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Unique experiences in Norway

Norway is a deceptively long country with thousands of kilometers of coastline, islands, and fjords. If you were able to pivot the country 180 degrees from Oslo, the tip of Norway would reach all the way down to the boot of Italy! In such a long and varied landscape, you are bound to find some truly unique experiences.
6 min readUpdated: Mar 4, 2026By: The Fjord Tours team
Panoramic view of Lysefjord at sunset with Preikestolen cliff towering above deep blue water.

From UNESCO fjords to the Northern Lights

What resonates with people the most is the breathtaking nature to be found in Norway with UNESCO-preserved sites dotted throughout the country. The highest mountains in Northern Europe, Aurora Borealis, and snow-sure winters have lured and enchanted tourists for centuries.
Here, we try to capture some of the most unique experiences you can find in Norway.
Turquoise Geirangerfjord with cruise ships, forested mountains and snow.

What makes Norwegian fjords special?

The Norwegian fjord landscape, formed at the end of the last ice age when the glaciers retreated and the valleys were flooded by the sea. Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are two of the most well known (and most visited) and have been placed on UNESCO's prestigious World Heritage List.
The fjords and coast have a relatively mild climate thanks to the Gulf Stream, and they remain largely ice-free even in winter. Seals, porpoises, and various fish species enjoy themselves, while eagles and other birds soar in the skies above.
The fjords are often very deep, Sognefjord the deepest, has depths down to 1,308 meters. This provides the perfect route for cruise ships to venture in from the open sea for an up-close and personal encounter with the mountains.
Read More: The Fjords of Norway

Explore the fjords on one of our tours

Inspired to visit the fjords yourself? View a selection of some of our fjord tours.
Woman in yellow sweater leans from green train window, gazing at autumn forest landscape.
Classic route
Norway in a Nutshell®
The iconic Norway in a Nutshell®
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UNESCO Nærøyfjord cruise & Flåm Railway
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Flexible, 1+ days
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Available year-round
From 2698 NOK
Boat on Sognefjord with flag flying, wake trailing behind on calm water.
Full fjord experience
Sognefjord in a Nutshell™
Sail Norway's longest fjord like the locals
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Sognefjord, Aurlandsfjord & the Flåm Railway
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Flexible, 1+ days
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April – October
From 2745 NOK
Grass-roof cabins on hillside overlook fjord, waterfall, peaks.
Geirangerfjord in a Nutshell™
Cruise Norway’s most dramatic fjord
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Waterfalls, fjords, mountains & Trollstigen
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Flexible, 2+ days
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June – September
From 3337 NOK
standing at the scenic viewpoint overlooking the dramatic 182-meter Vøringsfossen waterfall cascading into the valley
Hardangerfjord in a Nutshell™
Hardangerfjord & Vøringfossen from Bergen
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Waterfalls, orchards & fjord cruise
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Flexible, 1+ days
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May – September
From 1991 NOK
Hikers standing on Preikestolen plateau during a scenic hike, overlooking the Lysefjord far beneath in Norway.
Active adventure
Lysefjord in a Nutshell™
Cruise & hike in the Lysefjord
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Explore the fjord that leads to Preikestolen
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Flexible, 1+ days
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May – September
From 3660 NOK
See all our tours
Rugged peaks reflect in calm fjord with soft clouds drifting among cliffs under blue sky.

Norway's mountains – Home to Northern Europe's highest peak

Norway has between 230 and 300 mountain peaks over 2,000 meters. The exact number depends on the definition you use. There are 1000 mountain peaks in Norway of at least 1,650 meters above sea level.Galdhøpiggen, at 2,469 meters above sea level, is Northern Europe's highest mountain and was first climbed in 1850 by a group of three men from the nearby village of Lom: a teacher, a church singer, and a farmer. The mountain is located in Jotunheimen National Park and Lom remains a popular gateway and basecamp to the mountains today. A close second to Galdhøpiggen is Glittertind at 2,464 meters above sea level. Both can be climbed in different ways via different routes depending on desire and skill level.At the base of the glacier below Galdhøpiggen, you will also find one of Norway’s three summer skiing destinations, Galdhøpiggen Summer Ski Center. National teams from around the world come here to train between May and September.
Hike the Mountains: Hiking in Norway
Climb the Mountains: Climbing in Norway
Read More: Mountaineering in Norway for beginners

