Fun things to do without skis in Norway

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.

During winter, large parts of Norway is usually 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.

If you are in Norway during your winter break, these are some of the best winter activities to try.

Be a musher for a day

Join a dog sledding tour and get to know our four-legged friends who’s eager to show you the white wilderness. Try your hand as a musher and steer your own pack of dogs for several days, or enjoy the view as a passenger on a one-day dog sledding trip.

You will often get the chance to feed and look after the huskies yourself, something that will appeal to dog lovers everywhere. Below you’ll find some of the most popular dog sledding offers.

Find your inner child on a sledge

There is no point in denying it: jetting down snow-covered slopes on sledges are as fun for adults as it is for children. And whether you want to try your luck in a frozen luge track or just cruise down a toboggan run, you’ll find many alternatives in Norway.

From south to north, several operators are ready to welcome riders on all levels. In addition to the offers below, many ski resorts and ski centres have their own sledge tracks that are prepped to perfection. Are you ready?

Stay on top of winter with snowshoes

Many of us wonder how it’s like to walk on clouds. Well, snowshoeing is probably the closest feeling we’ll get. With a pair of snowshoes, it doesn’t matter how deep the snow is – you can cruise through the white landscape without problems.

Join a guided hiking tour and experience the crisp winter air, snow-draped trees, and white mountains.

But don’t forget to take a break during your stroll in the mountains. In Norway, hiking trips go hand in hand with chocolate-covered wafer bars, oranges, and warm drinks.

Winter safari

Wait, what? Safari in winter? Well, of course! The 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. Or maybe you’re a fan of shellfish? Then a king crab safari is just what you need. Not only will you be able to help fetch king crabs from the crab pots, as some tour providers host a delicious dinner afterwards! And there’s no need to say what the main ingredient will be, right?

You can also get a glimpse of the mighty musk oxen during winter. They reside in the Dovrefjell mountains of Eastern Norway, and they truly are 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.

Ice fishing – a hole lot of fun

Countless lakes and rivers and an impressive coastline mean outstanding opportunities to catch fish here in Norway. During wintertime, most of the lakes and fjords 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’re waiting for a fish to swim by.

Remember to be careful, though. Listen to tour guides, and stay off the ice if you don’t know for sure that it’s safe.

Go on a relaxing sleigh ride

Imagine sitting in a horse-drawn sleigh underneath a sheepskin blanket. The horse pulls you through an idyllic village in 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. Sounds 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 amongst our most faithful servants.

Watch Aurora dance

Imagine sitting outside in the dark, all snuggled up by the fire as the world’s most mesmerising lightshow begins.

Every winter, people travel far to experience the northern lights, and Northern Norway is a prime spot. 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 – get expert advice on how to photograph the northern lights.

Hit the ice on skates

Norway has a long skating tradition and has produced many world champions over the years. And whether you are as elegant 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 manned skating rinks, but if you want to go skating anywhere else, you must bring your own equipment.

Heat up in a sauna

Norwegian winters can be really cold – but you can still find warm experiences to thaw your frozen fingers and nose.

New and stylish saunas are popping up across the country, all with spectacular locations! Enjoy the warm air below the northern lights, near the fjords, or even in the middle of the capital.

If you want to connect with your inner Viking, heat up before you go for a dip in the fjord or the snow! This is an invigorating experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and awake.

Local weather and climate

In winter, the average temperature in Norway is -6.8 degrees Celsius, but the local conditions may vary quite a lot. Around Oslo, snowfall is common and the average winter temperatures are just below zero.

The lower inland areas of Finnmark, Troms, Trøndelag, and Eastern Norway often have very cold winters with lots of snow.

The inland areas of Northern Norway have an Arctic climate with snow and cold temperatures. However, the climate is usually much milder in coastal areas, thanks to the Gulf Stream. Strong winds occur frequently.

The coastal areas of Fjord Norway and Southern Norway also enjoy a milder climate, with temperatures around 0 degrees Celsius at sea level. However, much of the region is snowy and cold, which makes for good skiing conditions, especially in the mountains.

