The Best Things to do in Norway

What do you know about Norway so far? You might know that it is a Scandinavian country with four distinct seasons; the capital is Oslo, and there is a midnight sun in the summer (above the Arctic Circle) and spectacular northern lights in the winter, sometimes even in the south.

With the vast differences in nature, elements, and seasons, the best things to do in Norway depend on where and when you are visiting.

Norway is also the home of majestic fjords and spectacular landscapes in the west, wild mountain peaks in the middle, mellow, soft islands in southern Norway, and epic nature and wildlife experiences in the vast Arctic north.

Lastly, you have Svalbard, an Arctic island group that is also part of Norwegian territory, situated 760 kilometers (472 miles) north of the Norwegian mainland. You can fly here or join an expedition cruise and travel slowly in the old-fashioned way. And yes, this is where the polar bears live.

As a Norwegian native, I have a few tips for you when it comes to what you should do in Norway. So here are my insider tips about fun things you can do in Norway right after these quick facts that might be useful.

Quick Tip: Book accommodation, tours, and transport ahead of time online to save money and stress.
Best Norway Tours: Click here to check out the top Norway tours
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Best Norway Transport: Click here to book a bus, ferry, or train in Norway

When researching the best things to do in Norway, you probably should know what destinations in Norway you are planning to visit and what time of year you plan to make your Norway trip.

Norway is a very long country; in fact, it is over 2000 kilometers long (1250 miles), stretching below and above the Arctic Circle, and that does not include all the long, narrow fjords and the islands outside the coastline. This implies that summer in the south and winter in the north will be two completely different experiences.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Norway, but what are the best things for you? It depends on what kind of experience you want, as well as the time of year and region of Norway you plan to visit.

For a quick overview, here are some of the most popular things to do and excursions you can have in Norway across the seasons.

Alpine skiing in the winter in central and middle Norway, as well as the north
Hiking trails, trekking, and biking are most popular during spring, summer, and early fall.
Cross-country skiing during winter in most mountainous areas
Boat tours all along the coast in summer, in the south for relaxing and in the north for epic wildlife encounters
Cruise trips along the entire coast between Bergen and Kirkenes with Hurtigruten or Havila Voyages
Road trips for scenic drives in late spring, summer, and early fall
Visiting historical sites like Viking graves, old stave churches, and cathedrals.
Chase the Aurora Borealis above the Arctic Circle in winter
Music festivals, concerts, and cultural events (some of the biggest ones are in the summer months)

After this very wide overview, let’s get into the specifics of the different regions of Norway.

Quick Facts About Norway:

Population: 5,5 million people
Language: Norwegian
Currency: Norwegian Krone
Known for salmon, oil, fjords, skiing, midnight sun, and northern lights

Things To Do In Norway – Oslo

The best things to do in Oslo are definitely summer activities. Oslo comes to life in late May and is a wonderful summer city until August and even September.

As Oslo is a small capital with around 700.000 inhabitants, distances are short, the city is walkable, and island hopping in the fjord and hiking in the Marka forest is only a short tram ride away. Marka is also a wonderful place to go cross-country skiing in winter when you should also visit the Holmenkollen ski jump and the ski museum.

In the city center, you have a variety of museums, theaters, bars, and restaurants to enjoy. In recent decades, the capital of Norway has become a more and more trendy city with great shopping opportunities as well as culture and nightlife.

If you buy the city transport card, Ruter, you are able to use all city transport in Oslo, as well as the fjord ferries that will take you to the mellow islands in the inner Oslo fjord (some just ten minutes away, great for a day trip).

Here are some of the best things to do in Oslo.

Visit the new iconic Edvard Munch Museum
Take the tram to Holmenkollen ski jump and ski museum
Have lunch at the historic Frognerseteren restaurant in the hills above Oslo
Spend a couple of hours in a floating sauna (and swim in the Oslo fjord)
Relax on one of the inner city beaches in the summer
Explore the artsy, charming neighborhood of Grunerløkka
Go ice skating in Spikersuppa below the Royal Castle in winter
Visit the Vigeland Museum and the Frognerparken Park
Gi island hopping in the Oslo Fjord
Attend a concert at Rockefeller Concert Hall
Walk on the roof of the Oslo Opera House in the harbor
Have dinner at the Functionalist Ekeberg Restaurant above the city

Things to do in Kristiansand and the south

Kristiansand is a small town that is perceived as the capital of the south of Norway, a part of Norway that is at its absolute best in the summer. The southern coastlines have warm summers, amazing beaches, and a beautiful skjergård (inner fjord with cozy, mellow islands perfect for boat trips and island hopping).

