Norway is the ultimate playground for anyone who loves spectacular scenery, outdoor adventures, and a bit of Viking flair. From hiking on glaciers to cruising through fjords and messing up your circadian rhythm, there are so many great things to do in Norway. Believe me when I say, from personal experience, that this is a country that SERVES as a vacation destination. My own picks come from a summer road trip in 2024, mostly through Southern and Western Norway.
I wanted this list to be not just about different places (see my must-see places in Norway for that), but about the must-do activities that’ll have you itching to book your own adventure. But let me be up-front with you—picking just 15 best attractions in Norway was a real struggle. Most of them are in Southern Norway, the region I've been to most. The Northern Lights and Svalbard are researched recommendations, not experiences from that trip.
If you want my advice, 14 days is the best length of time to spend in Norway. Start with the activities that appeal to you and build your route around them:
This article covers the classic attractions—the western fjords, mountains, and northern lights—as well as the less conventional, such as the Petroleum Museum, a Viking village, and Longyearbyen. You’re bound to find several things to keep you entertained! Use the region and effort notes below to choose what fits your trip.
My practical picks: for a first trip, combine a fjord experience with Pulpit Rock and one glacier outing. For things to do in Norway without a demanding mountain hike, choose the Petroleum Museum, Viking Valley, or Briksdal. If you want an aurora holiday, plan the north separately instead of trying to turn this summer road trip into a winter itinerary.
Read more from my Norway travel blog.
Get comfortable, it's going to be a ride!
This article covers just about everything you could want to do in Norway, at least if you’re a first-time visitor. If you’re still deciding where to even go, see my guide to the best places to visit in Norway.
Lysefjord is making me a nice background
The Folgefonna hike is the number one thing to do in Norway
Fun fact: Folgefonna is the third-largest glacier in mainland Norway. But what makes it so special is that it’s a maritime glacier.
What does that mean? Well, I’m no geography teacher, but the glacier is fed by significant precipitation from Norway’s west coast—the same weather systems that make Bergen famously rainy.
It stretches across the Folgefonna National Park like a frosty blanket, resulting in amazing landscapes in every direction you look. And what I can tell you from personal experience is that walking on such a vast blue mass is an experience like no other.
You need a qualified guide and glacier equipment for an ice hike. One option is Folgefonni Glacier Team’s Blue Ice Hike on Juklavass Glacier, which starts at Folgefonna Glacier Centre, about 19 km (12 mi) from Jondal. The operator currently lists departures from late May to November and a duration of 5–6 hours. Book the date that suits your route and allow time to reach the glacier; transport from Bergen is not the same thing as a tour starting at the glacier. Blue Ice Hike details and booking
Expect uneven surfaces, deep crevasses, and meltwater streams. It feels like a long trek, and you need to make sure you layer up properly, but it’s all totally worth it. On my 2024 tour, being roped together meant adapting to everyone else’s pace. I’d consider a smaller group or a private guide next time if the budget allowed. This is one of the best outdoor activities in Norway I’ve tried.
That was a blast
Cruising the Aurlandsfjord, for me only in a rented motor boat
Aurlandsfjord is the quieter cousin of the UNESCO-famous Nærøyfjord, and it’s fair proof that good looks run in a family. The towering cliffs, mirror-like water, and intense serenity—it’s all here. Oh, and the air is so fresh, I almost wanted to bottle it and start my own health brand.
What’s the coolest way to experience Aurlandsfjord, one of the best fjords in Norway? Rent a motorboat and go solo! If you’re comparing a fjord cruise or boat rental, my vote is for the rental when conditions and your comfort with handling a boat make it suitable.
It’s roughly the same cost as a cruise or a so-called “fjord safari”, but you control what you see, where you go, and how long you stay on the water, right beneath those towering cliffs that take your breath away. I’m not the emotional type, but I swear, this was one of the most unforgettable, thrilling experiences of my life.
I rented from Flåm Boat Rental. The boat was simple to operate, and the perspective from your own boat is a real game-changer. I managed to explore 62 km (39 mi) in 3 hours, even reaching Nærøyfjord! In 2024, a two-hour rental was listed at NOK 1,890; my outing was longer. For today’s prices and licence requirements, check directly with the rental company.
