Must-do activities in Norway: 6 bucket list items

 

Northern lights, spectacular fjords and a beautiful landscape where summer days are long. It is easy to see why Norway is often called the “land of the midnight sun” — one of the rare locations in the world where the sunset merges into sunrise during the summer months of July and August. More than her dramatic peaks and pristine fjords, you will also find unique traditions and cultural landmarks that locals will welcome you to experience. 

With an epic coastline stretching from Sweden to the southern and central mountains, and all the way up to the Russian border, the Scandinavian country has lots to offer. Here are our picks for the activities you must not miss when you travel to Norway.

 

1. Chase the northern lights

 

Characterised by their affinity with the magical lights in the sky, Scandinavian countries are blessed with the aurora that many travellers make a special trip (or multiple trips) to catch.

While they are notoriously hard to catch, you’ll have a sliver of hope between late September and late March every year when Northern Norway is dark from early afternoon until late morning. Note that the northern lights are usually not visible from April to August, when Norway experiences extended periods of daylight every day. 

In order to catch a glimpse of the splendid display, take note of the results from forecast websites that can help with your planning. Located north of Norway, Tromsø is regarded as the best spot and there are various tours that can take you there.

Tip #1: Prepare for cold weather when you are chasing and capturing the northern lights on your cameras, as you might be out in the cold for some time. Wear thick or thermoactive wear, thick wool socks, waterproof gloves and insulated winter boots so that you will be kept warm during your adventure.

Tip #2: Camera batteries do not do well in the cold and might drain faster than normal. A tip from experienced photographers: keep them in a zip-lock bag in the pocket of a wool shirt and bring an extra battery so you do not run out of juice for your cameras.

 

 

 

What is more romantic and thrilling than stargazing aboard an Arctic cruise? One of the perfect places for stargazing and another option to catch the northern lights would be on a cruise. With less light pollution out at sea, you might have a better chance of witnessing the lights and capturing them on your camera. For those looking to experience the Aurora on the waters, you can try hopping on a cruise, like the Hurtigruten Cruises. 

A 15-day expedition from Hamburg to Norway is priced at S$7,700++, where you will be able to explore the Arctic in winter and sail through the breathtaking landscapes of Norway’s coastline. The cruise will take you through Helgeland and above the Arctic Circle, where you will spend six days in the Auroral Zone. And when you hop on a cruise with Hurtigruten Expeditions, travellers will get to enjoy a Classic Voyage free of charge if the Northern Lights do not appear on the cruise to Norway.

Even if you do not get to see the lights, there are other activities you can do around the area, such as winter fishing, hiking, skiing, and dog sledding. You can also experience the Sami way of life by camping in a traditional lavvo (tent) and get close with reindeers.

 

2. Hop on a train ride on the Rauma Line for the best sights

 

Norway has some great rail routes which are comprehensive and easy to use, making it one of the best ways to enjoy the country.

With over 2,000 miles of tracks, you will get to experience Norway from an entirely different perspective with scenic journeys throughout the route. See mountains and great lakes and truly connect with nature when you experience these panoramic views for yourself.

The Rauma Line is a short 100min journey that runs from Dombås on the Dovre Line to Åndalsnes. Situated between Trondheim and Oslo, this scenic train trip can be combined with the expeditions by Hurtigruten Cruises, making your voyage around Norway a complete one.

 

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The Rauma Railway offers regular train departures between Åndalsnes and Dombås all year, providing links to bigger cities for you to visit and explore. The train passes through well-known attractions such as Kylling Bridge and the Trollveggen wall, which is Europe’s highest perpendicular mountain wall standing at a 1000m high, and through the remote wilderness area Reinheimen National Park.

You can purchase the tickets at SJ Customer Centre, SJ Nord, or on the train.  

Fun fact: A scene from the film Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince was shot on the Rauma Railway, in Bjorli, where the Hogwarts Express travels through a magical snowy landscape. This scene that was shot in Norway is a special cameo, as most of the Harry Potter films are set in the United Kingdom.

Another one of the world’s most famous railway journeys you can take while in Norway is the Bergen line from Oslo to Bergen. On this journey, you’ll reach a height of more than 1,200m above sea level as you soar over the Hardangervidda mountain plateau.

