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The official travel guide to Norway
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Article list What to do

<< Back to Norway on a rainy day: Top ten things to do

What to do

Find your ski resort, try a fjord cruise or wildlife safari, or plan your hiking or fishing holiday.

Top 10 places and activities in Norway

These top 10 lists make it easy for you to find holiday recommendations and the most popular places and activities in Norway.

Download free screensaver

Enjoy the beauty of fjords, northern lights and spectacular nature landscape with these free screensavers from Norway.

Autumn in Norway

Autumn sees days shorten and temperatures drop a notch. The perfect excuse to treat yourself to a spa break, a museum visit or a gourmet meal.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Norway

Urnes Stave Church and the rock carvings in Alta are among the Norwegian sites on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Action sports

Fun activities like rafting in the Sjoa and Jostedalselva rivers, mountain climbing and scuba diving are easily accessible things to do in Norway.

Tour suggestions

Find package deals or recommended routes for driving. Or use our suggestions to put together your own round trip.

Arts and culture

There are three languages in Norway. The Sami represent the oldest cultures in the country.

Mountain guide

Here is a guide to all the main mountain regions in Norway. Galdhøpiggen is the tallest mountain at 2,469 metres. Find out more.

Downhill cycling in Norway

Top speeds and top courses. Try some of Norway’s exciting downhill venues. The World Cup Arena of Hafjell is the leading destination.

Road cycling in Norway

With few cars and hardly any noise, it is easy to find scenic routes for safe, enjoyable cycling holidays along Norwegian roads.

Mountain biking in Norway

For a ticket to adventure, bring your mountain bike to Norway. There are cycle routes on gravel roads, in the mountains and along rough cart roads.

Cycling in Norway

Cycle on a remote island in the midnight sun, try a path beneath a mountain plunging into a fjord, or get your adrenalin pumping going downhill.

Family activities

Amusement parks, aquariums, farm holidays, skiing lessons - come rain or shine, there is always plenty of things to do with the kids in Norway.

A bird's eye view of Norway

Watch 360 panoramic pictures from Norwegian destinations. The 360 wingsuit video filmed in Fjord Norway is one of its kind and highly recommended.

Practical fishing information

Make sure you stay safe during your fishing holiday in Norway, and that you are familiar with local rules and regulations.

Coast and deep-sea fishing in Norway

All you need to know about coast and deep-sea fishing in Norway, including information on safety, popular destinations, expert tips and more.

Freshwater fishing in Norway

All you need to know about freshwater fishing in Norway, including rules and regulations, safety issues, expert tips, popular destinations and more.

Need to know about walking in Norway

Find safety tips and practical information to help you make the most out of your walking holiday in Norway.

River rafting in Norway

Sjoa is one of many Norwegian rivers where thrill seekers can go rafting.

Guided hikes

If you want an advanced hike in demanding terrain, or just want to get the little extra out of the experience, you should book a guided walk.

Skiing in Norway

More fun, more snow, more choice. The Norwegian ski season typically lasts for six months and usually offers good snow conditions throughout.

Wildlife safaris

Go on wildlife safaris. Get close to king crabs, or see reindeer, musk oxen, elks and birds at home in their natural habitat.

Fjord guide

Here is a guide to the main fjords in Norway. The Geirangerfjord is on UNESCO's World Heritage List. The Sognefjord is the longest one. Find out more.

National Fortresses

There are 14 large fortresses along the coast of Norway. Akershus Fortress in Oslo and Oscarsborg Fortress in Drøbak are among the most popular ones.

Scenic roads through Norway

Discover modern architecture and experience inspiring fjord, mountain and coastal scenery by driving one of Norway's National Tourist Routes.

Nature attractions in Norway

There are mountains plunging into the sea from hundreds of metres, fjords, tall mountain peaks, northern lights and midnight sun.

Spooky Norway

Escape the commercial side of Halloween and head to Norway for some real ghost stories, spooky moonlight walks, eerie natural phenomena and more.

