If you’re planning your first visit to Norway, you may have the main attractions such as Oslo and the Atlantic Ocean Road in mind. Whilst these are certainly worth exploring, if you’re looking for something a little more obscure, we’ve put together some unique ideas to add to your itinerary.
Whether you’ve already seen Norway’s most talked-about locations or you want a visit that’s off the beaten path, here are three exclusive experiences to enjoy in Norway.
Swap skiing for bobsledding
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the panoramic views of the pearly-white mountains and forest-clad hills of the Norwegian wilderness, so you needn’t stick to skiing. In Lillehammer, you can enjoy a thrilling bobsled down the track used in the 1994 Olympics, either traditionally in winter or on wheels during the summer. This is the only bob and luge track in the whole of Scandinavia that’s open to the public – so it’s definitely worth a visit.
Found in the heart of Norway, Lillehammer is the central town of Gudbrandsdalen, one of the country’s largest valleys. The alpine resorts here are teeming with plenty of outdoor activities, including dog sledding, sleigh rides, ice skating and snowshoeing. But no matter how you travel across the powder-soft snow here, the dramatic vistas won’t easily be forgotten.
Explore the Helgeland coast
Helgelandskysten, or the Helgeland coast, is a beautiful stretch of coastline reaching around 430 km between Holm and Godøystraumen. Just below the Arctic circle, Helgeland is often skimmed over in favour of the icy wonders of the north or for the iconic fjords further south – but here in the middle, you’ll discover archipelagos of pristine, tiny islands and rugged shores.
The best way to explore this region is by hiring a car, as it’s very rural. It’s a very scenic drive, and the route is dotted with quaint towns, like Mosjøen, which is Helgeland’s oldest town and has many 19th Century houses. Of course, you’ll need to board a few ferries and boats to island-hop along this coastline, but the scenery is unparalleled.
Arctic glamping
No trip to Norway would be complete without an attempt at seeing the enchanting natural phenomenon of the aurora borealis. But now you can view the spectacle whilst snuggled up
in soft blankets in bed, thanks to the luxurious glass-ceiling domes available to hire in Norway. Known as glass igloos, aurora hotels or arctic domes, these private cabins are usually reserved for two – perfect for a romantic night under the stars.
Some of the best can be found in Jøkelfjord, where Arctic glamping is taken to a whole new level with telescopes, woodburners and hot tubs included. These igloo-style tents are the perfect place to snuggle up and watch the display of the Northern Lights – without having to suffer the frosty outdoor temperatures.
A country worth revisiting
Ultimately, Norway is a magical place that’s full of history, friendly people and impeccable scenery. Unless you stay for a long time, you’ll almost certainly want to revisit the many weird and wonderful places you missed on your first visit here. And each time, you’re bound to discover something new and make unforgettable memories in Norway.
