Fun things to do without skis
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.
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
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See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.