Fun things to do without skis

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, take a look at our guide to some of the highlights of this season.

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 on TripAdvisor.

Find your inner child on a sledge

Dynamic Variation:

Stay on top of winter with snowshoes

Many of us wonder how it’s like to walk on clouds. Well, this 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.

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 winter time, 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.

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.

Dynamic Variation:

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

Snowshoeing

Wilderness Snowshoe Hike (day-hike)

Have you ever been hiking through the snow? Just a stone's throw outside of Stavanger, the region's majestic mountains rise hundreds of meters… Read more

Wilderness Snowshoe Hike (day-hike)

Snowshoe hike to Stegastein viewpoint

Come and experience the Norwegian winter on snowshoes! This guided hike will take you into our local mountains, for an exceptional view of the fjord… Read more

Snowshoe hike to Stegastein viewpoint

Fjord snow shoe week | Norway Adventures

During the snowshoe week in the Fjords of Norway, with a luxury lodge as your basecamp, you will experience varied guided snowshoe tours. Every day we… Read more

Fjord snow shoe week | Norway Adventures

Snowshoe hike to Molden

Snow hungry? Discover a Snowshoe hike to Molden! From NOK 850 per person Read more

Snowshoe hike to Molden

SnowhotelKirkenes - Snowshoe walking

Arctic footsteps in the snow. Our guide will give you a lesson in the use of snowshoes and take you up into the unspoiled mountain ranges above… Read more

SnowhotelKirkenes - Snowshoe walking

Snow Shoe Hiking Årdal

Do you want to experience winter landscape, but feel like long ski trips is not your thing? Try hiking with snow shoes! Our guides will take you on a… Read more

Snow Shoe Hiking Årdal

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

Snowshoeing on the Edge of Tromsø – Evening – Aurora Alps

Snowshoes are a great way to get out and enjoy the winter landscape. Hunters and trappers have used snowshoes for many generations. Today it is a… Read more

Snowshoeing on the Edge of Tromsø – Evening – Aurora Alps

A snowshoe adventure

Anyone who masters the art of walking, can use snowshoes. Modern snowshoes do not require specific skills; after a while you hardly notice them! Take… Read more

A snowshoe adventure

Family snowshoeing, tobogganing and pinnebrød baking

Family friendly snowshoe trip that suits all ages Read more

Family snowshoeing, tobogganing and pinnebrød baking

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

Snowshoeing at Mokk Farm

Ice skating

Ice scating in Loen

The ice scating field in Loen is open Saturdays during the whole winter season. Possible to buy food and beverages. Rental of ice scates: NOK 60 pr… Read more

Ice scating in Loen

Ice skating rink in Kristiansand

Go ice skating in Kristiansand city center. Read more

Ice skating rink in Kristiansand

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

Arendal artificial ice rink

Ski and skates

Skiing opportunities in Indre Østfold. Read more

Ski and skates

Vingnesvika ice skating track

Vingnesvika ice skating track is suitable for all, and welcomes schoolchildren and recreational exercisers as well as tourists. Read more

Vingnesvika ice skating track

Ice Skating Hallingdal Feriepark

In Hallingdal Holiday Parke you can go iceskating during part of the winterseason. The rink is located behind the activity… Read more

Ice Skating Hallingdal Feriepark

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

Spikersuppa Ice Skating Rink

Skating rink at Hovden

Skating rink from December to March Read more

Skating rink at Hovden

Ice fishing

Ice fishing near Comfort Hotel Grand

Fishing on Mjøsa (Norways largest lake), Eina, Ihle and Landåsvatnet, check the links below to see details for each fishing area. Comfort Hotel Grand… Read more

Ice fishing near Comfort Hotel Grand

Ice fishing near Sillongen

Fishing near Sillongen - Perch fishing on Ihle (Sillongen, Eriksrudtjern, Kauserudtjernet, Helsettjernet, Slomma, Steffensrudtjernet) - Trout fishing… Read more

Ice fishing near Sillongen

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

Ice fishing near Gjøvik Hostel Hovdetun

Ice fishing near Quality Hotel Strand

Ice fishing near Quality Hotel Strand Just a stone's throw from Strand Hotel you can fish for trout and pike in Mjøsa, Norway's greatest lake with… Read more

Ice fishing near Quality Hotel Strand

Ice fishing near Sveastranda

Ice fishing possibilities near Sveastranda Camping: - Pike and Perch on Mjøsa, Norways largest lake with more than 20 fish species. - Perch and Trout… Read more

Ice fishing near Sveastranda

Ice fishing in Skjækra

With ice fishing in Skjækra you are also blessed with magnificent scenery with its proximity to Blåfjella-Skjækerfjella National Park. Alone or with… Read more

Ice fishing in Skjækra

Ice fishing near Lyngstrand Camping

Fishing possibilities near Lyngstrand Camping From Lyngstrand Camping there is no more than 30 minutes to any of the ice fishing lakes in Region… Read more

Ice fishing near Lyngstrand Camping

Ice fishing from Bellevue - Hønefoss

Fishing at Bellevue Lake Tyrifjorden offer great perch, large pike and a variety of other species. Ice fishing takes place from right outside the… Read more

Ice fishing from Bellevue - Hønefoss

Ice fishing from the Selmer cabin

Ice fishing at the Selmer Cabin Try fishing in one of the district's best perch waters, with a lot and sometimes big perch and pike right outside the… Read more