Kristiansand itself is a charming small town with lots of white wooden houses, friendly locals, and amazing opportunities for easy hikes, beach life, water sports, and boat life. This is also the case for the entire southern coastline of Norway, which is dotted with small, picturesque villages where life is slower.

Some of the most popular destinations that you might want to research along the southern coastline, in addition to Kristiansand, are Kragerø, Arendal, Grimstad, and Mandal.

Here are some of the most popular things to do in Kristiansand and the south.

Visit the famous Kristiansand Zoo.
Boat tours and island hopping in the “skjærgård”
Do the Hamsund’s Town Walk in Grimstad after the famous author
Explore the Island of Skjernoy Bike Trail
Visit Ravnedalen Nature Park
Stop by Fiskebrygga Fish Wharf in Kristiansand for fresh seafood
Visit Kristiansand Open Air Museum
Explore Kalvøysund Fortress in Arendal
Visit Scandinavia’s first UNESCO-certified Geopark Gea Nvegica
Spend a day on the sandy Hamresanden Beach

Things to do in Bergen and the west

The Norwegian capital of the west is famous for being the gateway to the steep, majestic fjords, some of which are even on the UNESCO World Heritage Site List, such as the Geirangerfjorden Fjord.

But Bergen in itself is also an amazing destination, with the famous city center fish market, the old town quarters, the Fløyen Funicular, museums, the Seven Sisters mountains, and the Bergen Aquarium (the largest aquarium in Norway).

Bergen is also a great starting point for exploring the iconic western fjords and steep mountains, with a myriad of outdoor adventure activities to join. Visit the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjorden Fjord, Sognefjorden Fjord (the longest fjord in Norway), Voss mountain village (home of the annual extreme sports week), hike the Pulpit Rock, or head out on a fjord safari.

Here are the best things to do in Bergen and western Norway

Take a RIB boat safari from Bergen
Visit the Bergen Aquarium
Book a floating fjord sauna and swim in the fjord
Take the Fløyen Funicular or Ulriken Cable Car
Do the Vidden hike, the mountain plain between Fløyen and Ulriken
Get fresh seafood at Bryggen i Bergen, the fish market
Stroll Skostredet, the charming old quarter of the city
Take a day trip to Geirangerfjorden, Sognefjorden or Nærøyfjorden on a fjord cruise
Have dinner at the Michelin-star restaurant
Go swimming at Nordnes Sea Bath in summer or winter months

Things to do in Trondheim

Trondheim is the third largest town in Norway, with history back to medieval times when the town was actually the first capital of Norway 1000 years ago.

This was also when the famous Nidaros Cathedral (the old name for Trondheim) was built, and the town is the end-point for several pilgrim paths called Olavsledene.

Today, Trondheim is the Norwegian capital of knowledge, with the NTNU University, a big tech community, a charming old town, a vibrant restaurant scene, and lively nightlife. As Trondheim is the last town south of the Arctic Circle, there are a variety of nature experiences to have here, as well as exploring the medieval town.

Here are the best things to do in Trondheim.

Visit the Nidaros Cathedral
Explore Bakklandet, the old town
Stroll along the Trondheim Wharf
Go hiking in the Bymarka Forest
Visit the Archbishop’s Royal Palace Museum
Go kayaking in the Nidelva River
Take a trip to medieval Munkholmen Island
Dine at Tyholttårnet Tower Rotating Restaurant
Explore Kristiansten Fortress
Hike the Ladestien Path

Things to do in Tromsø

Tromsø is often referred to as the Paris of the North, apparently because centuries ago, visitors were impressed with “Tromsø’s women, fashion, food and culture.”

Situated above the Arctic Circle, Tromsø is mainly located on an island and is famous for its cathedral, Ishavskatedralen, and the Sami culture.

Tromsø is also a vibrant university town, has a rich cultural life and nightlife, as well as restaurants, bars, and white sandy (but cold) beaches.

