an eminent Norwegian sculptor.

Featuring over 200 pieces crafted from bronze and granite, it stands as the largest sculpture park showcasing the creations of a single artist.

The park comprises several distinct sections, including the Main Gate, the Children’s Playground, the Wheel of Life, and the Bridge.

Much of Vigeland’s work explores intricate human emotions, with haunting sculptures such as skeletons intertwined in tree branches.

13. Admire the paintings at the Munch Museum

Edvard Munch, one of Norway’s most celebrated figures, is renowned for his symbolist style.

The Munch Museum has operated since 1963, housing 1,200 paintings, 4,500 drawings, and an impressive collection of 18,000 prints.

Visitors can also view sculptural works, lithographic stones, and memorabilia related to Munch’s life, including letters and books.

14. Visit the Viking Ship Museum

The Viking Ship Museum is highly regarded among Norway’s attractions, displaying an array of artifacts from the Viking era.

The exhibits feature items discovered in local graves, as well as Viking ships that depict the grandeur of the time.

Among the treasures are three longboats dating back to the ninth century, notably the Oseberg Boat, which is believed to have served as a burial vessel for Viking nobility.

15. Enjoy the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History

Situated on the Oslo Fjord, the Norwegian Museum of Cultural History provides insights into the rich cultural heritage of Norway, spanning from the 1500s to contemporary times.

The museum showcases artifacts from across the nation, including notable pieces such as a 13th-century wooden stave.

Exhibitions also feature reconstructions of traditional Norwegian homes, as well as clothing associated with the Sami people.

Individuals interested in Norwegian folklore and art will find this museum particularly engaging, as it hosts toys, photography exhibits, and folk dance performances throughout the year.

16. Visit the village of Geiranger

Geiranger is an enchanting village framed by dramatic cliffs and enveloped in lush forests and waters.

Located along the coast, it features picturesque houses painted in vibrant colors.

The village boasts a charming fishing harbor where visitors can observe local fishermen at work, and its stunning vistas are said to have inspired the animated film Frozen.

17. Tour Oslo City Hall

Contrary to popular belief, Oslo is indeed a vibrant cultural center, and the Oslo City Hall exemplifies the intersection of politics and culture in Norway.

Constructed in 1915, this renowned building houses numerous galleries, including the Festival Gallery, and features exquisite 20th-century frescoes.

Don’t miss the chance to view significant artifacts, such as the mural of St. Hallvard, who is recognized as Oslo’s patron saint.

18. Explore the Tromso Fjords

The Tromso Fjords are characterized by beautiful inlets and islands that lead to the icy peaks, eventually draining into the Norwegian Sea.

This network of waterways has its origins in the Ice Age.

One of the finest ways to appreciate the magnificence of the fjords is by taking a guided tour, often inclusive of fishing excursions, as the waters are rich with cod, salmon, and halibut.

In the summer months, kayaking and canoeing are popular activities, while planning a visit from December through February may provide the opportunity to observe the Northern Lights.

19. Visit the Ibsen Museum

Hendrik Ibsen, one of Norway’s most recognized figures, is celebrated globally for his poignant plays.

The Ibsen Museum is housed in Ibsen’s former residence and features two distinct sections.

The first showcases his literary works, along with family memorabilia and writing materials.

The second area, Ibsen’s actual restored apartment, retains the ambiance of his time with his wife Suzanne.

20. Enjoy Ersfjordbotn village

The village of Ersfjordbotn is renowned as one of Norway’s leading locations for witnessing the Northern Lights.

Surrounded by snow-clad mountains, this village offers activities such as skiing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing.

Summer visitors can partake in various outdoor activities including rock climbing and trekking along mountain trails radiating from the village center.

21. Ride the Fjellheisen Cable Car

The Fjellheisen Cable Car, situated at the base of Mount Storsteinen, ascends to its peak of 420 meters in approximately 4 minutes.

From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and it’s also a favored spot for outdoor enthusiasts interested in cycling, paragliding, or skiing during the winter season.

22. Explore the Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden

The Arctic-Alpine Botanical Garden, known in Norwegian as Botaniske Hage, is situated approximately 350 kilometers within the Arctic Circle and spans nearly 2 hectares.

Home to thousands of plant species from around the globe, the garden predominantly features alpine and arctic varieties that thrive in the region’s frigid climate.

Prominent highlights include Arctic poppies, Siberian lilies, and various mosses and herbs growing amid the rocks.

The garden also features ponds, waterfalls, and winding paths, allowing for leisurely exploration of its diverse geographical sections.

23. Travel to Lillehammer

Lillehammer, located near the picturesque Lake Mjosa, is a prominent tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors.

Noteworthy attractions in the area include Malhaugen Park, an open-air museum featuring 100 historic buildings that depict Norwegian life in earlier centuries, incorporating churches, farmhouses, and workshops from the 18th century.

The site also features the famous Peer Gynt Cottage, reportedly an inspiration for Ibsen’s literary works.

For winter sports enthusiasts, Lillehammer offers skiing, skating, and curling, along with access to scenic Nordic trails.

24. Marvel at the Polar Museum

Located in Tromso and housed within a historic warehouse dating back to 1837, the Polar Museum chronicles Arctic expeditions from Norway while addressing the sealing industry’s history.

Permanent exhibitions provide insights into the lives of the Sami people and their traditional hunting methods targeting animals such as polar bears, whales, walruses, and seals.

25. Tour the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace of Oslo, constructed in the early 19th century, was originally intended as the residence for King Charles III, who passed away before its completion.

Currently, it serves as the residence for King Harald V and Queen Sonja, with select areas available for public tours during the summer months.

Noteworthy rooms include the Bird Room, showcasing over 40 bird species, the spectacular Mirror Hall, and the impressive Great Hall adorned with crystal chandeliers.

A daily Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs at 1.30 pm, featuring the King’s Guards performing on ceremonial horses.