Explore the Most Unique Things to Do in Norway

Oslo, Norway’s capital, is a destination in its own right. The city beautifully harmonizes modern Scandinavian culture with access to the country’s great outdoors. Compact and walkable, Oslo is lively with architectural landmarks, world-class museums, and a dynamic food scene. But what really sets Oslo apart is how it connects urban life with nature. Just a short tram or metro ride from downtown lands you in deep forests, near idyllic lakes, and at marked hiking trailheads.

Travelers must take some time to wander through the city’s neighborhoods and sites. From the stately Royal Palace and historic Akershus Fortress to the hip, mural-lined streets in Grünerløkka, Oslo is best experienced on foot. Don’t miss Vigelandsparken, an expansive sculpture park featuring the life’s work of Gustav Vigeland. With its mix of green space, culture, and clean design, Oslo is a city that rewards slow exploration and leaves you feeling refreshed.

Enjoy a modern twist on the Nordic tradition by sweating stress out in a floating sauna. After heating up, visitors can cool down with a cold plunge in Oslo’s clear fjord waters. These floating saunas are available at Langkaia, near the Oslo Opera House and Munch Museum, and Aker Brygge, which boasts views of the archipelago and Akershus Fortress.

Just beyond the city’s northern edges lies Nordmarka, a vast forested region that locals make use of year-round. Easily accessible via public transport, Nordmarka offers miles of trails for hiking, biking, and skiing, along with tranquil lakes for paddling or swimming. Visitors can even rest at or stay overnight in cozy cabins managed by the city. Whether you spend an hour or an entire weekend here, Nordmarka feels like a remote retreat.

Western Norway embodies much of what travelers imagine when thinking about the country: deep blue fjords flanked by majestic cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and cozy villages. It’s one of the country’s most visited regions for good reason. But even amid the dramatic landscapes of the Sognefjord and its arms, there are still lesser-known gems and immersive experiences that make this part of Norway truly unique.

Often revered as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world, the Flåm Railway (Flåmsbana) takes passengers from sea level at Aurlandsfjord, an arm of the mighty Sognefjord, up to the mountain station of Myrdal. The journey also winds through the dramatic Flåm Valley with tunnels, waterfalls, and steep ravines. It’s perfect for those who want an up-close glimpse of Norway’s geography in a more relaxed manner.

Just beyond the village of Flåm is the Nærøyfjord. This narrow UNESCO World Heritage waterway is surrounded by impossibly scenic views. Passengers can take a two-hour cruise from Flåm to Gudvangen on the fjord’s emerald-green waters. The experience is peaceful yet dramatic, and a spectacular way to see the fjord landscape from sea level.

Gudvangen is home to the Viking Valley of Njardarheimr, a village populated by passionate locals who have adopted Viking culture as their way of life. Visitors get to meet blacksmiths, archers, and cooks who know their history and are eager to share it. Here, you can try authentic Viking cuisine, participate in hands-on activities, and see how Norwegians lived more than a thousand years ago.

Northern Norway often flies under the radar, largely because it lies well above the Arctic Circle, and reaching its remote towns and villages requires some extra effort. But for those willing to venture off the beaten path, this region rewards with some of the most unique experiences in Norway.

Believe it or not, you really can explore the Arctic on camelback. In the tiny fishing village of Akkarfjord on the island of Sørøya, a two-hour camel safari provides a surreal way to see the coastal tundra. After arriving by ferry from Hammerfest, one of the northernmost cities in the world, you’ll walk through the village to meet the camels, who are surprisingly at home in this chilly climate. It’s a bizarre and beautiful way to take in the remote landscape of the Finnmark region.

Just south of Alta lies the world-famous Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel. Rebuilt every winter, this frozen wonderland features detailed ice sculptures, a bar, and even a wedding chapel. The activities here are just as extraordinary as the hotel and its accommodations. Guests can experience reindeer sledding across the frozen Alta River, traditional ice bathing, or ice sculpting. On clear nights, the northern lights cast stunning green and violet hues across the snowscapes.

From the fishing village of Gjesvær, tourists can board a boat to the Gjesværstappan Nature Reserve. This area is home to Norway’s richest seabird colonies. Here, you can spot puffins, gannets, and the majestic white-tailed eagle on the 1.5-hour cruise. It’s a peaceful but exhilarating way to connect with the Arctic coast’s raw, rugged beauty.