If seeing the Aurora Borealis is on your bucket list, Tromsø is a popular destination to go northern lights hunting as well as eating fresh seafood, dog sledding, and swimming in the sea in the Arctic.

Here are the best things to do in Tromsø.

Visit the Ishavskatedralen Cathedral
Have fresh seafood at
Explore the Polaria Aquarium
Chase the northern lights in winter
Have a beach BBQ at midnight in the summer
Take a RIB safari in the fjord outside the city center
Ascend to the top of the mountain with the Fjelleheisen Cable Car
Go on a dog sledding tour
Join a whale-watching boat tour
Take a break in Tromsø Sauna

The Four Seasons in Norway

In addition to having different “seasons” at the exact same time (summer in the south and summer in the north are also two different things), the four seasons in Norway are also very distinct.

After the last month of fall, September, there normally is an abrupt change in the weather come October 1st. The leaves are falling, the rain gets colder, and the kaleidoscope of fall colors fades almost overnight.

Then things are a bit gray and gloomy until December when advent kicks in, and there are lights, gløgg (a warm berry drink with spices and red wine), holiday-decorated shopping centers, and outdoor Christmas markets.

Already at the end of January, the days get noticeably longer and lighter, and through February, skiing in the mountains and forests, as well as alpine activities and “cabin life,” become popular again with sunglasses and sunscreen.

Spring officially starts in March, but you will not really notice that until April when the thaw sets in, and come May, wildflowers peak through the yellow grass. Waterfalls and rivers flow over; this is a popular season for bird watchers. The 17th of May is Norway’s national day, celebrated countrywide with bubbly breakfasts, children’s parades, parties in public spaces, and flags and flowers everywhere.

In June, summer is back with the 24/7 midnight sun in the north and long, warm days and nights in the south.

Summer in Norway is magic, with comfortable temperatures and spectacular nature to explore that is perfect for road trips, hikes, and camping trips. Visit the north to experience the midnight sun and Arctic wildlife, or the south for warm weather, beach life, fun boat tours, and water sports.

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Things to do in Norway in winter

During winter, Norway is cold. There is not tons of snow everywhere, but winter in Norway is not the season for enjoying the outdoors as much unless you love alpine activities (which is super big in Norway).

You can naturally explore museums, sights, restaurants and bars, concerts, and all the city adventures you also have in summer. In Oslo and Bergen, you can also test your Viking swimming skills in the sea if you are up for it – right next to the floating fjord saunas.

The Best Ski Destinations In Norway

You will find nice alpine skiing destinations a short drive outside Oslo, but for the really good ones, you will probably want to travel a bit further.

The most popular skiing destinations are located 4-5 hours’ drive from Oslo, but there are also some really nice areas further north above the Arctic Circle.

Here are the 5 most popular alpine skiing destinations:

Hemsedal
Gol
Geilo
Trysil
and Myrkdalen

Above the Arctic Circle, you also have a popular ski resort in Narvik (that ends all the way down by the fjord, pretty epic), as well as great randonee ski trips in the Lofoten Islands, Senja Island, and the Lyngen Alps.

So, when planning things to do in Norway in December through February, pack accordingly if you plan on being outdoorsy.

Packing for Norway In The Winter

For winter trips to Norway, your luggage should contain these items:

Down jackets
Wind and waterproof outerwear
Thick, warm boots
Wool or thermal long underwear
Thick hats, mittens, and scarves
Woolen or fleece jackets
Think layers when you plan your outdoor outfits for activities
Consider cold cream to protect your face

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Things to do in Norway in summer

In northern Norway, you can occasionally experience up to 30 degrees Celcius, but that is not the norm. There is “a lot of weather” in the north, even in summer, but we counter that with crispy, white sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and two months of neverending sun.

Norwegians sleep less in the summer, and you probably will, too, so this is a perfect time to visit.

There are infinite summer activities to embark on, including cityscapes, nature experiences, adrenaline-pumping adventures, and extreme sports, hiking, biking, climbing, and boating. There are a myriad of amazing beaches to visit along the long coast of Norway from south to north.