What did I see on this 3-hour boat trip? Well, I’m glad you asked...!
We sailed all the way to Nærøyfjord
Fun fact: Both Aurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord are branches of Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Norway.
For me, this was one of the most memorable things to do in Norway. I’d allow three hours rather than squeeze it into one or two, and bring warm layers even on a sunny day: cold water plus a moving boat is an efficient way to regret your outfit. When in Flåm, check out my article on the other unmissable attractions around Aurlandsfjord.
Pulpit Rock
Also known as Preikestolen, Pulpit Rock is one of my absolute musts when it comes to things to do in Norway!
It’s essentially a tabletop cliff located just a 45-minute drive from Stavanger. The hike to the top isn’t so difficult (one reason why it’s one of the more popular attractions in Norway); just 4 km (2.5 mi) each way. Expect a well-maintained trail with forest sections and epic views along the way.
It takes about 1.5 hours to get to the top, and the summit is pure magic: a natural granite platform jutting out over Lysefjord. The 600-meter (1,969-foot) drop beneath your feet will certainly test your fear of heights, even if you don’t claim to have one. It’s crowded, but the views are worth it—the scenery reminded me of Yosemite.
Pro tips: Go later in the afternoon to avoid the bus crowds, and budget for tolls and parking. In 2024, the tunnel cost NOK 164 one way and parking was NOK 250. Check the current charges for your route and vehicle.
To sum up, this is hands down one of the most stunning hikes I’ve ever done. If you only choose one of the famous hiking activities in Norway, this is an approachable option compared with a full day on Trolltunga. Read more about my experience hiking Pulpit Rock.
Best hike with the best view
Top Tip: You can also hike Pulpit Rock with a local guide, who makes the hike even safer and will tell you a lot of fun facts about local flora and fauna.
Besseggen Ridge hike
The Besseggen Ridge hike is one of Norway’s most famous treks—possibly the most famous in Jotunheimen National Park. It’s a 14-kilometer (9-mile) adventure across rugged terrain, complete with pretty steep climbs, a narrow ridge, and an elevation gain of around 1,100 m (3,600 ft). Yeah, gulp.
But I have to recommend it for the truly insane views you get over Gjende and Bessvatnet lakes. And honestly, there’s just something euphoric and empowering about walking along a narrow pass between two bodies of water. You feel a bit like Jesus, only your jaw is on the floor.
A practical note: Besseggen is a point-to-point hike between Gjendesheim and Memurubu. You can take the ferry first and hike back, or hike first and take the ferry on your return. Book and check the timetable before committing to the second option. This is one of those things to do in Norway where the logistics deserve as much attention as the view. Read my detailed article on Besseggen Ridge for the full route.
The photos of these stunning views take themselves
Another epic Norwegian hike—Kjerag hike
Fun fact: Kjerag is the highest mountain to surround Lysefjord, towering at 1,100 m (3,608 ft). But the real star of the show is Kjeragbolten—the large, world-famous boulder wedged between two cliffs at the top, luring maniacs to step onto it.
What’s it like to hike Kjerag? I can tell you from personal experience that your calves will burn like hell, you'll have several blisters by the end of the day, and you’ll fear for your life at times, clinging to chain ropes against a steep and slippery rock face. But ultimately, it’s one of Norway’s most iconic hikes, and an experience I'll never forget.
If (unlike me) you’re a bit of a daredevil, by all means, line up to step onto Kjeragbolten and get your photo. But in my opinion, the views from around the Kjeragbolten are far more impressive than what you must get from standing on it. Especially considering how steep the ravine at the end of the trail is, it’s hands-down one of the most insane drops I’ve ever seen!
Read this detailed account of the very terror I experienced on Kjerag:
If you don't have your own transport, you can use organized hiking tours to Kjerag.
You'll step really high
Trolltunga conquerors
And if you just can’t get enough of standing in a line of other tourists to get onto a cliff edge, here’s another tip for you. Trolltunga is a narrow cliff platform perched 700 m (2,297 ft) above Ringedalsvatnet lake near Hardangerfjord. I can confirm that standing on it feels like you’re at the edge of the world.
