What to do and see in Norway, Norway: The Best Free Things to do

April 23, 2022 Joeann Galban

in Europe  (green & dark grey)
Restaurants in Norway

1. Trollstigen

Åndalsnes, 6300 Norway +47 948 49 755 http://visitandalsnes.com/en/trollstigen-og-stigfossen-en/
Excellent
82%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 815 reviews

Trollstigen

Reviewed By feyms - Ironia, United States

From a Holland America Cruise Ship at Molde, Norway we took a bus tour called “Path of the Trolls”. We boarded a ferry to the other side of the fjord, traveled passed the sweetest strawberry fields, which were out of season, through tunnels to the beautiful canyon at Gudbrandsdjuvet. We next headed to the tourist center at Trollstigen. We walked out on to several walkways at the precipice of the Canyon, looking both up at Stigfossen Falls and down to the winding road with 11 hairpin turns to the valley in the distance below. There was breathtaking scenery fro top to bottom. I highly recommend you visit! From there we traveled the troll path to Troll Wall the highest vertical wall in Europe. We traveled back by road and ferry in this rather long 7 hour, but worthwhile venture.

2. Pulpit Rock

4129 Norway https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/preikestolen/185743/
Excellent
82%
Good
14%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2,994 reviews

Pulpit Rock

Reviewed By NOVAVol02 - Gainesville, United States

Wife, 21yr old daughter and I hiked Preikestolen (Norwegian name for Pulpit Rock) today and it was fantastic, but not just due to the amazing geography of the area. The overlook from up top is as amazing as all the picture show, but the hike itself was far more challenging and interesting than I was expecting. I’m an experienced backpacker, so day hikes aren’t generally much of a challenge but for a relatively short hike (only 4+km in each direction or about 2.5 miles) it had a good variety of terrain and several sections of steep climbs followed by equally steep downhill. The trail is generally pretty rocky but there is no “hand over hand” climbing required. Trekking poles are handy for those (like me) with occasional knee pain, but they’re not absolutely necessary. Heavy tennis shoes are doable but I used my low-cut Teva hikers. Trail Advice: GET AN EARLY START!!! We stayed at the Fjellstue so we hit the trail just before 0630 and basically had the trail to ourselves on the way up. As we approached the top we passed several couples coming down who we believe camped upon the mountain (we saw several tents in a high meadow/glen 1-2km before the top). Once up on top we shared the plateau with maybe 8 other hikers and spent about 45 minutes having our trail snack and soaking up the amazing views. By the time we headed down the number up top was approaching 20. On the way down we encountered the tour bus crowds and by the time we were almost down the trail was almost full with all types of day hikers and tourists - many with small children or on the older side who we assessed had about 5% chance of making it up to the top. Problem is if you’re “stuck” behind 100s of tourists and slow movers you’re experience is not going to be as enjoyable. Do yourself a favor and stay at the Fjellstue or somewhere on the Tau side of the fjord in order to get an early start. Overall we LOVED the hike and the views. Highly recommend it!

3. Geiranger Fjord

Geiranger, Stranda Norway +47 950 95 260 http://www.geiranger.no/en
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 3,051 reviews

Geiranger Fjord

Reviewed By garyrU7172XN - Melbourne, Australia

This fjord is gorgeous, the narrowness of it with near sheer vertical snow capped mountains surrounding and cascading waterfalls makes it a picture perfect setting that is almost unbelievable. There are a few elevated viewing points that are ideal to make the most of the stunning scenery and capturing outstanding photos. A cruise on the fjord is well worthwhile to maximise the fjord in its entirety.

4. Trolltunga

Skjeggedal, Odda 5750 Norway +47 480 70 777 [email protected] http://www.trolltunga.com
Excellent
84%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,340 reviews

Trolltunga

Trolltunga – Norway's Most Spectacular Rock Formation Trolltunga is one of the most scenic and spectacular cliffs in Norway, hovering 700 metres above Ringedalsvatnet lake. Situated at the western edge of the Hardangervidda plateau, near the town of Odda, Trolltunga was carved by the icecap that once covered most of Scandinavia. The hike through high-mountain terrain up to Trolltunga (1180 m) is long and demanding, but you are rewarded with magnificent views. From the main trailhead at P2 in Skjeggedal, the round-trip hike is 28 km with an ascent of almost 800 metres. The estimated hiking time is 8–12 hours. There is an additional trailhead at P3 Magelitopp. The round-trip hike from P3 Magelitopp is 20 km with an ascent of about 320 metres. The estimated hiking time is 7–10 hours. Hikers need to be properly equipped and in good shape. All the info you need about hiking to Trolltunga: https://trolltunga.com/.

