Yes, Norwegians hike a lot! But, there is plenty of wonderful and exciting experiences also for those who are not into long hikes; Be it because you have a pram, need a wheelchair or think that walks in the woods and mountains are best left to those who like that kind of thing. Keep reading to find out about some of the things you can experience.
The best of Fjord Norway in the easiest way possible
Last updated: 16.09.2024
© Eivind Nordeide
You can of course experience Fjord Norway without climbing the highest mountains, kayaking the longest trips or cycling the new bike routes.
Seize the opportunity
From Kristiansund in Møre og Romsdal you can board the boat Gripruta to the fishing village Grip, which up until 1964 was the smallest municipality in Norway. With 44 houses and 20 boathouses and quays, Grip is situated out at the ocean's edge where the winter storms can test both the people and buildings. But during the summer, there is a daily boat service to the island, and if you book early, you can stay the night in the rorbu boathouse. You can go on a guided tour of the island and don't miss the beautiful stave church from around 1470. During the summer there is a little café that has two rooms for let. Or, you can bring your own food and drink and sit on the smooth rocks and enjoy it while looking at the ships sailing past Grip.
The Norwegian Mountaineering Centre in Åndalsnes
The mountains in Romsdalen, including Trollveggmassivet, have drawn mountaineers from all over the world to the area for decades. There have been triumphs and tragedies, and you can learn about many of them at the Norwegian Mountaineering Centre in the centre of Åndalsnes. You can see and hear the tragic and dramatic story of the three teenagers from Romsdal who set out to climb a new route up Trollveggen in 1939. Two of them fell to their deaths, while the third member, Herbert Grüner, saved his life because he had just untied the rope that bound the friends together. He was saved after spending a freezing night on a mountain ledge, thanks to ingenuity and sewing thread!
The Norwegian Mountaineering Centre is an interactive centre where people are encouraged to touch the exhibits, and the centre also shows a film about sorcerers, which is suitable for the whole family. If you would like to head for the mountains after visiting the centre, either on foot, by bike or in a car, the people at the centre will be happy to offer advice.
A few of the activities you can experience at the Norwegian Mountaineering Centre
Read more about these highlighted places and attractions in Northwest.
Saved the wildlife
The Norwegian Aquarium in Ålesund was afraid that it would have to put down many of the animals and fish and close the aquarium when the Coronavirus pandemic hit. But the spirited people of Sunnmøre started a fundraising campaign to save the animals at the aquarium. And now, it is set to open its doors again to the public for a new and exciting season in unique and natural surroundings on the seafront of the Art Nouveau town of Ålesund. Watch the divers feed the fish by hand at the daily feeding show. Inside, you can touch some of the animals that live underwater. You can also watch the cute penguins, otters and seals up close as they play in natural surroundings, to the delight of visitors.
PS: Remember that you can also visit Bergen Aquarium when you visit Fjord Norway.
The top of Loen
Imagine getting to the top of a 1,104-metre mountain in just five minutes. With a view of the fjord, mountains and glacier, and the opportunity to enjoy food and drink while you look forward to taking summer photos of the spectacular view. If this sounds interesting, your travel destination is clear: Head for beautiful Loen in Nordfjord. Here you will find the world’s steepest cableway, Loen Skylift, which takes you from the fjord up to the top of the mountain Hoven, where you will find a restaurant, bar and barbecue/café.
If standing on firm ground looking over the edge is not exciting enough, there is also a zip-line you can try. Choose between a 125-metre or 90-metre long trip for a guaranteed adrenaline rush. Read more about Loen Skylift here.
PS: If you are looking for a ‘less daunting’ cableway trip, try the cable car in Voss or the Ulriken cable car in Bergen.
The VilVite science centre in Bergen
Our intestines contain a host of bacteria, which are important for our health. If you would like to learn more about the importance of bacteria, the VilVite science centre in Bergen is the perfect place to visit. The centre focuses on experiments and research. Many of the projects focus particularly on ensuring great experiences for children and young people. Perhaps you have a budding researcher in the family?
An oilworker for a day
Most people agree that Norway would not have the level of welfare it has today without the success of its oil industry. At the same time, fossil fuel and oil-based products pose challenges for our planet. Visit the Norwegian Petroleum Museum in Stavanger to get the answers to all your questions about the oil industry in Norway. About success and fiasco, joys and sorrows. Children can have a go at being an oilworker for a day. And maybe everyone in the family would like to learn more about global warming? The museum is located in the heart of Stavanger. Take the time to visit the Blue Promenade geopark, which takes you through the city's harbour areas.
Viking House in Stavanger
Have you ever dreamed of travelling back in time to the Viking Age, and following Harald Fairhair and the Battle of Hafrsfjord – the fjord between Sola and Stavanger – at close range? You now have the chance to see how the old Viking king unified Norway into one kingdom. At Viking House in the centre of Stavanger, you can travel back in time to the 9th century. This is made possible thanks to the use of VR glasses, which allow you to revisit history and watch the film as amazing time travel. This is an experience that fascinates both children and adults and will give you something to talk about afterwards. The history lessons at school will never be the same again after this.
Kongeparken Ålgård amusement park
With over 60 different attractions for the whole family, Kongeparken Ålgård south of Stavanger is perfect for the whole family. There are activities to suit the adrenaline junkie, the daring and the adventurous. In other words, there is something for everyone. You can bring your own food and drink, or buy food at one of the many restaurants and cafés in the park. Factor in at least one whole day to experience the amusement park – as the time will fly by