The trail was clearly marked on my trip. My 2024 hike started at P3 Mågelitopp after a shuttle from P2. That start point matters: walking from P2 adds a substantial uphill section before the route I describe. Don’t use my time as an estimate for the entire hike from the lower parking lot.
It’s not a technically difficult hike in good summer conditions; it’s just really damn long. From P3, it took us about 3 hours 20 minutes to reach Trolltunga. Official guidance allows 7–10 hours for the full 20 km (12.4 mi) round trip from P3. Weather, fitness, breaks, and the photo queue can all change your day. Still, this is hands-down one of the best things to do in Norway. Read my detailed article on experiencing Trolltunga before deciding on a starting point.
Pro tip: Start EARLY. This is especially important for Trolltunga because it’s so popular. I started at 8:30 am and still waited 30 minutes in line for that iconic photo.
Just like a poster
...but this is the "backstage shot" of that famous photo—the lines are long
Norwegian Oil Museum
Tip: If you want to hike Pulpit Rock or Kjerag (or hopefully, both), Stavanger is the best place to base yourself. And if you only visit one attraction in Stavanger proper, make it the Norwegian Petroleum Museum.
I know what you’re thinking—who wants to go see a house dedicated to a load of black gunk under the sea...?
But it’s so much more than that. Oil is Norway’s economic backbone, and the museum shows you how complicated and expensive offshore production actually is. My inner finance nerd was having a very good day. You get to learn far more here than the usual vague explanation that Norway got rich because it found oil.
As to be expected from the “oil capital” of Norway, this is Stavanger’s most visited museum. It may be a bad dream if you’re a climate activist, but for those of us who live in the real world, it’s cool, original, and mind-blowing. (And to be fair, there is a good bit from the climate change angle.)
The Norwegian Oil Museum is super interactive
It’s super interactive, too. Don’t miss trying on the Helly Hansen survival suit—a fun way to see what oil workers deal with. All in all, it’s one of the most distinctive things to do in Norway, and I can’t recommend it enough. Plan for a two-hour visit at least!
For more top things to do in Stavanger, check out my other article:
Geirangerfjord
Geirangerfjord is the golden child of the Norwegian fjords. On the upside, it’s absolutely beautiful—totally worthy of its UNESCO stamp. On the downside, this is the fjord that everyone and their cousin visits. Take my advice: if you want to visit Geirangerfjord, especially in the summer, plan and book everything months in advance to avoid disappointment.
Seeing a fjord from above and from the water gives you different perspectives. In Geiranger, I walked the longer route toward Skageflå; I did not take the organized cruise. If I repeated that outing, I’d use the boat approach rather than spend so much time on the forest section of the hike. Check current landing arrangements before planning your walk.
Further reading: The best Norwegian fjords
For the lucky ones—Northern Lights
The northern lights belong on a list of things to do in Norway, but this is a researched recommendation: I didn’t see them on my summer 2024 trip.
For an aurora trip, Northern Norway—somewhere like Tromsø—is a different proposition from my southern fjord road trip. You need dark skies, suitable conditions, and a bit of luck. Pack properly for the cold and avoid planning as if any operator can guarantee a light show.
The best time to visit Norway for the northern lights is during the darker part of the year. Visit Norway describes the viewing window as late August to late March. That is different from the summer window I’d choose for the long hikes and fjord road trip in this article.
For seasonal planning, see my article on the best time to visit Norway. Its winter information is research, rather than a claim that I tested every month myself.
Long summer evenings were part of my southern Norway trip; true midnight sun requires heading farther north
And if there are long, dark, aurora-appropriate nights in the winter, give-or-take six months later, there’s the midnight sun. Honestly, I’ll never understand how the Norwegian population isn’t totally messed up all year round...
On my summer trip in Southern Norway, the long, light evenings were memorable enough. The true midnight sun is a Northern Norway experience, with dates depending on how far north you go. Don’t confuse a very late southern sunset with the sun never setting above the Arctic Circle.
It’s hard to describe that lingering evening light. You keep thinking sunset is half an hour away, then three hours pass. At Stegastein, a late visit also gave me a quieter viewpoint: golden for four hours, apparently, because Norway couldn’t settle for one. Some like alcohol, some like drugs, but I rate the long summer evenings as an alternative means of intoxication.
