Best Things to Do In Norway
Embark on a Scandinavian adventure and explore a wealth of Norway attractions with our immersive audio tours.
Kristiansand: Dyreparken
What is it?
A family-friendly animal park and amusement complex.
Why you should go?
Dyreparken in Kristiansand is much more than a zoo. It's an entertainment hub where visitors can meet Nordic animals as well as exotic species, explore a beloved children's book village, and enjoy thrilling rides. The combination of wildlife, culture, and recreation makes this one of the most enjoyable Norway activities for visitors of all ages. The park's emphasis on conservation and education also ensures a visit here is both fun and enlightening.
Odda: Trolltunga
What is it?
A dramatic rock formation jutting out over Ringedalsvatnet Lake.
Why you should go?
The hike to Trolltunga is a bucket list adventure for those exploring Norway. Positioned almost 700 meters above the lake, it offers one of the most breathtaking views imaginable. The trek to reach Trolltunga is demanding, yet the reward is a surreal panorama that is emblematic of the Norwegian wilderness. This experience encapsulates the best things to do in Norway for adventurous spirits and nature lovers.
Røros: Historic Mining Town
What is it?
A UNESCO World Heritage site with an enduring mining history.
Why you should go?
Røros is a testament to Norway's historical mining industry, with well-preserved wooden buildings and a rich cultural heritage that transports visitors back in time. The town's charming streets, museums, and year-round events offer a deep dive into traditional Norwegian life. Visiting Røros is among the top things to do in Norway, especially for those keen on experiencing the fusion of history, culture, and community.
Jotunheimen National Park: Hiking and Exploration
What is it?
A vast national park home to Norway's highest mountains.
Why you should go?
Jotunheimen, 'The Home of the Giants', is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of the most scenic hikes in the country. With its towering peaks, glacial lakes, and diverse wildlife, it's a place of epic proportions. Embarking on a journey through Jotunheimen is one of the most invigorating things to do in Norway, suitable for seasoned trekkers and novices eager to explore the great outdoors.
Svalbard: Arctic Wilderness and Wildlife
What is it?
An archipelago within the Arctic Circle, known for its unique polar environment.
Why you should go?
Svalbard is a frontier of raw Arctic beauty, where polar bears roam and glaciers dominate the landscape. This remote destination offers visitors a chance to engage in unparalleled wilderness experiences, from dog sledding to ice-cave explorations. It's truly one of the most exceptional places to visit in Norway for those wanting to witness the untamed side of the planet and the resilience of Arctic wildlife.
Alesund: Art Nouveau Architecture
What is it?
A picturesque town renowned for its Art Nouveau architectural style.
Why you should go?
Nestled between fjords and the sea, Alesund is a visual feast, famous for its Art Nouveau buildings that rose from the ashes of a catastrophic fire in 1904. The town's reconstruction left a lasting legacy of elegant structures adorned with turrets, spires, and beautiful ornaments, making it one of the most distinctive places to visit in Norway. A walk through Alesund's streets is akin to stepping into a fairy tale – an enchanting experience not to be missed.
Trondheim: Nidaros Cathedral
What is it?
The most significant medieval cathedral in Scandinavia.
Why you should go?
Founded over the burial site of Saint Olav, the king who became Norway's patron saint, Nidaros Cathedral is a monumental piece of the country's history and identity. With its intricate gothic architecture and storied past, this sacred site has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries. A visit to Nidaros is a spiritual highlight and one of the top things to do in Norway, offering both insightful history and awe-inspiring aesthetics.
Flåm: The Flåm Railway
What is it?
One of the world's most beautiful train journeys, offering panoramic views of the Norwegian landscape.
Why you should go?
Making its way through the heart of the stunning fjord country, the Flåm Railway is an engineering marvel and a journey like no other. This train ride affords passengers the opportunity to gaze upon picturesque valleys, thundering waterfalls, and towering mountains. As one of the best things to do in Norway, it bridges the connection between awe-inspiring nature and the thrill of adventure, all within the comfort of a railway carriage.
