NORWEGIAN
ADVENTURES
Norway’s untameable landscape and extreme climate have challenged humans to adventure here for millennia. Norwegians take great joy in exploring their jagged mountains and endless coastline, home to whales, polar bears and shaggy musk oxen. With a bit of planning, here are all the rugged adventures you can delight in.
t Kayaking on the emerald waters in Nordland, Northern Norway
Kayaking and Climbing
Kayaking is an excellent way to soak up the majesty of the fjords while avoiding the throngs of hikers and boat passengers, especially in busy Vestlandet. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, kayaking under the midnight sun in Lofoten is an enthralling way to see this part of the world. Thrill seekers will relish rock climbing. The county of Romsdal is home to some of Norway’s most famous climbs and Europe’s tallest vertical rock face – Trolltindane, near Åndalsnes, which stands at over 1,000 m high (3,280 ft) and is a popular photo spot.
Go Fish!
Norway’s coastline is approximately 100,000 km (62,137 miles), although the precise figure isn’t known. If laid out flat, it would circle the earth two and a half times. It’s no surprise that the country’s various waterways offer countless prime fishing spots. Fish for cod in the Lofoten islands, try to catch trout in the rivers of Hardangervidda and head for Guala River, close to Trondheim, for salmon fishing.
Wildlife Encounters
Whale safaris, polar bear safaris, reindeer experiences, birdwatching: there’s plenty of ways to experience Norway’s wildlife. Sperm whales frequent the waters near the Vesterålen islands, north of the Arctic Circle, and whale-safari operators guarantee a glimpse in summer. Dovrefjell National Park offers safaris to spot the mighty musk ox, while Svalbard is home to 3,000 polar bears.
Hit the Slopes
The ideal way to get out into mighty Mother Nature during the winter months is by ski or snowboard. Unlike Europe’s Alps, the ski resorts in Geilo and Lillehammer in Eastern Norway provide quieter pistes. Hemsedal is an excellent back-country destination, and Lofoten also has back-country options. For endlessly scenic, cross-country slopes, ski Hardangervidda’s trail network.
Did You Know?
The father of modern skiing, Sondre Norheim (1825–97) is the first recorded person to strap on skis.
Insider Tip
Visiting ice caps
Europe’s largest ice caps are here in Norway, and they’re best visited in summer (winter can be bitterly cold). You can join a hike, climb them, ski down them or just gaze in wonder. Experienced glacier walkers can join a guide and hike the formidable Jostedalsbreen glacier while, on Sognefjorden, Nigardsbreen is the most family-friendly option.