Reviewed By leifs708

We took the Shuttle bus from the parking to the starting point of the actual walk. Unless you are very fit and will enjoy 9 additional KM steep up hill walk, i will strongly recommend this Shuttle bus, since the walk from the starting point and return is 20 KM. When we arrived at Trolltunga we had a great time enjoying this unique view. Absolutely worth the efforts and a great memory. Remember to take additional clothes and sufficient food and drinks.

5. Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf

Bergen 5003 Norway +47 479 79 577 http://www.visitbryggen.com
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,820 reviews

Bryggen Hanseatic Wharf

Reviewed By lobstaluva - Springfield, United States

We spent a couple of days in Bergen and loved every minute of this charming city. The colorful facades of the wooden buildings facing the water are first to catch your eye. They are shops, restaurants and cafes (excellent ice cream shop). Between some of these buildings are narrow alleyways that lead you back to interesting places. Here you will see artisans at work, odd architecture, crafts to purchase. Continue walking along the water past these colorful buildings and you will come to the Bryggen Museum and St Mary’s church up a small hill on the right. Walk around the end of the harbor and to the other side to see the fish market section. There is every kind of edible sea creature imaginable, some uniquely displayed. There are several open air restaurants..... we ate at Fish Me and had delicious king crab. There is a visitor center, lots of boats to check out, shops, cafes and activity. Plan to spend a couple of hours just walking around soaking up the culture.

6. Old Stavanger

4001, Stavanger Norway http://mystavanger.com
Excellent
52%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,344 reviews

Old Stavanger

Reviewed By 611JaneS - Loughborough, United Kingdom

Beautifully preserved and renovated white wood houses, cobbled streets, white picket fences and gardens/hanging baskets full of colourful bedding plants

7. The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet

Kirsten Flagstads Pl. 1, Oslo 0150 Norway +47 21 42 21 21 [email protected] http://operaen.no/en
Excellent
64%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,982 reviews

The Norwegian National Opera & Ballet

Reviewed By ispy7 - London, United Kingdom

Even though I’m nervous with heights it was great to climb the roof of the Opera and take a look over Oslo followed by a lovely hit chocolate in the cafe of this amazing building.

8. Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalbreen)

Briksdalsbreen Oldedalen, Stryn 6792 Norway +47 57 87 40 40 [email protected] http://www.nordfjord.no/en/Product/
Excellent
71%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 970 reviews

Briksdal Glacier (Briksdalbreen)

Reviewed By watermelon1306

Visited Olden and Briksdal in June and it is definitely worth the visit and it exceeded all my exceptions. As you take the tranquil 45 minute walk to the glacier you are surrounded by breathtaking snow capped mountains, lush green spots of grass and mountain flowers and flowing waterfalls which you can stand beside and soak up its spray of water. However, if walking isn't your thing or you are unable to, you can take a troll car up the winding paths to the glacier although if you are able to make the trek it is 100% worth it.

9. Odderoya

Boks 2041 Posebyen, Kristiansand 4610 Norway +47 38 00 80 60 http://www.odderoyalive.com/
Excellent
57%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 182 reviews

Odderoya

Reviewed By Gerd-Hanne_Norway

Really enjoyed my morning walk around Odderoya. Particularly, I liked the light house, the paths, the views from various spots around the island, and learning a little military history. Also, there is a small, charming garden which looked like it might be a community garden(?). There are some fairly steep hills if heading for the light house, so good to have proper footwear.

10. Ravnedalen Naturpark

Ravnedalen, Kristiansand Norway +47 38 09 07 91 http://www.ravnedalen.no
Excellent
67%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 251 reviews

Ravnedalen Naturpark

Reviewed By 695razvanp

For sure one of the most beautiful parks in Kristiansand and for those that like to spend time outside reading or relaxing this is the perfect spot.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.