Top 10 Must-Do Bucket List Experiences in Norway

Dreaming of a trip to Norway? This post lists the top 10 must-do bucket list experiences you can have in this amazing country!

1. Stay in a cabin

Cabin trips are a huge part of Norwegian culture. You may have heard the word “hygge,” or cozy – staying in a cabin is the epitome of this word. I definitely recommend taking some time on your trip to Norway to see what cabin life is all about.

2. Take the train between Oslo and Bergen

In a country known for picturesque train rides, the one between Oslo and Bergen is known as one of the most beautiful. Even though the journey takes a bit longer by train than it would by air, the train trip is an experience in itself, and I highly recommend booking it for your transportation between the two cities.

Another plus: train travel is more sustainable than flying, so you can enjoy the majestic natural views while supporting a more eco-friendly form of travel.

3. Experience the midnight sun

It’s not everywhere that you can experience 24 straight hours of daylight! The midnight sun occurs at latitudes from approximately 66° to 90° north and south. You can experience the midnight sun in Norway between May and July, with more full days of sun occurring the further north you go.

4. See the northern lights

Another celestial phenomenon you can observe in Norway is the northern lights – also known as the aurora borealis. The northern lights usually occur between 60 and 75 degrees latitude, which means the best places to see them are in northern Norway.

You’ll have the best chance of seeing the northern lights if you visit Tromso, Svalbard, or the Lofoten Islands between November and February. There are lots of apps that give you forecasts for the northern lights too – I use one called My Aurora Forecast & Alerts.

You can also check out my guide to photographing the northern lights!

5. Try a Norwegian waffle

There’s nothing like taking a break from an afternoon of hiking to stop at a cabin and enjoy a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate and a Norwegian waffle with jam or brown cheese.

6. Drive the Atlantic Road

The iconic Atlantic Road makes for one of the most scenic road trips in Norway. This 8.3-kilometer-long road connects Averøy with the mainland and spans eight separate bridges, and you can stop at several gorgeous viewpoints along the way. 

7. Visit Bryggen, Bergen

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an example of a traditional style of Norwegian wooden houses that dates back to the 14th century. These buildings are highly recognizable icons of Norwegian architecture and are a great spot for photos!

For more to do in Bergen, check out this post!

8. Hike to Trolltunga

Trolltunga is one of the most famous hikes (and photo-ops) in Norway. It can be quite a grueling walk, but the view at the end is worth it!

The season for the Trolltunga hike lasts from June 1st to August 31st each year. It is recommended that you hire a guide, especially on the edges of the season. Since this is a fairly long hike, plan accordingly – either start early in the day to make sure you get back before dark, or book a two-day hike and sleep under the stars.

9. See a fjord from the water

The views along the coast of Norway have to be seen to be believed. Seeing the coast from the water feels like being in a movie.

If you have a chance to book a fjord cruise in this country, definitely take it!

10. Go skiing

Skiing is a quintessentially Norwegian activity. If you have the opportunity to go skiing during your trip, then you have had a true Norwegian experience!

You can even go skiing right in Oslo, Norway’s capital city! Oslo Vinterpark is easily accessible from the city center via public transportation.

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This post lists just a few of the amazing bucket list experiences you can have in Norway. I hope it gives you some inspiration for a future trip!

For more Norway travel inspiration, check out this list of all eight UNESCO World Heritage sites in the country.

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