Hiking and cross-country skiing are the two most popular outdoor activities among Norwegians, who generally hold a strong and enduring appreciation for nature. In addition to these pastimes, they also engage in various sports throughout the year, such as dog-sledging and downhill skiing during the winter, and mountaineering, angling, and white-water rafting in the summer.
Here are some of the adventure sports that Norway is best known for.
Voss Serves As The Hub Of Adrenaline-Fuelled Activities In Norway
White water rafting is a particularly popular summer pursuit. The region boasts two rivers, graded 3-4+, spanning a distance of 7-8 kilometres each, and featuring a multitude of rapids on each course. Whether you are an experienced rafter looking to venture out on your own with a group of friends or prefer to join a guided excursion with Voss Rafting, the adventure is bound to be an unforgettable one.
Hiking In Trolltunga
Embarking on a hiking adventure to Trolltunga is a must-do for anyone seeking adventure activities in Norway. This hanging cliff (the name translates as “Troll’s Tongue”) is the most iconic and scenic cliff in Norway, jutting out 2 297 feet above sea level from a rock formation. The cliff offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountain and Lake Ringedalsvatnet below, making it a popular destination for hikers and tourists.
The round trip to Trolltunga covers a distance of 22km, which takes approximately 11 hours to complete. Although it is a physically demanding hike, the breath-taking view from the iconic ledge makes it all worthwhile. It is best to plan your hike between mid-June and mid-September when the weather conditions are more favourable.
The temperature can drop significantly during the hike, so it is important to wear warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and carry essential equipment like maps, lights, and other necessary items.
Snowmobiling In Lapland
Embark on a thrilling daytime snowmobile safari from Tromso and experience the rush of speeding over the stunning landscape of Lapland. Begin your adventure with a serene ferry ride across the glittering fjords of Norway to the Lyngen Alps. Hop on a snowmobile and follow meandering trails through dramatic valleys and over frozen peaks.
Skiing
Norway has a strong claim as the birthplace of skiing, as evidenced by several compelling facts:
- The oldest-known depiction of a person on skis, a 4000-year-old rock carving, was found in northern Norway.
- The first recorded ski competition was held in Norway in 1767, and Norwegians were the first to introduce skis to North America.
- In addition, Norway is home to one of the world’s oldest cross-country ski races, the Birkebeinerrennet, a 55km race held annually in late March. The race traces the path taken by Norwegian mountain-men in 1206.
While a ski package via a tour operator may be tempting, it’s worth considering that skiing independently can be both easy and comparatively inexpensive in most places, so you can keep more of your money for enjoying Canadian slots online. Even in Oslo, there are downhill and cross-country ski runs within the city limits, as well as convenient locations to rent equipment.