Experiences in Norway

Winter fun without skis
No skis? No problem! We have plenty of other fun winter activities to choose from.

FUN THINGS TO DO WITHOUT SKIS
No skis? No problem! There are plenty of fun winter activities in Norway. From dog sledding and tobogganing to safari and steaming hot saunas – get the best tips here.

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, these are some of the best winter activities to try.

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.

Find your inner child on a sledge
There is no point in denying it: jetting down snow-covered slopes on sledges are as fun for adults as it is for children. And whether you want to try your luck in a frozen luge track or just cruise down a toboggan run, you’ll find many alternatives in Norway.

From south to north, several operators are ready to welcome riders on all levels. In addition to the offers below, many ski resorts and ski centres have their own sledge tracks that are prepped to perfection. Are you ready?

Dog sledding
STEER INTO THE WHITE DESERT
Get close to nature on a dog sledding trip and travel at high speed across the Norwegian wilderness.

The four-legged friends up and down the country are ready to give you an experience of a lifetime. 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 sledging trip.

Huskies, the breed commonly used for dog sledging, are strong dogs. On a typical trip, they will pull you at high speed through the white wilderness. And as the wind slaps you gently in the face, you will get a taste of what life was like in the old days, when dog sledging was a much more common mode of transportation.

Joining a dog sledging tour is a great opportunity to feel the strong bond between man and dog. You will often get the chance to feed and look after the Huskies yourself, something that will appeal to dog lovers everywhere.

And don’t worry if you can’t visit Norway during the winter. The dogs enjoy a good run even after the snow has melted, and several destinations offer dog sledging trips on wheels.

Snowshoeing – Have a go at winter hiking
Nope, you don’t need to be a skier to experience a winter wonderland à la Norway. If you know how to walk, you know how to snowshoe. The only thing you need to keep in mind is to lift your knees slightly higher than usual. Snowshoes give you a good grip on icy and slippery surfaces. Give it a go with an experienced guide! After showing you the right technique, they’ll take you to places that will take your breath away.

KITING – Get swept off your feet
Yiii-haaa! Hold on tight!
Norway is made for snowkiting, thanks to accessible mountain areas with guaranteed snow – from the southern parts of the country up to the far north in Finnmark. Kiting gives a wonderful sense of freedom. You get close to untouched nature when you whiz over powder snow. It is something very special to feel the force of the wind in the kite. The green power can transport you several kilometres”.

Water activities
Fight the forces while you speed down a wild river, or paddle gently through silent waters.

Find your perfect paddle point – KAYAKING AND CANOEING
If you want to get up close and personal with the stunning Norwegian fjord and coastal landscape, kayaks or canoes are ideal options. Buckle up for a paddling adventure – here are some of the hotspots. Ocean, fjords, lakes, and rivers. Framed in by a fairy-tale landscape. Norway is a true haven for canoeing and kayaking. You can paddle on a forest lake, glacial lake, or in one of the main cities.

Over the last few years, paddling has become a popular outdoor activity in Norway, and you can rent canoes and kayaks all over the country.

RAFTING – Guaranteed adrenaline rush
Wooooow! Or maybe rather … eeeeek! When the rubber raft tips over the edge, hold on tight but don’t hold back – feel free to let it all out and yell! Unless you just laugh hysterically all the way down the gushing river. If you have a serious adrenaline craving, you can always go for the more extreme kind of rafting … but you can also bring the kids, uncles, and grandparents and go family rafting in calmer waters.

Rafting enthusiasts from all over the world travel to Norway, and for a good reason. Norwegian rivers offer all kinds of challenges for every ability. The most famous rafting destination in the country is Sjoa. Other popular destinations include Driva in Trøndelag, Auster-Vefsna in Nordland, and Voss and Jølstra in Fjord Norway. A few recommendations in Eastern Norway are Trysilelva, Dagali, and Setesdalen.

