Best things to do in Norway

21.07.2023 - 08:16 / roughguides.com / Gustav Vigeland

With its rearing mountains and deep, blue-black fjords, Norway remains a wilderness outpost in a tamed and crowded continent. Everything here is on the grand scale with the country boasting some of Europe’s harshest and most beautiful land- and seascapes. Read our run-down of the best things to do in Norway.

The information in this article is inspired by The Rough Guide to Norway , your essential guide for visiting Norway .

Shadowed by rearing mountains, the S-shaped Geirangerfjord is one of Norway’s most stunningly beautiful fjords. Any approach to Geiranger is spectacular.

Arriving by ferry reveals the village tucked away in a hollow at the eastern end of the fjord while approaching from the north by road involves thundering along a fearsome set of switchbacks on the Ørnevegen (‘Eagle Way’) for a first view of the village and the fjord glinting in the distance.

Enjoy a tour of Norway's most picturesque locations including Ålesund, Hellesylt, Stranda, Sykkylven, Geirangerfjord, and Eidsdal.

Find accommodation options to stay near Geirangerfjord

Geirangerfjord, Norway © Nikiforov Alexander/Shutterstock

From polar-bear spotting to birdwatching to husky drives, the vast, glaciated landscapes of this gorgeous Arctic archipelago offer a spectacular range of wildlife safaris as well as a variety of other things to do in Norway.

Guided tours are big business in Svalbard and you can choose anything from hiking and snowmobiling to kayaking. Or try ice-caving, dog-sledging or boat trips. For those who wish to see wildlife, Zodiac offers boat and snowmobile safari trips. The most prized sighting of course is of the local polar bears. However, there there are all manner of other Arctic fauna too.

Or, try taking a trip to one of the former coal mines. Tours of glaciers — and glacier tunnels — are also popular.

Find accommodation options to stay at Svalbard

Polar bear in Svalbard, Norway © Ritesh Chaudhary/Shutterstock

Before his death in 1943, Gustav Vigeland populated Oslo’s favourite park with his fantastical, phantasmagorical sculptures. It’s a literally fantastic concoction, medieval in spirit and complexity, and it was here that Vigeland had the chance to let his imagination run riot.

From the monumental wrought-iron gates on Kirkeveien, the central path takes you to the footbridge over the river and a world of frowning, fighting and posturing bronze figures – the local favourite is Sinnataggen (The Angry Child). Beyond, the central fountain is an enormous bowl representing the burden of life, supported by straining, sinewy bronze Goliaths.

Discover Oslo's unique attractions and learn about the city's history on a comprehensive guided tour. See panoramic views of the city from Holmenkollen Hill and learn