View our most popular hiking tours

Explore the Norwegian mountains on a guided hiking tour. Find your hiking experience here.
Getting amazing view over the UNESCO Nærøyfjord on the hike to Rimstigen
Summer favorite
UNESCO Nærøyfjord hike
Multiple locations • 7 hr
From 3350NOK
21 May - 31 October
Group hiking Royal Post Road scenic trail Norwegian fjords mountains blue sky summer day
Postal road hike
Multiple locations • 6 hr
From 4450NOK
15 May - 25 September
Happy hikers on Trolltunga after hiking the traditionelle route up to the top
Classic Trolltunga hike
Multiple locations • 10 hr
From 1750NOK
1 May - 30 September
Aerial view of green island with marinas, red roofs, boats, and city across fjord under blue sky.
Bestseller
Island hopping in Oslo
Oslo • 4 hr 30 min
From 660NOK
6 March - 31 December
Group of smiling hikers posing with majestic mountains behind them.
Nærøydalen Heritage Trail
Multiple locations • 5 hr
From 3350NOK
15 May - 31 October
Person in rain jacket raises arms facing massive waterfall among greenery.
Waterfall walk and Norwegian Fjord Centre in Geiranger
Geiranger • 2 hr
From 690NOK
Available all year
Group of hikers resting on grassy hillside, smiling and admiring panoramic view of valley with farms and roads.
Guided viking trail hiking in Voss
Voss • 6 hr
From 3190NOK
15 May - 31 October
Two hikers in blue jackets climbing green hillside with wildflowers, overlooking a valley, fjord, and mountain cliffs.
Fjord safari and hike in Flåm
Flåm • 6 hr
From 2060NOK
1 July - 31 August
Small wooden cabin at Kiellandsbu with grass roof on sunlit hillside, overlooking rugged valley and calm fjord
Guided hiking trip to Kiellandbu from Voss
Voss • 7 hr
From 3190NOK
10 June - 31 October
Hikers trekking up a rocky path with a coastal town in the backdrop, surrounded by hills and ocean.
Kayak and hike in Ålesund
Ålesund • 6 hr
From 1649NOK
15 May - 13 September
Two smiling hikers resting in forest at golden hour, sunlight filtering through lush green trees.
Hiking trip in Oslo - Discover the Magic of Norwegian Forest
Oslo • 3 hr 30 min
From 1022NOK
Available all year
Smiling woman sits on a cliff edge near a sign reading "Høgaksla 981 m.o.h.", cityscape below.
Romsdalseggen - Guided hike
Åndalsnes • 6 hr
From 1625NOK
1 July - 30 September
Person standing on metal viewing platform with arms outstretched, overlooking winding road and waterfall, with sunset lighting the sky.
Trollstigen & hike to the Bispe lake
Åndalsnes • 4 hr
From 1200NOK
15 July - 30 September
Three hikers on rocky outcrop overlooking misty fjord with snow-capped mountains, cloudy sky, and soft light.
Dronningstien guided hike
Lofthus • 8 hr
From 1750NOK
3 January - 1 November
Geodesic dome tent illuminated from within, set against starry night sky with snow-capped mountains.
Glamping at Trolltunga
Multiple locations • 1 day 4 hr
From 4400NOK
1 May - 1 December
Aerial view shows Preikestolen's dramatic position above Lysefjord
Summer favorite
Lysefjord cruise and hike to Preikestolen
Stavanger • 12 hr
From 1520NOK
1 May - 30 September
Cyclists riding along a road beside a vineyard overlooking a fjord.
Hike and bike from Lofthus
Lofthus • 7 hr
From 1650NOK
24 April - 1 November
Three people on snowy viewpoint overlook blue fjord and snowy peaks.
Snowshoe hike to Stegastein viewpoint
Flåm • 2 hr 30 min
From 950NOK
26 December - 31 March
Two snowshoers climb past gondola tower in snowy landscape.
Snowshoe hiking at Hanguren in Voss
Voss • 5 hr
From 3190NOK
12 December - 20 April
Three people snowshoe uphill at sunset with fjord and snowy peaks behind.
Snowshoe hike and viking dinner in Flåm
Flåm • 2 hr 30 min
From 1550NOK
26 December - 31 March
See all hiking tours
Viking ship sailing on Nærøyfjord in Gudvangen with passengers rowing through morning fog

Experiencing Viking culture in Norway

The Vikings are probably one of Norway’s most famous (read infamous) exports. Reviving or at least preserving the history of the Viking culture is a popular theme in Norway and has catered to the purpose of tourism and marketing extremely well. Today, you can experience the culture of our forefathers in several places whether on a Viking cruise or in a museum.

