The Ultimate Norway Bucket List: 9 Must-Do Experiences

Norway is a land of jaw-dropping landscapes and rich cultural history, and if it isn’t on your travel bucket list yet, it’s time to grab a pen and fix that. Planning what to do in Norway can be overwhelming because it’s so packed with stunning fjords, charming villages, Viking legends, and more. 

Best things to do in Norway

Here’s your Norway bucket list featuring the absolute best experiences, from boat rides through legendary fjords to marveling at modern Scandinavian design. Whether you’re spending a few days or a few weeks, get ready to fall hard for this magical destination.  

Norway Bucket List

1- Take a Fjord Cruise  

You’ve heard about the fjords. You’ve seen photos. But NOTHING beats experiencing them in person. Hop on a fjord cruise and get ready to be wowed by jagged cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and charming little villages tucked into the coastline.  

Top spots? The Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are UNESCO World Heritage Sites for a reason. Bonus points if you spot seals or porpoises along the way—it’s basically nature’s red carpet moment.  

2 – Dive Into Viking Heritage at Viking Valley  

Calling all history nerds (and everyone else who’s just super into cool stories). Norway’s Viking heritage is legendary, and the Viking Valley in Gudvangen is the place to soak it all in.  

Take interactive tours, walk through reconstructed Viking villages, and honestly just geek out over the craftsmanship of those iconic longships. It’s hands-on, immersive, and pretty much guarantees you’ll leave with a thousand fun facts to casually drop back home.  

3- Road Trip Through Norway’s Epic Landscapes  

Cars were made for road trips like this. Think winding roads cutting through dramatic mountains, fjord-side tunnels, and even hair-raising switchbacks at spots like the Trollstigen Pass.  

Some routes scream bucket-list-worthy:

• The Atlantic Road (hello, bridges over crashing waves!).
• The Hardanger Scenic Route, which has a waterfall trail.
• The Lofoten Islands, where every turn feels like a NatGeo cover photo.  

Pack snacks. Blast your favorite playlist. And prepare for views that’ll make you pull over every five minutes for “just one more photo.” 

4-Chase the Northern Lights (if it’s the season!)  

If you’re in Norway between September and March, drop everything and go aurora hunting. The Northern Lights are pure magic—like nature showing off its best light show just for you.  

Top spots? Tromsø, Alta, and the Lofoten Islands. Oh, and don’t forget to bundle up; winter nights in Norway are no joke.  

Pro tip: Download an aurora forecast app to up your chances of catching the lights dance across the sky.  

5-Visit a Glacier Lake (and Maybe Swim—If You Dare!)  

Norway’s glacier lakes are next-level gorgeous. Picture turquoise waters framed by towering mountains and greenery. The most famous? Lake Bondhus, Nigardsbreen, and Lovatnet.  

Feeling brave (or just slightly unhinged)? Take a dip! Sure, the water is icy, but who doesn’t want an epic story for Instagram captions?  

6- Ride The Flåmsbana Scenic Train  

If “sit back and soak in epic views” is your vibe, the Flåmsbana train is your ticket. This scenic route takes you through waterfalls, rivers, and high-altitude villages, giving you the kind of views that’ll leave you speechless.  

Seats fill fast, so book ahead. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, break your trip with a bike ride down from the Myrdal station.  

7-Fall for Norway’s Unique Architecture  

Museums? Boring? Not in Norway. This country is serving some serious architecture vibes, from slick modern designs to quirky takes on Scandinavian tradition.  

If you’re in Oslo, don’t miss the Kistefos Museum with its twisted bridge design or The Norwegian Museum of Cultural History, where you can see traditional wooden stave churches up close. It’s #aesthetic goals and then some.  

8-Hike Norway’s Stunning National Parks  

Want to feel small in the best way possible? Lace up your hiking boots and hit one of Norway’s jaw-dropping national parks. Options include:

• Jotunheimen for dramatic peaks.  
• Hardangervidda for glacier views.  
• Rondane National Park, Norway’s oldest and still totally epic.  

And if you’re up for a challenge, Trolltunga (that Insta-famous “troll tongue” cliff) serves up major bragging rights and unparalleled views.  

9- Feast on Norwegian Seafood  

You haven’t really tasted seafood until you’ve tried it in Norway. The cold, clean waters mean fish that’s fresher than fresh. Here’s what to try:

• Rakfisk (fermented fish, if you’re feeling brave).  
• Lutefisk, because Christmas traditions are worth a taste.  
• King crab if you’re up in the Arctic Circle—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime meal.  

Oh, and don’t skip out on The Bergen Fish Market for a snack that’s straight-off-the-boat delicious.  

Are You Ready for Norway?  

There you have it—your ultimate Norway bucket list. From Viking tales to fjord adventures, jaw-dropping hikes to the freshest seafood, Norway is the kind of destination you’ll remember forever.  

Now, the only thing left to do? Start packing—and definitely leave some room for adventure. If you’ve been to Norway or have more questions, sound off in the comments. I’d love to know your favorite spots or help you plan your perfect trip!  

Happy exploring! ✈️ 🌿