If you’re heading to Norway on an adventure of a lifetime, you couldn’t have chosen a more stunning destination. Whether you choose to fly there or take a leisurely cruise, this party of Scandinavia has spectacular scenery everywhere you look, plenty of history to discover, and lots of activities to enjoy.

If it’s your first time heading to Norway, we’ve compiled some top tips to help you explore the fjords, hike scenic routes, and enjoy the Northern Lights to make your trip as memorable as possible whilst staying safe.

Considering the Unexpected When Exploring

Norway is an undeniably beautiful location, but it also has remote and harsh environments that need preparing for. No matter what type of activity you get up to whilst here, it’s best to take a cautious approach – yes, you will need your adventurous spirit to get the most out of your time in Norway, but this shouldn’t be without caution.

As the unexpected can happen and sometimes quickly, this is where a few things should be planned first.

• Before you book your trip, research travel insurance policies that will be relevant to both your personal needs and the activities you’ll be doing.
• If you are travelling with a known health issue, having a medical travel insurance policy with unlimited medical expenses can be a good idea. Check that your pre-existing medical condition is covered, so if you then have to make a claim whilst away, you know you will be covered and will avoid being left out-of-pocket paying for medical expenses.
• Be sure to check that your chosen policy will cover the activities you know you will be participating in too. This will give you peace of mind to enjoy your holiday to the fullest.
• When venturing out into the Norwegian wilderness, it’s best not to do so alone and book a tour with a trusted guide. Doing group tours can sometimes be the best option for this.
• Having an emergency medical kit and ensuring you carry any relevant medication you need is also important. Be sure to pack enough medication to cover your holiday and request repeat prescriptions well in advance, as recommended by insurance provider Staysure.
• If you’re unsure which medications you can take, check the regulations for Norway before travelling – you can find out more on uk’s Norway foreign travel advicepage.

Norway’s Must-Visit Natural Attractions

So, where to go to see the best of Norway? You may have heard of a few locations already, but here are some of our picks that will help you have an unforgettable trip.

Geirangerfjord – It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and once you’ve been, you’ll understand why. Known for its deep blue waters and huge cliffs on either side, Geirangerfjord is one of Norway’s most famous fjords whether cruising through them or climbing to the stunning peaks. The views are breathtaking, so seeing them with your own eyes is the only way to appreciate the scale of the area.

Sognefjord – As the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, Sognefjord covers a huge expanse that has 19 picturesque villages to visit. You can enjoy a glacier hike on Nigardsbreen Glacier or take the Flåm Railway to explore the area further.

The Northern Lights – Whilst it can be experienced in other parts of the world including the UK on occasion, the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights, are best viewed in the Arctic Circle from late Autumn to early Spring. Places like Tromsø offer a great chance to witness this stunning natural phenomenon, so be sure to plan ahead and be patient.

The Midnight Sun – During the summer in Northern parts of the country, you can experience 24 hours of daylight, known as the Midnight Sun. This natural phenomenon provides lots of opportunities to extend your day and enjoy everything from kayaking to hiking with uninterrupted sunshine – just remember to catch some sleep when you can!

Lofoten Islands – Renowned for their dramatic scenery, the Lofoten Islands have towering mountains, deep fjords, and a rugged coastline. Visit here if you enjoy the sound of hiking, fishing, and kayaking, or join a wildlife safari. You can also enjoy both the Northern Lights and The Midnight Sun from Lofoten depending on the time of year.

The Outdoor Activities To Enjoy In Norway

There’s so many different activities to enjoy in Norway, so ideally, you’ll feel up to trying them all during your stay. Here’s what to consider when planning your itinerary:

Hiking – Norway offers some of the best hiking trails in the world and it is also one of the most rewarding ways to explore the country. The main hiking season is between 1 June and 31 August and it is best to take a guided hike if looking to see Trolltunga. This provides stunning views of the rock formation that sticks out 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. Another famous hike is Preikestolen, otherwise known as The Pulpit Rock, which offers equally spectacular views of the Lysefjord below.

Skiing – There are plenty of opportunities for skiing in Norway and locations such as Trysil, the largest ski resort in the country, offer extensive slopes and a family-friendly atmosphere, with 31 lifts and 68 slopes to enjoy. If you’re looking for Olympic standard slopes, Hafjell Alpine Resort is where to go and test your skills.

Kayaking – If exploring the fjords by boat isn’t exciting for you, why not kayak instead? The Norwegian fjords provide world-class kayaking and canoeing experiences, and you can take a guided tour to enjoy the best of them. There are plenty of good locations from Blindleia in the South to Lofoten in the North.

Fishing – With its extensive coastline and freshwater lakes, Norway is ideal for fishing. From salmon fishing to sea fishing for cod and halibut, you can take your pick. Visit historic fishing villages such as Lofoten that have shaped the local area since the Vikings.

Memorable Cultural Experiences

Whilst the natural landscape is a showstopper and a huge draw for those who visit Norway, it’s not the only thing to experience. Just like the fishing villages of the Lofoten Islands, there’s a whole host of interesting destinations to learn more about the country’s history.

Norway has its fair share of museums such as the Lillehammer Art Museum and Edvard Munch Museum which is home to the world-famous Scream painting amongst others. The architecture throughout Norway also has many examples of bringing people closer to nature, such as the many walkways and bridges in unexpected places along the Norwegian Scenic Route, such as Hardanger and its waterfall viewpoint or Rondane taking you into the forests for a well-earned rest along the journey.

Ready To Explore Norway?

You certainly won’t regret a holiday to Norway, even if it’s just for a long weekend. There is too much to see and do in one trip, even if you can spare a few weeks here, so seek out some of the highlights and engage in the activities you’ll enjoy the most.

The best way to enjoy the country is to mix a few of the things you love with some new experiences, so if hiking is your thing, why not do this and some kayaking in the fjords too? Visiting at different times of the year can also provide different experiences, so if you enjoyed Summer, think about coming back in the Winter and vice versa. Whatever you end up doing, plan your perfect itinerary ahead of time and don’t forget to bring your camera – you’ll want to capture every moment.