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DISCOVER NORWAY

Ten things you should do in Norway at least once

Norway is full of stunning scenery, cultural activities and culinary delights. Here are our picks for things you should try doing at least once. 

Pictured is Trolltunga in Norway
Here is our pick for things you should do in Norway at least once. Pictured is Trolltunga in Norway. Photo by Robert Bye on Unsplash

Do one of the famous hikes 

Norway is home to several hikes and mountaintops that feature on lists of the world’s most picturesque, and several summits and cliff faces are shoe-ins for most people’s bucket lists. 

From Pulpit Rock and Trolltunga to Kjeragbolten and Bessegen, you should try to do at least one of the country’s most iconic hikes – especially if you live in Norway. 

The hikes all offer a moderate challenge, so you may need to make a few practice trips first. The best time to attempt these is before the peak tourism season begins in late June/early July. 

If you want to take a trip off the beaten path, then check out our list of spectacular spots that tourists might not know about

See the Northern Lights

Another once-in-a-lifetime experience that tops many people’s lists of things to do when they visit Norway. 

If you live here and are located on the west coast, mid-Norway or north Norway, then it’s a case of sooner rather than later- if you live further south, opportunities to see the Northern Lights are rarer. 

However, if you do live in the south, it’s worth keeping an eye on the forecasts or making a pilgrimage up north to see the elusive lights. 

You don’t need to fork out for an expensive guide, either. With the right know-how and a few YouTube tutorials on night photography, you stand a good chance of capturing the moment yourself. 

READ MORE: When will you next get to see the Northern Lights in Norway?

Swim in a lake, river or fjord

Norway is home to some of the best natural swimming spots in the world- if you don’t mind slightly colder temperatures, that is. 

From pretty much anywhere in the country, you are guaranteed to be no more than one hour away from a fantastic natural swimming spot. 

Fjords are probably the bathing spot of choice as that’s what may feel most Norwegian but don’t overlook the lakes, which boast fantastic scenery. As always, take due care when swimming wild and avoid strong currents. 

Try a hammock trip 

Given the abundance of nature on most people’s doorsteps in Norway, it’s no surprise that camping is such a popular activity. 

In spring and summer, many want to make the most of the warmer weather and spend a night underneath the stars. 

Hammock trips are fantastic, and like swimming- you are never far from an excellent spot. In Oslo, for example, plenty of areas give you a skyline view of the city at night or are close to wonderful hiking trails or lakes for swimming. 

READ ALSO: Five great places to go on a hammock trip in Oslo this summer

Take part in the May 17th celebrations

From the outside looking in, May 17th can undoubtedly seem strange given the costumes, pageantry and parades. 

Walking around cities like Trondheim, Stavanger and Bergen and seeing most women and some men adorned in traditional folk costumes can be a bit disorientating. But Norway’s May 17th celebrations are definitely worth seeing at least once. 

Skiing

Norwegians love skiing, and it may feel impossible to fit in if you aren’t interested in at least one winter sport. 

Perhaps the most Norwegian experience, and easiest for complete newbies to get to grips with, is cross-country skiing. 

Christmas is a popular time for cross-country ski trips. Later in the winter, many will ski to cabins for a warm drink and a bun or light a fire and roast some sausages just off the trail. 

You may also notice that ski lifts and cross-country courses are situations where the locals are more likely to greet strangers with a smile and a bit of small talk. 

Take a train trip

You don’t need to be a locomotive lover to be excited at the prospect of a train ride in Norway. The country is home to some of the most scenic railway journeys in the world. 

Several trips will let you see everything that draws people to Norway, fjords, mountains and glaciers in a single journey. 

Whether it’s a brisk ride on the Flåmsbanen or a marathon trip on the Bergensbanen, you might want to set aside a date in your calendar for one of the trips. 

READ ALSO: Five stunning train trips to take in Norway this summer

Go on a cabin trip

Unlike hammock trips, skiing and trying to see the Northern Lights, it’s always a great time to take a cabin trip.

There is something quintessentially Norwegian about a cabin trip that we can’t quite put our fingers on. 

Whether you’ve booked the night to stay in a rustic DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) cabin or know a friend with a lush new build, it all counts and will undoubtedly be a great experience. 