 

3. Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) Tour in Balestrand

 

Calling all adventure seekers — what better way to truly see Norway than to immerse yourself in her beauty? If you are up for an adrenaline-pumped ride on a RIB tour, you will be able to get close to waterfalls of the Geirangerfjord — something that you will not be able to do on other tours.

This 90min roundtrip in the Balestrand includes several planned stops with breathtaking views of the Sognefjord, along with the stunning nature and architecture in the area.

 

 

During the tour, you will see the majestic Kvinnefossen waterfall and the famous 22m-high statue of the viking hero Fridtjov. There will also be several stops along the way, including Kvamsøy Island where you can see the Kvamsøy Church, a mediaeval church built in the 13th century. As the boat gets close to the shore, visitors will get the chance to see  Swiss-style villas and the famous Kviknes Hotel - the first known hotel in the Sognefjord opened in 1752, a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide since 2012. 

Having a guide will be a plus because you will get to learn about the fascinating history of the places you’ll be visiting.

How much: 980 NOK (S$133.61)

 

4. Stay in a mountain hytte

 

Norway has an outdoor and cabin culture, as seen with the thousands of cabins, cottages and lodges all over Norway.

A hytte is a cabin typically used by Norwegians as a base or accommodation to hike from during the holidays and weekends. Lounge just outside the cabin, have a sip of aquavit, which is a flavoured spirit produced in the Nordic countries, and enjoy the pristine views.

Traditionally, a hytte is a basic cabin without running water or electricity. However, hyttes you find in Norway now are modernised, usually with a good shower and toilet system — just like a house!

Be part of the Norwegian cabin culture — a national obsession with many Norwegian families owning cabins located anywhere in the mountains to the gorgeous coastline. 

Cabin life can be a reminder to live simply and at a slower pace, a different experience from city life that most of us are used to. While glass igloos may be the latest accommodation trend in Norway, for a true Norwegian experience, spend some time in a hytte. You will be able to search and book a hytte for your accommodation on major accommodation booking sites.

 

5. Skiing the wintry slopes of Trysil

 

Is going on a ski trip part of your travel bucket list? After all, you cannot possibly visit a winter wonderland and not check out its world-renowned ski slopes.

To make use of their natural snow-swathed landscape, there are around 125 ski resorts in Norway, catering to everyone from wobbly beginners and families with young kids to professional skiers and snowboarders.

Trysil is Norway’s largest ski resort, with 69 slopes accessible by 32 lifts. With the Trysilfjellet peak at its centre, this ski resort connects three separate villages with mostly cruisey green (shallow and wide slopes for beginners) and blue runs (for intermediate skiers as they have steeper and faster gradients).

Another skiing destination is Oslo Vinterpark which is just a subway ride from Oslo, where the World Snowboarding Championships (WSC) were held in 2012. There are 18 slopes for various levels of difficulty, as well as an Olympic-size Super Pipe for snowboarding. 

Skiing in Norway is a must-try because they are constantly innovating and upgrading their infrastructure to give skiers the best experience there possibly is.

 

6. Touring ice caves in Svalbard

 

Under the glaciers at Svalbard is a whole new world  - a world of majestic icicles.

Around 60% of Svalbard is covered with glaciers. If you are visiting during winter, there is a great chance that you will cross one by snowmobile or dog sled. It is difficult to imagine the frozen wonderland beneath the great, white surface of the glaciers.

For the bolder travellers, you can consider the Ice Cave Tour  – it starts from the top of town in Nybyen and you can walk up to the glacier. It will be a two-hour-long hike covering 350m before you reach the entrance to the cave. Safety equipment such as helmets, spikes and headlamps will be provided before continuing down to the cave.

Visiting ice caves have been gaining popularity over the past few years, as many travellers want to experience what it is like to walk through naturally occurring tunnels. Remember to snap as many photos as you can as you go on a tour within the cave. 

The trip is moderately difficult, with some mountain hiking and crawling in the cave with its thick layers of ice crystals and tight passages. For those with back problems, claustrophobia, or other physical conditions, it is best to skip this tour.

 

How much: 1095 NOK (S$149.33) 

Where to book: Visit Svalbard website.

 

Norway is a beautiful country that is on many people’s bucket list, but with so much to see and do with so little time, we have narrowed it down to what we think should not be missed when you finally have the chance to visit Norway. Hope this was a useful guide. Now, enjoy Norway!

 

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Things to take note when travelling to Norway