Fun on the river – Go with the flow!
Wahoo! Feel the force of the river with a hydrospeed!

Riverboarding is one of the most intense river activities possible – and a safe bet if you crave action-filled adventures. You’ll definitely get close to the elements on a packraft as well.

Packrafting is a fun cross between paddling and rafting – perfect if you want to explore wild and wonderful places that would otherwise be out of reach. If less speed and calmer waters sound more like your thing, rent a canoe or kayak and discover why Norway is considered a paddler’s paradise … or enjoy complete silence and zen scenery on a stand-up paddleboard.

Beaches in Norway
SWIMMING, WHITE SAND, AND WATER ACTIVITIES
As most coastal areas are free and open to the public, you can combine days of happy beach life with activities like hiking, biking and fishing, Arctic fun under the midnight sun, space enough for everyone, booming urban culture, fjords, and untouched nature – and perhaps some whale spotting.

About 1,800 kilometres separate the sandy beaches of Lista in the southernmost part of Norway from the dunes near Vadsø in the far north.

The world’s second longest shoreline has numerous beaches that are as diverse as the rest of Norway. And if that’s not enough, you have free access to the many lakes covering around three percent of the mainland as well.

While some Norwegian beaches are well-known leisure spots where you’ll meet everyone from local families to foreign surfers, far more just happen to appear in front of you when you’re not even looking – like a paradise you stumble into and get the sense that only you have found.

Gentle climate
The climate and water temperatures are often surprisingly mild in the summer season, thanks to the Gulf Stream that heats up the whole Norwegian coast, even the northern parts. It all depends on what you are used to, of course – some beautiful beaches that face the open sea in Northern and Western Norway are not for wimps – but in Southern Norway, the water temperatures can reach 23 degrees Celsius in high summer.

Warmer temperatures open up for many water and beach activities. Managing the waves on a surfboard or stand-up paddleboard (SUP) is excellent exercise before a hearty picnic in the sand or on the sloping smooth rocks.

Swim in the city – or far away from it all
If you are planning a city break and would like to spend some time by the water, many urban areas have upgraded their beach facilities or created new ones to boost the quality of city life.

On the other hand, at a selection of northern beaches, you can expect to see lots of wildlife, and you might find yourself in the middle of a spontaneous and unexpected whale or sea eagle safari. With 239,057 islands along a shoreline that equals two and a half trips around the globe, relaxing Norwegian beaches will probably never stop to surprise you.

Canyoning – Wet, wild and tons of fun
Take the plunge and jump in! Whizz over steep gorges and blue-green mountain ponds with a zipline. Once you take a seat by a natural waterslide in a wild spa, there is only one way to go – straight down a giant cauldron. Give canyoning a shot. A local guide will take you to deep, dramatic river gorges, where you’ll move forward by swimming, climbing, rappelling and – if you dare – jumping from cliffs into crystal clear pools.

Equipped with a wetsuit, a helmet, shoes, a life jacket and climbing equipment, you will enter a world of pure magic. You won’t get closer to the elements than this and at the same time get the chance to really challenge yourself.

Adrenaline kick guaranteed!

Thousands of years of erosion have created beautiful gorges that are just waiting to be explored.

In Valldal you can go canyoning in the spectacular gorge just below Gudbrandsjuvet, in Trysil, you can marvel at the five waterfalls of Røafallene, in Uvdal you’ll discover the hidden gem of Ølmosjuvet, and in Oppdal the adventure goes to the most exciting parts of Festajuvet. These are just some of the possibilities – you’re never far from a gorge in Norway.

In some places, the season for canyoning lasts from May to October. The trips usually take three to six hours, so you can pick a tour that suits you. And most of the time you can avoid jumping if it’s too much for your nerves.

Age limits vary from place to place, depending on the degree of difficulty.
Good safety measures are always a priority!

Surf your way through Norway
Take part in the thriving surf scene in Norway and enjoy arctic adventures, rough nature, and uncrowded waves.