How to dress for winter in Norway

If you are heading high up or far north – or both, for that matter – dress warmly and in layers. Use wool rather than cotton or polyester, and make sure you can protect yourself from getting wet and being caught in the wind.

Wind chill factor will make you feel much colder than the temperature actually says, and this effect will get worse the stronger the wind. If you’re wet, hypothermia and frostbite may not be far away – unless you are well prepared and dressed.

Find winter activities all over Norway

Check out and read more about some of the best winter activity spots.

Featured

Dog sledding

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Dog Sledding on wheels

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RørosHusky- Dogsledding

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Dog sledding near Hovden

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Dog Sledding | Venabu Fjellhotell

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A taste of dog sledding - Trasti & Trine

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Dog Sledding Tours in Sjodalen-Jotunheimen

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Ice fishing

Ice fishing near Clarion Collection Hotel Grand

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Ice fishing near Sillongen

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Ice fishing near Gjøvik Hostel Hovdetun

When you stay at Gjøvik Hostel Hovdetun you are just a quick drive from a lot af good fishing spots, like Einavatnet, Ihle and Landåsvatnet. Right… Read more

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Ice fishing near Quality Hotel Strand

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Ice fishing near Sveastranda

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Ice fishing at Skjækra

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Ice fishing near Lyngstrand Camping

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Ice fishing near Fjordtitt

Fishing near Fjordtitt Being located right by the Eina Fjord, Fjordtitt is great for Perch- and Pike fishing the entire year. Some other good fishing… Read more

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Ice fishing on the fjord in Lyngen - XLyngen

During the cold winter months the sea in Nord-Lenangen in Lyngen freezes, making it perfect for ice fishing. It's possible to catch cod and haddock.… Read more

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Jigging Ål in Hallingdal

Vatsfjorden and Rødungen are among southern Norway's best fishing lakes. The ice is normally safe in January, but always ask advice from local experts… Read more

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Ice fishing

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Ice fishing - Nordic Safari

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Ice fishing - Vinternatt

Join us at the Ustedalsfjord on a quiet day where we drill holes thru the ice. Ice fishing is for the whole family. It's never good to know when… Read more

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Ice skating

Ice skating rink in Kristiansand

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Arendal artificial ice rink

The skating rink in Arendal is open from November to March, and the rink is perfect for speed skating, bandy, ice hockey and playing on the ice. Read more

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Vingnesvika ice skating track

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Vingnesvika ice skating track

Ice Skating Hallingdal Feriepark

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Ice skating

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Frogner Ice Skating Rink

Outdoor ice skating at Frogner stadion, open in the winter season. Read more

Frogner Ice Skating Rink

Spikersuppa Ice Skating Rink

The Spikersuppa ice skating rink in the middle of Oslo city centre is open and free for everybody. Read more

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Skating rink at Hovden

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Saunas in Norway

Floating saunas at Gausta

At the lake Kvitåvatn at destination Gausta, two floating saunas are situated, with a beautiful view towards Gaustatoppen. Read more

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Grønsand Forest Sauna

Customised wood-fired sauna by the lake Hestehagedammen with view of the lake. Enjoy the peace and the heat and pamper yourself to an unforgettable… Read more

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Heit Sørfjorden Sauna

Heit Sørfjorden Sauna offers a steaming sauna and a fresh bath in the fjord! Enjoy the view of the fjord, mountains, and glaciers from the… Read more

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Sauna - Iglucrafts Iglusauna by Konglehytta

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Saunas on Træna

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Saunas at Hurdalsjøen Hotel

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Soria Moria Sauna

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Varm i Vollen - floating sauna

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See the northern lights

Man with headlamp looking at the northern lights during winter in Helgeland

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Sleigh rides

Horse Sleigh Rides | Venabu Fjellhotell

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Horse drawn sleigh Ål in Hallingdal

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Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride - Geilo hestesenter

We provide a pickup service at all the hotels or at any prearranged place and take a leisurly tour lasting around 45 minutes. We supply lovely warm… Read more

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Sledding

Aasgjerdet Alpine and toboggan run

A wonderful area for ski activity – in the middle of Røros town centre. A favourite for families with children. Reached easily on foot from… Read more

