Compare Norway holidays

An escape to Norway means deep fjords, glistening glaciers and cosmopolitan cities all vying for your attention. Whether you want to explore this Scandinavian wonderland by foot, ferry or train, you’ll never be short of things to do on a holiday to Norway.

Food and drink

With the coast and countryside primed for producing fresh fish, meat and cheese (not to mention its homegrown fruit and veg), exploring Norway’s culinary scene is a highlight.

Warm up with a salmon and cod-filled fish soup, snack on stockfish in a seaside town, or try reindeer in the north. Fårikål is a lamb stew that you can wash down with aquavit, Norway’s national spirit.

Apples grow plentifully in the area around Hardangerfjord, making it the perfect spot to sample juices and ciders.

Northern lights

The aurora borealis, also known as the northern lights, is a spectacular natural display of colourful patterns in the night sky. Many make the journey up to northern towns, such as Tromsø, where tours to remote spots offer the best chances of seeing the lights.

You need good weather and clear skies – never guaranteed in Norway – but if you get lucky, it’s well worth the trek.

Wildlife watching

From humpback whales and arctic foxes to reindeer and maybe even a polar bear, the wildlife in Norway is as diverse and beautiful as the landscape itself.

In winter, Andenes is a popular spot for whale watching, while in summer, the Lofoten islands are the go-to place for nesting birdlife. Expect puffins, cormorants and guillemots.

You can also try husky sledding near Tromsø or head north to the islands of Svalbard for snowmobile safaris and boat tours.

Hurtigruten

Whether you spend your whole trip cruising up the coastline or take a hop-on, hop-off approach, the Hurtigruten is an excellent way to travel.

This well-established ferry route from Bergen to Kirenes stops at more than 30 ports along the way. It’s become a classic package holiday to Norway with deals available for the whole journey, as well as shorter trips.

Keep your fingers crossed and you might just see the northern lights as you sail.

Outdoor adventures

Once-in-a-lifetime experiences are available all year round in Norway. Start by sailing down the fjords – Geirangerfjord and Sognefjord are often noted as two of the most stunning – to explore forests, snow-topped mountains and waterfalls.

Next, head to Jotunheimen National Park, the ‘Home of the Giants’, to hike Norway’s highest mountain, Galdhøpiggen. Then there’s cross-country skiing, whitewater rafting and snowmobile tours to tick off your list too.

For family holidays

Norway is a very family-friendly destination with hotels and attractions welcoming everyone from tots to teens. Stay in Oslo for the museums, in Bergen to access the fjords and glaciers, or Lillehammer to enter the fairytale world of the Hunderfossen theme park.

If your kids want adventure, head to Tromsø for husky sledding, whale watching and to meet reindeer. Whitewater rafting is popular in Sjoa and there are family-friendly hikes in Jotunheimen National Park.

For cheap holidays

Is it possible to have a cheap holiday in Norway? There’s no denying Norway’s expensive reputation, but there are definitely ways to cut costs.

Staying in either Oslo or Bergen can help you keep the price down, especially if you go for a self-catering hostel. Some hotels offer cheaper prices at weekends, but you’ll need to be quick if you’re planning to travel in the summer. If you’re going into the countryside, consider campsites, cabins and lodges.

Booking well in advance can also help you find the best deals on accommodation.

For couples holidays

Norway’s beautiful settings provide ample opportunity for romance. Bergen is a good choice for a city break, with charming wooden houses, art galleries and excellent restaurants. It’s also a starting point to access the fjords. Alternatively, Oslo is home to Norway’s three-Michelin star restaurant, Maaemo.

Ålesund is a romantic coastal town with a pretty bay and streets to amble around. Head north of the Arctic Circle to Trømso to huddle together under a warm blanket while you wait to catch the northern lights.

For winter sports holidays

Trysil ski resort is family friendly and often considered one of the best in Norway, as is Hemsedal with its popular après-ski and varying difficulty levels. For the longest black trail, consider Kvitfjell, which was originally built for the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics.

Speaking of Lillehammer, it’s an excellent base for other winter sports, too. Try bobsledding, cross-country skiing or snow-shoeing before taking a day off to visit the Winter Olympics Museum.

For action and adventure holidays

Lillehammer and the surrounding area are hotspots for outdoor adventures – think skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, horseback riding and much more. Elsewhere, there’s whitewater rafting in Voss, sea kayaking at Flåm and guided glacier walks on the Jostedalsbreen.

If hiking is your thing, head towards one of the three national parks – Jotunheimen is a popular choice. Base yourself at Bergen or Ålesund to access the western fjords and seek out trails nearby, or plan a holiday with stays in a few fjord-side villages.

Choosing when to holiday in Norway depends on what you want to do. Winter can be dark and cold at around -5C in the south and -17C in the north, but it’s also the best time to catch the northern lights. Summer temperatures average around 17C in Oslo, so it's better for hiking and biking.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

The school holidays are the best time for a cheap Norway holiday. Compare deals from June to August and look for weekends when hotels often have special offers. The shoulder months of May and September, when it’s less busy, are worth including in your search.

When should I go for the best weather?

Summer in Norway sees long hours of sunlight and milder climates, with Bergen’s average temperature at around 15C. There’s more chance of clear, blue skies, making it ideal for visiting the fjords. It’s also the most popular time, so be sure to book ahead.