Unique things to do in Norway

1. Camel safari in Hammerfest

This is what it looks like when the Sahara meets the Arctic. The camel safari in Hammerfest, Northern Norway features an extra-scenic view, and maybe the midnight sun as well!

Camel safari in Hammerfest .
Photo: Visit Hammerfest

2. Spot a UFO?

In 1981, people first spotted mysterious lights in the valley of Hessdalen in Trøndelag. Today, researchers and enthusiasts from all over the world come to observe the phenomena.

Stay at this UFO cabin or at Hessdalen UFO camp – maybe you will get to see some strange things too!

The UFO-cabin in Hessdalen .
Photo: Jonas Olsen / Statskog SF

Oh, and if you are looking for other unique places to stay, there are plenty of options around the country!

The UFO-cabin in Hessdalen .
Photo: Jonas Olsen / Statskog SF

3. Ride the World's longest toboggan run

Although Norway is very much a ski nation, you can have a lot of fun without skis too.

In Loen, in Fjord Norway, you can take the Skylift up, and ride sledges from the top of the mountain and down to the fjord. It's 7 kilometres of fun – last one down is a rotten egg!

Loen skylift and toboggan run .
Photo: Loen Active

Loen Skylift and toboggan run .
Photo: Loen Active

4. Meet and greet – a moose

One of the most common animals in Norway is the moose. Sometimes you can spot them in the distance, grazing on a field early in the morning. But it's not that often you get to see them up close.

At some places, like Elgtun in Southern Norway for example (temporarily closed in 2022), you can get really close – and maybe even feed them!

Moose .
Photo: Torbjørn Martinsen / Visitnorway.com

5. Visit modern-day Vikings

Did you think the Viking Age was consigned to the history books? Well, not in the Viking town of Njardarheimr, in Fjord Norway. These are not actors in costume, but real Vikings of all ages who have implemented authentic details from the period into their lifestyle.

There are lots of places in Norway where you can explore some fascinating Viking history.

Njardarheimr, Flåm .
Photo: Sverre Hjørnevik/Visitflam.com

Njardarheimr, Flåm .
Photo: Visitflam.com

6. Spooky adventures

Are you into mysteries? Join a ghost tour of one of the most haunted places in Norway – the more than 700-year-old fortress, Akershus Festning in Oslo!

Akershus fortress .
Photo: Per Mork / CC BY 2.0

7. Sleep like an ice queen

You will never forget the night you spend at Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Northern Norway, the northernmost of Norway's cool ice hotels.

With a bit of luck, you’ll get to see the northern lights dancing across the sky before you fall asleep between reindeer skins.

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel in Alta .
Photo: Frikant

8. Sea eagle safari

They are big and fly very fast, and can almost only be seen at a great distance. However, if you go on an eagle safari in the Northwest, you might be lucky enough to get a really close look as they approach the boat to catch food!

But stay focused, they will be there – and gone again – in a glimpse of an eye!

Bodø .
Photo: Ole Jørgen Liodden / Naturfokus / www.nordnorge.com/Bodø

9. Extreme tenting

Fancy an intense and unforgettable sleeping experience dangling tens of metres above the ground on a mountain ledge?

At Rypetoppen Adventurepark in Trøndelag you can try portaledge tenting. The view is so beautiful, you don't necessarily need to sleep!

PS: If you prefer to keep your feet on firm ground, there are many other excellent camping options to check out, like glamping!

Portaledge tenting in Meråker .
Photo: Eirik Lerberg

10. Weird and
wonderful food

Are you ready to taste the weirdest food traditions in Norway?

You might be surprised – both by its quirky appearance and delicious taste!

Smalahovetunet in Voss .
Photo: Thomas Rasmus Skaug / Visitnorway.com

11. Join a reindeer herder

If you are looking for a rare cultural experience, this is it! Here, you will have the opportunity to get close to the Sami people's traditional way of life by spending a day with a Sami reindeer herder.

Sami catching reindeer with lasso .
Photo: C. H. / Visit Norway

12. Go to Hell...

Okay, we didn't mean that literally – but it's actually a real place to visit! Go grab a fun Insta photo at the old Hell train station.

Hell is also super close to Trondheim Airport Værnes, in case you are planning to visit Trøndelag. If you visit in winter, remember to bring a warm jacket, as it could be a cold day in Hell.

Hell Station in Stjørdal .
Photo: Marit Dale Aal / Visit Norway