Trying out the Viking activities
Gudvangen is a village at the end of Nærøyfjord, and quite possibly the most picturesque spot in Norway. You heard it here first!
It also happens to be home to the famed “Viking Valley of Njardarheimr”, which feels like a (staged) Norse retreat. At this open-air museum, the staff stay in character as “Viking villagers”, and guest participation is their game. Okay, it’s a total tourist trap, but they’re nailing the vibe they go for.
Admission was NOK 235 per person in 2024; check the current ticket options before visiting. You can explore Viking crafts, try activities such as axe-throwing and archery, and come away with a much better sense of Viking life.
For example, did you know that Vikings weren’t a nation of people, but seafaring warriors? Their gear—shield, axe, spear, and dagger—doubled as farm tools, and missing equipment could land them fines. Helmets? Super rare. Swords? So costly that only a few of the elite had them.
Viking crafts demonstration
You’ll find this weird place just a 20-minute drive from Flåm. I was like a kid in a candy shop beneath the grass-roofed huts, so if you’re anything like me, this is one of the cultural activities in Norway I’d keep on the list. Allow around two hours rather than treating it as a photo stop.
The Flåm Railway and its valley scenery. Tickets were sold out on our visit, so we explored on foot instead
The Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) is one of the famous things to do in Norway, and a popular part of a Norway in a Nutshell trip. The route runs about 20 km (12.4 mi) from Flåm at sea level to Myrdal, at 866 m (2,841 ft). I didn’t ride it: tickets were sold out, so we reached the upper valley by car and on foot instead.
Official Flåm Railway ticket options
If you want the train, book ahead. Our alternative involved parking where vehicle access ended and walking toward Myrdal. The waterfalls and mossy forest were lovely, but my favorite views in this area were still down by the fjord. That is a judgment about the scenery I saw on foot, not a review of a train journey I didn’t take.
We also tried the zipline. It was fun, but at NOK 800 in 2024, I wasn’t completely sold on its value. If you’re choosing things to do in Flåm on a limited budget, I’d give the fjord experience priority. The train and zipline are different products with different access arrangements; check those before booking either.
We explored the valley toward Myrdal on foot after missing out on train tickets
Booking tip: The official Flåm Railway website directs you to Norway’s Best for round-trip tickets from Flåm to Myrdal. For a journey connecting with the Bergen Railway, it directs you to Vy. Choose the booking option that matches your trip.
See what other fun experiences the Aurlandsfjord area has to offer in my article on the best things to do in Flåm!
I failed...
While Folgefonna’s got the glaciers, Jostedalsbreen National Park is the land of glaciers and waterfalls. Here, jagged cliffs and icy rivers spill down into green valleys. This is what I always thought Norway would be like!
For an easy-access experience around Jostedalsbreen, my favorite is the walk to Briksdal glacier. The marked path takes you through the valley, past waterfalls, toward the glacier viewpoint. It gives you a lot of scenery for relatively little climbing, which makes it a useful alternative to the long mountain hikes in this list.
It’s basically Glacier National Park in Montana, but with towering cliffs and the pièce de résistance, extra waterfalls. Everywhere you look, what meets the eye is amazing. If you’re choosing things to do in Norway without hiking all day, this is one of my practical picks.
Us and the Briksdal Glacier
But believe me, the most important thing you should remember to bring on this hike is a good-quality rain jacket. Instinctively, you’ll try not to get wet. You will fail.
Fun fact: Jostedalsbreen is actually the largest glacier in continental Europe, which is why I included it in my list of the best 11 natural attractions in Norway:
Norwegian Canning Museum, Stavanger
If you’re more a city-stomper than a nature enthusiast, well... why are you on vacation in Norway?! Fine, it’s none of my business, so here—just have a list of my top city museums in the country:
Sunnmøre Museum, Ålesund
Further reading: Top Things to Do in Ålesund, Norway
Longyearbyen
So, you’ve looked at a map of Norway and concluded that the Lofoten islands aren’t far north enough for you? You absolute mad cat. Try this place for size...
Longyearbyen is on Svalbard, far north of mainland Norway. It’s an Arctic base for activities such as wildlife trips, snowmobiling, and guided outings into glacier landscapes. This entry is a researched recommendation, not a place I visited on my 2024 road trip.
