6 activities that are guaranteed to put a spring in your step

You might imagine Fjord Norway to be the back of beyond, a solitary milk lorry winding its way along godforsaken fjord arms, an oversized open-air museum with retired farmers living on hillsides? Think again, we’re talking: cliffs, rapids and deep glacier cracks, towering peaks and climbing paths on mountain faces, RIB boats dancing across the fjord at a speed of 60 knots, to the sound of thundering waterfalls. This is Fjord Norway, a magnet for adrenaline junkies of all ages. Those who simply can’t resist the wild joys of nature and who feel they have to challenge the fine balance between a thumping heart and sheer joy of life.

The link between adrenalin and the (almost) magical hormone serotonin is well-known: Together, these hormones determine how happy you feel. And best of all, our bodies produce these ‘happiness hormones’ naturally when spring comes to Fjord Norway. Many things play a part: The awakening of nature, the pale green surroundings, the sunshine – spring in the land of miracles. We have put together a few tips on what you can do to up until the end of June when the Ekstremsportveko extreme sport event kicks off in Voss.

1. Serotonin let loose

Many people enjoy rafting as a means of experiencing nature all year round, but particularly in spring. Rafting ranges from the classic rubber dinghy being thrown from side to side down roaring rapids while the passengers paddle for their lives in a mix of pleasure and terror, to high-speed ocean rafting across the waves on the open sea.

You can also do snowrafting in some places in Fjord Norway, an advanced form of sledging where the participants don a thermo suit and helmet and set off down snowy hills in a rubber dinghy.

However, the best-known form of rafting in Fjord Norway is on its many rivers and rapids, and there are endless opportunities for engaging in this sport. When the snow really starts to melt in the mountains from April onwards, the water level in the rivers in Fjord Norway rises enough to ensure even the biggest adrenaline junkies get enough action.

2. The versatile kayak

Kayaking could well be the most versatile sport around. One of the biggest advantages of kayaking is that everyone can have a go, whatever their level. Kayaking down a gentle rapid in the spring sunshine on a peaceful morning in April gives you a real sense of euphoria. If you would rather explore a mysterious glacier from its lower side, a kayak may be the very key to such an adventure. If you’re a hardened river kayaker who thinks nothing of plunging down waterfalls and dropping ten to twelve metres, then kayaking is a real adrenaline sport.

The whole coast of Fjord Norway, with its fjords, rivers and lakes, is a paradise for kayaking, with many kayak hire outlets and guided tours available across the region. Whether you dream of experiencing deep fjords, exploring archipelagos off the coast or making your way down strong river currents, then you should come during spring when everything is set for a real adrenaline rush!

3. Adventures on foot

All over Fjord Norway, from the islands in the archipelago to the mountains along the fjords, everything is set for fantastic mountain hikes. Not only does hiking in nature give you a real sense of freedom, which you don’t get in a car or other means of transport, you can also get to places that can only be reached on foot. Like Supphellebreen glacier and Flatbrehytta cabin in Fjærland, a legendary destination for glacier hikers since the early 1800s. Complete with climbing equipment and ice claws, you’re guaranteed a real adrenaline rush on a glacier hike like this.

Hiking through the wild valleys of Fjord Norway under the warm spring sun is a real treat for lucky serotonin junkies. The mysterious, beautiful and deep Oldedalen valley beneath the Jostedalsbreen glacier will fill you with awe, while the Aurlandsdalen valley in Sogn is a real paradise for walkers and hikers of all ages and abilities. The majestic Molladalen valley is pot-shaped and surrounded by 1,200-1,400-metre alpine peaks and summits, and offers hikes and summit trips that are perfect from May onwards.

4. Awesome downhill climbing

Nothing is like kicking off from a perpendicular rock face while you let the rope slide though the pulley and glimpse the abyss below you. Abseiling is the opposite of climbing because gravity helps you to make your way down. This is thus an action sport that is easier than climbing but that gives you the same fantastic rush.

The conditions are perfect for abseiling across Fjord Norway, and in Tafjord, you can climb up the 100-metre Zakariasdammen dam on an exciting Via Ferrata and then abseil down the dam wall. Although not a natural mountain, this experience will definitely get your adrenaline going.

If you're truly adventure-oriented, canyoning awaits – physically and mentally demanding, elevating adrenaline and serotonin levels. In Sirdal, experienced guides lead you through river canyons, involving jumps into deep pools, sliding down natural water slides and rapids, rappelling, and cliff jumps. Expect a life-changing experience.

5. Skiing at its best in the spring sunshine

Although the apple tree buds are bursting into bloom along the fjords of Fjord Norway, the skiing season is still far from over. In fact, winter is often best in spring.

According to the most hard-core skiing enthusiasts, spring skiing is best whether your goal is to do a double backflip and land in the soft spring snow, or you want to cross the mountain between the fjords without freezing your socks off.

Ski touring is becoming more and more popular every year, and involves walking on snow shoes or doing herringbone skiing to the top of a mountain before skiing back down to the valley. Combining skiing and other sports with a twist has also really taken off in Fjord Norway, and we’re not just talking about biathlon or ski jumping. Innovative people in the region have put together packages combining skiing with sailing, surfing and cycling, which are all great action sports to do in spring.

6. Stir crazy iron path

Via Ferratas, ‘iron paths’, have had something of a renaissance in Norway in recent years. The many steep mountainsides are the first places to be warmed by the sun in spring, and exciting climbing trails thus make for great experiences from the south to the north of Fjord Norway.

Via Ferrata Kyrkjeveggen, the toughest climbing path of its kind in Norway, is hidden in the beautiful Åkrafjord between Haugalandet and Hardanger. When climbers complete the 550 metres in altitude from the fjord to the ledge near the top of Fjæratoppen, their adrenaline and serotonin levels are blinking red.

Located at the southernmost point of Fjord Norway, the Jøssingfjord is surrounded by steep, polished mountain walls. Challenge your skills on Via Ferrata Migaren, a 400-meter route that takes you through a waterfall.

If you find yourself further north in Fjord Norway, the Romsdalen valley has two legendary Via Ferrata paths on the Romsdalsstigen route. Via Ferrata Loen is our last recommendation among the many iron paths, not least because it has a range of routes and is one of the most complete Via Ferrata facilities in Europe. With its many steep sections, bridges across deep gorges and highest point of more than 1,000 metres, Loenis the perfect destination for those looking for an adrenaline and serotonin rush in spring.