Top things to see and do in Norway

Read the Daily Telegraph's top suggestions for great things to see and do in Norway this summer.

Calming experiences

In the third of a five-part series, Eric Owen looks at 10 unforgettable ways to get away from it all in Fjord Norway.

Top 5 Viking experiences in Norway

Marion Fjelde Larsen, curator of the Lofotr Viking Museum, picks five places in Norway well worth a visit.

Top 25 places in Norway

Norway’s most widely travelled journalist and discerning adventurer, Jens A. Riisnæs, has put together a list of his 25 favourite places in Norway.

Top 10 bicycling routes in Norway

The Norwegian travel magazine Reiser & Ferie and the Norwegian Biking Association have ranked Norway’s top 10 biking routes.

Top 10 most spectacular mountain hiking areas in Norway

Hiking in Norway is an incredible experience. Find a few of the most spectacular areas of them all, from the wild and extreme to family-friendly fun

A cycling expert's favourite bike trips in Norway

Author of cycling books Øyvind Wold names 10 of his favourite biking trips in Norway. Some of them are well known, others in undiscovered places.

Top 10 iconic mountain hikes in Norway

The Norwegian Trekking Association presents 10 favourite iconic mountain hikes in Norway. Besseggen and Preikestolen are among their recommendations.

Ten recommended scuba diving places in Norway

Christian Skauge, editor of the Norwegian scuba diving magazine Dykking, gives you his top ten favourite places to dive.

Ten recommended running locations in Norway

The magazine Norway.com recommends the following 10 running locations in Norway.

Ten recommended climbing places in Norway

Dag E. Haugen, editor of the Norwegian climbing magazine Klatring, gives you his top ten favourite places to climb.

Birdlife and birdwatching in Norway

Norway's birdlife is rich and varied. Here you can go birdwatching in virtually untouched nature.

Top 10 ski resorts in Norway

Choose skiing close to the capital of Oslo. Travel to Norway's largest ski resort in Trysil or to the oldest in Geilo. All resorts are child friendly.

Tax free shopping in Norway

Save money on your next trip to Norway by shopping in stores displaying the Tax Free logo.

Popular man-made attractions in Norway

The Opera House in Oslo and the Flåm Railway between Flåm and Myrdal, are two popular man-made attractions in Norway.

Norway on a rainy day: Top things to do with kids

How do you keep your family entertained on a rainy day in Norway? Here are a few suggestions that should appeal to both children and their parents.

Natural wonders

In the fourth of a five-part series, Eric Owen looks at 10 natural wonders to explore in Fjord Norway.

Key ingredients in the Norwegian cuisine

Try freshly caught cod from the Lofoten Islands, tender reindeer meat from Finnmark or succulent sweet cherries from Hardanger.

What to shop in Norway

Knitted sweaters, watches, jewellery and local food are things you should consider buying when you travel in Norway.

The Vikings

The Vikings built longships and raided Europe as traders and warriors.

Stave churches

Stave churches are an important part of Norway's architectural heritage. Urnes Stave Church in the Sognefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Norske Bygdeopplevelser Tour Operator

Tour suggestions include the Jotunheimen and Rondane National Parks and the old Pilgrimage Route. Choose to walk with a guide or by yourself.

Snowkiting in Norway

Reach speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour on Hardangervidda.

The Norwegian Mountain Code

The Norwegian Mountain Code is directed towards your safety.

Suzann Pettersen's top 10 holiday suggestions in Norway

Golfing star Suzann Pettersen travels the world, but believes few places measure up to Norway. Lofoten, Oslo and Brekkestø are among her favourites.

Scuba diving in Norway

Great visibility, coupled with rich and varied marine life, makes diving in Norway a fascinating experience, as more and more divers are discovering.

Road cycling options in Norway

From the Oslofjord to Northern Norway, road cycling offers scenic landscapes, well maintained roads and little traffic.

Mountain bike trails in Norway

Eastern Norway´s varied landscape around Lillehammer and Hemsedal offers gentle hills and forest tracks to mountain rides. Plan your day trip here.