Aasgjerdet Alpine and toboggan run

Storefjell Ski and Sledding Centre

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Lillehammer Olympic Bob- and Luge Track

The only bobsleigh and luge track in Scandinavia. Wheelbob available throughout the summer season. Read more

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Toboggan run: Korketrekkeren

Full speed down Oslo's most popular toboggan run. Read more

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Storefjell Ski- and Sledding center

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Toboggan in Hallingdal Feriepark

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Sledge-track

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Tobogganing in Kanthaugen Freestyle Arena

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Airboarding

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Skarslia Ski- og akesenter (ski and sledding)

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Snowshoeing

Snowshoe hike to Stegastein viewpoint

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SnowhotelKirkenes - Snowshoe walking

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Snow Shoe Hiking Årdal

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Snowshoe hike in the Lyngen Alps - XLyngen

We will take you for a snowshoe walk in the valleys of the Lyngen Alps or along the coastline with beautiful views of the open sea. Read more

Snowshoe hike in the Lyngen Alps - XLyngen

A snowshoe adventure

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Snowshoeing at Mokk Farm

Join us on a guided snowshoe tour in the beautiful hiking terrains around Mokk Farm. Snowshoes are easy to walk with, and provides an experience… Read more

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Snowshoeing to Mt. Mefjellet

Peak Mefjellet (1100 masl) is the perfect hike for those that want a challenge with a long snowshoeing trip, and of course a spectacular fjord view. Read more

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Snowshoeing with guide - A taste of winter

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Snowshoeing with guide - A taste of winter

Snowshoeing with guide Geiranger - A taste of winter

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Snowshoe rental at Slaatta

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Local favourites - snowshoe trip to Keipen

Experience the region's most fantastic view of fjords and mountains on Keipen. From 950 NOK. Read more

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Snowshoe walk in Lyngen - Svensby Tursenter

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Snowshoe walk in Lyngen - Svensby Tursenter

Snowshoeing- rental and guided tours | Pellestova Hotel

Snowshoes gives you the opportunity to explore our beautiful winter landscape on foot Read more

Snowshoeing- rental and guided tours | Pellestova Hotel

Snowshoe hike to Paradisjuvet

Bulder & Brak in Årdal take you on a guided snowshoe trip to Paradisjuvet which gives you a view of the majestic Sognefjord. Read more

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Snowshoe Hiking Skjolden

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Winter safari

Whale safari from Andenes - Winter (big boat)

Experience the whales in a fantastic winter light from October to April on one of our winter safaris. Whale Safari Andenes has 30 years of experience… Read more

Whale safari from Andenes - Winter (big boat)

Snowhotel Kirkenes - King crab safari

We pick you up your hotel and transport you to Snowhotel Kirkenes. Read more

Snowhotel Kirkenes - King crab safari

From sea to shore, the wondrous world of the king crab

Meeting the local wildlife isn’t as easy as one might think, knowing that many of them live far beneath the surface of the sea. Join us for a king… Read more

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Photo safari with guide, winter season.

Wild, beautiful, white, rough, musk ox, Dovrefjell National Park, landscape, ski / snowshoe, memories for life. Sleeping in a tent/cottage or snow… Read more

Photo safari with guide, winter season.

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Accommodation

Getting Here & Around

Tours & Round trips

Offers

Fun things to do without skis

Be a musher for a day

Find your inner child on a sledge

Stay on top of winter with snowshoes

Winter safari

Ice fishing – a hole lot of fun

Go on a relaxing sleigh ride

Watch Aurora dance

Hit the ice on skates

Heat up in a sauna

Find winter activities all over Norway

Explore the great outdoors

Take advantage of top offers

Find things to do without skis

Discover more

Accommodation

Getting Here & Around

Tours & Round trips

Offers

Fun things to do without skis

Be a musher for a day

Find your inner child on a sledge

Stay on top of winter with snowshoes

Winter safari

Ice fishing – a hole lot of fun

Go on a relaxing sleigh ride

Watch Aurora dance

Northern lights

Hit the ice on skates

Heat up in a sauna

Find winter activities all over Norway

Explore the great outdoors

Take advantage of top offers

Find things to do without skis

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