Who were the Vikings?

A Viking was a merchant, farmer, or sea warrior from the Nordic countries in the Viking Age between 800 and 1050AD. The Vikings went on expeditions to Europe where they sometimes traded and often plundered, taking the goods home to the motherland.

Fun facts

The English were fascinated by the Vikings' style and copied their hair and clothing fashion. Many Vikings had symbolic tattoos and jewelry which remain popular themes in modern times. In fact, jewelry and other expensive items were often traded or exchanged as gifts within a Viking community which bound the community together. The chieftain would often distribute plundered spoils down the hierarchy to buy loyalty. Hospitality was held in high regard among the Vikings, and when guests came, the sour milk was replaced with the festive drink mead. Meats, fish, and berries were laid out on tables in communal halls for all the village to feast and entertain guests.
Traditional Norwegian trolls depicted in folklore, massive stone-like creatures believed to inhabit the mountains and forests of Norway's wilderness.

What are trolls? Norway's most famous mythical creatures

Troll is a term used to describe various supernatural beings in Nordic folklore and storytelling traditions and has roots in Norse mythology. Both appearance and characteristics can vary, but the creatures are often both dangerous and stupid. They tend to live in wilderness and areas inaccessible to men, such as mountain caves, dense forests, and the ocean.
The troll legends are many and very old. Those we are familiar with today feature in fairytales and folklore – in particular in Asbjørnsen and Moe's Norwegian folk tales from 1844 where the trolls often are the main characters.
Trolls were often described as strong, evil, and dangerous giants. They were ugly, with large noses and eyes "the size of plates", and often had several heads or just one eye. Gods and humans were their enemies, and they were angered by the “smell of Christian blood”. Most lived in the mountains or in a distant, cold country, but trolls living in the ocean or forest also existed.
For centuries, the belief that trolls existed was so strong that even early legislation had sections aimed at trolls.

How to reveal a troll

According to superstition and ancient Nordic scriptures, trolls have several hidden characteristics. If you see them, you are standing in front of a troll.
  • Size matters - Trolls are normally larger than humans, but in some cases, they can also be significantly smaller. If you meet someone with unnatural body height, you should take a closer look.
  • Rough features and big noses - Trolls have rougher facial features than humans. Longer noses for example lend a good sense of smell so that they can sniff out “Christian blood” from afar.
  • Extra body parts - If you meet someone who is trying to hide the fact they have a tail, he or she is probably a troll. If a person has more than one head, you guessed it, they are probably a troll.
  • Fear of church bells - Real trolls avoid crosses and the sound of church bells. In daylight, they risk being turned to stone. Therefore, pay particular attention to people who avoid going to church or stay indoors all summer.
Okay, we admit that trolls may only be found in fairy tales, but they have nevertheless meant a great deal to Norwegian history, and given names to many famous places, such as Trolltunga, Trollveggen, and Trollstigen.

Get inspired!

Looking for more inspiration? Explore these articles about interesting topics in Norway.
Scenic Norwegian fjord with small cruise ship, lush greenery, village along water’s edge, snow-capped peaks, and cloudy sky.
Where to see the fjords in Norway
Norway is known as a land of great beauty and stunning nature and within its vast territory lies over 1,700 fjords. These long, deep inlets dot the country and are one of the most popular reasons given by tourists for visiting.
Two climbers enjoying ascent on steep cliff, playful pose, fjord and mountains in the background.
Why Norway Is Perfect for Adventure Travelers
Norway is often referred to as a dream destination for adventure travelers. The varied Norwegian landscapes provide adventurers with a rich diversity of outdoor activities to choose from throughout the year, including hiking, biking, skiing, kayaking, and rock climbing, to name a few. There's no shortage of thrilling experiences to be had in Norway's great outdoors!
A man in Viking-style clothing raises a horn in a toast as a woman in Viking-era dress walks by.
The most legendary female viking warriors that ever lived
When you think of Vikings, what comes to mind—their legendary ferocity, dedication to honor, their massive ships, and desire to invade and claim new lands? One thing that’s almost certainly left out is the fact that several of the most legendary vikings were in fact female.
People row Viking boat across calm fjord with forested cliffs.
Norway’s mysterious norse myths and legends
Norway is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, with countless people ranking it at the top of the list of countries they want to visit. Behind Norway’s well-known and varied tourist attractions, there’s a wealth of culture and history, including interesting myths and legends. In this article, we’ll look at some of the Norwegian folklore and legends that provide the backdrop for some of the biggest attractions in the country.