Woman taking a selfie on a winter cruise on the Geirangerfjord
Woman taking a selfie on a winter cruise on the Geirangerfjord
Sami children and their father wearing kofter in the snow
Tiny houses in front of a big mountain in winter
Two people under raindeer skins in the Snow Hotel in Hunderfossen Winter Park, Eastern Norway
Guest being served at restaurant Under Lindesnes
The Iris restaurant at The Salmon Eye in the Hardangerfjord
"The Scream" by Edvard Munch, 1910, ©Munchmuseet
Kayak in Kjøsnesfjorden in Fjord Norway
A woman taking pictures on the deck of Hurtigruten in stormy weather
Two moose on a field
Norwegian brown cheese against a backdrop of mountains and a fjord
View of the children's parade with hundreds of Norwegians in Oslo on 17 May, Norway's national day

Once in a lifetime experiences in Norway

Tick these off your bucket list!

Here are 10 once-in-a-lifetime experiences you’ll find almost exclusively in Norway!

1. Experience the northern lights

Norway is one of the best places in the world to see the magical northern lights (including in stunning Arctic surroundings, no less).

Northern lights

2. Learn about Joik and Sami culture

The history and culture of the indigenous people from the North is rich, deeply rooted, and offers a unique experience you must witness at least once in your lifetime.

Experience Sami culture

3. Visit Svalbard

Located deep inside the Arctic Circle, Svalbard feels like stepping foot on a whole new planet.

Dine at gourmet restaurants, go on a guided glacier hike or try dog sledding!

Visit Svalbard

4. Sleep in an ice hotel!

The coolest nights are cool in every sense!

Ice and snow hotels have become a (er, hot) travel trend in Norway. Don't worry, reindeer fur will keep you warm!

Ice hotels in Norway

5. Dine at unique restaurants

Michelin-starred restaurant Under is the world’s largest underwater restaurant! Dine in style five and a half metres below the ocean surface in Southern Norway.

Explore Under

On the sparkling waters of the Hardangerfjord, you'll also find Michelin-starred Iris!

The restaurant has a very unique location inside the Salmon Eye, the world's largest floating art installation.

Iris invites you to enjoy an 'Expedition Dining' experience – a culinary journey through its delicious 18-course tasting menu.

Dine at Iris, Salmon Eye's floating restaurant

6. Have fun under the midnight sun

Norway is the land of the midnight sun!

During summer in Northern Norway, the sun never sets below the horizon, even at midnight!

Feel the midnight sun!

7. Go to the MUNCH museum

Edvard Munch is a world-famous artist from Norway who painted the iconic masterpiece The Scream.

Get up close to the world's largest collection of his works at the massive MUNCH museum in Oslo!

Explore the MUNCH museum

8. Experience a fjord

Giant glaciers carved out valleys, where the arms of the salty sea now meet the feet of majestic mountains with impressive waterfalls.

Norway has more than a thousand fjords, the most famous of which are in Fjord Norway, in the western part of the country.

The most famous fjords

How about exploring them on a cruise? Set sail aboard Hurtigruten or Havila on the classic Coastal Voyage, Kystruta, between Bergen and Kirkenes!

See the fjords on a cruise

9. Go on a Norwegian wildlife safari

Norway has some pretty unique wildlife!

Embark on a safari and see moose - the king of the forest - musk ox, or head out to sea where majestic whales swim!

Go on a wildlife safari

10. Taste our famous sweet brown cheese

Brown cheese, brunost, is a must-try when you come to Norway!

Some say it’s a cultural treasure, with the taste of mountains, fjords and farm traditions.

But be careful: if you like it, it can quickly become a lifelong relationship.

Try our unique brown cheese!

11. Join our national day celebrations

Norway’s constitution day is very distinct from similar days in other countries.

On May 17th, Norwegians dress in traditional costumes called bunad, gather for festive breakfasts and lunches with family and friends, and line the streets to watch parades filled with children singing and waving flags. It's the biggest party of the year and everyone is invited!