Downhill cycling options in Norway

Hafjell offers a world class downhill venue, and there are good parks at Geilo and Hemsedal. Or head to Vrådal in the Telemark Mountains.

Practical information for cyclists

Take some precautions to get the most out of your cycling holiday. Here you will find practical information that makes your trip safe and enjoyable.

Cyclists Welcome - the best hosts for cyclists

The Cyclists Welcome scheme makes it easy for cyclists on holiday to find accommodation, food, information and maps.

Grading of hiking trails

Finding the hike that is right for you is easy with Norway’s grading system.

Follow the path to good local food

Norway has a long food tradition featuring top ingredients and many regional specialities. Make sure you try some of them on your hiking holiday.

Fjord Norway screensaver

Free screensaver with pictures from the Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsfjord, two arms of the Sognefjord.

Sport fishing rules and regulations: Freshwater fishing

You will need to purchase various, easily obtainable licences depending on where you want to go fishing in Norway. Find out more here.

Sport fishing rules and regulations: Sea fishing

Sport and recreational fishing in the sea around Norway can be enjoyed free of charge provided that you follow some simple rules.

Safety on rivers and lakes

Safety when fishing on inland waters in Norway mostly boils down to common sense and taking some basic precautions.

Safety at sea

No fish is worth risking your life. Conditions at sea can be unpredictable so take adequate precautions before setting out on your fishing trip.

Popular nature attractions in Norway

Galdhøpiggen, Norway's highest mountain, Nigardsbreen Glacier, the Geirangerfjord and Vøringsfossen Waterfall are all popular natural attractions.

National parks in Norway

The national parks safeguard the rich diversity of Norway's natural heritage, for nature's sake, for our own and for future generations.

Hiking from cabin to cabin

The Norwegian Trekking Association offers marked trails all over Norway. Stay at a new cabin or hotel each night, and explore large mountain areas.

Sign up for skiing lessons in Norway

Get the more fun out of your skiing holiday by learning to ski at Norwegian ski schools.

Play golf in Norway

Norway has plenty of golf courses, many of them in beautiful locations. Try golfing in the midnight sun, or enjoy a round of golf on ice or snow.

Glaciers in Norway

Norway still shows traces of the Ice Age, when the entire country was covered by ice. Jostedalsbreen is the largest glacier in Norway.

Snowboarding in Norway

Vierly Snowboard Park is leading the scene. Hemsedal has good off-piste snowboarding and many parks offer high international standards.

Alpine skiing in Norway

Go skiing in the same tracks as Olympic gold medallists Lasse Kjus and Alberto Tomba at Hafjell, or choose another recommended ski resort.

Dog sledding in Norway

Get close to nature on a dog sledding trip this winter, and travel at high speed across the Norwegian wilderness, pulled by a pack of eager huskies.

Typically Norwegian museums

Visit a museum you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the world. Learn more about Norway, its culture and its people.

BBC's Coast from Norway

In August, the critically acclaimed BBC series "Coast" went to Norway to discover Britain's link to the age-old land of the fjords.

Mountain wilderness

Norway is mainly made of mountains and wilderness. You will find Northern Europe’s highest mountains, with craggy summits and rounded rock formations.

The combination of fjords and mountains

Along parts of the coastline, the sea penetrates deep into the mountain wilderness and form the world-famous Norwegian fjords.

Popular areas for cross-country skiing in Norway

Cross-country skiing in Norway is free of charge. Well-prepared tracks are found in large parts of the country. Here are some recommended areas.

Spa in Norway

Picture yourself in a hot tub looking out on a Norwegian fjord, waiting for a skilled therapist to take you into a comfortable room for a massage.

Telemark skiing in Norway

Invented high in the Norwegian mountains of might, the elegant style of Telemark skiing leaves you thrilled with excitement.

Popular Christmas food in Norway

Norway’s vast array of traditional dishes and local specialities really comes into its own at Christmas time. Here are a few of the highlights.

