13 Best Things To Do In Norway For Nature Lovers

Savanna
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 6 min read
things to do in norway for nature lovers

Teaming with national parks and scenic views, Norway is a favorite destination for nature lovers. With plenty of hiking trails, mountain peaks, and plummeting waterfalls, Norway has plenty to offer for those looking to experience some of the most breathtaking sights in Europe. This list narrows down the must-see natural attractions in Norway.

Read on to find out the best things to do in Norway to appreciate the natural sights there:

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1. Hardangervidda National Park

Hardangerviddaflora
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Smtunli used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The largest national park in Norway, Hardangervidda stretches 1,321 square miles (3,422 square kilometers) over the vast Hardanger mountain range and is a favorite spot for visitors of all ages. This beautiful national park was ranked one of the top 10 cycling routes in Norway. With various trails to choose from, visitors can traverse through the area on excursions tailored for all skill levels with professionally mapped out trails provided by the Norwegian Mountain Touring Association. Visitors to this park can experience the breathtaking beauty of Norway, and maybe catch a glimpse of wild reindeer along the way.

Hardangervidda National Park

Address: 3630 Buskerud / Telemark / Hordaland, Norway

Website: Hardangervidda National Park

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2. Trolltunga

View of trolltunga
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user TerjeN used under CC BY 3.0

Situated 1,100 meters (3,608 feet) above sea level, Trolltunga boasts one of the most scenic views in Norway and is a popular destination among travelers. Although the hike is not for the faint at heart, the views from the cliff overlooking the peaceful lake and majestic mountains are spectacular. Starting in Skjeggedal, the 10 to 12-hour hike will wind hikers through the mountains with marked signs provided throughout the journey. For safety reasons, the hike is highly recommended from mid-June to mid-September. Guided walking and biking tours are also available.

Trolltunga

Address: 5770 Odda, Norway

Website: Trolltunga

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3. Fjords

Fjords
Source: Needpix

A staple of traditional Norwegian beauty, the iconic fjords provide guests with scenic views across the country. Although fjords can be found throughout the country, the most popular, the Nærøyfjord, the Sognefjord, the Lysefjord, and the Geirangerfjord, can all be found on the west coast. Other than offering spectacular views, the fjords are also a favorite among travelers for their accessibility and multiple options for exploration. Guests can kayak, swim, or choose from a variety of boat tours and cruises to experience the fjords.

Fjords

Website: List of Fjords

What better way to explore one of Norway’s most popular natural attractions than via a helicopter tour! The Geirangerfjord is a UNESCO Heritage site and will be the last leg of the tour. Prior to that, enjoy remarkable views of Stryn’s natural gems and fly above Joestedal Glacier, Briksdal Glacier, Brenndalsbreen Glacier, and Myklebustbreen Glacier. Feast your eyes on all these natural formations formed for over thousands of years and be blown away by their staggering presence! At the end of your one-hour private tour, the Geirangerfjord will take your breath away with panoramic views of the famous Seven Sisters waterfall and all other natural beauty surrounding it.

Geirangerfjord & glaciers helicopter tour in Stryn

Price: 1642 per group

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4. The Northern Lights

Northern Lights - Aurora Borealis Norway Ringvassøya Tromsø
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Svein-Magne Tunli... used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Northern Norway prides itself on being a prime location to view the spectacular Northern Lights. Some of these locations include the Lofoten islands, Hammerfest, Lyngenfjord, and Narvik. Due to popularity, plenty of towns in Northern Norway offer plenty of activities for travelers to enjoy. Guests can also choose from a multitude of guided tours, cruises, restaurants, and hotels that cater to viewing the Northern Lights.

The Northern Lights

Address: Svalbard, Norway

Website: The Northern Lights

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5. The midnight sun

Midnight sun buldersanden norway
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user ArneEide used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you need some extra hours of daylight to see all of the natural attractions Norway has to offer, then you are in luck. From May to July, the sun never sets along the northern coastline and islands in Norway. In the icy town of Svalbard, the Midnight Sun is known to extend from April to August. There are several activities visitors can experience during the midnight sun, such as golfing, kayaking, and hiking. Those who want to brave the icy waters can also try swimming. Best locations to experience the midnight sun include Helgeland, Salten, Bodo, and Lofoten.

The midnight sun

Address: The Arctic Circle and surrounding islands, Norway

Website: The Midnight Sun

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6. Trollheimen Mountain Area

Joldalen-Trollheimen
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Orcaborealis used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you are looking for a central location for plenty of nature activities and lodging, Trollheimen Mountain Area is a prime location. Nestled in the heart of the mountains, visitors can hike or bike along the winding nature trails, fish in the scenic lakes, or go skiing down one of the many mountains in the area. There are also several accommodations, including Vindolbu Mountain Lodge, Hermannhytta Mountain Lodge, and Saga Trollheimen Hotel complete with traditional, grass-covered roofs.