In Oslo, the parade passes the Royal Palace, where the Royal Family wave to the crowds from the balcony.

Let's celebrate!

Typically Norwegian

Norway is full of unique traditions, history and experiences.

  • Viking in front of a viking ship in Viking Village in Gudvangen
    Norwegian Vikings
    Fantoft stave church in Bergen seen in autumn
    Stave churches!
    People making smalahove (sheep's head) at Smalahovetunet in Voss in Fjord Norway
    Smalahove – heads on the menu
    A view of Hunderfossen fairytale park with the Hunderfossen troll in front of the Farytale castle
    Stunning troll destinations

And while you're here ...

... let's explore even more of Norway!

A couple staying at WonderInn Riverside by Huser Farm in Fenstad
Unique places to stay
People winter kayaking by the Henningsvær Bryggehotell in Lofoten, Northern Norway.
Kayaking
Four people rafting down the Sjoa river in Eastern Norway
Rafting
  • Woman sliding down a zipline near Trolltunga in Fjord Norway
    Ziplines
    Woman climbing via ferrata Ravnfloget
    Via ferrata
    The UFO-cabin in Hessdalen by night
    Unique things to do in Norway
    Two people hiking the Tømmerrenna timber slide in Vennesla, Southern Norway
    Unique hiking experiences
    Woman in bed looking at the view over Lysefjorden from the Bolder in Rogaland, Fjord Norway
    Raw escapes
    Couple in bed looking at the view over Lysefjorden in Rogaland, Fjord norway
    Sleepcation
    The view of the fjord from Storfjord Hotel
    Step inside Norway's Michelin Key hotels

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

  • Food - Brim Explorer
    Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
    Performancce Marketing
    CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
    Blazerbu -  Norgesbooking
    NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
    Scandic Holmenkollen Park Hotel in Oslo, Eastern Norway
    Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
    The Thief - A lifestyle boutique hotel in Oslo
    StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
    Standard Room -  Svolvær - Thon Hotel
    Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
    Valevåg Camping
    CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
    Hotell Refsnes Gods - fasade
    Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
    Two people sitting in a sofa in Eagle Nest Eco Lodge in Eastern Norway
    50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
    Family in outdoor pool in winter at Radisson Blu mountain resort & residences in Trysil, Eastern Norway
    Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
    Hardangerfjord - Authentic Scandinavia
    Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
    Lit-up tent in snow with colorful northern lights and mountains behind it
    Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
    Tourists wave at passing boat while sailing througha norwegian fjord
    Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
    Eidfjord village - Go fjords
    Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
    The Hurtigruten ship MS Nordkapp in Geirangerfjord in Fjord Norway
    HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
    Skiing on finnmarksvidda
    Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
    Sykkeltur i Hardanger
    Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
    Happy family taking a selfie in an airport after arriving to Norway
    Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
    Hop on hop off bus - Stromma
    StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
    Hikers approaching a small wooden cabin with grass roof in mountainous landscape
    Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
    Aurora borealis Tromso - Fjord Travel
    Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
    Woodward - Arctic Campers
    Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
    Auto Europe
    Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
    Buss bilde - NOR-WAY
    NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
    Raumabanen - SJ Nord
    SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
    A bus driving along the coast in Norway, Vy express route vy146
    Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
    Vy Train travelling on a scenic railway line between Bergen and Hønefoss, Norway
    Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
    Van 4 - Cabin Campers
    Cabin CampersExperience the road trip of a lifetime with our cabins on four wheels.
    Malangen resort - My nordic travel
    My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
    Campanyon - Arctic Dome Smiberget
    CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
    Airplane
    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.
    Elegant wooden hotel in mountain valley beneath snow-capped peaks.
    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.
    A woman hiking in the summer mountains by the fjord.
    CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
    Two women waving out the windows of a campervan with Benzini Campers on the hood
    Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.