Salmon fishing in Norway

Want to catch a really big salmon? With over 400 salmon rivers producing fish of a remarkably high average size, Norway offers a great chance.

Popular cycling routes in Norway

Here we present some of the most popular cycling routes. Why not cycle along the coast of Lofoten?

Ice climbing in Norway

Climbing up a frozen waterfall in Rjukan is an exceptional experience.

Safety in the Norwegian mountains

Bring the right equipment and clothing, and get tips on first aid.

Stockfish

Stockfish is unsalted fish dried by the sun and wind on wooden racks in Northern Norway or in special drying houses.

An introduction to coast and deep-sea fishing in Norway

Sea fishing in Norway offers visiting anglers year-round sport with a whole range of species, including some that regularly reach record proportions.

An introduction to freshwater fishing in Norway

Fishing in Norway’s lakes, rivers and streams for wild trout, grayling, pike, powan and Arctic char is inexpensive and largely under-exploited.

Indulgences

In this instalment, Nick Owen lists his favourite ways of indulging yourself whilst on holiday in Norway.

Food and drink you should try whilst in Norway

Ask for tasty Norwegian salmon for dinner. For breakfast you should try the sweet brown cheese.

Ice skating in Norway

Go skating outdoors in the middle of Oslo or on a frozen lake or river in the countryside.

Aquariums in Norway

Bergen Aquarium and the Norwegian Wild Salmon Centre in Lærdal are popular aquariums in Norway.

Canoeing and kayaking in Norway

Follow the British newspaper The Guardian's advice and go kayaking in Lofoten. Or go paddling on the UNESCO protected Nærøyfjord, or an inland lake.

Amusement parks in Norway

TusenFryd and Bø Sommarland are among the most popular amusement parks in Norway.

Fortresses of Norway

The most famous of all the Norwegian fortresses, is Akershus Fortress and Castle in Oslo city centre.

Architecture

The stave churches are Norway's contribution to the history of world architecture. Snøhetta is one of the modern firms with international attention.

The history of skiing

People have been skiing for more than 4,000 years in Norway. In fact, this is where skiing first became a sport.

Visit a Norwegian farm

Most children are fascinated by animals. At many farms in Norway you may get up close to the animals and pet and play with them.

Hunting in Norway

Norway has an abundant fauna and a rich animal life. The opportunities for hunting are many.

Climbing in Norway

From vertiginous rock faces and frozen waterfalls to climbing parks and indoor centres, Norway has much to offer climbers of all levels.

Legislation and rules for scuba diving in Norway

In general, diving is permitted anywhere in Norway.

Riding in Norway

Join a group and go riding. There are three different Norwegian horse breeds.

Historical architecture

The Norwegian rose painting tradition developed from around 1750 and was both an imitation and in parts liberation from guild art.

Prepare yourself for the wilderness

Changing weather makes it important to take precautions and bring the right gear.
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Sensational sea fishing with Din Tur

Explore Norway’s breathtaking coastline and let experienced local guides introduce you to the best sea fishing in Europe.
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Norway tours with Authentic Scandinavia AS

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Fly direct to Trondheim with Norwegian

Fly from London Gatwick to Trondheim from only £59*. Explore the city and beyond – Vikings in Stiklestad, quaint Røros and coastal fishing villages.
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Celebrate Hurtigruten 120 years with special summer offers

To mark its 120th anniversary, Hurtigruten presents a number of special summer offers. Come along on a magical trip to the land of the midnight sun.
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Activity holidays in Norway with Authentic Scandinavia AS

Summer and winter both offer great opportunities for exciting activity holidays in Norway, including dog sledding, biking, rafting and snowmobiling.
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The Bergen and Flåm railways with Authentic Scandinavia AS

Travel between Oslo and Bergen on the spectacular Bergen Railway, and take a side trip with the Flåm Railway to the Norwegian fjords.
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Northern lights tours and cruises with Authentic Scandinavia AS

Experience the amazing northern lights in Norway. Travel north and join cruises with Hurtigruten, exotic winter activities and northern lights breaks.
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Best Served Scandinavia

Specialists in tailor-made holidays for independent travellers to Norway, Best Served Scandinavia are sure to bring you a holiday to remember.
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Discover Norway with Sunvil

For a truly special summer, a tailor-made holiday in Norway with Sunvil Discovery is hard to beat.

