100 Best Things To Do In Norway – Part I
Away from the Copacabana beaches and scorching sun, way up in the cold north lies a brilliant gem called Norway. Its basic appeal is simple: it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world.
Norway has been called The Land of the Midnight Sun, The Land of Fjords and the Land of Northern Lights. However, those are but the few things it is most known for: there are so much more.
Norway is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. With some of the most stunning nature sites in the world, you surely won’t be disappointed. It also has a rich cultural history and a lively contemporary art scene, primarily in Oslo.
However, when visiting a country as large it can be hard to decide where you should go. That is why we have prepared a list of the 100 best things to do in Norway.
Let’s plunge in to Part 1 of 10
1. Geiranger Fjord (Geiranger)
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In the land of fjords, there is one that stands head and shoulders above the rest. Geiranger Fjord is part of UNESCO world heritage for many reasons: stunning scenery, amazing views and a sense of calm that one just can’t get in city life.
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2. Fløyen And The Funicular (Bergen)
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Norway is home to amazing views. Mount Fløyen is no exception – whether you enjoy hiking or just the view. You can get to the top by foot or cable car. In either case, remember: don’t feed the trolls.
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3. Vigeland Museum And The Angry Baby (Oslo)
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Art and sculpture lovers (and others), listen up! Vigeland Museum is the world’s largest sculpture park: and all of it was made by just one person – Gustav Vigeland. A must see for his unique style and the Angry Baby.
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4. Pulpit Rock Hike From Stavanger (Forsand Municipality)
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The Pulpit Rock is a highlight of anyone’s trip to Norway. The hike takes 2-4 hours, depending on how many stops you take for photos (and there will be many if this is your first time). This is a proper hike – wear some boots.
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5. The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet (Oslo)
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How many opera houses exist where you can just walk to the top? The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet is one of them and an absolute marvel of modern architecture. It is worth seeing for that alone, but going inside and seeing a performance is also highly recommended. Norway Today will recommend a visit to Stavanger Consert hall for much the same reasons.
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6. Fram Polar Ship Museum (Oslo)
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Fram is a polar expedition ship that is no longer in use: but you can get on board in this one-of-a-kind museum. Everything there is right before your eyes for you to touch. Take at least an hour and a half to explore the museum in its whole.
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7. Trolltunga, The Troll’s Tongue (Odda)
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There is no shortage of spectacular hikes in Norway. The Trolltunga, or Troll’s Tongue, is not an easy one either (but if you can make it through the first mile, you’re golden). It’s hard work, it’s long, it’s wet. But in the end, you are rewarded for your efforts with epic sights.
On a side note they now have even found the Troll’s dick near Egersund.
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8. Kjerag (Forsand Municipality)
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The hike to Kjerag is the one that ends in one of the most iconic pictures you can take in Norway. Of course, I mean the rock nested between two walls. Perfect if you are looking for some adventurous or couple pictures. One of the things you have to do before you die. [Being from the area, and equipped with immense fear of heights, Norway Today’s editor would rather die before visiting again, but admits that it is spectacular]
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9. Hurtigruten Day Trips (Tromsø)
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What is the best way to see the fjords? Well, from the waterside. Now if you could combine that with watching of the Northern lights, good food and amazing sights all around, day and night? That is what you get when you go on a Hurtigruten day trip. The trip has been described as the “World’s Most Beautiful Sea Voyage”. The classic trip takes 12 days, but shorter cruises are available as well. Currently they also arrange cruises to Svalbard and the Antartica too, but we’ll get back to that later.
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10. Trollstigen, Troll’s Footpath (Western Norway)
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Looking for a great view – or some adrenaline? You can combine both on a day trip to one of the most stunning roads in the world: Trollstigen. As with most other hikes, it is better the earlier you go. Still, respect the traffic laws, or you will get banned like Top Gear did.
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© Jen Miller / visitnorway.com / Norway Today