The Best Things to Do in Norway For First-Time Visitors
Norway is a country full of dramatic scenery, outdoor activities, and cities that mix history with modern design. For a first trip, it helps to plan a mix of both. You’ll want time in the cities to see the museums and landmarks, but also space in the outdoors to take in the fjords, mountains, and northern landscapes. Here are five of the best things to do if you’re visiting Norway for the first time.
1. See the Fjords on a Cruise
The fjords are Norway’s biggest highlight, and the easiest way to see them is by joining one of the fantastic Norway cruises. These range from short two-hour boat rides to multi-day journeys along the coast. Larger ships tend to focus on the main fjords, while smaller boats reach quieter areas where the scenery feels untouched.
Geirangerfjord and Nærøyfjord are two of the most famous. Both are UNESCO World Heritage sites, surrounded by steep cliffs and scattered with waterfalls like the Seven Sisters. You’ll often pass small villages where colourful wooden houses sit right by the water.
Many cruises also include optional activities such as guided hikes from the fjord villages or kayaking for those who want to get closer to the cliffs. Even a short cruise gives first-time visitors a clear idea of why Norway’s fjords are so well known.
2. Take the Flåm Railway
The Flåm Railway is a short but impressive train journey, often described as one of the most scenic in the world. It runs between the fjord village of Flåm and the mountain station of Myrdal. In just over an hour, it climbs steeply through valleys and tunnels carved into the rock.
The route includes waterfalls, rivers, and sharp mountain peaks. One of the highlights is a stop at Kjosfossen waterfall, where passengers can get off the train for photos. The sound and spray of the water against the cliff make it a memorable stop.
The Flåm Railway can be done as a return trip, or you can combine it with other routes that connect to Bergen or Oslo. For first-time travellers, it’s a practical way to see Norway’s mountains without needing to hike, and it fits well into a fjord-focused itinerary.
3. Explore Oslo on a Private Tour
Oslo is the capital and usually the first stop for most visitors. To make the most of your time, booking one of the Oslo private tours is a smart choice. Local guides can adapt the walk to suit your interests, whether that means history, art, or architecture.
Key sights include Vigeland Sculpture Park, with hundreds of sculptures in bronze and stone, and the Viking Ship Museum, which houses well-preserved Viking ships and artefacts. The Oslo Opera House is another highlight. You can walk across its sloping roof for panoramic views of the harbour.
The Akershus Fortress adds some history, while the modern harbour area shows the city’s more contemporary side. A private guide also makes it easy to learn about the food scene. Oslo is known for its seafood and bakeries, and many tours suggest good stops for lunch or coffee along the way.
4. Visit Bergen and Bryggen Wharf
Bergen is one of Norway’s most welcoming cities and is often the base for fjord trips. The historic centre, Bryggen Wharf, is lined with colourful wooden buildings that date back to the Hanseatic League. Today, they house shops, cafés, and craft galleries.
The city has a famous fish market where you can browse fresh catches and try local dishes. Another popular activity is taking the funicular railway up Mount Fløyen, where you’ll find views over the city and trails through forested hills.
Bergen’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot. Small museums and narrow lanes give a good sense of its history as a trading port. For first-time visitors, a day or two is enough to see the main highlights before moving on to explore the fjords.
5. Travel to Tromsø for the Northern Lights
Tromsø sits inside the Arctic Circle and is one of the most reliable places to try to see the northern lights. The best time to visit is between late September and early April, when the nights are long.
There are different ways to join a tour. Minibus tours head into the countryside for clearer skies, while boat trips offer the chance to watch the aurora reflected on the water. Some travellers stay in cabins with glass roofs designed specifically for aurora viewing.
Tromsø also offers Arctic experiences beyond the lights. Visitors can go dog sledding, snowshoeing, or learn about Sami culture. In the city itself, you’ll find the Arctic Cathedral and several museums. This mix of activities makes Tromsø more than just a northern lights stop – it’s a base for Arctic life.
Final Thoughts
For first-time visitors, Norway works best when you mix city stops with time in nature. An Oslo tour gives you a taste of the capital’s culture, while a fjord cruise introduces you to the landscapes the country is most famous for. The Flåm Railway and Bergen add mountains and coastal history, and Tromsø brings the northern Arctic into the picture.
These five stops make up a trip that feels balanced and not overwhelming. They’re also flexible – you can choose to spend more time in the cities or focus on the outdoor highlights. Either way, you’ll leave with a good picture of what makes Norway such a unique destination.