Pictured is a cabin in Norway.

Cabin trips are a fantastic experience you should try at least once. Pictured is a cabin in Norway. Photo by Hasse Lossius on Unsplash

Try some of the local delicacies  

As I am sure all of you reading this are aware, Norway doesn’t share the same culinary heritage as countries such as Italy, Spain or France. It doesn’t even, technically, have meatballs- those are Swedish. 

Still, there are plenty of gems you’ll find yourself craving when you are out of the country. Of course, you don’t need to dive straight in and try any fermented fish or roasted sheep’s head either- although the locals will certainly commend your effort. 

Brown cheese, rommegrøt (sour cream porridge), and lapskaus are all pretty easy on the palate. Additionally, while the local cuisine might not be full of layered or delicate flavours, the country can go toe to toe with most when it comes to comfort food.

Go on a road trip 

One of the best ways to see Norway is from the view of a passenger seat of a car or from behind the wheel if you’re a fan of mammoth road trips. 

The country is home to several world-famous roads. Two of the most famous are the Atlantic Road and Trollstigen, both in West Norway. 

Trollstigen gives amazing views of the Geiranger Fjord, while the Atlantic Road runs through a stunning archipelago.

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FOOD AND DRINK

Five great restaurants for a dinner date in Bergen

Bergen, located on Norway's beautiful west coast, is known for its vibrant culinary scene. Here are The Local's top picks for a dinner date.

Five great restaurants for a dinner date in Bergen

There are plenty of reasons why you might want to get better acquainted with Bergen’s restaurant scene.

READ MORE: Norway’s food calendar: 12 events for foodies to look forward to in 2024 

If you’re visiting for a short period of time, you might only have time to visit one or two, and you don’t want to end up in an establishment that doesn’t meet your expectations.

On the other hand, if you’ve (just) moved to the city, you’ll want a good overview of its top restaurants so that you can safely take your significant other, friends, family, or business partners there for special occasions – or just a nice dinner.

Having a good overview of Bergen’s top restaurants not only helps you avoid dining disappointments but also enables you to confidently recommend places to others.

And while there are many great restaurants in the city, we’ve singled out our top five spots to wine and dine in Norway’s “Rain Capital.”

Moon dish

A dish from one of Moon’s multi-course menu. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Moon (Marken Street 33)

Nestled in the heart of Bergen, Moon is a must-visit for foodies. At the time of writing, it is considered one of the best – if not the best – restaurants in the city. Be warned – the status comes with a hefty price tag attached.

Moon was launched by twin brothers Jules and Nicolas, who brought their passion for French cuisine and hospitality to life in the charming Marken Street near the Bergen central train station.

Jules is the head chef, while Nicolas is the restaurant manager and sommelier. Together, they have curated a dining experience that reflects their diverse backgrounds.

Since opening its doors in April 2021, Moon has quickly become a beacon for food enthusiasts and romantics alike.

To enhance the dining experience, Moon introduced a revamped menu layout in 2024, offering guests the choice of a 3-course (750 kroner per person + 600 kroner for wine pairing), 4-course (900 kroner per person + 780 kroner for wine pairing), 5-course (1,050 kroner per person + 960 kroner for wine pairing), or 6-course (1,200 kroner per person + 1,120 kroner for wine pairing) culinary experience.

Moon’s commitment to quality hasn’t gone unnoticed. It has earned praise from Michelin for its honest, classically based French cooking that incorporates locally sourced produce.

Enhjorningen dish

Bergen fish soup at Enhjørningen, photographed in January of 2024. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Enhjørningen (Bryggen)

Enhjørningen is a beloved seafood restaurant, located along the lively (and very popular) Bryggen waterfront.

This seafood haven offers patrons a journey into Norway’s coastal cuisine, boasting a menu full of freshly caught delicacies.

The restaurant’s cosy, candlelit atmosphere sets the stage for an intimate dining experience, perfect for dates or gatherings with loved ones.

READ MORE: Five Norwegian food mistakes you only make once

As part of the Smak av Kysten culinary network, Enhjørningen is committed to showcasing the best of Norwegian seafood while supporting local producers and fishermen.

