Winter in Norway: 8 Cool (+ Kooky) Bucket-List Activities
By Sam Lee, 2025. I'm planning a 3-week trip to Norway and thinking: What crazy fun stuff can I do?
Sure, I can swan around Oslo in my fancy boots, have a cocktail at a swanky bar, visit a museum or two — all good stuff. But I want more.
That's when I started researching weird and wonderful things to do in Norway. And...drumroll...I created a shortlist.
Admittedly, visiting Norway can be expensive, so I plan to stay in more modest accommodation and spend more of my money on experiences*. Keep reading, and you'll understand why.
* All of which are run ethically and responsibly by local businesses or local councils. 
01 —
Chasing the Northern Lights
Experiencing the Northern Lights has been on my travel bucket list for my entire life. I've even lived in Norway, but I've never seen them.
I missed them a few times because I was deep asleep when they started pulsating in the sky, and I had no idea it was happening. But I won't sleep through them this time because I'm chasing them down!
Here's my shortlist.
02 —
Say hello to reindeer
Ever since I was a kid, imagining Rudolf the Reindeer swiftly carrying the rather rotund Santa around Australia to drop off my Christmas presents, I've been fascinated by these animals.
Now I'm all grown up, and it's time to get up close and personal and say hello.
I'm booking one of these two trips. They're both based around Tromsø and run by local businesses.
03 —
Swim with wild orcas (killer whales) and humpbacks
What? I don't even have to think about this one. Of course, I want to swim with killer whales!
If you're also considering this kind of experience, it's best to bring your mask, snorkel, and underwater camera (like a GoPro). The tour operators will provide the appropriate drysuit and other gear you need.
Please only support ethical and sustainable tour operators; we don’t want to screw up this earth any more than it already is, right? This is the tour I’m planning to do in the Lofoten Islands.
This tour in Tromsø doesn’t let you swim, but it also looks really good:
04 —
Next up, a dog-sledding adventure!
I've already done some dog skiing in Norway (where the dog pulls you along on your skis — great for when you're feeling lazy, and the dogs love it :). They are seriously so happy when they’re running full speed in the snow. BUT this is the next level.
Check it out. I'm booking this one:
05 —
Play an ice instrument (yes, really!)
It's really a thing. I swear, only the lovely Norwegians could come up with something this kooky :) There's a full-on festival and everything. Check it out. I'm not sure I can attend, but it sure is interesting.
06—
Winter sea kayaking and floating
I don't even need to explain why I'm doing this... it's a no-brainer. I’m booking two tours so that I have the chance to paddle — and float — on crystal-clear arctic waters surrounded by 3000-foot snowcapped peaks. Both are in Tromsø.
07—
Cruise the wet highway
Haha, get your mind out of the gutter. It's a famous cruise trail along the Norwegian coast run by a company called Hurtigruten, and it's been on my bucket list for a long time.
Hurtigruten offers many types of cruises along the west coast of Norway all the way up to Kirkenes (pronounced something like shikerness), which is not far from the very top Russian border. There are loads of stops along the way and everywhere looks unbelievably stunning.
08—
Check out supernatural lights (or UFOs?)
Since the 1980s, inexplicable lights and even physical objects have been observed flashing in the Hessdalen skyline, a valley located about 120 kilometers south of Trondheim.
At times, the lights are so bright that they illuminate the ground. Scientists have confirmed these lights exist but have been unable to explain them. It might be worth a visit—I'm in!
That’s a wrap
I have goosebumps just thinking about this trip. What do you think? Are any of these experiences for you? Feel free to swipe my list for your next holiday, and happy travels!
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