Best Beaches in Norway in the Summer

Hamresanden Beach in Kristiansand
Sjøsanden Beach in Mandal
Huk Beach in Oslo
Solastranden Beach in Stavanger
Kyrkjetangen Beach in Bergen
Uttakleiv Beach in Lofoten
Hovdsundet Beach in Bodø
Telegrafbukta Beach in Tromsø
Bugøynes Beach in Sør-Varanger

Packing for Norway In The Summer

Although summer in most of Norway does not require complicated packing, there are some things to be aware of. If you plan on many outdoor activities or camping, especially in the mountains, along the fjords of Norway, or up north, the weather can be a little unpredictable.

Here are my best tips for packing for Norway if you plan to do outdoorsy stuff and visit national parks outside the mellow south and urban areas.

Wind and rainproof jackets and trousers
Warm sweaters or fleece jackets
SPF and sunglasses
Mosquito repellent
Long underwear (for mountains and northern Norway)
Swimwear
Fast-drying travel towel
A water bottle (you can drink water from mountain streams)
And your toothbrush!

Transport in Norway

The public transport system in Norway is quite well-functioning, and there are domestic flights, long-haul buses, and trains in most parts of the country.

The train ride between Oslo and Bergen is particularly beautiful, and you can also take the train to Trondheim and Bodø above the Arctic Circle. The Hurtigruten cruise ships offer the “most beautiful coastal voyage in the world” along the Norwegian coastline, from Bergen to Kirkenes.

The northernmost train station in Norway is in Bodø, so if you are heading further north than that (like to Tromsø, Alta, or Norway’s North Cape), you need to take buses or domestic flights. Or you can do a road trip, which is super popular among visitors in the summer.

Here are some useful links for trip planning:

Vy.no is the nationwide train website
Norway Bus Express for long-haul buses
NordNorge Bussekspress for northern Norway
The best car rental app is (Discover Cars) – insert yours
Hurtigruten Coastal Ferry

City transport:

Oslo: The Ruter App
Bergen: Bybanen
Trondheim: AtB
Tromsø: Svipper

Wrap-Up Things To Do In Norway

As you hopefully have seen by now, within this 2000+ kilometers long country on top of Europe, the problem will be prioritizing where to go and what to do!

I hope you have found some inspiration and practical tips for your travel planning, as well as an idea of where your Norwegian paradise might be. And maybe you just need to stay a little bit longer than planned to check all your bucket list goals!

Looking for somewhere to stay in Norway? Check out these options!

HI Sjoa
Vinstra Hostel
Brekke Gard Hostel

Norway Travel Guide Planning

🚗 Where can I book bus or private transportation?

I recommend Bookaway You can find lots of different transportation available!

🎫 Where can I buy tickets for museums, attractions, and tours?

I recommend either Viator or GetYour Guide. They have a lot of options!

👩‍⚕️ What is the best insurance to have while traveling?

I recommend using Heymondo for a great value policy. The app also offers you 24/7 Dr Chat. For Digital Nomads check out SafetyWing digital nomad insurance.

I have also written a blog post covering all my recommended travel insurance here

✈️ Any flight recommendations?

WayAWay offers you cheap flights with cashback. You can use this code CLAIRE22 to get 10% off. Otherwise Skyscanner or Expedia are my go-to flight searching platforms.

📱What do you use for internet connection while traveling?

I’m a big fan of personal WiFi devices and they have saved my ass so many times when traveling. I wrote a full review of the top travel WiFi devices you can read here. I personally use GlocalMe as I can either pop in a physical sim card or use their local carrier.

With regards to my phone connection, I use e-sims while traveling, so rather than having to swap out my regular sim card I can download the app and buy a virtual sim card. I recommend using eitherAirhub or Alosim. Both have great coverage of multiple countries and are very easy to use.

🛏️ What is the best platform to use for booking accommodation?

The 3 best platforms that I normally use are Booking.com , Hotels.com, and Expedia They offer great deals and multiple options. I always check all three to be sure of the best deals.

🛅 Do you have any luggage recommendations for traveling?

I do have a complete list of the best packing and luggage products that I recommend, you can check the list here. I’m currently traveling with this suitcase and this backpack.

Author’s Bio

Hege Jacobsen is a solo female traveler and the founder of two travel blogs. She has traveled solo all her life, periodically as a full-time digital nomad, after leaving her military career in 2020. A lifelong solo and slow traveler, Hege also gave a TEDx talk in 2023 about how to communicate better with A Traveler’s Mindset!