Visit Svalbard advises visitors to use a professional local guide when leaving the settlements. Guides bring polar bear protection and appropriate communications equipment. This is a separate Arctic trip with its own planning and safety requirements.
If Svalbard appeals to you, pick the activities and season before booking. And drop the internet myth that it’s illegal to die there: Visit Svalbard explicitly explains that it isn’t. The real place is unusual enough without improving the story.
Check current flights and guided activities directly when planning Longyearbyen. I would not bolt it onto a southern fjord itinerary as if it were one more stop along the road.
Longyearbyen, a base for exploring Svalbard’s Arctic wilderness
The best time to visit Norway for my kind of trip—hiking and exploring the western fjords—is summer. I went in 2024. Long daylight helps, but mountain weather and route access still need checking. Winter activities in Norway need a different plan; don’t expect this summer hiking list to work unchanged in December.
Pack as if you were an onion. All year round in Norway, from north to south, wearing layers is key.
Prepare yourself mentally for a lot of driving if you’re planning a road trip around the country. The average speed is around 70 km/h (43 mi/h), and people stick to it strictly. Norwegian drivers can be a bit rude, rarely yielding or making room, and they drive some hella flashy cars.
Budget and plan ahead for parking. Parking in the Norway can be shockingly expensive and often limited near popular hiking trails and other attractions. Use official parking lots to avoid fines and always check if payment is app-based—many spots don’t take cash!
In Norway, you will do a lot of driving, so choose a comfortable car
Ferries are your friends. They’re efficient, frequent, and surprisingly chill. Register your car on ferrypay.no and enjoy the ride without hassle.
Gear up. Make sure you have sturdy, waterproof hiking boots, a rain jacket, and a reliable backpack. Bonus points for bringing trekking poles and a reusable water bottle. Norway’s tap water is fresher than most bottled brands!
As a rule of thumb, the best time to start a hike is as early in the morning as you can manage.
Fine dining is something that Norway does surprisingly well. Trust me—if you can afford it, treat yourself. BrimiBue in Lom was a particular highlight.
Hotels aren’t amazing, and the less said about restaurant service, the better. Lower your expectations. The best place that I stayed in Norway was probably Vangsgaarden Gjestgiveri in Aurland.
Norway is best known for its jaw-dropping fjords, the northern lights, and its oil industry. It’s the ultimate outdoor playground with iconic hikes like Trolltunga, Kjerag, and Folgefonna. Throw in Viking history, tundra up north, and unique fishing heritage, and you’ve got Norway in a nutshell.
Seven days is enough for a focused trip, but it is not enough to do everything on this list. Choose a region and a few priorities. Norway is a big country, and a short distance on the map can turn into hours of driving around fjords and mountain roads.
For a planned week around Southern Norway, see my 7-day Norway itinerary. If you want to fit in more of the things to do in Norway listed here, my 14-day itinerary is the better starting point. Keep Svalbard or a northern lights trip as a separate planning decision.
That’s it from me for now
How expensive Norway is depends on where you’re coming from and the living costs you’re used to. Most people deem Norway to be a relatively expensive country to visit; hotels, food, and activities can be pricey. If you’re one of these people, you can easily save cash by using public transport, packing snacks, and staying in budget accommodation.
For me, Norway was expensive, but not outrageous. I thought Israel was way worse on the wallet. Those are impressions from my trip, not a current price comparison for every traveler.
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Hi, I’m Jan. I travel fast and intensely, whether I’m exploring the buzz of Tokyo in 3 days or road-tripping through mountains and beaches on a 3-week Thailand adventure. And no matter where I am, you’ll always find me in a comfortable hotel at night and eating the best food.
If that sounds like your kind of journey, hop on board, and let’s explore the world together!
I started this blog after realizing how tough it can be to find reliable, authentic travel info. You wouldn’t believe how many “travel bloggers” never even visit the places they write about! On Next Level of Travel, you can count on my full honesty and insights drawn from my firsthand experiences.
Here’s the deal: not every destination is all superlatives and unicorns. I’ll let you know if a tourist attraction isn’t worth your time, like skipping overrated stops in my 2-week Spain itinerary. And when I find something truly special—like the perfect mix of culture and nature in Cape Town—you can trust that it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
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