Trollheimen Mountain Area

Address: Rindal, Norway

Website: Trollheimen Mountain Area

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7. Jotunheimen National Park

Jotunheimen mountains near Memurubu
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Annabel used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Boasting some of the most impressive mountain peaks in the area, this park is a favorite among mountaineers and hikers. With most of the mountainous landscape on the western side near Luster and Årdal, those looking to drive through the Sognefjell Mountains can get a close look at Store Skagastolstind, which is part of the vast Hurrungane range. Although there are over 200 peaks throughout Jotunheimen, the three highest include, Galdhøpiggen, Glittertind, and Store Skagastølstind, which are all well over 2,000 meters (6,560 feet).

Jotunheimen National Park

Address: Vågå, Jotunheimen 2680, Norway

Website: Jotunheimen National Park

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8. Waterfalls

Seven Sisters waterfall
Source: Pixabay

Along with towering mountains and peaceful fjords, visitors can also experience the thunderous roar of cascading waterfalls around Norway. Out of the 30 tallest waterfalls in the world, 10 of them reside in Norway and offer majestic views. The most popular reside in the southwest of Norway and include Vettisfossen, Langfoss, and The Seven Sisters, named for the resemblance of flowing hair. During May and June, the melting ice and snows from the mountains increases the water level of the falls and provides the best viewing experience.

Waterfalls

Website: List of waterfalls

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9. Glaciers

Briksdalsbreen (03 272)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user [Unknown] used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Led by a professional tour guide, visitors can experience the unpredictable beauty of the glaciers through hiking. One of the largest glaciers in Europe, Jostedalsbreen also hosts the Norwegian Glacier Museum where guests can learn more about glaciers and their effect on the landscape and climate. Aside from hiking, visitors can also ski down the glaciers at summer ski resorts in Tystigbreen and Folgefonna.

Glaciers

Website: List of glaciers

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10. Folgefonna National Park

Bondhusbreen14
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user kirq used under CC BY-SA 2.5

With a brand new visitor center to welcome and educate guests about the area, this national park boasts plenty of activities for nature lovers. Some of the most popular nature trails include the Tourist Route in Folgefonna, the Bondhusdalen and Buardalen valleys, and Bufore/the Pilgrim’s Way. Visitors who need a break can visit the self-serving cabins around the area which include Fonnabu, Breidablikk, Holmaskjer, and Saubrehytta.

Folgefonna National Park

Address: 5470 Rosendal, Norway

Website: Folgefonna National Park

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11. Raft down the Numedalslågen

things to do in norway for nature lovers | raft down the numedalslågen

Up for some adventure? Go river rafting down Numedalslågen in Dagali, Norway with friends or family! Adrenaline Hunter offers 3 different rafting trips: a) 2-hour Family Rafting accessible for children from 8 years old; b) 3-hour Premium Rafting with more rapids and sensation, accessible for children from 12 years old; and c) Extreme excursion which has rapids of intermediate to expert level and accessible for children from 15 years old. If you’re looking for a more pro-level adventure, book the extreme excursion where there will be passages requiring you to swim! Don’t worry as you’ll be in the good hands of experienced rafting guides as you glide along the 352 km (219 miles) long river, where you will raft on redirected snow from the National Park.

Raft down the Numedalslågen

Price: 67 USD per person

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12. Go on a dog sledding excursion in Geilo

things to do in norway for nature lovers | go on a dog sledding excursion in geilo

A dog sledding excursion is one way to explore the beautiful landscapes of Buskerud and to have fun with some friendly furry friends at the same time. With Geilo Husky, you get to experience dog sledding the real way where you will drive your own pack of sled dogs, fully guided by your designated musher from dog handling to sled driving. There are three different excursions to choose from: a) Husy Taster: 20 - 25 minutes trip through the forest and over the frozen lake of Ustedalsfjorden; b) Husky Extra: 50 minutes of longer adventure; and c) Full Day Trip: a full day excursion including lunch in the Hardangervidda National Park. Whichever of these is your choice, be prepared to have a memorable time with the dogs and your musher, while enjoying a taste of Norway over some campfire.

Dog sledding excursion in Geilo

Price: from 63 USD

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13. Go snowmobiling in Scandinavian landscapes

things to do in norway for nature lovers | go snowmobiling in scandinavian landscapes

Hey adrenaline junkie! This 3-hour snowmobile excursion in Dagali, Geilo might just be what you’re looking for. You don’t need to have previous snowmobiling experience to enjoy this ride since thorough safety and training will be provided and for as long as the driver must have a valid driving license. Gather family or friends and don’t forget to wear warm boots and winter clothes as you cross a total of 40 km (25 miles) while enjoying hot drinks in between. So gear up and get ready to take in all of the magnificent Scandinavian views that bless Norwegian winter.

Snowmobile excursion in Dagali

Price: 55 USD

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Experience the vast beauty of Norway

From the towering mountain peaks, expansive fjords, and breathtaking Northern Lights, Norway has plenty of natural attractions for nature lovers of all ages. Experience Norway yourself this upcoming travel season.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Savanna Blackerby, a native of Florida, is a writer and traveler with a passion for theme parks and a penchant for exploring her love of history. She takes pleasure in acquiring knowledge about...Read more

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