Norway is a superb destination for outdoor activities , from kayaking to ski-ing , from dog sledding to mountain biking . There are activities for summer and winter , outdoors and indoors , with many fascinating historical sites , art galleries and music festivals . Sweden and Denmark , too , have a multitude of activities suited to all seasons , indoors and outdoors . In addition to the activities mentioned here , many more are possible including golf and surfing . The Visit Norway website and its Danish and Swedish counterparts have excellent information on activities all year round .

WALKING AND HIKING

Norway is an important hiking destination , with popular marked trails as well as wild and challenging landscapes . Terrain varies from glaciers to mountain stairways , 47 national parks , mountains , coasts , heathland , fjords , and forests . The most popular mountain hikes are HM Queen Sonja ’ s panoramic hiking trail , Gaustatoppen , Trolltunga , Aurlandsdalen and Besseggen Ridge in Jotunheimen . You should check carefully your level of experience and fitness before attempting a mountain hike . Wherever you are based in Norway , there will be hikes available that can be done on your own with a map or with a local guide .

CYCLING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING

There is a great variety of cycle and mountain bike routes available in Norway . There are routes that are not just mountainous , and many tracks are available throughout the country . Many of the winter ski areas will have dedicated mountain biking tracks and circuits too for the summer . Mountain bikes and e-bikes can be hired in many places .

FISHING

Norway is a paradise for fishermen . The country offers freshwater and deep sea fishing . A myriad of lakes , rivers and streams offer wild trout , salmon , grayling , pike , powan and arctic char . Off the coast , Norwegian waters have an abundant stock of many fish and shellfish , including cod , haddock , plaice , pollack , redfish , ling , tusk , halibut , mackerel and saithe . We recommend that you hire the services of a local fisher-guide who knows the waters and local conditions . Combine your passion for fishing with a stay in one of the Norwegian fishing villages .

KAYAKING

Explore the Norwegian fjords and coastal scenery close up from a kayak or canoe . Canoes and kayaks can be rented all over the country , both for individual use ( if you have a wet card certification ) or as part of a supervised group or with a guide . Courses are available in many places . Southern Norway offers cosy fishing villages , harbours and thousands of islands and skerries . Norway ’ s fjords such as the Sognefjord , the Hardangerfjord and the UNESCOprotected Geirangerfjord all offer kayaking opportunities at all levels . Closer to the open sea you can paddle from island to island . In Northern Norway , Lofoten and Senja offer kayaking but due to the cold waters and local conditions , you should be accompanied by a professional guide . These services can be arranged locally in advance . Kayaking is also possible in Oslo , Bergen , Stavanger , Trondheim and Ålesund . Whitewater kayaking is possible between the national parks of Jotunheimen and Rondane but this should be undertaken only with professional instruction .

Trondheim , credit Soderholm Steen

Kyrkjetangen near Bergen , credit Robin Strand

Hiking at Mount Hoven , Loen , credit Mattias Fredriksson , Fjord Norway

Fishing

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