Family & fun

Take your children to a theme park and try roller coasters, or stay at a farm and get to know the animals.

Active holiday

Find a suitable place for skiing, kayaking or fishing, or look for other and less known activities like dog and reindeer sledging.

Recreation & Sports

Treat yourself with time at a Norwegian spa hotel, or go on a golf holiday under the midnight sun.

Action & Adventure

Join a guided glacier walk, try river rafting or drive yourn own snowmobile. Norway is known for excellent cold water scuba diving.
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Your Norway with Specialised Tours

Specialised Tours have been specialising in Scandinavia for 30 years – and Norway is now by far their most popular destination.
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Discover the World

Discover the World, one of the UK’s leading specialist tour operators, has been creating inspirational holidays for nearly 30 years.
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Norway tours with Authentic Scandinavia AS

Choose from a wide range of independent or escorted tours to Norway. Experience fjords and cruises, scenic railways, northern light safaris and more.
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Consumers rights in Norway

Knowing your rights when you travel in Norway makes your stay even more pleasant.

Attractions & Culture

Choose among attractions such as the UNESCO protected Geirangerfjord, Holmenkollen Ski Jump, the North Cape and the Flåm Railway.

Shopping in Norway

Plan what to buy and where to buy it when you are on holiday in Norway.

Food & Drink

Plan your night out. Find a restaurant, pub or night club.

Tours & Safaris

Join a wildlife safari, find a suitable cruise or choose among several tour suggestions.
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Explore our guided hikes and accommodation options

Norway has many attractive hiking lodges where you can sample traditional cuisine. You can also choose from a variety of guided hiking tours.
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Norske Bygdeopplevelser

Norske Bygdeopplevelser is a tour operator with in-depth knowledge of cycling all over Norway. Tours include accommodation, meals and maps.
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Win a Bergans jacket

Want to win a Bergans Eidfjord jacket? Simply enter our competition and answer one easy question to be in with a chance of bagging this great prize.
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Organised hikes

Book an organised hike if you want accommodation and luggage transportation. Several foreign tour operators can arrange such trips for you.
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Let there be the northern lights

This winter will be the best in many years to see the northern lights, says NASA. Now is the time to book your trip to Northern Norway.
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Go on a northern lights voyage with Hurtigruten

One of the best places to see the northern lights is from the deck of a Hurtigruten ship at sea in winter, when the sky is free from artificial light.
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Fishing offers and suggestions

These fishing offers and suggestions include deep-sea fishing, guided fishing tours and fishing for trout in mountain lakes.
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Fishing in Norway

Big fish, magnificent scenery and superb facilities. Outstanding freshwater and deep sea fishing make Norway a special destination for anglers.
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Hiking and walking in Norway

There is a network of well maintained, marked trails and cabins all over Norway. Find hiking offers and read about the main mountain areas.
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Hiking destinations

Specialist hiking destinations offer a selection of accommodation and hiking possibilities. Find signposted trails with different difficulty levels.
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Hiking accommodation

Specialist hiking lodges and hotels are situated in ideal hiking terrains, offer maps and help you plan your hikes and walks.
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Amazing Northern Light Cruises

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Riding & Sledging

Dog sledging is a popular winter activity and there are possibilities for horseback riding several places across Norway.
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Summer adventures in Northern Norway

With whale and bird safaris, kayaking, hiking, fishing and more, Northern Norway really is an adventure playground. Luckily the summer days are long.

Norway Screensaver

Download this screensaver to get a selection of our very best pictures, from all over Norway.

Films: See you in Norway

"Seeyouinnorway" - more than 50 films with exciting world class adventures and experiences in Northern Norway.
Map of
Norway
Map of Norway

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