No skis? No problem! There are plenty of fun winter activities in Norway. From dog sledding and tobogganing to safari and steaming hot saunas – get the best tips here.
Fun things to do without skis
Snow = FUN
During winter, large parts of Norway are transformed into a snow-covered haven for people who enjoy the great outdoors.
It’s no secret that skiing is deeply rooted in our traditions, and it’s still a big part of the Norwegian lifestyle. However, there are many other fun things to do that don’t require skis, whether you’re travelling in the mountains, in a city, or along the coast.
Here are some of the best winter activities to try in Norway. Let's go!
1. Be a musher for a day
Join a dog sledding tour and make some new four-legged friends who are eager to race across the white wilderness. Try your hand as a musher and steer your own pack on a multi-day adventure or enjoy the view as a passenger for the day.
You can help feed and look after the huskies yourself, something that will appeal to dog lovers everywhere.
2. Rediscover your inner child on a sledge
No point in denying it: jetting down snow-covered slopes on sledges is as fun for adults as it is for kids. Whether you want to race down a frozen luge track or enjoy a toboggan run, you’ll find plenty of options in Norway.
Many ski resorts have their own sledge slopes that are prepped to perfection. Are you ready?
3. Strap on a pair of snowshoes
Ever wonder what it would be to walk on clouds? Well, snowshoeing is probably the closest feeling you'll ever get. With a pair of snowshoes, it doesn’t matter how deep the snow is, you can make your through the white landscape without problems.
Join a guided hiking tour and experience the crisp winter air, snow-draped trees, and white mountains.
Don’t forget to take a break. In Norway, hiking trips invariably include sharing chocolate, oranges, and hot drinks.
4. Head out on a winter safari
Wait, what? Safaris in winter? Of course! Norwegian wildlife is unique in so many ways, and some experiences are even cooler as the temperatures drop.
Above the Arctic Circle, you can sign up for a whale safari and get close to Humpbacks and Orcas. Do you like eating shellfish? Then a king crab safari is just what you need. Not only will you be able to help pull up the king crabs, you can eat them too as some tour providers host a delicious dinner afterwards!
You can also catch a glimpse of the mighty musk oxen during winter. They reside in the Dovrefjell mountains of Eastern Norway, and are truly a sight to behold. But don’t let their massive size fool you. These rugged animals are super-fast, so the safest way to observe them is from a distance on a guided tour.
5. Ice fishing – a hole lot of fun
Countless lakes and rivers and an extremely longcoastline dotted with fjords mean there are outstanding opportunities to catch fish in Norway. During winter, most of the lakes are frozen, but that shouldn’t stop you from trying your fishing luck.
Drill a hole, throw the line into the water, and wait. Nothing beats the exciting feeling you get when you feel the pull on your line.
Remember to be careful, though. Check conditions with a tour guide or local and stay off the ice if you don’t know for sure that it’s safe.
6. Enjoy a relaxing sleigh ride
Imagine sitting in a horse-drawn sleigh under a sheepskin blanket. The horse pulls you through an idyllic village at a leisurely pace, and the only thing you can hear is the sound of the sleigh’s bells and the rhythmic beat from the horse’s hooves. Sound good?
Many operators in Norway offer sleigh tours, and if you travel up north, you might even get the chance to be drawn by reindeer across the white plains of Finnmark. It’s not just an exciting activity, it’s a great way to get a taste of what life was like in the old days, when horses and reindeer were among our most trusted means of transport.
7. See Aurora dance
Are you ready for the world's greatest light show?
Every winter, people come from far and wide to experience the northern lights, for which Northern Norway is a prime destination. You can travel by yourself, but we do recommend joining a guided tour. The guides are up-to-date on the weather conditions and can take you to the locations where you’ll have the best chance of watching the Aurora.
Hot tip: If you plan on signing up for a photo tour – see our expert advice on how to photograph the northern lights.
8. Glide across the ice on skates
Norway has a long skating tradition and has produced many world champions over the years. Regardless of whether you are as graceful as Sonja Henie, as fast as Johan Olav Koss, or have trouble just keeping your balance, skating is all about having fun. Outdoor skating rinks are found in most cities and towns in Norway.
During winter, you can also go skating on a number of frozen lakes, rivers, and fjords. However, make sure the ice is safe before venturing out. Ask locals, look for signposts, or drill a hole and check the thickness yourself.
Skates can be hired at most rinks, but if you want to go skating anywhere else, you need to bring your own.
9. Heat up in a sauna
Norwegian winters can be cold, but you can luckily find warm experiences to thaw your frozen fingers and nose.
New and stylish saunas are popping up across the country, many of them with eye-catching architecture. Visit a sauna in one of Norway's largest cities or visit one of the increasing number that are set in spectacular locations in nature.
You can either go for drop-in or rent an entire sauna for you and your friends – what a luxury!
10. A very refreshing dip in the fjord
Saunas are lovely, but if you want to take the experience to the next level, you should combine it with ice bathing.
Many saunas are located right by the fjord, so all you have to do is to channel your inner Viking and heat up before a dip in the fjord (or snow)!
We can't promise it will be a warm experience, but you will for sure feel refreshed and awake. Give it a go!
11. Biking on snow and ice
Fatbikes are made for cycling on snow and ice! The name refers to the bike's large wheels, which makes it possible to bike in the snowy, winter landscape.
Across the country, you'll find plenty of places where you can rent fatbikes, and you'll also find fantastic, guided fatbike tours.
Geilo, Lillehammer, Trysil and Nesbyen in Eastern Norway, and Alta in Northern Norway are some of the most popular places to go fatbiking.
12. Walk with alpacas in a winter wonderland
Have you ever been on an alpaca walk? If not, you should absolutely try it! You will fall in love with the cute animals and learn a lot about them from expert guides.
Some places also offer alpaca walking in the winter. Just make sure to bring warm clothes and boots.
This activity is suitable for both young and old, and the walking route is usually easy. Get ready for a fantastic time in the snow!
13. Kicksledding with a traditional spark
Spark, kicksleds, are perfect for touring through the snow, and it's easy to learn how to use one. You simply kick and slide!
In Norway, kicksleds are especially popular among children and are a frequent sight in areas with stable snow conditions. The villages of Geilo and Hurdal in Eastern Norway even have kicksledding championships - great fun for the whole family.
You can rent kicksleds at many tourist offices and activity and rental centres.
More winter fun
Winter city breaks
Fun winter adventures await in Norway's biggest cities!
Joyful Christmas city breaks
Give yourself a treat before Christmas! Experience the holiday atmosphere.
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!