Norway, with its breath-taking landscapes and unique things to do, beckons adventure seekers from around the world. While the country boasts countless wonders, we’ve created the top 15 bucket list items that you absolutely cannot miss. Whether you’re travelling Norway on a budget like us or happy to spend a little more we have something for you. And guess what? This is just the tip of the iceberg—our Ultimate Norway Bucket List Guide (a downloadable PDF with printable list) has 76 extraordinary Norge adventures waiting for you!
So, let’s get into it, what can you do in Norway on a budget? And what are the best things to do in Norway?
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Bucket List Norway Adventures
A country with endless hikes, waterfalls and scenic views, Norway is one of our favourite countries in the world. We’ve put together a Complete Bucket List Norway Guide, to help you plan your dream trip to the land of the trolls and giants!
🗺️ Your Ultimate Norway Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Norway. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
Northern Lights
Witness the enchanting dance of the Northern Lights. The magical green and pink lights are caused by charged particles colliding with the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a mesmerising display that is best enjoyed in Norway’s remote, light-pollution-free areas. The best time to see the Northern lights is between October and February.
Drive To Nordkapp
A great one if you have a motorhome or camper. Stand at the northernmost point of mainland Europe, where the vast Arctic Ocean meets the sky. Nordkapp offers a surreal experience of the midnight sun in summer and the chance to witness the Northern Lights in winter, making it a year-round bucket list destination.
This Norway Bucket List also has a printable list to tick off your adventures!
Wild Swim in a Glacial Lake
Immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters of a glacial lake for a truly invigorating experience. These pristine lakes, often surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature while taking a refreshing dip in some of the world’s purest waters. My favourite was Lovatnet. A glacial lake so icy it takes your breath away. You can swim in the green waters underneath the glacier. This place is truly magical and one of my favourite in Norway.
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Kayak Geirangerfjord
Paddle through the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Kayaking allows you to get up close to this natural giant. We managed to do this in our inflatable kayaks but you can also get guided tours that will take you down to the famous Seven Sister’s Waterfall.
Visit Saltstraumen
Witness the world’s strongest tidal current at Saltstraumen, a natural phenomenon near Bodø. This is a great place for fishing if that is your thing!
From Northern Lights to Spotting Moose, find out The Best Things To Do In Norway
Unlock The Full Norway Bucket List
Ready to elevate your bucket list experience? Get your Ultimate Norway Bucket List Guide with Printable List Now
Polar Plunge
Embrace your adventurous side with a polar plunge into the icy Arctic waters. This daring activity is not only a test of courage but also a unique way to immerse yourself in the Arctic environment.
Stay In An Ice Igloo
While most of the items on our list are free this one is more expensive. Experience the magical atmosphere of sleeping in an ice igloo, surrounded by the stunning winter landscapes of Norway. Cosy up in a thermal sleeping bag and witness the Northern Lights dance across the sky.
Over 70 hand-picked adventures and things to see, checkout our Full Bucket List
Sleep in a Cabin in the Woods
This for us was at the top of our list. You can read about our experience of staying in Badstua here. The remote cabin was exactly what we were looking for and it was free! Experience the tranquillity of the Norwegian wilderness by spending a night in a cosy (but sometimes creepy) cabin.
Read our experience of staying in a free Norwegian cabin
Hike Behind a Waterfall
Venture behind the cascading waters of a waterfall for a unique perspective. Norway’s landscape is dotted with majestic waterfalls, offering an opportunity to get close to the power and beauty of nature. We visited Storsæterfossen in Geiranger. A steep 40-minute climb leads up to a stunning viewpoint. Follow the steps down and you can walk behind Storsæterfossen waterfall. You can feel the immense power of the waterfall as you get slightly splashed. A muddy but rewarding hike!
Tip: this hike was really busy so if you’re in a camper head up early before the cruise ships arrive.
Underwater Restaurant
We didn’t fit this into our budget but we have heard great things. An experience we are sure is unforgettable. Indulge in a culinary delight at an underwater restaurant with panoramic views of marine life.
Find out all of our recommendations in our Full Norway Bucket List
Sauna on a Fjord
Relax and rejuvenate in a traditional sauna while enjoying the breath-taking views of a fjord. Sauna culture is deeply ingrained in Norwegian traditions, and combining it with the stunning fjord scenery creates a truly immersive wellness experience. We found a great little Sauna in Fjærland on the glacial lake. The perfect backdrop to relax and slow down.
