Top 10 experiences for adrenaline junkies

Do you have a need for speed? Here are ten tips for activities that will keep your adrenaline pumping in Norway, from surfing and zip lines to rafting and RIB rides.

Action? You bet! Nature? Oh yes! Sightseeing? Absolutely! On holiday in Norway, you can combine epic outdoor activities with mind-blowing nature experiences.

People with an adventurous streak have the privilege of getting close to nature while enjoying the best views: From a zip line, a mountain wall, or a bungy jump ramp. And you don’t have to be a seasoned action hero to enjoy these activities. It is easy to find tour operators who guide you down gushing rivers or up high mountains, even if you do it for the first time.

Is the adventurer in you ready to take the plunge? Start by checking out these ten tips!

Please note that the selection of accommodation, dining, and activity options may be restricted due to the coronavirus situation. Before you leave, be sure to get the latest travel advice from the Norwegian authorities and destinations, and check the opening hours and rules of individual tour providers.

1. Mountain biking

Experience high mountains, deep forests, and open countryside on two wheels. Norway is a true cycling paradise with varied terrain and a myriad of trails and cool bike parks.

Nowadays, several skiing resorts are transformed into bike parks every summer. The lift system will whiz you and your bike up to the top, where you have numerous trails to choose from. A few examples of top-rated MTB destinations are Trysil, Hallingdal, Lyngenfjord and Hafjell. Just be sure to wear a helmet, and do remember to follow the guidelines of the trail code.

You’ll find bikes to rent all over the country, so there is no need to bring your own.

2. Zip line

Fly through the air secured by a zip line. Just pick your preferred setting – city, forest, fjord or mountain – and take off!

The longest zip line in Norway is located in the picturesque village of Flåm. With its 1,381 metres, it is even the longest in the whole of Scandinavia. Enjoy the view – but do it fast, because it reaches a top speed of 100 kilometres per hour.

In Oslo, you can try the zip line Kollenvsvevet by the Holmenkollen ski jump. Find out how it feels to be a ski jumper at the top of the jump tower!

3. Rafting

Did you know that Norway is blessed with some of the world's best rafting rivers? A few of the most famous are Sjoa, Driva, Trysilelva, and the rivers in Evje and Voss, better known as “the adrenaline capital” of Norway. Let the forces of nature carry you through river rapids, narrow gorges and flowing waterfalls.

There are plenty of guided rafting tours to choose from, so do have a look around and pick one that suits you (and your nerves).

4. Canyoning, caving and bungee jumping

For those who are not familiar with the concept of canyoning, here’s a quick summary: Dressed in a wetsuit, helmet and life jacket, you will jump off rocks, swim in caves, glide down natural water slides and go abseiling down mountainsides and waterfalls. Hardly for delicate souls, but the rest of you are guaranteed an exciting experience with a huge butterflies-in-the-stomach effect.

If you want to explore more marvellous rock formations, you can go caving – guided tours deep into narrow caves.

Anything else? Have you ever tried bungee jumping? In Norway, you can do it over a fjord, a waterfall or a valley.

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Mountain biking in Narvik, Northern Norway.
Photo: Kristin Folsland Olsen / Visitnorway.com

Surfing at Unstad in Lofoten.
Photo: Alex Conu / Visitnorway.com

Reka mountain in Vesterålen.
Photo: Kristin Folsland Olsen / Visitnorway.com

Rafting in Sjoa in Jotunheimen.
Photo: Kristoffer Mæle Thuestad

Three people mountain biking in Narvik in Northern Norway, surrounded by tall mountains

Surfer riding a breaking wave at Unstad in Lofoten, Northern Norway

A woman climbing Reka mountain in Vesterålen in Northern Norway

A group of people white water rafting in Sjoa river in the Jotunheimen mountains in Eastern Norway

5. Climbing

Climbing is a diverse field that covers variations such as rock climbing, ice climbing, sports climbing, bouldering and scrambling. Whatever tickles your fancy, you’ll get a wonderful mix of excitement and contact with nature.

From north to south, you will find guided climbing tours, courses and trails for all levels. A great starting point for various climbing adventures is the town of Åndalsnes, known as "the capital of mountaineering". While you’re there you can pop into the Norwegian Tindesenter, which is equipped with the highest indoor climbing wall in the country. You can also learn more about the history of mountaineering.

Another way to test if you get on with heights is to go to one of the country's many climbing parks. Challenge your balance and try different obstacles in between the treetops. Many climbing parks have zip lines, cable cars and a jumping tower too.

6. Via ferrata

Ready to rock? Via ferrata, which means rail in Italian, is a form of rock climbing where you are securely attached to a wire. New via ferrata trails appear regularly. At the time of writing, there are about twenty around the country, for example in Valdres, Hardanger, Loen, Åndalsnes, and Hemsedal.

The length, height, and difficulty level of via ferratas vary a great deal, so you can easily find one even if you have no previous climbing experience. And regardless of the level, you can count on a jaw dropping view!

7. Summer skiing

Imagine skiing down long, gentle trails with a heavenly view of the fjord and mountains – dressed in a t-shirt. Yep, in Norway you can enjoy the magic of winter in the middle of the summer at Stryn Summer Ski Center, Galdhøpiggen Summer Ski Center and FONNA Glacier Ski Resort in Hardanger. The latter two have several slopes of varying difficulty as well as snow parks with fun rails and jumps. FONNA Glacier Ski Resort also offers guided glacier hikes.

The opening hours of the summer ski centres depend on the snow and weather conditions. Keep an eye on the snow reports before you head off, and have a plan B in case you are unlucky with the weather.

8. RIB safaris

Sturdy, stable RIB boats are perfect for fast fun at sea. Just sit back and enjoy the fjords, the midnight sun, white-tailed eagles or killer whales. No matter where the journey heads, be prepared for a riveting ride!

In Hellesylt in Fjord Norway, the activity company Bonseye offers trips on electric RIB boats.

9. Diving

You can also find a wealth of extraordinary nature experiences underwater. Study life below the surface in Saltstraumen in Northern Norway, in the fjords of Fjord Norway, or in the archipelago in Southern Norway. Dive in to view rare fish species, lobster and king crabs up close. There are also opportunities to explore shipwrecks and the mysteries they’ve left behind. In Lindesnes, you can also go fine-dining among sea creatures in the world's largest underwater restaurant Under.

All along the coast, diving centres offer courses and guided dives. And thanks to the warm currents from the Gulf Stream, the water temperature is a lot higher than you’d expect at this latitude.

10. Surfing and windsurfing

Surfing consists of equal parts patience, timing, and training. Few things compare to the feeling of riding a wave after a long wait in the water. The first time you catch the wave instead of the wave catching you is pure bliss.

Norway's interest in surfing and windsurfing is growing, and several places in the country offer superb surf conditions and waves that are worthy contenders to Bali and Hawaii: From Larvik in the south, via Jæren and Stadtlandet in the west to Lofoten in the north.

Many Norwegian surf schools offer packages that include accommodation, surf lessons, boards and necessary equipment.