Among the restaurant’s offerings, you can expect an array of tasty main courses: from the No Fish Olsen, featuring entrecote of beef paired with pickled vegetables and a luscious port wine sauce, to the delicate Oven-baked Monkfish served with mushroom sauce and truffle gnocchi, there’s something for everyone here.

Main courses range from 395 to 450 kroner per person, while starters and soups are generally around the 200 kroner price point.

Beyond the exceptional cuisine, Enhjørningen boasts panoramic views of Bergen’s bustling harbour, adding an extra layer of ambience to the dining experience.

Agave dish

A dish in Agave photographed in 2023. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Agave (Kong Oscars gate 2A)

Agave, just a 60-second walk from the Fish Market, is widely considered the best Mexican restaurant in Bergen.

With a glowing reputation that precedes it, Agave has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike, drawing diners back repeatedly with its irresistible combination of great food, fantastic atmosphere, and professional service.

Whether you’re a seasoned Mexican cuisine aficionado or a newcomer to the flavours of Mexico, Agave will likely hold up – and surpass – your expectations.

From the moment you enter the restaurant, you’re greeted with warm hospitality and a welcoming ambience. Agave boasts charming decor and friendly staff eager to guide you through the menu and share their passion for authentic Mexican cuisine.

Diners rave about the Mole Agave, a standout dish featuring a rich and complex mole sauce. The tender and juicy venison is also popular, as is the ceviche rojo starter.

What sets Agave apart from other Mexican cuisine establishments in Bergen is its dedication to authenticity, with a focus on traditional Mexican recipes prepared from scratch using fresh local produce.

The menu (which you can check out here) also features classics like carne asada and tacos, all offered at mid-level prices.

Bryggeloftet dish

A meat dish photographed at Bryggeloftet & Stuene during the 2023 winter season. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant (Bryggen 11)

Tucked away in Bergen’s old town, Bryggeloftet & Stuene Restaurant offers an indulgent and authentic dining experience.

While it may lean towards the pricier side, with dinners ranging from 700 to 900 kroner per person, the splurge is justified for those craving a taste of traditional Bergen (and Norwegian) cuisine at its finest.

Situated along the historic Bryggen Wharf, this restaurant has become a beloved destination known for its commitment to heritage, making it a go-to spot for locals and tourists seeking a classier dining experience.

Whether you’re visiting during the winter months or any other time of year, you’ll find a menu filled with classic dishes that capture the essence of Norwegian cuisine.

READ MORE: Where to find Norwegian Christmas food in Bergen

One of the highlights of Bryggeloftet & Stuene is its traditional Norwegian Christmas menu, featuring favourites like reindeer steak and pinnekjøtt (salt-cured lamb ribs).

For those visiting outside of the holiday season, the Bergen fish soup is a popular choice, showcasing the region’s freshest seafood and flavours.

Beyond the food, Bryggeloftet & Stuene provides a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a meal in company.

1877 dish

A meat dish as a part of a multi-course menu at the 1877 Restaurant in May of 2023. Photo by: Robin-Ivan Capar / The Local Norway

Restaurant 1877 (Vetrlidsallmenningen 2, Kjøttbasaren)

Opened in 2013 by Christer Økland and his wife Ragnhild Børven, Restaurant 1877 occupies a storied location just below the iconic Fløibanen tourist attraction in Bergen’s historical Kjøttbasaren.

It offers a semi-fine dining experience with a seasonal and modern twist.

From the well-used copper pots adorning the walls to the vintage dishes, every detail of the restaurant evokes a sense of history and tradition.

The restaurant places a strong emphasis on locally sourced ingredients from farmers and fishermen, ensuring that the dishes tell the story of the region’s gastronomic landscape.

For dinner, which is served Tuesday-Friday from 4 pm and Saturday from 6 pm, it provides guests with an à la carte option.

Additionally, guests can select “The kitchen’s choice,” a set menu comprising dishes curated by our kitchen.

This menu includes multiple courses and is intended for sharing. The starting price is 895 kroner per person.

READ MORE: 24 hours in Bergen: Everything you should see and do

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