Stavanger: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
What is it?
A natural rock formation offering spectacular views of the Lysefjord.
Why you should go?
Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, towers 604 meters above the Lysefjord and is one of Norway's most famous natural attractions. The hike to the top is a rite of passage for many visitors, offering not just remarkable views but also a sense of accomplishment. As a symbol of Norway's raw beauty and the draw of the wilderness, Preikestolen is a must-see for nature lovers and those seeking an adrenaline rush alike.
Northern Norway: Aurora Borealis Viewing
What is it?
An extraordinary natural phenomenon creating stunning light displays in the northern skies.
Why you should go?
In the clear night skies above Northern Norway, the aurora borealis dances in ethereal veils of green, pink, and violet. This celestial ballet is a sight to behold and experiencing it firsthand is one of the most awe-inspiring Norway activities. With audio tours explaining the science and folklore behind the Northern Lights, this unforgettable display is as educational as it is spectacular, capturing the imagination of all who witness it.
Oslo: Vigeland Sculpture Park
What is it?
An open-air display of more than 200 sculptures by Gustav Vigeland.
Why you should go?
As one of the unique Norway tourist attractions, Vigeland Sculpture Park presents a thought-provoking journey through human emotions, captured in stone and bronze. With no entry fee, visitors can explore this creative sanctuary, experiencing the grand scale of The Monolith and the beauty of The Wheel of Life, making it an essential place to visit in Norway for art aficionados and casual tourists alike.
Geirangerfjord: The Seven Sisters Waterfall
What is it?
A majestic waterfall comprising seven separate streams in Western Norway.
Why you should go?
The Seven Sisters Waterfall is not just a Norway attraction but a natural wonder that channels the essence of the country's wild beauty. Gracefully cascading down a rocky precipice, this iconic series of waterfalls offers a stunning display of nature's power. Come during late spring or early summer when the snowmelt feeds the falls to witness them at their most dramatic.
Bergen: Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf
What is it?
A historic row of colorful wooden merchant buildings on the Bergen harbor front.
Why you should go?
Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf stands as a lively testament to Bergen's prominence in the Hanseatic League's trading empire. This UNESCO World Heritage site is not only a doorway to the past with its creaky wooden planks and narrow alleyways but also a vibrant contemporary scene with boutiques, studios, and eateries, representing the best things to do in Norway for history and culture seekers.
Tromsø: Arctic Cathedral
What is it?
A modern church renowned for its distinctive peaked roof and stained-glass window.
Why you should go?
In the midst of a landscape dominated by snow and fjords rises the Arctic Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece visible from various points in Tromsø. This church is an inviting venue for northern light concerts and midnight sun recitals, making it one of the top things to do in Norway for visitors seeking spiritual uplift or simply the awe of architectural design.
Lofoten: Fishing Villages and Museums
What is it?
Traditional fishing villages with well-preserved history and picturesque scenery.
Why you should go?
The Lofoten Islands serve as an authentic backdrop for understanding the essence of Norwegian coastal life. From the charming fisherman's cabins, known as 'rorbu', to the engrossing Lofotr Viking Museum, visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions that have sustained these tight-knit communities. When spending time in Lofoten, engaging with local customs and natural wonders becomes an intrinsic part of what to see in Norway.
TOP-5 Free Tours in Norway
- Delve into the vibrant history and culture of Oslo, discovering things to see in Norway from ancient fortresses to modern art, all at your own pace.
- Experience the majestic fjords of Norway, a top thing to do in Norway, with insightful commentary on the geological marvels and folklore.
- Stroll through the picturesque streets of Bergen, uncovering the best things to do in Norway, including historic Hanseatic wharves and bustling markets.
- Uncover the Arctic allure of Tromsø, engaging with Norway activities that shed light on Sami culture and the northernmost cathedral.
- Discover Stavanger's maritime heritage, from its oil industry to ancient voyages, highlighting what to do in Norway for enthusiasts of exploration.