Segla Hike in Senja
Conquer the heights with a breath-taking hike to Segla in Senja, a mountain known for its distinctive sail-like shape. The panoramic views from the summit are a reward for the challenging ascent.
This Norway Bucket List also has a printable list to tick off your adventures!
Trollkirka (Cave Exploration)
Norway is famous for its hikes. Of course Pulpit Rock, Trolltunga, and glaciers should be on your list but this less known hike is well worth a mention. After hiking up a mountain for around an hour you come to a cave system which can explore independently. Inside the cave is a stunning waterfall in what’s nicknamed the Troll’s Church. This is a hike that is otherworldly and one not to be missed.
Tip: Take a torch as the caves are pitch black.
Read more about Trollkirka
Moose Observation Tower
Observe these majestic creatures from a specially designed observation tower. Get a close-up view of moose in their natural habitat, an experience that showcases the unique wildlife of Norway. If this is out of your budget you can pop over the boarder to Sweden and head to a Moose Farm. We can recommend Dalsands Mosse Ranch.
Visit Booktown – Fjærland
Lose yourself in the charm of Fjærland, a town where books take centre stage. Book lovers will find paradise in this picturesque village, home to numerous bookstores and a stunning backdrop of mountains and glaciers.
From Northern Lights to Spotting Moose, find out The Best Things To Do In Norway
Full Norway Bucket List
These 15 experiences are just a taste of what awaits you in Norway. But wait, there’s more! Dive deeper into the wonders of Norway with our comprehensive Ultimate Norway Bucket List Guide. From Arctic adventures to cultural discoveries, this guide is your key to unlocking the full potential of your Norwegian journey. We include hikes, food to try, animals to see and the best experiences in Norway. Whether you’re on a budget or treating yourself to a trip of a lifetime there is something for everyone on the PDF list.
Ready to elevate your bucket list experience? Get your Ultimate Norway Bucket List Guide with Printable List Now
Top Things To Do In Norway
Norway, the land of giants and trolls, meandering roads, epic fjords and much more is a prime destination for a road trip, holiday or cruise. After spending 2 months exploring this Nordic country, we share our top picks from our time on the Scandinavian road.
Top Hike: Pulpit Rock
An outcrop extends over a deep fjord, as you stand on the edge of Preikestolen you’re above the clouds and high on life. A 3 hour trek that is worth every minute.
Epic Viewpoint: Rampestreken
Rampestreken is a 20m extended platform looking out over mountains and fjords, one section is even mesh so you can see the drop right below you. You can hike or catch a cable car here.
Top Waterfall: Trollkirka or Låtefossen
It was too hard to choose just one, so I’ve gone for two. Trollkirka is a waterfall inside a marble cave which involves hiking to a Trolls Church, and Låtefossen which is right on the road but just as spectacular.
Off The Beaten Track: Sleep in a Cabin In The Woods
Norway is a country of adventure, and what better way to experience this than sleeping in a traditional hiking or hunting cabin.
Essential Items for Norway
Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind, plus you’re helping the environment
Norway is a hiker’s destination and with challenging hikes such as Pulpit Rock, we were glad to have our poles. We would also recommend reliable Hiking Boots.
If you’re visiting in the shoulder seasons or winter a head torch is a must. The days are short and if you’re camping this is essential.
Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country… game changer.
Top Tips For Travelling Norway
If you’re visiting the Norway here are our top travel tips:
- Book flights in advance – they can become expensive if you leave it last minute. Also don’t forget Apple Airtags to track your luggage
- Norway is vast, take it slow – don’t feel the need to see everything if you only have a short time. Instead spend the time you have discovering the beauty and culture of the area you’re in… plus then you have an excuse to come back.
- Hire a car or motorhome – in our opinion this is the best way to really see Norway. You get to drive down hairpin roads such as Trollstigen and explore the lesser known nooks of the country.
- Be prepared for changing weather – it can be sunny one minute and snowing the next so pack for a range of temperatures and remember “there’s no such thing as bad weather, just inadequate clothing.”
🗺️ Your Ultimate Norway Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Norway. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
