Alpine athlete competing at Narvik mountain with a spectacular view

Sporting events

Blood, sweat, and cheers!

A wide range of world-class sporting events take place throughout the year all around Norway. Whether you want to participate, or just watch, find some of the most exciting events to take part in below!

From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and cycling in the summer, Norwegians love sports and competitions, both in the snow and on the green grass.

A wide range of world-class sporting events take place all around Norway. Here is a list of some of the biggest and most popular events.

Holmenkollen Ski Festival

This is one of the most prestigious winter sports events in the world, featuring ski jumping, cross-country skiing, and Nordic combined events. Held in Oslo each March, the festival attracts thousands of spectators.

In addition to the competitions, the festival offers a range of activities for visitors, including skiing lessons, guided tours, and cultural events. Visitors can also try their hand at ski jumping on a smaller jump, designed for beginners.

Birkebeinerrennet

This cross-country ski race takes place each March between the towns of Rena and Lillehammer. The race is 54 kilometres long and attracts more than 15,000 competitors every year.

The atmosphere at the Birkebeinerrennet race is electric, with thousands of spectators cheering on the skiers as they make their way through the course. The race is a true test of determination, perseverance, and strength. Those who complete it feel an tremendous sense of accomplishment.

There are also a Birkebeiner foot race and a cycling race during the summer months.

Ekstremsportveko

Ekstremsportveko, also known as the Extreme Sports Week, is an annual event held in Voss, Norway. It is one of the largest and most renowned extreme sports festivals in the world. Ekstremsportveko brings together athletes and spectators from around the globe who wish to participate in (or watch from the sidelines) a wide range of exhilarating activities.

The event takes place in late June, and features paragliding, longboarding, rafting, climbing, base jumping, and much more.

Midnight Sun Marathon

The Midnight Sun Marathon is an annual running event that takes place in Tromsø, a city located in the far north of Norway. It's known for being one of the most unique and picturesque marathons in the world, due to its location and the summer date of the race.

The event takes place in late June, when the sun does not set at all in Tromsø, creating a magical atmosphere with the sun shining brightly throughout the night. The race offers a range of distances, including a full marathon, half-marathon, 10 kilometre race, and a children's race.

Midnight sun

Norway Cup

Norway Cup is an international youth football tournament held annually in Oslo, Norway. It's one of the world's largest football tournaments for young players and features teams from all over the globe. The event takes place over a week in late July and has been a prominent fixture in the international youth football calendar since its inception in 1972.

In addition to the matches, Norway Cup offers a range of cultural and social activities, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the week.

Arctic Race of Norway

This is a professional road bicycle race that takes place in Northern Norway every August. The race covers some of Norway's most beautiful landscapes and attracts top-level riders from around the world.

The Arctic Race of Norway is more than just a cycling race: it's s a celebration of the stunning natural beauty and unique culture of Northern Norway. It offers cyclists and spectators alike an unforgettable experience in one of the most stunning and remote corners of Europe.

Pro cyclists competing in the Arctic Race of Norway

Arctic Race of Norway 2026

The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon

The Norseman Xtreme Triathlon in August is considered one of the toughest triathlons in the world. The race starts from the Hardangerfjord, where participants dive off a ferry and swim 3.8 kilometres to shore. The bike leg covers 180 kilometres through challenging terrain, including a climb up the famous "Zombie Hill" - a steep 10-kilometre ascent with gradients up to 10 percent. The final leg of the race involves a marathon run to the finish line, located at the peak of Mount Gaustatoppen, 1,850 metres above sea level.

The race has a unique format, with no aid stations or drafting allowed. Participants are required to carry all their own gear, food, and water, and may have a support crew to assist them along the way.

Oslo Marathon

This is a popular long-distance running event that takes place in September. The course takes runners through the streets of Oslo, passing by many of the city's famous landmarks.

The marathon attracts a diverse range of participants, from elite runners aiming for a fast time to those looking to complete the distance for the first time. The event is open to participants of all abilities and ages and the inclusive atmosphere is a key part of the event's appeal.