Ice fishing from the Selmer cabin

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

Ice fishing near Fjordtitt

Ice fishing on the fjord in Lyngen - XLyngen

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

Ice fishing on the fjord in Lyngen - XLyngen

Ice fishing

Ice fishing for arctic char, trout, grayling or pike. We have cabins with sauna on the mountains at the fishing lakes. Neiden mountainarea has water… Read more

Ice fishing

Join us for the ice fishing at the Lapphaugen lake surrounded by the beautiful and arctic mountain 60 km north of Narvik. Read more

Ice fishing

Ice Fishing on the Edge of Tromsø - Aurora Alps

Ice fishing is a very popular winter activity and is a great way to try your fishing luck. If the fish bites your heart rate will increase. It’s… Read more

Ice Fishing on the Edge of Tromsø - Aurora Alps

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

Jigging Ål in Hallingdal

Sleigh rides

Horse sledding at Langedrag

Join a wonderful ride with horse and sled around the farm. Read more

Horse sledding at Langedrag

Horse sleigh rides from Venabu Fjellhotell

Horse sleigh rides Read more

Horse sleigh rides from Venabu Fjellhotell

Horse drawn sleigh Ål in Hallingdal

A ride in a horse-drawn sleigh under a starry sky is guaranteed to put you in a romantic mood, particularly when it is followed by a tasty meal and a… Read more

Horse drawn sleigh Ål in Hallingdal

Sleigh Ride

Sleigh Ride ; 45 minutes in the evening with harness bells, torches and warm toddy. Daytrip from 10:00 to 15:00. The horses will take you into the… Read more

Sleigh Ride

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

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride - Geilo hestesenter

Northern Lights Reindeer Sledding - Lyngsfjord Adventure

Come on a tour to the drier inland valleys to search for the Northern Lights from a sleigh driven by reindeers Read more

Northern Lights Reindeer Sledding - Lyngsfjord Adventure

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 Tobbogan Centre

Storefjell Ski- and Toboggan Centre is situated right by the hotel. The ski centre has three lifts and eight pistes of varying length and difficulty.… Read more

Storefjell Ski- and Tobbogan Centre

Lillehammer Olympic Bob- and Luge Track

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

Lillehammer Olympic Bob- and Luge Track

Toboggan run: Korketrekkeren

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

Toboggan run: Korketrekkeren

Storefjell Ski- and Sledding center

The centre has a family friendly ski tow with a separate sledding slope, park with jumps and rails, a warming room, ski rental and immediate access to… Read more

Storefjell Ski- and Sledding center

Toboggan in Hallingdal Holiday Park

We have our own toboggan!. Not to fare from the cottages the kids can have a great time playing for hours. And in the reception you can… Read more

Toboggan in Hallingdal Holiday Park

Lia ski and sledding

Lia Ski hill is located right outside Lia Hotel. There are 1 lift, 3 slopes and a 1200 meter long sledding hill. The ski lift is 175 meters long and… Read more

Lia ski and sledding

Sledge-track

Come to Rjukan and try the longest sledge-hill (with lift) in Norway. Read more

Sledge-track

Rauland Ski Resort / Vierli

Vierli is a skiing area within Rauland Ski Resort located at the top of Rauland with panoramic views of Hardangervidda. It has five ski lifts and 6575… Read more

Rauland Ski Resort / Vierli

Tobogganing

Tobogganing is not an Olympic sport, but has become one of Lillehammer's most popular activities. Attach your toboggan directly to the lift, and enjoy… Read more

Tobogganing

Airboard, Beitostølen

Airboarding is the perfect activity for all extreme sport enthusiasts who love going fast! The speed increases and increases and at some point you ask… Read more

Airboard, Beitostølen

Sleding Gålå

Dette er en av de mest populære aktivitetene vi har! Read more

Sleding Gålå

Rafting on huge hoses Ål in Hallingdal

Rafting on huge hoses. For the toughest ones. Sliding on large rafting hoses in specially prepared tracks. The tempo will be adjusted to the persons… Read more

Rafting on huge hoses Ål in Hallingdal

Dog sledding

Dogsledding, 4 hours - Green Dog Svalbard

4 hours dogsledding in Bolterdalen! Surrounded by mountains, we will follow the riverbed in Bolterdalen and carry on in to the moraine hills, where… Read more

Dogsledding, 4 hours - Green Dog Svalbard

Beito Husky Tours - Dog sledding, winter

Would you like to experience the sound of silence as you travel into a perfectly beautiful Norwegian winter landscape with your very own sled dog… Read more

Beito Husky Tours - Dog sledding, winter

Spitsbergen dogsledding expedition to the east coast - Arctic Husky Travellers

5 days dogsledding to Svalbard's East Coast - an experience for life and a special way of travelling the Arctic! Read more

Spitsbergen dogsledding expedition to the east coast - Arctic Husky Travellers

Dog Sledding on wheels

Dog sledding on wheels throughout the summer, until the snow arrives! Read more

Dog Sledding on wheels

Dogsledtrip, by your own dogteam, in the arctic wilderness. - Svalbard Husky

Aurora, full-moon, storm, or sunshine. Fantastic experiences are waiting for you and your dog-team in the arctic wilderness.With us you will not end… Read more

Dogsledtrip, by your own dogteam, in the arctic wilderness. - Svalbard Husky

Dogsledding in the Polarnight - Arctic Husky Travellers

Polar night dogsledding adventure with Arctic Husky Travellers! Read more

Dogsledding in the Polarnight - Arctic Husky Travellers

RørosHusky- Dogsledding

We arrange sleddog-trips at wintertime, where you can mush "your own" dog-team; 4- 6 dogs. Longer trips (expeditions) will take place up in the… Read more

RørosHusky- Dogsledding