Norway…the land of fjords, Vikings, epic hiking trails, the midnight sun, and those glorious Northern Lights. Visit charming coastal cities, cruise the fjords, and put one foot in front of another on some of the best hiking trails in the world. Here are 8 amazing experiences to have in Norway.
In our opinion, there is no better way to experience Norway than from a hiking trail. Ranging from easy, family-friendly hikes to full day hikes, there is something here for everyone.
In southern Norway, hike to iconic Pulpit Rock, test your nerve and stand on top of Kjeragbolten, and pose for photos on Trolltunga. Up north, go hiking in the Lofoten Islands and hike Reinebringen, Munken, Ryten, and more. Or, go off-the-beaten path and hike on Senja and the Vesteralen Islands.
Road Trip through Norway
Driving through Norway is different than many other countries. Here, you drive on narrow, two-lane roads and cruise across fjords on car ferries. It seems like there is another gorgeous view around every bend.
Norway really keeps things interesting by throwing in some amazing short stretches of road. Here are some great spots to add to your Norwegian road trip.
Laerdalstunnelen. This is the world’s longest tunnel at 24.5 km (15.2 miles) in length. There are even roundabouts inside of the tunnel.
The Atlantic Road. Touted as one of the most beautiful road trips in the world, this short but incredibly scenic drive takes you over eight bridges that connect a series of islands near the Atlantic coast.
Trollstigen. Also called the Troll’s Ladder, this winding road is one of the most photographed roads in Norway.
Aurlandsvegen Snow Road. This high mountain road is only open during the summer months. It closes in winter because it receives an enormous amount of snow. Come here early in the summer to see the walls of snow lining the sides of the road.
Stalheimskleiva. Located near Gudvangen, this is one of the steepest roads in Europe, featuring tight, hairpin turns and beautiful views of Naeroyfjord.
Lysevegen Road. Located just outside of Lysebotn, this very steep road features 27 hairpin turns and an average gradient of 9.4%.
Enjoy the View over some of the Most Beautiful Towns in Norway
Norway is dotted with picturesque coastal towns that are a joy to wander and explore. To make your visit even better, you can hike, walk, or ride a cable car to a viewpoint that offers stunning views over several of these towns.
In Bergen, take the Floibanen funicular for one of the best views of the city. In the Lofoten Islands, look out over Reine from the top of Reinebringen and peer down at Svolvaer from Svolvaer Floya. Alesund is a picture-perfect town and it’s just a short walk up to a gorgeous viewpoint. And one of the best things to do in Tromso is to ride the Fjellheisen cable car for panoramic views of the city.
Count how many trolls you can find
Norwegians are fascinated with trolls. You can find these mythical creatures everywhere…on the roadside, on street signs, in souvenir shops, and on city streets. They are fun to take photos with, especially if you are traveling with kids.
Cruise or Kayak the Fjords
The fjords are what make Norway so uniquely beautiful. A fjord is a U-shaped valley that was formed by a glacier and is now filled with water. If you are road tripping through Norway, most likely you cross several fjords on car ferries.
If you go on the Norway in a Nutshell tour, you will cruise Naeroyfjord, one of the narrowest and most scenic fjords in Norway.
Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO-protected fjord and another spectacular place to visit in Norway. Rent kayaks in the town of Geiranger, explore the fjord, and if you are lucky, you might even get up close with a dolphin!
Explore the Fishing Villages in the Lofoten Islands
Scattered across the Lofoten Islands are charming fishing villages. In these small coastal towns, red and white fishing cabins line the rocky shore, creating the iconic village scenes of the Lofoten Islands.
Some of the most popular fishing villages to visit in the Lofoten Islands are Reine and Nusfjord.
Visitors to the Lofoten Islands have the option to stay in a fishing cabin. Called a “rorbu,” these cabins have been refurbished into small, cozy apartments and they are one of the most unique accommodations in Norway.
Go on an Arctic Adventure in Svalbard
Journey north to Svalbard, an island where there are more polar bears than people. Offering activities year round, you can see the northern lights and the midnight sun, kayak in front of a glacier, go snowmobiling and dog sledding, hike to the top of a mountain peak, and go on multi-day arctic expeditions. Search for arctic wildlife like walrus, polar bears, and reindeer, explore the tiny town of Longyearbyen, and tour Pyramiden, an arctic ghost town.
Go Rock Climbing
When you think of Norway, rock climbing may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But one of our best experiences in Norway was climbing Svolvaergeita in the Lofoten Islands.
Located near the town of Svolvaer, this pinnacle of rock, also called “The Goat,” is a popular rock climbing destination. From the top of the rock, you get a spectacular view across the islands, and if you are a little bit crazy, you can jump from one horn to the other. Do you dare?
How to do this: If you are an experienced rock climber and have your own gear, you can do this on your own. Otherwise, consider hiring a guide. We used Northern Alpine Guides and had a fantastic experience. If you are new to rock climbing and have a good sense of adventure and a good head for heights, you can climb Svolvaergeita.
About the Earth Trekkers
Julie, Tim, Tyler, and Kara share a passion for travel, adventure, and living life to the fullest. In 2014 and 2015 they spent 13 months traveling around the world. Even though they now own a home and the kids are in school, they still manage to fill their lives with travel and adventure. Their mission, through their website Earth Trekkers, is to inspire others to go outside of their comfort zones and realize their dreams of faraway places.