Scuba diving
A COOLER KIND OF DIVING PARADISE
More and more dedicated divers put Norway on their top lists, because of the rich biodiversity, contrasting locations and experiences you are most likely to only find here.

Find your perfect paddle point
TOP 10 PLACES TO PADDLE IN NORWAY
The Norwegian coastline is varied, spectacular, and a paradise for everyone who loves the ocean breeze. If you really want to get close to nature, grab an ore and explore some of the ten best places to go kayaking in Norway, according to Olympic medallist Eirik Verås Larsen.

1. Vestfjorden
“Close to Oslo, and it is amazing what wildlife and nature experiences await you just around the corner from the city.” Vestfjorden runs along the west side of the Inner Oslofjord, from Bærum to the Drøbaksundet strait. There are several islands to explore, including Håøya, Bjerkøya and Søndre Kaholmen, where you’ll find the Oscarsborg Fortress.

2. Sandefjord and Tønsberg
“With a kayak, you can weave your way through the shallow waters between islands and islets, and explore the areas in and around Sandefjord and Tønsberg on your own.” Where the Oslo fjord meets the Skagerrak strait, the municipalities Sandefjord and Tønsberg boast a pristine coastline, which is also part of the paddling route Padleled Vestfold. Tønsberg is also home to the recreation area Verdens Ende.

3. Arendal to Tønsberg
The charming seaside town of Arendal is located in Southern Norway and it’s a popular summer holiday spot. The stretch from Arendal and northwards to Tønsberg will take you past other cosy towns as well, like Tvedestrand, Risør and Kragerø. “It is a long trip from Arendal to Tønsberg, but you can camp almost anywhere along the route, catch your own fish to eat, and enjoy life and nature.”

4. Hidra
Off the coast of Flekkefjord, the island Hidra offers a beautiful coastal and cultural landscape. Around 600 people live here permanently, but in summer people come here to enjoy lazy days by the sea. “A region known as Norway’s riviera, where you can paddle around the entire island and take in its idyllic settlements along the edge.”

5. Flekkefjord
“The small town is sheltered from the wind by the tall mountains on all sides, and you can kayak the fjord right through Flekkefjord.” Southern Norway’s westernmost city is located midway between Kristiansand and Stavanger. In addition to the lovely seaside vibes, Flekkefjord is known for the Dutch Quarter, charming wooden houses and funky street art.

6. Skipnes in Vesterålen
Located on a car-free island between towering mountains, the quaint fishing village Skipnes has been a popular kayak spot for years. They even host the annual Arctic Sea Kayak Race here. “Lodge in an old fisherman’s cabin and take your time in the unique coastal landscape of Vesterålen.”

7. The Helgeland coast
“The Helgeland coast is a kayaker’s paradise with new discoveries around every island and islet.” Boasting crystal clear waters, sandy beaches and a stunning landscape, the Helgeland coast in Northern Norway is regarded as one of Norway’s best areas for sea kayaking, as well as cycling and puffin spotting.

8. Sotra and Øygarden
“A dramatic and picturesque landscape located west of Bergen in Fjord Norway, forming the last land barrier between mainland Norway and the North Sea.” Sotra and Øygarden consist of several charming islands forming a 10-mile long archipelago. The ideal location close to a big city makes it a very popular paddling spot.

9. Finnøy
“An easily accessible area between Haugesund and Stavanger, known for its opportunities for birdwatching – as long as you enjoy the view from the distance, and are careful not to disturb the birds.” The area consists of several islands, 16 of them are inhabited. People come here to enjoy the seaside vibes, check out rock carvings or attend the annual tomato festival.

10. The Vega islands
The Vega archipelago is located just south of the Arctic circle in Northern Norway, offering shallow beaches, panoramic views, tasty local food and great opportunities for birdwatching. “A fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site, consisting of dozens of islands, that is near enough to the Helgeland Coast that they can be combined into a longer trip.”